When Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek joined together to push a statewide vote to legalize “limited stakes gaming” as a way to save the old mining towns — and also pour huge amounts of money into the State Historical Fund, now the largest historic-preservation program in the country — voters envisioned streets lined with mom-and-pop establishments, not the behemoths of present-day Black Hawk. But mom-and-pop is exactly what Dostal Alley was, and what it remains today. “We’ve decided that’s how we’re going to stay — a small, family-run operation,” explains Buddy Schmalz, the son who started a brewpub in the back of his parents’ Central City casino six years ago. A year later, Schmalz was elected mayor of Central City, making him the first brewpub-owning mayor in Colorado. And a good one, who’s worked with the council to haul Central City out of a financial mess. “With a lot of common-sense stuff, we were able to pull it off,” he says. Ka-ching!
Here are the rest of the winners from 1992:
BEST OF DENVER 1992
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Best Local Celebrity: James King Readers' Choice: Marilyn Van Derbur Atler
Best Local Heroes: Bicentennial Team East High School Readers' Choice (tie): Daddy Bruce/Tom Sutherland
Best Renewed Feud: Baby Doe vs. Augusta Tabor
Best Long-Running Feud: Douglas Bruce vs. Natalie Meyer
Best Mong-Playing Feud: Jesse Ceci vs. the Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Best VFW Post: Post No. 1
Best Jail: Boulder County Jail
Best Mayberry Jail: Bent County Jail, Las Animas
Best Small-town Crime: Blowing up Frosty the Snowman
Best Small-town Blanket Protection: Human Comforters Project
Best Unwitting Elvis Impersonator: Patrolman Rick Romero
Best Courtroom in a Hotel: Denver County Small Claims Court, The Radisson Hotel Annex
Best Courtroom: Courtroom One, City and County Building
Best Urban Legend About a Prison: Homemade bread rumor
Best Urban Legend About a Train Station: Tunnels
Best Place for the Next KKK Rally: Rocky Flats Readers' Choice: Hell
Best Speaker for the Next KKK Rally: Felix L. Sparks
Best News for Witches: Don't need a license
Best Local Politician: State Senator Dennis Gallagher Readers' Choice: Pat Schroeder
Best Move by a Local Politician: Senator Tim Worth
Best City Councilmember: Mary DeGroot
Best Romer Appointment: George Turner
Best Romer Depointment: Augie Cook
Best Political Memoir: Political Wives, Private Lives by Joyce Schuck
Best Song About a TV Reporter: Jeff Shoemaker's Paula Woodward song
Best Used Television Disposal: 2011 W. 20th St.
Best Telephone Pole for Public Notices: The alley off 13th Ave. between Washington and Pearl Streets
Best Unlikely Columnist: Mark Samuelson, On the Home Front
Best -- and Sometimes Only -- Reason to Read the Rocky Mountain News: Greg Lopez
Best New Publication: The Bitches From Hell Reporter
Best Headline: Apathy Blasted, but Few Listen Colorado Daily
Best Cure for Insomnia: “Doin' It in the Den" KDEN-AM
Best Local Radio Talk-show Host: Peter Boyles, KYBG-AM Readers' Choice: Ken Hamblin
Best TV Producer: Vicki Hildner, KCNC-Channel 4
Best TV Weathercaster: Marty Coniglio, KCNC-Channel 4 Readers' Choice: Larry Green
Best Hair on a Local TV Personality: Neal Browne, KUSA-Channel 9 Readers' Choice: Mike Landess
Best Is-It-Hair? on a Local TV Personality: Mike Nelson, KUSA-Channel 9
Best TV Sportscaster: Les Shapiro, KCNC-Channel 4 Readers' Choice:: Ron Zappolo
Best Local TV News Anchor: Bertha Lynn, KMGH-Channel 7 Readers' Choice (tie): Bob Palmer/Ed Sardella
Best New Building: KUSA
Best Historic Designation: 20th Street Recreation Center
Best Painted Ladies: Nevada, Cascade and Wood Avenues, Colorado Springs
Best Place to Break Out of a Modern-day Rut: Smoky Hill Trail, Aurora
Best People to Break you Out of that Modern-day Rut: Nancy and Patrick Massengill, Rocky Mountain Living History Association, Heritage Square, Golden
Best Throwback to the Sixties: Ruby Hill
Best Imitation of Texas: U.S. Highway 85 to Greeley
Best Imitation of New York City: California St.
