Salon (E. County)
Salon Cosabella, Broomfield
Friendly service in a chic location. The ladies here pride themselves on expert service and a great environment. It’s the place you go when you need a new hue or a few inches taken off.

Salon (Boulder)
Fix Hair Salon
Need a new outlook on life? You might need a
new hair color. Let the specialists at Fix lead you
to the color bar and make you feel like a whole
new person.

Massage (E. County)
Sunflower Day Spa, Longmont
The therapists at Sunflower are amazingly receptive, responsive and professional. Enjoy the ultimate relaxation at their hands.

Massage (Boulder)
St. Julien Hotel & Spa
A beautiful location makes a soothing massage here just that much more enticing. Book a massage…and you may need to book a room for the night because you’ll be so relaxed.

Manicure/Pedicure (E. County)
Sunflower Day Spa, Longmont
Expert technicians and a superbly comfortable, sunny space make a mani/pedi stop at Sunflower a truly indulgent experience.

Manicure/Pedicure (Boulder)
Ten20
Where else can you catch a chick flick while you
get a polish change? At Ten20, they know what
a girl wants.

Aesthetic Treatment Center (E. County)
Aesthetic Solutions Center for Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, Lafayette
With constant changes in technology and technique, it’s easy to get lost in the world of beauty. Aesthetic Solutions can help you find your bearings—with a tender touch and state-of-the-art technology.

Aesthetic Treatment Center (Boulder)
Avanti Skin Center
Whether you’re interested in laser hair removal, skin resurfacing or body sculpting, Avanti Skin Center has dozens of options and their professionals can help you make the right choices for your goals and lifestyle.

Gym (E. County)
Lakeshore Athletic Club, Broomfield
With indoor and outdoor pools, basketball courts, climbing wall, huge, sunlit weight room, spa, deluxe locker rooms and a high-tech cardio center, Lakeshore provides an opportunity to build your muscles while you build your sense of community.

Gym (Boulder)
YMCA
There’s a reason why the YMCA has survived and thrived all these years. On top of the activities, outdoor fun and amenities, there are plenty of ways to get a good work out.

Rec Center (E. County)
Erie Community Center, Erie
Erie’s Community Center has become not just a recreation center—but a flagship for a new kind of town pride. But then again, you can also recreate to your heart’s desire. Pool, climbing wall, spinning classes, and workout equipment are just the beginning.

Rec Center (Boulder)
East Community Center
What makes the East Boulder Community Center the best? Two pools (including a lazy river and 150-foot water slide), weight room, climbing and bouldering walls and child care. Take that, other rec centers!

Martial Arts (E. County)
Vision Quest IBBA, Lafayette
Vision Quest was recognized by Black Belt School International as one of the top 200 U.S. schools, and owner Christopher Spann was awarded teacher of the year by the United Martial Arts Alliance. Awards don’t mean everything, but they do mean a lot.
 
Martial Arts (Boulder)
Trans Martial Arts & Fitness Center
Tran’s is a longtime regional favorite—and their special brand of butt-kicking is taught to young and old, newbie or expert. Go beyond the ordinary with a class in Muay Thai Kick boxing.

Yoga Studio (E. County)
Solar Yoga, Longmont
Hot yoga is, well, hot right now, and Solar Yoga is one of the coolest places around offering this challenging yet relaxing way to sweat it out.
 
Yoga Studio (Boulder)
Core Power Yoga
With five studios in Northern Colorado alone, plus dozens of classes every day in several yoga styles, you’ll likely find something to fit your schedule and style. If not, take up walking.
 
Pilates Studio (E. County)
Happy Cat Pilates, Longmont
Whether you like the dynamics of a group class or the personal attention of one-on-one training, Susie at Happy Cat will have you feeling “as supple as a cat.” Meow!
 
Pilates Studio (Boulder)
Body Dynamics
These legendary health and fitness specialists have been serving Boulder for 20 years not just with Pilates but with complimentary practices including core training, fitball, boot camp, tai-chi and bosu. When the famed athletes of Boulder need to get worked out, they come here.

Chiropractor (E. County)
Dr. Larimore, Longmont
Being in the chiropractic services for 18 years, Dr. Larimore knows his specialty like the joints in the back of his own hand. The man knows his stuff, and by stuff we mean your aching back.

Chiropractor (Boulder)
Café of Life
Get ready to be served a hot steaming cup of wellness when you’re at the Café of Life. Established around the world, they work to spread chiropractics to all types of people—even you.

Personal Training (E. County & Boulder)
Fitness for Living
We have a group of staffers who attend the Fitness for Living boot camps. Not only do they dig the intensity, but they look at a lot better than they used to (thank goodness from the rest of us…we kid).

Best place to get your teeth pampered
Artistic Smiles, Longmont
Going to the dentist is about as fun as a root canal (sometimes it is a root canal). But Artistic Smiles focuses on making you smile even when you’re in the dentist’s chair. Here, you can get a full mouth makeover (or just a nice cleaning) and opt for sedation, which is a big plus for us.

Best place to relax and be revived
Sunflower Spa, Longmont
Sunflower Spa is pure feminine luxury. Facials and scrubs and massages galore. No matter the treatment, visitors become in tune with their skin and pores and muscles and nail beds. It’s revival from the toes up.

Best local version of Globogym
Lakeshore, Broomfield
Lakeshore may look intimidating—especially with a monstrous climbing mountain springing up from the weight room floor—but it’s really not so scary. With more fitness and spinning classes than we care to count, like Dodgeball’s Globogym, they can turn “that Frankenstein you see in the mirror every morning into a Franken-fine!”

Best place to feel uptown
Salon Cosabella, Broomfield
This year, Salon Cosabella expanded to new digs in the Arista development—an even cooler spot that’s modern, friendly and hip without a hint of stuffiness. We like it not just because it’s upscale, but because with every hair cut, you take a little bit of that home with you.

Bike Shop (Boulder)
University Bicycles
This iconic Boulder shop offers performance bikes to buy or rent. Aside from the expected accoutrements, they also offer trips, tours and clinics for riders of all ages and abilities. They can throw this award in the back with the others!

Ski Shop (Boulder & E. County)
Christy Sports, various locations
This has been a company of skiers, by skiers and for skiers for more than 50 years. They’re the largest specialty ski and snowboard retailer and snowsport service specialist in the Rocky Mountain region.
 
Shoe Store (E. County)
Brown’s Shoe Fit, Longmont
Offering exceptional service and loads of selection, Brown’s is a must-shop in downtown Longmont. Here, you’ll find the best-fitting shoes and a crew that know their soles. It’s how East County struts.

Shoe Store (Boulder)
Pedestrian Shop
This shop is a celebration of the Colorado lifestyle: lots of walking, hiking and running. Get outfitted here for your next adventure.

Eyewear (E. County)
Eye Care Center, Longmont
It’s kind of like one-stop shopping for eyecare: not only do they carry a good selection of frames, their doctors can care for your eyes’ every want and need.
 
Eyewear (Boulder)
Wink Optical
Find a look as distinctive as you are by searching the elite selection of frames available at Wink. Plus, you’ll find the best service in the county.

Jewelry (E. County)
Eric Olson, Lafayette
Eric Olson is an artist, and his wearable art is a balance of elegance and organic beauty. And in many ways, it truly reflects the Colorado landscape and lifestyle.

