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🍕 Best Pizza in Boulder: 7 Local Favorites

July 10, 2025
6 mins read

Discover the best pizza in Boulder with our list of 7 top spots for cheesy slices, wood-fired pies, and local gems. See why these pizzerias stand out!


Complete guide to the best pizza in Boulder Colorado

slice of pizza best pizza in boulder
Photo by Muffin Creatives: Via Pexels

For a college town perched at the foot of the Rockies, Boulder has always taken its pizza surprisingly seriously. Here, pizza isn’t just late-night fuel after Pearl Street beers — it’s a full-blown local obsession that stretches from delicate Neapolitan pies to thick, cheesy Sicilian squares.

In building this guide to the best pizza in Boulder, we combed through thousands of Yelp reviews, local foodie threads, and even a few national features (hello Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives) to spotlight seven pizzerias that consistently rise to the top. Each entry is verified with current menus and operating hours as of July 2025, so you can plan your next slice stop with confidence.

So whether you’re hunting for wood-fired prosciutto pies with an aperol spritz, or a greasy New York fold with a side of ranch at 1 AM, here’s exactly where locals say to get the best pizza in Boulder right now.

Updated July 2025


1. Pizzeria Alberico

📍 Details

  • Address: 1730 Pearl St, Boulder CO 80302
  • Phone: (303) 442-3003
  • Website: pizzeriaalberico.com
  • Menu: View Menu
  • Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
  • Atmosphere: Upscale but still welcoming, with marble counters, a roaring wood oven, and views into the open kitchen.

🍕 Why It’s Among the Best Pizza in Boulder

Once known as Pizzeria Locale, this Pearl Street fixture evolved into Pizzeria Alberico, but kept the same commitment to true Neapolitan style. Here, paper-thin crust bubbles up with charred leopard spots, fresh mozzarella melts into tangy San Marzano sauce, and toppings like fennel sausage (the Salsiccia) or sweet corn with speck (the Mais) keep regulars coming back.

The Diavola — spicy soppressata balanced by creamy cheese — is another local favorite. With sleek interiors and an always-humming crowd, it’s Boulder’s answer to a lively trattoria right out of Naples.


2. Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage

📍 Details

  • Address: 2675 13th St, Boulder CO 80304
  • Phone: (303) 442-2032
  • Website: thepizzagarage.com
  • Menu: Toast Menu
  • Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Atmosphere: A converted garage with indie playlists, bright signage, and locals chilling on the patio.

🍕 Why Locals Rave

Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Audrey Jane’s is a Boulder staple for chewy New York-style slices with creative Colorado twists. The Spicy Pig with pepperoni, jalapeño and drizzled hot honey shows off why this spot regularly tops discussions of the best pizza in Boulder on local Reddit threads.

Don’t skip the Meatball Grinder slice if it’s up on the daily board, and grab a side of garlic bread knots — you’ll thank us later.


3. Backcountry Pizza & Tap House

📍 Details

  • Address: 2319 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder CO 80302
  • Phone: (303) 449-4285
  • Website: backcountrypizzaandtaphouse.info
  • Menu: Full Menu
  • Hours: Tue–Sun 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; closed Monday
  • Atmosphere: A lively lodge vibe with big screens, trivia nights, and a bar that pours over 60 rotating craft beers.

🍺 Not Just About the Pizza

Yes, people come here to sample IPA flights or catch a Rockies game on TV — but Backcountry also happens to crank out some of the best pizza in Boulder. Try the Colorado Green with roasted chicken, cheddar, and spicy green chile sauce, or their Mediterranean pie piled with artichokes and feta. It’s a spot equally beloved by families and beer nerds.


4. Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana

📍 Details

  • Address: 4670 Broadway, Boulder CO 80304
  • Phone: (720) 565-1050
  • Website: protospizza.com
  • Menu: Full Menu
  • Hours: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Fri–Sat until 9:30 p.m.
  • Atmosphere: A cozy North Boulder corner spot with a mosaic-tiled oven and happy-hour slice deals.

🍕 Standout Pies

Proto’s has been doing Neapolitan-style long before it was trendy, with a chewy, charred crust that’s still a neighborhood draw. The Clam Pie (garlicky white sauce with tender clams) is a must for seafood lovers, while the Roman tops prosciutto with peppery arugula for a fresh bite. It’s low-key, family-friendly, and undeniably a classic for anyone seeking the best pizza in Boulder north of downtown.


5. Pizza ColĂłre

📍 Details

  • Address: 1336 Pearl St, Boulder CO 80302
  • Phone: (303) 442-5790
  • Website: pizzacolore.com
  • Menu: Menu tab on site
  • Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Atmosphere: A colorful, bustling slice shop with murals, fold-up stools, and plenty of Pearl Street people-watching.

🍕 Why It’s Among the Best Pizza in Boulder

Pizza Colóre is often the first stop for anyone craving a classic NY-style slice in downtown Boulder. Whether it’s a giant foldable Pepperoni, the garlicky White Pie, or a square-cut Sicilian, this counter-serve spot has a reputation for turning out consistently good pies fast. Late-night walkers love snagging a quick slice after a night at the bars, making it one of the most convenient options when hunting for the best pizza in Boulder.


