In 1996, Westword published its thirteenth Best of Denver issue, a celebration of the city that saluted everything from Best Yuppie on a Harley (then-senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who posed for a Banana Republic ad) to the Best New Public Art (Mark di Suvero’s still-controversial “Lao Tzu”) to the Best Place to Put the Pepsi Center and the Best Place to Put the New Broncos Stadium — since plans were in the works to create not one, but two new sports palaces. But the city wasn’t all about the shlock of the new: 1996 was also a vintage year for the Best Place for Clothes That Won’t Make Him Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie. No, not Banana Republic, but American Aces.
American Aces was brought to us by two ace thrifters: Russell Enloe and Ronnie Crawford, who’d opened his first new/old shop, Bertha’s (which later turned into Rudely Decadent) on Broadway back in 1978. With American Aces, Crawford and Enloe took cool to a new level, not only stuffing the store with incredible fashion finds, but also sponsoring rockabilly weekends where Denverites could dress the part. The partners eventually parted ways, with Crawford going on to open All American Vogue a block to the south (Enlow died in 2006). Now, after thirty years on the Miracle Mile, Crawford is finally calling it quits — and after one last sale, All American Vogue will close its doors for good. But Crawford will still be around: He plans to continue selling online and will keep his bartender gig at the Skylark Lounge. “It’s the only place I get to shmooze now,” he says. Another round, Ronnie!
Here are the rest of the winners from 1996:
Best of 1996
People and Places
Best New Career for Pat Schroeder: Private Eye Reader's Choice: President
Best Celebrity Memento: Princess Di's Toilet Seat
Best Local Politician: Dennis Gallagher, Denver City Council Reader's Choice: Wellington Webb
Best Roy Romer Lookalike: Bill Hash, Sergeant-at-Arms, Colorado House of Representatives
Best Protest--Urban: McDonald's
Best Protest--Suburban: Len Aitken
Best Yuppie on a Harley: Ben Nighthorse Campbell for Banana Republic
Best Harleys and Indians: Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum
Best Pair of Blue Jeans: 1927 Levi's 501XX
Best New Colorado Holiday: Rockies Opening Day
Best New Colorado Law: House Bill 1220 Motor Vehicle Rental for the Blind Reader's Choice: 75 MPH Speed Limit
Best New Colorado Law that Didn't Pass: Bronco Beer Bust
Best Plea by a Movie Guy to the Colorado Legislature: Woody Harrelson
Best Appearance by a Local Band in a National Movie: Zuba
Best Appearance by a Colorado Dentist in a National Controversy: John McDowell
Best Local Event Dedicated to a TV Series: The Gathering
Best Use of Ozzy Osbourne T-shirts: Clothing for Bosnians
Best Appearance by Colorado Babes in a National Commercial: The Book Babes for AlphaHydrox
Best Appearance by a Dead Celebrity in a Commercial for a Colorado Product: John Wayne for Coors Light
Best Reference to Colorado in a Recent Movie: The Net Reader's Choice: Things to Do in Denver When You Are Dead
Best Performance by a Radio Talk-show Host in a Movie: Peter Boyles
Best New Radio Talk-show Host: Dani Newsum, KOA-AM/850
Best Local Radio Talk-show Host: Lou from Littleton, KOA-AM/850 Reader's Choice: Peter Boyles (KTLK)
Best Radio Voice: Cernir Arruda Bredan, KUVO-FM/89.3
Best Local Radio DJ: Rockfish, KBPI-FM/106.7 Reader's Choice: Frosty, Frank, and Jamie (KALC, Alice)
Best Radio Weather Report: Dave Granger's "Magic 8-Ball Weather", KTCL-FM/93.3
Best Unplanned Talk-radio Debate: Mike Rosen v. Pat Schroeder
Best Eyes in the Sky: Al Verley, KOA-AM/850
Best Play-by-Play Man: Drew Goodman, Prime Sports Network
Best TV Morning-show Host: Gary Shapiro, KUSA-TV/Channel 9
Best Local TV News Anchor: Mitch Jelniker, KMGH-TV/Channel 7 Reader's Choice: Adele Arakawa (KUSA)
Best Local TV Weathercaster: Larry Green, KCNC-TV/Channel 4 Reader's Choice: Larry Green (KCNC)
Best Local TV Sportscaster: Tony Zarella, KMGH-TV/Channel 7 Reader's Choice: Ron Zappolo (KUSA)
Best Hair on a Local TV Personality--Female: Kathy Walsh, KCNC-TV/Channel 4 Reader's Choice: Adele Arakawa (KUSA)
Best Hair on a Local TV Personality--Male: Paul Joncich, KUSA-TV/Channel 9 Reader's Choice: Alan Gionet (KCNC)
Best Local O.J. Simpson Witness: John Gerdes
Best Local Bart Simpson Witnessed: Western Pacific Airlines
Best Defender of the First Amendment: Denver District Judge Herbert Stein
Best Place to Call When you Want to Marry your Cousin: Denver Clerk and Recorders Office
Best Guy to Find Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Panayoti Kelaidis, Rock Garden Curator, Denver Botanic Gardens
Best New Building: Denver Public Library, Valdez-Perry Branch Reader's Choice: Denver Public Library
Best Architectural Comeback: Air Force Academy
Best Office with a View: Aimcor
Best Rehab of a Modern Building: The Colorado Education Association Building
Best Rehab of a Historic Building: The Rio Grande Building
Best Last-Minute Save from the Wrecking Ball: El Jebel Shrine Temple
Best Thing About Ahnold Coming to LoDo: David Owen Tryba
Best Friend of Historic Architecture: Kathleen Brooker
Best Act of Kindness to Strangers: Chesney-Kleinjohn Apartments
Best Building Souvenirs: Gold from the Capitol
Best Safeway Makeover: Praxis Design
Best Place for Kids at the New DPL: Children's Pavilion
Best Place for Adults at the DPL: Second Floor
Best Suburban Library: Koelbel Public Library
Best Place to Find Culture in the Suburbs: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Best Town that Time Forgot: Golden
Best Place to Smoke in Boulder: Terrace Restaurant
Best Tunnel Fission: Stapleton tunnel explosions
Best New Tunnel: Speer Blvd and 6th Ave.
