10.24.19 Best of Boulder East County by Boulder Weekly

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BESTOFBOULDEREASTCOUNTY2019

staff

7......... FOOD

ORDER’S UP IN EAST COUNTY!

27....... DRINK TREAT YO’SELF

35....... ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE WHERE DO YOU WANT TO PARTY?

45....... FITNESS & HEALTH STEP IT UP A NOTCH

53....... RETAIL

SUSAN FRANCE

STAFF

Publisher, Fran Zankowski Special Editions Editor, Michael J. Casey Circulation Manager, Cal Winn

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP SUSAN FRANCE

EDITORIAL

Editor, Joel Dyer Associate Editors, Matt Cortina, Angela K. Evans, Caitlin Rockett

PRODUCTION

Art Director, Susan France Senior Graphic Designer, Mark Goodman Graphic Designer, Daisy Bauer

SALES AND MARKETING

FLOYD’S 99 BARBER SHOP MANAGER JULIE DIRKS WITH STYLIST GEORGEMA ARMENDARIZ

Retail Sales Manager, Allen Carmichael Account Executives, Julian Bourke, Mathew Fischer Market Development Manager, Kellie Robinson Mrs. Boulder Weekly, Mari Nevar

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE

Circulation Team, Dave Hastie, Dan Hill, George LaRoe, Jeffrey Lohrius, Elizabeth Ouslie, Rick Slama

SUSAN FRANCE

Founder/CEO, Stewart Sallo Cover photo by Susan France, Courtney Kizewski, Jefes Tacos & Tequila

LAN NGUYEH AT LUXE NAIL BAR

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

BOULDER WEEKLY

303.494.5511 690 S. Lashley Lane, Boulder, CO 80305

JUAN SERRANO OF MOE’S BROADWAY BAGEL, LOUISVILLE

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY

ne thing is perfectly clear from this year’s Best of Boulder East County results: the renaissance is continuing at a rapid pace and the people lucky enough to live in East County couldn’t be more proud of or excited about the changes. We know this is true because Boulder Weekly didn’t choose the winners in Best of Boulder East County, our readers did. And more of you participated in this year’s competition than ever before. And for that we say thank you. Once again, a pretty significant number of new businesses popped up in East County in the last year. New restaurants are opening in Longmont, Lafayette and Louisville faster than most of us can say, “Table for two.” And the new eateries are only adding to an already world-class food and brewing scene. The retail business environment is also continuing to explode, along with the number of residents pouring into East County’s welcoming, unique and diverse communities. So whether you’re trying to figure out the best place to grab a cocktail after work, buy a set of tires, find a gluten-free bakery, send your kids to school — or any of a few hundred other decisions — we think this Best of Boulder East County magazine will make your choices a little easier and a lot wiser. And if you’re like us, we know perusing these pages will allow you to discover many great places you didn’t even know existed. So you better get started.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 5

Thank you for Voting LongMont Public House

BEST New Restaurant!

BEST NEW RESTAURANT!

“I have lived and cooked across the world. My journeys from Singapore to Seattle have helped shape my passion and care in building my menu. Longmont has always been my home and I welcome you to enjoy the flavors that come from our from-scratch kitchen in our public house.” – Jerome Brown Executive Chef and Owner Longmont Public House

HAPPY HOUR Happy Hour M-F 3pm-6pm Sunday Happy Hour Drinks All Day WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesday 5pm–9pm Prime Rib Night Wednesday 3pm–close $5 Burgers Night You can have a small draft beer addition for $5 more. We also have a $9 Veggie Burger deal featuring the Beyond Meat Burger Thursday Ladies Night $5 specialty cocktails (change every week), $3 house red/white/rose wines, $1-off draught beers. Love Football? Watch the games with us. Full Sunday Ticket College and NFL games available. Drink and Wing specials during games. High School Sports Burger Battle Start Soon! Join Us ! Holiday Brunch With Santa December 22nd

SUSAN FRANCE

FOOD GLUTEN-FREE MENU

MORNING GLORY CAFE

1377 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-604-6351 Longmont Winner: The Post Brewing Co. (also in Lafayette)

orning Glory Cafe is a special place. The no-frills but always-friendly environs make breakfast, lunch and dinner a treat, and that’s not saying anything yet about the food. Our readers particularly like Morning Glory’s gluten-free menu, which includes blueberry, chocolate chip and plain pancakes; grilled cheese, burgers and sandwiches on gluten-free bread; and quesadillas and wraps on gluten-free tortillas. Morning Glory’s expansive menu is also filled with options for vegans, vegetarians, dairy-free folks and others with dietary restrictions. INDIAN

TAJ MAHAL III

1075 E. South Boulder Road, Suite 145, Louisville, 303-926-0999 Runner Up, East County: Tibet’s Restaurant & Bar Lafayette Winner: Tandoori Kitchen Longmont Winner: Flavor of India

t may not be hip to admit it, but there’s nothing more satisfying than an all-you-can-eat buffet, especially at a good Indian restaurant. Our readers’ perennial favorite in this category, Louisville’s Taj Mahal III, is dedicated to offering a well-presented lunch buffet seven days a week. The spread always includes chicken tikka masala and creamy saag paneer with chunks of cheese sided with plenty of fragrant basmati rice, warm naan and mintcilantro and tamarind chutneys. The Taj’s regular menu explores all the classic curries, kormas, fiery vindaloos and biryani rice dishes, plus more obscure preparations such as spicy lamb madras.

SAMANTHA LIGHTCAP, ASSISTANT MANAGER AT MORNING GLORY CAFE

Voted Best Italian in Longmont!

Gondolier Longmont BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

Gondolier Boulder I

OCTOBER 24, 2019 7

food

SUSAN FRANCE

MOXIE BREAD CO. OWNER ANDY CLARK WITH WIFE PHILLIPPA BAKERY

LYONS RESTAURANT

DONUTS

641 Main St., Louisville, 720-420-9616 Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets Longmont Winner: Great Harvest Bread Co.

303 Main St., Lyons, 303-823-6685 Runner Up, East County: Lyons Fork

133 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-3875 Broomfield Winner: The 5280 Donuts Longmont Winner: Winchell’s Donut House

MOXIE BREAD CO.

OSKAR BLUES GRILL & BREW

ven though they have outposts all over the country, the heart and soul of Oskar Blues still resides in Lyons. Here, Dale Katechis started a craft beer revolution — it was the first craft Colorado brewery to can its wares in 2002 — and here he brought together small-town charm and rock ‘n’ roll bravado alongside killer food and vibrant brews. Oskar Blues Grill & Brew’s menu leans toward southern cooking, the drinks are hop-forward and downstairs offers a place to jam, dance or watch a movie, should a local film festival be around.

here aren’t many awards that Louisville’s Moxie Bread Co. hasn’t won. No wonder East Boulder County thinks of it as their hometown bakery. It’s a rare independent bakery where bread and pastry arts are both practiced at an artisan level. Owner Andy Clark uses slow, long fermentation and house-milled local organic heirloom grain to create substantial, beautifully crusted loaves. The volkenbrot and farmhaus breads are tops for toast. The pastry royalty here is the kouign amann (QUEEN-ah-mahn), a super-buttery sweet croissant muffin with fruit and nut fillings. And, oh my: the cardamom shortbread cookies!

LAMAR’S DONUTS

n Saturday and Sunday mornings, regulars patiently wait in a line out the door for their turn to choose a dozen delights at LaMar’s Donuts. It gives them time to narrow down the choices on the trays of yeast-raised and cake delights. Will they go with the light and fluffy chocolate-glazed or opt for the satisfying tender apple spice cake? Our readers tell us they love indulging in the occasional pineapple-filled bismark or maple iced LaMar’s Bar. And better yet, LaMar’s cherry fritters and raisin pecan cinnamon rolls hold up to dunking in hot beverages. As LaMar’s points out, a Ray’s Original Glazed has 220 calories versus 450 for a bagel with cream cheese.

BEST MYSTERY WRAPPED IN A TORTILLA

EFRAIN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA 101 E. Cleveland St, Lafayette, 303-666-7544

e all love Mexican food, and we all love Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. But the staff at Boulder Weekly is particularly fond of ordering this Mexican food purveyor’s mystery burrito, otherwise known as the “Efrain.” The menu description reads more like a challenge: “A real manly meal which includes a variety of our delectables rolled into a large flour tortilla and smothered with who knows what. Decision made exclusively by chef! No exceptions! No exchanges or refunds. Have fun, take a chance and trust Efrain.” We do, and so should you. Bring a big appetite if you want to conquer this plate full of cheesy, meaty heat. We find that it takes three house margs to win the battle. 8

OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

louisville’s great family indian restaurant

boulder’s great family indian restaurant

TAJ MAHAL III RESTAURANT WINE, BEER & FOOD

FOOD, WINE & BEER

$10.95 ALL YOU CAN EAT LUNCH BUFFET... 7 DAYS A WEEK!

$10.95 ALL YOU CAN EAT BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

303-926-0999 1075 E. SOUTH BOULDER RD. LOUISVILLE, CO

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

LUNCH BUFFET... 7 DAYS A WEEK!

303-442-0999 1800 BROADWAY ST. BOULDER, CO

food SUSAN FRANCE

Real farmers selling the food they growsince 1987 USA Today’s Best Farmers Markets in the U.S. because the fruits, vegetables, meat, honey, and flowers you find at our markets are grown by the Colorado farmers standing behind them. Visit the Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Union Station farmers markets to experience the difference. Experience the flavors of the season!

BEST Festival / Event Learn more at BCFM.ORG Like us on Facebook

LONGMONT FARMERS MARKET

LAFAYETTE FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAYS, APRIL through

THURSDAYS, JUNE through

MOE’S BROADWAY BAGEL BAKER COOKS UP THE NEXT BATCH. BAGEL

MOE’S BROADWAY BAGEL

1057 Courtesy Road, Louisville, 303-665-2126 Lafayette and Longmont Winner: Big Daddy Bagels

t would be hard to live in a world with no Moe’s Broadway Bagels. You could, but it would be a lot less delicious. Imagine a world with no soft and chewy Asiago to dunk into a warm cup of soup. A world with no toasted Cinnamon Sugar schmeared with cream cheese. No Italian (Everything, to the uninitiated), toasted with egg, cheddar cheese and sausage for breakfast. Stop. It seems downright cruel. A world without bagels is like a world with the music turned down. We want our bagels, morning, noon and night. And we want them from Moe’s. Looks like you do too. Good on ‘ya.

CATERING

GEORGIA BOYS BBQ

250 Third Ave., Longmont, 720-999-4099 Runner Up, East County: A Spice of Life (East Boulder) Gunbarrel Winner: Snarf’s Sandwhiches (also in Longmont) Lafayette Winner: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

T BEST CARPET STORE

here are lots of catering services, but few that specialize in authentic smokehouse barbecue. Plenty of eateries dish quality barbecue fare but aren’t necessarily rock stars at catering. According to our readers, Georgia Boys BBQ in Longmont manages to do both really well, satisfying all sorts of crowds from casual parties to posh weddings and corporate gatherings. The Boys can set up everything from a barbecue sandwich buffet to a complete taco bar with the moistest, smokiest pulled pork ever. Frankly, we’d be thrilled with a buffet of their sides: mac and cheese, barbecue beans, mashers and gravy, cornbread and sweet potato casserole.

APPETIZERS

95A BISTRO & SUSHI

1381 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-665-3080 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Longmont Winner: The Roost Louisville Winner: Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar

hen an eatery devotes a full menu page to hot and cold tapas, another to sushi, and serves lamb skewers and bacon-wrapped dates, you know they’re serious about appetizers. That’s why our readers give their vote, year after year, to 95a Bistro & Sushi. 95a’s something-for-everyone approach guarantees that even the pickiest family member can find a small plate to enjoy. The Lafayette eatery’s happy hour features $5 big bites ranging from shrimp cocktail with wasabi cocktail sauce to pork and ricotta meatballs. Don’t feel bad if you never end up getting to the entrée menu. 10 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

food

SUSAN FRANCE

THAI RESTAURANT

BUSABA AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE

133 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-665-0330 Lafayette Winner: Panang Thai Cuisine Longmont Winner: Thai Kitchen

ow can you go wrong with Thai food made by native Thais? From noodles (thick or thin), rice (fried or steamed), curries (hot or sweet), and on and on, Busaba Authentic Thai Cuisine has you covered. These folks take pride in their recipes, and the ingredients that go into each one, and our readers have noticed. If you’ve been, you know exactly why you need to head back; if you haven’t, now is the time to head on over. Start with the Bangkok Street Fried Rice and go from there. Pro tip: Want to learn more about a culture? Start with the street cuisine. If that doesn’t hook you, nothing will.

BUSABA OWNER, SMATTA PHAIRATPHIBOON MEXICAN

EFRAIN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303-666-7544 Longmont Winner: Jefes Tacos & Tequila Louisville Winner: Pica’s Mexican Taqueria

here are two words that explain why the parking lot at Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is always full for lunch and dinner: chile verde. Vibrant, fiery green chile has drawn a crowd since the landmark eatery opened in 1984 in Lafayette. Efrain’s dishes a true Chihuahuan-style green chile bowl loaded with toasted peppers, tomatoes and pork, served with flour tortillas. Green chile sauce smothers costillas (ribs), chimichangas and rellenos as well as burritos. And it all tastes better with a marg.

BEST PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE

Thank you Boulder East County!

FOOD TRUCK

VERDE

Mobile, Boulder County, 520-358-3670 Runner Up, East County: Butcher & The Blonde

erde is a successful brick-and-mortar Mexican eatery in Boulder and Louisville, but it has never lost touch with its street roots. Verde is still truckin’ after all these years, bringing Sonoran-style Mexican favorites to East County tasting rooms and community events. We are fans of the truck’s carne asada or coconut citrus fish tacos. Burritos are available with four saucy upgrades: chimichanga-style, enchiladastyle, fundido-syle and, of course, green chile-smothered. It’s worth tracking down Verde just for its fried cheese taco encased in browned, melted and crispy cheese. BOULDER WEEKLY

732 Main Street Historic Downtown Louisville

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 11

food

SUSAN FRANCE

TASHA LEAVENS, BARTENDER AT LULU’S BBQ BBQ

OVERALL RESTAURANT (TIE)

701B Main St., Louisville, 720-583-1789 Longmont Winner: Georgia Boys BBQ

105 W. Emma St., Lafayette, 303-593-2066 1258 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 720-588-2883

LULU’S BBQ

THE POST BREWING CO.

ife is too short to eat mediocre barbecue. Our readers voted with their taste buds for Louisville’s Lulu’s BBQ. Fired up with Texas white oak, the smokehouse infuses tons of flavor into platters and sandwiches made with fall-apart brisket, pulled pork, chicken and sausages. The finger-sucking saucy ribs are bestsellers, including the piece de barbecue resistance: awesome burnt ends, especially tasty with the house garnish of minced onions, sport peppers and pickles. The smoky perfume wafting across Old Town Louisville doesn’t just beckon carnivores; Lulu’s is also famous for its smoked tofu. Best side dish: Cinnamon butter cornbread.

