10 30 14 best of boulder east county by Boulder Weekly

The results of our annual reader poll, plus our irreverent take on whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best about living in East Boulder County Winner: Best Sports Bar First Place for Longmont: Bar, Place to Eat Outdoors Longmont Mayor Dennis Coombs, co-owner of Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant

ART • BATH & BODY • CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES the

shoppes at

VINTAGE & NEW

Furniture, Gift Store, Home Furnishings, Independent Business, New Business

Art Gallery 2014

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

Art Gallery, 2014 Furniture on

2014

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

Gift Store, Home Furnishings, Independent Business

Featuring

s’

BEST

J Erie’s Morley Goldsmith 2014

BEST

d, Lafayette a o R ic ECOOL.COM l b u h P NGTH t u o S Currently at 410 TI A R U WWW.C

HOMEGOODS & ACCESSORIES • DELICIOUSNESS • JEWELRY

LuLuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hour 3PM-6PM EVERYDAY $2 SLOPPY SLiDER $2 gRiLLED VEggiE tACO $2.50 tExAS SwinE in A BLAnkY $6 ChOPPED BRiSkEt nAChOS $6 SMOkED wingS / $6 BBQ SLiDERS $1 Off ALL DRAftS $2.50 tECAtE, utiCA CLuB, 16Oz PBR $1 Off fROzEn & ROCkS MARgARitAS $3 wELL DRinkS / $4 hOuSE winES

LOuiSViLLE CO.

BEST BBQ BOULDER COUNTY

Home of the

tExAS SLuSh

MARGARITA

PLACE TO EAT OUTDOORS

EVEnt CAtERing

701 B Main St., Louisville, CO 720.583.1789 www.lulus-bbq.com

BOULDER WEEKLY presents a

1920s soiree celebrating winners of

Best of Boulder East County 5:30 PM NOV. 6 Dickens Opera House RSVP: bit.ly/bobecparty SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: mchua@boulderweekly.com

SPONSORED BY:

STAFF

Susan France

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

EDITORIAL

Editor, Joel Dyer Associate Editors, Elizabeth Miller, Matt Cortina, Josh Gross

Sales

Retail Sales Manager, Allen Carmichael Senior Account Executive, David Hasson Account Executives, Jalen Aquino, Julian Bourke, Althea Schelling, Alex Valles Marketing Coordinator, Melissa Chua Mrs. Boulder Weekly, Mari Nevar

Production

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

General & Administrative

Assistant to the Publisher, Julia Sallo Office Manager, Andrea Neville Circulation Team, Dave Hastie, Dan Hill, George LaRoe, Jeffrey Lohrius, Elizabeth Ouslie, Rick Slama 14-Year-Old, Mia Rose Sallo Cover photo: Susan France Longmont Mayor, Dennis Coombs, co-owner of the Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant, Longmont

CONTENTS

FOOD 6 DRINK 25 ENTERTAINMENT 33 FITNESS & HEALTH 41 RETAIL 49

Patrick Walsh, owner of Bittersweet Cafe and Confections

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

all in Colorado is pretty special. With its yellow and red leaves transforming the landscape, clear blue skies, crisp mornings and pumpkins in the fields, there was only one thing preventing this year from being the perfect autumn. But now that’s been remedied with the publication of our Best of Boulder East County edition. Yep, fall is now complete. As always, we were impressed with the “Best of” choices made by our readers, who just happen to be the most enlightened collection of individuals in the County and quite possibly the world. Seriously, you folks not only know where to eat and drink around these parts, you know the best place to get acupuncture, buy a set of tires, continue your education and get a tattoo while having your hard drive repaired. This is what makes our BOB East County issue so fun every year; thousands of you sharing your favorite places with each other. It’s not the BW staff (with the exception of entries labeled “Staff Picks”) but rather our reader’s who have decided who is the best. Your participation and insight allow us to crown not only a “Best of East County” winner, but also category winners in different communities. Here’s how we did it. We took the top five vote getters in each category. The business with the most votes was named Best of East County. The business with the most votes from a particular community won best of for that town. If two or more of the top five vote getters were from the same town, then those getting the second or third most votes in that town were listed as honorable mentions. So the top five are always listed, but not every town has a winner in every category. On the rare occasion when the business with the second most overall votes was from the same town as the overall winner, that business was given the title of Runner Up for East Boulder County. We hope you enjoy our annual BOB East County edition and encourage you to use it to discover new places that just might become your favorites as well.

October 30, 2014 3

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Lovin’ Louisville! LOUISV I L L E 303. 335 .4 2 0 0

S. BOULDER

• W W W. A L FA L FA S . C O M • & CENTENNIAL

Susan France

Appetizers

95A BISTRO & SUSHI

1381 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-665-3080 Longmont Winner: Sugarbeet Louisville Winner: Empire Lounge & Restaurant Honorable Mention: Sun Rose Cafe & Fine Food; Waterloo Ice House

ou will soon be clamoring to get to 95a Bistro & Sushi for a taste of their tapas, all 28 varieties. Named for its location on 95th and Arapahoe, this non-suburban joint got voted Best Appetizers last year, too. A place fit for a family of varied palettes, they serve Mediterranean, Asian, a bit of French and a lot of none of the above — like tempura avocado and green chilies, bacon-wrapped date skewers and even onion rings. American

THE POST BREWING COMPANY

105 W. Emma St., Lafayette, 303-593-2066 Louisville Winner: Waterloo Ice House Longmont Winner: Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew Honorable Mention: The Huckleberry; 95a Bistro & Sushi

ot chicken and cold beer — if that isn’t a foundation for weekend fun we don’t know what is. At The Post Brewing Company they have discovered perfect beer and comfort food pairings. There is a down-home feel that just makes customers feel welcome. The chefs have chicken cooking down to a science. They start off with all-natural chicken, coat it with a seasoned gluten-free flour mix, cook it up crisp and juicy and then add a kick of spice. Head out to Post Brewing on Sundays when they host live music from 2-5 p.m. Come find your comfort today with some crispy fried chicken and a Howdy beer. Asian Fusion

BUSABA

133 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-665-0330 Lafayette Winner: Pho Cafe Longmont Winner: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi Honorable Mention: Bao Asian Fusion and Sushi Bar; Tibet’s Restaurant & Bar

usaba’s location in a strip mall belies the charming ambiance and delicious fare one finds inside the eatery. But once inside, diners find a sunny atmosphere in which to enjoy mainstays of Southeastern Asian cuisine, like som tum, drunken noodles, pad see ewe and, of course, the rainbow spectrum of curries. And a trip to Busaba won’t break your bank, with filling, take-some-home-portioned entrees running as low as $9.95. Patrons rave about the level of heat one gets when ordering something “Thai-hot,” but eater beware — this is on par with genuine Thai street food, hot enough to make you break a sweat.

Roy Benningfield, executive chef for 95a Bistro & Sushi, Lafayette

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 2014

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

BEST

Best Asian Fusion Best Thai Restaurant 2014

BEST

Best Takeout 2014

ons’ Niwot’s THANK YOU TO ALL OURLyCUSTOMERS BEST

BEST

133 S. MCCASLIN BLVD, LOUISVILLE • 303-665-0330 • WWW.BUSABACO.COM Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

2014

Erie’s BEST

October 30, 2014 5

Long

Supe

Susan France

BBQ

LULU’S BBQ

701 Main St., Louisville, 720-583-1789 Longmont Winner: Georgia Boys BBQ Lyons Winner: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse Honorable Mention: KT’s BBQ; The Rib House

eat. Smoked low and slow. Over wood chips and coal blocks of mesquite and hickory. Pork shoulder and beef brisket cooked so meticulously that it falls apart with a light forking, almost puddling on the plate.Tangy and rich vinegar or mustard sauces bloop onto the little meatstack you’ve assembled and when it touches your tongue, it’s like dipping into a spa on a cold winter’s night or rubbing aloe on badly sunburned quadriceps. Wholly satisfying and right for any occasion, LuLu’s is the place to be for quality barbecue and refreshing drinks. In the heart of downtown Louisville, LuLu’s outdoor seating area reminds you of backyard picnics, with friends and family laughing, and meat slowly cooking. Bagel

BIG DADDY BAGELS

1940 Ionosphere St., Suite D, Longmont, 303834-8237 489 N. Highway 287, Suite 110, Lafayette, 303-665-5918 Longmont Winner: Einstein Bros Bagels Niwot Winner: The Eye Opener Coffee House Honorable Mention: Moe’s Bagels

e’d like to count bagels among the nation’s larger wins for embracing the multicultural heritage of the people who chose to make the brave journey to live on American shores centuries ago. And roughly two centuries ago, Jewish immigrants from Eastern

Europe brought bagels to our fine nation. Folks across the county now get to break their fasts with a bite into the chewy deliciousness of a bagel. For New York-style traditional, boiled and baked bagels, served in a cheerful setting, our readers say Big Daddy Bagels is the place to go. Sometimes, the occasion calls for the sweet decadence of a cinnamon sugar bagel with maple walnut cream cheese, but now, as the melting pot continues to work its magic, there’s also the spicier wake-up-call of a green chili bagel with southwestern cream cheese. Stack it up a little thicker with eggs, cheese and bacon and you’re well on your way to conquering the world. Bakery

INDULGE BAKERY

1377 Forest Park Circle, Suite 102, Lafayette, 303-926-1676 Lafayette Winner: eats & sweets Longmont Winner: Great Harvest Bread Company Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Honorable Mention: Happy Cakes Bakeshop

ince 2006, the cake and pastry artists at Indulge Bakery have been dishing out top-notch nosh, with everything from singleserve pastries to custom-designed cakes. They offer a wide variety of seasonal and gluten free items like the flourless chocolate oblivion, coconut Napoleons and tulip mousse cups. Many of their full-sized cakes can also be prepared as smaller bite-sized portions, meaning a trip to Indulge can make you the office hero that brought bite-sized tiramisu to the staff meeting.

Kevin Herrington, owner of LuLu’s BBQ, Louisville

Baked Treats on a Budget

MICHAEL’S BAVARIAN BAKERY 613 Frontage Road, Longmont, 303-678-1014

espite the best-laid plans, there comes a time when the only answer to life’s woes is pastry. And while there is no shortage of fabulous patisseries in this county, a fine baker’s dozen can set you back a house payment or two if you’re not careful. Enter Michael’s Bavarian Bakery in Longmont. The unassuming orange cinder block box is stuffed to the gills with so many baked sweets that it’s like some sort of complex social experiment to pick just one. But the best part is that you can walk out of Michael’s with a streusel today, no credit check required. Items in the bake case that could run you $4-$7 elsewhere average $1.50 at Michael’s with all the artisanal baking intact. That makes it possible to reach peak baklava without breaking the bank.

6 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Catering

GEORGIA BOYS BBQ

237 Collyer St., Longmont, 720-999-4099 Runner Up, East County: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina (Longmont and Lafayette) Honorable Mention: Snarf ’s; Greens Point Catering; The Rib House

he pigs and cows plated up at Georgia Boys BBQ have a lot of hours in the smokehouse and sauce dishes between their oinking and mooing days and the time they’re plated up, but from how fast the menu can clear out of its daily rotation of in-demand options you’d think those ribs were still attached to a set of legs. Choice barbeque dishes can disappear by early evening on a weeknight — it’s just that good. Got your heart set on the sliced brisket? Order the catering option, and get your choices of meats, sides and baked buns, rounded out with some banana puddin’ and sweet tea. And this time, it comes to you. Breakfast THE HUCKLEBERRY 700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Lafayette Winner: Super Mini Walnut Cafe Longmont Winner: Lucile’s Creole Cafe Honorable Mention: Morning Glory Cafe; The Egg & I

riving through downtown Louisville it would be hard to miss The Huckleberry. With its bright purple tin siding and a line out the door most weekend mornings, The Huckleberry stands out like a sore thumb — a delicious sore thumb slathered in butter and syrup.

Although this Louisville institution serves lunch and dinner as well, it’s the breakfast that has people around the county taking notice. Non-locals, it seems, have found out what residents of Louisville have known for years: that The Huckleberry serves delicious food, a good bit of it supplied locally by it’s own Three Leaf Farm, at prices that are more than fair for the quality of the menu. If that weren’t enough,The Huckleberry is also as charming as it gets, embodying the look and feel of historic Louisville. Brunch

LUCILE’S CREOLE CAFE

518 Kimbark St., Longmont, 303-7749814 Lafayette Winner: Super Mini Walnut Cafe Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Niwot Winner: Colterra Honorable Mention: Dickens Tavern

ho doesn’t love brunch? It’s decadent to be eating breakfast so late while lounging on a lazy day. There is no better brunch than the one you will find at Lucile’s. Between the eggs Benedict and the homemade beignets, you won’t leave hungry. For more than 30 years Lucile’s has been providing true Créole-style cooking to Colorado. Whether you are in the mood for breakfast, lunch or brunch, Lucile’s won’t disappoint. If you can’t get enough of the great Créole flavor, you can purchase spices, sauces and more from their online store. You get our vote for tastiest brunch!

Matthew Alexander (left) and Nickolas Reckinger, owners of Georgia Boy’s BBQ Company, Longmont

Taste of Vietnamese Street Food

PHO CAFE

1085 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0666

ho is a Vietnamese noodle soup — it’s simple, consisting of broth, rice noodles, a blend of herbs and meat (or veggies). It’s a very popular street food in Vietnam, and many restaurants the world over specialize in the dish. But when our readers get a hankering for some delicious pho right in Lafayette, they look no further than Pho Cafe. Pho Cafe also offers other top-notch Asian fusion foods such as satay chicken, spring rolls, Kung Pao chicken and Mongolian beef. At Pho you can find fantastic lunch deals on curry entrees with your choice of chicken, beef or tofu for just $7.95 (get shrimp or a combo for just $1 more). But really, try the pho. There are more than a dozen of these delicious, comforting soups on the menu, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself heading back to Pho Cafe over and over again.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

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Susan France

Business Lunch

95A BISTRO & SUSHI

1381 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 80026 Longmont Winner: The Dickens Tavern Louisville Winner: Zucca Italian Ristorante Niwot Winner: Colterra Honorable Mention: Modena Wine Cafe

ffordable, approachable and attitude free” is how Rob and Kelly Kukura, founders and owners of 95a Bistro & Sushi, describe the eclectic eatery. With hot and cold tapas (onion rings or tuna tartar, anyone?), salads, soups, pastas, wraps, burgers, steaks, and yes, lots of delicious, fresh sushi, 95a caters to the lunch desires of the entire staff. Combine that with prices that don’t deplete your checking account and a welcoming atmosphere and you, dear readers, are ready to make some serious executive decisions during your next business lunch. Looking to keep things super local? East County residents also have their favorite business lunches at Dicken’s Tavern in Longmont, Zucca Italian Ristorante in Louisville and Colterra in Niwot.Who could blame them? Dickens Tavern has a beautiful ambiance that is reflective of its rich history (formerly an opera house and home to the original Longmont college); Zucca offers a tour of Italy’s culinary delights; and Colterra oozes charm with its stone patio and selection of local produce and meat.

Burger

SMASHBURGER

2755 Dagny Way, Lafayette, 303-926-9700 Louisville Winner: Waterloo Ice House Longmont Winner: Five Guys Burgers and Fries Honorable Mention: CHUBurger; Pumphouse Brewery

Roy Benningfield, executive chef for 95a Bistro & Sushi, loves fish

tarted in 2007 in Denver, Smashburger had opened 200 stores worldwide by 2013. Now you can get a Smashburger burger in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait — though Colorado is still the only place you will find the Colorado Burger (grilled green chilies, melted cheddar, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato and mayo on a spicy chipotle bun). Their website acknowledges that “one cannot live on burgers alone,” and so Smashburger balances the diet out by offering chicken sandwiches. Yet, it is the burgers our readers say they keep going back for, from the Spicy Jalapeno Baja to the Truffle Mushroom Swiss with truffle mayo. Try it with a “hand-spun” milkshake.

Vegetarian Holiday

FIVE GUYS

1708 Main St., Suite 300, Longmont, 303485-8924

f you are looking for an excuse to stray from your vegetarian ways, this is the place to go. Trust us, it is worth it. At Five Guys they stick to what they do best — burgers and fries. We aren’t just talking about any old burger here — we are talking about the juiciest, most mouth-watering burger you can imagine. Add on some of their free toppings paired with a side of crispy fries and you have something indulgently delightful.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Home of the Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich

Restaurant Dessert

EATS & SWEETS

BEST DESSERT

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-6653287 Longmont Winner: 2020 Food + Wine Bar Louisville Winner: The Melting Pot Honorable Mention: The Huckleberry; Modena Wine Cafe

2014

BEST ICE CREAM Lafayette’s BEST SANDWICH BEST 2014 BEST KID FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Lyons’

afayette’s eats & sweets doesn’t bother to reinvent the wheel with its offerings: baked cakes and pies, cookies and ice cream sundaes, shakes and smoothies. But it does make that wheel better, using organic evaporat- Bobby Pamgilinan, co-owner of Eats & Sweets, ed cane sugar and all- Lafayette natural unbleached flour for all its goodies. That said, eats & sweets does somewhat reinvent the ice cream sandwich, putting that slab of frozen goodness betwixt slabs of banana bread like a boss. Someone call the MacArthur Foundation and get Eats & Sweets a genius grant.

