Best of Boulder East County 10.27.2022

Windows and doors built for Colorado

Brian Goldberg Founder / Co-Owner

We’ve come a long way together...

One of the best things

is

can do to help advance

Reduce plastic production and pollution by banning single-use plastics and redesigning products and packaging.

Scale up composting and carbon farming to sequester carbon—a powerful climate solution.

Advance statewide legislation to help more Colorado communities reduce waste and make recycling accessible to all Coloradans.

Export the Boulder County Zero Waste model to communities everywhere.

more at ecocycle.org

Publisher, Fran Zankowski Circulation Manager, Cal Winn

Publisher, Fran Zankowski Circulation Manager, Cal Winn

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief, Caitlin Rockett Arts & Culture Editor, Jezy J. Gray General Assignment Reporter, Will Matuska Food Editor, John Lehndorff Contributor, Colin Wrenn Intern, Chad Robert Peterson

SALES AND MARKETING Market Development Manager, Kellie Robinson

Account Executives, Matthew Fischer, Carter Ferryman, Chris Allred Mrs. Boulder Weekly, Mari Nevar

PRODUCTION

Art Director, Susan France Senior Graphic Designer, Mark Goodman

CIRCULATION TEAM

Sue Butcher, Ken Rott, Chris Bauer

BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper, Emily Weinberg

Founder/CEO, Stewart Sallo Editor-at-Large, Joel Dyer

COVER PHOTO: SUSAN FRANCE

COVER MODEL: HARLEY PARSONS, LOCATION, LONGMONT CLIMBING COLLECTIVE

elcome to our annual issue

our

picks for the Best of Boulder East County.

It gives us joy to put this issue together each year — what’s not to love about celebrating the businesses, organizations and people who make our lives better? From restaurants and bars to schools and hospitals, this issue is devoted to highlighting the businesses that our read ers turn to again and again. If you’re in need of a good drink, a place to dance or the best cup of joe in town, the answer lies within these pages.

You’ll see that each category has an overall winner (the top vote getters) and often town winners that also racked up a respect able amount of your votes.

Each year we select a few businesses to feature in a little more detail, so keep an eye out for breakouts where we spoke to owners at 25 Carrot Bistro, Left Hand Brewing, Ollin Farms, Yoga Pod and more to fnd out why they love what they do, and why they think readers love it too.

We’re raising our glasses in a toast to these Best of Boulder East County winners, but also shouting a loud “salud” to all of our readers who took the time to share their thoughts and preferences in our annual poll. Our community members and the businesses that provide our services, sustenance, and material goods are the reason we’re here. We can’t wait to hear from you again next year.

Best of Boulder East County is a special issue of Boulder Weekly, which is available every Thursday throughout the county.

COUNTY ’2 2 I

303.494.5511 690 S.

Lashley Lane, Boulder, CO 80305

JOHNNY B OF THE BURROUGHS BAND AT NISSI’S ENTERTAINMENT VENUE AND EVENTS CENTER

BAKERY Moxie Bread Company

641 Main St., Louisville, 720-420-9616

Longmont Winner: Babette’s Artisan Bread Lafayette Winner: Button Rock Bakery Write-In Winner: Jeannot’s Patisserie & Bistro

The highly-awarded Moxie has been turning heads since 2015 with its impressive bread, pastries and breakfast and lunch plates. Challah, sourdough, baguettes and a range of ciabatta all showcase organic, heirloom grains and a slow fermentation process.

BAGELS

Moe’s Broadway Bagel

Multiple locations across Boulder County

Longmont Winner: Big Daddy Bagels Broomfield Winner: First Watch Write-In Winner: Woodgrain

With humble beginnings in a North Boulder strip mall, Moe’s Broadway Bagel has grown into a morning staple for bagel lovers across the front range. Six of the seven locations are in Boulder County, each one as cozy as the first. The presence of a dozen house-made cream cheeses is reason enough to visit.

ASIAN FUSION

Busaba

133 McCaslin Blvd., Unit H, Louisville, 303-665-0330

Longmont Winner: East Moon Asian Bistro Lafayette Winner: Pho Café Write-In Winner: Jai Thai

With locations in both Boulder and Lafayette, Busaba has been serving inspired Thai classics since it opened in 2010. Feast on col orful curries, plenty of noodles and a thorough section of vegetarian entrees, though be sure to save room for the mango mousse cake.

ANDY CLARK, OWNER OF MOXIE BREAD COMPANY

BARBECUE

Georgia Boys BBQ

250 Third Ave., Longmont, 720-999-4099

Lyons Winner: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brews

Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ East Boulder Winner: KT’s BBQ

FOOD

Georgia natives Nick Reckinger and Matt Alexander opened the doors of Georgia Boys BBQ in 2011 in a converted 100-year-old shack reminiscent of the kind of places they grew up scoring ’cue. Traditional meat combos share the menu with Korean BBQ fries, a chees esteak and a barbecue salad.

DONUTS

LaMar’s Donuts & Coffee

133 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-3875

Longmont Winner: Landline Donuts Lafayette Winner: Nok’s Donuts Broomfield Winner: 5280 Donuts Write-In Winner: Winchell’s

With locations in Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Colorado, LaMar’s has been peddling donuts since Ray Lamar opened his first shop in 1960. Over 50 donut fla vors are joined by Bizmarks, knots, cinnamon twists, fritters and LaMar’s bars.

FINE DINING RESTAURANT Sugarbeet

101 Pratt St., Longmont, 303-651-3330

Louisville Winner: 740 Front Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Niwot Winner: 1914 House Write-In Winner: Martini’s Bistro

Sugarbeet’s intimate dining room provides a romantic backdrop for some the area’s fin est New American fare. Dishes like Olathe corn fritters with black garlic aoli, roasted beet and chevre panna cotta and porchetta with mascarpone polenta are matched to a smart wine list that favors France and California.

CHINESE RESTAURANT East Moon Asian Bistro

2144 Main St., Longmont, 303-6848383

Lafayette Winner: Ting’s Place

Louisville Winner: Ginza SushiHibach (formerly Spice China)

East Moon Asian Bistro prepares a robust menu of Japanese, Thai and Chinese standards including basil-rich fried rice, Sriracha beef and a fine assortment of sashimi and nigiri. It’s a good place for an in-house feast and has all the take-out essentials.

INDIAN/NEPALI RESTAURANT Flavor of India

370 Main St., Longmont, 303-682-9010

Lafayette Winner: Tandoori Kitchen Louisville Winner: Taj Mahal III Write-In Winner: Zaika

There’s no chicer place to enjoy Indian standards than Longmont’s own Flavor of India. Curry, korma, masala, saag and vindaloo can all be washed down with one of nine different Indian beers.

Best New Restaurant: Swaylo’s Tiki Bar

1315 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont, 303-651-0527

TOWN WINNERS New Restaurant Niwot Winner: Farow

Swaylo’s Tiki Bar — another restaurant from The Roost’s Sean and Rebecca Gafner — opened in March 2022 in southwest Longmont.

“Swaylo’s is an intersection of three great loves of ours: seafood and other deli cious food from the Pacific Islands, tropical vacations, and great rum,” says Sean. “Also, Tiki is such a fun and appropriate way to put tropical food and deli cious rum on display.”

Even more than his other restaurants, which also include Jefes Taco and Tequila, Swaylo’s seems to channel some of Sean’s most near and dear cooking.

“I spent 18 years as a chef in California so I love working with all of the rich, sustainable seafood of the Pacific Ocean,” says the chef. Hawaiian classics like Spam musubi and loco moco are joined by pan-Asian plates like beef and broc coli, Furikake-crusted salmon and shoyu ramen. Drink-wise, Tiki classics are ren dered with quality spirits, including one that highlights a single-barrel exclusive rum from Longmont’s own Dry Land Distillers. The Vanillakilla — with Plantation original dark rum, orange, pineapple, coconut cream, vanilla and fresh nutmeg — goes down almost too easily.

Swaylo’s is most of all a community spot, driven as much by the jovial ambi ance as it is by the food and cocktails. “Since we moved to Longmont eight years ago to open our first restaurant, The Roost, this community has been unbeliev ingly loving and generous with us and I will do as much as I can to show how much that means to me through everything I do here,” Sean says.

APPETIZERS/TAPAS

The Roost

526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380

Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house

Erie Winner: Piripi Write-In Winner: Farow

Chef-owner Sean Gafner cut his teeth at restaurants across Sacramento, though it was his upbringing on a farm and cattle ranch that informs The Roost’s honest farmto-table aesthetic. Healthy plates including a vegan falafel burger and a smoked qui noa bowl are joined by more decadent options like short rib poutine and beef totchos.

ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT Sweet Cow Ice Cream

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-4269

Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets

Longmont Winner: Scrumptious Write-In Winner: Landline Donuts & Coffee

Sweet Cow first opened its doors at the original Louisville location in 2010 and has since added six additional shops in Denver, Boulder and Longmont. Ten year-round sta ple flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough and mint chocolate chip are joined by a rotating cast of more adventurous options including Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Vegan Thai Iced Tea.

CATERING

Georgia Boys BBQ

250 Third Ave., Longmont, 720-999-4099

Lafayette Winner: Efrain’s Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ East Boulder Winner: A Spice of Life

Georgia Boys’ justifiably-lauded barbe cue is some of the state’s best. Meats and sides by the pound can be ordered for instore pickup or delivered to events and served by an on-site attendant.

Best American Restaurant, Restaurant Service: 24 Carrot Bistro 578 Briggs St., Erie, 303-828-1392

For a restaurant to grace this list 10 sepa rate times, it must be doing something right.

The New American Bistro from Chef Kevin Kidd is indeed one of the more exciting locales in the area, serving up highly-creative and top-tier food and drink from its elegant Erie dining room. Dishes like crispy duck confit with goat cheese polenta and fresh fig and the house made gnocchi with summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, herbs de Provence, burrata and balsamic highlight Kidd’s continued desire to highlight the fresh, sea sonal and local. The cocktails — like the Beija-Flor, with cachaca, apricot liqueur, lime and strawberrymint shrub — are all equally forward-thinking.

Kidd, a Cape Cod native, has been cook ing since he was 14. Since relocating to Colorado in 1999, he’s cut his teeth at local favorites including the Chautauqua Dining Hall, Carelli’s Italian Bistro and Jax Fish House. He and Bradford Heap opened Niwot’s pride and joy, Colterra Food and Wine, in 2005, before the duo opened Salt where he acted as exec utive chef. Before opening 24 Carrot Bistro in 2015, Kidd assumed the same role at the now-shuttered and oft-celebrated Alfalfa’s Market.

TOWN WINNERS American Restaurant

Longmont Winner: The Roost Lafayette Winner: The Post Brewing Company

Louisville Winner: Waterloo Write-In Winner: Piripi Restaurant Service

Longmont Winner: The Roost Lafayette Winner: Community Supper Club Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ

The restaurant is open for lunch, brunch and dinner with items like the eggplant tonkatsu sandwich — topped with plum hoisin, sesame-marinated cabbage and Japanese mayo and served on a brioche bun — illustrating Kidd’s diverse skillset. At brunch, guests can order beignets with lemon curd and calamari with basil aioli alongside a pork belly benedict and a quiche of the day. With a truly delightful menu that spans cuisines, it’s no wonder 24 Carrot Bistro excelled across so many categories.

