The Bitter Bar

Found this place by chance during our visit and were so impressed. The bartenders were exceptionally friendly, crafting delicious off-menu drinks tailored to our tastes. The service truly went above and beyond when one bartender, after we asked for a dessert place recommendation, brought us a surprise dessert sampler from a local shop. We felt like cherished regulars from the moment we walked in. Can't wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone in town.

I am SO thankful we ran across the Bitter Bar in our short trip to Boulder. The drinks were absolutely wonderful and the service was above and beyond. Brad welcomed up right when we came in and chatted with us a lot of our first night. Because of him, we went back our second night in town! We cannot say enough good things!

Great atmosphere and very kind staff! They were super accommodating to our group and gave great drink suggestions and offered us drinks even when it was late or busy for them! Would recommend :)

Service and atmosphere was great, but the drinks were weak and expensive. That’s not abnormal for a college area though, so I only held back one star for it. It’s a fun, casual place that’s easy to hang out with friends at.

we had an incredible time here! beautiful lighting and patio, was a great place to hang and chat late into the night. ambience was fantastic. bartender was super sweet and the drinks were very nicely balanced - i had the pillowtalk and it was fruity and refreshing.

Fun spot in Boulder that’s a bit off the beaten path of Pearl Street. Opens at 5pm, just as shade starts to make its way onto the outdoor patio. Very friendly staff, attentive & knowledgeable. Fun drinks and they certainly don’t go light on the pours. The cocktails are fun but just shy of top shelf, hence the four star rating. This is a great go to for a solid cocktail at a great happy hour price. I had the Tin Man and did really like it. They have an awesome little mint farm going by the edge of the patio which was fun to see. I didn’t try any of their drinks with mint in them but if they are using the mint from this garden - that’s be super cool!

I come to hang out with friends since I don’t drink. I’d be interested in a mocktail that isn’t super sugary if that gets added to menu! I did taste a friends gin martini it was yummy, so would def try a mocktail version. Also they have this Carti poster in the far bathroom?? lol love it

Happy hour goes a little later (5-7) which is super nice if you didn’t quite catch the 6pm cut-off elsewhere. $8 craft cocktails is most likely the best deal off Pearl. The space is dark and red and more relaxed than ever. Good move, I think, going from a high-end cocktail bar to a more approachable drinks & gathering spot for everyone. I like the Tin Man best!

Came in for happy hour and was not disappointed! Bartenders are friendly, ambiance is swanky/relaxed. Can definitely recommend the tin man and Boulder v 2.0. Even outside of HH, drinks are reasonably priced. A good place to go with a group of friends or dress it up for grils' night or date night. Fun spot- I'll definitely be back!

Fun & lively! Not bitter at all ***giggle*** Great place to grab a drink after dinner! Loved the cocktails!

Update: the Gin & BB Tonic 100% wins a Grammy!!!

Outstanding bartender and service! Unique cocktails made well, with great suggestions that are on point to taste. First time I've had a Pisco sour and it was PERFECTION. Nice, warm ambiance. Definitely recommend this spot for a more relaxed high-end or elevated bar experience.

Best gin and tonic ever ... their in house tonic is delicious great atmosphere cool locals hang out

Overall: Well-mixed and tasty cocktails, attentive employees, and hip unpretentious vibe. Reasonable prices for the area. Drinks: -That Pink Drink: Not syrupy sweet. Light refreshing. Simple three ingredients that I can taste, cucumber gin, aperol, lemon. -The Italian Job: Light, citrusy shooter. Leans more sour. I like how they sugar half the rim instead of the whole rim. -The demon slayer: Not into sake but a couple of friends gave it a thumbs up. Green tea syrup balanced the acidic rice alcohol. -Gin & BB Tonic: Love gin and tonic, but I usually don't like cinnamon flavored drinks since it tends to taste overpowering. This had a subtle cinnamon infused flavor. The lemon and ginger may have balanced it out to give a light yet cozy feel at the same time. Service: Fast, considering how busy it was on a Friday night and the number of staff. Our female server was doing very well keeping up with us and everyone, considering we moved seats twice to move away from the speakers. Vibe: Great hangout spot with friends. Not so much for meeting new people unless you're at the bar. Most people were sticking to their own groups. Loungey music and cool ambiance lighting. Indoor and outdoor seating. Price: Very reasonable prices. You don't feel guilty ordering just one more...

