Restaurants

Overall EC

Winner: Sugarbeet

Sugarbeet is so damn good, we consider it the quintessential perfect restaurant. Billed as Modern American cuisine, every meal we’ve had there has been a ten. The service makes you feel like the only customer in the room, and the setting is cozy, intimate, and quietly exceptional.

Runner Up: Piripi

Overall Bldr

Winner: Salt

The culinary team here works under a three-pronged mantra: healthy, delicious, and sustainable. And they do that in an amazing location built in 1898 in downtown Boulder, filled with an electrical ambiance. After a great meal, you’ll walk out into the night and realize how lucky you were to be there.

Runner Up: Boulder Cork

Contemporary EC

Winner: 24 Carrot

Seasonal, innovative, and a touch of quirky. Repeat winner 24 Carrot embodies contemporary, fresh farm-to-table cuisine into crave-worthy dishes and clever cocktails, all served in a historic building that feels part speakeasy, part cozy neighborhood bistro.

Runner Up: Hickory & Ash

Contemporary B

Winner: Oak on 14th

Seasonal, innovative, and a touch of quirky. Repeat winner 24 Carrot embodies contemporary, fresh farm-to-table cuisine into crave-worthy dishes and clever cocktails, all served in a historic building that feels part speakeasy, part cozy neighborhood bistro.

Runner Up: River & Woods

Newcommer EC

Winner: Longmonter

Comfort food with purpose wins hearts fast. The Longmonter burst onto Main Street with crave-worthy mac and cheese, gourmet nostalgia, and playful charm, then added board games and seating, encouraging locals to linger after the last bite.

Runner Up: Red Cedar

Newcommer B

Winner: Cozobi Fonda Fina

Cozobi Fonda Fina feels like a place that’s just always been here. Everything about it (menu, service, decor, and especially the dishes) are polished, professional, and pack a flavor-filled punch. If they are this good already, other restaurants better step up their game.

Runner Up: Stella’s Cucina

Cheap Eats EC

Winner: Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos

Marco’s serves bacon-wrapped hot dogs piled like a ballpark feast and street-style tacos that hit every craving. Locals line up like it’s opening day because when the flavor’s this good, everyone wants a seat.

Runner Up: Eats and Sweets

Cheap Eats B

Winner: Cosmo’s Pizza

Cosmo’s Pizza started as a funky pizzeria on the Hill in Boulder known for its oversized slices and calzones. Since its beginnings in 2001, it has grown to six locations across Boulder, Denver, Lafayette, and Fort Collins. Known for late-night hours and New York–style pies, locals keep coming back for a cheap, satisfying bite.

Runner Up: Village Coffee Shop

Bread EC & B

Winner: Moxie Bread Co

Is it the crunch of the crust or the soft inside bursting with flavor? Maybe it’s their use of heirloom grains and fresh, unprocessed ingredients. It could be the stunning, southwestern-infused locale with a staff that couldn’t be more authentic. The real reason people come to Moxie is probably a little of it all.

Runner Up Bread EC: Babette’s

Runner Up Bread B: Dry Storage

Bakery EC

Winner: Button Rock Bakery

Button Rock Bakery is where you take your sweet tooth on a date. A repeat Best of the West winner, it’s famous for show-stopping cakes, playful details, and pastries so good they turn an ordinary day into a celebration.

Runner Up: Babette’s/Stacy’s Kitchen

Bakery B

Winner: Boulder Baked

You’ve had a chocolate chip cookie before, but you’ve never had one like this. The sweet treats offered by the culinary artisans here are of the “back in line” variety because as soon as you have one, you’ll be heading back in line for more.

Runner Up: Spruce Confections

Bagel EC & B

Winner: Moe’s Broadway Bagel

Moe’s Broadway Bagel doesn’t just win Best of the West, it owns it. Twenty years on, locals skip the debate and know the routine: chewy bagels, quick orders, and the quiet confidence of a place that never has to try too hard.

Runner Up: Big Daddy Bagels

BBQ EC

Winner: C’s BBQ

C’s BBQ isn’t just food, it’s a smoky spectacle. Tender ribs, brisket, and punchy house rubs turn Lafayette weekends into a pop-up block party your taste buds will RSVP to. Party deets: with Cherry’s Cheesecakes on Saturdays at the Lumberyards at Lafayette.

Runner Up: Wayne’s Smoke Shack

BBQ B

Winner: Big Daddy Food Truck

Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ has become Boulder’s go-to food truck for slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and Southern sides served with big portions and big flavor. With loyal followers who line up before it sells out and a vibe that feels more neighborhood pit stop than roadside stand, it’s BBQ done Boulder-style.

Runner Up: KT’s BBQ

Breakfast EC

Winner: Morning Glory

Morning Glory Café proves breakfast deserves applause. Legendary fried rice bowls, blueberry pancakes, and scratch-made goodness from local farms turn sleepy mornings into flavor-packed performances you’ll happily line up for.

Runner Up: Tangerine

Breakfast B

Winner: Tangerine

Remember the excitement of sliding into the kitchen and sitting down for breakfast when you were seven? There was an anticipation you wouldn’t have for any other meal. The adult-equivalent of that is heading into Tangerine for breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, bacon, beans — you’re about to be seven all over again.

Runner Up: Village Coffee Shop

Breakfast Burrito EC

Winner: Santiago’s

If you say you like breakfast burritos but you’ve never had one from Santiago’s, then you might not know what you’re talking about. That’s because their fresh, made from scratch burritos can redefine your morning. It’s why they’ve been named “Best of the West” for 25 years.

Runner Up: Santa Fe 2.0

Breakfast Burrito B

Winner: Santiago’s

It’s no wonder Santiago’s has swept this category every year. At just around $4 for the daily special, Santiago’s breakfast burritos are a morning fiesta: eggs, potatoes, award-winning green chile, a daily rotating meat, and gobs of cheese. Locals grab one… then five more to stock the fridge.

Runner Up: Blackbelly

Brunch EC

Winner: 24 Carrot

With so many choices for brunch, listen to the locals on this repeat multi-category winner. 24 Carrot turns brunch into a full-on celebration. Sweet potato benedicts, melt-in-your-mouth brisket hash, lemon-curd beignets, and cocktails that sparkle make every bite, sip, and moment feel like a sunny, flavor-packed party.

Runner Up: Morning Glory

Brunch B

Winner: Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro

Brunch is a bit of a magical meal and there’s really no one who does it any better. A good brunch offering hits the right harmony between griddle and grill. Jill’s offers a taste balance to give you a delightful and delicious start to the day or a mid-day meal surge.

Runner Up: Greenbriar Inn

Burger EC

Winner: Longs Peak Pub

Longs Peak Pub is a Boulder County original: no loud TVs, no frills, just legendary burgers, cold beer, and a bar where strangers become regulars. It’s old-school, no-nonsense, and exactly why locals keep coming back.

Runner Up: 99 Saloon

Burger B

Winner: The Sink

There’s a reason The Sink on the Hill is celebrating more than a century as a Boulder icon. Beyond the stories of Robert Redford, Anthony Bourdain, and Obama passing through, they put as much care into how they operate as what they serve. One hundred percent solar powered, composting, and paying fair wages only complement the legendary grass-fed burgers they’ve been serving for generations.

Runner Up: Mountain Sun

Greek EC & B

Winner: Kalita Grill

After becoming a favorite in Boulder, Kalita Grill expanded into Lafayette, where it was quickly embraced. Owner Armen Madoyan personally selects every ingredient, along with a thoughtfully curated wine selection. From hand-rolled dolma to house-made dishes, the food feels intentional, generous, and deeply personal.

Runner Up Greek EC: Pita Grill

Runner Up Greek B: Falafel King

Chinese EC

Winner: China Gourmet (Longmont)

China Gourmet is Longmont comfort food royalty. Massive menus, generous portions, and classic American Chinese favorites keep locals loyal. And those perfectly packed takeout boxes? Like little edible treasures you’ll fight over in the car.

Runner Up: Colorado Dumplings

Chinese B

Winner: Zoe Ma Ma

They don’t just have the best restaurant name in Boulder, Zoe Ma Ma also has an amazing “Oh maybe I want that” menu. From the braised beef soup noodle to their popular potstickers to the CPR dish, every menu item will make you reconsider your order because the next item on the list looks so good.

Runner Up: Ginger Pig

Coffee House EC

Winner: East Simpson Coffee Shop

East Simpson Coffee House is Lafayette’s living room. Coffee flows, pastries vanish, and strangers suddenly turn into your brunch BFFs. It’s the kind of place where lingering feels mandatory and deliciously justified.

Runner Up: Fox.Dog / Meco’s

Coffee House B

Winner: Boxcar Coffee

It’s not so much a coffee shop as it is a hub of the community. A place where people stop in the mornings so they can start their day with an authentic smile or run in to recharge in the middle of a chaotic Tuesday afternoon. And the fresh roasted coffee can’t be beat.

Runner Up: January Coffee

Gluten-Free EC

Winner: Morning Glory

Morning Glory Café proves gluten-free can be anything but boring. From hearty breakfast hashes to indulgent blueberry pancakes, celiac diners (and everyone else) eat worry-free, enjoying scratch-made dishes that feel like a treat, not a compromise.

Runner Up: TeoCali

Gluten-Free B

Winner: Zeal

Imagine you get to hang out in the kitchen of the coolest people you know, who just happen to be amazing cooks. Their locally-sourced, health-conscious, gluten-free meal options are crafted with inspiring flavors in a Boulder-centric style.

Runner Up: Sweet Sisters Bakery

Dessert EC

Winner: Button Rock Bakery

Button Rock Bakery turns dessert into a deliciously binding contract. Lavish cakes, outrageous pastries, and sweet creations so tempting make “just a bite” a hilarious lie and you’ll happily sign on for seconds, thirds, and then some.

Runner Up: Cherry’s Cheesecakes

Dessert B

Winner: Frasca

It’s not just locals who recognize how special the desserts at Frasca are, the restaurant has received multiple national awards. It’s not a “let’s go there tonight” stop, it’s a full experience that must be planned out, and when you do get there, the dessert will exceed your expectations.

Runner Up: Blackbelly

Colorado-Based Chain EC

Winner: Snarf’s Sandwiches

Since 1996, Snarf’s has grown from one Boulder shop to nearly 50 locations. Its oven-toasted sandwiches inspire serious loyalty like the sailor who landed at DIA, saw the logo, and made his ride wait, because Snarf’s comes first.

Runner Up: Santiago’s

Colorado-Based Chain B

Winner: Illegal Pete’s

When you have friends in from out of town and you want them to experience the vibe and people of Boulder, this is where you take them. And when they come back to town you bring them here again. And again because they have 90 million burrito combinations.

Runner Up: Snooze an AM Eatery

Green Chile EC

Winner: Santiago’s

Santiago’s green chile is the stuff of local legend: smoky, spicy, and unstoppable. Spoon it on breakfast burritos, fries, or straight from the bowl. Locals swear by it, and it’s been winning hearts and awards for over 25 years.

Runner Up: La Mariposa

Green Chile B

Winner: Efrain’s Boulder

This is a great place to get a great scratch-made meal and connect with neighbors. Running into a new friend here, you’ll want to see how they have been, but most of the conversation will settle around the green chiles, which is understandable.

Runner Up: Santo

Indian EC

Winner: Taj Mahal 3

For more than two decades, Taj Mahal 3 has been Louisville’s go-to for a proper Indian lunch buffet and reliably bold dinner plates. Family-owned and steady as ever, it’s where regulars load up on saag, tandoori, and biryani, dialing the heat exactly how they like it.