Best Male Roller Skater in a White or Black Lace Tutu: Cinderella
Best Superfund Site: Sand Creek Industrial Site
Best Endangered Species: Colorado Squawfish, ptychocheilus luctus
Best Use of Goats: Cherry Creek State Park
Best Chipmunk Crossing: Main Street, St. Elmo
Best Place to Spot Deer: National Center for Atmospheric Research
Best Place to Spot Dead Deer: C-470
Best Roadside Guilt: Wadsworth Blvd.
Best Place to do Your Taxes at the Last Minute: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Stretch of Adopted Highway: Southwest corner of Rocky Flats
Best Scenic Byway: Pawnee Pioneer Trails
Best Place to Park and Neck: Fishback Landing Readers' Choice: Lookout Mountain
Best Place to Watch Planes Land: Havana Way
Best Association Devoted to a Missing Aviatrix: Amelia Earhart Society of Researchers
Best Road Construction: East Evans
Best Public Rumpus Room: Under the Speer Viaduct
Best Bridge to the Future: Speer Viaduct
Best Speed Trap: Speer Viaduct Readers' Choice: Speer
Best Sign that Someone in the City has a Sense of Humor About all this Construction: The Cone Zone
Best Reverb Chamber: Denver Art Museum
Best Nighttime View of Denver: Fan's Lounge, Holiday Inn-Denver Sports Center
Best Endangered Nighttime View of Denver: Mr. Twister, Elitch Gardens
Best Illegal Nighttime View of Denver: Colorado History Museum
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Best Player for the Rockies to Take in the Expansion Draft: John Elway Readers' Choice: Nolan Ryan
Best Zephyr: Jeff Kunkel Readers' Choice: Jim Olander
Best Nugget: Dikembe Mutombo Readers' Choice: Dikembe Mutombo
Best Bronco: John Elway Readers' Choice: John Elway
Best Coach: Wade Phillips Readers' Choice: Dan Reeves
Best-Dressed Coach: Dan Reeves
Best New Job for Paul Westhead: Colorado Rockies manager
Best Local Sports Team: Denver Broncos Readers' Choice: Denver Broncos
Best Scholar-Athletes: Colorado Buffaloes
Best Last Stand: Denver Zephyrs
Best Radio Sports Talk-Show Hosts: Irv Brown and Joe Williams, KYBG-AM Readers' Choice: Dave Logan
Best Radio Sports Talk-Show Host who Never Gets Heard: Thierry Smith, KYBG-AM
Best Radio Announcers for the Rockies: Ernie Harwell and Kenny Albert
Best Sports Bar for the Low-key Sports Fan: Johnny's Bar & Grill
Best Sports Bar for the Wild-eyed Sports Maniac: Brooklyn's
Best Place to see a World-Famous Athlete and his Agent: Morton's of Chicago
Best Sports Place to Meet Guys: Folsom Field
Best Sports Place to Meet Nude Guys: Bally's Holiday Health Club
Best Place to Nude Sunbathe: Denver city parks
Best Beach Culture: Cherry Creek Reservoir
Best Reservoir for Swimmers: Aurora Reservoir
Best Swimming Pool: Anderson Community Center
Best Video Arcade: Boardwalk USA Readers' Choice: Celebrity
Best Cool Pool: Calvin's Before and After
Best Place to be a Pinball Wizard: Smiley's Laundromat
Best Video Arcade for Secret Junkies: Union Station
Best Bowling Alley: Wheat Ridge Lanes
Best Public Tennis Courts: Congress Park
Best Health Club: Washington Park Recreation Center
Best Public Golf Course: Indian Tree Golf Course Readers' Choice: Willis Case
Best Hole on a Public Course: No. 7 at Wellshire
Best Secret Par 3 Course: Windsor Gardens
Best Golf Deal: Denver Parks and Recreation golf card
Best Miniature Golf Course: Adventure Golf Course
Best Driving Range: Aqua Golf
Best Theme Party: Jackass Slacks Tournament
Best Ski Run: Bwana, Vail Readers' Choice: Drunken Frenchman
Best Bumps: Outhouse
Best Ski Lodge: The Outpost
Best Ski Patroller: Audie Mullings, Ski Cooper
Best Mountain Bike Club: Over-the-Bar Scar Club
Best Place to get on a Roll: Historical Belmar Village
Best Skateboarding Park: Independent Skate Park
Best Spot to Rollerblade: 16th Street Mall Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Downtown Spot to Catch Air on Your Rollerblades: Market and 16th Streets
Best Bungee Jumping: Bungee Jumping Colorado, Frederick Readers' Choice: Air Boulder
Best Daredevil Sledding: Cherry Creek Dam
Best Stuffed Flounder: Aquatic Arts
Best Wild Insect Safari: Boulder County Open Space Parks