BUSINESS LUNCH The Roost

526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380

Lafayette Winner: Teocalli Cocina Louisville Winner: 740 Front Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro

A short rib sandwich, a kimchi burger and a mojo pork Cuban make chef-owner Sean Gafner’s hip Longmont haunt the perfect place for a quick and productive after noon meal. Plus, there are lots of options for seating inside, on the patio, or on the roof, to give your business lunch just the kind of atmosphere it deserves.

24 CARROT BISTRO, BARTENDER MANNY SANCHEZ

MEXICAN

Teocalli

103 N. Public Road, Unit C,

Longmont

Jefes

Louisville Winner: Casa Alegre

Write-In

303-284-6597

Pica’s

Old Santa

Head chef Julio Gaspar serves up inspired plates from across Mexican cooking. Tijuana-style birria shares the menu with hamachi ceviche and larger-format dishes like the pork shank pibil and the adobo tuna.

JAPANESE

Sakura

600 S. Airport Road, Longmont, 303-485-9282

Lafayette Winner: Sushi Aji Louisville Winner: Hana Japanese Bistro

Sakura Japanese Cuisine boasts a long list of sushi rolls, teriyaki, curry, katsu and tempura. Opened in 1998, the restaurant has continued to be one of the area’s most beloved purveyors of udon, ramen and a range of truly delightful donburi.

TEOCALLI EMPLOYEE SIMAO MANSUR

RESTAURANT DESSERT Eats and Sweets

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-3287

Longmont Winner: Cheese Importers

Louisville Winner: The Melting Pot Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Write-In Winner: Farow

Eats and Sweets is a true community institution. Over the years it has supported local schools, nonprofits and charities including WOW! Children’s Museum, Rise Against Suicide Colorado and the BVSD Garden-to-Table Program. It also has a knack for dessert, most notably the banana bread ice cream sandwich.

BURGER Waterloo

817 Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094

Longmont Winner: Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Write-In Winner: The Roost

Josh Karp named his restaurant as a tribute to his father’s record store in Austin, Texas, so it should come as no surprise that music at this neighborhood hangout is always on point. The Waterloo Burger — a classic halfpound burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pick les — nicely anchors the menu of American staples.

PLACE TO GO ON FIRST DATE Acreage by Stem Ciders

1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 303-227 3243

Longmont Winner: The Roost Louisville Winner: The Melting Pot Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Write-In Winner: The Read Queen

With all the natural beauty, it should come as no sur prise that Acreage is a great spot for a first date. Add in a few chile guava or salted cucumber ciders and some sea sonal dishes like chilled gazpacho or Mexican-style Colorado corn and it’s hard to imagine sparks not flying.

PIZZA Rosalee’s Pizzeria

461 Main St., Longmont, 303-485-5020

Erie Winner: Abo’s Pizza Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana

Louisville Winner: Lucky Pie Pizza Write-In Winner: Ghost Box Pizza

Billed as an Old World East Coast-style piz zeria, Rosalee’s specializes in classic pies with rustic char. Here, it’s all about the ingredients, with sausage being ground in-house and the smell of fresh garlic and basil enchanting folks from down the block.

526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380

Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Lafayette Winner: The Post Brewing Company

Louisville Winner: Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar

Sean and Rebecca Gafner’s Longmont hotspot domi nates this list for its sharply-executed California cuisine. That its Manhattan relies on the Antero Wheat whiskey from nearby Dry Land Distillers is also a good sign that the Gafners truly know what they’re doing.

EATS & SWEETS BAKER LISA BUSTAMANTE

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Lucky Pie Pizza

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743

Longmont Winner: Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse

Lafayette Winner: Noodles & Company

Kids love the taste of the organic Colorado flour used at Brendan McManus’ pizza restaurant and taphouse. Neighboring Speedwell Farm, Boulder’s Oxford Gardens and Buckner Family Farm supply much of the foundation for the vibrant pies. There’s also bacon peanut brittle.

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Lucile’s Creole Cafe

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

Lafayette Winner: Tangerine Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Broomfield Winner: First Watch Write-In Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro

This is not the first time Lucile’s has topped our readers’ list for Best Breakfast/Brunch, and for good reason. Lucile’s has been cultivating its creole breakfast since opening its first location over four decades ago. Omelets, benedicts and shrimp and grits can and should be enjoyed with at least one plate of beignets.

SEAFOOD

Tortugas

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

Lafayette Winner: REELFISH Fish & Chips

Louisville Winner: 740 Front Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro

Write-In Winner: Swaylo’s Tiki Restaurant & Bar

This Caribbean-style fish house has been serving the Longmont com munity for nearly three decades. Guests can expect Creole barbecue shrimp and smoked salmon wontons ahead of the etouffee, shrimp callaloo and a jambalaya that have put Tortugas on the map.

TAKE-OUT

Georgia Boys BBQ

250 Third Ave., Longmont, 720-999-4099

Lafayette Winner: Tip Top Savory Pies Louisville Winner: Busaba

While Georgia Boys’ Longmont shack has all the trappings of a proper down-home Southern barbecue joint, the robust plates are just as good to-go. While folks can never go wrong with a combo plate, any one of the nine specialty sandwiches makes for particularly good eating while on the move.

VEGGIE BURGER

Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse

600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, 303-651-7886

Lafayette Winner: Morning Glory Cafe Louisville Winner: Waterloo

The Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse, an extension of Boulder’s Mountain Sun empire, has much of the same menu as its older sister. The vegan Beyond Burger comes with lettuce, tomato and onion on a vegan ciabatta and is best washed down with one of the 75 lagers, ales and seasonal specialties that the company brews over the course of the year.

SUSHI RESTAURANT Sushi Hana

2065 Main St., Longmont, 303-485-1055

Lafayette Winner: Sushi Aji Louisville Winner: Sushi Yoshi Niwot Winner: Sachi Sushi

Sushi Hana has dominated this list, appearing time and time again since 2008. The assortment of big, sauce-heavy rolls is nicely balanced by plenty of more refined sushi, sashimi and temaki. The offerings make multiple visits key. Some of the best items — the bento box and the katsu don — are only available at lunch.

LUCKY PIE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER SAVANNA NOVAK

LYONS

Oskar

303 Main St., Lyons, 303-823-6685

Lyons Winner: La Mariposa Lyons Winner: Smokin’ Dave’s

This has been the place to go for fresh Dale’s Pale Ale since Oskar Blues first opened its doors in 1997. Cajun-inspired dishes and classic barbecue fill out the

loaded nachos, burgers and an applewood-smoked

SANDWICH

Ken Pratt Blvd.,

like

sandwich.

303-774-1441

Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303-702-1111

Winner:

Louisville Winner: Moxie

Niwot Winner: Niwot Market

Snarf’s is yet another major institution with humble beginnings in Boulder. Since opening in 1996, it’s grown from a one-room shack on Pearl Street to a hoagie empire

stores across the Front Range, St. Louis, Missouri, and Austin, Texas.

the house-made

pepper blend.

OSKAR BLUES GRILL & BREW EMPLOYEE LINDA STEPHANIE ACEREDO

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar

1132 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-284-2741

Longmont Winner: Caprese Trattoria Lafayette Winner: Mici Handcrafted Italian Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Gondolier Italian Eatery

Since 2012, Parma Trattoria has been serving a range of pizzas, pastas and appetizers highlighting local and organic ingredients. Though the lead attraction may very well be the mozzarella bar, from which patrons can build elaborate boards from a variety of buffalo, cow and sheep cheeses.

PANCAKE/WAFFLE

Tangerine

300 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-443-5100

Longmont Winner: First Watch Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Niwot Winner: The Garden Gate Cafe

Bright, made-from-scratch breakfast fare is the name of the game at this North Boulder, Old Town Lafayette and downtown Longmont staple. The thorough pancake list features an all-star lineup including a strawberry and caramel stack and the BLR, with blueberry sauce, blueberries and lemon ricotta.

JUICE/SMOOTHIE BAR

Inta Juice

1067 S. Hover St., Unit A, Longmont, 303-774-0094

Lafayette Winner: Tropical Smoothie Cafe

The Colorado and Wyoming-based Inta Juice serves a long list of smoothies, bowls, freshly-juiced veggies and health shots. Fruit-based concoctions fill out the menu alongside caffeinated options like the Green Tea and the Java Lava.

TOWN

Best Food Truck: Biscuits @Mikes Instagram: @biscuits.at.mikes

Chef Mike Simuns’ popular truck Biscuits @Mikes is a rela tive newcomer, having only opened in June 2020. “We wanted something that was good, hot, filling and easy to eat. The biscuit sandwiches was the perfect choice,” says Simuns, noting that much of the inspiration came from trying to provide top-quality breakfast during a particularly frought time in the early days of the pandemic. “People still wanted a great break fast, but also wanted to be safe. Stopping at the truck where they could be spaced out, and not inside was comfortable for everyone,” he continued.

Standards — like the sausage or bacon, egg and cheese — are joined by a dripping fried chicken and honey and seasonal specials like the pork melt an overmedium egg. “There have been some changes since we opened. We added melts which is a grilled biscuit with cheese and your choice of protein. The melts are like a morning grilled cheese and have been extremely popular. We also added a veg etarian option with a marinated portobello biscuit. But one of the most popular things we do is a “Biscuit of the Day” which can range from savory to sweet. It changes daily on a 30 day rotation and our customers all have favorites that bring them out,” says Simuns.

Simuns has suggested the possibility of opening a brick-and-mortar location in the coming years, though for now he just plans on continuing to make great break fast for a growing legion of loyal customers.

WINGS

Longs

600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, 303-651-7886

Broomfield Winner: Outlaw Wings Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ Louisville Winner: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern

The Mountain Sun World Famous Wings live up to the bold title. They come in buffalo, BBQ and sweet chili sauce with an option to substitute the bird for an equally delicious cauliflower rendition.

THAI RESTAURANT

Busaba

133 McCaslin Blvd., Unit H, Louisville, 303-665-0330

Longmont Winner: Jai Thai Lafayette WInner: Panang Thai Cuisine Lyons Winner: Julie’s Thai Kitchen

Busaba excels at many things, though it’s the curries that truly showcase the restau rant’s mastery of Thai classics. The green, red and yellow are all strong contenders, though it’s the pumpkin and pineapple curries that really up the ante.

GLUTEN-FREE MENU Morning Glory Cafe

1377 Forest Park Circle, #101, Lafayette, 303-604-6351

Longmont Winner: The Post Brewing Company Louisville Winner: Parma Trattoria Erie Winner: Piripi

Beautiful and plentiful dishes fill the health-conscious menu at Morning Glory Cafe. There’s a possibility that their gluten-free pancakes are actually better than traditional pancakes. With most dishes being naturally grain-free, the breakfast burrito and breakfast quesadilla are both offered on a glutenfree wrap.