Jewelry (Boulder)
Walters and Hogsett
Approaching its 25th year (most marriages don’t even last that long), Walters & Hogsett is almost as locally beloved as the Flatirons. What’s the secret? Beautifully crafted pieces and an expert staff.

Fashion Boutique for Women (E. County)
Vie Vie Luxe, Louisville
It may be small but it’s mighty. This charming Louisville shop is packed full of great finds: gorgeous jackets, fun jewelry and luscious leather bags.

Fashion Boutique for Women (Boulder)
Chelsea
You just feel a bit more feminine, strong and sexy the moment you step into Chelsea. It just oozes with style. From killer shoes to flowing dresses, this is where Boulder shops for everyday beauty.

Second-hand Clothing (E. County)
Orange Door, Longmont
The hip little Orange Door has a long history; even though, it’s brand new. The upscale consignment shop on Main Street Longmont is the result of decades of retail experience, and it shows.

Second-hand Clothing (Boulder)
Rags Consignment
We love shopping at Rags because it does not feel like we are thrifting (that’s the verb, to thrift). Their stock does not feel second hand, and in return we don’t feel like we are buying second rate.

Old Town (E. County)
Louisville
There’s this great balance of quaint charm and modern splendor in Old Town—and because of the cool cafes, beautiful shops, popular restaurants and bars, it’s hard to resist the allure.

Shopping District (E. County)
Downtown Longmont, Longmont
Woah! An upset! Longmont pulls in front to take the win! From Brown’s to Adorn to Encore, it’s really no surprise that locals dig the retail scene in Longmont, and we’re glad to see some competition.

Shopping District (Boulder)
Pearl Street Mall
What would Boulder be without the Pearl Street Mall? Let’s not even imagine the Republic minus its prized retail and cultural spot, its award-winning restaurants, its hot boutiques and hopping bars. I curse the thought!

Bookstore (E. County)
Borders Bookstore, various locations
We get it, there’s not too many locally owned bookstores to peruse anymore. Plus, Borders is pretty tempting: shelf after shelf after shelf of books, music and movies. You have to admit, they’ve got game.

Bookstore (Boulder)
Boulder Bookstore
Boulder Bookstore not only keeps bookcases stocked, it brings in tons of writers. And if there’s one thing better than reading a book, it’s listening to someone else read a book.

Home Décor (E. County)
Encore, Longmont
When you are redecorating your home or just thinking about decorating your home, Encore offers a burst of inspiration with a blend of sophisticated unique décor and funky home accessories made by local venders. From candles to vases to knick-knacks, they’ll make your home as cool as you want. It’s also perfect for gifts.

Home Décor (Boulder)
HW Home
What’s the neatest part of HW? The owners scour the globe to see what’s hip in global décor and bring the international perspective to you.

Furnishings (E. County)
Woodley’s, Longmont
Woodley’s has crafted a solid reputation—almost as solid as the beautiful hardwood furniture built right here in their Longmont factory.

Furnishings (Boulder)
HW Home
It’s no wonder HW Home is twice victorious in the BOW. With their unique international taste, they beat out the competition single-handedly.

Second-hand Furniture (E. County)
Front Range Mercantile, Longmont
This huge indoor flea market is practically bursting with snazzy antiques, great home furnishings and décor for stellar deals. Plus, it’s just a fun place to explore.

Second-hand Furniture (Boulder)
Clutter Consignment
At Clutter, you pick from the style you like, whether it’s vintage, contemporary, retro or modern. Everything out of this store is super sweet and the inventory changes daily.

Home Improvement (E. County)
Lowe’s, Lafayette
Lowe’s has (literally) built a foundation around being the go-to shop for all the necessary tools to get the job done.

Home Improvement (Boulder)
McGuckin hardware
Need an extra valve for plumbing? Check. Fertilizer for the garden? Got those, too. Crock pot? Oh yeah. This iconic locally owned store has everything you need—everything. And the staff is famous for its attentiveness.

Florist (E. County)
Lafayette Florist, Lafayette
With a 68,000-square-foot greenhouse, the oh so lovely Lafayette Florist is easily accessible for any flower-required situation that comes up. And it’s been doing just that for decades.

Florist (Boulder)
Sturtz & Copeland
Called Fawcett Floral before 1928 (that’s right, 1928), Sturtz & Copeland specializes in more than just serving up bouquets of blossoming flowers. They also focus on pottery and fountains, fertilizers and gardening.

Kids Clothing (E. County)
Naartjie, Broomfield
This South African-based store focuses on using natural fabrics that are brightly colored, uniquely fashionable and totally kid-friendly.

Kids Clothing (Boulder)
Rocky Mountain Kids Clothing
Family owned and operated, this stylish store offers more than 3,500 square feet of adorable kids clothes, shoes and accessories.

Toy Store (E. County)
Crawdaddy Toys, Lafayette
Like a blast from the past, this is the kind of toy store that makes you feel good about getting the kids a treat. And it’s the kind of toy store that makes grown-ups turn into kids…whether your kids like it or not.

Toy Store (Boulder)
Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe
Specializing in educational toys (that also happen to be super fun), this Boulder institution has toys and games for kids of all ages.

Gift Shop (E. County)
Timbalier, Lafayette
Timbalier is East County’s source for gracious, thoughtful, unique gifts. A must-shop for the hard-to-buy-for on your list.

Gift Shop (Boulder)
Paper Doll
A gorgeous gift shop with quirk, this place has pretties for all the ladies in your life as well as fun paper goods and a kids section that will make any young’un’s imagination soar.

Gourmet Cooking Store (E. County)
Cayenne Kitchen, Longmont
The perfect spot to pick up that kitchen gadget you never knew you needed—but now can’t live without. A great stop for foodie gifts as well.

Gourmet Cooking Store (Boulder)
Peppercorn
This is where you go when you need an 8-inch chef’s knife, a set of double old fashioneds or a pound of gourmet coffee; it’s the perfect shop when you need anything for your culinary life. 

Grocery Store
Whole Foods, many locations
Whole Foods is the sunshine on a cloudy day. True, the crowds are a bit nutty, but the bounty of fresh, fabulous food could make a hungry Boulderite fall to their knees with tears of organic joy.

Liquor Store (E. County)
Fox Creek Liquors, longmont
Well, anyplace that touts a giant Great Dane—especially one named Rufus—as their in-store mascot is cool with us. Fox Creek has a stellar reputation, and the dog’s just the beginning. Our readers love their selection and excellent service.

Liquor Store (Boulder)
Liquor Mart
No surprise here. Seriously, Liquor Mart is the go-to place for supplying wine snobs and college students alike. And it has been for years. It’s the most trustworthy shops of satisfying all your drinking wants and needs.

Wine Shop (E. County)
Fox Creek Liquors, Longmont
With an on-staff sommelier, this place is perfect for both budding and veteran winos in the area. And every Friday, Fox Creek hosts a wine tasting that’s practically the toast of the town.

Wine Shop (Boulder)
Boulder Wine Merchant
With so many options, you need a helping hand. At the Wine Merchant, the shopping experience is not complete without some advice from the staff. Counterdependent? Just explore the vast stock and you can’t go wrong (it’s all drinkable).

Musical Instruments (E. County)
Miller Music, Longmont
This Longmont spot is covered from floor to ceiling in instruments. But it’s not just the selection that’s brought swarms of musicians to this storefront since the mid 1970s. It’s the swagger.

