In the heart of downtown Boulder, steps from the pedestrian buzz of Pearl Street, you’ll find one of the city’s most lively culinary incubators: Avanti Food & Beverage.
Exploring Avanti Boulder — More Than Just a Food Hall
Known locally simply as Avanti Boulder, this two-story food hall has become a go-to destination for diverse dining, sunset rooftop cocktails, and casual group outings.
Whether you’re a Boulder resident hunting down your next favorite lunch spot or a tourist navigating Pearl Street’s vibrant food scene, this guide provides a complete insider breakdown of what to expect, what to eat, and how to enjoy the Avanti experience to the fullest.
Looking for more great eats nearby? Don’t miss our guide to the best food on Pearl Street.
What Is Avanti Boulder?
Avanti Food & Beverage – Boulder
📍 1401 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
📞 (720) 343‑7757
🌐 Website: avantifandb.com
🕒 Hours:
General: Sun–Thu 11 am–11 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am–1 am Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 2–6 pm; Sun–Thu 9 pm–close
Brunch: Sat–Sun 11 am–2 pm Vendor
Kitchens:
– Downstairs: 11 am–9 pm (Sun–Thu) / 11 pm (Fri–Sat)
– Upstairs: Extended to midnight
Avanti Boulder is more than a dining space—it’s a modern, curated food hall that brings together rotating culinary vendors, two full-service bars, and a spectacular rooftop patio with views of the Flatirons. With no reservations and communal seating, the space encourages spontaneous visits, shared bites, and casual lounging.
Its unique setup—shipping container-style kitchens, butcher-block tables, local design—creates an atmosphere that’s part startup incubator, part social hub, and entirely Boulder.
A Brief History & Design
Opened in October 2020 as the second location of Denver’s popular Avanti concept, the Boulder venue was founded by Patrick O’Neill and Rob Hahn. Design was led by Lauren O’Neill, incorporating artisan-sourced furniture and Colorado-made finishes.
The layout spans two floors, with vendor counters and open seating below, and a lively rooftop bar and additional vendors above. Avanti’s rooftop is one of the largest in Boulder, with room for approximately 300 guests, fire pits, and unmatched views of the iconic Flatirons.
According to Westword, Avanti has carved out a niche with its focus on chef-driven vendors and its flexible food hall layout, helping smaller food brands grow in a prime location.
Service Style & Accessibility
Avanti Boulder operates as a walk-in only, counter-service food hall, which means:
You order directly from individual vendors. Drinks are available at either of the two bars—downstairs or on the rooftop. There’s no table service, but plenty of seating: communal tables, couches, booths, and outdoor spots. It’s highly accessible, with an elevator to the rooftop and validated parking at the 15th & Spruce garage.
While the space can get noisy during peak hours (as noted in Yelp reviews), most diners appreciate the open, communal layout and variety of seating options.
The Vendors: What You’ll Find Inside Avanti Boulder
Avanti’s strength lies in its rotating vendor model, often described as a culinary incubator. Here’s a detailed look at some of the current standout food concepts:
Rooted Craft Kitchen
Recommended Dishes:
Wagyu burger Nashville hot chicken sandwich Coastline fish & chips Craft mac & cheese
Rooted is known for elevated comfort food with a local twist. Diners frequently highlight the Wagyu burger for its richness, while the Nashville hot chicken sandwich draws consistent praise for spice and texture. Rooted also offers a kids menu, making it family-friendly.
Rye Society
Recommended Dishes:
Matzo ball soup Reuben sandwich Jewish nachos with bagel chips
Bringing Jewish deli culture to Boulder, Rye Society delivers nostalgia and quality. The Reuben is a frequent favorite among regulars, and the matzo ball soup has been highlighted by both locals and food blogs for its authentic depth of flavor.
