In the fall of 1988, a geeky, unemployed geologist and a handful of partners with just a smidge more experience opened the town’s first brewpub, the Wynkoop Brewing Company, set in a ramshackle part of the city that had just been dubbed the Lower Downtown Denver Historic District. And the rest is, indeed, history. The brewpub industry exploded in Denver; Colorado now produces more beer than any other state; today LoDo is the hottest spot in the city; and the accolades keep coming for the Wynkoop. As for Hickenlooper, he left the restaurant business to make a dark-horse run for mayor. Five years later, he continues to enjoy unprecedented popularity with Denver voters. Cheers. Here are the rest of the winners from 1989:
BEST OF DENVER 1989
SURVIVAL
Best News About Denver: It did not dissolve into a pool of goo. Not really.
Best Timing for a Party Invitation: Rocky Flats
Best Place to have a Nervous Breakdown: Mother Cabrini Shrine
Best Name for the New Airport: Dynasty International
Best Place to Kill Time at the Current Airport: Tee-Off & Take-Off
Best Place to Kill Time–and Brain Cells–at the Airport: The Oyster Bar, E Concourse
Best Place for Mother Teresa to Open Up Shop: The old Denver Post building
Best Stapleton Concourse: E Concourse
Best (and Perhaps Only Good) Thing about the Airport Campaign: Roger Ailes' defeat
Best Local Crime: The Grand Prix Reader's Poll: Silverado scam
Best Place to Panhandle: Outside the Mayan Reader's poll: 16th St./Larimer Square
Best Panhandler: Ron, the Boulder Mall
Best Unofficial Public Bathroom: 11th and Ogden
Best Official Public Bathroom: The Tabor Center
Best Place to Dump your Garbage: Galapago and Bayaud
Best Graffiti: Anarchy Alley
Best Sign: Dairy Queen
Best Suburb: Wheat Ridge Reader's Poll: Arvada
Best Lawn Ornaments from Hell Yard Display: 28th and Kearney
Best Sign with a Martini: Vern's Restaurant and Lounge
Best Place to Get a Driver's License: Capitol Hill People's Fair
Best Speed Trap: Auraria Parkway Reader's Poll: I-25 at I-225, 6th Ave. near Union
Best Cheap Parking Downtown: Allright Colorado, 23rd and Curtis
Best Commute: Boulder-Denver Express
Best Highway Improvement: I-25/6th Ave. Interchange
Best Alternative to I-25: Foothills Parkway (north) Santa Fe south)
Best Alternative to I-70: W. 44th Ave.
Best Renovation: The Denver Permit Center, 200 W. 14th Ave.
Best Candidate for Renovation: A.B. Hirschfeld Press Building
Best Use of Architectural Frills: The Far East Center
Best Use of an Old Quote in an Economic Development Ad: Pueblo Economic Development Corporation
Best Tourism Campaign: "Colorado's Outback-The Other Colorado"
Second-Best Tourism Campaign: "Throw Momma on a Train"
Best Roadside Attraction: Tarado Arriba
Best Place to Take Tourists: Red Rocks
Best Place to Scare the Bull out of Texans: Rollins Pass
Best Place for Tourists to Scare Denverites: Casa Bonita
Best Geological Formation: Across US 285 from the Fort
Best Place to See Bigfoot (and Best Way to Increase Colorado Springs' Tourism Trade): Pike's Peak
Best Place to See a Bald Eagle (winters only): Barbour Pond, I-25
Best Place to Play Hide and Seek: Central Bank Fountain
Best Place to Meet Men: Listen Up
Best Place to Meet Women: Home Club Retail Warehouse Store # 52
Best Place for a Nooner: The Colorado Railroad Museum
Best Place for a Quickie: Senate Chambers Observatory, State Capitol
Best Political Decision: To Kill Two Forks
Best Bumpersticker: "Denver: Piss on Your Lawns"
Second Best Bumpersticker: "Communist is Ugly"
Best Lawyer's Code: Denver Bar Association
Best Use of Taxpayers' Dollars: Women in Crisis
Best Abuse of Taxpayers' Dollars: IRS Fitness Center
Best Name for a Conference: "RTD: Working to move people in uncertain times"
Second Best Name for a Conference: "Are Members of our General Assembly Flexible?"
