But other 1987 winners are better than ever. That year, Benny Armas, a veteran of numerous kitchens around town, finally opened the first place he could call his own: Benny’s Cantina. In the twenty years since that first spot opened, Benny has expanded Benny’s numerous times, finally moving to the location at 301 East Seventh Avenue where Benny’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar still packs them in today. Although the menu and bar selections have expanded, Benny’s still specializes in a sense-singeing green chile that has defined this uniquely Colorado creation for two generations of Denverites.
Here are the other winners from 1987:
Best of '87
SURVIVAL
Best News for Women (or Worst News for Anti-Terrorist Squads) – Colorado Springs Denver Aurora area has 1-1 female male ratio
Second-Best News for Women – More women than ever before are serving on the Colorado legislature
Best Place to Get a Marriage License – Motor Vehicle Division
Best Place to Get Restraining Orders – YWCA of Metropolitan Denver
Best Place to Park Downtown – System parking lot
Best Graffiti – The 1900 block of E. 7th Ave.
Best Social Commentary – Graffiti on Boulder mall: "We want everything — now"
Best Political Commentary – "Everyone wants to live at the expense of the state. They forget that the state lives at the expense of everyone" (graffiti on 20th and Grant)
Best Religious Commentary – Garage doors across from St. John's Cathedral "F---- Thee!"
Best Place to Find a Cop When You D don’t Need One – Denny's, 900 W Alameda; Village Inn, 222 Columbine; Village Inn, 4850 Federal
Best Place to Find a Cop When You D don’t Need One, or Best Speed Trap – 23rd street off I-25
Best DUI Lawyer – Al Zinn
Best Bail Bondsmen – Marvin Ward, A&A Bail Bonds
Best County Court Judge For the Prosecution – Theodore Soja
Best County Court Judge for the Defense – Patricia Madsen
Best Jail – Greenwood Village
Best Reason to Go to Church – St. Thomas More Parish's installation of a bar right next to the altar
Best Suit Against the Airlines – Macon Cowles' claim that both Continental and United airlines abuse their passengers.
Second-Best Suit Against the Airlines – Chicago family sued United Airlines, claiming that the body of their 93 year old grandmother was removed from the flight and left in Denver as "excess baggage"
Best Performance by a Bookstore – Tattered Cover, Mountain and Plains Booksellers Association, and Book place joined to bring a suit against the state's year old obscenity statute
Best Performance by a school system – Adams County District 12's refusal to back away from controversial teaching materials and techniques
Best Good Neighbor Policy – Anonymous resident, who lives at W. 32nd and Tejon, hangs bus scheduled out the window
Best Good Samaritan service – Thornton's "Anti-Bureaucratic Squad"
Best Good Samaritan with Ulterior Motives – Vern Mierkey stuffs quarters into expired meters and then leaves cards on the window asking for donations
Best Proof That Two Individuals Can Make a Difference – Cheryl Wassam and Alvin Finderson of Boulder developed the discount pass for the unemployed on RTD
Best Overdue Honor – Daddy Bruce has a portion of 34th Ave. named after him
Best New Senior Citizens Complex – Housing on 23rd and Washington that was intended as Olympic housing
Best Public Housing – Upper Lawrence Cooperative
Best Place to See Your Life Flash Before Your Eyes – Embassy Suites
Best New Building – Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
Second-Best Candidate for Renovation – Tiny Town
Best Renovation – Washington Park Boating Pavilion
Best Topiary – 1655 Utica St.
