The Boulder Cork

An all time Boulder favorite. Fantastic happy hour. Even better extra dirty martinis with house-stuffed blue cheese olives. Great steaks, enchiladas, and burger. Fantastic for a special occasion dinner or happy hour drinks with friends

An all time Boulder favorite. Fantastic happy hour. Even better extra dirty martinis with house-stuffed blue cheese olives. Great steaks, enchiladas, and burger. Fantastic for a special occasion dinner or happy hour drinks with friends

We can always count on very friendly staff at the Boulder Cork. They are all very sweet. Their friendliness and warmth goes a long way to adding to a pleasant dining experience. The hostess and our food server were both very kind and friendly. Everyone who works there seems to have a professional, clean cut, well mannered demeanor. The dining room is cozy, ( fairly small), which I prefer, but it can get a little loud, depending on the other diners. But not too bad, it doesn't echo or anything. It's still an upscale environment. The lighting seemed a little harsh / dramatic to me this time. But at least there was enough light so that we could read the menus with our middle aged eyes. It just wasn't very romantic. The first time we dined at The Boulder Cork with friends, the dining room was almost empty and it seemed like a romantic atmosphere with warmer, softer lighting. But we were at a different table. This time every table was full, so that changed the ambience a bit. But there weren't any children crying or being loud, so it was still a pleasant atmosphere. The wine list is extensive and has anything you could want. We made reservations, but I was thirsty by the time our server finally waited on us and someone brought us water. She was VERY sweet and a good server. It just took longer than expected for anyone to wait on us. They serve bread that is complimentary. It was very bad. I love bread, and this was either slightly stale, or just gross. Flavourless, a dry, stale texture. Edible, but not good. I don't know if the baker is bad or if someone left it sitting out for hours getting stale. Either way, they need to up their bread game. Bread should always be fresh, warm, delicious, flavorful, with a nice crispy crust and soft chewy inside. There should be fresh real butter, on a plate or butter dish, that also has a pleasing taste. ( The butter here was fine) The bread is my first impression as a diner. This is not the only restaurant in Northern Colorado, who doesn't think the quality of their complimentary bread matters. Or even worse, some restaurants charge for their sub par bread. At least this was included with our meal. I had the surf and turf special, for $85, and the lobster tail was, sadly, fishy tasting, and not quite the right texture, compared to fresh lobster. We were not impressed with it, but ...I ordered lobster in land locked Colorado. So, that was on me. On the plus side, the texture of the filet mignon was perfect. I usually order between rare and medium rare. And I ate every single bite, every single piece was perfect. Truly perfectly cooked and an excellent thick filet. Colorado knows how to raise cattle, and cut and grill beef. And the Boulder Cork certainly prepares a delicious filet. ( Better than Sonny Lubick's, Still Whisky Steaks, and The Moot House in Fort Collins) For my taste, the "smoked mashed potatoes" are just okay. I think I ate a few bites and I wasn't pleased with it enough to eat more. The two pieces of asparagus that came with my special of filet and lobster tail, were good and fresh, not overcooked, which is unique to Colorado restaurants in my experience. And the Bearnaise sauce was VERY well made and delicious. It's definitely better than mine. The chocolate mouse is rich and decadent, and VERY good. The quality of the chocolate is excellent. ( I'm really picky about the flavor of certain chocolate mousses, and chocolate desserts, and this is really top notch) We split one, and it was still too much food for us. They gave it to us as a gift for our 20th anniversary, and that was very kind and a much appreciated treat. The strawberries and cream on top were delicious and fresh. We were very full and satisfied. Overall it was a good experience, the quality and perfect texture of the filet was dreamy and memorable . I might come back to try the trout, because I haven't tried that yet, and I love well prepared fresh mountain trout. Who knows? Maybe next time the bread will be better. 🙂