The guys were so helpful to us and the ambiance was not at all what we expected but in the best way. Super chill and laid back but darker and intimate compared to a lot of other bars. Would definitely make this a regular spot if we lived in the area!

This is a really fun bar! They have great drinks at a reasonable price. I recommend the La La Land if you like something a little sweeter The service is great and the bartenders are so kind.

Cool bar in a convenient area. Just by the free parking near Pearl Street. Nice ambiance and good drinks. Can get crowded and service can be slow. Would recommend, but it's just your average bar in Boulder. The red lighting is cool but can be distracting. They have a nice outdoor patio though.

DONT COME HERE. the owner is nice and everything but apparently all the waiters "hate" me because i don't tip 30%. like this is a bar in a college town in the bar area. i treat them well but i'm not gonna tip 30% when there is nothing memorable that happened. i do a standard 15-20% depending on service. extremely rude and immature staff. don't waste ur money here. not even fun inside. just dark, no games or anything. the waiters manipulate you so that they can get large tips for doing what their job implies and pouring drinks that are pre-made. not worth it. wish i could give them 0 stars

James Lee makes the best God Damn cocktails west of the Mississippi, and if you disagree you can eat my shorts! The vibes? Excellent! The ambience? Great! The happy hour? Incredible! The service? Amazing! I am a ride or die bitterite, and I have drank enough Tin Men (the best thing on their menu) to kill a horse.

really cute date spot!! unique drinks and friendly service plus the vibe is intimate but not toooooo fancy

Best bar in Boulder, hands down. Kim and Laurielle are the most fabulous cocktail conjurers of all.

Walked into the Bitter Bar and my first Vibe was a Speakeasy. Awesome Craft Cocktails served in a sultry sexy dark environment. The difference was they weren't trying too hard to be a speakeasy. Service was super friendly and inviting. Guests were made to feel comfortable. Staff recommended drinks. In Boulder and you enjoy your Cocktails then Bitter Bar is the place for you. I'm from Minneapolis and I was made to feel so welcomed. Great job Staff!!

The Bitter Bar was a fun little stop to visit the day of our visit to Boulder! After checking out the shops, we decided we needed a drink before our trek back to Denver. The Bitter Bar won. Stopped in during HH. Great little menu, even snacks were available! They did a great job at keeping their staff masked and the patrons socially distanced. We tried quite a few of the HH drinks, all were lovely... ...if in Boulder and in need of something to take the edge off a crazy day or just want to raise a glass and toast to good times, let the Bitter Bar help! We certainly enjoyed our time there and would go back in a heartbeat!

Wow. What an awesome spot on the outskirts of the hippest part of Boulder! The whiskey selection is impressive. You have to see it for yourself. Outdoor seating in the summer (I can't speak for the winter as I haven't seen it), low lit inside decor, and knowledgeable bartenders. We stumbled upon this place on accident and it was a very happy one. They serve small bites and charcuterie. Happy hour drinks are $7 and made with good alcohol. Highly recommend a visit. We capped our night here and it was an excellent decision!

The best cocktail bar in Boulder. Bartenders are awesome. Really well informed and into their craft. Happy hour cocktail list changes with the seasons. Something for everyone. Fun front porch area when the weather is nice. Inside vibe is Boulder odd, which is a good thing. Not a crazy amount of variety in the booze they stock but by no means is it shabby and generally well thought out. Always bringing in new bottles you might not find elsewhere. My go to spot!

The cocktails here are perfect, every single one of them delicious, prices are pretty good too for the quality of the drinks! Speakeasy vibes, kind of low key, ask a server for recs if you are unsure what you want they are all helpful and knowledgeable(:

We made a trip to Boulder and read a few blogs that recommended The Bitter Bar so we decided to check it out. Y'all, the HH here is fantastic! Blue Velvet tastes like candy. It literally tastes just like candy so if you're into sweet drinks this is the one! The lavender flavor in Kiss the Sky was overpowering all the other flavors but I like lavender so it was good!! Tin Man was definitely my favorite! The flavors in it were mixed together perfectly. We also got an Old Fashioned (not pictured) and we felt as if it maybe had *too* many bitters. It didn't taste bad, it just was a little more bittery than we are used t. The space is so relaxing and chill. Music is on point. Staff is very friendly + knowledgeable. We went during happy hour so total for 4 drinks was ~$38, 3 HH cocktails, one normal. Would definitely come here again!!