Best Place to People Watch – Pearl Street Mall
Best Suburb – Parker
Best Neighborhood – (tie) Jefferson Park/ Highlands/Sunnyside
Best Mall – Brook hill Shopping center
Best city Councilperson – Cathy Renyolds
Best City Bureaucrat – Fred Timmerman
Best PR Person – David Grimm
Best Statehouse Legislator – Martha Ezzard
Best presidential Candidate from Colorado – Pat Schroeder
Second-Best Presidential candidate from Colorado – Stoney Jackson
Best Appointment to Romer's Cabinet – Peter Decker
Best State Bureaucrat – Office of Consumer Affairs
Best Proof that PSC Still Has a Sense of Humor – Employee's production of 1000 t-shirts with "Gone Fission" on them
Best Colorado Legislator in Congress – Ben Nighthorse-Campbell
Best Surprise Choice by Voters – Electing Doug Anderson
Second-Best Surprise Choice by Voters – Dumping Bob Krischt
Best Defender of Western Culture Against the Yellow Peril – Bob Crider
Best Politician to Take Along on a Shopping Trip – Frieda Poundstone
Best Challenge by a Politician to a Reporter – Gary Hart
Best Investigative Photojournalism – The Rocky Mountain News
Best Correction in a Newspaper – The Rocky Mountain News
Second-Best Correction – The Denver Post
Best Daily Newspaper Reporter – Joan Lowy, The Rocky Mountain News
Best Television Reporter – Ward Lucas, KUSA, Channel 9
Best Daily Columnist – Lynde McCormick, Rocky Mountain News
Best Colorado Periodical – The High Country News
Best Local TV Commercial – McDonald's
Best New Trick learned by an Old Politician – How to be a couch potato
Best Political Campaign Sign – No
Second Best Political Sign – Oh No
Best Radio Talk Show Host – John Rayburn, KNUS
Best Comment by a Visiting Celebrity – Oprah Winfrey
Best Twinkie – John Linsay
Best TV Anchor – Ed Sardella, Channel 9
Best 10 p.m. TV News – KUSA, Channel 9
Best Weatherman – Bill Kuster, KUSA, Channnel 9
Best Live Traffic Reports – KOA, 84.5 AM
Best Radio News – KBCO, 97 FM
Best Historic Celebrity – Travis
Best Current Local Celebrities – Gary and Marcee Levine
SPORTS & RECREATION
Best Annual Sports Event – The Kinetics
Best Day Trip from Denver – Mt. Evans
Best Tropical Getaway – Denver Botanic Gardens
Best Place to Hop a Freight – Globeville
Best Male Bonding Experience – The River Gods Must Be Crazy, Arkansas River Tours
Best Macho Recreation – Z-War Zone
Best Place to See Urban Wildlife (not two legged) – The Platte River Greenway
Best Bird watching Classes – Denver Audubon Society
Best Friend Urban Wildlife Ever Had – Sherrie Tippie
Best Place for Teens Without Cars to Make-out – Cherry Creek Bike Path, between Iliff and Monaco
Best Way to Kill a Friday Night in Aurora – Slayer Chase
Best Campground Within Three Hours of Denver – Eleven Mile Canyon
Best Help For the Handicapped – Wilderness on Wheels
Best Guide to Urban Recreation – Metro Denver Parks and Trails
Best Urban Fishing Hole – Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Best Fishing Store – Flyfisher LTD.
Best Beach – Water world
Best Sun tanning – Mile High Stadium, sections 121-123
Best Public Swimming Pool – La Alma
Best Private Swimming Pool- for crashing – Marriott Hotel
Best Hot Springs – Indian Springs, Idaho Springs
Best Gift for a Serious Equestrian – Horse and Hound
Best Rodeo – Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo, Grover
Best Place to Learn Rock Climbing Indoors – Colorado outdoor sports
Best Place to Rent Camping Equipment – REI
Best Four Wheel Drive Information – "Pass Patrol"
Best Place to Learn How to Drive on Ice – Ford Ice Driving School
Best Ski Run – Prima Pronto
Best Ski Lift – Little Nell
Best Ski Area – Mary Jane Winter Park
Best Cross Country Trail – Boreas Pass
Best Sporting Goods Sales – Ski club Vail Ski Swap
Best Jogging Path – Sand Creek Park & Bird Sanctuary
Best Running Race – Castle Pines
Best Cure for a Running Injury – Dr. Terry Haney, Lower Back Pain Clinic
Best Bike Path – Waterton Canyon
Best Recreation Center – Washington Park
Best Workout - physical – The Mat Class, International Athletic Club
Best Workout - social – The Sporting Club
Best Personal Trainer – Chris Ludvig
Best Public Tennis Courts – Berkeley Park
Best Pick-up Basketball Game – 20th street gym