BEST

401 S. Public Rd 2014 Old Town Lafayette Erie’s 303-665-3287

BEST eatsandsweets.biz

Donuts

LAMAR’S DONUTS

133 S McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-3875 Longmont Winner: Winchell’s Honorable Mention: Daylight Donuts; Dunkin’ Donuts

s a member of the nut family, donuts are a valued source of nutrition, with B vitamins, protein and healthy oils that reduce the risk of heart disease. Although no major medical organization or doctor has endorsed that statement, you can dip donuts in coffee and eat a whole bunch of them before you realize what you’ve done. LaMar’s Donuts in Louisville are about as intoxicating a pastry as they come, with dozens of donut varieties, muffins, donut holes and other baked goods. Grab one or grab three dozen, either way you’re going to have a great time.

Fine Dining

COLTERRA

210 Franklin St., Niwot, 303-652-0777 Longmont Winner: Sugarbeet Louisville Winner: The Melting Pot Honorable Mention: Zucca Italian Ristorante; Via Toscana

hile on most days a cheap, fast meal is good enough, once in a while it’s nice to put on a nice outfit, shave your gender-appropriate body parts and get a meal that wasn’t cooked before you left your house. For fine dining, you can’t beat Colterra in Niwot. Nestled in a small forest of old-growth trees, the restaurant is a paragon of quiet sophistication. Inside you’ll find more of the same. Food harvested from local farms graces the tables, all put together with equal parts aesthetic style and culinary perfection by highly lauded Chef Bradford Heap. So comb your hair, get a babysitter and have the best local meal money can buy. Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

New Restaurant

Serving Freshly Prepared Southwest Cuisine with a Colorado Twist

400 W South Boulder Rd, Suite 2900, Lafayette 720-612-7315 • lunadaeatery.com Open Sun-Thurs 11-8, Fri & Sat 11-9 October 30, 2014 9

Loui B

Niw B

Susan France

Ice Cream

SWEET COW

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-4269 Lafayette Winner: eats and sweets Longmont Winner: Coldstone Creamery Honorable Mention: Scrumptious

sking people to pick the best ice cream is sort of like asking parents to pick their favorite child. It’s ice cream — even the lactose-intolerant will tell you it’s delicious. But the difficulty of that choice is an even louder testament to how much quality is getting dished into the cones at Sweet Cow. The locally sourced small-batch and sustainably produced scoops of heaven are the best around. The menu includes nine standards like dutch chocolate, French vanilla and Ozo coffee.There are also a series of rotating experimental and seasonal flavors like bourbon corn flake, frankenberry, lucky charms and cantaloupe sorbet. No sir, this isn’t your grandpappy’s vanilla. Sweet Cow also has locations in Boulder and Denver, as well as a food truck that attends local gatherings. Keep up on its location via social media.

Gluten-Free Menu

MORNING GLORY CAFE

1377 Forest Park Circle, Suite 101, Lafayette, 303-604-6351 Longmont Winner: Sun Rose Cafe Honorable Mention: Pinocchio’s Italian Eatery; Bistro 503; Martino’s Pizzeria

orning Glory Cafe was created with the philosophy in mind that food can be both healthy and delicious. The menu draws from the varied background of its creator, who mentions experiences from the Deep South to Dubai to Martha’s Vineyard as formative and waitressed at a vegetarian restaurant as a teenager. That diverse palate shows in the menu items, which also cater to those with special diets in mind — vegetarians and vegans, of course, but Morning Glory Cafe is also winning for the second year for its gluten-free menu options. Thought chocolate chip pancakes were for gluten-eaters only? Think again.

Drew Honness, founder of Sweet Cow Ice Cream in Louisville

Reason to Lick Your Fingers

KT’S BBQ

799 Highway 287, Broomfield, 303-410-7333

T’s has multiple locations throughout Boulder County and Broomfield but one consistent, delicious product. With ribs, brisket, pulled pork and more to go alongside potatoes and tangy, fresh slaw, KT’s has satiated us on a number of occasions. They also have a big multi-gallon tank of sweet tea, which, as most barbecue aficionados know, is the perfect complement to savory, melt-in-your-mouth meat. You can take it to go or dine in at the down home-themed restaurant. Wherever you eat it, though, bring a napkin, or just lick that smokey grilled goodness right off your fingertips.

10 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

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

2014

uisvilleFusion ’s Lafayette’s Best LoAsian Longmont

Restaurant BEST

BEST

Hours:

Tues. Weds. Thurs. Sun 11am - 9pm Fri. Sat 11am - 9:30pm

BEST

2014

Lyons’

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

Closed Monday

2014

Erie’s 2014

BEST

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

Restaurant Service Place to Go for 1st Date 4 201Ambiance Restaurant

Wine Bar

New Restaurant Restaurant Dessert

BEST

Lyons’

BEST

2014

Niwot’s

Superior’s

Wine by the glass, bottle or flight ◆ Neapolitan-style Pizza B E Sand T Artisan CheeseBPlatters EST Craft Beer ◆ Charcuterie Chef-Inspired Plates ◆ Daily Specials Gluten Free Options ◆ A Casual Vibe 2014

BEST

Erie’s

2020 Ionosphere Street, Longmont CO 80504 (Prospect New Town) ◆ 720-491-3578 Monday-Thursday 4pm-10pm ◆ Friday-Saturday 4pm-11pm ◆ Closed Sundays B EDaily S T 4pm-6pm ◆ www.eatdrink2020.com Happy Hour

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

BEST

2014

BEST

Longmont BEST

Best Wine Bar 2014

Time tested family recipes combined Lyons’ with generations of culinary experience BEST (720) 708-6835 We make our mozzarella fresh daily!

2014

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

Sun: 11:30am - 8pm • Mon-Thurs: 11:30am - 9pm • Fri & Sat: 11:30pm - 10pm

300 South Public Road, Lafayette, 2014Colorado See our Menu at: www.lafayette.apeizza.com

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

Erie’s BEST

Branka, Manager October 30, 2014 11

Located in East Boulder County, The Patchwork

interests and opinions, and by utilizing our

School works with children, families, and the

community’s resources to the full extent,

community to preserve every person’s right to

we have created an experiential learning

a life of self-direction, meaning, and joy. Within

environment that fosters critical thinking and

our educational environment, we place equal

problem solving, develops communication and

importance on both freedom and responsibility,

leadership abilities, nurtures self-confidence

and understand that all people, regardless of

and self-direction, promotes compassion and

age, are agents for change when they engage

freedom, responsibility and compassion sustainability, and most of all preserves a

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By respecting children as people with ideas,

critically and compassionately with the world.

passion for learning.

freedom, responsibility and compassion The Patchwork School is an innovative nonprofit organization promoting children’s rights and meaningful educational options for all,

The Patchwork School is an innovative non-profit organization promoting children’s rights and meaningful educational options for all, at the heart of which is a community-based, democratic school for children ages one and up.

Goals for Our Community Resourcefulness

Leadership Skills

Critical Thinking

Self-Motivation

Love of Learning

Self-Regulation

Communication Skills

Creativity

Compassion

Self Expression

Confidence

Ability to Listen

at the heart of which is a community-based, democratic school for children ages one and

For Enrollment Information… Call

up, located in Louisville, Colorado.

720-271-6729

Susan France Email

info@thepatchworkschool.com

Visit us

www.thepatchworkschool.com

1428 Main Street • Louisville, CO 80027

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

teacher training, and community building, we advocate for a new world view, one ruled by

compassion, listening, and understanding and ultimately community.

We advocate for a new world view, one ruled by compassion, listening, understanding, and ultimately community.

To redefine “school” as an open-minded, compassionate learning environment for all ages that meets each person where they are at, challenges them to define and reach success for themselves, respects who they are and where they

N ot i c e o f N o N d i s c r i m i N ato ry P o l i cy

Through the school, our parent education,

Our Vision

To foster an equitable, nurturing, and stimulating environment for educational experiences and community building, The Patchwork School affirms that its students, staff, volunteers and guests have a right to be free from discrimination. We invite all people to participate in the activities, events and community of our school. We do not discriminate on any basis (cultural background, ethnicity, race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, sex, disability, marital status or spirituality) in the administration of our care, instruction, admission, employment, or tuition assistance policies.

have come from, and offers them an opportunity to be responsible to and to contribute to the community. www.thepatchworkschool.com

1428 Main Street, Louisville • 720-271-6729 www.thepatchworkschool.com

Italian Restaurant 2014

2014

tte’s LafayeBusiness Louisville’s Lunch B T B T ES

2014

Longmont’s BEST

2014

Lyons’

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

2014

Erie’s BEST

Noel Gomez, chef, and owner of Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Mexican

EFRAIN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

451 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont, 720-494-0777 101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303-666-7544 Runner Up, East County: Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant (Longmont and Lafayette) Honorable Mention: 3 Margaritas; Comida; Casa Allegre

E Teahouse Breakfast Pancake/Waffle 2014

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

BEST 2014

BEST

12 October 30, 2014

2014

frain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has long been a Boulder County hidden gem. Hard to imagine you can be a hidden gem with locations in Lafayette, Longmont and Boulder, but believe it. Word of Efrain’s magnificence has been spreading, and people are lining up to enjoy large portions, affordable prices and brilliantly executed traditional Mexican fare. Diners have hailed the enchiladas, the costillas and the green chili amid a broad and sensational menu. And, in case you were wondering, delicious margaritas are also on the menu. From the opening basket of chips and salsa to the last bite of cinnamonsweet sopapilla, Efrain’s crowd-pleasing dishes will leave you wanting to come back for more.

ont’s LongmRestaurant Overall • Brunch • Bakery BEST

2014

Lyons’

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

104 S Main St Longmont, CO 80501 p. 303-678-8844 www.AspemMeadowVet.com Compassionate Care for the Whole Family Susan France

Open Nights, Weekends, Holidays 24 Hour Emergency and Critical Care Surgery Oncology Neurology Internal Medicine Board Certified Specialists

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND VOTING AMVS BEST OF BOULDER

Rick Betance, owner of La Revolucion Taqueria y Cantina

Place To Eat Outdoors

Overall Restaurant

LA REVOLUCÍON TAQUERIA Y CANTINA

THE POST BREWING COMPANY

701 Main St., Louisville, 303-926-3998 Runner Up, East County: Lucky Pie Pizza and Taphouse (Louisville) Longmont Winner: Pumphouse Brewery Niwot Winner: Colterra Honorable Mention: LuLu’s BBQ

hen the weather’s nice there is nothing better than sitting out on a warm patio, a gentle breeze blowing and having some tasty food and drinks. La Revolución Taqueria y Cantina provides all of that and more. Located in the heart of Louisville, it is the place to see and be seen since the patio is right on the sidewalk at the corner of Main and Pine. La Rev, as it’s known by locals, offers delicious, authentic Mexican food, healthy options and a tequila lineup rivaling any restaurant around. It’s easy to see why our readers choose La Rev when they want to take their outdoor dining experience to the next level.

All of us at the SUPER MINI WALNUT CAFE say WOWZERS!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES!!

105 W. Emma St., Lafayette, 303-593-2066 Longmont Winner: Sugarbeet Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry Niwot Winner: Colterra Honorable Mention: Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids

oulder County is no stranger to restaurants that do well with the combination of house-brewed beer and good food, so it’s a testament to the magic at work at The Post Brewing Company that since the doors opened, people have been lining up for their tasty beer and fried chicken. The Post has paid attention to the details, starting with the birds they source for their fantastic fried chicken — humanely raised, all-natural chicken that’s brined for hours, dipped in buttermilk and gluten-free flour before being fried and seasoned. The results are juicy and flavorful. The restaurant has a comfortable feel, lots of community tables for those ready to cozy up to neighbors and a patio that’s a little slice of paradise on a summer evening. Sign up for that.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

2014

Lafayette’s BEST

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Susan France

Place To Go On A First Date 2020 FOOD + WINE BAR 2020 Ionosphere St., Longmont, 720-491-3578 Runner Up, East County: Modena Wine Cafe (Longmont) Lafayette Winner: Nissi’s Louisville Winner: Empire Lounge & Restaurant Honorable Mention: The Dicken’s Tavern, Por Wine House

h, the first date — a night of stolen glances, infinite possibility and, if you go to 2020 Food + Wine Bar, delicious food and wine. 2020’s got your first date food needs covered, from savory, light appetizers (maybe your tummy’s already full of butterflies) such as hummus with cucumber and pita, to warm, filling pizza pies (gluten-free crust upon request). What’s more romantic than sharing a cheese board and a perfectly paired bottle of vino over a budding romance? Precious little, if you ask us (but we really love wine and cheese). Top that perfect night off with some tiramisu or vanilla bean crème brulee, both guaranteed to be as sweet and satisfying as your first date.

Sandwich

SNARF’S

645 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-774-1441 2130 Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303-702-1111 Lafayette Winner: eats & sweets Louisville Winner: The Porch Deli & Market Honorable Mention: Smiling Moose Deli, Your Butcher Frank

othing ruins a short lunch break like a bad sandwich. Bland bread, limp veggies and substandard meats are all too common, but not at Snarf’s. Known throughout the area as the place to get a good sub, cheesesteak or any number of specialty sandwiches and salads, Snarf’s never skimps on quality and somehow manages to get all their orders (and there are a lot of them) made quickly and accurately.With sizeable portions made with quality ingredients and friendly faces on the other side of the counter Snarf’s is the best place to spend that 30 to 60 minutes of midday private time. Take Out

SANTIAGO’S

104 N. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-604-0715 215 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-1169 Runner Up, East County: Georgia Boys BBQ (Longmont) Lafayette Winner: Martino’s Pizzeria Louisville Winner: Busaba Honorable Mention: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

olorado loves its Southwest cuisine, and especially its green chili. And there’s no reason it should have to slow down its active, on-the-go lifestyle to slurp some down. That’s why Santiago’s is king. The local chain makes green chilismothered burritos fast, fresh and spicy as el Diablo dancing the tango. Taking it to go has long been a practice at Santiago’s, and now, thanks to dozens of locations across the Front Range, it’s now a shorter drive for when you get your burrito jones going hard.

Seafood

TORTUGAS

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

ust because we live in a land-locked state doesn’t mean we can’t have tasty, fresh seafood, and if you’re in East Boulder County, Tortugas is the place to be — it’s so good there’s no competition worth mentioning. This Caribbean-style fish house serves up coastal American and Mexican cuisine, offering shrimp ceviche, étouffée and callaloo, just to name a few of the options. To accompany your meal, try a Jamaican Donkey, Tortugas’ version of the Moscow Mule with vodka, homemade ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Head over to Tortugas on Wednesdays for wine night — enjoy a free bottle of wine with the purchase of two entrees (note: reservations are highly recommended). 14 October 30, 2014

Chef Richard Schmidt of 2020 Food + Wine Bar, Longmont

New York Slice

PULCINELLA PIZZERIA

385 Crossing Drive, Suite 315, Lafayette, 303-664-1599

ulcinella Pizzeria is a haven for those of us who yearn for a good slice of New York or Neapolitan-style pizza (mountain pie, we still love you). Pulcinella dishes up awesome versions of the classic pizza pie, with a ripe, flavorful sauce and a healthy dusting of cheese.You can also get a real good Sicilian pie there or a specialty like antipasto, diavola or white pizzas. Pulcinella, like many good pizzerias, has a strong list of calzone and baked dishes. Lafayette is lucky to have such a bastion of pizza standards and we salute you, Pulcinella.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

TAJ MAHAL III RESTAURANT

NOW OPEN!

WINE, BEER & FOOD

For our valued guests, we are committed to: • Sourcing our fish from vendors that are committed to sustainable fishing practices. • Using the finest, purest non-trans fat oil on the market, filtered daily. • Frying at the perfect temperature to limit oil absorption. • Discarding ‘spent’ oil and recycling it for bio-fuel. • Providing fresh prepared food at a fair price, and fast!

At Reelfish, we offer several options of fried or grilled fish. 2770 Arapahoe Rd. #112 • Lafayette, CO 720-630-8053 • www.eatreelfish.com

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST CHINESE TWO YEARS IN A ROW! Offering an exceptional dining experience, where we blend contemporary western design with 18th century Chinese art and authentic meals.

