🍻 Best Bars to Go Solo in Boulder + This Week’s Fun Unfolded

Craving a night out on your own terms? Here’s where locals say to grab a drink, a bite, or a little conversation — plus what’s happening around town this week!

Author

What's Happenin' Team
April 28, 2025

🍻 Boulder’s Best Bars for a Solo Night Out: Sip, Chill, Repeat

 

Hey Boulder! 🌞

Got a free night and feeling spontaneous? Whether you’re looking for vinyl tunes, rooftop margaritas, a cozy chat at the bar, or just a place to be your own best company, Boulder’s solo scene is buzzing. Today’s guide rounds up the best local spots to sip, snack, and settle in on your own terms — plus this week’s trivia challenge and a fresh lineup of events to check out.

Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.

Let’s roll!

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

🍻 Where to Go Solo in Boulder: Best Bars for a Chill Night Out

Got a free evening and feeling a little spontaneous? Boulder’s got you covered. Whether you’re craving a quiet beer, a rooftop margarita, or a few new conversations you didn’t plan for, here’s where locals say it’s actually fun to fly solo.

🎶 VisionQuest Brewery — Vinyl on Mondays, DJs on Tuesdays, open mic on Wednesdays, and random live music on weekends. You could walk in alone and leave with a playlist (and maybe a few new friends).

🍺 Dark Horse — An absolute Boulder classic. Wild decor, cheap drinks, and the “come as you are” energy that solo nights are made for.

🍣 Japango (at the bar) — Perfect if you want sushi and a good drink while people-watching. (Heads up: some locals have raised concerns about employee treatment.)

🍻 Pearl Street Pub — A laid-back, no-frills spot where grabbing a drink solo feels totally normal — and you’ll probably get a nod from the regulars.

🏔️ License No. 1 (under Hotel Boulderado) — Speakeasy vibes, strong cocktails, and lots of travelers passing through. Instant conversation starter: “What brings you to Boulder?”

🎮 Press Play — Arcade games + bar = ideal if you want to look busy while being approachable. Order the Sour Skittles drink if you dare.

🍹 The Bitter Bar — Fancy a conversation and a fantastic cocktail? Bartenders here have a knack for getting solo visitors talking (in the best way).

🌺 Centro Mexican Kitchen — Snag a seat at the bar, order some tacos and a mezcal cocktail, and settle into the buzz.

🏓 Southern Sun — Big bar, great beer, casual music nights — the “pull up a chair and stay a while” vibe is strong here.

🧘 Kava Lounge Boulder — Skip the booze and sip kava if you’re feeling more chill than party. Bonus: no hangover.

🌞 The Rio Rooftop — Sunny afternoon? Margaritas and mountain views are all the company you need.

🎸 Upslope Brewing — Both locations are super solo-friendly, with an easygoing crowd and top-notch beer.

✨ Boulder Pro Tip:✨

The solo night out isn’t about staying invisible — it’s about following your own script. Smile, order what you want, and let Boulder’s friendly, free-spirited energy do the rest.

🦬 Trivia Time: What’s CU Boulder’s Famous Mascot Called?

What is the name of CU Boulder’s legendary live mascot?

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👉 Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭

Monday, April 28

🆓 Free Events

🧠 This is a Clue Trivia📍 Beyond the Mountain Brewing | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday)

🍻 Twisted Bingo📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company | ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday)

🏃‍♂️ Boulder Pub Run Club📍 Sanitas Brewing Co. | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Monday)

💵 Ticketed Events

🍽️ Go Out to Lunch Day📍 Restaurants across Boulder | 🆓 Free

💨 Illuminate Breathwork for Healing & Awakening📍 Yoga Pearl | ⏰ 7:15 PM – 9:15 PM | 🎟️ $45

🎶 Joywave with Little Image📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Tuesday, April 29

🆓 Free Events

🔥 Junkyard Monthly Flow Jam📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 💵 $10 suggested donation (recurring monthly, 4th Tuesday)

🛝 Junkyard Open Play📍 Junkyard Social Club | ⏰ Various Hours | 💵 $10 kids / $5 adults (recurring weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

🎉 Smarty Party📍 Avanti F&B | ⏰ 7:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Tuesday)

🎧 Turntable Tuesday📍 VisionQuest Brewery | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Tuesday)

🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook

Monday, Apr 28 – 🌧️ AM Showers | High: 63°F / Low: 36°F | 💧 48% chance of rain | 💨 WNW 12 mph | Morning showers roll through, then we’re drying out just in time for a breezy afternoon stroll.

Tuesday, Apr 29 – 🌦️ PM Showers | High: 62°F / Low: 41°F | 💧 49% chance of rain | 💨 SE 8 mph | Pack a light jacket — there’s a decent chance of afternoon sprinkles while you’re out and about.

Wednesday, Apr 30 – ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 66°F / Low: 41°F | 💧 24% chance of rain | 💨 NE 8 mph | A bit cloudy but mostly dry — perfect midweek weather for a patio lunch or quick trail break.

Thursday, May 1 – 🌧️ AM Showers | High: 56°F / Low: 39°F | 💧 46% chance of rain | 💨 NNE 5 mph | A soggy start to May! Expect showers early, but it should clear up later in the day. Keep the rain boots handy.

🍻 Flying Solo?

Thanks for hanging with us today! Whether you’re flying solo or rolling deep, we’ll see you around town — rain boots, vinyl records, margaritas, and all. 🌧️🍸🎶

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝

Answer: D) Ralphie!

CU Boulder’s live mascot is a real buffalo (technically a bison!) named Ralphie. There have been several Ralphies over the years — and fun fact, Ralphie is always female because they’re easier to handle during her famous field runs. 🦬💨

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