The first is Jimmy's, a fifteen-year-old Aspen watering hole with a tequila-focused back bar and a convivial neighborhood vibe. The publication bestowed the honors because "this Aspen institution has more than 100 tequilas and mezcals, makes terrific margaritas and hosts legendary Saturday night Latin-dance parties." It helps that it's surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, too.
Boulder's Oak at Fourteenth also nabbed accolades, which is pretty remarkable given that the place only opened last fall -- and then was closed for most of the year after a fire, just reopening this month. Head barman and co-owner Bryan Dayton didn't exactly rest on his laurels while his restaurant was being rebuilt, though. Instead, he remained deeply involved with the local and national bar scene, and he scored a major win at the GQ/Bombay Sapphire competition this fall.
His work on his craft paid off: Oak reopened with a sexy and innovative cocktail list that includes some unique beverage options, and while Food & Wine acknowledges that the restaurant, which Dayton owns with Steve Redzikowski, is a newcomer, the magazine points to the "NA (nonalcoholic), LA (low-alcohol) and HA (high-alcohol) drinks" list as particularly worthy of praise.
Cheers.