New Yorkese
Recommended Dishes:
Neapolitan-style blistered pizza slices
Located on the rooftop, New Yorkese is all about crispy-edged, wood-fired pizza. Their Neapolitan-style pies feature charred bubbles and quality toppings. Ideal for sharing with friends over a rooftop beer.
Quiero Arepas
Recommended Dishes:
Venezuelan arepas (gluten-free)
A Boulder branch of the beloved Venezuelan concept first seen in Denver, Quiero Arepas delivers flavorful, gluten-free arepas packed with slow-cooked meats or veggie options. Their chef-driven recipes reflect a commitment to authenticity, earning rave reviews from gluten-free diners.
Boychik
Recommended Dishes:
Mediterranean bowls Chicken shawarma wraps
Boychik is a staple at Avanti, consistently praised for its fresh Mediterranean fare. Bowls with hummus, grilled meats, and pickled veggies make for a healthy yet satisfying meal, especially for lunch crowds.
Pig & Tiger
Recommended Dishes:
Taiwanese fusion small plates
Founded by Darren Chang and Travis Masar, Pig & Tiger brings Taiwanese-American fusion to the Boulder crowd. Though not always available at peak hours, diners consistently rave about their bold flavors and unique twists on street food.
Bona Coffee Roasters
What to Expect:
Morning espresso drinks Grab-and-go breakfast items
While Avanti leans heavily into lunch and dinner, Bona Coffee anchors the early-day offerings. Their locally roasted coffee and quick bites make it a reliable stop for remote workers and morning meetings.
What Locals Love Most About Avanti Boulder
Avanti Boulder isn’t just another food hall—it’s become a hub for locals, remote workers, families, and tourists seeking something vibrant yet laid-back. Here’s why it stands out:
🌇 The Rooftop Patio
Ask almost anyone who’s been, and the rooftop gets a mention. The views of the Flatirons, paired with fire pits and lounge seating, make it a top-tier location for happy hour, casual first dates, or group hangs. During warmer months, this area buzzes from afternoon to late night.
🍹 Two Full-Service Bars
With craft cocktails, local draft beers, and affordable wine, Avanti’s bars cater to every palate. Patrons frequently praise the late-night drink specials and the ease of ordering at either bar with no pressure to order food first.
🧑🤝🧑 Group-Friendly Setup
The communal-style tables and variety of cuisines mean that friends with different food preferences can dine together easily. Whether someone wants a vegan arepa and another’s craving fish and chips, it’s all under one roof.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Kid-Friendly
With a dedicated kids menu at Rooted Craft Kitchen and plenty of seating that doesn’t feel crowded or upscale, families feel comfortable here. Reviewers frequently mention how easy it is to bring kids, especially for lunch or early dinner.
Pricing, Value & Accessibility
Dishes at Avanti range from $9–20, putting it squarely in the mid-range pricing category. While that might be a bit above average for fast-casual, diners consistently note that the portion sizes and ingredient quality justify the price.
Dietary Flexibility
Gluten-Free: Arepas, select salads Vegetarian: Mediterranean bowls, mac & cheese, pizzas Vegan & Dairy-Free Options: Vary by vendor Kid’s Menu: Available at Rooted
Avanti’s vendors offer a wide variety of dietary accommodations, making it easy to enjoy whether you’re eating paleo, pescatarian, or plant-based.
When to Go: Best Times & Insider Tips
Looking to avoid the crowds or catch a deal? Here’s when to plan your visit:
🕑 Happy Hour
Mon–Fri: 2–6 pm Sun–Thu (Late Night): 9 pm–close
Happy hour at Avanti includes discounted cocktails, draft beers, and snacks—a popular time for CU Boulder professionals and students.
🥞 Brunch
Sat & Sun: 11 am–2 pm
A relaxed and often less crowded time, weekend brunch at Avanti is ideal for grabbing a coffee from Bona and a filling breakfast wrap or hot chicken sandwich.