Musical Instruments (Boulder)
Robbs Music
We like Robb’s motto: If you are gonna come, be prepared to rock. That’s just how they roll at this Boulder music refuge, where a super skilled staff of salespeople, teachers and repairmen ensure that all your musical needs are met.

Pet Supply Store (E. County)
Struttin Pup, Lafayette
For those of you who think “dog days” are a negative thing, you obviously have never been to Struttin Pup. Here, being a dog is not just nice, it’s pretty freakin’ awesome.

Pet Supply Store (Boulder)
PC’s Pantry
We say dog food should meet the standards of human food, and that’s much of what is dished up at PC Pantry, a dog and cat shop filled with pet toys and tools as well as an array of food finds, including dog birthday cakes.

Best kiddo shopping experience
Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe, Boulder
Here, joy and giggles pour down from the toy- and game-covered shelves and radiate up from the little smiling faces that dance around this kid metropolis. Grandrabbit’s is a child’s fantasy made real, a place where it’s always playtime.

Best way to waste a Saturday afternoon
Antiquing in Lyons
Before you head to Oskar Blues for a Mama’s Lil Pils and bluegrass, visitors must check out what makes Lyons so special (beyond the beer and the music) by stopping by the Left-Hand Trading Company, spacious and cave-like, and the cozy Ralston Bros. Antiques.

Best shop to support local artists
Boulder Arts & Crafts Gallery, Boulder
Coloradan’s have mad skills, and they’re on display at Boulder Arts & Crafts Gallery. The storefront has a massive collection of locally made arts, crafts and wearable creations. Nearing its 40th year, it’s become the preeminent shop to find locally made craftsmanship.

Best shop for girlie shoes
Two Sole Sisters, Boulder
Nancy Sinatra, had she recorded the song today, would likely have switched the lyrics to something like: “if these heels were made for strutting…” Heels are the modern woman’s power shoes, and if you are in need of something feminine, flirty and butt-kicking, you need only step into Two Sole Sisters, where girls really go wild.

Best shop to explore the past
Serendipity, Longmont
Plan a good hour or more when you visit Serendipity, an antique shop that sells everything from vintage bookcases, kitchenware and headboards to clothing and jewelry. Treasures are all around and a good deal is not hard to find.

Best shop for quirky gifts
Madifine Mercantile, Longmont
Madifine Mercantile is an ode to the sassy and the off the wall. Here, you’ll find a smattering of wacky items, from new vintage to the Big Lebowski Urban Achiever Action Figure, which you totally need.

Best shop for girlfriends
Adorn, Longmont
Whether it’s gifts for a diverse armada of bffs or you’re in need of a pretty something to woo a pretty lady, Adorn is filled with jewelry, accessories and decor to match. No matter the woman (except for the leather-and-chains gal), Adorn has something to feather their nests or their wrists.

Best high-end boutique worth every penny
Weekends, Boulder
If you’re gonna drop some cash, do it at Weekends. Whether it’s a killer leather bag, a pair of Seven jeans or a proper blazer, the inventory is as luxe as it is cool. Sometimes you have to pay a price to be a stud.

Best place to buy a tree
CreekSide Tree Nursery, Boulder
What makes CreekSide extraordinary? Well, here, every tree is special. And we don’t mean that in a new-agey, touchy-feely kind of way. CreekSide’s trees are beautiful, unblemished and well nurtured.

Best shop for frills
Elizabeth’s Embellishments, louisville
It’s a little French country, a little shabby chic and a whole lot of pretty things that make women giddy. Everything to embellish your life from bobbles and bedspreads to blouses and baby gifts.

Best place to get bespectacled
Wink, Boulder
Remember when wearing glasses was about as cool as having braces? Times have changed. Especially at Wink, where glasses are not just a means to an end (that end would be seeing), they are the styled, flattering exclamation points on your visage.

Editors Choice: PETS

Best shop for pet pride
Struttin Pup, Lafayette
Started by two rock and roll chicks, Lafayette’s Struttin Pup is as cool as a pet shop gets. From plush beds to all sorts of fun, funky collars and leashes to natural pet food to a DIY doggie bath, this place truly rocks.

Best local Cesar Millan
Two Bears Dog Training, Lafayette
Two Bears use a cornucopia of training techniques, helping dog and owner create a foundation of communication. Still can’t decide whether it’s human training or dog training.

Best way to Exhaust rover
Healthy Bone, Erie
We love Chris McCandless and his Healthy Bone adventure hikes because he lets dogs be dogs, reminding our four-legged friends that they are all canine and helping to work out their domestication frustrations.

Fair/Festival (E. County)
Louisville Street Fair
There’s just something so classic and charming about the Louisville Street Fair: food, music and lots of neighbors getting together to hang out on a summer night.

Fair/Festival (Boulder) 
Boulder Creek Festival
Among the hundreds of vendors that set up along the banks of the creek for this event, you’re sure to find something you never knew you needed—or wanted—that you just can’t live without. Plus, the vibe is just so Boulder.
 
Live Music Venue (E. County)
Nissi’s, Lafayette
If you want to have your finger on the pulse of local music, Nissi’s is the beating heart of the East County scene. It’s where we find the best local acts in the best local venue.
 
Live Music Venue (Boulder)
Boulder Theatre
Big acts or small, there’s nothing like seeing them in this intimate Boulder institution. Whether it’s a jam band or an oldie but goodie, Boulder Theatre makes every show unique and uniquely Boulder. And don’t forget to check out George’s next door.

Theater Company (E. County)
Jesters Dinner Theater, Longmont
They call Jesters “the little theater that could.” And we say, “Yes they can!” This downtown Longmont theater puts on some beefy shows—they just finished Aida and they’re opening Godspell—and, with a strong crew of local actors and singers, they pull them off with rave reviews.

Theater Company (Boulder)
Boulder Dinner Theater
Dinner theater is a noble art form—balancing song, dance, acting and waiting tables is no easy feat. At Boulder Dinner Theater, they do some impressive juggling (not literally) and always put on a fine show.

Gallery (E. County)
Muse Gallery, Longmont
Muse is a sweet, unfussy gallery—and it serves as an anchor for the entire Longmont arts scene. Take your time pondering the work of local creatives, from paintings to sculpture. And the gallery is manned by its members, so you’re likely to bump into an artist.

Gallery (Boulder)
Art and Soul Gallery
Art and Soul has an uptown vibe with contemporary pieces that are often playful and spirited. This Pearl Street gallery shows both national and international artists.

Museum (E. County)
Longmont Museum, Longmont
About 10 years ago, Longmont overhauled its city museum. And today, we celebrate the victory. With changing exhibits, programs and classes, and a sunshine-filled space, it’s the gem of Longmont.

Museum (Boulder)
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Funky and dynamic, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is an art-lovers dream and it’s always a bit of an adventure. Plan a docent-guided tour to get an “in the know” experience.

Chef
Hosea Rosenberg
Where is Hosea Rosenberg? Ever since the Jax chef won Bravo’s fifth season of Top Chef, Rosenberg has been traveling the world and hasn’t been too specific on what he’ll do with his winnings. Still, no matter where he ventures, locals will still crave his seafood inventions. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing a celebrity chef in your own backyard.

