Readers’ Picks: Drinks

Overall Bar

EAST BOULDER COUNTY: Waterloo

Its exposed brick walls, big burgers, live music and centerpiece bar packed with plenty of booze, make Waterloo the kind of place you could spend hours.
And we do. 809 Main St., Louisville

BOULDER: Bitter Bar

Bitter Bar has experienced an evolution over the last few years, but it’s a better bar for it. These days, the cool kids flock to this Walnut Street hotspot for exceptional cocktails, yummy snacks and sexy mixologists. 835 Walnut St., Boulder

Dive Bar

EAST BOULDER COUNTY: Henry’s Bar & Grill

Henry is the biggest draw at Henry’s. He’s just the kind of guy you want—nay, need—as the proprietor of your favorite neighborhood dive. He’s focused on his customers, and he’s always good for a laugh. 935 Pine St., Louisville

BOULDER: Sundown Saloon

A dive bar in Boulder is different then a dive bar elsewhere. Here, at the famed Sundowner, a basement bar in downtown Boulder, college kids mingle with regulars and local hipsters around pints of cheap beer and pool tables. 1136 Pearl St., Boulder

Brewery

EC TIE: Left Hand Brewing Company/Oskar Blues

Oh snap! The two feuding kings of local beer have battled it out for this title since you’ve been voting, and this year, you, dear reader, just couldn’t decide on the top beer baron. That’s cool. The more the merrier…especially when it comes to great beer. 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont/Numerous locations

BOULDER: Avery Brewing Company

Avery is proving itself to
be a major player in the
Colorado beer scene, and with a new facility in construction, it’s only growing from here. 5763 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder

Local Beer

Avery’s IPA

Actually, all the top vote-earners in this category were Avery beers. Our readers love the bold flavors of Avery beers and especially the perfect
hoppiness of Avery’s India Pale Ale. They say it has
a “citrusy, floral bouquet and rich, malty finish,”
and we’d concur.

Bloody Mary

EAST BOULDER COUNTY: Lucile’s

The condiments make
the Bloody Mary. At Lucile’s, there is so much accoutrement in the Cajun bloody Mary, it’s like a
treasure hunt. Spices, celery, a shrimp, olive and okra. Ahoy! 518 Kimbark St., Longmont

BOULDER: Foolish Craig’s

Bloody Mary’s are a
necessity. It’s not a want or a hankering. When you need a Bloody Mary, you need a Bloody Mary. And Boulder’s Foolish Craig’s has the most delicious, most consistent one in town. Get it with the house-infused vodka. 1611 Pearl St., Boulder

Happy Hour

EAST BOULDER COUNTY: Empire

There are so many versions of happy hour. But all we need is something strong and something tasty. Four-dollar cocktails and $4 hoisin pork tacos with kimchi at Empire. That’s how we do happy hour. 816 Main St., Louisville

BOULDER: The Med

From 3-6:30 pm every day of the week, The Med hosts the best happy hour in town. There is a solid menu of tapas— baked spinach, artichoke & Brie dip, Harissa-scallion deviled eggs, fried mozzarella— and cheap drinks to make it even
happier. 1002 Walnut
St., Boulder

Margarita

EAST BOULDER COUNTY: Si Senor Real
Mexican Food

Si Senor serves up all sorts of tequila-soaked creations. But we especially love the Organic Margarita, with Partida Blanco 100% Blue Agave Tequila, agave nectar and fresh lime juice. Simple and delicious. 3120 Village Vista Dr., Erie

BOULDER: The Rio Grande
Mexican Restaurant

The Rio doesn’t work to
distract you with fishbowls of syrupy sweetness or bright blue concoctions. Its margaritas are tried and true, pure and simple, strong and subtle all at the same time. 1101 Walnut St., Boulder

Restaurant/Bar Wine List

EAST BOULDER COUNTY: Wine & Cheese

Wine & Cheese is an unexpected find. An outdoor mall restaurant that feels somehow comfortable and sophisticated. The wine list is stellar, well curated and accessible. Start with a bubbly flight—including a Gruet Rose from New Mexico, seriously—and you’ll be surprised. 14697 Delaware St., Westminster

BOULDER: Frasca Food and Wine

Bobby Stuckey, Frasca’s co-owner and sommelier, has a huge presence in the restaurants dining room. He brings a personal touch to this already spectacular, James Beard-nominated wine experience. 1738 Pearl St., Boulder