That Boulder ranks third is no surprise at all; after all, it's already been named the happiest city in the country -- and Happy, the Big RedF restaurant at 835 Walnut Street in Boulder, made Forbes.com's recent list of the best new restaurants in the country.
Coming in tenth, though, is a real surprise: Pueblo.
"During one weekend every September, a tiny chile pepper nearly doubles the size of the city of Pueblo," Livability reports. "Up to 100,000 visitors from all over the U.S. come to eat, drink and celebrate the 'Pueblo Chile' during the Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festval. But anytime is a good time for foodies in Pueblo. The famed fire-roasted chile spices up burgers, hot dogs, tamales and more as restaurants pay homage, and the Farmers Market along the Riverwalk brings a bounty of fresh produce from local farmers. Locals swear by local favorite Magpies, the downtown restaurant featuring a fully stocked taproom downstairs. More microbrew suds are on tap at the popular Shamrock Brewing Co. And downtown bistro Restaurant Fifteen Twentyone fuses seasonally fresh ingredients with classic French culinary style."
Here's Livability on Boulder: "Boulder's growing culinary scene and healthy reputation find a delicious way to bridge the gap between good and good-for-you. At fine dining restaurants like Salt, Black Cat Bistro and Frasca Food + Wine, the emphasis is on seasonal, local ingredients -- most of which come from Boulder's well-established farmers markets. Combine that spirit with the town's health-conscious nature -- it's won numerous titles as a top vegetarian-friendly dining choice -- and it's little wonder the Wall Street Journal recently called Boulder the 'best small city for great meals we know of in this country.'"
The entire list:
10) Pueblo, Colorado 9) Logan, Utah 8) Wichita, Kansas 7) Albuquerque, New Mexico 6) Eugene, Oregon 5) Walnut Creek, California 4) Kansas City, Missouri 3) Boulder 2) Asheville, North Carolina 1) Traverse City, Michigan
