Student Guide 2010: Students: Starving no more

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With restaurants on every corner, hunger has a slim chance against Boulder students.

And yet, it’s all too easy to get stuck in the cycle of student-oriented eateries like Jimmy John’s and Qdoba. In foodcentric Boulder, there is no reason to follow such monotony. This guide offers a sampling of some of Boulder’s best deals for the quality-seeking diner. The restaurants featured below were chosen because of their accessibility, reasonable prices and most of all, their irresistible food. It’s just a matter of making the effort to branch out.

Off the beaten path

It’s easy to find the road more traveled when it comes to dining out. Take a step off and you could discover a better bite. Try a healthy pizza at Modmarket, located in the 29th Street Mall. Their whole-wheat flatbreads are a nutritious alternative to greasy, doughy pizzas found elsewhere, and their toppings are unmatchable. The sleek café also offers hearty, made-toorder salads in numerous varieties and prime customer service.

Head north from there to reach Dish, the gourmet sandwich joint that almost puts Half Fast to shame. With expert chefs and an emphasis on locally produced ingredients, the friendly shop offers a gourmet fast-food experience.

Head west on Pearl and find The Cup between 15th and 16th streets. This ultra-Boulder café has numerous waste receptacles and compostable cups, and boasts fair trade coffee by Conscious Coffees. It also offers a full menu of breakfast and lunch items; especially delicious are the bagel sandwiches that cost around $6.

Stroll farther west and, at Broadway, turn right. Between Pearl and Spruce streets sits Oliv You & Me, an olive oil store that will take you around the world. From Italy to California, the olive oils are a gourmet journey in themselves. Snack on an authentic Italian prosciutto sandwich and a cappuccino for a mid-day meal.

Flatirons friendly

When your parents gift you the Flatirons Meal Plan at the start of the semester, it’s hard to
dine anywhere that won’t accept the card. It may get tiresome, however,
visiting the same carousel of eateries each week.

Indulge in a burger at The Dark Horse, a college-y, laid-back restaurant that’s served Boulder since 1975.

The
multi-room saloon has as much character as Disneyland. It’s either a
short drive or a 15-minute walk from Kittredge, but well worth the
travel.

Forgo
a sub-standard sandwich in favor of one at Salvaggio’s. The
award-winning deli serves hearty sandwiches made with grilled steak,
onions, peppers, fresh mozzarella and more. Soft, flavorful bread sets
Salvaggio’s apart from other shops, and for around $7, lunch is a steal.

Treat
your body well at Sunflower Market. This natural foods grocery store is
a mere hop down Folsom, and it has everything you need for a healthy
life. Hungry during class? Munch on some dried cranberries or chocolate
almonds from the bulk bins. In need of a nutritious lunch? Pick up some
sushi or prepared foods from the upstairs deli area and leave the store
for less than $10.

If
you’re on the Broadway side of campus, head down to Arapahoe for a
classic meal at Mustard’s Last Stand. Here in Boulder since 1970, the
café must be doing something right. Chicago-style Vienna hot dogs are
the specialty, but it also offers Bratwurst, chicken sandwiches and
vegetarian options.

Sit down and savor

Perhaps you have a
date you’d like to impress. Perhaps you’re plain sick of dorm food. If
so, look no further than the following options. They’re not ideal for an
in-between-classes lunch, but are perfect for a night out.

Up
north, try Proto’s Pizza. It’s easy to access this Neapolitan-style
pizzeria via the Skip, and worth the ride. Try the classic pizza
Margherita with fresh basil. Thin crust reigns at the popular joint, and
prices are reasonable, especially if you split a pie with a friend.
Right off Pearl Street lies the 14th Street Bar & Grill, a laid-back
but classy restaurant that serves something for everyone. From luscious
chicken sandwiches to woodfired pizzas, not even the pickiest eater
will go hungry at this likeable locale. Most dishes are around $15.

For
a fun ethnic experience, try Sherpa’s. It’s nestled on 8th and Walnut
inside a former house, and serves Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian food.
Dishes include Saag and Tikka Masala, and don’t miss the puffy Naan
bread. If you’re of age, sample the Sherpa Ale, a tasty beer to
complement the meal. Prices at Sherpa’s can’t be beat; most of the
entrées are in the $10 range and are so huge they’ll feed you tomorrow
as well.

Finally,
savor Southwestern fare at Zolo. Owned by the famed Big Red F restaurant
group (other properties include Jax and the West End Tavern), Zolo has
some of the tastiest food in town. Prices may be slightly upwards of the
regular student budget, but at around $20 an entrée, it won’t clean you
out for the entire semester, either.

Student
dining in Boulder need not be monotonous. All it takes is a few steps
off campus to discover the town is rich with flavor.