Check Out NoBo

Just five or six years ago, north Broadway was one of the seediest spots in Boulder. What a difference a little development makes. NoBo, as it’s called, is now one of the most posh and trendy neighborhoods of Boulder.

1. Pupusas
This café buzzes during lunch for one reason: the $3 pupusa. The El Salvadoran treat is a delight stuffed in a cornmeal patty (actually, it’s stuffed with cheese, chiles, pork or other fillings). 4457 Broadway, 303.444.1729

2. The Raven Moon Trading Post
Candy is a North Boulder legend, having run her costume shop for three decades. But it’s her new store a stone’s throw away that caught our attention. You’ll find an eclectic mix of western gear and décor from boots to horns. 4461 Broadway, 303.443.3241

3. Play Grounds
Coffee shop meets kiddie entertainment. Parents and nannies frequent this three-month old coffee shop to act like adults while the kids play in the huge plastic tree fort inside. Play Grounds offers weekly story times and a wine list. Makes sense. 4550 Broadway, 303.442.1938

4. Uptown Wine Shop
Ever sat down to a nice meal and hoped you’d be able to remember that great bottle of vino you drank? Guess what, after filling up at the posh 4580, check out its accompanying wine shop to buy it. Don’t miss Saturday wine tastings. 4580 Broadway, 303.449.6900

5. Boulder Cycle Sport
Wikipedia should have a picture of Boulder Cycle Sport under the entry “perfect bike shop location.” North Broadway is the gateway to the great cycling in the region. Oh, this shop has an incredible selection of gear to outfit everyone from the complete novice to a Tour de France hopeful. 4580 Broadway, 303.444.2453

6. Spruce Confections
This bakery has found the best way to advertise: Let the scent do it. You can smell Spruce’s goodies from blocks away. The Old B cookies are super popular (with every kind of nut, coconut included), and order a Spruce Juice—coffee cold-brewed for days before being mixed with half-and-half and vanilla. It’s liquid energy. 4684 Broadway, 303.449.5819

Also: Be a regular at North Boulder Café (303.449.3663), eat smart at Critics’ fave Organic Orbit (pg 33, 303.440.8348), try Readers’ pick Proto’s Pizza (pg 29, 720.565.1050), saddle up to Boulder Horse & Rider (303.440.3466) for flashy chaps.