Bar
Jungle
2018 10th St., Boulder
Since 2019, readers have escaped to the canopy of trees to enjoy a selection of tropical drinks at Jungle. Classics from the Mai Tai to Sex on the Beach are menu mainstays. Additional options like the tropical whisky Iron Ranger and the less sugary Jungle Bird — plus the fun, funky cups they come in — have made this a popular destination. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic drink options are also available.
Silver: Bitter Bar
Bronze: License No. 1
Write-In: Erie Social Club
Barista
Annie Bolton & Isaac McCarty @ Boxcar Coffee
1825 Pearl St. Suite B, Boulder
637 S. Broadway Suite R, Boulder
Nothing hits the veins like a caffeine fix. And nothing hits the soul more than when it is served with a smile. Known for their silliness and fun, Annie and Isaac are Boulder Weekly readers’ favorite baristas at Boxcar. Besides their ability to make a great pour, their legendary friendliness can be just as much of a pick-me-up as the coffee they serve.
Bartender
David Mays @ Velvet Elk lounge
2037 13th St., Boulder
Perfecting cocktails since the ’90s, David Mays is the OG Velvet Elk bartender. Whether you want a classic drink or a sophisticated pour, Mays can serve it up quickly and made to your liking.
Beer Selection at a Restaurant
Mountain Sun pubs & breweries
1535 Pearl St., Boulder
627 S. Broadway St. Suite E, Boulder
600 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont
Who can argue with burgers and beer? Not Boulder Weekly readers, who once again voted Mountain Sun as tops for its seasonally rotating taps and in-house staples, keeping things fresh well beyond Stout Month. Check the website or social media for an updated list of what’s on tap.
Silver: Backcountry Pizza
Bronze: Pumphouse Brewery
Cidery
Acreage by Stem Ciders
1380 Horizon Ave. Unit A, Lafayette
It’s not just the views that keep this spot at the top of Best Of lists. At Acreage, over 10 core ciders, special release flights and cider libations are all a part of what makes it the place to beat. You can also find beer, wine, cocktails and a selection of mocktails along with other non-alcoholic options on the menu. Enjoy a sip from the Cider Garden or head to the Back 40 and The Lawn, where kids and leashed doggies can play while you take in the sunset. Complement the visit with cider donuts made from their very own cider.
Silver: St. Vrain Cidery
Bronze: The Old Mine
Cocktails
Bitter Bar
835 Walnut St., Boulder
As a cocktail bar, Bitter Bar is known for serving a mix of classic and creative drinks. Most notably, Boulder Weekly readers enjoy the vodka and crème de violette Blue Velvet and the bourbon and elderflower Tin Man cocktails. Another reader favorite is the later happy hour, from 5-7 p.m., for those who can’t ditch work early. The knowledgeable bartenders are great at helping you find that perfect craft cocktail for the mood.
Silver: Jungle
Bronze: License No. 1
Write-In: Spirit Hound
Coffee Shop
Boxcar Coffee
1825 Pearl St. Suite B, Boulder
637 S. Broadway Suite R, Boulder
With the Reader’s Choice for Best Baristas, it’s no surprise that Boxcar is also the choice for best coffee shop. The bright, busy atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends, holding a business meeting or trying to get some work done — if you can get a table. Their large menu of caffeinated options and small bites will get you through whatever type of day you’re having.
Silver: OZO Coffee Company
Bronze: Trident Booksellers and Cafe
Write-In: Bitty & Beau’s
Coffee Roaster
OZO coffee company
1898 S. Flatirons Ct. Suite 110, Boulder
Feel good about your cup-a-day habit with the ethically sourced beans from OZO. The 18-year-old company a wide variety from single-sourced to seasonal. Their organic, fair trade and Rainforest Alliance certified blends are packaged in compostable and recyclable materials. Drop by their East Boulder roastery for a single bag or keep the caffeine coming with a subscription service, delivered to your home or office.