COMMUNITY

206 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-890-3793 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Louisville Winner: Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar

n the words of Ingrid Bergman: “It’s a tie!” Yes, the 2019 Best of Boulder East County award for Overall Restaurant goes to both The Post Brewing Co. (defending its title) AND Community. Both hail from the great town of Lafayette, both serve elevated versions of comfort cuisine, and both serve libations that are fresh and local. That would probably be enough for BW readers, but really, it comes down to the essence of these two businesses. Community promises “no pomp and even less circumstance,” while The Post offers up “hot chicken and cold beer.” The best things in life are rarely complicated.

BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOU CAN’T DECIDE BETWEEN HOT DOGS OR TACOS

MARCO’S HOT DOGS AND TACOS, 1647 Kimbark St, Longmont.

e have a lot of hifalutin places for you to check out between these Best of Boulder East County covers, but if you want the pleasure of eating standing up and can’t decide between hot dogs or tacos, then head to Marco’s Hot Dogs and Tacos in Longmont. Existing somewhere between a counter and a food cart, Marco’s has two grills, one serving up Sonora Dogs (bacon-wrapped franks covered in pinto beans, shredded cheese and pico de gallo), the other serving up street tacos. Drinks come by the can, and the only places to sit are on the brick windowsills. It’s a meal long-remembered. Bring cash. 12 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

THE WORLD FAMOUS

g Come Durin

UR! HAPPY HO-8 pm Mon-Fri 4pm

and Call 2 For 1 Well ff Pints Drinks, $1 O

Burger Madness Burger & Fries

All Day Tues. Thurs. Sun

SILVER AWARD Best Place To Play Pool Best Sports Bar BRONZE AWARD Best Late Night Best Burger

Paela by Chef Miguel

food SUSAN FRANCE

coffee – breakfast – lunch – tapas – dinner 5530 spine rd, boulder 303.719.1431 aperitivoboulder.com Executive Chef: Miguel Vazquez

$20 BOTTLE OF WINE TUESDAYS

SARAH INGRAHAM SERVING UP HOT CHICKEN AND COLD BEER AT THE POST BREWING CO. IN LAFAYETTE. AMERICAN

+1 free happy hour tapa 3pm - close

THE POST BREWING CO.

105 W. Emma St., Lafayette, 303-593-2066 1258 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 720-588-2883 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry

ot chicken loves cold beer. It’s as simple as that. The Post Brewing Co. has been serving up award-winning ales and lagers alongside gluten-free fried chicken for half a decade. Quaff that award-winning El Corn down with some fried chicken. Order a side of chicken chicharrones, and dunk it in the white bean hummus. That’s what they come for when they come to The Post. At the OG facility in Lafayette, pop in any night of the week for a daily special from Monday’s burger night to Friday’s fish fry. Plus, The Post has expanded with outposts along the Front Range, so be sure to stop in whenver you’re passing by.

Free Range Food for Front Range Families

ASIAN FUSION

BUSABA AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE

133 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-665-0330 Lafayette Winner: Pho Cafe Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup & Grill Longmont: East Moon Asian Bistro

he edamame is from Japan. Larb hails from Laos. The Chinese-style sweet and sour stirfries come with a choice of chicken, pork, tofu, beef or shrimp. Thailand contributes nonfried summer rolls, pineapple curry with Thai basil and prik pao (wok-tossed rice noodles). Wherever they originated, these dishes and many more fall under the heading of “yum” at Busaba Authentic Thai Cuisine in Louisville. It’s our readers’ favored Asian Fusion destination because the menu is big enough to explore. On one visit, maybe the pineapple stir-fried rice with cashews. On the next, jumbo soft shell crab with sweet chili sauce. You choose. BEST WAY TO SET YOUR TASTE BUDS ABLAZE (WHILE HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY)

300 SUNS ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF

300 Suns Brewing, 335 First Ave., Unit C, Longmont This is the World Famous Buddha Bowl! Cashew Gravy! Black Rice! Steamed fresh veggies! “Shake and Bake” Tofu!

Open at 7:30 Every Day for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner!

BOTTOMLESS WINE WEDNESDAYS 4-8pm MORNINGGLORYCAFE | 1377 FOREST PARK CIRCLE, LAFAYETTE | 303.604.6351

14 OCTOBER 24, 2019

ix years ago, 300 Suns Brewing co-owner Jean Ditslea decided she wanted to find a way to use the brewery space to do some good for the community, which is how the annual Chili Cook-Off began. Proceeds benefit the Longmont Humane Society, and who doesn’t want to help four-legged furry friends? The 2019 cook-off involved about 20 different chilis — including red, green, home-cooked, large batch and Crock-Pot — with more than 300 people coming to donate money, grub some delicious chili and wash it down with a cold beer. This year, Artwalk Longmont had crafts on-site for all ages — we can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

SUSAN FRANCE

food RESTAURANT DESSERT

EATS & SWEETS

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-3287 Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Longmont Winner: Cheese Importers

here’s your sweet spot? If you’re in East Boulder County, go directly to Lafayette’s Eats & Sweets. The name of this cozy Old Town eatery makes us smile almost as much as the house-baked mini pies, cupcakes, cake pops, cheesecakes, brownies and a lineup of terrific cookies. Locally churned Sweet Action Ice Cream plays a starring role with intense flavors ranging from blackberry lavender to vegan coconut almond fudge and brown sugar banana. We recommend using it as a filling in an ice cream sandwich made with slabs of Eats & Sweet’s dense, moist banana bread.

A MODERN SHRINE TO REGIONAL MEXICAN CUISINE

ELLIS PANGILINAN LOVES EATS & SWEETS. BREAKFAST

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Lafayette Winner: Tangerine (also in Longmont) Longmont Winner: Lucile’s Creole Cafe

n the morning, we need familiar favorites, lots of coffee and a warm environment. That’s why breakfast fans consistently vote for The Huckleberry as the best of the best in East Boulder County. You’re welcomed by a case full of freshly-baked muffins, pastries and pies. The Louisville eatery spotlights eggs Benedicts, whether with pulled pork or ribeye steak atop corn cakes or latkes, plus hollandaise sauce. However, the most popular order is two eggs, home fries, a biscuit with butter and jam, and your choice of meat — we recommend the chicken green chili sausage. The beverage menu includes a gingery chai from sister restaurant the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.

KID FRIENDLY

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAP HOUSE

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743 7916 Niwot Road, Niwot, 720-684-6888 Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets Longmont Winner: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews here are places that merely accommodate families, and then there’s Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap House, where kids are warmly welcomed. There’s room to run in the backyard patio and enough hubbub and chatter that children don’t ever get shushed. There is no kids’ menu at either location because, hey, it’s pizza! The kids can have a simple pie with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil while the grownups appreciate the 21 craft beer taps. And who doesn’t like Lucky Pie’s famous bacon peanut brittle? BOULDER WEEKLY

#EatMoreTacos

Our kitchen is 100% Gluten Free

SUN l THURS 11am - 9pm l FRI l SAT 11am - 10pm

TeocalliCocina.com l 103 N Public Road, Lafayette l 303.284.6597

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 15

food

SUSAN FRANCE

ADRIAN TASK, DIRECTOR OF LIBATIONS AND EVENTS AT 740 FRONT BUSINESS LUNCH

JAPANESE

740 FRONT

BAO ASIAN FUSION & SUSHI BAR

740 Front St., Louisville, 720-519-1972 Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi Longmont Winner: The Roost

594 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-926-1888 Runner Up, East County: Sushi Yoshi Longmont Winner: Sushi Hana

he perfect place for a business lunch has to have: a) comfortable ambiance, b) lots of menu choices, especially lighter fare; and c) good service that appreciates a tight time frame. Our readers find all three at Louisville’s 740 Front. The restored historic building has plenty of private spaces for conversation. The lunch bestsellers are juicy burgers made with ground brisket, tenderloin, short ribs and strip steaks. A build-aburger lets diners top beef, turkey, salmon or veggie patties with roasted green chilies and other toppings. There is also a wide range of sandwich sides, including fries, Caesar salad and clam chowder.

PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE

THE MELTING POT

732 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-7777 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Lafayette and Longmont Winner: The Post Brewing Co.

16 OCTOBER 24, 2019

tart with sunomono, a craveable mix of seafood with cucumbers in a light rice vinegar dressing. Move on to miso soup and tempura shrimp, and you can taste why our readers gave Louisville’s Bao Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar a big thumbs-up. The talented chefs use great ingredients to plate the greatest hits of Japanese cuisine. They are serious about sushi, featuring a lineup of fresh salmon, octopus, yellowtail and eel along with some impressive sushi rolls. We admit a fondness for the Spider Roll filled with sweet, crispy soft shell crab.

irst dates are anxious enough — choosing what to wear and making sure you don’t have spinach in your teeth! You don’t want to worry about finding a compatible restaurant, too. Our readers recommend The Melting Pot because fondue is interactive without being awkward. Who doesn’t love dipping stuff in cheese sauce? There is the Classic with Gruyère, Raclette and Fontina, but for fun, go queso with the Fiesta — that’s cheddar, Emmenthaler and lager with salsa and jalapenos. Finish with Yin & Yang — dark chocolate and white chocolate fondues with fruit and other dipables. Afterward, you can stroll Downtown Louisville while deciding on where to go for that second date.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

BUY 1, GET ONE

FREE

BAGEL w/ CREAM CHEESE Expires 12/31/19

Tandoori Kitchen

food

Indian & Nepalese Vegan and Gluton Free

SUSAN FRANCE

Tandoori Kitchen is a collaboration between Colorado’s greatest Indian chefs and local restaurateurs

Thank you for voting us Best Indian Restaurant!

199 W. South Boulder Rd. Lafayette, Co

CALLIE FRANCE, SHIFT LEAD FOR SWEET COW ICE CREAM ICE CREAM

SWEET COW ICE CREAM

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-4269 Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets Longmont Winner: Cold Stone Creamery

Thank you to our incredible community and amazing staff and family!

ontrary to popular belief, ice cream is not just a dessert. Have it for breakfast (Ozo Coffee ice cream). Have it for second breakfast (Lucky Charms ice cream). Have it for lunch (Rocky Road). Afternoon pick-me-up (Vegan Bhakti Chai). Heck, spoil your appetite for dinner with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough in a waffle cone, but make sure to save room for dessert: a scoop of Banana Fosters and a scoop of Dutch Chocolate atop a sugar cone. It’s all hand-made fresh every day. Since 2010, Sweet Cow Ice Cream has been serving scoops of the most “moolicious” ice cream in the county.

Come celebrate 5 years with us! Festivities kick off Saturday November 2nd

DAILY HAPPY HOUR 3pm - 6pm

BEST PRAIRIE DOG

MILES

Just north of Northwest Parkway, Lafayette

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 9pm

www.rosaleespizzeria.com 18 OCTOBER 24, 2019

oy, was this a hard decision for us. There are so many great prairie dogs in East County to choose from. But we had to go with Miles, a three-year-old data analyst at IBM, who loves riding his bike to work, drinking craft coffee and avoiding the plague. When his nose isn’t buried in the latest James Patterson novel, Miles spends his time standing on his hind legs and yipping at cars passing by. His book, All of My Friends and Family Look Exactly Like Me, was shortlisted for the 2017 Man Booker Prize.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

SUSAN FRANCE

food ITALIAN

PARMA TRATTORIA & MOZZARELLA BAR

1132-1 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-284-2741 Runner Up, East County (Tie): Via Toscana Ristorante (Louisville); Zucca Italian Ristorante (Louisville) Longmont Winner: Caprese Trattoria

arma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar’s large menu is filled with Italian classics and innovative creations. Good luck picking just one or two things to order. There’s the tortellacci, which is ravioli filled with butternut squash and amaretti cookie crumbles, covered in a butter sage sauce. There’s the polenta cinghiale, a wild boar ragu covering creamy cornmeal polenta. There’s veal saltimbocca, the classic Roman dish of thin veal cooked with prosciutto and sage, topped with a white wine caper sauce, peas and garlic. Seafood, pizza, lasagna, calzone, salumi... it’s no wonder our readers chose Parma as their favorite Italian food spot in East County.

PARMA OWNER, EMILIO PERNA RUGGIERO

RESTAURANT AMBIANCE

CHEESE IMPORTERS

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Louisville Winner: 740 Front

t’s easy to leave town (and the whole continent) when you’re enjoying ripe Camembert and a baguette on a flowergraced table at Bistrot des Artistes at Cheese Importers. Discrete charm is the reason foodies keep coming back to the historic Longmont location. They appreciate the simplicity of traditional bistro hits like French onion soup, quiche Lorraine, salade Nicoise, ham and Gruyere baguette sandwiches and cream-filled eclairs. The colorful bar pours a nice selection of affordable French wines by the glass. On a sunny day, the café’s sunflower-surrounded back patio is a great escape.

Bringing the traditional savory pie culture of New Zealand to America. We don’t use words like organic or natural, we just call it food.

TAKE OUT

BUSABA AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE 133 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-665-0330 Runner Up, East County: Santiago’s (Lafayette, Longmont)

his isn’t the first time Busaba Authentic Thai Cuisine finds itself in our Best of Boulder East County pages. It takes a lot to win that kind of loyalty, especially when it comes to takeout. The same customers who linger over tom kha soup at the restaurant want their coconut red curry quickly and efficiently to bring home on a weeknight. Busaba has mastered the takeout details, getting orders right so you get “drunken” noodles, not pad Thai. Our readers also like the variety of dishes that are easy to customize for taste, heat level and diet.

to endorse Tip Top as an authentic

Open Sunday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM 105 North Public Road, Lafayette, Colorado (720) 845-2155 BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 19

food

SUSAN FRANCE

NIWOT RESTAURANT

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAP HOUSE

7916 Niwot Road, Niwot, 720-684-6888 Runner Up, East County: Niwot Tavern

iwot — with a population of 4,000 or so — is not actually a town, just an unincorporated part of Boulder County. But since 1875, when it was named, Niwot has always had the strong sense of community you see every day at Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap House. Famously family-friendly, the eatery has become a go-to Niwot spot for kids and adults alike, and for sports fans to watch Broncos, Avalanche and Nuggets games. It doesn’t hurt to have a ton of local beers on tap and a menu full of small bites and pizzas made from first-class ingredients. Lucky Pie has also displayed a genuine commitment to sustainability since it opened. RESTAURANT SERVICE

LONGS PEAK PUB & TAPHOUSE

600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, 303-651-7886 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Lafayette Winner: The Post Brewing Co. (also in Longmont) Louisville Winner: Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar

ou’ll feel right at home at Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse. The warm wooden tables, the long bartop, the sound-absorbing carpet... Longs Peak Pub is downright cozy, and not just because of ambiance, but because of the staff. Like the other Mountain Sun sister pubs, every staff member is cross-trained to work both the front and the back of the house. Allergic to tree nuts? Ask your server to recommend a dish, and they’ll offer up several. Why? Because yesterday they were whipping them up in the back. Not sure what that new-fangled ingredient is? Your server knows. Heck, they may have stuck it on the menu last week. Here, they treat you like royalty. And don’t worry if you have multiple servers for one meal, the whole restaurant splits the tips. FINE DINING