Best Denver Park: Observatory Park Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Picnic Spot in the City: Governor's Park Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Place to Take a Dog for a Walk: Highline Canal Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Place to Take a Dog for a Hike: Mesa Trail
Best Zoo Animal: Polar Bears
Best Light Rail: Denver Zoo Train
Best Place to Watch Trains: Colorado Railroad Museum
Best Suburban Escape Route: Waterton Canyon
Best Vacation Option for the Person Suffering from Kidney Disease: Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies, Winter Park
Best Day Trip: Bent's Old Fort, La Junta (or close enough) Readers' Choice: Estes Park
Best Close-in Camping: Longs Peak Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park Readers' Choice: Golden Gate Canyon
Best Low-rent Resort: Tiger Run RV Resort, Summit County
Best Low-rent Kiddie Resort: Manitou Springs
Best Indoor Amusement for Kids: Discovery Zone
Best Outdoor Amusement for Kids: Littleton Historical Museum
Best Place to Send your Kids for your Own Peace and Quiet: Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park
Best Use of Horsehide Until the Rockies Get Here: Well Oiled Machine
Best Colorado Lottery Numbers: 3, 4, 11, 12, 19 and 41
Best Casino: Dostal's Alley, Central City Readers' Choice: Teller House
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Best Cultural Ride: Cultural Connection Trolley
Best Elite Meet: James Joyce Day
Best Annual Parade: The St. Practice Day Parade, Leadville
Best Seventies Survivor: Capitol Hill People's Fair
Best Annual Festival: Denver March PowWow Readers' Choice: Taste of Colorado
Best Annual Beer Festival: Colorado Brewers Festival, Fort Collins
Best Worst-kept Secret: The Beer and Steer
Best Attention Span for a Publicity Stunt: Bobfest, Avon
Best Museum exhibit: Interactive Video Disk, Denver History Museum, Readers' Choice: Sharks" at Denver Museum of Natural History
Best Public Sculpture: Thatcher Fountain in City Park, East High School Readers' Choice: Buffalo at the Denver Buffalo Company
Best Way to Look Extinction in the Face: Dinosaur Ridge Tour, Morrison Natural History Museum
Best Public Monument to Josef Stalin: The Cruise Room
Best Folk Art Sculpture: Canland
Best Contemporary Public Art: Jade, 17th and Market Streets
Best Commercial Gallery: Robischon Gallery
Best Noncommercial Gallery: EDGE Gallery
Best Gallery Exhibit: A-1 and Only, Alternative Arts Alliance Readers' Choice: Reid Weimer/Chandler Romeo
Best Government Support for the Arts: Denver School of the Arts at Cole Junior High School
Best Art Discovery: Harvest
Best Unexpected Art Discovery: Denver Art Museum
Best Wedgie Trap: The New Arvada Center Amphitheater
Best Performance Art: Dirt & Circuits
Best Art Education on a Budget: Metropolitan State College
Best Unknown Art Space: Mackey Gallery
Best Art Boost to a Neighborhood: Genre Gallery
Best Place to View Art While Eating: Gasoline Alley
Best Place to Eat While Viewing Art: The Turner Museum
Best Place to Eat While Viewing Art Movies: The Mayan
Best Movie Theater, High-tech: The United Artists
Best Movie Theater, Drive-in: East Drive-In
Best Movie Theater, Classic: The Esquire
Best Movie Revival: Citizen Kane
Best Campus Film Series: University of Colorado, Program Council Series
Best Video Rental Store: Video Station Readers' Choice: Blockbuster Video
Best Downtown Video Rental Store: Denver Place Video
Best Video Store B-Movie Selection: Wax Trax
Best Denver International Film Festival Film You'll Never See in Theaters: Crossed Wires
Best Over Hyped Blowout for Conspicuous Consumers: Phantom of the Opera
Best Theatre Season for a Company: Theatre on Broadway
Best New Theatre Company: Now Is Now
Best Local Theatre Newcomer: Vint Lavinder
Best Theatrical Makeover: Beth Fisher
Best Actress: Gwen Harris
Best Actor/Pianist: Jan Van Sickle
Best Bloodsucking Bunny: Bunnicula
Best Aldo Ray-Judy Holliday Imitation: Vincent Robinson and Ruthay
Best Musical: Forever Plaid
Best Local Production: Machinal Readers' Choice: Phantom of the Opera
Best Set: Arsenic and Old Lace
Best Tease: Tartuffe
Best Stripper: Taylor, Diamond Cabaret
Best Belly Dancing: Zenobia's
Best Dance Club: The Marquee Readers' Choice: Fish Dance
Best Rock Club: Herman's Hideaway
Best Rock Club Audience Trend: Silly String
Best Club DJ: Kenny Hamblin Jr.