1075 E. SOUTH BOULDER ROAD

LOUISVILLE, CO 303-926-0999 Also Visit

1800 Broadway St. Ste# 160 Boulder, CO 303-442-0999

Daily Lunch Specials – Dine In – Take Out- Sushi

Sushi Hour After 8pm Daily 25% OFF Sushi and Rolls 50% OFF Japanese Beers and Sakes OPEN: Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm • Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Sushi closed for Sunday lunches and all day Mondays

269 McCaslin Blvd Louisville • 720.890.0999 • www.spicechina.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 15

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

BEST

Thank You for voting us Lyons’ Niwot’s Superior’s #1B E SChinese Food inB E SLafayette! B T T EST 2014

2014

Susan France

Dine In & Carry Out Erie’s Happy Hour Everyday 3-6pm BEST Private Room Available 2014

(Now Taking Reservations for Holiday Parties)

1265 S. Public Road, Lafayette (303) 666-9559 • www.tingsplace.com Open Sun, Mon, Weds, Thurs 11am-9:30pm Fri, Sat 11am-10pm • Closed Tuesday

New Restaurant

THE POST BREWING COMPANY

105 W. Emma St., Lafayette, 303-593-2066 Longmont Winner: 2020 Food + Wine Bar Honorable Mention: Modena Wine Cafe; CyclHOPS Bike Cantina; Lunada Eatery & Cantina

estaurants, even good ones, come and go faster than summer storms in Boulder County. But one place that looks likely to stick around is The Post Brewing Company in Lafayette. Situated in the heart of Lafayette’s increasingly-vibrant downtown in a former VFW hall, The Post Brewing Company has more than a dozen housebrewed beers on tap, the perfect compliment to the delicious menu of Mississippi catfish, wood-fired pork shoulder and — the house specialty — fried or rotisserie chicken. If you’re jonesing for some comfort food and great beer in a laid back atmosphere, Post Brewing can’t be beat. Pancake/Waffle

THE HUCKLEBERRY

• BEST PLACE TO EAT OUTDOORS • • BEST HAPPY HOUR •

16 October 30, 2014

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020 Lafayette Winner: Super Mini Walnut Cafe Longmont Winner: The Egg and I Honorable Mention: Morning Glory Cafe; Le Peep

t makes sense that The Huckleberry would dominate the best pancake/waffle category. The downtown Louisville restaurant and bakery is dripping in the sort of warm and inviting charm that announces fresh-made, home-style “breakfast,” almost as if the hostess will give you a pair of footie pajamas instead of a menu, then seat you in a race-car bed so your parents can come and tell you that your freshmade stacks of oldfashioned buttermilk pancakes loaded with wild-picked blueberries are ready. In addition to the buttermilk and blueberry, The Huckleberry makes a mean latke, all done up with applesauce and sour cream just like Moses schlepped across the desert for back in the day. Le chaim, le Huckleberry! Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Restaurant Service

2020 FOOD + WINE BAR

2020 Ionosphere St., Longmont, 720-4913578 Lafayette Winner: The Post Brewing Company Niwot Winner: Colterra Honorable Mention: Modena Wine Cafe; Zucca Italian Ristorante

here’s two sides to the service coin: One side is bad service, where waiters from hell give you the wrong dish, cold and very late, then charge you the wrong amount before telling your date she looks weird. The other side is exceptional service. An accommodating wait staff ushers you to a clean, quiet table, an attentive waiter listens to your requests and offers knowledgeable suggestions for dishes and pairings. The restaurant caters to your needs, adding an element that is at least pleasant and at most elevates the meal, reminding you why people go out in the first place. 2020 Food + Wine Bar is one such place, with a caring staff that caters your dining experience to you, ensuring an excellent time. Pizza

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAPHOUSE

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743 Lafayette Winner: Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana Honorable Mention: Abo’s Pizza; Pulcinella Pizzaria and Wine Bar; Martino’s Pizzaria

ucky Pie specializes in the artisanal, wood-fired pie and you can choose from a potentially paralyzing list of delicious options. Served alongside craft beer, it is no wonder locals have pegged Lucky Pie as the best pizza in East County. With crusts blackened just so, adding crunch and balancing

bitterness to their pies, Lucky Pie dishes out something for everyone with a remarkable standard and commitment to quality. Not to mention that all the flour is sourced from Colorado and the facilities have an adjoining outside space that will occupy children for hours. You can come back a thousand times before you try all the combinations of beer and pizza, so you better start soon! Niwot Restaurant COLTERRA 201 Franklin St., Niwot, 80503, 303-6520777 Runner Up, East County: Niwot Tavern Honorable Mention: Trepedda’s Italian Ristorante; Garden Gate Cafe; Ajuua Mexican Restaurant

• Gifts for any cook • Fun and colorful kitchenware • Specialty foods, local and imported • Gadgets, cookware, and kitchen essentials • Louisville’s one-of-a-kind kitchen shop 728 Main Street • Louisville, CO • 720.484.6825 www.SingingCookStore.com

VOTED 1st PLACE KITCHEN SUPPLY STORE

Best of East County

t’s easy to see why our readers chose Colterra as their favorite Niwot eatery. Colterra gives patrons that come-on-in-andsit-a-spell feel, with a stone patio bathed in shade by a cluster of hundred-year-old trees. Executive Chef Bradford Heap continues to stimulate the senses once patrons are inside, serving up a mix of Southern French and Northern Italian cuisine created with local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards or a cool honeycrisp apple and arugula salad on the sundrenched patio. Or maybe just drop by in the evening for a nightcap with one of Colterra’s signature cocktails — might we suggest a Scotch Drop (OK, OK, so we also think the Katy Pear-y is pretty tasty… and clever). And for a small town, Niwot’s sure got a lot of great restaurants. Check out the Niwot Tavern for some eats that break the general “pub food” mold (think mussels provençale and prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus).

Taco Crawl

SOUTH PUBLIC ROAD IN LAFAYETTE

Between Emma Street and Baseline Road

ometimes, you don’t just want to eat; you want to turn it into a quest. And if your quest is for tacos, then South Public Road in Lafayette is the place to do it. There are six Mexican restaurants and two carnicerias in the 12 short blocks between Emma Street and Baseline Road, ranging from sit-downs like Efrain’s to outdoor wonders like Taco Wagon, making that stretch of road into a genuine tacotopia, filled with delights and offering a nice brisk walk to keep them from sticking too firmly to your gut.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

best cannolis ever.

beatiful patio wine cocktails craft beers 489 N. HWY 287 Lafayette

TOSSING PIE FOR 15 YEARS

303.661.3030

OPEN 7 DAYS FROM 11 AM

protospizza.com 3Lfoundation.org October 30, 2014 17

Susan France

Restaurant Ambiance

2020 FOOD + WINE BAR

2020 Ionosphere St., Longmont, 720-491-3578 Niwot Winner: Colterra Louisville Winner: Empire Lounge and Restaurant Honorable Mention: Modena Wine Cafe; Zucca Italian Ristorante

imple and chic were what Chef Matthew Koury was aiming for in the food and wine he created for 2020 Food + Wine Bar, which opened in mid-2014. That aesthetic carries into a restaurant ambiance — among the most prized now in Boulder County — that has been described as casual and comfortable with a touch of refinement. Expect the kind of easy elegance that is in itself an aperitif for a meal of carefully chosen ingredients that could carry the solo on their own, but work in concert to present a finely crafted dish.

Chinese

SPICE CHINA

269 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-0999 Longmont Winner: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi Lafayette Winner: Ting’s Place Honorable Mention: Double Happy; Colorado Wok

he name Spice China isn’t just marketing. After apprenticing in Hong Kong, Chef Jack Mok has based his menu off of the five major spices that comprise China’s cuisine: fennel, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. The result is a lineup of delights that go beyond the Chinese standards and to a deeper level. The menu is split between in-house creations and renditions of authentic Shanghai dishes, making the menu chock full of delish-dishes like tripe and Chinese pickles stir-fried in ginger sauce, steamed bok choy smothered in oyster sauce marinated beef and mushrooms and chicken stir-fried with spicy basil sauce. There is also a selection of sushi and rotating weekly specials. Add to that the restaurant’s high bright atmosphere and 90-foot mural, and it’s an all-around winning experience.

Chef Richard Schmidt of 2020 Food + Wine Bar, Longmont

18 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

voted best food truck

for voting us

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST FOOD TRUCK!

BEST GROCERY STORE

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

of Louisville and Lafayette

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

www.eatcomida.com Lafayette Store – 480 N. Hwy. 287

Denver

longmont

720.204.6455

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

303.296.2747

Mon-Sat: 11:00am - 10:00pm Sun: 9:00am - 2:45pm and then 5:00pm - 9:00pm

GOOD FOOD, naturally Louisville Store – 1375 S. Boulder Road

A Countryside Café Where Everything is Fresh and Made from Scratch On-site

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US EAST COUNTY’S BEST GLUTEN FREE MENU.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 7:30 TIL 2:30 Dinners WED, THUR, FRI, SAT OPEN 7:30AM TIL 9:00PM

We’re Proud to be a part of the community! Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

S WINE S E L M O BOTT

ON WEDNESDAY EVENING

Come join us at 1377 Forest Park Circle • Lafayette

(JUST EAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF 95TH & ARAPAHOE RD.)

303-604-6351 • www.morningglorycafe.org

October 30, 2014 19

Susan France

John Wilcox, Facilities Director 800 Merlin Drive, Lafayette, CO

“Thanks to EnergySmart we have implemented multiple energy saving initiatives, allowing us to reallocate the funds to the instructional needs of our students” - Peak to Peak Charter School

ouisville has a solid reputation as a purveyor of Italian cuisine, and at the top of a heap of very good choices in this Italian-heavy city sits Zucca Italian Ristorante, a comfortable, relaxing restaurant specializing in cuisine from every region of Italy. The ingredients are always fresh, the presentation exquisite and the wine list is, top to bottom, all Italian. A stop into Zucca will illustrate why if you were setting out to eat, pray and love, you’d want to do the eating bit in Italy. Japanese

SUSHI HANA

2065 N. Main St., Longmont, 303-485-1055 Louisville Winner: Bao Asian Fusion Honorable Mention: Sakura Japanese; East Moon Asian Bistro; Tokyo Joe’s

Join more than 3,400 businesses throughout Boulder County receiving advising and rebates from EnergySmart.

EnergySmartYES.com

EnergySmart is available to homes and businesses in all Boulder County communities. EnergySmart is funded by Boulder County, the City of Boulder Climate Action Plan (CAP) tax and the City of Longmont.

20 October 30, 2014 BizRecognitionAd.Peak2Peak.Fall2014.indd 1

ZUCCA ITALIAN RISTORANTE

For Businesses

Italian 808 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6499 Runner Up, East County: Pinocchio’s Italian Eatery (Longmont, Lafayette and Superior) Lafayette Winner: Zamparelli’s Italian Bistro Honorable Mention: Via Toscana; Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar

EnergySmart recognizes Peak to Peak Charter School

303.441.1300

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

espite its moniker, Sushi Hana offers more than sushi, with a menu that includes bento boxes with teriyaki during lunch, to udon, ramen and soba noodle dishes during dinner hours. But let’s face it — sushi is awesome, and Sushi Hana knows how to slice it up and dish it out right. Select rolls from their extensive menu or get a little crazy, sidle up to the sushi bar and let one of Sushi Hana’s expert chefs create something special for you. Everything is preservative free (no MSG here, fair readers), and even the water they use to brew their green tea is filtered to remove impurities. Fresh, natural and affordable — what more could you ask for? Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

10/9/2014 8:52:22 AM

Susan France

The Busaba family from left to right, Somkit, Chananart, Kritipoln, Smatta and Suthinee Susan France

Thai

BUSABA

133 S McCaslin Blvd, Louisville 303-665-0330 Runner Up, East County: Thai Kitchen Lafayette Winner: Panang Thai Cuisine Longmont Winner: Urban Thai Honorable Mention: East Moon Asian Bistro

usaba takes the time to make dishes that honor the rich history and intricacies of Thai cuisine — known for its seeming contradictions of spicy Thai peppers and sweetness of coconut milk. With fresh ingredients, inventive menu items and a cheerful wait staff, Busaba has earned the title of Best of East County. Serving lunch and dinner, the McCaslin-based Thai hub is worth the trip for curries, fried rice dishes, vegetarian options and noodle-centric bowls of balanced flavors and textures. You’ll enjoy the clean plating, the well-lighted ambiance and the abundant freshness during your time at Busaba.

Sushi

SUSHI HANA

2065 Main St., Longmont, 303-485-1055 Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi Louisville Winner: Bao Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar Honorable Mention: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi; Sakura Japanese Cuisine

f you’ve ever tried to make sushi, you know that in amateur hands it’s a task as likely to end in puddles of free-range rice and broken scraps of seaweed paper as it is in the delicious, chopstick-ready delicacies we’ve come to know and love. So when the call for sushi goes up, go to the masters. Sushi Hana has proven they have the right ingredients to please East County readers, starting with the words any sushi lover needs to hear: fresh, delicious, authentic. This locally owned establishment emphasizes its use of preservative-free ingredients, and has taken the lead this year for our readers’ favorite destination for masterfully made sushi in East County. Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

www.frontierelongmont.com October 30, 2014 21

Susan France

1132-1 W. Dillon Rd., Louisville, CO 80027 www.parmamozzarellabar.com Gluten Free Menu THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US, BRING IN THIS AD FOR A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF HOUSE WINE

“Grazie from Silvio, Emilio & The Staff of Parma” Rayme Rossello, owner of the Comida Food Truck

Food Truck

COMIDA

Neighborhoods and office parks along the Front Range Runner Up, East County: Oskar Blues Bonewagon Lafayette Winner: El Mercado Taco Wagon Honorable Mention: Cheese Louise; Rollin Greens

f you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Tina, we’d like to take a minute to let you know what you’re missing. You see, Tina is the pink truck that brings the delicious, comforting Mexican cuisine of Comida through your neighborhood or local office park. A glimpse of that pink beauty means you’re about to fill your belly with delights such as pork tacos, poblano and onion gorditas or, if you’re lucky and Tina’s rolling before 11 a.m., huevos a la Mexicana or breakfast tacos. Everything is fresh, locally sourced and made from scratch. Tina is truly a sight for sore eyes. Let us not forget (and our readers didn’t) the wonders of Oskar Blues Bonewagon or Lafayette’s El Mercado Taco Wagon.

Hidden Highlight

TIBET’S RESTAURANT & BAR 321 S. McCaslin Blvd., Suite A, Louisville, 303-665-2557

ou may miss Tibet’s Restaurant & Bar if you’re just driving down McCaslin, but seeking it out is well worth the effort. Nestled between Chipotle and a dentist’s office, Tibet’s is a classic Boulder County strip mall gem. It serves a varied, hot and delicious lunch buffet with curries, vegetable and meat dishes, noodle dishes, piping hot samosas, a full salad bar and more. The chai has got to be one of the best in the county as well. With a peaceful interior, very friendly wait staff and a bar stocked with wine, beer and liquor from around the world, it’s impossible to not seek out this hidden gem again and again. 22 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Kid-Friendly

LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAPHOUSE

637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743 Longmont winner: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Lafayette Winner: eats & sweets Honorable Mention: Noodles & Company; The Huckleberry

he best part about Taj Mahal III is the number of options they provide. From curries to kabobs to samosas, naans and warm, smoky delights coming out of the

tandoori grill, Taj Mahal III has earned the respect and patronage of East County diners. There’s even a lunch buffet every day from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if you want to try a little bit of everything or fill up on these

flavorful, spicy and cream-filled dishes before taking a strenuous hike or perhaps a luxurious nap. With a full bar and beautiful interior, Taj Majal III is also an excellent spot for a quiet evening with the family or friends.

izza has a time-tested reputation as a kid pleaser, so it’s not a surprise to see a pizza restaurant snag first place for kidfriendly restaurants in East County. But Lucky Pie takes it to the next level. We’ll say this for East County kids: They have excellent taste. Their designated happy place to dine serves pizzas that start with organic, Colorado flour and are topped with gourmet ingredients like arugula, prosciutto and smoked mozzarella, then baked in a handbuilt brick oven. Plus, for the parents, they’ve got 27 beer taps at the ready. That’s friendly all around.

Lyons Restaurant

OSKAR BLUES GRILL & BREW

303 Main St., Lyons, 303-823-6685 Runner Up, East County: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Taphouse Honorable Mention: Lyon’s Fork; The Stone Cup; The Black Bear Inn

ore than just a restaurant in the town of Lyons, Oskar Blues Grill & Brew is a tentpole of the town itself, serving as a magnet to draw diners in from other areas and as a landmark for folks headed to and from the mountains. Its spacious central location makes it something of a de facto town square, perfect for people watching, and its killer grub and hooch makes it about the tastiest town square around. You can chow down, play some vintage arcade machines, watch the big game or just enjoy a pint of Oskar Blues’ award-dominating brews like Ten Fidy, Mama’s Little Yella Pils, Dick’s Pale Ale or any of its smaller-batch experiments like the Death by Coconut Porter.

November is Double Date Month

$29

with a minimum of four people in your party

The Melting Pot of Louisville wants you to reconnect with friends or family and enjoy a night filled with fondue. Join us for an incredible offer during the month of November when you dine with at least four people in your party, receive a four-course meal for only $58 per couple Restrictions may apply. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid only at The Melting Pot of Louisville, CO location. Valid November 1 December 11, 2014.

Indian

TAJ MAHAL III

1075 E. South Boulder Road, Suite 145, Louisville, 303-926-0999 Runner Up, East County: Tibet’s Restaurant & Bar (Louisville) Longmont Winner: Flavor of India Restaurant & Bar Honorable Mention: Gurkha’s Restaurant; Azitra

Per Person

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

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 23

e’s

LONGMONT’S TRUE BREWPUB FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT – CRAFT BEER BREWED ON-SITE LOCALLY-OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1996

BEST SPORTS BAR 2014

2014

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

BEST 2014

Niwot’s BEST

BEST

BEST BAR BEST PLACE TO 2014 EAT OUTDOORS

Superior’s BEST

BEST BURGER

24 October 30, 2014

(303) 702-0881 540 MAIN STREET, LONGMONT PUMPHOUSEBREWERY.COM Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Cocktails

Susan France

EMPIRE LOUNGE & RESTAURANT 816 Main St., Louisville, 303-665-2521 Longmont Winner: Sugarbeet Niwot Winner: Colterra Honorable Mention: Mike O’Shays; The Melting Pot

trut on over to the Empire Lounge & Restaurant if you’re looking for a darn fine cocktail. Get your night started right with classic cocktails done Empire-style, like the Empire Martini or an Empire Mule. Or try something different. The Sun Also Rises mixes Angostura three-year-aged rum with Luxardo maraschino liqueur, campari liqueur (spicy and fruity) and some fresh lime juice to create a refreshing, tropical vacation for your taste buds. For the whiskey lover, a Rye Mint Smash will hit the spot, mixing Bulleit rye whiskey, lemon, lime, simple syrup and mint. There’s a little something for every taste bud, no matter your preference of spirit.

