
The Sink
A 90-year-old Boulder landmark with a legendary history, quirky art-covered interior, and famous Sinkburgers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Sink

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 90-year-old Boulder landmark with a legendary history, quirky art-covered interior, and famous Sinkburgers.
"This place has so much history... I am so glad we stopped in for lunch! Don't forget to sign the ceiling!"
Sign the Ceiling Tradition
Leave your mark by adding your signature to the restaurant's famously decorated ceiling.
Unique Menu Creations
Explore creative dishes like mac & cheese with tempura cauliflower or burgers topped with spinach artichoke dip.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic & Quirky Ambiance
A 90-year-old landmark with walls and ceiling covered in student art and signatures, offering a unique and eccentric atmosphere.

The Legendary Sinkburger
Famous for its signature burgers, including the 'Texas Onion Straw Burger' featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Celebrity & Presidential Pedigree
Visited by President Obama and with a history including Robert Redford working as a janitor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sign the Ceiling Tradition
Leave your mark by adding your signature to the restaurant's famously decorated ceiling.
Unique Menu Creations
Explore creative dishes like mac & cheese with tempura cauliflower or burgers topped with spinach artichoke dip.
Avoid Altitude Sickness
Be aware of Boulder's high elevation and take precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
Dine During Off-Peak Hours
Visit outside of busy times to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and potentially avoid crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Sign the Ceiling Tradition
Leave your mark by adding your signature to the restaurant's famously decorated ceiling.
Unique Menu Creations
Explore creative dishes like mac & cheese with tempura cauliflower or burgers topped with spinach artichoke dip.
Avoid Altitude Sickness
Be aware of Boulder's high elevation and take precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
Dine During Off-Peak Hours
Visit outside of busy times to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and potentially avoid crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sink is celebrated for its unique, art-filled atmosphere and iconic burgers, with many highlighting its history and quirky charm. While the food is often praised, some diners find the value or execution to be average, and service speed can occasionally be a concern. Despite mixed reviews on some dishes, its status as a Boulder institution makes it a must-visit for many.
"Super cool place. Drove in from Colorado Springs. The place has drawing and stuff all over the walls and ceiling. Also has alot of history. Only had one dish and it is one of the best I had anywhere. It was mac and cheese with tempura Cauliflower on top. Never say that anywhere else and never would of thought to try. Great visit, will go again."
Lauren Newton
"Not just a historical monument to free expression and fun! But the food is awesome. The 100 year legacy is done proud every day with great food , consistent service, in a clean environment. Don't miss this one! DEF get the brisket Ruben!"
Angelique Swann
"If you don't go to The Sink, you're missing out! Best burger I've had in recent memory. My friend had a pizza, and it was great too. Also, great espresso martini and margaritas. The food and drinks are only surpassed by the atmosphere. A really cool vibe. Don't miss out!"
Paul Cave
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sink is famous for its historic, art-covered atmosphere, its 'ugly crust' pizzas, and its signature Sinkburgers, which have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
There is no formal dress code; The Sink has a very casual and laid-back atmosphere suitable for any attire.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to call ahead or visit during off-peak hours to secure a table, especially during busy times.
Diners are encouraged to sign their names or leave drawings on the restaurant's ceiling, adding to its unique, ever-evolving decor.
Yes, be adventurous and try their mac and cheese with tempura cauliflower or top your burger with spinach artichoke dip.
Yes, The Sink is described as a family-owned establishment and is generally welcoming to all.
Robert Redford once worked as a janitor here in the 1950s, and President Obama visited in 2012, ordering a pizza that is now named the 'POTUS pie'.
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Other spots to bookmark include Mateo for Provençal-inspired dishes, Oak at Fourteenth for cocktails and modern takes on classic dishes, Blackbelly for charcuterie and artisanal butchery, T/aco for fresh street tacos and margs, Flagstaff House for fine dining and views of Boulder below, Corrida for wood-fired steak and seafood inspired by Northern Spain's Basque country, and Avanti for a variety of food hall-style concepts and views of Pearl Street and the Flatirons from the rooftop patio. If you can’t decide where to eat, Megan Bucholz, owner of Local Table Tours, can expertly craft a custom food tour based on your tastes and preferences.
