Best of Denver Winners from 1995

Ah, 1995: a time when entire Best Of categories were devoted to the O.J. Simpson trial, Bernie Bickerstaff and Dikembe Mutombo were still dominating the sports pages, and Mel’s Bar and Grill was still new.

Check out the winners from our 1995 Best Of issue after the jump.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Best Way to Discourage Californians From Coming to Colorado: First stop Colorado Springs Readers’ Choice: Bad weather

Best Use for Stapleton: Plutonium storage Readers’ Choice: A racetrack

Best Local Politician: Paul Weissmann, Colorado Senate Readers’ Choice: Wellington Webb

Best Conspiracy Theorist: Stew Webb

Best Speed Trap: Pena Boulevard

Best Concourse at DIA: Concourse A

Best O.J. Commentator: Dan Caplis, KTLK-AM/760

Best Local Appearance by an O.J. Witness: Kato Kaelin

Best Local Exploitation of the O.J. Trial: Brad Markussen

Best New Building (Since June 1994): Denver Central Library Readers’ Choice: Coors Field

Best New Place to Make Out: The stacks, Denver Central Library

Best Place to Play Peeping Tom: Cheesman Park

Best 2001 Reference: Directional signs at DIA

Best Barbie Dream House: Copper Palace

Best Vintage Sign: Lefty Martin Appliance and TV

Best Recycled Sign: Mo Better Ribs & Soul Food

Best Marquee: Bluebird Theater

Best Synchronized Lights: Broadway

Best Night Light: Elitch’s Ferris wheel

Best Pop Architecture: Grill Next Door

Best Architectural Lost Cause: American Institute of Architects, Denver Chapter

Best Surviving Bit of Urban Decay: Pride of the Rockies Flour Mill, Central Platte Valley

Best Historic Rehab (Large-Scale): Byron White U.S. Court of Appeals

Best Historic Rehab (Small-Scale): Romeo Block

Best Restoration Group: The Park People

Best History in the Making: History students, University of Colorado at Denver

Best Place to Learn Denver History: Byers-Evans House

Best Cemetery: Riverside Cemetery

Best Friends an Old Fire Truck Ever Had: Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America

Best Housing Covenant: Aloha Beach development

Best Brave New World in Housing: Highline Crossing Common House Co-Housing Project

Best Student Center: Tivoli Student Union, Auraria Campus

Best Smell From the Sidewalk: All American Seasonings

Best Light-Rail Destination: 29th and Welton streets Readers’ Choice: Five Points (actual)/DIA (potential)

Best Media Move: Five Points Media Center

Best Cutting-Edge Philanthropy: Tommy Lazio

Best Charitable Slam Dunk: Walter Tharp

Best Animal Philanthropist: Cajun the Cat, The Cat Care Society

Best Mousetrap: Magnum

Best Window Dressing: Buster, Jerry Breen Florists

Best Denver Zoo Animals: Howler monkeys, Tropical Discovery exhibit

Best Zoo Baby: Jasiri, lowland gorilla, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs

Best Doctor Dolittle Imitation: Michael Jurich, Prairie Wind Wild Animal Refuge, Kiowa

Best Bike Messenger: Marc Anderson

Best Fish in the Fundraising Sea: Food Bank of the Rockies

Best Place for a Husband to Sit While the Wife Shops at the Tabor Center: Skyline Park

Best Boob Man: Dr. James Bachman, Frisco Medical Center

Best Citizens of the Naked City: “The Sexiest Men of Colorado,” Playgirl magazine

Best Voices in the Dark: Pete Smythe and Reynelda Muse, DIA Trains

Best Backer of the First Amendment: Joyce Meskis

Best Confession by a Retired Editor: Ralph Looney

Best Local Radio Talk-Show Host: Peter Boyles, KTLK-AM/760 Readers’ Choice: Peter Boyles

Best Hair on a Local TV Personality (Male): Phil Keating, KUSA-TV/Channel 9 Readers’ choice: Alan Gionet

Best Hair on a Local TV Personality (Female): Bertha Lynn, KMGH-TV/Channel 7 Readers’ Choice: Aimee Sporer

Best Hair on a Local Sportscaster: Dave Logan, KOA-AM/850

Best Local TV News Anchor: Alan Gionet, KCNC/Channel 4 Readers’ Choice: Aimee Sporer

Best Local TV Weathercaster: Nick Carter, KUSA-TV/Channel 9 Readers’ Choice: Larry Green

Best Local TV Sportscaster: Curt Sandoval, KMGH-TV/Channel 7 Readers’ Choice: Ron Zappolo

Best TV Newscast Makeover: KWGN-TV/Channel 2

Best Place to Spot TV News Sports Anchors and Their Families: Cherry Creek Mall

Best Place to Spot NBA Players and Coaches: Tabor Center Food Court

Best Local Radio DJ: Brett Saunders, KTCL-FM/93.3 Readers’ Choice: Lewis and Floorwax