Best Rave Toy: Specters
Best Jazz Club: Jazz Works Readers' Choice: El Chapultepec
Best Blues Club: Ziggie's Saloon
Best Heavy-Metal Club: The Broadway Readers' Choice: Bangles
Best All-Ages Club: Ground Zero Readers' Choice: Rock Island
Best All-Aged Club: Buffalo Rose Saloon
Best Place to Fall on your Head: Gothic Theatre
Best Country/Western Club: Grizzly Rose Readers' Choice: Grizzly Rose
Best New Place to Hear Live Music: Okoboji's
Best Club Water Bar: The Garage
Best Rock-and-Roll Boudoir: Chris Chamberlain, Dogs of Pleasure
Best 16th Street Mall Entertainer: Robo-Clown, Hudson's Bay Centre
Best Panhandling Musicians: Markahuasi
Best Rockabilly Priest: Lewis Klug
Best Singing Cops: Dave Martin and Scott Buckley
Best Dancehall Reggae Toaster: Raymond Smith, aka Spellbinder
Best Local Rapper: Billie Jean
Best Local Jazz Musician: Bruno Carr
Best Ex-local Jazz Musician: Javon Jackson
Best Jazz Band: The Fred Hess Group Readers' Choice: Dotsero
Best Dance Band: Conjunto Colores Readers' Choice: Monkey Siren
Best Blues Band: Paul Soderman and the Boulder Blues Club Readers' Choice: Bob Hornbuckle
Best Country/Western Band: The Wild Jimbos Readers' Choice (tie): Rattlesnake Shake/Timothy P. and Rural Route 3
Best Fusion Band: Nelson Rangell
Best Rock Band: Big Foot Torso Readers' Choice: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Best Metal Band: Dogs of Pleasure Readers' Choice: Dogs of Pleasure
Best New Band: Windowpane
Best Comeback Band: The Fluid
Best Local Band Name: '57 Lesbian
Best Solo Acoustic Performer: Robert Smart
Best Concert of the Year: Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians with Matthew Sweet, The Boulder Theater, February 19, 1992 Readers' Choice: Lollapalooza Festival 1991
Best Regular Concert Series: Wednesdays
Best Regular Jam Session: Under the 16th St. viaduct on Platte St.
Best New Year's Eve Party: Slayer at the Gothic Theatre
Best Annual New Year's Eve Party: Seven South
Best Limo Trip to Die For: Mother O'Leary's Party Wagon
Best Get-down Party Van: Front Range Cruises
Best Bar Expansion: The Skyline Cafe
Best Bar Name: Carl's Bad Tavern
Best Bar for Conversation: My Brother's Bar
Best Pickup Bar: Jimmy's Grill
Best Boodle Bar: The Cruise Room
Best Gay Bar: The Fox Hole Readers' Choice (tie): Charlie's/Paradise Garage
Best Authentic Laser Karaoke: Don Don
Best Laser Karaoke Rentals: Keyboard Exchange
Best Jukebox: Bar Elbow Room
Best Commercial Radio Station: KTCL-FM Readers' Choice: KBCO-FM
Best Radio Disc Jockey: Selena, KGNU-FM Readers' Choice: Lewis and Floorwax
Best Radio Commercial Jingle: Avogadro's Number, Bill Amundson, KTCL-FM
Best Radio Commercial Pitchman: Tom Shane
Best Noncommercial Radio Pitch People: E-Town
Best Local Music Radio Show: Radio Free Colorado, KTCL-FM
Best Local Album: Haywire, The World Famous Twister Band
Best Children's Album: Dinosaur Choir, Bonnie Phipps
Best Place to Still Buy Albums: Wax Trax Readers' Choice: Wax Trax
Best Place to Buy Used CDs: Twist and Shout Readers' Choice: Wax Trax
Best Used Record Store/East: Doubleplay Records
Best Used Record Store/West: JB&H Records and Tapes
Best Esoteric Music Store: Mysterium Visionary Music and Art
Best Assortment of Jazz Periodicals: Record Revival
Best Blues Periodical: Blues Access
Best Death Periodical: Pit
GOODS AND SERVICES
Best Fun for a Dollar: Dollar World
Best Fun for 99 Cents: 99 Cent Mart