Best Statehouse Legislation: Pat Pascoe
Best Congressional Representative: Ben Nighthorse Campbell
Best Denver City Council Representative: Bill Roberts
Best Bureaucrat: Wellington Webb
Best Reason to Name a Mountain after Dick Lamm: Because he's there—and so are they
Best Move by the Best Bookstore: Tattered Cover
Best Religious (we think) Columnist: Vera Vick, "Denver Weekly News"
Best Paula Woodward Report: The Chia pet
Best Small Talk on a TV Newscast: Colorado Evening News, 6:30 pm, KCNC Channel 4
Best Local Boy Made Good: Harry Smith
Best Local Girl Made Good: Roseanne Barr
Best Performance by a Coloradan on the "Tonight Show": Scott Isaacs
SPORTS & RECREATION
Best Place to Plot the Avalanche Paths Around your Mountain Condo: Colorado Geological Society
Best Retro Description of a Ski Instructor: "GQ" Magazine
Best Kid's Ski Area: Beaver Creek
Best Place to Snowboard: Purgatory
Best Proof that Ice is Nice: Denver Curling Club
Best Place to Get Away From it All in the Middle of the City: Denver Botanic Gardens
Best Place to Take the Kids: Kid's Night Out, South Suburban Rec. Center
Best Place to Leave the Kids: Camp Hyatt, Hyatt Regency Denver
Best Thing to Do in the Dark: Star Parties, Gates Planetarium
Best View from a City Park: Inspiration Point
Best Make-Out Spot: Hut Hill
Best Boy-Watching: Rude Rec. Center weight room
Best Girl-Watching: 16th St. Mall
Best Place to Meet Swinging Singles: Kennedy Golf Course
Best Golf Greens and Fairways: Lakewood Country Club
Best New Miniature Golf Course: Adventure Golf
Best Theme for a Miniature Golf Course: Bicentennial Park, Aurora
Holy Smokes! Another Great Miniature Golf Course: Highlands Ranch
Best Park Improvement: Par Course, Crown Hill Park
Best New Park: Meyer Ranch Park, Aspen Park
Best Flyfishing Store: The Trout Fisher, 2020 S. Parker Rd.
Best Fly-Tying Lessons: Tom McMillan at the Flyfisher, 252 Clayton
Best Trout Fishing 30 Minutes from Downtown: Waterton Canyon
Best New Sport for the Handicapped: Hunting
Best Place for a Picnic: Lost Gulch Overlook, Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder
Best Road Bike Ride (off season): Lyons to Allenspark and Estes Park
Best Urban Bike Tour: Highline Canal
Best In-Town Downhill Rush: Ruby Hill
Best Cure for Airsickness: Ultralight demonstration flights, Morning Star Aviation
Best New Party Idea: Slunking
Best Urban Skateboard Ramp: 19th and Arapahoe
Best Replacement for the Annual Company Picnic: National Demographics & Lifestyles
Best Biker Group: Puttin' Sober
Best Place to Live out Your Lonesome Dove Fantasies: Lost Valley Ranch, Sedalia
Best Rustic Bed and Breakfast: The Creed Hotel, Creed
Best Close-Up Look at a Cliff Dwelling: Ute Mountain Indian Reservation
Best Train Trip–High End: Private Car Rentals Ansco Investment Co.
Best Train Trip–Low End: Limon Twilight Limited
Best Place to Get on Track: Caboose Hobbies
Best Guide to Public Land: Metro Mountain Recreation and Open Space Project
Lannie Garrett's Best Place to Work Out: Oxford Club
Best Bolder Boulder Running Team: Jogging Jihads
Best Way to Rev Up: "Race Day Radio Magazine" with Jann Scott, KJIM 760 AM
Best TV Sports Commentator: Les Shapiro, KCNC Channel 4 Reader's Poll: Ron Zappolo
Best Nugget: Fat Lever Reader's Poll: Alex English
Best Sports Ripoff: Colorado ski area lift ticket prices
Best Local Boy Turned Sports Hero: Tom Chambers
Best Place for Sports Fantasies to Come True: Paramount Park
Best Place for True-Blue (and Orange) Bronco Fans: Mr. K's Bronco Heaven
Best Bronco: John Elway Reader's Poll: John Elway
Best Warning Signs of Waning Broncomania: Season-ticketholders bailing out
Best Colorado Publication about Chicago Sports: Chicago SportScene
Best Sports Value: Denver Zephyrs Businessperson's Special
Best Sports Consultant: Robert Regoli, Sports Card Analyst
Best Reason for Denver to Get a Major League baseball team: To give Denver’s sports journalists something to do in the football off-season
Best Way to Use up Two Tons of Zucchini: CSU Cooperative Extension
Best Deal for Apple Tree Owners: Apple Cider Day, Wheat Ridge Historical Park
Best Garden: Independence House Family
Best Topiary: 1655 Utica St.
