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.
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.
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
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
