10 24 13 best of boulder east county

r e d ea n r l ua ke o n n r a nt ta u o f re in o e v s t l re ving u r i s r e i r l u t o e u h T , plus abo ty t n l s l u e po t’s b Co r e wha Bould t Eas

Winner: Best Ice Cream

Drew Honness, founder of Sweet Cow Ice Cream in Louisville

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Birthdays, anniversaries and weddings can be made special and stress-free by ordering dessert from us.

From one to one thousand, we are ready to create a cake or dessert that will wow your guests and put a great finish on your celebration.

Leave the dessert to us, so you can spend more time with your guests. —Thomas and Linda Willetto Monday - Friday 7am to 6pm a Saturday 7am to 2pm SE Corner of 95th & Arapahoe a 1377 Forest Park Circle a Lafayette, CO 80026 303-926-1676 a IndulgeBakery.com

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staff Publisher, Stewart Sallo Special Editions Editor, Elizabeth Miller Advertising Director, Jeff Cole Director of Operations/ Controller, Benecia Beyer Circulation Manager, Cal Winn

Editorial

Editor, Joel Dyer Managing Editor, Jefferson Dodge Associate Editors, David Accomazzo, Steve Weishampel

Sales

Retail Sales Manager, Allen Carmichael Inside Sales Manager, Daniel Lessner Digital Portfolio Sales Manager, Kirk Koskey Account Executives, Julian Bourke, Andrea Craven, David Hasson

Production

Production Manager, Dave Kirby Art Director, Susan France Graphic Designer, Mark Goodman

General & Administrative

Marketing Manager, Julia Sallo Office Manager, Andrea Neville Circulation Team, Dave Hastie, Dan Hill, George LaRoe, Jeffrey Lohrius, Elizabeth Ouslie, Rick Slama 13-Year-Old, Mia Rose Sallo Cover photo: Susan France Drew Honness, Sweet Cow Ice Cream, Louisville

contents

FOOD 5 DRINK 21 ENTERTAINMENT 27 FITNESS & HEALTH 35 RETAIL 41

2 October 24, 2013

Susan France

William R. Kelley, executive chef at Zucca Italian Ristorante in Louisville

B

oulder Weekly has been serving Boulder County residents as the region’s independent voice for news, culture, food and entertainment for two decades.

During that time, we have watched and reported on the growth of East County and have witnessed with enthusiasm the addition of the many new restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues and service companies of all types that have chosen to open or relocate to the area.

So you could say that this special edition has been in the making for more than 20 years, but that’s all right because good things come to those who wait.

In order to better serve you, our readers, and celebrate all that is great and unique about that part of our county where we wake up every morning greeted by the spectacular back-range views that can be had from Louisville to Lafayette to Longmont, we decided it was time to give East County its very own “Best of” edition.

We know that East County residents have always been justifiably proud of their communities.

We know this because many of us who work at Boulder Weekly have chosen, like a couple of hundred thousand other folks, to live and raise our families in the “L” towns because of the amazing quality of life they offer. We also saw that pride exhibited in the enthusiastic response when we asked you to vote for your favorite things in East County.

So here are the results of your efforts. We hope you enjoy this year’s annual Best of Boulder East County. The winners were chosen by our readers. And we have to say, from the looks of it, our readers have great taste.

Congratulations to all of the winners. It says a lot about your businesses that your customers took their time to vote for you.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Best Natural Foods Store Thank you loyal customers!

Susan France

American Restaurant

WATERLOO

809 S. Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094 Second Place: 95a Bistro & Sushi Third Place: Sugarbeet / Pumphouse (tie) Fifth Place: Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale House

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t’s no surprise to see the well-loved Waterloo take the win for best American restaurant. The ambiance in this place could lull you into loving just about anything — and, of course, renewing your love affair with Johnny Cash in this record-storeinspired venue with live music most nights of the week.

But we’re here to talk about food, not atmosphere, so to give you the quick rundown. Start your tour de Austin-inspired food (home to the record store from which Waterloo takes its name) with jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, wings in chili-lime or bbq sauce, or a plate of nachos big enough to be used to hide from your dining partner. Then see your plate filled with chicken chili rellenos, a three-cheese mac and cheese that includes smoked Gouda, or their signature potato burger, a patty of beef blended with potato to make for a juicier patty. Drop in on a Wednesday evening, and they’ll be mixing it up with a sweet potato burger. Because you can never have enough sweet potato in your life.

Appetizers

95A BISTRO & SUSHI

1381 Forest Park Circle, ​​​​​​​Lafayette 303-665-3080 Second Place: The Empire Lounge & Restaurant Third Place: Waterloo Fourth Place: Old Louisville Inn Fifth Place: Ralphie’s Sports Tavern

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n case you didn’t know, the name 95a, as in the bistro and sushi place in Lafayette, refers to 95th and Arapahoe, its location. And according to our readers, they have the best appetizers in East County, which is no surprise, given that owners Rob and Kelly Kukura spent 18 years with The Mediterranean Restaurant in Boulder, which has a reputation for award-winning apps. The nice thing about 95a is that you are not roped into Mediterranean or even Asian cuisine. Sure, they have the exquisite, from Tempura Avocado & Green Chiles to Tuna Tartar to Beef Carpaccio, but you can also choose from their tried-and-true American classics like deviled eggs, crab cakes, onion rings and even tater tots.

Bagel

BIG DADDY BAGELS

1940 Ionosphere St., Suite D, Longmont, 303-834-8237 489 N. Highway 287, #110, Lafayette, 303665-5918 4800 Baseline Road, Suite B101, Boulder, 303-554-0193 Second Place: Einstein Bros.

Bagels Third Place: Hole in One Bagels and Deli Fourth Place: Eye Opener Coffee House Fifth Place: Moe’s Bagels

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agels are a complicated bread. White bread, wheat bread, rye: You can have good and bad examples, yes, but you can also pretty well mass-manufacture these breads and maintain high quality. Not so with the bagel, which must be hand-formed, boiled and baked. It takes care, and it’s evident when a bagel is well-made — chewy, spongy, with a firm crust. In Boulder County, Big Daddy Bagels nails the process, turning out New York-style bagels in all kinds of varieties at its three Boulder County locations.

Josh Karp, owner of Waterloo in Louisville

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF BOULDER DINE IN . COCKTAILS . BEER & WINE

Type to enter text

LONGMONT

LAFAYETTE

‘‘best 303.485.5000 303.661.3030 neighborhood restaurant’’ ”Top Neighborhood Restaurant -Bon Appetit

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

open 7 days from 11 am

BOULDER 720.565.1050

protospizza.com October 24, 2013 5

Asian Fusion

Susan France

sic, which started in Boulder, is a distinctive breakfast destination with Creole flair, the place to bring out-of-town guests. Like the original, it’s tucked into a Victorian-style house, so prepare to get cozy. Start off with an order of beignets, homemade New Orleans-style donuts sprinkled with powdered sugar, and then slip into one of our favorites, like Lucile’s exquisite eggs benedict interpretations.

Eggs Jennifer, for instance, features spinach, tomato and avocado. Try to keep your mouth from watering. And good luck with that.

PHO CAFE

1085 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0666 Second Place: Tibet’s Restaurant & Bar Third Place: Bao Asian Fusion & Sushi Fourth Place: Asian Garden Grill Fifth Place: Tasty Asia

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o matter where you live in Boulder County, our readers say that this Lafayette gem is well worth the drive.

Great food doesn’t have to be fancy, and one taste of Pho Café’s spicy green curry or its curry flavored with refreshing pineapple makes that point perfectly clear. But if curry isn’t your thing, don’t despair. Pho Café offers a wide variety of other dishes and appetizers, including eight different types of noodles for its bowls, which include a choice of four different meats or tofu, making for a nearly limitless selection. OK, it’s not limitless, but you have to admit that having 40 different possible bowl combinations is pretty spectacular.

Catering

SNARF’S

645 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-774-1441 2130 Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303-702-1111 Second Place: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Third Place: The Rib House Fourth Place: Zucca Fifth Place: The Huckleberry

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Bakery

EATS & SWEETS

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-3287 Second Place: Indulge Third Place: The Huckleberry Fourth Place: Panera Bread Fifth Place: Great Harvest Bread

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ome things in life just can’t be improved upon. Like, let’s say, cupcakes. Particularly now that the art of the cupcake sandwich has been propagated (which is to say, pulling the bottom off and using it as a top to squash the frosting down to a tackle-able size — unless, of course, you see getting frosting on your nose as part of the fun).

Take your sweet tooth to Eats and Sweets and you’ll find lots of impossible to improve upon baked sweets, including cupcakes in flavors from vanilla and chocolate to pear and blueberry, in both mini and maxi sizes, alongside cookies, chocolate truffle cheesecake, brownies, cake pops and big and little cookies. They’ve even got gluten-free quick breads.

Still hung up on the sandwich idea? They’ll make ice

Bobby Pangilinan, co-owner of Eats & Sweets

cream sandwiches from Boulder Ice Cream with cookies or, for a twist, banana bread.

Breakfast

LUCILE’S

518 Kimbark St., Longmont 303-774-9814 Second Place: The Huckleberry Third Place: The Egg & I Fourth Place: Super Mini Walnut Cafe Fifth Place: Morning Glory Cafe

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ongmont is so lucky to have one of the five Lucile’s establishments located along the Front Range. This clas-

aptain James Cook’s tours of the Pacific Ocean in the late 1700s were, ostensibly, about exploring new islands and searching for a large and bread-basket-ready southern continent (let’s just say Australia and Antarctica were disappointments). But the trips also turned into something of a publicity tour for the people who had funded Cook’s expeditions, among them, first lord of the Admiralty John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. A paradisiacal eightisland volcanic archipelago found in the midst of the Pacific Ocean was named, in honor of the generous earl, the Sandwich Islands.

But the islanders, who eventually turned on and murdered Cook himself, reclaimed the islands from that PR stunt and we now know them for the name of the largest island among them, Hawai’i.

That’s OK. Sandwich’s legacy has been better preserved in the food item named for the man who first thought it would be easier to take his lunch to go (or, apparently, consume at the gaming table) if he put the meat between two slices of bread. And our readers say the best local company for stocking up your ship for a pan-oceanic voyage or filling the tables for your welcome home party is Snarf’s.

Unique Breakfast

CITY CAFÉ

1442 Nelson Rd., Longmont, 720-204-6634

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ooking for an interesting way to start your day? We suggest heading over to City Café for their tamales and eggs breakfast. This plate full of Mexican morning nirvana can be had with either the restaurant’s homemade green or red sauce. Both are really good, but who can make such an impossible choice? We just get it Christmas style and smile all the way home. If you haven’t discovered City Café, this is your chance. The place has a great menu, and everything, including the friendly service, is wonderful.

6 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Chinese

SPICE CHINA

269 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-0999 Second Place: East Moon Asian Bistro Third Place: Ting’s Place Fourth Place: Double Happy Fifth Place: Colorado Wok

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ast County has several worthy entries in the Chinese food category, but Spice China takes the cake, er, fortune cookie, according to our readers. The atmosphere in this Louisville establishment is inviting, featuring a 90-foot mural created by artist Anna Peng depicting life in 18th-century China.The dishes are equally as exquisite, whether you choose from house recipes or original Shanghai preparations. The sushi gets rave reviews, and there are a host of other dishes to choose from on Spice China’s wide-ranging menu. Warning: It’s going to take several trips to try everything, because the variety here is expansive.

Brunch

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Second Place: Lucile’s Third Place: Dickens Tavern Fourth Place: Colterra Fifth Place: The Off Campus Café

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o, you ask, what’s so great about brunch at The Huckleberry? Besides the restaurant being housed in an amazing old downtown Louisville building that dates from 1894 with some of the best outdoor dining to be found in a brunch setting, it’s the amazing food, of course. Brunch classics like Huckleberry’s wild blueberry flapjacks, a breakfast burrito that includes chorizo and

black beans, a mixed berry crepe filled with mascarpone cheese and cream cheese, and some of the best old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes you’ll ever find anywhere. We know. Our mouths are watering too. But if you slept in, woke up hungry and don’t happen to be in Louisville or have the time to get there, you can’t go wrong with Longmont’s Lucile’s or the Dickens Tavern.

Donuts

LAMAR’S DONUTS

133 S McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-8903875 Second Place: Winchell’s Donut House Third Place: Daylight Donuts

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onuts may seem a simple food, but dig deeper and few tasty treats have stirred more controversy. Even the name is up for debate. In the early 1800s they were “dough nuts.” But by 1903 they had become simply “donuts.” Dutch settlers laid claim to inventing these sugary morsels shortly after their arrival to America. But some Native American cultures claim to have been eating donuts before the first Dutch ship ever lost sight of a windmill.

To all of this we say … who cares? Hey Lamar, I’ll have a cream-filled long john, a plain glazed and that crazy looking thing with every color of sprinkle ever created.

Our readers don’t care who invented the first donut, they just care about who made the last one they ate. And when it comes to that, Lamar’s Donuts gets the nod.

Steven Lembke, general manager of The Huckleberry in Louisville

Best Hot Dog North of the Border

MARCO’S HOT DOGS

1647 Kimbark St., Longmont, 720-288-3907

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his place is amazing. It’s set up as an outside, drive-up, street-food location. The good news is it’s always in the same place so you know where to find it. If you can get within a few blocks, just follow your nose.

Hot dogs Marco’s style are a beautiful thing. First you take a great dog and wrap it in bacon.

Then you throw on cheese, pinto beans and roasted jalapeños. Don’t forget the mustard, green sauce, red sauce and ketchup. That’s right, put ’em all on. When you’re done, you’ve got the best hot dog north of the border. Don’t even think about picking that bad boy up, this dog is fork worthy. Grab a few dozen and a case Negra Modelo and you will go down in history as a great party thrower.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 7

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TAJ MAHAL III

1075 E. South Boulder Road #145, Louisville, 303-926-0999 Second Place: Flavor of India Third Place: Gurkha’s Fourth Place: Tibet’s Restaurant Fifth Place: Azitra Restaurant

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f you’ve ever attempted to make Indian food — not reheat an Amy’s, people, but get three or four stovetop burners going and add each spice at just the right second — you know Indian restaurants are some of the best deals around. Nobody this side of a carpet installer saves you so much labor. At Taj Mahal III — which, like most awesome Indian places, occupies a spot in a shopping center — you’ll find curries, kormas, saags, vindaloos and masalas, as well as a few kabobs and the very spicy madras dishes. In Longmont, meanwhile, your best bet for a labor-saver is Main Street’s Flavor of India.

Japanese

SUSHI HANA

2065 Main St., Longmont, 303-485-1055 Second Place: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi Third Place: Sakura Japanese Fourth Place: Tokyo Joe’s Fifth Place: Bao Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar

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well-established Longmont institution, Sushi Hana has built a reputation for almost a decade on plating up traditional

Japanese dishes, from lunch bento boxes to hand roll sushi. Their dinner menu includes an option to order sushi dinners that assemble a variety of pieces (scaled to beginner, regular and deluxe levels or customized to a selection like California rolls or tuna sushi) and come with miso soup and salad. All items are prepared fresh daily. You don’t have to be a sensei to know that sounds tasty.

Kid-Friendly

B.O.B.S. DINER

820 Main St., Suite 100, Louisville, 303-6651056 Second Place: Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Third Place: Headliners Pub & Pizza Fourth Place: Family Affair Fifth Place: Colorado Wok

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ormerly known as Bob’s Sandwich Shop, this Louisville establishment changed its name to B.O.B.S. when it expanded its menu. And when you bring the kids, $4 will get them a drink, fries and their choice of a grilled cheese, hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog or chicken and cheese quesadilla. One reviewer has correctly called it a “great value.” And might as well let the kids try one of their tasty shakes or malts while you’re at it. There are plenty of options for the grown-ups, too, from the incredible sandwiches they’ve become known for to the build-your-own burger for $5.99.

Best Place to Get Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

WINOT COFFEE COMPANY

7960 Niwot Road, Niwot, 303-652-6464

Y

Sign up for our e-newsletter for exclusive coupon codes direct to your email inbox.

eah, we know there are probably other places in East County where you can get Boulder-based Outrageous Baking’s gluten-free lemon poppy seed bread, but we like Winot Coffee. It just seems to taste better with a Winot mocha latte. In fact, there are a host of GF products to choose from at Winot, including additional varieties from Outrageous Baking. We also like that Winot is a local, independent, family-owned and community-minded coffee house that is eco-friendly and supports sustainable products.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY 8 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

A big

THANK YOU for your “Best Service” votes!!

