CU & Boulder's Best - 2022 Readers' Choice Awards

MARKETING FEATURE

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2022 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

2022 CU & BOULDER’S BEST

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he winners are in! CU & Boulder’s Best highlights the finest eateries, health, fitness, shopping and service providers in and around the CU and Boulder community. These establishments are nothing short of spectacular and were voted on by those who use them the most – you, our readers. Support these local businesses and reference this guide throughout the year.

Thank you to everyone who voted. Now turn the page and read about the winners!

CONTRIBUTORS Writers Sarah Huber Andy Stonehouse Darren Thornberry Photographers Jonathan Castner Advertising Consultants Keith Kratochvil Dale Sekuler Advertising Features Coordinator Greg Stone VP Marketing & Advertising Jill Stravolemos

View the eEdition online at ColoradoDaily.com CU and Boulder’s Best is a marketing feature of your Colorado Daily.

Copyright 2022, Prairie Mountain Media. For advertising information, call 303.473.1400.

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COLORADO DAILY

CU&BOULDER’S

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Inside Food & Drink Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best

Bakery.................................................... 4 Bar ........................................................ 4 Breakfast ............................................... 4 Brewery .................................................. 4 Brunch................................................... 4 Burger.................................................... 4 Chinese .................................................. 5 Cidery/Winery.......................................... 5 Coffee .................................................... 5 Food on the Hill ...................................... 4 French ................................................... 5 Ice Cream............................................... 5 Indian/Nepalese ...................................... 6 Italian .................................................... 6 Mexican ................................................. 6 Pizza...................................................... 6 Sandwich ............................................... 6 Sushi ..................................................... 6 Taco....................................................... 6 Thai ....................................................... 7 Vegetarian .............................................. 4 Vietnamese/Pho ...................................... 7

Health & Fitness

Best Best Best Best

Shopping & Services

Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best

Fresh Flowers Green Plants AND Boutique

Visit our New Location!

STURTZ

COPELAND

3550 Ara r pahoe Avenue 3 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

Bike Shop .............................................. 7 Eye Care Provider .................................... 7 Medical Facility ...................................... 7 Outdoor Gear Store.................................. 7

Bank/Credit Union................................... 8 Costume Shop ........................................ 8 Florist/Garden Center............................... 8 Hair Salon .............................................. 8 Liquor Store............................................ 9 Mortgage Company .................................. 8 Moving Company..................................... 9 Pet Boarding .......................................... 9 Pet Daycare ........................................... 9 Pet Grooming.......................................... 9 Pet Product Store.................................. 10 Real Estate Company............................. 10 Shoe Store............................................ 10 Sunglass & Eyeglass Store...................... 10

THANK YOU Boulder, for voting

STURTZ & COPELAND

Best Florist!

COLORADO DAILY

E T DRINK +

BAKERY

Moxie Bread Co. moxiebreadco.com

As a local independent bakery, Moxie Bread Co., along with Moxie Feed + Seed and the adjacent stone mill, aims to nourish their neighbors and foster community. All bakery products, from dark ryes and challah to cinnamon raisin boules, begin with organic, unprocessed and ethically grown grains sourced from family farms across Colorado and nearby states. Moxie prioritizes heirloom grains, both for their nutrient density and complexity of flavor, and Moxie breads undergo a slow fermentation process. In the coming months, Moxie’s Boulder location hopes to double its space with a robust coffee bar, a mill-to-order flour station and a mercantile shop with fresh flowers, handmade chocolates, locally sourced dairy products and seasonal produce.

Runner Up: Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery, luckysmarket.com/cafe

BAR

The Bitter Bar thebitterbar.com

Serving simple cocktails made with passion, not pretense, Owner James Lee urges “liberators and adult beverage connoisseurs” to “sit back, relax (and) imbibe a great beverage lovingly prepared by one of The Bitter Bar’s highly trained bartenders.” After all, he continued, The Bitter Bar is the neighborhood place “where one can enjoy the craft of cocktail preparation in a setting that caters to the enjoyment of conversation and the company of friends.” Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. daily and includes specials such as The Bitter Bar’s blue velvet cocktail mixed with vodka, creme de violette, lemon and orgeat, and the “Bouldervarider” with bourbon, aperol and cocchi torino.

4 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

BRUNCH

Tangerine

tangerineeats.com

BREAKFAST + FOOD ON THE HILL + VEGETARIAN

BREWERY

Avery Brewing Co. averybrewing.com

The Corner

thecornerboulder.com The Corner has been a top hangout for students, professors, families and professionals on The Hill since opening day 10 years ago. “Everyone is welcome here, and the menu is diverse enough that everyone can find something they like,” said Owner Peter Howser.

