AMERICAN
The Roost
526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
Lafayette Winner: The Post Chicken & Beer
Louisville Winner: The Waterloo
Niwot Winners (tie): Niwot Tavern, Farow
Lyons Winner: Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
The Roost celebrates “American” food, which means its menu is stocked with the best dishes brought here from other places. That means favorites like German-born hamburgers, Canadian-inspired short rib poutine and Mediterranean lamb gyros. Fans love the atmosphere and service, whether they’re at The Roost for beers after work, post-soccer dinner or date-night lamb chops and wine.
APPETIZERS / TAPAS
The Roost
526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380
Louisville Winner: /pôr/ wine house
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
Lafayette Winner: Community Supper Club
It’s no surprise that The Roost won over our readers’ taste buds from the start with a big menu of appetizer winners and beer-friendly snacks. Consider the eatery’s hard-to-resist Totchos — think nachos with tater tots instead of chips — plus a stellar roasted pear salad with goat cheese and creamy scallop chowder. The something-for-everyone small plates include vegan crisply fried cauliflower, blistered shishitos and a hummus bowl with falafel.
ASIAN FUSION
Busaba
133 McCaslin Blvd., Unit H, Louisville, 303-665-0330
Longmont Winner: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi
Lafayette Winner: Pho Cafe
Since opening in 2010, Busaba has won over fans one bowl at a time and opened a second location in Boulder. Besides classic Thai preparations from pad Thai to pumpkin curry, Busaba crafts Asian favorites like Laotian larb, Japanese potstickers, and Vietnamese summer rolls. Don’t skip dessert! Top off dinner with fresh mango with sweet sticky rice or coconut ice cream.
BAKERY
Moxie Bread Co.
641 Main St., Louisville, 720-420-9616
Longmont Winner: Babette’s Bakery
Lafayette Winner: Jeannot’s Patisserie & Bistro
Moxie Bread Company has won local and national awards since late master baker Andy Clark opened the bakery in 2015. Moxie uses organic, heirloom grains and slow fermentation to hand-craft chewy, crusty loaves and tender pastries, like the signature buttery, flaky kouign-amann (QUEEN-ah-mahn). Coffee drinks, sandwiches and freshly milled flour are also available at cozy Moxie locations in Boulder and Lyons.
BAGELS
Moe’s Broadway Bagel
225 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3740
Lafayette Winner: Big Daddy Bagels
Louisville Winner: Moxie Bread Co.
Broomfield Winner: First Watch
We still love our Moe’s Bagels after all these years. It could be the fresh baked, chewy garlic bagel smeared with house-made artichoke Parmesan cream cheese. We always look forward to Moe’s sandwiches: egg, sausage and Swiss in the a.m., or a toasted Reuben with a big cookie for lunch. Our change-of-pace treat is the first-class stuffed burrito.
BARBECUE
Georgia Boys BBQ Co.
250 3rd Ave., Longmont, 720-999-4099
Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ
Lyons Winner: Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew
Superior Winner: Wayne’s Smoke Shack
Westminster Winner: GQue BBQ
Gunbarrel Winner: Avery Brewing Co.
Started by two native Peach State sons in 2011, Georgia Boys wins your votes annually for one simple reason: the meats. Smoke-infused ribs, pork, chicken, hot links and beef can be enjoyed on mac-n-cheese bowls and
salads, over fries, in sandwiches and as a highly craveable starter. The Tennessee Sticky Pig is salty smoked pork belly cubes in maple bourbon glaze.
BREAKFAST / BRUNCH
Lucile’s Creole Cafe
518 Kimbark St., Longmont, 303-774-9814
Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry
Lafayette Winner: Morning Glory Cafe
Niwot Winner: Garden Gate Cafe
Broomfield Winner: First Watch
Long before Coach Prime dropped by and gave his thumbs-up to the grits,
Lucile’s was taking top honors every year in the Best Breakfast/Brunch category. Now, the eatery’s new Erie location is introducing more East Boulder County diners to Creole-style shrimp and grits, sausage gravy over a house-baked biscuit, red beans and crawfish etouffee. A plate of warm, sugary beignets usually seals the deal.