Beer Selection

OSKAR BLUES HOME MADE LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS

1555 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 303-485-9400 Lafayette Winner: Odd 13 Brewing Louisville Winner: Lucky Pie Pizza & Taphouse Honorable Mention: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom; The Post Brewing Company

Alexandra and Jim Cohen, father and daughter team of the Empire Lounge & Restaurant, Louisville

rom Portland to Austin, all of the cool kids are drinking Oskar Blues beers these days. It’s the local favorite, too, and for obvious reasons that include great flavor and the great portability of their canned beer selection. Their 35,000 square foot giant of a brewery in Longmont, Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids and Solids, can just barely make room to pour their many beers. Today, that location always serves the “voluminously hopped” Dale’s Pale Ale and the original Mama’s Little Yella Pils, with rotating seasonals you can sample in reasonably priced flights. The giant picnic tables — not to mention that huge outdoor patio with possibly one of the largest beer cans in the world

out front — may make you feel small, but try enough of the brews and you will soon feel larger than life. Coffee Roaster

BREWING MARKET COFFEE

1520 S. Hover St., Suite A, 303-651-7716 215 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-1169 Lafayette Winner: Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters Louisville Winner: Paul’s Coffee & Tea Honorable Mention: Flatirons Roaster (Bittersweet Café and

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

Confections); The Unseen Bean ay back, in the before-times, in the long, long ago, before Starbucks even existed, there was Brewing Market Coffee, roasting and brewing killer joe to get hearts racing and tongues buzzing. Since 1977, Brewing Market has been upping the game with its house-roasted blends of coffee and chai. And we hope Brewing Market will endure so the next generation can get up and go in the manner of its forebearers: with a cup of Brewing Market coffee in its hand and a smile on its face.

October 30, 2014 25

Susan France

Wine Bar

POR WINE HOUSE

836 1/2 Main St., Louisville, 720-666-1386 Lafayette Winner: Apeizza e Vino Longmont Winner: Modena Wine Cafe Honorable Mention: Espresso Vino; 2020 Food + Wine Bar

his Louisville newbie, which opened its doors in May (and they’re located right behind wellloved coffee house Bittersweet), has received quite a welcome from the neighborhood. The patio at Por Wine House hosts lots of live music during the summer months. Special events cater to wine lovers of all stripes, who can attend an evening dedicated to tasting Italian wines or use the spot as a takeoff point for monthly group runs and return to a night of happy hour prices. Then, of course, there’s the wine list, which has 11 wines on tap, easing by-the-glass pours. Sip a French rosé, an Italian sangiovese, a Californian chardonnay — all fantastic options to enjoy in an atmosphere of simple elegance.

Latte

BITTERSWEET CAFÉ AND CONFECTIONS

836 Main St., Louisville, 303-317-5522

VIC’S ESPRESSO

801 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-1402

Por Wine House co-owner, Todd Stevenson

PROPER GROUNDS COFFEE ROASTERS (TIE)

990 S. Public Road, B-3, Lafayette, 720-484-9516 Runner Up, East County: Modena Wine Cafe (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Starbucks; Brewing Market; Ziggi’s

n the surface, a latte doesn’t seem too complicated. It’s just milk and espresso, right? Well, try telling that to someone who just drank a poorly created coffee concoction. That kind of talk could get you a face full of hot java. Fortunately, our readers know in East County, that’s not going to be an issue. That’s why there’s a three-way tie

between Bittersweet Café, Proper Grounds and Vic’s Espresso. These folks are foaming up and pouring out what our readers think are the best lattes in East County. With a precise roast, an accurate pull of espresso, just the right amount of milk and an appetizing head of foam and crema, each of these businesses knows how to do a latte up right. Wine Selection

MODENA WINE CAFE

600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, 720-438-7410 Louisville Winner: Por Wine House Niwot Winner: Colterra

Honorable Mention: Via Toscana; Sugarbeet

odena Wine Cafe rocks more than 150 wines available by the glass, with prices ranging from $4-$90 for a pour, and selections from across the globe. Owners Dave and Christine Hollenbeck say they designed the interior to have a library-like feel of escape with comfortable chairs, a fireplace and shelves full of books to encourage patrons to linger, to create an environment as enjoyable as the wine so they could complement one another. Clearly, they were successful.

Place To Make A New Friend

THE STONE CUP CAFÉ

442 High St., Lyons, 303-823-2345

ince opening its doors in 2004, The Stone Cup Café has been a staple in the Lyons community, a meeting place where folks can get delicious food, a warm drink and equally friendly service. Sit down with an earthy cup of maté or maybe just a regular old cup of joe and take in what’s around you. There’s sure to be something to catch your attention morning or night at The Stone Cup, with musicians playing eclectic selections from classic folk to modern jazz, and a rotating gallery of artwork by local artists, which is probably why this place is such a hub for the community. So stop by and sit a spell on the porch at The Stone Cup. We’re pretty sure you’ll make a friend or two in the process. 26 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Date: 10/16/14 NB Mails Out: 10/29/14 Book Exp: 11/29/14

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Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

932 Main Street Louisville, CO 80027

October 30, 2014 27

Susan France

Thank you Boulder County!!

www.modenawinecafe.com

600 Longs Peak Ave Longmont 720-438-7410

FLEA MARKET

ANTIQUE MALL • CONSIGNMENTS ESTATE LIQUIDATION

Waterloo bartender Wes Vertz,

Bar

WATERLOO ICE HOUSE

809 S. Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094 Longmont Winner: Pumphouse Brewery Honorable Mention: Mike O’Shay’s Restaurant & Ale House; The Dickens Tavern; Henry’s Bar & Grill

One of Colorado’s Largest Indoor Flea Markets, 30,000 sq ft with 4,500 Consigners and 100 Venders

SAVE UP TO 50% EVERYDAY! 1420 Nelson Rd., Longmont, CO

30 min from Denver • 1-25 North to Exit 240 and west in to Longmont

303-485-7270

www.TablesToTeacups.com 28 October 30, 2014

here do East County residents go to get their drink on? Waterloo Ice House, of course! Our readers head to Louisville when they want to have a great night out at a local bar. The fun, friendly atmosphere keeps people coming back for more. Come celebrate “The Loo Hour” from 3-6 p.m. daily, which features drinks and small plates at a discounted rate. Stop by for a specialty cocktail or try one of their famous mule concoctions made of your choice of liquor, ginger beer and lime juice. With live music and great food and drink specials, it’s easy to see why Waterloo is a favorite for our readers.

101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303-6667544 451 S. Pratt Parkway, Longmont, 720-4940777 Runner Up, East County: 3 Margaritas (Superior) Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ Honorable Mention: CyclHOPS Bike Cantina; Antonio’s A Taste of Mexico

he margarita is one of those drinks that is widely available but rarely perfected. At Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina they use only quality liquor in their margaritas so even if you decide to choose The House you won’t be disappointed. They offer many margarita choices, including Gold Rush — a delectable mix of Cuervo Gold Tequila and Grand Marnier. Their food is equally amazing as they were voted Best Mexican as well. Nothing pairs better with a refreshing margarita than tacos or enchiladas. Next time you are in the mood for some margarita goodness, head to Efrain’s.

Margarita

EFRAIN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Ciatano Winery formerly at Rock n’ River Come and enjoy a wine tasting or relax in a warm atmosphere with a glass of premium Colorado-made wine.

Happy Hour

LA REVOLUCIÓN TAQUERIA Y CANTINA

701 Main St., Louisville, 303-926-3998 Runner Up, East County: Lucky Pie Pizza & Taphouse (Louisville) Longmont Winner: CyclHOPS Bike Cantina Honorable Mention: Waterloo Ice House; Empire Restaurant & Lounge

339B Main St, Lyons (next to Oskar Blues) Open Thursday through Sunday 1–6 pm

h, happy hour. That time when you jet out of work and throw the monkey from your back and take refuge in cheap wings and $1-off well drinks. Your friends all meet you there, and all is well with the world. Our readers think the best “there” to go to for the glories of happy hour is La Revolución Taqueria y Cantina in Louisville. It’s got fantastic specials and killer cocktails. Happy hour bebibas y comida (that’s drinks and food, amigos) include glasses of house wine for $3 a glass, Mexican beers such as Negro Modelo, XX and Victoria on tap for $3, and tacos, tacos, tacos galore for $3 a piece ($2 for veggie). And don’t worry, there are quesadillas, chili cheese fries and wings, too. If you’ve really had a rough day, you can get a shot and a beer for $6 (that’s a 12-ounce can of Tecate, Modelo or Imperial and a shot of Sauza Blue “Reposado” tequila). This may be the happiest happy hour on Earth, let alone East County.

Men’s consignment store in Louisville. All of our inventory comes from the community!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST! Chocolate Banana

SUN ROSE CAFE & FINE FOODS

1st Place - Louisville

Best Clothing - Mens

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11-6 • Sunday 11-4 • 303-386-3674 901 Main Street • Louisville, CO • www.foundaboveground.com

379 Main St., Longmont, 303-651-3533

here are many good reasons to find yourself at the Sun Rose Cafe on Longmont’s Main Street — from a mouth-watering breakfast menu with original spins on the benedicts and scrambles we know and love all the way to a tantalizing happy hour laden with great drink specials for beer, wine and martinis alongside small plates that include salmon bruschetta and pesto cheesecake. (Can it be 3 p.m. now, please?) But we’d like to give special props to their blended-beer drink, the “chocolate banana,” which mixes Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Well’s Banana Bread Beer. It’s the kind of inventive spin for which we’ve come to know and love this (also very gluten-friendly) café.

Thank You for Voting for Us! Good eats. Good drinks. Good times. Waffle Replacement

TWELVE DEGREE BREWING 820 Main St., Louisville, 720-628-1623

hat do we know about Belgium really? It’s somewhere in Europe and makes one helluva waffle. Beyond that, not much. Thankfully, Twelve Degree Brewing is expanding on awareness of Belgium’s culinary offerings with a wide variety of Belgian-style beers with masterfully subtle variations. The rotating taps take the traditional Belgian style beers and give ‘em a boost of zazz. Expect notes of fig, raisin, peppercorns, coffee, grapes, caramel and more.

And a special Thank You to our bartenders: Lexi, Rob, Eric and Alex!

Best Cocktails

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

BEST 2014

Lyons’ BEST

BEST

Best Restaurant Ambiance 2014 2014 Best Appetizers Best BestN1st Date Spot w o ior’sHour i t’s SuperHappy BEST

BEST

Open every day for dinner except Monday | 816 Main Street, Louisville 2014 303-665-2521E•ritheempirerestaurant.com e’s Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

BEST

October 30, 2014 29

WHEN DID YOUR

Outdoor Adventures

Susan France

BEGIN?

we Have

y ou

Ge ar

900 S Hwy 287 • Lafayette • (720 ) 26661 6 0 ◆

4 00 W South B n-Up And Still Ha - 49 0 0 oulder Ro ed ving Grow ad • Lafayette • (303) 665 own F UN aLLy c o L !

e t o V u o y k n tha Business for your

for your

camping military surplus archery hunting fishing athletics clothing footwear optics & photography

www.jaxgoods.com

clothing footwear western wear ranching & auto outdoor power equipment hardware & paint yard & garden pet & equine books & toys kitchenware

Bittersweet Café & Confections owner, Patrick Walsh

Coffee House

BITTERSWEET CAFÉ & CONFECTIONS

836 Main St., Louisville, 303-317-5522 Lafayette Winner: Cannon Mine Coffee Longmont Winner: Ziggi’s Coffee Honorable Mention: Brewing Market Coffee; Proper Grounds Coffee Roasters

ne of the co-owners of Bittersweet Café & Confections has said their success comes in part from treating coffee and food with respect — and they get that done by sourcing local, organic ingredients as much as possible, offering house-made sauces and spreads and coffee freshly roasted in their own roastery. But the real key to success has come by creating a friendly, cozy atmosphere meant to invite meetings, gatherings and extended conversations. Consider the door open to stop by, enjoy menu options that bend to accommodate your special interests like dairy- or gluten-free, and pull up a chair.

303-772-3454 www.theflowerbin.net 30 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Microbrewery

LEFT HAND BREWING COMPANY

1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0258 Lafayette Winner: Odd 13 Brewing Louisville Winner: Gravity Brewing Honorable Mention: The Post Brewing Company; Oskar Blues Brewery

THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES!

eft Hand Brewing is winning awards left and right worldwide (we’re sure they won’t overlook this award, though). This fall, at the second largest beer competition in the world, the Longmont brewery took home three silver medals for their Milk Stout, Smokejumper Smoked Imperial Porter and Black Jack Porter. Even though they’re getting attention worldwide, Left Hand Brewing has always had their eye on the local landscape — their name is an homage to Chief Niwot, whose tribe lived in the area close to the brewery. Try the Oktoberfest Marzen Lager for a spicy seasonal that is as crisp as the fall air, or the St. Vrain Tripel for a malty sweetness.

Simply Louisville

BEST BAR

Teahouse

THE HUCKLEBERRY

700 Main St., Louisville, 720-666-8020 Lyons Winner: The Stone Cup Café Honorable Mention: Celestial Seasonings; Paul’s Coffee and Tea; Eclectic Café & Gallery

ecently, the reporters here at Boulder Weekly had the opportunity to leave work a little early to take afternoon tea at The Huckleberry in Louisville. We parked across the street from the lilac-colored building and skipped inside, arm in arm, merrily discussing cucumber sandwiches and blueberry scones. OK, we didn’t actually skip inside arm in arm, but we did giddily eat our way through a tiered tower of delicious pastries (including scones) and savory tea sandwiches (including cucumber sandwiches), set on a table dressed with cloth linens and all the teatime accoutrements (honey, sugar, lemon and cream). If you’ve never had Devonshire cream, let us be the first to tell you that you are missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures. We certainly left yearning for a more British way of life where one is encouraged to take time out of their afternoon for a spot of tea.

• APPETIZERS • HAPPY HOUR • • • • •

AMERICAN FOOD BURGER MUSIC VENUE OPEN MIC PLACE TO DANCE

THE LOO HAPPY HOUR 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. DAILY Well Drinks 2.5

•

House Chardonnay & Merlot 3.5

GOD BLESS JOHNNY CASH

809 Main St. Louisville, CO 80027 | www.waterloolouisville.com | 303-993-2094 Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 31

WE PAY CA$H FOR KIDS STUFF H Clothing H Furniture H H Toys & Books H Equipment H • Just bring in your gently used items. No appointment necessary. • We will review your items carefully and select the items that meet current style, safety and condition standards. • We will offer you payment on the spot for all items accepted.

Kids Clothing

700 Ken Pratt Blvd. • Longmont, CO • 303-772-KIDS (5437) • www.onceuponachildlongmont.com

HOT MUSIC cool vibe

great food a gathering place

Award-Winning Food & Drink Menus Dance Dance Dance Private Events & Reserve Seating Live Music & Comedy Rock • Tributes Rhythm & Blues Acapella • Acoustic • Bluegrass Jazz • Folk • Blues National & Local Artists

BEST MUSIC VENUE BEST LIVE JAZZ VENUE BEST PLACE TO DANCE 2675 NORTH PARK DRIVE • LAFAYETTE, CO 80026 • 303.665.2757 • WWW.NISSIS.COM 32 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Place To Dance

NISSI’S

2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757 Longmont Winner: The Dickens Tavern Louisville Winner: Waterloo Ice House Honorable Mention: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew; The Avalon Ballroom need to get out and dance? We’re right there with you. Nissi’s is the place to make Just that happen. Nissi’s has live entertainment, drinks a-flowing, an expansive food menu and an

atmosphere that is cultivated to draw out that little rhythmic sprite that lives inside all of us. Nissi’s musical lineup switches every night, with everything from bluegrass to jazz to R&B, country, pop and so much more. But if you’re not up to an evening of dancing, never fear: Nissi’s has a separate, but equally enjoyable, bar and lounge. Non-Profit

SISTER CARMEN COMMUNITY CENTER

655 Aspen Ridge Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-4342 Louisville Winner: The Art Underground Longmont Winner: Longmont Humane Society Honorable Mention: Community Holistic Health Center; WOW! Children’s Museum

eople helping people — it’s a simple enough concept but one we often fail to employ. Luckily, there are people like those who work at Sister Carmen Community Center. The organization has been offering individual and family services throughout East County for more than 30 years. The center offers various workshops and classes such as Nutrition Classes and Financial Stability Workshops. They offer financial and educational aid for residents and will even help you apply for government assistance programs. There is also a food bank and thrift store for which they will gladly take donations. You can help make a difference too by volunteering your time.

Advanced Education

FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, 303-678-3722 Runner Up, East County: Rolf Institute of Structural Integration (Boulder) Honorable Mention: Southwest Acupuncture College; Roma’s Catering; University of Colorado Boulder

nce again Front Range Community College has been chosen as the best place to go for advanced education. With locations throughout the Front Range, this college is as accessible as it is affordable. Front Range Community College has smaller class sizes, which means you won’t be just another number to your professors. Come here to get your associate’s degree, certifications or special accreditations. If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduating, FRCC will prepare you by providing the educational foundation you need. Getting a degree can open up career possibilities and change your life, and FRCC is here to help.

BEER

NUT

Explore the BEST of Colorado Beer Country Relax while we drive you to-and-from the breweries, and you get behind-the-scenes access and bountiful tastings! BOOK YOUR SEATS ON OUR NEXT TOUR ONLINE Private and custom tours available.

