In 1991, Westword published its eighth Best of Denver issue, a celebration of the city that saluted everything from Best Television Prop (very strong chairs made for Raymond Burr, who was filming his revived Perry Mason series here) to Best Bulletin Board (not cork, but one of those newfangled computer message boards) to Best Public Phone Booths — in the brand-spanking-new Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Denver also had a new mayor, Wellington Webb, and was not only building a new airport northeast of Stapleton, but deciding where to put a major-league ballpark. But while the city was reinventing itself, several old favorites also made the edition, including eternal award winners John Elway, Pirate and El Chapultepec. And as Best Club That’s Returned From the Dead: the Mercury Cafe.
Marilyn Megenity has kept Denver cooking since back in the ’70s, when she opened her first spot in Indian Hills. The next fifteen years were a veritable movable feast as she moved her restaurant/club from 13th Avenue (where it was initially known as Elrond’s) to Broadway, back to 13th, then downtown and points in between, picking up a new name, the Mercury Cafe, before the entire enterprise went into limbo. But finally, in 1990, Marilyn bought a place she could call her own, a Victorian building at 2199 California Street that today remains the center for an incredibly lively, entertaining and, most important, enlightened cultural scene. From the car that runs on recycled cooking oil to the windmill on the roof to the political debates in the upstairs meeting room to the good organic eats and even better theatrical and musical entertainment, Marilyn keeps giving Denver reason to celebrate. And the Mercury Cafe keeps rising to every occasion.
Here are the rest of the winners:
BEST OF DENVER 1991
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Best News About the Mayoral Election: Even a million bucks can't buy City Hall
Best New Job for Mayor Pena: Stay-at-home dad Readers' Choice: House husband
Best Thing to do with Lowry After it Closes: Lost Vegas Gaming Preserve Readers' Choice: Park
Best Colorado Lottery Numbers: 1, 9, 27, 28, 30, 39
Best Thing to do with Stapleton if it Ever Closes: Die Harder Theme Park Readers' Choice: Shopping mall
Best Explanation of the New Airport: Rocky Mountain News Minipage
Best Jail: Jefferson County Jail Readers' Choice: Denver City Jail
Best House of Worship: The Sweat Lodge, Arkansas Valley Prison, Ordway
Best Police Report: “I did it, I liked it, I'll do it again."
Best Obscene Phone Call Reported to Denver Police: Caller: I want to be your panties. Answer: I don't think so.
Best Performance by a Local Police Department: Littleton Police Department
Best Performance by a Local Police Officer: Aurora Police Chief Jerry Williams
Best Joke About Denver Told on The Tonight Show: Betty Ford Aquarium
Best Personal Ad: The Denver Post
Best Excuse for not Paying for a Classified Ad: Not-so-bright roommate
Best Local Late Night TV Ad: Beds, Beds and Beds Readers' Choice: Dealin' Doug
Best Local TV Weather Forecaster: Marty Matthews, Channel 4 Readers' Choice: Larry Green
Best Local TV Anchor: Ed Sardella, Channel 9 Readers' Choice: Ed Sardella
Best Hairstyle on a TV Anchor: Bob Palmer, Channel 4 Readers' Choice: Linda Benzel
Best Television News Competition: Doppler radar
Best New TV News Personalities: Channel 4's robot cameras
Best Publicity Stunt: Rich Goins, KRFX
Best Radio Talk Show: The Howard Beal Hour, KGNU
Best Saturday Morning Radio Talk Show About Aloe Vera: The Island Magic Aloe Vera Hour, KQXI
Best Radio Talk-Show Host: Mike Rosen, KOA Readers' Choice: Ken Hamblin
Best Local Radio DJ: Bill Amundson, KTCL Readers' Choice: Rick (Coach) Marshall
Best News Lead: The Denver Post
Best Newspaper Columnist: Pike's Peek, The Denver Post Readers' Choice: Gene Amole
Best X-rated Newspaper Columnist: The Leather Fairy Out Front
Best Monument to a Writing Utensil: The giant pencil
