Food BEST OF BOU L D E R - E A S T CO U NTY K I D F R IE N D LY
LYON S RE STAURANT
637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743
303 Main St., Lyons, 303-823-6685
Lafayette Winner: Ruby Ru’s Street Eatery Superior Winner: Noodles & Company East Boulder Winner: Pica’s Mexican Taqueria
The original Oskar Blues location is still arguably the best. While the company has since expanded to include iterations as far as Brevard, North Carolina, and Austin, Texas, there’s still no better place to enjoy a Dale’s Pale Ale than in the place where it all began. Come for the beer and stay for the Silo Burger, topped with smoked pork, swiss, bacon and Dale’s buffalo sauce.
LUCKY PIE PIZZA & TAPHOUSE
You don’t need to be a friendly kid to understand why Lucky Pie always wins this category. Parents appreciate the first-class ingredients and full flavor of the pizzas, as well as the full selection of adult beverages. The younger generations know a playground when they see one like the yard behind the restaurant. Kids also notice that Sweet Cow Ice Cream is next door.
OSKAR BLUES GRILL & BREW
MEX ICAN RE STAURANT
TEOCALLI COCINA
103 N. Public Road, Unit C, Lafayette, 303-284-6597
Longmont Winner: Jefes Tacos and Tequila East Boulder Winner: Pica’s Mexican Taqueria Lyons Winner: La Mariposa Restaurant and Margarita House Head chef Julio Gaspar has been cooking since his childhood. Growing up in Oaxaca, he’s mastered a variety of regional styles from across Mexico. His charred pasilla ribs, posole verde and pork shank pibil are as robust as they are enticing.
NE W RE STAURANT
99 BAR SALOON
449 Main St., Longmont, 720-815-2875
Lyons Winner: Marigold Lafayette Winner: Ruby Ru’s Street Eatery
Images of the Gafner family’s long commitment to great cattle line the walls of this excellent new pub and eatery. The name has been in the family since owner Sean Gafner’s grandfather established his cattle brand in 1930. With deep generational knowledge, Gafner is serving up some of the best burgers on the Front Range, especially The Aspen, with blue cheese, arugula, bacon-pepper jam, white onion and garlic mayo. As an added bonus, all the beef comes from neighboring Buckner Family Ranch.
N I WOT R E STAUR AN T
NIWOT TAVERN
7960 Niwot Road, Unit D12, Niwot, 303-652-0200 Since 2005, Niwot Tavern has been a local favorite for its rustic decor and cheery service. Dishes range from Irish Nachos — kettle chips topped with corn beef, mozzarella, cheddarjack, scallions and stone ground mustard — to an udon noodle bowl, with miso broth, shiitake and edamame. There’s also pretty much everything in between.
OVE R AL L R E STAUR AN T
THE ROOST
526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380
Lafayette Winner: The Post Chicken & Beer Louisville Winner: Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro Niwot Winner: Farow This is not the first time The Roost has graced this list and it surely will not be the last. Burgers, burrito bowls and Thai pork tacos are joined by a solid whiskey list. It’s a foundational spot, proof that owner Sean Gafner is well on his way to becoming one of Longmont’s culinary head honchos.
Tangerine. Credit: Jacqueline Collins Photography
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BEST OF BOULDER - EAST COUNTY
2023
BOULDER WEEKLY
