Overall Restaurant
Blackbelly
1606 Conestoga St., Boulder
Blackbelly is beloved by our voters because it best represents what “Boulder cuisine” can be. It has also been recognized with the most prestigious international honors a restaurant can earn: recommended status and the Green Star from Michelin, and recognition of Kelly Kawachi, Blackbelly’s head butcher, as Michelin’s top Colorado culinary professional. The Boulder location was recently renovated, expanding the restaurant’s market area offering wine, house-baked breads and pastries, espresso drinks and the famous breakfast burritos.
Silver: Flagstaff House
Bronze: Jax Fish House
Write-in: Farra
New Restaurant
Just BE Kitchen
2500 30th St., Boulder
Whatever you think “healthy” food is, at Just BE Kitchen that definition includes chicken and dumplings with carrots in chicken gravy and a salted caramel brownie trifle. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, including the grass-fed burgers. The wraps, soups, salads and curry are all clearly labeled as egg free, keto, nut-free or vegan. All-day breakfast features a burrito that stuffs eggs, sausage, Cheddar Wiz and sweet potatoes inside an almond flour tortilla with pork or vegan green chile.
Silver: Farra
Bronze: Stella’s Cucina
Food Truck
McDevitt
Taco Supply
4800 Baseline Road, Suite C 110, Boulder
3550 Frontier Ave. (Sanitas Brewing), Boulder
McDevitt Taco Supply started in 2011 as a little cart on the Pearl Street Mall. The taco tradition continues with a brick-and-mortar location, carts at events and music festivals and a permanent stall on the patio at Sanitas Brewery. The made-for-beer menu includes McDevitt’s chicken wings, nachos, Mexican street corn, green chile mac and cheese plus a lineup of corn tortilla-wrapped tacos.
Silver: Los Dos Bros
Bronze: La Pupusa Loca
Write-in: Falafayette
Place to Eat Outdoors
Chautauqua Dining Hall
900 Baseline Road, Boulder
It’s not hard to understand why the landmark Chautauqua Dining Hall was our readers’ top choice for al fresco dining. So many locals and visitors have experienced a blissed-out brunch on the eatery’s majestic wraparound porch. Summer diners gaze out on Chautauqua’s tranquil, tree-lined green expanse while they enjoy Colorado-focused dishes from the same team behind Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant and the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. Be aware that weekend brunch on the porch is so in-demand that diners arrive extra-early to secure a prime table with a view.
Silver: Acreage by Stem Ciders
Bronze: Rayback Collective
Write-in: Corrida
Place to Go on a First Date
Boulder Dushanbe Tea House
1770 13th St., Boulder
There are so many cool things to talk about on a first date at the 25-year-old Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse that you might forget how nervous you are. For starters, there is the eye-catching décor: ornate hand-carved painted Tajik columns, a fragrant, rose-filled patio garden. An international menu ranges from samosas and char siu bao to chicken karaage. If you think you’ll have a lot in common, linger longer over British afternoon tea at North America’s only authentic Persian teahouse.
Silver: Rayback Collective
Bronze: Jax Fish House
Write-in: Barchetta
Restaurant Dessert
The Huckleberry
700 Main St., Louisville
They say initial impressions mean the most. The first thing you see when you walk into the Huckleberry are glass display cases jammed with desserts. Your eye catches sight of fruit pies, cookies, pastries and muffins. No matter what you order from the extensive menu, it is hard to resist topping off the meal with something sweet. Will it be a slice of carrot cake, triple chocolate layer cake, raspberry poppyseed cake or peach huckleberry pie? Make it a la mode, of course.
Silver: Flagstaff House Restaurant
Bronze: Boulder Cork
Write-in: Gemini
Restaurant Service
Flagstaff House Restaurant
1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder
Many restaurants offer fine food and a nice ambience, but truly exceptional service is a rarity. Service is the shining element that elevates each dining experience at the Flagstaff House with professional, friendly and knowledgeable servers. They can tell you all about chef Chris Royster’s cuisine and a cellar full of the world’s best wines.