Silver: Boxcar Coffee
Bronze: Verb Coffee Roasters
Craft Brewery
Avery Brewing Co.
4910 Nautilus Ct. N, Boulder
Since September of 1993, Avery Brewing Co. has been creating tasty craft brews for locals. Their Gunbarrel taproom restaurant features 30 beers, while the onsite store sells many of their brews to enjoy at home. From Hazy IPAs and sours to seasonals and their award-winning classics, Avery has something for every palate.
Silver: Upslope Brewery
Bronze: Sanitas Brewing Co.
Write-In: Westbound & Down
Distillery
Spirit Hound
4196 Ute Hwy., Lyons
There is a reason the motto of Spirit Hound is “local, loyal and legendary.” Using fresh Rocky Mountain snowmelt water and local harvested ingredients like juniper berries, the experts (and sometimes community members) hand craft gin, vodka and whisky.
Join other local Boulder Weekly readers in the tasting room or for a night of live music.
Silver: Vapor Distillery
Bronze: Dry Land Distillers
Happy Hour
Postino
1468 Pearl St. Suite 110, Boulder
Open at 9 a.m on the weekends and 11 a.m. weekdays, Postino features a variety of $6 glasses of white or red wines and pitchers of beer until 5 p.m. You can also pair any bruschetta board with a glass of wine for just $15. Start the week off right on Monday and Tuesday after 8 p.m. with a $25 bottle of wine and a bruschetta board.
Silver: Boulder Cork
Bronze: Mountain Sun Pubs & Breweries
Write-In: High Country
Juice / Smoothie Bar
Wonder Press
946 Pearl St., Boulder
Opening in 2015, Wonder Press uses all local, organic and wild-harvested ingredients for their smoothies, cold-pressed juices and bites. Readers love the alternative milk choices, health shots and the selection of add-ons from a boost of protein to extra fruit or veggies on the menu. Home-baked goods, toasts and bone broths round off a menu focused on wellness — without skimping on taste.
Silver: Rush Bowls
Bronze: Vitality Bowls
Margarita
Rio Grande
1101 Walnut St., Boulder
Marg enthusiasts have flocked to the Rio for the best margs in Boulder since 1989. The margaritas are so good (and potent) that they have a limit of three per person. We recommend getting your fill during happy hour: 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, when you can get $2 off their Rio Classic and Big Tex margs.
Silver: T/aco
Bronze: Teocalli Cocina
Sports Bar
Dark Horse
2922 Baseline Road, Boulder
Since 1975, this Boulder landmark has been the place to enjoy watching your favorite team with other sports enthusiasts. Twenty-five TVs are always playing an array of sports, whether it’s College Football Saturday or the NHL playoffs, with precedence to local teams. If you want in on the action, the restaurant has pool tables, air hockey, foosball and video games. Serving pub food and brew from Front Range breweries, the Dark Horse is a long-standing institution. Now under threat of redevelopment, get to this classic bar before it’s gone.
Silver: Red Zone at The Pumphouse Brewery
Bronze: West End Tavern
Tea House
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
1770 13th St., Boulder
The only Tajik teahouse in the U.S., Dushanbe Teahouse is also our readers’ favorite place for traditional tea service. The tea menu is extensive, highlighting teas of the month, black and green teas, mate, oolong and more, including decaf options. Book afternoon tea for four or more, or order a la carte off the curated menu. Reservations are recommended for this popular downtown spot.
Silver: Ku Cha House of Tea
Bronze: Trident Booksellers and Cafe
Wine Selection
Frasca Food and Wine
1738 Pearl St., Boulder
Whether you are a by-the-glass wine enthusiast or by-the-bottle, the wine list at Frasca Food and Wine is a favorite — and not just for Boulder Weekly readers. The restaurant has racked up recognition from all the major players, including a Michelin star. Don’t miss their special events that feature wine education and a chance to taste some of the best Friulian food and wine in the world.
Silver: Postino
Bronze: Küper Wine Bar