Reviewing Corrida: Spanish tapas in Boulder, Colorado.

When searching for unique dining experiences in Boulder, I wanted to get a feel for the town by walking to the restaurant. Downtown Boulder is charming and walkable, and the four-block pedestrian Pearl Street Mall in the heart of downtown is fascinating.

Spanish steakhouse in PearlWest

Corrida is a sophisticated Spanish steakhouse known for its Basque-inspired cuisine. With a focus on wood-fired prime cuts of beef, the menu also features various tapas and fresh seafood. 

With good signage on the street level, Corrida was easy to find in the PearlWest building on the western edge of Pearl Street Mall. Enter the lobby and follow the directions to the rooftop patio on the 4th floor.  

After arriving in the elevator, you enter a breathtaking glass-enclosed dining room with views over the rooftops to the Flatirons in the distance. While I could have dined inside, I chose a secluded table to enjoy the view, the unseasonably warm weather, and the quiet of the rooftop. 

VIP atmosphere at Corrida

Everyone is a VIP at Corrida. I felt it the moment I stepped in the door. 

The elegant dining room inside has a modern, airy feel, with tables for two, four, or six. Rooftop seating with umbrellas to shade from the sun offers stunning panoramic views of the iconic Boulder landmark, the Flatirons. 

How the Flatirons Got Their Name 

The Flatirons are a remarkable series of five primary rock formations located along the eastern slope of Green Mountain in Boulder.  

The term “Flatirons” was popularized by pioneer women who thought the rocks looked like the flat, metal irons they used for pressing clothes. 

When I was there in October, Alpen globes had been erected on the rooftop just in time for Parents Weekend at the University of Colorado Boulder. The open doors beckoned me to caress the long-haired white pelts on the seat backs and admire the chandeliers made of large pinecones and antlers. The sturdy, heated globes seat up to six. The globes extend the use of the rooftop throughout the cold months.

Full bar at Corrida

Corrida offers a full bar with cocktails, beer, and a comprehensive selection of Spanish wines. However, I enjoyed the Roaming Gin & Tonic Cart the most. When the waiter rolled the cart to my table, I ordered the Verde Gin & Tonic. I selected one of six high-quality gins, and the waiter garnished the glass with a sprig of rosemary, lime, and a length-wise slice of fresh cucumber. He finished the production with cucumber tonic by Fever Tree – lovely botanicals made at the table.  

Toro Featured on the Menu  

Japanese Wagyu and American Wagyu rated A5 are prominently featured on the menu. Both are highly prized for their rich flavor and tender texture, but some key differences exist. 

Japanese Wagyu is a breed of cattle native to Japan and is considered the best in the steak world. The term “Wagyu” literally means “Japanese cow.” Renowned for its flavor, tenderness, fat, and well-marbled texture, the meat is graded on a scale from A1 to A5, with A5 being the highest quality. 

On the other hand, 7X Wagyu, raised in Colorado, refers to a brand of American Wagyu beef. The “7X” stands for the seven times beef is tested for quality during production. This breed is a cross between Japanese Wagyu and American Angus cattle, combining the intense marbling of Japanese Wagyu with the robust beef flavor of Angus. The result is a steak that is incredibly tender, richly flavored, and less fatty than its Japanese counterpart. 

Tapas at Corrida

I was eager to try the tapas because my experience was limited. Tapas are ideal for diners on a budget and those who are less hungry. 

The first dish was Acietunas–Gordal olives, paprika, orange zest, and thyme. As I snacked on these large, firm olives and sipped my Verde Gin & Tonic, I decided which of the remaining selections I would choose.  

A dish of Almendras–Marcona almonds in EVOO and Maldon salt added a nice crunch. 

I also selected the Pan (bread) with paprika butter, Pimientos (crispy and flavorful Shishito peppers), and the La Gilda Basque skewer (a Gordal olive, anchovy, and pickled pepper). I made a balanced meal of these tapas and passed up the cheese, cured meats, and Iberian ham. The portions were generous, and I took some leftovers home for another day. 

Corrida Final Review

Corrida is open for dinner during the week with a Tapas Hour from 3 to 5 pm. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. I relished my tapas experience and look forward to another visit at Corrida.