Best Colorado Gardener (in Memoriam): Herb Gundell
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Blinky the Clown's Best Place to Take the Kids: Blinky's Show
Best Free Entertainment on the Pearl St. Mall: The state's shortest skirts
Best Free Entertainment on the 16th St. Mall: The Right Reverend Marlon Brando
Best Free Colorado Entertainment on the Great White Way: The Palmer High Sextet
Best Festival Commemorating Something that no Longer Exists: Carbondale Potato Festival
Best Fundraiser: Suds 'n' Duds
Best Prom (tie): The Estelle S. Studs School of Charm Lesbian Prom; The Bouquets and Backseats Prom
Best New Museum Collection: Mr. Blackwell Gustafson CSU Dept. of Clothing & Textiles, Ft. Collins
Best House Tour: Thomas-Billings Home, Central City
Best Odd In-Town Museum: Sod House
Best Museum to Honor an Old Fad: The Cube Museum, Grand Junction
Best Monthly Singalongs: Mark Saiki's Singalong Group
Best Jukebox: Seven South
Best Gospel Hour: Madame Andrews' Gospel Hour
Best Poetry in Motion: Poetry Patterns
Best Radio Talk Show Host: Don Becker, KBXG 710 AM Reader's Poll: Mike Rosen
Best Radio Show for the Environmentally Aware: Terra Infirma, KGNU 88.5 FM
Best Radio Show for the Older Generation: Concerning Us, hosted by John Lindsay
Best TV Talk Show: Biff America, KSMT, Breckenridge
Best TV Pitchman: Bud's Mufflers
Best Late Night TV Ads: Channel 31
Best Movie Channel: Channel 59
Best Performance by a Denver Building in a TV Production: The old DA's building
Best Accidental Imitation of Chicago: Denver
Best Intentional Imitation of Chicago: Breckenridge
Best Movie Popcorn: AMC Theaters
Best New Screen: The Esquire
Best Movie Theatre For Buying Peruvian Headgear: The former Art Cinema in Boulder
Best Local Producer of Teen Slasher Videos: First Films
Best New Major: Film Studies at CU
Best Place to Watch a Dud: Continental Theatre
Best New Movie Theatre: Chez Artiste Cinema
Best Multiplex: Tivoli 12 Theatres
Best Movie Theatre: The Mayan
Best Movie Scene Filmed in Colorado: Opening sequence of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"
Best Performance by a Coloradan in a Movie: Vincent D'Onofrio in "Mystic Pizza"
Best Theatre Entrance: The Changing Scene
Best Move by a Theatre Group: SuTeatro's purchase of the Elyria School
Best New Play: "Dr. Antonio's imaginary Disease" by Mike Chappelle
Best Touring Show: "You Strike the Woman, You Strike the Rock" The Visisizwe Players
Best Musical: "Carousel" Denver Center Theatre Company
Best Ensemble: "The Fox" Hunger Artists
Best Supporting Actor: Stephen Black, "Landscape of the Body" Hunger Artists
Best Supporting Actress: Leslie Hendrix, "The Matchmaker" Denver Center Theatre Company
Best Actor: Barry Wallace, "Fun" Boulder Repertory Theatre
Best Actress: Anne F. Butler, "The Darling" Germinal Stage Denver
Best Production: "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Studio E Theatre Ensemble
Best New Theatre: Heatley's Tea House, 266 S. Downing
Best Director: Tom Rowen, "landscape of the Body," Hunger Artists
Best Local Theatre Group: Hunger Artists
Best Performance Art Event: George Monchak, Pirate fundraiser
Best Installation: "Personal Espionage," by Mark Brasuell, Edge Gallery
Best Seasonal Sculpture: Laura Audrey's huge snake
Best Cultural Gallery: Studio PaNdau, 1825 Blake St.