Best Wall of Heroes: Boulder County Sheriff's Dept
Best Brave Pig: Snort
Best Brave Dog: Dundee
Best Place to Find Rabbits in the Urban Jungle: Behind the Terminal Annex
Best Bat Fans: Colorado Bat Society
Best Birdhouses: Penthouses for Peregrines Project
Best Elephant: The Cedar Park Denver Urban Gardens
Best Leaf: The Castle Rock Fossil
Best Place to be Introduced to Denver History: Denver History Museum
Best Impromptu Jewish History Exhibit: Plaza Delicatessen
Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhood: Baker
Best New Park: Above the Speer Blvd tunnel
Best New Loft Project: The Overlook
Best Sign--Alcoholic: Vern's Restaurant and Lounge
Best Sign--Non-Alcoholic: "Travel by Train" Union Station
Best Scientific Hunk: Rob Kremer
Best Blaster of the Universe: Larry Esposito
Best Molecule: The Boulder Superatom
Best Undercover Law Enforcement: RTD Light Rail
Best Place to See the USA: Grant St. Plaza
Best Architectural Digress: Bail-Bondsman Row
Best Playground: Wyman Park at Wyman Elementary School
Best Use of a Historic Building: Palmer-Ferril House
Best Historic House: Joshel House
Best Historic Hotel: Hotel de Paris
Best Alternative to Rush Hour on Santa Fe: S. Platte River Dr.
Best Activity for Inmates: Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility
Best-Dressed Future Inmates: Clients of the Boulder Public Defender's Office
Best Legal Aid: Denver District Atty's Office
Best Place to Build a New Juvenile Jail: Cinderella City
Best Alcoholic Leverage: Turning beer into gasoline
Best Gas Station: Adams County Museum
Best Sneaky Vanity Plates: "Poor No"
Best Official Frightening Exhibit: Nat'l Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository
Best Unofficial Frightening Exhibit: Commerce City Library
Best Proof of the Power of Prayer: Mahmoud Abdul Rauf
Best Proof of the Power of Profits: Abundant Life Christian Center
Best New Religion: First Presleytarian Church of Elvis the Divine
SPORTS AND REC
Best New Public Gardens: Hudson Gardens
Best Get-Out-of-Denver-Fast Wilderness Hike: Herman Gulch Trail
Best Urban Scenic View: Cherry Creek Dam Road
Best Outdoor Basketball Court in the World: Mel Simon's House
Best Way to Leave your Cocoon: Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center
Best Place to Bug Out: May Natural History Museum of the Tropics
Best Easy Hike with Kids: Roxborough State Park
Best Use of Old Runways--While it Lasts: Lowry Air Force Base
Best Mountain Bike Trail: White Ranch Reader's Choice: White Ranch
Best Urban Bike Trail: Cherry Creek Reader's Choice: South Platte-Cherry Creek Trail
Best Roadside Urban Picnic: Creek Front
Best Martial Arts Dojo: Aikido Nippon Kan
Best Deals on Wheels: RTD's Annual Bike Drive
Best Stop for a Cyclist in Pain: Schwab Cycles
Best Egalitarian Bike Team: King of the Rockies Race Team
Best Family Fishing Spot: Pine Valley Ranch
Best Easy Access to a Mountain Lake for Fishing: Lake Jefferson
Best Women-Only Outdoor Classes: Wilderness Women Seminars
Best Women-Only Workouts: Women's Workout Co. 716-0150
Best New-age Workout: Shoshoni Yoga Retreat
Best Baywatch Imitation: Sunset Beach Fitness and Racquet Club
Best Health Club if you're Rich: Greenwood Athletic Club
Best Upscale Mountain Adventure: Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek
Best Downscale Summer Trip to the Mountains: Glenwood Springs
Best Flat-footed Ramble: Winter Park Showshoe Tours
Best Return to the Wild: Bluff Lake Wildlife Area
Best Inner-city Birding: City Park
Best Webbed Site for Hikers: Arapaho Nat'l Wildlife Refuge
Best Web Site for Hikers: Trails Illustrated Topo Talk Web Page
Best Armchair Excursion: Himalayan Explorers Club
Best Bowling Alley--Public: Lakewood Lanes Reader's Choice: Monaco Lanes
Best Bowling Alley--Private: Village Club
Best Lighted Alley: Brunswick Heather Ridge Lanes
Best Pool Hall: Shakespeare's
Best Public Tennis Courts: Washington Park
Best Audience Participation: Colorado Rapids Soccer
Best Fantasy Camp: Colorado Vintage Baseball Association Spring Training
Best New Golf Course: Fox Hollow at Lakewood
Best hole on a public golf course: No. 7, Indian Peaks Golf Course Reader's choice: The 18th on any
Best Hole on a Private Golf Course: No. 14, Cherry Hills Country Club Reader's Choice: No. 13, Arrowhead Golf Course
Best Place to Tee Off: Willis Case Golf Course
Best Classic Golf Course: Wellshire Golf Course