BURGER
The Waterloo
817 Main St., Louisville, 303-993-2094
Louisville Winner: Mudrock’s Tap & Tavern
Longmont Winner: Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
The name of this category should really be “Best Burgers” for this year’s winner. The Waterloo serves a burger suited to every taste at your table whether they crave a half-pound beef patty, grilled chicken breast, bison burger or Beyond Burger patty. Besides the classic lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles, topping choices range from gorgonzola cheese to peanut butter on a regular or gluten-free bun. The Waterloo’s fries are fantastic.
BURRITO
Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant
101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303-666-7544
Longmont Winner: Jefes Tacos & Tequila
Lyons Winner: La Mariposa Restaurant & Margarita House
Niwot Winner: Raza Fresa
Against top-notch Mexican restaurant competition from Lyons to Longmont, Efrain’s won top burrito honors in East Boulder County. Adventurous diners can choose the Efrain Burrito and let the chef decide what to stuff inside a large flour tortilla. We recommend having it Christmas-style — topped with half red enchilada sauce and half hot green chile. Kids can order the smaller, milder Nino Burrito.
BUSINESS LUNCH
The Roost
526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380
Lafayette Winner: Teocalli Cocina
Louisville Winner: 740 Front
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
The Roost’s comfortable dining spaces aren’t too noisy or worse, too quiet. The veteran servers know how to get diners in and out of the eatery in an hour. From Thai pork tacos to Chilean salmon with couscous, the menu aims to satisfy diverse tastes. The Roost owners, Sean and Rebecca Gafner, know business people’s needs since they also operate Jefes Tacos and Tequila, Smokin Bowls, Swaylo’s Tiki Restaurant and this year’s Best New Business, 99 Saloon.
CATERING
Georgia Boys BBQ Co.
250 3rd Ave., Longmont, 720-999-4099
East Boulder Winner: A Spice of Life Catering
Lafayette Winner: Butcher & The Blonde
Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry
If you conducted an anonymous poll of people who attend parties, we bet the majority would rather have barbecue than whatever the host is serving. Over the years, folks have learned to leave the catering to Georgia Boys, whether for 10 people or a hundred. Guests rave about the ribs, mac-n-cheese and smoky pulled pork with savory sauces. Take the pressure off yourself and let Georgia Boys cater your next shindig.
CHINESE
Tasty Asia Restaurant
736 Main St., Longmont, 303-772-6888
Longmont Winner: East Moon Asian Bistro & Sushi
Lafayette Winner: Colorado Wok
Fans love Tasty Asia because it delivers no surprises with fast service for delivery, take-out or dine-in. The menu focuses on the popular favorites of Chinese-American cuisine from kung pao beef to moo shu shrimp. Complete lunch choices include an egg roll, a crab cheese wonton, steamed rice and a choice of soup. The huge menu also features Thai noodle dishes and curries.
DOUGHNUTS
LaMar’s Donuts
133 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720-890-3875
Longmont Winner: Landline Doughnuts & Coffee
Lafayette Winner: Noks Donuts
Broomfield Winner: 5280 Donuts
Niwot Winner: Niwot Market
Once a year, East Boulder County residents fill out their ballot and always agree on one thing: They love their LaMar’s Donuts and name it their favorite. That sort of doughnut devotion only comes from serious research sampling 50 flavors of knots, twists, fritters, cream-filled maple iced bars. We’ll take two original glazed and a strong cup of regular coffee.
FINE DINING
24 Carrot Bistro. Credit: Jacqueline Collins Photography
24 Carrot Bistro
578 Briggs St., Erie, 303-828-1392
Louisville Winner: 740 Front
Longmont Winner: Sugarbeet
Niwot Winner (tie): 1914 House; Farow
Lafayette Winner: Community Supper Club
Even though 24 Carrot Bistro is a bit of a drive for most Boulder County diners, they happily trek to this intimate Erie eatery. Diners offer kudos for the imaginative cuisine using fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, not to mention the ambience and service. The menu from co-owners Bianca Retzloff and Kevin Kidd includes an irresistible small-plates lineup ranging from crispy duck confit with polenta to crab cakes and savory Parmesan-roasted cabbage. The lemon brick chicken is a genuine finger-licking treat, with salt-roasted fingerling potatoes. Three words about dessert: 24 Carrot Cake!
