BEST LATE NIGHT FOOD
BEST MARGARITA AND BEST ROOFTOP
BEST FOOD TRUCK
RIO GRANDE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
COSMO’S PIZZA
BOULDER BOWLS
Stephanie Gaydos, hospitality manager for Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, shared the secret of their margarita success. They found something that worked and they haven’t messed with it. “Our margaritas have been made with the same recipe since we opened,” Gaydos said, going on to explain that people came, enjoyed the drinks, and kept coming back. They even have out-of-state regulars who make it a point to pay them a visit when in town. Rio Grande offers a variety of margarita options. Their most popular is The Classic Rio Marg, available on the rocks or frozen, with or without mango or strawberry. If you’re looking for something top shelf, try the Big Tex Margarita. It’s made with fresh squeezed citrus and includes the tequila of your choice. Specialty margaritas, like the Agave Martini and the Tequila & Honey Martini, are also available. The last two are served in martini shakers and are sure to leave an impression. Combining some amazing beverages with a wonderful space to kick back, Rio Grande won for Best Rooftop, as well. “It’s such a relaxing space up there,” Gaydos said. “People will come and sit for hours.” The rooftop offers a full bar, tap beer, plenty of tables, a beautiful fountain and full service dining. During the summer, guests keep cool with misters, umbrellas at every table, and sun shades. The rooftop can be reserved for private parties in the afternoons, making it an ideal location for a casual get-together. Rio Grande also has an indoor private room which seats 50 to 55 people. Whether you’re looking for a location for an event or just a relaxing spot to enjoy a cool margarita on a summer day, Rio Grande Restaurant has you covered. 1101 Walnut Street, Boulder, 303.444.3690; riograndemexican.com.
In the words of Owner Ryan Shorter, Cosmo’s Pizza does one thing and they do it well: “handtossed traditional pizza cooked in a stone oven.” Customers have the option of whole pizzas for take-out or delivery, or pizza by the slice. “Most people come in late night for the slices,” Shorter said. A repeat winner in this category, Cosmo’s is known as one of the best places in town to pick up some late-night grub. To Shorter, that just makes sense. He explains that each location makes the dough and sauce from scratch and uses only fresh veggies cut right there in the shop. “You make a great product, keep the place clean, give good service, and people appreciate that,” Shorter said. “We bake pizza and we do it really good.” Cosmo’s is open from 11 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. every day. The next time you’re on the prowl for a post-midnight snack, be sure to stop in. 659 30th Street, Boulder, 303.447.3278; cosmospizza.com.
Not to get all History Channel on you, but: The Bowl as an object came into use long before dishes and other tableware. This is because, while plates and spoons and stuff are useful, you really cannot do mac and cheese right without a good bowl. That’s something to ponder while you enjoy a tasty bowl from Boulder Bowls. You can “travel” an international menu of Cuban, Cajun, Asian, Mexican and multicultural recipes that will satisfy your soul. Vegetarian bowls are always on the menu, too. Be sure to save room for dessert! There’s Dessert in a Bowl: Arroz con Leche, Flan, Tiramisu and Mousse de Chocolate. We like the great prices, honest ingredients and nice staff. The Boulder Bowls food cart is in its fifth year on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall. 1300 Block, Pearl Street Mall; 1119 13th St., Boulder, 303.993.4533.
Runner Up: Bova’s Market and Grill, 1325 Broadway, Boulder, 303.449.0874
Runner Up: Bon Appetit Mobile Bistro, 303.888.8008; bonappetitmobilebistro.com
Runner Up for Best Margarita: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 1630 N 63rd Street, Boulder, 303.440.4045; efrainsrestaurant.com Runner Up for Best Rooftop: The Lazy Dog Sports Bars & Grills, 1346 Pearl Street, Boulder, 303.440.3355; thelazydog.com
April 27, 2015
Colorado Daily
CU AND BOULDER’S BEST 15