Second-Best Monument to a Writing Utensil: The Veteran's Memorial State Capitol
Best Legislative Coverage: The Capitol Reporter
Best Whistleblower: Julie Livingston
Best State Legislator: Senator Al Meiklejohn
Best City Councilmember: Mary DeGroot Readers' Choice: Deborah Ortega
Best Bureaucrat: Ed Gietl, Denver Civil Service Commission
Best Government Watchdog: John Bermingham
Best Lawyer: Jesus Christ
Best Poem About This Place by a Former Governor of the Place: Richard Lamm's “The American West"
Best Rebate: The City of Denver
Best Historic Restoration: The Rossonian Hotel
Best Trash Cans: Wazee Deco
Best Dumpster Diver: Stan Oliner, Colorado Historical Society
Best Place for Homesick New Yorkers to Commiserate: The New Yorkers Club, Bianco's Ristorante
Best Addition to the Denver Skyline: 1999 Broadway
Best Mortuary Sign: Olinger's
Best Public Phone Booths: Cherry Creek Mall
Best Public Restrooms: Cherry Creek Mall Readers' Choice: Cherry Creek Mall
Best Unofficial Public Restrooms: The Platte
Best Set of Identical 7-Eleven Clerks: Terri and Sherri
Best Local Version of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: The Mousetrap
Best Freeway Signs: I-70 west of Denver
Best Speed Trap: Empire
Best Statue Dedication: The Steve Canyon Statue, Idaho Springs Visitor Information Center
Best Urban Legend: Elephant buried in King Soopers parking lot
Best New Name: Mahatma Bambi
Best Local Hero: Pastor Thomas Fritch, Lighthouse Souls Harbor Readers' Choice: Daddy Bruce
Best “Best of Denver" Feedback: Best exotic dancer/club letter
Arts and Entertainment
Best Motel for a Tryst: Mon Chalet Readers' Choice: Bugs Bunny Motel
Best Adult Bookstore: Kitty's Readers' Choice: Kitty's
Best Ode to Nature: Deborah Reshotko, “A Dance to the Bunny Spirit You Released When I Ran You Over With My Car"
Best Fundraiser: The Kowalski’s' Wedding, City Stage Ensemble
Best Festival: Fiesta! Fiesta!
Best Movie Theater Classic: The Mayan
Best Movie Theater High Tech: The Continental
Best Movie Theater Multiplex: Cherry Creek 6, Cherry Creek Mall
Best Movie Theater Concession Stand: The Mayan
Best Movie with a Beer: Cinema and Drafthouse
Best Movie Projectionist: Dick Bateman
Best Movie Memorabilia: Hollywood Poster
Best Performance by a Parent in a Supporting Role: Laura Hamilton
Best Television Prop Made in Denver: Raymond Burr's chairs
Best Foreign Video to Premiere in Denver: Fiji Meatman
Best Actors Who are Really Waiters: Boulder Dinner Theater
Best Waiter Who is Really an Actor: Michael Shalhoub
Best Waiter Who is Also a Phone-Sex Operator: Lawrence Patterson
Best Theatre Production: The Day Room, City Stage Ensemble
Best Theatre Company: City Stage Ensemble Readers' Choice: Denver Center Theatre Company
Best Local Pay TV, $20-$30 range: The Space in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Best Performance by a Penis in a Dramatic Role: Germinal Stage Denver
Best Politically Correct Defense Against Graffiti: Germinal Stage Denver
Best Bathroom Graffiti: Men's room at Fagan's
Best X-rated Restroom Decor: Pink E's Fun Food & Spirits
Best Public Sculpture: “Architectural Spire" by Kevin Koehler Readers' choice: “Casey at the Bat"
Best Impromptu Performance Art: 14th between Stout and California, Artist unknown
Best Art-Meets-Life Performance: Artists in bloody fatigues at State Capitol antiwar rally
Best New Gallery Space Co-op: Core New Art Space
Best New Gallery Space Non-Commercial: Metropolitan State College's Center for the Visual Arts
Best Gallery Reformation: Edge Co-op Gallery
Best Gallery Show Painting: Vincent Desiderio, Metropolitan State College's Center for the Visual Arts, Readers' Choice: Hanna/Barbera at Circle Fine Art Gallery
Best Gallery Show Sculpture: Louise Bourgeois, Ginny Williams Gallery
Best Denver Art Museum Show: Chicano Art: Resistance and Affirmation Readers' choice: Frank Lloyd Wright
Best Art Openings: Hassel Haeseler Gallery Readers' Choice: Pirate