That diverse menu flows from breakfast burritos and bagel sandwiches with kombucha and cappuccinos through lunch and dinner with fish tacos, paleo bowls, rice and quinoa bowls featuring international sauces, homemade soups and salads and ciabatta sandwiches.

“I love that we live in Boulder and can provide something for the community,” Howser said.

“People are happy when they’re here.” In addition to the wideranging menu, three outdoor patios plus homemade cocktails and microbrews have helped land The Corner on Boulder Best lists for years.

Runner Up for Best Breakfast (TIE): Tangerine, tangerineeats.com; Walnut Cafe, walnutcafe.com Runner Up for Best Vegetarian: Leaf, leafvegetarianrestaurant.com

A Boulder-based brewery for more than 25 years, Avery Brewing Co. is “committed to producing eccentric ales and lagers that defy styles and categories,” according to Avery CEO Elton Andres Knight.

Blending Old World tradition and expertise with ingenuity, creativity and boldness, Avery brews are thoroughly American and epitomize the best of Boulder. From Avery’s brewpub to-go and dine-in menu, taproom and dogfriendly outdoor patio, there’s always a great place to savor one of Avery’s new releases or year-round classics. “I couldn’t be more proud of the team at Avery and their commitment to producing a top quality product each and every day,” Knight said. “We consider ourselves lucky to be part of the Boulder community, and we thank all of the citizens of this great city for their continued support.”

“I love that we live in Boulder and can provide something for the community.

People are happy when they’re here.”

– Peter Howser, owner, The Corner

For more than 10 years, Tangerine has been named Best Brunch in Boulder County, thanks in part to the innovative and locally inspired menu.

After much customer feedback, chef, founder and proprietor Alec Schuler developed the first Tangerine breakfast burritos, in sausage and vegetarian options, during the early days of COVID-19, and he’s now added breakfast tacos, Mexican eggs benedict and huevos rancheros. “The popular demand for Tex-Mex has been incredible,” said Schuler, whose restaurant has traditionally blended American flavors with Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

Next month Schuler will update the menu again with a fried version of Tangerine’s beloved chicken sandwich.

Natural, farm-fresh ingredients are the foundation of each dish, and seasonal vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free fare is available, alongside Tangerine’s full bar and locally roasted Salto coffees. From Schuler’s opening day in 2011, he said, “It’s been my goal to offer the best brunch in the Front Range.”

BURGER

World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill darkhorsebar.com

World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill is “obsessed with the best possible burger,” said General Manager Sean James.

“We go to extreme lengths to make our hamburgers perfect, from testing for the percentage of fat to the tensile strength, or COLORADO DAILY

the force to bite into the burger,” he said. “But at the end of the day, the question is ‘Does it taste good?’” From Dark Horse’s popular hickory bacon burger to their jiffy burger topped with provolone, bacon and of course, peanut butter, the answer has been a resounding “yes” to great taste since 1975. Decorated floor to ceiling with movie props and turn-of-the-century antiques, the bar and grill’s eclectic atmosphere, famously meaty wings and distinctive burgers make Dark Horse a winner for lunch, dinner and special celebrations.

CHINESE

China Gourmet

chinagourmetmenu.com More than 30 years into serving traditional Chinese food in Boulder County, Joy Fan, owner of China Gourmet, and her team are still celebrating the joy of Chinese cooking. “I like to see the families coming here to eat their dinner and their smiles,” Fan said. A lover of natural food, Fan steers clear of MSG and is happy to accommodate the dietary needs and choices of her customers. “We can prepare things gluten-free and made to order, and we can vary the spice level,” Fan said. Nothing is served from a can, and natural meats and fresh vegetables shine in China Gourmet’s most popular dishes. Fan’s egg foo young features fried seasoned vegetables and egg patties topped with a garlic sauce, and the mu shu chicken combines eggs, cabbage, carrots, onions and wood-ear mushrooms with a hoisin sauce and is served with authentic flour pancakes.

COFFEE

FRENCH

OZO Coffee Company

Le French Café

lefrenchcafeboulder.com

ozocoffee.com

Founded in 2007, OZO Coffee Company counts two Pearl Street espresso cafes among its five Boulder County locations serving heaps of coffee daily.

From seed to cup, the coffee roaster and retail operator is committed to sourcing ethically and sustainably grown coffees from around the world. OZO’s full brew bars offer dozens of coffee drinks and espressos, as well as in-house baked pastries and on-tap Nitro cold brew and kombucha. For those eager to enjoy OZO coffee from home as well as downtown, OZO’s iconic organic blends, including a breakfast blend, house favorite, Mocha Java, Isabelle Espresso and decaf blend, are now available via premium and roaster’s choice subscription services.

salted caramel or nutella and the savory crepes such as the St. Tropez prepared with buckwheat (gluten-free) or white flour and stuffed with bell peppers, tomatoes and onions. “We thank all our amazing team who work really hard and want to introduce our amazing executive chef Jenna, who brings her passion and talent for cooking (and) will soon launch her brand new dinner menu,” said Agnes Garrigou. “So when you are in Boulder, come say bonjour to us.”