Best Proof that the Santa Fe Look has Peaked: Mr. Potato Head, AlphaGallery
Best Art Openings: Pirate: A Contemporary Art Oasis
Best Art Opening Eats: News Gallery
Best Alternative Performance Art Performance: Harry Lyrico, Pirate
Best Museum Show: "La Antorcha de Quetzacoatl" Leo Tanguma, Denver Art Museum
Best Arts Program for the Sandbox Set: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Best News for Local Artists: Rocky Mountain Women's Institute
Best Evidence that the DSO Never Learns: Canceling the season midway
Best Classical Music Group: The Denver Chamber Orchestra
Best Classical Recital: Donald Pearson, Bach birthday organ concert at St. John's Cathedral
Best Musical Ambassador: Don Ambler
Best Classical Music Series: KCFR Evenings at 8
Best Band of the Century: The Denver Municipal Band
Best Classical Radio Program: Jeanna Wearing, KPOF 910 AM
Best Jazz Radio Station: KUVO 89.3 FM
Best Bets to Become Jazz Greats: Day Hoof and UNC Jazz Combo I
Best Commercial Career Move for a Jazz Musician: Nelson Rangell
Best Artistic Career Move for a Jazz Musician: Joe Anderies
Best Theme Concert Series: Gibson's Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Gershwin and Denver Jazz
Best Jazz Club: El Chapultepec Reader's poll: El Chapultepec
Best Jazz Musician: Art Lande
Best Jazz Group: Ron Mile Trio/Quartet Reader's poll: Dotsero
Best Collaboration: Spike Robinson & Rob Mullins "The Odd Couple"
Best New-Age Recording by a Local Artist: Bill Douglas, "Jewel Lake"
Best Local Recording for Kids: Michael Stanwood, "Something Awful Can Be Wonderful"
Best Nationally Known Local Label: Silver Wave
Best Local Rock Record: The 40th Day, "Something Hidden Here"
Best Original Song: The Jonez, "Rat-ta-tat-tat"
Best Rock on TV (tie): "Teletunes" & "The Music Link"
Best Street Musician: Bill Atkinson Reader's poll: Pat Garret
Best Fanzine: The Core
Best Folkie: Carla Sciaky
Best Blues Band: The Last Fair Deal Reader's poll: Bob Hornbuckle
Best Underground Band: Human Head Transplant
Best Thrash Band: Soak
Best Heavy Metal Band: Rena Care Reader's poll: Squealer
Best in-limbo band: Shades of Persuasion
Best guitar god: Mike Serviolo, Jux County
Best Understated Guitar: Tommy Malone, Subdudes
Best Local Dance Band: Chris Daniels & the Kings Reader's poll (tie): 4 Nikators, Subdudes
Best Local Band with a Conscience: The Jonez
Best Cover Band: Laughing Sam's Dice
Best Longevity in a Local Band: The Jinns
Best Gyrations: Tod Wulfmeyer
Best Band for a Laugh: The Korvettes
Best Band to Watch: Wanker
Best Band Name: Nerves Like Eels
Best Alternative Band: Twice Wilted
Best Band to Hit the Big Time: The Subdudes
Best Local Rock Band: Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Best Arena Show of the Year: Metallica and Queensryche "Damaged Justice" tour
Best Concert of the Year: Lou Reed, Paramount Theatre Reader's poll: Pink Floyd
Best Bimbos: Fiddler's Green Pool Party
Best Bouncer: Michael Jackson
Best Grossout Club Entrance: Rock Island
Best Club with an Open Mind: Penny Lane Coffeehouse
Best Club DJ: Tim Ward, Club Tower
Jake Jabs' Best Place to Sit In With the Band: Bo & Eddie's
Best Open Stage: Decatur's Friendship Inn Reader's poll: Red Rocks
Best All-Ages Shows: Aztlan Theatre
Best Club for New Bands: Tequila Sunrise
Best Lite Metal Club: Bangles
Best Heavy Metal Club: Club Maxxx Reader's poll: Bangles
Best Club for Original Music: The Garage at 23 Parrish
Best Dance Club: 23 Parrish Reader's poll: Rock Island
Best Reincarnated Concert Hall: The Boulder Theater
Best Rock Club: JJ McCabes Reader's poll: Ziggie's
Best Country-Western Bar: Michael B's Saloon Reader's poll: Zanza Bar
Best Honkytonk: Coffey's Korner
Best Slavic Hangout: Tatra, Highway 38, one mile north of Lyons
Best Piano Bar/Pianist: Charlie Brown's/Paul Lopez Reader's poll: Ivory
Best Happy Hour Spread: 23 Parrish
Best Happy Hour Hours: Ogden Street South
Best Elvis Impersonator Who Looks Nothing Like the King: Louis Ortiz
Best Proof that Elvis Has Risen: "Church of the Living Elvis" Pantheistic Dictionary exhibit, News Gallery
Best Elvis Poetry in Emotion: "Elvis, We Still Love You Tender"
Best Moment Commemorating Elvis: The Future, live at McNichols Arena
Best Elvis Relic in the Denver Police Department: Jerry Kennedy's autographed picture of the king
Best New Elvis-Related Project: Larry Mahan's Barbecue and Dipping Sauce
Best Gay Bar: The Compound Reader's poll: Charlie's
Best Student Union: The Tivoli
Best Sports Bar: Maxfield & Friends Reader's poll: Ironworks
Best Mountain Bar: The Bucksnort Saloon
Best Comedy Club: The Bustop Reader's poll: Comedy Works
Best Hoser Bar: Smiling Moose Bar & Grill
Best Teen Club: Rock Island
Best Thirtysomething Bar: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Neighborhood Bar–Downtown: The Billabong
Best Neighborhood Bar–East: The Mozart Lounge
Best Neighborhood Bar–South: Monaghan's
Best Neighborhood Bar–West: Pig 'n Whistle
Best Neighborhood Bar–Boulder: West End Tavern
Best Coffeehouse: Muddy's Java Café
GOODS AND SERVICES
Best Bargain: King Soopers one-cent horse ride Reader's poll: Ross Dress for Less
Best Birthday Bargain: Fire House Car Wash
Best Free, Non 976-number: True Confessions, 777-9754
Best Free Advice This Side of a Bartender: Thursday Night Bar Program
Best Free Condoms–Day: Planned Parenthood
Best Free Condoms–Night: Colorado AIDS Project
Brian Nalty's Best Rock-and-Roll Hair-Care Tip: Dax Wax
Best AIDS Service: AIDS Buyer's Club
Best AIDS Test: Wayne Thrasher
Best Blood Bank From a Donor's Point of View: Children's Hospital
Best Menopause Seminar: Lutheran Medical Center
Best Impotency Seminar: Lutheran Medical Center
Best True Drug Store: Tejon Drug Co.
