University Hill enters a new era

University Hill enters a new era

University Hill is growing up — but whether that's a good thing in the long run remains to be seen.

Why it matters: New hotel development and a fresh mix of businesses are reshaping one of Boulder's most distinctive neighborhoods and raising questions about whether the Hill can evolve without losing its student-centered character.

The big picture: The city has spent years trying to solve one of the Hill's fundamental economic problems: Its fortunes have traditionally risen and fallen with the CU calendar.

  • City officials have pushed for more year-round activity and a broader mix of customers and businesses, especially post-COVID.
  • Meanwhile, safety concerns surrounding underage drinking and large, out-of-control parties have also plagued the area.
  • The effort to bring year-round business to the Hill is getting a major boost from the 2025 arrivals of the Moxy and Limelight hotels and higher-end restaurants.
  • The added beds will also be crucial to the impending arrival of Sundance.

    • Yes, but: The Hill walks a fine line not to price out students — the area's lifeblood for the bulk of the year.

  • The start of construction on the Moxy in 2021 forced out student favorites like Cosmo's, No Name Bar and Bova's.

    • State of play: Football season puts the Hill's past — and the stakes of its changing future — on full display.

  • On game days, the neighborhood is a bridge between generations of CU fans, as students mix with alumni returning to familiar bars, restaurants and shops they frequented decades ago.

    • So with the Buffs' first home game around the corner, we take a look at the Hill favorites to help you plan your game day:

    🍕 The Sink, 1165 13th St.: An institution since 1923, the walls are a living history of Boulder, adorned with signatures of former students and celebs like Guy Fieri and Bill Walton.

  • Keep the game-day theme going with the Sink's legendary Buff Mac, a mac and cheese dish with buffalo sauce and chicken.

    • 🥪 Half Fast Subs, 1215 13th St.: The longtime sandwich shop, which survived a fire a couple years ago, is a student favorite known for its enormous menu of food and equally formidable drinks.

  • You can't go wrong with any of their cheesesteaks or po' boys.
  • My thought bubble: In case the folks at Half Fast are reading this, please bring back the country-fried steak sub.

    • 🧋 Lollicup, 1142 13th St.: This one offers a personal nostalgia trip for me — I was hanging out here with my friends drinking boba drinks before I knew boba was a thing.

    🌯 Illegal Pete's, 1124 13th St.: The original location of the now-regional chain opened on the Hill in 1995, and though it moved around the corner in 2014, it's still a neighborhood favorite.

  • I usually go for the fish tacos and burritos, since I can't get that at Chipotle or Qdoba.

    • 🍛 Gaia Masala & Burger, 1116 13th St.: This late-night favorite blends Indian and American comfort food, serving everything from tikka masala and biryani to burgers, cheesesteaks and masala fries.

  • Make sure to try their momos in chili sauce.

    • 🍗 Fat Shack, 1110 13th St.: If someone with the munchies opened a restaurant at 2am, Fat Shack is what you'd get. Sandwiches stuffed with onion rings and chicken tenders, plus mac and cheese and mozzarella sticks.

  • Get the deep-fried Oreos and dip them in the shake.
  • Then renew your gym membership.