LONGS PEAK PUB SERVER BLAKE MCNEECE

MORNING GLORY MANAGER ADOLFO CASTRO

SUSAN FRANCE

NIWOT RESTAURANT Niwot Tavern

7960 Niwot Road, Unit D12, Niwot, 303-652-0200

First Runner-Up: 1914 House Second Runner-Up: Farow

Niwot Tavern is a tried-and-true hub for the town’s locals and anyone looking to enjoy a strong list of rotating kegs and thoughtful bar fare. Irish nachos, chicken eggrolls, a cowboy burger and made-to-order mac and cheese make up the diverse menu.

PLACE TO EAT OUTDOORS

1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 303-227-3243

Longmont Winner: The Roost Louisville Winner: Lucky Pie Pizza Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Avery Brewing

There are few views that can outshine the one found at Stem’s outstanding Lafayette campus. Situated atop a plateau overlooking all of Boulder County, this is the place to go to enjoy outdoor cider and farm-to-table cooking even as the weather starts slipping toward winter.

NIWOT TAVERN OWNER STACY SZYDLEK

COCKTAILS

24 Carrot Bistro

578 Briggs St., Erie, 303-828-1392

Longmont Winner: West Side Tavern

Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house

Lafayette Winner: Community Supper Club

Write-in Winner: Dry Land Distillery

If it’s top-notch cocktails you’re after, look no further than Erie’s 24 Carrot Bistro. This dining destination may be known for its seasonal New American cuisine, but you’ll also find a drink list that’s nearly impossible to beat. Standouts include the Farmer’s Daughter (with a baseline of huckleberry-infused vodka) and La Madrina, featuring an intoxicating blend of tequila, elderflower, lemon vanilla, honey and peppercorn tincture.

BEER SELECTION

Avery Brewing

4910 Nautilus Court, Boulder, 303-440-4324

Longmont Winner: Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse

Louisville Winner: Gravity Brewing

Write-in Winner: Rocky Mountain Tap & Garden

Few craft beer purveyors are as synonymous with Boulder County as Avery Brewing. For nearly 30 years, this local leader has been the go-to joint for world-class brews. Whether you’re a hop head, malt lover or sour superfan, there’s a pint with your name on it at this intoxicating institution that’s been satisfying craft beer lovers since 1993. Grab a seat on the patio to enjoy familiar favorites like Ellie’s Brown Ale, alongside rare and seasonal offerings like the 16% ABV Rumpkin — an imperial pumpkin ale aged in rum barrels.

24 CARROT BISTRO BARTENDER MANNY SANCHEZ

DISTILLERY

Spirit Hound Distillers

4196 Ute Highway, Lyons, 303-823-5696

Longmont Winner: Dry Land Distillers

Lafayette Winner: DEKI Distillery Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Vapor Distillery

It’s no secret that Spirit Hound’s all-malt, 100% Colorado whiskey is a big hit here at home. But this year the Lyons-based distillery proved their brand is bigger than the Front Range by making a splash across the pond, winning 2022 Whiskey of the Year at the 2022 London Spirits Competition. From their flagship whiskey to gin, vodka, rum and more, it’s easy to see why this homegrown distillery has been a local favorite since 2012.

BAR West Side Tavern

1283 Third Ave., Longmont, 720-526-0360

Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house

Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro

Lafayette Winner: William Oliver’s Write-in Winner: Rocky Mountain Tap & Garden

Serving up potent potables in the heart of historic Old Town Longmont, the West Side Tavern is a welcome site for thirsty BoCo revelers looking for craft cocktails, rare beers, fine wines and more. A true neighborhood gastro pub, this must-stop spot prides itself on fresh ingredients in its libations and provisions. It’s one of the many reasons Boulder Weekly readers find them selves coming back to this Longmont institution.

COFFEE ROASTER

OZO Coffee Co.

1232A S. Hover St., Longmont, 720-600-6689

Lafayette Winner: Brewing Market Coffee

Louisville Winner: Paul’s Coffee & Tea

Erie Winner: Erie Coffee Roasters

Write-in Winner: Nimbus Coffee Roaster

No one knows beans like OZO Coffee Co. Thanks in part to their worldclass roasting program, the local caffeine purveyor has built a reputation in Boulder County and beyond with peerless roasts like Creek Stomper, Cozy Cabin and Isabelle Espresso. OZO’s Longmont location has been serving up its full array of offerings in the Village at the Peaks development on Hover Street since 2015.

WINE SELECTION

/pôr/ wine house

701 Main St., Louisville, 720-916-3296

Longmont Winner: Sugarbeer Erie Winner: Piripi

What makes Louisville’s /pôr/ wine house our readers’ pick for Best Wine Selection isn’t just their extensive list of white, red, rose and sparkling wines, it’s the knowledge and service their staff bring to the table. If you’re not sure what you like, let their in-house sommelier guide you through a sampling of wines until you find just the taste your palate craves.

HAPPY HOUR

Jefe’s Taco & Tequila

246 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3790

Louisville Winner: Waterloo Erie Winner: Piripi Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi

Write-in Winner: Teocalli Cocina

Did somebody say happy hour? There’s a reason Boulder Weekly readers love Jefe’s Taco & Tequila — and it’s not just the chips and queso. In addition to mouthwatering menu favorites like carne asada fries and mango shrimp tacos, this Longmont hotspot also boasts a happy hour that’s hard to beat. Drop by between 3-5 p.m. every day for deals on eats like street tacos and chips and salsa ($2) along with libations like house margs and Pancho’s Punch ($5).

CIDERY

Acreage by Stem Ciders

1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 303-227-3243

Longmont Winner: St. Vrain Cidery Erie Winner: The Old Mine

There’s no better season for cider, and you’ll find more than 20 on tap at Acreage by Stem Ciders. This Lafayette hotspot grew out of Stem’s RiNo taproom in Denver, bringing the urban cider house experience to the East Boulder County countryside. In addition to fruit-forward brews like Pineapple Punch and fall favorites like Pumpkin Spice Latte, you’ll find lots of irresistible farm-to-table fare on the food menu at this Best of Boulder East

LATTE/MOCHA

OZO Coffee Co.

5340 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-440-0233

Longmont Winner: Ziggi’s Coffee Lafayette Winner: Brewing Market Coffee

Something magic happens when perfectly steamed milk meets velvety dark espresso. That magic finds its purest expression at the Gunbarrel/East Boulder location of OZO Coffee Co. But if you’re in the market for something beyond a latte or mocha, you’ll find all your coffeeshop standbys along with non-coffee alternatives, small bites and more.

TEAHOUSE

The Huckleberry

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Celestial Seasonings

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Longmont Winner: MeCo Coffee Collective

Black, green, white or herbal — whatever your taste, there’s a tea blend with your name on it at The Huckleberry in Louisville. It may be best known as a brunch hotspot, but this homegrown cafe owned by the operators of the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House is also the go-to spot for your favorite leafy brew. Drop by for the full afternoon tea experience, but be sure to make a reservation.

COFFEEHOUSE

Ziggi’s Coffeehouse

Multiple locations, Longmont, 303-800-0517

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: OZO Coffee Co.

Lafayette Winner: East Simpson Coffee

Louisville Winner: Bittersweet Cafe

Write-in Winner: Cave Girl

Exceptional coffee is par for the course at Ziggi’s. Whether your regular order is a quick cold brew, chocolatey mocha, caramel macchiato or something in between, there’s some thing for every java lover on the menu of this Longmont bean slinger — along with teas, smoothies, small bites and more. Need a boost in a hurry? Skip the line by ordering ahead on the Ziggi mobile app.

/PÔR/ WINE HOUSE BAR MANAGER FRANCES POWELL

MARGARITA

Jefe’s Taco & Tequila 246 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3790

Lafayette Winner: Teocalli Cocina Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Efrain’s Louisville Winner: Pica’s Write-in Winner: Summit Tacos

Blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur and a splash of simple syrup. The basics of everyone’s favorite south-of-the-border indulgence aren’t particularly compli cated, but the folks at Jefe’s Taco & Tequila have elevated it to an artform. That’s why they’re back at the top of the Best Margarita category once again. Drop by during Jefe’s also-awarded happy hour to get the most bang for your buck at this celebrated East Boulder County watering hole and restaurant.

TOWN WINNERS

Best Brewery

Gunbarrel/East Boulder

Winner: Avery Brewing Broomfield Winner:

4 Noses Brewing Company

Best Craft Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0258

There’s a reason why Left Hand Brewing Company is Colorado’s mostawarded craft brewery. Since winning five Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medals during its first operating year in 1994, the Longmont-based bre whouse has delighted beer lovers of all stripes with staples like its winter warm er Nitro Milk Stout along with lighter and brighter offerings like its Flamingo Dreams Berry Blonde Ale, Key Lime Pie Sour and St. Vrain Tripel.

“We make beers that are approach able to a wide audience,” says head brewer Gary Glass. “We started with our flagship Sawtooth Amber Ale, which is very easy-drinking, and then we got into the Milk Stout, which appeals to a very wide audience as well. And we have always focused on quality, so peo ple know they’re getting a good product when they purchase from Left Hand.”

Lafayette Winner: Liquid Mechanics

Write-in Winner: Bootstrap Brewing Company

That focus on quality has helped Left Hand build an enthusiastic fan base well beyond Boulder County. This year, the brewery took home two medals at the 2022 GABF — including Brewery of the Year (15,000 to 100,000 barrels) — bringing its hardware haul from the world-renowned beer festival to a stag gering 29.

“We worked hard, and we take pride in what we do,” Glass says. “So when we get recognition like Best Brewery from Boulder Weekly (readers), or we win medals at the Great American Beer Festival, it really rejuvenates us. It means a ton, and makes it that much easier to come in and give it our all every day.”

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FESTIVAL/EVENT

Louisville Downtown Street Faire

824 Front St., Louisville

Longmont Winner: Longmont Farmers Market

Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Peach Festival

Lyons Winner: RockyGrass

Nothing says summer like the Louisville Downtown Street Faire. Each Friday evening for two months, the area transforms into a live music hub with food trucks, cold drinks, craft vendors, kids’ activities and a whole lot more. And with a shuttle running from 5-10 p.m. on Faire Fridays, you can leave the car at home during this anticipated seasonal blowout that’s fun for the whole family.

DAY CARE CENTER

Primrose School

1335 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont, 303-774-1919

Lafayette Winner: My Second Home Superior Winner: La Petite

“Balanced Learning” is the name of the game at Primrose School. With locations across the country, the education style at this Longmont day care center relies on a trifecta of creativity, compassion and resourcefulness. From infants to kindergartners, kiddos here can expect a fun mix of learning and play, with thoughtful teachers and caregivers to provide crucial support for students and families.

