Food BEST OF BOULDER

Thai Aloy Thai

2720 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303-440-2903

Silver: Buddha Thai

Bronze: Cafe Busaba

Write-in: Anchan Thai

Aloy Thai’s chef-driven approach has opened a lot of eyes in Boulder about the larger flavor possibilities in familiar Thai dishes. Aloy’s tom yum soup is a bright blast of aromatherapy with lemongrass, Thai chilies and lime leaves in a rich broth. Traditional som tum green papaya salad is infused with an off-the-charts lime dressing perfect with shrimp. On the mild side is royal curry simmered in sweet Thai peanut coconut sauce or the wide Thai Chef’s Noodles in Thai chili sauce. A word to the wise (or foolish): Don’t order anything “Thai hot” unless you are prepared to sweat profusely over your curry.

VEGGIE BURGER MOUNTAIN SUN PUBS & BREWERIES

Multiple Locations

Silver: Leaf Vegetarian

Bronze: Meta Burger

Write-in: The Sink

Virtually every Boulder eatery that serves burgers offers a meatless alternative. What makes Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries’ vegan Beyond Burger — a patty with lettuce, tomato and onion on a vegan ciabatta roll, so special our readers voted it the best in town? Maybe it is the high-quality burger toppings available including pesto, avocado, caramelized onions and roasted poblano chilies. It could be the sides ranging from hand-cut French fries to salad or cup of vegan green chili or the stellar craft ales brewed onsite. The winning burger is also dished daily at Mountain Sun’s sister eateries including Boulder’s Under the Sun and Southern Sun Pub & Brewery and Longs Peak Pub & Brewery in Longmont.

Vegetarian Friendly Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

1710 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-1485

Silver: Flower Child

Bronze: Modern Market

Write-in: Gemini

Boulder Weekly readers have more than just “friendly” feelings toward Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant. For years they’ve expressed their love for Leaf’s sustainably sourced, globally-inspired meatless fare Ranging from calamari-style oyster mushrooms to jackfruit enchiladas with Spanish rice, green chile and cotija cheese. In season, the restaurant sources much of its fresh produce from its sister, 12-acre organic farm 12 miles away in Lafayette.

Weekend brunch options include banana pudding French toast and a farro grain salad tossed with arugula, watercress, endive and pickled beets with pepitas in an orange vinaigrette. For dessert, getting your vegetables means Leaf’s rich carrot cake with vegan buttercream icing and candied walnuts.

Wings

WORLD FAMOUS DARK HORSE BAR & GRILL

2922 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303-442-8162

Silver: West End Tavern

Bronze: Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries

Nobody knows exactly when the World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill started frying up Buffalostyle chicken wings to pair with draft beers, but there is no mystery why the 48-year-old institution always beat the competition in this category. The kitchen starts with great local chicken from Red Bird Farms. They crisp-up big, three-joint wings and serve them properly with blue cheese dressing and fresh celery sticks. After that its personal taste with a menu of sauces and preparations including extra hot, barbecue, teriyaki, spicy dry rub and Carolinastyle barbecue or better yet, a combination. No wonder generations of students and locals have made these wings famous.