Best Way to Add to a Junk Collection: Stuff
Best Way to Subtract from a Junk Collection: The Jane System, Association for Retarded Citizens
Best Garbage-Picking: Boulder Spring Cleanup
Best Antiques: Country Palace
Best Discount Arts and Crafts: More for Less
Best Place to Weave on Down the Road: Old Santa Fe Village
Best Way to Keep Gossips Off your Back: Casa Medina
Best Place for a Miracle: Manos Folk Art
Best Place to Buy Kitsch After Midnight: Biggs
Best Place to Buy Sixties Kitsch: Baby Boomerama
Best Place to Buy Sci-fi Kitsch: Science Fiction Plus
Best Place to Buy Cowboy Kitsch: Cowboy Classics
Best Place to Meet Swingers: Square Dance Record Roundup
Best Western Wear Store: Denver Buffalo Company Trading Post
Best Place to Buy a Beaded Belt for Cheap: Garden of the Gods Trading Post
Best Macho Cowboy Boots: Mexico Shoe Store
Best Exotic Cowboy Boots: Denver Boot Outlet
Best Shoe Repair: Kim's Shoe Service
Best Free Dryers: City Center Laundromat & Cleaners
Best Shirt Cleaning: Smiley's Laundromat and Cleaners
Best Hat Cleaning: Dave's Hat Cleaning and Western Wear
Best Antique Hats: Vintage Reflections.
Best Vintage Clothing: Raggedy Ann's Readers' Choice: Circa 1900
Best Cheap Costumes: Marcia's of Denver
Best Way to Make Waves Without Making Waves: What Women Want: Customized Swimwear
Best Custom Bow Ties: Carrot & Gibbs
Best Button-Pushers: JHB International
Best Yarn Store: Ewenique Yarns
Best Yuppie Fun Wear: Bik Bok
Best deal for the man in the gray flannel suit: Quality Apparel Outlet
Best shopping pros for professional women: Molly's of Denver
Best clothing sale girls (or boys) who want to marry a millionaire: Last Call Sales, Neiman-Marcus
Best thrift store: Thrifty Scotsman Readers' Choice: Value Village
Best secondhand adult clothing: Second Look Limited
Best consignment shop for the big-boned gal: Second Hand Rose-Ann
Best bad-memory purge: Twice Around Wedding Gowns
Best place to buy wedding presents: Artisan's Center
Best Place to Register for Wedding Gifts: Peppercorn Gourmet Goods, The Peppercorn Collection
Best Place to Commit Adultery in Style: Mon Chalet
Best Place to Commit Adultery on the Cheap: No Tel Motel
Best Place to Play Dungeon: Club Cabaret
Best Adult Bookstore: Adult Trading Post Readers' Choice: Kitty's
Best Specialty Bookstore: Colorado History Museum Gift Shop
Best Denver History Book: Denver: Mining Camp to Metropolis
Best Used Bookstore: Half Price Books Readers' Choice: Capitol Hill Books
Best Western Lore Bookstore: Trails West
Best Antiquarian Bookstore: Astoria Books
Best Place to Have a Religious Experience: The Bible Superstore
Best Children's Bookstore: Bookies
Best Newsstand for Magazines: Black and Read
Best Selection of Used Magazines: Denver Book Barter
Best Movie Poster Store: Cinema Graphics Movie Poster Shop
Best Calendar: The Fridge-A-Dater
Best Computer BBS: The Global-Link Network BBS
Best Computer Repair: Whizbang
Best Emergency Computer Repair: Disk Doctor
Best Emergency Room for Neurotic Parents: Porter Memorial Hospital
Best ObGyns: Colorado ObGyn Society
Best psychiatric deal: Eating Disorders Support Groups, YWCA of Metro Denver
Best Prices on Prescription Antidepressants: Phar-Mor
Best Sign on a Detox Center: DTs
Best Place to Take a Fraidy-Cat: South Penn Cat Clinic
Best Behavioral Therapy for Dogs: Stock Dog Fanciers of Colorado
