Don't go anywhere else in Gunbarrel. Everything I have had on the menu is great. Always make sure to ask what the soup is for the day. The owner Kevin always makes a fresh soup of the day. His cream of mushroom and his tomato with feta are some of the best soups I have ever had. I have never had a bad meal at dinner either. Everytime I order scallops or a fish dish, it is cooked to perfection. Never overdone. read more

There weren't too many options for lunch after our trip to Celestial Seasonings, so we ended up at Cafe Blue. When we walked in on a late Saturday afternoon, there were a few older ladies at the bar, but the rest of the place was empty. The four of us sat down and ordered sandwiches/wraps. I ordered the quesadilla which was ok. It said it came with green chili which did not taste at all like the other green chilis I've had while out West. My sister's tomato feta soup was very good. Everyone else seemed to like theirs (grilled chicken wrap and reuben sandwich). The service, considering how not busy it was, was pretty slow. It was also on the pricer side, (over $50 for a quick lunch for 4- what is this, Manhattan?) I will probably try to go into town the next time I'm in Boulder to find somewhere with more atmosphere and more variety. read more

This is a follow up to a review written almost 2 years ago. Since then, I've eaten many, many meals prepared by this amazing family owned and operated restaurant. Cafe Blue has become my go-to restaurant for any occasion (or lack thereof). The specials are always unique and interesting. The kitchen is extremely accommodating to every request. They change up the menu every once in a while. Service is always top-notch (I've served tables). Wine selections are excellent. I can go on and on. If you happen to be in Gunbarrel, check this place out! read more

Great food. The taste was right on, the service was prompt, and correct. I had the salmon resotitio and my wife had the Santa Fe chicken salad, excellent flavor and temperature for the salmon. Portion was right on for dinner. The lettuce in the salad was fresh, tasty, and good mix. We're from Silicon Valley, in town for a wedding. We picked this place because it was close to the hotel, and not a chain. Well worth a return visit, and on my places to stop at when on the north side of boulder. You won't go wrong getting a meal here. Two issues - closes at 9pm on a Friday, and is a little noisy. Very minor. Enjoy! read more

We often end up going to Cafe Blue weekday mid-afternoons. And this is a good time to go to restaurants, if one has that time free. So, I don't know what it's like during the lunch hours, which I hear are very crowded, or during dinnertime. I like the menu here. The food is high quality, and well prepared. It is one of the better places to eat in Gunbarrel. You really can't go wrong ordering anything on the menu. They have a full bar here too. It is nice and dark, in a comfortable way. I like the dark, warm colors here. Very welcoming. read more

Small, eclectic local restaurant in a shopping center with a small bar. It is generally darker with small spotlights on the shaded dark ceiling. Most of the walls are a deep, sultry shade of red. There is also wall that is a tone and almost like a pastel. It's next to the bar which is a cool contrast. The walls have framed artistic photographs and there are funky, unique light sconces too. On our table had a mosaic candle holder that was vibrantly colorful. It was nice touch. Service was friendly and our server was smiling and bubbly. The place sits a bit tight if there are a lot of patrons. My first impression is that it is really loud and the acoustics are bit off. It makes hearing conversation fully a bit of a trial. I had the tomato mozzarella salad. It was fresh. The tomato mozzarella was well constructed and easy to slice. It used just the right amount of balsamic. My friend had the night's fish special and it was real delicious and moist. read more

Came here a few months ago. I remember it distinctly, so much that I have turned people away from this spot. Was sat down, given some water, and the waitress ignored me for a good 10 minutes. I was about to leave but she finally came back and asked me what I wanted. I ordered the Fish and Chips, any decent restaurant should be able to knock that out of the park. Any bad restaurant will always ruin it, so it's a good test of a chef and their staff's ability. The fish was soggy, breading unseasoned, but the fish was cooked well. Overall not too bad, but I've had better. The real problem was the service, not only did I feel ignored upon entering, I waited what felt like 15 minutes after obviously having finished my food to get a follow-up. An empty water glass, empty plate, just waiting... It's a tiny restaurant all things considered, I don't really understand what is so difficult about scanning the room visually for signs that a customer needs attention. read more

Really underrated place. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend the tuna sandwich (you really don't need the bun) which was giant and very fresh. Best fries in north Boulder also. read more