From all of us at The Super Mini Walnut Café!

2770 Arapahoe Rd #116, Lafayette

LuLu’s BBQ wait staff serves up delicious food.

BBQ

LULU’S BBQ

701 B Main St., Louisville, 720-583-1789 Second Place: Georgia Boys BBQ Company Third Place: KT’s Real Good BBQ Fourth Place: Rib House Fifth Place: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse

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ometimes, the farm-to-table dining experience isn’t enough. Sometimes, you want to get down and dirty with your food.

Sometimes, you want tangy barbecue sauce dripping off your fingers and lips, staining your napkins and requiring a wet towel after.

In East County, our readers think there’s no better place to get elbow-deep in sauce than LuLu’s BBQ on Main Street in Louisville. Featuring meats smoked and slow-cooked for up to 12 hours, LuLu’s succulent beer can chicken and ribs take the idealized version of barbecue you hold in your imagination and makes it reality. And if you’re in Longmont, check out runner-up Georgia Boys BBQ Company, whose succulent ribs and other barbecue items will put you into food-induced bliss.

Lyons Restaurant

OSKAR BLUES GRILL & BREW

303 Main St, Lyons, 303-823-6685 Second Place: Lyons Fork Third Place: Black Bear Inn Fourth Place: The Stone Cup & Kitchen Fifth Place: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse

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skar Blues is in the middle of town and in the middle of everything going on in town. It’s the hub for drinking fine craft

beer, as in Oskar Blues’ own craft beer. The company is now one of the 50 largest craft brewers in the country. It’s the place to go for live music. It’s the place to go for great food, from unique salads to po’ boy sandwiches to meatloaf to pizza to a fine rack of ribs, all served up with comfort food sides like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.

It’s also one of the few places you can still play a bunch of old-school video games like Asteroids and Galactica, all under the flashback-causing illumination of a black light.

Our readers know cool when they see it and this place is it. Just try hitting that fastmoving, obnoxious little space ship in Asteroids after a couple of Ten FIDY stouts.

It ain’t easy.

Mediterranean

MUMTAZ MEDITERRANEAN FOOD 588 U.S. 287, Lafayette, 303-926-1400 Second Place: Basil Flats Restaurant

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he Best of Boulder publications aren’t a place for us to advocate or make an argument. But we have to say this:When our readers say you’re the best restaurant in your category, and you’re only open until 6 p.m., well, the people love you! They definitely are wanting more! Lafayette’s Mumtaz Mediterranean Food only stays open until 6, so until they cave in to popular demand, make sure you’re ready to eat early — or swing by for lunch and pick from pita wraps, gyro and kefta entrees, and plenty of vegetarian options, like falafel, hummus and baba ghanouj.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

BEST SANDWICH BEST BAKERY

Home of the Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich

BEST DESSERT BEST ICE CREAM

401 S. Public Rd Old Town Lafayette 303-665-3287

eatsandsweets.biz October 24, 2013 9

Susan France

Italian cuisine using ingredients from local farms, so his seasonal menu is constantly changing based on what’s available at each time of the year. The restaurant even has its own vegetable garden! In addition, Colterra uses only naturally raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat. The ambience is top-notch as well — sitting outside on the garden patio is delightful, whether it’s a business lunch or a romantic weekend dinner with a bottle of Pinot Noir.

Fine Dining

THE MELTING POT of Louisville

732 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-7777 Second Place: Zucca Italian Ristorante Third Place: Sugarbeet Fourth Place: Colterra Fifth Place: Via Toscana

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ive it up in Louisville. Yes, in all of East Boulder County, Louisville has a large lead in lavish lunching. First place here should be no surprise: The Melting Pot has been setting the standard for fine dining in three countries and 36 states since 1975. The restaurant offers an evening-long experience like no other in the county.

Second place establishment Zucca is also in Louisville, as is fifth place finisher Via Toscana.

New Restaurant

Place To Eat Outdoors

LOUISVILLE REX 817 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6224 Second Place: Miller’s Bar and Grill Third Place: Dickens Tavern Fourth Place: Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge Fifth Place: Crane Hollow Café The Melting Pot of Louisville offers fine dining at its best.

ANTONIO’S – A TASTE OF MEXICO

246 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9923 Second Place: Lunada Third Place: Bistro 503 Fourth Place: Joe’s of Longmont Fifth Place: Lulu’s BBQ

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hen Taos original Antonio’s opened a sister restaurant in Longmont, the husband-and-wife team who co-own the restaurant brought with them a commitment to quality New Mexican cuisine. That’s blossomed into a menu of dishes served New Mexican style: with red chile, green chile, or a “Christmas” blend. Homemade mole poblano spices up roasted chicken and braised pork. Barbacoa — roasted lamb with guajillo pepper, cumin and garlic —

comes wrapped in a banana leaf. And the appetizer queso carries the polish of a gourmet sauce — the kind of sauce that would sniff haughtily at cheese whiz. Our readers concur: It’s this year’s best addition to dining in East County.

Niwot Restaurant

COLTERRA

210 Franklin St., Niwot, 303-652-0777 Second Place: Treppeda’s Third Place: The Garden Gate Cafe Fourth Place: Niwot Tavern Fifth Place: Ajuua

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A

s the marquee motif at the front of the Louisville Rex indicates, the building that houses our readers’ favorite pick for dining outdoors has a long history as a movie theater. The building was constructed around 1908 and converted from billiard hall to movie theater in 1910. Movies played there until 1977. When the current owners bought the building in 2010, they undertook major — and historical society-approved — renovations to restore some of that theater charm. And the enticements of the sidewalk tables and the rooftop patio have earned the Rex our readers’ vote as the best spot in town to enjoy a meal prepared from fresh ingredients while catching the breeze or a bit of sun.

hef Bradford Heap of Colterra is the man. He’s committed to creating his Southern French and Northern

Best Deviled Eggs

THE DICKENS TAVERN’S BLUE CRAB STUFFED DEVILED EGGS 300 Main St., Longmont, 303-834-9384

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hese delectable orbs are served warm in small five-hole serving platter, and in addition to the crab, they feature a zesty jalapeño pesto and reggiano parmesan. They make an excellent starter while you’re perusing the menu and reading about the history of the Dickens Tavern and opera house, which are said to be haunted.

Wander down the restaurant’s quiet basement hallways, if you dare, then run back upstairs and order another round of eggs.

10 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

600 S. Airport Rd. Bldg. B, Suite F, Longmont 303-485-9282

SINCE 1998

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you k n a h T

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nde o w 5 r1

fo

ness i s u b f so ul year

Monday – Thursday: 11:00AM - 2:00PM & 4:30OM – 9:00PM Friday: 11:00AM – 2:00PM & 4:30PM – 9:30PM Saturday: Noon – 9:30PM, Sunday: Closed

voted best food truck Morning Glory Cafe

Gluten-Free Menu

MORNING GLORY CAFE

Comida is owned and operated by a very incredible group of people who love what they do and infuse their passion and love for food and drink into every bite and sip.

1377 Forest Park Circle #101, Lafayette, 303-604-6351 Second Place: Pinocchios Italian Eatery Third Place: Sun Rose Café Fourth Place: Bistro 503 Fifth Place: Johnny Carino’s

The Comida truck travels through neighborhoods and office parks along Colorado’s Front Range, feeding people simple and authentic Mexican flavors and making friends along the way.

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luten-free diners who are used to that dietary restriction limiting their number of options to a handful of menu items can breathe easier at the Morning Glory Cafe, our readers’ pick for best gluten-free menu. Almost all the options on their menus are flagged as gluten-free, many also available vegetarian or vegan. Some are obvious GF choices, like the Erie Omelet, with ham, onions, swiss cheese, potatoes and … toast or pancake? Say what? Say yes. The Morning Glory Café serves gluten-free blueberry pancakes, in addition to gluten-free toast. Lunch is similarly friendly, with a menu spotted with gluten-free sandwich options. All their dinner entrees are gluten-free, and options range from ponzu seared sea scallops to parmesan cream ravioli with sundried tomatoes, spinach and shitake mushrooms.

longmont

720.204.6455

Thurs: 11:30am - 9:00pm Fri-Sat: 11:30am - 10:00pm

www.eatcomida.com Denver 303.296.2747

7 days a week 11:00am - 10:00pm

Hygiene Restaurant

CRANE HOLLOW CAFE 7502 Hygiene Road, Hygiene 303-776-1551 Second Place: Praha

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town as small as Hygiene is lucky to have a few stellar dining options, and we know people who drive from far and wide to eat at the Crane Hollow Café. Before we get to the main courses, we must mention the desserts. Homemade baked goods are a highlight, especially the pies. Freshly made breakfast dishes, burgers and green chile stew are favorites, but Crane Hollow’s hallmark is its country-style fare and quaint, down-home atmosphere, where you are just as likely to see a local farmer as a cyclist taking a break from a back-roads ride.

available for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and receptions see our website for location schedule www.heirloomtruck.com

give us a call

720•378•3600

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 11

Susan France

and the important decision you make regarding the menu is an informed and, dare we say, enlightened one. As service goes, our readers think Super Mini Walnut Café offers the best around, with friendly, fun servers who never intrude yet make sure everything related to your meal goes smoothly. Pair that with excellent food, and what more can you ask for from a restaurant experience?

Business Lunch

ZUCCA ITALIAN RISTORANTE

808 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6499 Second Place: Waterloo Third Place: Eats & Sweets Fourth Place: Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale House

N

eed to impress a client? Get a nice change of venue while you hash out the nitty-gritty details of your business plan with your co-workers? Hop on over to Zucca Italian Ristorante, whose lunch menu attracted the accolades of our readers this year. This classy yet reasonably priced eatery offers the culinary concoctions of Southern Italy. Classic dishes include house-made pasta, margherita napolitana pizza, soups, salads, paninis and more. For a more casual, Johnny Cash-inspired experience, check out second-place vote-getter Waterloo, located just across the street.

Burger

SMASHBURGER

965 S. Hover St., Unit A-1, Longmont, 303485-7412 2755 Dagny Way, Lafayette, 303-926-9700 1650 28th St., Boulder, 303-656-4694 Second Place: Waterloo Third Place: Five Guys Burgers & Fries Fourth Place: Pumphouse Brewery and Restaurant Fifth Place: Harold’s Restaurant and Lounge

S

ome foods are notable for their history, others for their future. The hamburger is most definitely in the latter category, as its whirlwind romance with the American palate eventually devolved into an ugly fast-fooddrive-thru guilty pleasure situation. But the winners on this list are looking ahead to brighter days for the burger, actually thinking about how to make burgers good instead of how to make them fast. Smashburger has been leading that charge since it was founded in Denver in 2007, and our readers picked its locations around the county for the best burgers.

Restaurant Service

SUPER MINI WALNUT CAFÉ

2770 Arapahoe Road #116, Lafayette, 720328-9208 Second Place: The Melting Pot Third Place: Zucca Italian Ristorante Fourth Place: Eats & Sweets Fifth Place: Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale House

A

sk anyone in the business: Restaurant service is as important, if not more important, than the food. So here’s an ode to servers: those underappreciated, hardworking folk who ensure that your coffee cup is always full, your food arrives on time William R. Kelley, executive chef of Zucca Italian Ristorante in Louisville

Best Guacamole Made Tableside

ANTONIO’S — A TASTE OF MEXICO 246 Main St., Longmont 303-772-9923

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his is pretty cool, if you’ve never experienced it. We’d seen it done at a restaurant north of Santa Fe called Gabriel’s. Your waiter brings over all of the fixings you could possibly want in your guacamole, then cuts open the avocados, dices the ingredients you choose and mixes it all up in a bowl right at your table.

It doesn’t get much fresher than that, and it makes a huge difference in how the guac tastes. If you’re one of those people who buys guacamole in a sealed plastic bag, prepare to be amazed. Add this to the list of reasons to visit Antonio’s in downtown Longmont.

12 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

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Drew Honness, founder of Sweet Cow Ice Cream in Louisville

Ice Cream

SWEET COW ICE CREAM

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-4269 Second Place: Eats & Sweets Third Place: Glacier Homemade Ice Cream Fourth Place: Cold Stone Creamery Fifth Place: Lyons Dairy Bar

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here are stores that sell ice cream, and then there are stores that use ice cream as a pathway to improving the world and building community, one delicious scoop at a time. Ask anyone who has fallen in love with Sweet Cow Ice Cream and they will tell you that this Louisville mainstay has a special place in their heart as well as with their sweet tooth.

Sweet Cow not only sources its ingredients locally, it also strives to be green in all that it does by using only compostable and recyclable products. Every scoop sold at Sweet Cow is hand-crafted with care. And our readers tell us that the Sweet Cow staff is the friendliest anywhere. So next time that craving strikes, you’ll know where to go for a little ice cream and a whole lot more.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

Navigate through Boulder, access exclusive deals, and nominate your favorite businesses for next year’s survey.

Download this FREE APP now, and start exploring the Best of Boulder on the go.

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Susan France

David Bortnowski enjoys a lunch prepared by Emily McCabe in the Comida Food Truck.

Food Truck OSKAR BLUES BONEWAGON

Sandwich

Boulder County, follow @OBboneWagon on Twitter for location updates Second Place: Comida Third Place: Wandering Cow Fourth Place: Rollin’ Greens Fifth Place: Heirloom

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-3287 Second Place: Snarf’s Third Place: Porch Deli Fourth Place: Deli Zone Fifth Place: Your Butcher Frank

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3

he tasty bar food served by the people who brought you Dale’s Pale Ale is mobile.The Oskar Blues Bonewagon appears at special events and in parking lots across the county. The mobile tank of flavors takes animals raised on Oskar Blues Hops and Heifers Farm (where they are fed spent grains from the brewery, supplemented by other nutrition) and turns them into the restaurant’s signature wings and breakfast burrito, among other everchanging selections. If you can’t get to the restaurants in Lyons or Longmont, this is your best shot to get a sample of the fine fare Oskar Blues offers alongside its beer.

14 October 24, 2013

EATS & SWEETS

0 Rock heroine Liz Lemon sagely declared, “I believe that all anyone really wants in this life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich.”

And really, it’s true. So when you find somewhere to sit in peace and want a good sandwich to go with it, our readers recommend Eats & Sweets.

Ready for a moment of real sandwich autonomy? Eats & Sweets, in addition to its long list of some classics and a few custom sandwiches — like the Egg SalHam, egg salad with a slice of ham, American cheese, lettuce and tomatoes — lets you create your own sandwich, combining, should you so choose, bleu cheese crumbles with peanut butter, or jalapeños and tuna salad … OK, so maybe we’ll leave the sandwich-creating to the pros. But should you prove a wiser chef than we are, it’s a great way to take your sandwich-crafting wheels out for a spin.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

WINNER OF 4

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY AWARDS! We’re so good ...

Boulder East County Voted for us, and we’re in a different county!!

COME IN AND TASTE FOR YOURSELF

Runner Up

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

Runner Up

BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Honorable Mention

BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT

Honorable Mention

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

10431 Town Center Dr #101C, Westminster CO • 303-684-8383 • www.eastmoon8.com Open Daily: Monday - Friday 11am - 10pm | Saturday - Sunday 11:30am - 10pm

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 15

Susan France

Pizza

Sushi

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAP HOUSE

95A BISTRO & SUSHI

1381 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-665-3080 Second Place: Sushi Hana Third Place: East Moon Asian Bistro Fourth Place: Sakura Japanese Cuisine Fifth Place: Bao Asian Fusion & Sushi

637 Front St., Louisville, 303666-5743 Second Place: Proto’s Pizza Third Place: Abo’s Pizza Fourth Place: Martino’s Pizzeria Fifth Place: Pulcinella Pizzeria

C

ertain restaurants in certain communities function as more than just a place that serves food you didn’t have to prepare or clean up after.

Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap House is one of these that serves as a community gathering space as well as a great place to dine. Our readers think the high-end pizzas at Wallis Furman of Lucky Pie in Louisville serves up great beer during happy hour.