Runner Up: Flavor of India

Indian B

Winner: Jaipur

Jaipur is unique. With chefs earning world-class recognition and a late-night menu serving curry, masala, and naan until 3 a.m. They specialize in catering for any kind of event and offer a dining experience that earned this year’s Top Nod of Excellence. They are currently moving locations, but you can always stop at their sister restaurant, Taj Mahal 3 in Louisville.

Runner Up: Tiffins

Italian EC

Winner: Parma Trattoria

Parma is where handcrafted pasta twirls, wood-fired pizzas bubble, and sauces taste like your Nonna stayed up all night. It’s cozy, soulful, and so good you’ll consider skipping dinner tomorrow so you can enjoy seconds tonight.

Runner Up: Gondolier Italian Eatery

Italian B

Winner: Bacco Trattoria & Mozarella Bara

This place is more than its mozzarella bar (although, that’s pretty good too). Bacco Trattoria is a notable authentic Italian restaurant that is worth the trip across town to North Boulder. Come for the mozzarella bar and stay for the fresh herb butter, and the bolognese, and the lasagna, and the wine selection…

Runner Up: Pasta Jay’s

Mexican EC

Winner: TeoCalli

Teocalli Cocina makes you rethink tacos. Locals line up for carne asada that’s basically addictive; tempura-fried avocado; and salsas that hit all the right notes. It’s proof that fresh, bold Mexican cuisine always steals the show.

Runner Up: La Mariposa

Mexican B

Winner: Efrain’s Mexican of Boulder

A Boulder institution since 1998, Efrain’s is rooted in founder Efrain Gomez’s family recipes and bold Northern Chihuahua–style cuisine. After years in its original, funky space, the move into a modern dining room proved something rare: when the food is already perfect, the only thing to improve is the room it’s served in.

Runner Up: Santo’s

Patio EC

Winner: Stem Cider at Acreage

If Colorado had a backyard, it would be Acreage by Stem Ciders. Mountain views, sprawling lawns, kid-friendly wandering space, and house-made cider set the scene for family hangs that start with lunch and stretch through the golden hour.

Runner Up: Pumphouse

Patio B

Winner: Chautauqua Dining Hall

Since 1898, the Chautauqua has been a landmark favorite in Boulder County. The Dining Hall is managed by Three Leaf Catering, known for using ingredients from their own farm. You can get a full view of the Flatirons from the wraparound porch making it a perfect spot to have lunch or dinner after a hike on the local trails.

Runner Up: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Lunch EC

Winner: Stacy’s Kitchen

In just a couple of years, Stacy’s Kitchen has become beloved in Old Town Erie. Owner Stacy Gustafson opened the shop on her birthday in 2023, bringing hearty made-to-order sandwiches, fresh baked pies, and sweet treats rooted in lifelong love of food. Simple, affordable, and welcoming, it’s become the place locals go again and again.

Runner Up: Jeannot Patisserie

Lunch B

Winner: Avanti Food Hall

It’s one part European market and one part food truck park with seven rotating restaurants that specialize in food from around the world. It’s certainly no surprise that so many people call this their favorite. For the cherry on top, Avanti’s rooftop captures a picturesque view of the Flatirons.

Runner Up: Boulder Social

Sandwich EC & B

Winner: Snarf’s Sandwiches

Snarf’s Sandwiches reigns supreme, a consistent Best of the West winner since we began 25 years ago. Founder Jimmy Seidel remains the sole proprietor, building each shop with his own hands and his own money, even when funds were scarce. That dedication to the perfect sandwich has grown Snarf’s from a single Boulder shop into a multi-state favorite.

Runner Up Sandwich EC: Stacy’s Kitchen

Runner Up Sandwich B: Le Frigio

Seafood EC

Winner: Big Mac & Little Lu’s

Big Mac & Little Lu’s makes landlocked seafood dreams come true. With wild-caught fish, buttery lobster rolls, fresh oysters, and crave-worthy bisque, this spot delivers salty-air flavor without the airfare.

Runner Up Sandwich EC: 740 Front St.

Seafood B

Winner: Jax Fishhouse

Jax doesn’t care that Colorado is a land-locked state. They make sure that we get a taste of their famous crackjack oysters that’s only found on their menu. Since 1999, Jax Fish House has been prioritizing finding sustainable, responsibly sourced seafood in an effort to protect our oceans and bring the coast to the coast-less. Whether it’s the cioppino on Sundays, grilled swordfish, or gochujang cauliflower, Boulder’s top seafood house will satisfy you.

Runner Up: Spruce Farm & Fish

Pizza EC

Winner: Urban Field Pizza

Urban Field Pizza made a name for itself fast. In just a few years, the Longmont spot earned national recognition at the International Pizza Expo. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a willingness to push creative boundaries, it’s become a destination for pizza lovers and market wanderers alike.

Runner Up: Rosalee’s Pizzeria

Pizza B

Winner: The Sink

Buckle up. Thick ‘ugly crust’ on a Sinkza is essential to that Old Boulder dinner classic. The Sink on The Hill has been serving CU Boulder students for over 100 years, evident by the low ceilings signed by generations of alumni. Get a chance to sign it yourself on Pizza Tuesdays!

Runner Up: Cosmo’s Pizza

Steak EC

Winner: 740 Front St.

Steak at 740 Front is part of downtown Louisville’s rhythm. Housed in a restored 1904 saloon, it’s where locals go when they want a proper steak, a stiff drink, and a room that still feels rooted in the town’s past. Reliable, unfussy, and exactly what the night calls for.

Runner Up: Piripi

Steak B

Winner: Boulder Cork

As one of Boulder’s oldest restaurants and a repeat winner that can’t be toppled, Boulder Cork is an essential must-visit. Since 1969, the Cork has been serving a rotating menu that ranges from prime rib to their famous mud pie combined with a showcase of local art on brick walls that create an unforgettable experience.

Runner Up: Steakhouse 316

Sushi/Japanese EC

Winner: Sakura

A longtime Best of the West favorite, Sakura Japanese Restaurant has earned its reputation through consistency and craft. Rather than retire, the original owners passed the restaurant to their nephew, trained for years under master sushi chef Kho. From traditional sushi to tatami-style seating where shoes come off, Sakura remains as authentically Japanese as it gets.

Runner Up: Sumo Sushi

Sushi/Japanese B

Winner: Hapa Sushi

From Booty Call Rolls to Magic Mushrooms, Hapa Sushi will be sure to amaze you in their visual design and creative Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine. With DJ sets on the weekend, a full bar, and every day early bird happy hour, Hapa’s expanding menu and social energy produce a must-see location. 

Runner Up: Japango

Thai EC & B

Winner: Busaba

Busaba’s original Louisville location set the standard long before expansion. Bright curries, craveable noodles, and heat levels that actually mean something have built a fiercely loyal following. Scratch-made, vibrant, and unapologetically bold, it’s Thai food locals return to again and again, and a repeat Best Thai favorite since opening.

Runner Up Thai EC: Mana Thai

Runner Up Thai B: Aloy Thai

Vietnamese EC

Winner: Pho Cafe

Pho Café turns Vietnamese classics into a local legend. Rich broth, tender noodles, and banh mi that practically wink at you make every visit feel like a tasty little secret you’re thrilled to spill.

Runner Up: Saigon District One

Vietnamese B

Winner: Chez Thuy

This modest, unexpected, standalone restaurant on 28th is not just Vietnamese, but Thuy cuisine. Drawing locals and regulars alike, this place reveals a history lesson in its menu that combines passion with authenticity. The pho is hot, the Vietnamese coleslaw is tart, and Chez Thuy is expecting you there. 

Runner Up: Lotus Moon

Hot Dog EC

Winner: Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos

This is one of our favorite stops, and every new staff member gets taken to Marco’s Hot Dogs & Tacos. When the craving hits for Mexican hot dogs wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, mayonnaise, and whatever other goodies you want, we’ll drive across town. It’s a brick taco stand with outdoor seating, and once you’ve had the dogs, the long line makes perfect sense.

Runner Up: Costco

Hot Dog B

Winner: Mustard’s Last Stand

Mustard’s Last Stand is the last hot dog you’ll ever want. This place has been voted the best hot dogs in Denver and is in the Vienna Beef Hall of Fame because of their traditional Chicago-style dog that’s been bringing people to the back for over 45 years. Don’t forget the mustard on the classic! 

Runner Up: Freddie’s Hot Dog Stand

Taco EC

Winner: Taco’s Ay Ay Ay

Tacos Ay Ay Ay lives up to the drama in its name. Overflowing fillings, bold flavors, and a dash of Lafayette magic make every bite a tiny fiesta locals never want to end.

Runner Up: Teocali

Taco B

Winner: T/ACO

T/aco starts their mornings by milling their own corn so that it’s ready for the street tacos that night. Known for their surging hospitality, the staff go above and beyond to make sure every experience meets their high expectations. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find their rotating secret menu too.

Runner Up: McDevitt Taco Supply

Healthy Meal EC

Winner: Morning Glory

Being healthy at Morning Glory Café doesn’t mean sacrifice. Colorful bowls, inventive dishes, and fresh local ingredients make “good for you” taste downright irresistible.

Runner Up: Moxie Bread Co

Healthy Meal B

Winner: Zeal

There is a story in every dish, and Zeal tells a tale of how healthy and good come together.. Their philosophy is sustainable and clean food that actually is kind to you and the planet. No matter if you’re vegetarian, vegan, keto, or just a regular meat-lover, Zeal will have an option for you. 

Runner Up: Leaf

Chef EC

Winner: Hugo Meyer / Piripi

Chef Hugo Meyer doesn’t just run a kitchen, he choreographs it. Globetrotting experience, fearless flavor instincts, and a dash of mischief make Piripi the kind of restaurant you tell everyone about before dessert even arrives.

Runner Up: Sean Gafner / Roose, Jefes, 99 Saloon, Swaylos

Chef B

Winner: Hosea Rosenburg / Blackbelly

Starting with a food truck, a farm, and a catering business, Hosea Rosenberg evolved his aspirations into the Michelin Guide Green Star restaurant: Blackbelly. From New Mexico to CU Boulder to winning season five of Top Chef, Rosenberg opened his own restaurant and, recently, his own butcher shop in order to perfect cured meats. 

Runner Up: Bradford Heap / Salt

Chocolatier EC

Winner: Chocolaterie Stam

Chocolaterie Stam is Lafayette’s sweetest troublemaker. Bonbons, truffles, and hot chocolate so good it should come with a warning turns casual indulgence into a full-blown chocolate obsession.

Runner Up: Robin’s Chocolates

Chocolatier B

Winner: Piece, Love & Chocolate

This is the place you go if you have that craving. Chocolate, tiramisu, brownies, tarts, truffles…this boutique has just about everything. You can even take classes to get a peak into what goes on behind the curtain. 

Runner Up: Lift Chocolates

Drinks

Overall Bar EC

Winner: Erie Social Club

No longer a newcomer, Erie Social Club has become a fixture in town over the past five years. The interior sets the tone, with craft cocktails designed by in-house mixologists and a wine selection carefully curated by owner Nick. It’s a bar that feels intentional in every detail and it shows in the wins.

Runner Up: West Side Tavern

Overall Bar B

Winner: Bitter Bar

The staff’s welcome into this lamp-lit neighborhood nook is just as warm as the lighting feels. They offer your usuals along with unique inventions like “Strawberry Feels Forever.” The Beatle’s-themed cocktail features strawberry boba – the FIRST cocktail with boba we’ve seen – which only adds to the delight of this Boulder staple.

Runner Up: Velvet Elk Lounge

Brewery EC

Winner: Left Hand Brewery

Though it may have started with just Eric Wallace and a homebrew kit in Longmont, Left Hand Brewery has since swept the nation with their iconic nitros. While Left Hand is leaving their handprint across the country, they’re committed to shrinking their footprint, by investing in the most up-to-date energy and water conservation methods. 

