Best of Boulder East County 2022 – Drink

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Susan France 24 Carrot Bistro bartender Manny Sanchez

Cocktails

24 Carrot Bistro 

578 Briggs St., Erie, 303-828-1392

Longmont Winner: West Side Tavern

Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house 

Lafayette Winner: Community Supper Club 

Write-in Winner: Dry Land Distillery 

If it’s top-notch cocktails you’re after, look no further than Erie’s 24 Carrot Bistro. This dining destination may be known for its seasonal New American cuisine, but you’ll also find a drink list that’s nearly impossible to beat. Standouts include the Farmer’s Daughter (with a baseline of huckleberry-infused vodka) and La Madrina, featuring an intoxicating blend of tequila, elderflower, lemon vanilla, honey and peppercorn tincture.

Beer Selection

Avery Brewing 

4910 Nautilus Court, Boulder, 303-440-4324

Longmont Winner: Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse 

Louisville Winner: Gravity Brewing 

Write-in Winner: Rocky Mountain Tap & Garden 

Few craft beer purveyors are as synonymous with Boulder County as Avery Brewing. For nearly 30 years, this local leader has been the go-to joint for world-class brews. Whether you’re a hop head, malt lover or sour superfan, there’s a pint with your name on it at this intoxicating institution that’s been satisfying craft beer lovers since 1993. Grab a seat on the patio to enjoy familiar favorites like Ellie’s Brown Ale, alongside rare and seasonal offerings like the 16% ABV Rumpkin — an imperial pumpkin ale aged in rum barrels. 

Sue France

Distillery

Spirit Hound Distillers 

4196 Ute Highway, Lyons, 303-823-5696

Longmont Winner: Dry Land Distillers

Lafayette Winner: DEKI Distillery 

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Vapor Distillery 

It’s no secret that Spirit Hound’s all-malt, 100% Colorado whiskey is a big hit here at home. But this year the Lyons-based distillery proved their brand is bigger than the Front Range by making a splash across the pond, winning 2022 Whiskey of the Year at the 2022 London Spirits Competition. From their flagship whiskey to gin, vodka, rum and more, it’s easy to see why this homegrown distillery has been a local favorite since 2012. 

Bar 

West Side Tavern 

1283 Third Ave., Longmont, 720-526-0360

Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house 

Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro

Lafayette Winner: William Oliver’s 

Write-in Winner: Rocky Mountain Tap & Garden 

Serving up potent potables in the heart of historic Old Town Longmont, the West Side Tavern is a welcome site for thirsty BoCo revelers looking for craft cocktails, rare beers, fine wines and more. A true neighborhood gastropub, this must-stop spot prides itself on fresh ingredients in its libations and provisions. It’s one of the many reasons Boulder Weekly readers find themselves coming back to this Longmont institution. 

Coffee Roaster

OZO Coffee Co. 

1232A S. Hover St., Longmont, 720-600-6689

Lafayette Winner: Brewing Market Coffee 

Louisville Winner: Paul’s Coffee & Tea 

Erie Winner: Erie Coffee Roasters 

Write-in Winner: Nimbus Coffee Roaster 

No one knows beans like OZO Coffee Co. Thanks in part to their world-class roasting program, the local caffeine purveyor has built a reputation in Boulder County and beyond with peerless roasts like Creek Stomper, Cozy Cabin and Isabelle Espresso. OZO’s Longmont location has been serving up its full array of offerings in the Village at the Peaks development on Hover Street since 2015.

Susan France

Wine Selection

/pôr/ wine house

701 Main St., Louisville, 720-916-3296 

Longmont Winner: Sugarbeer

Erie Winner: Piripi

What makes Louisville’s /pôr/ wine house our readers’ pick for Best Wine Selection isn’t just their extensive list of white, red, rose and sparkling wines, it’s the knowledge and service their staff bring to the table. If you’re not sure what you like, let their in-house sommelier guide you through a sampling of wines until you find just the taste your palate craves. 

Happy Hour

Jefe’s Taco & Tequila 

246 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3790

Louisville Winner: Waterloo

Erie Winner: Piripi

Lafayette Winner: 95a Bistro & Sushi 

Write-in Winner: Teocalli Cocina 

Did somebody say happy hour? There’s a reason Boulder Weekly readers love Jefe’s Taco & Tequila — and it’s not just the chips and queso. In addition to mouthwatering menu favorites like carne asada fries and mango shrimp tacos, this Longmont hotspot also boasts a happy hour that’s hard to beat. Drop by between 3-5 p.m. every day for deals on eats like street tacos and chips and salsa ($2) along with libations like house margs and Pancho’s Punch ($5).