A great vibe. Fun patio and good happy hour. Laureal was absolutely awesome and a great vibe - made us stay longer just to hang with her.

Cocktails were great! Get "that pink drink" , HH till 8pm and you can't really find that anywhere anymore. Ambiance was great, most likely better for late night cocktails!

Made a trip from Denver and decided to try this place. Friendly place and bartender made some Really good suggestions. They make a great Alabama slammer. Highly recommend and this is a sober review.

One of the best bars on the Front Range. I discovered bartender James Lee back in 2009 or 10 at a cocktail competition in Denver. I loved his drink, and he was cordial and fun to talk with. So my husband and I made the trek up to Boulder to enjoy his cocktails at Bitter Bar, then home to Happy Noodle as well. We continue to visit any time we are in Boulder, and it continues to serve up excellent drinks in a beautiful atmosphere. All of the bartenders are skilled, both at mixing drinks and in customer service. On my most recent visit (last week), we were able to enjoy happy hour and some delicious bar snacks. Their old fashioned is great, as are their custom concoctions.

Danny was the greatest!! Very personable, super friendly & gave great recommendations. We'll be coming back because of him! If you're at the bar, ask for Danny! You won't be disappointed :)

Found this place due to great reviews online. It held up in person. Shared Friday night date night there and loved the ambiance. It was lit well, super friendly staff and great prices.

First time going to bitter bar in Boulder last Wednesday. Nice spot that isn't super crowded. Staff were friendly and the atmosphere was nice sitting outside on the patio. Shot of well whiskey was 9.50$ though which is craaazy.

This place is awesome!!! The happy hour is amazing and available until 8pm. Let's start with $5 great rose, olives and $6 cocktails. The HH menu is just so good and I'm a total whiskey drinker so this place was perfect. Seating can be hard to find but we found some at the communal tables. People were also sitting outside which was much too cold for me. I will def be back. The bartenders know their drinks and are super nice. There can be a student scene but also some business. It's a must stop shop.

Great Drinks and Great Staff! This place is a favorite from our trip to Boulder!

Best stop during my recent visit to the Denver area. They make such a memorable cocktail. Top 5 Iv ever had at a bar. And the ambience is second to none. Love the red lights and dark atmosphere. Like being on a David lynch set, minus the psychopaths and unsettling plot.

Decent bar away from the touristy parts. They have really awesome happy hour specials.

Being a newcomer to Boulder, it has taken some time to find the places that suit my needs. And Bitter Bar definitely fulfills my need to visit a speakeasy regularly. We stumbled in here one night a few weeks ago on a weeknight and found the place littered with a few people and seats available at the bar. This venue is very spacious with plenty of space for groups and couples. There are various types of seating arrangements including comfy couches and outdoor space. As Sara M. mentions in her review, the place is fairly dark inside, so be prepared for a dimly lit environment. What is notable to mention is that their drinks are very well made. They have true mixologists on hand and every drink I had was excellent. I like tin man ($9) and rosa's cantina ($12). And what's really great about this place is that they have happy hour every weekday from 5pm-8pm. Happy hour ends at 6pm or 7pm at most other places in the area. One thing to note is that there aren't any food items on the happy hour menu, so make sure to eat prior as their drinks are fairly strong. Staff are very helpful here and service is on point. Once while I was waiting in line for the single bathroom in the back, a staff member let me know there was another bathroom with multiple stalls in the front. Sweet, thanks for the useful tip. Overall, this place is excellent. It can be great for dates and also groups (make sure you arrive early before 6pm to snag a table for your group). I'll definitely be back with more friends!