Radio Personality
Bret Saunders, KBCO
KBCO’s Bret Saunders is the king of local radio. He’s funny and personable and makes us feel a bit cooler and a bit more music savvy every time we turn on the radio. And while KBCO is no longer “local,” we tend to believe that Bret will always have our back.

Politician
Jared Polis
Within the last year, Rep. Jared Polis has introduced some groundbreaking legislation, stood strong in support of health care policy and other progressive issues and did a beer bong on The Colbert Report. Could he represent us any better? Answer: Nope, he’s practically perfect in our eyes.

Best Place to Get Lost in a Crowd
Lafayette Peach Festival
Don’t worry about it. Yes, it will be crowded. Yes, parking will be nuts. But the Peach Fest is absolutely worth it. Take a big juicy bite of this slice of East County culture and savor it.

Best big surprise in a small town
Erie Town Fair, Erie
The Town Fair is the premier event in this suburbia. People come for the balloons, blocks of booths, food, fun and a car show but they stay for the explosion of small-town charm.

Best summer music venue
Planet Bluegrass, Lyons
What would summer be without Planet Bluegrass? Sad. Musicless. Unfun. Well, maybe you would just miss some great shows. The always dependable, picturesque venue brings in amazing performers during RockyGrass and Folks Fest. Summer just wouldn’t be the same.

Best Way to Experience the No. 1 Town in the U.S.
Louisville Town Faire
It doesn’t take a national ranking to make us appreciate Louisville. But if anyone was looking for a reason to visit, this makes a good excuse. If you need an intro to Louisville, the Town Faire is an excellent foray. There’s music, food and all your new best friends.

Best makeover
1STBank Center, Broomfield
With a new paint job, art on the wall and a solid line up, the former Broomfield Event Center has a spirit that’s finally making the facility what it should have been: a money-maker.

Best place to kick back
Hotel Boulderado, Boulder
We know what you are thinking, who goes to a hotel in their own city? Um, we do. It’s not necessarily a week-long vacation, but occasionally a trip to the Boulderado is not just nice, it’s needed. Don’t want to spend the money on a room? Just grab a drink in the Corner Bar and park yourself in the lobby on a rainy day.

Best place to enjoy nature without going outside
Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
If you have allergies…if it’s a blustery day…if you’re just tired of the sun. The Butterfly Pavilion makes nature possible even when you aren’t up for frolicing in the great outdoors.

Best 3rd-Date Restaurant
Sugarbeet, Longmont
The third date is special; it means there’s potential. And it means it’s time for Sugarbeet, Longmont’s warmest, most intimate eatery. It will impress, romance and seduce your date better than you ever can. Order the duck confit or the braised short rib, and you will surely make it to date No. 4.

Best Overhaul of an Icon
Salt, Boulder
There is a lot to say about Bradford Heap’s new Boulder creation. But the best compliment we can give is that with Salt, Heap has done justice to the location, the former spot of Tom’s Tavern. Chic, contemporary and flavorful, Salt has filled the void in a serious way. With focused yet playful dishes like the rosemary rotisserie chicken with sage butter squash and oyster mushroom bread pudding, Heap has begun a new era for the building.

Best cool, casual oasis in Longmont
Tortuga’s, Longmont
Sitting on the patio of Tortuga’s on a spring or summer or fall afternoon is like hanging out in your own backyard. Except here, there is magic in the air and a kitchen that serves up amazing Caribbean-inspired fare: Mahi mahi with sauces like jerk or mojo, jambalaya, craw-fish étoufée and much more.

Best Restaurant For After Work Drinks & Chow
Empire, Louisville
When you step in this downtown mainstay after a long week, order a happy hour cocktail—cucumber gin and tonic or Empire Lemonade—and dive into a round of mozzarella toast and deviled eggs. There is no doubt that Empire is the relaxed but modish stop for post-work imbibing, dishing and dining.

Best Boulder-style Bistro
The Kitchen, Boulder
The Kitchen is a near perfect representation of the Boulder culinary scene. It has a refined but casual bistro style; a focus on local produce; and balanced, well flavored dishes. And they do it with an adept simplicity, unpretentious sophistication, the feel of family dining, the seductiveness of a low-lit space and a perfectly poached egg, which make it the king of bistros.

Best Place To Catch A Game, Any Game, & Have A Beer
Pumphouse, Longmont
At Pumphouse and the Red Zone, you sit shoulder to shoulder with professionals, families, double dates and entire softball teams all looking for a break from the real world…and for the score of the game.

Best Concept Restaurant
Mod Market, Boulder
Mod Market is the future. And the future tastes great. With a clean, über modern interior and a wholesome, changing menu of classics (salads, flatbread pizzas and soup), Mod Market has introduced Boulder to a different way of dining: affordable, fast and soooo cool.

Best Tikka Masala
Flavor of India, Longmont
OK, OK. You get it. We like Flavor of India’s tikka masala. We probably brag more about this dish than we do about our own children. What can we say? We’re mesmerized. The tikka masala at this establishment is rich, creamy, intricate and truly divine. We will keep bragging. We don’t care what you say.

Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Cheese Importers, Longmont
First, we start in the giant chilled cheese room, eyeing the miraculous tiers of fromage. Then we peruse the market for pasta and chocolate, and then we gleefully walk to the counter and order something warm and gooey: any one of the buttery, creamy grilled cheese sandwiches.

Best Place To Fall In Love With A New Cocktail
Bitter Bar, Boulder
I gush over the Bitter Bar as if it were my own cocktail-making offspring. The drinks here are layered and complex, never too sweet, as aromatic as they are romantic. Try the Kiss the Sky, the Happy Pair or the Crazy 88 and vow to never drink a Seven and Seven again.

Best American-Asian Amalgam
Happy, Boulder
The national noodle craze has been embodied locally by Big Red F’s newest venture: Happy, aka Happy Noodle House. It’s a fitting name, because as you dig into chewy pork buns with sriracha mayo, savory pillows of gyoza, and the giant melting pot that is the hot and happy soup, you will know true happiness.

Best Use of Meat
The Rib House, Longmont & Boulder
After its expansion into Boulder and being named some of the West’s best barbecue, The Rib House is no longer just the little barbecue joint bringing smoke and swagger to Prospect. But just because our baby is growing up, it doesn’t mean its goods are any less spectacular. Take your pick: ribs, spicy smoked sausage, smoked ham and more.

Best Sushi Bar Experience
Sushi Zanmai, Boulder
Sushi Zanmai is a one-of-a-kind experience: a prime gathering place that’s part Japanese fiesta, complete with the best karaoke in town and part relaxed sushi mecca that lures an eclectic crowd of locals. When the sushi craving calls, Zanmai answers. Don’t forget the Z#9 roll, our favorite.

Best Anytime & Everytime Restaurant
Zamparelli’s, Lafayette
Every week or so, someone in the office asks the same stupid question: “Where should we eat?” No matter the time of day or day of year, the answer is most likely Zamparelli’s, the Italian stallion of 95th and Arapahoe. Whether it’s thin-crust pizzas to feed an army or a cup of garlic soup and fried risotto balls for one, Zamps is always our go-to spot for…everything.

Best Ceviche Outside of Mexico
La Botana, Thornton
La Botana’s ceviche is an uncomplicated bowl of pure Mexican sunshine. The flavors are lively, fresh, toothsome and addictive: the seafood bathing in the juices of lemon, tomato, onion and cilantro.