Cidery

Acreage by Stem Ciders 

1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 303-227-3243

Longmont Winner: St. Vrain Cidery

Erie Winner: The Old Mine 

There’s no better season for cider, and you’ll find more than 20 on tap at Acreage by Stem Ciders. This Lafayette hotspot grew out of Stem’s RiNo taproom in Denver, bringing the urban cider house experience to the East Boulder County countryside. In addition to fruit-forward brews like Pineapple Punch and fall favorites like Pumpkin Spice Latte, you’ll find lots of irresistible farm-to-table fare on the food menu at this Best of Boulder East County winner.

Latte/Mocha

OZO Coffee Co.

5340 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-440-0233

Longmont Winner: Ziggi’s Coffee 

Lafayette Winner: Brewing Market Coffee 

Something magic happens when perfectly steamed milk meets velvety dark espresso. That magic finds its purest expression at the Gunbarrel/East Boulder location of OZO Coffee Co. But if you’re in the market for something beyond a latte or mocha, you’ll find all your coffeeshop standbys along with non-coffee alternatives, small bites and more. 

Teahouse

The Huckleberry

700 Main St., Louisville, 303-666-8020

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Celestial Seasonings 

Lafayette Winner: The Read Queen 

Longmont Winner: MeCo Coffee Collective 

Black, green, white or herbal — whatever your taste, there’s a tea blend with your name on it at The Huckleberry in Louisville. It may be best known as a brunch hotspot, but this homegrown cafe owned by the operators of the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House is also the go-to spot for your favorite leafy brew. Drop by for the full afternoon tea experience, but be sure to make a reservation. 

Coffeehouse

Ziggi’s Coffeehouse 

Susan France

Multiple locations, Longmont, 303-800-0517

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: OZO Coffee Co. 

Lafayette Winner: East Simpson Coffee 

Louisville Winner: Bittersweet Cafe

Write-in Winner: Cave Girl 

Exceptional coffee is par for the course at Ziggi’s. Whether your regular order is a quick cold brew, chocolatey mocha, caramel macchiato or something in between, there’s something for every java lover on the menu of this Longmont bean slinger — along with teas, smoothies, small bites and more. Need a boost in a hurry? Skip the line by ordering ahead on the Ziggi mobile app. 

Margarita

Jefe’s Taco & Tequila 

246 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3790

Lafayette Winner: Teocalli Cocina 

Gunbarrel/East Boulder Winner: Efrain’s 

Louisville Winner: Pica’s 

Write-in Winner: Summit Tacos 

Blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice, orange liqueur and a splash of simple syrup. The basics of everyone’s favorite south-of-the-border indulgence aren’t particularly complicated, but the folks at Jefe’s Taco & Tequila have elevated it to an artform. That’s why they’re back at the top of the Best Margarita category once again. Drop by during Jefe’s also-awarded happy hour to get the most bang for your buck at this celebrated East Boulder County watering hole and restaurant.   

Best Craft Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company

1265 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303-772-0258

There’s a reason why Left Hand Brewing Company is Colorado’s most-awarded craft brewery. Since winning five Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medals during its first operating year in 1994, the Longmont-based brewhouse has delighted beer lovers of all stripes with staples like its winter warmer Nitro Milk Stout along with lighter and brighter offerings like its Flamingo Dreams Berry Blonde Ale, Key Lime Pie Sour and St. Vrain Tripel.

“We make beers that are approachable to a wide audience,” says head brewer Gary Glass. “We started with our flagship Sawtooth Amber Ale, which is very easy-drinking, and then we got into the Milk Stout, which appeals to a very wide audience as well. And we have always focused on quality, so people know they’re getting a good product when they purchase from Left Hand.” 

That focus on quality has helped Left Hand build an enthusiastic fan base well beyond Boulder County. This year, the brewery took home two medals at the 2022 GABF — including Brewery of the Year (15,000 to 100,000 barrels) — bringing its hardware haul from the world-renowned beer festival to a staggering 29. 

“We worked hard, and we take pride in what we do,” Glass says. “So when we get recognition like Best Brewery from Boulder Weekly (readers), or we win medals at the Great American Beer Festival, it really rejuvenates us. It means a ton, and makes it that much easier to come in and give it our all every day.”

TOWN WINNERS

Best Brewery

Gunbarrel/East Boulder

Winner: Avery Brewing 

Broomfield Winner:

4 Noses Brewing Company

Lafayette Winner:

Liquid Mechanics 

Write-in Winner: Bootstrap Brewing Company