ICE CREAM A casual French restaurant serving break, lunch and pastries, Le French Café is owned by the French duo Agnes and Quentin Garrigou, who opened Le French in 2017 after first operating a restaurant in France. The quiches and croissant sandwiches are customer favorites, as are the sweet crepes filled with

Sweet Cow Ice Cream

sweetcowicecream.com Each day is a celebration at Sweet Cow Ice Cream, said Maureen O’Neill, a Sweet Cow field agent. “We want to provide a tiny corner in the world where joy is abundant and people come together,” she explained, adding, “You

CIDERY/WINERY

Acreage

acreageco.com Acreage by Stem Ciders is “constantly looking for new ways to deliver new experiences and flavors to our guests through food, cider and fun,” said Sarah Ingraham, Acreage director of restaurant operations.

Thanks to “constant innovation,” she said,” there’s something new almost every week,” with ciders as varied as the salted cucumber, a dry cider finished with fresh pressed cucumber juice; the lava flow, a cider exploding with pineapple and strawberry flavors; and the crab apple, where granny smith acidity melds with the earthy tang of tart crab apples.

Come for the drinks and stay for classes and events or savor a meal at the cider-inspired restaurant and outdoor patio overlooking the Front Range.

5 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

Thanks for Voting The Corner Best Food on the Hill, Best Breakfast & Best Vegetarian Breakfast Burritos, Fish Tacos, Paleo Bowls, Chicken Pesto Sandwiches, Soups and Salads

aT THe corner oF 13TH & colleGe on THe Hill • 1100 13TH ST 720-398-8331 • thecornerboulder.com

COLORADO DAILY

will often hear us say that we scoop smiles for a living.”

Smile-inducing Sweet Cow flavors include old faithfuls like “super delicious vanilla” as well as Sweet Cow’s luscious praline and cream, caramel latte, fruity pebbles and bourbon cornflake crunch. A couple vegan offerings and sorbets are blended daily, and customers can check out the day’s flavors on the website or app.

Runner Up: Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato, glaciericecream.com

INDIAN/ NEPALESE

Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant and Bar Kitchen sherpasrestaurant.com

Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant and Bar opened its doors in 2002 with a desire to bring delicious Himalayan cuisine and some Himalayan culture to Colorado. “As the name implies, there are genuine Sherpas from the Himalaya here to bring a little of Nepal and Tibet to Boulder,” the chefs at Sherpa’s like to say.

Traditional and stuffed naan as well as a variety of dips and fried breads start the menu, with favorite entrees include Tibetan noodles, sherpa stew with homemade dumplings, curries and tandoori.

Runner Up: The Taj Indian Cuisine, tajindianboulder. wpcomstaging.com

ITALIAN

Carelli’s of Boulder Ristorante Italiano carellis.com

Since 1991, when Greg Carelli opened his namesake eatery as a sub shop, Careill’s has aimed to serve as “the trattoria,” Italian for “that local place that everybody goes to,” he explained. “We’ve been around for a long time, and people are comfortable here. The menu hasn’t changed; we continue to offer the best of Italian food,” he said, from classics such as pappardelle carbonara, scampi and gnocchi, as well as original pasta dishes such as Scozzi, a lighter dish with sautéed chicken, artichoke hearts and broccoli. “Fresh fish every 6 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

night, including Colorado trout, and risotto dishes are also customer favorites,” he added.

Cozy fireplaces throughout the restaurant and bar, birch wood accents, mosaic tiles and warm lighting create an intimate, laid-back ambience. Delectable desserts and an expansive wine list complement every meal, and gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.

Runner Up: Gondolier Italian Eatery, gondolieritalianeatery.com

MEXICAN

Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina efrainsrestaurant.com

“Real traditional Mexican food” is always fresh and spicy at Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, said Christian Piñón, general manager and Efrain’s nephew. Efrain’s features dishes prepared in the authentic Northern Chihuahua style, a high altitude desert region where Efrain first learned to cook from his mom and where the chilies are fiery and the flavors are robust.

Efrain’s has even developed a loyal fan base around the Boulder mainstay’s chimichangas, fajitas and chili verde. Piñón said, “As an authentic, family-owned and -operated Mexican restaurant, we sincerely appreciate the love and support we receive from our amazing customers. Serving you all for the last 24 years has been a pleasure, and we hope to continue to do so for a very long time.”