These folks have carved out a really nice business for themselves. A husband wife team where he cooks and she runs the front of house. These people who own and work here are excited to see when you come for dinner! The food is consistently good. The happy hour menu is excellent. Excellent go to neighborhood place. read more

I really liked this place. It had a good vibe and great service. We ordered several dishes and I must say, they were all pretty tasty. My favorites were the turkey bacon avocado wrap, the macaroni and cheese, and the shrimp po boy! The turkey wrap was quite delicious. I would order it again in a heartbeat. Overall, this place is very good, but a little more on the pricy side. The prices on the menu here are slightly different than the prices on the menu in the restaurant. I would go here again to try some of their other entrees. Everything looked and smelled wonderful! read more

See all

I've been eating at these Spine Road eateries for about three years, and I never went to Cafe Blue for some reason. I went today with a colleague and enjoyed Cafe Blue's cool atmosphere, perfectly crusted pesto chicken, and penne mac with a chipotle hotsauce. The service was nearly perfect, even though our server was busy. She managed the tables perfectly. read more

Came for lunch - small place so you may need to wait. Beat the noon rush or come a bit later. Food was GREAT! We had a Roast Beef French Dip, Parmison Chicken (wife wished she would have had grilled), and Rueben Sandwiches. Also tried the fried calamari which was also good. Food served just right. Service was good and the ladies hustled. With Water for three $60 so a bit rich for lunch but GOOD! Parking a bit crowed since Subway nearby. read more

The service is amazing and the food is excellent each time we come. That is what brings us back to Café Blue at least once a month! We have tried many different dishes and they are fresh and healthy! Love the whole neighborhood vibe! read more

I stopped in for lunch and was seated at the bar. I was delighted to find out that the welcoming and friendly person serving from behind the bar was the owner. I love places where you can still find an owner that is active in day to day operations. She was so friendly and gave me great suggestions off the menu. The southwest salad with grilled chicken was amazing. I ordered it per the owner's recommendation and figured, well she probably always points this one out because how hard is it to screw up a southwest chicken salad! But it was so perfect. The greens and veggies were fresh, the chicken was moist and tender, and the sauce wasn't slathered on and overbearing. My biz partner ordered some sort of sandwich that she was equally delighted with. It's a bit on the pricey side for a lunch, but the service and food make it worth every penny. read more

Great food. Great drinks. Great friends. That about sums it up, but make sure you ask about the "off menu" mac and cheese. Buffalo chicken m&c - yes please! read more

Had their daily special for lunch. The Cafe Blue burger... which she said was modeled after the Big Mac. After I had them strip the pickles & dressing and cook it med. rare -- I wouldn't call anything like a Big Mac. The burger was alright. It was a light on the onions and used kraft cheese. Perhaps I was really hungry, but it did hit the spot. Far better than the burger was the side of macaroni and cheese. The server suggested some chipotle hot sauce. It was amazing. The service is great. Very friendly. I recommend the macaroni and cheese. read more

Stopped by for a late lunch while staying nearby based on Yelp reviews. Good food. Small place trying to balance between being a neighborhood bar and a really good restaurant. Worth finding it off the main road in a strip mall. read more

Cafe Blue - Tuna plate from Cafe Blue. Have to try making this at home. - Cafes Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

OMG. The Cincinnati chili. Best I have had in years. Friendly, good wine selection. Oh wait never mind. Delete. Do not read this. I want this place all to myself. Wow! Amazing!!!!! read more

The service in this small restaurant is fantastic. The staff knows everyone, and if they don't, talk to you like you're their best friend. Amazing service. I felt so at home. Food wise? I am on a mission to find the best fish and chips in a land locked state, and after many places, Cafe Blue is on top of my list. So recommended. Will be back as soon as possible! read more

Perfect for a nice lunch. Great food, nice ambiance, great service and fair prices. Clam chowder was amazing, one of the best I have had (I added lots of pepper, was killer.) Open faced burger in a mushroom/spicy gravy sauce, different and excellent. read more

Dark, gloomy, with bad food. Fish and Chips. Fish deeply overcooked: Dry and flavorless. Fries were ok. Mediocre service.