Best Art Song: “I'm Too Sensitive to Pay My Rent" Bill Amundson
Best Concert Promoter: Doug Kauffman, nobody in particular presents
Best Commercial Radio Station: KTCL
Best Non-Commercial Radio Station: KGNU
Best Jazz Radio: KUCB
Best Grown-up Thing to Take Kids to: Pepsi Zoofest Concerts, Denver Zoo
Best Local Folkie: Nick Forster Readers' Choice: John Denver
Best Yodeler: Gary McMahan
Best Use of a Mannequin in a Rock-and-Roll Show: The Flesh Mannequins
Best Use of a Dessert in a Rock-and-Roll Show: Red Moon Storm
Best New Band: The Nixons
Best Proof that Living Color Isn't a Fluke: The Jones
Best Dance Band: Monkey Siren Readers' Choice: Hot Lunch
Best Heavy Metal Band: Angellic Rage Readers' Choice: Fear of Sleep
Best Rock Band: The Rok Tots Readers' Choice: Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Best Blues Band: Mollie O'Brien and the Blue Tips Readers' Choice: Chris Daniels and the Kings
Best Concert of the Year: Neil Young and Crazy Horse/Sonic Youth/Social Distortion Readers' Choice: KOOL-105 Oldies Show
Best Local Rock Recording: This Is by Auto-No
Best Basement Tape: Home-Made Jam, The Choosey Mothers
Best Local Country Recording: Tilt-A-World, Runaway Express
Best Local Classical Recording: Aries Brass, Aries Brass Quintet
Best Local Jazz Recording Jubilee, Dotsero
Best Tape to Listen to in Saudi Arabia: A Peace of Denver, Various artists
Best Music to Die by: Chalice of Repose, Therese Schroeder-Sheker
Best Reincarnation Without Missing a Musical Beat: Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Best Moves by a Denver Jazz Musician: Javon Jackson
Best Local Jazz Musician: Ron Miles Readers' Choice: Spike Robinson
Best Jazz Band: The Ron Miles Trio Plus Readers' choice: Dotsero
Best Young Musician to Watch: Kit Taylor
Best Salsa Band: Conjunto Colores Readers' Choice: Conjunto Colores
Best Reason for the Band Name to Remain the Same: Men About Town/Carnival of Souls/??
Best Jukebox CDs: Seven South
Best Jukebox 45s: The Billabong
Best Club Policy Change: The Garage
Best Rock Club: Herman's Hideaway
Best Heavy Metal Club: The Broadway Readers' Choice: Bangles
Best Place to Ogle Heavy Metal Poser Boys: Bangles
Best Place to Ogle Heavy Metal Poser Girls: The Broadway
Best Stage Diving: The Gothic Theatre
Best Dance Club: Ground Zero Readers' Choice: Rock Island
Best Alternative Club: Sunday nights at Rock Island
Best C&W Club: Grizzly Rose. Readers' choice: Grizzly Rose
Best Blues Club: Ziggie's Saloon
Best Jazz Club: The Jazz Works Readers' Choice: El Chapultepec
Best Unexpected Spot for Jazz: West End Tavern
Best Club That's Returned from the Dead: The Mercury Cafe
Best Nightclub to Rent for a Private Party: Ruby
Best Uncrowned Happy Hour: Shivers at The Ice House
Best Happy Hour Spread: Fish Dance
Best Gay Bar: Matchmaker Readers' Choice: The 90s
Best Gay Country Bar: Charlie's Denver
Best Lesbian Country Bar: Ms. C's
Best Neighborhood Bar Until Progress Catches Up: Skyline Cafe
Best Sports Bar: Rodney's Readers' Choice: Jackson's Hole
Best Pickup Bar Cowboys: Grizzly Rose
Best Pickup Bar Suits: Rick's Cafe Readers' Choice: Rick's
Best Pickup Bar Metal heads: The Westminster Mall
Best Laser Karaoke: Sushi Zanmai Readers' Choice: Iliff Park Saloon
Best Piano Bar: Lautrec's Readers' Choice: Ivory's
Best Food Court Amateur Hour: Lakeside Mall
Best Blues Brother Impersonator/Insurance Salesman: Larry Nelson
Best Place for a Night Out With the Boys: Juanita's Uptown
Best Hangout for Recently Divorced Males: Alfalfa's Market Deli
Best Singles Night: The Dance, Highland Senior Center Best PC Club Promotion: JJ McCabe's Recycle Night
Goods and Services
Best Always-Buy-Colorado Product: Honey Stix, Madhava Mountain Gold Honey
Best Nostalgic Always-Buy-Colorado Product: The Colorado Pan San
Best Recycling Service: King Soopers Readers' Choice: King Soopers
Best Seasonal Recycling Center: Jefferson County Open School Parking Lot
Best Place to Get in the Loop: The Complete the Cycle Center, Tri-R Systems
