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Pearl Street, But Make It Local 😎

11/26/2025 • What's Happenin' Team • Boulder
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🌟 Boulder’s Hidden Gems: Pearl Street Edition

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Happy Thanksgiving, Boulder! đŸŒž

Ben here. Before we all roll straight into a long weekend of turkey, pie, and family chaos, I wanted to send you something fun: a locals-only guide to Pearl Street’s hidden gems.

With “Hidden Gems” winning our poll, I dug into a great thread of community picks to pull together the spots people here actually love — the cozy shops, cult-favorite eats, and quirky corners that make downtown feel like home.

So while you’re settling into the holiday, here’s a little Pearl Street stroll you can enjoy from the couch… or on a post-pie walk.

Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team đŸ˜‰

Boulder’s Hidden Gems: Pearl Street Edition

Boulder’s Hidden Gems: Pearl Street Edition

Today, we’re kicking off our Hidden Gems Series with a Pearl Street locals-only guide. Think of it as your “I’m taking a friend downtown and want to impress them without acting like a tourist” playbook.

Let’s explore the corners, quirks, and cult favorites that keep Boulder weird in the best way.

🍬 Piece, Love & Chocolate

If you’ve never had a truffle here, please correct that immediately. This shop feels like stepping into a cocoa daydream — and yes, they do tea, hot sipping chocolate, and sweets that will absolutely ruin your willpower.

🍕 Pizza Colóre (the locals’ NY slice)

Ask anyone who’s lived here long enough: Colóre hits a very specific craving — the quick, foldable, perfectly greasy NY slice. Best enjoyed on the patio while people-watching everyone from stoked tourists to the guy playing a saw like an instrument.

📚 Boulder Book Store (Peak Boulder energy)

Three floors of pure, cozy chaos. Creaky floors, hidden nooks, handwritten staff picks, a maze of shelves — it’s the heart of Pearl Street and still feels like a secret, even though it’s iconic.

🎈 Into the Wind

A shop you walk into “just to look,” then leave with a kite, a puzzle, a new party trick, and probably something that lights up. Pure whimsical joy — and universally recommended by locals.

🍜 Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant

Warm Nepalese comfort food in a historic little house right off Pearl. Locals love it for the momos, masala, and cozy vibe that feels like Boulder before Boulder got buzzy.

🍨 Gelato Boy (get the affogato)

This one came with passion: “Affogato. Trust me.” Simple, perfect, heavenly. Enough said.

🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder 🎭

Thursday, November 27

Thanksgiving Day 5k - Venue TBD, Boulder | Time TBD | Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar

Local Happenings

CUPD Welcomes New Officer and Two K-9s

CU Boulder Police just swore in three new members: Officer Rickey Thomas and K-9 partners Dax and Harlo, strengthening campus safety and community engagement.

The additions expand CUPD’s ability to support major events, outreach, and everyday campus safety — with two new explosive detection dogs now officially on duty.

  • Officer Thomas joins from Fort Lewis College PD.

  • Background: corporal, FTO, academy instructor; holds BA + master’s in criminal justice.

  • Moved to Boulder with his husband and daughter.

  • Dax (black Lab) and Harlo (golden Lab) formally sworn in.

  • K-9s will support security + public events.

Expect to see Thomas, Dax, and Harlo around campus — building trust and keeping Buffs safe.

Read More -->

🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?

Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.

🧠 Need a brain break?

Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.

🍔 Who’s Got the Best Burger in Boulder?

From grass-fed classics to plant-based masterpieces, Boulder’s burger scene is stacked. We’re putting the city’s juiciest patties head-to-head to see who really takes the crown (and that last crispy fry). 🍔🔥

Vote now and help settle this meaty showdown →

Until Next Time, Boulder 💛

That’s a wrap on this week’s dive into Pearl Street’s locals-only treasures. Boulder’s full of tucked-away spots, secret favorites, and stories hiding in plain sight — and we’ll keep revealing them, one Hidden Gem at a time.

Know a place we should feature next?

Reply to this email and tell us your “don’t you dare gatekeep this” pick.

Forward this to a friend who loves wandering Pearl Street.

See you Friday!

💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Boulder even better?

I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.

— Ben

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