Built on Adventure

In 1991, Pemba Sherpa immigrated to the United States carrying just two hundred dollars, a backpack, a tent, a sleeping bag, and big dreams. Over the next decade, those dreams steadily became reality. In 2002, he opened Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant & Bar, and today it has become one of Boulder’s most beloved restaurants—and the realization of Pemba Sherpa’s lifelong dream.

Pemba grew up in the tiny village of Sengma, perched 10,000 feet high in the Himalayas and home to fewer than ten houses. In this remote region, there were no cars, buses, or even bicycles. As a child, he walked three hours round trip each day, crossing a dangerous bridge, to get to and from school. By the age of sixteen, he was leading expeditions to Mt. Everest Base Camp. His experiences taught him the importance of compassion, perseverance, and community. Even then, he dreamed that one day, through hard work in America, he could replace the aging crossing with a safer bridge.

More than two decades after opening, Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant & Bar has become a Boulder institution. With a loyal following of locals, students, and mountain enthusiasts, guests return for its inviting patio, unique community offerings, and exceptional food. The restaurant has earned Boulder Weekly’s award for Best Indian/Nepalese Restaurant for twenty consecutive years, a testament to its consistently outstanding cuisine.

As Boulder’s dining scene has evolved, Sherpa’s has remained relevant by staying true to what makes it special. Many staff members are family or lifelong friends, including several who have been with the restaurant since it opened. Their warmth is immediately apparent, making guests feel more like visitors than customers.

Housed in a historic home just off Pearl Street, Sherpa’s is best known for its expansive garden patio. Hanging flower baskets drape from mature trees rooted among the flagstone floor, while canopies and leafy branches provide welcome shade. Weddings, celebrations, and community gatherings regularly take advantage of the elegant yet relaxed outdoor setting. With shade structures and outdoor heaters, the patio hosts weddings, celebrations, and dinners year-round.

While favorites like saag paneer and chicken tikka masala remain popular, Pemba encourages guests to explore the regional specialties that represent the true Sherpa tradition. His recommendations include the restaurant’s handmade momos and hearty Sherpa Stew, while his personal favorite is the tofu curry. Every dish is accompanied by perfectly steamed basmati rice and a comforting cup of delicately balanced yellow lentil soup. And no visit is complete without the naan. Baked in a traditional charcoal-fired clay tandoor oven, it is light, crisp around the edges, and delightfully chewy.

Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant & Bar has endured not only for its outstanding cuisine but also for its commitment to the community. It has long served as a gathering place for Boulder’s outdoor-minded residents, whose appreciation for healthy living, adventure, and the mountains mirrors Pemba’s own values. Pemba also leads trekking and cultural trips to Nepal, giving guests a firsthand look at the landscapes and traditions behind the restaurant. Inside, a travelers’ library and lounge offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about mountaineering, trekking, volunteering, and Nepalese culture while they dine. The restaurant’s chef, Jangbu Sherpa, has even summited Mt. Everest ten times without supplemental oxygen.

Sherpa’s connects Boulder and Sengma in ways that extend far beyond the dining room. Boulder has been enriched by its remarkable cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and adventurous spirit. But Sengma has benefited as well. In 2011, Pemba fulfilled the dream he had carried with him to America by building the safer bridge he had envisioned as a child. The journey to school for the children of his village was cut in half.

The next time you visit Sherpa’s, order a plate of momos, browse the travelers’ library, and remember that your meal is part of a story that stretches from downtown Boulder to a small village high in the Himalayas.

Visit Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant & Bar for lunch or dinner at 825 Walnut St. in Boulder or order online at sherparestaurantboulder.com.