Silver: Frasca Food & Wine
Bronze: Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
Write-in: Farra
Food Delivery
Cosmo’s Pizza
3117 28th St., Boulder
659 30th St., Boulder
520 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette
There was a time when delivery in Boulder meant pizza or Chinese food. Now, even though dozens of cuisines are at your doorstep, our readers still gave their votes to a golden oldie. Cosmo’s has been satisfying appetites at home since the first location opened on the Hill in 2001. There’s nothing like popping open that hot box containing a supreme, Greek veggie, Hawaiian or meat lovers pie. You must get a pint of Cosmo’s famous spicy ranch to dip the crusts.
Silver: Snarf’s Sandwiches
Bronze: Abo’s Pizza
Write-in: Peckish
Take Out
Snarf’s
Multiple locations
We think Snarf’s annual domination of this Best of Boulder category comes down to immediate gratification of our cravings. Easy online ordering and customization makes takeout a breeze from the Boulder-born restaurant chain, especially if you know and love one particular fully loaded sandwich. We alternate between the classic Italian on a toasted bun with signature giardinera, or the McSnarf — roast beef, American cheese, 1000 island dressing and no sesame seeds on the bun.
Silver: Aloy Thai
Bronze: Busaba
Write-in: Falafayette
Kid friendly
Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries
Mountain Sun: 1535 Pearl St., Boulder
Southern Sun and Under the Sun: 627 S. Broadway, Boulder
Longs Peak Pub and Taphouse: 600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont
We are fairly certain that no 4-year-olds participated in Best of Boulder voting, so we assume their parents gave Mountain Sun this nod of approval. This local institution goes the extra mile to make kids feel at home with coloring books, crayons and games and rapidly delivered pizza, grilled cheese and chicken tenders. That allows Mom and Dad to relax with an ale and a burger.
Silver: Lucky Pie Pizza and Taphouse
Bronze: Walnut Cafe and Southside Walnut Cafe
Late night
World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill
2922 Baseline Road, Boulder
Several generations of locals and CU graduates are breathing a collective sigh of relief. News that developers planned to raze the Dark Horse prompted fans to protest at a public meeting. The plan now is to build a new Dark Horse on the property featuring all the decorative “artifacts.” No worries. You have at least two years to grab a burger, fries and a draft at last call before they take the old place down.
Silver: Cosmo’s Pizza
Bronze: Illegal Pete’s
Business lunch
Rosetta Hall
1109 Walnut St., Boulder
Lunch has slowly made a comeback in Boulder. The same challenge remains: Where can we dine downtown at noon and make everybody happy? Readers gave Rosetta Hall their votes because the Walnut Street institution offers so many high-quality choices in one room. The rotating food stalls may very well be different by the time you read this, but in the past have featured Middle Eastern, Italian, Thai, American, Chinese, Latin American, izakaya-style Japanese and a bakery.
Silver: Brasserie Ten Ten
Bronze: The Kitchen American Bistro
Write-in: Gemini
Catering
Blackbelly
1606 Conestoga St., Boulder
Blackbelly has become famous for its fine dinners, breakfast burritos and a top-notch butcher shop, but chef Hosea Rosenberg started it as a catering company in 2011. Blackbelly caters everything from weddings and birthdays to business events. The service can be white tablecloth fancy or a gathering around a smoker enjoying Rosenberg’s favorite New Mexican dishes.
Silver: McDevitt Taco Supply
Bronze: A Spice of Life Catering
Write-in: Falafayette
Fine Dining
Flagstaff House
1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder
Honestly, we forget most restaurant meals shortly after we eat them. When Boulder diners want to recall and savor every detail of a dinner experience, the special occasion destination is the Flagstaff House Restaurant. From the pampering service to the mountainside view and a 6,000-bottle wine cellar, this landmark is dressed to impress. The menu spotlights luxe ingredients like wagyu beef and caviar.
Silver: OAK at Fourteenth
Bronze: Black Cat
Write-in: Stella’s Cucina
Organic restaurant
Flower Child
2580 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Boulder’s older resident flower children from the 1960s still chuckle about the name of this chain eatery, but they also head there for lunch. It’s rare to find a customizable menu featuring organic ingredients in bowls, salads, wraps suitable for Paleo, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free diners. Flower Child’s sustainable beverages range from organic wines to kombucha.