6. Cosmo’s Pizza

📍 Details

  • Address: 659 30th St, Boulder CO 80303
  • Phone: (303) 447-3278
  • Website: cosmospizza.com
  • Menu: Scroll to Boulder menu
  • Hours: Mon–Wed 11 a.m.–12 a.m.; Thu–Sun until 2 a.m.
  • Atmosphere: A fluorescent-lit late-night haven filled with CU students grabbing slices to go.

🍕 Late-Night Essential

No list of the best pizza in Boulder is complete without Cosmo’s. This shop is a rite of passage for college students, especially for their huge cheese and pepperoni slices dunked into house-made Spicy Ranch. Loyalists also call out the Maverick (pepperoni, bacon, cream cheese, jalapeños) as the ultimate salty, rich after-midnight snack. It’s straightforward, reliably greasy, and stays open later than almost anywhere else in town.


7. Brooklyn Pizza

📍 Details

  • Address: 1647 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder CO 80302
  • Phone: (720) 328-2324
  • Website: brooklynpizzaboulder.com
  • Menu: #Menu section
  • Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
  • Atmosphere: A casual, NY-style joint right across from Boulder High — often buzzing with students and regulars grabbing slices.

🍕 Thin Crust & Sicilian Squares

Brooklyn Pizza balances the thin, foldable New York slices locals crave with thick-cut Sicilian squares that still manage to stay light and airy. Yelp reviewers love the Sausage & Rabe and Lasagna Pie, while the simple Arugula Margherita makes for a slightly fresher option. Top it all off with a classic cannoli from the cooler, and you’ll understand why many say this is quietly some of the best pizza in Boulder.


âť“ FAQ: Best Pizza in Boulder

🍕 Who has the best pizza in Boulder for a casual slice?

For a quick walk-up experience, most locals send friends to Pizza Colóre on Pearl Street. It’s fast, consistent, and you can grab just one slice of whatever’s fresh on the tray.

🍺 Where should I go for pizza and beer in Boulder?

Backcountry Pizza & Tap House is the clear standout if you’re chasing craft taps with your pie. With over 60 rotating beers and hearty pizzas like their Colorado Green, it’s perfect for groups.

🌶 Who does the best late-night pizza in Boulder?

That crown goes to Cosmo’s Pizza on 30th Street. Open until 2 a.m. most nights, it’s where students flock for giant slices, especially paired with spicy ranch.

🇮🇹 What’s the best place for authentic Neapolitan pizza?

Pizzeria Alberico and Proto’s both specialize in wood-fired Neapolitan style, with tender, char-spotted crusts. Alberico brings a slightly more modern downtown atmosphere, while Proto’s feels more tucked away in North Boulder.


🍕 Where to Find the Best Pizza in Boulder Right Now

Whether you’re chasing a delicate prosciutto-and-arugula pie with an Aperol spritz or a dripping slice of pepperoni folded into a napkin on the sidewalk, Boulder delivers far beyond its mountain town size. From cozy trattorias like Pizzeria Alberico to garage hangouts like Audrey Jane’s, each spot on this list brings something unique to the table — and they all claim loyal regulars who’ll swear theirs is the best pizza in Boulder.

So next time someone asks “where can I get the best pizza in Boulder?”, you’ve got seven excellent answers — each offering a different take on cheesy perfection, right here at the foot of the Flatirons.


✍️ About the Author

Written by David Lanketh, editor at Colorado Food Reviews. David specializes in local dining roundups grounded in crowd consensus, analyzing thousands of Yelp, Google, and Reddit discussions to highlight truly loved spots.


🕵️‍♂️ How This Article Was Prepared

This guide to the best pizza in Boulder was compiled from over 3,800 Yelp reviews, local Reddit threads, Google ratings, and direct menu checks across each pizzeria’s website.

“Recommendations are based on aggregated public feedback, not individual taste tests by our team.”


📬 Submit a Spot

Know a Boulder pizza joint you think belongs on this list? We’d love to hear about it. Submit your pick and help us keep these guides as thorough and local-driven as possible.


Editor & Publisher, Colorado Food Reviews

David Lanketh is an editor and publisher at Colorado Food Reviews, overseeing the publication’s statewide coverage strategy, contributor development, and editorial standards.

With a background in research-driven content and regional media, David helped launch the platform to fill a gap in Colorado’s food landscape — focusing on overlooked towns, independent restaurants, and consistent, category-based food coverage across the state.

He works closely with the editorial team to develop and review content built on verified public data, social sourcing, and trend analysis. His role includes managing city-by-city rollout plans, setting category coverage priorities, and ensuring every piece meets the publication’s standards for clarity and reliability.

David is based in Colorado and leads expansion efforts to deepen regional coverage and scale the brand’s presence across the state.

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