COMMUNITY

206 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-890-3793 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Louisville Winner: 740 Front

ommunity in Old Town Lafayette is doing fine dining right. Its credo — “We are a non-pretentious eatery created by locals, for locals, all in the hopes of bringing people together” — is the exact attitude we need more of in our Boulder County food scene. Fortunately, our readers say Community backs up all that talk with great service and great food. The menu includes lobster mac and cheese, Korean barbecue grilled chicken, grilled trout, roasted cauliflower with Romesco, a 72-hour pork belly, and several enticing starters, including miso squash bisque and roasted bone marrow with bacon jam and pickled onions.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH EAGLES WITH ZERO EFFORT

THE CORNER OF GREAT WESTERN DRIVE AND SWEET WATER COURT, LONGMONT

e admit it’s a little bit of an odd location for bird-watching, but you can see some amazing eagles at close range. The giant electrical polls that once powered the old sugar mill operation in Longmont have become the favorite hangout for the area’s bald eagle population. The birds sit atop the polls directly above the road, so you don’t even have to leave your car. For much of the year, two adults and their offspring hang here when chowing down on unlucky prairie dogs or teaching the kids how to fly. It’s a spectacular urban/ nature experience. 20 OCTOBER 24, 2019

SOUS CHEF TRAVIS MORAN AT NIWOT’S LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAP HOUSE BURGER

WATERLOO

817 Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094 Lafayette Winner: Smashburger (also in Longmont and Louisville) Longmont Winner: Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

othing satiates hunger like a burger. It’s one of mankind’s greatest inventions. It’s so simple, and yet there is so much room for innovation and variety. Take Waterloo’s selection of burgers, our readers’ favorite in East County. Its menu ranges from the classic — the house Waterloo Burger with a half-pound beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles — to the unique, like the Brunch Burger, with hash browns, bacon, fried egg and American cheese. Try the Colorado Bison burger with red-wine braised onions, Brie, mushrooms and roasted garlic aioli, or the Fuego, with jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and guacamole. The options are endless.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

Thank you for voting us Best Sushi and Runner up for Best Japanese!

fresh, authentic, tasty japanese food HOURS Lunch: Tue-Fri, 11:30am – 2:00pm Dinner: Sun, Tue-Thu 5:00pm – 9:00pm Fri-Sat 5:00pm – 10:00pm Closed Monday

917 Front St., Ste. 100, Louisville, CO (720) 304-0300 Follow us on Instagram: Sushiyoshilouisville

VOT E D B E S T I TA L I A N R E S TA U R A N T I N LO N G M O N T

Thank you to everyone who voted for us as best Italian restaurant – We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Internationally acclaimed Chef Marco Monnanni

Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 3pm-9pm 1067 South Hover Road, Longmont, Co 303.485.6240 capresetrattoria.com BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 21

food SUSAN FRANCE

SANDWICH

SNARF’S SANDWICHES

6562 Lookout Road, Gunbarrel, 720-622-0107 2130 Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303-702-1111 645 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-774-1441 Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets Louisville Winner: Moxie Bread Co.

ell, if you like sandwiches and you haven’t been to Snarf’s Sandwiches yet, then we don’t know what you’re doing. Either you just moved here, or you don’t really like sandwiches. If you fall into this camp, our readers say you should get to Snarf’s right away for its classic cold and hot deli sandwiches. Fresh meats and veggies, chewy hoagie rolls, and flavorful toppings are all served up quick and delicious. Snarf’s is the quintessential sandwich shop. Stay classic with turkey and Swiss, tuna and American cheese or a BLT. Or access Snarf’s deep cuts, like prime rib and provolone, smoked brisket, and rotisserie chicken and Swiss. PIZZA

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAP HOUSE

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743 7916 Niwot Road, Niwot, 720-684-6888 Lafayette Winner: MOD Pizza (also in Louisville) Longmont Winner: Rosalee’s Pizzeria

hen it comes to pizza, the motto to live by is: “In crust we trust.” At its Niwot and Louisville locations, Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap House crafts an organic wheat dough that our readers believe in. The kitchen’s devotion to stellar ingredients is obvious in pies like the L’amante Della Carne, a signature pizza that starts with a layer of San Marzano tomatoes. Then comes Fontina cheese, chile flakes and the best meats: old style Italian sausage, tender belly bacon and Salumeria Biellese pepperoni. The crust comes out with just enough char and just the right chew.

BRUNCH

TANGERINE

300 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-443-5100 379 Main St., Longmont, 720-815-2888 Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Longmont Winnter: Lucile’s Creole Cafe

LINDSAY BALGOBIN, BARTENDER AT TEOCALLI COCINA

t Tangerine, brunch is not just a Saturday and Sunday activity with a few breakfast-y entrees added to a lunch menu. Brunch is respected at these cafes in Lafayette and Longmont. Chef/owner Alec Shuler insists on dinner-worthy ingredients and techniques in memorable dishes like the French-toasted Monte Cristo sandwich with Swiss, ham, turkey and blackberry preserves. It means that steak and eggs are served over creamy polenta. A Belgian waffle is topped with fried chicken breast and organic maple syrup while perfectly poached eggs perch on lemon-dressed greens. Tangerine’s many fans also enjoy the attentive, professional service.

NEW RESTAURANT

TEOCALLI COCINA

103 N. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-284-6597 Longmont Winner: Smokin Bowls Louisville Winner: Punch Buggy Shave Ice

afayette has always been known as a great place to find Mexican food, but Teocalli Cocina is something completely different. Owner Grant Hopfenspirger focuses the menu on the incredible regional Mexican fare beyond burritos. So, starters include chicken enchiladas suizas with Oaxaca and Chihuahua cheeses and pickled Fresno peppers. Tacos take a modern turn with fillings like bigeye tuna with mango salsa and sticky rice. Once you taste the soft, freshly-griddled corn tortillas crafted daily at Teocalli, you’ll understand why it was voted the top new eatery in East Boulder County. Plus, the vibrant bar is stocked with an extensive mezcal and tequila selection.

SUSAN FRANCE

VEGGIE BURGER

WATERLOO

817 Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094 Lafayette Winner: Morning Glory Cafe Longmont Winner: The Roost

eggie burgers have sure come a long way over the years. Today, chefs are whipping up unbelievable plant-based burgers and loading them with unique toppings to create wholly satisfying meals that rival the traditional meat-based burger. Our readers say Waterloo has the best veggie burgers. Its standard veggie burger is built with the industryupturning Beyond Burger meatless patty, cheese (or not, if you abstain), lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles. You can also replace the meat in any of Waterloo’s burgers with a Beyond Burger patty. 22 OCTOBER 24, 2019

TANGERINE SERVER CARLOS GONZALEZ, WITH ANGEL MORALES

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

food SUSAN FRANCE

SUSHI YOSHI SERVER TAYLOR SCULLY SUSHI

SUSHI YOSHI

917 Front St., Suite 100, Louisville, 720-304-0300 Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi

or a variety of Japanese dishes and an excellent dining atmosphere, it’s hard to beat Louisville’s Sushi Yoshi. But our readers have pinpointed the restaurant’s sushi as the best in East County. Sushi, sashimi and Osaka-style pressed sushi are made by expert chefs, always with the freshest ingredients. Check out the Superior Roll, with cucumber, avocado, shiso and six kinds of roe, or the Tropical Roll, with cream cheese, asparagus, smoked salmon and mango. The Green Coral roll is also worth an order, with its tempura asparagus, cream cheese, crab and wasabi tobikko.

PLACE TO EAT OUTDOORS

ACREAGE CIDERHOUSE BY STEM CIDERS 1380 Horizon Ave., Unit A, Lafayette, 720-443-3007 Louisville Winner: Waterloo

olorado sunset selfies were made to be shot at Acreage Ciderhouse by Stem. Set atop a hill in Lafayette, the restaurant and cidery have a panoramic, west-facing view of the Front Range. Being Colorado, the spacious deck and patio with firepits are occupied all year long ... except maybe during blizzards. The postcard views go well with Stem’s array of ciders and rustic fare cooked over — and in — wood fires in Acreage’s open kitchen. The setting fits the hearty plates of chicken confit, grilled greens, cider bratwurst with mustard, maple chicharrones and charred rainbow trout.

24 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

food SUSAN FRANCE

Best Thai Restaurant Best Asian Fusion Best Take Out

6 YEARS IN A ROW

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! SERVER GORDON CROW JR. (AND PHOTOBOMBER/EMPLOYEE LUCAS RIDGEWAY) AT THE HUCKLEBERRY PANCAKES/WAFFLE

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Lafayette Winner: Morning Glory Cafe Longmont Winner: Tangerine (also in Lafayette)

Best Thai Restaurant Best Asian Fusion

here’s a long history of pancake pleasure in the historic building housing The Huckleberry. In its past lives, the Louisville location was a post office and pharmacy but was best known as Karen’s Country Kitchen, home of legendary flapjacks. The Huckleberry is still a magnet for lovers of fluffy made-to-order stacks of buttermilk pancakes with butter and syrup. Our readers are big fans of upgrading their cakes with tart-sweet wild blueberries. The change-of-pace selection is savory, crispy latkes topped with over easies — apple compote and sour cream on the side. Late risers take note: The Huckleberry offers breakfast until 3 p.m.

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SEAFOOD

REELFISH FISH & CHIPS

2770 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette, 720-630-8053 Longmont Winner: Tortugas

efugees from the coasts breathe a sigh of relief when they see the menu at Reelfish Fish & Chips because the Lafayette outpost takes seafood seriously. Here fish and chips are a choice of fried cod, haddock or salmon — or a combo. Shrimp and other seafood choices get dished from the grill. Don’t miss rarities in these parts, including real lobster bisque and New England clam strips with tartar sauce, plus the weekend-only walleye fry and Wednesday’s delight: hush puppies. Our readers especially like the Spongebob Squarepants family-friendliness, including Mondays, when kids eat free.

CHINESE

SPICE CHINA

269 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-0999 Lafayette Winner: Ting’s Place Longmont Winner: East Moon Asian Bistro

rom the first time we wandered into Louisville’s spacious Spice China, we have been impressed by a huge menu, comfortable atmosphere and experienced servers. Our readers agree, consistently voting Spice China their favorite destination for classic Chinese fare and authentic regional dishes. The challenge is making up your mind, given the dozens of choices. The favorites like sesame chicken and sweet and sour pork are there, but so is a Shanghai menu intriguing diners with rarely seen dishes including salt and pepper jumbo shrimp and crisply fried whole striped bass. Spice China also dishes great tasting glutenfree, dairy-free and vegetarian items.

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

303-665-3287

OCTOBER 24, 2019 25

SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THROUGH COFFEE

THANK YOU, BOULDER EAST COUNTY!

BEST

COFFEE HOUSE COFFEE ROASTER LATTE

5340 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder 1015 Pearl Street, Boulder 1521 Pearl Street, Boulder 11232-A S. Hover Rd #400, Longmont

OZOCOFFEE.COM

SUSAN FRANCE

DRINK BAR

WATERLOO

817 Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094 Lafayette Winner: William Oliver’s Publick House Longmont Winner: Pumphouse Brewery and Red Zone

hat makes a good bar? Ambiance, service and quality drinks are a good start, and that’s what our readers say Waterloo has in spades. Its craft cocktail menu features plenty of classic drinks, like the Sazerac and Moscow Mule, and innovative creations, like the Cold Brew Martini, with vanilla vodka, Richardo’s coffee liqueur and HotBox nitro cold brew coffee, and the El Coyote Old Fashioned, with añejo tequila, aromatic and orange bitters, cane syrup and orange peel. Local beer, good wine, rooftop seating and friendly, knowledgeable bartenders round out the experience.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE PAUL

AMERICAN LEGION POST III, LOUISVILLE

1150 Pine Street, Louisville

aul is a man who enjoys a frosty beverage. But Paul doesn’t like to pay a lot. Sure, Paul has fine tastes, but what tastes finest to Paul is value. That pretty much limits Paul to Bud Light while he’s watching the 49ers roll their way through the NFC North (the Niners remind Paul of how lovely the Bay Area is). And Bud Light is what Paul drinks while he’s watching the Chicago White Sox get rolled in the American League Central Division (the Sox remind Paul of his time in Chicago, specifically the DNC Riots in 1968). Those riots led to Paul’s career in the Navy, and the Navy allowed Paul the chance to knock back those Bud Lights at the American Legion Post III. If you’re thinking of taking Paul out for a drink, take him to the Legion in Louisville. First round’s on him.

JAMES AUER MIXES UP A COCKTAIL FOR YOU AT WATERLOO

Avery Gift Cards Save on local dining, entertainment, retail and wellness.

Nancy Bureau, DVM & Katie Thomas, DVM

Crystal Connor, DVM

BOULDER WEEKLY

Kayla Carlisle, DVM

bestofboulderdeals.kostizi.com

Jess Johnson, DVM

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 27

DRINK SUSAN FRANCE

CRAFT BEER

LEFT HAND BREWING COMPANY 1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0258 Runner Up, East County: Wibby Brewing Louisville Winner: Gravity Brewing Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

n an industry where the line between craft and crafty gets fuzzier with every passing brewery sale, Left Hand Brewing Company stands “righteously independent” and employee-owned. Since day one, co-founder Eric Wallace has been one of craft beer’s most vibrant spokesmen. Yes, the Nitro Milk Stout (#AmericasStout) is iconic, but so is their original gangster, Sawtooth, an amber ale that’s been cleaning up awards for 25 years and was one of the most popular pours at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival. And with a recent push into sweet treats — White Russian, Flamingo Dreams and Push Pop Party, all nitrogenized — there’s something for everyone at Left Hand.

TEAHOUSE

CELESTIAL SEASONINGS

4600 Sleepytime Drive, Gunbarrel, 303-581-1266 Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Lyons Winner: The Stone Cup Cafe

here aren’t many of our readers who don’t know about the Celestial Seasonings factory tour, which includes a visit to the celebrated Mint Room. But folks also love the Tea Shop and Celestial Cafe on Sleepytime Lane. No other restaurant or store serves or sells virtually the complete roster of Celestial Seasonings teas. Visitors can get revved up on Morning Thunder or mellow out with Boulder’s most famous infusion, Red Zinger. Many folks visit to pick up holiday-only teas like Cranberry Vanilla Wonderland. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch fare with, naturally, several iced teas on tap. COFFEE HOUSE

OZO COFFEE COMPANY

1232-A S. Hover Road, Suite 400, Longmont, 720-600-6689 Erie Winner: Ziggi’s Coffee Louisville Winner: Paul’s Coffee & Tea

he best coffee houses can be a home away from home. Our readers have that warm feeling about Ozo Coffee Company in Longmont. This high-ceilinged location for the craft roaster was built specifically to serve as a center for East County’s growing coffee culture. There is comfortable seating downstairs, on a wraparound mezzanine above the coffee bar and on the patio near a cozy firepit. Seven days a week, well-trained baristas pour Ozo’s full drink roster, which ranges from reputable drip coffee to chai almond milk lattes. The food menu includes favorites like breakfast burritos, quiche and banana bread plus buttery pastries from Boulder’s Spruce Confections.

28 OCTOBER 24, 2019

NATE CULBERTSON SERVES UP A FLIGHT AT LEFT HAND BREWING COMPANY.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

DRINK SUSAN FRANCE

Taking care of you way beyond your smile

Thank You

for Voting Us Best Dental Group in East County!