Silver: Leaf Vegetarian
Bronze: Bramble & Hare
Write-in: Just BE Kitchen
Gluten-free menu
Flower Child
2580 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Finding a place that meets all your friends’ particular diet needs can make going out for dinner a genuine challenge. Flower Child is in the business of making it easier. The big menu is packed with bowls, salads and wraps all prepared gluten-free including ginger miso crunch salad, chicken enchiladas and the popular Glow Bowl.
Silver: Leaf Vegetarian
Bronze: Tangerine
Write-in: Just BE Kitchen
Vegetarian friendly
Flower Child
2580 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 110, Boulder
It’s not hard to find vegetarian dishes on local restaurant menus. The challenge is having several interesting meatless choices at one eatery. Flower Child meets the moment with a customizable menu packed with options. These range from avocado toast with a soft egg to an Italian chopped salad. The Mother Earth bowl embraces grains, sweet potato, portobello and more.
Silver: Leaf Vegetarian
Bronze: Modern Market
Write-in: Falafayette
Appetizers/Tapas
Dagabi Cucina
3970 Broadway, Unit 101, Boulder
Long before there were small plates, charcuterie boards and tasting menus, the Spanish had mastered the art of the happy hour snack. Spanish-born chef Antonio Rullo maintains a full menu of hot and cold tapas at Dagabi Cucina. Appetites get piqued by chicken and serrano ham croquetas (fritters) and shrimp sautéed in spicy garlic sauce. Among the top tapas are steamed mussels in tomato red chile broth and sautéed greens with shallots and feta cheese.
Silver: Gemini
Bronze: McDevitt Taco Supply
Write-in: Farra
Burger
Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries
Multiple locations
It’s not a burger joint, but Mountain Sun Pubs wins this category consistently. Their simple secret is always taking burgers seriously. They start with a 1/3-pound patty of freshly ground Colorado beef or bison, grill it to order and serve it on a better bun. Personalization includes cheese choices and signature toppings. The patty piece de resistance is Mountain Sun’s Junk Burger, a gloriously messy joy layered with bacon, cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and roasted garlic mayo.
Silver: World Famous Dark Horse
Bronze: Snarfburger
Write-in: Jungle
Veggie Burger
Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries
Multiple locations
Besides a multitude of brews and non-alcoholic beverages and many meaty options, Mountain Sun offers burger lovers tasty meatless alternatives. A grilled Beyond Burger or vegan black bean patty is dished with lettuce, tomatoes and onion on a gluten-free ciabatta roll. Then the fun starts. Get it topped with cheese from blue to Swiss, spread with pesto or mustard and crowned with avocado, caramelized onions and roasted poblano chilies.
Silver: Meta Burger
Bronze: Leaf Vegetarian
Bagel
Moe’s Broadway Bagel
Multiple locations
Moe’s Broadway Bagel has owned our Best Bagel category for years. Our readers love the endless variety starting with more than a dozen bagels including cranberry walnut, Italian (everything), pumpernickel and jalapeno. Add cream cheese options like bacon horseradish, maple walnut and sundried tomato. Sandwich must-haves range from the Manhattan layered with lox and plain cream cheese to the Sunshine Daydream: turkey, garlic and herb cream cheese. Beyond bagels, the menu includes Moe’s made-to-order burrito stuffed with eggs, sausage, potatoes, red salsa and cheese smothered in green chile.
Silver: Big Daddy Bagels
Bronze: WoodGrain Bagel and Deli
Burrito
Illegal Pete’s
1447 Pearl St., Boulder
1124 13th St., Boulder
657 South Broadway, Boulder
Illegal Pete’s mission since its first spot opened on the Hill in 1995 has been to dish the best fast-casual, Mission-style burritos in town. At Illegal Pete’s, warm tortillas are wrapped around diners’ particular choices. Will it be grilled chicken, steak, barbacoa, Mexican Coke carnitas or fajita veggies? Cilantro-lime white rice or Spanish-style brown rice? Black or pinto beans? Customize with sauces, salsas and toppings. The same fillings and salsas are available in the form of bowls, salads, nachos and tacos. By the time you’re reading this, their newest location may be open at the Table Mesa shopping center.