Best Herb Selection: Crystal Market
Best Occult Herb Selection: Charon
Best Seed Store: Rocky Mountain Seed Company
Best Potted Cactus Selection: The Herbery
Best Way to Let it Rot: City of Arvada Grass Composting Project
Best Giveaway Public: Department of Public Works Christmas Tree Mulch
Best Giveaway Private: First Interstate Bank's Free Trees
Best Variety Store: Remedio Juarez
Best Custom Button: Cameo
Best War-Related Items: CIA Maps of the Middle East, Safeway
Best Bargain: Yellow ribbons, Target Readers' Choice: Mile High Flea Market
Best Kid Bargains: Manufacturers Outlet
Best Bargain Empire: 99-Cent Mart
Best Antique Store Bargains: Fox Haven Farms Antique
Best Diversified Business: House of Prayer for All People" and Square Dance Instruction
Best Store in Cherry Creek Mall: The Nature Company
Best Antidote to Upscale Urban Shopping Centers: Pine Emporium, Pine
Best Christmas Trees: King Soopers
Best Christmas Rappin': The Rappin' Wrappers, Aurora Mall
Best Vintage Store: Flossie McGrew Readers' Choice: Circa 1900
Best Vintage Store That's Never Open: Poparama
Best Vintage Jewelry: Classic Facets
Best Thrift Store Prices: Value Village, (ARC Thrift Stores) Readers' Choice: Value Village
Best Thrift Store Good Cause: The Treasure Trunk
Best Thrift Store Organization: Disabled American Veterans Thrift Stores
Best Thrift-Shop Town: Longmont
Best Used Books: Capitol Hill Books
Best Free Publication Selection: The Tattered Cover Book Store
Best Diversified Publication Selection: Corona Drugs
Best Way to Keep Your Finger on the Pulse of the Suburbs: Sentinel newspaper boxes, Market Street Station
Best Almost-Adult Bookstore: The Dusty Shelf
Best Seniors' Survival Guide: Uniquely Denver
Best Kids' Survival Guide: Smile Saving Snacks
Best Map Store: Maps Unlimited/Pierson Graphics
Best Use of Hot Air: Tons of Scientifically Provocative and Socially Acceptable Things to Do With Balloons Under the Guise of Teaching Science
Best Used Record Store: Twist and Shout Readers' choice: Wax Trax
Best Place to Buy Eight-Tracks: Don's Discs
Best Esoteric Audio Tape Store: Mysterium
Best Video Rental: Video Movie Madness Readers' Choice: Blockbuster Video
Best Supplement to a Cable Service: Request-A-Video, Mile Hi Cablevision
Best Hip Delivery Service: Hawaiian Hula Hips
Best Liquor Store Selection: Liquor Mart Readers' Choice: Argonaut
Best Bakery: Bluepoint Bakery Readers' Choice: Child's
Best Cake Accessories: Mrs. Mayo's
Best Pastries and Foreign-Language Schmoozing: Omonia Bakery
Best Place to Have your Cock and Eat It, Too: Le Bakery Sensual
Best Confectionary: French Confection
Best Fish Market: Seafood Landing Readers' Choice: Alfalfa's
Best Meat Market: Oliver's Meats Readers' Choice: Tony's Meats & Deli
Best Grocery Store for High-Tech Kids: Andrea's Market
Best Grocery Store for High-Tech Adults: King Soopers
Best French Cooking Classes: The Orchard Market Cooking School
Best Selection of Dutch Foods: Granada Super Market.
Best Barber Shop: Ivan's Men's Stylists Readers' Poll: Brown Palace
Best Unisex Barber Shop: Bear Creek Haircutters Best Hairstylist: Chanin Floyd, Oxford Aveda Salon
Best Place to Buy Mustache Wax, Krew Kare and Lucky Tiger Tonic: Rocky Mountain Barber Supply
Best Tonsorial Tribute to a Native American Hero: The Sit-N-Bull Barber Shop
Best Pedicure for the Pregnant: Looks
Best Solution for Split Ends: Hana Designs
Best Way to Get to the Root of the Problem: Mr. Harold's, 12759 W. 32nd
Best Grade-School Auction Items: Bush baubles
Best Way for a Bad Kid to Make Good: The Westin Hotel Troublemakers' Contest
Best Toy Store for Big Wallets: Kazoo and Company
Best Rejuvenating Toy Store: The Wizard's Chest
Best Price/Selection for New and Used Nintendo Games: Buy-Back Games
Best Community Bulletin Board: Alfalfa's, 201 University Blvd. Readers' Choice: King Soopers
Best Adult Computer Bulletin Board: Fred's BBS, 233-1316 (modem) Readers' Choice: Max Manlove
Best Teen Computer Bulletin Board: The L.P.B.B.