Lucky’s are second to none in East County, and if you try ortugas, a Caribbean-style fish house, is East County’s items like the Napolitana — spicy salami, calabrian chilies, seafood gem. Spice up your life with a taste of Cajun and roasted garlic, smoked mozzarella, tomato sauce — or the escape to the islands — yes, in downtown Longmont, across Banana Hammock — hot Italian sausage, piparra peppers, the street from the Post Office. We love the décor in this roasted garlic, chives, mozzarella, oregano, tomato sauce — house-turned-restaurant, and yet it’s outdone by the quality you’ll likely agree. As for serving the community, Lucky’s of the fish and other seafood. In addition to nightly specials happy hour is one of the most popular in town, and the place and standards like jambalaya, fish tacos and etouffee,Tortugas is brimming with customers during those after-work hours. offers several distinct styles with which to prepare your

T

Seafood

TORTUGAS

218 Coffman St., Longmont, 303-772-6954

shrimp or catch of the day. Throw in one of their signature house drinks, like the Rastamon, Lime in the Coconut or Bayou Breeze, and your island getaway is complete.

T

here is a simple truth to sushi: The fish must be perfect for the sushi to be acceptable.

According to our readers, the fish must be pretty perfect at 95a Bistro & Sushi. It is impressive that a restaurant that does more than just sushi could win this category. In Boulder County, eating sushi is as close to a religious experience as dining out can get.

Which is to say that Boulder County sushi eaters are a very hard group to please. So we tip our hat to 95a and its owners, longtime area restauranteurs Rob and Kelly Kukura, who have managed to do just that.

Once again, if you find yourself desiring a religious dining experience in Longmont, the sushi at Sushi Hana never disappoints. And if you get a chance to sit at the bar, put your dining experience in the capable hands of world-traveling sushi chef Andrew, and enjoy an amazing night out.

Best Non-Donut Item at Winchell’s

BACON AVOCADO EXTREME MELT 502 Main St., Longmont 303-772-4100

O

K, so granted, their donuts are extremely good, but when you’re looking for a change of pace at Winchell’s in downtown Longmont, check out one of their Extreme Melts, especially the bacon and avocado variety. Choose your bagel (this bad boy is probably too much for a croissant) and they’ll serve up a delectable open-face sandwich cut into fourths featuring the aforementioned items covered in melted cheese on top of a smear of mayo. Not the healthiest decision you could make for breakfast, but a mouthwatering treat on special occasions. Like every Sunday.

16 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Take Out

SANTIAGO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

215 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-1169 104 N. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-604-0715 1325 Broadway, Boulder, 303-245-9365 Second Place: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Third Place: Flavor of India Fourth Place: Fan’s Chinese Fifth Place: Kho’s Asian Bistro

place that comes to mind when an out-oftowner asks about good Mexican, and one look at the menu is all you need to find out why. Tasty tamales? Check. Mexican steak, hamburgers and ribs? Check. Faijitas?

Chimichangas? Chile capable of burning your mouth off? Check. A page full of different margaritas? Check. This family-friendly restaurant has locations all around Boulder County, so you’re always close to an authen-

tic, fun Mexican restaurant experience. And if you prefer your Mexican food in the morning, second-place finisher Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant has excellent breakfast burritos to satisfy your morning tortilla cravings.

T

here’s been a general decline in fashion standards in public in the past, oh, 50 years. Even still, sometimes you’re dressed so bad you need to return to the couch as soon as possible. On those days — and others — our readers suggest you turn to the take-out brilliance of Santiago’s and go home happy. Burritos — smothered, if you want, in famous green chile — lead the Mexican menu here, as they do at runner-up Efrain’s, with locations in the same three cities as Santiago’s.

Pancake/Waffle

Thankyou youfor formaking makingus usthe: the: Thank

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Second Place: Super Mini Walnut Café Third Place: The Egg & I Fourth Place: Le Peep Restaurant Fifth Place: Morning Glory Cafe

BestFine FineDinning DinningRestaurant, Restaurant, Best BestPlace PlacetotoTake TakeaaFirst FirstDate, Date, Best BestRestaurant Restaurantfor forDessert Dessert Best andBest BestRestaurant RestaurantAmbiance!

Ambiance! and

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here are three kinds of people in the world: savory breakfasters, sweet breakfasters and the awful, ridiculous and wrong people who don’t eat breakfast. Then again, the more people in the third group, the more classic buttermilk pancakes, blueberry flapjacks and cinnamon French toast from The Huckleberry for us. And do latkes count for this category? We can only suggest you order a plate with apple compote and sour cream and decide for yourself. This category marks yet another victory for Louisville’s Main Street, East Boulder County’s favorite dining drag.

Toshow showyou youthat thatwe weappreciate appreciatethe the To recognitionplease pleasejoin joinususfor forour our recognition OFF OFF Autumn Wine Dinner or Chef's Tasting Autumn Wine Dinner or Chef's Tasting Dinner Two Dinner forfor Two Menuand andreceive receive$16 $16off offyour yourdinner dinnerbill. bill.

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$16 $16

Restrictions may apply. valid with other offer or discount.

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NotNot valid with anyany other offer or discount.

Valid only at The Melting of Louisville, location.

Valid December 12, 2013.

Melting PotPot of Louisville, COCO location.

Valid nownow till till December 12, 2013.

Mexican EFRAIN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA 101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303-666-7544 451 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont, 720-4940777 1630 N. 63rd St., Boulder, 303-440-4045 Second Place: Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant Third Place: 3 Margaritas Fourth Place: Deli Cioso Fifth Place: Casa Alegre

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here’s a reason why Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina holds such a revered place among local diners. It’s the first

RESERVATIONSRECOMMENDED RECOMMENDED(303) (303)666-7777 666-7777 RESERVATIONS 732MAIN MAINSTREET, STREET,LOUISVILLE LOUISVILLE,CO ,CO80027 80027MELTINGPOT.COM MELTINGPOT.COM 732

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 17

Susan France

Place To Go On A First Date

THE MELTING POT OF LOUISVILLE

732 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-7777 Second Place: Zucca Italian Ristorante Third Place: Tortuga’s Fourth Place: Crackpots Pottery Studio Fifth Place: Eats & Sweets

T

he Melting Pot in Louisville is a really romantic place, and not just because there’s something sensual about dipping breads, veggies and meats in various cheeses, chocolate and sauces with your sweetheart.

The dark, wood-paneled interior just exudes warmth and intimacy, and if you can land one of those private booths, it becomes the perfect recipe for a first date. You may want to check out the menu online beforehand, especially if you’ve never done the fondue thing, because there are many options on what to dip — and what to dip it in.

The Melting Pot of Louisville was voted the best restaurant for ambiance and Italian

first dates.

ZUCCA ITALIAN RISTORANTE

808 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6499 Second Place: Pinocchios Third Place: Via Toscana Fourth Place: Zamprelli’s Italian Bistro Fifth Place: Carrabba’s Italian Grill

I

f you don’t know anything about Zucca Italian Ristorante, know that it was birthed from the hands of experts. The eatery is run by Three Leaf Concepts, the company behind other fine area locations, including Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant,The Huckleberry, Aji Latin American Restaurant, the Chautauqua Dining Hall and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Zucca is the Three Leaf Italian restaurant, offering excellent fare inspired by the country’s southern side. From gnocchi to margherita pizza to polenta, all the classic Italian dishes receive all-star treatment and preparation. Pair the food with vino from the exclusively Italian wine list, and you’ll swear you’re in Italy.

18 October 24, 2013

Restaurant Ambiance

THE MELTING POT of louisville

732 Main St, Louisville, 303-666-7777 Second Place: Zucca Italian Ristorante Third Place: The Empire Lounge & Restaurant Fourth Place: Sugarbeet Fifth Place: Tortugas

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Overall Restaurant

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Second Place: Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant Third Place: The Melting Pot of Louisville Fourth Place: The Empire Lounge & Restaurant Fifth Place: Colterra

Y

ible space — a cool old downtown building dating from 1894 — the food is locally sourced as much as possible from the owners’ very own Three Leaf Farm. So whatever time of day it is, take our readers’ advice and get a great meal at East County’s best, The Huckleberry.

But if you happen to be in Longmont, you won’t be disappointed if you drop by the Pumphouse for a meal and a brew. The mayor of Longmont helped start this place and we assure you that his suds and food are way better than the Denver brewpub and restaurant founded by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.

ou just knew that any place that could win the “best of” category for brunch would have to be in the running for best overall restaurant in East Boulder County.

Great pancakes are like cheating, right?

But add to that great brunch a dinner menu that includes such dishes as Sweet Pea Pasta Roulade, Pan Seared Salmon, Herb Roasted Chicken, Pepper Crusted Grassfed Flat Iron Steak and Shrimp and Grits, and you have a bona fide slam dunk for best overall. The Huckleberry not only serves great food in an incred-

he best restaurateurs in the world realize that great food is only one ingredient to a successful business.

After all, most of us can pull together a pretty good spread, whether it’s grilling a thick juicy steak or whipping up a delicious vegan casserole. In other words, great food alone can’t justify the expense of dining out. What can justify that expense is fantastic ambiance. Going out for a fine meal is more about the experience than the food. Sure, the food has to be just right, but add to that a wonderful space with warmth and unique architectural qualities, along with amazing service with that just-right blend between friendly and professional, and you have perfect ambiance. And perfect ambiance is priceless.

Lifelong memories can be made from such dining experiences, and our readers say that The Melting Pot of Louisville is their favorite place to create such memories.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Thank You so Much... from My Heart to Yours!

BEST HAIR SALON

www.barbaraparis.com 303.449.3061 • Infinite Possibilities!

FRESHLY MADE EVERY DAY Gyro • Falafel • Hummus Marinated Grilled Chicken Baba Ghanouj and many other tasteful treats

588 U.S. 287 Lafayette • (303) 926-1400 • www.mumtazfood.com Somjai Nilbon, owner and chef of Thai Kitchen.

Restaurant Dessert

THE MELTING POT of Louisville

720 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-7777 Second Place: Eats & Sweets Third Place: Tortugas Fourth Place: Zucca Italian Ristorante Fifth Place: Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant and Ale House

D

essert philosophy was at stake in this category. Eats & Sweets is the classic: traditional varieties of ice cream and toppings, shakes, floats, cookies and cupcakes of all imaginable kinds. The Melting Pot of Louisville is the DIY option: Start with chocolate fondue and take it in dozens of directions, dipping marshmallows, strawberries, pound cake or four other options into all sorts of chocolate mixes. We suspect The Melting Pot’s two-page dessert drinks menu might have helped push it over the edge; you can finish off a fondue dinner with a liquored-up coffee drink or a cordial like Amaretto Disaronno or Frangelico.

Thai Restaurant

THAI KITCHEN

2130 Main St., #5, Longmont, 303-772-7800 Second Place: Busaba Third Place: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi Fourth Place: Asian Garden Grill Fifth Place: East West Grill

A

s far as non-American cuisines go,Thai food might not be as popular in the states as, say, Italian or Mexican, but that might be changing. Just look at the fact that in landlocked Colorado we have cuisines of all types available at our fingertips, and spicy curries, noodle dishes and unique soups are increasingly entering our thoughts when we think about going out to eat. Thai Kitchen gets our readers’ blessing as best Thai restaurant, and their dishes offer all the reason to believe pad thai will soon be as much a comfort food as tacos or spaghetti and meatballs. If you’re on the other side of the Diagonal Highway, check out Louisville’s Busaba, which landed second place.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

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$1 OFF BEERS Taproom & Food Hours: Mon-Thurs 3-9pm Fri 3-10pm Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 12-7pm

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DAILY SPECIALS MON - $3 PBR, Jim Beam, Smoked Tacos TUES - $3 Shiner bock, $4 Deep Eddy, $6 Republic Tequila, $4.50 Tito’s Vodka WED - $3 Craft Beers, Smoked Reuben THU - Keg Party...$12 a cup til keg’s gone FRI - $5 Texas Slush, $18 Smoked Prime Rib SAT - $4 Margaritas, $13.5 Smoked Pork Chops SUN - $4 Bloody Mary’s, $5 Smoked Wings 701 B Main Street • Louisville, CO

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www.lulus-bbq.com 20 October 24, 2013

THE LOO HOUR

3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. DAILY

Best American Restaurant (Waterloo) Best Bar (Waterloo) Best BBQ (Lulu’s)

Well Drinks 2.5 House Chardonnay & Merlot 3.5

DAILY EVENTS THURSDAY

BBQ Beef Brisket 9.5/14 $1 off any Colorado beers & spirits 9:00 P.M. to close - Open Mic!

FRIDAY

Pork Spare Ribs 15/25 Negra Modelo 3 Live Music - 9:30 P.M. to close

Best Burger (Waterloo) Best Business Lunch (Waterloo)

SATURDAY

BBQ Pulled Pork 9.5/14 Stella Artois pints 3 Live Music - 9:30 P.M. to close

SUNDAY

Brunch & Chef’s Choice Specials Belgian Brunette 3 Bacon Bloody Mary’s 5

MONDAY

Cheeseburger & French Fries all day! 6 Lone Star Bottle 2

Best Appetizers (Waterloo) Best Beer Selection (Waterloo) Best New Restaurant (Lulu’s)

TUESDAY

3 Tacos or 2 Tacos and a Tecate 6 Live Music - 8:30 P.M. to close

WEDNESDAY

Sweet Potato Burger 8/12 PBR Tallboys 3 Live trivia 8:30 P.M. - Weekly Prizes!

809 Main St. Louisville, CO 80027 www.waterloolouisville.com / 303-993-2094

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Besides, who wants to knock down a drink at a bar when you can have a luxurious cocktail in a lounge? See, just saying the word “lounge” makes everything taste better.

And sticking to that theme, our readers also love the cocktails at Longmont’s Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge, where locally sourced ingredients like cucumber make for great specialty cocktails.

Mixology is a beautiful thing.

Bottoms up.

Bar

WATERLOO 809 S. Main St., Louisville, 303993-2094 Second Place: Pumphouse Third Place: Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge Fourth Place: Miller’s Bar and Grill Fifth Place: Miner’s Tavern

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ike great songwriters and poets who can take a cliché and turn it around to make it fresh and new again, great mixologists can turn familiar drinks into unexpected adventures by giving the ingredients a good shakedown, not just a stir. At Waterloo, such is the case with the trendy Moscow Mule. You know, that drink you see all the 20-somethings Brandon Fuelling, bar manager at Waterloo getting in copper mugs. The traditional mule comes with vodka. At Waterloo, they’ll mix lime juice and ginger beer Cocktails with rum, gin, whiskey or tequila (that one’s called the THE EMPIRE LOUNGE & RESTAURANT Donkey Show …). We recommend trying them all. Just not 816 Main St., Louisville, 303-665-2521 Second Place: The Melting Pot all in the same night.

Margaritas get a fresh take as well in the Lone Star, Third Place: Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge which muddles cucumber and jalapeño in with the agave, Fourth Place: Colterra Fifth Place: Henry’s Bar & Grill tequila and lime juice.

Not a mixed drinks drinker? They’ve got a $3 pint of the e all know that the food at the Empire Lounge & day that ranges from Brit classic Boddingtons to locally made Restaurant is amazing. But did you know that the beers from Avery and Left Hand. Once again, Waterloo proves as relatable as every good poet, er, um. Sure. We’ll go cocktails are just as spectacular? That’s what our readers tell us. Like the food, every cocktail at the Empire is made with with that. care and, when possible, sourced with fresh local ingredients.

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Happy Hour

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAPHOUSE

637 Front St., Louisville, 303666-5743 Second Place: Sugarbeet Third Place: Empire Lounge & Restaurant Fourth Place: Zucca Italian Ristorante Fifth Place: Niwot Tavern

F

ew hours are happier than those in the day when the beer becomes a little bit cheaper. At Lucky Pie, those hours are 4-6 p.m. daily. Pair it with a bit of pizza or a selection from the house-made mozzarella bar and you’re probably all the happier.

Not in the Louisville area when the time to cheer up rolls around? Check out Sugarbeet in Longmont, where from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday craft beers are $3.50, wines are $3 off per glass and small plates ring in at just $5.50. Come on and get happy.

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October 24, 2013 21

Susan France

So if you are of the belief that practice makes perfect, then your quest to find the perfect margarita will come to an end when you order up a “top shelf, salt and rocks” at Efrain’s.

