Address: 1048 Pearl Street, Suite 105, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: +1 (303) 473‑4730
Yelp Rating: 4.0 ★ from ~400 reviews
Sushi With a Side of Style on Pearl Street
If you’re searching for sushi in Boulder that blends bold flavor, sleek design, and serious social energy, Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar should be on your radar.
Located in its new 5,600-square-foot home on Pearl Street since late 2023, Hapa delivers more than just fresh fish—it offers a whole vibe. With DJ sets on weekends, a stylish full bar, and a hybrid Tokyo–New York aesthetic, it stands out as one of the best sushi spots in Boulder for both food and atmosphere.
More than two decades after its original launch in 1999, Hapa continues to evolve with the city’s tastes—now adding nightlife flair to its already popular menu of creative rolls, crudos, and izakaya-inspired plates.
Inside Hapa: Vibrant Yet Refined
Hapa’s new location is as much about experience as it is about eating. The interior leans modern and metropolitan, with polished finishes, thoughtful lighting, and soundproofing that keeps the energy up without overwhelming conversation. There’s an impressive full-service bar and expansive dining space, plus a 72-seat outdoor patio that activates during Boulder’s sunny afternoons and lively evenings.
The restaurant blends casual elegance with a playful edge—especially once the DJ booth gets going on Thursday through Saturday nights. That fusion of fun and refinement has made it a go-to for everything from date nights to late-night hangs.
What to Order at Hapa Sushi
The menu at Hapa is rooted in Japanese technique but freely mixes in Hawaiian and fusion influences, giving it a creative edge that’s reflected in dishes as well as cocktails. Portions are generous, and the presentation is consistently strong, according to hundreds of reviews across platforms.
Based on our research, locals love the following:
Magic Mushrooms Avocado wrapped in salmon, broiled with Japanese aioli and sweet soy—praised for its warmth, richness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Spicy Tuna Nachos A shareable standout topped with spicy tuna, mango salsa, guac, sour cream & chips. Multiple reviews call it “addictive” and “to die for.”
Hawaiian Kanpachi Crudo Clean and bright amberjack with kimchi furikake and ponzu—frequently mentioned for its balance and acidity.
Crispy Seared Ahi Sesame-crusted tuna with chili sauce and Asian slaw—highlighted by diners who prefer cooked options with bold flavor.
Broiled Green Mussels A baked option with sweet soy and Japanese aioli—commonly ordered as an appetizer for the table.
Wagyu Bao Steamed buns filled with wagyu beef, house pickles, and kimchi—loved for its savory depth and texture contrast.
Hawaiian Calamari Panko-fried calamari with mango chili sauce—a crowd-pleaser for both seafood lovers and spice seekers.
Menu Range & Dietary Options
Hapa’s menu spans classic sushi offerings like nigiri and sashimi to more indulgent rolls and creative entrees. There’s also a full lineup of bowls, soups, and shareable small plates that give non-sushi eaters plenty to explore.
Appetizers: ~$7–$22 Sushi rolls: ~$9–$28 (including creative, multi-ingredient rolls) Sashimi combos: ~$25–$48 Desserts: Varied; includes mochi and ice cream options
A separate gluten-free menu is available and includes sushi, bowls, and happy hour options. Vegetarian and vegan items (like veggie gyoza and unsanctioned veggie rolls) are clearly marked. A kids’ menu rounds out the inclusivity with simple sushi and rice-based meals for younger diners.
Beverage Program
Sake fans and cocktail lovers alike will find something to enjoy here. The bar program includes:
House-crafted sake cocktails (e.g., “G-Spot”) Hot sake during happy hour Sake bombs and Hapa house beer Classic cocktails, wine, and well drinks
During happy hour, drink specials are paired with discounted small plates—making it one of the most popular times to visit.
Service, Hours & Experience Overview
Lunch: Daily 11 AM–5:30 PM Happy Hour: Daily 2:30–5:30 PM (online orders until 4:30 PM) Dinner: Sun–Thu 5:30–10 PM; Fri–Sat 5:30 PM–12 AM Late Night: Fri–Sat open until midnight Reservations: Accepted via OpenTable; full party must be present to be seated Service Type: Full-service dining, takeout, delivery, bar, and DJ nights
Wait times can be long on weekends, especially for walk-ins during DJ hours. Booking ahead is advised if you’re planning a Friday or Saturday night visit.
What Reviewers Say
Across Yelp, OpenTable, Google, and TripAdvisor, Hapa earns consistently high marks for creativity, ambiance, and flavor. Here’s what stands out:
“Spicy tuna nachos are to die for.” “Love the late-night energy—perfect combo of sushi and social scene.” “Fresh seafood, polished space, great cocktails.”
Some guests noted that happy hour ends earlier than expected (5:30 PM sharp) and there can be service slowdowns during peak hours. However, these were mentioned as occasional drawbacks in an otherwise highly-rated experience.
Events, Culture & Community Presence
Hapa isn’t just a restaurant—it’s part of the local dining culture. As a Downtown Boulder Partnership member, it participates in Pearl Street food initiatives and seasonal events. DJs spin Thursday through Saturday nights, bringing a club-adjacent energy that’s rare among sushi spots in town.
The restaurant also uses rice-bran oil for frying—an eco-conscious choice that appeals to health-aware diners. While there’s no formal loyalty program, its regulars tend to return for both food and the full experience.
Who It’s For
Hapa draws a diverse crowd, including:
Young professionals Couples and date-night diners CU Boulder students and grads Families seeking a polished but lively meal Sushi lovers looking for bold flavors and creative twists
The space is wheelchair accessible, and nearby street parking is generally available. The outdoor patio adds versatility and is likely pet-friendly, though not explicitly stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hapa good for families?
Yes, the kids’ menu, spacious layout, and casual ambiance make it a good pick for families—especially during lunch and early dinner hours.
What’s the best time to go for happy hour?
Happy hour runs from 2:30–5:30 PM daily, with online ordering available until 4:30 PM. Seating fills quickly—arrive early to take full advantage.
Can I book a table?
Yes, reservations are accepted via OpenTable. Note that full parties must be present to be seated.
Are there vegetarian and gluten-free options?
Absolutely. Hapa offers a full gluten-free menu and several vegetarian/vegan rolls and apps.
What’s the vibe like at night?
On DJ nights (Thu–Sat), the energy picks up, making it a buzzy spot for groups, dates, and late dinners.
Conclusion: Boulder’s Fusion Sushi Powerhouse
Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar balances innovation and consistency in a way that few restaurants manage. Its updated Pearl Street space is sleek, spacious, and sound-conscious—a perfect match for its eclectic menu of Japanese–Hawaiian fusion. Whether you’re a sushi purist or just looking for a fun night out with spicy tuna nachos and sake bombs, Hapa hits the mark.
It’s not just about great sushi—it’s about the experience. And in Boulder, that makes Hapa a mainstay.
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.
About Colorado Food Reviews
Colorado Food Reviews is a regional editorial guide spotlighting the most noteworthy food experiences across the Front Range. We aggregate insights from thousands of diners and publish researched, trust-based restaurant reviews.
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