When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
South Side Walnut Cafe
Why South Side Walnut Cafe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
South Side Walnut Cafe, located at 673 S Broadway in Boulder, CO, is a cherished local spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty breakfast and lunch offerings. Open every day from early morning until mid-afternoon — Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2 pm, and weekends until 3 pm — it provides a perfect setting for friends to gather over freshly brewed Ozo coffee and generous plates of comfort food. Whether you're craving their famous gluten-free pancakes, creative breakfast dishes like the Duzer-rrito burrito or Bid Dill Eggs, or just a warm ambiance with scenic views of the Flatirons from the outdoor seating area, this cafe is a home away from home. As a family-operated business committed to inclusivity and community, the cafe encourages a relaxed and friendly vibe where guests feel valued and comfortable. This makes it an ideal venue for casual meetups, weekend brunches, or simply catching up with friends in a cozy, sunlit environment. Their dedication to quality, local coffee, and diverse menu choices — including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — further enhances its broad appeal.
Here's what people think of South Side Walnut Cafe
As of recent, South Side Walnut Cafe holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1165 reviews.
With a strong overall rating of 4.5 stars from over 1,100 reviews, South Side Walnut Cafe enjoys widespread praise for its delicious food, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere. Positive reviews frequently highlight the flavorful, well-prepared menu items such as the gluten-free pancakes and unique breakfast burritos, as well as the pleasant outdoor seating and excellent coffee from Ozo. Many guests appreciate the cafe’s warm, homey feel and the attentive, friendly staff who create a welcoming environment. However, some negative feedback centers on occasional wait times during peak weekend hours due to the cafe’s popularity and the no-reservation policy, which some customers found inconvenient. A few reviews also mention variability in service speed and occasional seating shortages. Despite these criticisms, the consensus remains positive, emphasizing that the quality of food and overall experience more than compensate. The cafe's inclusive, community-driven spirit resonates strongly with locals and visitors alike, making it a beloved Boulder institution. In summary, while managing weekend crowds can be a challenge, South Side Walnut Cafe is widely regarded as a delightful place to enjoy flavorful meals and warm company in a relaxed setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Rachel Aaron
A lovely community breakfast joint with great food, a cozy atmosphere, and super friendly staff. There's tons of vegetarian options that are easy to make vegan. Packed on the weekends but you can easily get a table on weekdays. They also have tons of shady outdoor seating. New favorite breakfast spot in Boulder!
Krys
I’ve lived in Boulder for almost the last 10 years and absolutely love this place. Really tasty nonalcoholic drinks. Their lattes and coffee drinks are incredible. They do also have a list of alcoholic drinks. The food is super good absolutely love the breakfast potatoes. i’ve had the duzer-rito, french toast, pancakes, tempeh breakfast scramble dish, classic eggs bfast dish and all are amazing! the vibe is always great and the staff are always super fun and attentive
Ryan Niblett
Great local breakfast restaurant with a huge choice of dishes for you to enjoy. Vibe was very friendly and it was good to spend some time in the welcoming and positive atmosphere. Food was a bit too overdone for my taste hence the loss of 1 star.
Jason Pollan
Great atmosphere, near non-existent service, and poorly prepared food. It’s been the same for years. It is astounding how bad the most basic items taste. So yourself a favor. Get a club or fast w/water. There are only a handful of dishes that will not make you regret your purchase. My kid chooses not eating when this is an option. Regrettable it’s the only breakfast option in South Boulder. It would have to close if anything else opened there. The customers have nothing else from which to choose. A great place to be ignored by the friendly staff. A miraculous event if you see them more than once. NO ONE will turn and face you if seated at the bar. Just go pay at the door if you’d like to leave in a timely manner.
Austin
Great breakfast spot 😊 it was pretty chilly the day we ate here, but we sat outside because of our dog and the heaters kept us comfortable. The staff was wonderful and the food was very tasty!
How to reach South Side Walnut Cafe
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Why South Side Walnut Cafe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at South Side Walnut Cafe with your friends?
