Boulder County restaurants are once again rolling out the red carpet for diners during First Bite, the annual 10-day celebration of the local food and dining scene.
From Oct. 20-29, eateries are offering special menus, packages, events and even a few deals.
Many well-known Boulder favorites are on the list, like The Sink, River and Woods and Bohemian Biergarten, to name a few. But, in addition to those, there are also several eateries participating in First Bite that are located in other parts of Boulder County, from Louisville to Longmont to Niwot.
When was the last time you ventured out of Boulder for dinner? First Bite is the perfect excuse. So, hop in the car, pick up a friend (or several) and venture to these off-the-beaten-path restaurants.
Sugarbeet — Longmont
Perfect for a romantic date night, Sugarbeet in Longmont is offering a dinner special for First Bite. For $52 per person, you’ll get four courses, with dishes ranging from sizzling shrimp to smoked corn chowder to bistro steak to risotto. Cap the evening off with baklava or key lime pie.
740 Front — Louisville
Make your way to Louisville to sample 740 Front’s special First Bite menu, which includes your choice of an appetizer, salads and soup, and a main course for $59. You can order tasty dishes like grilled artichoke with garlic lemon aioli, hot spinach cheese dip, orange roughy, steak and grilled shrimp and scallops. Finish the night off with a slice of cherry pie a la mode.
Smokin Dave’s BBQ — Lyons
Make your way north to Lyons for lunch or dinner during First Bite at Smokin Dave’s BBQ. If you visit for lunch, you can enjoy a choice of pulled pork sandwich, brisket sandwich or taphouse burger, plus a cup of red or green chili, flr just $15 per person. Dinner is also a great deal: For $36 per person, you get your choice of appetizer, a Smokin Dave’s double platter (which includes two meats, two sides and cornbread) and your choice of dessert.
Swaylo’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant — Longmont
Can’t get away for a vacation any time soon? Make a reservation at Swaylo’s Tiki Bar and Restaurant in Longmont. You’ll be transported to a tropical island, complete with colorful decor and tasty rum drinks. For First Bite, this eatery is offering a $39 per person dinner special that includes three courses. Your choices include ahi poke wontons, spicy miso soup, kalua pork, chicken katsu and loco moco. For dessert, indulge your sweet tooth with dole whip or haupia pie, which features layers of chocolate and coconut cream, whipped cream, shaved chocolate and toasted coconut.
The Swaylo’s team even recommends drink pairings for every course, in case you’re uncertain what to sip while you dine.
Cimmini’s — Niwot
Cimmini’s hasn’t finalized its First Bite menu just yet, but this family-owned Niwot eatery specializes in hearty Italian favorites like lasagna, eggplant parmesan and manicotti. You can also build your own pizza here.
Start Planning Now
For the full list of participating restaurants, bookmark the First Bite website and start making your dining plans for Oct. 20-29.
Produced by Savor Productions, First Bite is now in its 18th year. With some eateries offering brunch and lunch — including Cafe Aion, Postino and Brasserie Boulder, you could spend nearly every meal supporting Boulder County restaurants this year.
“It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm from our restaurants come through in their menu,” says Jessica Benjamin, Savor Productions’ owner and executive producer. “There are grazing boards, pairings, multi-course dinners and picnic options — just an incredible variety of ways to dine and places to visit.”
Also put these unique events on your calendar:
- Twin Flame Lamb Dinner on Oct. 25. This partnership between Gemini and the American Lamb Boards includes four courses of lamb-focused dishes.
- Come to Market with Chef Daniel Asher on Oct. 21. Have you ever wondered what a chef buys at the farmers market? Now’s your chance to learn first-hand, on a field trip to the Boulder County Farmers Market.
- The Sink’s 100th Anniversary Film on Oct. 23. Head to the Dairy Arts Center to learn about a century of dining (and fun) at The Sink. In addition to the screen, participate in a talkback after the film with the producers and owners.