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No Boulder bar carries its history as gracefully as the Sink, a 90-year-old icon in the University Hill neighbourhood, and a reminder for thousands of their time as students at the University of Colorado. It also might hold memories for Barack Obama and Robert Redford: the president visited the bar in 2012 and ordered a pizza, now designated the Potus pie; the actor pushed a mop as a Sink janitor in his early years. A low ceiling covered with intricate illustrations contributes to the restaurant's intimate, eccentric atmosphere.1165 13th Street, +1 303 444 7465, thesink.com.
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Since 1923, students have flocked to this spot on the Hill, where Robert Redford worked briefly as a janitor in the 1950s while studying at CU; tables fill a labyrinth of rooms, and caricatures and murals decorate the walls. The broad pub-food menu includes the Sinkburger, smothered in barbecue sauce, and the POTUS pizza, named after former president Barack Obama, who ate here in 2012.
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The Sink is king of University Hill, and is certainly a top contender for one of the best bars in Boulder. This greasy-spoon joint is covered floor-to-ceiling in graffiti and funky art murals, most of which were drawn by students from the nearby CU Boulder. The Sink at almost 100 years old it is simply one of the best dives in the city, bursting with local flair.
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For more than 90 years, The Sink has been bringing the people of Boulder a great atmosphere, tasty beer, and the SinkBurger. Even better, they open extra early on commencement day to send off the seniors with fond memories, and an inevitable headache. Fun facts: Obama loves the place, and Robert Redford was a janitor here in 1955.
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They include the Pearl Street Mall (Pearl Street, between 11th and 15th streets); the former Daily Camera building (10th block of Pearl), which has since been torn down and turned into Pearl West, with restaurants, shops and office space; Silver Saddle Motel (90 W. Arapahoe Ave.); and The Sink (1165 13th St.), a famous pizza restaurant that former President Barack Obama once visited. Also, one of the movie’s characters, Sam, worked at Celestial Seasonings (4600 Sleepytime Drive), selecting poems for the tea boxes. The famous tea-maker is open for tours to the public.
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Best of Boulder Gold award winner for the best food on the Hill, The Sink has been a Boulder go-to eatery for nearly a century (no, really—almost 100 years), and is most known for two items on their menu: their ugly crust pizza, and their incredible burgers. The Sinkburger is made with top-notch Colorado beef and has a wide array of top-it-yourself ingredients to put on it, . There is an array of famous burger arrangements that are worthy of television (the Sink was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where they sampled the Texas Onion Straw Burger).
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The Sink is a tough place to beat when you're looking for an iconic Boulder sports bar to visit before the CU football game. Approaching its 100th year in business, it's one of Boulder's most historic bars and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for fans to gather before or after the game. This establishment has witnessed Colorado's football highs and lows over the years and often serves as a meetup spot for visiting fan bases, such as the Nebraska Cornhuskers who frequented it before this year's match.
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You won’t see Robert Redford sweeping up after lunch, but the 100-year history of The Sink is captured in caricatures and signatures on the walls and ceilings. Generations of students have enjoyed oceans of ice cold beer with a boatload of Sink burgers. These days Sink burgers include your choice of patties (chuck, veggie, chicken breast or grass-fed beef), cheese (American to goat), toppings (onion straws and sauteed mushrooms to guacamole and bacon) with all your favorite sauces and condiments.
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Welcome to The Sink in Boulder, a quirky culinary destination that will leave you entertained and pleasantly stuffed!. Known as much for its character as its cuisine, this lively eatery embodies all things Boulder: friendly, funky, and oh-so-hippie. Step into a world where the walls are adorned with colorful graffiti, the eclectic decor takes you on a visual adventure, and the aroma of sizzling burgers competes with the laughter of patrons who have found their way into this delightful dive.