Silver: Efrain’s
Bronze: Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant
Write-in: Just BE Kitchen
Pancake/Waffle
Snooze: An A.M. Eatery
1617 Pearl St., Boulder
While some a.m. eateries plate the same old rubbery flapjacks made from a mix, Snooze celebrates scratch-made pancakes in multiple variations. Fans can order a flight of pancakes, choosing from among blueberry Danish, pineapple upside down, sweet potato and strawberry shortcake. Gluten-free and vegan cakes are available along with real Vermont maple syrup. The menu also features French toast, shrimp and grits, eggs Benedict and breakfast tacos.
Silver: Walnut Cafe
Bronze: Tangerine
American Restaurant
Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries
Multiple locations
Mountain Sun truly is an American restaurant and brewery. The menu boasts classics like burgers, burritos, fries, BLT sandwiches, mac and cheese and beer. Frankly, all those items are immigrants from other lands. Maybe what makes Mountain Sun all-American is the welcoming, family-friendly approach it takes to its employees and customers. Also, Mountain Sun Pubs resolutely objects to the banking system by only accepting cash and checks — no credit or debit cards. (Though that policy has been somewhat loosened since COVID.)
Silver: World Famous Dark Horse
Bronze: Blackbelly Market
Write-in: Peckish
Asian Fusion
Japango
1136 Pearl St., Boulder
Japango is much-loved by fans for its classic sushi and Japanese dishes, yet the menu has a taste of fusion. For starters, crisply fried Brussels sprouts are dished with aged soy sauce and shichimi togarashi seasoning. Wasabi dressing perks up potstickers stuffed with non-traditional lobster. East-meets-West in Japango’s tempura-fried serrano chiles stuffed with spicy tuna and cream cheese and drizzled with sweet eel sauce, mayo and sriracha. Green tea crème brulee and yuzu panna cotta bring it all together.
Silver: Aloy Thai
Bronze: Busaba
Bakery
Moxie Bread Co.
4593 N. Broadway, Boulder
641 Main St., Louisville
442 High St., Lyons
Moxie Bread Co. has devoted itself to producing breads and baked goods worth appreciating since the bakery was founded by the late Andy Clark. Whether for ciabatta rolls, sweet buttery kouign-amann or crusty Algerian baguettes, Moxie goes the extra mile to source locally grown heirloom grains milled fresh every week in Boulder. Devoted fans speak reverently of the bakery’s weekend-only fougasse, a savory French pretzel.
Silver: Lucky’s Bakehouse
Bronze: Spruce Confections
Write-in: Boxcar Coffee
Barbecue
Georgia Boys BBQ
250 3rd Ave., Longmont
Certain loud people insist that Colorado doesn’t have any great barbecue. Those folks clearly have never sighed over the Tennessee Sticky Pig, a maple bourbon-glazed smoked pork belly offered at Georgia Boys BBQ, our readers’ strong choice for Boulder County’s top ’cue. Naysayers see the smoky light once they dig into a platter of ribs, smoked chicken thighs, hot links, pulled pork and brisket with all the comfy sauces and sides.
Silver: KT’s BBQ
Bronze: West End Tavern
Breakfast/Brunch
Lucile’s Creole Cafe
2124 14th St., Boulder
518 Kimbark St., Longmont
544 Briggs St., Erie
Sure, it’s nice that Coach Prime gives a thumbs-up to Lucile’s Creole Cafe, but the charming eatery in a small Boulder house has topped our brunch list for decades. Lucile’s offers a Louisiana culinary education starting with chicory coffee and sugar-dusted beignets with graduate work in etouffee and gumbo. The Cajun Breakfast lays poached eggs over meaty red beans under a Hollandaise blanket with grits, a buttermilk biscuit and house-made strawberry-rhubarb jam.