THE EMPIRE LOUNGE BAR MANAGER/BARTENDER, ERIC VANDERVEEN COCKTAILS

THE EMPIRE LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT 816 Main St., Louisville, 303-665-2521 Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Lafayette Winner: Community Longmont Winner: Martinis Bistro

ur readers say The Empire Lounge and Restaurant knows what its doing when it comes to cocktails. Its small, but powerful, cocktail menu appeals to a wide variety of drinkers and includes libations you won’t be able to get elsewhere. Try The Sky’s the Limit, with gin, Luxardo, crème de violette, sparkling wine and flamed lemon. Or sample the Cherry Limeade, made of tequila, Luxardo, house Bourbon cherries, maraschino cherries, lime and soda. Or try a modern take on a classic with the Main St. Vieux Carré, made of rye whiskey, Benedictine, cognac, Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters and vermouth. CIDERY

We care about your smile We Accept Most Dental Insurance

ACREAGE CIDERHOUSE BY STEM CIDERS

1380 Horizon Ave., Unit A, Lafayette, 720-443-3007 Longmont Winner: St. Vrain Cidery

t is indeed bad to eat apples. It’s better to turn them all into cider,” wrote wise founding father Benjamin Franklin. Acreage Ciderhouse by Stem Ciders took Ben’s directive to heart and is changing tastes one sip at a time in the epicenter of craft beer. Stem’s menu of cider spans the taste spectrum from dry to sweet and herbal to citrus, with everything in between. The Real Dry is clean and crisp, the Hopped Apple Cider has an herbal bite and a tart apple zing, and the Hibiscus Session is the perfect marriage of hibiscus tea and freshpressed apple juice. Pair that cider with great food (including cider doughnuts) and an even better view, and it’s no wonder our readers chose Acreage Ciderhouse at Stem Ciders as the best cidery in East County. BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 29

Gluten Free & Vegetarian Options

DRINK

Daily Fresh Made Tortillas

SUSAN FRANCE

Serving Freshly Prepared Southwest Cuisine with a Colorado Twist

Fresh Ingredients House Made Tortillias Gluten Free Catering 2770 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette, Colorado 720-612-7315 www.LunadaEatery.com 30 OCTOBER 24, 2019

OSKAR BLUES HOME MADE LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS KITCHEN MANAGER, ALVARO BATEN BEER SELECTION

OSKAR BLUES HOME MADE LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS 1555 S. Hover St., Longmont, 303-485-9400 Lafayette Winner: Liquid Mechanics Brewing Co. Louisville Winner: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern

ith gems like Check Yo’Self, G’Knight, Mama’s Little Yella Pils and Death By Coconut Porter, Oskar Blues has never wanted for variety. But Longmont’s Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids and Solids takes beer selection to a new level with a smattering of guest taps from Colorado and beyond. They have Abita Brewing Company from Louisana, Brewery Ommegang from New York, Bell’s Brewing from Michigan and, naturally, offerings from fellow CANarchy Collective craft brewers, including Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai IPA — arguably one of the best IPAs in the country. Toss in the usual taproom experimentations and pilot brews, and you’ll be up to your gullet in suds.

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’18

BOULDER WEEKLY

DRINK SUSAN FRANCE

GENERAL MANAGER BRITTANY BARTLETT OF /PÔR/ WINE HOUSE WINE SELECTION

/PÔR/ WINE HOUSE

701 A Main St., Louisville, 720-666-1386 Longmont Winner: Bin 46 Craft Bar + Restaurant

here’s a lot to like about /pôr/ wine house’s wine selection. First, the selection of wine by the glass is large, so you can just get one glass to wind down, or you can sample several varieties throughout the night. You can also do flights of three wines in one-ounce tasting glasses. The wine-by-the-bottle menu, meanwhile, is a globe-spanning, carefully curated list that has sparkling, rosé and sweet offerings as well as red and white wines separated into light- to full-bodied categories. Whether you know nothing or everything about wine, there’s likely something for you at /pôr/. COFFEE ROASTER

OZO COFFEE COMPANY

1232-A S. Hover Road, Suite 400, Longmont, 720-600-6689 Louisville: Paul’s Coffee & Tea Lafayette: OTIS Craft Collective

t all comes down to a hill of beans. In this case, it’s a mountain of carefully sourced coffee beans roasted at Ozo Coffee Company. Since 2007, Ozo has earned our readers’ devotion for its freshly roasted blends like mellow Cozy Cabin. The company has committed to sourcing ethically and sustainably grown coffees, building strong relationships with the communities that grow them and sharing stories of growers with customers. For example, the Organic Honduras Las Capucas Omar Rodriguez is named for the farmer who grew the beans. Ozo offers free Saturday brew bar tastings with one type of coffee brewed three ways: pour-over, Chemex and French press.

BEST “MISCALCULATION”

NORTHWEST CORRIDOR LIGHT RAIL

ack in 2004, voters approved the FasTracks transit system, giving RTD the funds it presumably needed to connect Boulder County with the larger Denver metro area. And then it never happened. Sure, about six miles of track was laid between Denver and Westminster, but Boulder County hasn’t seen mile one of the 35 miles of rail needed to complete the so-called Northwest Corridor, and RTD says we won’t see that track until — best case scenario — 2032. (Worst case scenario: 2050). RTD blames higher-thanexpected construction costs and lower-than-projected sales tax revenues. That doesn’t change the fact that Boulder County residents have paid tens of millions of dollars into the FasTracks program for the last 15 years with nothing to show for it. Best miscalculation, indeed. BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 31

DRINK

BEST STREET DESIGN THAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU’RE DRIVING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, EVERY SINGLE TIME

SUSAN FRANCE

MCCASLIN-U.S. 36 OVERPASS, LOUISVILLE

e imagine this is how the meeting went while redesigning the McCaslin Boulevard bridge over Highway 36: “Susan, what are your thoughts about Great Britain?” “Be more specific, John.” “I think you know where I’m going with this, Susan.” “If you’re asking me if we should redesign McCaslin Boulevard so that it feels like you’re driving on the left side of the road at all times, as if we are in Great Britain, John, then my answer is yes, I feel great about it. Let’s do it immediately.” A couple of years after the redesign, we’re still confused, and we still feel like some things are best left in the Transportation Dream Lab.

WINE BAR

/PÔR/ WINE HOUSE

701 A Main St., Louisville, 720-666-1386 Lafayette Winner: Espresso Vino by Brewing Market Longmont Winner: Bin No. 46 Craft Bar + Restaurant

ccording to our faithful and educated readers, /pôr/ wine house is the best wine bar in East County. The appeal surely starts with the bar’s setup. It’s rustic, yet modern, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating when the weather is right; and when it’s not, the cozy interior and bar is intimate and warm. But the music, tapas menu, desserts and, of course, the wine and cocktails are what keep people coming back. There’s always something new to try and new people to meet at /pôr/, which is why our readers value it so much.

BARTENDER STEWART WILKINSON MIXES UP MAGIC AT JEFES TACOS & TEQUILA

LATTE

OZO COFFEE COMPANY

MARGARITA

JEFES TACOS & TEQUILA

246 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3790 Lafayette Winner: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Louisville Winner: Pica’s Mexican Taqueria

great margarita starts with great tequila — or, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, great mezcal, tequila’s smoky relative. Jefes Tacos & Tequila in Longmont sources over 100 tequila and mezcal varieties to craft our readers’ favorite margaritas in East County. Keep it classic with a Rocks Marg, which blends tequila blanco and freshly squeezed lime juice with agave syrup, or explore new flavor profiles with a Mezcal-Rita, featuring smoky Bahnez mezcal, bright Grove Street Orange Liqueur, fresh lime juice and sweet agave. Jefes even gives margaritas the Boulder County treatment with its Kombucharita, which takes the Rocks Marg and switches out the lime juice for a rotating flavor of Knucklepuck Kombucha. If you’re looking to upgrade your Margarita Mondays (those are a thing, right? Because if not, we’re making them a thing), head to Jefes and give your taste buds a thrill.

1232-A S. Hover Road, Suite 400, Longmont, 720-600-6689 Louisville Winner: Moxie Bread Co.

latte is an experience, not just a beverage or a caffeine source. It’s also an art form, one that’s practiced by the baristas at Longmont’s Ozo Coffee Company. Our readers love the way they can personalize their latte — size (8 to 22 ounces), temperature, milk type or milk alternative, and substitutions of chai or matcha. No matter your creation, the beverage is always delivered with artwork on top. Fans can learn how to make and decorate lattes at Ozo’s certified barista classes for beginners and professionals.

SUSAN FRANCE

HAPPY HOUR

WATERLOO

817 Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094 Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi Longmont Winner: CYCLHOPS Bike CANtina Niwot Winner: Lucky Pie Pizza & Tap House

et’s talk about happy hour, specifically the happy hour at Waterloo, or as regulars call it, the Loo hour. When we talk about Loo hour, we’re talking $5 well drinks, $5 house wine, $1 off draft local beer and $1.50 Miller High Life 7-ounce ponies. We’re also talking $3 tacos and $2 off Waterloo’s “Bite for the Table” menu, which includes “Texas-sized” nachos, bacon-wrapped shrimp, house-made beef jerky, sherry-glazed Brussels sprouts, onion rings, chicken wings and more. Our readers like the variety of drinks and food, the discounts and the atmosphere during Loo hour.

32 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

Happy Hour 3PM-6PM EVERYDAY $6 BBQ SLIDERS $6 FRIED PICKLES

VOTED BEST BBQ www.lulus-bbq.com

BEST COFFEE ROASTER

BEST COFFEE HOUSE Louisville’s locally owned and operated micro-roastery and full-service coffee shop. We strive to serve the finest and freshest seasonal coffees, teas, and treats to you.

956 West Cherry, Louisville 720.259.1723 paulscoffeeandtea.com BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 33

We want to thank you for voting us: Best Mexican Restaurant Best Catering Best Margarita

MAKEOVERS ARE FUN SO WE DID ONE TOO! Since 1986 No Place Like Home has been known as the go to store for gently used consignment furniture and new furniture , but if you thought that was all we carried, you haven’t seen NPLH lately. Don’t worry, we still carry a great selection of quality consignments, but at today’s NPLH you will find an equal amount of new brand furnishings – at pricing that you can afford. When you are ready for your makeover, find the quality you want - at the price you need. Save so much you can do your whole house if you want!

USEDFURNITUREBOULDER.COM 34 OCTOBER 24, 2019

G E N T LY U S E D C O N S I G N M E N T F U R N I T U R E A N D N E W F U R N I T U R E

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

SUSAN FRANCE

THE CHAMPIONS BAND POSES ON THE NISSI’S STAGE. LIVE JAZZ VENUE

NONPROFIT

2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757 Longmont Winner: The Speakeasy Louisville Winner: Bittersweet – Cafe & Confections

9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-772-1232 Lafayette Winner: Sister Carmen Community Center

NISSI’S

ot even the naysayers can claim jazz is dead after they set foot in Nissi’s. Here, you’ll find all kinds of combos tackling everything from the standards to contemporary pieces. Prefer jazz piano? Nissi’s has you covered. Need something a little more modern? Nissi’s has you covered. Like a hot horn? You get where this is going. And, let’s be honest, hot jazz likes a cold beverage, and you better believe Nissi’s has you covered in that arena as well. Try “The Otis,” it’s tasty and refreshing like a night in jail. Ya dig?

ENTERTAINMENt & CULTURE

LONGMONT HUMANE SOCIETY

f you’ve ever wanted to know the quality of a person’s soul, pay attention to how they treat animals and the elderly. That’ll tell you more than any astrology or advice column, and that means those 800plus volunteers working at the Longmont Humane Society are some of the best souls you’ll find in the county. More than 2,000 animals a year find forever homes thanks to the Longmont Humane Society. Need to surrender a pet? Look no further, and feel no shame. These people are a force for good in this increasingly distressing world.

BEST

Music Venue, Place to Dance, Live Jazz Venue

Food Tastes Better with

Winner for 8 consecutive years! Nissis.com BOULDER WEEKLY

Entertainment and Events

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 35

ENTERTAINMENT&CULTURE SUSAN FRANCE

APRIL CHRISTENSON, ARTIST AND TEACHER AT PARTICULARS ART GALLERY & TEACHING STUDIO

ART GALLERY

PARTICULARS ART GALLERY & TEACHING STUDIO 401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-890-7888 Louisville Winner: dona laurita photography + fine art Longmont Winner: Firehouse Art Center

here are a lot of art galleries where you can see and buy art, but pARTiculars Art Gallery & Teaching Studio is much more than that. Sure, pARTiculars is a great place to pick up that special painting, piece of pottery, fine art photograph or hand-crafted jewelry you’ve been looking for, but it’s still more than that. This gallery is as much about building community. As its mission statement says, pARTiculars is “a gallery and teaching studio committed to excellence in art and art education, with a purpose to nurture and promote artistic passion in artists, students and the community.” No wonder our readers love this place.

36 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

ELEVATIONS CREDIT UNION

1900 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-443-4672 1079 S. Hover Road, Suite 100, Longmont, 303-443-4672 777 21st Ave., Longmont, 303-443-4672 300 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-443-4672 Runner Up, East County: Chase Bank (Gunbarrel, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville)

ot all credit unions are created equal. If you’ve banked with the wrong one, you know what we’re talking about. Our readers say it’s time to switch to Elevations Credit Union. It’s been a local business since 1953, and manages over $2 billion in assets. Its charitable arm, the Elevations Foundation, provides scholarships, grants for nonprofits and resources for those in need. Plus, Elevations spring for all those comfy seatbacks every summer at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Elevations isn’t just a bank; it’s a part of our community (and keeping our keesters comfy while we watch the Bard).

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

PUBLIC SCHOOL (K-8)

LOUISVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

400 Hutchinson St., Louisville, 720-561-7200 Runner Up, East County: Lafayette Elementary School

ome of the best minds of any generation were fostered at public schools. And at Louisville Elementary School, those minds get a head start. With programs that run the gamut from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Parent Engagement Network (PEN), Louisville Elementary knows that education starts early and never truly ends. Even better, Louisville Elementary is constantly looking for sustainable ways to train minds and fill bellies. From greenBVSD to being an Eco-Cycle Green Star School, you can be confident when sending your little ones to this place of opportunity. The future starts here.

BOULDER WEEKLY

! G N I N N U R ST 12 YEARS

E B E H T D E T O V

. TH AND PEARL ST BOULDER - 28 . - 589 S. HOVER ST LONGMONT ER RD. W. SOUTH BOULD 8 54 E T T E STABLE” Y LAFA R. UNIT F “SPORTS D R O RI PE SU 1 RD. SUPERIOR - 2540 BASELINE R E D L U O B : 25th Opening Oct

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!

BEST DAY SPA

BEST HAIR SALON

2765 Dagny Way, Suite 100, Lafayette, CO

Thank you for voting us

Premium Products at Smokin’ Prices

Best Shoe Store!

