🥦 Best Vegan-Friendly Dinners in Boulder? Locals Say These Are a Must

From crunchy vegan pizza to tofu pho and fancy paella — Boulder’s best plant-based picks are right here.

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What's Happenin' Team
April 14, 2025

🥦 Best Vegan-Friendly Dinners in Boulder? Locals Say These Are a Must

 

Hey Boulder! 🌞

Hosting a vegan in Boulder? Whether you’re planning a date night, celebrating a milestone, or just making sure your meat-free friend eats well, Boulder’s restaurant scene has you covered. Locals say these spots serve up amazing vegan options without forcing everyone else at the table to order a side salad.

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

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

🌱 Where to Take a Vegan Out to Dinner (Without Compromising on Flavor or Vibes)

Hosting a vegan in Boulder? Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or just want a solid night out where everyone at the table leaves full and happy, we’ve got you covered.

Locals say these restaurants strike the balance between elevated dining and excellent vegan options — no sad side salads or awkward menu swaps here. Even the meat-eaters at the table will be impressed.

Boulder’s go-to for fully vegetarian and vegan fare. From vegan paella to hearty entrees and craft cocktails, this one’s a crowd-pleaser — even your BBQ-loving uncle will find something to love.

Not fully vegan, but surprisingly accommodating. Both spots offer tasty vegan rolls and plant-based starters in a lively downtown setting.

Thai food = vegan-friendly heaven. With veggie curries, tofu-packed stir-fries, and bold flavors, these places serve up casual elegance with lots of plant-powered punch.

Not your typical pizza joint. Boulderites rave about the Crunchy Vegan pizza — rich, cheesy (without cheese), and worth every penny.

Upscale Mexican with a handful of chef’s kiss vegan options, like coconut ceviche and a mushroom steak. Don’t miss the sweet potato dish — just ask for no dairy.

Korean-inspired comfort food that can be made vegan with tofu or veggie swaps. Bonus: big portions, low prices, and peaceful vibes.

If you’re up for a short drive, this all-vegan, Mediterranean-inspired gem is worth it. The Sunday Supper prix fixe is a fan favorite, even among non-vegans.

Got a favorite vegan-friendly date night spot or dinner gem? Hit reply and let us know — we’ll keep building out the plant-based dining guide for Boulderites who love a good meal and a good mission. 🥗💛

🌲 Trivia Time: When Did Boulder Go Green?

Boulder was one of the first U.S. cities to pass a tax specifically for preserving open space. But when did that landmark moment happen?

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👉 Think you know? Scroll to the bottom for the answer and some local green glory.

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭

Monday, April 14

🆓 Free Events

📚 This is a Clue Trivia – Weekly trivia night with prizes for drinks and gift cards. @ Beyond the Mountain Brewing, 6:30–8 PM (Recurring Mondays)

🍻 Twisted Bingo – Classic bingo with a twist, hosted by J&G. Win beer, gift cards & more. @ Twisted Pine Brewing, 6–9 PM (Recurring Mondays)

💵 Ticketed Events

🏃‍♂️ Boulder Pub Run Club📍 Sanitas Brewing Co., 3550 Frontier Ave. 🕕 6:00 PM | 🆓 Free 🔗 Event Info

🎻 Takács Quartet📍 CU Campus, 1020 18th St. 🕖 Evening performances | 🎟️ From $20 🔗 Get Tickets

Tuesday, April 15

🆓 Free Events

🧠 Smarty Party Trivia – Prizes that range from fantastic to “meh”—plus drink specials! @ Avanti F&B, 7:30 PM (Recurring Tuesdays)

🎧 Turntable Tuesday – All-vinyl DJ night with rotating genres and chill vibes. @ VisionQuest Brewery, 7–10:30 PM (Recurring Tuesdays)

💵 Ticketed Events

🧸 Junkyard Open Play – Let the kids climb, run, and explore. Coffee and snacks for parents. @ Junkyard Social Club, 10 AM–5 PM ($10 kids / $5 adults) (Recurring Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)

🎬 “IN THE DIRT” Film Screening 📍 Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM | 🎟️ $10 🔗 Reserve Seats

🎸 Leprous: 10 Years of The Congregation 📍 Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. 🕢 7:30 PM–Midnight | 🎟️ $30–$65 🔗 Buy Tickets

🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook

Today (Mon, Apr 14) – ⛅ AM Clouds, PM Sun | High: 58°F / Low: 34°F💧 6% chance of rain | 💨 ENE 6 mph | A little cloudy to start, but expect a sunny finish. Light jacket approved.

Tuesday, Apr 15 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 72°F / Low: 51°F💧 1% chance of rain | 💨 ENE 7 mph | Gorgeous spring weather—ideal for patio brunches or trail strolls.

Wednesday, Apr 16 – ☀️ Mostly Sunny | High: 76°F / Low: 48°F💧 7% chance of rain | 💨 W 9 mph | Another beauty. Time to finally pack away the puffer?

Thursday, Apr 17 – ⛈️ PM Thunderstorms | High: 70°F / Low: 35°F💧 56% chance of rain | 💨 NW 14 mph | Plan your outdoor fun early—storms could roll in by evening!

🎟️ That’s a Wrap, Boulder!

Hungry yet? Whether you’re plant-based, plant-curious, or just a good dinner host — Boulder’s got dining options that make everyone feel seen. From cozy cafes to upscale spots, you’ll never have to sacrifice flavor for dietary needs.

And don’t forget: if you’re looking for even more ways to explore the city, our guides to Things to Do in Boulder, Boulder Day Trips, and Hidden Gems Across Colorado have you covered.

✅ Trivia Answer

B. 1967!

That’s the year Boulder voters approved the first-ever dedicated open space sales tax in the nation — planting the seeds (literally) for over 45,000 acres of protected wild space. Ahead of its time and proud of it.

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝

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