Silver: Tangerine
Bronze: Walnut Cafe and Southside Walnut Cafe
Write-in: Just BE Kitchen
Chinese
Zoe Ma Ma
2010 10th St., Boulder
Currently in the process of moving to 919 Pearl St.
Chinese home and street food classics fill the menu at Zoe Ma Ma. It’s not surprising that owner Edwin Zoe was recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist for his devotion to authentic recipes and scratch-made ingredients. Zoe crafts freshly made noodles for dishes like Beijing-style Za Jiang Mian with ground pork and bean sauce. Summer must-tastes include cool sesame egg noodles with tofu, veggies and sesame-ginger dressing and curry-peanut chicken salad with crispy rice noodles.
Silver: China Gourmet
Bronze: Flower Pepper
Chocolatier
Piece, Love & Chocolate
805 Pearl St., Boulder
Our readers highly recommend Boulder’s tastiest immersive experience at Piece, Love & Chocolate. A sweet cacao cloud envelopes guests as they choose between sipping chocolate, chocolate cake and chocolate bars. Sweet dreams arise from glass cases displaying dozens of exotically filled chocolate truffles ranging from caramel pecan to cherry cordials.
Silver: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Bronze: Chocolove
Ice Cream
Sweet Cow
637 Front St., Louisville
2628 Broadway, Boulder
669 S. Broadway, Boulder
600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont
We’re not the only ones who make a beeline to Sweet Cow on sweaty summer evenings — sometimes you gotta have a scoop of super-creamy Ozo Coffee ice cream. Our readers express their love annually for this Louisville-born creamery. Sweet Cow’s lineup of original flavors includes chill palate-pleasers like Thai iced tea ice cream and Larry’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Madness. The hardest decision is whether to enjoy it scooped in a cup, pretzel cone or in an Instagram-worthy hot fudge sundae.
Silver: Gelato Boy
Bronze: Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato
Write-in: Heaven Creamery
Indian
Sherpa’s Adventure Restaurant and Bar
825 Walnut St., Boulder
Thanks to Sherpa’s, several generations of Boulderites have developed a serious jones for momo. Whether filled with vegetables, beef or chicken, these steamed Nepali noodle dumplings are an irresistible treat dipped with chutney. The Indian entrees range from mild and creamy korma to the genuinely fiery vindaloo curry — meat or fish in a tart, tomato-based sauce. Try the Tibetan-inspired thukpa — a big bowl of broth, noodles and vegetables — with yak. Nothing beats a cold beer on Sherpa’s embowered patio with hot-from-the-tandoor garlic and cheese naan and an order of silky saag paneer for dipping.
Silver: Kathmandu Restaurant II
Bronze: Tandoori Grill
Write-in: Curry ’N’ Kebob
Italian
Carelli’s of Boulder
645 30th St., Boulder
Carelli’s deserves its landmark status as a perennial winner in this category. Since 1991, it has been the white tablecloth, Italian destination for Williams Village residents when their parents visit. Local date night regulars have a soft spot in their hearts for the ambience and service and a craving for tortellini, salmon carpaccio, gnocchi, spaghetti aglio e olio and the eatery’s famous chicken parmigiana.
Silver: Il Pastaio Ristorante
Bronze: Pasta Jay’s
Write-in: Stella’s Cucina
Japanese
Japango
1136 Pearl St., Boulder
Japango has always celebrated the best of traditional Japanese cuisine beyond sushi, sashimi and the standard appetizers. Diners take the opportunity to stretch their palates with starters like teriyaki-grilled yellowtail collar and tender squid salad dished over greens with soy vinaigrette. They branch out for maki middled with pickled plum and shiso leaf. Comfort comes in the form of Yanagawa Nabe, a bowl of dashi broth with freshwater eel, poached egg, tender burdock root and veggies.
Silver: Hapa Sushi
Bronze: AOI Sushi
Mediterranean
Falafel King
1314 Pearl St., Boulder
Pearl Street Mall eateries have come and gone, but one landmark has satisfied our Mediterranean cravings since 1980. Inside, the antique tin ceiling and food remain exactly the same at Falafel King. We still love the savory falafel nuggets fresh from the fryer in a pita, with creamy hummus and a fresh salad with feta.