Best Dog Trainer: Lauren Trichter
Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies: Sherlock Hounds Sixth Avenue Pet Supply
Best Dog Grooming: Mrs. C's Bowser Boutique
Best Haircut for Kids: Avis Gallegos, Great Clips
Best Rock-and-Roll Hairstylist: Danielle at D. Fiores
Best Place to Get a Hand Job: Maria, Rita's Underground Salon
Best Massage Deal in Denver: Lake Steam Baths
Best Massage Deal in Boulder: Boulder School of Massage Therapy Clinic
Best Back-Cracker: Harvey, The Herb Shoppe
Best Substitute for Magic Fingers: Biosymphonix Chair, Sondex Technologies
Best Cheap Seats: The Chairman
Best Dinette Sets: Ace Restaurant Equipment Company
Best Souvenir Coming Back from Estes Park: Stone tables
Best Deals on Furniture Straight Out of an Episode of The Jetsons: Flashback Modern Design
Best Kiddie Convertible: Sit 'n' Stroll, Safeline Children's Products Company
Best Deals on Baby Furniture: The Baby Bed Man
Best Used Baby Furniture: Guys & Dolls
Best Deals on Children's Clothes: Chocolate Soup
Best Deal for Working Parents: Gilpin Extended Day Center
Best Place to Make a Little Man Out of your Little Boy: Children's Exchange
Best Cure for the Gimmes: Smiley Library
Best Place to Buy, Sell or Trade used Nintendo Games: Power Play Games
Best Puppets: And Puppets, Colorado Wool Works and Puppets
Best Reason to Let Go of your Children: Wee Beeps, Protech Products
Best Way to Remain Forever Young: Foto Magic Video
Best Lens Pals: Lindahl's Photo Sales
Best Help for the Hopelessly Myopic: Fred Rubalcava, Wheat Ridge Optical
Best Moshable Contact Lenses: Dr. Simonson, Lens Crafters, Cinderella City
Best Deals on Used Tools: Charlie's Second Hand Store
Best Deals on Building Materials: Mile High Used Lumber
Best Rock Gardening Center: Paulino Gardens
Best Place to Buy Seeds: Rocky Mountain Seed Company Readers' Choice: Rocky Mountain Seed Company
Best Place to Buy Plants: Al's Pine Nursery Readers' Choice: Echter's
Best Place to Buy Irises: Long's Gardens
Best Place to Buy Herbs: The Herbery
Best Indoor Winter Wonderland: Le Grue's
Best Politically Correct Lawn: Native Sod Company
Best Recycling Service: City Spirit Cafe Readers' Choice: King Soopers
Best Environmentally Correct Resumes: Signal Graphics
Best Resource for the Career-Blocked: The Whole Work Catalog
Best Instant Translations: Denver Translation Institute
Best Courier Service: Quick Silver Express Courier
Best Bail Bondsman: Duane Chapman, A Bail Bonds
Best Notary and Tattoo Artist: Emporium of Design
Best Assortment of Moving Services: E.A.R.T.H.
Best New State Service: Colorado Library Card
Best New City Service: Citizen's Hotline
Best Class in Citizenry: Stop Feeling Powerless Over Politics, Colorado Free University
Best Fifties Full Service: Vince's Red Carpet Auto Service
Best Use of Corn: Vickers Total Petroleum
Best Service Station for Grumps: Phillips 66
Best Place to Refill your Tank While Refueling your Spirits: Mitch's Texaco
Best Used Car Parts: All Imports
Best Motorcycle Parts and Palaver: Performance Cycle of Colorado
Best Mom-and-Pop Radio Shop: Camelot Communications
Best Guide to Frequent Flyer Deals: InsideFlyer
Best Ride in from the Airport: RTD's A Bus
Best Unexpected Pepsi Machine on the Way to the Airport: The alley at Eudora St. and Martin Luther King Blvd.
Best Unexpected Pepsi Machine on the Way from the Airport: 2461 Champa St.