Best Cheap Ski Commute: RTD to Eldora
Best Luxury Ski Commute: Winter Park Ski Train
Best Ski Area for Snowboarders: Loveland Basin Reader's Choice: Loveland
Best Extreme Ski Run: East Face/North St. Pat's, Steamboat
Best Double-Diamond Ski Run: Highline, Vail Reader's Choice: Pallivicino, Arapahoe Basin
Best Blue Cruiser: Starfire, Keystone
Best Ski Run for Aging Knees: Cranmer, Winter Park Reader's Choice: Schoolmarm, Keystone
Best Way to Set the Kids Straight: Buffalo Ski Club
Best Ski School for Kids: Loveland Basin
Best Train Watching: Joint Line
Best Model Train Watching: Denver Society of Model Railroaders Association
Best Windsurfing Accessory: Windlines
Best Windsurfing--Rad and Adventurous: Chatfield Reservoir
Best Windsurfing--Motorless: Aurora Reservoir
Best Trail Races: Run With the animals
Best Fun Run: The Furry Scurry Reader's Choice: Bolder Boulder
Best Antidote to Cabin Fever: Barr Lake State Park
Best Antidote to Funplexes: Lakewood Historical Belmar Village
Best Beach for Transplanted Southern Californians: Cherry Creek State Park
Best Colorado Sports Plug: LL Cool J
Best Av: Patrick Roy Reader's Choice: Patrick Roy
Best Rockie: Ellis Burks Reader's Choice: Larry Walker
Best Rockie Rookie: Ryan Hawblitzel
Best Nugget: Antonio McDyess Reader's Choice: Dikembe Mutombo
Best Bronco: John Elway Reader's Choice: John Elway
Best Local Sports Team: Colorado Avalanche Reader's Choice: Colorado Avalanche
Best Local Sports Coach: Marc Crawford, Colorado Avalanche Reader's Choice: Marc Crawford
Best College Coach: Rick Neuheisel, CU Football
Best Pro Soccer Team: Colorado Foxes
Best DU Hockey Player: Antti Laaksonen
Best DU Baseball Player: Victor Moreno
Best CU Football Player: Koy Detmer
Best CU Sophomore Hoopster: Chauncey Billips
Best CSU Football Player: Damon Washington
Best Japanese Olympian: Yvonne Scott
Best Racing Greyhound: Oswald Cobblepot
Best Race-car Driver: Buddy Lazler
Best Tenth-Inning Watering Hole: Terminal Bar and Cafe
Best Batting Cage: Homers Batting Cages
Best Place to Pretend you're a Rockies Reliever: Speed Pitch at Coors Field
Best Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Lehrer's Printing and Office Supplies
Best Sign Held by an Avalanche Fan: "Florida, we gave you Klondike and Snow. We Keep the Stanley Cup."
Best Drink Dedicated to the Avalanche: Splinters from the Pine
Best Place to Put the Pepsi Center: Rocky Flats Reader's Choice: LoDo
Best Place to Put the New Broncos Stadium: Cherry Hills Village Reader's Choice: Up Bowlen's Ass
Best Way to Pay for the New Broncos Stadium: Other People's Money Reader's Choice: Pat Bowlen for Dollars
GOODS AND SERVICES
Best Free Service: Mile High Courtesy Patrol Reader's Choice: 16th St. Mall ride
Best Flee Service: Freedom Cab
Best Visa/MasterCard Vendor: Denver County Jail
Best ATM Machine: Denver Police Headquarters
Best Place to Cop Some Stuff: Colorado State Patrol Specialty Store
Best Delivery to your Door: Denver Art Supply Reader's Choice: US Postal Service
Best Delivery to their Door: Project Angel Heart
Best Way to Dispose of an Old Car: Boys and Girls Clubs of Denver
Best Place to Dispose of your Kids While Grocery Shopping: King Soopers
Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party: Golden Community Center
Best Not-too-Cute Children's Clothing: Ava Kids
Best Place for a Highland Fling: Things Scottish, Ltd.
Best Place to Get in the Game: It's Your Move
Best Gadgets for Kids: Into the Wind
Best Alternative to Toys 'R' Us: Ginger and Pickles
Best Antique Toy Trains: Olio's
Best Antique Real Trains: Colorado Railroad Museum
Best Junk-Cum-Antique Store: Stage Stop Antique Mall
Best Place to Buy Dirty Magazines: DIA Reader's Choice: Kitty's
Best Heavy Metals: OK Antique Plating Co.
Best Gargoyles: Enigma
Best Deal on Sewing Machines: Bernina Sewing Center
Best Place to Buy Quiana and Ultrasuede by the Yard: Hancock Fabrics
Best Bargains on Major Appliances: Sears Retail Outlet store
Best Bargains on Doc Martens: The Garment District
Best Place to Buy Cowboy Boots: Hills Bros. Boots
Best Place to Buy Athletic Shoes: Gart Sports
Best Place to Walk Out of: The Walking Co.
Best Ski-boot Fitters: Colorado Ski and Golf
Best Sports Equipment Deal: Boulder Sports Recycler
Best Snowboard Shop--Flatland: Colorado Snowboards
Best Snowboard Shop--Mountain: Underground Snowboard Outlet
Best Snowshoes: Redfeather Snowshoes, Inc.