Runner Up: Liquid Mechanics

Brewery B

Winner: Avery Brewing

In their list of 2025’s successes, along with being named World Beer Cup Gold Medalist, were the 5,000+ dogs they petted that year. Turns out, these pet enthusiasts are also pretty big nerds for the brewing process, offering tours to teach the public about the science of yeast and to show off their barrel-aging and burgeoning pilot programs. 

Runner Up: Mountain Sun

Bloody Mary EC & B

Winner: Lucile’s Creole Cafe

In a world of sweet breakfasts, Lucile’s dares to be savory. The Creole tradition of using your seafood dinner from the night before for breakfast lives on in dishes like the eggs pontchartrain – a fried trout adorned with poached eggs and sauce bernaise and is perfectly accompanied by their award-winning Bloody Mary (plus a beignet for your sweet tooth).

Runner Up EC: The Post

Runner Up B: The Buff

Happy Hour EC

Winner: Erie Social Club

Erie Social Club actually puts the happy into happy hour. In a space that’s swanky but approachable, hand-crafted cocktails and a curated wine selection come at happy hour prices. It’s become the kind of place locals plan their afternoons around, not something they squeeze in on the way home.

Runner Up: Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111

Happy Hour B

Winner: The Dark Horse

The Dark Horse is pure Boulder lore. Toys cover the walls, beer flows freely, and owner Scott McCormick’s irreverent spirit still defines the room. CU watch parties and Pony Games are just part of the chaos. With redevelopment looming, locals are savoring every happy hour, hoping this icon isn’t done winning just yet.

Runner Up: Boulder Cork

Margarita EC

Winner: La Mariposa

The people of Longmont love the extensive options on their menu. They’ve got margarita inventions for every occasion,  “The Love a Rita” for Valentines Day, “Spicy Mezcalita” for Dio de los Muertos, and “Booze for Boobies,” a bright pink special that donates $3 with every order during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Runner Up: Teocalli Cocina

Margarita B

Winner: Efrain’s Mexican of Boulder

When you’ve got it, flaunt it, and that’s exactly what Efrain’s does with their titular “Boulder’s Best Margarita.” And if margaritas aren’t your speed, they’ve got green chili queso so good you can drink it with a straw. This family-owned Boulder landmark recently achieved board game status after being added to the Boulder Edition Monopoly. 

Runner Up: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Distillery EC

Dry Land Distillery

The glimmer of their custom-fabricated copper pot stills will draw you in from Longmont’s main drag, but their smokey Cactus spirits and warm atmosphere will keep you coming back for more. Dry Land Distillery’s cocktail program is a love letter to locally sourced ingredients, and the rugged Colorado landscape that makes it possible.

Runner-Up: Spirit Hounds

Distillery B

Vapor Distillery / Boulder Spirits Tasting Room

Boulder Spirits balances craft and presence. From their Longmont distillery, where everything is made on site, to their newer Pearl Street tasting room, the operation reflects a deep commitment to whiskey done right. Founded by Scottish-born Alastair Brogan, their single malts and bourbons honor tradition while firmly earning Boulder’s respect.

Runner-Up: Spirit Hounds

Bartender/Mixologist EC

24 Carrot Bistro – Jennifer Shillington & DJ

At 24 Carrot, the bar is as much a draw as the kitchen. Beverage Director Jennifer Shillington and bartender DJ Reimer have helped make the bistro an Erie icon, crafting cocktails that are thoughtful, seasonal, and perfectly matched to the menu. It’s a drinks program locals trust as much as the food, and what makes them a repeat winning duo.

Runner-Up: West Side Tavern

Bartender/Mixologist B

Bitter Bar

Since opening on Walnut Street in 2011, The Bitter Bar has carved out a Boulder cocktail cult with drinks made with passion, not pretense. Owner-operator James Lee built his following with precise classics and inventive concoctions, eventually buying the bar outright and keeping conversation and craftsmanship at the center of every pour.

Runner-Up: Jungle

Liquor Store EC

Wyatt’s Wet Goods

Italian wine? They’ve got it. French wine? Yep. California and everywhere in between. Wyatt’s Wet Goods stands out for its massive, thoughtfully organized selection of wine, whiskey, and just about anything else for your libatious delights. Curious and need help? The staff is as friendly as they are knowledgeable.

Runner-Up: Atlas Valley Purveyors

Liquor Store B

Hazel’s

Hazel’s feels like Boulder’s social hub for beverage lovers. With massive wine, beer, and spirits selections, friendly staff who actually geek out over your picks, and a vibe that turns shopping into a little adventure, it’s the place locals swing by on the way to dinner, a night in, or just because.

Runner-Up: Pettyjohn’s

Wine Shop EC

Atlas Valley Purveyors

Atlas Valley Purveyors makes wine shopping feel like a choose-your-own-adventure. Thoughtfully curated bottles, surprise gems, and staff who actually get your taste turn “just grabbing a bottle” into a very happy detour.

Runner-Up: Public Wine

Wine Shop B

Boulder Wine Merchant

Boulder Wine Merchant is the kind of place where a quick stop turns into a long, happy conversation. Smart curation, wildly knowledgeable staff, and bottles you won’t find everywhere make this a true Boulder original locals trust and love.

Runner-Up: West End Wine Shop

Winery EC

Taboche Winery

Taboche Winery keeps things refreshingly uncomplicated. Thoughtfully made wines, relaxed tastings, and a welcoming space let the bottles speak for themselves. As a newer presence in the local wine scene, Taboche has quickly built a following by focusing on what’s in the glass and letting people come back on their own terms.

Runner-Up: Snowy Peaks Winery

Winery B

BookCliff Vineyards

BookCliff Vineyards makes wine for people who actually want to talk about what’s in their glass. Bold choices, thoughtful craftsmanship, and bottles with something to say keep Boulder drinkers coming back for another opinionated pour.

Runner-Up: Vinnie Fera Winery

Entertainment

Fair or Festival EC

Lafayette Peach Festival

When the Lafayette Art and Antique Fair incorporated peach sales into its schedule, a new festival spun off. Since then, the organic Palisade orchards have transported thousands upon thousands of pounds of peaches to Lafayette. 2026 marks the 27th annual festival.

Runner-Up: Boulder County Fair

Fair or Festival B

Boulder Pride

Boulder Pride is equal parts celebration, visibility, and unapologetic joy. Thousands gather downtown for a day fueled by queer community, chosen family, live music, food trucks, and nearly 200 vendors all wrapped in color, resistance, and pride. It’s loud, loving, and unmistakably Boulder, and when it returns in 2026, you’ll want to be right in the middle of it.

Runner-Up: Boulder Creek Festival

Live Music Venue EC

Bricks on Main

When Bricks on Main opened in 2020, its flexible retail store accommodated locally-sourced retailers and their products in inconsistent market conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it’s expanded into a multi-purpose venue, with frequent community music events and a full menu and bar. This first-time winner has left a lasting impression on the community.

Runner-Up: Muse Performing Center

Live Music Venue B

Chautauqua

Arrive in this scenic park in the warmer months and you can catch music events in the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1898 as a lofty and open venue. Arrive in the colder months, and you can enjoy more intimate shows in the park’s 1918 Community House. This repeat winner has something for everyone.

Runner-Up: Boulder Theatre

Gallery EC

Firehouse Art Center

One of the classes offered here is “Art of Possibility,” which is really a perfect way to describe what they bring to the community. They don’t just open our eyes to new artists, they make it possible for us to explore our own artistic nature.

Runner-Up: The Collective Community Arts Center

Gallery B

BMOCA

This repeat winner has been honoring the most significant contemporary art from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, among other places, since its founding in 1972. Located in a historic building next to Dushanbe Tea House, this dynamic venue brings the regional, national, and international art scene to Boulder.

Runner-Up: Art + Soul Gallery

This article previously misstated the location of BMoCA as on Pearl Street. It has been updated to reflect the correct location.

Museum EC

Longmont Museum

What better way to learn about local history and culture as a family than through programs, exhibits, performances, films, and activities for all ages in a dynamic building housing sprawling historical collections? That’s the kind of educational experience Longmont Museum has to offer.

Runner-Up: Louisville History Museum

Museum B

Museum of Boulder

The history of Boulder has come a long way since the organization of the Boulder Historical Society in 1944. The Museum of Boulder, developed by the society in 1945, reflects on the city’s roots by recognizing the diverse history of its community and starting conversations to lead the community forward.

Runner-Up: University of Colorado Museum of Natural History

Theater Company EC

Longmont Theatre Company

Housed in one of Main Street’s most elegant historic venues, Longmont Theatre Company has been part of the community since 1957. With renewed energy, the company is expanding its offerings, bringing in comedy, music, and other acts in addition to its award-winning theatrical productions.

Runner-Up: Theater Company of Lafayette

Theater Company B

Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company

Even as a national-award-winning group, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company prioritizes community. Their acronym has embraced multiple meanings over the years, Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, or simply “Betsy” after a member’s first theater teacher, all embracing local impact through theater.

Runner-Up: The Local Theater Company

Stage EC

Nissi’s

Here’s the thing about Nissi’s: it doesn’t matter who’s playing there. That’s because the acts are so expertly curated and the vibe of the venue so genuine, positive, and fun that on any given night, regardless of who’s on stage, you’re going to experience “the best night ever.”

Runner-Up: Steinbaugh Pavilion

Stage B

The Dairy Arts Center

The Dairy Arts Center is Boulder’s creative crossroads. On any given visit you might catch an indie film, stumble into a gallery opening, or end up at a performance you didn’t plan on but stay for anyway. It’s variety with purpose, and a hub the arts community truly uses.

Runner-Up: Bandshell

Arcade EC

Tilt! Pinball

You can hear it, right? The sound of the ball roaring down the chute. The slapping of the paddles. The laughter. The cheers. The stack of quarters toppling over. What you’re listening to are the sounds of a memorable night out at Tilt.

Runner-Up: Quarters

Arcade B

Press Play

Filled with vintage and contemporary games alike, this hole-in-the-wall arcade/bar combo hosts flat-screens and arcade machines, pool tables and pinball, poker tournaments and live DJs. Located on historic Pearl Street, Press Play is perfect for private family events or for casual evening hangouts.

Runner-Up: Gateway Fun Park

Pumpkin Patch EC

Cottonwood Farms

Cottonwood Farms is the kind of place childhood memories are made. Bob Condon’s farm turns fall into an experience — pumpkins, hayrides, animals, and mazes — then keeps the tradition going with Christmas trees come winter. It’s wholesome, hands-on, and deeply loved by local families.

Runner-Up: 7th Generation

Pumpkin Patch B

Munson’s Farms

A Boulder classic since 1976, Munson Farms has grown from a modest corn stand into a beloved family farm with more than 100 acres of produce, pumpkins, and seasonal fun. Each fall, locals and visitors alike wander the pumpkin patch, pick their own pumpkins, and soak up crisp autumn air against the foothills. It’s proof that some traditions only get better with time.

Runner-Up: Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch

Local Celebrity EC

FACE – Cody Qualls

Internationally iTunes-charting artist Cody Qualls has found countless ways to charm and captivate his audiences since the age of sixteen. Whether he’s performing original rock, pop, hip-hop, and R&B tracks with his group The Brand New Ancients or catchy acapella arrangements with the ensemble FACE, he constantly brings infectious joy to the stage.

Local Celebrity B

Coach Prime

In his days as the player “Prime Time,” he became the only athlete who has ever played in both the World Series and the Super Bowl. Now, in his role as “Coach Prime,” he’s elevated the University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes in the college football world, with 15 team appearances on national television in 2025 alone.