Clearly our readers have great taste.

Beer Selection

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAP HOUSE 637 Front St., Louisville 303-666-5743 Second Place: Old Chicago Third Place: Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale House Fourth Place: Waterloo Fifth Place: Niwot Tavern

Martini

MARTINI’S BISTRO

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veryone knows that beer goes well with pizza, and when it comes to beer selection, Lucky Pie is our readers’ favorite. Lucky Pie, which also has a location in Denver’s LoDo, has an impressive lineup of microbrews on tap, including locally produced favor- Hugo Delgado, a bartender for Efrain’s in Lafayette, mixes up a great margarita. ites. And when you want some1630 N. 63rd St., Boulder, 303-440-4045 thing to help absorb that beer, you’re not just limited to pizza, because they have an array of Second Place: 3 Margaritas distinctive bar snacks you don’t expect to find at a tap house, Third Place: Si Señor Real Mexican Food like chicken liver mousse and bacon peanut brittle. By the Fourth Place: Casa Alegra way, our whole pizza-and-beer theory is further confirmed Fifth Place: Old Santa Fe Mexican Grille by the establishment that came in second place: Old Chicago. ou’ve heard the claim; if you want to be great at something, then you have to put in your 10,000 hours.

Margarita We think that explains why Efrain’s Mexican EFRAIN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & Restaurant & Cantina’s margaritas are so darn good. By CANTINA our calculation, this family-owned restaurant passed its 101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303-666-7544 10,000 hours of whipping up these tasty tequila concoctions 451 S. Pratt Pkwy., Longmont, 720-494-0777 more than a quarter of a century ago.

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543 Terry St., Longmont, 303-6512772

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e live in a golden era. For proof, look no further than the martini, a simple, two-ingredient-plus-garnish concoction with a history of at least 100 years.

Back in the day — around the turn of the century, Australian Bartender tells us — martinis used to be equal parts gin and dry vermouth, a ratio that these days might get more than a few disapproving looks. Only gradually did the ratio tip toward gin, eventually leading to mid-20th century playwright Noël Coward’s infamous recipe, “filling a glass with gin then waving it in the general direction of Italy,” a vermouth producer. Bartenders at Martini’s Bistro put in a lot more effort than Coward did, and the results are evident: strong, balanced, classic cocktails worth a stop in the house-turned-bistro two blocks off Longmont’s Main Street.

Best Two-Way Drive-Through Coffee Shop

ZIGGI’S SOUTH MAIN STREET DRIVE-THRU 1221 South Main St., Longmont 303-682-5120

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or those of us on the south side of Longmont who looked longingly at the drivethrough coffee shops in other areas of town and around East County, it was a sweet, sweet day when Ziggi’s opened its adorable little two-way drive-through coffee outlet at the corner of Missouri Avenue and Main Street. Seriously, this place is not much bigger than a phone booth, and yet it churns out wicked good mochas and service with a smile. Tasty baked goods, too. Nice to have an alternative to Starbucks in the ’hood.

22 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

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The Original Thai Kitchen is pleased and excited to announce the opening of our new Boulder location.

In business in Boulder county for over 13 years, we are finally able to offer our authentic Thai cuisine to the good citizens of Boulder itself. This restaurant has long been a dream of our family and we aim at providing you the most authentic Thai dining experience using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. We look forward to serving you soon and for many years to come.

Thai Kitchen 3 Lafayetrte 400 West South Boulder Road STE 2200 303.926.6999 Thai Kitchen 1 Longmont 2130 North Main Street 303.772.7800

Thai Kitchen 5 Boulder 2855 28th Street 303.442.0391

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

Thai Kitchen Ft. Collins 1335 W. Elizabeth, Ste. 105 970.482.2466

WINNER BEST THAI RESTAURANT October 24, 2013 23

Susan France

Coffee House

PROPER GROUNDS Coffee roasters 990 S. Public Road, Suite B-3, Lafayette, 785-331-6424 Second Place: Brewing Market Third Place: Cannon Mine Coffee Fourth Place: Bittersweet Café & Confections Fifth Place: Ziggi’s Coffee House

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o, Lafayette and your non-chain coffee.

There’s nothing at all wrong with a small regional chain, and when it comes to coffee shops, they’re very common.

Brewing Market has a strong following and takes second here. But the independent non-chains, led by winner Proper Grounds, take four of five spots. Proper Grounds’ dedication to ethical sourcing wins fans across the county. Each city boasts a winner, as Lafayette is represented by Proper Grounds and Cannon Mine, Louisville by Bittersweet and Longmont by Ziggi’s.

Latte

PROPER GROUNDS COFFEE ROASTERS 990 S. Public Road, Suite B-3, Lafayette, 785-331-6424 Second Place: Cannon Mine Coffee Third Place: Starbucks Fourth Place: Bittersweet Café & Confections Fifth Place: Brewing Market

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making high-quality coffee is evidenced by the company’s mission statement, which pledges to be “dedicated to ethically sourcing, mindfully roasting and consciously distributing specialty grade coffee from around the world” and “making good everyday decisions to ensure that any lasting impact we may have, whether it be on the farmers, the consumers, the local community, or the Earth, is a positive one.” In the latte department, for which it won this award, specialties include Pumpkin Crème and Banana Crème. Indeed, Lafayette has become a hotbed for local java aficionados, because nearby Cannon Mine took second place.

Wine Selection

SUGARBEET

110 Pratt St., Longmont, 303-651-3330 Second Place: Via Toscana Third Place: Empire Lounge & Restaurant Fourth Place: Colterra

W

ith more than 50 bottles to choose from on its wine-by-the-bottle list and $3 off all wines by the glass during happy hour, Sugarbeet emerged victorious in our voting for best wine selection in East County. This spot is truly one of Longmont’s elite dining establishments as well, so its distinctive gourmet dishes may actually be enhancing the taste of the wine. They actually taste even better when you’re sitting on their patio, it’s been scientifically demonstrated. Coming in second was Via Toscana in Louisville, which boasts more than 600 wine selections.

he passion that Proper Grounds owner/founder Cody Osborn has for

Samantha Krejcik, a happy barista at Proper Grounds in Lafayette.

Bloody Mary

Lucile’s

518 Kimbark St., Longmont, 303-774-9814

T

here is nothing better than to sleep in on a weekend morning, eventually getting up only to grab The New York Times or Boulder Weekly and a cup of strong coffee.

Eventually you climb out of bed and go in search of food, but you don’t want your magic morning to end.

No problem. We suggest you head on over to Lucile’s and get yourself a plate of hot beignets and the best Bloody Mary in East County. Lucile’s puts just the right spicy kick into its Bloody Mary and then rubs its secret Cajun spice on the rim of the glass. It’s the perfect way to keep that perfect day going every time. Trust us.

24 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

for voting us

BEST GROCERY STORE

John Kure, bartender for Left Hand Brewing Company

Microbrewery

LEFT HAND BREWING COMPANY

1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-7720258 Second Place: Oskar Blues Third Place: Odd 13 Brewing Fourth Place: Twelve Degree Brewing Fifth Place: Gravity Brewing

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resh off of a three-medal haul at Great American Beer Festival, Left Hand Brewing Company wins another award, one that is more local in scale but hardly less competitive. The Longmont-based brewery, which distributes across the country, takes home the first-ever East County award for best microbrewery. This is no surprise: Left Hand is the oldest brewing company on the list, and its name is an homage to Chief Niwot, whose tribe made its home in the area close to the brewery. Try the Nitro Milk Stout or the Sawtooth for easy-todrink and tasty beers, or try the Fade To Black series for something a little more adventurous.

Teahouse

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Second Place: Celestial Seasonings Third Place: Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters Fourth Place: Café de Paris Fifth Place: The Stone Cup & Kitchen

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nce upon a time, princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses in lands far across the pond sat down for an afternoon indulgence of tea and tiny sandwiches.

We brought a bit of this tradition to the states, and in the spirit of royalty, it often remains a white glove affair — and every bit as intimidating.

But at The Huckleberry, they’ve tossed that notion tea-leaf tips over teakettle and embraced an idea of elegant but accessible afternoon teas. You’ll still find tiered display of white plates replete with sandwiches and the fresh-baked teatime favorite: scones. And if you choose instead to start your day at The Huckleberry, you’ll still get to enjoy a remarkable selection of teas hand selected in Asia with Boulder County sippers in mind.

Coffee Roaster

PROPER GROUNDS COFFEE ROASTERS

990 South Public Road, Suite B-3, Lafayette, 785-331-6424 Second Place: Brewing Market Coffee Third Place: Flatirons Roasters Fourth Place: The Coffee Syndicate

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ody and Trista Osborn only just opened Proper Grounds, but they’re already making an indelible impression. And for folks who reportedly roasted their beans in a popcorn popper, they’ve come quite far.

The coffee shop/coffee roasting outfit is more than willing to take care of all the hard work for you, so that you can relax and enjoy an expertly prepared cup of coffee accompanied by hand-made chocolates and local confections. And don’t fret. They make sure that each bean comes from an ethical source, ensuring that the environmental and social impacts of their coffee comes from as informed and conscious a place as possible.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

We’re Proud to be a part of the community!

October 24, 2013 25

Nina’s Flowers & Gifts The TrusTed LouisviLLe FLorisT

you can trust nina’s for local, or national flower delivery

For the perfect flower arrangements, look no further than Nina’s Flowers & Gifts. Our expert florist beautifully arrange the freshest flowers and gift baskets, and provide outstanding customer service

906 Main Street, Louisville, CO • 720-890-7500 www.ninasflowersandgifts.biz

There’s No Place Like It

Award-Winning Food & Drink Menus Dance Dance Dance Private Events & Catering Reserve Seating Live Music & Comedy Rock • Tributes • Rhythm & Blues • Acapella Acoustic • Bluegrass • Jazz • Folk • Blues National & Local Artists BEST MUSIC VENUE, BEST LIVE JAZZ VENUE & BEST PLACE TO DANCE

2675 North Park Dr., Lafayette (SW corner of 95th & Arapahoe) • 303.665.2757 For more info & to buy tickets: www.nissis.com

DINE IN • TAKE OUT 1085 S Public Rd. Lafayette (303) 665-0666

Best Asian Fusion

Restaurant

Hours:

Tues. Weds. Thurs. Sun 11am - 9pm Fri. Sat 11am - 9:30pm Closed Monday 26 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Courtesy of Firehouse Art Center

Art Gallery

FIREHOUSE ART CENTER

667 4th Ave., Longmont, 303-651-2787 Second Place: Curating the Cool Third Place: Dona Laurita Photography and Fine Art Fourth Place: Muse Gallery Fifth Place: Creative Framing

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ne of the conundrums — conundra? — of the art gallery is that art is eternal, some would say, but at the same time art galleries need to be connected to their communities. That’s a balance that Firehouse Art Center has learned to maintain. Its exhibits for 2013 include bicycle art, timed up with National Bike Month in June and featuring art in all media, and packaging design as art — in other words, an exhibit of beer and wine labels featuring local businesses. It also holds a special showThis Firehouse Art Center exhibit shows the work of local artists depicting the Day of The case for Colorado artists.

Dead.

Advanced Education

FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, 303-678-3722 Second Place: Rolf Institute of Structural Integration Third Place: Southwest Acupuncture College

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hether you’re 18 and fresh out of high school, a bit more experienced and looking for a continuing education opportunity suitable to further or even change your career, or you’re just one of those people with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Front Range Community College may just be the perfect fit for your educational needs.

Our readers tell us that this is a great school committed

to their needs and that its affordability makes it their favorite choice for advanced education. So if you’re feeling the need to throw on a cap and gown — and it’s not Halloween — FRCC is the place for you.

Classical Music

LONGMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 519 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-5796 Second Place: Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts

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he Longmont Symphony Orchestra has been around since 1966. 1966! That means it’s approaching its 50th birthday, and it certainly has plowed through its middle

ages with aplomb. The mostly-volunteer orchestra performs more than 10 concerts each year, serving more than 15,000 people in the city of Longmont and beyond. Robert Olson, the music director, has helmed the ship for 30 years, rallying professional musicians to volunteer their time to bring classical music of the highest quality to Longmont. Here’s to many more decades of making classical music in Longmont.

Movie House

REGAL COLONY SQUARE STADIUM 12

1164 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303926-0661 Second Place: UA Twin Peaks 10 Third Place: AMC Flatiron Crossing 14

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ur readers have spoken. If you need that escape that only a movie can provide, then Regal Colony Square Stadium 12 is the best place to go. But why? At first we thought it was because with 12 screens it had the largest selection of films. But Flatiron has 14 screens, so that wasn’t it. Then we thought it might be because Regal owns more movie theaters than any other company in the U.S. and therefore, must surely get the blockbusters before its competition. But a quick look at what’s showing found this theory to be a bust as well.

And then we figured it out. It’s all about the rear end, gluteus maximus, you know, your butt. Stadium seating, baby. Comfort while you watch is what makes this movie house stand out.

Valley Nissan Sydu’sbaBraurbershop for being voted congratulates Flo

OP! H S R E B R BEST BA

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont • 1-800-846-0841 www.ValleyNissan.com • www.ValleySubaru.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 27

CONGRATULATIONS to all Best of Boulder East County winners.

Our people make the difference and so do yours.

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP • BEST USED CAR DEALERSHIP • BEST AUTO REPAIR

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1005 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont • 1-877-202-3223 www.ValleyNissan.com • www.ValleySubaru.com

CONGRATULATIONS to all Best of Boulder East County winners.

Our people make the difference and so do yours.

BEST NEW CAR DEALERSHIP • BEST USED CAR DEALERSHIP • BEST AUTO REPAIR

n a s s i N y e l l a At V ry harder. we t

BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU, SMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont • 1-877-202-3223 www.ValleyNissan.com • www.ValleySubaru.com

Susan France

Live Jazz Venue

NISSI’S

2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette 303-665-2757 Second Place: Ziggi’s Coffee House Third Place: Café de Paris Fourth Place: Bittersweet Café Fifth Place: The Speakeasy

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hat a great concept: Combine the performance hall with the restaurant, a space where patrons can enjoy fine food while being entertained by live music and other performers. This is what Nissi’s has succeeded in doing, and it has landed them top honors in the Live Jazz Venue category. East County is lucky to have such a distinctive establishment, for those nights when you decide that the tired old dinnerand-a-movie date just doesn’t sound satisfying enough. Second-place winner Ziggi’s in downtown Longmont hosts live jazz twice a month, in addition to live bluegrass on Monday nights.

Museum

WOW! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 303-6042424 Second Place: Longmont Museum & Cultural Center Third Place: Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art Fourth Place: Agricultural Heritage Center Fifth Place: Louisville Historical Museum

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blend of history, learning and activity is the philosophy for WOW!, which aims its exhibits at children ages 15 months to 11 years. WOW! also hosts summer classes for children, language classes year-

round and an art room to allow children to produce projects.

In Longmont, the second-place winner, Longmont Museum, offers exhibits on the history of Colorado and the region alongside exhibits on unusual art forms like dolls and carved wood.

Nonprofit

SISTER CARMEN COMMUNITY CENTER

655 Aspen Ridge Drive, Lafayette, 303-6654342 Second Place: Longmont Humane Society Third Place: OUR Center Fourth Place: Art Underground Fifth Place: Imagine

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n 1970, Sister Carmen Ptacnik, a Catholic nun with the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, came to Lafayette tasked with assessing the needs of the people. She met with Lafayette parishioners to ask them about their needs, and deliver food, clothing, toys and household goods donated to her. The organization that bears her name, Sister Carmen Community Center, continues her approach, providing services to more than 7,000 individuals.

Sister Carmen Community Center, which is without religious affiliation, runs a thrift store, food bank, organic garden and a family resource center that connects families and individuals to the resources at the center, including nutrition, exercise and parenting classes, as well as to state and federal programs that provide assistance in times of need. In 2012, they distributed more than a million pounds of food and $226,000 in rental assistance to help stabilize families.

The Champions band performs at Nissi’s.

