Mister Oso Boulder

🏥🤮 Hospitalized after eating at Mr. Oso Boulder 🤮🏥

Ugh… I hate leaving reviews like this, but people genuinely need to be warned. On Saturday, November 15th, my partner and I went on a double date with friends and their new baby. We had a late lunch around 4 PM. Three of the four adults became violently ill within 24 hours of dining here, and one of us ended up in the hospital with dehydration. The only dish the three of us shared was the brussels sprout salad. My partner didn’t eat it — and he’s the only one who stayed healthy.

This exposure to norovirus/food poisoning was so severe I had to extend my trip because there was absolutely no way I could travel without risking a medical emergency.

I understand that things happen in restaurants, but this wasn’t a mild bug or irritation — it was debilitating and dangerous. At a minimum, I hope the restaurant reviews their protocols, food handling, and hygiene practices, because no one should end up hospitalized because of dinner.

We’re really disappointed, especially because the drinks and food were great and the vibe was fun. But given that one person in our group has an infant, this was an extremely unsettling situation.

I waited a few days to post this — not just to recover, but to be 100% sure this wasn’t from something else. Everyone we spent time with later that night and on Sunday is completely symptom-free. This meal was the clear source.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

I had such a disappointing experience here a few months ago — which is especially shocking for a Michelin-recognized restaurant. My friends and I went in on a quiet Monday night just for drinks, and the assistant manager (Max) accused my very real ID of being fake. He said, word for word: “Whoever Rebecca is, your ID is fake. Call the cops if you want, but the non-emergency line, because the real cops don’t care.”

I told him it was real and even offered to show my passport copy on my phone, but he clearly just wanted to prove me wrong. So I called the police, who came and confirmed my ID was valid. Only then were we allowed to order. All of this happened right in the Moxy courtyard, in front of everyone.

They comped our meal, which I appreciated, but Max never once apologized — instead, he glared at our table the rest of the night. When we asked to speak with him before leaving, he literally hid in the back for several minutes before coming out. When I calmly asked for an apology for the public embarrassment, his exact words were: “You’re entitled to your brat opinion, but I’m not apologizing.”

I’ve heard he might not work there anymore, which honestly makes sense. The servers and hosts were incredibly kind and handled the situation with grace, but it’s really disappointing to see that kind of behavior from management — especially at a restaurant with a Michelin star. I’ve always loved their food and bar, but that experience completely changed how I feel about the place.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Had an amazing lunch here! Really cannot say enough good things. Everything we ate was delicious. Maybe the best tortillas I've ever had!

I wish I could eat that pork mojo every day. The hash was so good my wife got mad at me for picking at it so much!

As great as the food was the staff made it even better. Allie was the best. Made amazing drinks and gave us some great recommendations for where else to go.

Can't wait to go back! It's that good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time to a Mister Oso. Everything was excellent - loved the food (guacamole was great) and the drinks were perfect. Our server Jessica was awesome - attentive even though it was busy, made excellent recommendations on tacos to try and overall friendly. She made our visit great and we will definitely come back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve never tasted grown beef quite like theirs. Super cool jungle vibe here and our server Jessica was great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They have really tasty birria tacos and margs. I was pleasantly surprised.
Parking was a bit of a challenge.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have nothing but praises for this place. Haze was our waiter and he did a fantastic job. When he made a mistake on our order he fixed it immediately and made things right. The queso was very tasty and the tacos were even better. When you come make sure you try the rice side, it was my favorite thing. I went for lunch and I was surprised on how quite it was, better get in before it gets overrun like most restaurants on the hill.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Coconut Rice

If you are familiar with the locations in Denver, I would make the drive to those over this new location in Boulder. Mister Oso is an anniversary spot and a staple for us when people visit and has a special meaning to us. The Boulder location just wasn’t the vibe unfortunately for food and atmosphere. The service was terrible, young servers are there to just hang out with their friends and gossip. The food was a let down flavor and portion wise. The Denver locations are made and served with love. The best way to explain it.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Excellent place for tacos. Some of the best tacos I’ve ever had. The portion sizes can be on the small side (especially the drinks, even non-alcoholic ones) but the flavors are fantastic. Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Listen, there’s no better spot in Boulder. The atmosphere and location is amazing, food and prices make sense and the management!!! It is top notch…he stopped by our table and made us feel genuinely welcome and appreciated. As someone who worked in the industry before Covid, I’ve noticed how much customer service has slipped in a lot of places since then. Not here. They get it, and it shows. Clearly, someone is doing something right. I’ll be recommending this place to everyone who asks where to go

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came by got a cup.of coffee, sat outside and saw an outlet outside , decided to plug in, I guess someone thought it would be cute to turn it off . So I thought it was cute to boycott your company for this dumb move and leave a beautiful one star for you for rude service . . I'll tell everyone I know never to go there as well . Enjoy the one star .

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food, service and drinks were fantastic. Corn ribs and empanadas are highly recommended. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mr Oso (relative of Señor Bear) has happy hour from 3 to 6 every day and all day Monday!

Very southwestern flavor dinner tonight, with roasted peppers and smoked meat in my food and cactus in my drink. It's not the kind of thing I usually opt for, but this is high end chef's food and it tastes amazing.

I hope that visitors to this part of the country will come to Mr Oso and try their food here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I can’t say enough good things about this new high-level entry into Boulder’s On The Hill food scene… For starters, the panoramic windows offer unique views from every seat. Whether it’s the gorgeous CU campus across the street, the parade of bustling pedestrian traffic going by on all sides, or the intriguing pyramid of Bear Peak perched above The Flatirons to the southwest, it’s all perfectly visible and infinitely fun to watch. Inside, the lively music, bright colors, and exotic ambiance are more like you might find in Oaxaca, The Yucatan, or Cartagena, however, as are the fabulous food and drink options on offer. Ryan, the friendly and engaging bartender, specializes in top-of-the-line margaritas, and you can trust his recommendations. I went with the short-rib quesabirria tacos, and they were among the very best I’ve ever had. What a great experience… Mr. Oso is now one of my favorite spots in town!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had an amazing meal, even better drinks and a great experience with the staff. I was in Boulder moving my son into his apartment and this place was all around a great place to enjoy my down time!

I would highly recommend the tacos and the margaritas and of course, the trio of salsa and chips!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5