PIZZA

(3-WAY TIE)

Abo’s Pizza

abos-pizza.com

With two locations in Boulder, one at 637 S. Broadway and one at 2761 Iris Ave., Abo’s has grown into one of the Front Range’s favorite New York-style pizza joints. That still means housemade ingredients, hand-tossed and authentic Neapolitan pie, plus 100% real mozzarella – no national TV ads, robot deliveries or artificial fillers. Abo’s original University Hill location opened in 1977 and was the standard destination for CU students, long before pizza became a Colorado connoisseur fetish like craft beer.

Abo’s pizza is traditional pizzastyled pizza, and you’ll still be able to score a massive slice of extremely thin-crust pie, plus salads, all in a decidedly nonfancy atmosphere.

Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage

thepizzagarage.com A more contemporary spin on the pizza game, Audrey Jane’s (2657 13th St.) caught the attention of the Food Network’s

“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” – yes, the Guy with the hair – for providing its one-of-a-kind pizza experience. The pie here is still traditional New York style but also spins together some inspiration from San Francisco and real Italian sensibilities, part of namesake owner Audrey’s experiences while studying journalism abroad. She then worked for five years in California with 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, before returning to her native Colorado to launch the Pizza Garage with her brother, Peter.

Expect a slightly more Boulderinspired level of creativity, with vegan and veggie pie options, plus kale salads and roasted cauliflower.

Cosmo’s Pizza cosmospizza.com

Some good things in Boulder don’t last, and that’s sadly also the story with the Hill location of Cosmo’s Pizza, which closed its doors last fall after more than 20 years of serving as a rite of passage for students. Luckily, fans of the Samoan, the calzones and even the party salad haven’t lost everything to gentrification: Cosmo’s still features two local shops at 659 30th Street and at 3117 28th Street, plus an ever-expanding family of stores in Denver and Fort Collins. And that means lots of opportunities to enjoy Cosmo’s hand-tossed pie, with veggie options, white pizza and the sizzling Maverick (cream cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno and bacon). Don’t forget the mousse or the tiramisu for dessert.

SANDWICH

Snarf’s Sandwiches eatsnarfs.com

You might not expect a sandwich company that first emerged 26 years ago in a building called The Shack on the outer edge of Pearl Street to turn into Colorado’s most promising home-grown enterprise. That’s what’s happened to Jimmy “Snarf” Seidel, as his early success here and in Metro Denver now includes more than two dozen Snarfs and his Snarfburger offshoot, plus outlets in Austin, Texas and St. Louis – all featuring distinctive art by Jen Haley. Seidel is rather ambitiously planning for 30 more restaurants in just under four years. The secret? Those fine toasted sandwiches, which outclass the global chains by a million degrees.

The Italian, the New York Steak and a wide array of salads, soups and vegetarian and gluten-free choices are satisfying sandwich fans across the country.

SUSHI

Japango

boulderjapango.com Sushi has always been a big part of the Boulder dining scene, but an absolutely consistent favorite is found at Japango, right in the heart of the Pearl Street Mall. It’s also a labor of love for Owners

Jon and Erin Banis, who have been running the perennial favorite since 2007. From an attractive happy hour to everevolving but unbelievably fresh and well-presented variations on classic sushi and other Japanese favorites, Japango functions as both a great hangout and a top dinner destination. That includes nigiri and house special maki rolls (try the Aquaman – salmon, cream cheese, tempura asparagus and smelt roe, topped with avocado, honey and macadamia nuts). Even better, the Banis family has also been significant contributors and leaders in the #BoulderStrong initiative and a campaign to provide more than $100,000 to frontline workers during the pandemic, demonstrating that they’re committed to giving back to the community.

Runner Up: Sushi Zanmai sushizanmai.com

TACO (2-WAY TIE)

Bartaco

bartaco.com

Boulder has indeed become a hot spot for higher-end taco joints, so the arrival of Bartaco, with locations in a dozen states, is not a surprise. What is perhaps more interesting than everyone else’s south-of-the-border options is Bartaco’s inventive vibe, and an array of secret, off-the-menu items to add some appeal to hard-core regulars. It’s definitely not a Tex-Mex street taco place, at all, with flavors and menu directions pulled from beach communities in South America and California.

The Pearl Street Mall location mixes an afternoon and latenight happy hour with a regular (and delivery/to-go) menu that starts with Baja fish tacos and escalates with Argentinian-style seared chorizo, plus anchocrusted tuna, lamb, duck or even mushroom, cauliflower or falafel tacos.

T/aco

tacocolorado.com T/aco, located at 1175 Walnut Street in Boulder, elevates the idea of street tacos from food truck to indoor perfection.

Manager Brad Cobb said T/aco’s 10th anniversary is a pretty clear sign of the very independent restaurant’s success – from an all-female cooking staff, largely from Zacatecas, to the friendly service its servers and bartenders provide to its customers. Cobb said T/aco is also the only place around that hand-mills its corn to make tortillas. T/aco’s menu offers a slightly wider range of nouveau-Mexican taco choices, including the cheesy grilled cojita and guacamole taco, plus grilled red snapper or ahi tuna, barbacoa, chipotle-marinated chicken, braised duck and tequila-marinated shrimp tacos.

