Boulder Social — Restaurant in Boulder

I'm generally a fan of Frank Day's organization's fingerprint on entities they get involved with. I've gone to Boulder Social at least 14 times prior. Food and service were generally okay. Boulder Social had a tough start when they opened this location as it took at least several months to get staff adequately trained. I can understand that. Now, about two years later I'm far less inclined to re-visit. Like usual, I sat at the bar. I came in on a recent Saturday afternoon, about 2:30 pm - not busy, perhaps 20 dining customers in the entire place. Five persons at the bar. Two bartenders/servers at the bar area. The first one quickly delivered a menu (I didn't get her name) the other named Dani (usually pleasant, but not today). She took my order for a beer and their special "Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner for $20.00". I asked her opinion and she said it has been on and off the menu, that they were experimenting with it.

After 15 minutes, I received my order (much longer than usual). It was a 3/8" thin, roundish slab of breaded chicken about 5 inches by 4 inches across hidden under a handful of spring mix greens with about 6 cherry tomatoes cut in half and about 8-10 small cubes of mozzarella cheese. Oh, and two small lemon wedges on the side. It was HORIBLE. The chicken was as dry as the Mojave desert and totally tasteless. The spring mix on top had no discernable dressing. I was very hungry and slowly ate it over 15 minutes. Not once did anyone come to ask how it was despite the two bartenders not being busy and very few patrons at the bar or restaurant. About five minutes after I finished my first beer, Dani came over. She asked if I'd like another. I acquiesced. No other words from her so I quickly chimed - "I have some unsolicited advice - the chicken dinner was horrible. I highly recommend it not be permanently placed on the menu". Not a word from her. Ten minutes later when I had to waive someone down to close my tab I saw I was slightly over-charged for my beers/meal. Wow. $55.00 for two beers and piece of terrible chicken with a literal handful of spring mix on top. Wow. What a snub. Sorry Mr. Day - your staff failed you. I would have had a far better (and cheaper) time sitting at home with my self-made food and store bought beer.....Not why a person wants to go out. People go to restaurants to be treated as if they are appreciated and perhaps have a pleasant social experience at least with a smile and some small talk from the staff if that patron is unaccompanied.

Oh - and why is it that every time I go to Boulder Social my credit card statement says "Stout Street". Are you guys too cheap to have a separate account for the Boulder Location of Boulder Social versus Stout Street in Denver? Not returning nor am I recommending this place any longer. Can't blame 'the times we are in' for lack of attention to...

I don’t like to leave bad reviews but sadly I didn’t have much of a good experience here. Upon arrival, I was hastily greeted by a rather disgruntled and unfriendly host. Didn’t smile, seemed annoyed, didn’t make eye contact and wasn’t a good first impression at all. Our assigned waiter was Andy and he was an absolute pleasure, kind and courteous and the reason I at least left 2 stars. The food was straight up terrible. I ordered the muscles. Not only were they absolutely tiny, but they looked diseased and some tasted off. I really was hesitant to eat this dish at all. Not very flavorful either. Next I ordered the fig and prosciutto pizza. The pizza tasted old and pre frozen, barely 5 microscopic shavings of prosciutto. I don’t think it even registered on my tongue. Mostly covered in arugula and tons of fig jam. The pizza was dry and bland and boring. It really was a huge disappointment. They did comp they pizza after I humbly mentioned that the pizza really just wasn’t good. I had half a slice if that’s any indicator. So I’m grateful for the comp. Unfortunately I won’t be back to eat here again. The old, thick pizza base and microscopic muscles told me all I need to know. They cut corners and ingredients are old and cheap. I hope this review helps them get it...

First, keep in perspective this is a sports bar that crafts their own beers...NOT a Ruth Chris steakhouse. Since opening, I continue experiencing upward trajectories in terms of service, taste of foods and selections, energy, and offered beers. Even yesterday on St Pat's day when it was crowded, everything was great. Zachary & Kristen are very attentive. Definitely make a reservation on weekends and holiday events. Thus far I really liked their brewed Lager and Red Ale. I look forward to trying all of their beers. Just order a 20 oz...no need to drink it all. I also love how TVs are everywhere to see the March Madness games from any vantage point. Oh, and the pizza crust and sauce is wonderful. Finally a place in east Boulder that knows how to make pizza! They even use San Marzano tomatoe sauce--which isn't cheap. If your burger is dry, then don't order it medium or well! smh Order it medium rare! I can't wait to try the prime rib special (i think on Wednesdays).

CU students on a budget: This is a great place to save money with good eats. Just be careful and not drink and drive back. Oh, and just because it's very walkable, remember that more people die walking drunk than driving drunk! Have fun...