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New sports bar to open at former Harpo's site

The bar aims to revive a long-vacant Arapahoe Avenue location.

News

A long-vacant Arapahoe Avenue site just off 28th Street will reopen as an upscale sports bar later this year.Why it matters: Boulder&#x27;s sports bar scene has thinned over the past decade, leaving a gap the new concept aims to fill.

Hill bar loses liquor license amid Boulder police probe

A University Hill bar will lose its license for 10 years after a police investigation.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University Hill bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/27/boulder-police-investigate-assault-hill-bar" data-vars-content-id="5ca75f27-9bf5-4fed-80a5-eef92d627d7b" data-vars-headline="Hill bar loses liquor license amid Boulder police probe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/27/boulder-police-investigate-assault-hill-bar" target="_self">University Hill bar</a> will lose its liquor license and be barred from reapplying for 10 years under a settlement with the city, ending a licensing case tied to a police investigation.State of play: The deal closes the city&#x27;s case without a public hearing, leaving key details about the underlying police investigation undisclosed.

CU football spring game to showcase new roster

Fans get a first look at new players, staff and a key quarterback competition.

The University of Colorado football team holds its annual spring game Saturday, giving fans an early look at the 2026 roster under coach Deion Sanders.Why it matters: The scrimmage offers fans the first real glimpse of an overhauled team — with dozens of new players and a revamped coaching staff — as Sanders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enters a pivotal season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" data-vars-content-id="ec3976e3-08d0-4f17-b476-9864feb4d345" data-vars-headline="CU football spring game to showcase new roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/11/19/deion-sanders-colorado-future" target="_self">enters a pivotal season</a> after a disappointing 3-9 2025 campaign.

What to watch at this year's Boulder International Film Festival

Here are the standout films with Boulder ties and filmmaker appearances at BIFF.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Boulder International Film Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/17/boulder-biff-april-schedule-sundance-impact" data-vars-content-id="99347f6c-2acf-4817-b3ad-dd638210d40e" data-vars-headline="What to watch at this year&#x27;s Boulder International Film Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/03/17/boulder-biff-april-schedule-sundance-impact" target="_self">The Boulder International Film Festival</a> kicks off Friday, bringing new films and documentaries — many with Colorado connections — to local screens.Why it matters: Even as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arrival of Sundance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/02/24/sundance-film-festival-2027-dates-boulder-venues" data-vars-content-id="99347f6c-2acf-4817-b3ad-dd638210d40e" data-vars-headline="What to watch at this year&#x27;s Boulder International Film Festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/02/24/sundance-film-festival-2027-dates-boulder-venues" target="_self">arrival of Sundance</a> steals much of the attention, Boulder&#x27;s long-running festival shows how a homegrown event can still play a crucial role in launching global filmmakers, some with deeply local stories.

Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville

"We're going to use as much as we can to make this place feel like the Dark Horse."

Boulder&#x27;s World Famous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dark Horse Bar and Grill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/01/dark-horse-auction-april-14-items-sale" data-vars-content-id="c2dbf89b-8378-45fe-be86-f5eb74f3d856" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/04/01/dark-horse-auction-april-14-items-sale" target="_self">Dark Horse Bar and Grill</a> plans to relocate to Louisville, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Boulder <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="may lose" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/02/13/boulder-dark-horse-closing-march" data-vars-content-id="c2dbf89b-8378-45fe-be86-f5eb74f3d856" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/02/13/boulder-dark-horse-closing-march" target="_self">may lose</a> one of its most beloved and eclectic dive bars — but fans won&#x27;t have to say goodbye for good.

Creative pizzas fuel Urban Field growth

The Longmont-based mini-chain blends pizza with other cuisines, like banh mi and gyros.

Urban Field&#x27;s founders are experimenting far beyond classic Detroit-style pizza — from banh mi pies to gyro-topped creations — as they expand across northern Colorado and lean into collaborations in Longmont&#x27;s crowded food scene.Why it matters: Original pizza concepts are reimagining what a neighborhood slice looks (and tastes) like — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban Field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.urbanfieldpizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="41dbf1a8-cfc5-4b54-995c-6cda7be5cd2a" data-vars-headline="Creative pizzas fuel Urban Field growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.urbanfieldpizza.com/" target="_blank">Urban Field</a> is betting creativity and a little friendly competition will help them stand out.

Taste of Pearl returns to downtown this weekend

More than 30 local vendors will serve food and drinks along Pearl Street Sunday.