COLORADO DAILY

VIETNAMESE/PHO

THAI

Aloy Thai

Chez Thuy

Aloy – “delicious” in Thai – lives up to its name, with freshlypresented dishes that capture all the exotic flavor and both gluten-free and vegetarian options you might expect. That includes a full range of noodle soups (Tom Yum, for instance) plus traditional, spicy wok fry dinners (Prig Prow or Kra Prow, loaded with fresh chilis and Thai basil), as well as a wide range of red, green and yellow curries. Located at 2720 Canyon Blvd., the successful Boulder business is growing to include two Denver restaurants, with owner Kim Naka’s daughters Bo Bean and Arisa Chanchokpong running slightly lighter versions of their mother’s menu. But it’s the Boulder flagship that got the attention of the Food Network’s Guy Fieri during his show of “College-Town Champs” – he was perhaps expecting more cheeseburger joints, but instead found a fabulously authentic Thai spot that has stood the test of time.

Another long standing Boulder tradition, Chez Thuy has been a staple of authentic and wonderfully diverse Vietnamese cuisine since 1993. That means a mixture of Thai, Indonesian, French and Chinese dining traditions, with a menu that ranges from traditional Vietnamese Pho to noodle and curry dishes – and lots of choices for both vegetarians and folks looking for gluten-free options. Credit that success to namesake Thuy Le, the Saigonborn owner who established one of Colorado’s first Vietnamese restaurants before renovating the Old Saigon Restaurant on 28th Avenue and creating one of Boulder’s namesake eateries. From the grilled combination plate to standard fare such as spring rolls or truly multicultural choices (a very popular Malaysian seafood dish), Thuy has you covered.

aloymodernthai.com

chezthuy.com

E T FITNESS

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BIKE SHOP

University Bicycles ubikes.com

Beth Leibo, general manager of Pearl Street’s University Bicycles, used to have a standard test for a bike shop experience, when she was a rep with Pearl Izumi: “As a middle-aged woman, I would see if anyone would actually talk with me when I walked in. If they didn’t, I’d leave, and they wouldn’t carry my stuff.” Leibo has adapted that mantra to the philosophy behind the absolutely inclusive and friendly atmosphere at University Bicycles, where riders (or newcomers) of every shape, size and fitness level are welcome, and treated equally – with none of the bro/gearhead vibe you might find at other bike shops. “We all have a great time, and we really want to provide all the opportunities for anyone who walks in,” she says. Now in its 35th year of business, the bikes, the service and the apparel are all second to making customers feel at home.

EYE CARE PROVIDER

Envision Boulder envisionboulder.com

After her father, Dr. Jeff Smith, landed at Envision Boulder in the mid-’80s, Dr. Jennifer Smith is the second generation of her family to help run a business that has served the vision and eye care needs of Boulderites since the late 1960s. “We really focus on patient care and the delivery of the best products available,” the younger Smith says, who began work at Envision in 2018. “I love being able to help people do their jobs better and live better, with better vision. And unlike chain stores, we’re able to give very individualized patient care and treatment.”

7 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

OUTDOOR GEAR STORE Neptune Mountaineering

neptunemountaineering.com

MEDICAL FACILITY

(2-WAY TIE)

Boulder Medical Center

Boulder Community Health

Comprehensive care is putting it mildly. Boulder Medical Center is a group of over 85 primary care and specialty care providers with clinics in Boulder, Louisville, Longmont and Erie. Their primary care services include family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Specialty care departments include allergy, dermatology, OBGYN (including LGBTQ+ care), orthopedics, and more. It’s locally owned and independent, which allows the organization to evolve and grow to meet the needs of the communities it serves. “We are deeply honored to receive the ‘Best Medical Facility’ award,” says Marketing Coordinator Julia Stephens. “Boulder Medical Center has been a trusted community resource for generations, and we are pleased that our neighbors know they can count on us for high-quality and compassionate healthcare.”

Boulder Community Health is a community ownedand-operated not-for-profit health system dedicated to providing local access to high-quality medical care to people and businesses in Boulder and surrounding areas. It’s known statewide for its clinical excellence in heart care, neurosurgery, stroke care, orthopedics and cancer care.