Best Women's Computer Bulletin Board: The Oak Tree
Best Computer Accessories Store: CompUSA
Best Commodore Computer Repair: Commodore Connection
Best BBS File Selection: The Data Bank
Best Online Computer Game: Pimp Wars
Best Selection of Zuni Fetishes: Santa Fe Ambiance
Best Chicken Bone Jewelry: Darcelle Boutique and Antique
Best Essential Oils: The Alchymist's Shelf
Best Botanica: El Caridad del Cobre
Best Museum Gift Shop: Denver Museum of Natural History
Best Gift Store for Would-be Jet-Setters: Museums of the World.
Best Economy-priced Masks: Frank Coffman's Latex Creations
Best Alternative to a Yard Sale: Mile High Flea Market
Best Kids' Party Clothes: Truong An, Far East Center.
Best Kids' Consignment Shop: Patches
Best Baby Furnishings: Baby Bed Man
Best Unisex Clothes: Cignal, Cherry Creek Mall
Best Cheap Cowboy Shirts: Fabric Outlet Store
Best Drum Majorette Clothes: Carol's Costume Works Ltd.
Best Kids' Funky Clothes: The Unicorn
Best Gap Store: Westland
Best Long-term Clothing Investment: 501 jeans
Best Place to Buy Eurojeans: Metropolis
Best Way to Tie One On: The Perfectie, World Tie Corporation
Best Cheap Suits: Suit Smart
Best Boots High End: Great West Bootmakers
Best Boots Low End: Zapateria Mexicana
Best Pointy-Toed Shoes for Men: Fashionation
Best Place to Buy Heavy Metal Poser Clothes: The Outer Limits
Best Lingerie Sales: Victoria's Secret
Best Skintight Temptress Dresses: Adrijan
Best Place to Buy a Leather Wedding Dress: Wilson's House of Suede
Best Women's Store: The Book Garden
Best Place to Buy Russian Army Hats, Eventually: Australian Outback Collection, Inc.
Best Place to Talk About Russian Army Hats: The Foreign Language Institute
Best Place to Talk to People Not Wearing Russian Army Hats: Glendale Public Library
Best Japanese Teacher: Midori Allmeyer, Denver Buddhist Temple
Best Tattoo Artist: Sugar Bear, Emporium of Design
Best Massage: Lynn Burrows
Best Deal on a Pet: Petsmart
Best Pet Groomer: Danny's Professional Pet Grooming
Best Dogs: Freedom Service Dogs
Best Obedience School: The Undomesticated Man's Support Group, Colorado Free University
Best Veterinary Clinic: The All-Cat Clinic
Best Mobile Veterinarian: Dr. Dawn Metzger
Best Friend to Man's Best Friend: Animal Orphanage
Best Friend to Man's Second Best Friend: The Cat Care Society,
Best New Leash on Life: Easy Walker Belt Leash, Rocky Mountain Activities
Best 16th Street Mall Vendor: The Ticket Bus Readers' Choice: B.J.'s Sunglasses
Best Roadside Vendor: Hot dog cart Readers' Choice: Streetcorner flower vendors
Best Place to Get a Driver's License: Express offices, Buckingham Square
Best Mechanic: Jalopys
Best Door-to-Door Mechanic: Frank Uttieri
Best Place to Buy a Horse-drawn Sleigh: Jim Aumann
Best Santas and Easter Bunnies for Rent: Susan Mesco -- American Events
Best Housecleaners: Dumb Blondes Cleaning
Best Helpful Hardware Man: Ron Westner, Hugh M. Woods
Best Friend a Vacuum Cleaner Ever Had: Mayor Bill, Filter Queen of Denver
Best Mezuzah Repairman: Zalmon Tornek
Best Tools on a Repairman: Handyman in the Buff
Best Tile: Tile 4 Less
Best Plumbing and Heating:
Best Memorials: Deorio and Sons Memorials
Best Totally Free Art Attack: Denver Art Museum
Best Totally Free Movies: Boulder Public Library Film Series, Meadows Library
Best Totally Free Babysitter: Denver Public Library, Programs for Kids
Best Free Money Orders: Money Express Check Cashing
Best Totally Free Walking Tour of Downtown: Historic Denver Week Tours
Best Free Teen Service: Teens Only Clinic
Best Place to Show you Care Enough to...: Anonymous AIDS Testing Site
Best Always-Buy-Colorado Service: Phone-in unemployment claims
Sports and Recreation
Best Lost Opportunity for the New Baseball Team: Rocky Mountain Tick Fever -- Catch it!