Exhibits – Museum Of Boulder
The Museum of Boulder is proud to announce the new exhibit, The Sink: The Restaurant is History, in partnership with The Sink and Savor Productions. Discover the fascinating history of The Sink, as this legendary restaurant turns 100 years old. This immersive experience delves into the iconic Boulder restaurant’s history, and the vibrant counter culture that surrounds it, including art, music, a film, and an interactive component for visitors near and far.
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The Sink has been a fixture on the “the Hill,” the neighborhood frequented by CU-Boulder students, for close to 100 years. It serves up guilty-pleasure fare like burgers and creative pizzas – my brother and his friends particularly enjoyed the “Slaughterhouse 5,” which is topped with five different kinds of meat – in a dark, dive-bar atmosphere (there is graffiti scrawled on just about every surface – tables, walls, ceilings, stalls).
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The Sink is a Boulder institution that's sustained decades of change, and remained a stalwart in the community. Apparently it's unique enough that famous people like President Obama, Guy Fieri, and Anthony Bourdain have visited, but I don't think they hung out for the sports. Located on "The Hill", which is what locals call this area/neighborhood also called University Hill due to its proximity to the University of Colorado Boulder.
Build your own pub crawl
Head over to The Sink to grab some beer and food and add your name to the walls and ceilings. Some of the more famous names on the wall include a former president and a guy who makes something called “donkey sauce.” You can also head over to Half Fast, which might technically not be a bar but does serve sandwiches along with pitchers of Strong Island Iced Teas, so technically I don’t care.
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The Sink is an iconic piece of Boulder history known as much for its mouthwatering burgers and pizza as for its famous visitors like Guy Fieri and President Barack Obama. Robert Redford even worked there as a janitor in 1955. See which other famous signatures you can spot on The Sink's Wall of Fame, and don't forget to sign the ceiling yourself before you leave.
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One of our city’s best loved restaurants, this Boulder institution has hosted the likes of President Obama, Guy Fieri, Anthony Bourdain, and more. Located in The Hill, this dive bar is packed on game days. The Sink offers mouthwatering bites in a low-key, neighborhood atmosphere that makes guests feel at home and welcome, no matter who they are rooting for.
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The Sink is a beloved Boulder institution that has been serving up tasty eats since 1923. Open until the early hours of the morning, this lively restaurant offers a range of options, from classic burgers and pizzas to creative vegetarian dishes. Don’t miss their famous “Sloppy Sink” sandwich, a messy yet delicious delight that will leave you satisfied.
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If you’re looking for a unique dining atmosphere with funky art and amazing food, The Sink is the place for you. Open on The Hill since 1923, The Sink claims to have the best burger and pizza in Boulder. However the menu is far from ordinary as it includes divergent options such as “The Hangover Cure Burger,” “Buff Mac,” build your own pizza and more.
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Begin your night at The Sink, a piece of Boulder’s heart steeped in history since 1923. Here, you not only sip on signature cocktails but also soak in the funky wall art that's become a canvas for decades of visitors. Delve into stories of The Sink's past, and don't be surprised if you bump into a tale or two about President Barack Obama's visit.
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A Boulder institution since 1923, the Sink is known for its iconic art, funky vibe, ugly pizzas (their description), and some of the best burgers in Boulder, CO. It’s also known for having attracted some extraordinarily famous people. Let’s start with Robert Redford. I’m sure he ate here plenty, but he also worked here in 1955 as the janitor!
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A popular college hangout, this eatery features graffiti-scribbled walls and a menu filled with burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, pizzas, and salads. Specials include ancho-stuffed tenderloin and breaded seared scallops. The Ugly Crust Pizza is topped with an assortment of toppings, or you might want to try the famous Sinkburger.