Best Place to Pretend You're Harmon Killebrew – Batter Up
Best Softball Field – Fast Pitch, John F. Kennedy Park, Kenton at Dartmouth
Best Softball Field – Slow Pitch, Ruby Hill
Best Softball Umpire – John Vest
Best Miniature Golf Course – John F. Kennedy Driving Range and Miniature Golf Course
Best Golf course – Riverdale Dune
Best Driving Range – Englewood municipal golf course
Best Place to Buy Used Golf Clubs – A to Z Sporting Goods
Best Moonlight Bowling – Sport Bowl Lanes and Billiard
Best Bowling Lanes – 8800 Grant
Best Pool Hall – Colfax Billiards
Best Shooting Range – The Firing Line
Best Slot Car Races – Model Car World & Raceways
Best Video Games – Eastside Amusement Center
Best Place to Play Croquet – Washington Park
Best Vendor – Dave Flaming
Best Sports Talk-show Host – Sandy Clough KOA
Best TV Sportscaster – Ron Zappolo, KCNC, Channel 4
Best Play by Play Announcer – Bob Martin KOA
Best Sports Columnist – Bill Logan, Rocky Mountain News
Best Place to Play Hookey from the Real World – Zephyr's Businesspersons Special
Best Zephyr – Tanner Joey Meyer
Best Average in the European League by an Ex-nugget – Howard Carter
Best Debut by a Nugget – Alex English, "Amazing Grace and Chuck"
Best Nugget – Lafayette Fat Lever
Best Skybox – Daniels and Associates
Best Under-rated Denver Bronco – Keith Bishop
Best Bronco – John Elway
Best Sports Team – Felix & Daly
Best Amateur Athlete – Caryl Smith
Best Local Athlete - professional – Lafayette Lever, Denver Nuggets
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Colorado Song – "Colorado Yahoo (If I Had A Wagon)"
Best New Song by Coloradoans – "The Garbage Barge"
Best Change in the Arts Scene – A crowded Galleria
Best Award to Colorado Artists – Pirate, A Contemporary Art Oasis
Best Art Bureaucrat – Greg Geissler
Best Government Support for the Arts – Denver Department of Theatres and Arenas
Best Entertainment Lawyer – Edward P. Pierson
Best Free Entertainment – Festival of Mountain and Plain, A Taste of Colorado
Best Entertainment Under a Dollar – Sweet Movie Cafe
Best Place to Spend Money and Have Nothing to Show for it – Celebrity Sports Center
Best Cultural Bargain- Denver Symphony Orchestra Rush tickets
Best Suburban Arts Center – Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
Best Place to Take the Kids – Friday Night Live at The Children's Museum,
Best Place to Take the Kids – Funplex
Best Amusement Park Ride – Miniature train ride, Lakeside
Best Zoo Attraction – Baby mac
Best Big-city, Small Town Festival – Edgewater Days
Best Annual Festival Dedicated to an Insect – Heeney Tick Festival
Best Festival Dedicated to an Animal – Celebration of the pig
Best Annual Festival – The Denver International Film Festival
Best Place to be Harassed by Mimes – Renaissance Festival
Best Place to Have a Party – The Children's Museum
Best Movie Theatre - First run – Tivoli 12 Theatres
Best Movie Theatre - Art & Revival – Mayan Theatre
Best Movie Programming – International Film Series University of Colorado
Best Drive-in – Nor-West
Best Snack Bar – Mayan Theatre
Best Movie Popcorn – Tivoli 12 Theatres
Best Film Series for People Who Can't Wait to See the End – International Film Series, University Of Colorado
Best Comment Overheard at the Movies – "Man that dude's wearing cashmere. I tell you, that dude's got some fine looking cashmere threads. That's cashmere, all right." (at "The Untouchables")
Best Movie Deal – Boulder public library film series
Best Museum – Colorado Railroad Museum
Best Historic Museum – Four mile Historic Park
Best Testament to the American Entrepreneurial Spirit – Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, Lookout Mountain
Best Optimistic Look at Adams County – Adams County Historical Museum
Best Exhibit in the Face of Adversity – Censorship Expo, Denver Public Library
Best Art Openings – Kegger class - Pirate: A Contemporary Art Oasis
Best Food at Art Openings – News Gallery
Best Photography Gallery – Ginny Williams Photographs
Best Photography Exhibit – Francesca Woodman Sibell-Wolle Gallery
Best Performance Art - Touring – "The Knee Plays"
Best performance Art- Local- "More Adventures in the Human Zoo" by Montage, with Legacy of Sorrow