Best Discount Drugstore: Drug Emporium
Best Convenient Recycling: King Soopers, all locations
Best Complete Recycler: Friedman & Sons
Best Place to Get the Straight Poop: Denise Sims, Up Yours
Best Photo Booth: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Best Help for the Terminally Timid: The Shyness Network
Best Yenta: Introductions by Ruth
Best Inexpensive Way to Propose: Mile High Stadium
Best Inexpensive Way to Cater your Wedding: "Do It Yourself"
Best Cheesy Window Display: Jerry's News West
Best Window Display: Card Blanche Readers poll: May D&F
Best One-Stop Shopping Binge: Factory Outlet Mall, Silverthorne
Best Place to Buy Colorado Souvenirs: Union Station gift shop Reader’s poll: Woolworth's
Best Weird Party Favors: Colorado Party and Novelty
Best Votive Candles and Voodoo Supplies: El Caridd del Cobre
Best Alchemist: Adriel
Best Way to Recharge your Batteries: Isis New Age Center
Best Place to Spend Money and Have Nothing to Show For It on Purpose: Fads
Best Store for People Who Refuse to Grow Up: Firecrackers Malt & Burger Shoppe
Best Sign that Colorado's Economy has Yet to Recover: Wedgle's Music and Loan
Best Thrift Shop Trade Triangle: Family Thrift Center; Goodwill Industries; Value Village
Best Thrift Shop Opening: Value Village
Best Thrift Store: Disabled American Veterans Stores Readers poll: Value Village
Best Antiques for Adventure: The Antique Zoo
Best Mammy-rabilia: Darcelle's Gallery
Best Import Shop: More for Less
Best Store for African Knickknacks: Zebra Imports
Best Hobby Store: Thompson's Hobbies & Crafts Reader’s poll: Caboose Hobbies
Best Bead Supply: Ornamental Resources
Best Necklace-Stringing Stuff: Maroon Bells
Best Chic Fabric Store: Buttons 'n' Trims
Best Deals on Fabrics: Fabric Outlet
Best Bracelets Made from Wolf Fur: Kent Weber, Mission: Wolf
Best Way to Imitate Pepe Lepew: Arnold's Furs, Cedaredge
Best Colorado Jewelry—High End: Chipita
Best Colorado Jewelry—Low End: Liz'art
Best June Cleaver Decorating Accessories: Flashback
Best Vintage Cowboy Furniture and Decorations: Crybaby Ranch
Best Biker Maternity Togs: Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson
Best Toy Store Without Barbie and G.I. Joe: Follow Your Heart
Best Unpretentious Kid's Clothing: My Kids Clothes
Best Vintage (also best singing cowboy clothes): Poparama Reader’s poll: Poparama
Best Place to Buy Spurs: Miller Stockman
Best Rock & Roll/Bondage Shoes: The Wild Pair
Best Place to Foot the Bill: Sox Appeal
Best Place to Buy Pantyhose: TJ Maxx
Best Washable Leather Bustiers: Pollyanna
Best Innovative Colorado Designers: Ragazzi
Best Place to Buy a Ceremonial Robe: Mesa Imports
Best Do-Rags—Price: Woolworth's
Best Do-Rags—Selection: Tapestry
Best Deal on Synthetic Hair: PriceMart Beauty Supply
Best Rock-and-Roll Tattooing: Tattooing by Mickie
Best Repair Job When your Hair's Been Ruined: Staxx Salon
Best Old-Time Barbershop: Bob's
Best Tanning Salon: The Beach
Best Place to Get a Tan the Natural Way: Inverness Golf Course
Best Quick Shoe Repair: Cobbler's Corner
Best Solution for the Terminally Messy: Launderama Club
Best Location for a Church: Base-Mar Shopping Center, Boulder
Best Pet Service for Couch Potatoes: Aqua Imports, Boulder
Best Colorado Kitty Litter: Litter Kit
Best Deal on Pet Immunizations: Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic
Best Hands-Off Way to Walk Your Dog: Jordan Walkers
Best Canine Toenail Clipping: Ansel Walters, Pet Ranch
Best Guilt-Free Mouse Supply: Tropic Seas Pet Store
Best Place to Take Your Pet When Your Vet Can't Help: Colorado State University Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins
Best Way to Survive Your Pet's Demise: Pet Loss Support Group, Denver Dumb Friends League