Best Place for Rad Snowboard Clothes: Twist Snowboard Shop
Best Way to Look Sporting for Cheap: Hind Outlet Store
Best Place to Decorate your Head: The Art of Craft
Best Place to...Oh, it Probably Came to you Already: The Colorado Psychic Center Gift Store
Best Illusionist: Charlee Deaton, Kroma Design
Best Place to Get Waisted: Uzi
Best Free Postcards: Wahoo's Fish Tacos
Best Place to Buy Postcards: Avant-Card
Best Place for the Masses to Learn Italian: Macaroni Grill
Best Paper: Two Hands Paperie
Best Newsstand: Johnny's Newsstand Reader's Choice: Newsland
Best Outlaw Fantasy Bookstore: Paladin Arms
Best Animal Bookstore: Barr Lake Nature Center
Best Used Books: Broadway from 1st to Alameda Aves. Reader's Choice: Ichabod's
Best Literary Ties: Denver Public Library Store
Best Place for Best Sellers: Media Play
Best Place for Best Smellers: Pampered Pets
Best Estate Planning for Animals: Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Best Daycare for Dogs: Doggy Day Camp
Best Dog Bathhouse: Mutt Puddles
Best Dog-Poop Salute: Cheeseman Park
Best Dog Tutor: Barbara Handler
Best Dog Biscuit Bakery Named After a Cat: Cosmo's Dog Biscuit Bakery
Best Doggy Tuneup: The Alpine Animal Hospital Southwest
Best Body Tuneup: The Oxford Aveda Spa and Salon and Athletic Club
Best Personal-Care Products: Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Store
Best Hair to Dye for: Dewey's Salon
Best Dreadlocks: The Cutting Edge
Best Place to Buy Nudie Ice Cube Trays: Fish Head Soup
Best Place to Shop on Christmas Eve: Tattered Cover LoDo
Best Judaica: Boutique Judaica
Best Place to Find your Own Path: Denver Brick Co.
Best Place to Buy Cut Flowers: Fresh Flower Market Reader's Choice: Lehrer's
Best Bouquets for Hay Fever Sufferers: Candy Blossoms
Best Gardener's Shangri-la: Wild Flowers
Best Swap Group for Green Thumbs: Gardener's Exchange
Best Perennial Bedding Plants: Al Pine's
Best Place to Buy a Christmas Tree: Elmer's Clean Up Service
Best Reptile Purveyors: Jersey John's Pet Supply
Best Place to Buy a Feathered Friend: Colorado Seed and Pet
Best Buffalo Clothing: The Legacy Collection
Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make her Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Retail: Fashion Nation
Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make her Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Discount: Repeat Boutique
Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make Him Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Retail: Groovalistic
Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make Him Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Discount: American Aces
Best Mall: Cherry Creek Reader's Choice: Cherry Creek
Best Hole-in-the-Wall Boutique: Eccentricity
Best Upscale Boutique: Barbara and Co.
Best Place to Buy Costumes for a Jane Austen Party: Come-Hither
Best Consignment Shop: Persnickity's
Best Place to Buy Buddhist Jewelry: Tibet Colorado
Best Place to Buy a Birthday Present for a Gay Guy: Heaven Sent Me
Best Monthly Parking in LoDo: Central Parking
Best Validated Parking in LoDo: Wynkoop Brewing Co.
Best Place to Fix your Ticker: All Hours Clocks and Watches
Best Place to Buy Tupperware that's Mot a Tupperware Party: ARC Thrift Store
Best Gate Expectations: Alameda Ornamental Iron
Best Sneaky Service: Mate-Check Investigations
Best Yellow Pages Ad: Atomic Bail Bonds
Best Place to Get Worked Over by a Russian: IZBA Spa
Best Place to Buy a New Guitar: Aurora Pawn Shop and Music
Best Place to Buy an Old Guitar: House of Music
Best Place to Tickle the Ivories: Keyboard Exchange, Inc.
Best Hardware Store: Valore Hardware Co.
Best Superstore: Barnes and Noble Booksellers Reader's Choice: Super K-Mart Center
Best Pharmacy: Tobin's Pharmacy
Best Newspaper Readings for the Blind: Radio Reading Service of the Rockies
Best Tours for the Handicapped: Tourmaster Services, Inc.
Best Internet Service Provider: Colorado Supernet
Best Driving Lessons: Internet Store
Best Local Web Page: Find-A-Grave, www.orci.com/personal/jim Reader's Choice: Bluebird Theatre
Best Local Literary Web Page: www.altx.com
Best Computer Repair: Computer Alliance
Best Place to Buy Software: Incredible Universe
Best Mobile Computer Lab: CompuKids
Best Local Virtual Catalogue: Ronnie Cramer's Cult Film page, http://sepnet.com/rcramer/
Best Recycling Service: Triangle Recycling Reader's Choice: King Soopers
Best Pop Stop: Marshall Liquors Parking Lot
Best Place to Rope a Stogie: The Smokers Inn
Best Airline: Frontier Reader's Choice: United
Best Airport: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport
Best Airport Vendor: DIA Conoco Reader's Choice: The Body Shop
Best Wacky Hospital Scrubs: Crazy Scrubs, Inc.
Best of Both Medical Worlds: American Holistic Center
Best Soul Searching: Soul Strollin': Denver's Black Entertainment Guide
Best Place to be Cool in the Suburbs: Black and Read
Best Video Store: The Video Station
Best Place to Buy New CDs: Wax Trax
Best CD Store Expansion: Twist and Shout
Best Place to Buy Used Records: Jerry's Record Exchange
Best International CDs: Tower Records
Best Used Jazz CDs: Doubleplay Records
Best Holiday Gifts for Movie Buffs: Mayan Theatre
Best 16th Street Mall Vendor: Mardi Gras Market Reader's Choice: Tristan, the 50 cent Hot Dog Man.