FOOD TRUCK
Biscuits@Mike’s
Biscuits @ Mike’s. Credit: Jacqueline Collins Photography
Longmont area
Lafayette Winner: Ruby Ru’s Street Eatery
East Boulder Winner (tie): McDevitt Taco Supply; Temaki Tornado
Simply put, chef Mike Simuns crafts a superb fluffy biscuit. Fans make a beeline for his popular food truck no matter where it is parked for his savory or sweet biscuit of the day, such as cinnamon raisin or dill. Biscuit sandwich choices range from sausage or bacon with egg and cheese to The Heather, filled with fried chicken, ham, cheese and plum jam.
GLUTEN-FREE MENU
Morning Glory Cafe
1377 Forest Park Circle, Lafayette, 303-604-6351
Erie Winner: Piripi
Longmont Winner: The Roost
Louisville Winner: Love’s Gluten Free Bakery
Diners seeking gluten-free fare have gotten pickier. They want true choices, not simply that “gluten-free buns are available.” Morning Glory Cafe owns this category because it goes the extra mile when it comes to dietary restrictions. GF breakfast selections include plain, blueberry, and chocolate chip pancakes and a large breakfast burrito. Lunches include GF burgers and a blackened shrimp salad. For a gluten-free meal ender, fork into a slice of Morning Glory’s carrot spice cake with cream cheese frosting.
ICE CREAM / FROZEN YOGURT
Sweet Cow Ice Cream
637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-4269
Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets
Longmont Winner: Scrumptious
From a single shop in Louisville, Sweet Cow has built an ice cream empire with multiple locations on the Front Range. Sweet Cow’s secret is simply to handcraft small-batches of ice cream and gelato from great ingredients. We’re huge fans of the coffee ice cream and the Thai iced tea vegan ice cream. Certain favorites, like chocolate chip cookie dough, are so popular they remain in the always-changing flavor rotation.
INDIAN / NEPALI
Flavor of India
370 Main St., Longmont, 303-682-9010
Louisville Winner: Taj Mahal III
Lafayette Winner: Tandoori Kitchen
Nederland Winner: Kathmandu Restaurant
Flavor of India remains our readers’ favorite in East Boulder County because the kind staff is dedicated to helping diners find their not-too-spicy choices on a big menu packed with curry, korma, vindaloo, biriyani and tandoori dishes. Don’t miss the hot vegetable samosas with chutney and tamarind dips paired with a malty Indian beer.
ITALIAN
Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar
1132 W. Dillon Road, Louisville, 303-284-2741
Longmont Winner: Caprese Trattoria
Lafayette Winner: Mici Handcrafted Italian
Parma is the place where our East Boulder County readers step out for true Italian fare and wine. Italian-born chef and owner Silvio Cuomo opened the restaurant in 2012 to dish meat and seafood gnocchi, pastas and risotto. Diners are happy to hang out and nibble at Parma’s mozzarella bar for a board of cheeses, meats and other treats. Parma attracts a weekday business lunch crowd for pizza, salads or small bites.
JAPANESE
Sushi Aji
489 N. Highway 287, Unit 100, Lafayette, 303-665-9242
Louisville Winner: Hana Japanese Bistro
Longmont Winner: Sumo Sushi & Grill
While Sushi Aji is known for its super-fresh nigiri and sashimi, East Boulder County residents and commuters also vote for the eatery’s other Japanese specialties. Topping the menu are pan fried dumplings, yaki udon (thick rice noodles), soft shell crab, and Monkey Brains — crab-stuffed fried avocado. Beverages include warm sake, cold Sapporo beer and hot green tea. Choose bento box meals for a quick lunch.
JUICE / SMOOTHIE BAR
Inta Juice
1067 S. Hover St., Longmont, 303-774-0094
Broomfield Winner: Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Lafayette Winner: Blendz Juice Bar
Inta Juice once again wins our readers’ love for making eating healthy so darn delicious and fun with smoothies, juice blends, bowls and shots (wheatgrass, not vodka). Smoothie faves include Love Potion #9, made with watermelon juice, raspberry sherbet, strawberries and blackberries. Milk, acai, strawberries, cherries granola and honey fill the hearty Coloradoan Bowl. Inta’s feel-good dessert smoothie is the Udder Chocolate, combining milk, malt, chocolate, and non-fat frozen yogurt.