Best Installation Art – "Drawing Room", by George Peters; "I'll never live this way again"
Best Art Save for a Museum – Vance Kirkland's Murals
Best Local Artist Made Good – Bill Gian
Best Artistic Money-back Guarantee – Museum of Western Art
Best Theatre Advocate – Joe Abramo, The Rocky Mountain Theatre Guild
Best Theatre Production – "Coriolanus", Denver Center Theatre
Best Sound Design – City Stage Ensemle/ Jack's Theatre
Best Director – Ed Baielein
Best Actor – Jaime Horton, DCTC
Best Actress – Ajata
Best Actor in a Single Performance – Philippe Bernier, "Betrayal"
Best Local Actress Made Good – Annette Bening
Best Musical – "Lost Highway: The Music and Legend of Hank Williams"
Best New Play – "Shooting stars", Molly Newman
Best New Theatre – Stage West
Best Theatre Group – The Denver Theatre Company
Best Children’s Theatre – A Company of Players
Best Comedy Club – Comedy Works
Best Local Comic – Don Becker
Best Open Mike – Brilling Works Tearoom
Best Poetry Readings – Marija Cerjak Society
Best Private Support for a Public Facility – Sidney Shlenker and McNichols Arena
Best Rock and Roll survivor – Barry Fey
Best Place to See National Acts Since the Rainbow Closed – The Hi Lo
Best Place to See a Concert – The Paramount Theatre
Best Concert of the Year – John Hiatt, The Broadway
Best Opening Act That Outclassed the Headliner – The DiVinyls opening for the Cult, Rainbow Music Hall
Best Annual Concert Series – Chataqua Festival
Best Public Service by a Classical Group – Denver Symphony Orchestra concert at Wheat Ridge Regional Center
Best Fundraising Event – Central City Casino Night
Best Concert Series - Visiting Artists – KCFR's evenings at 8
Best All Around Classical Musician – Duain Wolfe
Best Street Musician – Adam Smith, clarinet
Best Jazz Musician – Spike Robinson
Best Band Name – Screaming Locusts on Diving Boards
Best Art Band – Legacy of Sorrow
Best Local Band – Electric Third Rail
Best Rock Band – The Tremblers
Best Underground Band – The Fluid
Best Hardcore Band – Happy world
Best Dance Band – A.S. Anova
Best Blues Band- JD and the love Bandits
Best Folkie – Mary Flower
Best Bluegrass Band – Hotrize
Best C&W Band – The Hollywood Rodeo Band
Best Country Band in a Stuffy Setting – The cast of "Lost Highway" the life and Music of Hank Williams
Best Jam – Bob Pelligrino and anyone who drops in
Best Lounge Act – The Mood Express
Best Piano Bar Pianist – Drew salperto, Ivory's Piano Bar
Best Solo Performer – Bill White Acre
Best Biergarten Band – Brunhilda and the Oom Pah Pahs
Best Long Term Smiling in Spandex – Dick and the Chicks
Best Image Improvement – Jill Sobule
Best Red Hot Mama – Cathy Burns
Best Rock and Roll Hair – The Blue Jets
Best New Colorado Musician – Bernie Leadon Nitty Gritty Dirt
Best Local Musician on His Way to the Big Time – Kenny Vaughn
Best Songwriter – Jon Ims
Best Local Record – The Original Rabbits, "Tails from the Big Green"
Best Jukebox - Style – Juanita's Uptown
Best Jukebox - Selection – Subway Restaurant and Lounge
Best Movies on Television – KWGN, channel 2
Best Video Show – "Teletunes"
Best VJ – Shari Bernson
Best DJ (in memoriam) – Steven B. and The Hawk
Best Singing, Guitar Pickin' DJ – Jim Strickland
Best Black Radio Station – KDKO
Best Hispanic Radio Station – KUVO
Best Defunct Radio Format – KBRQ
Best Approximation of a Big City Music Scene – Cricket On The Hill Best Jazz Club - Atmosphere – The Burnsley
Best Jazz Club - Talent – The Champa Bar
Best Country & Western Club – The Exchange
Best Husband and Wife Square-dancing Team – Ed & Virginia Moore
Best Strip Joint – Shotgun Willie's
Best Place to Hear a Cappella Music – Acappella's
Best Place to Hear Flamenco Music – The European Gardens of Denver
Best Salsa Club – Street Light’s
Best Hangout for Off Duty Mariachis – Richie's Inn
Best Teen Club – Norman's Place
Best Mall Club – Max's, Southwest Plaza
Best Rock Club – Herman's Hideaway
Best Place to Dance – Rock Island
Best Accessory to Wear to Rock Island – A smile
Best Place to Dance Wednesday Nights – The Hi Lo
Best Place to go Ballroom Dancing – The Doubletree Hotel
Best Ladies' Room Renovation – Cricket On The Hill
Best Occasional Club – The Art Dept
Best New Club – Boulder's Coast
Best After Hours Club – Paris on The Platte