Best Revived Colorado Has-Been: Gary Hart, KOA-AM/850

Best Squirrel: The Capitol Hill Squirrel

Best Example of Colorado Democrats in Action: Senate Bill 94

Best Example of Colorado Republicans in Action: House Bill 1100

Best Political Flip-Flop: Don Bain

Best Ticket to Happy Holidays: Glendale Police ticket moratorium

Best Commuting Time: Roy Romer’s Wild Ride

Best Way to Get Your Picture in the Paper: Solicit Prostitutes in Aurora

Best Show of School Spirit: CSU on ESPN

Best National Performance by a Local School: Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning

Best Celebrity Guest: Princess Di

Best Celebrity Resident: Gennifer Flowers

Best Myth About a Dead Celebrity: Buffalo Bill’s Grave

Best friends of Dawn Denzer: Hirshfelds, etc.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Best Batting Cage: Batter’s Box Readers’ Choice: Batter Up

Best Bargain Baseball Parking: Allright Parking

Best View From Inside Coors Field: Bullpen balconies on the mezzanine

Best Coors Field Pacifier: Children’s play area

Best Coors Field Art: “Evolution of the Ball”, Lonnie Hanzon

Best Rockies Scorecard: Homestand Flyer

Best Concession Stand Inside Coors Field: Hot Dog, Level Three in the Clock Tower area behind Section 331 Readers’ Choice: Sandlot MicroBrew

Best Foam Delivery: Bob D. Beerman

Best Vendor Outside Coors Field: Freddy’s Peanuts Readers’ Choice: Burrito lady at 20th and Blake

Best 10th Inning Stretch: El Chapultepec

Best Local Sports Tome: Hardwood Gold: The Rise & Fall…and Rise of the Denver Nuggets, Mike Monroe

Best Ski Book for Women: WomenSki, Claudia Carbone

Best Bowling: Limon Lanes

Best Hidden Treasure: Manitou Grand Caverns, Serpentine Drive Highway, north of Manitou Springs

Best Spelunker: Marc Hament

Best Racing Greyhound: Arjo Penn

Best Arapahoe Park Thoroughbred: Darrell Darrell

Best Jockey: Janeen Painter

Best Local Fishin’ Hole: Quincy Reservoir Readers’ Choice: Chatfield Reservoir

Best Little-Known Local Fishin’ Hole: Lowell Ponds

Best Quickie Fishing Getaway: South Platte River at Deckers

Best Fishing Expedition: Jenny and Yankee Doodle lakes

Best Place to Flip a Disc: Edora Park

Best Place to Get Free Frisbees: Memorial Park

Best Hole on a Public Golf Course: No. 13, Eagle Golf Club Readers’ Choice: No. 13, Arrowhead

Best Out-of-the-Way Driving Range: Old West Driving Range

Best Run for Your Money: The Leukemia Society’s “Team in Training” program

Best Run for Your Monkey: Run for the Zoo

Best In-City Mountain Bike Trail: Cherry Creek Dirt Trails

Best Place to Put Your Mettle to the Pedal: King of the Rockies Off-Road Stage Race and Mountain Bike Festival, Winter Park Resort

Best Maps for Fearless Mountain Bikers: Latitude 40

Best Bikes for Hire: Yellow Checkered Bike Project

Best Getaway Vehicle: Colorado Association of Campgrounds, Cabins and Lodges

Best Day Hike: Cathedral Lake, White River National Forest

Best Urban Nature Hike: Boulder Creek Path

Best Wheelchair Hike: Jim Creek Nature Trail System, Winter Park Resort

Best Night Hike: Full Moon Hikes, Roxborough State Park

Best Intercontinental Link: American Discovery Trail

Best Day Trip (Cheap): Peak to Peak Highway

Best Day Trip (Expensive): Central City/Black Hawk

Best Ski Resort in Summer: Steamboat Springs

Best Mountain Weekend for Plain Folks: Leadville

Best Hot Springs: Mt. Princeton Lodge

Best Spring Fling: Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley

Best Summer Afternoon Water Sport: Evergreen Lake

Best Place to Wing It: Wings Over the Rockies Aviation and Space Museum, Hangar One, Lowry Air Force Base

Best Patch of Urban Grass (Street View): 1801 Blake St.

