New Buffs-themed bar to open in former Ralphie's space in Boulder

The Buff House plans to bring University of Colorado spirit to a long-vacant Arapahoe Avenue location.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of gold, black, and white, conceptually representing the energy and passion of a college sports bar scene.A new Buffs-themed sports bar aims to bring stability and university pride to a long-struggling Boulder location.Boulder Today

A new University of Colorado Buffalos-themed sports bar called The Buff House is planning to open later this year at 2860 Arapahoe Ave. in Boulder, taking over the space that was previously home to several other restaurant concepts including Big Boy, Hooters, Harpo's, and Ralphie's.

Why it matters

The Arapahoe Avenue location has been a revolving door for restaurant operators over the decades, with numerous changes in concepts and ownership. The arrival of The Buff House represents an opportunity to bring new energy and a strong CU brand identity to a space that has struggled to find long-term success.

The details

The Buff House will be a sports bar focused on celebrating the University of Colorado Buffalos. The 2860 Arapahoe Ave. location has housed a variety of restaurant concepts since the 1960s, including Big Boy, Hooters, Harpo's, and most recently Ralphie's, but has struggled to maintain a consistent business.

  • The Buff House plans to open later this year at the Arapahoe Avenue location.

The players

The Buff House

A new University of Colorado Buffalos-themed sports bar planned to open in Boulder.

2860 Arapahoe Ave.

The address in Boulder that will house The Buff House, a location that has seen numerous restaurant concepts come and go over the decades.

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The takeaway

The arrival of The Buff House represents an opportunity to bring new energy and a strong CU brand identity to a Boulder location that has struggled to find long-term success, potentially breaking the cycle of short-lived restaurant concepts at this address.