This spot has the coolest bar ambiance in Boulder whether you choose the outdoor seating area with clear views of the Flatirons, or the dimly-lit Roxanne-esque lounge. There's lots of different seating configurations so you can cozy up to your lover in a private corner or round up friends for a party party party. The craft cocktails are ALL fantastic although the Birds and the Bees and The Mademoiselle are standouts. The Sazerac is classic and epitomized here with all the swank and class that should forever accompany any Sazerac. Say that fast three times. I dare you. The staff here are super attentive and whip-smart. They recognize you even after one visit, and they'll know what you're drinking and offer suggestions if you want to mix it up. I don't know how they do it, but I tried cocktails that contain ingredients that I did not think I liked...but somehow they perform their magical alcohol alchemy here and magically * POOF! * it is the best damn cocktail you've ever tasted. Or, you've been sampling so many that they all start to taste magical? Whatever -- the net result is the same: awesome cocktails. Noteworthy is their Happy Hour because it runs from 5-8 pm, Monday through Friday. So, long after other happy hours have ended, you've got a great excuse to pop into this awesome spot at the west end of Pearl (just one block off Pearl, on Walnut) before heading onto dinner or whatever groovy plans you're onto next. If you're more of a beer or wine lover, there's still a few nice options - and thankfully not the same old pours as other spots. I'd skip the happy hour white, though. If you're choosing between the happy hour wines, go for the rose. It's crisp, clean with little fruit up front. Magical alcohol alchemy - that's the bottom line. And an awesome backdrop. It's a perfect representation of Boulder's best.

The Bitter Bar made me fall in love with the city of Boulder. It was exactly what I was looking for to complete my experience during my two-day visit to Boulder. It's classy, dimly lit, perfect for dates or general catch ups or hanging with friends, there's a bar and lots of different types of seating, there's options to sit outside. The atmosphere is fully there. Likewise, the service was also amazing. The perfect balance of asking us how we're doing on drinks but not borderline annoying and interrupting conversation. The suggestions and answers were spot on. If you're not sure of what cocktail to order, tell them what you like/don't like, and they'll take care of you. I ordered a whiskey cocktail with a ginger beer ice cube so as it melted, it became a little less whiskey potent and a little sweeter (but nothing too sweet). I loved it. One of my favorite cocktails I've had. The location is perfect. You can grab a meal beforehand at a nearby local restaurant and head over afterwards to enjoy a crafty cocktail. All in all, one of my favorite stops during my Colorado vacation. Also, can we mention how cute all of the bartenders are dressed :)

Lauren was absolutely amazing! The drinks were incredible, I am picky AF and was delighted to actually be blown away by such delicious, creative, well-paired drinks. Sooo impressed.

I don't go to "actual" bars very often, just special events or on vacation or meeting friends who have chosen it. Not to say I don't like a nice drink occasionally, but it's usually in more of a restaurant setting. I had an occasion to meet some friends at this chosen location and was pleased to have the opportunity to try it since I'd been hearing good things about it for years. It's in an easy to access location and if you need to use a car, there are nearby garage options that are easier than finding on street spaces in general. The building is a quaint old stone historic location that I have been to over the decades in its various previous restaurant incarnations which were very popular in their days. I was sorry to see both go but times change. We were greeted by very friendly staff who were happy to help us find seating at an evening time that was before dinner for some and after for some. The indoor seating was very dark (yes, I know it's a bar) but for my eye situation it was bit dark to see well while conversing. It was great that on a pleasant fall evening, after sunset but still only early dusk we were able to get a nice casual and comfortable spot outside. My drink, a Tin Man, was very tasty. No complaints. And I saw other drinks on the menu that I would try. I'd come back again under a similar situation though I don't know how likely that will be. It would be nice to at least try a few more things, especially some snack option to go with the drinks before raising the rating to what I am guessing it's probably worth. But I'm happy to recommend it as a worthy casual bar option in Boulder.

Dark, funky, casual vibe, attractive bartenders, and tasty cocktails. While the menu looks interesting, Inwent in for a Sazerac (my fave classic cocktail). They served it up PERFECT!

Cute place with a great happy hour menu. Staff was great and the patio was perfect for the summer!

