What to do in Boulder if you're broke and hungry

We've all been there. You just checked your bank statement, which confirmed that all those debit card swipes actually did use real money. The only cash you can scrounge is that crumpled dollar bill at the bottom of your purse and a bunch of assorted change, none of which is quarters because you obviously already used those up. All of your cabinets are completely barren and the only item in your refrigerator is that jar of applesauce you opened six months ago and never finished. To make matters worse, your stomach has evolved into a scary little monster and the less you feed it, the more threatening its growls become. Living the multisport lifestyle is taxing on the muscles and the wallet. But if you're lucky enough to be in Boulder, you've got some options.



Splurging at Ripple



1. Ripple Frozen Yogurt: At $0.44 an ounce, your decked out yogurt with toppings can get pretty expensive. But the free samples are...free. And basically unlimited. So even though you'll feel obligated to buy some yogurt, it's pretty easy to spend 20 minutes or so sampling before you finally settle on a couple ounces of a flavor. Plus the variety of flavors is pretty satisfying - you've got your chocolates and vanillas to satisfy your sweet tooth but then tarts and sorbets for your fruit craving.

2. Cosmos: Calorically speaking, pizza is a pretty good bang for your buck. Cosmos provides giant slices of delicious, greasy pizzas until 2am, so you can get your cheap greasy fix at all hours of the night. If you're in Boulder and you're broke, hungry, AND with friends, consider having them deliver one of their extra larges.

3. Alfalfa's after 8pm: You might be surprised to see a high-end grocery store on this list. Which is why I specify that you must go after 8, when all of their baked goods miraculously become half off. I've sampled their double chocolate pound cake, fudge brownie, oatmeal raisin cookie, and peanut butter cookie, and never spent more than $1.25. And I've also never regretted it.

4. Diners: Let's face it, when you're really hungry, pound cake or frozen yogurt samples or a measly slice of pizza just won't cut it. You need your bacon and eggs (and potatoes and pancakes and/or biscuit, toast, french toast, banana bread, fresh fruit). You'll spend a little more than the crumpled up dollar bill and assorted nickels, dimes, and Susan B. Anthony coins, but for about 6 bucks, you can still get a killer meal at a Boulder diner before 8am. Try Dot's or the Walnut Cafe.



Early Bird Special at the Walnut Cafe

5. Half Fast Subs: Although the little sub shop on the hill with a great patio might be better known for its drink selection (they give you a whole little pitcher with a straw), the sub selection is pretty legit. There are so many hot and cold options that I guarantee you'll stare at the menu looking like an idiot for at least five minutes before you finally settle on something. A very satisfying 7" sub will set you back about $6.


So when plain oats and a kind-of-soft-but-not-quite-rotten-banana just aren't gonna cut it for dinner, admit that you're broke, admit that you're hungry, then venture out.