Best Patch of Urban Grass (Alley View): Alley between Blake and Wazee streets

Best City Park: City Park Readers’ Choice: Washington Park

Best Picnic With a View: Daniels Park, Douglas County

Best Park for Kids: Bellevue Park

Best Fort: Fort Vasquez Museum

Best Ghost Town West of the Continental Divide: Tincup

Best Ghost Town East of the Continental Divide: St. Elmo

Best In-Line Skating Spot: Meridian office complex Readers’ Choice: Cherry Creek

Best Cure for a Sore Butt: In-line skating lessons Ski Tech

Best Live Sports Coverage: KCNC-TV/Channel 4

Best Easy Ski Run You’re Not Embarrassed to Say You Like: Lostboy, Vail Readers’ Choice: Schoolmarm at Keystone

Best Extreme Ski Run: Spiral Stairs, Telluride Readers’ Choice: Drunken Frenchman at Winter Park/Pallavicini at A Basin (tie)

Best All-Around Ski Area: Breckenridge

Best Nostalgic Skiing: Ski Cooper

Best Children’s Ski School: Children’s Centers at Peak 8 and Peak 9, Breckenridge

Best CU Football Player (We Hope): Koy Detmer

Best CSU Football Player: Greg Myers

Best Local Sports Coach: Sonny Lubick Readers’ Choice: Mike Shanahan

Best Sports Play: The Miracle in Michigan

Best CU Basketball Player: Shelley Sheetz

Best Swan Song: Denver Grizzlies

Best Intercollegiate Skiers: Bryan Sax and Scott Wither

Best Distance Runner: Adam Goucher

Best DU Hockey Player: Sinuhe Wallinheimo

Best Pro Sports Executive: Bob Gebhard

Best Rockie: Larry Walker Readers’ Choice: Dante Bichette

Best Mock Rockie: Webster Garrison

Best Rockies Prospect: Doug Million

Best Nugget: Dikembe Mutombo Mpolando Mukamba Jean Jacques Wamatumbo Readers’ Choice: Dikembe Mutombo

Best Nuggets Coach: Bernie Bickerstaff

Best Local Sports Team: The Ex-Nordiques Readers’ Choice: Rockies

Best Ex-Nordique: Peter Forsberg

Best Bronco: John Elway Readers’ Choice: John Elway

Best Weight Room: Rude Recreation Center

Best Indoor Pool: Golden Recreation Center

Best Place to Watch Trains: Coors Field

Best Place to Watch Trains From a Train: RTD Light Rail

Best Tracks in the Snow: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Best Free Travel Programs: Tattered Cover LoDo

Best Raptor Anticipation: Dinosaur Ridge Hawkwatch

Best Raptor Love Machines: Barr Lake bald eagle pair, Barr Lake State Park

Best Place to See Pelicans: Colorado Pelican Festival

Best Place to See Lark Buntings: Pawnee Buttes

Best Urban Bird Sanctuary: Alley between Market and Blake streets

Best Birding Experience for Kids: Keystone Science School

Best Birds Unleashed: The Raptor Education Foundation

Best Wildlife Sanctuary Disguised as a Golf Course: Castle Pines Golf Club

Best Easy Walk on the Wild Side: Chatfield Arboretum, Deer Creek Canyon Rd.

Best Place to See an Alligator: Alligator Farm

Best Place to Check Out Foxes: Clear Creek Greenway

Best Ice Escapades: Larimer Square Ice Rink

Best Fitness Deal: Denver Recreation Centers

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Best Contract Rider: Warren Zevon

Best Music-Fan Mom: Lois Smith

Best Music-Fan Dad: Lonnie Lynn

Best Official Teen Hangout: The Spot

Best All-Ages Club: St. Mark’s Coffeehouse Readers’ Choice: After the Gold Rush

Best Latin Dance Club: Los Cabos II

Best Jazz Club: Vartan Jazz Readers’ Choice: El Chapultepec

Best Blues Club: Brendan’s Pub Readers’ Choice: Ziggie’s

Best Blues Jam: Billy Blues Barbecue Restaurant

Best C&W Club: Grizzly Rose Readers’ Choice: Grizzly Rose

Best Folk-Music Venue: Swallow Hill Music Hall

Best Reborn Folk-Music Venue: Penny Lane

Best Rock Club: Mercury Cafe

Best Underground Venue: The Raven

Best New Venue: Bluebird Theater

Best College-Rock Club: Club 156, University Memorial Center, CU-Boulder campus

Best Punk Club: Lion’s Lair Readers’ Choice: Seven South

Best Place to See and Be Seen in Bondage Gear (Straight): Industry

Best Place to See and Be Seen in Bondage Gear (Gay): Triangle Lounge

Best Guys Who Let It All Hang Out: Denver Area Nude Dudes (DAN-D’s)

Best Fetish Club: PEP-DENCO

Best Resurrection of an Organ: Rocky Mountain Theatre Organ Society

Best Jukebox: Mickey Manor

Best Alternative Jukebox: Seven South

Best Local Rock Band: 16 Horsepower Readers’ Choice: Big Bad Freakies

Best Local Rock Album on a Major Label: Mississippi, Spell

Best Local Rock Album on a Minor Label: Destination: Nowhere, ’57 Lesbian

Best Local Rock Compilation Album: Shmowballs

Best Band Name: Hell Camino

Best Band Name Change: GODRIFLE

Best Rap Group/Artist: D-Town Brown Readers’ Choice: Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass

