The Sink

Specialties

Since 1923, The Sink has provided the best pizza in Boulder and the best burger in Boulder. Located near CU on The Hill, we are known for our original specialty and classic pizzas, fresh sandwiches, salads, vegetarian and gluten-​free options, as well as the classic famous Sinkburger, all prepared fresh daily.

We are also leading the way in eco-​friendly conservation by composting most of our refuse and running the whole restaurant on 100% clean wind power. We’re known as being one of the best restaurants in Boulder, CO and offer one of the best Boulder happy hours.

Whether you’re coming to visit us to sample our lunch or to see some of our iconic art work, The Sink is the place to eat when you visit Boulder.

History

Established in 1923.

The Sink was originally a European-​style restaurant called «Summer’s Sunken Gardens.» It featured a large, sunken fountain patrons referred to as «The Sink.» The restaurant was purchased by a CU alum in 1949 and the name was officially changed. The walls of the Sink were quickly filling up with local art. In 1955, the world famous Sink Burger was born. Between 1974 and 1989 The Sink’s owners called it Herbie’s Deli. The Sinkburger was still served but the art was covered with pine boards. In1989, The Sink was reborn. The name was officially changed back to the Sink, the pine boards taken down, and a full bar was installed. In 1992 the Heinritz brothers purchased the Sink and continue the tradition by providing Boulder with their famous Sinkburgers and a wide variety of fresh, scratch-​made food and drinks.

In 2011 Diners Drive-​Ins and Dives featured The Sink and then in April 2012 President Obama stopped by for a pizza. What great honors!

Meet the Business Owner

Mark and Chris H.

Business Owner

As brothers, they purchased The Sink in 1992 to continue its 90-​year legacy as the oldest bar and restaurant in Boulder. In an interview with Eater​.com, brother Chris Heinritz speaks to the brothers background and history with The Sink, «We had no experience in the restaurant industry, and I was only 24 at the time. We asked a lot of questions and made some mistakes but fortunately The Sink already had a loyal following. We tried not to change much of anything until we got our heads around it. We brought the first computers into the building and modernized it. We’re always trying to stay true to the roots, but also make it a viable place for today’s market. In 1995, the building was pretty tired so we did a significant remodel. We even put an airflow system in that The Sink had never had; there was no fresh air into the building. It was a pretty grungy place, so we made it a more enjoyable experience while still staying true to the funky character of it all.