303.442.0738 • BEERNUTBREWERYTOURS.COM

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

Lynn Owens, co-owner of The Dickens Tavern

on Facebook for local news, article links, and exciting giveaways!

facebook.com/ boulderweeklymedia boulderweekly.com October 30, 2014 33

Susan France

Sports Bar

PUMPHOUSE BREWERY

540 Main St., Longmont, 303-702-0881 Runner Up, East County: Buffalo Wild Wings (Superior) Honorable Mention: Mudrocks Tap & Tavern; Red Zone; Dillingers

njoying the big game can hinge on who you’re with and where you go to watch your favorite team. What makes a good sports bar is, to some extent, subjective: for some it’s as simple as being close to home. Others require screens of a quantity and proportion that would make NASA’s mission control room look underwhelming in comparison. Pumphouse Brewery in Longmont isn’t the biggest, most rowdy or one-sided sports bar around (it’s a great place just to have a meal), but the cozy atmosphere, the hospitable staff and friendly patrons takes any game to a level you just can’t get in your living room or another bar for that matter. Have a beer, get comfortable and watch your team of choice do its thing. It’s like having a few dozen friends over and letting someone else clean up.

Open Mic

OSKAR BLUES HOME MADE LIQUIDS & SOLIDS

1555 S. Hover St, Longmont, 303-485-9400 Lafayette Winner: Cannon Mine Coffee Louisville Winner: Waterloo Ice House Honorable Mention: The Dickens Tavern; The Speakeasy

s if it wasn’t enough that Oskar Blues Grill & Brew won Best Beer Selection, they have also snagged Best Open Mic. If you go, you have been forewarned: it will be packed. This place is insanely popular. If you plan to partake in the open mic yourself, you can prepare by drinking their finely honed craft beer so that you can deliver your own finely honed craft with less nerves. This is a great venue to see all walks of life with an even greater-than-usual variety of performers.

Dennis Coombs, mayor and co-owner of the Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant, Longmont

Festival / Event (non-music)

LOUISVILLE DOWNTOWN STREET FAIRE

600-1000 block of Main Street, Louisville Lafayette Winner: Lafayette Peach Festival Longmont Winner: Longmont Farmers’ Market Honorable Mention: Lafayette Flea Market; Lafayette ARTWalk

hen the weather begins to warm at the end of a long Colorado winter, something amazing happens in downtown Louisville. Café seating springs up along Main Street, the streets become crowded with locals and out-of-towners alike. At the heart of this transformation is the Louisville Downtown Street Faire, a Friday evening tradition in this once-sleepy town. There will be food, games, shopping and some of the best free live music around. It’s a great place to party with friends or bring the whole family for a wholesome good time.

34 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

A performance by The Champions at Nissi’s in Lafayette

Live Jazz Venue

Bank/Financial Institution

Public School (9-12)

NISSI’S

ELEVATIONS CREDIT UNION

CENTAURUS HIGH SCHOOL

2675 Northpark Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-2757 Longmont Winner: The Speakeasy Louisville Winner: Bittersweet Café & Confections Honorable Mention: Ziggi’s Coffee; Eclectic Café & Gallery (tie)

ant the feel of an upscale New Orleans jazz bar right here in Boulder County? Well, head on over to Nissi’s in Lafayette and enjoy some fine music with a mature audience — Nissi’s was designed to serve people who want to enjoy music and entertainment in a relaxing environment. Owner Marc Gitlin has a 30-year history with the hospitality industry, owning and operating clubs in New York City. Gitlin also operated Trios Grille and Wine Bars in Boulder and Denver, award-winning nightlife meccas for live jazz, for a number of years, priming him to take his job as head honcho at Nissi’s in 2009. But we don’t have to tell you how awesome Nissi’s is — you told us with your vote.

1900 W South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-443-4672 777 21st Ave., Longmont, 303-772-7776 Runner Up, East County: Guaranty Bank and Trust (Longmont) Honorable Mention: First Bank; Home State Bank; Chase eople are enthusiastic about their support for Elevations Credit Union. With online banking, friendly staff, multiple locations and more, Elevations is the place to get some serious banking done — quickly and easily. Elevations also offers loans that are friendly for young folks as well as money management services for those folks young and old looking to plan wisely for their financial futures. If you’re looking to buy a home or just set up a new checking account, stop on over at Elevations and see what they can do for you. And you can take that to the bank!

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

10300 S Boulder Road, Lafayette 720-561-7500 Louisville winner: Monarch High School Longmont winner: Silver Creek High School Honorable Mention: Peak to Peak Charter School; Niwot High School oulder County is fortunate to have a number of excellent public schools, so the task faced by East County voters to determine the best high school in the area was undoubtedly tough. Centaurus High School in Lafayette has taken the win this year. The school has done a fantastic job of educating class after class of Boulder County’s best, boldest and brightest. Supplying a wide variety of courses, world-class teachers, engaging extracurricular activities and clubs, Centaurus students are lucky to be afforded so many opportunities before they head off to college and that little thing we call life.

October 30, 2014 35

Thank You for making us your #1 choice in dentistry!

If you are looking for a great dental office, We are the BEST! At our office, you will find a new kind of dental experience. Appointments available:

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Firehouse Art Center in Longmont

Art Gallery

FIREHOUSE ART CENTER

667 Fourth Ave., Longmont, 303-651-2787 Lafayette Winner: Curating the Cool Louisville Winner: Creative Framing Art Gallery Honorable Mention: Muse Gallery; Particulars Art Gallery

K THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE SMOKIN DAVE’S BBQ AND TAPHOUSE RESTAURANT FAMILY!

nown colloquially as the “old firehouse,” the Firehouse Art Center doesn’t just shine because of the fantastic art that frequents its iconic white-walled gallery. You can catch monthly First Friday Film Night there, too, making it also a spectacular place to snag free beer and popcorn and watch the works of artistic movie makers. The Firehouse Art Center curates 12 exhibits a year, meaning you can go every month and see something new each time — a big feat for a small city like Longmont.

Private School

ALEXANDER DAWSON SCHOOL

10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette, 303-665-6679 Runner Up, East County: The Patchwork School (Louisville) Honorable Mention: Saint Louis Catholic School; Longmont Christian School; Adventure Montessori Learning

1940 KEN PRATT BLVD • LONGMONT • CO 80501 303.923.RIBS (7427) • DINE IN OR TAKE OUT 36 October 30, 2014

ost elementary, middle or high school educations include at the very least one incredible educator who stepped in and made a difference in a life story — whether that was opening the door to learning science in a new way, inspiring a love of poetry or encouraging leadership or creativity. At Alexander Dawson School, they focus on building more of those life-changing relationships with small class sizes and a curriculum that broadens the horizons. They emphasize experiential education and a global view of learning, integrate iPads and do it all in an environmentally responsible campus.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Music Venue

NISSI’S

2675 Northpark Drive, 303-6652757 Longmont Winner: Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids Louisville Winner: Waterloo Ice House Honorable Mention: Dickens Opera House; Gravity Brewing

issi’s Owner Marc Gitling designed the venue to have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that anyone can enjoy. In a field that includes local favorites like Oskar Blues and Waterloo, Nissi’s has been named the best place in East County to see all kinds of jazz, blues, R&B, classic rock and pop acts. In need of a little refreshment to refuel your dancing shoes or keep your eyes and ears focused on the band? You can enjoy some fine food while you’re at Nissi’s as well. The venue is also available for Josh Karp, owner of the Waterloo Ice House, event rentals and does semi-regular Louisville comedy showcases. Public School (K-8)

FIND DEALS ON YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT AND SHOP IN EAST COUNTY!

Comida Pho Café Fuzzy Antler Happy Cakes La Revolucion Dickens Tavern China Gourmet The Melting Pot Si Senor Real Mexican Food MaryLynn Gillaspie Photography

http://bestofboulderdeals.com Balance Through Movement a full service movement studio

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

101 N. Bermont Ave., Lafayette, 720-561-8900 Runner Up, East County: Ryan Elementary (Lafayette) Honorable Mention: Monarch K-8; Louisville Middle School; Flagstaff Academy

UP TO 60% OFF!

Voted BEST Pilates Studio

he thing about public school is that people don’t vote with their dollar; they do it with their genuine school pride. Lafayette Elementary School inspires that pride in parents and students for a reason. The talented and gifted program is top-notch; its gardento-table program, which helps students learn about the environment, sustainability and healthy life choices is a model for schools everywhere; and it is staffed with the kind of teachers who genuinely care about seeing students achieve.

Movie Theater 2.0

CINNEBARRE

1164 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-926-0661

oulder County is an outdoorsy type of place, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t appreciate the great indoors now and again as well. Especially with a good movie. And though we have BIFF, CU’s International Film Series, The Boedecker and more, the only place that goes beyond just the movie, offering full-service dining, drinks and captain’s chairs as seating, is Cinnebarre, in Louisville. It takes the movie and makes it an experience. And in the age of streaming laptop video, that experience makes all the difference.

• • • • •

Pilates CoreAlign® Pilates Above the Barre TRX® Suspension Training

Thank You for Your Votes! 535 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette 303-665-0367 • btmwest@gmail.com balancethroughmovementpilates.com

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 37

Susan France

Place To Play Pool

HENRY’S BAR & GRILL

935 Pine St., Louisville, 303-665-9966 Lafayette Winner: Dillinger’s Food & Spirits Longmont Winner: Eagle Grill Honorable Mention: Breaker’s Bar & Grill; Billiard Express; Group Therapy Bar & Grill

good pool room takes more than a table, balls and cues. Atmosphere is everything in billiards and Henry’s Bar & Grill in Louisville has that in spades. There’s nothing pretentious about the décor here. Henry’s is a bar and it doesn’t make any attempt to be anything else. It’s full of regular folks who want to knock a few back, play some pool and hang out. And if you get bored of playing pool, there’s a wall of pinball machines. The menu includes plenty of tasty bar food to sample while waiting for your turn at the tables. With Henry’s what you see is what you get — good times.

Museum

WOW! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 303-604-2424 Longmont Winner: Longmont Museum and Cultural Center Louisville Winner: Louisville Historical Museum Honorable Mention: Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art; Agricultural Heritage Center

ant to learn about dinosaurs? Of course you do. They were awesome. Dig into it (get it?) with a model paleontology dig site and piece together dinosaur skeletons like the professional scientists do. More interested in making a dinosaur costume? Comparing dinosaur and bird bones? Building a home for your pet T-rex? It’s all on the table at the WOW! (World of Wonder) Children’s Museum during the featured fall 2014 exhibition. WOW! focuses on educational, interactive exhibits for children designed to teach and inspire while building community and making science, art and culture accessible and hands on. Sounds like a mission bigger than wrangling a brachiosaurus, but they’ve been getting it done for nearly 20 years. Henry Yen, owner of Henry’s Bar & Grill, Louisville

Place To WiFi

STARBUCKS

Locations throughout East Boulder County Runner Up, East County: Brewing Market (Lafayette and Longmont); Bittersweet, (Louisville) (tie) Louisville Winner: Empire Lounge & Restaurant Honorable Mention: Cannon Mine; Panera

et’s not beat around the bush — Starbucks has mastered the art of coffee shop ambiance. When you’re looking for an office away from the office, you know you can mosey on over to your local Starbucks for a fresh, hot cup of joe and some dependable WiFi. There’s always just the right amount of hustle and bustle, lots of natural light pouring through the windows and plenty of open tables. But let’s not forget our hometown coffee shops, Brewing Market Coffee in Longmont and Bittersweet Café & Confections in Louisville. Both shops offer inviting spaces where you can either crank out some more work or casually cruise the news over a foamy cappuccino.

38 October 30, 2014

Place To Wear A Flapper

THE SPEAKEASY

301 Main St., Longmont, 720-684-4728

own a concrete staircase that seemingly disappears into the sidewalk on Main Street in downtown Longmont you’ll find The Speakeasy. It’s the bee’s knees if you want to take in some live jazz. Once inside, you’re not in Kansas, er, Longmont anymore, friends.You’re in a genuine Prohibitionstyle drinking establishment with low lighting and comfortable, eclectic seating throughout the bar, and ample space for live jazz acts to entertain you while you put down a Gin Rickey, Mary Pickford, Mint Julep or other prohibition-era libation. Get down to The Speakeasy on Thursdays at 8 p.m. for their Jazz Jam, hosted by the Zach Holcomb Quartet. So don’t be a bluenose and ankle on down to The Speakeasy for a little hooch and a spot of swell jazz, ya’ follow?

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

4 2014 FOR VOTING US THANK201YOU ville’s ouisCREAM ’s LafayetteBEST LICE LONGMONT’S

BEST

3 or $5 OFF

$ $

3 off any Signature Cake or $ 5 off any Large Round Signature Cake (excludes Pies, Petite Cakes & Cupcakes)

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Lyons’ BEST

BEST

2014

Longmont’s BEST

1087 S Hover Rd, Longmont 014 2303-682-5680 2014 2412 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder ot’s Niw303-440-8915 Superior’s University Center, B E S Memorial B E S TCU T 303-444-0014

2014

Erie’s

Limit one per customer per visit. Excludes pies, petite cakes & cupcakes. Valid only at participating US locations. Valid in store only. Not valid for online purchases. No cash value. Not valid with other offers or fundraisers or if copied, sold, auctioned, exchanged for payment or prohibited by law. ©2012 kahala Franchising, LLC. COLD STONE CREAMERY is a registered trademark of Kahala Franchising, LLC and/or its licensors. PLU#99, Expires 10/30/2015.

40 October 30, 2014

BEST

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Day Spa

offers appointments as late as 8 p.m. On top of that, her office promises a wait time of less than 15 minutes, and if you wait longer, you get a special treat (it’s a surprise!) on them. People drive from Denver just to visit the Lafayette office, with their professional, kind staff and cutting-edge dental techniques (such as single-visit crowns).

TAPESTRY SALON & DAY SPA

375 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-6644744 Lafayette Winner: NinetyFifth Street Salon & Spa Longmont Winner: Sunflower Spa Honorable Mention: Mystic Garden Spa and Salon; Essence Spa

Alternative Health Care

hen it’s time for the kind of headto-toe treatment only a day spa can provide, the highly trained specialists at Tapestry Salon & Day Spa are ready to buff nails, wax eyebrows and generally assist you in looking your very best. Customers commend their talents for tackling tricky hair-fixes and their ability to take pampering to a height to which only the professionals dare aspire.

Dental Care

101 W. Cannon St., Lafayette, 720-2488626 (424 E. Simpson St. as of November 2014) Runner Up, East County: Community Holistic Health Center (Lafayette) Honorable Mention: Southwest Acupuncture College; Boulder County Acupuncture; Naturepathic Medicine; The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration

DR. JAIME WHITE

1255 Cimarron Drive, Lafayette, 303665-8024 Runner Up, East County: Sage Dental Care (Lafayette) Honorable Mention: Professional Dental Group; The Dental Shoppe; Lafayette Dental Excellence;Young Dentistry for Children

LEFT HAND COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

any people work 9-to-5 jobs, making errands and other necessities, like keeping up with your dental health pretty difficult, as most businesses also keep banker’s hours. But dentist Jaime White understands how complex the work/life balance can be, so her office

cupuncture has been shown to benefit everything from depression to migraines to sciatica pain and has 2,000 years of study and practice to back that up. (Despite thousands of years of successfully producing health benefits and healing effects, the practice still can’t seem to shake it’s most common myth, so we’ll say it again: No, it doesn’t hurt.) Not only does acupuncture help ease emotional and physical pain, it offers relaxation and rejuvenation as well. At Left Hand Community Acupuncture they know exactly how to make you feel better.

Cathleen Gitlin, owner and hair stylist for Tapestry Salon & Day Spa

CUT COLOR STYLE

BEAUTIFUL

A SALON

HAIR IS OUR CANVAS

Owner: Eric Montes Stylists: Laura Cornish, Heather Garcia, & Lesa Filius

voted best hair salon east county 1385 Forest Park Circle Suite 104, Lafayette, CO • 303.474.4000 • www.ravelloasalon.com Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 41

Susan France

Barbershop

give me three more reps and take a water break.

FLOYD’S 99 BARBERSHOP

589 S. Hover St., Suite 600, Longmont, 303485-1150 Lafayette Winner: Coal Creek Barbers Louisville Winner: Thunderbird Barbers Honorable Mention: Sport Clips

Golf Course

INDIAN PEAKS GOLF COURSE 2300 Indian Peaks Trail, Lafayette, 303-6664706 Runner Up, East County: Coal Creek Golf Course (Louisville) Honorable Mention: Haystack Golf Course; Ute Creek; Fox Hill

hey say it’s the original rock ‘n’ roll barbershop. Indeed, Floyd’s 99 Barbershop does have its own radio station and their stylists usually have rockin’ blue tresses or cool messy hairdos. Floyd’s is not just for guys, either. Even women with long hair can get a basic cut and layer for under $30, and they can do it spontaneously with Floyd’s walk-in-friendly policy. If you have a preferred stylist, Floyd’s online scheduling system lets you look up their availability online and book in advance, making it the perfect place for the spontaneous cut or the premeditated hairdo.

here’s an old saying that golf is a great way to ruin an otherwise enjoyable walk in the park. But that’s not the case at Indian Peaks Golf Club in Lafayette. Even on your worst day ever, when a par is as elusive as a sasquatch, you’re still going to have that lovely walk with those lovely mountain views and that Colorado sunshine. And you can do it on a finely maintained course with great amenities. If a game of golf ruins your walk at Indian Peaks, then let’s be honest, it’s not the golf; it’s you, ya’ big grump. Dance Studio

Martial Arts

THE ART UNDERGROUND

TRAN’S MARTIAL ARTS & FITNESS CENTER

3101 1/2 28th St., Boulder, 303-402-9460

LOUISVILLE TAI KWON DO FAMILY CENTER (TIE)

354 S. McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 303-6666830 Honorable Mention: Dragonfly Integrated Martial Arts Academy; Bozzay Martial Arts and Self Defense; Pai Lum White Dragon Kung Fu; Rocky Mountain Kung Fu

Sheri Garcynski taking care of customer Allen Hasenack at Thunderbird Barbers

ran’s Martial Arts & Fitness Center offers self-defense classes called Krav Maga, a unique martial arts system from Israel. Developed in military trainings, Krav Maga allows a student with less time to dedicate to training to attain a high skill level in a short time period, focusing on real-world situations and developing counter-attack skills. However, Tran’s Martial Arts isn’t the only martial arts center our East County readers trust — we’ve got a tie! You can get the whole family involved in martial arts at Louisville’s Tai Kwon Do Family Center, who’ve coined a slogan that encourages just that: “Families that kick together stick together.” That is why their Louisville location is called Louisville Tai Kwon Do Family Center — promoting family values is their mission. Gym/Fitness Center

LAFAYETTE REC CENTER (BOB L.