Love this bar, definitely my favorite in Boulder. We come here most every Friday to take advantage of their 5-8 happy hour, which includes an amazing $5 rosé brut that we can't get enough of. The vibe reminds me of what you would get if you added all the Interpol album art together: dark, red mood lighting, with wood and some taxidermy. The bartenders are really nice, interesting people that may forget your name but will remember your face. They all really know their liquors (this is a great place for a bespoke drink) and make mean cocktails. The fact that hay have cocktails on tap is a real selling point, and they are delicious and interesting. Drink suggestions: Rosé brut, Birds and the Bees, Kiss the Sky

Worst service I've ever been privy to in Boulder.(2/10/19) Greeted on entry by what I'm imagining was a bartender, though I never once saw him mix a drink. He was stiff, dry, and lived up to this establishment's name. We sat at a table, he came over with menus and we explained we had never been. He recommended his fave cocktail which we vetoed on the basis of not drinking gin. He left to give us a few more minutes. 3 later he returned and once again told us his favorite drink, despite our prior protest. Still reading our menus, he hovered at our table for a minute or two, then left. Upon leaving he dropped a water bottle and shattered it on the ground. He came back around to clean it up and over the next 15 minutes proceeded to do everything but serve drinks or make eye contact of any sort, including chat with every customer at the bar, the other bartender, and even to himself...indeed we were forgotten. Left this bar with a Bitter taste in my mouth and won't be coming back. For the price of their drinks there are many places I can visit who actually want my business there, but this bar isn't one of them.

I love this place for happy hour! Cocktails are $6, draft beers are $4, and wine are $5. And the best part is, happy hour goes until 8pm during the week! I find it hard finding a happy hour in Boulder past 5 or 6. So this was a great find. When it is nice outside, I prefer sitting out on the patio because the interior has dim lighting. Though I like the decor, I think it is a tad too dark for my liking. However, the dark lighting matches the chill, relaxed, yet posh ambience.

I am more than 9 months late leaving this review - but it is specifically for the owner and the quality of drink(s) he makes. On multiple occasions he has dropped what he's been doing to make a requested manhattan that was not on the menu and it was by far the best manhattan I have ever had. That along with the tequila / Mezcal drink on the menu are my favorites. By far my favorite spot to get a GREAT cocktail in Boulder - prices are reasonable, ambiance is great and the owners attention to detail is fantastic. GO HERE :)!

Great little bar. Cool ambiance, great place to grab a quality craft cocktail before having dinner somewhere in town.

The classiest joint in Boulder. This is the optimal date night spot and their happy hour is kick ass. All the drinks are delicious and the bartenders are seasoned mixologists. We eventually wandered off the menu to have a wonderfully balanced Manhattan as well as some on the spot original creations. I asked for something less sweet and it's exactly what I got. The garnishments are beautiful and only the best looking peels and maraschino cherries make it into your glass. I'll definitely be back. Get there early or you may be waiting for a seat.

I had a delicious drink called the "pink drink". Was very refreshing and qualified for happy hour. Our mattress was very attentive and the ambience was unique. I recommend stopping here for a drink or two!

So it's hands down the best bar in Boulder. Staff are dope as f**k. It's got a great chill vibe and is usually busy everyday of the week.

Excellent cocktail bar, fun atmosphere. Try the Boulevardier. Make sure to ask for a bourbon list they have an excellent selection of rare finds. Nice indoor and porch seating are available.

Quaint during the week - crowded AF during the weekend. The craft cocktails are ok but overpriced for what little you get. Their food selections are not ideal. "Cabin Fever" during the winter are a pleasant change of scenery.

Oh, Bitter Bar.. how I love you so. Classy with delicious drinks, it's certainly a top happy-hour spot for our group. Favorites: The Tin Man + Silver Coin. However, all those drinks are super tasty... and I'm not even a cocktail girl (beer please!). I do hope that the HH prices remain steady - I know prices had increased by a smidge since when I first started coming - but with that said, happy hour until 8pm? On Fridays too? CanNOT beat that.

Andy is amazing, thank you Andy! You are the best and I'll be back. Thanks for dealing with a predatory male. Drinks are also hella tasty!

I had a vrrry good time here. Oh, a sleeping drunkard Up in Central Park, And a lion-hunter In the jungle dark, And a Chinese dentist, And a British queen-- All fit together In the same machine. Nice, nice, very nice; Nice, nice, very nice; Nice, nice, very nice-- So many different people In the same device. comes to mind. If someone told me these folks had come up with ice-9, I'd believe them.