Mateo
Trendy urban French bistro on Pearl Street, showcasing Provencal-inspired dishes and a notable wine selection in a charming atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Mateo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trendy urban French bistro on Pearl Street, showcasing Provencal-inspired dishes and a notable wine selection in a charming atmosphere.
"Mateo offers a delightful drink menu and unforgettable dishes like Tomato Bisque and poulet frites."
Order Recommended Dishes
Try the Tomato Bisque or poulet frites for an unforgettable and highly recommended culinary experience.
Happy Hour Specials
Consider visiting during happy hour for access to special menu options and value.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Provencal-Inspired French Cuisine
Savor unique French dishes focusing on local ingredients, offering a delightful taste of Provence.
Exceptional Drink Menu
Explore a unique and impressive selection of rare and exquisite wines, with expert recommendations available.
Charming Outdoor Seating
Enjoy a peaceful fine dining experience on their comfortable patio, a quiet retreat from the bustling street.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Recommended Dishes
Try the Tomato Bisque or poulet frites for an unforgettable and highly recommended culinary experience.
Happy Hour Specials
Consider visiting during happy hour for access to special menu options and value.
Ask for Wine Guidance
Seek out Griffin for exceptional wine recommendations; he's a knowledgeable guide.
Quieter Outdoor Seating
Opt for the outdoor seating area for a more peaceful dining experience away from indoor crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Recommended Dishes
Try the Tomato Bisque or poulet frites for an unforgettable and highly recommended culinary experience.
Happy Hour Specials
Consider visiting during happy hour for access to special menu options and value.
Ask for Wine Guidance
Seek out Griffin for exceptional wine recommendations; he's a knowledgeable guide.
Quieter Outdoor Seating
Opt for the outdoor seating area for a more peaceful dining experience away from indoor crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mateo offers a trendy, urban French dining experience with an impressive wine list and charming outdoor seating. While many praise the exceptional dishes like the Tomato Bisque and poulet frites, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation and service, with occasional issues of over-salting or forgotten orders. Despite minor drawbacks, the restaurant is noted for its pleasant ambiance and knowledgeable staff for wine recommendations, making it a popular spot on Pearl Street.
"Boulder's multi decades of experience in fine dining !!
Charming location with outdoor seating right on Pearl Street.
There is plenty of street parking in front or half a block south on 19th.
This icon has had long-term management and a staff who clearly enjoys working at Mateo.
Delightful drink menu with unexpected selections.
Plan on ordering food again and again when you experience what they offer.
Highly recommend the Tomato Bisque, my favorite I've ever had.
My evening meal was poulet frites, chicken served with fondue and hand cut frites. If you are burned out on chicken, please consider this dish! Organic slow cooked pan seared, it is unforgettable.
Salad was delicate, absolutely fresh. Fries came out hot, this mael takes about 20 minutes.
Lemon tart to finish, went nicely with the last sip of the recommended white wine in photos."
John Hames
"It was just ok which was really disappointing since we were very excited to dine at Mateo.
Our server was new which is totally understandable.
We dined early and we’re there for the happy hour menu. We had the butter lettuce salad (regular menu) which was very good. The dressing was perfect.
We also had the steak frites and the moulles from the happy hour menu. The steak was tough and definitely not what I would expect from a Provençal bistro. The moulles were good. I’d eat those again.
We finished with the lemon tarte and the panne cotta both of which were average.
I was surprised by the number of Italian wines on the list since it’s a Provençal restaurant. There were no white or rose French options.
With all of the great restaurants on Pearl St we have lots of options which means each restaurant has to be top notch. This one didn’t perform ."
Terri Hanson Mead
"Very nice food preparation and pleasant ambiance. Not too formal but with many good elements to enjoy the food. It is one of the casual mid-high end restaurant. Maybe not fancy but great place to go."
Kei Izawa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Mateo serves French cuisine with a focus on Provencal-inspired dishes and local ingredients.
Yes, Mateo has a comfortable patio that can seat up to 40 guests, offering a peaceful dining experience.
Customers highly recommend the Tomato Bisque and the poulet frites for an unforgettable meal.
Yes, Mateo offers a happy hour with special menu options.
Absolutely. Ask for Griffin, a wine guide extraordinaire who will provide excellent recommendations.
Mateo is not specifically a kid-friendly restaurant and does not appear to have a kids' menu.
Mateo offers vegan and gluten-free options.
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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Boulder, Colorado
Other spots to bookmark include Mateo for Provençal-inspired dishes, Oak at Fourteenth for cocktails and modern takes on classic dishes, Blackbelly for charcuterie and artisanal butchery, T/aco for fresh street tacos and margs, Flagstaff House for fine dining and views of Boulder below, Corrida for wood-fired steak and seafood inspired by Northern Spain's Basque country, and Avanti for a variety of food hall-style concepts and views of Pearl Street and the Flatirons from the rooftop patio. If you can’t decide where to eat, Megan Bucholz, owner of Local Table Tours, can expertly craft a custom food tour based on your tastes and preferences.
Fine Dining With a Hippie Past
You could ski or mountain bike, but you had to cook at home,” said Matthew Jansen, the chef and owner of Mateo, a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant (1837 Pearl Street; 303-443-7766; www.mateorestaurant.com).
Happy Hour Done Right in Boulder
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Discover the Best Happy Hour in Boulder (2025)
Let me start by saying that Mateo truly lives up to its reputation as one of the best happy hour spots in Boulder. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a pleasant ambiance that immediately put me at ease. The restaurant's warm lighting, cozy seating, and tasteful decor created a truly comforting atmosphere that made me feel right at home.
Best Rooftops and Patios in Boulder
If a relaxed fine-dining experience, with rare and exquisite French wines is what you’re after, then you must visit Mateo. Located at 18th and Pearl, it sits in a calmer corner of town, making the patio a comfortable and quiet place to relax. The patio seats 40 easily, so unlike the patios downtown, you won’t have to fight for a seat.
Go Local in Boulder - Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado
Wander around the Pearl Street area for plenty of award-winning options, including Provencal-inspired Mateo; Pizzeria Alberico's traditional Neapolitan pies; MICHELIN-star cuisine at Frasca Food & Wine); or The Kitchen, an eco-friendly bistro that pairs food with decadent brews.
Boulder Restaurants & Dining
Also just steps from The Bradley, is Mateo, inspired by the simple dishes of the Provence region of France. Next door is Leaf, offering fresh vegan and vegetarian dishes. The Mountain Sun is the local rock climber’s hot spot for great burgers and micro-brews.
Let's Celebrate Local Restaurants! | Downtown Boulder, CO
Have you checked out the sophisticated ambiance downtown at Mateo?. Chef and owner, Matthew Jansen opened Mateo in 2001 on Pearl Street’s East End. Mateo serves incredible dishes with local ingredients that highlight elements of the Provence Region in Europe.
Boulder’s brunch revival
With spring coming and golf season approaching, we thought it was the right time to bring Sunday brunch back,” says Matthew Jansen, chef/owner of Mateo, which opened in 2001.
Social
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