Update: I finally made it in this Halloween’s Friday eve, and I loved it. Finally, there’s a lounge, a cocktail bar, a place for dates where you’ll see your friends—but, with plenty of cozy, dark nooks—only if you want to. ~ ed.

Via Megha, who attended the VIP soft opening on our behalf:

When you first walk into the Bitter Bar in Boulder, Colorado—previously Happy Noodle House + the Bitter Bar, now, more drinks, less food—it is a bit hard to recognize the face lift. You notice the fabulous mixologist, Mark, rocking his bowtie while showcasing his talents to his patrons.

But then…you hear a live band and you know something is a lot different. Or everything is a bit different.

Due to the fact that it is a historic building, many structural changes could not be made. So the changes are in the details. Using recycled furniture from restaurants such as Denver-based Lola, they’ve installed booths across from the bar, allowing for more intimate group conversations.

The space offers a lot of variety—stools at the bar, standing room to mingle and group seating. Although there is a lot more room for people, you notice that the bar has not expanded. On a busy Friday night, the crowd at the bar makes you wonder how long it will take to get a cocktail [ed’s note—not long, I tried on a busy Friday night—the place was packed but still easy to get a drink].

While you may not be able to satisfy your hunger with a Bahn Mi anymore, there is a delicious new seasonal menu ranging from french fries with truffle aioli to lavender honey s’mores. The waiters intentionally take the time to educate you on where the apples were picked from to create the spiced apple cider ice cub that is sitting in your Cider Forest.

Yup, there’s finally a damn cocktail bar in this town.

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Megha quit her job as a Human Capital Consultant to work for the Unreasonable Institute. They’re hoping she doesn’t regret it. While studying at Northwestern University, she served as the Co-Director of the Global Engagement Summit, uniting 80 student delegates from over 20 countries at a 5-day mentorship and training program to kickstart social innovation projects. She also spent two summers in Uganda piloting a technology startup and implementing a sports-for-social change program. While her family hails from India, her home is in Sugar Land, Texas, which explains her love of Blue Bell mini ice cream sandwiches. And if you speak Hindi, she’s got some great puns to share with you.