Quintessential Boulder Experience
Boulder Farmer’s Market
There is no better place—no brighter, more vivid, more beautiful place—to be a Boulderite. Crowds flock to the Boulder Farmer’s Market for local fruits and veggies, breads and pastas, kombucha, tamales and dumplings. The goods are always tasty, the vibe is boisterous, the people-watching is prime.

Best Burger, Fries & Shake
Larkburger, Boulder
The burgers here are big, juicy, packed with fixings and full of beefy flavor. The fries are thin-cut and dancing with grated Parmesan, Italian parsley and truffle oil. Add a strawberry shake, and you’ll see what the classic diner looks like in the 21st century.

Best Reason to Go To Prospect
Two Dog Diner, Longmont
It doesn’t matter whether Prospect is miles from where you live or right down the street: Two Dog makes it worth the drive. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, their classic diner fare with a twist is the perfect reason to visit Prospect.

Best Locally Owned East County Coffee Shop
Cannonmine, Lafayette
Cozy, eclectic and cool, Cannonmine has a warmth that starts with the super friendly staff and radiates a local’s feel throughout the café. Plus, the drinks are always tasty.

Best place to soak in Boulder
Trident, Boulder
The Trident is the type of place where writers and thinkers sip Americanos on the sidewalk. Inside, college students literally rub shoulders with tattoo-covered couples and the NPR crowd. While the espresso is stellar, we go to get lost in the earthy, academic Boulder culture.

Best locally owned coffee empire
Brewing Market, everywhere
Brewing Market is the working man’s café. It’s fast, easy and unpretentious. There’s WiFi (though, it’s a two-hour limit) and sustenance in the form of snacks and all the espresso and coffee you could ever want. And lucky for us, we can find one almost anywhere we go in the North Metro area.

Best Liberal Haven in Longmont
Café Luna, Longmont
Someone recently told us that “cleanliness is next to Godliness and Longmont is next to Hygiene.” True, Longmont is a conservative bastion in Boulder County’s progressive tsunami, but there are a few spots to bump into like-minded liberals. Café Luna, followed closely by Java Stop, has more donkeys than a Grand Canyon tourist trap.

Best Baguettes
Breadworks, Boulder
If “artisan” means doing the basics well, then Breadworks is the Rembrandt of bakeries. And their consistent quality is no where more evident than in the baguettes they produce. Crisp, perfectly browned crust; light, but not chewy, interior; and a classic flavor reminiscent of the best boulangeries Paris has to offer.

Best Cajun Breakfast
Lucile’s, Longmont & Boulder
Lucile’s is best in the mid-morning, when it’s packed and bustling. True, the wait sucks, but the fast pace and delayed satisfaction make this traditionally untraditional Cajun meal even more enviable. Sample the thick, flavorful Carlin County
or the pain perdu. Or follow our lead and order the special.

Best Place to Enjoy Sunday Brunch at the Foot of the Flatirons
Chautauqua Dining hall, Boulder
Nobody can match the views; but the food is pretty great, too. A long buffet bar filled to the brim with terrific breakfast standards and special tidbits like smoked salmon and tasty desserts tempt vacationers, locals and hikers fueling up for the day.

Best Boulder-esque Country Breakfast
Huckleberry, Louisville
In this purple-painted historic storefront on Main Street, the eggs benedict, crepes and potato latkes are served up with a healthy dose of country and a little bit of Boulder-flavored rock and roll. Go country with the classic Country Breakfast, or spice it up with a crab cake benedict.

Best Place to Enjoy a Meal with Your Local Live Music
Waterloo, Louisville
Let’s set aside for a moment the legendary potato burgers and killer happy hour drinks and focus on the stage at the back of Waterloo where the best local acts set up nearly nightly. The owners wanted to replicate the feel of their famous Austin record store with a restaurant and venue, and it seems they brought the music scene with them.

Best (and Biggest) Chinese Menu
Spice China, Louisville
The menu at Spice China can be a little daunting; clocking in at around 20 pages, you can spend a good cocktail hour perusing your options. You can’t go wrong with the classic favorites up front, or be a little more adventurous and order something from the more authentic Shanghai menu at back. It’s truly not your typical Chinese eatery.

Best Place to Enjoy a Slice of Heaven
Indulge Bakery, Lafayette
It honestly does not matter what you order at Indulge: It will be fantastic. Nibble a cookie or a tartlet for a treat, nosh on a stuffed croissant or scone for breakfast, or order a full cake for a special occasion—
like Tuesday.

Best Use of Local Produce
Terroir, Longmont
Because their menu is so focused on using local, seasonal produce, what you can and should order here varies from week to week—if not day to day. Go with your gut or ask your server’s advice; either way, it’s delicious.

Best Taste of the Southwest
Richard’s On Third, Longmont
There’s a quirkiness to New Mexico that is perfectly captured by this hidden gem: in the atmosphere, the attitude and the food. Go for the green chile; stay for the giant and delicious margaritas.

Best High-End Restaurant to Enjoy Family, Friends and Food
Colterra, Niwot
Colterra is that certain type of high-end restaurant that doesn’t flaunt itself. The food is impeccable, the wine world-class and the atmosphere comfortable enough for a family dinner or a fête with friends. Sit back and let Colterra take care of you.

Best Locally Owned Grocery
Niwot Market, niwot
Certainly one of the perks of living in Niwot it the Niwot Market. Besides the fact that is saves residents a trip into the city for staples, it’s also home to a great deli, a sushi bar, a fantastic bakery and even a florist, not to mention featuring locally grown produce. It’s enough to make those of us who don’t live in Niwot a little bit jealous.

Best Place to Grab a Steak and a Beer
Colorado Coal Company, Erie
We had to give a shout out to our favorite neighbor—because, in a town that continues to struggle to keep its eateries, CCC is still serving up great Texas-style steak and potatoes. It’s worth the trip, even if you’re not right next door.

Best Lunch To Go
Hanna’s, Lafayette
Plenty of places claim to be gourmet-to-go; Hanna’s actually is. House-roasted beef and turkey for the sandwiches, homemade salads, fantastic lasagna and chicken cutlets all bring a little taste of New York’s gourmet lunch counters to Lafayette.

Best New York Fare with a New York Attitude
Brooklyn Deli, Longmont
There just aren’t many places in Colorado where you can order an egg cream, a knish and a pastrami on rye without the kid behind the counter giving you a blank stare. Belly up to the counter at Brooklyn Deli and don’t expect to get your hand held; instead, inspect an authentic New York deli experience with food to match.

Best High-End Surf and Turf
Magnolia restaurant & sushi bar, lafayette
We’re not talking about a boring traditional steak and lobster tail here, we’re talking about a peppered NY steak in a red wine reduction or a grilled angus sirloin with buttermilk onion rings alongside a classic spicy tuna roll—or even a Surf and Turf roll, with shrimp tempura and Wagyu beef. Kick your surf and turf up a notch.

Best Chain that Doesn’t Feel Like a Chain
Bloom, Broomfield
If you didn’t know, you’d never guess: Bloom is part of a chain. But let’s be honest, this isn’t cookie-cutter dining. When you manage to catch lightning in a bottle and replicate a fine dining experience, we say more power to you.

