New location, old tradition combine for a great Italian meal
Located at 1738 Pearl St., in the heart of downtown Boulder, Cafe Gondolier is the place to go for a fantastic plate of spaghetti. The family owned restaurant is equivalent to a historical landmark in Boulder, feeding hungry Boulderites for over 40 years.
The restaurant has moved three times in the last couple of decades and has definitely found its rightful place on Pearl Street. Opening just last month, the new location has been a huge success.
“Business has increased by 70 percent,” general manager Roy Brown said.
The ambiance can only be described as warm and inviting, exactly the way a family owned Italian restaurant should be. Complete with high vaulted ceilings, more windows than walls and fresh flowers on each table, the cafe is classy.
Cafe Gondolier attracts local Boulder families of all ages and sizes. The restaurant is the perfect place for large parties, romantic evenings and birthdays.
It is important to make a reservation on Friday and Saturday nights.
The staff, a mixture of CU students and Boulder locals, decked out in crisp white-collared shirts and jeans are friendly and efficient.
“Some of our staff has been with the Cafe for 20-plus years,” Manager Roy Brown said.
Cafe Gondolier was a tradition among CU students for its famous Tuesday and Wednesday special, all-you-can-eat spaghetti for $5. Disappointingly enough, the special is no longer available. The loop hole however, is that the special is everyday for the reasonable price of $6.95.
Needless to say, the spaghetti is one of the most popular dishes at the cafe. Available in spicy or mild, the bottomless bowl is absolutely delicious. The option off adding a meatball for $1.25 is the way to go.
Bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and Romano cheese is another traditional specialty of Gondolier and a deal at $3.95.
Gondolier has everything one expects from a classic Italian restaurant and more. The menu is extensive and has everything from garlic bread, to lasagna, to seafood dishes and salads.
Additionally, the Cafe also offers a tapas menu, all ranging from about $5 to $7. Some examples of the tapas, traditional smaller dishes originating in Spain, are honey smoked salmon, green lipped mussels and an Italian cheese plate.
Cafe Gondolier has become a Boulder staple over the past 40 years and it is still thriving. With patio seating, takeout and a gamut of Italian dishes, this traditional Italian trattoria pleases just about everyone.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Emily Sturges at emily.sturges@colorado.edu