Health & Beauty

Day Spa EC

Blue Skies Massage & Wellness

Blue Skies feels like a pause button in the middle of Longmont. Owner Emily Bauer brings international training and a hospitality-first mindset into a space that’s calm, modern, and quietly luxurious. Every detail, from the rooms to the treatments, is designed to help you exhale and stay awhile.

Runner-Up: 95th St. Salon

Day Spa B

St. Julien Spa

A repeat Best of the West winner, St. Julien Spa is more than treatment rooms, it’s a full-scale wellness destination tucked into one of Boulder’s most elegant hotels. Spread across 10,000 square feet, the spa offers personalized massages, signature facials, sauna, steam room, and a 50-foot lap pool with mountain views, creating an immersive escape that unfolds at its own unhurried pace.

Runner-Up: Dragontree

Facial EC

Blue Skies Massage & Wellness

Relax into the clouds and find your bliss at Blue Skies Massage & Wellness. In addition to customized facials and advanced treatments like microneedling, the studio offers therapeutic massages, body treatments, targeted enhancements, and an infrared sauna designed to support both skin health and overall balance.

Runner-Up: Sustainable Beauty Colorado

Facial B

St. Julien Spa

A facial at St. Julien Spa isn’t something you squeeze in, it’s something you settle into. Treatments are elevated by the surrounding experience: steam, sauna, quiet lounges, and the sense that time has slowed down. It’s skincare wrapped inside a full afternoon of indulgence, which is exactly why readers keep voting it best.

Runner-Up: Dragontree

Salon EC

Golden Ember Salon

Golden Ember Salon doesn’t just cut hair, it upgrades moods. Expert color, sharp cuts, and stylists who actually get you make every visit feel like a mini glow-up.

Runner-Up: Salon Picasso

Salon B

Twig Salon

Established in the Boulder area over 15 years ago, Twig Salon is a staple in Boulder’s cosmetics industry. Beauticians here are known to take time to fully understand your vision before executing it to a “T.” Clients praise the shop for its LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and good vibes.

Runner-Up: Voodoo Hair Lounge

Barber EC

Woodward Barbers

Woodward Barbers (Erie) secured Best Barber in East County by a landslide thanks to their meticulous cuts and shaves. Looking for precision and care for a range of services? Look no further. From dry scalp treatment to their “It’s Been a Minute” cut, this classic-style barbershop delivers.

Runner-Up: Deluxe Barbers

Barber B

Hennepin Barbers

Hennepin Barbers cuts no corners in making their customers comfortable, whether it be the welcoming atmosphere, amiable staff, or supple leather chairs lining the shop. This South Boulder salon is known for stark beard trims and sharp haircuts for all ages, tailored to their customers’ every preference.

Runner-Up: Brooklyn Barber Academy

Massage EC

Blue Skies Massage & Wellness

Massage at Blue Skies isn’t one-size-fits-all. Led by owner Emily Bauer, the team starts with a thoughtful assessment and tailors each session to how your body actually feels that day. Whether it’s deep tissue, aromatherapy, or restorative work, the focus is relief that lasts beyond the table.

Runner-Up: Almita Massage

Massage B

Moving Mountains Massage

A full-time practitioner for over 20 years, Jesse Locke CMT, has devoted his life to Coloradans’ relaxation. This six-time BOTW winner is known for his calming presence and personalized approach to massage therapy. Find lower blood pressure, faster recovery, and improved emotional well-being with MMM.

Runner-Up: St. Julien Spa

Manicure/Pedicure EC

Salon Picasso

Salon Picasso turns nails into show-stopping statements. Expert techs, a cozy vibe, and a flair for the bold make every mani feel like a tiny celebration.

Runner-Up: Allure Nail Bar

Manicure/Pedicure B

Contempo Nails

The calm, welcoming environment invites you to relax with the knowledge that you will be pampered. Contempo Nails prides itself on staff longevity in an industry with high turnover. Other than its wide range of self-care services, they are kid-friendly, so you can both have an afternoon off.

Runner-Up: J Lounge

Medi Spa (Medical Treatments) EC

Valar Aesthetics

Valar Aesthetics blends medical precision with an atmosphere that’s warm, relaxed, and filled with laughter. Under Dr. Bauer’s care, results stay natural and never overdone, a consistency that’s made Valar a repeat Best of the West favorite.

Runner-Up: Sunflower Spa

Medi Spa (Medical Treatments) B

Vasu Skin Solutions

Vasu Skin Solutions is where Boulder goes when it wants skin that actually looks amazing. With laser treatments, tailored facials, and a team that remembers your name and your skin goals, clients walk in curious and leave radiant.

Runner-Up: Rinnova

Chiropractor EC

Chiropractic Center of Erie & Longmont

This isn’t the first time Dr. Dave has earned the award for what we call the best hands around. Known for finding “the spot,” his work goes far beyond simple adjustments, pairing deep tissue and muscle work with techniques like dry needling to treat the whole body. It’s this approach that keeps readers voting him best year after year.

Runner-Up: Live Your Life Chiropractic

Chiropractor B

Swan Lake Chiropractic

Swan Lake has been a Boulder staple for over 40 years, reversing spinal compression, correcting posture, and encouraging prenatal health. Owner Dr. Virginia “Ginger” Lawrence has practiced for 30+ years, and after having her own daughter, provides excellent prenatal and pediatric care in addition to many superb spinal services.

Runner-Up: The Joint

Veterinarian EC

Erie Animal Hospital

Dr. Sally Towner opened Erie Animal Hospital in a small farmhouse in 2001 and has grown it into a full-service, AAHA-accredited, Fear Free, cat-friendly practice. Long known for compassionate, individualized care, from acupuncture and rehab to integrative medicine, Dr. Towner’s steady presence and personal touch make this more than a vet clinic; it’s a partner in every pet’s life.

Runner-Up: Longmont Small Animal Hospital

Veterinarian B

Arapahoe Animal Hospital

Serving Boulder since 1954, Arapahoe Animal Hospital has built decades of trust by staying steady while the industry changed around it. Clear communication, long-standing relationships, and independent care keep generations of pet owners coming back. Not because it’s flashy, but because of kind, consistent care.

Runner-Up: Indian Peaks Vet

Medical Center EC

Kerix Health (formerly Nextera)

Under founder Dr. Clint Flanagan, Kerix Health (formerly Nextera) champions a concierge-style approach that prioritizes patient relationships over volume. Board-certified and community-rooted, Flanagan’s model gives people time with their doctor and personalized care, a commitment that’s now expanding into other states.

Runner-Up: Strive Direct Health

Medical Center B

Crossroads Medical Center

Founded in 1998 by 2025’s BOTW Best Doctor Carl Moritz, Crossroads Medical Center is one of only a few remaining independently owned medical clinics in Boulder. CMC doesn’t rush appointments, giving patients the attention and personalized care they need.

Runner-Up: Clinica Family Health

Hospital EC

Good Samaritan Hospital

A past and present winner, Good Samaritan Hospital is a recipient of frequent accolades, including landing in America’s top 5% of hospitals in clinical performance (Healthgrades). From being an official Level II Trauma Center to providing highly acclaimed joint replacement, GSH’s patients are in trusted hands.

Runner-Up: Longmont United

Hospital B

Boulder Community Health

For many Boulder residents, Boulder Community Health isn’t a choice, it’s been the hospital for 100 years. As the city’s independent, nonprofit health system, BCH has spent a century serving the community across multiple campuses, quietly becoming part of nearly every family’s story along the way.

Dentist EC

Keene Smiles

Dr. Greg Keene is known for recommending only what’s needed, easing anxiety, and giving back, including donating dental services to patients born without teeth. With long-tenured staff and a genuinely warm office, this is dentistry grounded in skill, ethics, and care.

Runner-Up: Artistic Smiles

Dentist B

Boulder Dental Center

BDC boasts remarkable convenience by making care accessible with multiple locations across Boulder and accepting major dental insurance plans. Dr. Danny Abboud has been at the helm since 2010, upholding the clinic’s excellent 40-year-old reputation as a one-stop dental care provider for whatever ails the Boulderite.

Runner-Up: Boulder Smiles

Doctor EC

Shawn Otteman – BCH

Dr. Shawn Otteman of Boulder Community Health has 30+ years of experience in his field and exceptional reviews to show for it. A family medicine physician who truly listens, patients say he refuses to rush appointments and genuinely connects, even calling to check in.

Runner-Up: Brad Brown – Strive

Doctor B

Dr. Christa Ambrose – Clinica

Dr. Ambrose is the doctor all medical professionals should strive to emulate. She chose to work with Clinica because it aligns with her medical philosophy: treating underserved people and making healthcare widely accessible. Her holistic approach prioritizes proper care, education, and wellness through constant communication with patients.

Runner-Up: Dr. Dirk Dolbeare – Boulder Orthopedics

Sports

Bike Shop EC

Louisville Cyclery
Louisville Cyclery has been part of Boulder County’s biking life for nearly half a century, and it shows the moment you walk in. Walls layered with race art and memories, lovingly serviced used bikes, a giant wooden bear out front, and lounge chairs that invite you to stay awhile. People linger so much they added a coffee cart — because this isn’t just a shop, it’s where cyclists hang out.
Runner Up: NuLife Cycles

Bike Shop B

Community Cycles
Community Cycles isn’t just about bikes, it’s about keeping them in motion. Since 2005, this nonprofit shop has repaired, reused, and redistributed thousands of bikes, pairing sustainability with real community impact. The mission runs deep, the knowledge is solid, and every bike saved from the landfill gets another life on the road.
Runner Up: Mike’s Bikes

Ski Shop EC

Angles Sports
Tours, new & used equipment, rentals. They started in a garage, and now you can find them on Main Street. Angles Sports owner, Ryan, loves fishing and sliding down the slopes so much he is probably open to doing it with you.
Runner Up: Snow Hut

Ski Shop B

Crystal Ski
Since 1976, Crystal Ski has been Boulder’s pre-powder pilgrimage. Owner Justin grew up in the shop, literally starting in high school before taking the reins. That continuity shows in the fit, the tuning, and the loyal locals who won’t head to the mountain without stopping here first.
Runner Up: Boulder Sports Recycler

Sporting Goods EC

Jax Outdoor
Since 1965, when it began as an 18-year-old’s idea for a military surplus store, Jax has stood strong as a unique and attractive paragon of Colorado at its finest. It is a Northern Colorado classic, which can make a small-town feel significant. YS respects the bona fide GOATs when credit is due.
Runner Up: Play It Again Sports

Sporting Goods B

Play It Again Sports
Committed to reusable gear and strong community loyalty, Play It Again Sports not only offers amazing and affordable deals, it serves as a center for local sports. Partnering with school athletic programs and clubs alike, if you’re a serious athlete, you will feel welcome here and perhaps find your new home, let alone sports hub.
Runner Up: Neptune Mountaineering

Golf Course EC

Indian Peaks Golf Course
Indian Peaks Golf Course has earned its loyal following by doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. A beautifully maintained course, approachable atmosphere, and steady consistency keep golfers coming back year after year. As a landslide repeat Best of the West winner, it’s a place where locals know exactly what they’re getting. And that’s the point.
Runner Up: Fox Hill Club

Golf Course B

Flatirons Golf Course
“Where Everyone Feels at Home” is a fitting slogan for Flatirons Golf Course. The course feels like what the heart of Boulder has to offer at its best: a fun and memorable time with natural greenery and comfortable vibes. On the city’s east side, the family-friendly atmosphere encourages the community to create memories.
Runner Up: Lake Valley Golf

Gym EC

RUF Fitness
RUF Fitness is built around showing up for your workout and for each other. With structured training, a supportive community, and an environment that doesn’t feel performative, it’s a gym where progress feels personal. No hype, no intimidation — just people putting in the work together.
Runner Up: Warrior Challenge Arena