Best Dance Band: Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass Readers’ Choice: Hot Tomatoes

Best Punk Band: Pinhead Circus Readers’ Choice: Boss 302

Best C&W Musician: Tim O’Brien

Best C&W Band: Slim Cessna’s Auto Club Readers’ Choice: Rattlesnake Shake

Best Bluegrass Artist: Pete Wernick

Best Blues Band/Musician: Sammy Mayfield and His Blues Band Readers’ Choice: Bob Hornbuckle

Best Blues Album: A Shot in the Dark, Stanley Milton’s Mean Streak

Best Rockabilly Band: The Tennessee Boys

Best Jazz Band/Musician: Homer Brown Readers’ Choice: Dotsero

Best Jazz Teacher: Ron Miles, Metropolitan State College of Denver

Best Jazzy Celebrity: Ginger Baker

Best Jazz Big Band: Creative Music Works Orchestra

Best Jazz Series: Park Hill Golf Club

Best Jazz Summit: Bill Frisell, with Dale Bruning and Ron Miles, October 8, 1994, Ogden Theatre

Best Worldbeat Band: Mom’s Instant Hot

Best Worldbeat Album: Clay, Blues, Rock, Raga, Clay Kirkland

Best Salsa Band: Salsa Metro

Best Pan Pounder: Don Prorak, Pan Jumbies

Best Rock Music: Lost Angel Stone Ensemble

Best Psychic Healing With Musical Instruments: The Buzz Band

Best Proof That Classical Music Doesn’t Have to Be Boring: Marin Alsop

Best Classical Music Series: St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral

Best Concert: Pavement, with the Apples, September 23, 1994, Ogden Theatre Readers’ Choice: The Eagles

Best Club DJ: Julian Bradley Readers’ Choice: John Chamie

Best Music Convention: Gavin AAA Summit

Best Music Festival: Cellular One LoDo Music Festival

Best Summer Concert Series: ListenUptown concerts, Denver Performing Arts Complex

Best Out-of-Town Gig: Mark Junglen

Best Return From the Dead (Band): The Freddi-Henchi Band

Best Return From the Dead (Individual): Tom Mick

Best Local-Music Comic Book: Slaughter and the Damned, Ted Thacker

Best Bob Dylan Overdose: Rolling Tomes Inc.

Best Host: Baggs Patrick

Best Local Rock Video Show: Teletunes

Best Urban-Music Video Show: Da Hook Up

Best Radio Station Success Story: KXPK-FM/96.5 (The Peak)

Best Defunct Radio Station: KBKS-AM/1490

Best Radio Show: E-Town

Best Local Label: W.A.R.?

Best Art in a Music Video: “Half Tranquil”, The [Untitled]

Best Public Art at DIA: “America, Why I Love Her”, Gary Sweeney Readers’ Choice: “Kinetic Light Air Curtain,” by William Maxwell and Antonette Rosato

Best New Public Art: “Arch of Cosmos and Damian”, Carl Reed Readers’ Choice: Denver Public Library

Best Interstate Art: “Neighborhood Epic”, Martha Keating and Daniel Luna

Best Mural: “Learning From the Past, Focused on the Future”, Andy Mendoza, Linda Clement and helpers

Best Agrarian Art: “Coming Home”, Susan Grant Raymond

Best Public Art: Dedicated to Frank Zappa, “To Market, To Market”, Carolyn Braaksma

Best Bumper Art: The Stallion, Sean Guerrero

Best Art on an Electrician’s Van: No Shorts Electric

Best Billboard Art: Denver Public Schools Student Art Project

Best Art Gallery Comeback: Brigitte Schluger

Best Craft Gallery: The Art of Craft

Best Suddenly Improved Art Venue: DU School of Art and Art History Gallery, Shwayder Fine Art Building

Best Hard-to-Find Gallery: Rule Modern and Contemporary, Design Center at the Ice House

Best Endangered Gallery Row: Wazee Street

Best Burgeoning Gallery Row: Navajo Street

Best Local Gallery Exhibit: Phil Bender, Pirate Gallery Readers’ Choice: Frank Howell, Gallery One/”Batter Up!,” Metropolitan State Center for the Visual Arts (tie)

Best Gallery Art Openings: Artyard Readers’ Choice: CORE New Art Space

Best Artful Thinking: Sally Perisho, Metropolitan State Center for the Visual Arts

