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Riffs

American, Tapas / Small Plates, Contemporary American · Boulder

4.5 · 1,318 reviews Google
www.riffsboulder.com

About Riffs

Riffs is a American and Tapas / Small Plates restaurant in Boulder. Rated 4.5/5 based on 1,318 reviews on OpenTable. Casual Elegant.

What to see nearby

Boulder History Museum
A 284m

Boulder History Museum

museo

View details
First Baptist Church of Boulder
Heritage
A 314m

First Baptist Church of Boulder

iglesia

View details
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
A 397m

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

museo

View details
Boulder Public Library -- Main Library
A 412m

Boulder Public Library -- Main Library

biblioteca

View details
Central Park
A 452m

Central Park

parque

View details
Ywca Resource Center
A 520m

Ywca Resource Center

biblioteca

View details

Data from Wikidata

Explore the area around Riffs

Riffs is located in Boulder, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.

Historical Heritage

  • First Baptist Church of Boulder (A 314m) — church building in Boulder, Colorado Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
  • Northern Colorado Power Company Substation (A 602m) — historic building in Boulder, Colorado, United States Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos

Museums

  • Boulder History Museum (A 284m) — history museum in Boulder, Colorado
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (A 397m) — museum of modern art in Boulder, Colorado, United States
  • Q138468477 (A 837m)

Parks & Gardens

  • Central Park (A 452m) — park in Boulder County, Colorado, United States of America

Other Points of Interest

  • Boulder Public Library -- Main Library (A 412m) — library in Colorado, United States
  • Ywca Resource Center (A 520m) — library in Colorado, United States
  • National Indian Law Library (A 658m) — library in Colorado, United States

Data from Wikidata

Frequently asked questions about Riffs

Riffs is located at 1115 Pearl St., Boulder.
Near Riffs you can find points of interest such as Boulder History Museum, First Baptist Church of Boulder, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder Public Library -- Main Library.
Riffs offers American, Tapas / Small Plates, Contemporary American cuisine.
1,318
Reviews

Riffs Boulder Reviews

Reviews (50)
S
Suze Collins

What an amazing place to eat some incredible food. The vibe was really upbeat. The music and atmosphere were outstanding. The food was so, so good. Excellent flavors. We ordered the brisket Mac and cheese and the burger with onion straws. Everything was so delicious. We were near speechless. Highly recommend!

K
Kevin Phillips

This is a kooky little place in Boulder, CO. I was unsure about this place before going, but I was so wrong to question it! If you're looking for a burger - this is the spot. It's a casual environment and above average for a small college town restaurant. The service was good, food came out in a reasonable amount of time, etc - it checks the essential boxes. As for the food, I got a burger with fries and a side of chili. Overall, great - especially for the price. You can tell there's history to the burgers and they've been doing this for quite some time. You can't go wrong with a burger here. Colorado also has some of the best beef so you really can't go wrong! Now, for the kicker... the chili was outstanding. Up there with the best chilis I've had in my life! It was completed unexpected and I will not be forgetting about this chili any time soon. Unfortunately, I live in Illinois and won't be able to go back anytime soon. It's tempting to ask if they can freeze and ship it to me LOL. For a quant diner, it's got my vote all the way for a casual lunch / dinner spot. 9 /10

A
Adrian -

We had to try such a historic place in Boulder. Food, service, and atmosphere were all on point. My reuben sandwich had a little spice to it and it was a good change from a standard reuben. The small cheese pizza was picked high with cheese and the sauce was tasty. Nice thick crust also.

S
Sam

Stumbled into this 106 year old iconic staple in Boulder near the new Limelight Hotel. They are known for their burgers including their award winning Reuben. Cool divey feel but not if that makes sense, it's just awesome... and, Mason is a great bartender.

S
Santiago Vecchi

Best food ever! Please come to this place. If they say Reuben sandwich SAY YES! If they say french fries or sweet potato, take both! Best honey mustard I’ve ever tried in my life.

P
Paul Cave

If you don't go to The Sink, you're missing out! Best burger I've had in recent memory. My friend had a pizza, and it was great too. Also, great espresso martini and margaritas. The food and drinks are only surpassed by the atmosphere. A really cool vibe. Don't miss out!

A
Alex Taylor

Fuego burger was delicious! Pizzas were amazing also. Great wood fired crust. Atmosphere is pretty awesome. Great place to stop for a burger, pizza, and cold brew.

G
Grace Denton

Went here a few weeks ago and still dreaming of their skillet chocolate chip cookie… it’s a MUST! The food is great, not the best burger I’ve ever had but pretty good regardless. The lavender cocktail was splendid, as well. Their ambience is probably the best part (other than the cookie), filled with eclectic hand-painted murals. On their video board, they have stories at the Sink, which gives it a very homey feel. I loved learning about its history. Highly recommend for a unique bite in the area!