42 October 40, 2014

BURGER RECREATION CENTER)

111 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-665-0469 Runner Up, East County: YMCA of Boulder Valley (Lafayette) Longmont Winner: Longmont Rec Center Louisville Winner: Louisville Rec Center Honorable Mention: Anytime Fitness

hen it comes to staying in shape, it looks like the best places to go are right in town. The Bob L. Burger Recreation Center in Lafayette took home first prize, but the Louisville and Longmont Rec Centers also scored highly, as well as the good old YMCA of Boulder Valley. Boulder County gym-goers can rest easy (after a good swell and a quick steam) that our area provides quality gyms for its residents for affordable prices. It’s a rarity for a county to build and maintain such quality recreational facilities. Now

901 Front St., Suite B100, Louisville, 303-2291127 Runner Up, East County: Tara Cluck Dance Center (Louisville) Longmont Winner: Longmont Dance Theatre (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Colorado Conservatory of Dance (formerly School of Ballet Nouveau Colorado); Soul Tree Studio; Longmont Dance Theatre

ocated in historic downtown Louisville, The Art Underground opened its doors in September 2007 “because of a demonstrated desire and need for more arts offerings in East Boulder County,” according to their website. Our readers have made it clear that Art Underground indeed filled a gap in the arts community. Art Underground offers three main dance classes: studio classes, ballet school and performance company.Think you’re too old to learn to dance? Think again. Art Underground offers classes for toddlers, grandmas and everyone in between. Each of Art Underground’s dance classes encourages students to stretch their abilities, but respect individual ability and development. A new addition to the cultural community in Louisville, Tara Cluck Dance Center has also found its way into our reader’s hearts. Lafayette native Tara Cluck seeks to provide dancers of any age and ability a space to feel safe and explore the art of dance.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!

Undo Everyday Stress Susan France

Take time for yourself—at our Aveda Concept Salon and Spa. Experience the soothing nature of our plant-derived products for skin, hair, body and life style. Enjoy the calming moment of stress relief before every service and our makeup touch-up afterward. Feel inner peace. Call us today for a hair cut, color, facial or spa treatment

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b well yoga is part of the new wellness center upstairs at 95th St. Salon & Spa

303.666.7036 • 95thStSalon.com • 2765 Dagny Way, Suite 100, Lafayette

Kaytee Monson, employee at Herbal Wellness LLC

MMJ Wellness Center

HERBAL WELLNESS

400 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 2700, Lafayette, 303-666-5599 Longmont Winner: Green Tree Medicinals Louisville Winner: Compassionate Pain Management Honorable Mention: Altermeds

ince Amendent 64 passed, weed shops have sprouted up as quick as, well, weeds. So it’s no small achievement to stand out as the best among voters. But our readers say Herbal Wellness in Lafayette has a selection and prices that edge it in front of its competitors. Herbal Wellness offers a wide variety of strains, as well as edibles, teas and paraphernalia. It even earned 4.6 stars out of 5 on Weedmaps.com with 67 reviews. Those are, ahem, “high” marks, from harsh critics. Kudos, Herbal Wellness, on a well-earned victory.

Veterinary

JASPER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1369 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-665-4002 Longmont Winner: Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists Louisville Winner: Louisville Family Animal Hospital Honorable Mention: VCA All Pets Animal Hospital; Mountain Ridge Animal Hospital

he friendly and attentive staff at Jasper Animal Hospital provides more than baseline care — they make sure you know that they know what you already knew: that your house is home to some of the world’s best cats and dogs. And Jasper Animal Hospital isn’t just the top choice for our readers when the furriest members of the family need a little TLC, a routine shot or a major procedure. The hospital also collaborates with local animal rescue organizations for their veterinary needs, and with the Lafayette Police Department to help unidentified animals that are injured. That’s definitely worth an extra tail wag or purr. Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 43

Rocky Mountain

KUNG FU

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US!

Susan France

Children’s Classes: age 4 and up Practical Self-Defense Adult Kung Fu and Tai Chi Classes Weapons Classes 990 S. Public Rd, Lafayette, CO • 720-775-2839 www.RockyMountainKungFu.com

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

BEST

Voted BEST2Veterinarian in Louisville! 014 2014

yons’ Caring ForL Your Pets Like ourBOwn EST

DOCTORS WHO CARE Dr. Greg Collins2014

2014

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

BEST Leah Bradley, co-owner of Eyeworks

Dr. Ami VanDeventer Dr. Ashley Barnes Dr. Heather Matthew

Erie’s

Lasik

B E S T We have been proudly serving the Louisville

1332 Vivian St., Longmont, 303-485-1516 Runner Up, East County: Colorado Eye Center Optometry (Louisville) Honorable Mention: Insight Lasik; Eyeworks; Meyers Aesthetic Center

We are a certified Cat Friendly Practice

area since 1997, and have been an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association since 2006 by consistently adhering to their strict professional standards for the practice of quality veterinary medicine.

Louisville Family Animal Hospital 332 S. McCaslin Blvd • Louisville, CO 303.661.0702 • www.caringforyourpets.com 44 October 40, 2014

EYE ASSOCIATES OF THE ROCKIES

ow amazing would it be to wake up in the morning and not have to fumble for your glasses just to read the numbers on the alarm clock? The experts in lasik at Eye Associates of the Rockies specialize in giving people the ability to finally see clearly without glasses or contacts. Don’t be scared of the laser they are wielding because they are trained professionals. After your lasik procedure is completed, you won’t have to worry about searching for your glasses only to discover they were on top of your head the whole time.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Thank You Longmont! BEST PET STORE IN LONGMONT! Susan France

Toys & Treats • Collars & Leashes • Books Bed & Crates • Wild Bird Seed • Self-Service Dog Wash & Grooming • Skin and Coat Care Supplements • Dental Care

One of Boulder County’s Largest Selection of Natural Pet Food!

Four Paws & Co 1225 Ken Pratt Blvd #108 Longmont, CO • 303.485.1565 www.fourpawsandco.com

• Repairs • Lessons • Sales

Happy Star Nails, Louisville

Nail Salon

HAPPY STAR NAILS

1385 Forest Park Cir. Lafayette, • 720-638-3854

1355 E South Boulder Road, Louisville, 720-890-5007 Runner Up, East County: Tapestry Salon & Day Spa (Louisville) Honorable Mention: Nails 2000; Ninety-Fifth Street Salon & Spa; Aloha Nails

“Tuned to your guitar needs”

ouldn’t it be nice if you all got to try out each nail salon in Boulder County, just to be sure you voted in the right one? That’d just be fair, after all, and surely you could suffer through five days of pampering for your fingers and toes. But, if practicality prevents that, you can note that Happy Star Nails takes the award this year. Happy Star provides excellent services like waxing, manicure/pedicures, massages, skin treatments and much more. When you’re in the mode to get pampered, go here for reasonable rates and an accommodating and friendly staff.

Real Estate and Property Management

Massage

MASSAGE ENVY

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

Runner Up, East County: Sunflower Spa (Longmont) 210 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 180, Longmont, 303-772-1400 Honorable Mention: Cafe of Life; Essence Spa; Mystic Spa & Salon; Sunflower Spa

BEST

ur readers know that if they need to relax, realign and rejuvenate their body and soul, they can rely on Massage Envy for a range of professional, affordable massage treatments. Massage Envy offers a gamut of massage types: trigger 2014 2014point therapy, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, reflexology, cranial sacral therapy, prenatal massage and geriatric massage. Oh, let’s not forget the Hot Stone Envy, which can not only mitigate stress, but also promote circulation and lymph movement. Massages can range from an hour in B ENo S Tworries — just give B ST length to two hours. Feeling overwhelmed with choices? theEfolks at Massage Envy a call and they will gladly talk you through what therapeutic treatment will best suit your needs.

Lyons’

2014

Erie’s

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

BEST

Niwot’s

BEST

REAL ESTATE GROUP 2014

Superior’s

We specialize in residential properties, property management, and investment properties along the northern front range, including Longmont, Boulder, Loveland, and the surrounding area.

BEST

Samuel Curci, Broker/Owner 600 5th Ave, Unit D, Longmont 720-938-1942 • www.longmontproperty.com October 30, 2014 45

Susan France

All Natural Pet Foods & Treats

BEST PET STORE EAST COUNTY 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

facebook.com/struttinpup

Do-It-Yourself Dog wash Professional Grooming Bath & Brush Specials Cool Toys, Collars & Leashes, Beds, Gifts and More!

2850 Arapahoe Road Suite 110, Lafayette In the Atlas Valley Shopping Center

303.665.3038 • www.struttinpup.com

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

Rori Bass, spa director/advanced esthetics, Tapestry Salon & Day Spa

BEST DAY SPA

Hair Salon

RAVELLO A SALON

1385 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-474-4000 Louisville Winner: Tapestry Salon & Day Spa Honorable Mention: Ninety-Fifth Street Salon and Spa; Front Street Hair Studio; Studio Boom; Pearls Salon & Spa

BEST HAIR SALON

hey say clothes make the man, but when it comes to women, it’s undoubtedly the hair that can take a good look and turn it into a fashion masterpiece. Lucky for those young and old, male or female who want to look their best, Ravello caters to everyone. Located conveniently just off Arapahoe in Lafayette, the salon has been named Best of Boulder before. But the proof isn’t in awards, it’s in the hairstyles and cuts that come out the door. Medical Facility

BOULDER COMMUNITY HEALTH

BEST NAIL SALON Runner Up

375 McCaslin Blvd Louisville, Colorado 303.664.4744 www.tapestry-dayspa.com 46 October 30, 2014

4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720-854-7000 1000 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-666-4357 Runner Up, East County: Avista Adventist Hospital (Louisville) Lafayette Winner: Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center Longmont Winner: Longmont United Hospital Honorable Mention: Kaiser Permanente

well-trained staff and skillful physicians who provide many kinds of medical services at multiple locations has made Boulder Community Health our readers’ choice for the best place to turn in times of need. Boulder Community Health also runs the Community Medical Center in Lafayette, which hosts offices for family health, sports medicine, orthopedics, internal medicine and occupational health, among other specialties. The urgent care center there is also able to treat common injuries and illnesses. Boulder Community Health takes the lead for the medical facility of choice for our readers. Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

New Use for Toe Shoes

LONGMONT DANCE THEATRE

1422 Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-772-1335

fter years of ballet training, performance experience and a tenure with the Kansas City Ballet, Kristin Kingsley opened Longmont Dance Theatre in 1998. Her desire was to create a place where she could pass on her love of ballet to aspiring dancers. Longmont Dance focuses on classical dance, not on competition, so students can focus on the art and passion of performing. Longmont Dance offers classes for children and adults in ballet, aerial ballet, modern dance, hip-hop, tap and jazz. Students participate in three performances each year as well as annual recitals. Longmont Dance performances include live music, and the company has performed with the New Mandolin Quartet, Boulder Symphony Orchestra, Longmont Youth Symphony, Longmont Symphony Orchestra and the Longmont Dance Theatre Chamber Orchestra.

Yoga

SOUL TREE YOGA HUB AND MORE

422 E. Simpson St., Lafayette 303-6655244 Longmont Winner: Full Circle Yoga Louisville Winner: Yoga Junction Honorable Mention: Solar Yoga; Hot Method Yoga

eghan Stockdale, owner of Soul Tree Yoga Hub and More began the practice as part of recovering from an injury. But she took a unique approach, incorporating her childhood love of designing games with creating sequences and routines, making them approachable and engaging for the newbies as she moved into the realm of teaching. That approach has made Soul Tree Yoga Studio East County’s favorite.

WATERSHED SCHOOL College Preparatory Grades 6-12

Pilates Studio

BALANCE THROUGH MOVEMENT

535 W. South Boulder Road, Unit 210, Lafayette, 303-665-0367 Niwot Winner: Niwot Pilates Studio Honorable Mention: Happy Cat Pilates; Rocky Mountain Pilates; Flatiron Pilates; Solar Tree Yoga Hub and More

t’s not just important that you do Pilates, it also matters that you do it correctly or you could be facing an ugly injury and a whole lot of downtime to think about why you didn’t just go to a good studio with experienced instructors. That won’t be a problem at Soul Tree Yoga or Balance Through Movement, which tied for the number-one slot in our readers’ poll. Both have flexible hours, clean and modern equipment and excellent instructors with the experience to get you fit and limber without breaking your body or your bank account. Try one or the other or give them both a shot. It’s good to be flexible.

The World is Our Classroom

Fostering critical thinking, academic excellence and character development through real world learning.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR See our website for information about admissions events

www.watershedschool.org 1661 Alpine Ave. Boulder, CO 80304 info@watershedschool.org 303.440.7520

Best of Boulder Mini 6.708 x 8.244.indd Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

10/22/14 4:00 PM October 30, 2014 47

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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat.Village 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sun. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hours: Sherman Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sun. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. S. Sherman

Village 1401 Ken Pratt Blvd. Suite B • Longmont • 303-651-2011 1401 Ken Pratt • Longmont • 303-651-2011 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Blvd. Sun. 11 Suite a.m. - 4 B p.m. Hours: Mon. Fri. 9 a.m. 6 p.m. | Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sun. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. te B • Longmont • 303-651-2011 1401 Ken Pratt Blvd. Suite B • . | Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Sun. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat. 1401 Ken Pratt Blvd. Suite Hours: B • Longmont • 303-65120

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Susan France

New Business

ALFALFA’S MARKET

785 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-335-4200 Lafayette Winner: Liquid Mechanics Brewing Company Longmont Winner: Modena Wine Cafe Honorable Mention: The Restoration Initiative; MaryLynn Gillaspie Photography; Apex Chiropractic

n July, East Boulder County residents were able to welcome the opening of their very own Alfalfa’s Market — the locally owned and operated grocery store that puts products from more than 100 local vendors on the shelves each day and stocks a 98-percent organic produce department. There’s grass-fed beef in their meat department, sushi made by repeat Best of Boulder winner Sushi Zanmai, a wood-fired oven for pizzas, a liquor store with wine, beer and spirits, and bacon smoked in-house. Alfalfa’s also offers cooking demonstrations in case you need a few tips on what to do with the many local, organic and additive-free products selected from their shelves, and their community room is used to host educational events, including wellness classes and film screenings.

Computer Repair

PC DOC, INC.

4876 Idylwild Trail, Boulder, 303-527-5050 Runner Up, East County: The Wired Connection (Louisville) Honorable Mention: Computer Specialists of Longmont; Lance and Lisa’s Computer Repair of Longmont; Citizens Computer

s there a ghost in your machine? Who you gonna call? The answer is PC Doc, Inc. For 14 years PC Doc staff have been helping Boulder County get out of all of its I-tried-turning-it-on-and-off-already-and-that-didn’t-help jams. Viruses? Cured. Spyware? Busted. Network services? You won’t be alone. They got this. Give PC Doc a call for a phone consultation and you’ll be back to surfing Craigslist’s Missed Connections section to avoid work in no time.

Hot Tub

MOUNTAIN MIST SPAS

1240-4 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-772-1125 Runner Up, East County: Mr. Pool (Longmont)

he Longmont showroom for Mountain Mist Spas is like a permanent summer vacation — a swimsuit, a grill and an umbrella (drink-sized or no) are always in order. When it’s time to bring your own slice of a Caribbean retreat home, our readers suggest Mountain Mist. Their supply of parts and helpful staff can also help in getting your hot tub, a key tool for a staycation, back on line.

Hope Larsen, an Alfalfa’s Market employee, displays fresh seasonal produce.

Thank You East County for Your Votes!!! We Are Proud to Be Your Pick as Best Dry Cleaner!!! ERIE LAFAYETTE LONGMONT 1631 Pace St. 300 E. Baseline Rd. 3335 Araphoe Rd. 720.890.8860 303.684.8585 303.665.2223

10 Locations Throughout Boulder & Broomfield Counties

artcleaners.com ® ®

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

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 49

Susan France

Staff of Jax Ranch & Home, Lafayette, from left to right: Taylor, Dan, Norma (standing), Krystal and Mimi, (sitting)

Hardware Store

JAX RANCH & HOME

400 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-665-4900 Erie Winner: Colorado Woodmasters Longmont Winner: Ace Hardware Honorable Mention: Budget Home Supply; McGuckin Hardware

ur readers know that when you need to find everything on your list — and we do mean everything — then Jax Ranch & Home is the one-stop shopping choice. Yes, they have all the typical hardware store items, but you’ll also find bird feeders, gardening books, lawn decorations, paint ball supplies, military surplus… The list goes on and on. With all those products and a friendly, knowledgeable staff to help search things out, Jax gets the nod for best hardware store.