Best Collection of Cuban Pop: Panchita's Mexican Imports and Grocery Store
Best Collection of Mexican Pop: Safeway
Best Asian Market: Indochina Fresh Seafood & Meat
Best Deli Case for Cannibals: King Soopers
Best Neighborhood Market, Low End: Sunnsyside Market
Best Neighborhood Market, High End: FBC Foods International Readers' Choice: Alfalfa's
Best Neighborhood Market for Very Careful Shoppers: Rose Dairy/John Sunkel Insurance Agency
Best Grocery Store Aisle for Bachelors: Aisle 7, King Soopers
Best Drunken Cowpoke Pickup: Biggs Hypermart
Best Bean Scene: The Women's Bean Project
Best Fresh Produce in Season: Zweck's Readers' Choice: Alfalfa's
Best ABC Product: Kuner's Southwestern Vegetables
Best Neighborhood Bakery: Bluepoint Bakery Readers' Choice: Great Harvest Bread Company
Best Place to Burn your Buds: The Big Chili
Best Place to Get Meat Like Ike: Wally's Quality Meats and Delicatessen
Best Beer-Making Supplies: Colonel John's
Best Vending Machine: Breckenridge lift tickets at Vicker's
Best Place to Buy in Bulk: Pace Membership Warehouse Readers' Choice: Pace
Best 16th Street Mall Vendor: Masala Readers' Choice: Fifty-Cent Hot Dogs
Best Freebie: Neighborhood Night, Elitch Gardens Readers' Choice: Westword
FOOD AND DRINK
Best Cheap Breakfast: Sunnyside Drug Readers' Choice: Pete's Kitchen
Best Blowout Sunday Brunch: Tuscany Readers' Choice: Simms Landing
Best Cheap Lunch: Arapahoe Junction
Best Cheap Expensive Lunch: Al Fresco
Best Cheap Fast Lunch: Vietnamna
Best Cheap Lunch Counter: Asian Market
Best Dinner Under $5: Pho' Hoa Readers' Choice: Taco Bell
Best Meal to Split: Jerusalem Restaurant
Best Microwave Meals in a Scenic Locale: Union Station Snack Bar
Best All-You-Can-Eat Deal: The Gondolier Readers' Choice: Furr's
Best Happy Hour for Free Food: Cafe Potpourri Readers' Choice: Fish Dance
Best Happy Hour for a Buck: Club Infinity
Best Midnight Meal: Las Palmas II Readers' Choice: Denny's
Best Donuts: Donut Hut
Best Blueberry Donuts: Sun Rise Donuts
Best Cinnamon Rolls with your Grass-Hay Gossip: Hygiene Cafe
Best Biscuits and Gravy: Duffy's Shamrock Restaurant and Bar
Best Breakfast Burritos: Benny's Place
Best Breakfast Burrito in an Italian Restaurant: Mangia Mangia
Best Sandwiches: Goldie's Deli Readers' Choice: Subway
Best Sandwich Deal: Granada Fish Market
Best Club Sandwich: Mocha Cafe
Best Pastrami Sandwich: Grand Central Station
Best Vietnamese Sandwiches: Vinh Xu'o'ng Bakery
Best Italian Sandwich: Al Fresco
Best Pizza: Pasquini's Pizzeria Readers' Choice: Beau Jo's
Best Pizza by the Slice: Gaspare's Bakery
Best Green Pizza: Teresa's Pizza Cafe
Best Pasta Salads to go: Greens Market
Best Bread: Biba Bar and Grill
Best Way to Ruin your Appetite: Fratelli's Pizza Parlor
Best Salad Bar: Alfalfa's Readers' Choice: Healthy Habits
Best Soup: Zenith American Grill
Best Hamburger: Bistro Adde Brewster Readers' Choice: Chili's
Best Hot Dogs: Denver Buffalo Company Readers' Choice: Mustard's Last Stand
Best French Fries: New York Deli News Readers' Choice: McDonald's
Best Chicken Wings: Hog Heaven
Best Fried Chicken: Kapre Lounge and Fried Chicken Readers' Choice: KFC
Best Meatloaf: Rocky Mountain Diner
Best Mashed Potatoes: Brick Oven Beanery
Best Tuna Salad: East Side Kosher Deli
Best Italian Sausage: Johnnie's Market
Best Sausages from the Old Country: Alfalfa's Market
Best Cevapcici: Gordana's Bistro
Best Place to French-Kiss a Buffalo: The Fort
Best Little Shop of Frozen Horrors: Thai Grocery
Best Calamari: Antipasto's
Best Surprising Sushi: L'Auberge Zen
Best Really Surprising Sushi: Akebono
Best Ban Chan: Kang Chon
Best Unexpected Shrimp: Delhi Darbar
Best Unexpected Phat Thai: Presto Fried Rice
Best Thai Curry: Thai Orchid
Best Egg Foo Yung: Sue Lee's
Best Selection of Chinese Teas: China Jade Seafood Restaurant
Best Pu Pu Platter: Wang Tsau Dynasty
Best Pates: Sadie's Caribbean Cafe
Best Pate: Cliff Young's
Best Chicken-Liver Pate: The Little Russian Cafe
Best Reason to Eat Liver: Strings
Best Reason to Eat Tofu: Sawaddee Thai Cuisine
Best Chips and Salsa: La Cueva Readers' Choice: Juanita's
Best Burrito: El Taco de Mexico Readers' Choice: Chubby's
Best Roadside Burritos: Burritos & Co.
