Home to the Buffs, the University of Colorado-Boulder, simply referred to as CU by students and locals, is one of the largest universities in the Centennial State. Every college town has a popular spot where students eat and socialize. And in Boulder, that place is called the Hill. All of these restaurants are located in the Hill or a close bike ride from campus. Stay out late to enjoy these 9 best late night food spots near UC-Boulder.
Illegal Pete’s, a restaurant that was founded by a University of Colorado Boulder alumni, is one of the best. Although this joint has a few locations in Colorado now, the first Illegal Pete’s actually opened up on the Hill in 1995. Now this quick-paced Mexican food chain serves up massive burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos until 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You can even grab a beer at the Hill location too.
College students on a budget will love a large pizza slice from Cosmo’s Pizza. If you’re a night owl even during the weekdays, Cosmo’s Pizza is the restaurant to visit for a late night snack since it’s open till 2:30 a.m. every day. Don’t forget to purchase Cosmo’s spicy ranch sauce for an extra 50 cents—it’s worth it.
Sandwich lovers near CU must visit Half Fast Subs for a late night sandwich. Open past midnight on Thursday and Fridays, this sandwich shop has a wide variety of subs from vegetarian options to massive 14-inch creations. There are over 100 different varieties of sandwiches that are found on the menu here. You can even get a strong Long Island ice tea here too.
The Sink serves classic pub food till 2 a.m. every night. Enjoy a slice of pizza, a burger or even choose a healthier option like a wrap or a salad. Pair your delicious meal from the Sink with a cocktail or a Colorado craft beer. This dive bar and restaurant actually has had some celebrity guests, like former President Obama, Guy Fieri and Anthony Bourdain.
Boss Lady Pizza is another great pizza joint located on the Hill. You’ll definitely break your diet while eating here, but the pizza is so good you really won't care. The New York-style pizza from Boss Lady Pizza will not disappoint. Try dipping into their own signature spicy ranch known as Boss Sauce. Boss Lady is open daily until 12 am for all of your late night cravings.
If you have a large appetite, Fat Shack is the place to visit. With unique sandwiches filled with ingredients like mac and cheese or onion rings, your mouth will be watering. Fat Shack is open until 1 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays and 3 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Don’t walk out of the Fat Shack without enjoying the fried Oreos. You’ll leave feeling full—it’s a guarantee.
Now Boulder Baked does serve up some great comfort food items. However, students and Boulderites alike head to Boulder Baked for it’s delicious baked goods. Even if you’re too busy to head to the shop, Boulder Baked delivers until midnight. There is sure to be a made-to-order cookie to please your taste buds at this quintessential Boulder bakery that is open until midnight.
University Hill Market and Deli, simply referred to as Smelly Deli by students and locals, is the only establishment on this list that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a wide variety of items on the menu at the Smelly Deli, which is both an eatery and a convenient store. Fuel up with some chicken shawarma or even cheesy fries no matter what time of day it is.
After midnight Pizza Colóre serves up pizza by the slice for only $2, perfect for broke and hungry college kids. The New York-style pizza comes with a variety of toppings too. However also get a calzone, panini or Italian sub while visiting Pizza Colóre during late night hours.