Recreational & Medical 18+

Industry Employees Receive 25% Discount Off All Recreational Products Everyday 7464 Arapahoe Ave A9, Boulder, CO (located behind KT BBQ, lots of parking) Hours: 10am – 8pm Monday – Sunday 38 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

SUSAN FRANCE

ENTERTAINMENT&CULTURE OPEN MIC

CANNON MINE COFFEE

210 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0625 Longmont Winner: The Speakeasy Louisville Winner: Waterloo Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

annon Mine Coffee is Lafayette’s community living room, a place to go and enjoy a well-crafted coffee drink, have a nosh, and catch live local music on Wednesday nights at our readers’ favorite open mic. What makes Cannon Mine’s open mic so great is how much this business cares about the community it serves. Inspired by the live music and locally created art that typified Boulder’s gone-but-not-forgotten Penny Lane coffee shop, John Cumalat opened Cannon Mine Coffee in 2013 to carry on that community-centric tradition. He’s clearly succeeded, capturing the hearts of our readers and once again claiming the title of Best Open Mic in East County.

‘Q’ PERFORMS HIS POETRY AT CANNON MINE COFFEE’S OPEN MIC.

Open Monday - Sunday 4pm - 2am

PLACE TO DANCE

NISSI’S

2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette,|303-665-2757 Longmont Winner: The Speakeasy Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

Best Live Jazz Venue Best Open Mic

alking through Nissi’s front door is kind of like Gene Kelly making his way into the speakeasy in Singin’ in the Rain. You gotta dance. Granted, none of us here can cut a rug quite like Kelly, but at Nissi’s that doesn’t matter. All are welcome on the floor, and depending on your taste of boogie — R&B, bluegrass, jukebox tribute rock, Latin, a cappella — you’re bound to find something to shake your groove thing to in here. Slightly apprehensive? Worry not, Nissi’s has a bar. Oh, does it ever have a bar. You’ll be shaking one loose in no time.

Best Place to Dance

THANK YOU for Voting for Us!

Mondays: Texas Hold’em Poker 6:00pm - 10:00pm Free Pool Tuesdays: Open Mic 8:00 Hosted by Brian Rezac 7:30 Sign up | Free Pool Wednesdays: Back to Back Karaoke Hosted by Nic’s Mobile Music 9pm - 2am Drink Specials All Night Long $4 Wells $2 PBR Thursdays: Back to Karaoke Hosted by Nic’s Mobile Music 9pm - 2am Drink Specials All Night Long BOGO Wells $4 Lagunitas Fridays: Fusion Dance Party 9:30pm with DJ G6 Ages: 21+ Saturdays: Live Music (See Calendar of events on website) 8:30pm - 12:30am

V INTAGE INSPIRE D. NE W AGE SOUND.

Sundays: S.I.N. (Service Industry Night) 8:00pm - 2:00am $2 PBR/$3 Wells/$3 Blue Moon/$4 Lagunitas Free Pool (Billiards) Texas Hold Em Poker @ 4pm

BEST PLACE TO LAUGH MANIACALLY AND TAP YOUR FINGERTIPS TOGETHER

NOAA TABLE MOUNTAIN TEST FACILITY, LONGMONT

here are a lot of places where laughing maniacally and tapping your fingers together would send a statement — the soda fountain at McDonald’s, the Lafayette Peach Festival, the Mint Room at Celestial Seasonings. But doing so at any other place than outside the satellites at the NOAA Table Mountain Test Facility would be a waste of time. People would drive by and be like, “Um, what?” and “Should we call the police?” The answers to those questions are yes and yes, but you’ll be too busy laughing maniacally and tapping your fingertips to answer.

BOULDER WEEKLY

3 0 1 M a i n St , L o n g m o n t , C O 720.684.4728 www.thespeakeasy.buzz I

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 39

ENTERTAINMENT&CULTURE SUSAN FRANCE

RED ZONE AT THE PUMPHOUSE BREWERY BARTENDER NICK WISHNER SPORTS BAR

RED ZONE AT THE PUMPHOUSE BREWERY 540 Main St., Longmont, 303-702-0881 Erie Winner: The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill Louisville Winner: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern

FREE

Rent now and keep your gear all winter. Kid and Adult Ski/Board Packages available, starting at $110

Hot Wax 2019 Ski Season

449 40 OCTOBER 24, 2019

ne, two, three, four, five, six, 10, we give up. Let’s just say there are a whole lot of TVs in the Red Zone at the Pumphouse Brewery, and all of them have on some sort of sports coverage. A great sports bar is the closest thing to a hometown you can get when you were born someplace else. Sure, the local Colorado teams get the most play, but if you’re there to cheer for Chicago, Green Bay, Miami (oops, scratch that last one), chances are you can find someone wearing the same color jersey as you. And where better to cheer, moan and curse a referee than a sports bar that makes its own great beer, has ample seating, a full bar and a stellar food menu? Our readers love this place, even the Raiders fans.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

DAWSON SCHOOL

10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-6679 Longmont Winner: Boulder Valley Waldorf School Louisville Winner: St. Louis Catholic School

ducation is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,” W.B. Yeats once said. And at Dawson School, once again voted best private school in East County by our readers, this is key. From kindergarten through 12th grade, students at Dawson are encouraged to find their individual potential through a variety of specializations and disciplines. Plus, teachers and staff foster personal growth through a dedication to excellence of mind, body and character. At Dawson, the teachers and staff believe learning can lead the way to creative and resilient problem-solving. They also teach students to be respectful, compassionate, courageous and to live with integrity as they interact with the world around them. Such principles give us hope for the future.

BEST OF BOULDER COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

ENTERTAINMENT&CULTURE SUSAN FRANCE

KAI CHECKS OUT GROCERIES AT THE WOW! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM.

MUSEUM

WOW! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 303-604-2424 Longmont Museum: Longmont Museum and Cultural Center Louisville Winner: Louisville Historical Museum

ow is right. This place can keep the kids — and the kid in all of us — entertained for hours on end. WOW! Children’s Museum offers hands-on, educational exhibits that will inspire learning and growth in the arts and sciences for kids of all ages. Whoever said learning couldn’t be fun never spent a day at WOW! Whether your kid wants to be a doctor, a firefighter, an artist, a paleontologist, an astronaut or something else entirely, this place can help those dreams come true, all while you’re having fun in a creative, safe environment.

FESTIVAL/EVENT

LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN STREET FAIRE Downtown Louisville Erie Winner: Erie Town Fair & Balloon Festival Lafayette Winner: Lafayette’s Art Night Out Longmont Winner: Longmont Farmers Market

ife is just like it should be” at the Louisville Downtown Street Faire. Enjoy the warmth and late-light of summer nights every Friday as Louisville transforms into a community get-together, complete with food vendors, cold drinks, children’s activities, arts and crafts booths and other stations and events the whole family can enjoy. Plus, the stage at Steinbaugh Pavilion hosts multiple musical acts every week, creating a fun-filled atmosphere that invites one and all to cut loose on the dance floor. Bring your kids, dogs and dancing shoes to the Street Faire, and you’re sure to have a good time.

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 41

ENTERTAINMENT&CULTURE SUSAN FRANCE

PUBLIC SCHOOL (9-12)

CENTAURUS HIGH SCHOOL

10300 S. Boulder Road, Lafayette, 720-561-7500 Longmont Winner: Longmont High School Louisville Winner: Monarch High School

hat makes a school great is a combination of challenging, innovative classes and engaged teachers, and our readers say that Centaurus High School in Lafayette has that in spades — and more. Centaurus’ Advanced Placement courses, Engineering Academy, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), fine arts, International Baccalaureate and extra-curricular programs ensure that each student is prepared for the most rigorous academic majors at the university level. Plus, Centaurus’ size allows students to participate more fully in their high school experience, garner more personal assistance and build lasting relationships with both peers and faculty. It’s easy to see why our readers say Centaurus is their favorite public school in East County. MUSIC VENUE

NISSI’S

2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757 Longmont Winner: The Dickens Tavern and Opera House Louisville Winner: Waterloo Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew

DANIEL RYAN, PRINCIPAL AT CENTAURUS HIGH SCHOOL

PLACE TO PLAY POOL

HENRY’S BAR & GRILL

hat can we possibly say about Nissi’s that hasn’t already been said? You can dance — and you gotta dance. You can swing — swing with the jazz musicians to roll through town. You can rock — with the greatest hits of yesterday, today and tomorrow. And you can boogie — Eddie Murphy-style — until the cows come home. You can laugh along with the comedy stars of tomorrow, and you can eat and drink more unique creations than we can count. If you’ve been here, you know. If you haven’t? What’s taking so long? Nissi’s has defended its title, three times if you’re counting. Isn’t that reason enough?

935 Pine St., Louisville, 303-665-9966 Runner Up, East County: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern Longmont Winner: Red Zone at Pumphouse Brewery

hy Henry’s Bar & Grill? Because you know as well as we do that you shouldn’t drink alone. And why would you want to when you could be at Henry’s rubbing blue chalk between your fingers, listening to a jukebox while knocking back a reasonably priced adult beverage as you prophesy, “eight ball in the corner pocket.” We agree with our readers; this place is great. A real bar filled with real people and real pool tables, all tucked in an old blue building with the best mural in the county painted on the side. Rack ’em up.

NICK DIGIALLONARDO SHOOTS POOL AT HENRY’S BAR & GRILL.

PLACE TO WI-FI

BITTERSWEET – CAFE & CONFECTIONS

836 Main St., Louisville, 303-317-5522 Runner Up, East County: Starbucks

BEST PLACE TO MAKE A SWORD AFTER THE GOVERNMENT CONFISCATES YOUR GUNS

1840 Delaware Place, Unit A, Longmont, 720-204-3090.

TINKERMILL

i-Fi-in’ isn’t so much about where to find free Wi-Fi (it’s pretty much everywhere nowadays); it’s about Wi-Fi-in’ some place you feel comfortable. And few places are as comfortable in East County as Bittersweet — Cafe & Confections. Located in downtown Louisville, Bittersweet feels like home, but with someone else making your coffee or warming up a croissant or three. They have food, and plenty of it, to keep you going while you check the news, research that school paper, get caught up on those emails or procrastinate on Facebook. 42 OCTOBER 24, 2019

wordmaking is almost a lost art in this day and age, but we think swords might be making a comeback. The TinkerMill makerspace boasts a wide variety of stations and equipment to help you with all your maker needs, including fabrics and textiles, welding, an electronics and robotics lab, a woodshop and, of course, the forge and foundry. Meet up with others learning how to forge a variety of items, but “mostly, swords. Because, well, swords,” as it says on TinkerMill’s website. The question isn’t: Why swords? It’s: why not?

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

Thank You!

Committed to changing people’s lives through profound movement

Offering Private Sessions, Reformer/Apparatus/ TRX Classes, Barre Fusion Classes, Specialty Classes for Men, Cancer Rehab & Athletes. Private Pilates Rehab Sessions, & Community Events

Fresh Authentic New York Pizza 2 Slices of Cheese & Soda ................

plus tax

2 Slices of Pepperoni or Sausage & Soda ..................................

plus tax

Extra Toppings

844 Main Street, Suite 101, Louisville

Ask About Pizza of the Day!

We Deliver in Boulder

www.BrooklynPizzaBoulder.com

Find Us & Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/centeryourbodypilates

Experience a Free Pilates Reformer Intro Class

Core Strength Mind & Body Connection Full Body Workout Gain Strength, Flexibility & Mobility 535 W South Boulder Road, Lafayette CO (located next to Sprouts) www.clubpilates.com/waneka 720-442-0842 waneka@clubpilates.com

Thank You for Voting us

LAFAYETTE

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

2016

OCTOBER 24, 2019 43

SUSAN FRANCE

FITNESS &HEALTH GYM/FITNESS CENTER

LOUISVILLE RECREATION & SENIOR CENTER

900 W. Via Appia Way, 303-666-7400 Lafayette Winner: Bob L. Burger Recreation Center Longmont Winner: Longmont Recreation Center

he time has come to get moving, and it’s time you let the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center help you do it. Into aquatics? There are pools, including a six-lane, 25-meter lap pool. Need free weights and resistance machines? There are plenty. Into running and the weather is getting cold? Ten laps around the indoor track equal one mile, and it’s easier on the ankles and knees than cold asphalt. There are racquetball courts and dance studios, spin classes and places to relax after. Though the facility was built in 1990, it was refurbished in 2017-18. You’re out of excuses; time to get moving.

DANCE STUDIO

TARA CLUCK DANCE CENTER (TCDC)

990 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0908 Longmont Winner: Longmont Dance Theatre Academy Louisville Winner: Mountain Kids Louisville

hen Tara Cluck opened her dance studio in 2013, she taught every class for the first six months. A native of Lafayette, Cluck built the studio from the ground up, slowly adding other teachers who are just as committed to sharing their love of dance with the community. Now, Tara Cluck Dance Center (TCDC) employs more than 20 teachers and serves an average of 500 dancers from all over Boulder County and beyond. Contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, tap and more, Cluck’s team of dedicated, talented teachers offer classes for any kind of dance, including those for students with special needs. Beyond dance, TCDC fosters characteristics that make young dancers great humans: kindness, resilience, confidence and creativity. That’s why it’s our readers’ favorite dance studio.

SAM BERNAT ENJOYS THE LOUISVILLE RECREATION & SENIOR CENTER.

Grilled Wild Sockeye Salmon

Winner of BEST SEAFOOD EAST COUNTY 4 years running! ORDER ONLINE AT: www.eatreelfish.com BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 45

SUSAN FRANCE

FITNESS&HEALTH RMJ DISPENSARY

STARBUDS

7521 Ute Highway (Route 66), Longmont, 303-651-0709 1156 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 720-389-6313 6924 N. 79th St., Niwot, 720-340-4548 Runner Up, East County: Ajoya (Louisville) Lafayette Winner: Igadi

tarbuds offers a relaxed atmosphere where customers can come in and ask questions to get the best product for their recreational marijuana needs. And Starbuds’ Higher Rewards program can’t be beat: earn a point for every dollar you spend and rack those points up to get discounts on purchases: $1 joints, $5 eighths... even a brand new Ford Mustang (250,000 points... Godspeed). Whether our readers want to enjoy some edibles, buy some bud, get down with a dab or try out a topical, they head to Starbuds, where selection and customer service create a supremely enjoyable recreational dispensary experience.

VETERINARY

JASPER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1369 Forest Park Circle, Suite 101, Lafayette, 303-665-4002 Longmont Winner: Longmont Humane Society Louisville Winner: Louisville Family Animal Hospital Niwot Winner: Left Hand Animal Hospital

t happens: Your furry friends are bound to get sick at some point. Maybe it’s a worm, maybe they caught a bug or ate something they weren’t supposed to. When that happens to East County pet parents, they choose Jasper Animal Hospital because Jasper’s vets don’t just treat your pets, they treat you. There are few moments as anxietyinducing as looking into the helpless eyes of your beloved pet and not knowing what to do. Jasper knows, and Jaspar cares. You and your pet are in good hands at Jasper Animal Hospital.