Silver: CAVA
Bronze: Ali Baba Grill
Write-in: Falafayette
Mexican
Efrain’s
2480 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette
When Efrain’s opened its spacious new location near McGuckin Hardware, many locals finally tasted what the restaurant’s longtime fans have crowed about. There’s green chile, and then there is Efrain’s fiery chile verde, a brothy bowl of roasted peppers and fall-apart pork. You can hear the fajitas coming from across the dining room. Families come for the familiar enchiladas, Mexican ribs and huevos rancheros. That’s why voters lifted a Mason jar “coin” margarita to toast Efrain’s in this category. Pass the complimentary salsa and freshly fried chips.
Silver: Teocalli Cocina
Bronze: T/ACO
Write-in: Rosa Cantina
Pho
Boulder Pho & Grill
2855 28th St., Boulder
Best of Boulder voters know a satisfying, affordable meal when they taste it. Family-owned Boulder Pho & Grill starts with steaming, slow-cooked broth. They add oodles of long, soft, chewy rice noodles and top them with rare steak, brisket, shrimp or barbecue pork. Topping it with fresh sprouts, onions, herbs, jalapeno and a squirt of sriracha creates a giant bowl of yum.
Silver: Chez Thuy
Bronze: Black Pepper Pho
Cosmo’s Pizza
Winner: Pizza slice, pizza restaurant
Multiple locations
Cue the disco music and dance into Cosmo’s Pizza for a slice you can fold over and eat immediately, burning the roof of your mouth in the process. That dough triangle is shoved into a blazing oven topped with sausage and mushrooms and, probably, extra cheese. The pizzeria offers a slew of craveable variations for every taste (including those pineapple people). Which is probably why Weekly readers picked Cosmo’s for best slice and best pizza restaurant.
Pizza slice
Silver: Audrey Jane’s
Pizza Garage
Bronze: Abo’s Pizza
Pizza restaurant
Silver: Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage
Bronze: Barchetta
Write-in: Pizza Colore
Seafood
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
928 Pearl St., Boulder
Aw, shucks! The recently renovated Jax Fish House is all set to celebrate its 30th anniversary with special events and tons of oysters. The Boulder-born destination has expanded to locations in Colorado and nearby states. Led by chef Sheila Lucero, Jax has done as much as any Colorado eatery to promote sustainable seafood to support sustainable wild and farm fisheries across the globe.
Silver: Sushi Zanmai
Bronze: Tortugas
Write-in: Maine Shack
Sushi
Japango
1136 Pearl St., Boulder
Sushi seems to be available everywhere from supermarkets to gas stations. Kids take sushi for school lunch. Japango is the place to explore beyond California or Philadelphia rolls. The well-seasoned chefs serve an impressive lineup of first-class fish and seafood as familiar seaweed-wrapped nigiri, or simply sliced as tuna, salmon and yellowtail sashimi. Sushi rice can be topped with kunsei (smoked salmon) or hotate (grilled scallop) for a chirashi bowl.
Silver: Hapa Sushi
Bronze: Sushi Zanmai
Write-in: Sumo Sushi
Thai
Aloy Thai
2720 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
Aloy Thai has helped open Boulder diners’ eyes and palates to a world of Thai flavors beyond the usual menu suspects. For instance, the Crying Tiger is a distinctive grilled steak infused with tart tamarind sauce. Sourcing great ingredients, Aloy’s chefs balance the dance of salty, spicy, sweet and umami elements in curries, noodle dishes, fried-rice plates, soups and salads. Aloy Thai also does the classics well such as pad Thai, tom yum soup and green papaya salad. And, yes, ordering anything “Thai hot” — like the Sriracha Noodle bathed in Aloy’s house-made hot sauce — guarantees a burn.