Gym B

Mountain’s Edge
Mountains’ Edge Fitness offers a stress-free, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and motivated to make progress. Bringing warmth to the community without pretense or judgment, the point of this place is to support the goals of the community rather than hinder it. It focuses on what’s really significant with fitness; the thief of joy is comparison.
Runner Up: Movement

Rec Center EC

Bob Burger Rec Center
Bob Burger Rec Center is Lafayette’s all-in-one community hub. From the outdoor water park and aquatics center to youth camps, adult leagues, and senior programs, it’s where multiple generations cross paths every day. Practical, busy, and deeply woven into town life, it’s recreation the way a community actually uses it.
Runner Up: Erie Community Center

Rec Center B

East Boulder Rec Center
East Boulder Rec Center isn’t just a building, it’s where generations of Boulder families learned to swim, picked up a basketball, and logged early-morning laps. The amenities matter, but it’s the community EBRC has built that makes it a true local staple.
Runner Up: North Boulder Rec Center

Ski Resort (Day Trip)

Eldora
Eldora is Boulder’s ski hill. It’s close, familiar, and deeply woven into Front Range winters. Whether you’re sneaking in a few runs before work or introducing someone to their first turns, its proximity and no-frills accessibility make it a longtime local favorite. Fast to get to, easy to love, and rooted in community history, Eldora remains the go-to when you just want to ski and not sit in traffic.
Runner Up: Loveland

Ski Resort (Overnight)

Winter Park Resort
This Colorado classic ski resort is a must-try for anyone interested in skiing. With comfortable and challenging slopes alike, and so much history to explore. They have built an open community and culture that will sustain winter sports for years to come.
Runner Up: Steamboat

Climbing Gym B

Boulder Rock Club
Opened 1991, BRC is one of the trailblazing gyms of the early indoor-climbing movement. Today it is still embossed in Boulder’s climbing culture as a Sendaholic’s haven. Boasting ever-updating routes, a weight room, a Moon Board, and more, this is the spot for rookies and veterans of the sport.
Runner Up: The Spot

Climbing Gym EC

Longmont Climbing Collective
A relative newcomer, Longmont Climbing Collective wasted no time winning over its community. With an inclusive, low-ego vibe and routes that welcome beginners and challenge seasoned climbers, it’s less about conquering walls and more about building confidence, connection, and a place people genuinely want to return to.
Runner Up: The Spot

Martial Arts EC

Bennett’s Karate
With deep roots in the honor and tradition of Japanese karate, this repeat winner brings a global culture to Boulder County. Time and time again they prove their reputation by bringing out the best in martial artists in and out of the Dojo. Spend some time with their community and classes and become the master you are meant to be.
Runner Up: Tran’s Martial Arts

Martial Arts B

Easton Jiu-Jitsu
Easton Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai continue to build a strong martial arts community grounded in self-improvement and mastery. This is why they are a clear, principled winner in Colorado’s culture. This is an excellent home for those looking to add the discipline and inspiration of martial arts tradition. The opportunity can significantly improve your life.
Runner Up: Boulder Karate

Yoga Studio EC

Soul Tree Studio
Soul Tree Yoga Studio offers a beautiful, warm, open space filled with compassion, a strong community, and sense of enlightenment. With a tradition rooted in the Eight Limbs of ethical restraints, the professionals here do an excellent job of guiding students toward a spiritually aware and fulfilling life.
Runner Up: Louisville Community Yoga

Yoga Studio B

Yoga Pearl
Yoga Pearl is a professional, open environment with a strong, enlightening community. Their excellent workshops and training will equip you with the skills to control your mind, filling your life with awareness and peace. This is a natural and enlightened winner.
Runner Up: Boulder Bikram Yoga

Pilates Studio EC

Rocky Mountain Pilates and Yoga
Rocky Mountain Pilates and Yoga provides an exceptional, spacious, and wonderful atmosphere filled with enlightened hearts and a shared journey of health and fitness. This location hosts a supportive community that will help actualize your success. No wonder they have won time and time again.
Runner Up: Pilates 4 Bodies

Pilates Studio B

The Pilates Center
The Pilates Center has built its reputation quietly and carefully over decades. Known for thoughtful instruction and instructors who truly pay attention, this Boulder staple attracts clients who value depth over trends. It’s not flashy, it’s effective, consistent, and rooted in the kind of expertise that keeps people coming back.
Runner Up: Bolder Pilates

Home & Hood

Old Town EC

Erie Old Town
With architecture dating back over a century, Erie’s historic downtown creates a classic atmosphere for Colorado residents and visitors. Truly the heart of Erie, the famous farmer’s market and various businesses are a hub for Erie’s locals and visitors to experience the best of Colorado culture.
Runner Up: Lafayette

Old Town B

Mapleton Hill
The historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood enhances Boulder’s classic, timeless aesthetic. With architecture and vegetation that stand the test of time, YS honors those responsible for Boulder’s most classic vibes.
Runner Up: Niwot

Neighborhood EC

Old Town Louisville
Old Town Louisville isn’t manufactured charm, it’s lived-in. Brick buildings, independent shops, longtime locals, and newer neighbors all share the same sidewalks, patios, and conversations. It’s the kind of downtown where you run into someone you know, linger longer than planned, and remember why small towns still matter.
Runner Up: Old Town Lafayette

Neighborhood B

NOBO Boulder
The North Boulder Arts District is responsible for bringing art and inspiration to North Boulder. With their extensive community engagement, colorful murals, and support for artists of all kinds, they inspire the community through their calling.
Runner Up: Whittier

Furniture EC

Woodley’s Fine Furniture
Woodley’s isn’t just selling furniture — they’re helping people settle in. Family-owned and Colorado-rooted for generations, the Woodleys built a business on listening, guiding, and making sure what you bring home actually fits your life. It’s why customers return decade after decade, not just room after room.
Runner Up: American Furniture Warehouse

Furniture B

Forma Furniture
Forma Furniture offers high-quality furniture with professional customer service and prestigious craftsmanship. This first-place winner earned their position by expertly furnishing Colorado homes with “that’s gorgeous” pieces.
Runner Up: Arhaus

Home Furnishings EC

Danish Furnishings
Known for its European furniture, high-quality showroom, and patient customer service, Danish Furnishings brings a taste of global culture to Colorado. Their breadth of experience and expertise make them a deserving winner. One trip in and you will appreciate what they offer as well.
Runner Up: Hello! Home Furnishings

Home Furnishings B

Boulder Furniture Arts
For over 30 years, Boulder Furniture Arts’ handmade and simplistic designs have responsibly furnished many Colorado homes. Their high-quality local business models call to new and repeat customers while the helpful customer service creates a comfortable experience from start to finish.
Runner Up: Derpy Dragon Woodworking

Home Improvement EC

Jax Ranch
Jax Ranch carries the weight of Colorado history on its shelves. Born from a 1965 surplus store and grown into a Front Range institution, Jax has always served people who work with their hands and live close to the land. It’s not trend-driven retail — it’s generational knowledge, dependable gear, and Colorado know-how passed forward.
Runner Up: Budget Home Supply

Home Improvement B

McGuckin Hardware
Since 1955 McGuckin Hardware has been a prime example of the impact a local business can have. Their expert staff are ready to assist you in finding the right tools to help turn a broken part of the home or new idea into a completed project.
Runner Up: Home Depot

Landscaper EC

Outdoor Craftsman
Outdoor Craftsman looks at a yard and sees possibility. Their team blends design, ecology, and craftsmanship to create outdoor spaces that actually belong in Colorado — native plants, smart irrigation, and landscapes meant to thrive, not fight the climate. The result isn’t just prettier yards, but ones that make sense.
Runner Up: Wild Heritage Gardens and Design

Landscaper B

Native Edge Landscape
Native Edge Landscape is the architect of Boulder’s most fun and restful backyard days. Whether it’s a cozy autumn day by a combo firepit + fireplace on an organically stone-tiled porch or a summer night in a poolside lounge at a hotel, Native Edge builds Boulder’s best residential and commercial sceneries.
Runner Up: Matrix Gardens

Realtor EC

The Fowler Group
The Fowler Group is made up of two sisters who come from a sixty-year long family legacy of realtors serving the Front Range. With their elaborate and cinematic Instagram reels, Brie and Jillian showcase how your home can be the centerpiece of your next story.
Runner Up: Audrey Atkinson

Realtor B

Tom Cohen / Compass
Tom Cohen started selling homes in 1990. He loves working directly with his clients, often reminding them that “Online search is fun. But it won’t text back or high-five you at closing. That’s what I’m here for.”
Runner Up: Arn Rasker / Sotheby’s

Plumber EC & B

Colorado Green Plumbing (landslide)
Colorado Green Plumbing won this year by a landslide (and it certainly wasn’t caused by a faulty sewer line). Homeowners praise president Paul Lingenfelter for his friendliness, trustworthiness, and willingness to educate customers. On top of their award-winning plumbing, they also provide stellar HVAC and boiler services.
Runner Up EC: Around the Clog
Runner Up B: Bernie’s Plumbing

Contractor EC

Silver Contracting
During the 2020 pandemic, contractors everywhere faced a garage door shortage — except Silver Contracting, which handcrafted its own custom doors. Known for adaptive attitude, they also facilitate stress-free building and renovation experiences.
Runner Up: Koeppen Construction

Contractor B

Melton Build & Design
Melton shares its design knowledge freely in workshops, including the annual Sugary Structure Showdown, where the top team donates to a local organization.
Runner Up: Petra Custom Builders

Tree Service EC

Reinholt Tree Services
A small team of arborists keeping trees healthy and residents safe from hazards, with 24-hour emergency tree care.
Runner Up: St Vrain Arbor Care

Tree Service B

Berkelhammer Tree
Berkelhammer Tree has shaped Boulder County’s landscape for decades, prioritizing stewardship over shortcuts. Founder Fred Berkelhammer championed tree care methods that protect pollinators: “saving the trees without killing the bees.”
Boulder Tree Surgeon

Auto Repair EC

Louisville Tire and Auto
Since 1993, Louisville Tire and Auto has provided honest, top-notch service. Technicians sell only what you need and provide flawless service.
Runner Up: Stang Auto

Auto Repair B

Pellman Automotive
Family-owned, transparent, and ASE-certified mechanics, providing updates, photos, and videos throughout the repair process.
Runner Up: Hoshi Motors

Lawyer EC

Lyons-Gaddis
Lyons Gaddis shows up prepared and explains things clearly. For 50+ years, their attorneys have helped navigate complex situations with steadiness and plainspoken guidance.
Runner Up: Gstalder Law Firm

Lawyer B

Hutchinson, Black & Cook
A picture of legal excellence, HBC has been a Boulder standard for over a century, offering small-firm attention with big-firm standards.
Runner Up: Frascona Joiner Goodman & Greenstein

Bank or Credit Union Boulder County

Elevations Credit Union
Founded in 1952, member-owned, community-driven, emphasizing personalized service and financial education.
Runner Up: Premier Members Credit Union

Place to Buy A Car in Boulder County

Fisher Honda
Craig Fisher built a soft-spoken, no-pressure dealership approach locals recognize immediately.
Runner Up: Valley Subaru

NonProfit EC

Sister Carmen
Founded in the 1970s by Sister Carmen Ptacnik, providing goods and support to local families.
Runner Up: Community Food Share

NonProfit B

EFAA
Serving Boulder County for over 100 years, providing food, housing, education, and advocacy.
Runner Up: Rocky Mountain Equality

Politician

Joe Neguse
Congressman for Colorado’s 2nd District since 2018, focused on climate, public lands, and democracy protection.
Runner Up — Former Erie Mayor Justin Brooks

Artist EC

Angie Nordstrom
Boulder-area painter and muralist, combining expressive emotions with upbeat messages inspired by nature.
Runner Up: Kristi Arzola

Artist B

Phil Lewis
Print-driven pieces and clean, modern compositions, with exquisite kaleidoscopic imagery.
Runner Up: Sam Cikauskas

Marijuana Dispensary EC

Herbal Wellness
All-inclusive, tailored dispensary experience with attentive budtenders and loyalty programs.
Runner Up — Igadi

Marijuana Dispensary Boulder

The Farm
Premium yet welcoming dispensary with consistent flower quality and wide selection of concentrates.
Runner Up — Karing Kind

Glass EC

Hillcrest Glass
Since 1969, providing reliable residential and commercial glass services with precision and craftsmanship.