Best Way to Go: The Monarch Society
Best Coffins: Anna Koop, Catholic Worker House
Best Cheap Travel Course: Jim Emery
Best Ride from the Airport: Blackjack Limo
Best Limo Driver: Peter Fair, TCG Limousines
Best Gas Station: Conoco, Speer at Zuni
Best Place to Buy Gas: Hampden and Yosemite
Best Deal on Wheels: Lemon-Aid of America
Second Best Deal on Wheels: Automotive Mobile Diagnostic Service
Best Female Automotive Aid: Mary Jackson, "Women on Wheels"
Best Phone Answering Machine Repair Service: A-V Service
Best Truly Affordable Alternative to Public School and Daycare: Chaslou Academy
Best Financial Institution: The Young Americans Bank
Best Post Office: The Terminal Annex
Best Undiscovered Post Office: May D&F's Bargain Basement
Best Apartment Managers: Bob and Pat Albach, Casa Cordova Apartments
Best Salvage Yard: Blake's Small Car Salvage, Erie
Best Place to Find a Good Screw: A&I Bolt and Nut
Best Lumberyard: Little Guy Lumber Company
Best Furniture Knockoffs: Avis Upholstery Studio
Best Plumbing Bargains: Do-It-Ur-Self Plumbing & Heating
Best Replacement Tiles: Capco
Best Place to Buy a Used Sledgehammer: Charlie's 2nd Hand Store Inc.
Best Mac-Doctor Making Housecalls: Gerritt Dunn
Best Commodore Computer Repair: The Commodore Connection
Best Computer Store: CW Electronics Reader’s poll: CW Electronics
Best-Named Computer Store: User Friendly
Best Shoplifting Spies: Anne Droid Mannequin, Restoration
Best Place to Hire a Business Snitch: Caldwell & Associates
Best Head Shop: Heads of State Reader’s poll: Trails
Best Emergency Preparedness Equipment: Harloff Manufacturing Company's "Response Carts"
Best Library for Former Employees with a Mission: Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union Library
Best Business Library: Auraria Library
Best Jungian Cards and Calendars: Barbara Stone
Best Women's Bookstore: The Bookgarden: A Women's Store
Best Used Bookstore: Capitol Hill Books Readers poll: Capitol Hill Books
Best Book Sale: Denver Public Library
Best Metaphysical Bookstore: Metaphysical Books
Best Trucker's Delight: Falcon Books and Video
Best Porno Arcade Bargain: Pleasures Broadway Bookstore
Best Video Store: Across the Trax Reader’s poll: King Soopers
Best Guitarman: Chris Herbert, Longenecker Guitars
Best Hollywood-opening-style Searchlights: Fastlane Productions' Sky-Tracker
Best Used Record Store: Albums on the Hill Reader’s poll: Wax Trax
Best Record Store Flashback: JB&H Records & Tapes
Best News for Bass Players: First Bass
Best Deadhead Cakes: Haagen Dazs, Crossroads Mall, Boulder
Best Bakery: Gateaux
Best Organic Convenience Store: Wild Oats Market
Best Convenience Store: 7-Eleven Reader’s poll: 7-Eleven
Best Deal on Spices: The Spice Company
Best Wine Store—Value: Applejack Liquors
Best Wine Store—Quality: The Vineyard
Best Selection of Non-Alcoholic Wines: Arrow Liquormart
Best Beer Bargains: Logan Liquors
Best Freebies: The Coffee Nut
Best Seasonal Local Drink: Royal Crest Egg Nog
Best Fruit and Vegetable Stand: Garramone Produce Co. Reader’s poll: Farmer's Market at Market Street Station
Best Homegrown Candy: Enstrom's Toffee
Best Political Statement by a Grocery Store: Alfalfa's
Best Place to Buy Sheep Heads: King Soopers
Best Use of Produce: Cub Foods
Best Supermarket Banter: Safeway
Best Grocery Store: Orchard Market Reader’s poll: King Soopers
Best Pigs: Registered Wenglar Red Waddle Roger Thayer, Montrose
Best Pig on a Menu: Pig On A Bun, Eddie Bohn's Pig 'N' Whistle Motel
Best Dubious Pig Distinction: Kersey, Colorado
Best Piggy Bank: The Public Market at Aurora
Best Yard Pigs: Mile-Hi Statuary
FOOD AND DRINK
Best Restaurant Owned by a Former Game Show Host: Saloon, Breckenridge
Best View from a Fast-Food Restaurant: Taco Bell