Best Place to Buy Girl Scout Cookies: My Brother's Bar
Best Grocery Store: Leever's Foods Reader's Choice: King Soopers
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Best Free Entertainment: Ruby Hill on the 4th of July Reader's Choice: People's Fair
Best Place to Blow your Own Horn: Greek Theater, Civic Center Park
Best Gang Bangers: Boulder Creek Drum Circle
Best Arts Festival: Chile Harvest Fest Reader's Choice: Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Best Alternative Arts Festival: Left Bank Fest
Best Mural: 3776 Walnut St. Reader's Choice: Five Points Media
Best Yard Art: 1659 Gilpin St.
Best Famous Artist Whose Time Has Come: Phil Bender
Best Place to Buy Museum-Quality Art: Deaccessioning Auction
Best Place to See Museum-Quality Art While Cashing Checks: UMB Bank Lobby
Best Place to See the Work of Artists who Have Been Arrested for Drawing: Sloane Gallery
Best Schlocky Show: Int'l Mona Lisa Mail Art
Best Designer Stamps: James Balog, US Endangered Species Stamps
Best Improvement of an Alternative Space: Pirate: A Contemporary Art Oasis
Best Art Opening: Saints and Sinners: Mackey Gallery
Best Installation Show: Virginia Folkestad's Vital Connections
Best Solo Show by an Emerging Artist: Bill Stockman's Sounding
Best Solo Show by a Local Artist: Dale Chisman Reader's Choice: Phil Bender at Pirate Gallery
Best Solo Show by an Out-of-Town Artist: Manuel Neri
Best Local Group Show: The Traveling Show Reader's Choice: Edge Invitational 1996
Best Photo Show: The Nude
Best Retrospective Exhibition: Roland Detre Retrospective, Inkfish Gallery
Best Museum Exhibit--Temporary: Pure Painting, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Reader's Choice: Mongolia at Denver Art Museum
Best Outdoor Art Show: The Fragility of Permanence, Artyard Gallery
Best Blockbuster Exhibit: Real West, Colorado History Museum, Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum
Best Art Cooperative to Survive Against all Odds: Open Press
Best New Public Art--Indoors: Robert Motherwell, Denver Art Museum Reader's Choice: Lao-Tzu at Denver Public Library
Best New Public Art--Outdoors: Mark Suazo's "Lao Tzu", Acoma Plaza
Best Traditional-Style Art Show: Dennis Miller Bunker, Denver Art Museum
Best Art Save: Herbert Bayer's "Anaconda", Denver Art Museum
Best Art Loss: Dean Fleming's "Cube" Burns Park
Best Multicultural Exhibit: Latin American Women Artist's Show, Denver Art Museum and Museo de las Americas
Best View of New Mexico from Colorado: Impressions of the Southwest, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanties
Best Show About the history of New Mexico: En Divina Luz: Penitente Moradas of New Mexico, Museo de las Americas
Best Caballeros and Lowriders: Carlos Fresquez
Best Black Art Gallery: Mosadi's Collections
Best Crafts Gallery: Boulder Arts and Crafts Cooperative
Best Effort to Preserve Traditions: Master/Apprentice Grant Program, Colorado Council on the Arts
Best Recycling of Local Art Talent: Debra Jordy
Best Local Dance Ensemble: Kim Robards Dance
Best Place for Seniors to Learn to Line Dance: North Suburban Medical Center
Best Storytime: Virginia Village Library
Best Poetry Readings: Toads in the Garden
Best Local Poet: Rawdon Tomlinson
Best Unlikely Spot for Poetry Performances: Soapy Smith's Eagle Bar
Best Poetry Performance: "Reign of the Scar Clan"
Best Experimental Theater Piece: Lucifer Tonite, CityStage Ensemble
Best Window on Another World: The Rez Sisters, Her Acting Group
Best Supernatural Performance: Beethoven 'N' Pierrot, Denver Center Theatre Co.
Best Transcendent Theater: The Three Sisters, Ad Hoc Theatre
Best Nasty Theater: My Sister in this House, CityStage Ensemble
Best Avant-Garde Approach to Historic Material: The Investigation, Director's Theatre
Best Brat Pack: SubUrbia, Theater on Broadway
Best Physically Challenging Performance: Brian Hill
Best Twisted Sister: Carla Kaiser
Best Family Show: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League
Best Eclectic Performer: Deborah Persoff
Best Supporting Actress: Leslie Hansen
Best Supporting Actor: Richard Nelson
Best Performance By an Actor: Kevin Bartlett
Best Performance By an Actress: Rebekah Buric
Best Performance by a Director in His Own Show: Frank Georgianna
Best Director: Anthony Powell, Denver Center Theatre Co.