TANNING SALON

AT THE BEACH

1631 Pace St., Suite 5, Longmont, 303-772-1332 Runner Up, East County: Tiki Tans

BUDTENDER HEATHER MALLANDER AT STARBUDS IN NIWOT

ur readers like to keep a healthy summer glow all year long by going to At The Beach in Longmont. At The Beach carries the latest in sunbed and sunless tanning equipment, featuring Ergoline sunbeds and VersaSpa sunless tanning. Up your glow factor and keep your skin healthy and hydrated with a tanning or after-tanning product from At The Beach’s extensive collection of offerings. At The Beach has a welcoming staff of expert tanning consultants who can guide you through the tanning process to get the results you want. What are you waiting for? Get glowing.

46 OCTOBER 24, 2019

MEDICAL FACILITY

BOULDER COMMUNITY HEALTH

Community Medical Center, 1000 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-415-4300 With specialized treatment centers in Lafayette, Longmont and Louisville Runner Up, East County: Avista Adventist Hospital (Louisville)

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

othing is more important than your health, and for the professionals at Boulder Community Health, health is their business and their passion. For nearly 100 years, Boulder Community Health has kept the community healthy and happy, and with roughly 430 physicians, there is little these professionals can’t handle. Even better, Boulder Community Health is a community-owned-andoperated health system, which means you are the most important aspect of the business. And for those of you who are making 2019 the year of mental health, Boulder Community Health is the only health system in the county that provides mental health treatment in a hospital setting.

BOULDER WEEKLY

MASSAGE

DAY SPA

972 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-955-7226 Lafayette Winner: The Body Bar Longmont Winner: Massage Envy (also in Broomfield and Superior)

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542 Lafayette Winner: Ninety-Fifth Street Salon & Spa Longmont Winner: Sunflower Spa

DOVA CENTER FOR HEALTH & HEALING

t can be hard to get away from the stress and anxiety that comes with living in the modern world. But that’s where the fine folks at Dova Center for Health & Healing come in. As it says on the website, “Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods of natural healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old.” Enjoy some of that ancient wisdom with one of the deep tissue or therapeutic massages. Unwind, relax and heal at Dova with a massage or one of the many other offerings such as acupuncture, foot soaks and biopuncture. Don’t worry; the world will be waiting for you when you’re done.

TRIVIUM SALON

fter years of working in the fashion and beauty industry, Rori Bass opened TRIVIUM Salon with the goal of providing exceptional service in a progressive and unique setting. Our readers say she’s succeeded, naming TRIVIUM Best Day Spa in East County. You can turn back the clock with TRIVIUM’s extensive skincare treatments, like foaming enzyme facials, microdermabrasion facials, chemical peels or dermaplanning. But it doesn’t stop there: TRIVIUM also offers all sorts of waxing options, from full Brazilians to a quick upper brow clean-up. Get your hair styled and colored by one of the salon’s expert stylists, then get your brows tinted to match. You’ll walk out the door feeling like the best version of you.

MMJ DISPENSARY

STARBUDS

Photo Credit - Arianne Autaubo, AMA Photography

7521 Ute Highway (Route 66), Longmont, 303-651-0709 1156 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 720-389-6313 6924 N. 79th St., Niwot, 720-3404548 Lafayette Winner: Igadi

Thank you for voting us best dance studio in East Boulder County!

ur readers turn to Starbuds for their medical marijuana needs because its knowledgeable staff is prepared to answer any and all questions about a broad spectrum of medicinal cannabis products. With a selection of flowers, concentrates, edibles and topicals, Starbuds has options for any medical marijuana need. Its Cancer Relief Program is designed to help those in need with discounted access to cannabis products. Starbuds is also committed to providing discounts for veterans and strives to find unique opportunities to make a positive impact in the community. Great choice, BW readers.

BEST PLACE TO BUY IN BULK

SIMPLY BULK MARKET 418 Main St., Longmont, 303-678-7069

ay for the product, not the packaging” is the motto over at Simply Bulk Market in Longmont. As we are being consumed by plastics in every corner of our lives — filling our landfills despite our best recycling efforts, microplastics in our rain and drinking water, and don’t forget the video of the plastic straw being pulled out of the sea turtle’s nose — buying in bulk is the way to a more sustainable future. Simply Bulk Market offers a wide variety of products from food to beauty products to pet supplies, so either bring a container or buy one there. Either way, there will be less plastic in the world, and we thank you for that.

Tara Cluck Dance Center, 990 S Public Rd, Lafayette, CO (303) 665-0908 www.tcdcdance.com

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 47

FITNESS&HEALTH SUSAN FRANCE

LASIK

COLORADO EYE CENTER

4 Garden Center, Suite 100, Broomfield, 303-469-1941 1371 E. Hecla Drive, Suite C, Louisville,303-666-7226 Lafayette and Longmont Winner: Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado

olorado Eye Center claims that it’s the top vision care provider in the state of Colorado and when it comes to LASIK procedures, our readers agree. One reason for Colorado Eye Center’s success can best be described as consistency throughout the process. Colorado Eye Center believes that building relationships “comes from consistency,” which is why “the doctor you begin treatment with is the same doctor that follows up with you post-op. Being there... For You. For your family. For your eyes.” We can see their point (pun intended).

MARTIAL ARTS

LOUISVILLE TAE KWON DO FAMILY CENTER 354 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-666-6830 Longmont Winner: 9Round (also in Louisville)

artial arts are about so much more than just kicking butt. It’s about mental clarity, and respect and honor for a tradition that started long before you and will continue long after. It’s about physical fitness. Oh, and it’s about kicking butt when you have to. Louisville Tae Kwon Do Family Center proudly proclaims that “the family who kicks together stays together,” and faithful readers agree. (Tae Kwon Do, by the way, means “the way of the foot and the fist.”) Louisville Tae Kwon Do accepts all ages and all levels of experience. Time to get kicking.

PILATES STUDIO

CLUB PILATES

535 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 240, Lafayette, 720-442-0842 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 101, Longmont, 720-442-8385 Louisville Winner: Center Your Body Pilates

DOVA CENTER FOR HEALTH & HEALING OWNER AND CLINICAL DIRECTOR, GINA TERINONI, WITH PATIENT CARL BORRMANN

hen Joseph Pilates introduced his method of body movement and breathwork at his studio in New York City nearly a century ago, he drew the attention of dancers and performance artists. At Club Pilates, the method is “modernized,” introducing the masses to the rehabilitative and therapeutic benefits of the strength training method. With locations in Longmont and Lafayette, the community at Club Pilates introduces everyone to the benefits of the low-impact, full-body workout. With a full schedule of classes and individualized instruction, stop by any location and see what it’s all about.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE

DOVA CENTER FOR HEALTH & HEALING

972 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-955-7226 Longmont Winner: Fluid IV Lounge Lafayette Winner: Community Holistic Health Center

ince 2013, the Dova Center for Health & Healing has been helping East County residents get back to the life they love with holistic treatments and alternative care. How? Through acupuncture, massage, foot soaks, herbal medicine, B12 injections and sauna. Don’t believe sauna can get the job done? Just ask Scandinavians how it’s working out for them. Or just ask one of Dova’s happy patients. Dova offers methods to treat anything from cancer to stress — hopefully none of it instigated from Boulder Weekly’s news section. But, should that happen, you know where to go.

SUSAN FRANCE

DENTAL CARE

LOUISVILLE DENTAL ASSOCIATES

1760 Centennial Drive, Louisville, 303-665-7505 Lafayette and Longmont Winner: Comfort Dental (also in Louisville)

oing to the dentist can be a scary, shame-inducing hour. It’s weird to hold your mouth open like that for so long. It’s odd to have someone ask you a question while they have all kinds of gizmos and doodads clamped to your teeth. And, let’s face it, the sound those drilling, scraping, cleaning tools make is just a little unsettling. Which is why when you find a dentist that makes you feel at ease, understands it’s OK to have a sweet tooth (as long as you brush and floss), and doesn’t give you that look over their binocular lamps, you know you’ve found a winner. According to our readers, Louisville Dental Associates is that place in East County; try it once, and you’ll never look for another dentist again.

CLUB PILATES OWNER, KELLY HENDRICKS, AND CLOE VAN MALDEREN ON REFORMERS, WITH INSTRUCTOR ANN SWAN-EVANS 48 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

CAN YOU DIG IT?

GREEN BURIAL EXPERTS WON! Thanks to all our supporters who voted us Best New Business and Best Independent Business

in East Boulder County

Colorado’s 1st Holistic Funeral Home and End-of-Life Resource Center

Contact us for tea and a chat about how to reduce your final footprint through green burial, water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) and reverent body care™ 102 W. Chester St, Lafayette, CO 80026 TheNaturalFuneral.com • 720-515-2344

Call to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION today 303-955-7226

Best Alternative Health Best Massage Thank you for voting for us! 972 W. Dillon Rd, Louisville Located at HWY 36 & McCaslin exit 303-955-7226 www.dovacenter.com

• Acupuncture • Chinese Medicine • Herbs • B12 Shots • Infrared Sauna • Microneedling Specializing in women’s healthcare and chronic pain since 2001 BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 49

FITNESS&HEALTH SUSAN FRANCE

SINCE 1980

LAN NGUYEH AT LUXE NAIL BAR NAIL SALON

LUXE NAIL BAR

1361 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-666-6770 Longmont Winner: Allure Nail Bar

hen our readers want their nails pampered and gussied up, they head to Luxe Nail Bar for a manicure, pedicure, naturals or press-ons. Luxe Nail Bar offers a welcoming, clean environment that makes getting a dip powder or gel shellac manicure an absolute delight. Need some waxing done? These folks will fix-up your face, torso and anything south of the border. You’ll walk out feeling so fresh and so clean, there won’t be anything that’ll stand in your way.

YOGA

COREPOWER YOGA

549 Flatiron Blvd., Broomfield, 720-887-5752 3700 W. 144th Ave., Broomfield, 720-887-6191 1817 Highway 42, Louisville, 303-848-9642 Lafayette Winner: Soul Tree Yoga Longmont Winner: Full Circle Yoga

Offering cosmetic and therapeutic injections, restorative medical infusions, and premier skin care solutions to keep you looking and feeling your best.

ownward dog, side plank, cobra, camel pose, platypus (OK, we made that last one up)... these are the names of the yoga positions that can change your life for the better. Seriously, if you want to feel better, move easier, look better and live longer, there is no better way in the world to accomplish those goals than through yoga. And our readers told us that there is no better place to learn and practice yoga in East County than at CorePower Yoga in Louisville. What would platypus pose look like if it did exist? If you think you know, send us pictures.

CLIMBING/PARKOUR GYM

EVO ROCK + FITNESS

1754 Dogwood St., Louisville, 303-317-3770 Longmont Winner: Longmont Climbing Collective

ere in Colorado, and in Boulder County specifically, we’re privileged to have the great outdoors at our fingertips. But sometimes achieving success outside means spending time and energy training indoors. Plus, indoor climbing is a sport in its own right, one that requires focus, dedication and skill. All of which leads to EVO Rock + Fitness, our readers’ favorite climbing/parkour gym in East County. With a commitment to “building upon, strengthening and evolving with climbers and the climbing community,” EVO offers a variety of yoga and fitness classes, along with its world-class indoor climbing and bouldering gym, as well as offering outdoor training and guides.

inlightrejuvenation.com 50 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

FITNESS&HEALTH SUSAN FRANCE

Thank you to the voters

THE CREW AT TRIVIUM SALON HAIR SALON

TRIVIUM SALON

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542 Lafayette Winner: Ninety-Fifth Street Salon & Spa Longmont Winner: Studio Boom

hether you, like Lizzo, need to get a shampoo and a press to get an old lover “out of your hair,” or you just need a hip color and trendy cut to feel like the boss you are, TRIVIUM Salon is the hair salon our readers say you need to go to. With a team of skilled stylists on deck, head to TRIVIUM and know you’re going home with the best hair you’ve ever rocked. From root touch-ups to bayalage, glazes, flash foils and kaleidoscope, this team has you covered on color. They also offer styling for special events, like weddings and proms. For those dealing with hormonal or medical-related hair loss, TRIVIUM offers specialized Davines treatments designed to help rejuvenate undernourished, dry hair and scalp.

www.communityhhc.org

Join the

Ebike

GOLF COURSE

COAL CREEK GOLF COURSE

Revolution!

585 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-666-7888 Lafayette Winner: Indian Peaks Golf Course Longmont Winner: Haystack Mountain Golf Course

ith about 70,000 visits a year, Coal Creek Golf Course has established itself as a local favorite. Enjoy dramatic views of the mountains as you work your way through strategically placed bunkers, sparkling water features, elevation changes and 18 holes. And join a local league, whether that’s men’s, women’s, juniors, couples or any of the several other offerings. Although it first opened to much fanfare in 1990, the entire course was redesigned after the 2103 flood and reopened to the public in 2015 as “Colorado’s newest golf course.” Our readers also say it’s the best, so head on over, book a tee time and enjoy a round.

SMART SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION AN EBIKE IS A BIKE, ONLY MORE EFFECTIVE BY SEAMLESSLY BLENDING RIDER’S EFFORTS WITH ELECTRIC ASSISTANCE. FUN & HEALTHY TRANSPORTATION FOR YOU & FOR OUR PLANET!

BARBER SHOP

FLOYD’S 99 BARBERSHOP

548 W. South Boulder Road, Unit C, Lafayette, 720-890-3868 589 S. Hover St., Suite 600, Longmont, 303-485-1150 1 Superior Drive, Superior, 303-531-1234 Louisville Winner: Thunderbird Barbers

OFFERING SALES OF NEW EBIKES, CONVERSIONS OF YOUR BIKE TO ELECTRIC ASSIST, PREOWNED EBIKES, CAR ACCESSORIES, BIKE RACKS, BIKE SERVICE & MORE

u can do lots of things yourself, but there are a few things you really should leave to the pros. Taxes are one; haircuts are the other. And at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, the stylists do you up right, and they do you up clean. Need a shampoo and a trim? A cut and a dye job? Maybe a brand new do? Floyd’s has what you want and what you need. Need something to watch? They have TVs aplenty. And for all you music lovers out there, Floyd’s spins the greatest hits of yesterday and today. And we haven’t even mentioned the vibrating shoulder massages. It’s like the cherry on top.

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER-EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 51

SUSAN FRANCE

RETAIL FARM

ISABELLE FARM

1640 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 720-438-0707 Erie Winner: Anderson Farms Longmont Winner: Longmont Dairy Farm Louisville Winner: 7th Generation Farm

hen you buy produce from Isabelle Farm, you buy produce that’s organically and locally grown. The family-run farm is certified organic and grows more than 80 varieties of fruits, veggies and grains on 500 acres, all of which you can purchase at their farm store, which is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Swing by for some spinach and arugula for a nice leafy salad. Pick up some asparagus and cremini mushrooms and sauté the two together. In short, come to the farm and be inspired by the local bounty.