Silver: Busaba
Bronze: Chez Thuy
Write-in: Mana Thai
Sandwich
Snarf’s Sandwiches
Multiple locations
Founded in Boulder by sandwich evangelist Jimmy Seidel, Snarf’s has spread the loaf gospel to Front Range and out-of-state locations. Snarf’s always wins this category because of Seidel’s ongoing obsession with the essentials: oven-toasted bread, high quality fillings and careful layering. The menu ranges from classic subs like the italian and customer-devised variations on the not-on-the-menu menu. One winner is the german dog sub, featuring a beef hot dog, bacon, Swiss, horseradish, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, pickles and hot peppers.
Silver: Organic Sandwich Co.
Bronze: Moxie Bread Co.
Taco
T/ACO
1175 Walnut St., Boulder
Taco boredom never gets a chance at T/ACO, which boasts more than 20 variations dished properly in warm griddled corn tortillas with house-made salsas. Favorite fillings include grilled barbacoa beef, pork carnitas with pineapple and braised duck with verde mole. Fish or shrimp tacos can be paired with one of eight margaritas on the menu. Needless to say, this is ground zero on Taco Tuesday in Boulder.
Silver: McDevitt Taco Supply
Bronze: Bartaco
Write-in: Santo
Wings
World Famous Dark Horse Bar & Grill
2922 Baseline Road, Boulder
Forget the burgers! Boulder Weekly foodies say the reason the Dark Horse is so darn famous is the wings. The house sauces range from hot and extra hot to barbecue, Carolina-style, teriyaki and dry rubbed. The plump fried wings are properly side-kicked with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks. A half century after opening, developers plan to tear down the Dark Horse and recreate it on site. Fans are fine so long as the cool stuff on the ceiling and the chicken wings migrate to the new place.
Silver: Peckish
Bronze: Mountain Sun Pubs and Breweries
Write-in: Urban Field Pizza & Market
East County Restaurant
The Post Chicken & Beer
105 W. Emma St., Lafayette
It’s hard to narrow down exactly why our readers chose The Post. Obviously, reason No. 1 is the spot-on gluten-free fried chicken paired with a house-brewed ale. But deviled eggs with honey-cured bacon, Hatch green chile mac and cheese, and warm cheddar biscuits also make for happy customers at the original Lafayette locations and six sister Front Range outposts. Ask the kids, and they’ll vote for The Post’s chocolate s’mores pudding jar.
Silver: Teocalli Cocina
Bronze: Efrain’s
Write-in: Community Supper Club
Food on the Hill
The Sink
1165 13th St., Boulder
When The Sink turned 100 last year with festivities and a documentary film, the focus was on the restaurant’s colorful history, cool wall art and famous employees. While it certainly retains its beer-y CU legacy, The Sink today is a charming dinner spot. Burgers, wings, pizza and a huge warm cookie are still available, but the menu takes some sophisticated turns. Try the Nashville hot chicken with cinnamon and sugar churros or the brothy, cheesy French onion soup. Regulars praise the grilled salmon sandwich with house-made pickles, and the healthy, satisfying Greekout Mediterranean salad with blackened chicken.
Silver: Illegal Pete’s
Bronze: Cafe Aion
Write-in: Ginger Pig
Lyons Restaurant
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
303 Main St.
While the Oskar Blues beer brand was sold off two years ago, Oskar Blues Grill & Brew in Lyons is still proudly owned by the original founders. Since 1997, the establishment has functioned as an eatery for locals and visitors, a community gathering spot and one of the area’s best live music venues. The burgers, garlic mashers and jambalaya still bring in the dinner crowd, and the ales are still exceptional.
Silver: Marigold
Bronze: Mojo Taqueria
Nederland Restaurant
Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse
4 E. 1st St.
A day of fun in the mountains often ends at our reader’s favorite Nederland gathering spot. Crosscut is serious about their crust, using Colorado-milled grain that is fermented for three days. It’s hard to beat the nicely charred, bubbled crust created by the wood-fired oven. One of the most popular pizzas is the Teo (aka “Extra Special Cheese”) topped with bacon, jalapeños, Parmesan, mozzarella, tomato sauce and house-made chile honey. Crosscut’s deck with a creek view is Nederland’s most excellent al fresco dining spot.
Silver: Kathmandu
Bronze: Backcountry Pizza & Taphouse