Glass B

Slade Glass Co
Modern sensibility with a long-standing presence in custom glass work since 1961.

Tattoo Shop EC

Inksmith
Friendly, clean, professional setting that makes getting a tattoo approachable for everyone.
Runner: Main Street Tattoo

Tattoo Shop B

Boulder Ink
One of Boulder’s oldest shops, balancing technical skill with personal expression, open daily.
Runner Up: Rising Tide Tattoo

Shopping

Shoe Store EC

Brown’s Shoe Store
How do we tell you Brown’s Shoes is the locals’ favorite when they’ve won all 26 years? That’s how.

Runner Up: Jax

Shoe Store B

Apocalypse
In Boulder, the answer to every “Where did you get those shoes?!” question is Apocalypse. You can complete any fit there with the incredible selection of shoes for a Saturday night along with everyday wear pairs.
Runner Up: Two Sole Sisters

Eyewear EC

The Optical Centre
For more than 50 years on Main Street, The Optical Centre has stayed locally owned, independent, and loved. They pair comprehensive eye care with a curated, timeless eyewear selection, plus the steady expertise of Dr. Jeff Berger. Longmont keeps choosing them, and it’s easy to see why.
Runner Up: Lafayette Eye Associates

Eyewear B

Envision Optical
There’s a special kind of walk you see from people when they leave Envision Optical. It’s confident, strong, almost a strut. It’s that walk you have when you’re feeling your best and looking great.
Runner Up: Tom’s Sportique Eyewear

Jewelry EC

Anspach’s Jewelry
You’re not just buying a necklace or a ring, you’re starting a story. And the jewelers at Anspach’s will make sure it’s one told with heart, thoughtfulness, sincerity, and history.
Runner Up: Eric Olson Master Jewelers

Jewelry B

Hurdles
At Hurdle’s you don’t shop as much as you wander, waiting for that perfect piece to speak to you. Jewelry is more than just an “accessory,” it’s an extension of your personality.
Runner Up: Schapell Jewelers

Fashion Boutique for Women EC

Snow Apparel
Snow Apparel is a cornucopia of timeless style. From showcasing local artisans to international masters, owner Snow White ensures every purchase makes an impact. She uplifts marginalized masterpieces while making customers look and feel triumphant in their new threads.
Runner Up: Ivy Rose

Fashion Boutique for Women B

Apocalypse
Shopping locally isn’t just a slogan; it’s the Apocalypse aesthetic. Madison Moorhead McCabe and Jed Bickford McCabe champion shoppers away from fast fashion, offering a haven to find better ends.
Runner Up: Jacque Michelle

Men’s Clothing EC

Acme Fine Goods
The Internet makes it easy to shop, but Acme Fine Goods makes it fun. Trying something on and falling in love is a tactile experience, leaving you feeling like the world’s best-dressed man.
Runner Up: Jax

Men’s Clothing B

Weekends
For men looking to reset their wardrobe or find a new favorite shirt, Weekends offers unmatched stylist passion and knowledge. You’ll leave not just looking good, but feeling good.
Runner Up: Canoe Club

Consignment Clothing EC

Found Underground
When it’s time for a style-swap, this is the place to go. You get new clothes while helping the environment, and your old favorites may resurface for someone else.
Runner Up — Fabulous Finds

Consignment Clothing B

Apocalypse
Beyond gently used women’s clothing, Apocalypse is the go-to for finding pieces that express “This is who I am.”
Runner Up: Rags Consignment

Shopping District/Center EC

Downtown Longmont
Restaurants, shops, art, and event venues abound, but the most important element: the people. Seeing neighbors and community members enjoying it all builds real community.
Runner Up: Downtown Lafayette

Shopping District/Center B

Pearl Street Mall
Shop for gifts, records, food, and tattoos — Pearl Street is Boulder as it’s meant to be.
Runner Up: 29th Street Mall

Bookstore EC

Read Queen
A revolutionary literary hub, offering book clubs, workshops, and discerning curation. Miss it at your own risk.
Runner Up: Barbed Wire Books

Bookstore B

Boulder Bookstore
The agora for late-night thinkers, with a library of awards since 1987.
Runner Up:Trident Booksellers

Florist EC

Lafayette Florist
For 75 years, Lafayette Florist has crafted flowers as personal messages, from welcoming neighbors to marking life milestones.
Runner Up: Longmont Florist

Florist B

Boulder Blooms
Kim Thielke’s studio-style approach ensures every arrangement feels personal, seasonal, and distinctly Boulder.
Runner Up: Sturtz & Copeland

Kid’s Store EC

Longmont Museum
A time machine with 17,000+ objects, creating cerebral and emotional connections with history.
Runner Up: Adorn Kids

Kid’s Store B

Grandrabbits
Almost 50 years of expanding kids’ imaginations with personal, fun shopping experiences.
Runner Up: Pitter Patter

Gift Shop EC

Vintrey
Vintage, handmade, and fair-trade gifts curated inside a 1900s home for a “hidden treasures” shopping feel.
Runner Up: Bricks on Main

Gift Shop B

Cedar and Hyde
Gifts that elicit “Oh Wow!” moments — housewarming, birthdays, or a treat for yourself.
Runner Up:Bliss

Natural Goods EC & B

Natural Grocers
Beyond healthy food, they provide wellness classes and a dedicated nutrition center, committed to community wellness.
Runner Up EC: Little Herbal Apothecary
Runner Up B: Nude Foods

Grocer EC

Sprouts
A shopper’s delight, filled with tasty and nutritious items. Be prepared for a bigger cart.
Runner Up: Natural Grocers

Grocer B

Lucky’s Market
Independently owned, locally sourced, and organic, offering the best of Boulder on its shelves.
Runner Up: Trader Joe’s

Pet Supply EC

Gigi & Co
Intentional selection of health-forward essentials and local brands, plus force-free training expertise.
Runner Up: Happy Beast

Pet Supply B

PCs Pantry
From a small house to a 30th Street facility, P.C.’s Pantry combines personal shopping with nearly 25 years of excellence.
Runner Up: Only Natural Pet Supplies

Consignment & ReUse Furniture EC

Fabulous Finds
Walk-in, drop-off, and mobile consignment options with a warm, local environment supporting organizations like The Inn Between and Habitat for Humanity.
Runner Up: Furn Consignment

Consignment & ReUse Furniture B

Goodwill
Colorado’s 45-location network, with the Boulder store winning readers’ hearts and providing convenient donation drop-offs.
Runner Up: Pig & Pearl

Record Store B

Paradise Found Records
When you buy a record in Boulder, you buy it at Paradise Found Records; which has curated one of the most extensive catalogs of vinyl in Boulder County. With 26 years of winning Best of the West Awards, Paradise Found Records remains unmatched for botomless crate digging. 
Runner Up: Beat Book Shop

Record Store EC

Absolute Vinyl
Epicenter of Boulder County’s analogue revival, with local music archives and audiophile gems.
Runner Up: Little Horse Louisville

Musical Instruments EC

Guitar Hut
Honest repairs and innovative instruments, avoiding pretentious vibes while offering tried-and-true gear.
Runner Up: Monkton Guitar

Musical Instruments B

HB Woodsongs
Founded in 1971, Boulder’s longest-running music store offers instruments, lessons, rentals, tuneups, and an online shop.
Runner Up: Boulder Drum Shop

Quilting/Sewing EC

The Presser Foot
A BERNINA dealer with 500+ years combined experience, crafting quality work and guiding customers to the right machine.
Runner Up: The Quilt Store

Quilting/Sewing B

Elfriede’s Fine Fabrics
Since 1974, offering distinctive textiles and guidance that keep generations of makers returning.
Runner Up: Sew-Bo

Education/Kids

Place to Play with the Kids EC

WOW! Children’s Museum
Since 1996, WOW! Children’s Museum has become a cornerstone for young ones under 12. Through their Play for All program and inclusive mission, WOW! ensures every child has a safe place to have fun. Who wouldn’t want to play in a restored fire-station?
Runner Up: Coal Creek Park

Place to Play with the Kids B

ABC Kids Climbing
For kids who don’t stay still, ABC Kids Climbing offers endless opportunities. Toddlers can learn in safe spaces while elite climbers train, and parents can join in at open gym sessions!
Runner Up: Gateway Park Fun Center

Private School EC

Dawson School
Founded in 1970, Dawson School pairs strong academics with real choice. With 80 electives and 16 AP courses, students build a path unique to them. College prep is intentional, personal, and student-centered.
Runner Up: Saint John the Baptist

Private School B

Boulder Country Day
Teachers at Boulder Country Day truly know their students. Serving preschool through 8th grade, BCD combines strong academics with hands-on learning in a close-knit community, helping students grow confident and articulate.
Runner Up: Boulder Valley Waldorf School

Public School EC

Centaurus High School
Centaurus High pairs academic opportunity with a supportive culture. From standout arts programs to CU Boulder-aligned college pathways, students are encouraged to shape their future in a community that shows up for them.
Runner Up: Niwot High School

Public School B

Fairview High School
Fairview High emphasizes challenge, engagement, and meaning. The honors program and dedicated faculty cultivate a positive learning experience, producing frequent National Merit Finalists.
Runner Up: Horizons K-8

Summer Camp EC

Colorado Mountain Ranch
With roots reaching back to 1925, Colorado Mountain Ranch encourages kids to get outdoors and connect with nature — something better than wifi.
Runner Up: YMCA Northern Colorado

Summer Camp B

Renaissance Adventures
Renaissance Adventures brings imagination to life through creative role-playing, castle-building, and playground adventures.
Runner Up: Square State Skate

Music School EC

School of Rock
Performance-based music education helps students conquer stage fright and build confidence before adulthood — all while having a rockstar experience.
Runner Up: Center for Musical Arts

Music School B

HB Woodsongs Teaching Studios
From beginners to professionals, HB Woodsongs fosters creativity through deep listening, guided exploration, and improvisation, creating a complete music ecosystem in Boulder.
Runner Up:Harmony Music House

The post Best of the West 2026 appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo by Gray Box Studios

This year, we’re giving our Best of the West winners the red carpet treatment: The readers have spoken, the critics have made their picks and several local celebrities have added their two cents. Here are our picks for the best Boulder County has to offer.

The envelope please…

Day Spa

Sunflower Spa : East County

Luxury and Longmont may not be two words you immediately think of together, but when you step into Sunflower Spa, you might change your mind. Luxurious without being pretentious with experienced staff to guide you to your best self ever.

Essentiels : Boulder

Cozy and friendly, this spa is a Boulder favorite for their outstanding staff, signature facials and deluxe mani-pedis. Step into the oasis and let everything go for a total relaxation experience.

Facial

Sunflower Spa : East County

Sunflower Spa’s motto is “everyone blooms,” and their facials will help your skin feel as delicate and fresh as a flower. Get a complimentary consultation and create a plan of action that will leave you feeling younger and fresher than
ever before.