INSURANCE AGENCY

Bolder Insurance

800 Jefferson Ave., Louisville, 303-449-9595

Lafayette Winner: Rocky Mountain Insurance Center Broomfield Winner: Kendra Hurtado American Family Write-in Winner: Marquez Rojas Insurance Agency

Life is full of surprises. That’s why Bolder Insurance has a plan to fit all sorts of individu als and businesses. From auto and homeown ers insurance to industry-specific business cov erage, this homegrown agency is here to help. Bolder Insurance also gives back to the com munity, with $10 going to a local nonprofit each time you get a quote for your personal or busi ness insurance.

Best Music Venue, Live Jazz, Place to Dance: Nissi’s Entertainment Venue & Event Center 1455 Coal Creek Drive, Lafayette, 720-535-7113

Live music is a way of life at Nissi’s in Lafayette. That’s why Boulder Weekly readers voted it Best Music Venue in East Boulder County. The beloved BoCo estab lishment also took home Best Live Jazz Venue and Best Place to Dance during this year’s con test.

As the variety of awards suggest, this laid-back lounge with near-nightly per formances offers a huge variety of experiences when it comes to genre and style. Nissi’s features some of the area’s best local and touring artists performing jazz, funk, rock, Americana and points in between.

TOWN WINNERS

Music Venue

ferent kinds of music.”

Longmont Winner: Wibby Brewing Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

Live Jazz

Longmont Winner: The Speakeasy Louisville Winner: Gravity Brewing Place to Dance

“You can come listen to jazz, or you can come dance on our 4,000 square-foot dance floor,” says owner Marc Gitlin. “We have a large stage, too. We had a big salsa band the other day, and a 22-person swing jazz band. That’s why we’re able to do so many dif

Longmont Winner: The Speakeasy Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

Nissi’s also features a full food and drink menu with shared plates like bacon-wrapped shrimp and irresist able entrees like creamy chicken pesto pasta. Gitlin says such unique touches for an area enter tainment venue are one of the reasons people keep coming back — and after a period of uncertain ty, he’s grateful they are.

“Especially after having to close during COVID and being unsure as to whether we were going to be reopened or not, the fact that we came back to such overwhelming appreciation, kind words and great reviews makes it all worthwhile.”

OPEN MIC Bootstrap Brewing Company 142 Pratt St., Longmont, 720-438-8488

Lafayette Winner: Cannon Mine Coffee Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

Do you have dreams of being discovered for your hidden talent?

Break into the spotlight during open mic night at Bootstrap Brewing Company in Longmont, which returns this year as Boulder Weekly readers’ pick for the Best Open Mic in East Boulder County. Run by cofounder Denny Driscoll, this regular event brings first-time performers and experienced artists together in a supportive and fun environment every Monday evening at 6 p.m.

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Elevations Credit Union

2960 Diagonal Highway, Boulder, 303-443-4672

Longmont Winner: Chase Bank Louisville Winner: FirstBank

“It matters where you bank.” That’s the tagline for Elevations Credit Union, which serves East Boulder County by making its members shareholders for life. The not-for-profit credit union features all the services you can get from traditional banks — checking, cred it, loans and more — but with a col lective sense of ownership among its more than 170,000 members.

PLACE TO WIFI Ziggi’s Coffeehouse

Multiple locations, Longmont, 303-8000517

Lafayette Winner: Read Queen Bookstore

Louisville Winner: Bittersweet Café & Confections

Write-in Winner: MeCo Coffee Collective

For those times when you need to buckle down and get stuff done, look no further than Ziggi’s Coffeehouse in Longmont. The nopressure atmosphere at this caffeinated com munity hotspot make it the perfect place to log on and take care of business. While you’re there, be sure to enjoy Ziggi’s specialty coffee drinks, small bites, specialty teas and more.

THE PAMLICO SOUND BAND

Best Art Gallery: Firehouse Art Center

667 Fourth Ave., Longmont, 303-651-2787

Creativity lives in an old fire house in historic downtown Longmont. Since 1987, the Firehouse Art Center has been a destina tion for the cultur ally curious in East Boulder County.

Firehouse serves all age levels with its educational programming, from 18 months to 80-plus.

TOWN WINNERS Art Gallery

Considering the nonprofit’s commitment to fostering community connection through art-for ward experiences, it’s no wonder why the organization took home the honor of Best Art Gallery during this year’s Best of Boulder East County survey.

Lafayette Winner: pARTiculars Art Gallery

“We like to think of ourselves as the creative cornerstone of the Longmont Creative District,” says Firehouse Art Center Executive Director Elaine Waterman. “We’re trying to shape Longmont’s creative identity and improve our commu nity’s quality of life by providing meaningful engagement with art and culture.”

Louisville Winner: Creative Framing Art Gallery

Serving as a hub for area art ists and gallery-goers, the center features 12 solo and group exhibi tions each year, showcasing a diverse mix of traditional and con temporary styles from local, region al and national artists. The center also hosts events and workshops focused on drawing, filmmaking, songwriting, poetry and more.

Firehouse executes this vision of a more culturally connected Boulder County through its shows, edu cational initiatives and cul tural events. The organization curates the annual Longmont ArtWalk — featuring six stages for music alongside 150 artists and vendors — along with more than half a dozen summer festivals and a Dia de Los Muertos celebration in the fall.

“We’re not the biggest space,” Waterman says. “But we feel like we have a really big impact in the community.”

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones

Various locations,

303-776-9839

Lafayette Winner: Mountain Flower

Longmont Winner: Oliver Asset Management Louisville Winner: Varra Financial Associates

pros at Edward Jones are here to help. The firm offers more

help investing in stocks and bonds; it also helps clients work toward their financial goals, from traveling the world to planning for retirement or paying off student loan debt.

THEATER GROUP

Longmont Theater

513 E. Main St., Longmont, 303-772-5200

Lafayette Winner: Theater Company of Lafayette Louisville Winner: CenterStage Theater Company

“All the world’s a stage,” as the Bard once said — and the Longmont Theater Company takes that message to heart. For 65 years, this community resource has delighted audienc es with classic productions and contemporary works to the dazzlement of theatergoers young and old. In addition to its year-round slate of stage offerings, Longmont Theater

also runs a summer youth program called the New Generation Theatre Academy,

arts among the next cadre of performers.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Dawson School

Dawson Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-6679

Longmont Winner: St. John the Baptist Catholic School

Boulder Valley Waldorf School

opportunities for students to specialize and reach their individual goals, Dawson School in Lafayette once again tops the list for Best Private School in East Boulder County. Founded in 1970, this college prep day school for grades K-12 is led by a staff dedicated to helping prepare students to be creative and confident problem solvers.

PUBLIC SCHOOL (K-8)

Louisville Elementary 400 Hutchinson St., Louisville, 720-561-7200

Lafayette Winner: Peak to Peak Charter Longmont Winner: Flagstaff Academy

A giant historical bell dating back to 1881 welcomes visitors to Louisville Elementary School, which takes home top honors this year for Best K-8 Public School. But it’s what’s on the inside that makes this public learning institution truly special. That’s where the school’s self-styled mission “to create challenging, meaningful and engaging learning opportunities so that all children thrive and are prepared for successful, civically engaged lives” truly comes to life.

SPORTS BAR

Pumphouse Brewery

540 Main St., Longmont, 303-702-0881

Louisville Winner: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern

Erie Winner: The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill

Write-in Winner: Rocky Mountain Tap & Garden

Searching for the perfect place to catch the next Buffs game? Pumphouse Brewery in Longmont has got you covered. The beloved brewpub opens at 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday so you don’t miss a minute of the action. Whether you come for the game or the atmosphere, you won’t want to miss daily deals like $5 house margaritas on Monday and weekend specials on Long Islands and Bloody Marys.

NONPROFIT

Longmont Humane Society

Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-772-1232

Lafayette Winner: Sister Carmen Community Center Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Eco-Cycle

for a furry four-legged friend? The Longmont Humane Society has got you covered. The organization provides temporary shelter to thousands of animals every year, including dogs, cats and small mammals who are lost, surrendered or abandoned.

out the “Critter Classifieds”

in the next regular edition of Boulder Weekly to meet just a few of the special animals who are ready to find their forever home today.

PUBLIC SCHOOL (9-12)

Centaurus High School

10300 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 720-561-7500

Louisville Winner: Monarch High School

Niwot Winner: Niwot High School

Returning in the category of Best Public School is Centaurus High School in Lafayette. For a taste of what has moved Boulder Weekly readers to bestow the honor once again, look no further than the school’s vision acronym, HEART: Honor, Empathy, Achievement, Respect and Triumph. Instilling those ideals in its student body is just part of what makes Centaurus High School grads proud to call it their alma mater. Go Warriors!

FITNESS HEALTH &

MARTIAL ARTS

International Martial Arts Association

1340 Main St., Louisville, 303-665-0339

Lafayette Winner: Rocky Mountain Kung Fu Longmont Winner: Tran’s Martial Arts & Fitness Center

The International Martial Arts Association teaches the highest level of technical skill and philosophy in Shotokan karate. They welcome all ages and abilities to join their prac tice, but emphasize the impact their programs can have on children specifically, noting how many walk away with the self-confidence needed to handle life’s challenges.

CHIROPRACTOR

Colorado Spine & Sport

400 McCaslin Blvd., #111, Louisville, 303-604-4358

Longmont Winner: New Leaf Chiropractic Lafayette Winner: Complete Care Chiropractic

With all the physical activities folks in Boulder County partake in, it’s important to have access to a quality chiro practor to address pain in joints and muscles. Colorado Spine and Sport in Louisville is a full service clinic offering chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy and radiology. Moreover, they offer a free auto whiplash con sultation with one of the doctors on-site if visitors mention the promotion.

BARBER SHOP Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Lafayette Winner: Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

Longmont Winner: Elite Barber Shop

Finding a go-to barber shop is great — you feel welcomed into a familiar space by friendly and familiar faces. If you’re looking for a barber shop, our readers suggest Trivium. This Louisville salon offers the latest trends in cuts and color and takes pride in excellent service. This “chic, progressive and hip” salon is our reader’s favorite bar ber shop, and it could be yours too.

INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION INSTRUCTOR KAMRAN MADANI, LEFT, WITH STUDENT EMRE KIVANC, RIGHT

ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

Left Hand Community Acupuncture

780 W. Baseline Road, Suite A, Lafayette, 720-378-6090

Longmont Winner: Good Life Acupuncture

Longmont Winner: Well Woman Acupuncture

Left Hand Community Acupuncture specializes in a variety of treatments including electrical stimulation, cupping, moxa and, of course acupuncture.

Colorado native Caroline Adams, the owner of the practice in Lafayette, uses her education and problem-solving skills to help folks achieve their health goals.

DANCE STUDIO

Longmont Dance Theater Academy

1422 Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-317-2707

Lafayette Winner: Tara Cluck Dance Center

Louisville Winner: Mountain Kids

Longmont Dance Theater Academy is Longmont’s only pre-professional bal let school, offering classical dance train ing of all genres. The exposure to a vari ety of dance traditions prepares students for a wide range of opportunities in the artistic community. Their program has six ballet classes, starting students dancing as early as 8 years old.