Best View from a Snack Bar: Buffalo Bill Museum
Best-Stocked Restaurant Bathroom: Strings
Best Restroom Service: Ron Coleman, 23 Parrish
Best Restaurant for Illicit Romantic Activities: The Bay Wolf
Perhaps Not Coincidentally, Best Toothbrushes in a Restaurant: The Bay Wolf
Best Place to Take Someone Else's Spouse: Rodney's
Best Restaurant for a Romantic Dinner: Gabriel's, Sedalia
Best-Dressed Waiters: New Saigon
Best Waiters' Shirts this side of NYC: Spanky's
Best Busboy: Matt Jones, Juanita's
Best Waitperson: Dino, Little Pepina's
Best All-American Waitresses: Duffy's
Best Calendar Collection: Bud's Drive-In
Best Cleavage on a Menu: La Fiesta
Best Cleavage, RIP: The Canterbury Inn
Best Decor Guaranteed to Inspire Middle-Aged Men: Ruby
Best Romantic Decor: Amethyst Room at Cliff Young's
Best Sleek Decor: Lincoln 100
Best Restaurant Art: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Chalkboard Drawings: Chili's
Best Buffalo Paraphernalia (not just on the plate): Mountain Man Steak House
Best Waffle: Gov. Roy Romer
Best Waffles: D Wesley's Restaurant
Best Cheap Breakfast: Park Lane Café
Best Country Breakfast: Karen's Bakery, Village Square, Louisville
Best Way to Retrieve a Day that Started out Wrong: El Taco de Mexico
Best Pig-Out Sunday Brunch: Boulderado Hotel
Best healthy breakfast: The Harvest
Best Cheap Lunch for Seniors: Any Denver public elementary school
Best Place to Eat Instead of the East High Cafeteria: Gyros Place
Best Cheap Lunch: Carol's Soup Kitchen
Best Unexpected Lunch Spot: Shivers at the Icehouse
Best Tea Room: The Rose Tea Room
Best Non-Traditional High Tea: Broadway Lites
Best Dinner Under $5: McCormick's Fish House and Bar Reader's poll: Brick Oven Beanery
Best Delicious, Nutritious Dinner in a Bowl, Under $5: Thai Hiep
Best Sunday Dinner: Weldon's
Best Late Night Meal: Chives American Bistro Reader's poll (tie): Village Inn, Paris on the Platte
Best Place for Coffee and Great City Blues All Night Long: The Doll House
Best Drive-In: Sonic Drive-In
Best Greasy Spoon: Butcher Block II
Best Outdoor Cafe: El Noa Noa Reader’s poll: Paramount
Best Food Court: Plaza Court Emporium
Best Food Cart on the Mall: Burrito Terrace Readers poll: Classic Coffee Cart
Best Popcorn Stand: Queen City Popcorn
Best Place to Take the Kids: Show Biz Pizza
Best Place to Take the Kids and Still Have an Adult Time: Racine's
Best Place for Kids to Monkey Around With Their Food: The Children's Museum
Best Children's Menu: Wheat Ridge Dairy and Bakery
Best Reason Not to Bitch about the Cultural District Tax: T-Rex Cafe, Denver Museum of Natural History
Best Alternative to Hospital Food: Blue House Tea Room
Best Restaurant Recovery: The Blue Parrot Restaurant
Best Take-Out Food: Sapp Brothers Truck Stop
Best Truck Stop: Lance's Chuck Wagon
Best Delicatessen: Goldie's Reader’s poll: Goldie's
Best Take-Out Deli: FBC Foods
Best Fresh Vegetables at Your Fingertips: Colorado Farm Fresh Directory
Best Ethnic Cooperation: Pete's Fruits and Vegetables
Best Vegetarian Food: Govinda's, Radha Krsna Temple
Best Place to Slip Back into the Seventies: Avagadro's Number
Best ABC Chocolate Fix: Colorado Mud
Best ABC Way to Get Kids to Eat Sprouts: The "Wee Sprouts" Edible Toy
Best ABC Way to Clear Your Sinuses: Sahnana's Native Mustseed Sauce
Best ABC Salsa: Singing Pig Salsa
Best ABC Honey: Paul Hendricks
Best Health Food: Greens
Best Unexpectedly Healthy Food: New York Connection
Best Salad Bar: Denver Salad Company Reader’s poll: Healthy Habits
Best Bread to Go: Great Harvest Bakery
Best Greads to Eat In: Tante Louise
Best Apple Dumpling: Gaylord's Deli and Catering
Best Bread Pudding: Transalpin
Best Cookie Bargain: Blue Chip Cookies
Best Desserts: Calvin's Before & After Reader’s poll: Marie Callenders