E
Elizabeth Rachal

We ate here as a group and everyone loved what they got! I had the goat cheese pizza, and it was absolutely delicious. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the art all around is wonderful to take in as you're eating. 10/10

K
Kimberly Kiernan

Such a fun experience! This placed was rec’d by some friends who used to live here. It’s a bit hole-in-the wall in all the best ways. Seems to be a Boulder institution. My H and I shared the spinach dip and the bacon jammin burger. Loved both. The house-made pickles were extra yummy. Loved the vibe of the place. The service was fast and super friendly. Definitely a must when visiting Boulder.

J
Jennifer Levengood

Fun environment with great food. We were visiting from Michigan, and the manager came out to ask how our visit was. We appreciated his friendlies and sharing the history of The Sink with us. We would definitely eat here again.

M
Mike Mitch

Best burger I have ever had. Memorable for sure. Great service, and staff were respectful of my dog on their patio.

A
Angelique Swann

Not just a historical monument to free expression and fun! But the food is awesome. The 100 year legacy is done proud every day with great food , consistent service, in a clean environment. Don't miss this one! DEF get the brisket Ruben!

L
Lauren Newton

Super cool place. Drove in from Colorado Springs. The place has drawing and stuff all over the walls and ceiling. Also has alot of history. Only had one dish and it is one of the best I had anywhere. It was mac and cheese with tempura Cauliflower on top. Never say that anywhere else and never would of thought to try. Great visit, will go again.

M
Misty Lopez

Very cool eclectic place. Food was all fantastic and the server, Mason, was just fabulous. He suggested some items for us to try and they did not disappoint!10 stars out of 5. Tall people be careful with the low ceilings. Definitely needs to be a must-see if visiting Boulder!

K
Kurt Davis

REDEMPTION FOR THE SINK! Visited my second time and got the Mesa Chicken Sandwich and a half Caesar salad. Holy smokes I was blown away by the flavor. Fries seasoned perfectly, the chicken was juicy and had a great blackened flavor. Always a cool restaurant to visit because of the interior. Service was good this time too. Visit 1 Review: This place has such a cool underground interior filled with a ton of artwork painted on the wall and graffiti everywhere. The service was meh and left much to be desired in terms of attentiveness. I thought the chicken nachos weren't that good but I would definitely get the buff mac again.

J
James Smith

Probably one of my favorite dive bars that I’ve ever visited the food was great. The service was excellent. Really wanted to shout out the bartender who took great care of me and my coworker definitely will be back on my next trip out to Boulder. The cowboy Reuben is absolutely amazing, great combination of flavors.

J
Joseph Raczynski

Excellent charbroiled burger! I was definitively impressed. The seating outside was perfect on a nice day - inside is kinda wild - low ceilings murals and pure unadulterated whackiness.

C
Cobra

this place is SO COOL! and the food is great too! everyone in my family loved it and the milkshakes were a perfect dessert. definitely recommend this place, and put your name on the ceiling if you can! i recommend the BBQ bacon burger since that’s what i got and it was bomb. all the staff was really nice and one of the managers came up to our table to ask how everything was! this was my first time here, and definitely NOT my last!

R
Ron Goodwin

Wow, I had such a great lunch at this spot! I got a custom burger with delicious blue cheese, cooked perfectly medium-rare, and drizzled with awesome A1 aioli. Plus, the spicy fries were fantastic! It was just a really delicious meal.Highly recommend this spot for a fun night out with everybody as it's a bar or a great lunch the manager was very nice to showed me around to pictures of Obama and Guy Ferretti that had visited their previously. What a wonderful little extra, and so kind of him to provide.

J
Jimmy Shen

Located in the heart of Boulder, CO, The Sink is a lively and affordable dining spot steeped in history. The restaurant exudes a unique charm, with an inviting ambience that perfectly complements its rich legacy. Notably, it has welcomed esteemed guests such as President Obama and Anthony Bourdain, whose visits are commemorated with photos featured on the restaurant’s website. During my visit, I had the short rib mac and cheese, which was nothing short of exceptional—rich, flavorful, and perfectly executed. Paired with a refreshing mocktail, the meal was a standout experience. The combination of great food, an engaging atmosphere, and a deep-rooted history makes The Sink a must-visit. Without a doubt, I look forward to returning the next time I am in town.

P
PDougz

I had just finished hiking the Rocky Mountains, was driving back to my hotel in Denver along with trying to figure out where to stop for dinner in Boulder when I came across this very famous hole in the wall. On a whim, I decided to check it out. The first thing I noticed was how busy the place was (turns out it was family weekend lol) along with the incredible graffiti everywhere. No space, inch, nook or cranny was safe from it = a true work of art. But what about the food? From the soup & salad to the sandwich, it was divinely delicious. The service was also impeccable, especially considering how busy they were. I can’t wait to come back and try more of what The Sink has to offer the next time I’m back in Boulder! 🚰🥘😋

C
Crystal Stapleton

This is a very eclectic place, perfect for a college town. My birthday cookie was amazing. There are many options to choose from. Kina was a great server.