Best New Additions to the Theater Scene: Chip Walton and Emily Newman Walton
Best New Play: James Cannon's Sports Talk 2000
Best Musical: Grand Hotel, Boulder Dinner Theatre
Best Operatic Musical: Three Penny Opera, Central City Opera
Best Jack-of-all-Theater Trades: Nicholas Sugar
Best Production: Galileo, Denver Center Theatre Co. Reader's Choice: Psycho Beach Party
Best of Show: Jamie Horton
Best Local Theater Company: Theatre on Broadway Reader's Choice: Theater on Broadway
Best Theater for Watching a Matinee Alone: Thornton Town Center United Artists
Best Movie Theater--Big-Screen: The Continental
Best Movie Theater--Neighborhood: The Esquire
Best Outdoor Theater: Boulder Almost Free Outdoor Cinema
Best New Concession Items: UA Greenwood Plaza
Best Cult Run: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Esquire Theatre
Best Revival Run: Taxi Driver, The Mayan Theatre
Best Revival House: Bluebird Theater
Best Movie Theater Revival: Cinderella Twin Drive-In
Best Film at the Denver Film Festival: From the Journals of Jean Seberg
Best Sleeper at the Denver Film Festival: Mother Dao, Turtlelike
Best pre- or post-movie watering hole: Piatti Ristorante
Best Campus Film Series: CU International Film Series
Best Filmic Provocateur: Joe Christ
Best Movie Soundtrack: City Lights, Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Best Music-Video One-Two Punch: Teletunes and Musiclink
Best Free Music--Classical: Lamont School of Music
Best Free Music--Jazz: City Park Jazz
Best Outdoor Music: Sunset Strolls in the Gardens, Denver Botanic Gardens
Best Local Rock Band: The Apples Reader's Choice: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Best Local C&W Band: The Denver Gentlemen Reader's Choice: Rattlesnake Shake
Best Local Dance Band: Foreskin 500 Reader's Choice: Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass
Best Local Rap Band: Deuce Mob Reader's Choice: Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass
Best Local Hippie-Hop Band: Pepperment
Best Hip-hop Video Show: Hip-Hop Madness
Best Local Ska Band: Judge Roughneck
Best World-Music Group: The Buzz Band
Best Native Sounds: Red Tail Chasing Hawks
Best Senior Composer: Jon Deak
Best Junior Composer: Jheremy Campbell
Best Classical Guitarist: Ricardo Iznaola
Best Choral Ensemble: Colorado Children's Chorale
Best Percussionist: Ty Burhoe
Best Local Jazz Band: Sam Coffman's Cat Unit Reader's Choice: Dotsero
Best a Cappella Group: Cool Shooz
Best Local Blues Band: The Lionel Young Band Reader's Choice: Stanley Milton
Best Local Rockabilly Band: The Dalheart Imperials
Best Local Singer-Songwriter: Sherri Jackson
Best Rock Album by a Local Band on a Major Label: 16 Horsepower, Sackcloth and Ashes
Best Rock Album by a Local Band on a National Indie Label: The Apples, Funtricknoisemaker
Best Local Recording: Won Lump Some, Clean Hits Reader's Choice: ADR "Walking in Sand"
Best Local Jazz Recording: Ron Miles, My Cruel Heart
Best Local CD Packaging: Meanface, Meanface
Best Local C&W CD: Slim Cessna's Auto Club, Slim Cessna's Auto Club
Best Local C&W Label: Bohemia Beat
Best Local Power-Pop Label: Not Lame Recording Co.
Best Concert: Steve Earle, Bluebird Theater, March 28, 1996 Reader's Choice: Children's Chorale
Best Club DJ: John Chamie Reader's Choice: DJ K-nee
Best Band Name: The Hate Fuck Trio
Best Spelling of a Band Name: Wryeteous Pybayk Jammbory
Best Band Name Change: The Damn Shambles
Best Rock Lexicographer: Hardrock Gunter
Best Denver Rock-Scene Survivor: The Rok Tots
Best MTV Survivor: Rebecca Blasband
Best Club Kids: The Sugar Twist Kids
Best Spectacle-Maker: Tom Headbanger
Best Answering-Machine Message: Timothy P. Irvin
Best Musical Return from the Grave: Tommy Bolin
Best Defunct Radio Station: KNRX-FM/92.1 (92X)
Best Folk-Music Club: Penny Lane Coffee House
Best Eclectic Club: Mercury Cafe
Best Punk Club: Lion's Lair Reader's Choice: Lion's Lair
Best C&W Club: The Grizzly Rose Reader's Choice: Stampede
Best All-ages Club: Club Synergy Reader's Choice: (america.)
Best After-hours Club: Club Synergy Reader's Choice: Club Synergy
Best Fifties Flashback: The Hi-Spot
Best Saturday Night Cruising Music: All Blues, KUVO-FM/89.3
Best Blues Club: Ebony Rose Supper Club and Lounge Reader's Choice: Ziggie's Saloon
Best Blues Jam: Brendan's Pub
Best Jazz Club: Vartan Jazz Reader's Choice: El Chapultepec
Best New Jazz Venue: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
Best Jazz Radio Show: Andy O'Leary's Jazztown, KUVO-FM/89.3
Best Jazz Stop for Nonprofessional Musicians: The Colorado Jazz Workshop
Best-Booked Venue: Fox Theater And Cafe
Best Band to Cover "Jailhouse Rock" and Mean It: The Otter Popps
Best Use of a Sex Toy in Public: Fox Force Five
Best Gay Bar: Club Proteus
Best Straight Bar for Gays: (america)
Best Piano Bar for Bald Heads: Charlie Brown's
Best Piano Bar for Shaved Heads: Herb's Hideout
Best Wine List--Price: Enoteca
Best Wine List--Selection: Enoteca
Best Martini: Purple Martini
Best Breakfast Under $2: Denny's
Best Brunch Buffet: Fresh Fish Co.