Best Race

LONGMONT KINETIC SCULPTURE RACE

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very July at Longmont Reservoir, every crazy person who knows some other crazy people forms a team to enter this bizarrest of races. At the race, teams dress up as anything from pharaohs to ducks and climb aboard their equally odd-themed vessels. The only rule in the Longmont Kinetic Sculpture Race is that these contraptions must be people-powered and designed to travel over land, mud and water. Sure, most of them sink, but that’s half the fun.

Drinking beer while they sink is the other half.

30 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

wanted to catch a great show without running into the hordes of college students that tend to flock to shows at other venues around the county, give Nissi’s a try. And if you want a top-notch live music experience accompanied by excellent craft beer, check out Oskar Blues’ locations in Lyons and Longmont.

Festival/Event (Non-Music)

LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN STREET FAIRE

Main Street, Louisville, www.downtownlouisvilleco.com/street-faire/ Second Place: Longmont Farmers’ Market Third Place: Lafayette Flea Market Fourth Place: Lafayette Peach Festival Fifth Place: Lafayette Art Night Out

Open Mic

OSKAR BLUES

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n Friday evenings from June to August, small-town pride and a sense of community we’d like to call timeless comes out for the Louisville Downtown Street Faire. The Steinbaugh Pavilion on Front Street books national acts from the Young Dubliners to the BoDeans to Tab Benoit. The more than 10-yearold, family-friendly event, which includes food, art and jewelry from more than 50 vendor booths, draws thousands of people downtown for a The Samples perform at the Louisville Downtown Street Faire. night the Louisville Downtown Business Association describes as quieting the young and reinvigorating the ucked away east of the North Park Drive and 95th old.

Street intersection is an American-style restaurant that doubles as the home for live music in Lafayette — Nissi’s.

Music Venue An incredible variety of bands comes through here, from NISSI’S Celtic outfits to metal bands to a cappella groups to con2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757 temporary jazz. And the crew at Nissi’s, armed with a topSecond Place: Oskar Blues notch sound system, does a great job of making sure the Third Place: Waterloo bands come across as crystal-clear as possible. If you’ve ever Fourth Place: Dickens Opera House

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1555 S. Hover Road, Longmont 1800 Pike Road, Unit B, Longmont 303 Main Street, Lyons 303-776-1914 Second Place: Waterloo Third Place: Cannon Mine Fourth Place: The Speakeasy Fifth Place: Dickens Opera House

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he growth of Oskar Blues over the past decade has really been astounding, and as they’ve added new places to get great beer and food, they’ve also added places to listen to live music. In addition to the original Grill & Brew location in Lyons, the brewery now boasts several establishments in Longmont, including Home Made Liquids and Solids and The Tasty Weasel, a tasting room at the brewery. Oskar Blues, with its can-do attitude, took top honors in our survey for open mic sessions, which have given our local musicians more opportunities to hone and share their craft.

Place for Watching Birds of Prey

All over East County

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ne of the most amazing things about East Boulder County is its incredible variety and numbers of hawks and eagles. In the last few years, the numbers have exploded. It’s not unusual to see several bald eagles searching the same ponds at the same time looking for an easy snack, or a group of red tail, roughlegged or night hawks soaring above a field watching for movement below. And with all the little critters running around on the open farm lands, it’s not even that rare to see a prairie dog or bunny taking that last ride through the sky, back legs a kickin’. We like to think they’re just excited to be so high off the ground, but that’s probably not the case. Either way, when it comes to East County entertainment of the natural kind, this is about as good as it gets.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 31

Susan France

Fourth Place: Bittersweet Café and Confections Fifth Place: Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters

Place to Play Pool

HENRY’S BAR & GRILL

935 Pine St., Louisville, 303-665-9966 Second Place: Eagle Grill Third Place: Billiard Express Fourth Place: Group Therapy Bar & Grill Fifth Place: Dillinger’s Food & Spirits

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afayette’s oldest coffee shop, Cannon Mine Coffee, takes home the award for having the best wireless Internet connection in East County.

But it’s more than just a connection fast enough to let you browse Facebook and use Google Docs and YouTube at the same time. It’s about having an atmosphere that allows you to focus, while inspiring you to do your best work. And Cannon Mine fits the bill there, with a quaint decor that will ensure maximum efficiency for both screenplay writing and Twitter checking. And their coffee is pretty good, too — they were the first coffee shop in Boulder County (so they say) to serve shade-grown, fair trade organic coffee.

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xperienced bar pool players usually have their priorities down. Some search for cheap tables, some for good space around the table, some for a clean surface, some for good competition, many for plain old availability. And of course, it doesn’t hurt if the beer is cheap and the management is friendly, two big reasons Henry’s Bar & Grill is a favorite in East Boulder County. It also hits the mark for low-cost pool, with 75-cent tables at all hours.

Located just half a block from Louisville’s Main Street, it’s an ideal spot to swing by to win your money back after dinner — if you’re good enough.

Private School

ALEXANDER DAWSON school

10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-6679 Second Place: The Patchwork School Third Place: Saint Louis Catholic School Fourth Place: Catalyst High School Fifth Place: Adventure Montessori

Place to Dance

NISSI’S

2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757 Second Place: Waterloo Third Place: Dickens Opera House

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ut with the chalkboards. In with the iPads. Out with single-minded focus on reading, writing and ’rithmetic. In with Mandarin, improvisational theater troupes, music ensembles and week-long field trips focused on experiential learning. Out with football practice. In with a rock climbing gym and ropes course. Out with 30 or more students in a class, in with an average class size of 15 and a total student enrollment of 460.

In an effort to “achieve excellence of mind, body, and character,” the Alexander Dawson School assembles a K-12 curriculum with a college preparatory program that uses an array of opportunities, including the arts, overseas language immersion programs, and a service learning requirement for high school students to prepare young men and women for the world. May they go brightly forward.

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f you haven’t discovered Nissi’s by now, then take our readers’ word for it and get on out to this classic live-music venue/restaurant/bar and start moving. Life is short and time spent dancing will not be deducted from your life.

Nissi’s is all about fun. Big-name musicians and quality local bands all love to play this East County space. And live or recorded, when the music gets rolling and your feet start tapping and your fingers won’t stop drumming, there is plenty of room in Henry Yen, owner of Henry’s Bar & Grill in Louisville front of the stage to get all your body parts into the act. That’s right, order another round and let those Place to WiFi hips fly free.

CANNON MINE COFFEE

210 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0625 Second Place: Starbucks Third Place: Ziggi’s Coffee House

Best Television-to-Stage Adaptation

THEATER COMPANY OF LAFAYETTE’S ‘TWILIGHT ZONE: LIVE! ON STAGE!’ Mary Miller Theater, 300 E. Simpson St., Lafayette, 720-209-2154

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t its peak, The Twilight Zone presented a thinking person’s science fiction, mixing outlandish scenarios with tough ethical questions. But the thing is, television was still a relatively new medium at the time the show aired. No one had quite figured out how to exploit the format’s abilities to their fullest potential yet. So early television, including The Twilight Zone, often comes off like a play. Editing is minimal, actors go on extended monologues — there just wasn’t much precedent for what The Twilight Zone was trying to accomplish, so Rod Serling and his writers looked to the stage. However, that means that The Twilight Zone was ripe for a theater adaptation, which is something the Theater Company of Lafayette realized almost a decade ago. The company’s annual Twilight Zone: Live! On Stage! is one of the most entertaining shows of the year, and the tiny company always manages to transport into you into another dimension. A dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination — the Twilight Zone.

32 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Keep in touch with Best of Boulder: Exclusive news, events and photos from our winners!

Susan France

Sports Bar

RALPHIE’S SPORTS TAVERN

585 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-890-7900 Second Place: Buffalo Wild Wings Third Place: Dillinger’s Food & Spirits Fourth Place: Headliners Pub & Pizza Fifth Place: The Parkway Sports Grille

Free Texas Holdem KaraoKe live music

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moking is bad for you and others. Please do not do it.

But if you do smoke, that doesn’t mean you should have to miss the big game, or the little game, or the relatively inconsequential-butfun-to-watch game, that you came to the bar for. That’s why Ralphie’s Sports Tavern features TVs outdoors, as well as all around the interior of the Louisville Bridie McCarthy, left, and Ryann Gay, staff members restaurant and bar. As with of Ralphie’s Restaurant in Louisville runner-up Buffalo Wild Wings, Ralphie’s makes a point of featuring pay-perCharter Academy view sporting events for free.

Third Place: Centaurus High School Fourth Place: Silver Creek High School Public School (K-8) Fifth Place: Niwot High School

LOUISVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

400 Hutchinson St., Louisville, 720-5617200 Second Place: Ryan Elementary School Third Place: Lafayette Elementary School Fourth Place: Flagstaff Academy Fifth Place: Central Elementary

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e like this school’s motto: “Every day, we make a difference for each child.”

Apparently, Louisville Elementary is succeeding in making a difference, because it got top billing in our survey question on the best public school in East County, among those teaching kindergarten through eighth grade. While there is pressure these days for elementary school teachers to simply teach to what will get the school good scores on the state’s standardized test, we appreciate schools like our winners, which strive to go beyond that limited scope.

Public School (9-12)

MONARCH HIGH SCHOOL

329 Campus Drive, Louisville, 720-5614200 Second Place: Peak to Peak

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o what does it take to be a great high school? We think that it starts by not resembling any high school ever depicted in a TV series.

In other words, students should not be breaking into song and well-choreographed dance routines at the drop of a hat. Football players are not all unibrowed thugs whose only function is to stuff small kids with glasses into lockers. Likewise, all small kids with glasses are not super-intelligent geeks incapable of defending themselves. And finally, cheerleaders should not always be viewed as jealous, infighting, vain exhibitionists who are, as Nanci Griffith likes to say, heavy on thigh and light on integrity. OK, scratch that last one, cheerleaders will be cheerleaders.

But all kidding aside, a great high school is a place where everyone feels safe, is respected, and gets a great education while having fun and getting to participate in a wide variety of activities. It’s a place where scholarship is honed and lifelong friendships are made. Our readers tell us that Monarch High School is just that kind of place, and we’re pretty sure that all of our top five schools are as well. Congrats to all.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

HAPPY HOUR • 4pm-7pm Monday - Friday full menu

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1202 Centaur Village Dr lafayette, CO 80026 (303) 666-6979 • www.DillingersfOODanDspirits.COm

best dance studio

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

best non-profit

901 Front St Louisville • (303) 229-1127 www.artunder.org

Groundbreaking for our new building will be soon! Watch for details!

October 24, 2013 33

Susan France

Dance Studio

there, too. Take advantage of a shop that promises walk-in availability every day and lets you check your preferred stylist’s schedule online and call to book in advance.

ART UNDERGROUND

901 Front St., Louisville, 303-229-1127 Second Place: Soul Tree Studio Third Place: Colorado Conservancy of Dance Fourth Place: Longmont Dance Theatre Fifth Place: Dance Dimensions Our readers told us that their favorite place in East County to learn dance is at Louisville’s Art Underground. And it’s easy to understand why. Art Underground is a nonprofit organization that was started to fill a void in arts education. The organization has excellent instructors dedicated to enhancing the arts community of East County in many different ways, including offering age-appropriate dance instruction for all ages. Art Underground offers far more art experiences than just dance, but hey, they just won the dance category, so we’ll stop there. Check them out, it’s a great organization.

Chiropractor

CAFÉ OF LIFE

202 Main St., Suite 1, Longmont, 303-827-3541 Second Place: Christopher Village Chiropractic Clinic Third Place: Front Street Chiropractic

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ometimes, your back or some other part of your body hurts, and the easy solution is to just pop some ibuprofen and get on with your day. But often, recurring problems are a sign that there is something beyond the short-term symptom, and our readers have voted the Café of Life the place to go in East County when chiropractic care is the prescription for a long-lasting solution. Dr. Christine Sigg gets high marks in testimonials from current and former patients about her healing abilities.

A class at Art Underground, winner of best dance studio.

Alternative Health Care

SOUTHWEST ACUPUNCTURE COLLEGE

6620 Gunpark Drive, Boulder, 303-581-9955 Second Place: Soul Workings Third Place: Rolf Institute Fourth Place: Foundation Wellness Center Fifth Place: Love and Life Holistic Health Services

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cupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves needles being placed into the body along strategic points called “meridians.” And as painful as it sounds, most report that the process itself is actually quite relaxing, and many find relief through acupuncture that traditional Western medicine had failed to provide them.

Southwest Acupuncture College is one of the county’s enduring resources for this alternative medicine, offering courses and degrees in everything from acupuncture to herbal medicine, physical therapy, nutrition and exercise/ breathing therapy. If you’ve gotten acupuncture in Boulder

County in the past decade, there’s a good chance you were punctured by a Southwest grad. And since our readers think the college is the best around, that’s a good thing.

Barber Shop FLOYD’S BARBER SHOP 589 S. Hover St., Suite 600, Longmont, 303-485-1150 Second Place: Coal Creek Barbers Third Place: Great Clips Fourth Place: Sports Clips Fifth Place: Niwot Barber Shop

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ave a little jam session with that haircut and shave, why don’t you? Floyd’s Barber Shop matches a rockin’ good time with a basic haircut or shave. They’ve got their own radio station that blends spicy new music selections with time-tested and much-loved classics.

And don’t be shy, ladies, the original rock ’n’ roll barbershop isn’t just for guys — women can get their hair cut

Day Spa

SUNFLOWER SPA

1715 Ironhorse Drive, Suite 150, Longmont, 303-485-1390 Second Place: Mystic Garden Spa & Salon Third Place: Tapestry Salon & Day Spa Fourth Place: aRejuvenation Med Spa Fifth Place: Essence Spa and Boutique

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pas are about how you look and how you feel in equal parts. If you leave a spa feeling like some jerks just took care of your skin or whatever, well, that’s not much of a success. The same is true if you leave feeling like the specialists at the spa were extremely attentive and gracious as they did nothing at all. The winners in this category manage to accomplish both; they’ll improve how you look and how you feel. At Sunflower Spa, the special organic facials are applied by helpful professionals who are positive and friendly.

u r a b u S n a s is N y e ll Va ng voted ei b r fo y er cl y C le il v is u congratulates Lo

HOP! S E L C Y C I BEST B

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont • 1-800-846-0841 www.ValleyNissan.com • www.ValleySubaru.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 35

Susan France

Dental Care

Gym/Fitness Center

SAGE DENTAL CARE

BOB L. BURGER RECREATION CENTER

2695 Northpark Drive, #104, Lafayette, 303604-6355 Second Place: Young Dentistry for Children Third Place: Maurer Family Dental

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our teeth are an important part of your health, so waste no time getting over to Sage Dental Care in Lafayette, where dentists Terry Batliner and Andrew Holecek will take care of all your tooth-related needs. They specialize in prevention and are both deeply involved in charity work. Batliner, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, is a long-time advocate for increasing access to dental care on the reservation. Holecek co-founded Global Dental Relief, which provides dental care and oral health education in countries like Nepal, India, Vietnam and Guatemala. A portion of the fees patients pay go to benefit the doctors’ efforts, so you will emerge not just with a sparkling smile but with the satisfaction that you helped make someone else’s life just a little better.

Golf Course

INDIAN PEAKS GOLF CLUB

2300 Indian Peaks Trail, Lafayette, 303-6664706 Second Place: Coal Creek Golf Course Third Place: Sunset Golf Course Fourth Place: Twin Peaks Golf Course Fifth Place: Ute Creek Golf Course

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h, golf. One of the few places in the world where there’s a dress code but it’s still acceptable to show up without a tie. A “gentleman’s game” built with accommodations for ladies. On the whole, that doesn’t sound as intimidating as the game is sometimes made out to be. Plus, at the Indian Peaks Golf Club, adults can play on their 18 championship holes or the six sets of family tees, where kids play free after 5 p.m. Talk about fun for the whole family.

111 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0469 Second Place: YMCA of Boulder Valley Third Place: Louisville Recreation Center Fourth Place: Longmont Recreation Center Fifth Place: Longmont Athletic Club

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ast County’s rec centers always see a lot of use, especially when the weather is sketchy and us fair-weather joggers and cyclists head indoors. The family-friendly Bob L. Burger Recreation Center in Lafayette has been voted best in class by our readers, and that’s saying something, considering the fine facilities in Louisville and Longmont and how physically fit and active the average East County resident is. YMCA of Boulder Valley is no slouch, either, and it came in second.