One of the secret treasures of Boulder, in a very unassuming strip mall storefront in Gunbarrell. I like the pastas, burgers, fish specials, but really, Kevin is a great chef and everything is good. read more

Been here a couple of times now. Great place, good service and awesome food! One of the only one places in Colorado that serves Cincinnati chili and they do it right! Exceptional place to eat. Off the beaten path a bit if you're from south Denver metro like me but more than worth the drive. Will be back for sure! read more

My favorite restaurant around. We moved in just down the block, and this is the kind of family-run place where they remember regulars. The building may not look like much, but the food is phenomenal, the drinks are moderately priced, and everyone is so nice. If you miss good seafood living in the middle of the country, this is the place for you. If you want a server who comps your drinks when she learns it is your anniversary, this is the place for you. If you're hankering for an interesting dessert-of-the-week that may involve anything from figs to prosciutto, this is the place for you. If you miss the small-town feel where somebody at the next table leans over to ask what your appetizer is because it looks delicious, get yourself to Cafe Blue pronto! read more

Had lunch there today with my wife. Disappointed. Service was slow. Waited 20 minutes for food. Just a salad and a burger. Waiter not great. The diet coke was flat. Told the waiter she brought another one, same thing. Gave up. Salmon burger was good. Greek salad not good. read more

This is the second time I've been here and both times were great. This time I ordered a sushi grade tuna sandwich. I requested rare/seared and the tuna came out well done. After bringing this to our server Elise's attention she seemed surprised that the order came out overdone. She immediately offered to get a new piece of fish and brought it to the chef right away. Just a few minutes later she returned with a filet perfectly seared. They definitely turned a negative into a positive so I'll be sure to head back. read more

Superb spot. Ambiance - good, small bar with tables, tvs with sports, but an older crowd, not too noisy. Service - very fast at the bar, no issues. Food - very good! French onion soup and risotto special were both well done. Price ~35 for soup, 1 beer, and the special. Overall - highly recommend! read more

Cafe Blue - Risotto special with fish - superb - Cafes Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Attitude of the service staff ruined the entire experience. I will never be coming back.

The food at this restaurant was, at best, poor to mediocre. I couldn't even finish my dinner (blackened salmon sandwich). It was dry and tasteless. The best part was a side salad of basically iceberg lettuce, with two small mushroom slices. The server saw that I barely ate my food, and when I told her that I seldom complain about food in restaurants, but that this was really bad. Her response was, "I'm sorry." No offer to bring an alternative. We DO NOT recommend and will not go back. There are too many excellent restaurant choices in Boulder, Niwot, and Longmont to enjoy. read more

I moved here earlier this year and it was the first place I tried. I truly look forward to each time I order and pickup from Cafe Blue because the service is wonderful, friendly, and timely. Plus, as a Cincinnati girl at heart, I absolutely LOVE that I can get something pretty darn close to Skyline Chilli here in Colorado. Comfort food and great service = 11/10! read more

What a gem! Wasn't sure what to expect but reviews were good so came in for dinner. Had the Calamari appetizer (so good!), Cajun Meatloaf, and Cincinnati Chili. All good, everyone was super nice too. Would definitely come back if I ever make it back to Boulder. Everything is fresh, seems homemade, and cooked to perfection. read more

The food here is somewhat overpriced for the quality and atmosphere. I ordered the rare tuna ($19.00) and it came medium on an under cooked bed of risotto. If you are sitting in the back, you will be in close proximity to the kitchen which for some reason does not have a door in the entrance. I had come here a couple years prior and have the feeling it has gone downhill since. read more

The chicken and vegetables were from a freezer. The "better" wine was C+. The atmosphere was cheap. The staff was warm and charming. It was like TV dinner, a 1/4 bottle of $8.00 wine and very nice people to serve it to you. read more

I like this restaurant a great deal. I've tried several dishes here and nothing has disappointed. The service at the bar is very neighborhood-feeling; the bartender has a lot of regulars with interesting stories which is something you would not expect from an eatery such as this. The weekday lunch hour is pleasantly full but not packed and insane; it's nice to know the place is drumming up some good business. Their burgers aren't the best I've ever eaten, but they are very very good and from local beef. They are juicy if not overseasoned. This is my main complaint: WAY too much salt on everything. I leave feeling like I am retaining water and surprise! The next day I have gained a pound. I enjoy their prime rib sandwich, the horseradish sauce is not too spicy to overpower the delicate flavors of the meat which is always perfectly cooked, but again, too salty. The fries are fresh and tasty and the macaroni and cheese is wonderful. Their focus is not limited to just the entrees. My husband has eaten their enchiladas with huevos on top and is blown away every time: I tried one myself and would highly recommend the smoked chicken enchiladas to anyone who comes in the door. The salsa verde has a nice fresh tomatillo flavor and the smoke flavor in the chicken comes from a small stove-top smoker they use in the kitchen. A very good restaurant overall, a bit more expensive than it possibly should be (come on, this is gunbarrel) and you will never need to add table salt to anything! read more