Best Tamale: La Popular
Best Enchilada: Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe
Best Refritos: Las Delicias
Best Black Beans: Rio Grande
Best Taco: Taqueria Patzcuaro Readers' Choice: Taco Bell
Best Greaseless Taco: La Casa de Manuel
Best Chile Relleno: El Taco de Mexico Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Yuppie Rellenos: Mexicali Cafe
Best Red Chile: The Fort
Best Green Chile: Taqueria Patzcuaro Readers' Choice: Las Delicias
Best Green Chile Burn: Bamboo Hut
Best Mole: El Charrito Restaurante y Cantina
Best Margarita: Rio Grande Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Local Beer: Norm Clarke's Pale Ale, Champion Brewing Company
Best Beer Presentation: Judge Baldwin's
Best Girlfriend Drink: The Pink Thing, Rocky Mountain Diner
Best Stop for a Quick One: Bartender Dave Miller, Bay Wolf
Best Bartender: Chuck Abboud, McFann's
Best Drive-Through Wine Advice: Chateau Liquors
Best Neighborhood Bar and Beer Store: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Neighborhood Liquor Store: Logan Liquors
Best Lemonade: Plain Brown Wrapper
Best Hot Chocolate: Mont Blanc, The French Confection
Best Free Cup of Coffee: Cook's Mart
Best Iced Coffee: The Summer Buzz, Xpresso
Best Latte: The Espresso Bar, University Hospital
Best Espresso Fix in a Hurry: Peaberry Coffee, Tabor Center
Best Desserts: Two Bitts Bistro Readers' Choice: Sfuzzi
Best Sugar-Free Dessert: Jus Cookin's
Best Cookies: Italian Pastries and Bakery
Best Cholesterol-Cake Masquerading as Health Food: Treats Bakery
Best Macaroons: Brown Palace
Best After-Dinner Mints: Ciao! Baby
Best Food-As-Art Presentation: Cache Cache
Best Inadvertent Baby Food: Cafe Paradiso
Best Children's Menu: Buckhorn Exchange
Best High Chair: Racine's
Best McDonald's Seats: 10925 W. Colfax Ave.
Best Place to Smell Cadillac Anderson's Sneakers: Hog Heaven
Best Restaurant Bathrooms: Champion Brewing Company
Best View on West Colfax: International House of Pancakes
Best Outdoor Cafe: Thoa's 158 Readers' Choice: Paramount Cafe
Best Off-Street Patio: Marketplace Cafe
Best Coffeehouse: Caffe Antica Roma Readers' Choice (tie): Gasoline Alley/Paris on the Platte
Best Family Coffeehouse: Common Grounds Coffeehouse
Best Food Court Booth: Chubby's #2 Readers' Choice (tie): Bennet's Bar-B-Que Pit/Falafel King
Best Deli: New York Deli News
Best Mexican Deli: Johnnie's Market
Best Unlikely Barbecue Joint: The Links at City Park
Best Unlikely Spot for Greek Food: Ogden Street South
Best Chicago Cuisine: Bink's Burgers
Best Long Island Cuisine: Papa J's Restaurant and Lounge
Best Garlic Rush: Pasta Jay's
Best Italian Restaurant: O Sole Mio Readers' Choice: Olive Garden
Best Opera-Singing in an Italian Restaurant: Teresa Carroll, Mike Berardi's
Best Place to Hear Inna Gadda Da Vida" on a Violin While you Smoke a Cigar: Cliff Young's
Best Strolling Accordion Player: Tony Heindl, Cafe Milan
Best Romantic Restaurant: Greenbriar Inn Readers' Choice: Flagstaff House
Best French Restaurant: Normandy French Restaurant Readers' Choice: Le Central
Best Place to Get High: Himalayas
Best Chinese Restaurant: Sue Lee's Readers' Choice: Imperial Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Best Seafood Restaurant: McCormick's Fish House and Bar Readers' Choice: Fresh Fish Company
Best Asian Seafood Restaurant: New Orient
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon Readers' Choice: T-Wa Inn
Best Korean Restaurant: Myong Restaurant and Night Club
Best Asian Barbecue: Restaurant Seoul
Best Thai Restaurant: Siamese Plate Readers' Choice: Chao Praya Thai
Best Japanese Restaurant: Sushi Den Readers' Choice: Sushi Den
Best Steakhouse: Morton's of Chicago Readers' Choice: Morton's of Chicago
Best Vegetarian Selection in a Non-vegetarian Restaurant: Cache Cache
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Greens Natural Foods Cafe Readers' Choice: Harvest Restaurant and Bakery
Best New Restaurant: Q's
Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying: Flagstaff House Restaurant Readers' Choice: Morton's of Chicago