Best Place to See Abstract Art by the Elderly: Inkfish Gallery

Best Contemporary Art With a Four-Course Dinner: Mackey Gallery

Best Art From Russia With Love: Sloane Gallery of Art

Best Unexpected Gallery Show: Mizel Museum of Judaica

Best Museum Exhibit (Temporary): “Italian Design, 1960-1994”, Denver Art Museum Readers’ choice: “American Impressionism and Realism: The Painting of Modern Life, 1885-1915,” Denver Art Museum

Best Joint Museum Exhibit: “Visiones del Pueblo”, Museo de las Americas, Denver Art Museum

Best Experience for Those Who Take Walking for Granted: “Spokespeople”, Children’s Museum of Denver

Best Place for Kids to Rock Out: Colorado School of Mines Museum

Best Rock: “Alma King” Rhodochrosite crystal, Denver Museum of Natural History

Best Fun in the Dark: Candlelight Tours, Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys

Best Christmas Festival: Georgetown

Best People’s Arts Festival: Denver Black Arts Festival

Best New-Age Arts Festival: Renaissance Festival, Boulder Central Park

Best Festival Food Experience: Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Square

Best Arts Festival Cleanup: Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Best Free Entertainment: Community Concerts, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District Readers’ Choice: 16th Street Mall

Best Storyteller: Opalanga Pugh

Best Ethnic Dance Group: Grupo Tlaloc

Best Art Classes for Kids: Museum of Outdoor Arts

Best Way to Bug Your Kid: “Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects”, Denver Museum of Natural History

Best Star-Gazing: Andy Garcia, Gabrielle Anwar

Best Campus Film Series: International Film Series, University of Colorado

Best Movie Theater Concessions: Landmark Theaters (Mayan, Esquire, Chez Artiste)

Best Movie Theater (Classic): Esquire

Best Movie Theaters (High-Tech): Mann Bowles Crossing 12

Best Second-Run-Movie Theater: The Oriental Readers’ Choice: Bear Valley Super-Saver Cinema

Best Locally Produced Film: The Secret of Roan Inish

Best Pre- or Post-Movie Watering Spot: Mel’s Bar and Grill

Best Drive-In: East Drive-In Theater

Best Movie Double Bill: Andre, The Client, Movie One Kipling Cinema 6

Best Local Theater Production: Six Degrees of Separation, Theatre on Broadway Readers’ Choice: Phantom of the Opera

Best Local Shakespearean Revival: Cardenio

Best Season for a Theater Company: CityStage Ensemble

Best Performance by an Actor: James Gale, Ad Hoc Theater Company

Best Performance by an Actress: Deborah Persoff, Theatre on Broadway

Best Supporting Actor: Erik Tieze, Compass Theatre Company

Best Supporting Actress: Mia Todd, Compass Theatre Company

Best Season for an Actress: Roslyn Washington, Eulipions

Best Director: Dan Hiester, CityStage Ensemble

Best Two Planks and a Scarf Theater Company: Compass Theatre Company

Best Comic Performance: Terry Burnsed, CityStage Ensemble

Best One-Act By a Local Playwright: Ralph’s Play, Pat Mahoney

Best Ensemble Performance: Eulipions

Best Musical: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Eulipions

Best Children’s Theater Production: What Really Happened Once Upon a Time, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Best One-Man Show: The Education of Walter Kaufmann, Denver Center Theatre Company

Best Two-Person Show: Parallel Lives, Jack’s Theater

Best Experimental Play: Star Fever, Denver Center Theatre Company

Best Alternative Theater Piece: The Home Medical Shopping Network, The Bug Performance and Media Art Center

Best Slam-Bangin’ Poets: Colorado Slam Team

Best Poetry Series: Toads in the Garden, The Daily Grind Coffee House

Best Unexpected Collection of Phillip K. Dick Books: The Black Pearl

Best ‘Zine: Rollerderby

Best Way to Learn Colorado History: The Colorado Prospector

GOODS & SERVICES

Best Ladies’ Room in a Mall: Neiman Marcus, Cherry Creek Mall

Best Men’s Room: Denver ChopHouse & Brewery

Best Public Restrooms: Coors Field

Best Art Deco Bathroom: Wazee Deco

Best Superstore: Incredible Universe Readers’ Choice: Kmart

Best Shop Till You Drop Trip: MLT Shopping Tours

Best Factory Outlet Store: Brooks Brothers, Castle Rock Factory Shops

Best Mall: Denver International Airport Readers’ Choice: Cherry Creek

Best Shop at DIA: Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels, Concourse B Readers’ choice: Body Shop

Best Way to Get to DIA: Fly in Readers’ Choice: Drive

Best Way to Get to DIA (by Land): The Airporter Commuter

Best Cheap Way to Get to DIA: RTD’s skyRide Readers’ Choice: RTD’s skyRide

Best DIA Service: DIA Chiropractic, Concourse B Readers’ Choice: Free underground trains to concourses