Downtown Boulder&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taste of Pearl" data-vars-click-url="https://boulderdowntown.com/taste-of-pearl" data-vars-content-id="f1868d32-584e-42f3-8d3d-751f7a6d00ff" data-vars-headline="Taste of Pearl returns to downtown this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://boulderdowntown.com/taste-of-pearl" target="_blank">Taste of Pearl</a> is back this weekend, bringing together 30+ local restaurants and drink makers for a strolling feast.Why it matters: The annual foodie fest mixes bites, sips and shopping into one of Pearl Street&#x27;s signature draws — and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boost for local businesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/08/boulder-pearl-street-revitalization-downtown-plan" data-vars-content-id="f1868d32-584e-42f3-8d3d-751f7a6d00ff" data-vars-headline="Taste of Pearl returns to downtown this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/01/08/boulder-pearl-street-revitalization-downtown-plan" target="_self">boost for local businesses</a>.

Socios brings bold twists on Mexican cuisine to Longmont

The new Main Street spot serves birria in tacos, ramen and more.

Food and Drink

If you&#x27;re looking for affordable but inventive Mexican fare, head to Longmont to check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the newly opened Socios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/socios__co/reels/" data-vars-content-id="59c36255-fa30-4449-97c0-d66921dcd946" data-vars-headline="Socios brings bold twists on Mexican cuisine to Longmont" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/socios__co/reels/" target="_blank">the newly opened Socios</a>.What to expect: The eatery — which opened Jan. 31 at 829 Main St., just north of downtown Longmont — specializes in birria, a Mexican slow-braised beef dish.

Bakery brings French flair to downtown Boulder

French pastry chef opens Maisonette in Boulder with croissants, tarts, flan and more.

If you&#x27;re imagining yourself in France, lingering over a warm drink and a buttery pastry, good news: you can skip the plane ticket purchase.State of play: Maisonette is now serving coffee, breakfast bread and all manner of confections right in the heart of Boulder.

Boulder's Frasca honored as one of America's best restaurants

The restaurant ranked No. 27 on Robb Report's list of top 100 U.S. restaurants.

Boulder&#x27;s Frasca Food and Wine has earned yet another national nod — this time landing among the top American restaurants of the 21st century.The latest: Robb Report, a luxury lifestyle publication, unveiled its list of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s 100 best restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/lists/best-restaurants-america-21st-century-1237256635/kalaya-philadelphia/" data-vars-content-id="85b9f0db-408a-4c0f-92f0-d96229fb102f" data-vars-headline="Boulder&#x27;s Frasca honored as one of America&#x27;s best restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/lists/best-restaurants-america-21st-century-1237256635/kalaya-philadelphia/" target="_blank">nation&#x27;s 100 best restaurants</a>, selected by 250 chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and other dining pros.

Chocolove unwraps festive new holiday bites

The Boulder chocolatier's seasonal sweets hit shelves this week.

Boulder-based Chocolove is releasing a line of festive treats ahead of the holiday season, including a line of tree-shaped bites.Why it matters: It&#x27;s time to move on from Halloween candy and indulge in Christmas sweets.

Boulder Junction gets a dose of crepe therapy

Renowned chef Mawa McQueen has opened another crepe cafe, this one in Boulder Junction.

Renowned chef Mawa McQueen has opened her third Crepe Therapy Cafe, this one in Boulder Junction.Why it matters: McQueen brings her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="award" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/15/michelin-guide-colorado-dining" data-vars-content-id="74ce9b8e-a31f-49c6-8b0f-2b84ddd67a8c" data-vars-headline="Boulder Junction gets a dose of crepe therapy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/15/michelin-guide-colorado-dining" target="_self">award</a>-<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/02/24/colorado-james-beard-semifinalists-2022" data-vars-content-id="74ce9b8e-a31f-49c6-8b0f-2b84ddd67a8c" data-vars-headline="Boulder Junction gets a dose of crepe therapy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/02/24/colorado-james-beard-semifinalists-2022" target="_self">winning</a> flair to Boulder, and the cafe could serve as an anchor point for the Boulder Junction neighborhood.

Lyons gets a new wine bar with a community twist

Lyons Locale is hoping to bring the community together over some wine and cheese.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyons Locale" data-vars-click-url="https://lyonslocale.com/" data-vars-content-id="d7bd4342-a3fe-43f3-a20e-7b83b6381b20" data-vars-headline="Lyons gets a new wine bar with a community twist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lyonslocale.com/" target="_blank">Lyons Locale</a> is hoping to bring the community together over some wine and cheese.The latest: The wine bar held its grand opening on Saturday at 442 High St. #2, just off of Main Street in Lyons.

Axios Denver

Craft beer's decline sets new records in 2025

Denver

A column chart that shows U.S. operating craft breweries annually from 2015 to 2025. Brewery count rose from 4,803 in 2015 to a peak of 9,683 in 2023, then edged down to 9,612 in 2024 and 9,578 in 2025.

Food and Drink 🍽

Scoop: Dark Horse bar to reopen in Louisville

Craft beer's decline sets new records in 2025

New sports bar to open at former Harpo's site

Creative pizzas fuel Urban Field growth

Colorado lands 5 James Beard finalists