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The Sink in Boulder is not your usual BBQ joint, but it certainly deserves a spot on the list of the best BBQs in town. With its unique and playful twist on traditional BBQ dishes, The Sink offers a dining experience that is both satisfying and exciting. One of the standout dishes at The Sink is their Slaughterhouse 5 pizza.
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Once I told them I have celiac they let me know that my food would be cooked in a separate kitchen upstairs, away from all other food. After the reassurance of my server, the owner took it upon himself to let me know he’d cook it, and then did a follow up after I received my food. Overall a great place and great service!
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One of the most well-known Pearl Street Bars is The Sink, located “on the hill.” Originally a European-style restaurant featuring a sunken fountain known as “the sink,” this bar has been around since 1940 and is nearly a century old. A college student favorite, this black and red bar is open every day from 11 a.m.
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Situated at 1165 13th St, The Sink is a historic eatery known for its eclectic menu. Their Brisket Burnt-End Mac & Cheese is a standout, combining tender brisket burnt ends, diced pickled bourbon jalapeños, melted Jack cheese, crispy onion straws, and fresh green onions, all served with their signature Sink sauce.
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Best Burgers in Boulder- The Sink is most known for two items on their menu: their ugly crust pizza, and their incredible burgers. The Sinkburger is made with top-notch Colorado beef and has a wide array of top-it-yourself ingredients to put on it. The Sink has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
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The Sink is not afraid to stand out, offering pizzas with a unique crust that’s thick and flavorful, setting it apart from the crowd. This spot has mastered the art of creating pizzas that are both innovative and comforting, making it a Boulder favorite for those in search of something truly different.
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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.
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A list of the best restaurants in Boulder isn’t complete without mentioning The Sink. Located near Colorado University, The Sink is an absolute must-try!. The restaurant serves up exceptional food you would expect to see at a dive bar; big burgers, fresh sandwiches, and “ugly crust” pizzas.
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Since opening in 1923, this venerable college hangout has seen it all: CU dropout Robert Redford was once the janitor, and President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance in 2012. But celebrity trivia aside, this is the best place to get a whiff of Boulder's culture while knocking…
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If you want a casual dinner, do it on The Hill at The Sink. This colorful, wild dive has quite possibly Boulder’s best burgers and pizza. The interior is covered floor to ceiling, wall to wall in crazy drawings, words and cartoons. On occasion, you’ll find celebrities here.
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With amazing caramelized onion sliders and house-made pickles, this spot is a must-visit for a fun dining experience, even with kids!. For us gluten free lovers, the burgers here are so delicious that they can't be beat anywhere else. In particular, the service is amazing.
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Since 1923, The Sink has been making the best BBQ and burgers in Boulder!. If you're hungry, go here. With a variety of delicious meat options to choose from, along with all the delicious sides you could want, BBQ lovers will not be disappointed.
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Home to the self-annointed "best burger in Boulder," The Sink is another Boulder restaurant to have featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” It has been serving classic American cuisine to loyal Boulder diners for over 100 years.
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1165 13th St. If you’re looking to explore Boulder’s dining options, The Sink is the place to visit!. It's Boulder’s oldest restaurant, so they have years of service under their belt. They also claim to have the best burger in Boulder.
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Boulder's location in the Rocky Mountains makes for local cuisine that's hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Bison, lamb, elk, and trout are all common on menus across the city, as well as pizza and green chili anything.
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Robert Redford works as a janitor at The Sink while attending CU Boulder. He goes on to become one of America’s best-known actors and filmmakers and helps establish the Sundance Film Festival.
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I’m just throwing this one in here because it’s a tasty local favorite but also because it’s owned by Elon Musk’s brother!. Just a weird little trivia fact for all you Tesla lovers out there.
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The Sink isn’t just any old joint in town; it’s been in the spotlight of the Food Network many times, even visited by celebrity chefs such as Guy Fieri and Anthony Bourdain.
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1165 13th St, Boulder, CO 80302Phone: (303) 444-7465 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Sink (@thesinkboulder)
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit