Best of Denver® 2025

The Best of Denver is a year-round obsession. No sooner do we finish one edition than we're on to the next, filling our phones and pockets with notes on that unexpected hike we found as well as a diner we rediscovered, a terrific new pizza joint we stumbled across as well as a venerable EDM venue where we danced the night away. They're all inspiration for the next round of awards. As a result, the Best of Denver 2025 is full of recent revelations as well as reminders of the Denver that lured us here a week, a year, a decade ago.

While we get started on the Best of Denver 2025, keep reading for more than 330 reasons why our team is still high on the Mile High City, as well as the 231 winners of our Readers' Choice awards voted on by more than 330,000 readers. And don't miss all the cover and section art: This year we introduced a new contest, and University of Colorado Denver students created those winning images. They're the best!

FAQs

How do nominees get on our Best of Denver Readers’ Choice ballot? The previous year’s winner is automatically added along with other past-year top vote getters; you can buy a Vote for Me advertising package to secure a spot (email advertising@westword.com to learn more); and there is a write-in field.

How often can readers vote? Readers can vote daily while the Readers' Choice poll is live to declare their favorites in more than 230 categories.

How do Editorial picks work? While readers declare who is named a Readers' Choice winner, Editorial picks (below) are determined by our editors and writers. While the editorial staffers keep the Best of Denver in mind all year as they’re out and about in the city, they’re still taking suggestions for people, places and things to check out. Send suggestions to editorial@westword.com.

If I win, do I get a plaque? All of our winners, both Readers' Choice and editorial picks, will receive a certificate of their award for free. (If you are contacted by a business trying to sell your plaque, that business is not associated with Best of Denver or Westword.)