Best Lunch Spot to See and Be Seen
14th Street Bar and Grill, Boulder
OK, so it might have a little something to do with the wall of windows lining the corner at 14th and Pearl streets, offering prime people watching, but the hip atmosphere (and killer food and drink) make this the sort of place to hang out and wait for the cool crowd to come to you.

Best Place to Feed Your Inner POLE
Cracovia, Westminster
There’s something homey about Polish food, even if you’ve never had it at home. And let’s face it, any cuisine that espouses dumplings filled with cheese and fried crepes is fine with us. Never had Polish food? Fix that. Immediately. Head to Cracovia.

Critics’ Choice: Drink

Best use of Local Honey
Redstone Meadery, Boulder
With the exception of special varieties that come from Arizona, Redstone Meadery gets 75 percent of the honey it uses to make its delicious wines from Madhava Honey in Lyons. Stop by for a tour and give the 2005 Black Raspberry Reserve a try or, if you prefer something dry, the Pinot Pyment.

Best Sake Selection
Hana Matsuri, Westminster
While enjoying the expertly prepared sushi at Hana, take your tongue on a tour of the 14 specialty sakes on the menu. The dry and feather-light Houhoushu is most amazing and the cherry-blossom scented Treasure Ship is divine.

Best local hangout 
Niwot Tavern, Niwot
Five years old and going strong, the Niwot Tavern is the best place to hang. From the friendly wait staff who remember your name and what you drink to the pub fare kicked up a couple notches by Chef David Gray, the NT is as close to your living room as you can get.

Best local distillery
303Vodka, Boulder
Translating the vodka recipe found in the steamer trunk of his grandfather who emigrated from Poland 103 years ago—and using only Colorado potatoes and Indian Peaks spring water—Steve Viezbicke has grown his garage distilling operation into one of the region’s best spirit producers.

Best brewery that doubles as a local’s hangout
Left Hand Brewery, Longmont
On any given Friday, Left Hand is packed full of locals. More than half are regulars; the other half wish they were regulars. It becomes not simply a tasting room but a neighborhood bar (except not in a neighborhood) filled with people who only need one thing: a pint pulled from a Left Hand tap.

Best locally made liqueur
Roundhouse Coretto, Boulder County
Think about the best Kailua you have had. Now, take away the overly sweet taste and syrupy feel. Add depth. And you have Roundhouse’s Corretto, a brilliant local coffee liqueur. No need to add milk or
cream (though, you can), just pour, drink and repeat.

Overall Restaurant (E. County)
Sugarbeet, Longmont
Sugarbeet returns to the top—as readers once again embrace this culinary darling as their premier dining destination. And it’s no surprise. Sugarbeet’s contemporary American fare is approachable and oh-so good. The atmosphere is perfectly unfussy (but just fussy enough to be special).

Overall Restaurant (Boulder)
The Mediterranean
After more than a decade and a half, The Med still inspires new patrons and still lures old ones. It’s a magnetic charm—in the form of fresh, beautiful plates of wood-fired pizza, big salads and seafood-heavy pastas as well as a lively, colorful vibe—that has just not faded.

Contemporary American (E. County)
Magnolia Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Lafayette
A restaurant that offers a sushi menu alongside chicken with roasted sweet potato and orange-coriander pan sauce and smoked beef ragu is either brilliant or crazy. With exceptional execution and creative elegance, we opt for crazy brilliant.

Contemporary American (Boulder)
Salt
Drop in, if not for the organic, seasonal dishes that satisfy and beguile, than to be in awe of the history, design and strut of this new Boulder hot spot. The setting is just as interesting and thoughtful as the plates that come out of the kitchen. Don’t forget about the basement lounge.

Cheap Eats (E. County)
Sun Rose Café, Longmont
The sweeping space, which is dotted with a gallery of local art and nicely filled with a smattering of tables, does not feel cheap; neither do the flavor-focused sandwiches, the ever-changing soups or the bountiful dinner salads. But for us, this Longmont café is as affordable as it is lovely.

Cheap Eats (Boulder)
Snarf’s Sub Shop
Snarf’s is a longtime institution in Boulder County—turning simple ingredients into pure sandwich delight for the college masses and the lunch crowd. The bread is phenomenal and arguably the calling card of Snarf’s. The tuna melt is amazing, topped with hot peppers. Snarf it!

BBQ (E. County & Boulder)
The Rib House, Longmont & Boulder
Readers and critics alike love The Rib House for its amazing fall-off-the-bone ribs and pork sandwiches, the turkey, cheesy corn, fried okra and delicious, delicious sauces. The Rib House always pleases. It’s kind of like the Tom Hanks of restaurants.

Bakery (E. County)
Indulge Bakery, Lafayette
You can find chocolates, cakes and pastries at any bakery, but at Indulge, the baked goods are always fresh, decadent, beautiful and perfectly indulgent.

Bakery (Boulder)
Spruce Confections
Whether you need an espresso and a cookie or a salad and piece of pie, the adorable Spruce Confections is the sweet spot. Try the cream cheese and peaches scone, and you will be walking on sunshine.

Bagel (E. County)
Big Daddy Bagels, various locations
A Big Daddy bagel is big and pillowy, chewy, with perfect doughy meat. And while we love their cream cheese, we prefer them as is…simple, fresh and unadorned.

Bagel (Boulder)
Moe’s Broadway Bagels
This iconic bagel-paradise has been the tried and true favorite of Boulderites for decades. The funky atmosphere and the staff’s passion for bagels just make you want to join in the fun.

Breakfast (E. County)
Two Dog Diner, Longmont
Plates of fluffy omelets, fun salt and pepper shakers, families sharing pancakes and crispy bacon. It all comes together to create the friendly, cool modern diner that is Two Dog.

Breakfast (Boulder)
Original Pancake House
At Original Pancake House, having breakfast is kind of like making a really good memory. The menu is packed with tasty treasures. If you’re in the mood for craveable classics, do try out the apple pancake or the Dutch baby. You’ll never forget it!

Breakfast Burrito (E. County)
Santiago’s, various locations
Santiago’s won this category hands down. Perfect to grab and go, their breakfast burritos are not the kind that leave you unbuttoning your denim. Still, the lanky foil-wrapped packages fill you enough to leave you totally happy.

Breakfast Burrito (Boulder)
Big City Burrito
The best part of a Big City breakfast burrito? The potatoes. These babies are fried crisp and light and packed in a giant tortilla. Just add eggs, cheese, salsa de lupe and guac. You are good to go, literally.

Brunch (E. County)
The Huckleberry, Louisville
The beauty of Huckleberry starts when you walk into the funky, historical digs in downtown Louisville. Then it fully blossoms when you dig into the blueberry flapjacks, fried green tomatoes or chicken pot pie.

Brunch (Boulder)
The Greenbriar Inn
Anything you pair with champagne is OK with us…and the Greenbriar’s Sunday brunch is no exception. This buffet is bountiful—with brunch classics like prime rib, omelets, oysters and salads…and champagne.

Burger (E. County)
Waterloo, Louisville
The potato burger is the specialty of the house but the Waterloo burger is the mainstay. Both are juicy, packed with accompaniments and bursting with savory, all-American flavors. It’s a burger destination that always satisfies.

Burger (Boulder)
Larkburger
This local newbie has done nothing but attract compliments and crowds since it opened. Probably because they serve up a mean burger and fries, perfect for those “I really need a burger” moments.