Best Place to Get Stuck: Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Best Body Piercing: Bound by Design

Best Place to Harness Your Desires: The Crypt

Best Adult Book and Video Store: Adult Book & Video

Best Video Store: The Video Station

Best New Bookstore: Tattered Cover LoDo

Best Used Books: Books Unlimited Readers’ Choice: Ichabod’s

Best Title Insurance: Book Warehouse, Castle Rock Factory Shops

Best Budget Comic-Book Store: AAA Bear Valley Sports Cards

Best Neighborhood Library: Virginia Village Branch Library

Best Reader’s Representative: Koelbel Public Library, Arapahoe Library District

Best Bookstore for Japanophiles: Kobun-Sha Imports, Sakura Square

Best Way to Hold a Book: CARL reserve service Denver Public Library

Best Jams on the Internet: Jukenet, imo@jukenet.com

Best Place to Buy Dated Material Out-of-Date: Magazine City

Best CD Selection (New): Wax Trax

Best CD Selection (Used): Albums on the Hill

Best Place to Sell Used CDs: Bakeman’s

Best Record Store in a Bookstore: Barnes & Noble Bookstore

Best High-End Antiques: Borgman’s Antiques and Things

Best Low-End Antiques: Queen City Collectibles

Best Place to Get Rid of Your Old Art: ARTcycle

Best Art Poster Selection: Z Gallerie, Larimer Square

Best Custom Picture Frames: ABC Books & Posters

Best Revisionist History: Photo-Imaging Consultants

Best Help for a Case of Arrested Development: Rocky Mountain Film Lab

Best Oaxacan Folk Art: Artesanias

Best Russian Knickknacks: Natasha’s Russian Treasures

Best Rushin’ Motorcycle Mechanic: The Fabulous Oatmeal Speed Shop

Best Calgon-Take-Me-Away Store: H2O Plus, Tabor Center

Best Body Care Products for Mad Scientists: Garden Botanika, Aurora Mall

Best Sleeping Potions: Rosie Moonbeam’s Herb Cottage

Best Salon Deal: Rita B. Salon

Best Cure for a Cowlick: Michael of the Carlyle, Cherry Creek Mall

Best Ten-Minute Eyebrow Shaping: Oxford Aveda Salon

Best Place for a Hair-Raising Time: Preferred Image and Electrology

Best Fancy-Schmancy Spa at Reasonable Prices: Teresa Flint Personal Appearance Center

Best Pocahontas Gear: Triple L Outfitters

Best Cheap Massage: Cottonwood School of Massage Therapy

Best Place for a Victorian Lady to Shop: Circa 1900, Larimer Square

Best Place to Land Feet First: DSW Shoe Warehouse

Best All-Round Vintage Clothing: Candy’s

Best Western Consignment Shop: Attitudes

Best Anti-Leather Protector: Cowgirl Cream

Best Deal on Leather Goods: Atlas Luggage

Best Used Levi’s: Boss Unlimited

Best Thrift Store: Your Kinda Thrift Store

Best Upscale Thrift Store: Sally’s Attic

Best Stocking Stuffer: Ultra Legs Hosiery and Lingerie Outlet

Best Costume Shop: Marcia’s of Denver

Best Drag Queen Clothes: Hero Group Outlet

Best Place to Sell Your Jewelry: Marshall’s Precious Metals, Inc.

Best Party Shop: Party America

Best Paper Plates: Cherry Creek Card and Party Shop

Best Gift Wrap to Buy: Tattered Cover Book Stores

Best Dried Flowers: Frippery’s

Best Flower Shop: Thomas Floral

Best Florist for Bizarre Requests: D’Clement Florists

Best Garden-Supply Shop: Englewood Garden Center and Florist Readers’ Choice: Dardano’s

Best Upscale Garden Supply: Smith & Hawken

Best Place to Hear War Yarns While Buying Trees and Shrubs: Good’s Discount Nursery

Best Cheap Compost Bins: Denver Recycles

Best Gardening Advice: CSU Cooperative Extension

Best Immovable Objects: Judie’s Concrete Critters

Best Way to Get to Know Kids in the Neighborhood: Community gardens at Steele School

Best Out-of-the-Ordinary Wedding Gifts: Warner’s Antiques

Best Way to Hop to It at Home: Brewhoppers Homebrew Kits

Best Plumber’s Helper: Gary Winn, University Hills Ace Hardware

Best Tool-Lover’s Fantasy Land: Surplus Tools & Commodities Corp.

