Farm-to-table dining is a popular concept in the culinary scene, especially in Boulder, but few places execute the idea as well as Bramble & Hare. Since 2012, the Downtown Boulder restaurant has been serving a wide range of delicious, seasonal fare to satisfied patrons.
Located on 13th Street, off Pearl, Bramble & Hare is right next to its sister restaurant Black Cat Bistro, one of Boulder’s finest dining establishments. Chef and owner Eric Skokan wanted to serve a farm-to-table menu, similar to Black Cat, but with more affordable prices in a cozier setting. So he opened Bramble & Hare in July of 2012, with the hopes of creating a friendly farmhouse kitchen and pub.
Chef Skokan’s vision paid off, as the affordable menu and welcoming atmosphere has made Bramble & Hare a popular neighborhood spot. The 40-seat dining room has a warm and intimate feel, matched in size by the small kitchen. Despite its comfortable setting, the gastropub serves sophisticated dishes on its seasonal menus. Using ingredients from the 70-acre Black Cat Farm in nearby Longmont, the restaurant is able to offer ever-changing but consistently fresh happy hour, dinner, and late night menus.
From 6pm until the kitchen closes, Bramble & Hare’s main menu includes a variety of a la carte dishes and a 3-course farm dinner for $29/person. While selections on the 3-course dinner menu change with seasonal availability, current offerings include a pork spring roll appetizer, an entrée of seafood ragu with sautéed greens, and a sheep’s milk cheesecake for dessert.
Open daily from 5pm to 1:30am, the gastropub serves a $5 happy hour menu from 5-6, before moving on to the full dinner offerings. Similar to its late night menu, which usually becomes available around 11pm, the happy hour selection features small plates like lentil fritters, mac n cheese, and a salad of farm greens. Patrons can also enjoy select $5 craft beers, house wines, and handcrafted cocktails.
Bramble & Hare’s drink menu is as impressive as its delicious fare. In addition to its long list of craft beers and carefully selected wines, diners can choose to pair their meal with an inventive cocktail. Standout options include Laces Out!, a bourbon-based drink with cocoa nibs and peppercorns, as well as A$AP Lime-aide, which features gin and coconut milk. All cocktails are $7, after 11pm.
Whether you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy a drink or a full meal, Bramble & Hare provides fresh and tasty food in a comfortable setting. Since the gastropub is a favorite among Boulder locals and visitors alike, it’s best to make reservations for dinner in advance.