If you’re spending an afternoon wandering Pearl Street in Boulder, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually find yourself at Centro Mexican Kitchen. Located right on Pearl Street, Centro perfectly blends the flavors and traditions of Mexico with a distinctly Colorado point of view. It also has the kind of lively, easygoing atmosphere that feels very Boulder: colorful, welcoming and just a little bit more fun than your average dinner out. The year round patio certainly doesn’t hurt, allowing you to overlook Pearl Street, and watch Boulder go by.

They take Mexican inspired cooking and give it a Colorado twist, with a menu built around fresh ingredients, bold flavors and plenty of options for sharing. You’ll find everything from tacos and enchiladas to salads, grilled meats and seasonal dishes, so it’s an easy choice whether you’re looking for a full dinner or just want to order a few things and share around the table. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect familiar flavors alongside a few unexpected combinations. It’s elevated without feeling overly routine.

Centro’s Beautiful Patio | Photo by: @centroboulder

part of the appeal is the setting. Centro’s covered patio looks right out onto Pearl Street, making it a great place to sit for a while rather than rush through a meal. The patio is open all year long, so you can enjoy the energy of downtown Boulder even when the temperatures start to drop. There’s something especially nice about settling in with a margarita, watching people wander down Pearl and realizing you don’t really have anywhere else you need to be.

If you’re stopping by in the afternoon, Centro’s happy hour is worth knowing about. It runs daily from 2pm to 5pm, making it an easy place to meet someone after work, take a break during a day downtown or turn an ordinary afternoon into something a little more social. And if you’re looking for a little something extra, don’t forget their weekend brunch. It’s yet another excuse to stop in, and enjoy something delicious. Centro brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

The food is only part of the experience. With a full bar focused on tequila, mezcal, margaritas and cocktails, it’s the kind of place where dinner can easily turn into a longer evening downtown. Add the Pearl Street patio, good food and a little people watching, and it’s an easy Local Love favorite. It’s a spot that fits naturally into a Boulder day, and one I’d happily recommend when exploring Pearl Street.

If you’re interested in stopping by, you can find Centro located at 950 Pearl Street, Boulder CO 80302 | Open Dinner 4-9pm Mon – Thurs & Sun, 4-10pm Fri & Sat | Lunch 11am-2pm Mon-Fri | Brunch 10am-2pm Sat & Sun. Happy Hour Every Day 2-5pm

For more information, visit their website or instagram

Local Love: Centro Boulder

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