Hair Salon

BARBARA THE BARBER

901 Front St., Louisville, 303-449-3061 Second Place: 95th Street Salon & Spa Third Place: Ciao Bella Hair Studio Fourth Place: Studio Boom Fifth Place: Front Street Hair Studio

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ow many places can you go and get an amazing haircut, a live jazz performance and maybe even a good deal on your next house all at the same time? The answer as far as we know is just one. Barbara the Barber is well known in the salon world, having garnered mentions in publications such as Vogue and Glamour. She has also trained salon employees from New York to Vail to California. But hair isn’t her only love. She is also a Realtor and a jazz singer. Who knew? Apparently, our readers, who voted her best hair salon knew. Got to love a multi-tasker.

Bob L. Burger Recreation Center

Reason for a Ban on Fracking

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K, we admit it. This photo of a flooded gas production platform in East Boulder County isn’t necessarily the best reason for having a countywide ban on fracking, it’s just another reason. We could have just as easily used a photo of the new fracking operation going on less than 50 feet from the edge of a lake that was formed from old gravel and sand operations. It’s a place where people like to go and watch bald eagles, sometimes 10 at a time, feed on the little fish. Or we could have taken a photo of any of the production platforms that have sprung up in the front yards of East County residents who mistakenly once thought their two-acre lot was a paradise where they would live forever. Now they’ll have to live there forever because they can’t sell the place. If we stand together we can win. Hang in there, Boulder County.

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Medical Marijuana Wellness Center

Third Place: Soul Workings Fourth Place: Mystic Garden Fifth Place: Essence Spa

HERBAL WELLNESS CENTER

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assage therapy gets great and much-deserved credit for making us feel better, and feel a little more relaxed and a little less weighted down by the pull of gravity. But medical research is slowly starting to stack up showing that there’s more to it than just feeling relaxed — or that feeling relaxed has other ripple effects that reach into your health.

Like any successful busiMedical professionals have ness in the world of health and started to point out that relaxwellness, MMJ dispensaries ing slows your heart rate lowhave to have consistent proders your blood pressure, and ucts, really great service and a may help muscles heal or be vast knowledge of how those used to treat knee pain from products will affect their cusFrom left, Kaytee Monson, Kayley Blood and Melanie Ralston of the Lafayette Herbal Wellness Dispensary osteoarthritis. tomers.

When you need a dose of When it comes to medical some deep tissue treatment, marijuana, some patients need Sunflower Spa is our readCENTER a product with low THC and ers’ choice for massage. They offer deep-tissue massage, high cannabinoids. Others may need more THC if they are 117 S. Sunset St., Longmont, 303-776-1887 Swedish and Ashiatsu — that’s the one where the massage dealing with pain issues. In other words, if you want to win 802 S. Public Road, Unit A, Lafayette, 303-664-0900 therapist uses feet in addition to hands and upper body to this category you have to know what you’re doing, and our 3101½ 28th St., Boulder, 303-402-9460 apply pressure. So let someone press, pull and knead you Second Place: Dragonfly Integrated Martial readers tell us that Herbal Wellness Center knows its toward better health.

Arts Academy stuff and does a great job in every area of its business.

Third Place: Louisville Tai Kwon Do Medical Facility Fourth Place: Alpha Martial Arts Lasik BOULDER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Fifth Place: Rocky Mountain Kung Fu INSIGHT LASIK 1000 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-666-4357 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 120, Lafayette, 303-665-7577 ruce Lee. Jackie Chan. Poorly dubbed flicks imported to 1100 Balsam Ave., Boulder, 303-440-2273 Second Place: Eye Center of the Rockies the states. Mr. Miyagi. This might be what comes to mind 4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720-854-7000 Third Place: Colorado Eye Center when you think of martial arts, but the reality is much richer. Second Place: Avista Adventist Hospital Fourth Place: Eye Works Martial arts offers something for everyone, from out-of- Third Place: Longmont United Hospital Fifth Place: Summit Vision Care shape investors to the Wu Tang Clan. Few better ways exist Fourth Place: Kaiser Permanente lear vision is very important for many daily tasks, like to teach discipline and self-control to children, and for Fifth Place: Exempla Good Samaritan driving, watching TV and reading brilliant print journal- adults, it’s hard to get a more intense, functional workout. At oulder Community Hospital, with two main locaism. And the LASIK specialists at Insight Lasik have been Tran’s Martial Arts and Fitness Center, both chiltions in Boulder as well as its Community Medical named the top clear-vision providers in East Boulder County dren and adults benefit from expert instruction and individCenter in Lafayette, serves East County so well that our ual attention, from disciplines like krav maga, Muay Thai for their state-of-the-art facilities. It’s tough to do better than the expertise at Insight: C. Starck Johnson, an optham- kickboxing, fitness kickboxing and more. Master Vu D. Tran voters gave it top honors in the best medical facility categoologist at Insight, is the team opthamologist for the Denver has more than 25 years of experience in martial arts, and his ry. With its top-notch doctors, nurses and equipment, BCH Broncos. Now if only he’d do some surgery on those refer- programs are guaranteed to leave you and your kids pouring supports the community in many ways, whether it’s just providing a Band-Aid or performing surgery. Thankfully, ees, too.This marks the 10,000th time Johnson has heard this sweat. most of the time, we don’t need their services, but it’s good joke. to know they are there when emergencies and health comMassage plications arise. Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville is our SUNFLOWER SPA Martial Arts second-place winner.

1715 Ironhorse Drive, Suite 150, Longmont, 303-485-1390 TRAN’S MARTIAL ARTS AND FITNESS Second Place: Massage Envy 400 W. South Boulder Road, #2700, Lafayette, 303-665-5599 Second Place: Compassionate Pain Management Third Place: Green Tea Medicinals Fourth Place: Blueberry Twist Fifth Place: Altermeds

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Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

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October 24, 2013 37

Susan France

Nail Salon

no better pilates studio in East County.

HAPPY STAR NAILS 1355 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-890-5007 Second Place: Aloha Nails Third Place: Mimi’s Nails Salon Fourth Place: Nails 2000

Tanning salon

PRESTIGE TAN AND HAIR 2919 W. 17th Ave., Suite 110, Longmont, 303-772-7766 Second Place: Tan Express Third Place: Endless Summer Fourth Place: Hot Tanz Fifth Place: Golden Comb

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he line between good and bad when it comes to a nail salon is a thin one. After all, no nail salon is routinely breaking Happy Star Nails in Louisville, winner for best nail salon people’s fingers or coating them in acrylic paint. But customers Fifth Place: Soul Tree Pilates applaud Happy Star Nails for doing all the little things right to set itself apart — cleanliness, friendliness, affordhe four basic needs all human beings must have are food, ability. The specialists also offer hot stone massages and water, shelter and clothing. Well, let’s face it: Most of us shellac nail polish treatments. At runner-up Aloha Nails, cus- these days have no trouble meeting these. But given how tomers say the service is neck-and-neck with Happy Star in many of our lifestyles include getting out of bed in the mornits attentiveness and friendliness. ing, driving to work, sitting at a desk for the good part of eight hours, driving home and maybe walking from a parking Pilates Studio spot to a restaurant, there should be an addendum to that BARRE BODIES list: exercise. Pilates is a low-impact way to get that exercise 1822 Sunset Place, Longmont, 720-340-8156 our bodies so desperately crave, and it’s great for strengthSecond Place: Flatirons Pilates ening core muscles while toning the rest. Barre Bodies Third Place: Rocky Mountain Pilates offers pilates class and Barre classes, which are based around Fourth Place: Happy Cat Pilates exercise performed on a ballet bar. Our readers think there’s

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eeping up that summer glow in the winter months can be rough. Who wants to sunbathe in a bikini when it’s 30 degrees and snowing outside? The wonders of modern technology make such an absurd undertaking obsolete, and when it comes to keeping a little color in your cheeks — and on your face — our readers recommend Prestige Tan and Hair. Formerly Twisted Rayz, the salon also offers hair and nail services, so you can come out fully prepared to face the world, whatever the weather.

Place to Pedal Your Own Two Wheels

ST. VRAIN GREENWAY

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e’re already pretty impressed with the St. Vrain Greenway, Longmont’s trail system linking parks, schools, other trails and commercial areas as it traverses the city. But that trail is part of a proposed regional system, the Front Range Trail Plan, with designs on one day running the length of the state, from Wyoming to New Mexico.

The St. Vrain Greenway currently runs about eight miles from Golden Ponds (just west of Hover Street at Third Avenue) to Sandstone Ranch.

Hop on at trailheads at Golden Ponds, Rogers Grove, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Izaak Walton Pond and Sandstone Ranch.

38 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Try Rolfing

®

Structural Integration

Susan France

Your Path to

Balance Stability Flexibility Rolf Institute Community Client Clinic

clinic.rolf.org Try Rolfing® Structural Integration

O F S T R U C T U R A L I N T E G R AT I O N

The Original School of Rolfing® Structural Integration www.rolf.org • info@rolf.org • 303-449-5903 • Boulder, CO

Come to The Clinic at The Rolf Institute® email: clinic@rolf.org or call: 303-449-5903

Raven Elise, co-owner of Sangha Studios in Louisville, displays techniques of aerial yoga.

Veterinary

JASPER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1369 Forest Park Circle, Suite 101, Lafayette, 303-665-4002 Second Place: VCA All Pets Animal Hospital Third Place: Banfield Pet Hospital Fourth Place: Pets and Pals Veterinary Hospital Fifth Place: Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital

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hen Fido or Misty is sick or injured, it’s like a family member is in need, and everything else gets put on hold.We don’t often think about it, but when pet emergencies happen, it’s good to have a dependable safety net, a trustworthy clinic that we can rely on.

In East County, our voters selected Jasper Animal Hospital in Lafayette for top honors, and we love the fact that Jasper provides low-cost veterinary services to several rescue organizations. Congratulations to VCA All Pets Animal Hospital, also in Lafayette, for landing second-place honors.

Yoga

SOUL TREE STUDIO

816 Main St., Louisville, 303-665-5244 Second Place: Yoga Junction Third Place: Sangha Studios Fourth Place: Healing Movement Fifth Place: Hot Method Yoga

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oga is exercise and a lifestyle that can make your muscles strong, improve your balance and even make your spirit soar. Our readers chose Soul Tree Studio as their favorite place for yoga, and why not? There’s nothing better than being healthy in a place with a mission statement that says, “We strive to inspire you to grow strength in your body, root peacefulness in your mind and create a playful expanse in your heart.” Sounds good to us.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 39

Sculpture Jewelry Paintings Custom Design Commissions Jewelry Repair

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Susan France

Fifth Place: Alpine Auto Detailing

Auto Dealer — New

VALLEY NISSAN AND SUBARU

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very now and again that faithful car that’s carried you to and from work and play stops purring and starts to sputter and cough a bit. Or maybe you’re on top of things, and just want to make sure that before it starts to wheeze, you’ve topped off the fluid levels and checked your alignment. Our readers say when it’s time for a little TLC to your SUV, take it to Valley Nissan, where the emphasis on customer service, factory-trained staff and stock of parts will get you back on all four wheels fast.

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-776-0443 Second Place: Frontier Honda Third Place: Longmont Ford Fourth Place: Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram Fifth Place: Stevinson Hyundai

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ou will buy your new car in Longmont. You must buy your new car in Longmont.

Yes, all five of our winners in East Boulder County have a great view of Longs Peak, stretched across south Longmont in what is evidently the New Car Nexus of the East County area. Our winner, Valley Nissan and Subaru, leads the way with excellent customer service and, of course, some of Boulder County’s favorite vehicles in the Subaru line. It’s also The winning staff at Valley Nissan and Subaru in Longmont. offering a cash rebate for buyers affected by the floods in September. prised.” Our readers think the sales staff at Valley Nissan and Subaru are the best at ensuring that surprise is Auto Dealer — Used always a pleasant one. Known for their pleasant disposition VALLEY NISSAN AND SUBARU and sunny customer service, the Valley Nissan staff will make 1005 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-776-0443 sure that the “gently loved” car you drive off their lot perSecond Place: Umberto’s Auto Sales, Inc. fectly matches your expectations.

Third Place: Frontier Honda Fourth Place: Essex Motors Auto Repair Fifth Place: Sprinkler Used Cars VALLEY NISSAN AND SUBARU 1005 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 877-588-6989 here’s a joke that asks, “How many car salesmen does it Second Place: Stan’s Automotive take to change a lightbulb?” The answer is, “Let me Third Place: Cooper’s Automotive work that out on my calculator, and I think you’ll be sur- Fourth Place: Frontier Honda

Bicycle Shop

LOUISVILLE CYCLERY

1032 South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-665-6343 Second Place: Fusion Bicycle Service Third Place: Bike ’n’ Hike Fourth Place: Foxtrot Wheel & Edge Fifth Place: Joe’s Bike Shop

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ouisville Cyclery has been serving Louisville since 1980, and for our readers, it has become the go-to destination for all things cycling in East County. Earning this title is no small feat, considering all of the avid cyclists in our area. Plus, we like the name “cyclery.” It sounds so British, like “tobacconist.” Before we devolve into a Monty Python sketch, let’s also extend best wishes to Fusion Bicycle Service in Lafayette, which won second place and sports the compelling motto, “Blending Work and Passion.”

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ubaru Valley Nissan S g voted n ei b r fo l o o C e th g n ti ra ISHINGS ! congratulates CFUuRNITURE STORE • HOME FUT RN B U S IN ES S

BEST

G IF T S TO R E • IN D

EP EN D EN

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont • 1-800-846-0841 www.ValleyNissan.com • www.ValleySubaru.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

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Susan France

Book Store

Carpet

THE BOOK CELLAR

Family Carpet One Floor & Home

724 Main St., Louisville, 303-604-2880 Second Place: Barbed Wire Books Third Place: Used Book Emporium Fourth Place: Little Horse Books Fifth Place: The Book Nook

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efore we say anything about the winner in this category, let’s all just send out a rousing round of applause to every one of these stores.

Bookstores are sacred. They represent the very best of who and what we are as a culture, and for that, we say thanks.

Now then, out of all these wonderful businesses, our readers voted that The Book Cellar in Louisville is their favorite. So if you love books, and you should, drop in, say hello, and browse the shelves. Every bookstore is full of treasure. You just have to look to find it.

And if you find yourself in downtown Longmont, Barbed Wire Books is always a great place to spend time.

Camera

VICTORY CAMERA

102 E. Cleveland St., #100, Lafayette, 720-3797789 Second Place: Picture This...

Superior Third Place: Key Camera/Procam Services

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or many of us, digital cameras are more than enough to handle — witness, for instance, a friend’s father who, no matter how easy-to-use the camera is, manages to insert the massive pink blob of his finger into every shot. But real film enthusiasts still recognize the value and power of film, actual film, with the darkroom and the silver and all that. You know, the whole process that Instagram tries so hard to copy.

Victory Camera in Lafayette, which opened in 2012, is dedicated to that ideal of upholding traditional film. And in addition to selling film and cameras, it buys and trades as well.

1401 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-651-2011 Second Place: Carpet Wise Third Place: A Plus Carpet Care Fourth Place: Aesthetic Flooring & Hard Surfaces

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arpeting your house is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. After all, it’s something in your home you’ll interact with every day. For all your carpeting needs, our readers think Family Carpet One Floor & Home is the best choice in East County. They will be your guide in the vast jungle of carpet, translating the ecology of flooring options into your native tongue, so you can make the best decision you can regarding what’s going to be under your feet for the next decade or two.

Clothing — Kids

ONCE UPON A CHILD

700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-772-5437 Second Place: Just Between Friends Third Place: Gymboree

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he consensus among parents seems to be, kids grow up way too fast. And while they’re rocketing their way from toddlers to teenagers, they’re blowing through a lot of different clothes. Things they barely have a chance to wear for a season — and rarely get to wear out.

So, Once Upon a Child comes to the rescue. They take clean, gently pre-worn clothes and resell them at up to 70 percent off retail, so you can take in your next-to-new stuff left over from last year to help fund this season’s newto-you clothes. That’s good for your budget and smart for the environment: gold star for good parenting in practice.

Sami Boylan works at The Book Cellar on Main Street in Louisville.