Coffeehouse (E. County)
Brewing Market, various locations
Readers love Brewing Market (all of them) because, here, there is no snobbery. Entire families gather for coffee and juice. Friends meet to gossip. Students pull out laptops and get to work. Plus, if you’re in need of a bite to eat or a nibble of chocolate, they have plenty of both.

Coffeehouse (Boulder)
Vic’s
Vic’s is the local’s refuge from the corporate coffee titans. Their coffee and espresso are killer and the pastries (we love the big, fluffy muffins) are always fresh. And no matter which location, there is always that special Vic’s brand of hipness.

Restaurant for a Date (E. County)
Sugarbeet, Longmont
Sugarbeet, with a reputation that is solid as gold, has become the place to go when you want to impress. Whether your date is a foodie or just regular person with a regular palette, the food, drink and service are spot on.

Restaurant for a Date (Boulder)
The Mediterranean
Let’s face it: The Med is a sexy place. The setting is sleek and cool. The drinks are flowing. The food is always delicious, fresh and just exotic enough. The lighting seems practically made to help you get a good-night kiss. And The Mediterranean vibe is pure and sensuous. That’s how you romance.

Dessert (E. County)
Indulge Bakery, Lafayette
When an Indulge cake is pulled out during a birthday party or special event, it’s really, really hard to say no. So, if we were you, we would just say yes.

Dessert (Boulder)
Cheesecake Factory
Decadence never perfectly describes the Cheesecake Factory. It is, in fact, as gluttonous as they come, but our readers tend to think big, especially when it comes to the Chocolate Tower Truffle Cake.

For Families (E. County)
Two Dog Diner, Longmont
One need only look through the windows of Two Dog Diner to see that it’s terrific family fun. Parents and children fill the tables. The atmosphere is lighthearted, cool and playful. And their menu is a kid’s dream come true: pancakes and waffles and grilled cheese, oh my!

For Families (Boulder)
Turley’s
“Family friendly” doesn’t mean there are toys and games and a giant singing mouse. At Turley’s, it means that an entire family can gather for a delicious meal and enjoy the experience. Plus, Turley’s has a healthful bent that keeps our readers coming back—whether it’s with the kiddos or with co-workers.

Patio (E. County)
Martini’s Bistro, Longmont
Martini’s patio is kind of like a living room in the beautiful Colorado sun. Enjoy a martini and one of their killer appetizers lounging around the outdoor fire pit on a patio sofa.

Patio (Boulder)
The Mediterranean
The Med’s patio doesn’t have a view of rocky peaks or busy streets. It’s pure sunshine and flower pots and a true focus on the intimate setting and amazing food.

Green Chili (E. County & Boulder)
Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant, various locations
Efrain’s green chili is not like traditional Colorado chili. It’s thinner, like a spicy broth with big chunks of pork and a pertness. The flavor is up front and forward, just like it should be.

Lunch (E. County)
Sun Rose Café, Longmont
A cup of homemade soup. A fresco panini. An ice-cold glass of lavender lemonade. So simply scrumptious, Sun Rose’s lunches are the kind of meals that surprise you with flavor and satisfaction and leave you ready to tackle the rest of your day.

Lunch (Boulder)
Laudisio Italian Restaurant
Laudisio reminds us that lunch does not need to be austere. It reminds us that we can enjoy a bibb lettuce salad along with the ridiculously good rucola pizza. And maybe dessert.

Chinese (E. County)
Spice China, Louisville
Spice China is legendary and it could win simply on the breadth and depth of its menu, but we suspect they actually won because the food that results is truly stellar.

Chinese (Boulder)
China Gourmet
Whether you order spicy beef tendon when you’re at a Chinese restaurant or you’re more of a sweet-and-sour pork sort of person, here there’s something that will surely please everyone. Order at the counter and act like a regular.

Italian (E. County)
Zamparelli’s Italian Bistro, Lafayette
Zamparelli’s is a local’s favorite. How could you go wrong with brick-oven pizzas, lovely salads and soups and mouth-watering sandwiches? No, seriously, that’s not rhetorical. How can you go wrong?

Italian (Boulder)
Laudisio Italian Restaurant
Laudisio has one of those menus that’s endlessly enticing but verging on frustrating. So much so that it’s painful to pick between chicken saltimbocca and spaghettini puttanesca. But eventually we do pick one, and we are so happy we did.

Salad (E. County)
Zamparelli’s Italian Bistro, Lafayette
A salad for every day. Sometimes we go for the arugula salad with prosciutto. Other times it’s the Caesar with tasty croutons. Pear and gorgonzola salad is best on a summer day, when the flavors match our mood.

Salad (Boulder)
Mad Greens
Why didn’t someone think of this sooner? A fast, fun salad stop that offers more dressings, toppings and types of greens than you can shake a breadstick at.

Mexican
Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant, various locations
If you like it hot, you’ll love Efrain’s. Known for its funky vibe, Efrain’s serves up honest Mexican food. Cool your palate with a super strong margarita.

Mexican (Boulder)
The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
The quintessential margarita spot needs a solid menu of craveable treats. At Rio, everyone has their favorites—whether it’s the soup and quesadilla on the lunch menu (even when it’s not lunch) or a steak burrito, smothered. Grab a seat on the roof and catch a slice of Boulder nightlife with a side order of Mexican-American fare.

Pizza (E. County & Boulder)
Proto’s Pizza, various locations
The Neapolitan-style thin crust at Proto’s brings people together. Especially, on Friday nights, when Proto’s serves up its specialty: the mighty tasty
clam pizza.

Seafood (E. County)
Tortuga’s, Longmont
If you haven’t been to Tortuga’s in a while, it’s time to revisit this Longmont gem. Amazing fish in a landlocked state isn’t hard to come by here.

Seafood (Boulder)
Jax Fish House
How often do you get a chance to dine with a Top Chef? And beyond the celebrity factor, the food is delish. Start with oysters, order with abandon, and don’t forget to save room for dessert.

Steak house (E. County)
Colorado Coal Company, Erie
One of the best reasons to drive to Erie. Get a table or belly up to the bar with the locals and enjoy a great steak at a reasonable price—from top sirloin and flat iron to rib eye, New York strip and prime rib.

Steak house (Boulder)
Boulder Chop House
Contemporary steak house feel with local and organic ingredients inspiring the menu. Timeless taste meets cutting-edge cuisine trends in a cool, super comfortable and intimate setting. This is how Boulder does steak house.

Sushi/Japanese (E. County)
Sakura Japanese Cuisine, Longmont
This Japanese gem looks innocuous from the outside, but inside, feels totally authentic. Order a bento box to try lots of things or just get your favorite sashimi.

Sushi/Japanese (Boulder)
Sushi Zanmai
Step through the doors and be treated to a hearty welcome from the sushi bar. It’s just a sign of things to come. This place is legendary for good reason. Order one of their house specialty rolls.

Thai (E. County)
Thai Kitchen, Longmont
Our publisher’s sister lives in Thailand, so when she tells us that a Thai place is authentic, we tend to believe her. Order the pork larb and order it spicy.
It’s addictive.

Thai (Boulder)
Elephant Hut
Excellent food, a sleek, modern and impeccably beautiful atmosphere and art painted by elephants. Yes, elephants.

Sandwich (E. County)
Snarf’s Sub Shop, Longmont & Westminster
Quality ingredients and classic preparations make this a beloved favorite. Hip-hip hurray for the new store in Westminster!

