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Top 10 Restaurants on The Hill (From a CU Student Who Actually Eats There)
Published August 9, 2026
The Hill is where CU actually eats. Here are ten spots on University Hill worth knowing, from the century old burger landmark to handmade soup dumplings and the legendary hangover sandwich, straight from a current student.
The Hill is where CU eats. It is the stretch right across from campus, packed with late night pizza, dumplings, smoothie bowls, and one landmark burger spot with a very famous ceiling. If you are visiting Boulder or figuring out where you would actually spend your food money as a Buff, start here.
Quick note before we dig in. This list is University Hill only, the neighborhood right next to campus. It does not cover Pearl Street downtown or the Folsom area by the stadium. And these are in no particular order, just ten spots worth knowing.
The Sink
One of the most iconic restaurants on The Hill, full stop. Over 100 years old, covered floor to ceiling in artwork, and famous for its burgers and pizza. Even a former president has eaten here. If you try one place on The Hill, make it this one. 1165 13th St
Illegal Pete's
A CU staple. Burritos, bowls, and margaritas with a genuinely loyal student following, plus a bar attached. Happy hour is a rite of passage. Order the chicken nachos loaded with queso and guac. 1124 13th St
Gaia Masala and Burger
One of the most underrated spots on The Hill and a personal favorite. Gaia blends Mediterranean, Indian masala, and classic American in a way that should not work but absolutely does. Gyros, a fire tikka masala burger, grilled cheese, biryani, and curries all on one menu, and it is halal too. Open until 3am, which makes it clutch after a night out. 1116 13th St
Deli Zone
The unofficial home of the hangover cure. Deli Zone slings New York style breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and the Baby Kong (eggs, meat, crispy hash browns, Rasta sauce, and avocado if you know what is good for you) is a full on Buff rite of passage. Get there before it closes in the afternoon. 1322 College Ave
Nana's Dim Sum & Dumplings
Handmade soup dumplings on The Hill, which still feels a little too good to be true. Nana's does xiao long bao, pan fried buns, Szechuan wontons, and dan dan noodles in a bright, neon lit room, and it stays open late on weekends. Come with friends and order too much. 1125 13th St
Peckish
Pizza and wings done right, which is exactly what you want on a study night or after a game. Grab a slice, load up on wings, and you are set. Solid, no fuss, right in the middle of 13th Street. 1119 13th St
Rush Bowls
A go to breakfast and post workout spot, and it started right here in Boulder. Fresh smoothie bowls you can load up with protein and toppings. The Jungle Bowl is the move. 1207 13th St
Fat Shack
Late night, oversized sandwiches, and shakes. This is the spot you find yourself at when regular food portions are simply not enough. No notes. 1110 13th St
Sushi Hana
A low key gem with one of the best happy hours around. Sushi with Hawaiian influences, a cozy vibe, and enough variety for both first timers and people who take their rolls seriously. 1220 Pennsylvania Ave
Cafe Aion
The move when the family wants a real sit down meal instead of a quick bite. Aion does Spanish and Moroccan inspired shareable plates in a relaxed, bistro style room, and the patio is one of the best on The Hill for a slow afternoon. Great for when the parents are in town. 1235 Pennsylvania Ave
Coming soon to The Hill
The old Taco Junky space at 1149 13th is about to become Summit Tacos, a Boulder County favorite that started as a food truck before opening in Longmont. And PopUp Bagels, Colorado's first location of the cult bagel brand, is opening on Pleasant Street. Both worth keeping an eye on.
The Hill is best experienced on foot
Half the fun of The Hill is stumbling into your new favorite spot between classes. It is compact, walkable, and five minutes from campus, so the easiest way to get the lay of the land is to walk it with someone who eats here every week.
Want the full Hill walkthrough? Book a Private Signature Walking Tour ($150, any group size) and let a current CU student show you the food, the shops, and the spots you would never find on your own. Book at tourthehillboulder.com/request-tour.