If you’re on the hunt for your next great meal in Boulder, look no further than Highland Park. Tucked south of Table Mesa Drive and bordered by Broadway and Baseline, this neighborhood is a vibrant pocket of Boulder’s ever-evolving food scene. While Highland Park is often praised for its peaceful streets and stunning front-range views, locals know it’s also home to some incredible dining destinations—from quaint bakeries on Table Mesa to family-owned restaurants along Broadway. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, let me take you on a tour of the neighborhood’s most memorable food stops, spanning breakfast classics, cozy dinner joints, and everything in between.
Standout Restaurants That Locals Love
*Highland Park* might not have the dense concentration of eateries you’d find near Pearl Street, but what’s here is truly top-tier. Along Table Mesa Drive and the nearby Table Mesa Shopping Center, you’ll find a spectrum of flavors—perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
- Cilantro’s Taqueria (Table Mesa & Broadway)
- This cheerful taqueria is famous for its affordable street-style tacos, served up fast and fresh. Don’t miss their carnitas tacos or the green chili smothered burritos. The salsa bar is a hit with locals who love to customize their spice level.
- *Cuisine*: Mexican | *Price*: $
- *Why go*: Massive portions, quick service, kids love it, and you can dine-in or grab it to-go for a picnic in nearby Viele Lake Park.
- Caffè Sole (Table Mesa & Broadway)
- With live jazz nights and an expansive patio, Caffè Sole is the Highland Park go-to for both coffee and casual dinner. Their European-style coffee drinks pair perfectly with a slice of quiche in the morning, and on weekends it fills with music lovers enjoying small plates and local wine.
- *Cuisine*: Café, Small Plates, Wine | *Price*: $-$$
- *Why go*: Cozy, artsy, community hub, and a favorite for local musicians.
- Nepal Cuisine (Table Mesa Shopping Center)
- Something of a neighborhood institution, Nepal Cuisine offers an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that draws everyone from students to hikers. Their momos (steamed dumplings) and chicken tikka masala are must-tries, but don’t overlook the vegetarian options here—delicate, aromatic, and deeply comforting.
- *Cuisine*: Nepalese & Indian | *Price*: $$
- *Why go*: Friendly service, great for families, and unbeatable lunch value.
Bakeries and Cafés: Morning Delights
Highland Park mornings are best enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee and a flaky pastry in hand. Here are the bakeries and cafés that fuel the day:
- Breadworks (*Technically just east on Baseline, but a beloved Highland Park breakfast stop*)
- A short bike ride from the neighborhood, Breadworks is a Boulder legend for a reason. Their cinnamon rolls and rustic sourdough loaves have a near-cult following, and the airy space is perfect for settling in with a laptop or good book.
- *Must try*: Chocolate croissant and a locally roasted coffee.
- *Price*: $-$$
- South Side Walnut Cafe (Table Mesa Dr. & Broadway)
- Only steps from Highland Park’s edge, this sunny breakfast spot is all about made-from-scratch classics and Boulder-style comfort food. The tofu scramble, fluffy pancakes, and rosemary potatoes are crowd favorites. Gluten-free diners will feel especially welcome here.
- *Why go*: Community vibes and a down-to-earth, neighborhood feel.
Food Trucks and Quick Bites
While the food truck scene in Boulder is always on the move, the Table Mesa Shopping Center regularly plays host to rotating trucks, especially in warmer months. Expect everything from fresh poke bowls to Vietnamese banh mi or barbecue in the parking lot.
- Boulder Pho Wheels
- A true hidden gem, Boulder Pho Wheels sets up at the Table Mesa Shopping Center on select evenings (check their socials for schedule). Their brisket pho and lemongrass chicken rice bowls bring a little taste of Vietnam, perfect after a hike on the nearby NCAR trails.
Global Cuisine: World Flavors in Your Backyard
Highland Park residents don’t need to travel far for authentic, globally-inspired eats.
- Tandoori Grill (Table Mesa & Broadway)
- Family-run and endlessly welcoming, Tandoori Grill serves up Boulder’s best naan and sizzling, freshly-cooked tandoori dishes. Their buffet is great, but ordering à la carte lets you explore the full range of flavors—try the lamb seekh kebab or the palak paneer.
- *Cuisine*: Indian | *Price*: $$
- *Why go*: Consistently excellent, perfect for sharing dishes.
- Sushi Hana
- Right in the Table Mesa Shopping Center, Sushi Hana is a surprise sushi find, drawing locals for fresh nigiri and creative specialty rolls. Their lunch bento boxes offer amazing value.
- *Cuisine*: Japanese | *Price*: $$
Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path
Beyond the main shopping plaza, Highland Park hides a few lesser-known treasures beloved by those in-the-know.
- Big Daddy Bagels (Broadway, just north of Table Mesa)
- This unassuming bagel shop is a neighborhood morning ritual. Fresh bagels are boiled and baked daily—check out the jalapeño cheddar with a hearty schmear. For a true Highland Park lunch, order a turkey club bagel sandwich and take it to nearby Tantra Park.
- *Price*: $
- Petra Grill (Table Mesa Dr.)
- Specializing in Mediterranean street food, Petra Grill flies under the radar but never disappoints. Their falafel wrap and chicken shawarma platters are loaded with flavor, perfect for a quick weekday dinner.
Local Food Traditions
Highland Park’s food scene is defined by welcoming, community-driven establishments—many family-owned and operated for decades. Locals love to gather at South Side Walnut Cafe after the Saturday farmer’s market, or grab a pastry at Breadworks before heading up Table Mesa for a hike. Food (and coffee) here isn’t just about the meal—it’s about community.
Where to Start Your Tasting Tour
For a true neighborhood food crawl, start at the Table Mesa Shopping Center—everything from tacos at Cilantro’s to momos at Nepal Cuisine can be found within a short stroll. Walk north along Broadway to discover bagel shops and bakeries, or take a detour around Tantra Lake for lakeside picnic dining. If you’re new to Boulder, Highland Park is proof that the best local flavors aren’t always downtown. Come hungry—you’ll leave with new favorites.