Place to Set Up for Your Massive Remodel

RESTORE RESALE OUTLET

131 Sherman Drive, Longmont, 303-776-3334

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o you bought the fixer-upper and are now finding that the fixings are a bit pricier than you’d like? Or there’s more to fix than you knew? Or now that you’ve fixed it up you need to furnish it?

The nonprofit home improvement store and donation center ReStore is a onestop shop for furniture, home appliances and replacement fixtures from sinks to windows.

Plus, it helps put other people in homes. Proceeds go to support Habitat for Humanity projects building homes locally and around the world.

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Susan France

Third Place: John’s Dry Cleaners Fourth Place: MeadowView Cleaners Fifth Place: Boulder Cleaners

Clothing — Used

FOUND UNDERGROUND CONSIGNMENTS

600 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-666-6900 Second Place: Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment Third Place: Sister Carmen Community Center Fourth Place: Once Upon a Child Fifth Place: Threads Consignments

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s the Mitch Hedberg line goes, “This shirt is dry clean only. Which means … It’s dirty.” But it doesn’t have to be that way.

At Art Cleaners, dry cleaning experts are ready to handle everything from wedding gowns to leather and suede. Plus, Art Cleaners uses a siliconbased GreenEarth cleaning solvent that’s easier on the environment.

And, because getting your things there can be the toughest part of getting your dry cleaning done, they offer free pick-up and delivery. Problem solved, Mitch.

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ho wouldn’t want to shop in a hip, cool, urban chic women’s consignment store located in a funky old purple house in Old Town Louisville with Nepalese prayer flags out front? The answer is no one. Our readers come from all over the county to check out what’s new at owner Nancy Cooley’s fantastic shop Found Underground Consignments. It’s like a treasure hunt every time, and who doesn’t like that? In case you missed it the first time, the answer is no one.

Florist

LAFAYETTE FLORIST, GIFT SHOP & GARDEN CENTER 600 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-5552 Second Place: Longmont Florist Third Place: Louisville Florist Fourth Place: Nina’s Flowers and Gifts Fifth Place: Bella Fleur Floral Design

Clothing — Women’s

VILLE DE LUXE

909 Main St., Louisville, 303-604-6722 Second Place: Dragonfly Third Place: Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment Fourth Place: Jax Outdoor Gear Fifth Place: Old Town Outfitters

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f it grows in the ground you can find it at Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center. If it used to grow in the ground and it’s beautiful and you think you might need to buy it to make someone happy, celebrate a special occasion or get yourself out of the doghouse, you’ll find that in the florist section. In all seriousness, our readers knew what they were doing when they voted this place best florist. The selection is great and the people are nice, and their flowers are guaranteed to get you out of that doghouse — just kidding on that last one, but at least it will give you a shot.

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he best women’s clothing store has to tread a line between affordable and fashionable, accessible and high-fashion, welcoming and upscale. Ville de Luxe in downtown Louisville hits all those notes and offers clothing from Colorado (CoVelo), the U.S. (Three Dots) and across the globe (Spain’s Desigual and Indonesia’s Dunia, for example).

Also of note, the final two entries here show that it’s well past time to update that Boulder ste- Nancy Cooley, owner of Found Underground, a women’s consignment Hardware Store reotype of the rugged outdoorswoman to include boutique in Louisville.

ACE HARDWARE all of Boulder County — women in East Boulder tation. As you are putting the final touches on your work, 1727 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-5173 County love their gear shops as much as their Boulder counwork that will define the last few months of effort and help Second Place: Jax Outdoor Gear terparts. shape your future, your computer crashes. Panicked, you try Third Place: Budget Home Center restarting. It doesn’t work. You’re getting colors on your Computer Repair screen you didn’t know existed. What do you do? Well, n a world increasingly dominated by big-box hardware The Wired connection unless you’re some sort of technological genius or have a stores that begin with letters like H and L, Ace Hardware 1032 E. South Boulder Road, #207, Louisville, degree from M.I.T., don’t try to fix it yourself. Our readers in Longmont says it all on its website, in large type: “Family 720-339-6013 think you should call The Wired Connection, in Owned and Operated.” We applaud our readers for giving Second Place: Main TV & Computer Repair Louisville, who will be able to set things right again. first place to an establishment that has been serving the Third Place: PC Doc community for more than 20 years. Second-place winner Jax Fourth Place: Computer Specialists of Longmont Dry Cleaner in Lafayette is no slouch either when it comes to high-qualFifth Place: Reliance PC & Network Support ART CLEANERS ity hardware, and third-place winner Budget Home Center 1631 Pace St., Longmont, 303-684-8585 in Longmont is our favorite south-side alternative to the bigut yourself in the following scenario: You are feverishly 300 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-665-2223 box chains. working on a major project proposal/term paper/presenSecond Place: Continental Cleaners

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We have a little of everything, from flowers to fragrances, antiques to jewelry.

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now offering 15% discount to the trade. n

a best of winner for best furniture store in boulder weekly’s best of boulder east county

join us for our annual

Holiday Open House november 1 - 10am-9pm november 2 - 10am-5pm november 3 - 11am-4pm

20% everything in the store (with a few exceptions)

holiday goodies, good cheer and great decorating and gift ideas

Superior Liquor’s April McHan sure knows how to celebrate a win.

Liquor Store SUPERIOR LIQUOR 100 Superior Plaza Way, #100, Superior, 303-499-6600 Second Place: Union Jack Liquor Third Place: Down Under Wine & Spirits Fourth Place: Atlas Valley Wine & Spirits Fifth Place: PJ’s Wine & Spirits

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here’s something magical about walking into a gigantic liquor store, isn’t there?

It’s like fun and joy have been bottled and placed on shelves, stretching as far as the eye can see. Superior Liquor (all 20,000 square feet of it) has something for every adult who walks into the store. There’s a refrigerated beer section that stretches for miles, a wine section you could get lost in, and a selection of spirits and liquors that should come with a map. Gluten-free?

There’s a beer for you, too. William Shakespeare once wrote, “A quart of ale is a dish for a king.” We think it’s high time we all got a little regal.

Real Estate Group

Keller Williams, 1st Realty

901 front street n old town louisville 303-666-7864 n www.thefuzzyanter.com mon-sat 10am-6pm 44 October 24, 2013

606 Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303776-3200 Second Place: The New Century Group

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here is simply nothing in the material realm of things more important than buying your home. Whether it is finding that perfect place that fits you or your family like a glove, or getting the right deal on a home that will insure that your investment is secure for years to come, choosing the real esate company to help you is absolutely critical. Our readers chose Keller Williams, 1st Realty as the company they liked best for their real estate needs.

Shoe Store

BROWN’S SHOE FIT COMPANY

373 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-2920 Second Place: DSW Third Place: Jax Outdoor Gear Fourth Place: Runners Roost Fifth Place: Famous Footwear

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he Midwest is not known for fashion.

But every rule has its exception, and in this case Iowa-based Brown’s Shoe Fit Company breaks the stereotype with style. Brown’s, headquartered in Shenandoah, Iowa, carries brands from Chaco to Timberland to Dansko to Boulder County brand Crocs. Customers applaud Brown’s for friendly, not-pushy service and good selection, which is also a strong point for runner-up DSW, with locations in Longmont and just outside Boulder County near the Flatiron Crossing mall.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

November is

Homeless & Runaway Youth Awareness Month Join Attention Homes to support the homeless youth in our community

Mountain Mist Pool & Spa

Hot Tub

MOUNTAIN MIST POOL & SPA

1240 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-7721125 Second Place: Mr. Pool

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e don’t know if so many Front Range businesses incorporate “Mountain” into their name as a tip to consumers that they’re locally owned, but if so, it’s working.

That’s the case with Mountain Mist Spas, a locally owned store that celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2013, having started in 1983 in Fort Collins. The Longmont store specializes in spa and hot tub sales, with an inventory of replacement parts and outdoor grills as well. And specialists at the store can run chemical tests on your spa or pool water and advise you on care and upkeep.

Hotel

Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel 1900 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 800-8438240 Second Place: Niwot Inn Third Place: Marriott Residence Inn Fourth Place: La Quinta Fifth Place: Courtyard Marriott

D

on’t look now, but the Plaza Convention Center in Longmont is becoming something of a happening spot. The Plaza Event Center is one of the largest convention

centers in Boulder County, and it also doubles as a picturesque location for weddings and bar mitzvahs. It also hosts various events. Harold’s Restaurant & Lounge, located in the plaza, is one of the hippest spots to open outside of Boulder this past year. This location and its surroundings are one of the many reasons readers voted Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel the best hotel in East County. If you’re looking for a reasonable place to send out-of-town guests, look no further.

Hydroponics Store

THE FLOWER BIN GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY 1805 Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-7723454 Second Place: Victory Hydro Gardening Third Place: The Aquaponic Source

S

omeday, when the environmental damage done to our planet by hundreds of years of pouring carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere turns it truly uninhabitable, we’ll all need to move to space. Once resettled on our space station, its likely that hydroponics will prove the most viable method for growing vegetables. But before we’re all banished to beyond the stratosphere, it would be best to start practicing here on Earth. The Flower Bin is ready to set you up with planting media and plant nutrients to serve all your space-gardening needs.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

Sleep Out Thurs, Nov 14

Join over 60 community and business leaders who will sleep out to raise awareness and support for homeless youth. Each participant pledges to raise $1,000 and will spend the night sleeping outside on the lawn between Attention Homes’ administrative office and First United Methodist Church near 15th and Spruce in downtown Boulder. Presented in partnership with First United Methodist Church.

Dine Out Wed, Nov 6/13/20/27 5-10pm

Mark the dates and dine out with us! Participating restaurants in Boulder will donate 15% of sales to Attention Homes’ Runaway & Homeless Youth Program on select Wednesdays in November.

Nov 6 BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse, 1690 28th Street Nov 13 Kasa Japanese Bar & Grill, 1468 Pearl Street Nov 20 Sanitas Brewing Co., 3550 Frontier Avenue, Unit A Nov 27 Casa Alvarez, 3161 Walnut Street

Shout Out Nov 7/16

Nov 7 - Hope Boulder Church, 4705 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO. 6 pm. Attend a community meeting to learn more about local efforts to help runaway and homeless youth and view a film screening of Sugar, based on the true story of a homeless girl coping with PTSD. Nov 16 - In partnership with REMAX of Boulder and Fate Brewery, purchase $30 tickets to the CU/CAL football game and attend a special tailgate party. CU will donate $10 to AH for each ticket sold.

Green Light Project In November, porch lights across the country will glow green to show support for runaway and homeless youth. Obtain your green light bulb by visiting us at 1443 Spruce St. A $5 donation is suggested.

For more information and details on how to participate visit www.AttentionHomes.org or call 303.447.1206

October 24, 2013 45

Susan France

Farm

Mattress Store

ISABELLE FARM

MATTRESS KING

10029 Isabelle Road, Lafayette, 303-817-6824 Second Place: Longmont Dairy Farm Third Place: Anderson Farms Fourth Place: Sunflower Farm Fifth Place: Frog Belly Farm

2201 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-651-9208 Second Place: Verlo Third Place: Sleep Number

A

lthough there’s a lot of buzz about the importance of sleep to your overall health and life expectancy, homo sapiens survived for thousands of years sleeping on nothing more advanced than the ground and some animal skins. But who wants to live like a cave man?

The reigning ruler for where to buy a bed worthy of the advancements of the 21st century is Mattress King.

and Natalie Condon, owners of the organic Jason Isabelle Farm, are an inspiring story. Jason’s fam-

ily has been farming in Boulder County since — wait for it — 1859. He grew up on the family farm and has dedicated his life to farming. And Natalie Condon spent childhood summers in Switzerland, working on her cousins’ dairy farm. When the couple opened Isabelle Farm in 2004, it was a dream come true for both of them, and now, what we’re sure has been another dream has come true: Their farm has been voted best in East County.

Moving Company

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

520 Violet St., Golden, 303-443-9911 Second Place: Taylor Moving and Storage Third Place: Flatirons Moving and Storage Fourth Place: The Moving Connection Fifth Place: Boulder Valley Transfer

Natural Foods Store

NATURAL GROCERS BY VITAMIN COTTAGE

1745 Main St., Longmont, 303-684-8200 100 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-926-1600 2355 30th St., Boulder, 303-402-1400 Second Place: Sprouts Farmers Market Third Place: Lucky’s Market Fourth Place: Whole Foods Fifth Place: Simply Bulk Market

I

W

The fall harvest is looking good at Lafayette’s Isabelle Farm.

t’s more than just Boulder County that cares about natural, organic, healthy, GMO-free and pesticidefree food. At this point, it’s all of Colorado. And it’s more than Colorado, it’s a growing number of people across the whole country who are demanding better natural foods.

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage has been

answering that demand for 58 years, starting in 1955 in Golden. The store offers vitamins and supplements in addition to all-natural and all-organic food.

ith more than 200 locations worldwide, we’re pretty sure this company now has more than two men and one truck. But it did indeed start as a way for two brothers in Michigan to make some extra money in high school in the early 1980s. Their mom developed the stick-man logo for their ad in the local weekly paper, and that logo is still used on all of their trucks today. And yes, there is more than one. Our voters say Two Men and a Truck is the most trustworthy moving company serving East County, followed closely by Taylor Moving and Storage.

Place To Gear Up For The Great Outdoors

OLD TOWN OUTFITTERS

501 Main St., Longmont, 720-204-6173

O

ne of the things we love about Old Town Outfitters is that they love Longmont. The newly opened outdoor clothing store is proud to call Longmont home — both for its history and for what it is now.They’ve embraced the Colorado style and tout their outdoor apparel as an option for everyday Colorado, which we like to think of as the only place in the world where people wear Chacos to the office. Above all, they say, this is not about the peaks you bagged.

It’s about getting the most out of where we live. And we’re on board with that.

46 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

Step back in time and act and feel like a kid.

Thank You East County for Your Votes!!!

We Are Proud to Be Your Pick as Best Dry Cleaner!!!

ERIE 3335 Araphoe Rd. 720.890.8860 LAFAYETTE 300 E. Baseline Rd. 303.665.2223

706 Front Street

Open Sun-Thurs 10am-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9:30pm 303-570-0002 • www.assortedgoods.co

LONGMONT 1631 Pace St. 303.684.8585 BROOMFIELD 1140 HWY 287 303.404.8917

NOW 4 LOCATIONS IN EAST COUNTY!

artcleaners.com

® ®

Locally owned Since 1921 • Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff Free Pick-Up & Delivery

908 Main St, Louisville (720) 985-4259

Like Us On Facebook

Best Private School

Dawson School academic excellence • individual attention dawsonschool.org Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 47

Kevin Powers

Virgin Records until the two were inspired to start the store in 2002 after both had dogs with medical problems. While researching the causes, they were dismayed to learn about the low-quality ingredients used in many common pet foods, so they dedicated themselves to only carrying products at Struttin’ Pup that meet high standards for health and safety.

Furniture

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-432-4292 Second Place: Woodley’s Fine Furniture Third Place: The Fuzzy Antler Fourth Place: Noble Treasures Fifth Place: Serendipity

Fresh ink done at InkSmith Tattoo, named the best tattoo shop

T

here’s only one furniture store in the county — well, we hope — where you can grab a product specifically named Tacky Holiday Sweater Sock as you check out vintage and consignment furniture and art with a definite slant toward the unique, unusual and stylish.Yes, Curating the Cool in central Lafayette is our readers’ choice for best furniture store, with an eclectic collection of chairs and tables available. In second, Woodley’s Fine Furniture offers furniture for everything from the bedroom to the office to the outdoors.

Tattoo Shop

INKSMITH TATTOO

908 Main St., Suite B110, Louisville, 720-985-4259 Second Place: Junkyard Ink Third Place: Tribal Rites Tattoo & Piercing Fourth Place: Main Street Tattoo Fifth Place: Ol’ Henry’s Flesh Art

W

hen you’re going to get permanent body art, you want to get it in good company, and we’ve gotta say, the guys who run InkSmith Tattoo look like pretty fun fellas to hang out with. That’s good, because if you’re

48 October 24, 2013

going to sit yourself down in a chair and let someone jab a needle into your skin repeatedly to paint an image in your flesh, you’d like it to be someone who’s going to be nice to spend a little time with. Maybe even funny, because you’ll want to laugh — though not necessarily while the needle is in action — to help crush back the pain. So you’ll want them to be people who might not take their work far more seriously than they take themselves. And it looks like that’s what you’ll get at InkSmith.