KID FRIENDLY
Lucky Pie. Credit: Jacqueline Collins Photography
Lucky Pie Pizza & Taphouse
637 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743
Lafayette Winner: Ruby Ru’s Street Eatery
Superior Winner: Noodles & Company
East Boulder Winner: Pica’s Mexican Taqueria
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.
LYONS RESTAURANT
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
303 Main St., Lyons, 303-823-6685
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.
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
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.
NEW RESTAURANT
99 Saloon. Credit: Jacqueline Collins Photography
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.
NIWOT RESTAURANT
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, cheddar-jack, scallions and stone ground mustard — to an udon noodle bowl, with miso broth, shiitake and edamame. There’s also pretty much everything in between.
OVERALL RESTAURANT
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.
PANCAKE / WAFFLE
Tangerine. Credit: Jacqueline Collins Photography
Tangerine
379 Main St., Longmont, 720-815-2888
300 S. Public Road, Lafayette, 303-443-5200
Lafayette Winner: Morning Glory Cafe
Louisville Winner: The Huckleberry
Niwot Winner: Garden Gate Cafe
Originally opened in 2011 as the sister restaurant to the much loved North Boulder eatery Arugula, Tangerine has since grown to include locations in Boulder, Lafayette and Longmont. All three are bustling brunch joints with a firm hand on savory dishes like breakfast tacos and a reuben Benedict. But for those who need a little sweet to get their feet in motion, the strawberry and caramel pancakes are one of the region’s most decadent stacks.
PIZZA
Lucky Pie Pizza & Taphouse
603 Front St., Louisville, 303-666-5743
Lafayette Winner: Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana
Longmont Winner: Urban Field Pizza and Market
Lucky Pie is a locavore and beer geek haven. There are plenty of traditional pies, but the more outlandish ones, including the banana hammock — with sausage, banana peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella and chives — really steal the show. The pistachio hummus is also worth checking out.
PIZZA RESTAURANT
Urban Field Pizza and Market
150 Main St., Suite 202, Longmont, 720-633-8838
Lafayette Winner: Ghost Box Pizza
Louisville Winner: Rosati’s Pizza
Many Boulderites have unwittingly found themselves reveling over Urban Field’s pizza while enjoying a pre-show slice at The Lounge in the Boulder Theater. But a visit to the homebase is key. Not only is there a full menu of outrageously good pies, but the market is always stocked with local goods including fresh bouquets, honey and produce from neighboring farms.
PIZZA SLICE
Rosalee’s Pizzeria
461 Main St., Longmont, 303-485-5020
Lafayette Winner: Ghost Box Pizza
Louisville Winner: Rosati’s Pizza
Rosalee’s is old school. Fashioning its pies in the Old World East Coast style, the place sticks to the traditions laid out by early Italian immigrants. Exquisite ingredients are paramount, with options like the bacon and ricotta proving that beauty doesn’t always favor the complex.
PLACE TO EAT OUTDOORS
Acreage by Stem Ciders
1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 303-227-3243
Longmont Winner: Pumphouse Brewery & Redzone
Gunbarrel Winner: Avery Brewing Co.
Erie Winner: Piripi
Stem Ciders started in 2013 as an urban cidery in Denver’s RiNo district. But it was the 2018 opening of Acreage that really proved Stem was set to be a Colorado institution. Situated on one of Lafayette’s best mesas, Stem offers some of the best views of Boulder Valley. It doesn’t hurt that the place serves plates like duck confit and seared salmon, along with Stem’s full roster ciders and some taphouse exclusives.
PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE
Acreage by Stem Ciders
1380 Horizon Ave., Lafayette, 303-227-3243
Longmont Winner: The Roost
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
Acreage’s exquisite views, numerous lawn games and refined-but-unpretentious fare make it a great place for a first-time rendezvous. If sparks are flying, the cider doughnuts are a good way to score you some extra points with your date. And if the date is bad, the doughtnuts are a great way to console yourself.
RESTAURANT DESSERT
The Roost
526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380
Lafayette Winner: Eats & Sweets
Louisville Winner: The Melting Pot
Niwot Winner: Farow
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
The Roost is a crowd favorite from start to finish. It’s a place that does the classics right, with a dessert list that features German chocolate cheesecake, a key lime tart and carrot cake. But at the center of it all is the brownie sundae, a hulking, surprisingly gluten-free dentists’ favorite, complete with Shelley’s vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate, caramel and Raspberry Chambord sauces, whipped cream and caramelized almonds.