Best Name for the New Ballpark: Anything but Coors Field (ABCF)
Best Sports Team: Denver Zephyrs Readers' Choice: Broncos
Best Coach: Doug Moe Readers' Choice: Doug Moe
Best Guy to Run the Denver Nuggets: Saddam Hussein
Best New Job for Paul Westhead: Pat Riley's hairstylist
Best Nugget: The next draft pick Readers' Choice: Michael Adams
Best Zephyr: Tim McIntosh Readers' Choice: Tim McIntosh
Best Bronco: John Elway Readers' Choice: John Elway
Best Radio Sports Talk: Irv Brown and Joe Williams, KYBG Readers' Choice: KYBG
Best Regular Caller to Radio Sports-Talk Programs: Steve from Denver
Best Foreign-Language Sports Talk: Dan Reeves
Best TV Sports Commentator: Ron Zappolo, Channel 9 Readers' Choice: Ron Zappolo
Best Move to the Big Leagues: Kevin Corke, Channel 9
Best Sports Flack: Billy Saul, Cloverleaf Dog Track and National Western Stock Show
Best Reason to be a Senior Citizen: Whittlin' and Lyin' Class, Globeville Senior Center
Best Repositioning of an Environmental Nightmare: Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Best Inner-city Call of the Wild: City Park
Best Place to get all Mushy: Summit Adventure Park,
Best Denver park: Cranmer Park Readers' Choice: Washington Park
Best Horticultural Museum: The Rocky Mountain Wildflower Center
Best New Park: Lair o' the Bear
Best Denver Zoo Attraction: Children's Duck Pond
Best Swimming Pool: George J. Meyers Pool Readers' Poll: Celebrity Sports Center
Best Peace of Mind Within Three Hours of Denver: Glenwood Springs Pool
Best Handicapped-Access Fishing Pier: Georgetown Lake
Best Sure-Thing Trout Fishing: Pinecrest Resort and Trout Ranch
Best Free Sports Deal: Colorado Fishing Map, Division of Wildlife
Best Place to Learn to Put your Foot Down: Running With the Whole Body seminars
Best Place to Wear Out your Dogs: Pence Park
Best Golf Course: City Park Readers' Choice: Arrowhead Best Free Golf Balls: Confluence Park
Best Deal for Safety-Conscious Sports Enthusiasts: Self-Propulsion Bicycle Shop
Best Commemorative Bicycle Path: Scott Lancaster Memorial Bike Path, Clear Creek County
Best Bike Ride on Which to Meet your Future Spouse: Washington Park
Best Skateboard Park: Jamaica Jim's Skateboard Park Readers' Poll: 16th Street Mall
Best Place for Roller Blading: Washington Park Readers' Poll: Washington Park
Best Tennis Courts: Congress Park Readers' Poll: Gates Tennis Club
Best Pick-up Basketball Game: YMCA Central Branch
Best Ski Run: Prima Pronto, Vail Readers' Choice: Mary Jane (Winter Park)
Best Fourteener Climb: Mount Democrat
Best News you can Foos: Fooz-Nooz Colorado
Best Robin Hood-style Club that Existed Even Before Kevin Costner Wore Tights: Colorado Bowhunters Association
Best City-slicker Fantasy Trip: Old Town Longhorn Cattle Drive, Burlington
Best Place for a Romantic Vacation with your Horse: Silverado II
Best Free Summer Camp for Nerds: U.S. Postal Service Stamp Camp
Best Close-in Camping: Fourth of July Campground, Indian Peaks Wilderness Readers' Choice: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Best Bed and Breakfast: Merritt House Readers' Choice: Queen Anne
Best Way to See the Rockies by Tooth: Pikes Peak Cog Railroad
Best Way to Get to Cheyenne Frontier Days: The Amtrak Pioneer
Best Place to Watch Trains: The Palmer Divide Readers' Choice: Union Station
Best Historic Road Tour: The Santa Fe Trail Revisited
Best Roadside Watering Hole: Crystal Spring, Allenspark
Best Alternative to Aerobics: African Dance at Tracy Karivan Studios, Mr. Goodbody's
Best Spunky Dance Teacher: Carol Englert, Gove Community School
