The first hints of warm weather on the weekends turn Boulder’s Pearl Street into a sea of humanity soaking up the sun and enjoying what the seasons and the street have to offer. Walk west past a mosaic of bars, shops and restaurants stretching towards a view of the Flatirons and patios spill out onto the sidewalk. Though still bustling with pedestrian energy and quirky street performers, Boulder’s main drag has changed a lot through the years. Microcosmic of the city at large, immense influxes of wealth from both a populous of full-time Boulderites brimming with tech entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts, and a student population that can continue to afford rising education and housing costs at an ever more sought-after institution, Pearl Street – once known for mom-and-pop coffee shops, dive bars and local brands – can at times feel dislocated from its roots.
There are still plenty of classics. Pasta Jay’s, Jax, Trident and the Centro stamp Pearl’s West End with the same aroma of garlic and marinara, oysters and mussels, espresso and pastries, cilantro and spilled tequila shots that it’s had for years. A mosaic of thrift shops and imported Tibetan and Nepalese gift shops continues to dot the streetscape, but many storefronts accessible to the palette, the pocketbook and to those without a reservation have fallen by the wayside in favor of big brand chains and more expensive, exclusive dining experiences.
“We made the decision to keep our prices low and make C Burger a place where anyone – students, families, young professionals – can come in and get a quality meal without breaking the bank,” explained Bryan Dayton – Founder and Owner of Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality which, along with C Burger’s new Boulder brick-and-mortar (opened in late March) and its original location inside of the Sanitas Brewing Taproom in Englewood, encapsulates Corrida and Oak at Fourteenth in Boulder and BriDer on Platte Street in Denver. “We’re already seeing a mix of regulars from our other restaurants and new faces who might not typically dine with us. C Burger is about being inclusive, community-driven and keeping in line with the Boulder mindset.”
That Boulder ethos extends beyond only its sense of community. It also folds in tenets of environmental consciousness and sustainability, which have long been at the heart of what makes Half Eaten Cookie Hospitality Group a force for more than great dining options in the Metro Area. It also makes restaurants like C Burger or Spanish tapas steakhouse Corrida stewards in the movement towards the ethical and sustainable sourcing of ingredients.
“We source regeneratively-raised Colorado beef and we work with small, independent ranchers who are committed to conservation,” detailed Dayton. “That means a deeper focus on animal health and land stewardship. It’s about building relationships with those ranchers, driving demand for regenerative systems and educating consumers who genuinely want to know where their food comes from.”
At C Burger, it’s about finding that balance between sustainability and affordability, all without losing the heading of what matters most in the restaurant industry: that it’s good. And it is. “My personal favorite is the C Burger,” mused Dayton when asked about his go-to on the menu, which can also come as a double. “It has American cheese, smoked bacon, crispy jalapenos and green chili sauce. It’s our ode to Colorado. It also happens to be our #1 seller. It’s simple and just delicious. Also, we donate 1% of sales from that specific burger to Zero Foodprint, a nonprofit that funds regenerative farming projects across the country.”
For those looking for something other than beef, there are a plethora of options available. Any burger can be done with a veggie patty or a portobello mushroom. Along with the Kale Caesar and the C Salad with Cucumber, Chickpeas, Salami, Mozzarella Cheese and Herbed Red Wine Vinaigrette, there’s also the C Salad with Romaine, Red Cabbage, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Red Onions, Carrots and Croutons. The Fried C, though lightly battered, still eats with the desired crispiness of a fried chicken sandwich. Subtle spice brings the balance, crispy bacon reinforces the texture while deepening the flavor and crunchy lettuce keeps it fresh and light. Even on a hot day on Pearl Street, the Fried C won’t weigh you down. Neither will the sides. The Herbed Tallow Fries and the Onion Rings are both fried but done in a way that keeps them light and delicious without sacrificing any flavor.
There’s also a full bar highlighting local beers, house made cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. The Spicy Margarita rimmed with Tajin is of particular recommendation this time of year. And to lean even further into the warmer months, the Chocolate and Vanilla Soft Serve are perfectly silky and bursting with refreshing flavor, though it’s best to be indecisive and just get a swirl instead.
“It’s approachable, affordable and still rooted in quality and integrity. That’s always been the goal – make good food, stay true to our ethos and create something the community can connect with.”
C Burger is located at 921 Pearl St., Boulder. Its hours are Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
All photography by @maddybcreates