Flying Solo? Here’s Where to Drink in Boulder Alone (and Love It)

No plans? No problem. Here are 12 spots perfect for a party of one.

Author

What's Happenin' Team
August 04, 2025

🍹 Roll Solo, Sip Local

 

Hey Boulder! 🌞

So you’ve got an open evening and the mood to roam. Whether you’re dodging small talk or chasing spontaneous connection, Boulder’s bar scene makes solo nights feel anything but lonely. From speakeasies and rooftops to arcade bars and kava lounges, here’s where locals actually like going out alone.

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

Let’s dig in!

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

Trivia Q&A ⛰️

How Many Parks Are in the City of Boulder?

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Hint: This plant is known for its resilience in rocky environments. Answer at the bottom 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

🎯 Where to Go Solo in Boulder

The best bars in Boulder for a one-person night out.

  •  VisionQuest Brewery – Vinyl Mondays, DJ Tuesdays, open mics, and surprise sets on the weekends. The vibes are casual and the community’s strong — you might just leave with a new favorite song and a few new pals.

  • 🍺 Dark Horse – Legendary dive, funky decor, and cheap drinks. It’s like walking into a Boulder time capsule, where everyone’s a stranger until they’re not.

  • 🍣 Japango (at the bar) – Sushi, sake, and prime people-watching. Bonus: great solo dining energy (but a heads-up — some locals have raised concerns about staff treatment).

  • 🍻 Pearl Street Pub – No-frills, all chill. It’s the kind of place where showing up alone just feels… normal.

  • 🏔️ License No. 1 – Hidden under Hotel Boulderado. Moody lights, strong cocktails, and a rotating cast of travelers. Instant icebreaker: “So, what brings you to Boulder?”

  • 🎮 Press Play – Arcade games + cocktails = solo-friendly paradise. You can vibe with Galaga or let someone challenge you to air hockey.

  • 🌞 The Rio Rooftop – One margarita, mountain views, and sunshine. Honestly, who needs company?

  • 🍺 Upslope Brewing – Both locations feel welcoming and unpretentious. A solid pick if you want great beer and maybe a dog or two to pet.

  • 🍹 The Bitter Bar – Artful cocktails, friendly bartenders, and just enough buzz to make conversation easy.

  • 🌮 Centro Mexican Kitchen – Tacos, mezcal, and bar seating that practically begs for solo diners.

  • 🏓 Southern Sun – Pull up to the bar, order a pint, and enjoy the rotating live music or casual ping pong vibe.

  • 🧘 Kava Lounge Boulder – Ditch the alcohol for a mellow night with a kava shell and a calm crowd. Zero hangover, full chill.

🪩 Boulder Bonus Tip

Flying solo doesn’t mean fading into the background. Say hi to the bartender, order your favorite drink without compromise, and let the night unfold however it wants. Boulder’s got good people and better beer — odds are, you’ll feel right at home.

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🎭

Monday, August 4

🧠 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 Concert Band Summer Finale - Chautauqua Park📍 Chautauqua Lawn | ⏰ 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

Tuesday, August 5

🔥 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)

📅 Waxahatchee with Brennan Wedl📍 Chautauqua Auditorium | ⏰ 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Boulder?

We’re on a mission to crown Boulder’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️

Here’s to solo nights that don’t feel solo 🍸 

Japango - Guac Girl Summer—an avocado and serrano–infused vodka cocktail that’s herbaceous, citrusy, and just the right amount of spicy 🌿

Whether you’re nursing a cocktail, diving into a game of pinball, or just enjoying the buzz around you, Boulder’s the kind of town that welcomes the wanderer. So go ahead — treat yourself, talk to strangers, or simply sit back and sip. You make the rules.

Trivia Answer: C) Over 80

That’s right — Boulder is home to more than 80 urban parks, from large community fields to tiny neighborhood greens. Whether you’re tossing a frisbee, skating, picnicking, or letting your pup roam free, there’s a park for that. 🛝🌲🐕

🦋 See you Wednesday. You make the rules.

-What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🌸

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