We can always count on very friendly staff at the Boulder Cork. They are all very sweet. Their friendliness and warmth goes a long way to adding to a pleasant dining experience. The hostess and our food server were both very kind and friendly. Everyone who works there seems to have a professional, clean cut, well mannered demeanor. The dining room is cozy, ( fairly small), which I prefer, but it can get a little loud, depending on the other diners. But not too bad, it doesn't echo or anything. It's still an upscale environment. The lighting seemed a little harsh / dramatic to me this time. But at least there was enough light so that we could read the menus with our middle aged eyes. It just wasn't very romantic. The first time we dined at The Boulder Cork with friends, the dining room was almost empty and it seemed like a romantic atmosphere with warmer, softer lighting. But we were at a different table. This time every table was full, so that changed the ambience a bit. But there weren't any children crying or being loud, so it was still a pleasant atmosphere. The wine list is extensive and has anything you could want. We made reservations, but I was thirsty by the time our server finally waited on us and someone brought us water. She was VERY sweet and a good server. It just took longer than expected for anyone to wait on us. They serve bread that is complimentary. It was very bad. I love bread, and this was either slightly stale, or just gross. Flavourless, a dry, stale texture. Edible, but not good. I don't know if the baker is bad or if someone left it sitting out for hours getting stale. Either way, they need to up their bread game. Bread should always be fresh, warm, delicious, flavorful, with a nice crispy crust and soft chewy inside. There should be fresh real butter, on a plate or butter dish, that also has a pleasing taste. ( The butter here was fine) The bread is my first impression as a diner. This is not the only restaurant in Northern Colorado, who doesn't think the quality of their complimentary bread matters. Or even worse, some restaurants charge for their sub par bread. At least this was included with our meal. I had the surf and turf special, for $85, and the lobster tail was, sadly, fishy tasting, and not quite the right texture, compared to fresh lobster. We were not impressed with it, but ...I ordered lobster in land locked Colorado. So, that was on me. On the plus side, the texture of the filet mignon was perfect. I usually order between rare and medium rare. And I ate every single bite, every single piece was perfect. Truly perfectly cooked and an excellent thick filet. Colorado knows how to raise cattle, and cut and grill beef. And the Boulder Cork certainly prepares a delicious filet. ( Better than Sonny Lubick's, Still Whisky Steaks, and The Moot House in Fort Collins) For my taste, the "smoked mashed potatoes" are just okay. I think I ate a few bites and I wasn't pleased with it enough to eat more. The two pieces of asparagus that came with my special of filet and lobster tail, were good and fresh, not overcooked, which is unique to Colorado restaurants in my experience. And the Bearnaise sauce was VERY well made and delicious. It's definitely better than mine. The chocolate mouse is rich and decadent, and VERY good. The quality of the chocolate is excellent. ( I'm really picky about the flavor of certain chocolate mousses, and chocolate desserts, and this is really top notch) We split one, and it was still too much food for us. They gave it to us as a gift for our 20th anniversary, and that was very kind and a much appreciated treat. The strawberries and cream on top were delicious and fresh. We were very full and satisfied. Overall it was a good experience, the quality and perfect texture of the filet was dreamy and memorable . I might come back to try the trout, because I haven't tried that yet, and I love well prepared fresh mountain trout. Who knows? Maybe next time the bread will be better. 🙂

We had not gone out to eat on a date for quite a while and we're looking forward to this. The reviews that we saw were very good so we had confidence in our pick of restaurants. When we got there, it was pretty busy and the staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. So I guess we had too high of expectations for the actual food. It was just mediocre at best. The trout was mushy with no flavor whatsoever, and definitey not "smoked" as the description suggested. The hamburger looked and tasted like something from a fast food restaurant, maybe not even that good, unfortunately. The "smokey" mashed potatoes were pretty tasty, but we were very disappointed in the overall food experience. The food did come out quickly. And my husband did enjoy his expresso, with the old fashioned sugar stick/stirrer. I suppose if one came for happy hour and paid a LOT less, it would have been more palatable.

We had not gone out to eat on a date for quite a while and we're looking forward to this. The reviews that we saw were very good so we had confidence in our pick of restaurants. When we got there, it was pretty busy and the staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. So I guess we had too high of expectations for the actual food. It was just mediocre at best. The trout was mushy with no flavor whatsoever, and definitey not "smoked" as the description suggested. The hamburger looked and tasted like something from a fast food restaurant, maybe not even that good, unfortunately. The "smokey" mashed potatoes were pretty tasty, but we were very disappointed in the overall food experience. The food did come out quickly. And my husband did enjoy his expresso, with the old fashioned sugar stick/stirrer. I suppose if one came for happy hour and paid a LOT less, it would have been more palatable.

Love the happy hour. Some really amazing food at a reasonable price in a wonderful atmosphere and great, friendly staff. There are many rooms to dine in, but all were nice so you never feel like you're "in the back." We arrived 15 minutes after they opened and the parking lot was already full so it's obviously very popular with the locals. Suggest reservations even for happy hour if you want bar area seating. Dessert is not to be missed and the margaritas were on point.