Optical Store

EYEWORKS

615 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-6320 Runner Up, East County: Front Range Eye Health Center (Louisville) Longmont Winner: Eagle Vision and Eye Clinic Honorable Mention: Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado; The Optical Centre 50 October 30, 2014

lmost as if they were Texas, you don’t want to mess around with your eyes. They help you do things like not step into traffic or gaze lovingly into the equallyhelpful-in-avoiding-traffic eyes of a loved one. And to make sure those peepers are kept ship-shape, Eyeworks in Louisville is the place to go. Their complete eyecare services cover everything from itchy or dry eye, to LASIK, to various degenerative diseases. And should you need a pair of glasses, they have a wide selection of designer frames to suit every face. Pet Store

STRUTTIN’ PUP

2850 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette, 303-665-3038 Louisville Winner: BlackPaw Company Longmont Winner: Four Paws & Co. Honorable Mention: Bark Avenue; The Divine Canine

ets are people, too. Actually, no, they’re not. That would warrant a call to the police. But pets are valued members of every family that has one. That’s why Struttin’ Pup in Lafayette is such a beloved part of the community. They’ve got everything Mittens and Fido could ask for and then some. We’re talking toys, food, beds, shelters, leashes, iguanas, birdfeeders, a child! No, no. Again, not people. Anyway, stop by the shop and get your dog groomed. An added bonus: the pet store is all natural so you and your dog can be equally healthy.

Real Estate Group

STAUFER TEAM REAL ESTATE

932 Main St., Louisville, 303-664-0000 Longmont Winner: Longmont Property Group Lafayette Winner: Coal Creek Brokers Honorable Mention: Legacy Real Estate Group; ERA Herman Real Estate Group

esides death and divorce, moving is the most stressful thing most people do in their lives and sometimes leads to one or both of the other two. So finding a good real estate agent is critical when the time comes to pull up your roots and repot your family. You’ve got enough to worry about with checking which schools are in your neighborhood now, what the area bike paths look like and where the bus routes are and whether you’re willing to work within your new HOA’s boundaries. You shouldn’t have to worry that your home won’t sell or that you won’t find the perfect house for your budget. Staufer Team Real Estate can help. Their experienced agents and staff keep the entire process easy and professional so you can stick to your responsibilities.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Jenni Hlawatsch, owner of The Singing Cook, Louisville

Kitchen Supply Store

CHEESE IMPORTERS

103 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-9599 Lafayette Winner: Jax Ranch & Home Louisville Winner: The Singing Cook Honorable Mention: The Food Emporium; Peppercorn

o stock your pantry with more than macaroni, and bring some touches to your kitchen that offer an air of the French countryside, look to the Cheese Importers in Longmont. This family-run business is located in what was previously the first power station in Longmont, a long-empty building they’ve revitalized with not just more than 350 cheeses from which to choose, but a selection of linens, housewares, perfumes and soaps. Stop in to their French café while there for a little edible indulgence while you’re at it. Shoe Store

BROWN’S SHOE FIT COMPANY

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

Louisville Winner: Runners Roost Honorable Mention: Famous Footwear

rown’s Shoe Fit Company has been fitting Boulder County residents for the comfy shoes since 1946. Brown’s carries shoes of every type, from athletics to casuals to work boots. Find hot brands like Clarks, Keen, New Balance, Merrell, Timberland and more. Or maybe you have a new pair of shoes that just aren’t treating your feet like the foundations of your body that they are. Brown’s can help with that, too, fitting you for customed insoles and comfort inserts that can make your tootsies happy.

Stereo

SWEET WAVE AUDIO

1795 Plaza Drive, Lafayette, 303-258-0563 Longmont Winner: Accent Auto Sound & Accessory Honorable Mention: Red Dog Radios; Safe and Sound Auto Accessories

or 15 years, Sweet Wave Audio has been bringing the music to dance breaks all over the Front Range. Need an amp for your DIY rock session? They’ve

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

got it. A microphone, mixer and speakers to go along? Check, check and check. Their professional equipment and knowledgeable staff are ready to equip venues, whatever the gig may be. Tattoo

TRIBAL RITES TATTOO AND PIERCING

1716 Main St., Longmont, 303-776-9333 Louisville Winner: InkSmith Tattoo Honorable Mention: Junkyard Ink; Main Street Tattoo; Electric Tattoo

ven if it’s something silly, tattoos are serious business because they’re with you for a long time and hard to scrub off. Even with soap! You don’t want to get a tattoo unless you’re getting it from a trained professional who takes the time to talk through options with you, and make sure you’ll have a final product that you’re going to be happy with for the many decades you’ll be living with it. Tribal Rites Tattoo and Piercing is just that kind of joint. Its eight artists have loads of experience and a variety of styles so you can be sure to find your inkmate.

October 30, 2014 51

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Furniture

WOODLEY’S FINE FURNITURE

1400 S. Main St., Longmont, 720-204-4992 Lafayette Winner: Curating the Cool Louisville Winner: The Fuzzy Antler Honorable Mention: Concepts Furniture; Serendipity

on’t let that iPhone tell you otherwise — the classics are still awesome (just ask Pinterest). And when it’s time to fill your home with locally made wood furniture, Woodley’s Fine Furniture will have all you need. The store was created by Woodley brothers Mike and Pat in 1979. Want something more than what they’ll make in their workshop? They stock other home furniture brands, too, and offer interior design services to dress your room from the crown moldings to the dovetailed drawers.

Kelley Kolin, owner of The Fuzzy Antler

Renovation And Expansion

SISTER CARMEN THRIFT STORE 701 Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-665-4342

fter a recent renovation, Sister Carmen Thrift Store has doubled in size, so that means twice the space and twice the chance you’ll find something unexpected and wonderful. Clothing, shoes, dishes, linens, appliances and furniture are all available, and don’t forget the “unique treasures” like records, books, decorations and toys. And what’s best about shopping at Sister Carmen’s is that you’ll be supporting East County residents in need, as all proceeds go to support the organization’s three programs: nutritional and healthy living, individual and family advocacy, and children’s services. Check out Sister Carmen’s website for a listing of calendar events that includes walking groups, yoga and zumba as well as ways to get involved as a volunteer.

52 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Susan France

Mark and Janet Benassi, owners of Lafayette Music

Music Store

LAFAYETTE MUSIC

400 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 1500, 303-661-9335 Longmont Winner: Miller Music Louisville Winner: Wildwood Guitars Honorable Mention: Guitar Hut; Jensen Guitars

et’s face it — there are things you can shop for online that are better handled in person, in a store where you know you’re getting good advice, fair prices and a hands-on connection to products. A music store is definitely in that group and our readers say Lafayette Music is at the top of the pile. If you’re looking for just the right pedal to get a specific sound from your guitar or buying a child’s first saxophone, the folks at Lafayette Music can help you select exactly what you need. And if that weren’t enough, the store offers no interest on products if paid in full in six months and a popular “Purchase Option Plan” that makes the decision to commit that much easier. Boulder Weekly’s readers love Lafayette Music and it’s easy to see why.

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 53

Susan France

Grocery Store

KING SOOPERS

480 U.S. 287, Lafayette, 303-6043060 2255 Main St., Longmont, 303-7727950 Various locations around East County Runner Up, East County: Lucky’s Market (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Sprouts Farmers Market; Alfalfa’s Market; Whole Foods Market

ing Soopers is great because it has a massive health food section, the produce is good and the deli is well-stocked, and it also has all the frozen dinners, snack foods and brand name cereals you just can’t help but go for sometimes. Added with fresh meat and seafood, as well as a friendly staff and a reliable pharmacy, it’s no wonder voters selected King Soopers as the best in East County. You really can’t walk in there and not find what you’re looking for (unless what you’re looking for is ridiculous, and maybe even then they’ll have it), because it’s an easy-tonavigate and affordable grocery store with everything from Cheetos to chayote squash. Clothing – Women’s

JAX OUTDOOR GEAR

900 U.S. Highway 287, Lafayette, 720-266-6160 Longmont Winner: Old Town Outfitters Louisville Winner: Found Underground Honorable Mention: Bella Frida; Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignment

Honorable Mention: Havana Manor; High Society Smoke Shop

t’s not easy being a smoker these days. With all the rules about where you can light up and fewer and fewer people who are tolerant of smoking, it can feel like the world is against you. But at The Little Dog Pipe and Tobacco smokers of all kinds can feel right at home.The Little Dog specializes in hard-to-find tobacco and tobacco products for pipes, hookahs and everything else. They have one of the best selections of locally made glass pipes available anywhere and all the e-cigarettes and paraphernalia you could want. It’s a lot to take in but the knowledgeable Little Dog staff will guide you through your purchase with the patience that only a fellow tobacco enthusiast could deliver. If Boulder Weekly readers ranked Little Dog the best tobacco shop, then you know you need to check it out.

Independent Business

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-4324292 Runner Up, East County: Apex Chiropractic (Louisville) Honorable Mention: The Restoration Initiative; Purple Poppy; Alfalfa’s; Lafayette Antiques and Home Décor

uying local is huge for the economy of East County. It’s good for business but it’s also good for the consumers. Case in point: Curating The Cool. Go ahead, head to a chain store King Soopers staff from top left to right: Sylvia, Tamie, Jade. Bottom, left to right: Andrew, and try finding the sort of vintage toys, Trevor, Tyler clothes, housewares and more that Curating The Cool offers. You might olorado is home to some of the have some luck on the Internet but there’s something to be toughest, boldest, baddest ladies around, and that’s evi- Tobacco / Pipe Shop said for seeing things in person before you shell out your denced by the choice in best spot to shop for women’s THE LITTLE DOG PIPE AND TOBACCO money for them. The Lafayette store is like a shop within a clothing: Jax Outdoor Gear. Whether you’re looking for 622 Main St., Longmont, 303-678-7792 a jacket to keep you warm through a winter hike, jeans tough 1006 Depot Hill Road, Suite 300, Broomfield, 303-410-2765 cultural-history museum where you can actually buy the exhibits. It’s just one of the reasons our readers love enough to keep up or a plaid button-up to slip on for an Runner Up, East County: Smoker Friendly Curating The Cool enough to name it best independent evening around the campfire (or, you know, the fireplace on International (Lafayette and Longmont) business. the Por Wine House patio), Jax has got you covered. Lafayette Winner: Barlow’s Premium Cigars & Pipe

54 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

If you are ever feeling paranoid or anxious after using marijuana, by simply smelling or chewing on black pepper balls you can mitigate marijuana’s negative anxiety-inducing effects.

Find out what else we know about cannabis. At CPM, budtenders go through an extensive 5 day training period learning about cannabis production, effects, and its legality.

$25

EIGHTHS before 1pm #1 rated dispensary in Louisville

Medical

$35

EIGHTHS before 1pm Recreational

#2 rated dispensary in Boulder’s East County

1116-7 West Dillon Rd. • Louisville, CO 80027 • 303.665.5596 www.compassionatepm.com We are going through a transition / re-brand! Look out for new things, Winter 2015.

20,000 Square Feet with Over Half-a-Million Items

Susan France

Find Your Hidden Gem.

Open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm

If you want it, we have it. If you have it, we want it. It’s a Leica M3. We’re happy to sell one to you. We’re also happy to buy this or other high quality cameras, lenses, and accessories. (Call us first to check market conditions for your gear.) We stock a broad range of film, lighting equipment, chemicals, paper, and more - all the things you need to express your love for film and photography.

The experts in film photography. 102 E. Cleveland Street Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 720-379-7789 www.victorycamera.com

56 October 30, 2014

Come see us in downtown Lafayette. Take Baseline Road and turn right onto Public Road. We’re three blocks on the left, just past Cleveland Street. See you soon! Store Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm

Z. Davis Robison, owner/head curator of Curating the Cool, displays a vintage bike.

Home Furnishings

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-432-4292 Longmont Winner: Woodley’s Fine Furniture Honorable Mention: Concepts Furniture; Habitat for Humanity ReStore; Serendipity

urating the Cool is a new kid on the vintage retail block, opening its doors in April 2013, but in that short time they have wowed customers with their impeccable taste in art, clothing, collectables, home goods and, yes, home furnishings.You, dear reader, voted them “Best Furniture Store,” “Best New Business,” “Best Gift Shop,” “Best Independent Business” and “Best Home Furnishings” in 2013’s Best of Boulder. The people have spoken, and Curating the Cool is the place to go for the trendiest home furnishings East County has to offer. Peruse their website, by all means, but we’ve got to tell you, it’s way more fun to go meander around this eclectic boutique. Also on our reader’s furniture radar is Woodley’s Fine Furniture, where hardwood furniture is built right in their Longmont factory. Choose your wood, style and stain to get a custom piece of furniture that fits your style. Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Auto Repair

STAN’S AUTOMOTIVE

1950 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303-666-8914 Longmont Winner: Longmont Ford Louisville Winner: Louisville Tire and Auto Care Honorable Mention: Cooper’s Automotive; Russell Auto Service

ot fudge on your chemise? Spaghetti sauce on your slacks? Dropped an entire order from a joint KFC-Taco Bell meal all over your form-fitting, nylon bodysuit? You need a dry cleaner. And with

t’s great when you find a solid auto shop that gets things done right and on time and for the right price — and that’s Stan’s Automotive. Our readers made Stan’s Automotive their choice for best in East County because they’re reliable, affordable and quick — and they’ll shoot you straight. Is your car jimmying when it should be jazzing? They’ll tell you that! Need to unclink your clanks? They’ll do that too! And they won’t make you pay for superfluous repairs like flux-rendering your hubcap and reconfiguring the gauge steel.

So not only will your clothes not shrink, be clean and smell nice, you won’t be hurting Mother Earth in the process. Oh man… just laughed really hard at a Gallagher rerun and spilled magma-hot nacho cheese all over myself. Better call Art Cleaners.

HERE S TO

MAIN ST. NOT WALL ST.

Natural Foods Store

SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET

555 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303664-1902 1101 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 303-8344124 Runner Up, East County: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (Longmont and Lafayette) Honorable Mention: Lucky’s Market; Whole Foods Market; Alfalfa’s

multiple locations throughout Boulder County, you’re likely to find yourself handing your clothes over to the trusted hands at Art Cleaners. They’ll get out those pesky stains in a timely and affordable manner. And guess what? They’re environmentally friendly.

HERE’S TO A NEW SPIRIT OF LOCALISM. WELCOME HOME.

prouts Farmers Market started off as one small grocery store in Chandler, Ariz., in 2002. Now, the chain consists of more than 175 stores in 10 states, but their growth hasn’t lessened their commitment to improving the health of the communities they serve. To ensure they are providing healthy food, Sprouts is committed to responsible retailing, which includes partnering with their suppliers to ensure that foods are responsibly sourced, and keeping their own waste and environmental footprint at a minimum. Drop by Sprouts for a selection of seasonal vegetables, bulk foods, organic canned foods, natural creamery choices, fresh baked goods and responsibly farmed meats.

THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST OF EAST COUNTY!

Dry Cleaner

ART CLEANERS

300 E. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-6652223 1631 Pace St., Longmont, 303-684-8585 Runner Up, East County: John’s Dry Cleaners (Lafayette) Honorable Mention: Continental Dry Cleaners; Environmental Cleaners; Boulder Cleaners

It matters where you bank. Stop by a branch and see why. elevationscu.com | 800.429.7626 Federally insured by the NCUA

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 57

Susan France

Camera

VICTORY CAMERA

102 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 720-379-7789 Runner Up, East County: Picture This Pro (Lafayette) Longmont Winner: Key Camera/ Procam Services Honorable Mention: Mike’s Camera; Walgreen’s

ou’re reading a newspaper, right, so obviously, print isn’t dead — and neither is film, particularly if you find yourself in the photographer’s paradise of Victory Camera. The formerly eBay-only shop opened a retail store in 2012 and changed its name from J. Cohen Photography to Victory Camera, their website says, to reflect their belief that digital and film both have a place in the world. “We believe that film cameras have an aesthetic quality that digital can’t touch,” their website declares. “It’s about the processes, not just the result.” We love that, and love that our East County residents do, too. Carpet

FAMILY CARPET ONE FLOOR & HOME

1401 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite B, Longmont, 720378-8927 Runner Up, East County: Carpet Wise (Longmont) Lafayette Winner: Hunter Floor and Window Covering Inc. Honorable Mention: Aesthetic Flooring; A Plus Carpet Care; Carpet Exchange

id your temporarily-slightly-less-beloved family pet go number two on your carpet? Worry not. Number one is the solution. Family Carpet One Floor & Home, to be precise. East County’s favorite carpet store is on the case, for that or any other flooringrelated need. Carpet One is a member of a

1,000-store-strong buying group so it can get flooring materials at bulk discounts and offer you correspondingly low prices along with a wide selection and prompt service. Clothing — Kid’s

ONCE UPON A CHILD

700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-772-5437 Runner Up, East County: Gymboree (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Just Between Friends; The Nest; The Gap

nyone who has a child knows you can count on one thing — growth spurts make new sizes a constant need. Once Upon a Child serves as the community closet of parents whose kids are just a little bit older and a little bit bigger than yours, and who had to give up that cute sweater or those nice jeans even before the grass stains and dropped popsicles had a chance to catch up to them. Once Upon a Child buys and resells gently used items, so bring yours in and walk out with a new wardrobe (and at a fraction of the cost of buying new clothes).