Tapestry Salon & Day Spa : Boulder

Feel like a princess with a Tapestry facial customized to your skin’s unique needs and an atmosphere in which you can’t help but relax. Ask for Sally and go for a purifying facial or the deluxe Classic Epicuren Facial to show your fresh face to the world.

Salon/Barber

Salon Cosabella : East County

Salon Cosabella has a recently remodeled and expanded Arista location, but its mission to inspire clients is the same. Let them help you find your inspiration.

Tapestry Salon & Day Spa : Boulder

Sometimes, we don’t actually know what we want when we sit down in that swivel chair. That’s why the stylists at Tapestry are experts in hair analysis, treatments and the latest styles. So relax. Let the professionals handle it.

Massage

Massage Envy : East County

It’s smart to take care of your body through regular massage, but it can be challenging to shell out $100 or more for every session. But when you can get a professional massage in a clean, inviting environment for less than half that price? Now that’s smart.

Tapestry Salon & Day Spa : Boulder

Tapestry’s massage menu ranges from customized therapeutic massage to aromatherapy, hot rock and raindrop therapy massage. They even offer prenatal massage for those tired, achy mamas-to-be.

Manicure/Pedicure

Sunflower Spa : East County

A bright, sunny room with unique, comfortable, Asian-esque benches and some of the finest nail technicians in the county pretty much ensure your little piggies will wiggle with joy after a visit to Sunflower Spa.

Ten20 : Boulder

Comfy armchairs, chocolate and Diet Coke on demand and a big screen TV showing the latest chick flick or reality TV sensation—what could make this more perfect? How about an expert mani-pedi while you de-stress?
Ahhh…Heaven.

Aesthetic Treatment

Aesthetic Solutions : East County

Dr. Steve Zakany takes his field extremely seriously, offering solutions for everyone from injectables to laser treatments, medically supervised spa services and age-management medicine, including bio-identical hormones and HCG diet and weight loss programs.

Marianna’s L’Esthetique Medi Spa : Boulder

In addition to traditional spa services, Marianna’s L’Esthetique Medi Spa offers minimally invasive treatments including injectables and intense pulse light therapy. Go in for any of their treatments and come out looking years younger.

Yoga Studio

Soul Tree Studio : East County

Soul Tree strives to help you achieve balance through movement, which could mean one of many different disciplines of yoga, Pilates, African dance, hip-hop, Nia and much more. The studio also offers an array of special events from meditation retreats to massage classes.

Core Power : Boulder

Get ready to sweat. This popular chain is best known for its hot yoga classes, meant to help detoxify the mind and the body. But they also offer classes including power yoga and yoga sculpt if sweating with a room full of strangers isn’t your idea of relaxing.

Pilates Studio

Flatirons Pilates : East County

Flatirons Pilates offers private Pilates instruction as well as group classes, including ribbons and hoops, belly dance and Zumba all with great energy, talented instructors and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Boulder Bodyworks : Boulder

Boulder Bodyworks offers a complete approach to fitness, holistic healing and rehabilitation through its complimentary practices of Pilates, yoga, massage and physical therapy. Come here to find wellness for your whole body.

Chiropractor

Eric Graves : East County

Dr. Graves isn’t just a back cracker. His office specializes in integrative wellness through a variety of techniques including chiropractic work, soft tissue work and rehabilitative exercise.

The Joint : Boulder

The Joint specializes in affordable chiropractic care with no expensive x-rays, no appointments and no hidden fees. It’s kinda like the Starbucks of chiropractic…except you feel adjusted when you leave.

Trainer

Angie Schumacher, Fit Chick Express : East County

Personal training by chicks, for chicks, might take the initial hesitation and embarrassment out of starting and sticking with an exercise program. Angie offers a free consultation, a two-week free trial and a 100 percent money back guarantee—which should eliminate any excuses you still had hanging around.

David Clair : Boulder

David Clair’s Fitness for Living Boot Camps offer a positive boot camp experience without all the yelling and demeaning nicknames. Classes take place outside when the Colorado weather is fine, which could help motivate even the most dedicated couch potato.

Golf Course

Indian Peaks Golf Course

With freshly mowed, green fairways and a good water-to-bunker ratio that is sure to keep a scratch golfer on his or her toes, Indian Peaks Golf Course is one of the top public courses in Colorado. Enjoy a round of 18 for a good price, no matter how large you’re party is.

Gym

Lakeshore Athletic Club : East County

Rule No. 1 to working out at Lakeshore: Pace yourself. It’s a ginormous facility with a ton of activities, workout opportunities and fitness options. Classes, multiple pools, a water park, a climbing wall, basketball courts, every class you can think of, a spa and a café/bar. We’re exhausted just thinking about it…now, a nap!

Flatiron Athletic Club : Boulder

For years, Flatiron Athletic Club has been the go-to gym for Boulderites, which is saying something. The city and its athletes, er, residents are the fittest in the country, and that means Flatirons could be single-handedly responsible for Boulder’s healthy reputation. Or, maybe it’s just an awesome gym. Either way, keep up the good work!

Rec Center

Lafayette Recreation Center : East County

By taking your family to this energized pocket tucked away in Lafayette, you’ll get the full adventure that fits everyone’s needs. From sports teams for all ages to kid hangout spots, such as the newly opened skate park, this dynamic scene is sure to quench your active thirst.

East Boulder Recreation Center : Boulder

Whether you’re looking for intense cardio before that 2 o’clock business meeting or a creative outlet to celebrate you’re daughter’s single-digit birthday, there’s plenty of activities to kick around at this rec center. Dressed to impress, this center offers affordable prices and hours built around your convenience.

Ski

Copper Mountain

If you’re traveling with the family, or just want a getaway, there’s plenty of snow to carve and savory foods that cling to your taste buds at this resort. Year-round camps and events will be bolded in your calendar this year as fresh powder and thrilling escapades leave you breathless.

Martial Arts

International Martial Arts : East County

By training at an IMA facility, you can gain the strength to battle off the bullies, or even take the high road with your newfound self-worth. With Shotokan Karate under your black belt, you’ll never be afraid to take a bull by its horns.

Boulder Quest Center : Boulder

Got a stalker that you want gone or just want to brush up on your ninja skills? Then look no further: This martial arts center can help you adapt to the ways of To-Shin Do and get those awesome black belt skills you always wanted in high school.

Visit Gray Box Studios.

The post Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Health & Beauty appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo by Gray Box Studios

This year, we’re giving our Best of the West winners the red carpet treatment: The readers have spoken, the critics have made their picks and several local celebrities have added their two cents. Here are our picks for the best Boulder County has to offer.

The envelope please…

Best Beer

Mojo IPA, Boulder Beer

Mojo IPA is not a session beer, and it’s not for the faint of palette. But for the hop-lovers out there—and there are many of them—Boulder Beer’s Mojo is the people’s choice.Best Ribs

The Rib House

I remember the first time I had Rib House’s ribs. I had just moved all of my possessions into my little Longmont abode and was still dirty from the morning’s manual labor. But then there was a cold pint of Sawtooth and these amazing ribs, which fell apart so easily and tasted of char and spicy barbecue sauce. You just never forget the first time.

Best reason to go to an industrial park

Sugarbeet

You don’t just happen upon Sugarbeet. It’s a destination parked in the midst of railroad tracks and car-repair shops. But when you get inside, you’re pleasantly brought into an upscale contemporary American eatery serving hearty, piquant dishes. The food is certainly the biggest attraction—the short ribs are a staff favorite and their homemade chips and salsa are a summer luxury.

Best new tasting room

The Tasty Weasel

It doesn’t look like much from the outside…That is, if you can find it. But once you do, The Tasty Weasel’s charisma becomes apparent. It’s part warehouse, part tasting room, part brewery, and it has a funky hipness and ever-flowing Oskar Blues beer on tap (as well as a weekly firkin).

Best family breakfast

Two Dog Diner

On a weekend morning, that’s our favorite time to go to Two Dog, when the sunny space is packed full of families: pancake-craving youngsters playing with mom’s iPhone while waiting for a table and syrup-soaked kiddos yelping with the excitement of finishing off a fluffy waffle.

Best reason to visit Erie

Colorado Coal Company

I once ate a whole plate of Colorado Coal Company’s fried pickles for dinner. And as irresponsible as that sounds, it was worth it. Being right next door to Yellow Scene means the staff at CCC sees us a lot, but if it weren’t for our proximity, we’d still travel for their steaks and burgers and, of course, the fried pickles.

Best New York transfer

Hanna’s

We get a lot of transfers in these parts (because Colorado is totally awesome and everyone knows it), and usually the natives scowl upon their foreign ways. But when it comes to sandwiches, we love Hanna’s (aka owner Susan Yurish) New York style—as long as there is a meatball hero, a Rueben and a black and white
cookie involved.

Best shop for coffee snobs

Vic’s Espresso

What makes Vic’s great is so simple (but not always easy to find): Vic’s has great coffee, espresso and baristas who understand people who love coffee and espresso (the delicious breakfast burritos help too). They pour a lovely Americano, and if you go in enough, they’ll totally remember just the way you like it.

Best menu in a neighborhood joint

The Empire Lounge

Chef Jim Cohen has a unique charm, and it manifests itself in bold dishes that tiptoe the line between American classics with seasonal, contemporary twists and bar food. That means we get to eat a crispy calamari salad in a local hangout.

Best restaurant when you want to casually impress

Arugula

Open for two years, Arugula still impresses us with great food (mmm, orechiette bison Bolognese), a casual-meets-upscale vibe and really nice service. And it impresses the friends we take there and all the people we meet for business there. It’s actually impressive how impressive it is.

Best plate of food that requires a knife

Pizzeria Locale

Rarely does a knife need explaining, but at Pizzeria Locale, when your server sets an entire pizza down in front of you, it becomes apparent that no one will do your slicing for you. The new eatery’s knives are imported from Italy, and they are the only thing standing between you and demolishing an amazingly perfect Neapolitan-style pizza.

Best use of a family heirloom

303 Vodka

If wine is the juice of the gods, then 303 Vodka is the juice of the Viezbicke family. The story goes something like this: Steve Viezbicke discovered his grandfather’s potato vodka recipe in a steamer trunk that was brought to the United States in the early 1900s. Today, it’s one family tradition Boulderites have adopted as their own.

Best meal deal

The Boulder Chophouse

The Boulder Chophouse knows how to wheel and deal. Monday–Friday, between 4 and 6pm, diners get half off wines by the glass and half off the tavern food menu (as long as you’re sitting in the bar or on the patio). You can almost taste the savings!

Best beer fest that’s not GABF

Stout Month at Mountain Sun

Mountain Sun is a favorite, so when they talk, we listen and when they pour, we’re there to drink it in. Especially, and it’s Stout Month, when the local brewpub celebrates the darker breeds of brew.

Best restaurant we hope reopens soon

Oak at Fourteenth

When a fire-shuttered Oak at Fourteenth last month, the Boulder foodie community was devastated. Regardless, the accolades have continued to roll in (Food and Wine named it one of the best new bars in the country) and the restaurant is on the road to recovery.

Best Palestinian food

Arabesque

Don’t worry. Even if you think you’ve never had Palestinian food, the menu here is likely to look familiar: fluffy flatbreads, delicate dolmades, heavenly chicken shwarma and homemade baklava that will make you wish you hadn’t eaten all that hummus.

Best use of alcohol not in a glass

Kim and Jake’s Cakes

The specialty cakes here read like the drink list at your favorite bar. How about a slice of strawberry margarita? Or maybe you’d like a cake made from your favorite vino. Beer cakes? Sure, they’ve got that too. We say combining dessert and happy hour is pretty brilliant.