Love the happy hour. Some really amazing food at a reasonable price in a wonderful atmosphere and great, friendly staff. There are many rooms to dine in, but all were nice so you never feel like you're "in the back." We arrived 15 minutes after they opened and the parking lot was already full so it's obviously very popular with the locals. Suggest reservations even for happy hour if you want bar area seating. Dessert is not to be missed and the margaritas were on point.

Excellent service, generous portions, and delicious food. The ambiance was nice and we were fortunate to be seated next to a fireplace. The Happy Hour prices are very reasonable. We will definitely go back!

Excellent service, generous portions, and delicious food. The ambiance was nice and we were fortunate to be seated next to a fireplace. The Happy Hour prices are very reasonable. We will definitely go back!

While in town visiting son, we went to this restaurant for an early supper (us old folks like this). It was HAPPY HOUR! Hubby and I ordered local craft beer (Avery by gunbarrel brewery) and 7.00 during happy hour. The IPA was crisp and icy cold-PERFECT! The happy hour menu featured appetizers and entrees. Smaller in size but not taste! I had the prime rib which came with broccoli and mashed potatoes. It came medium rare (as ordered) but was a bit tough, not horrible but definitely you had to chew alot. The potatoes were stiff and tepid and quite frankly, bland. The broccoli was excellent so I don't understand why the other items were so so. Hubby's happy hour sized fish and chips were abundant and delicious. He couldn't finish the fries he was so stuffed. Sons prime rib sandwich was so tasty, son devoured it in 10 flat. Sons partner had the sake salmon which he proclaimed delicious! We ordered dessert (OF COURSE!). Sons partner had the carrot cake and I ordered the corks famous mud pie. IT WAS DIVINE!!!! The coffee ice cream meshed brilliantly with the almonds, caramel, etc. There was so much going on with this dessert I had difficulty deciding where to start! And the size? It literally was the size of a quarter portion of cake! I tried the carrot cake too and it was spot on! Not too sweet and perfectly frosted! (Too much frosting will overpower the cake). Our server was low key, perfect timing and friendly. This was a pricey meal, no lie. We had drinks, entrees, desserts and with the tip it was $270.00. Despite my somewhat disappointing entree, everyone else was squealing with delight! Definitely a return visit the next time we're in Boulder. I'll absolutely give it a 2nd chance.

While in town visiting son, we went to this restaurant for an early supper (us old folks like this). It was HAPPY HOUR! Hubby and I ordered local craft beer (Avery by gunbarrel brewery) and 7.00 during happy hour. The IPA was crisp and icy cold-PERFECT! The happy hour menu featured appetizers and entrees. Smaller in size but not taste! I had the prime rib which came with broccoli and mashed potatoes. It came medium rare (as ordered) but was a bit tough, not horrible but definitely you had to chew alot. The potatoes were stiff and tepid and quite frankly, bland. The broccoli was excellent so I don't understand why the other items were so so. Hubby's happy hour sized fish and chips were abundant and delicious. He couldn't finish the fries he was so stuffed. Sons prime rib sandwich was so tasty, son devoured it in 10 flat. Sons partner had the sake salmon which he proclaimed delicious! We ordered dessert (OF COURSE!). Sons partner had the carrot cake and I ordered the corks famous mud pie. IT WAS DIVINE!!!! The coffee ice cream meshed brilliantly with the almonds, caramel, etc. There was so much going on with this dessert I had difficulty deciding where to start! And the size? It literally was the size of a quarter portion of cake! I tried the carrot cake too and it was spot on! Not too sweet and perfectly frosted! (Too much frosting will overpower the cake). Our server was low key, perfect timing and friendly. This was a pricey meal, no lie. We had drinks, entrees, desserts and with the tip it was $270.00. Despite my somewhat disappointing entree, everyone else was squealing with delight! Definitely a return visit the next time we're in Boulder. I'll absolutely give it a 2nd chance.

This is an upscale restaurant that has a warm, inviting and cozy atmosphere. The service is extremely friendly and polite. The entrees were delicious and the portions were generous. They also served a variety of breads with the meals. I was with a party of 4 adults & 2 children & everyone enjoyed their meals. We all really enjoyed our time there. They also provided a very generous dessert and a lovely card for a birthday for one of the members of our party. The children took home leftovers too.

This is an upscale restaurant that has a warm, inviting and cozy atmosphere. The service is extremely friendly and polite. The entrees were delicious and the portions were generous. They also served a variety of breads with the meals. I was with a party of 4 adults & 2 children & everyone enjoyed their meals. We all really enjoyed our time there. They also provided a very generous dessert and a lovely card for a birthday for one of the members of our party. The children took home leftovers too.