Hotel

COURTYARD MARRIOTT

948 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-604-0007 Niwot Winner: Niwot Inn Honorable Mention: Residence Inn by Marriott; La Quinta Inns & Suites

traveler should never have to choose between quality and affordability, and at the Courtyard Marriot in Lousiville they never do. Just a quick shot down U.S. 36 you can find the clean rooms and warm beds of the Courtyard Marriot and all the comforts away from home it offers. Internet. Coffee. Walkout balconies. Available meeting rooms. And just a few minutes away from everything.

Joshua Cohen, owner of Victory Camera in Lafayette

Place to Buy Goods To Do Good

THE RESTORATION INITIATIVE 707 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-502-4463

he Restoration Initiative in Lafayette doesn’t just sell vintage, fair trade and locally made goods that include beautiful earrings and necklaces. The company has built into their business model a practice of importing accessories handmade in India by women in need of work and sends regular financial support to a preschool and to safe homes for Indian children in need of food, housing and education.They’re currently fundraising to build two safe homes, one each for boys and girls, to house children rescued from the streets and brothels in Pune, India. Shopping at their store means bringing home something nice, in addition to providing an economic boost to these families through skillsbased jobs for women, and raising awareness of the ongoing poverty, abuse and exploitation that women and children in India face. Shop well, and do good in the world.

58 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST 2 YEARS IN A ROW! THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST TATTOO

BEST RECREATIONAL / MEDICAL DISPENSARY Out of Towners & First Timers Welcome!

400 W. South Boulder Rd. Lafayette Plaza • 303.665.5599 www. herbalwellnesscolorado.com www.facebook.com/herbalwellnesslafayette Open 7 days a week • 9am-7pm

For Medical and Recreational

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

We are Very Happy to Announce that InkSmith Tattoo is moving to a NEW Location!! Check us on Facebook soon.

Louisville, CO (720) 985-4259 InkSmithTattooLouisville@gmail.com

Like Us On Facebook Follow Us On Instagram

October 30, 2014 59

Susan France

Lafayette Florist

Boulder County’s Premier Destination for Ladies Consignment Shopping

Florist

LAFAYETTE FLORIST

600 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-6655552 200 Exempla Circle (Exempla Medical Center), Lafayette, 303-666-1118 Longmont Winner: Longmont Florist Louisville Winner: Louisville Florist Honorable Mention: Nina’s Flowers and Gifts; Bella Fleur Floral Design

20% - 40% DISCOUNTS DAILY WE CARRY QUALITY BRANDS

Free People • St. John • Cosabella • Betsey Johnson Cabi • and More! Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

901 FRONT STREET • SUITE 110 • LOUISVILLE 720.379.5572 SWITCHBOUTIQUELOUISVILLE.COM 60 October 30, 2014

ometimes words aren’t enough and you just gotta say what you feel with flowers, whether it’s “I’m sorry,” “I love you,” or “Get well soon.” Lafayette Florist can help you turn all of your emotions into floral declarations. Family owned and operated since 1949 (the third generation!), Lafayette Florist is the go-to florist for East County residents — and for good reason. Not only can you seek their help when planning the floral arrangements for your wedding or crafting the perfect corsage for your prom date, Lafayette Florist also has a full-service garden center and greenhouse, open seven days a week. Get everything you need to beautify your yard or patio, from pots to soils to vegetables, bushes and herbs.

Clothing — Men’s

JAX OUTDOOR GEAR

900 S. Highway 287, Lafayette, 720-2666160 Longmont Winner: Old Town Outfitters Louisville Winner: Found Above Ground Consignments Honorable Mention: My Nice Tie

t’s no surprise our readers are a rugged bunch, more concerned with the latest development in anti-fracking movements than the season’s best new sweatshirt. That rugged nature shines through in our readers’ pick for best men’s clothing. Jax Outdoor Gear is a better fit for camping clothes than a night out, and we think that is just perfect. Plus, with $4.99 flat-rate shipping, you won’t need to leave the comfort of your pajamas to find new flannels. For a more dapper look, try the Honorable Mention, My Nice Tie. They even have an instructional video on their website for how to tie a tie.

Mattress Store

MATTRESS FIRM (FORMERLY MATTRESS KING)

225 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-4858940 300 Center Drive Suite J, Superior, 720-3042051 Runner Up, East County: Verlo Mattress Factory (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Sleep Number

ou know what they say about mattresses: You don’t think about it until you sleep on a bad one. They also say it should be your number one investment because you spend a third of your life on one. For such an investment, Mattress Firm is the place to go. They’ll treat you right and you’ll come away with a bed you can sleep on for years without breaking the bank. They’ve got friendly financing and a friendlier sales staff, so come on in, jump on some beds, buy one and then sleep like a king.

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

NEW

Fall Styles

Susan France

BEST SHOE STORE

Thaneksvotes! for th

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

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

brownsshoefitco.com/Longmontshoes.com

2014

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Z. Davis Robison, owner/head curator of Curating the Cool, Lafayette

te’s Lafayet

Gift Store

B EST

CURATING THE COOL

401 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 720-432-4292 Longmont Winner: Cheese Importers Honorable Mention: Purple Poppy; Jax Outdoor Gear; The Restoration Initiative 2014

Lyons’

hey say everything old is new again. But the part that gets left out is that it ain’t old; it’s classic. And everything you’ll find in Curating the Cool is pure classic. Records. Typewriters. Clothing. Books. Opera glasses. A complete Voltron. Furniture. Toys. Books. And more. Curating the Cool is packed tight with a march through all the things you couldn’t afford as a kid, as you are now rocking the cash to pick them up. It even carries some vintage household products you thought you’d never see again, like a can of Backwoods Beard Balm, which is the only kind of beard balm worthy of your whiskers.

B EST

Auto Dealer — New

VALLEY NISSAN AND SUBARU

B EST

RNITU

2014

Niwot’s B EST

2014

r’s o i r e p u S B EST

2014

Erie’s

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 855-743-5695 Runner Up, East County: Frontier Honda (Longmont) Honorable Mention: Longmont Ford; Stevinson Hyundai; Prestige Chrysler Dodge Jeep & Ram

B EST

ar shopping and worrying about maintaining your vehicle is stressful. Our readers know they can count on Valley Nissan and Subaru to help. Their expert staff will help you every step of the way from the initial purchase to car maintenance for the life of the vehicle. They know best how to keep your car in optimum shape. When you are ready for a new vehicle, they are there to aid in your decision-making. If you are in the market for a new car, let Valley Nissan and Subaru show you why they are number one.

901 Front Street old town louiSville n 303-666-7864 www.theFuzzyantler.com mon-Fri 10am-6pm n Sat 10am-5pm n Sun 11am-4pm

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 61

Susan France

BICYCLE SHOP

LOUISVILLE CYCLERY

1032 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-665-6343 Lafayette Winner: Fusion Bicycle Service Longmont Winner: Bike ‘N Hike Honorable Mention: Jax Outdoor Gear; Foxtrot Wheel and Edge

nybody can sell you a bicycle, but it takes a special kind of person to get to know customers well enough to help maintain their bikes from cradle to grave. Cyclists are particular about their setup and to keep someone’s bike running just the way they like takes a relationship with the customer. The mechanics and salespeople at Louisville Cyclery foster those relationships with their customers every day. They’ll even find you specialty parts like, for instance, aftermarket cable hangers. From a simple brake adjustment or tire repair to a tuneup or full build, the folks at Louisville Cyclery put their all into every job. Louisville Cyclery staff from left to right, Lane Miller, Matt Onorato, Ron Buxton and Rusty Kreutzer

Auto Dealer – Used staff at Valley Nissan and Subaru is pleasant to deal with and that the purchasing process is smooth.

VALLEY NISSAN AND SUBARU

1005 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-776-0443 Niwot Winner: Gunbarrel Import Motors Honorable Mention: Frontier Honda; Longmont Ford; Stevinson Hyundai

ur readers say you can trust that the “gently used” car you end up driving off the Valley Nissan and Suburu lot will actually be the car you wanted all along, whether you knew it or not. That is about the best you can ask from an auto dealer. Our readers also think the sales

Jewelry Store

ANSPACH’S JEWELRY

101 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-665-5313 Longmont Winner: Snyder Jewelers Louisville Winner: Bella Frida Honorable Mention: TRI Vintage and Wares; Eric Olson Master Jeweler

len and Dee Anspach moved to Lafayette in 1955 and, with support from the community, opened Anspach’s Jewelry later that year. The business grew steadily from its humble beginnings as a watch repair and costume jewelry store. Today, Anspatch Jewelry has three goldsmiths on site capable of handling a gamut of jewelry and watch repairs, from ring sizing to custom designs. They also offer appraisal services, lapidary work and custom wax modeling. But, let’s not neglect their fine offering of jewelry, including pieces from New York jewelers Gabriel & Co. and, of course, Anspach’s custom designs. Liquor Store

SUPERIOR LIQUOR

100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior, 303-499-6600 Lafayette Winner: Atlas Valley Wine & Spirits Longmont Winner: PJ’s Louisville Winner: Union Jack Liquor Honorable Mention: Fox Creek Liquors

ere in Boulder and at Boulder Weekly, we’re all about small businesses and huge selection. Superior Liquor is the best of both worlds. As an independent community chain that has an Amazonian selection of booze, hooch, moonshine, spirits, bad idea fuel, good idea fuel and firewater. And that’s just the tequila section. Wait until you get into the whiskeys. It’s your one-stop shop for parties, shindigs, soirees, box socials, gatherings, hootenannies, par-tays, celebrations, functions and get-togethers. And that’s just the vodka section.

Warehouse of Pet Goodies

FOUR PAWS & CO.

1225 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303-485-1565

his isn’t as much a staff pick as it is a staff’s pet pick. Our collective brood of domesticated animals loves us not because we give them food and we have trained them to think we’re cooler than we actually are, but because we bring home their chow and their toys from Four Paws & Co. in Longmont. It’s a veritable warehouse of dog and cat goodies and they’ll even take your pet in and groom or train it. That gives us more time to come up with stories to tell our dogs and cats about how cool we are.

62 October 30, 2014

Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

Tire Shop

DISCOUNT TIRE

740 Hwy. 287 North, Lafayette 303-2485680 379 S. Hover St., Longmont 303-774-9869 Runner Up, East County: Big O Tires (Longmont and Louisville) Honorable Mention: Louisville Tire and Auto Care; Firestone Auto Care; Roadmaster’s Auto & Tire Center

weather or soil? Then you need to get into hydroponics, which is a rapidly growing segment of the home gardening milieu. The Flower Bin is a great warehouse for everything a beginner needs to get started

ires: The shoes of the car. They bring you where you need to go in all types of weather and Discount Tire was voted the best place to put some tread on your wheels. They’ll sell you the right tires for the right season at the right price. From allweather to winter to performance tires, Discount Tire has you covered. They’ll even help you look up your vehicle and determine what size tires need to go on it. So if your tires look like they’re getting run down, don’t fret, just get on over to Discount Tire. Toy Store

GRANDRABBIT’S TOY SHOPPE

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-443-0780 180 E. Flatiron Circle Drive, Broomfield, 303465-8005 14644 Orchard Pkwy. Suite 1000, Westminster, 303-815-1500 Honorable Mention: Tim’s Toy Shop; Colorado Bear Factory

Hydroponic

THE FLOWER BIN

1805 Nelson Road, Longmont, 303-7723454 Louisville Winner: Victory Hydro Gardening Honorable Mention: The Aquaponic Source; Colorado Tank and Barrel; Acme Hydroponics

ant to grow some weird (or normal) plants without worrying about

greeted and helped by an extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff looking to get you on your hydroponic way.

BEST TOP SHELF IN BOULDER

hen Lynne Milot founded Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe in 1977, she admits she had no business experience or knowledge to speak of. That didn’t stop her from pursuing her dream of owning a business that recognized the importance of being a parent — a business that could be a positive influence in the community. More than 30 years later, Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe is going stronger than ever. Milot hasn’t lost sight of her vision to offer high quality, aesthetically pleasing toys that contribute to a child’s learning and development. Today, you can walk into one of Grandrabbit’s three locations and find toys for infants to preteens.

and everything an expert needs to grow his monkey orchids. The Flower Bin also sells seasonal vegetables, flowers, plants and much more. The only way to see what you’re missing is to stop in. And if you do, you’ll be

BOULDER’S MOST CONVENIENT DISPENSARY COMING SOON...ADDING RECREATIONAL TO OUR EXISTING MEDICAL DISPENSARY. KEEP AN EYE ON OUR WEBSITE!

Providing a sense of professionalism that has not yet been introduced to the medical marijuana community. All strains are proudly grown in house.

Intended for MMJ Patients Only

HOURS: MON - SAT 9:30 - 6:30 • SUN 12:00 - 5:00 3005 28TH STREET • BOULDER • 303.442.0892 WWW.THESTATIONBOULDER.COM

Boulder Weekly Best of Boulder-East County ’14

October 30, 2014 63

MaryLynn Gillaspie

Left to right: Eric Roth, Barbara Butterworth (seated), Olivia Hoefling, Sheri Southern, Collin Butterworth of The Book Cellar in Louisville

Bookstore

THE BOOK CELLAR

724 Main St., Louisville, 303-604-2880 Longmont Winner: Barbed Wire Books Honorable Mention: Used Book Emporium; Book Nook; Little Horse Books and Vintage

f you’re a fanatical book junkie, then you want the staff at your local bookstore to be equally crazy about books. The Book Cellar is that bookstore full of fanatical book junkies, ready to help you with your fanatical book-junkie needs. The folks at The Book Cellar are known for their impeccable customer service, reliable grading and knack for finding rare and out-of-print books. They work hand-in-hand with libraries, museums and historic societies to help with market evaluations, locating titles and appraisals.The Book Cellar knows we live in a digital world, so while they’d love to have you come in and visit the store (and who doesn’t love the smell of a bookstore and the feel of a book in your hand?), they’ve got a stellar web store that lets you shop for books, ebooks and novelties, too. Now that’s service.

Clothing — Used

ARC THRIFT STORE

1349 E. South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303-

64 October 30, 2014

666-8060 Runner Up, East County: Found Underground/Found Above Ground Consignments Lafayette Winner: Sister Carmen Thrift Honorable Mention: Threads Consignments; Fabulous Finds Upscale Consignments

here’s something incredibly satisfying about strolling into a consignment shop, looking for nothing in particular and leaving with your new favorite article of clothing (and maybe a new jacket… and some shoes… and a belt…). Our readers have spoken: When they are in the mood for a little consignment shopping, ARC Thrift Store is their premiere destination — as well it should be. Not only does ARC give many items (not just clothing) a second life, it provides jobs for many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So the next time you’re thinking you need some snazzy new duds for that first date (ahem, 2020 Food + Wine Bar), consider supporting a great nonprofit and head on over to ARC and give an underloved pair of dress slacks the kind of second life they deserve.

Family-Owned Car Care

LOUISVILLE TIRE AND AUTO CARE

1190 Griffith St., Suite 1, Louisville, 303665-4902

hen you need an oil change, a new transmission or just want to chat about cars, our staff pick is Louisville Tire and Auto Care. With a trained, friendly staff and the ability to service cars affordably, correctly and quickly, you can’t go wrong by going to Louisville Tire and Auto Care. Even better, Louisville Tire has been locally owned and operated since opening its doors in 1993. This is a family biz, and these folks will take care of you like you’re one of their own. It’s no wonder they won first place in Louisville.They’re ready to take your car in and work their magic on its pistons and plush leather seats. Your car does have plush leather seats, right?

Farm

ISABELLE FARM

1640 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette, 303-817-6824 Erie Winner: Anderson Farms Longmont Winner: Ollin Farms Honorable Mention: Longmont Dairy Farming; Sunflower Farm

side from being healthy and good for the environment, the produce that comes out of the ground at Isabelle Farm is downright delicious. At Isabelle Farm, the emphasis is not on growing the biggest, highest-yielding vegetables, but offering good, healthy produce and giving community members a chance to connect to the food they eat — its farm share program brings like-minded people together as a community, making it as much your farm as theirs. Best of Boulder-East County ’14 Boulder Weekly

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR VOTES! - WE LOVE OUR SNARFERS -

Handcrafted. Oven-toasted. Ridiculously addictive. Longmont 645 Ken Pratt Blvd 303.774.1441

2130 Mountain View Ave 303.702.1111

WWW.EATSNARFS.COM

Boulder

2128 Pearl Street 303.444.7766

5340 Arapahoe Ave 303.444.3404

@SNARFSSANDWICHES

Proudly satisfying Boulder County taste buds since 1996

Sunrise to Sunset

Grab a cup of coffee in the morning, gather with friends for lunch and wind-down your day with wine by the fire.

For your morning cup of coffee or a midday tea-time break, a place to gather your thoughts, whatever the reason, Bittersweet Cafe & Confections is ready to take your order. Local ingredients. Local flavors. Local enjoyment.

Enjoy the beauty in roasting coffee beans to their peak flavor. The most exceptional coffee you will find anywhere.

bittersweetcafes.com (303) 317-5522 • 836 Main St • Louisville & (303) 729-2560 x186 • 300 Summit Blvd Broomfield

The wine is opened. The Beer is tapped. We’ll save you a seat on the patio by the fire. There’s more to Louisville’s first wine house than our drink selection. Come find out yourself.

2014

Lafayette’s

Louisville’s

Longmont’s

BEST

Best Latte • Best Coffee House

@ Bittersweet

2014

Lyons’ BEST

coffeeroastingcompany.co

(303) 317-5522 • 840 Main Street • Louisville 2014

Erie’s BEST

BEST

2014 Best2014Wine Bar • Best Wine Selection

Niwot’s

Superior’s

BEST

facebook.com/porwinehouse

(720) 666-1386 • 836 Main St. • Louisville