Best ... La Carte Brunch: Wellshire Inn
Best Power Lunch: Strings
Best Outdoor Patio: Rock Bottom Brewery
Best Place for Dinner After 10 p.m.: Pete's Kitchen
Best Dessert: Marie Callendar's
Best Children's Menu: Paul's Place
Best Thin Pizza: Anthony's Pizza
Best Thick Pizza: Beau Jo's
Best Hot Dog: Coors Field
Best Hamburger: Vic's Yankee Dollar Special
Best Fries: McDonald's
Best Wings: Hooters
Best Barbecued Ribs: Sam Taylor's BBQ
Best Chips and Salsa: Firehouse
Best Green Chile: Chubby's
Best Soft Chile Relleno: Las Delicias
Best Crispy Chile Relleno: Blue Bonnet
Best Burrito: Chipotle
Best Breakfast Burrito: Pete's Kitchen
Best Taco: Taco Bell
Best Fish Taco: Gustavo's Fish Tacos
Best Pasta Restaurant: Basil
Best Italian Restaurant: Carmine's on Penn
Best Chinese Restaurant: Imperial
Best Japanese Restaurant: Sushi Den
Best Thai Restaurant: Taste of Thailand
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: New Jerusalem
Best Fusion Restaurant: Firehouse
Best Romantic Restaurant: Cliff Young's
Best New Restaurant (since June 1995): Starfish
FOOD AND DRINK
Best Way to Flip Off the Food Police--Italian: Al Fresco
Best Way to Flip Off the Food Police--Chinese: Tommy's Oriental Food
Best Way to Flip Off the Food Police--Mexican: La Casa del Rey
Best Way to Recover from Flipping Off the Food Police: Mediterranean Health Cafe
Best Place to Binge and Purge: Bump and Grind
Best Place to Satisfy a Craving: Breakfast Inn Dinner Too
Best Table for Exhibitionist Sex: Finnegan's Pub
Best Table for Surreptitious Sex: Old Stone Church
Best Romantic Booths: Anastasia Vieux Carre
Best Romantic Restaurant: Tuscany Restaurant, Loews-Giorgio Hotel
Best Power Lunch: Ellyngton's
Best Bohemian Power Lunch: The Hornet
Best Place to Have a Business Drink: The Profile
Best Place to Meet a Rich Old Man: Mel's Bar and Grill
Best Old-Time Diner: The J&L Cafe
Best New Old-Time Diner: Matt's Diner
Best Place for Dinner After 10 p.m.: City Spirit Cafe
Best 4 a.m. Grub: Breakfast King
Best way to go home with a ball from Coors Field: Rocky Mountain Oyster Co.
Best Food Bargain at Coors Field: Buckaroos
Best Fast Food for Laid-Back Noshers: Caribbean Bakery
Best One-Stop Shop and Nosh: Lanie's Philippine Market & Kitchenette
Best Take-Out Dim Sum: Celestial Bakery
Best Place to Have it your Way: Cucina Leone
Best Left-Handed Compliment: Philadelphia Filly
Best Way to Kill Three Animas with One Fork: Bistro Adde Brewster
Best Goulash: Cafe International
Best Way to Quiche Cooking Goodbye: The Quiche Factory
Best Ceviche in a South American Nightclub: Los Cabos II
Best Place to Find Relatives of Your Meal Watching you Eat: The Italian Fisherman
Best Destination for the Mussel-Bound: Aubergine Cafe
Best Seafood Restaurant: Starfish
Best Breakfast Under $2: Bronco Burgers
Best Brunch Buffet: Ellygton's
Best ... La Carte Brunch: Kate's
Best All-you-can-Eat Deal: Mr. Panda
Best Vietnamese Buffet: Cafe Saigon
Best School Lunchroom: Eliot Street Cafe
Best Dinner Under $5: Chef's Noodle House
Best Take-out Picnic: Cucina Leone
Best Salad Bar: Gussie's
Best Downtown Salad Bar: Laughing Dog Market & Deli
Best Portable Vegetarian Lunch: St. Mark's Coffeehouse
Best Food Cart: Bento Bar
Best Caesar Salad: Bella Ristaurante
Best Organic Salad in a Pizzeria: Pasquini's Pizzeria
Best Salad Dressing: Cafe Brazil
Best Deviled Eggs: East Coast Italian Deli
Best Wings: Hot Wings to Go
Best Weck: Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck (BW3)
Best Sandwiches in a Coffeehouse: The Art of Coffee
Best Sandwiches: Wild Oats
Best Hot Dog: New York Delicatessen
Best Hamburger: Trinity Grille
Best Place to Buy Cheap Buffalo Stew: Mountain Man Steakhouse
Best Natural Meats: Coleman Natural Meats
Best Cheesesteak: Famous Philly Cheesesteak
Best Steaks: Beacon Grill
Best Mashed Potatoes Just Like Mom Makes: Jus' Cookin's
Best Mashed Potatoes Just Like Mom Makes if She's Julia Child: Papillon
Best Sweet Potatoes: NoNo's Cafe
Best French Fries: Annie's Cafe
Best Fried Chicken: New Orient
Best Chicken-Fried Chicken: Deno's 6 & 85
Best Chicken-Fried Steak: Mr. D's Restaurant and Lounge
Best Fried Catfish: A&A Fish Restaurant
Best Fried Rice: Princess Garden
Best Fried Anything: Yorkshire Fish & Chips
Best Fried Spaghetti: Apples Corner Brunchery
Best Plate of Spaghetti: Canino's Trattoria
Best Thin Pizza: 240 Union
Best In-Between Pizza: Angelo's Pizza Parlor
Best Thick Pizza: Pantaleone's
Best Minestrone: Pagliacci's
Best Lasagne: Dino's Italian Food
Best Pasta Deal: Cosolo's
Best Pasta Restaurant: Pastina
Best Italian Restaurant: Marsala's Ristorante
Best Barbecued Ribs: Sam Taylor's Bar-B-Q at the Links at City Park
Best Breaded Ribs: Golden Europe
Best French Toast: Diced Onions
Best Breads: Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe
Best Breadsticks: Bobby Dazzler
Best Challah Dough: The Bagel Store
Best Focaccia: Denver Bread Co.