Best Happy Hour - Hors D'oeuvers – H. Brinker's
Best Happy Hour - Pick ups – Top of the Week, Denver Art Museum
Best Singles Bar – Ristorante Boccalino
Best Bartender – Greg Waidman, My Brother's Bar
Best Gay Bar - B.J.'s Carousel
Best Lesbian Bar – Divine Madness
Best Gay Bar for Sunday Sports – Sunday afternoons at the Foxhole
Best Sports Bar – Jackson's Hole
Best Mountain Bar – The Brook Forest Inn
Best Neighborhood Bar - Central – The Punch Bowl
Best Neighborhood Bar - South – Campus Lounge
Best Neighborhood Bar - North- Laddy's
Best Neighborhood Bar - West – Lane's Tavern
Best Neighborhood Bar - East – Mozart Lounge
Best Neighborhood Bar - Boulder – Tom's Tavern
GOODS & SERVICES
Best Slap at Whiney Retailers – Jim Nicholson
Best Customer Service – REI Co-op
Best Returns Policy – Target
Best New Colorado Inventions – (tie) Nail-Chek and Taco Holder
Best Place With O'Rama in its Name – Nutorama
Best Men's Bathroom – State Capitol, third floor, in the press wing
Best Women's Bathroom – The Denver Country Club
Best Johnny on the Spot – Satellite Industries
Best Place to Get Married – Little Chapel in the Square, Heritage Square
Best Adult Motel – Mon Chalet
Best Honeymoon Spot Close to Town – The Peck House, Empire
Best Free Gift With a Funeral Plan – two records by The Olinger Quartet
Best Way to Scatter Your Ashes – Trail's End
Best Maternity Ward – Rose Medical Center
Best Midwife – John Lapentino
Best Place to be Tested for AIDS – University Hospital
Best Walk-in Health Clinic – Denver General Hospital
Best Emergency Room – 8th & Bannock (emergency entrance)
Best Children's Outpatient Clinic – Lakewood Surgical Center
Best Drugstore – Joy Pharmacy
Best Headache Cure – Headache Hotline at the Colorado Headache Clinic
Best Plastic Surgeon – Dr. Ronald E. Tegtmeier
Best Chiropractor – David M. Ackerman, P.C.
Best Incense Selection – Charon.
Best Religious Supplier – House of Carmel
Best Trinkets from Napal – Old Tibet
Best Statues of Ancient Goddesses – The Book Garden : A Women's Store
Best Place to Buy Mannequins – Public Fixture Company
Best Colorado Souvenirs – Adolph Coors Gift Shop
Best Technicolor Pictures of Colorado – Pictures of Colorado
Best Toy Store – Children's Palace
Best Card Shop – Card Blanche
Best Selection of Tarot Cards – Isis
Best Game Store – The Wizard's Chest
Best Piñatas – Atlantis Arts
Best Smoking Accessories Shop – Heads of State
Best Vintage Office Supply Store – Crest Distributing
Best Kitchen Store – Peppercorn Gourmet Goods & Cooking School
Best Place to Retrofit Your Kitchen – Recollections Indoor Flea Market
Best Cheap Pottery – Santa Fe Pottery
Best Used Furniture – Antique Trader
Best Hardware Store – Belcaro Ace Hardware
Best Home Decorating Store – Standard Brands
Best Do It Yourself Store – Do-It-Ur-Self Plumbing and Heating
Best Antiques – The Log cabin complex
Best Architectural Salvage Yard – Queen City Architectural Salvage
Best Junkyard – Disposal and recycling, Inc.
Best Lumberyard and Boutique – Garett A Lumber and Wrecking Co.
Best Free Fertilizer – 14795 W. 44th Ave.
Best Plant Nursery – Echter's Greenhouse and Gardens
Best Rose Garden – High Country Rosarium
Best Flowers (Retail) – Tagawa Garden Center and Florist
Best Cut Flowers (Wholesale) – Callahan Wholesale Florists, Inc.
Best Rummage Sale – St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Best Thrift Shop – Crystal Gathering
Best Overall Vintage Shop – Rudely Decadent,
Best Vintage Lingerie – Rethreads
Best Vintage Shop – Ladies' Garments – Molly's Vintage Clothing
Best Vintage Store - Ladies' Hats – Raggedy Ann's Clothing and Costumes
Best Costume Jewelry – The Treasured Scarab
Best Accessories - Inexpensive – ABC Imports
Best Accessories - Expensive – Applause
Best Men's Fashion Bargains – FB Men's
Best Tie and Bowtie Selection – Lee's Men's Store
Best Women's Shoe Selection – Gussini Shoes
Best Men's Shoe Selection – The Garment District
Best Women's Shoes in Men's Sizes – Republic Shoes
Best Place to Buy Wide Size Women's Shoes – 15253 E. Mississippi
Best Cowboy Boots – PMM Western Wear & Saddlery
Best Western Wear – Jim Butcher Western Wear
Best Square-dance Supply House – Bobbi's Corner
Best Uniforms – Neve's Uniforms, Inc.