Best Kitchen Design: Hardwood Originals

Best Floor-Tile Store: Design Materials

Best Place to Buy House Paint: Belcaro Paint and Decorating Center

Best Place to Plan a Coverup: Colorel Blinds

Best Oriental Rug Makeovers: Robert Mann Oriental Rug Restoration

Best Place to Plan Your Dream Home: Bed, Bath & Beyond

Best Slightly Used Furniture: Model Home Furniture Store

Best Lamps of the Future: Light Spot

Best Old Lamp Repair: Bonnie Brae Repair Shop

Best Brothel to Take Your Spouse To: The Fortune Club, Main Street, Victor

Best Place for a Romantic Night: The Lumber Baron Inn

Best Boulder Bed-and-Breakfast: The Alps Boulder Canyon Inn

Best All-Purpose Kids’ Supply Center: U.S. Toy Constructive Playthings

Best Used-Toy Store: Toy Exchange

Best Kids’ Haircuts: Lil’ Things

Best Party Dresses for Little Girls (Tomboys Included): Chocolate Soup

Best Place to Buy Used Baby Clothes: Lil’ Rascals

Best Place to Buy Froufrou Kids’ Clothes on the Cheap: The Children’s Exchange

Best Place to Brush Up on Your Ho Ho Ho: Professional Santa Claus School, American Events & Promotions, Lafayette

Best Tap-Dancing Classes for the Rhythmically Challenged: Gwen Bowen School of Dance Arts

Best Place to Hit the Charts: Maps Unlimited

Best Trail Maps: Trails Illustrated

Best Place to Buy Liquor, Drugs and Exotic Toys: Joy Pharmacy

Best Place to Get Tanked: Fish Den

Best Items Sold for a Song: Wild Birds Unlimited

Best Snakes and Lizards: Reptilian Haven

Best Cat Paraphernalia: Meow Mart

Best Cat House: Cat’s Cradle Cattery

Best Dog Hotel: Tenaker Kennel and Vet Clinic

Best Designer Dogwear: Pooch! An Emporium for Dogs and Cats

Best Place to Get Help for a Problem Dog: Denver Dumb Friends League

Best Place to Narc Off an Animal Abuser: FIDO (Fine Irresponsible Dog Owners)

Best Dog Food Direct to Your Door: Bone Appetit

Best Doggie Manicure: PetsMart

Best Dog Shelter: Dog House World

Best Animal Shelter: MaxFund

Best Support Group for the Lonely: Luv-a-Pet Adoption Programs, PetsMart

Best Bonding With Animals: Argus Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Colorado State University

Best Bonding With Pigs: Adopt-a-Pig Program, Clemenswine Memorial Potbellied Pig Sanctuary

Best Pregnant Workout: Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Best Breast-Feeding Tips: Bosom Buddies

Best Place to Take Flight: Into the Wind

Best Place to Get Your Bike in Gear: Sports Plus

Best Place to Test-Drive a Tot: Cycle Analyst.

Best Bike Peddlers: Denver Police Department

Best Sportswear Deals: The Hind Outlet

Best Used Sneakers: Second Half Athletic Exchange

Best Way to Ease the Pain: One-Up Health & Sport

Best Free Service: Accounting students, Metropolitan State College of Denver Readers’ Choice: 16th Street Mall shuttle

Best Free Service for the Unemployed: Jefferson County Public Library

Best Free Service for Couch Potatoes: Request-a-Video, Denver TCI Cable Channel 8

Best Art Service for Couch Potatoes: Art Information, Inc.

Best Alternative Babysitting: Short Stop for Kids

Best Daycare Referral Service: Denver Association of Family Child Care

Best Liquid Assets: The Dry Dames, University Hospital

Best Surrogate Mothers: MotherCare of America

Best Place for Single Fathers to Get Sound Advice: The Men’s Health Resource Center, Rose Medical Center

Best 7-Eleven to Gas Up at When You’ve Got Kids in the Car: 607 E. Alameda Ave.

Best Virtual-Reality Experience: Koelbel Library Arapahoe Library District Readers’ Choice: Boardwalk USA

Best Place to Be Read and Fed: Readings by Diana, City Spirit Cafe

Best Place to Discover the Joy of Hex: Voodoo Mary’s

Best Fashion Finders: Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Mall

Best Place to Hitch Up Your Pants: The Custom House.

Best Shoeshine: Genie O’Fallon, Tabor Center Lobby

Best Post Office: Terminal Annex

Best Place to Buy Disposable Contacts: Price Club

Best Lights Before Christmas: Tour USA Christmas Light Motorcoach Tours

Best Way to Get to the Theater: RTD Light Rail

Best Place to Pretend You’re in Beverly Hills: Wild Oats Market

Best Groceries From the Good Old Days: Hi Lo Market

Best Grocery Delivery: King Soopers

Best Deli Manager: Edythe Mullins, Capitol Hill Alfalfa’s

Best 16th Street Mall Vendor: Salaam’s Fish & Fries Readers’ Choice: Tristan’s hot dogs