THE ISABELLE FARM TEAM: SEATED, SHELLEY MANLMAN; BACKROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ALEX HOOVER, JAMIE SENTER, LUCY WALKER, ERIKA ABBOTT, CONNIE LECLERC HOTEL

OMNI INTERLOCKEN HOTEL

COMPANY OWNED/LED BY FEMALE CEO

500 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield, 303-438-6600 Gunbarrel and Lafayette Winner: Hampton Inn Longmont and Louisville Winner: Courtyard Marriott Niwot Winner: Niwot Inn & Spa

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542 Longmont Winner: SNOW Apparel

TRIVIUM SALON

ho runs the world? Women, like Rori Bass, owner of TRIVIUM Salon. When Bass founded TRIVIUM, her goal was to develop a business that not only helps clients achieve an image that complements their lifestyle but also gives back to the community. TRIVIUM is a certified member of Green Circle Salons, repurposing 95% of the salon’s waste, including hair clippings, color and color tubes, chemical foils, electronics, plastics, aerosol cans and more. Bass believes that creating beauty means encouraging people to take care of themselves and the environment in which they live and work.

hough conveniently located just off Highway 36, the Omni Interlocken Hotel feels more like a destination than a hotel down the street. And thanks to its expertly landscaped lounge and pool areas, you can relax outdoors with nary a concern for real life. With spas, golfing and world-class dining, it’s a vacation right around the corner. The views of the valley and Front Range are spectacular, and the service is impeccable. Got guests coming into town? Forget tidying up the spare bedroom and suggest Omni, they’ll thank you later. HYDROPONIC

WAY TO GROW

6395 Gunpark Drive, Gunbarrel, 303-473-4769 Louisville Winner: Green Farms Feed & Seed

othing is more fun than watching an organic garden grow. At least that is what our green-thumbed readers tell us. That’s why they go to Way to Grow to get growing, whether that’s with a hydroponic system or any other products they need to have fruitful and fun gardening experiences. Way to Grow stocks high-quality products that the company proudly stands behind. With more experience than any company on the Front Range, the staff at Way to Grow can find a solution guaranteed to fit your growing style.

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

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SUSAN FRANCE

RETAIL KITCHEN SUPPLY STORE

THE SINGING COOK

728 Main St., Louisville,720-484-6825 Lafayette Winner: Jax Ranch & Home Longmont Winner: Kitchen Company

pening The Singing Cook in downtown Louisville was “a bit of a whim and a bit of kismet,” owner Jenni Hlawatsch says on her shop’s website. With a background in musical theater and a passion for cooking, she opened The Singing Cook to be the kitchen store she always wanted but never could find. It stocks a wide variety of kitchen items from bake ware, gadgets and utensils, to cookware, dishtowels and more. Whether you’re looking for something to use every day or a unique gift for someone you love, The Singing Cook probably has it. What’s more, Hlawatsch sings on request.

HOME FURNISHINGS

WOODLEY’S FINE FURNITURE

1400 S. Main St., Longmont, 303-651-1015 Runner Up, East County: Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley

THE SINGING COOK HERSELF, OWNER JENNI HLAWATSCH

FURNITURE

rafting furniture is both a skill and an art, requiring the best materials, precision and a little bit of creativity. The folks at Woodley’s Fine Furniture know this first-hand. Mike and Pat Woodley started the company in 1979 with a vision to make quality wood furniture that could last in Colorado’s dry climate and be passed down generation to generation. They also had a vision for sustainable and responsible harvesting of materials, all of which makes their furniture some of the highest quality pieces along the Front Range. With six showrooms, a design center and furniture for every room, Woodley’s Fine Furniture is the place to go for all your furniture needs.

JEWELRY STORE

ANSPACH’S JEWELRY

101 S. Public Road, Suite A, Lafayette,|303-665-5313 Louisville Winner: Eric Olson Master Jeweler Longmont Winner: Snyder Jewelers Niwot Winner: Niwot Jewelry & Gifts

e can’t say it any better than Matthew McConaughey did: Frost yourself. And here in East County, frost yourself at Anspach’s Jewelry in Lafayette. For 62 years, Anspach’s has been offering a unique customer experience thanks to high-quality jewelry and phenomenal customer service. Since 1955, the motto has been, “Our sincerity is your security.” Anspach’s has lived up to the credo over the years, first with Glen and Dee Anspach, now with son Graig Anspach and grandson, Ty Kuppinger. Family businesses are a dying breed, but Anspach’s Jewelry is here to stay.

AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

10550 Jake Jabs Blvd., Longmont/ Firestone, 303-684-2400 Longmont Winner: Woodley’s Fine Furniture

uying furniture is an expression of our personality. Do you like the clean look of midcentury modern furniture or the plush and noble look of transitional pieces? Our readers know they can find furniture that suits any style at American Furniture Warehouse. With one of the largest selections of furniture in the United States, American Furniture Warehouse serves more than a million customers a year. We think it’s got something to do with the great prices, stellar financing plans and AFW’s platinum delivery service. Check the AFW website for ongoing promotional deals, inspirational ideas and more information on resources that help you get furniture that expresses exactly who you are.

NEW BUSINESS

THE NATURAL FUNERAL

102 W. Chester St., Lafayette, 720-515-2344 Louisville Winner: Acme Fine Goods

54 OCTOBER 24, 2019

MATTRESS STORE

DENVER MATTRESS

48 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-774-1150 Broomfield and Superior Winner: Mattress Firm

ou spend a third of your life sleeping. If you live to be 100, that’s 33 years in bed, so you need a great mattress. Our readers say you can find the best mattress at Longmont’s Denver Mattress, which offers an unmatched selection of quality brands at unbeatable values. Its staff of sleep experts can give you a simple test to help you find the mattress — and pillow — that’s right for you by creating your Custom Sleep Profile. Whether you need an innerspring, latex, memory foam, gel or adjustable mattress, Denver Mattress has you covered. No, really, they sell sheets, comforters, mattress pads and pillowcases — they really have you covered.

eath, like birth, is a natural part of life, yet that doesn’t make losing the ones we love any easier. What’s more, figuring out the logistics of burial can be complicated as well, especially if you want green options. But that’s where The Natural Funeral comes in, our readers’ choice for Best New Business in East County. Providing natural and personalized death care, these folks offer a holistic approach, focusing on both the bereaved and the deceased. As a green funeral home, The Natural Funeral offers natural burial options and cremations (done so in an environmentally friendly way without embalming) as well as funeral planning sessions to make sure your wishes are honored after death.

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

We’ll protect your bottom line ON YOUR PURCHASES

Thank YOU Boulder!

VOTED BEST HYDROPONICS

Bring this coupon in for an additional

10% OFF

your regular discount when you spend $50 or more. Restrictions may apply. Coupon expires 11/30/19

Nationally Recognized as the 12th BEST Flea Market by Good Housekeeping Magazine

20,000 Square Feet

with More Than Half-a-Million Items! Just East of S. Public Road

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 55

SUSAN FRANCE

RETAIL TATTOO

INKSMITH TATTOO AND PIERCING

565 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-985-4259 Longmont Winner: Tribal Rites Tattoo & Piercing

t’s been a long time since tattoos were relegated to the likes of old sailors and misfits. Now, tattoos are a mode of self-expression, reminding you and everyone else who sees it of who you are, what you stand for and what’s important to you. Tattoos may be as ubiquitous as ever, but that doesn’t mean every tattoo parlor or artist can create what you’re looking for. Our readers say Kevin Powers and his team of artists at InkSmith Tattoo and Piercing are the people to see. With more than 30 years of combined experience, these guys can help you find what you’re looking for and create meaningful artwork tailored just to you. Plus, they offer body piercing, jewelry and more.

FLORIST

LAFAYETTE FLORIST, GIFT SHOP & GARDEN CENTER 600 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-5552 Longmont Florist: Longmont Florist Louisville Winner: Nina’s Flowers & Gifts Niwot Winner: Niwot Florist

our generations ago, in 1949, Yasutaro and Kumiko “Kate” Yoshihara came to Lafayette after being released from a Japanese Relocation Camp in Southern Colorado. They bought a 2-acre piece of property and began farming the land, setting up a small fruit and vegetable stand. Such is the genesis story of Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center, and in the almost 70 years since, the next three generations of Yoshiharas have turned the property into a floral shop and garden center, replete with 68,000 square feet of greenhouses, a walk-in flower cooler and two floors of gift and home décor showrooms. Who knows what the next generation will bring.

CARPET

LAFAYETTE FLOORING

207 N. Carr Ave., Lafayette, 303-926-6801 Longmont Winner: Carpet Masters of Colorado

t may not be fun to get up in the morning, but it’s even worse when the first thing your feet touch is worn-out carpet or sticky laminate. Talk about starting the day off on the wrong foot. Lucky for you, the good people at Lafayette Flooring are ready, willing and able to help you make a new flooring purchase. Whether it’s carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl or laminate, our readers say the expert sales staff of Lafayette Flooring bring the best in customer satisfaction.

KEVIN POWERS, OWNER OF INKSMITH TATTOO AND PIERCING, WITH CLIENT DAWN BROCK COMPUTER REPAIR

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

1600 Hover St., Unit D-2, Longmont, 303-827-3131 Lafayette Winner: Shawn’s Computer Repairs

945 Front St., Louisville, 303-949-5542 Lafayette Winner: The Natural Funeral

LONGMONT MAC REPAIR

e’ve all been there: You sit down at the computer, strike the spacebar to wake up your beloved electronic friend, and nothing happens. You pause, strike the key again — this time a little more deliberately. Nothing. You press the power key. Nothing. Just a dark screen, reflecting your face slowly coming to grips with the awful truth: Your computer is dead. Maybe not, maybe it’s just a bad hard drive. It doesn’t matter; all your thoughts and feelings, those photos from Bora Bora, passwords and bookmarks, gone, like tears in the rain. Fear not, Longmont Mac Repair can bring your faithful friend back from the brink, and they do it with care and convenience. Oh, and they fix PCs too.

GROCERY STORE

KING SOOPERS

Various locations around Boulder County Runner Up, East County: Sprouts Farmers Market

56 OCTOBER 24, 2019

TRIVIUM SALON

ur readers have spoken, and they have spoken in favor of TRIVIUM Salon. From Best Day Spa to Best Hair Salon, Best Company Led by a Female CEO and Best Independent Business in East County, TRIVIUM has taken home a lot of accolades this year. Maybe it’s the top-shelf service. Maybe it’s the cleanliness of the salon and the friendliness of the atmosphere. Maybe it’s the leadership; maybe it’s the service. In truth, TRIVIUM’s success is all of the above and then some. You don’t get to be the Best Independent Business in East County without hard work and a little magic in the air.

he world has changed. We used to have to go to a major chain grocery store to save money on certain items while also shopping at higher-priced stores for locally grown and organic foods along with specialty items. But now there is King Soopers, which has massive selections of everything at good prices, including locally grown and organic foods as well as craft beer. Now we can all be healthy without going broke.

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST KITCHEN SUPPLY STORE

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 57

SUSAN FRANCE

RETAIL CLOTHING — MEN’S

JAX OUTDOOR GEAR

900 S. Highway 287, Lafayette, 720-266-6160 Longmont and Louisville Winner: Kohl’s

ou don’t have to be a rugged outdoorsman, a rock climber, a trail runner or a 14er-bagging, fly-fishing, elk-hunting tough guy to look like one. Instead, don’t shave for four days and then head on over to Jax Outdoor Gear, our readers’ favorite selection of men’s clothes in the county. Now, if you really are an outdoorsy fellow, you will appreciate the great selection of men’s clothes from brands like Columbia, Patagonia, The North Face, Royal Robbins, Marmott, and more. Jax’s got the good stuff, fit for whatever the adventure is in your life.

CAR WASH

95TH STREET CAR WASH & DETAIL CENTER

2541 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette, 303-515-7573 Broomfield Winner: Waterway Carwash Louisville Winner: Speedy Sparkle Car Wash Longmont Winner: Breeze Thru Car Wash

hen 95th Street Car Wash & Detail Center opened in 2017, it quickly became a local favorite. With a wealth of service options from express wash to detailing, multi-car discounts and monthly memberships, these folks will have your car, truck, boat or RV looking spiffy and ready to go in no time. Plus, they always provide free air for your tires and vacuuming for each wash. And keeping with the Boulder County way, 95th Street doesn’t use any chemicals in its process, remaining committed to eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.

DRY CLEANER

ART CLEANERS

300 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-494-2709 1631 Pace St., Longmont, 303-684-8585 Gunbarrel and Niwot Winner: Boulder Cleaners Louisville Winner: Continental Cleaners

Boulder County staple, Art Cleaners is a sustainable dry-cleaning service. And we’re pretty sure that’s why our readers keep picking it as their favorite dry cleaner year after year. Or maybe it’s Art Cleaners’ reliable same-day service that guarantees if you drop off your dirty parcel by 8:30 a.m. they will have it back, ready to wear by 4 p.m. the same day. Or it could be Art Cleaners reputation as the best stain-removing experts on the Front Range that makes our readers’ like them so much. For these reasons and more, these folks just keep winning.

JAX OUTDOOR GEAR EMPLOYEE DANNY O’CONNELL

LIQUOR STORE

MUSIC STORE

SUPERIOR LIQUOR MARKET

LAFAYETTE MUSIC

100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior, 303-499-6600 Lafayette Winner: Atlas Valley Purveyors Longmont Winner: Wyatt’s Wet Goods

1361 Forest Park Circle, Suite 106, Lafayette, 303-661-9335 Louisville Winner: Wildwood Guitars Longmont Winner: Guitars, Etc.

uperior Liquor Market is superior in so many ways, from its extensive beer selection (it’s been known to carry New Belgium Brewing’s perennially spectacular sour, Transatlantic Kriek) to stacks of spirits (try the Breckenridge Bourbon, it’s delicious) to wines from around the state and the globe. Need something inky and tannic? Grab a Barolo from Piedmont. Fruit forward and lush? Try a Malbec from Paso Robles. The store is clean and well-organized, the clerks are knowledgeable, and you’ll head home, or out to that party, clutching just the right bottles or cans.

usic is essential. And that’s why Lafayette Music is so important to our readers. It’s not just a place to dart into for a cheap guitar; this place is truly about the music. This beloved local music store offers lessons, instruments (with purchase plans), printed music, media aids and all sorts of other high-quality accessories for whatever instrument you play, whether it’s an oboe or a glockenspiel, a jaw harp or a tuba. Some things, including music paraphernalia, are just better when they come from local shops.

BEST VIEW TO MAKE YOURSELF SAD

ONE MILE NORTH OF HWY 66 ON COUNTY LINE ROAD.

e don’t usually recommend that people should intentionally try to make themselves sick, but this is an important exception. If you park at this location and look west, you will be treated to a spectacularly beautiful view of rolling farmland leading to the foothills and, beyond, to one of the best Back Range views found anywhere. After you’ve had your fill of beauty, turn around and face east. What you will see is a disturbing number of massive multi-acre oil and gas production platforms with dozens of huge tanks and wellheads. Drilling rigs piercing the sky as far as the eye can see. Now think about this: This is exactly what the oil and gas industry is about to do to the western lands in Boulder County. Take a good, long look, let it make you sick, and then figure out what you plan to do about it. 58 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

SUSAN FRANCE

RETAIL CLOTHING — KID’S

PITTER PATTER

931 Main St., Louisville, 720-485-3129 Broomfield Winner: The Children’s Place Longmont Winner: Once Upon a Child

itter Patter offers a carefully curated selection of children’s clothes that our readers say can’t be beat. Offering sizes for newborns to age 6 for boys and to age 8 for girls, Pitter Patter offers clothing that is fun and functional. There is clothing from brands like Pink Children, Tea Collection, Miles Baby, Hatley Kids, Baby Sprouts, City Mouse and Feather Baby, to name a few. Head into Pitter Patter’s store in downtown Louisville to see it all with your own eyes, or purchase items online and have Pitter Patter ship them anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Free shipping for purchases over $150, and a $7 flat rate for anything under that. PITTER PATTER SALES ASSOCIATE, JACKIE TOMLINSON

HARDWARE STORE

JAX RANCH & HOME

400 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 3000, Lafayette, 303-665-4900 Longmont Winner: Ace Hardware Louisville Winner: Home Depot

et’s say you have farm and ranch needs. You need hardware, work wear, power equipment, ranching tools and all-terrain vehicles. With those kinds of needs, you need Jax Ranch & Home. Whatever outdoor work you have planned, Jax has the tools to get it done right and get it done safely. Better yet, their friendly and knowledgeable service team might even have a few tips for how to get your project done well and on time.