Best Place to Buy a Ninja Suit – Sword in the Stone
Best Costume Store – Collector's Choice Antiques and Vintage Clothing
Best Hats – Hats in the Belfry, The Shops at the Tabor Center
Best Lingerie – Pollyanna
Best Maternity Clothes – Joslins at Buckingham Square
Best Wedding Store – Wedding showcase
Best Baby Paraphernalia – Children's Palace
Best Used Children's Clothes – Children's Trading Post
Best Children's Clothes – Chocolate Soup
Best Bead Store – The Western Trading Post
Best Knitting Needle Prices – Woolworth's
Best Fiber Crafts Video – Skyloom Fibers
Best Fabric and Fashion Yarn – Fabrics Plus, Inc.
Best Art Supply Store – Meininger's
Best News Stand – Aurora Newsstand
Best Used Bookshop – Aion Used Bookshop
Best Maps – Maps Unlimited
Best Magazine Rack – Tattered Cover
Best Sunday Newspaper Delivery – Sagebrush news
Best Place to Read a Foreign Newspaper – Norlin Library, University Of Colorado at Boulder
Best Mystery Bookstore – Murder By The Book
Best Used Books - Thrift Store – Disabled American Veterans' Thrift Store
Best Bookstore With Tea and Sympathy – Equator Books
Best Bookbinders – Denver Bookbinding Co.
Best Atheist Bookstore – American Atheist Bookstore
Best Classical Record Selection – Sound Warehouse
Best Jazz Record Store- Jazz Record Revival
Best Used Record Store – Offbeat Records
Best Record Store – JB & H Records and Tapes
Best Place to Buy Sheet Music – Rockley Music
Best Guitar Store – Cadillac Guitars
Best Keyboard Store – Ed Shaeffer's Keyboard Exchange
Best Used Stereo Store – Recycled Audio
Best Music and Cult Classic Videos – Across the Trax
Best Guru Videos – New Age Video Rental Library Together Bookstore
Best Videotape Rentals - VHS – Screenplay
Best Videotape Rentals - Beta – Sound wharehouse
Best Books on Tape – Quality Time Audio Bookstore
Best Used Camera Store – AAF Photographical
Best Photo Supplies Store – S.O. Lindahl Photo Sales
Best Fast Photo Finishing – One hour Moto-Photo
Best Soundman for Hire – We B Sound
Best Video man – Bob Brandon
Best Cold Wax Hair Removal – Smoothies
Best Cheap Haircut – Gil's Barber Shop
Best Emergency Repair of a Hellish Haircut – Adesso
Best Place to Have a Men's Hairpiece Installed – Renewed Mane
Best Massage – Alan Minnich
Best Shoeshine – Georgie's Shine Parlor, The Ghost Building
Best Fast Shoe Repair – Shoebiz, Republic Plaza
Best Dry Cleaners – McMahan Cleaners
Best Lace and Linen Cleaners – Colorado Lace
Best Tailor and Alterations – The Alteration Lady
Best Framing and Shipping – Platte River Frameworks
Best Antique Music Box Repair – Elton Norwood
Best Clock Repair – All Time Clock Repair
Best Place to Get Old Radios Repaired – Bosley's TV and Radio
Best Home Inspection Service – Pearl Inspection Service
Best Cheap Upholstery – Colorado School of Upholstery
Best Appliance Repair Service – Appliance Rescue Service
Best Burglar Alarm – Alarms Inc.
Best Neighborhood Post Office – The Way We Were Antiques
Best Drive-up Bank -Downtown – The Women's Bank
Best Banking Hours – Bank of Boulder
Best Bank for Getting a Loan – Colorado State Employees Credit Union
Best Realtor When You're Broke and Out of References – Eddie Turner, Preferred Properties
Best Financial Planner – J.D. Schwartz and Co.
Best Pre-school – Iliff Pre-school
Best Adult Education Classes – Gove Community School
Best Place to Learn a Foreign Language – Alliance Francaise
Best Italian Teacher – Miriam Turri, University of Denver
Best Yoga Teacher – Patricia Hansen, Together Books
Best Math Tutors – Algebra and Beyond Professional Tutors
Best Place to Play Bridge – Denver Bridge Club
Best Place to Learn Ballroom Dancing – Carter's Dance Studio
Best Bed & Breakfast in Town – Queen Anne Inn
Best Bed & Breakfast - Out of town – KK Ranch and Carriage Museum
Best Car Club – The National Nomad Club
Best Gas Station – Mile High Standard
Best Generic Car Repair – Monerize it Fast
Best Saab repair – Sweedish Automotive and Bodyworks
Best Auto Salvage – European- European Auto Salvage
Best Volkswagen Repair – Boltswagen of Denver
Best Pet Dentist – Dr. Peter Emily
Best Cat Boarding – Cat Spa
Best Place to Buy Tropical Fish – Tropic Seas
Best Large Animal Vet – Mark McCall, D.V.M, Cherry Creek Animal Clinic
Best Place to Buy Your Dog a Birthday Present – Cat's Pajamas/Doggie Downtown
Best Place to Buy Varmint Traps – Rocky Mountain Seed Co.
