If you’re searching for authentic Venezuelan arepas in Boulder, there’s only one name locals and transplants alike keep recommending: Quiero Arepas, located inside the popular Avanti Food & Beverage food hall.
A Boulder Gem for Venezuelan Arepas
Equal parts comforting and crave-worthy, this entirely gluten-free concept brings rich Latin flavor and culinary creativity to the bustling heart of Pearl Street.
From stewed chicken and sweet plantains to smoked salmon and citrusy avocado spreads, the menu offers something for every palate—whether you’re vegan, carnivorous, or just want something quick and filling with rooftop views.
Curious about the food hall it calls home? Check out our full guide to Avanti Boulder.
Location, Hours & Atmosphere
📍 Quiero Arepas at Avanti Boulder
1401 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
📞 (720) 343‑7757
🌐 Website: quieroarepas.com
🕒 Hours:
Sun–Wed: 11 AM – 9 PM Thu–Sat: 11 AM – 10:45 PM
Located just off the iconic Pearl Street Mall, Quiero Arepas occupies a stall within Avanti Boulder’s communal-style dining space. Diners place orders at the vendor’s dedicated counter, then choose from ample seating options: cozy indoor tables, couches, or the crown jewel—Avanti’s rooftop patio with sweeping views of the Flatirons.
The ambiance is lively yet comfortable, especially during brunch hours or late evenings. You’ll often find a mix of CU Boulder students, young professionals, tourists, and families all sharing communal tables under twinkle lights or around the bar.
About the Brand: From Food Truck to Boulder Staple
Founded in 2010, Quiero Arepas began as a Denver-based food truck serving Venezuelan-style corn arepas—each one naturally gluten-free, made from simple, whole ingredients.
Since then, it has expanded with stalls in both Denver and Boulder’s Avanti food halls. The Boulder location launched in Spring 2025, adding a much-needed Latin American flavor profile to Avanti’s rotating vendor lineup.
The food remains rooted in tradition, but accessible to modern dietary needs. Everything on the menu is 100% gluten-free, and the vegan options are just as flavorful as their meaty counterparts.
What to Order: Most-Loved Arepas at Quiero
Every arepa at Quiero starts with a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-inside cornmeal patty, grilled fresh to order and sliced open like a pita to be stuffed with generous fillings. Here are some of the top picks, based on Yelp, Reddit, and local blog commentary:
🐔 Pollo Guisado (~$14.99)
Stewed shredded chicken, black beans, muenster cheese & guasacaca sauce
This classic is hearty and comforting, with guasacaca (Venezuelan avocado sauce) tying everything together. It’s a go-to for meat lovers.
🥑 La Original (Vegan) (~$10.99)
Black beans, sweet plantains, avocado & guasacaca
Despite being vegan, La Original is one of the most praised items on the menu. It balances salty, sweet, and creamy notes beautifully.
🐟 El Caribe (~$14.99)
Smoked salmon, capers, muenster, avocado & guasacaca
A nod to coastal Venezuelan cuisine, this one feels light but decadent—a favorite among brunch crowds.
🥩 Pabellón (~$12.99)
Stewed beef, black beans, fried plantains, cheese & guasacaca
This version channels the flavors of pabellón criollo, Venezuela’s national dish. It’s bold, filling, and full of texture.
🧀 Queso Arepa (~$11.99)
Mozzarella, avocado, sweet plantains
For something simple but rich, the Queso Arepa delivers a gooey, cheesy interior with creamy and sweet contrasts.
🧂 Add-Ons, Sides & Drinks
Pair your arepa with one of the following for a more complete meal:
Fried Plantains with cheese and guasacaca (~$6.99) Passion Fruit Juice or Fresh Coconut Water (~$4.99–$6.99) Venezuelan Maltín Polar Soda (~$3.50) Topo Chico Sparkling Water (~$3.00)
Pro tip: Reddit users highly recommend asking for the house-made hot sauce—it’s not always listed on the menu, but it’s packed with spice and flavor.
Customer Reactions: What the Public Is Saying
Quiero Arepas has built a loyal following in Boulder, with many online reviews highlighting both the food and the rooftop ambiance. Here’s what public platforms have reported:
Reddit: “Quiero Arepas is the only one! Grew up in Miami and brought Venezuelan friends here who approved.” and “Make sure to get the side of the hot sauce. Game changer.”
MapQuest: ⭐ 4.5 average rating from 21 reviews (Boulder location) Highlights include food freshness, portion size, and ease of ordering.
TripAdvisor: Visitors mention how “the rooftop makes it a perfect lunch date spot” and praise the menu’s versatility and flavor.
Mindtrip.ai: Recognized Quiero Arepas as a “celebrated eatery specializing in Venezuelan arepas.”
Dietary & Lifestyle Highlights
One of the most appealing aspects of Quiero Arepas is how inclusive the menu is without sacrificing taste.
✅ Certified Gluten-Free
✅ Vegan-Friendly Options
✅ No Artificial Additives
✅ Grab-and-Go Friendly
With growing awareness around dietary sensitivities, having a place where gluten-free doesn’t mean bland is a serious win for Boulder’s food scene.
Wrap-Up: Why Quiero Arepas Is a Must-Visit in Boulder
In a food scene saturated with burrito bowls, sandwiches, and salads, Quiero Arepas brings something fresh and flavorful to the table. Whether you’re craving a deeply savory meal, a quick vegan lunch, or something sharable on the rooftop with a fruit soda in hand, this vendor hits all the right notes.
It’s fast but thoughtfully made, casual but bursting with bold flavor—and conveniently located inside one of Boulder’s most dynamic food halls.
Want the full scoop on Avanti and its other food vendors? Visit our complete guide to Avanti Boulder.
About the Author
Written by David Lanketh, editor at Colorado Food Reviews. David specializes in writing crowd-verified culinary guides across Colorado, spotlighting standout restaurants and locally loved concepts like Quiero Arepas that bring something truly special to the table.
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