Sandwich (Boulder)
Salvaggio’s Italian Deli
Smack dab in the middle of Pearl Street isn’t where you might expect to find a traditional Italian deli, but one bite of the sandwiches here will make you a believer.

Indian (E. County)
Taj Mahal III, Louisville
The atmosphere is warm, the staff is friendly and our readers obviously dig their tasty, traditional Indian fare. Try a little of everything at the lunch buffet.

Indian (Boulder)
Tandoori Grill
Authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist, this restaurant is consistently listed among the best Indian establishments in Colorado.

Vegetarian (E. County)
Flavor of India, Longmont
Saag paneer, vegetable samosas, aloo gobi—for any vegetarians looking to spice up their lives, you really can’t do much better than Flavor of India.

Vegetarian (Boulder)
Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant
Sick of salads? The entire menu at Leaf is vegetarian, offering tons of gourmet and eco-friendly options for herbivores and their omnivore friends.

Overall Bar (E. County)
Pumphouse Brewery, Longmont
Pumphouse is where Longmont goes to relax. Beers with the boys. Ladies’ night on the patio. Friends, teammates or co-workers enjoying a break from work and locally brewed beer.

Overall Bar (Boulder)
West End Tavern
The mixologists (that’s right, no bartenders here) at West End have skills coming out of their shot glasses. Sage Swink leads the team of cocktail craftspeople, serving up drinks in the cozy downstairs bar or on the rooftop patio.

Pub/Tavern (E. County)
Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale, Longmont
Longmont’s downtown Irish haven is one of the most reliable finds in the area. It’s a neighborhood bar and restaurant serving up consistently tasty
food to a friendly crowd.

Pub/Tavern (Boulder)
Walnut Brewery
You can simply judge Walnut Brewery by the crowds that fill it—and do expect a wait if you show up on a weekend evening. With a Buff Gold in your hand, you’ll know it’s worth it.

Brewery (E. County)
Left Hand Brewery, Longmont
You can’t deny Left Hand Brewery’s reign: Sawtooth Ale, Milk Stout, Jackman’s Pale Ale and the seasonal Oktoberfest. With beers like these, Left Hand has truly become our own king of beers. And we are loyal and trusting minions.

Brewery (Boulder)
Walnut Brewery
The beers that Walnut Brewery create are flagship local drinks. Buffalo Gold is iconic, citrusy and gold like sunshine. The St. James Irish Red Ale has a staunch cult following. The Indian Peaks Pale Ale has a lovely, crisp flavor that makes it so amazing on a spring day.

Local Beer (E. County & Boulder)
Left Hand Brewery’s Sawtooth, Longmont
Coloradans are beer snobs and for a good reason. Our palettes are refined from all that consumption. So, when readers select Sawtooth as their favorite, it means something. The amber ale is drinkable yet complex with nutty and herbal flavors.

Happy Hour (E. County)
Oskar Blues, Longmont
After work, folks—from the suited up to the dressed down—hear the siren song of happy hour of Oskar Blues Liquid & Solids: $2 pints. Is it calling your name?

Happy Hour (Boulder)
The Mediterranean
At The Med, happy hour is a true art, with plate after plate of mussels, steamed octopus and all kinds of hummus. They practically invented tapas; well, at least they brought them to Boulder.

Municipal politics in Erie used to get compared to the Wild West quite a bit—with gun-slinging cowboy candidates firing shots will nilly, and pro-growthers and anti-growthers fighting like rival tribes.

Then, over several years, Erie’s elections became more mild than wild. Life in this fast-growing former mining town seemingly went on happily and domestically.

However, the imagery of the shoot out at the OK Corral is once again relevant—as metaphorical bullets have been fired. With residents angered over contentious issues like the Bonanza Drive extension and the closure of an airport runway, the April 6 municipal elections seemed to explode onto the once peaceful shire of Erie.

Red, white and blue candidate signs were everywhere—perching on greenbelts, on public property, scattered across front yards, even hanging from buildings and heavy machinery. Facebook pages were set up to oppose ballot item 2E, the Bonanza Drive extension, and became soapboxes for angered residents. One of those pages was started by former mayor pro-tem Glenn Massarotti. In one post, Massarotti calls then-mayor Andrew Moore a liar.

One trustee candidate actually ran a campaign even as he was involved in a lawsuit against the town and board. Rumors and truth were bandied about like a shuttlecock in a badminton game. Campaign spending soared—with businessman and now-Mayor Joe Wilson spending more than $8,000.

Wild West, indeed.

Still, Moore, who handed over the mayoral reign to Wilson in mid April, calls it politics as usual. The controversies that he theorizes sparked this tenuous election are what happens “when you work to get things done,” he said.

“That’s the way politics is,” Moore said.

While Moore’s three terms were mostly filled with successes—heck, the town now has a community center and a library—the last several months of his time in office were mired in conflict: mostly involving the residents of the airpark neighborhood.

Last year, the Erie Board of Trustees opted to remove the second runway at the Erie Municipal Airport. Residents of the airpark neighborhood found fault with the move, saying it violated an agreement from 1987, which stated that the airport’s owner would not “materially diminish the total surface of the runways.”

The issue is currently tied up in lawsuits. And while numerous candidates wouldn’t talk in depth about it during election debates—because of ongoing litigation—the issue was still omnipresent.

Especially with the Bonanza Drive extension on the ballot.

Bonanza Drive could arguably be considered the issue of this election. Simply put, ballot item 2E asked voters to approve the extension of Bonanza Drive, a road in south Erie that some believe could help the town develop a prime retail destination on Highway 7. The extension of the road could also impact the residents of the Erie Municipal Airport’s airpark neighborhood, with increased traffic and activity.

So, the same residents angered about the runway changes at the airport then became angered with the Bonanza Drive issue, which made for a small group of very vocal voters. The residents made clear, in letters to both this publication and in other local media, their frustration with Moore and Cheryl Hauger, who lost her bid for mayor but who will retain her current position as trustee.

“The Bonanza issue stirred up the airpark crowd a lot and that really hurt me. If Bonanza had not been on the ballot, I really believe it would have been a different type of election. It would have been much closer,” Hauger said. “The issues during the election were the airport and Bonanza Drive. That’s not what is best for the entire town. Erie is more than those two issues.”

Hauger also realizes now that because she received support to run from Moore, she was also adopting his opposition. Especially after Moore posted on his blog the campaign contributions to candidates from airpark residents or airport-related entities, as well as the candidates who he supported financially, including Hauger. While that incited critics, Moore defends his actions, saying he wanted to show the contributions because no one else would.

“I felt like it was important,” he said. “Ten years ago, I would not have printed it because 10 years ago the media would have already reported it.”

With Wilson at the helm and Joe Carnival, Mark Grubber and Ronda Grassi all joining the board of trustees as first-time political representatives, Erie truly has a new face and a new focus. In interviews prior to his win, Wilson said he was setting his sights on the town’s budget.

“The people voted overwhelmingly for a new direction in their town that mandates fiscal responsibility, establishing our borders for commerce, a strong employment and business sector and a new era in community accord,” Wilson wrote in an email to Yellow Scene. “These principles are all honorable and essential to our very bright future.”

Still, the Bonanza ballot item had only an 11-vote difference. That means the community is divided and the issue will likely not rest. And neither will the drama.