South Side Walnut Cafe stands out as an exceptional destination for gathering with friends or family because it effortlessly combines a welcoming atmosphere with fantastic food and versatile spaces. With a stellar 4.5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, it clearly earns the trust and affection of a broad community. The upbeat buzz of friendly conversation and the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee and home-style cooking create an inviting ambiance where friends can reconnect, celebrate, or simply enjoy downtime together. Whether you're looking to fuel a weekend brunch, share a casual lunch, or have a lively meetup in a lively spot, South Side Walnut Cafe offers an unmatched blend of comfort and quality. Its reputation for fast, friendly service ensures you won’t be stuck waiting, so your group can focus on good conversation. Plus, the plentiful and comfortable outdoor seating with umbrellas makes it perfect for soaking up the vibrant Boulder energy. All these aspects converge to make the South Side Walnut Cafe a top choice when you want to rally a group and spend quality time in a space that feels like your neighborhood hub.
What makes South Side Walnut Cafe ideal for group meetups?
South Side Walnut Cafe excels as a group meetup spot thanks to its spacious layout and thoughtful accommodations for gatherings of various sizes. With a seating arrangement that includes a large dining room and an intimate mezzanine area, the cafe can comfortably host anything from casual brunches to more private celebrations such as birthdays or bridal showers. The mezzanine, in particular, provides a cozy yet separate space for groups of ten to twenty, accompanied by special food and drink packages tailored for group enjoyment. For those preferring an outdoor vibe, the cafe boasts extensive patio seating shaded by umbrellas, a perfect place for relaxed gatherings amid Boulder’s temperate climate. The flexibility to reserve tables and spaces makes organizing your meetup hassle-free, and the friendly, attentive staff go above and beyond to serve your group promptly. This careful attention to group needs, combined with the inviting atmosphere, makes it easy to focus on spending time together without distractions. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekday lunch or a weekend celebration, South Side Walnut Cafe adapts perfectly to your social plans.
What activities and experiences can groups enjoy at South Side Walnut Cafe?
Beyond simply enjoying great food and drinks, South Side Walnut Cafe offers a number of engaging activities that make group meetups memorable. For example, the cafe frequently hosts themed events and craft fairs, bringing an additional layer of fun and local culture to your visit. The "Walnut Beaver Bash Craft Fair" is one such event hosted at the Southside Walnut location, providing an opportunity to browse local artisan goods, mingle, and enjoy unique experiences outside of the usual dining routine. Bringing your group to such events can turn a simple meet-up into a festive outing. Additionally, the cafe offers menus with diverse breakfast and lunch items that cater to varied tastes—everything from flavorful omelets to large pancakes perfect for sharing. This makes it easy for groups with different preferences to find satisfying options. The cafe’s espresso drinks are also a highlight, providing a great pick-me-up whether it’s for a morning catch-up or a mid-afternoon break. These kinds of culinary and cultural experiences collectively enrich group gatherings, making them feel special and well-rounded.
How does the food and drink menu enhance group gatherings at South Side Walnut Cafe?
Food and drink are core to any successful group meetup, and South Side Walnut Cafe delivers consistently on this front with a diverse and inviting menu crafted to please all palates. Their breakfast offerings include crowd-pleasers such as the Southside Omelet, blueberry cornbread, and fresh fruit—perfect for sharing and sampling across the table. They also serve hearty options like eggs, bacon, sausage, and large pancakes designed for groups to split and enjoy collectively. The cafe’s great espresso drinks are another special feature; known for rich flavor and quality, these complement the food perfectly. Moreover, the cafe’s service staff are noted for their attentiveness, ensuring drinks and dishes arrive quickly and requests are met, which keeps group energy lively and conversations flowing smoothly. By providing an inclusive menu with both comforting traditional dishes and creative options, South Side Walnut Cafe ensures every member of a group leaves satisfied, fueling good times and lasting memories.
What makes South Side Walnut Cafe a community hub in Boulder?
More than just a breakfast and lunch spot, South Side Walnut Cafe has earned its place as a cherished community hub in Boulder over its 40+ year history. It’s a place where locals regularly come together, forging connections over positive vibes and good food. Its inclusionary environment fosters a sense of belonging; customers often remark on the friendly, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like part of the family rather than just a patron. The cafe also supports the local scene through events that bring people together, like craft fairs and special gatherings tailored for various celebrations—whether casual or formal. Its longevity and consistent quality demonstrate a commitment not only to food but to community culture. When you host a meetup here, you tap into this spirit of connection and inclusivity, making your gathering feel meaningful as part of Boulder’s social fabric. This unique role strengthens why South Side Walnut Cafe remains a go-to place for friends and families looking to enjoy quality time together in a warm, lively setting.