NATURAL FOODS STORE

NATURAL GROCERS

100 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-926-1600 1745 N. Main St., Longmont, 303-684-8200 Runner Up, East County: Sprouts Farmers Market

hopping at Natural Grocers makes eating right easy. The produce is organic, dairy products are pasture-raised, the eggs are laid by free-range hens, and the meat is raised in a humane way. On top of all that, Natural Grocers covers body care and dietary supplements, all at an affordable price. It’s no wonder Natural Grocers has defended its title of best Natural Foods Store; they’ve been serving East County residents for more than 50 years. And considering where diet crazes and health trends are headed, it’s sure to be lending a hand for another 50 more.

BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 59

RETAIL

SUSAN FRANCE

BICYCLE SHOP

LOUISVILLE CYCLERY

1032 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-665-6343 Longmont Winner: Longmont Bicycle Company

ouisville Cyclery features a great selection of Specialized brand mountain and road bikes. They offer cruisers, hybrids, cycle cross, children’s bikes and just about anything else with two wheels you can think of. Riding accessories abound and the friendly, talented and experienced staff can provide any service or repair you may need or, rather, that your bike may need. Our readers say they love the family atmosphere of this place, so stop on by and say howdy next time you’re in the neighborhood.

CLOTHING — WOMEN’S

ELEANOR AND HOBBS

901 Front St., Suite 100, Louisville, 720-708-3016 Lafayette Winner: Due South Longmont Winner: Kohl’s (also in Louisville)

ouisville may have that small-town feel, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck with small-town options. Over the last decade, historic Main Street has transformed into a shopping and restaurant district enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. As one of the community’s first boutiques, Eleanor and Hobbs has long been one of our readers’ favorite shops. Owner Tracy Hobbs has been curating well-crafted women’s clothing, accessories and home goods for customers since 2013. She travels to fashion-forward places like New York and Los Angeles to find just the right inventory of the latest trends and styles, all with her customers in mind. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a gift for a loved one, make your first stop Eleanor and Hobbs.

OPTICAL STORE

EYEWORKS LOUISVILLE

615 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6320 Runner Up, East County: Front Range Eye Health Center (Louisville) Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Eye Associates, P.C.

GIFT STORE

CHEESE IMPORTERS

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599 Lafayette Winner: Jax Outdoor Gear Louisville Winner: By Chance

hether you are seeking the tasty, the practical or the cute, our readers say Longmont’s Cheese Importers should be your first stop when you’re looking for just the right gift. It’s easy to please when you’re wheeling a cart through 1,800 square feet of racks stacked with cheese varieties from gouda to brie and everything in between. The refrigerated room also showcases cured meats, charcuterie and gourmet foods. Nearby shelves are stocked with a wellcurated selection of cards, books, quality toys and French country linens, aprons and boutique soaps. Just don’t forget to sit and nibble an almond croissant before you leave.

TOBACCO/PIPE SHOP

THE LITTLE DOG PIPE & TOBACCO

1006 Depot Hill Road, Suite 300, Broomfield, 303-410-2765 620 Main St., Longmont, 303-678-7792 Louisville Winner: Havana Manor (also in Longmont)

60 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BIKE MECHANIC NICK KADLEC WORKS ON A SPECIALIZED MOUNTAIN BIKE AT LOUISVILLE CYCLERY.

yeworks Louisville offers everything your eyes need, including exams, total eye health checks and an evaluation of all your visual needs. Our readers enjoy friendly care in Eyeworks’ state-of-the-art offices. The Eyeworks team specializes in treating dry eyes, diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, corneal and retinal disease, eye injury, eye infections, cataracts, LASIK and PRK surgeries and more. Look stylish in eyewear from top contemporary brands, or set yourself free for outdoor adventures with some of the best brands in contacts. Eyeworks Louisville has been in business for more than 25 years, and it’s easy to see why.

TIRE SHOP

DISCOUNT TIRE

740 N. Highway 287, Lafayette, 303-248-5680 379 S. Hover St., Longmont, 303-774-9869 Louisville Winner: Louisville Tire and Auto Care, LTD Superior Winner: Costco Wholesale

ow many of you woke up Oct. 10 and cringed when you saw 2019’s first snow and thought about that set of slicks you’ve been driving on for the last six months? We know you meant to get new tires, but you weren’t sure what kind to buy, and you didn’t know where to get a fair price. Well, you can stop procrastinating and risking your life now. According to our readers, you need to drive those treadless wheels of yours on over to Discount Tire because they have the best tires at the best prices and the best service around. And that is where the rubber meets the road.

ittle Dog Pipe & Tobacco carries a fantastic selection of hard-to-find rolling tobacco, e-cigarettes, hookahs, shisha, oil rigs and smoking accessories, which is why it’s our readers’ favorite tobacco/pipe shop in East County. The folks at Little Dog understand the importance of supporting local artists, so they carry a selection of locally hand-blown glass that can’t be beat. Most of the products in the store are stocked by request, so even if you can’t find what you’re looking for, Little Dog can order it for you and have it available in a jiffy. Go in and get the Little Dog punch card, which immediately gets you 10% off. Fill up all nine punches, and you get 15% off — and it never expires. Little Dog also has a deal with Native Roots; just take your Little Dog receipt to Native Roots or vice versa and receive 15% off. Who can argue with that?

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

TOYS FOR ALL AGES

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST TOY STORE IN LONGMONT!

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BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY â&#x20AC;&#x2122;19

1935 Main St. Longmont, CO 303-774-1557 longmont@hobbiescolorado.com

OCTOBER 24, 2019 61

RETAIL SUSAN FRANCE

for voting us

BEST GROCERY STORE

STEPHANIE MEEKS, ARC THRIFT STORE NIGHT MANAGER CLOTHING — USED

ARC THRIFT STORE

2151 N. Main St., Longmont, 720-453-1416 1349 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-666-8060 Longmont Winner: Fabulous Finds

tart shopping here and you’ll wonder why you even bother with first-hand retail. ARC Thrift Stores have everything, from the latest fashion trends to fabulous styles of yesteryear that’ll make your folks wonder why they looked so ridiculous in them long ago, and why you look so good in them today. And, this is our favorite part: ARC runs a phenomenal outreach program that employs special needs workers. Everyone wants a chance to do their part, and ARC is doing theirs and then some. Shopping here is shopping with a purpose.

REAL ESTATE GROUP

RE/MAX ELEVATE

724 Main St., Louisville, 303-451-2268 Runner Up, East County: WK Real Estate

We’re Proud to be a part of the community! 62 OCTOBER 24, 2019

re housing prices coming down? Are interest rates going to rise or fall? Is now a good time to buy a second home, or should I be selling my first? Understanding real estate markets can be a bit confusing and sometimes downright overwhelming. And when you make a mistake in real estate, it can cost you years and tens of thousands of dollars to recover. Fortunately, there are experts who know more about the local housing markets than most of us ever could (or want to, for that matter). When it comes to buying or selling, our readers tell us it’s Re/Max Elevate they trust to help them make the right decision on their home.

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

BOULDER WEEKLY

RETAIL AUTO DEALER — NEW

AUDI FLATIRONS

13321 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield, 877-356-6921 Longmont Winner: Valley Subaru of Longmont

ven Peter Parker knows, if you’re going to get a new car, make it an Audi. And if you’re going to get an Audi, get it from Audi Flatirons. They have the whole lineup, from sedans to SUVs, from coupes to convertibles. And thanks to that sweet German engineering, some of these models can parallel park themselves, which always comes in handy when you’re headed downtown. Plus, the 2019 Audi e-tron is fully electric. Even better, you don’t have to have Tony Stark’s platinum card to drive one home. New, used and certified, they’re all at Audi Flatirons, and they’re all waiting for a test drive. PET STORE

BLACKPAW

459 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-554-9343 Erie Winner: Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies (also in Longmont) Lafayette Winner: The Happy Beast

ast County is a dog-friendly place to live. And with businesses like BlackPaw, taking care of your four-legged floof is easy. Family-owned since 2006, BlackPaw is here for food and toys, grooming and washing, training and questions. Since the best training a dog can get comes from a knowledgable and compassionate pet parent, BlackPaw is here to help you understand your dog’s journey. And because you shouldn’t give your furry friend anything you wouldn’t put in your own body, BlackPaw has a wide selection of natural and holistic pet foods. STEREO/ELECTRONICS

BEST BUY

210 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-485-5939 Louisville Winner: Little Horse

n this day and age, we survive with the help of technology — a keyboard, tablet or smart speaker, phone or TV are never very far away. Yet with all the convenience and efficiencies these devices provide, buying new ones can be a hassle as you look for the best options, prices and customer service. But have no fear, Best Buy is here to help with that. As our readers’ favorite place to buy electronics in East County, you can find any device your heart desires at any of its locations. Having a problem with a device you’re just not quite ready to replace? Head to the Geek Squad desk for installation, protection and repair help.

find your

hidden treasures!

STORAGE FACILITY

GUARDIAN STORAGE

721 S. Emery St., Longmont, 720-378-4336 Lafayette Winner: Elite Storage

A NEW KIND OF MARKETPLACE

ometimes you need a place to park your things because your life is in transition. Sometimes you move in with someone who has everything you have only nicer. Sometimes you just have too much stuff. Other times you may be looking for a safe, longterm solution for storing some of your most important keepsakes. The bottom line is: We all need a safe, convenient storage facility at some point in our lives. When that time comes for you, our readers tell us that the friendly staff at Guardian Storage in Longmont can take care of all your storage needs at a great price, whether you require their services for weeks or years. SHOE STORE

BROWN’S SHOE FIT CO.

Paint it beautiful with Fusion Mineral Paints!

373 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-2920 Runner Up, East County: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse Lafayette Winner: Jax Outdoor Gear

hoes are a lot like tires: Get a good pair, or you’re not going anywhere. The folks behind Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. have been shoeing feet for more than 100 years. And since everyone’s entitled to two, that’s a lot of feet in and out of Brown’s doors. Don’t worry; they can handle it. It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a brand or a style, Brown’s has the shoe, sandal, boot, trainer, runner, hiker, flippy or welly for you. Naturally, they have socks, too. Anything ankle down, they got you covered. Established in 1911, Brown’s has been in Longmont since 1946, and is still our readers’ favorite shoe store in East County. BOULDER WEEKLY

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

OCTOBER 24, 2019 63

RETAIL AUTO DEALER — USED

VALLEY SUBARU OF LONGMONT

1800 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 855-762-3012 Runner Up, East County: Fisher Honda

olorado is known for many things: Breathtaking mountain vistas, 300 days of sunshine and rugged terrain, to name a few. So it makes sense that nearly 5% of the population drives Subarus to get them where they need to go regardless of road and weather conditions. And our readers say that Valley Subaru of Longmont is the place to get a used one. These folks also just received the 2019 Subaru Love Promise Customer Commitment Award, which nationally recognizes Subaru retailers that demonstrate exceptional customer service, building lifelong relationships with Subaru owners.

TOY STORE

GRANDRABBIT’S TOY SHOPPE

180 E. Flatiron Circle Drive, Broomfield, 303-465-8005 Longmont Winner: HobbyTown

here are toys... and then there are toys. The first kind are cheap, poorly made fads of the day that teach your child nothing before being discarded a few days or hours after their purchase. But in the other toy category are the gifts of a lifetime. Toys that educate as well as entertain; toys that are beautiful and well-made, such as the stuffed animals and rocking horses that are treasured throughout a lifetime and even handed down from generation to generation. Year after year our readers tell us that when it’s time to find that special toy, a toy that can be both fun and important, educational or a child’s best friend, that’s when they head for Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe, where the incredible toy selection has been thoughtfully curated for 40-plus years.

AUTO DETAILING

SPEEDY SPARKLE CAR WASH

1414 Hecla Way, Louisville, 970-279-1569 Longmont Winner: Breeze Thru Car Wash

Longmont’s

INDOOR FLEA MARKET

OVER 90+ DEALERS! Items & Gifts for Ages 0-99 FURNITURE NEW & USED HOME DECOR & TONS MORE!

peedy Sparkle Car Wash is a locally owned, environmentally friendly car wash and detailing business that our readers think is tops. At Speedy Sparkle, you can expect prompt, courteous attention. Choose to detail just the exterior of your car, just the interior, or get the combination package. These folks won’t skip an inch of your car, cleaning the tires, wheels and wheel wells, polishing chrome and metal surfaces, conditioning tires, cleaning doorjambs, shampooing carpet… It’ll be like having a brand new car. The premium detail package throws in an engine cleaning, polymer polish and paint sealant, and Scotchgard for seats and carpeting.

AUTO REPAIR

LOUISVILLE TIRE AND AUTO CARE, LTD 1190 Griffith St., Unit 1, Louisville, 303-665-4902 Lafayette Winner: Stan’s Automotive

here’s no overstating the importance of a great car mechanic, someone who’s got the expertise, tools and integrity to fix your car for a reasonable price. Our readers trust their cars with the folks at Louisville Tire and Auto Care, LTD, where the team of mechanics has over 100 years of experience between them. Whether you’re coming in for a routine inspection or a repair service, Louisville Tire and Auto Care promise complete satisfaction, with 12-month warranties for all services. Now you can have real peace of mind, wherever the drive takes you. BOOKSTORE

THE BOOK CELLAR

New location to be announced Broomfield Winner: 2nd & Charles Longmont Winner: Barbed Wire Book

ong live The Book Cellar. For over a decade, The Book Cellar operated an appropriately warm space of words and wisdom, filled with books piled high to the ceiling. But times, they are a-changin’, and earlier this year, The Book Cellar packed up the goods. But, fret not, owners have inked a new lease and will open up The Book Cellar 2.0 soon enough, and East County readers will have plenty of offerings to peruse and take home. It’s hard to put a good book down and, as The Book Cellar has proved, it’s even harder to keep a good book store down.

64 OCTOBER 24, 2019

BEST OF BOULDER EAST COUNTY ’19

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ONE STOP VAPE, SMOKE AND ACCESSORY SHOP

Longmontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s source for BEAUTIFUL GLASS 341 MAIN ST. LONGMONT, CO 303-287-3181

NOMAD EXTRACTS

GROWN BY OPTIONS

CONCENTRATE SUPPLY CO.

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All Flower Hand Trimmed!

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