Boulder Community Health was an early adopter of new technologies and medical techniques that improve patient care. The organization’s flagship Foothills Hospital is a state-ofthe-art medical facility boasting amenities that can make your visit very comfortable. If something is troubling you, healthwise, get to BCH. You’ll be treated with respect and compassion by healthcare providers who demonstrate accountability, transparency and the highest ethical standards.

bouldermedicalcenter.com

bch.org

“We’re really excited about being voted the Best Outdoor Gear Store in this year’s CU & Boulder’s Best,” says Neptune’s Outreach Manager Cameron Martindell. “We’re sure it has to do with the key retail elements of having a great selection of gear; knowledgeable, friendly and deeply experienced staff; and a beautiful store with Gary Neptune’s world class mountaineering museum on display to browse and learn.

But it’s also because Neptune is an original Boulder gear store founded in 1973 to serve the adventurous souls who play amongst what nature has provided in this area.”

Neptune has some amazing in-store events coming up (Thursdays at 7 p.m.) including Estes Park-based Tommy Caldwell on May 5 talking about a climbing shoe he developed and his epic adventure through Rocky Mountain National Park linking all the iconic peaks in one push. Check the upcoming events calendar on the website for more!

COLORADO DAILY

E T SERVICES +

Boulder with the best fresh cut flowers, floral arrangements, house plants, bedding plants, and garden supplies. Over the years, they added greeting cards and home décor, and now Sturtz & Copeland is widely known for incredibly tasteful floral arrangements for weddings and funerals, too.

Big news, though: Sturtz and Copeland has moved to 3550 Arapahoe Road! “Sturtz and Copeland has been a part of the Boulder community since 1929 and has maintained the goal of quality products and a knowledgeable staff,” says Owner Sarah Schmitz. “We are so grateful for the support from the community and are honored to be recognized!”

HAIR SALON

Pompadours

BANK/CREDIT UNION + MORTGAGE COMPANY

pompadours.com

Elevations Credit Union

elevationscu.com At first blush, Elevations Credit Union may look like a traditional bank. It offers the services you’d expect there.

But unlike a bank, Elevations’ profits are reinvested back into its neighbors and local businesses. “Our commitment to excellence, our impact on the community, our customer service and our unique workplace environment are just a few of the things that make us the best bank/credit union in Colorado,” says Elevations marketing campaigns manager Anne Preble. “We’re also the first credit union to earn the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2014, and the only company in Colorado to earn the distinction twice when we received it again in 2020.” Elevations is the No. 1 credit union lender in Colorado for residential mortgages, with competitive rates and excellent customer service recognized as Boulder’s Best Mortgage Company and honored by the Colorado Association of Realtors® as an inaugural Diversity & Inclusion award winner. “Boulder is our hometown, and we are proud to be a part of a community that celebrates its members and always shows up to provide support in times of need,” says Preble.

8 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

COSTUME SHOP The Ritz

the-ritz.squarespace.com The Ritz is Boulder’s incomparable, beloved costume shop – the “party before the party,” as it were. It’s been in the same spot in downtown Boulder for 40 years in no small part because, over the decades, The Ritz’ staff has been gifted, to say the least, in helping customers bring their costume visions into reality. “We focus on and value our relationship with the amazing community in Boulder,” says Owner Susan Nutting. “We strive to meet and exceed expectations by always incorporating the new and fabulous into the mix along with the tried and true.

There’s always something new and you never know what you might find!” Staff favorites this year include sequined jackets, patterned bell bottoms, wild wigs, rhinestone glasses and forever disco! “We’re so grateful to be a part of this beautiful Boulder community,” Susan adds. “Boulder, party on!”

FLORIST/ GARDEN CENTER Sturtz and Copeland

sturtzandcopeland.com For 93 years, Sturtz and Copeland has been supplying

Pompadours is a premier Denver-Boulder hair salon that has been located on the Pearl Street Mall since 1990.

Owners Lisa Fraser and Edward Donisvitch have long sought out the best and brightest artists in the hair community.

Pompadours takes pride in providing the latest styles and techniques in cut, color, makeup, bridal services and facial waxing. Pompadours is an Aveda Concept Salon, so customers are offered the complete line of Aveda hair care, skin care, makeup, body care and environmental air care products. This is Pompadour’s 19th win in this category, which illustrates its value to the community.

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LIQUOR STORE

PET BOARDING + PET DAYCARE + PET GROOMING

Hazel’s Beverage World

Bowhaus

hazelsboulder.com

Hazel’s always seems to win this category, but not by accident. Hazel’s carries more than 15,000 unique products in a huge store, but takes being local seriously. It proudly offers Boulder County’s largest selection of wine, beer, spirits, cigars and specialty foods.