🎤 Events
Avanti hosts regular trivia nights (“Smarty Party”) and Avanti After Dark, a late-night series featuring local DJs and drink deals. Follow their Instagram for updates.
Sustainability & Community Integration
One often-overlooked part of Avanti Boulder’s appeal is its local-first philosophy:
Furniture and design elements were sourced from Colorado artisans Menus emphasize farm-to-table practices Active member of the Downtown Boulder Partnership Supports event hosting, private buyouts, and fundraisers
This conscious design and sourcing ethos has earned Avanti praise from local sustainability advocates and food justice supporters alike.
Comparing Avanti to Other Boulder Food Halls
There’s no shortage of communal food spaces in Boulder—but Avanti stands out in several key ways:
Venue
Rooftop Patio
Alcohol Program
Chef-Curated Vendors
Kids Menu
Seating Variety
Avanti Boulder
✅ Yes, panoramic views
✅ Two bars
✅ Rotating incubator-style
✅ At Rooted
✅ Booths, couches, communal tables
Rayback Collective
❌ No
✅ Large outdoor bar
❌ Food trucks
❌ Not consistent
✅ Outdoor beer garden
The Hill Food Court
❌ No
❌ Limited
❌ Franchise-heavy
✅ At some stalls
❌ Mostly standard tables
Avanti earns particular respect for its elevated culinary curation. Vendors aren’t randomly selected—they’re chefs and restaurateurs with strong local and sometimes national pedigrees, often using the space to launch future brick-and-mortar locations.
FAQs About Avanti Boulder
🐶 Is Avanti Boulder dog-friendly?
Dogs are likely allowed on the rooftop patio, though it’s not officially stated. Many reviewers mention bringing pets during warmer weather.
🅿️ Where do I park?
Avanti offers validation for the 15th & Spruce garage, a major plus in downtown Boulder where parking can be a challenge.
🧑🦽 Is the rooftop accessible?
Yes—elevator access is available, and the venue accommodates wheelchairs and mobility aids across both floors.
🎟️ Do I need a reservation?
No—Avanti is walk-in only. This helps maintain its casual, spontaneous vibe, but it also means it can get crowded on weekends and during events.
🍕 Can I order from multiple vendors at once?
Yes—each person in your party can order separately from any vendor. There’s no combined bill, but food can be enjoyed together at any communal table.
Final Thoughts: Why Avanti Boulder Deserves a Spot on Your Dining List
Avanti Boulder isn’t just a great place to eat—it’s a culinary ecosystem built for flexibility, community, and flavor. Its rooftop alone makes it a standout, but it’s the vendor lineup, crowd-friendly layout, and consistent execution that keeps locals returning week after week.
Whether you’re:
Exploring Pearl Street on foot, Meeting up with friends for happy hour on the rooftop, Bringing the family for a no-fuss dinner, or Searching for gluten-free or vegetarian options,
Avanti Boulder rises to the occasion with ease.
It offers an unmatched blend of casual convenience and culinary variety—a model that thrives because it never tries to do too much on its own, instead giving a platform to food creatives who bring Boulder’s dining scene to life.
👉 Want more like this? Read our full guide to the best Pearl Street spots.
Other Resources
For additional reading and official resources on Avanti and Boulder’s food scene:
Avanti F&B Boulder Official Website Downtown Boulder Partnership Business Directory Westword Feature on Avanti’s Opening
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, an editor at Colorado Food Reviews who curates culinary guides based on verified public consensus across thousands of online reviews. His work focuses on highlighting local favorites, chef-led ventures, and community-based food experiences throughout the Front Range.
About Colorado Food Reviews
Colorado Food Reviews is a trusted regional resource offering curated dining guides and editorial-style food writing across Colorado’s most vibrant cities. Our team aggregates crowd-sourced feedback, local reporting, and verified public data to spotlight the best places to eat, drink, and discover.
We don’t write reviews based on personal dining—only on researched, community-driven insights.
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