Boulder Welcomes Sundance: A Historic Homecoming for The Sink

When news broke that the iconic Sundance Film Festival would be relocating to Boulder, we were thrilled—though maybe not entirely surprised. Boulder has long been a magnet for creativity, culture, and bold ideas, and few places embody that spirit more than The Sink. For us, Sundance coming to town isn’t just a major cultural milestone—it feels like a homecoming.

After all, Sundance’s most legendary figure got his start right here within our walls.

Rooted in History

In 1955, a young Robert Redford worked as a janitor at The Sink while attending CU Boulder. Long before he became an Oscar-winning director, actor, and founder of Sundance, Redford was cleaning up one of the most famous college hangouts around—immersed in the same creative energy that makes Boulder, Boulder.

Redford’s journey from our small restaurant and bar to the heights of Hollywood is a testament to what Boulder has always nurtured: a blend of grit, artistry, and independent spirit. That legacy makes the arrival of Sundance feel deeply personal—not just to The Sink, but to our whole community.

We’ve watched generations of artists, musicians, thinkers—and yes, a fair share of celebrities—pass through The Sink’s doors. From President Obama and Madeleine Albright to Anthony Bourdain and Guy Fieri, The Sink has always been more than a restaurant—it’s a gathering place for people with stories to tell.

The Future Starts Here: Welcoming Sundance 2027

The announcement that the Sundance Film Festival will relocate to Boulder has ignited excitement throughout our community. Governor Polis expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Colorado is thrilled to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to its new home in Boulder starting in 2027." ​

This move is expected to bring significant economic and cultural benefits to Boulder. The influx of filmmakers, artists, and film enthusiasts will invigorate local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. The Sink is eager to embrace this new era, offering a welcoming space for festival-goers to gather, dine, and celebrate the art of storytelling.

As a cornerstone of Boulder's vibrant cultural scene, The Sink looks forward to contributing to the festival's success. From hosting events and collaborating with filmmakers to simply providing a space for creative minds to connect, we’re excited to be a part of this new chapter for our town.

A new era rooted in history

For more than a century, The Sink has been part of Boulder’s story. As our town evolved, we’ve welcomed over a hundred years of CU students and generations of families, welcomed the stars, and celebrated art, food, and culture along the way.

Sundance’s arrival is a celebration of Boulder’s creative spirit, independent energy, and love of stories that connect and inspire us.

We’re honored to be part of this new chapter as Boulder takes center stage in the world of film.

2027 can’t come soon enough. And when it does, we’ll be here—ready with open arms, awesome food, cold drinks, and a few stories of our own.

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The Sink's Documentary Accepted to Boulder International Film Festival!

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The Sink's Documentary Accepted to Boulder International Film Festival!

The Sink’s documentary film, "The Sink: The Rest[aurant] is History," was accepted into the prestigious Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF). This marks another incredible milestone for The Sink, coming on the heels of our epic 100th-anniversary celebrations.

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The Sink's Take on Colorado-Style Pizza

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The Sink's Take on Colorado-Style Pizza

Known for decades as the go-to spot for the best burger in Boulder, The Sink had a hunger to craft something equally memorable—a dish that would leave a mark on taste buds and stand out amidst its legendary offerings.

In 1992, when the Heinritz brothers acquired The Sink from the Kauvar family, a new culinary journey began. They introduced the now-famous "Ugly Crust Pizza" and the revered Buddha Basil Pie, marking a turning point in The Sink's culinary repertoire…

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Honoring Coach Lee Corso's Legacy at The Sink

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Honoring Coach Lee Corso's Legacy at The Sink

On September 16, 2023, The Sink hosted legendary ESPN analyst and coach Lee Corso as he signed next to his caricature on our iconic Wall of Fame, painted by resident artist Sean Bailey celebrating his 400th pick during ESPN’s College Game Day.

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THE SINK: THE REST[AURANT] IS HISTORY

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THE SINK: THE REST[AURANT] IS HISTORY

The Museum of Boulder is about to become a portal into The Sink's vibrant past! From August 24th to January 14th, you can engross yourself in the unique art and history that makes The Sink so iconic. This immersive experience delves into the restaurant's history and the vibrant counter-culture surrounding it, including relics from the past, art, music, and an interactive component for visitors near and far.

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Documenting 100 Years of The Sink

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Documenting 100 Years of The Sink

As we entered The Sink's 100th anniversary, we knew we had a remarkable story to tell—the tale of a Boulder institution that has stood the test of time and been the backdrop of countless memories and shared moments. 

As the current caretakers of The Sink, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to share some of the many stories that have unfolded within these walls and pay tribute to everyone who played a role in making it what it is today.

The Sink Remodel: A Plumbing Story with Terry

The Sink Remodel: A Plumbing Story with Terry

Terry and his buddy Moe owned M&T plumbing and did plumbing for Herbie when the restaurant transformed from Herbie's Deli back to The Sink in the late 80s. While working on the remodel, the artist Llloyd Kavich was repainting the walls. "He was an eccentric guy," Terry said. "The next thing I knew, my caricature was on the wall…

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100 Years of The Sink from the Coloradan

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The Coloradan's Lisa Friedrich Truesdale has written a captivating article about The Sink's 100th anniversary, tracing our history and some fun memories from CU alums. We want to thank Lisa for her excellent work bringing our story to life.

The Sink has served generations of CU Buffs in its 100 years in business. Here are some highlights from the insightful article:

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Press: Boulder Weekly Celebrates The Sink's Centennial

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January 26, 2023

In case you haven't heard, The Sink turned 100 this year! For a special anniversary issue of The Boulder Weekly, Colin Wrenn sat down with us to talk about this momentous milestone, history, upcoming celebrations, and more.


Read the full article here. 

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Memorial Service for Herb Kauvar: A message from G. Brown

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The resulting CoME podcast will premiere as part of a memorial celebration of life being held at the Sink on Saturday, October 23 at noon, All Sink rats, Tule crew members and other Hill-era denizens are welcome to attend; commemorative “Not to be took from the Sink” t-shirts will be handed out.

Easy One-Pot Savory Cranberry Sauce

Easy One-Pot Savory Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and some of us are still trying to figure out the perfect side dish to pair with the big meal. Here’s a cranberry sauce that you can and should make all season long. For something downright delicious and different from your traditional cranberry sauce, you’ll love the savory and tart flavors of this homemade cranberry sauce.