Best Butcher – Garrison Ranch Market
Best Seafood Market – Mostly Seafood
Best Bakery – Cheesecakes and More
Best Bran Muffin – Trumps
Best Selection of Pastries from the Netherlands – Granada Fish Market Sakura Square
Best Cornbread – Marie Calendar’s Restaurant and Bakery,
Best Coffebean Selection – Coffeebean and Tea Leaf
Best Occult Herb Selection – Coven Gardens
Best Herb Selection – Naturally
Best Fruit and Vegetable Stand – Jak-N-Jill Country Market
Best Organic Produce – Alfalfa's
Best Italian Market – Mancinelli Italian Market
Best Mexican Market – Johnnie’s Grocery & Market
Best Oriental Market- Pacific Mercantile
Best Water Selection – FBC
Best Selection of Non-alcoholic Beer and Wine – Argonaut Liquors
Best Liquor Store – Applejack Liquors
Best Grocery Store - Chain – Safeway
Best Grocery Store - Specialty – FBC Foods International
FOOD & DRINK
Best Cheap Breakfast- Economy Greek Market
Best Exotic Cheap Breakfast – The Upper Larimer Cafe
Best Power Breakfast – Herb's State Capitol basement
Best Sunday Brunch – The Garden Room at Keystone Lodge
Best Donuts – Daylight Donuts
Best Cinnamon Roll – Bud's Diner
Best Biscuits and Gravy – Mark Singers
Best All-you-can-eat Lunch – Denver 8 Motel
Best Free Lunch – Hare Krishna House
Best Place to Take a Three Martini Lunch – Denver Waterworks
Best Hot Lunch that Grandma Would Want You to Have – Good Morning House
Best Place for a Luncheon Tryst – Pagliacci's
Best Sidewalk Food – Burrito Terrace
Best Food Court Food – Gator's Barbecue, The Tabor Center
Best Fast Food Chain – El Pollo Asado
Best Drive-in – The Chuck Wagon
Best Diner - Ambiance – L.A Diner
Best Diner - Food – Dot's Diner
Best Appetizers – TransAlpin
Best Outdoor Cafe for People Watching – The Paramount Cafe
Best Outdoor Cafe for Getting Back to Nature – Maria's Bakery
Best Dinner Buffet – Western Sizzlin' Steakhouse
Best Dinner Under $5 – Brick Oven Beanery
Best Place to Spend the Evening – Chive's American Bistro
Best 24-hour Restaurant – Sac's Third Avenue Deli and Gourmet Market
Best Small Banquet Room – The Pig Room at Eddie Bohn's Pig 'N Whistle
Best Large Banquet Room – The Rattlesnake Club Atrium
Best Homemade Soups – Fatz City
Best Relish Tray – Emil-lene's Sirloin House
Best Salad Bar – Souper Salad
Best Resurrection of a Favorite Menu Item – Chesby's Nutty Salad
Best Caesar Salad – Ristorante Boccalino
Best Tuna Salad Sandwich – 20th Street Cafe
Best Hot Roast Beef Sandwich – Fenway Park
Best Polish Dog – Mustard's Last Stand
Best Hot Dogs – Sabrett's
Best Cheese steak – The Steakman
Best French Fries – Barn'Rds
Best Tater Tots – Sonic Drive In
Best Baked Potatoes – Morton's of Chicago
Best Onion Rings – Trinity Grille
Best Tempeh – Green's Restaurant
Best Barbecued Tofu – Wolfe's barbecue
Best Calzones – Famous Pizza
Best Pizza by the Slice – New York Pizza Boys
Best Pizza – Armando's Pizzeria of Cherry Creek
Best Specialty Pizza – Gaetano's
Best Garlic Overdose – Pizza Palace
Best Hamburger – Spanky's
Best Cheeseburger – Brooklyn's
Best Place to Satiate a Craving for Raw Meat – Normandy French Restaurant
Best Prime Rib – Morton's of Chicago
Best Chicken- Fried Steak – The Black Eyed pea
Best Fried Chicken – The White Fence Farm
Best Steak House – Emil-Lene's Sirloin House
Best Barbecue – M&D's BBQ and Fish Palace
Best Soul Food – Zona's Tamales/Zona's Cafeteria
Best Creole – Foucher's Creole Cafe
Best Cajun – Lucile's
Best Seafood – The Manhattan Café
Best Seafood Bargain – Port Of Denver
Best Deli – Goldie's