Hazel’s has it! And if you don’t know what the heck you want, a Flight Crew member will steer you right. “We appreciate how consistently we are voted CU & Boulder’s Best,” says Marketing Director Hayley Boreen. “We continuously try to keep up with the consumer, adjusting to what is needed, and providing support to the community we are a part of.” This year is Hazel’s 10th anniversary, and there’s a celebration shindig going down in June to thank all of the store’s Frequent Flyers. Keep an eye out for it.

bowhausco.com

MOVING COMPANY

Taylor Moving taylormove.com

Book your move with the most awarded moving company on the Front Range – Taylor Moving! Year after year, Taylor Moving has earned awards such as these because people are deeply loyal to their honest, experienced, reliable movers that know how to make your

move as easy and worry-free as possible. Whether it’s a residential or commercial move, Taylor offers an experienced loading and unloading crew, self storage and shipping containers and has climate-controlled secure storage available for their moving customers. Doing it yourself? Okay, but do you need a hand with loading or unloading your own truck?

Taylor can do that too. All local moves include free full coverage insurance!

You won’t have a better experience with doggy daycare, grooming and boarding than at Bowhaus Boulder. They know how nerve-wracking it is to trust your pet to someone else, and there is a ton of work put into ensuring your dog’s safety and comfort. Bowhaus boasts 5,000 square feet of fully turfed outdoor play and nearly 3,000 square feet of indoor fun. Daycare and boarding at Bowhaus is just plain fun and safe for everyone. Grooming – from blueberry facials to ear cleaning – is conducted to the highest safety standards by experienced professionals in a full-service salon, (Tip: book a grooming appointment with offer code “OPEN Grooming Special” and get a free day of daycare for a future visit.)

At Bowhaus, you can expect outstanding care for your dog, regardless of its size, breed and personality.

“We appreciate how consistently we are voted CU & Boulder’s Best.”

– Hayley Boreen, marketing director, Hazel’s

THANK YOU

BOULDER FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!

Boulder’s Best Brunch Mon thru Fri 7:30am to 1:30pm Sat & Sun 7:30am to 2:00pm Boulder: 2777 Iris Ave. Lafayette: 300 S. Public Rd. Longmont: 379 Main St.

tangerineeats.com 9 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

Where people and pets are family

Thank you Boulder!

Best Pet Grooming Pet Daycare & Pet Boarding Company 6560 Odell Pl, Boulder 415 Jones Ct, Erie bowhausco.com COLORADO DAILY

PET PRODUCT STORE

P.C.’s Pantry pcspantry.com

From its start in a house on Walnut Street in 1998 to its current home at 30th and Bluff, P.C.’s Pantry has loved and cared for several generations of Boulder’s beloved pets. Stop in for a Barkday cake, some healthy pet food, and a toy or accessory for your dog or cat.

“Everyone at P.C.’s Pantry strives to give the best service to both the animal customers as well as their guardians,” says Owner Mary Lee Withers. “We are very thankful we were able to stay open during the pandemic, which is a testament to how much our customers love their animals. We certainly want to say thank you to everyone for the continued support!”

REAL ESTATE COMPANY (2-WAY TIE)

RE/MAX of Boulder

WK Real Estate

RE/MAX of Boulder is recognized locally and nationally as a leader in the real estate industry with more than 100 award-winning Realtors who are among the best in the nation. “We believe we have the best agents, plain and simple,” says Managing Broker Todd Gullette. “Their care, understanding and tenacity has allowed our office to be extremely helpful during this tough market.”

While RE/MAX of Boulder tends to operate at the highest level of technology, RE/MAX of Boulder is renowned for its tradition of excellence and culture of care. “This can’t be bought or replaced by an app and our customers really appreciate that,” says Gullette. “We are so grateful for the relationships we have been able to build with our clients and the trust they have placed with us.”

WK Real Estate is the largest independent real estate company in Boulder County and has been in operation for 46 years. Their local experts know their markets and communities and will leave no stone unturned in helping you find the right home. “We love this community, and it’s part of who we are,” says marketing technology director Amanda Kelley. “Our agents and staff live, work and play here. The people we help are our neighbors, friends and community members.”

WK Real Estate is family owned, flexible and adaptable. “Experience, exceptional service and lifelong relationship building is what WK is all about,” says Kelley. “Our clients work with us over and over again and refer friends and family members to their WK agents.”

SUNGLASS & EYEGLASS STORE

cutting edge of new technology with prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and lenses. “We have the largest selection of eye wear in Boulder, which include high quality and exclusive lines,” says owner Jen Ebner. “Our customer service is incomparable, and our customer loyalty contributes profoundly to our success. Our customers are more like family!” Students: whether it’s time for your first eye exam or an updated prescription, get to Aspen Eyewear like Boulder’s been doing since 1985.

boulderco.com

wkre.com

Aspen Eyewear aspeneyewear.com

Aspen Eyewear has been in Boulder for more than 37 years on the strength of its huge selection of eye wear and the expertise of its certified opticians. We’re talking about a combined 200 years of experience for this woman-owned local business. Aspen does its good work on the

THANK YOU FOR VOTING SHOE STORE Two Sole Sisters twosolesisters.com

They really are sisters! Laurel and Lindsay Tate credit their grandmother’s amazing shoe collection for their own obsession with footwear. It’s been said that the Tate sisters have delivered “fashion fit for New York with comfort fit for the Foothills.” Two Sole Sisters is genuinely warm and inviting. No pouncing on you. No hard sell. After all, when you can shoe shop in peace at your own pace, you’re probably going to get a pair you truly love. Staff at Two Sole Sisters will gladly help you navigate the incredible selection of shoes, handbags and accessories or just let you do your thing.