Best modern wine list

Flagstaff House

This venerable Boulder institution has long been known for its outstanding wine list. But this year, in honor of its 40th birthday, Flagstaff House brought the list into the 21st century, programming it all onto iPads customers can browse through and even use to make a list to discuss with the sommelier.

Best weekday breakfast that feels like a weekend breakfast

Café Aion

The fact that you can walk into Café Aion on a regular Tuesday morning and order fresh, house-made bagels and house-smoked salmon, or eggs and braised short ribs, or even just a made-from-scratch chocolate croissant makes us feel a little giddy. Excellent breakfasts aren’t just for the weekend any more.

Best use of a cow pasture

HUSH

The HUSH Denver secret supper club brought its pop-up restaurant concept to Colorado’s Best Beef last summer—believe us when we say dining in a cow field is a lot more fun than it sounds. Here’s hoping they have more Boulder County stops lined up for 2011.

Best way to go whole hog

Arapahoe Hog Roasters

We used to drive into Erie wondering who was cooking up that delicious-smelling bacon. Now, we happily know it’s Arapahoe Hog Roasters, the area’s source for delicious whole roast pigs with all the fixings.

Best way to get stuffed

Culinary Connectors

Three multi-course meals—with wine or cocktails—in three hours? Good thing you have to walk a few blocks to get to each, or you might just call that overdoing it. Delicious dining tours of Boulder, Denver and Aspen.

Best prix fixe for a good cause

The Kitchen

Every Monday night The Kitchen hosts Community Night with a five-course $35 prix fixe menu, served family style. Twenty percent of the proceeds are donated to The Growe Foundation, so not only do you get great food at a stellar price, you’re eating for the greater good at the same time.

Best royal pedigree

Elephant Hut

Elephant Hut offers excellent, authentic Thai food with European sensibilities and a cool story: according to chef and owner Pi Kasemsant—who is a descendant of King Mongkut of the musical The King and I—the restaurant is named for a herd of elephants the famous king offered to President Lincoln during the Civil War. It does not get much cooler than that.

Best Taos-style Mexican

Richard’s on 3rd

There’s a distinct difference between the kind of New Mexican food you find in Taos or Santa Fe, and the kind you find in Albuquerque or Truth or Consequences. Richard is a Taos man, and it shows in his excellent enchiladas, relleños and killer green chile.

Best Vietnamese

Chey Thuy

Soft shell crab is an ominous animal to see on a plate. But when Chef Thuy gets her hands on these little creatures, it’s magic. In fact, you’ll daydream about her deep-fried crustaceans until your main course arrives: tamarind prawns, crispy duck, lamb chops or one of the many Vietnamese-with-a-twist items on the novel-size menu.

Best place for dogs and people to get a snack

P.C.’s Pantry for Dogs & Cats

What could be better than a bakery? How about a bakery where you and your dog can dine together? P.C.’s Pantry makes it so. Their baked goods—including a choc-o-lab brownie and hushpuppies—are all human grade. And barkday cakes are available, too.

Best bang for your buck

Rags Consignments

Our associate editor is very patient at Rags; she slowly goes through every piece on every rack and is rewarded with several tops for $15 each. Our publisher goes right for the shoes. Our editor moves around, confused and overwhelmed and eventually settles on Prada sunglasses (for $70!!!). Together, we end up spending more than a grand, but it’s what we didn’t spend that makes us smile.

Best place to find little treasures

Adorn Home & Gift Gallery

When you are getting Christmas gifts for your boyfriend’s mom and sister or a birthday present for your bff’s 30th, you go to Adorn. It’s not a huge store with a huge selection, but they have a great inventory of pretty, funky, cool things (jewelry, scarves, soaps, lotions, ornaments, etc.) that are perfect for both a new friend and your best friend.

Best store for women who like shoes

Two Sole Sisters

Pretty pink pumps? Colorful wedges? A classic ballet flat? It’s tough to be a woman, and even tougher when Two Sole Sisters makes life’s most difficult decisions even harder.

Best on-trend, locally-made jewelry line

Frisk Jewelry

We learned a lot about the Rubino family during our February singles issue, and one thing we definitely came away with: the girls know their accessories. The young ladies and their mom started Frisk jewelry in 2004 and their funky/flirty creations are as wearable as they are fashion-forward.

Best shop for classic additions to your home

Fuzzy Antler

Louisville’s Fuzzy Antler is a classy place. The kind of place where you might get concerned glares if you knock over a bowl of fake fruit with your over-sized purse (which has never, ever happened to me). But once you pick everything up and regain composure, you’re sure to find something elegant or eclectic for
your home.

Best makeover

Whole Foods

Really, the only thing that could have made the Whole Foods on Pearl better would be to add more of it—luckily, that’s exactly what they did. The new prepared foods section is like a 30,000-square-foot food court of awesome, with super healthy and not-so healthy (but super tasty) choices from wall to wall.

Best place to keep it local

In Season Local Market

Wanting to try that 250-mile food diet? This place makes it easy-peasy, as they only sell products that come from within a strict 250-mile radius.

Best CSA

Isabelle Farm

With the wide selection of unusual, heirloom veggies, a partnership with a Western Slope orchard CSA and a local coffee CSA, and their own farm-fresh eggs, this is the little farm that could, with the best selection for the buck, as far as we can see.

Best place to score cheap kid stuff

Just Between Friends

With events in Longmont and Broomfield happening every couple of months, these pop-up shops are like gigantic garage sales filled with barely used kids’ stuff: from clothes (so many clothes) to cribs to toys and more. You may never again have to step into another store with a backward R in the name.

Best way to spice up your life

Savory Spice Shop

Whether your spice rack gets regular use or could use a little dusting, Savory Spice Shop is sure to get your creative juices flowing. They’ll not only sell you the spices, they’ll help you figure out what to do
with them, too.

Best place to find regional deals

DenverBargains.com

We only discovered DenverBargains.com a few months ago, and already we’re hooked. The daily posts alert you to the best sales at local grocery stores, deals and freebies at local restaurants and shops, and even call out the best deals on the group coupon sites. So, you only have to follow one website instead of a million to get the best deals for your dollars.

Best all-around athletic experience

Lakeshore Athletic Club

If you want to get in shape—or more likely, if you want to stay in shape and improve your marathon time—Lakeshore in Broomfield has all the tools you need to be a prime athletic specimen.

Best use of nail polish

Evergreen Cottage

Our publisher is a busy woman—but she still takes time to keep her cuticles clipped and her nails nice. Her favorite spot is Evergreen Cottage in Lafayette. And because she demands the best (ugh) from her staff, we know she’s found the best nail people in the business. Try their Caribbean therapy treatment, and you’ll see why.

Best place to splurge on personal pampering

Sunflower Spa

Life is tough, but there are a few things that make life a little easier: friends, family, wine and spas. When we need a good rub down or a cleansing facial, we head to Sunflower Spa in Longmont. Make a day of it: get a package of services, which will not ensure that your life gets any easier, but at least it’ll
feel like it.

Best class to take when you just want to dance

Ballet Nouveau

As young girls, lots of us dreamed of being ballerinas. Now, whether you can remember your pliés from your pas de bourrees or not, Ballet Nouveau Colorado can reignite your toe-shoe dreams with adult dance and fitness classes catering to a variety of needs, interests,
abilities and ages.

Best way to score free yoga

Prana

This yoga-pants enclave is the flagship store for the popular brand and offers as many as 20 free yoga classes and events each week. Full-body enlightenment doesn’t have to cost you a dime.

Best way to balance your body and life

Happy Cat Pilates

At Happy Cat, Susie Haggas not only helps you to strengthen your core and improve your balance, but her work-outs also improve your mind-body balance (you might even be able to watch American Idol and do a crossword at the same time).

Best place to enjoy your own girlishness

Ten20

A marathon of Gilmore Girls and Glee reruns playing on a giant screen make this the perfect place to hang out and enjoy some girl time. You’ll go for the expert manicures and pedicures but you’ll lounge around because it’s cozier than your house.

Best climbing gym

The Spot

It could be the constant presence of a slackline to wear out our legs when our arms stop functioning on The Spot’s two boulders and four walls, but The Spot in Boulder hit our spot this year. Now, if we could just nail those fours on the Hueco wall…

Best small town pride

Erie Town Fair

Working in Erie, we get a good serving of town pride (the Homecoming Parade is priceless). But nowhere is it more obvious than the Erie Town Fair, which packs the Old Town corridor with vendors, booths, bands and lots of residents. This year, they’ll also launch 40 hot air balloons.

Best team to be overlooked for a national bid

CU Buffs Basketball

Dear CU men’s basketball team. If we were in charge of the NCAA tournament selection process, you totally would’ve been picked. But since we weren’t, here’s your consolation prize!

Best venue for Longmont’s artistic muscle

Muse Gallery

Didn’t know Longmont had an artistic community? Then you’ve been missing out. Muse Gallery puts on shows with the best of the region and it stands up to anything the People’s Republic has to offer.

Best place to enjoy Austin without going to Texas

Waterloo

There’s just a certain vibe at Waterloo that exudes that Austin cool. Maybe it’s the barbecue, burgers and beer. Maybe it’s the tiny stage that hosts great big talent. Maybe it’s just the people. Whatever it is, it’s keeping Louisville weird.

Best headline maker

Mystery artist

The most interesting (read: “only in Boulder”) occurrence of 2011 is arguably the mysterious appearance of two giant pieces of installation art on two Boulder properties, home of 80-year-old Donna Coughlin and the Boulder History Museum. The artist is suspected to be a man named Mark Guilbeau, but we prefer to think of him as a masked creative crusader who makes our lives a little more exciting.

Best way to inspire your inner bluegrass fan

Rockygrass

Before going to Rockygrass, I wouldn’t have considered myself a bluegrass “fan.” But now…OK, I’m still not an avid bluegrass fan, but I am a fan of Rockygrass, which brings in stellar acts in the heavenly Lyons setting. This year: Hot Rize, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers and Sam Bush. See you there.

Best bring-the-family-and-see-everyone-you-know event

Louisville Street Faire

My mama would say, “It’s like old home week.” With tons of food, beverages and music, it’s no wonder the Louisville Street Faire continuously brings out everybody and their dog (no, really) to hang and chat and just feel like part of the community—whether you live in Louisville or not.

Best show of female empowerment

Denver Roller Dolls

Where else can you see ladies elbowing, clothes-lining and shoving in fishnets and roller skates? It sounds nuts, but this is what women’s
empowerment looks like.

Best event that brings Hollywood to Colorado

Boulder International Film Festival

This year’s BIFF brought out the Hollywood types: James Franco, Oliver Stone and makers of indie flicks, documentaries and shorts. With the celebrities come great films that pack local venues for three days.

The best part: No LA traffic.

Best reason to wish you were a kid

WOW Children’s Museum

This place is so cool it makes us wish we were still pint-sized. Monthly special events make it fun to go back again and again—as if that were a problem in the first place.

Visit Gray Box Studios.

The post Best of the West: Critics’ Choice appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Day Spa (E. County)
Sunflower Day Spa, Longmont
You can’t help but relax in Sunflower’s sunny atmosphere. Their professionals help you achieve outstanding skin care and total relaxation. Really, we just need three words: pamper, pamper, pamper.

Day Spa (Boulder)
Essentiels Spa
Clients rave about the Essentiels therapists and technicians, who provide warm, quality service. A locker room, sauna, steam room and lounge complete the experience.

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).

The post Best of the West: Readers’ Choice Health and Beauty appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Best place to get a razor cut
De Maj Salon & Spa, Erie
De Maj is Erie’s little island for stylistas. Here, the cuts are stellar and the stylists are ninjas when it comes to the razor cut. It’s nice to know that even in the ‘burbs a good haircut is not far away.

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.

The post Best of the West: Critics’ Choice Health and Beauty appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.