Considering that this area has almost NOTHING to offer in terms of places to eat, Cafe Blue does a good job in serving your basic American menu. I had their Reuben which was pretty good. I heard that their salads aren't too bad either but never had one myself. We sat outside where we were once again attacked by flies ever minute we were eating. What's up with Boulder and their flies? I'm noticing that they're everywhere so I stopped blaming the establishment for not keeping the flies away. Anyways, if you're in the area and realize, "Crap. There's nothing out here," go to Cafe Blue. They have all of the basic stuff you might crave at a diner (or a little better than your average diner). read more

Cafe Blue has Cincinnati Chili even though it's more than 1200 miles away from Cincy. Somewhere between here and there they've lost a few ingredients. If you're expecting Skyline Chili, don't. But since it's the only place in Colorado that I know of to get anything close to the real deal it isn't bad in a pinch. The cafe really specializes in seafood. The salmon sandwich is great I hear. I got the French Onion soup AND LOVED it. Buy this soup! Service was friendly and prompt. They could have had a few more beers on tap but that's OK. For any of their faults, they are forgiven because they try to recreate my favorite food in the world: Skyline Chili read more

Came here with co-workers. It's okay. Had a shrimp salad. Wasn't too thrilled. No one thought their food was great - but it was okay. Priced too high for the quality of food. I wish it was better because I can walk there from work, read more

Wandered in looking for a place in Gunbarrel area (was there on travel). I was beat -- really good beat from very successful work and wanted a relaxing drink and dinner. I was immediately welcomed by Leslie behind the bar. She treated me like a regular. I had a great time with some other regulars -- a local high tech couple from the neighborhood. I got just what I wanted: a relaxing evening, good drinks, great food, friendly wervice. I'll be back soon and often. read more

We went to cafe blue before a 3pm tour at Celestial Seasonings. Since it was mid afternoon it was not cowded. The wait staff was very attentive and our food came out quickly. The portions are pretty big (my husband and I shared a wrap and each had a cup of soup which was more than enough food). I probably wouldn't make a special trip to Gunbarrel just for Blue, but it is a good option if you are already there or heading that direction. read more

Three of us went here for dinner on a Saturday night. The walls are painted dark. The ceiling is black making the restaurant feel dark. The space is small and can get noisy and did when a party of 6 sat directly behind us. My friend ordered the special, beef stroganoff. I ordered the quinoa salad with blackened chicken and my aunt ordered a chicken dish. Our drink orders were taken promptly and delivered as was our food order. And then we waited longer than expected for the level of business that evening. Finally our food arrived. My blackened chicken was really black. I tasted a bit and it was burnt. I brought it to the server's attention and she told me it was blackened with spices. I told her it was burnt and asked if they could just cook some new chicken and return my salad plate so I could eat. Instead, I was made an entirely new salad ("So there wouldn't be any burnt taste on my salad," the server said.) This was inconvenient as my friend wouldn't eat his hot meal until I had my food in front of me. I had not asked for a new salad. The kitchen took it upon themselves to make up for a mistake that never should have been delivered to a customer. However, this was not my wish and it made me and my friend wait even longer to eat. Also, when the beef stroganoff was delivered, we all laughed. It was a huge piece of steak atop a bit of pasta with a light sauce and a few peas and such. The steak was tender and flavorful and the peas fresh. A nice dish, but a surprise at $30, which was not mentioned by the server, and not at all what he was expecting. The quinoa salad was fair. The spinach fresh and the serving size adequate, but the flavors and textures paled to Turley's Kitchen's Red Quinoa Salad. Also, the heat of the blackened chicken and the heat of the chipotle dressing was a bit much. My aunt reported the chicken was very tender. The clientele seemed to be local couples. I will try other restaurants before returning. read more