Best New American Restaurant – Littleby's
Best German Restaurant – The Black Forest Inn
Best Greek Restaurant – The Central 1, 600
Best Ethiopian Restaurant – 2816 E. Colfax
Best Afghani Restaurant – Khyber Pass
Best Indian Restaurant – Tandoor
Best Middle Eastern restaurant – Angleson's
Best Jamaican Restaurant – Jamaican Delight
Best Moroccan Restaurant – The Golden Inn
Best Russian Restaurant – The Little Russian Cafe
Best Swiss Restaurant – Swiss Bells
Best Hungarian Restaurant – Csar'das Hungarian Restaurant
Best Nouveau Italian Restaurant – Al Fresco
Best Italian Food - Inexpensive – Papa J's
Best Italian -Expensive – Cafe Franco
Best French Restaurant - Inexpensive – The Quorum
Best French Restaurant – Expensive – John's Restaurant
Best Thai Restaurant – Sukhotai
Best Vietnamese Restaurant – T-Wa
Best Sushi – Sushi Heights
Best Sushi Bargain – Sushi Den
Most Outrageous Sushi Bar Experience – Akebono
Best Japanese Restaurant – Don Don
Best Use of an Abacus – Tommy Wong's Chinese Kitchen
Best Egg rolls – Rappscallions
Best Cold Sesame Noodles – The Imperial
Best Spur-of-the-moment Chinese Banquet – Twin Dragon
Best Chinese Restaurant - Inexpensive – Linda Cheng's Chinese Kitchen
Best Chinese Restaurant - High end – La Chine
Best Chips – Juanita's Uptown
Best Salsa – Las Delicias
Best Guacamole – The Riviera
Best Nachos – The Parlour Bar & Restaurant
Best Cheese Crisp – La Nueva Poblana
Best Tortillas – La Favorita
Best Green Chile – Lolita's
Best menudo – The Elbow Room
Best Taco – Benny's Cantina
Best Enchilada – The Satire
Best Mexican Specialty – Las Delicias'"Carne Adoba"
Best Beans & Rice – City Spirit Cafe
Best Tamale – Alamos Verde’s
Best Chile Rellenos – La Paloma Blanca
Best Smothered Burrito – Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe
Best Huevos Rancheros – Chives American Bistro
Best Fajitas – Paradiso
Best Mexican Chicken Dish – Juanita's Uptown
Best Liquados – Taqueria Patzcuaro
Best Margarita – Gringo's
Best Sopapillas – Casa Bonita
Best All-purpose, All Hours, Mexican Joint – Chubby Burger Drive In
Best Mexican Restaurant Inexpensive – La Casa de Manuel
Best Mexican Restaurant Expensive – Moctezuma's
Best Southwestern Restaurant – Cactus
Best Soda Fountain – Watson's
Best Milk Shake – Annie's Cafe
Best Ice Cream Parlor – Lickety Split
Best Ice Cream Sandwich – Sweetie Pies
Best Desserts – Wheat Ridge Dairy
Best Takeout Pie from a Restaurant – Dino's Italian Food
Best Cup of Coffee – The Trinity Grille
Best Restaurant that Delivers – Speedy Burrito
Best Interior – City Spirit
Best Bathroom Graffiti – Transalpin
Best Aquarium – Simms Landing.
Best Make out Corner – The Ironworks
Best Decaf Coffee – Trident Bookseller
Best Beer List – The Old Library
Best Wine List – Cliff Young's
Best Non-alcoholic Drink Selection – Racine's
Best Frou Frou Drinks – The Imperial
Best Children's Menu – White Fence Farm
Best Place to Take Kids and Still Have a Grownup Time – Acappella's
Best Restaurant to Take Your Mother to – Phillipe's
Best Rebirth of a Restaurant – Avenue Bar and Grill
Best Restaurant for Smokers – The Market
Best Restaurant for Non Smokers – Dozens
Best Waiter – John, Lincoln One Hundred
Best Undiscovered Restaurant – Lincoln One Hundred
Best Restaurant With a Mountain View – The Observatory
Best Restaurant With a Downtown View – The Agusta
Best Restaurant for a Romantic Dinner – Cliff Young's
Best Restaurant to Take Tourists to – The Fort
Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying – The Rattlesnake Club
Best New Restaurant – Strings