RESTAURANT SERVICE
The Roost
526 Main St., Longmont, 303-827-3380
Lafayette Winner: Ruby Ru’s Street Eatery
Louisville Winner: LuLu’s BBQ
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
The Roost can truly do no wrong. Guests know they can count on the Buckner lamb gyro or the blood orange sazerac. But it’s not just the cuisine. The staff is always courteous and professional, attentive but never overly doting.
SANDWICH
Snarf’s Sandwiches
6652 Lookout Road, Boulder, 720-622-0107
Longmont Winner: Cheba Hut
Louisville Winner: Moxie Bread Co.
Lafayette Winner: Ruby Ru’s Street Eatery
Niwot Winner: Niwot Market
Since “The Shack” days, Snarf’s has been one of the Front Range’s pillars of serious sammich eminence. Today, with more than 25 years under its belt and locations extending as far as St. Louis and Austin, the menu remains largely unchanged. These are timeless hoagies, with classics like the Italian — salami, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella and provolone — and originals like the hotdog, bacon and American cheese all acting as vehicles for the famous house hot peppers.
SEAFOOD
Reelfish Fish & Chips
2770 Arapahoe Road, Lafayette, 720-630-8053
Longmont Winner: Tortugas
Louisville Winner: 740 Front
Erie Winner: 24 Carrot Bistro
Dan Wolfson has proved that fast-casual seafood can be done right. With Reelfish, the team offers sizzling baskets of Alaskan cod, Atlantic haddock and walleye alongside fried shrimp, oysters and clam strips that taste as good as if they came straight off the boardwalk.
SUSHI
Sushi Hana
2065 Main St., Longmont, 303-485-1055
Lafayette Winner: Sushi Aji
Louisville Winner: Sushi Yoshi
Sushi Hana has been a Best of Boulder favorite since 2008. Dishes like the soft shell crab with sweet sauce and the seven-piece all-tuna sashimi are a clear indication why. For anyone coming hungry, the Tekka Donburi is the way to go.
TACO
Teocalli Cocina
103 N. Public Road, Unit C, Lafayette, 303-284-6597
Longmont Winner: Jefes Tacos and Tequila
Lyons Winner: La Mariposa Restaurant and Margarita House
Guests can’t go wrong with a single dish on Julio Gaspar’s filling and fabulous menu. But the tacos may indeed serve as the list’s real show stopper. The carne asada, pork belly and birria are all stupendous, but it’s the pescado tempura-style that shows Gaspar’s knack for both the grand and the graceful.
TAKE-OUT
Busaba
133 McCaslin Blvd., Unit H, Louisville, 303-665-0330
Lafayette Winner: Tip Top Savory Pies
Longmont: Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant
No matter the season, we turn to the subtle delights of opening a container of one of Busaba’s curries, its warmth inevitably combating chills both climactic and circumstantial. The crab fried rice is always packed to the gills with fresh lump, and the potstickers hold their shape and texture from delivery to that first perfect bite.
THAI RESTAURANT
Busaba
133 McCaslin Blvd., Unit H, Louisville, 303-665-0330
Lafayette Winner: Panang Thai Cuisine
Longmont WInner: Jai Thai Kitchen
Whether enjoyed at home or on-site, there’s no denying that Busaba has got Thai classics down to an artform. Drunken noodles are always a good choice, but the dry seafood Tom Yum is one of the place’s best-kept secrets.
VEGGIE BURGER
Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse
600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont, 303-651-7886
Lafayette Winner: Morning Glory Cafe
Louisville Winner: The Waterloo
Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse is the Longmont offshoot of one of Boulder’s uncontested institutions, The Mountain Sun. So it should come as no surprise that the veggie burger is a crowd favorite, adorned with all the classic toppings and laid out on vegan ciabatta.
WINGS
LuLu’s BBQ
702 Main St., Louisville, 720-583-1789
Longmont Winner: Pumphouse Brewery & Redzone
Broomfield Winner: Outlaw Wings
Erie Winner: The Old Mine
LuLu’s does all things barbecue with panache. The ribs fall off the bone and the brisket is properly slow smoked. The wings are a clear standout, but are best enjoyed as part of a full-fledged feast.