Best Bowling Alley that Can Fit in the Back of a 7-Eleven: Rainbow Lanes
Best Bowling Alley: Celebrity Sports Center Readers' Choice: Celebrity Sports Center
Best Place to Shoot Pool: Stadium Inn Readers' Choice: Pinky's
Best Place to Throw Darts: The Cherry Cricket
Best Video Arcade: Pinball Palace Readers' Choice: Celebrity Sports Center
Best Local Sporting Event: The International, Castle Pines Golf Club Readers' Choice: Bolder Boulder
Food and Drink
Best All-You-Can-Eat Deal: Govinda's Readers' Choice: King's Table
Best Place for a Business Lunch: Trinity Grille Readers' Choice: La Coupole
Best Businessman's Lunch: Diamond Cabaret
Best Prime Rib: Ship's Tavern, Brown Palace Hotel Readers' Choice: Black Angus, (Stuart Anderson's)
Best Prime Rib Deal: Bonnie Brae Tavern
Best Steak: Morton's of Chicago, The Tivoli Readers' Choice: Morton's of Chicago
Best Chicken-Fried Steak: Woodside Inn
Best Rocky Mountain Oysters: Bruce's Bar, Severance
Best Bagels: The Bagel Store Readers' Choice: N.Y. Bagel Boys
Best Hoagies: Levi McGill House
Best Tuna Fish Sandwich: Seoul Food
Best Egg Salad Sandwich: Lake Steam Baths
Best Sandwiches: Basil's Cafe Readers' Choice: Quizno's
Best Supermarket Takeout: Safeway
Best Hamburger: Chives American Bistro Readers' Choice: My Brother's Bar
Best Pre-date Burger: Garlic cheeseburger, Dirty Harry's
Best Hot Dog: Coney Island Readers' Choice: Franks for the Memories
Best French Fries: Mediterranean Health Cafe Readers' Choice: McDonald's
Best Barbecue Fries: Big Eddie's
Best Onion Rings: Bistro Adde Brewster
Best Barbecue: M & D's Bar-B-Q and Fish Palace Readers' Choice: Bennett's
Best Barbecue Price: Wolfe's Barbeque
Best Fast-Food Decor: Burger King
Best View From a Fast-Food Restaurant: Burger King
Best View From an Expensive Restaurant: The Manor House
Best Quick and Elegant Snacks: The Wild Oats Market
Best Saturday Afternoon Snack: Boccalino's
Best Grape Juice Selection: Wine and Hop Shop
Best Juice Bar: Al's Bar
Best Lemonade: Pasquini's
Best Iced Coffee: Basil's
Best Cappuccino: Le Delice
Best Bottomless Cup of Coffee: Queen of Sheba Readers' Choice: Muddy's
Best Endless Coffee Loop: Hank Kashawa's Filter Fresh
Best Egg Cream: Pinky's Malt Shop
Best Sake Martini: Mori Japanese Restaurant
Best Wine by the Glass: Majorca
Best Wine by the Bottle: Normandy French Restaurant
Best Wine List Price: Bluepoint Restaurant
Best Wine List Selection: Flagstaff House
Best Bourbon List: Rocky Mountain Diner
Best Scotch List: Sebanton
Best Drink Deal: Jerry D's Nostalgia Lounge, Dacono
Best Cheap Beer: Johnny's Pub & Grill
Best Cheap Breakfast: Chef Zorba's Readers' Choice: McDonald's
Best Dinner Under $5: Golden Tempura Bowl Readers' choice: Taco Bell
Best Meal Over $100: Cliff Young's Readers' Choice: Cliff Young's
Best Food Court: Tabor Center Readers' Choice: Tabor Center
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Greens Readers' Choice: Harvest
Best Vegetarian Bar Food: Veggie sandwich, Skyline Cafe
Best Macaroni and Cheese: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Vegetarian Selection on a Carnivorous Menu: Dinah's Tofu, Mercury Cafe Readers' Choice: Harvest
Best Dinner Salad: Manor House
Best Caesar Salad: Tante Louise
Best Greek Salad: Famous Pizza
Best Outdoor Cafe: La Coupole Cafe Readers' choice: Paramount
Best Place for Beaver Watching: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Blow-out Brunch: Simms Landing Readers' Choice: Simms Landing
Best Brunch for Type-A Personalities: The Broadmoor
Best Brunch for Type-B Personalities: Mocha Cafe
