The Best Local Places to Take Family & Friends in Gunbarrel and North Boulder

Have family or friends coming into town for a visit? Luckily you won’t need to leave the area to show them a good time. With a treasure trove of restaurants and watering holes, as well as some unique local shopping options, you’ve got all the makings of a memorable vacation right outside of your apartment.

Food and Drink

While Boulder is nationally recognized as a great food city, there are no shortage of great places to dine out in North Boulder and Gunbarrel. If you’re craving fresh and classic American food with some East Coast flair, head over to Bogey’s Eatery and Spirits (6525 Gunpark Dr #380).

This newly renovated restaurant features breakfast, lunch and dinner, with seasonal specialties like sesame encrusted Ahi tuna. Bogey’s offers 16 beers on tap, and daily drink specials. Bring your pooch along, because Bogey’s even has its own enclosed dog yard. Your four-legged friends can run around and play outside while you enjoy your meal.

If you’re looking for a more exotic dining experience, Pupusas Sabor Hispano (4550 Broadway #3e) dishes up traditional Salvadoran food in a casual setting. If you’ve never had a pupusa (a thin disk of masa stuffed with delicious fillings), you’re missing out. Don’t skip the loaded salsa bar, either. Dagabi Cucina (3970 N Broadway Street)is a sophisticated option for Spanish-style food in North Boulder. With an unbeatable tapas happy hour, this lively spot is perfect for sharing tasty small plates and a few drinks with friends and family.

Speaking of drinks, if you’re looking for a way to go beyond your typical bar experience, try one of the guided tours at Redstone Meadery(4700 Pearl Street #2A).Take the free tour through the meadery to see how the honey wine is made, and enjoy a complimentary tasting of mead afterwards. Tours take place daily, so check the website for specific times.

Shopping

Gunbarrel and Boulder offer an array of unique shops for your friends and family to indulge in a little retail therapy. Jacque Michelle Gifts (2670 Broadway) is a gem of a boutique. This colorful shop offers locally made jewelry and apparel, kids’ toys, accessories, stationary, and culinary gifts. With helpful salespeople and reasonable prices, you’d be hard pressed to leave the store empty-handed.

Surprise your guests with a one-of-a-kind experience right in North Boulder and take them to The Essence Studio(4593 Broadway Street). This world-class perfumery is billed as a “scent cocktail lounge.” After exploring different scents and combinations, the helpful staff can blend your own essence, custom perfume, or cologne just for you. If you’re really interested in learning more about the world of scents, private consultations are available. The shop also offers an array of signature perfumes, as well as organic bath products.

Lucky’s Market (3960 Broadway Street) isn’t your typical grocery store. If you’re looking to cook up a tasty meal in your apartment, pick up organic produce and local goods at Lucky’s. With a Café, Bakehouse, and Creamery all on site, Lucky’s is a one-stop shop for natural living products and tasty indulgences alike.

Next time you have friends and family in town, don’t overlook the distinctive offerings of North Boulder and Gunbarrel. With great restaurants and unique shops, you won’t have to travel far from your apartment to make their vacation a memorable one.