10 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

BEST HAIR SALON 17 YEARS RUNNING!

303-938-8015

1320 P E ARL S TR EE T LOCATED UPSTAIRS ON THE PEARL STREET MALL EST. 1990

WWW.POMPADOURS.COM COLORADO DAILY

2022 BEST BAKERY Moxie Bread Co. Runner Up: Lucky’s Bakehouse and Creamery

BEST BAR The Bitter Bar

I N R

Runner Up for Best Breakfast (TIE): Tangerine Runner Up for Best Breakfast (TIE): Walnut Cafe Runner Up for Best Vegetarian: Leaf

BEST BREAKFAST +BEST FOOD ON THE HILL + BEST BEST BREWERY VEGETARIAN Avery Brewing Co. The Corner

BEST BRUNCH Tangerine

BEST BURGER World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill BEST CHINESE China Gourmet BEST CIDERY/ WINERY Acreage

BEST INDIAN/ BEST COFFEE Ozo Coffee Company NEPALESE Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant and BEST FRENCH Bar Kitchen Le French Café Runner Up: The Taj Indian Cuisine

BEST ICE CREAM BEST ITALIAN Sweet Cow Ice Cream Carelli’s of Boulder Runner Up: Ristorante Italiano Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato

Runner Up: Gondolier Italian Eatery

BOULDER’S BEST FOR OFF CAMPUS HOUSING Love where you live. It’s this idea that drives us to create living spaces that truly fit our residents’lifestyles. That’s why we’re proud to offer updated apartments and townhomes with an array of wonderful features, like cozy fireplaces, bonus rooms, and private patios. The largest of their kind in all of Boulder, the Habitat Apartments and Townhomes has something for everybody, with floor plans ranging from studio to three-bedroom units. It gets even better! Our updated outdoor amenities include charging stations for electric vehicles, a heated swimming pool, lush courtyards, an outdoor kitchen with new grills, a fire pit area, and community gardens for growing your favorite plants & flowers and composting. It has everything you need for warm summer nights grilling out with friends.

If you feel like trekking out, you’re in luck. We’re also close to Twin Lakes, Gunbarrel Commons Park, with access to the LoBo trail and miles of hiking paths. We’re just a couple of miles away from North Boulder’s Art District. And we’re proud to be the home of Tatanka, one Boulder’s most notable artists Mitch Levin’s, eclectic bison sculpture. We’re also within walking distance to the neighborhood grocery store, several restaurants, and some of the country’s best craft breweries.

So come explore your new home! We promise you’ll love it.

First Range Management Quietly Serving Boulder since 1987

11 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

www.habitatapts.com 6255 Habitat Dr. Boulder, CO 80301

303.530.2212 COLORADO DAILY

Best Mexican Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant Best Pizza (3-Way Tie) Abo's Pizza Audrey Jane's Pizza Garage Cosmo’s Pizza

Best Thai Aloy Thai Best Vietnamese/Pho Chez Thuy Best Bike Shop University Bicycles

Best Bank/Credit Union AND Best Mortgage Company Elevations Credit Union

Best Pet Boarding + Best Pet Daycare + Best Pet Grooming Bowhaus

Best Costume Shop The Ritz

Best Pet Product Store PC's Pantry

Best Sandwich Snarf's Sandwiches

Best Florist/Garden Best Eye Care Provider Center Sturtz and Copeland Envision Boulder

Best Sushi Japango Runner Up: Sushi Zanmai

Best Medical Facility (2-Way Tie) Boulder Medical Center Boulder Community Health

Best Taco (2-Way Tie) Bartaco T/aco

Best Outdoor Gear Store Neptune Mountaineering

Best Hair Salon Pompadours Best Liquor Store Hazel's Beverage World Best Moving Company Taylor Moving

Best Real Estate Company (2-Way TIE) RE/MAX of Boulder WK Real Estate Best Shoe Store Two Sole Sisters Best Sunglass & Eyeglass Store Aspen Eyewear

E L E VAT I O N S

Thank you FOR VOTING US BEST BANK & BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY.

Personal & Business Banking l Mortgage Loans l Commercial Loans l Business Loans l elevationscu.com l 303.443.4672 Equal Housing Opportunity

Federally insured

by NCUA

12 CU & BOULDER’S BEST 2022

COLORADO DAILY