I'm generally a fan of Frank Day's organization's fingerprint on entities they get involved with. I've gone to Boulder Social at least 14 times prior. Food and service were generally okay.
Boulder Social had a tough start when they opened this location as it took at least several months to get staff adequately trained. I can understand that. Now, about two years later I'm far less inclined to re-visit. Like usual, I sat at the bar. I came in on a recent Saturday afternoon, about 2:30 pm - not busy, perhaps 20 dining customers in the entire place. Five persons at the bar. Two bartenders/servers at the bar area. The first one quickly delivered a menu (I didn't get her name) the other named Dani (usually pleasant, but not today). She took my order for a beer and their special "Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner for $20.00". I asked her opinion and she said it has been on and off the menu, that they were experimenting with it.
After 15 minutes, I received my order (much longer than usual). It was a 3/8" thin, roundish slab of breaded chicken about 5 inches by 4 inches across hidden under a handful of spring mix greens with about 6 cherry tomatoes cut in half and about 8-10 small cubes of mozzarella cheese. Oh, and two small lemon wedges on the side. It was HORIBLE. The chicken was as dry as the Mojave desert and totally tasteless. The spring mix on top had no discernable dressing. I was very hungry and slowly ate it over 15 minutes. Not once did anyone come to ask how it was despite the two bartenders not being busy and very few patrons at the bar or restaurant. About five minutes after I finished my first beer, Dani came over. She asked if I'd like another. I acquiesced. No other words from her so I quickly chimed - "I have some unsolicited advice - the chicken dinner was horrible. I highly recommend it not be permanently placed on the menu". Not a word from her. Ten minutes later when I had to waive someone down to close my tab I saw I was slightly over-charged for my beers/meal. Wow. $55.00 for two beers and piece of terrible chicken with a literal handful of spring mix on top. Wow.
What a snub. Sorry Mr. Day - your staff failed you. I would have had a far better (and cheaper) time sitting at home with my self-made food and store bought beer.....Not why a person wants to go out. People go to restaurants to be treated as if they are appreciated and perhaps have a pleasant social experience at least with a smile and some small talk from the staff if that patron is unaccompanied.
Oh - and why is it that every time I go to Boulder Social my credit card statement says "Stout Street". Are you guys too cheap to have a separate account for the Boulder Location of Boulder Social versus Stout Street in Denver? Not returning nor am I recommending this place any longer. Can't blame 'the times we are in' for lack of attention to the customer.
The new menu is wonderful. We had the fig and apple burrata, turkey club and a pizza. The Happy Hour menu is great too. They also have a dog-friendly patio. The service was friendly and welcoming. We will be back soon!
Came back and wanted to update our review. This team at Boulder Social is great. They are friendly and welcoming. The food is always very good. The restaurant is clean. They welcome your doggos and even sell dog toys. Don't sleep on this spot.