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-432-4292 Second Place: Cheese Importers Third Place: Sunshine & Rain Fourth Place: Adorn Home & Gift Gallery Fifth Place: Assorted Goods & Candy

I

Pet Store

STRUTTIN’ PUP

2850 Arapahoe Road, Suite 110, Lafayette, 303-665-3038 Second Place: Four Paws & Co. Third Place: Black Paw Fourth Place: The Divine Canine Pet Care Center Fifth Place: Jax Ranch & Home

S

Gift Store

ome may not know that the founders of Struttin’ Pup in Lafayette, voted the best pet store in East County, got their start in rock ’n’ roll. Julie Ralston worked for radio station KBCO and Kirsten Bailey worked for

t’s fitting that a small, quaint town like Lafayette would have a small, quaint vintage consignment store in its small, quaint downtown. Curating the Cool offers everything you need to express your inner mod/hipster.

Want a pair of knee-high socks with a purple and green argyle pattern? How about a zip-up hoodie with a fixie on it? Walking into this store is like walking into a catalogue of hip, with the farm-fresh preserves and the vintage blueand-yellow Pearl Street sign to prove it. If you’re feeling like a gift you can eat with the lucky recipient, secondplace finisher Cheese Importers in Longmont has everything you need.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

NEW

Fall Styles

Susan France

BEST SHOE STORE

Thaneksvotes! for th

303-776-2920 373 Main Street • Longmont, CO 80501

Hours Mon-Fri 9:30-6, Thursday until 7, Sat 10-5, Closed Sunday

brownsshoefitco.com/Longmontshoes.com

All Natural Pet Foods & Treats Do-It-Yourself Dogwash Professional Grooming Bath & Brush Specials

facebook.com/struttinpup

Cool Toys, Collars & Leashes, Beds, Gifts and More!

2850 Arapahoe Road Suite 110, Lafayette 303.665.3038 • www.struttinpup.com

Open: Mon-Fri 9:30am - 6:30pm / Sat 9:00am - 6:00pm / Sun 11:00am - 5:00pm

Z Robison, owner of Curating the Cool, Lafayette.

Home Furnishings

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-432-4292 Second Place: Habitat for Humanity ReStore Third Place: Concepts Furniture Fourth Place: Elizabeth’s Embellishments Fifth Place: Noble Treasures

C

urating the Cool’s business model does exactly what the name implies. This store, located in Old Town Lafayette, specializes in new, vintage and consignment furniture, art, unique collectibles and home goods. Our readers tell us the place is chock full of amazing items you may never have seen before. When it comes to home furnishings, the word “unique” is a good thing. Check it out.

New to

Historic Downtown Louisville Open: Tues-Friday 11 - 6, Saturday 11 - 5, Sunday 11 - 4

630 Front Street, Louisville • (720) 708-3016 Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 49

Susan France

King Soopers employees, back row, left to right, Susan Hayes, Seth Hammell, Jessica Turner, Ray Ray Autobee, Tim Campbell and Monique Slater. Front row, left to right, are Pattie Dix, John Austin, Rosa Bautista and Jimme Mares.

Grocery Store

KING SOOPERS

300 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-604-3060 Second Place: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Third Place: Whole Foods Market Fourth Place: Lucky’s Market Fifth Place: Sprouts Farmers Market

O

f all the suburban consumer games, such as Precision Lawn Mowing, Energy-Saving Snow Removal Tactics and Innovative Holiday Decorating, none relies as heavily on speed and efficiency as Competitive Grocery Store Shopping. When it comes to grocery stores, what you really want is the place where you know where things are and can walk in and quickly find those cookies you really like and your preferred box of tea — and which end of the store tends to have the shorter lines and where to find the actually funny greeting cards. And, of course, where to ditch the cart with the wobbly wheel or the brakes stuck on. Because otherwise you’re a sure loser.

So it’s tough to knock a classic like King Soopers, a one-stop shop for all your grocer needs and a famil-

50 October 24, 2013

iar destination for successful speed shopping.

Our runners-up in this category are a nod to the growing market for all things green and environmentally friendly in East County. They’re great, but can present speed traps like samples, new baked goods cabinets and a rotating selection of produce sure to distract and cost you precious seconds on your final time.

residents for more than half a century, so the folks there know what it means to be built for the long haul.

The same family is still running the store after all these years, albeit a new generation is now in place to serve all of your jewelry needs.

Kitchen Supply Store

CHEESE IMPORTERS

Jewelry Store

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599 Second Place: The Food Emporium Third Place: Cayenne Kitchen Fourth Place: The Singing Cook Fifth Place: Jax Ranch & Home

ANSPACH’S JEWELRY

101 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-5313 Second Place: Snyder Jewelers Third Place: Eric Olson Master Jeweler Fourth Place: Niwot Jewelry & Gifts Fifth Place: Precious Metals is one of those things you buy with the intenJewelry tion that it is going to last forever. It’s even some-

thing that we intend to hand down to future generations.

That being the case, it only makes sense that our readers would choose a jeweler that they can trust to help them with such an important task. Anspach’s Jewelry has been in business serving Boulder County

F

orget the name of Cheese Importers. Yes, the Longmont market imports cheese. But it is also committed to locally made products, having promoted local producers for more than 30 years. And it sells a lot more than cheese, expanding its business gradually to include housewares, linens and other kitchen supplies. So yes, it offers many cheese-oriented gift baskets featuring cheese from everywhere under the sun and Boulder-made Chocolove chocolate bars. But Cheese Importers is a lot more than a cheese importer.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

LOCALLY OWNED

hike

climb

run

1 tw ing • Foo

ear • Camping • Fishin

Thank You FOR Y OU

Cloth

Follow Us:

g • Hun ting •

Milita

cast

ry Su rplus • Optics & Photogra

paddle

re nwa tche mp Ki a C • s c ti e phy • Athl

R VOTE We Appreciate Your Business

& the Opportunity to Serve You

900 S Highway 287 • Lafayette • (720) 266-6160 ◆ www.jaxgoods.com

THE JASPER ANIMAL HOSPITAL THANKS YOU for your conndence!

We are committed to continuing to provide the highest level of patient care and services.

JASPER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

303.665.4002 1369 Forest Park Circle #101 Lafayette, CO 80026 www.jaspervet.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

October 24, 2013 51

Susan France

Jax Outdoor Gear employee Erik Van Lieu

Susan France

Clothing – Men’s

Independent Business

JAX OUTDOOR GEAR

CURATING THE COOL

900 S. Highway 287, Lafayette 720-266-6160 Second Place: Old Town Outfitters

J

ax is the McGuckin Hardware of outdoor gear, and while some may associate the store primarily with camping/backpacking/fishing/hunting equipment, Jax also has an extensive selection of men’s clothing, including the non-waterproof variety.

And according to our voters, the quality and variety is unparalleled in East County.

We remember how excited we were when we heard Jax was opening a location in Lafayette and we wouldn’t have to drive to Fort Collins to get our fix anymore.

The men’s apparel was a big reason why.

Old Town Outfitters in Longmont, which got second place in this category, carries some great brands in men’s wear, like Kühl and prAna.

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette 720-432-4292 Second Place: Sunshine & Rain

T

his concept is, well, cool. Our voters’ choice for top independent business in East County, Curating the Cool, is like a choosy consignment shop that only agrees to sell the top vintage items, including furniture, art, collectibles and home goods. Being selective about what they consign means they have quick sales and a constantly rotating selection that features impressive variety (see the online store at www.curatingthecool.com and start scrolling down through the hundreds of items, as a new batch will load when you hit the bottom of the page). Sunshine & Rain, a distinctive specialty gardening store in Louisville, landed second place.

Owner Z Robison of Curating the Cool, Lafayette

52 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

We use 100% Biodegradable Soaps & Solvents in our process.

We offer: free home/business pickup and delivery, just call 303.581.0630 to set up service.

Susan France

Same-day service at no extra charge.

5280 Spine Rd. (next to Subway)

Boulder, CO 303.581.0630

2512 Broadway Boulder, CO 303.442.8766

956 W. Cherry

(next to Dominos Pizza)

Louisville, CO 303.666.9484

6964 N. 79th St. Niwot, CO 303.652.2133

Visit www.BoulderCleaners.com for more info and specials

Best Alternative Health Care

Southwest Acupuncture College Community Acupuncture Clinic Monday-Wednesday 5:30pm-9pm Acupuncture and Herb Clinic Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm Friday 9am-5pm

Eyeworks Optical Store in Louisville

Music Store

Optical Store

LAFAYETTE MUSIC

EYEWORKS

400 W. South Boulder Road, #1500, Lafayette, 303-661-9335 Second Place: Miller Music

I

s there anything in the world that can bring so much joy to so many lives as music? We don’t think so. And when it comes to making music, our readers tell us that Lafayette Music is the place that helps them do it right.

But if you happen to be in Longmont, Miller Music is another great place to find everything you need, from pianos to guitars.

Or if you need to repair that instrument you already own, they can help you with that, too.

615 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6320 Second Place: Front Range Eye Health Center Third Place: The Optical Centre, Inc. Fourth Place: Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado Fifth Place: Eagle Vision & Eye Clinic

6630 Gunpark Drive • Boulder • 303.581.9933 • BOOK NOW! www.AcupunctureCollege.edu

only eco-friendly products used

I

s that menu looking a little fuzzy? Not quite as quick on the street signs as you used to be? Browsing the large-print aisles at the local library? Maybe it’s time to put a stylish fashion statement on your face and improve your vision to boot. Eyeworks draws from the skill set of a set of doctors who have been working together for more than 20 years. They’ll get you checked out and set up with some frames to make everything in your life come into focus. Or, at least you’ll be able to see it more clearly.

Thank You for Voting for Us!

Auto Repair

1634 N. 63rd St., Suite7 (63rd & Arapahoe) Boulder

303.579.9398

www.alpinedetailing.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’13

Like us on Facebook October 24, 2013 53

Susan France

Tobacco/Pipe Shop

Third Place: Sunshine & Rain Fourth Place: Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters Fifth Place: Eleanor

SMOKER FRIENDLY

179 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303665-7870 301 Martin St., Longmont, 303-7722323 Second Place: High Society Tylor Kelley enjoys a smoke at the Smoker Friendly Tobacco and Pipe Shop in Lafayette.

Smoke Shop Third Place: Barlow’s But if it’s a fine cigar and a leathery couch to kick back Premium Cigars & Pipes and smoke on that you’re looking for, you might want to give Fourth Place: Havana Manor Cigar Lounge Barlow’s or Havana Manor a try. It’s a broad category these Fifth Place: Tobacco King days in Boulder County.

B

igger really must be better in this category. Our readers chose Smoker Friendly as their favorite shop. East County’s two Smoker Friendly shops are just a couple of the SF company’s more than 500 locations nationwide. Now that’s buying power.

New Business

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-432-4292 Second Place: Lucky’s Market

A

new business, and already Curating the Cool is making waves in Lafayette. It’s the winner of the East County Best Gift Shop and Best Independent business awards this year, and for a new business, it’s doing quite well. It fits nicely into downtown Lafayette, and it’s the coolest thing to hit that town since the 2007 blizzard. From reclaimed wood wallets to gauges and dials that look like they came from a factory in 1917, there are few places in the county where you can get your steampunk/hipster fashion on quite as well as Curating the Cool.

Shop To Noodle On a Guitar

WILDWOOD GUITARS

804 Main St., Louisville, 303-665-7733

M

ost people just don’t appreciate a good guitar solo. They might tolerate one, sure, if it doesn’t exceed 16 measures and comes sandwiched between poppy choruses. So it might be hard to convey the pure joy guitar players feel when entering a shop like Wildwood Guitars in Louisville. Because unless you go crazy for tasty riffs and get emotional over well-placed wails, it’s hard to understand why guitar players start acting like Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka’s factory when they see dozens of guitars hanging from the walls, calling to them like a chocolate river.

Wildwood has not just an incredible selection (and free shipping from its online store), but there are amps in practice rooms in the back, making choosing your next axe more of a journey than a retail experience.

54 October 24, 2013

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

WINNER: BEST DISPENSORY O PEN VAPORIZER 250 MG CARTRIDGE • 500 MG CARTRIDGE

FREE

SUPER SUNDAY SPECIAL BUY 2 OUNCES FOR $300

TUESDAY EDIBLE SPECIAL BUY 2 EDIBLES GET 3rd FREE (BUY 3 GET 4TH FREE ON CHEEBA PRODUCTS)

PLUS TAX ON ANY SUNDAY

400 W. South Boulder Rd. • Lafayette Plaza 303.665.5599 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 9AM-7PM We now accept

N

H 287

www. herbalwellnesscolorado.com www.facebook.com/herbalwellnesslafayette

S. Boulder Rd.

Lafayette Plaza Coal Creek Dr.

For Medical Purposes Only

S. Public Rd.

BUY 2 CARTRIDGES AND RECEIVE THE O PEN VAPORIZER

Courtesy of Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe offers a treasure trove of delights.

Toy Store

Stereo

Tire Shop

GRANDRABBIT’S TOY SHOPPE

Sweet wave audio

DISCOUNT TIRE

T

I

180 E. Flatiron Crossing Drive, Broomfield, 303-4658005 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-443-0780 Second Place: Geppetto’s Toy Shoppe he old cliché “like a kid in a candy store” really ought to be revised. After maybe their third Halloween, children learn that a candy store is not the place to go hog wild unless they’ve got an iron stomach. A kid in a candy store is excited, sure, but they’re cautious, selective.

Now, a kid in a toy store? That’s where they can cut loose. What are they worried about, carpal tunnel? And don’t give us the obesity speech: Bicycles, footballs and kickballs are toys too. Grandrabbit’s is the best place in Boulder County, our readers say, for kids to go crazy like a kid in a toy store.

56 October 24, 2013

1795 Plaza Drive, Louisville, 303-258-0563 Second Place: Safe and Sound Auto Accessories Third Place: Accent Auto Sound t seems like in an age of low-quality MP3s, sound fidelity is increasingly becoming an afterthought.

However, audiophiles can still delight at the selection at Sweet Wave Audio, where serious music lovers can get audio equipment for all occasions. Does your band have a huge gig coming up? Make sure the audience hears everything exactly as you want them to with a professional P.A. rig. From sales to rentals, Sweet Wave Audio can help you out with whatever your audio need may be. Second-place winner Safe and Sound Auto Accessories in Longmont can help make sure your music sounds equally great during your commute.

379 S. Hover St., Longmont 740 U.S. Highway 287, Lafayette 303-774-9869 Second Place: Big O Tires Third Place: Louisville Tire & Auto Care Fourth Place: Roadmasters Auto & Tire Center Fifth Place: Grease Monkey

T

ires are one of those things you don’t think about until one goes flat. Or when that grease monkey doing your oil change tells you the tread is wearing thin. Either way, when your car needs new shoes, our voters say the place to go is Discount Tire, which has locations in Longmont and Lafayette. We love this place because we’re old enough to remember its classic TV commercial with the voiceover, “If ever you’re not satisfied with one of our tires, please feel free to bring it back,” and the little old lady tossing a tire through the shop’s glass wall.

Best of Boulder-East County ’13 Boulder Weekly

THANKS FOR VOTING

S NA RF ’S

BEST CATERING oven-toasted sandwiches, salads, soups, gluten-free and veggie options

SNARFBURGER has arrived in Lafayette, and it’s flippin good!

10% off your first catering order of $75 or more when you mention this ad

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o

THE BEST MEXICAN CUISINE IN TAOS, NM...

IS NOW THE

tastiest new restaurant in longmont Our signature dish

o

“Antonio’s – A Taste of Mexico” is a Five Star Contemporary Mexican restaurant, established in 2002 in Taos, NM and became famous over the years for their delicious dishes and red and green chile. Also offering gluten free and vegan dishes.

Chef Antonio created dishes that are truly amazing from his personal Spanish heritage.

Chile relleno en nogada

246 Main Street, Longmont | 303.772.9923 Hours: Mon - Sat 5pm - 9pm • Antoniosoflongmont.com • Antoniosoftaos.com

Like Us On

Happy Hour Monday - Friday 5pm - 7pm

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BEST

NEW RESTAURANT IN EAST COUNTY