People from around the world visit Boulder County for its wicked access to outdoor climbing. From scrambling up the Flatirons to sport climbing in Boulder Canyon, it’s a climber’s paradise.

There’s a plethora of indoor climbing gyms across the county to compliment these outdoor spaces and help climbers learn the ropes (get it?!).

This year, Longmont Climbing Collective takes the win as Best Climbing Gym in East Boulder County. The gym offers bouldering, fitness and yoga classes and a full weight room.

But it’s not just the climbing and exercise that draw people to the Collective. Nick Coutu, marketing manager at the gym, says it’s the sense of commu nity.

“Community is definitely the number one thing that people tell us that they’re really happy with here.”

Coutu and the rest of the staff organize regular events and activities for gym members and non-mem bers alike. One of their more pop ular events is called the “monthly meetup,” where non-members can come and climb for free while the Collective dishes out pizza, beer and cake.

Events like this help the Collective achieve one of their goals — for the gym to be people’s “third place” to hang out, after their home and work. Coutu says there are a lot of reasons people should check out their gym.

“People in the community can relieve stress, have a good time, meet new people, hang out with friends and also try something new,” he says.

Thanks to the popularity of the gym, they will be moving to a new Longmont facility that will add rope climbing to the gym’s amenities in late spring 2023.

Turn your Injury into an Opportunity

Coal Creek Physical Therapy is the place to go to treat your muscle and joint pain and recover from injury! Get a thorough, expert evaluation to determine the root cause of your symptoms, and then receive a combination of highly skilled manual therapy and individualized exercise program prescription to have you reach your physical goals. Specialty therapies include Vestibular and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, as well as The Associative Awareness Techniques to treat chronic pain, stress, and insomnia. The staff represents 26 specialties and certifications at two clinic locations in Louisville and Boulder and has served over 10,000 clients in their 20 years of care.

Coal Creek PT is a partner of the Inland Ocean Coalition! They donate $1 for every new patient to help heal the ocean as it helps heal patients.

VOTED BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST!

DAY SPA

Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Longmont Winner: Sunflower Spa

Lafayette Winner: Ninety-Fifth Street Salon & Spa

We all need to be able to step back and relax in the midst of our busy daily lives. If you don’t have the time and money to sip strawberry daiquiris in Cancun, unwind in East County’s Best Day Spa, Trivium, which wins the category for the fifth year in a row. With a variety of treat ments to offer from acid peels to micro dermabrasion, Trivium is our readers’ favor ite place to rejuvenate.

DENTIST

Louisville Family Dental

168 Centennial Parkway, Suite 190, Louisville, 303-666-4499

Longmont Winner: Longmont Complete Dentistry Niwot Winner: Niwot Dental

Before your next bite of candy, consider heading to our readers’ favorite dentist, Louisville Family Dental. This trusted dentistry can do more than just your typical check-in, as they also perform dental crowns, composite fillings, dental implants, teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to preserve your oral hygiene and overall health.

LASIK SERVICES Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado

1400 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont, 720-782-6739

Louisville Winner: Eyeworks Louisville Broomfield Winner: Colorado Eye Center

The Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado offers comprehensive eye treatment, with spe cialties in cataract, glaucoma, retinal, corneal, dry eye and oculoplastic services. Their location in Longmont wins the Best Lasik Services category, but they also have facilities in Boulder, Lafayette and Greeley.

GYM/FITNESS CENTER Louisville Recreation and Senior Center

900 Via Appia Way, Louisville, 303-666-7400

Longmont Winner: Longmont Recreation Center

Lafayette Winner: Bob Burger Recreation Center

It’s never too early to work on your sum mer bod — and our readers can’t think of a better place to workout than the Louisville Recreation and Senior Center. This rec center has an impressive array of amenities including a pool, sauna, steam room, lazy river, workout room, gym and two racquetball courts — not to mention the array of organized programs and activities. This spot is for everyone, with plenty of activities for kids, too.

GOLF COURSE

Indian Peaks

2300 Indian Peaks Trail, Lafayette, 303-666-4706

Louisville Winner: Coal Creek Longmont Winner: Sunset Golf Course

This 18 hole, 72-par course in the heart of Lafayette is for golf players of all abilities. But try not to get distracted on your shot for par by

STEVE COMPLETES HIS REPS AT THE LOUISVILLE REC CENTER

LEFT TO RIGHT: MAI, LINH, LILY AND VIET, EMPLOYEES AT LUXE NAIL BAR

NAIL SALON

Luxe Nail Bar

1361 Forest Park Circle, #104, Lafayette, 303-666-6770

Louisville Winner: Luxury Nails Longmont Winner: Designer Nails

Freshen up your nail game at Luxe, a groovy and modern nail bar in Lafayette. They offer manicures, pedicures, dip powders, waxing and more. By only carrying the latest and greatest nail products in the industry, they’ll have you keeping pace with the most popular looks.

ORTHODONTIST

Melcher Orthodontics

315 W. South Boulder Road, #111, Louisville, 303-666-9717

Erie Winner: Caraway Orthodontics

Longmont Winner: Mountain View Orthodontics

Nobody loves wearing braces, but you’ll be glad you did after working with Melcher Orthodontics. Each patient at Melcher Orthodontics is given a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes a clean, safe, modern and fun environment. Our readers appreciate the com bination of their state-of-the-art equipment with their technical expertise and caring service.

HOSPITAL

Centura Avista Adventist Hospital

100 Health Park Drive, Louisville, 303-673-1000

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Boulder Community Health Lafayette Winner: Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center

Although we rarely want to visit them, it’s important for communities to have strong hos pitals. Our readers choose Centura Avista Adventist Hospital when they need medical atten tion. The Marshall Fire caused smoke damage in the hospital’s interior, but Avista was back in operation only a few weeks later, showing its adaptability and response time in serving the surrounding communities.

SUSAN FRANCE

HAIR SALON

Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Longmont Winner: Studio Bloom Lafayette Winner: Ninety-Fifth Street Salon & Spa

Trivium Salon continues their dominance in the Best Hair Salon category, now winning for the fifth year in a row. It’s pretty clear at this point that our readers con sistently go to this salon to keep their tresses looking chic. The staff at Trivium pro vides expertise in cuts, styling, highlights and glazes, which keeps customers walk ing away feeling confident.

PILATES STUDIO

Pilates

Pratt Blvd., Suite 101, Longmont, 720-442-8385

Lafayette Winner: Pilates 4 Bodies Louisville Winner: Center

Body Pilates

has accessible classes for everyone. Once you try out their free 30-minute

Club

never

URGENT CARE CENTER

UCHealth Urgent Care

2101 Main St., Longmont, 720-745-8030

Superior Winner: Boulder Community Hospital Urgent Care Louisville Winner: AFC Urgent Care

It’s not the position any of us want to find ourselves in, but our readers find comfort knowing in the event of an emergency, UCHealth will provide great urgent care. Their urgent care unit treats all sorts of conditions, including animal bites, lacerations and sprains. And, by accepting most insurances, UCHealth Urgent Care makes itself accessible to our community.

STUDIO

Yoga Pod

2201 Ken

Blvd.,

Co-owners Gerry and Nicole Wienholt want to help you find strength in your body and calm in your mind at Yoga Pod in Longmont. They both practice yoga and agreed that it changed their lives.

“Yoga is bigger than just the physical asana and the twisty bendy postures we put ourselves in,” Nicole said in an interview with Boulder Weekly earlier this year. “We just want [our students] to be able to come in and relax and let go of whatev er they have to let go of and walk out of here feeling a little better and more cared for.”

Keeping classes accessible for all is ingrained into their organization, so they offer a wide variety of class times for both beginners and experienced yogis. Beginners should visit their Yin class, which focuses on flexibility in a dimly lit, relaxing environment with soft music. If you are looking for more of a workout, their Sweat, Heat & Beatz vinyasa style class is a fun and upbeat session where participants can practice according to their own skill level and flexibility.

Nicole and Gerry acquired their first Yoga Pod location in Boulder in 2010. Gerry told Boulder Weekly about how the family feel of their yoga studios set them apart.

“It’s so fulfilling. That’s one of the main reasons why we do it,” says Gerry.

In February, they opened their Longmont location. Shortly after, they opened a third location in South Boulder in April. Yoga Pod is clearly reaching the yogi com munity in Boulder County — not even a year into operating their Longmont loca tion, they stand out as our reader’s favorite East County yoga spot.

SUSAN FRANCE

VETERINARY CARE

Jasper Animal Hospital

1369 Forest Park Circle, #101, Lafayette, 303-665-4002

Longmont Winner: Longmont Humane Society

Louisville Winner: Louisville Family Animal Hospital

Furry, four-legged friends are part of the family — so they should get family-level care at a place we trust. The Jasper Animal Hospital offers that service to our readers by keep ing their pets happy and healthy. Providing surgery, dentistry, radiology and more helps Jasper Animal Hospital stand out as our readers’ favorite veterinary care provider in East Boulder County.

MASSAGE

Elements Massage

2321 30th St., Boulder, 720-464-9801

Superior Winner: Massage Envy

Longmont Winner: Sunflower Spa

Take care of your body and mind at Elements Massage. They offer a humanistic approach to wellness based on enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. If you’re a little nervous about trying it out by yourself, try the couples massage. But, 11 total types of massages and add-on services fit the needs of everyone, including our readers.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Coal Creek Physical Therapy

315 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 100, Louisville, 303-666-4151

Longmont Winner: Alpine Physical Therapy

Sometimes when our readers reach down for the newest edition of Boulder Weekly, they are reminded of lingering lower back pain. To get it checked out and taken care of, they go to Coal Creek Physical Therapy. Coal Creek is committed to helping their patients feel better and live the life they love by implementing preventative care strategies.

HOMEGARDEN

FLORIST

Lafayette Florist

600 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-655-5552

Longmont Winner: Longmont Florist

Louisville Winner: Riverwalk Florists

Niwot Winner: Juniper & Twine

There’s nothing quite like a fabulous bouquet of flowers to brighten someone’s day. This Lafayette small business has been the source behind countless signs of care since 1949. The newly renovated house plant showroom, built to enhance the customer experience and create an invit ing atmosphere, shows their latest expansion. If you haven’t been already, their displays of annuals, perennials, home decor, succulents and colorful bloomers are sure to draw you in.

CARPET/FLOORING

Lafayette Flooring

207 N. Carr Ave., Lafayette, 303-926-6801

Longmont Winner: Carpet Masters of Colorado

Never take a good floor for granted — they take the weight of your world. The folks at Lafayette Flooring do it all: installing carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl, cork and laminate flooring. With impeccable service and highquality work, Lafayette Flooring is where our readers look when they need to refresh their digs from the bottom up.