G
Gideon Aigner

Despite being a proud Ram, this is one of the best restaurants North of Denver. The veggie patty on the burger was packed with flavor, and both Nici and Trent were accommodating, friendly, and professional. I can’t wait to come back!

L
Lindsay Groff

The perfect post-hike meal. The watermelon salad with Tajin was out of this world. We also loved the spinach, artichoke dip and the house meat made veggie burger. They even have creative cocktails. Annalia gave us superior service as well.

A
August Rudisell

Such a cool place. You really gotta read the history on their website. Food was great. The burger that was on Triple D did not disappoint. But it’s the artwork on the walls. You almost have to walk around it like an art museum!

P
Peter Weiss

The Sink offers interesting and very good pizzas with a variety of ingredients at a very reasonable price for what you get. As a long-time casual restaurant located close to a college campus the atmosphere is appropriate with extensive graffiti on the walls. This is not a negative because it makes sense. Also note that this in not just for students, given the quality and variety of food choices. Staff is very friendly and it is clear that the restaurant can get packed during popular times. Compared to other local Boulder pizza places the crust thick Colorado Style - slightly sweet and the prices is reasonable.

E
Eddie Gist

This place was amazing, the food was outstanding. The staff was friendly, efficient, and happy.

T
Ty Hen

My first visit to Boulder. My buddy recommended The Sink, and it did not disappoint. Fitting that this was Robert Redford's employer, because they made me feel like I was a star at Sundance. I forgot my bartender's name(I think it started with an "L"), but the Lavender Sunrise she recommended was chef's kiss, as was the Mac & cheese. The pickles set off my bacon jammin burger just right.

H
Hannah Lee

I tried the TRES FUEGO Burger, Bourbon Burger, and BBQ Mac & Cheese. My favorite was the TRES FUEGO Burger because of its perfect sweet and savory flavor combination. The server was friendly, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. Definitely a place I’d recommend!

B
Brigitte Reid

This was a very unique spot for pizza, remember Medium pizza half price. Go at lunch time during the school year after 7 pm is a nightmare.

T
Tessa Hewitt

We had a great first experience at The Sink! Service was good, food was excellent. The gluten free pizza was very likely the best I've had. At least the best in recent history. Highly recommend this place. I used to live in Boulder and somehow never came here. Affordable too considering we got 4 drinks 2 entrees and a ½ salad.

M
Mitch Behm

Boulder classic, serving those on The Hill for over 100 years. Service consists mostly of CU students, food is good - the cowboy rueben is my favorite. the atmosphere is fun and nostalgic. If it’s good enough for Robert Redford it’s good enough for me. If you find yourself on The Hill, be sure to stop at The Sink!

H
Hessen

The Sink offers delicious food with a variety of options to choose from. The artwork on the walls is interesting and adds a unique touch to the dining experience. The service is friendly and efficient, ensuring a pleasant visit. Overall, it's a great place to enjoy a meal in Boulder.

C
Christina Ruiz

Visiting CO and my husband found this gem and I couldn’t have been happier. We arrived on Friday 8/30/24 and as a college town I was certain we would be waiting however, we added our name to this list and were seated in about 15 mins. Service was great here. Everyone was friendly and attentive. I will say, ceiling is low and the sound can be a bit overwhelming especially if it is peak time. I loved all the art and writing on the walls and some were freakin hilarious! Husband ordered BBQ Bacon burger and I had the famous Buff Mac. We did order a michelada as well. Burger was cooked to perfection and the sweet potatoe fries were his favorite! I had to snag a few and they were the perfect amount of sweet and so crispy! Guy Fieri’s pic and review - I knew I had to get the buff Mac and man oh man, this was amazing! Cheesy, full of flavor, plenty of buffalo sauce and blue cheese with every bite! Michelada was okay, nothing to rave about but that’s okay. The food def made up for it. A wonderful place and a place we will def return to in the area….in the mean time I will try and make my own buff mac haha!

B
Benjamin Flores

Stopped in for dinner and it was a very cool atmosphere. The staff was super friendly and happy. The service was prompt and efficient. I had the Bourbon Jalapeño burger. I didn't think it had too much heat, but there was a nice flavor from the pepper. As it is October, there were some cool Halloween decorations. I would recommend stopping in for a burger.