Best Chocolate Dessert: The Negrita, The Fort
Best Wine List: Flagstaff House
Best Beer List: Old Chicago
Best Frogs' Legs List: New Saigon
Best Legal Rush: Thai coffee to go, Tommy's Oriental
Best Deal on Cappuccino: The Brown Bag
Best Donuts: Henderson's Donut House
Best Frou-Frou Drink: The Beach Grill Reader’s poll: Deep Throat at the Punchbowl
Best Gourmet Takeout: Discriminating Palate
Best Chicken Noodle Soup To Go: Healthy Habits
Best BLT: Avenue Bar & Grill
Best French Fries: Annie's Cafe Reader’s poll: McDonalds
Best Potato Salad: Continental Delicatessen
Best Onion Rings: Luther's Bar-B-Q
Best Pizza: The Wazee Supper Club Reader’s poll: Bonnie Brae
Best Specialty Pizza: The spinach slice at Armando's of Cherry Creek
Best Delivery of a Certified Pizza: Domino's
Best Hot Beef Sandwich: Gray's Café
Best Sandwiches: Maria's Bakery Readers poll (tie): Goldie's, Subway
Best Hotdogs: The Dog House Readers poll: Mustard's Last Stand
Best Burger: J.B. Winberie Readers poll (tie): Wendy's, My Brother's Bar
Best FGB: My Brother's Bar
Best Burger After Midnight: Oinks Diner,
Best Sausages, Occidental: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Sausages, Oriental: Chao Praya
Best Steakhouse: Morton's of Chicago
Best Fried Chicken: Foucher's Creole Cafe Reader’s poll: Kentucky Fried Chicken
Best Cheap Steak: Club 404
Best Chicken-Fried Steak: The Broken Spoke
Best Barbecue: M & D's Barbecue and Fish Palace Reader’s poll: Bennett's
Best White Trash Food: Furr's Cafeteria Reader’s poll: Black-Eyed Pea
Best Soul Food: Pierre's Supper Club Reader’s poll: Daddy Bruce's
Best Seafood: Mostly Seafood Reader’s poll: Mostly Seafood
Best Oysters: McCormick's Fish House and Oyster Bar
Best Fish & Chips: Yorkshire Fish & Chips
Best Fried Calamari: La Petite Spain
Best Paella: Don Quijote
Best South American Food: Cafe Brazil
Best Southwestern Food: Las Brisas
Best Chips and Salsa: Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe Reader’s poll: Blue Bonnet Café
Best Breakfast Burrito: Unidos Café
Best Nachos: Juanita's Uptown
Best Mexican To Go: Chubby's
Best Green Chile: Brewery Bar II Reader’s poll: Chubby's
Best Chile Relleno: Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe Reader’s poll: La Fiesta
Best Chimichanga: Sportsman's II
Best Burrito: El Tepehuan Reader’s poll: Chubby's
Best Taco: Mexico City Lounge Reader’s poll: Taco Bell
Best Bar Mex That's Moved Into the Big Time: Benny's Place
Best Mexican Restaurant: La Casa De Manuel Reader’s poll: Blue Bonnet Café
Best Russian Restaurant: Little Russian Tea Room
Best Indian Restaurant: India's
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Cedars
Best Greek Restaurant: Voula's Reader’s poll: It's Greek to Me
Best Place to Practice Speaking German with Your Mouth Full: Karl's F.F. Delicatessen
Best Cheap Italian To Go: Pasta Jay's
Best Italian Classico: Little Pepina's
Best Italian Nouvella: Olive Oil Reader’s poll: Al Fresco's
Best French Restaurant: European Cafe Reader’s poll: Le Central
Best Thai Restaurant: J's Noodles Reader’s poll: J's Noodles
Best Cha Gio: Kim Ba
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Long Binh Reader’s poll: T-Wa's
Best Sushi with Shrine: Sushi Tora Reader’s poll: Sushi Den
Best Gyoza: Daylight Donuts
Best Japanese Restaurant—Low End: Don Don Reader’s poll: Kokoro
Best Japanese Restaurant—High End: Samurai
Best Dim Sum: China Terrace
Best Chinese Restaurant: The Panda Cafe Reader’s poll: Imperial
Best Eclectic—Oriental: Chez Thoa
Best Eclectic—Occidental: John's
Best Restaurant On Its Way Up: Zenith, The Tivoli
Best New Restaurant: The Panda Reader’s poll: Weldon's
Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying: Flagstaff House, Boulder
Best of Everything Combined: Strings