LAFAYETTE FLORIST EVENTS COORDINATOR/WEBSITE MANAGER JORDAN DAVIS

&

HOME FURNISHINGS

Front Range

Mercantile

1201 S. Sunset St., Longmont, 303-776-6605

Lafayette Winner: Vintrey Honest Goods (formerly TRI Vintage and Wares)

When our readers look for home furnishings to fit their unique style and taste, they choose Front Range Mercantile. This indoor flea market in Longmont has over 90 dealers selling furniture, clothing and everything in between. For the last 32 years, Front Range Mercantile has served collectors, antiquers, pawners and furniture-seek ers looking for unique goods.

HVAC

M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical

110 S. Bowen Circle, Longmont, 720-366-1512

Broomfield Winner: Cooper Heating & Cooling Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Homestead Plumbing & Heating

Although another hot Colorado summer is behind us, we all know there are more coming. M and M specializes in keeping you comfortable in those hot months with their HVAC services. A family-owned and oper ated business since 1998, 24-hour availability and a solid reputation makes M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical the go-to HVAC support for our readers.

FURNITURE STORE

Woodley’s Fine Furniture

1400 S. Main St., Longmont, 303-651-1015

Lafayette Winner: Noble Treasures Antiques

You really don’t know how important furniture is until you’re shopping for it. Woodley’s is a one-stop furniture shop open seven days a week. With locations along the Front Range, the Longmont store specializes in mattresses. Head to Woodley’s if you’re looking to update the comfort and style of your home.

ELECTRICIAN Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

5035 Chaparral Court., Boulder, 303-581-1455

Longmont Winner: M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical Broomfield Winner: City Electric

Lafayette Winner: Lightscape Electric

Precision Plumbing has provided tech nical assistance in the Boulder and Denver regions for over 40 years. As you could assume from the company name, they have experts available in a variety of services. They consistently hit five stars in online reviews, for both their skilled work and cus tomer service.

HOME BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR

Boulder Creek

Neighborhoods

712 Main St., Louisville, 303-544-5857

Lafayette Winner: Cornerstone Homes

“Home building’ can be a triggering phrase for a lot of people in Boulder County due to rising costs and stress associated with the process. But, Boulder County is a dreamy place to call home, and Boulder Creek Neighborhoods is the company voted best to turn those aspirations into reality. Better yet, Boulder Creek created a Lifestyle Association that takes care of low er-maintenance needs for you, so you can spend more time doing the things you love.

FRONT RANGE MERCANTILE EMPLOYEE SENIDA VAN EGMOND

KITCHEN SUPPLY STORE

The Singing Cook

728 Main St., Louisville, 720-484-6825

Longmont Winner: Cheese Importers

Lafayette Winner: JAX Home & Ranch

Owning a cooking store wasn’t Jennie Hlawatsch’s first dream — rather, it was singing. But, when the self-taught home cook found herself looking for the right cooking tool or ingredient and consistently going home empty-handed, she decided to marry the two and create The Singing Cook. Now, home cooks don’t have to stress — her shop is a local source for cookware, utensils, gadgets, specialty foods and more. One question remains: Does Hlawatsch really sing when she cooks?

COURTESY OF NATIVE EDGE

PEST CONTROL EnviroPest

923 Main St., Unit C, Longmont, 303-530-3000

Thornton Winner: Bee Smart Pest Control

Our readers turn to EnviroPest to take care of the unwanted insects and rodents that sneak their way into homes around Boulder County. They offer plans that target beetles, ants, bed bugs, termites, earwigs and more. These folks know how to do the job — they are the oldest and largest pest control company in Colorado.

LANDSCAPER

Native Edge Landscapes

1435 Yarmouth Ave., Suite 102, Boulder, 303-245-9166

Lafayette Winner: Creation Landscaping Longmont Winner: Green Guys

Native Edge Landscapes is “a collective of architects, artisans and stewards inspired by nature” who are driven by nourishing con nections between people and nature. They work with customers to collaboratively create a landscape design that gives meaning to out door spaces. It’s clear Native Edge’s customer-first approach makes them our readers’ first choice for landscaping needs.

PLUMBER

Planet Plumbing and Drain

1423 Skyway Drive, Longmont, 303-772-0206

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Precision Plumbing

Lafayette Winner: Around the Clog

Not sure how to fix a leaky pipe or a clogged drain? Planet Plumbing and Drain is the place our readers turn to with these types of problems. Along with their great service and expertise, Planet Plumbing offers free estimates, same-day service and no overtime charges.

JENNIFER HLAWATSCH, OWNER OF THE SINGING COOK IN LOUISVILLE

6367 ARAPAHOE RD., BOULDER, CO 80303 303-449-0011 · McDonaldCarpetOneBoulder. com

Best Nursery/ Garden Center: Flower Bin Garden Center 1805 Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-772-3454

For 51 years, the Flower Bin Garden Center in Longmont has been potting-up a planter’s paradise. Tens of thousands of feet of indoor growing space, acres upon acres of land, a large greenhouse and an outdoor nursery gives the Flower Bin the space and resources they need to provide countless soil types, plants and garden supplies. And, once again, our readers show us they choose the Flower Bin.

What does co-owner Don Weakland attribute their success to? It’s simple: providing steady, satisfacto ry service.

“We do a good job,” he says. “There’s a lot of quality in good ser vice.”

Not just anyone can put on the

purple Flower Bin staff polo — their staff are extremely knowledgeable in plants, gar dening and decor, and some have been in their positions for decades.

And, if you ask a question that stumps them, they will find the answer and call you at home if need be — that’s how much they care about your garden.

During the peak of the COVID pandemic, many of us turned to gar dening as a new hobby and a way to stay outside. Garden centers like the Flower Bin were busy as ever. Weakland says things have calmed since then, but the garden center is still doing well.

“Business has been really, really steady,” says Weakland. “[COVID brought] really busy years, and now it’s back to normal.”

Even after the COVID gardening craze, our readers still rely on them for all their gardening needs: annuals, perennials, roses, shrubs, succulents, house plants, vegetables and herbs — and that’s just their plant department.

FLOWER BIN EMPLOYEE KELSEY DEDEKE

McDONALD

HYDROPONIC STORE

Way to Grow

6395 Gunpark Drive, Boulder, 303-473-4769

Way to Grow’s first store opened in East Boulder in the summer of 2004. Since then, the locally-owned company expanded to four other locations along the Front Range. It’s fair to say Way to Grow’s expansion is partially due to their popularity in the East Boulder community, which has consistently given them the “W” in Best of Boulder. Way to Grow is a resource for the community — from tips on getting rid of spider mites to eco-friendly urban farming.

MATTRESS STORE

Denver Mattress

48 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 100, Longmont, 303-774-1150

Superior Winner: Mattress Firm

A good mattress can do wonders for your sleep, energy and overall mood. Denver Mattress employees are professionals at finding the right custom-fitted mattress for you with their patented Strength Resistance Test. From college students looking to buy their first bed to adults ready for an upgrade, our readers choose Denver Mattress.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Budget Home Supply

780 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-678-8800

Lafayette Winner: BlueBird Windows & Doors

We’ve all got home improvement projects we tell ourselves will get done tomorrow. Budget Home Supply can help you re-shingle the garage, put in a new fireplace, update your kitchen and so much more. This family business prides itself on its customer service, professional building knowledge and accurate deliveries — a few reasons why our readers turn to them for their home improvements.

PAINTER

Karen’s Company

210 S. Public Road, Suite B, Lafayette, 303-664-0607

Gunbarrel/East County Winner: Foothills Painting

Lafayette Winner: Boulder County Painting

Karen started her company because she loved painting and making people happy. She takes her craft seriously as an active member of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) — only one of three painters in Colorado to be credited by the PDCA. Karen’s Company is known for their interior and exterior painting, staining and cabinet work, and their consistently high-rated customer service.

ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Scott’s Roofing

211 N. Public Road, Suite 100, Lafayette, 303-469-9287

Longmont Winner: Greenpoint Roofing

Louisville Winner: Arapahoe Roofing & Sheet Metal

A good roof over your head is like an alarm clock: you don’t realize how much you relied on it until it’s gone. Scott’s Roofing has offered quality roofing services through the increasingly variable Colorado weather by putting customers first, maintaining high quality and practicing environmental responsibility. Scott’s uses up-cycled materials, donates 1% of their revenue to an environmental cause, is a certified B corp and has a membership with the Colorado Outdoor Business Alliance.

CANNABIS

Best Concentrates, Edibles, Flower, Medical Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana and Selection: Native Roots

19 S. Sunset St., Longmont, 720-340-4870

The cannabis industry is growing up,” says Buck Dutton, vice pres ident of marketing for Native Roots Cannabis Co. “And the cannabis consumer is becoming more sophisticated, too. Native Roots tracks these evolving trends so our dispensaries and product selections grow along with consumer tastes and prefer ences, as well as industry innovations.”

Native Roots nearly swept the Best of Boulder East County cannabis categories this year, snagging wins in best bargains, concentrates, edibles, flower, medical marijuana, recreational marijuana and selec tion.

state-of-the-art grow facility and 20 dispensaries around Colorado.

Igadi Longmont Winner: Native Roots

Despite having locations in six states and Jamaica, Star Buds feels like a neighborhood dispensary. Their knowledgeable budtenders provide a comfortable setting to learn about and purchase all types of cannabis products, like CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has taken the country by storm over the last several years. Native Roots has tons of products that combine THC — the can nabinoid that gets you high — with CBD to provide ultimate relief of pain and anxiety. Stop into the Longmont Native Roots location to let their budtenders lead you to the per fect CBD product for you.

The story of Native Roots began in 2010 at a 17,000-square-foot cultivation and extraction facility that produced products for The Dandelion and Native Roots Apothecary medical dispensaries in Boulder. After Amendment 64 legalized recreational cannabis, these two retail operations joined forces to become Native Roots.

Native Roots now operates a 173,000-square-foot

TOWN

“We have grown and flourished in our communities and deeply understand our customers’ needs,” Dutton says. “We customize our offerings for the community we operate in, and we believe this is just one of the reasons why our dispensaries have such a devoted cli entele. We have evolved over time just as the canna bis consumer has evolved. We hear from our regulars all the time how much they appreciate that we antici pate their needs or always have something new to show them. And we hear from new customers how we helped them feel comfortable while addressing their cannabis questions. We are always looking for ways to improve our dispensary experience, whether through improved customer service or offering more high-quali ty products. Everyone yearns from time to time to be in a ‘better place,’ and we believe it is our mission to help them get to that better place.”

Niwot

RETAIL

802 S. Public Road A, Lafayette, 720-638-4047

Louisville Winner: Eleanor and Hobbs

Looking good makes us feel good — it’s just science. Our readers look no further than Due South in Lafayette to find chic women’s clothing that makes them feel beautiful. With a curated selection of clothes including cardigans, dresses, slacks, blouses and, of course, accessories to match, Due South is where our readers go when they are looking for women’s clothing.

