After 100 years, iconic restaurant is still filling it up on The Hill in Boulder

By Kristen Kuchar

If you haven’t been, get moving.

One of Boulder’s iconic restaurants, The Sink, has marked 100 years and the owners have celebrations planned all year long.

June 14 movie premiere
A short film about The Sink at the Boulder Theater on June 14. Tickets cost $15.

The eatery opened originally as Somers Sunken Gardens in 1923. A fountain in the restaurant led to a nickname - The Sink - that stuck until 1974 when it was renamed Herbie’s Deli. In 1989, it bounced back to being named The Sink, a beloved spot for Boulderites and students at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The location originally housed CU Boulder’s Sigma Nu fraternity until 1923 when it first became a restaurant. The city was home to roughly 10,000 people then, just under 10 percent of the current population.

Boulder’s oldest restaurant, which opened just one year after Macky Auditorium was completed, is at 1165 13th St., and is known for its burgers and “ugly crust” pizzas. Those who have enjoyed the food include President Barack Obama, Dan Aykroyd, Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri. If you visited in the 1950s, Robert Redford might have served your food while he was a student taking classes at CU.

While the menu has evolved – you’ll find sandwiches, mac-n-cheese, salads and hearty pub appetizer staples – the overall atmosphere remains low-key and welcoming.

Here are a few of the events planned by owners Mark Heinritz, Chris Heinritz and Tell Jones.

Sink Stories

Current and former patrons of The Sink are sharing their beloved stories. People are telling their favorite memories of the restaurant and these are being displayed on the website, on social media and in Boulder Weekly. You can check some out or submit your own stories here.

Friday Afternoon Clubs

In the 1960s and 1970s, The Sink hosted a Friday happy hour with music and guests in rented formal wear from a nearby store. These weekly festivities will return with this Friday afternoon party complete with live music, food and drink specials, and guest hosts.

Special Beer Release

The Sink teamed up with Avery Brewing Co. to create a beer to celebrate the anniversary. The collaboration brew, 1923, is an American Pale Ale. It will only be available at The Sink and Avery’s Boulder brewery and centennial celebrations throughout the year.

Film Release

Local film agency, Pixel Mills Studio, is releasing a mini-documentary detailing stories from The Sink. The film will be released at the Boulder Theater on June 14. It will take a look at the restaurant’s history and feature interviews with past owners, employees and patrons.

Block Party

Over Labor Day weekend, The Sink will host a block party on The Hill. Everyone can join The Sink alumni to celebrate. Look for a beer garden, live music, burgers and family-friendly activities.

Museum Exhibit

The Museum of Boulder will feature an entire exhibit devoted to the restaurant’s history. Titled “Throughout 100 Years of The Sink,” the exhibit will contain content from the past several decades, including unseen video footage, historical art panels from 1960s artist Llloyd Kavich, and other stories. The exhibit will launch in September.

If you’re interested in learning more about The Sink’s rich past, there is a full history and timeline available at The Sink.