Best Muffins: Rockies Deli & Bakery
Best Bagel: Moe's Broadway Bagels
Best Beignets: Lucile's
Best Cinnamon Rolls: Grandma's Oven Bakery/Cafe
Best Bakery: Child's Pastry Garden/Child's Pastry Shop
Best Cookies the Size of Hubcaps: First Colorado Muffin Co.
Best Apple Pie: Granny Scott's Apple Pie
Best Carrot Cake: Mama Pirogi's & Other Pleasantries
Best Cherries Jubilee: Cafe Franco
Best Ice Cream Flavor: Ice Cream Makers
Best Dessert: Zenith
Best Guilt-Free Desserts: Sugar-Less Sensations
Best Quick Fix for Chocoholics: Russell Stover Candies
Best Microbrew Dessert: Really Stout Sundae, Denver Chophouse & Brewery
Best Local Microbrew: Railyard Ale, Wynkoop Brewing Co. Reader's Choice: Breckenridge
Best Local Microbrew--Scottish Ale: Road Dog Scottish ale, Broadway Brewing Pub
Best Local Microbrew--Pale Ale: Punjabi India Pale Ale, CooperSmith's Pub & Brewing
Best Local Microbrew--Lager: Long Iron Pilsner, Irons Brewing Co.
Best Local Microbrew--Stout: Golden City Oatmeal Stout, Golden City Brewery
Best Local Microbrew--Porter: St. Brigid's Porter, Great Divide Brewing Co.
Best Local microbrew--fruit: Blueberry Ale, Oasis Brewery
Best Local Microbrew--Wheat: Tabernash Weiss, Tabernash Brewing Co.
Best Microbrew Made by Rocket Scientists: Pumper Porter, Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant
Best Microbrewery to Visit with the Kids: Golden City Brewery
Best Brewpub: Broadway Brewing Pub Reader's Choice: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Root Beer: Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
Best Place to get Juiced: Jamaica juice Co.
Best Lemonade: Mangia Subs
Best Shakes: Muddy's
Best Exotic Teas: Lost World Coffeehouse
Best Alternative Use of an Espresso Machine: The Newsstand Cafe
Best Espresso Con Panna: Full Moon Grill & Pasta
Best Cheap Grande Latte: Starbucks
Best Cup of Coffee: The Daily Grind
Best Coffee Cup: Gallery Coffeehouse
Best Wine-Tasting Room in an Art Gallery: Stoney Mesa Winery, Dia Star Colorado Artist Gallery
Best Beer Selection in a Liquor Store: Union Liquors
Best Beer Selection in a Restaurant: Old Chicago
Best Wine List--Selection: Today's Gourmet/Highlands Garden Cafe
Best Wine List--Price: Fourth Story
Best Wine List--by the Glass: Teddy Roosevelt, American Grille, Hotel Boulderado
Best Martini: Purple Martini
Best Classic Martini: Morton's of Chicago
Best Margarita: Croc's Cafe
Best Happy Hour Spread: Diamond Caberet Reader's Choice: Diamond Caberet/Sfuzzi's
Best outdoor patio: Rick's Blue Water Grill
Best Outdoor Patio with Bar: Lodo's Bar & Grill
Best Children's Menu: Paul's Place
Best Place to Let Kids be Kids: Grand Slam Sports Cafe
Best Place for a Hot Time: Calido Chile Traders
Best Solution to Hot Summer Weather: Paleteria La Mexicana
Best Chips and Salsa: Zolo Grill
Best Traditional Lenten Dishes: Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe
Best Place to Buy a Whole Cow's Head: Longmont Packing #1 Carniceria & Taqueria
Best Panaderia: Panaderia & Pasteleria Santa Fe
Best Green Chile: Johnnie's Market
Best Gringo Green Chile: Newbarry's
Best Menudo: Sidewinder Lounge
Best Taco: Las Palmas Jr.
Best Taco Bargain: Taco House
Best Budget Take-Out Tamales: Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant
Best Soft Chile Relleno: Rincon Tropical
Best Crispy Chile Relleno: 15th Avenue Grill
Best Burrito: Chipotle Mexican Grill
Best Breakfast Burrito: Krameria Cafe
Best Brains Burrito: El Taco de Mexico
Best Mongrel Burrito: Wahoo's Fish Tacos
Best Cheek-Meat Burrito: Taqueria Patzcuaro
Best Fish Taco: Jalapeno Mexican Grill
Best Fresh-Mexican Grill: Zuma
Best Asian Market: Little Saigon Supermarket
Best Chinese Restaurant: Golden Plate
Best Hot-and-Sour Soup: Little Yen King
Best Thai Restaurant: Taste of Thailand
Best Japanese Restaurant: Mori
Best Sushi High-Rise: Restaurant Japon
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Jerusalem
Best Indian Food in a Coffee Shop: Maruti Gourmet Coffee
Best Indian Restaurant: MijBani
Best French Restaurant: The Savoy
Best Cultural Center and Market: Old San Juan Groceries
Best Fusion Restaurant: Michael's of Cherry Creek
Best Restaurant Resurrection: Aritculate Cafe
Best New Restaurant: Starfish