AUTO DEALER — USED Valley Subaru of Longmont

1800 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 720-539-7321

Niwot Winner: Gunbarrel Import Motors

Know what Boulder County loves more than a Subaru? A pre-owned Subaru! And when our readers are looking for a reliable pre-owned car at a great price, they head to Valley Subaru of Longmont for a selection of Outbacks, Crosstreks, Foresters and Imprezas, plus Chevys, Volkswagens and more. Looking for something under $15,000? Look no further.

CLOTHING STORE — CHILDREN’S Pitter Patter

720 Front St., Louisville, 720-485-3129

Longmont Winner: Once Upon a Child Lafayette Winner: Sister Carmen

There’s a lot to consider when buying clothes for kids. Is this fabric wash able? How comfortable is it? How easy is it to get on and off? And is it worth the price when kiddo is going to grow out of it in six months? Pitter Patter offers a handpicked selection of clothes for newborns up to boys size 8 and girls size 16 at prices that won’t break the bank. It’s why our readers say it’s their favorite place to buy clothing for children.

MRS. JEBEKE ADAMS, DUE SOUTH EMPLOYEE

BICYCLE SHOP

Louisville Cyclery

889 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-665-6343

Longmont Winner: Longmont Bicycle Company

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: The Bike Shop at CyclHops

Lafayette Winner: JAX Outdoor Gear

Niwot Winner: Niwot Wheel Works

Louisville Cyclery has been serving cyclists in Boulder County since 1980 — it’s quite possibly the longest single-owned shop in the Boulder County region. Road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes, BMX bikes, if it’s on two wheels, the folks at Louisville Cyclery know everything there is to know about it and can get you set up and ready to ride. Already got wheels? Louisville Cyclery still has you covered with services and repairs to keep you riding smooth.

AUTO SERVICE/REPAIR

Cooper’s Automotive

905 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-3700

Louisville Winner: Louisville Tire & Auto Care

Having work done on your car can be scary, so it’s important to trust your mechanic. When our readers need car repair, they head to Cooper’s Automotive. Whether it’s simple maintenance like an oil change, or something more complex like a catalytic converter replacement, Cooper’s technicians are prepared with the expertise you need. They even specialize in dealer-recommended services at a more cost effective price than the dealer ship.

DRY CLEANER

Continental Cleaners

305 McCaslin Blvd., #5, Louisville, 303-926-9120

Lafayette Winner: John’s Dry Cleaners

Longmont Winner: Art Cleaners

Continental Cleaners opened its first location in Colorado in 1983, and has since opened 17 locations along the Front Range, each independently owned and operated. Their concept is simple: provide fast, friend ly service at a reasonable price. Throw in 100% customer satisfaction, free pickup and delivery, and environmentally sound cleaning practices, and it’s no wonder our readers have voted Continental Cleaners Best Dry Cleaner in East County.

REAL ESTATE GROUP

RE/MAX Elevate

724 Main St., Louisville, 303-974-5005

BOOKSTORE The Read Queen

129 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 303-974-5978

Longmont Winner: Barbed Wire Books

Louisville Winner: Little Horse Books & Vintage

The Read Queen was born out of a love of books, coffee, friendship and the spirit of entrepreneurship to create a local, independent business in a thriving commu nity. The bookstore hosts book signings, author talks and even live music in its expansive parking lot. You can drop by and talk to proprietors Deirdre Appelhans and Barbra Huntting to find your perfect next book.

Best New Business: MeCo Coffee Collective

627 Main St., Longmont, 303-834-8418

While the pandemic forced Isaac Olson and Shane Stinn to shut down their Italian food truck in July 2020, it gave them the opportunity to open MeCo Coffee Collective on Main Street in Longmont the following August.

“We always wanted to be on Main Street in Longmont — it still has that small town vibe,” Olson told Boulder Weekly in March 2022.

Olson and Stinn have created a cozy space full of art from local artisans, plus a curated selection of locally produced foods like Westminster-made Quantum Cream dairy-free freeze-dried ice cream.

Longmont Winner: Keller Williams Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: WK Real Estate

RE/MAX Elevate has been central to Louisville’s real estate scene since its found ing in 2019. Their award-winning team includes some of the top realtors in Louisville, Boulder, Superior, Lafayette, and beyond. Whether you want to buy a home or sell one, RE/MAX Elevate is ready to help you with your real estate needs.

MeCo brews up cups of joe from Longmont’s Nimbus Coffee Roasters to serve alongside Maine wild blueberry muffins, raspberry scones and banana chocolate chip bread.

But MeCo’s most beloved treat are the housemade Cheesy Bits, made with real Wisconsin Cheddar, plus flour, salt and spices. You can even get them with bacon or jalapeno.

“We wanted to serve treats you couldn’t get elsewhere that drew on my culi nary background,” Olson said. “If we produced them ourselves, we could hire more people from the neighborhood.”

LOUISVILLE CYCLERY REPAIR TECHNICIAN NICK LASER

BlackPaw

459 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-554-9343

Longmont Winner: Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies

Lafayette Winner: The Happy Beast

BlackPaw has a mission to provide your pet with the best of everything, from food to treats and toys and grooming ser vices. BlackPaw’s staff is constantly expanding its knowledge base on the best food, treats and grooming supplies. Current owners Keenan and Elissa took over BlackPaw Retail and Grooming in 2022, and are actively involved in every aspect of the day-to-day business opera tions and customer service.

HARDWARE STORE

Ace Hardware

1727 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-5173

Lafayette Winner: JAX Ranch & Home Louisville Winner: Home Depot

Whether you need light bulbs, pet supplies, plumbing parts, garden soil, power tools, a Big Green Egg grill or paint supplies, Ace Hardware has you covered. Associates at Ace can help you with paint color matching, trading out propane tanks, key cutting and glass repair — it’s even a U.S. postal station. No wonder our readers say it’s their favorite hard ware store.

BUSINESS OWNED/LED BY FEMALE CEO

Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen Longmont Winner: JMarie Skin Studio

Trivium owner Rory Bass has been in the beauty industry for decades, working as an image consultant, hair stylist, make-up artist and esthetician for TV personalities, rock stars and magazine editorials. With a prime location in downtown Louisville, Bass leads a profes sional team of beauty specialists at Trivium Salon, offering a broad spectrum of services, including advanced skincare, make-up applications, eyelash extensions, and more. Our readers say Bass is a boss babe.

CLOTHING STORE — USED ARC Thrift Store

1349 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-666-8060

Longmont Winner: Fabulous Finds upscale Consignment

Sustainability is critical in every aspect of our lives, including the clothes we buy. It’s totally cool to buy a pre-owned car, so why not buy pre-owned clothes? ARC is where our readers go when they’re looking for cool used clothes. Shoes, pants, belts, purses, ARC has it all. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and shop for clothes at ARC.

OPTICAL STORE

Eyeworks Louisville

615 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6320

Longmont Winner: The Optical Centre Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Eye Associates

Eyeworks Louisville have provided Boulder County residents with friendly, full-service eye care for the last three decades. Their knowledgeable staff and experienced optome trists offer comprehensive eye care, exams and a large selection of quality eyewear includ ing the latest fashions from top eyewear designers. Their shop in Old Town Louisville fea tures an in-house finishing lab for fast, reliable service.

LIQUOR STORE

Wyatt’s Wet Goods

1250 S. Hover St., Unit C, Longmont, 303-485-9463

Superior Winner: Superior Liquor

Lafayette Winner: Atlas Purveyors

Louisville Winner: Union Jack Liquor

Wyatt’s Wet Good is your one-stop shop for all of your adult beverage needs. This pri vately owned, family business gets our readers’ vote as Best Liquor Store because of their exceptional customer service and expansive selection of wine, beer and spirits. Order online for curbside pickup or delivery, or stop into the store to peruse to your heart’s delight. Check out Wyatt’s Weekly Wagon Sale to find great deals on your favorite drinks.

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

Trivium Salon

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen

Longmont Winner: J Marie Skin Studio

In a world full of Big Box stores, independently owned businesses like Trivium Salon are the beating heart of a community. Rory Bass opened Trivium on Valentine’s Day 2016, and since then, the salon has picked up fistfuls of Best of Boulder East County awards each year, including five this year.

STORAGE FACILITY

Empire Storage

1391 Empire Road, Louisville, 303-604-1391

Longmont Winner: Guardian Storage

Lafayette Winner: Elite Storage

When you’re looking for a place to store your stuff, you want a company that values security. Empire Storage uses state-of-the-art security features to keep your stuff safe. Each unit is individually alarmed, each client has an individual code for gate access, and 24/7 video surveillance ensures that the property is always being watched. Empire also sells moving and packing supplies, meaning you can take care of many of your moving needs in one place.

COMPUTER REPAIR

Longmont Mac Repair

1600 Hover St., Unit D-2, Longmont, 303-827-3131

Lafayette Winner: uBreakiFix

Boy howdy, is there anything worse than getting that beach ball of doom on your Mac? When it lingers too long, that colorful sucker becomes a foreboding sign — will this be when my hard drive finally eats it? But you don’t have to stress, because the professionals at Longmont Mac Repair can more than likely save you from a dire digital fate. They repair both Mac and PC computers and have certified technicians for Apple and Microsoft on the team. Slow computer? Hard drive crash? Virus infection? Longmont Mac Repair has you covered.

TOBACCO/PIPE SHOP

The Little Dog

622 Main St., Longmont, 303-678-7792

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Smoker Friendly

Whether you’re looking for tobacco, e-cigarettes, glass paraphernalia or smoking relat ed goodies, The Little Dog’s flagship store in Longmont has you covered. If your favorite pipe is clogged, head to The Little Dog for some Formula 420 to get that piece hitting like it did the first day you bought it. If your vape is out of juice, the folks at Little Dog can help you pick out your favorite new flavor. But the best part about shopping at Little Dog is Poca the pup. Too freaking cute.

BLACK PAW OWNERS KEENAN TOMPKINS AND ELISSA

CLOTHING STORE— MEN’S

JAX Outdoor Gear

900 U.S.-287, Lafayette, 720-266-6160

Louisville Winner: Acme Fine Goods

For a Colorado guy, JAX Outdoor Gear is the place to find functional clothes. Whether you’re going for a hike or a casual day at the office, JAX has you covered from head to toe — literally. From shoes to socks to pants to shirts and hats — from brands you love, nonetheless — our readers say JAX is the place to go for men’s clothes.

SHOE STORE

Brown’s Shoe Fit Company

373 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-2920

Lafayette Winner: JAX Outdoor Gear

Broomfield Winner: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse

Louisville Winner: Runners Roost

Brown’s Shoe Fit Longmont has been fitting Longmont for shoes since 1946. Their knowledgeable staff specializes in fitting comfort footwear for the entire family. Brown’s carries a wide variety of foot wear including athletics, casual, European comfort, work boots and multiple widths when available. Brown’s also carries a great selection of comfort aids and supports in order to help alleviate foot pain.

AUTO DEALER — NEW Valley Subaru of Longmont

1800 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 720-539-7321

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Fisher Honda Broomfield Winner: Audi Flatirons

Valley Subaru of Longmont is a family-owned dealership that has been helping drivers in Boulder County find new (and used, but more on that in anoth er blurb) for more than 30 years. That’s because Valley Subaru is committed to providing you with cour teous, honest service. So whether you’re looking to get into a brand new Impreza, Outback, Crosstrek or Forester, Valley Subaru can help you drive away in the new car of your dreams.