R
Ron T

I recently dined at The Sink. It was an outstanding experience! From the moment we walked in, the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive, making us feel right at home. The food was absolutely amazing! I tried the Cowboy Reuben sandwich which was awesome and The Bacon Jammin Burger which was equally impressive. Finally, the cookie and ice cream we ordered for dessert was hands down the BEST I ever had!! This is a must! Overall, I highly recommend The Sink to anyone looking for a fantastic meal in Boulder. The friendly service and delicious dishes make it a must-visit spot!

c
cliffsidedeadhead

Great bar. Had not been until we were there for Dead and Co shows. They were so busy both days we went. First day we just got a few drinks, the bartenders were very attentive and friendly. The second day we sat down had a blackened chicken sandwich, really good spices, super soft but hardy bun. The house salad large size all the veggies were fresh and tasty. Excellent service at the table as well. Will be back. Fun place. Could have been all the dead heads. Lol

O
Olivia Yip

Got takeout, best Reuben I have had in my entire life. Also the guy was very nice and since we didn’t dine in, on the iPad he skipped right past the tip. Very much appreciated. Loved all the stuff in the waiting area, celebrity signatures, crazy wall art, Michelangelo ceiling, 10/10.

G
G A

When I first toured CU Boulder I was recommended by a friend to go eat at the sink. Little did I know the 3 times I would visit the first stop would be to the sink. The inside is just amazing and the food is incredible. I really love the pizza as well as the mac and cheese. Their skillet cookie desserts and milkshakes are great too. As well as every time it is amazing. The staff is great and it is by far my favorite restaurant in all of Boulder.

E
Ebben Moore

We went in February 19th as a first time experience. My girlfriend is vegetarian and gluten-free and the waiter was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. His service was impeccable and casual and truly made the experience fantastic. Zach G. you were great and thank you!! Oh, and the food was amazing too!!

J
Josh Brommer

Very historical and eclectic, great food! Pizza was awesome! Burger was awesome! Roasted beets as a side were amazing too! Bartender was stellar, very friendly young ladie named Sophie.

K
Karson Wilson

This food definitely catered to the American palette. Everything was overly sweet, The Cowboy Ruben was okay… very very sweet. The Straw Burger was just okay… a lot of bread and a lot of cheese. Spicy from the jalapeños but no flavor. My fries were a little stale and my husbands. Probably wouldn’t come again.

E
Ernie Castillo

It was very loud inside and very busy. Food was great. Service was ok. Got the Cowboy Reuben and the Burnt ends mac n cheese.

M
Makenzy Branch

Beauitful art work inside. Needed something filling, that we didnt need to wait 7 years for. It was good. Thanks

M
Michelle M

This place was recommended to me by my car rental specialist! It definitely doesn’t disappoint! A historic (over 100 year) restaurant located in the CO college town. This place is definitely a vibe. From the written and drawn up walls, to educational and satire cartoons, it gives off that vibe it’s the place to be. The service is very fast and accommodating. Even Andrew, the manager, came to check on us! He even thought we were college students. Besides all of that, the food is super delicious. I had the burnt ends max and cheese, and my cousin built her own burger. Unfortunately, we forgot there is something called “altitude sickness” so we couldn’t enjoy it as much as we should have. I’ll definitely come back here when I visit!

M
Melinda Estrada

This restaurant has been here since 1923! One Hundred and two years strong! Very quirky kool vibes type of restaurant and bar. Food was good! We enjoyed this spot.

J
Jose

Boulder institution with a fun vibe. The Sink is a must-try for its history and atmosphere alone. The place is covered in graffiti and has a lively, old-school feel. Our server was friendly and attentive. My burger was decent, but I'd love to see some simpler options on the menu. My friend really enjoyed their pizza. Overall, a good experience if you're looking for a unique Boulder spot!

O
Owen Knight

Food was fine, nothing crazy and on the pricier side. It was during a buffs gameday so it was loud and fun

S
Shalana Page

They were closing in 20 minutes when we got there, being that on that particular day they were closing early due to an evening event. Pretty good food. Hubby loved his wings. My chicken fingers were just okay. My son enjoyed his burger.

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About Riffs

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1115 Pearl St.

Boulder, CO 80302

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Highlights

Highly Rated
4.5/5 stars
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Many Reviews
1318 reviews
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American, Tapas / Small Plates, Contemporary American
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Restaurant Info

Rating
4.5/5
💬 Reviews
1,318

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1115 Pearl St.

Boulder, CO 80302

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Boulder History Museum

history museum in Boulder, Colorado

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First Baptist Church of Boulder Heritage

church building in Boulder, Colorado

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Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

museum of modern art in Boulder, Colorado, United States

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Boulder Public Library -- Main Library

library in Colorado, United States

A 412m
Central Park

park in Boulder County, Colorado, United States of America

A 452m
Ywca Resource Center

library in Colorado, United States

A 520m
Northern Colorado Power Company Substation Heritage

historic building in Boulder, Colorado, United States

A 602m
National Indian Law Library

library in Colorado, United States

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