Best Kids' Brunch: Wynkoop Brewing Company
Best Kids' Meal Deal: Fuddruckers Readers' Choice: Denny's
Best Place to Feed Kids: Pancho's Mexican Buffet
Best Meal for a Learning Experience: Your Best Bite
Best Place to be Seen: Sfuzzi
Best Place to be Seen and Heard: Avenue Bar and Grill
Best Place to be Seen and Not Heard: A Piece of Quiet
Best Hangout: The Newsstand Cafe
Best Dancing and Dining: Myong's Restaurant and Night Club, Buckingham Square Mall
Best Midnight Meal: Jerusalem Restaurant Readers' choice: Denny's
Best Place to go When the Bars Close: Pete's Kitchen
Best Desserts: Grand Central Station (formerly Cheesecakes and More) Readers' Choice: Strings
Best Table Bread: Three Sons Italian Restaurant
Best Garlic Bread: Pasquini's
Best French Bread: King Soopers
Best French Onion Soup: McCormick's Fish House and Oyster Bar
Best Bistro: Lincoln 100
Best French Restaurant: European Cafe Readers' choice: Tante Louise
Best New Restaurant: Little Moscow Readers' choice: Olive Garden
Best New World Order Restaurant: Cafe Tamara
Best Chinese Restaurant: China Jade Readers' Choice: Imperial
Best Dim Sum: China Terrace
Best Chinese Delivery: Dragon Village
Best Japanese Restaurant: Furusato Readers' Choice: Sushi Den
Best Sushi: Sushi Den
Best Gyoza: Yoisho
Best Tempura: L'Auberge Zen
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon Readers' Choice: T-Wa Inn
Best Thing to Happen to an Egg Since Bacon: Bee bim bop
Best Thai Restaurant: Siamese Plate Readers' Choice: J's Noodles
Best Pat Thai: Tommy's Oriental
Best Middle Eastern restaurant: Jerusalem Restaurant
Best Doggie Bag: Delhi Darbar
Best Mexican Restaurant: El Taco De Mexico Readers' choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Burrito: El Taco de Mexico Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Tamales: Mocha Cafe
Best Taco: Taqueria Las Palmas Readers' Choice: Taco Bell
Best Chile Relleno: Juanita's Uptown Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Refritos: Las Palmas II
Best Mexican Way to Start Your Day: Rosa Linda's Mexican Cafe
Best Chile Verde: Taqueria Patzcuaro Readers' Choice: Blue Bonnet
Best Unexpected Green Chile: Pinky's Malt Shop
Best Specialty Taco: Augusta Westin Hotel Tabor Center
Best Mexican Seafood: Mi Cabana Inn
Best Seafood: 240 Union Fish Market Readers' Choice: Fresh Fish Company
Best Crab Cakes: Wellshire Inn
Best Seafood with an Accent: El Chalan
Best Gumbo File: Foucher's Creole Cafe
Best Linguine with Clam Sauce: New York Connection
Best Italian Restaurant: Carl's Pizzeria Readers' Choice: Josephina's
Best Hot-to-Trattoria: Sfuzzi
Best Minestrone: Patsy's Inn Italian Restaurant
Best Tirami Su: O Sole Mio
Best Pizza: Anthony's Readers' Choice: Pizza Hut
Best Gourmet Pizza: 14th Street Bar and Grill
Best Take-n-Bake Pizza: Nick-n-Willy's
Best Place to Eat Frozen Pizza: Don's Mixed Drinks
Best Place for a Nose Job: Cinnabon, Cherry Creek Mall
Best Romantic Restaurant: Gabriel's Readers' Choice: The Briarwood
Best Place for a Hand Job: Queen of Sheba
Best Place for a Hump: The Fort
Best Canned Music: Rocky Mountain Diner
Best Restaurant Makeover: Racine's
Best Candidates for a Makeover: La Coupole waitstaff
Best Waiter: J.B. Dauenhauer Readers' Choice: Tammy at Pablo's
Best Bartender: Toby Crepeau, Maxfield and Friends Readers Choice: Rick Johnson at Fish Dance
Best Deadpan Waitress: Pat Schmidt, McCormick's Fish House & Oyster Bar
Best Host/Hostess: Joe Trabucco and Stephanie Cooney, European Cafe/Al Fresco Readers' Choice: Pat or Wendy at Strings