CAR WASH

Breeze Thru Car Wash

1213 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-834-8387

Louisville Winner: Speedy Sparkle Car Wash

Lafayette Winner: 95th Street Car Wash Broomfield Winner: Waterways Gas & Wash Write-In Winner: Washed Up Car Wash

RETAIL

8627 N. 95th St., #7718, Longmont, ollinfarms.com

Community engagement and education is central to Ollin Farms. From teaching youth classes to leading field trips, hosting farm dinners, providing vegetables to local school districts, and even collaborating with scientists to track ecosystem data, Mark and Kena Guttridge have spent the last 15 years building Ollin Farms as a hub for sustainable agriculture and community.

“Farming is a difficult way to make a liv ing, but being able to work together as a fam ily and to find ways to connect the community to the natural world is a blessing,” Kena tells Boulder Weekly. “It’s the partner ships with individuals and organiza tions passionate about health, edu cation and ecological restoration that motivate us to keep on pushing forward, always planning more col laborations, educating more youth, distributing more nutrient-dense food, restoring more land.”

TOWN WINNERS

topsoil, sequester carbon and provide wild life and pollinator habitat.

Erie Winner: Anderson Farms Louisville Winner: 7th Generation Farm Lafayette Winner: Isabelle Farm Write-in Winner: Red Wagon Organic Farm

Mark and Kena met working in Mexican restaurants in the Lafayette area, and moved back to the farm that Mark grew up on in 2005. In 2007, they launched Ollin Farms as a business. Ollin is an Aztec word meaning con stant motion or change.

Ollin Farm’s Project 95 brings sustainable agriculture to the forefront with demonstrations on how to create new

The most beautiful part of our work is the farm itself with all its biodiversity, wildlife, and com munity connection that happen here. Equally beautiful is the way that the farm has been able to impact the community around the farm,” Kena says.

“We are so grateful to all our partners in the community that help amplify the message and

How’s that old saying go? Clean your car, change your life? Maybe that’s not quite how it goes, but we believe cleaning your car can make you feel productive and moti vated. Our readers like to go to Breeze Thru Car Wash in Longmont to get their wheels looking sharp. Breeze Thru offers a number of flexible wash packages plus free vacu ums — what more could you ask for?

GROCERY STORE

King Soopers

6550 Lookout Road, Boulder (Gunbarrel), 303-530-1020

Lafayette Winner: Sprout’s Farmers Market

Longmont Winner: Whole Foods

Did you know the average person makes 221 food-related decisions every day? And our readers make a whole lot of those decisions at King Soopers. That’s because King Soopers provides fresh, affordable food, from freshly ground almond butter to in-house deli treats like potato salad, cole slaw and roasted chicken. No matter what you like to eat, King Soopers has what you crave.

OLLIN FARM EMPLOYEE JUMENA CORDERO

LAW FIRM

Murgallis Law Firm

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-444-4353

Longmont Winner: McKinley Law Group

Lafayette Winner: Cook, Bradford & Levy

Needing legal assistance is scary, from how much it’s going to cost to the possible out come of your trail. That’s why Sherri Murgallis founded Murgallis Law Firm to provide quality legal services and excellent customer service. “We know when you’re in need of legal assis tance, you are not only looking for competent representation but also need and expect courte ous attention, prompt responses to your calls and questions, and legal professionals who are compassionate and understanding,” she writes on her website. “We don’t forget that we work for you and we are committed to providing excellent customer service in every aspect of our representation.”

GIFT STORE

Cheese Importers

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599

Louisville Winner: Old Friends Lafayette Winner: Local Goods Write-in Winner: MeCo Coffee Collective

Cheese Importers is about much more than cheese. You can find the perfect gift for anyone at this beloved store: delicious cheeses, salamis, sauces, pasta, sweets, soaps… even kid’s toys. But you can’t go wrong with a custom cheese basket. Might we suggest the Cheese Lover’s Sampler? It’s filled with Gouda, creamy havarti with dill, and Muenster to pair with crackers and pitted green olives. They even throw in a mini cheese slicer. Curbside pickup is available

JEWELRY STORE

Anspach’s Jewelry

101 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-5313

Longmont Winner: Snyder’s Jewelry Niwot Winner: Niwot Jewelry and Gifts

Anspach’s Jewelry has been helping folks in Boulder County find unique, custom and handmade jewelry since 1955. Anspach’s was founded by Glen and Dee Anspach nearly seven decades ago, and their son, Graig Anspach, and grandson, Ty Kuppinger — accom plished goldsmiths and designers — keep the business alive today. Customers love the attentive customer service, expert jewelry design, repair, and exceptional custom designs, all in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

TOY STORE

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe

180 E. Flatiron Crossing Drive, Broomfield, 303-465-8005

Longmont Winner: HobbyTown

Sure, Grandrabbit’s is a great toy store filled with games and toys for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, little kids and big kids, but it’s also an incredible community center with events like storytimes, games, and reading club programs. Grandrabbit’s also donates toys and gift certificates to local qualifying organizations. So stop by and pick up something fun for the kiddo in your life, and, if you can, take the chance to donate something to another kiddo in the community. It’s part of what makes Grandrabbit’s so beloved.

HOTEL Niwot Inn

342 Second Ave., Niwot, 303-652-8452

Broomfield Winner: Omni Interlocken

Longmont Winner: Courtyard Marriott

With 13 uniquely designed rooms, floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplaces and handplastered clay walls, the Niwot Inn is filled with tiny details that make it stand out from large, corporate hotels. Some rooms have steam showers, others have jetted hot tubs, and some have heated toilet seats. Wake up to a healthy continental breakfast every morning, and wind down with a wine and cheese hour every evening. It’s a reader favorite for a reason.

RETAIL

1361 Forest Park Circle, #106, Lafayette, 303-661-9335

This Best of Boulder win is bitter sweet, as Mark Benassi, owner of Lafayette Music, says he’ll more than likely close the store next year.

It’s been a tough year for Benassi, whose wife and business partner, Janet, died in April. Coupled with the pandemic and what Benassi calls a “generally unfriendly environment for small busi nesses,” the local instrument shop has taken more hits than Benassi says he can stand.

“You’ve got everything stacked against you,” Benassi says of being an independent business. “You might hear politicians talking about, “I support small business,” and I keep waiting for that [support]. I never see it.”

grew, selling instruments of all kinds and offering lessons.

But a series of complications forced the business to move three times in four years.

TOWN WINNERS

Louisville Winner: Wildwood Guitars

Benassi bought Lafayette Music in 2007, though the shop had been open under different manage ment since 1993. Music wasn’t Benassi’s first career choice, having worked as a systems analyst for years before heading back to graduate school to get a degree in comparative literature. But the amateur trumpet player walked past a “For Sale” sign at the music shop and thought “maybe I could do this.”

Longmont Winner: Guitars Etc.

“And the last move was in 2016, and the commercial real estate market was super hot; it was really hard to find a space,” Benassi says. “In fact, we were in the process of trying to make a deal on three different proper ties that got scooped out from under us.”

The current space at Forest Park Circle in Lafayette is “about half the size of what we used to be,” Benassi says, “and we had to do a lot of downsizing.”

For the next few years under Benassi’s ownership, Lafayette Music

TATTOO/PIERCING PARLOR

But all hope isn’t lost just yet, as Benassi says he’s open to finding some one to partner with to keep the business open.

Inksmith Tattoo and Piercing

565 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-985-4259

Longmont Winner: Tribal Rites Tattoo and Piercing

Lafayette Winner: Blackbird Ink

When your body is the canvas for a work of art, you want an artist who understands your style. That’s why our readers go to Inksmith Tattoo and Piercing, where a talented staff of tattoo artists work with clients to help express themselves through body art. Tattoos large and small are designed to precisely match the client’s idea. Piercings are no excep tion to Inksmith’s high standards. From children’s lobe piercings to septum rings, these pro fessionals will provide you with safe, hand-selected, and implant-grade jewelry that match es your style.

OWNER MARK BENASSI

SUSAN FRANCE

STEREO/ELECTRONICS

Little Horse Books & Vintage

820 Main St., Louisville, 303-242-5382

Longmont Winner: Recycled Records

Mike Price, a poet and longtime book seller, opened the original Little Horse Vintage shop in downtown Boulder in 2001. Today, Little Horse has two locations — in Fort Collins and downtown Louisville. The quaint Louisville location offers a meticulous ly curated selection of vintage hi-fi audio equipment and vinyl records. Since Price is always looking for new inventory, you never know what you might find, so pop in regularly to look for hidden gems.

MOVING COMPANY

Taylor Moving

1275 Sherman Drive, Unit B, Longmont, 303-443-5885

Thornton Winner: Two Men and a Truck Louisville Winner: Boulder Valley Transfer Longmont Winner: Klatt Moving

Founded in 1997 by Glen Taylor and Leah Sprague, Taylor Moving quickly grew into Boulder County’s favorite moving service by offering residential and commercial packing and moving services, with a crew of experienced staff to help with loading and unloading. Taylor Moving also offers self storage (climate controlled if you need it!) and shipping containers to help manage your things as you get settled into your new digs. Best of all, there’s no hidden charges for gas, mileage and truck fees, just a simple, all-inclusive hourly rate.

TIRE SHOP

Discount Tire

740 U.S.-287, Lafayette, 303-248-5680

Louisville Winner: Big O Tires Superior Winner: Costco Wholesale

Open six days a week, Discount Tire has on-hand expertise for all types of service, including wheel and tire installation, rotation, balancing, repairs and more. When winter rolls around, Discount Tire has you covered, with the largest selection of snow tires in the area. They can even help you install snow chains and tires, or add studs for extra traction. And their customer service keeps our readers voting them Best Tire Shop year in and year out.

NATURAL FOODS STORE

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage

1745 Main St., Longmont, 303-684-8200

Lafayette Winner: Sprouts Farmers Market Longmont Winner: Whole Foods

In 1955, Margaret and Philip Isely started Natural Grocers with $200 and a dream that everyone should be able to afford a healthy and active lifestyle. The Colorado-based company has now grown to over 164 stores and counting in 20 states, selling 100% organic and GMOfree produce, pasture-based dairy, and antibiotic and hormone-free meats. With affordable prices and an incredible selection, our readers keep choosing Natural Grocers as their favorite natural foods store in East Boulder County year after year after year.

MIKE PRICE, OWNER OF LITTLE HORSE BOOKS & VINTAGE

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We take the stress out of moving.

At Klatt Moving & Storage, we understand that moving is one of the most stressful times of your life. For more than 30 years, we have been taking the stress out of our customers’ moves. Whether your move is residential or commercial, you can count on Klatt for the ultimate in professionalism, skill and honesty. We can handle any moving job from beginning to end, including packing and storage services.

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