Best Huge Live Lobsters: Sir Loin Meat Shoppe

Best Place to Get a Leg Up on the Competition: Dale’s Exotic Game Meats

FOOD & DRINK

Best Place to Eat Political Pork: J. Beatty’s

Best Pig-Out: Charlie Brown’s

Best Place to Eat and Act Like a Pig: Diamond Cabaret Steakhouse

Best Pigs-in-a-Blanket: Kalamath Korner

Best Pig’s Ears: Nipa Hut

Best Unexpected Appearance by a Pig: Mexico City Lounge

Best Place to Get Your Goat: Herbs and Spices Restaurant

Best Soft-Shell Crab: Rose’s Cafe Readers’ Choice: Chives

Best Oyster Roster: McCormick’s Fish House & Bar

Best Chicken Feet: Ocean Garden

Best Chicken Wings: Pint’s Pub Readers’ Choice: Hooters

Best Chicken-Fried Steak: Bayou Bob’s Readers’ Choice: Black-Eyed Pea

Best Fried Chicken: Three Sons Restaurant

Best Roast Chicken: Aromas Market

Best Affordable Steakhouse: Luke’s

Best Hot Dog: Mustard’s Last Stand Readers’ Choice: Mustard’s Last Stand

Best Carrot Dog: Frasier Brazier

Best Frozen Pickle Juice: Sands Theatre

Best Links House of Bar-B-Que: 760 Peoria St.

Best Barbecued Ribs: Sam Taylor’s Links at City Park Readers’ Choice: Sam Taylor’s Links at City Park

Best Surprise Ribbing: Warhorse Inn

Best Burger: Cherry Cricket Readers’ Choice: Good Times/Red Robin (tie)

Best Burger Toppings: Spanky’s Roadhouse

Best Sandwiches: Old-Fashioned Italian Deli

Best Club Sandwich: Moondance

Best Cheesesteak: Acappella’s Readers’ Choice: Philadelphia Filly

Best French Fries: Firehouse Bar and Grill Readers’ Choice: McDonald’s

Best Mashed Potatoes: Brick Oven Beanery

Best Mashed Potatoes With Fish: 240 Union

Best Fish and Chips: Yorkshire Fish & Chips

Best Potato Salad: Hummel’s Delicatessen and Sidewalk Cafe

Best Potato Pancakes: Cafe Berlin

Best Baked Beans: Brown Sugar’s Burgers and Bones

Best Pasta e Fagioli: Geppetto’s

Best New England Clam Chowder: Chowda House

Best Manhattan Clam Chowder: Mesquite House East

Best Pho: Pho Duy

Best Chicken Soup: J’s Noodles

Best Hot-and-Sour Soup: Thai Hiep Restaurant

Best Alternative to Mom’s Chicken Soup: Golden Tempura Bowl

Best Salad: Coos Bay Bistro

Best Greek Salad: Pete’s Gyros Place

Best Caesar Salad: Dante’s Readers’ Choice: Cafe Franco

Best Salad Dressing: Seoul Food

Best Vegetarian Menu: Masala’s International Creekside Cafe

Best Vegetarian Dishes in a Food Court: Falafel King, Tabor Center Food Court, Republic Plaza Food Court

Best Vegetarian Cafeteria: Porter Memorial Hospital

Best Vegetable Headquarters: Garramone’s Farm Market

Best Organic Baby Food: Earth’s Best

Best Vitamin C Injection: Gaylord’s

Best Pancake Sandwich: Reese Coffee House

Best Breakfast: Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant

Best 99-Cent Breakfast: Chef Zorba’s Cuisine Readers’ Choice: McDonald’s

Best Brunch With Kids: Grand Slam Sports Cafe

Best Children’s Menu: Paul’s Place Readers’ Choice: McDonald’s

Best Brunch Without Kids: Tuscany in the Loews Giorgio Hotel

Best Brunch Buffet: Boulder Broker Readers’ Choice: Simm’s Landing

Best Light Lunch: Botticelli Paninoteca

Best Lunch Box: Mori

Best Business Lunch: The Augusta at the Westin Hotel, Tabor Center Readers’ Choice: Ocean Fresh Grill

Best Appetizer List: Le Gourmand

Best Complimentary Hors D’Oeuvre: Briarwood Inn

Best Meal Under $5: Lim’s Mongolian BBQ

Best (Potential) Food Deal: Beau Jo’s Pizza

Best All-You-Can-Eat Deal: Alfalfa’s Readers’ Choice: Healthy Habits

Best Place for Dinner After 10 p.m.: Pasquini’s Pizzeria & Blu Luna Room Readers’ Choice: Chives

Best Place for a Post-Meal Stogie: Brown Palace Hotel

Best Bagels: Finster Brother’s Bagel Bakery & Cafe

Best Bagel Spreads: The Bagel Nook

Best Bagel With a Bite: Moe’s Broadway Bagels

Best Breads: Daily Bread

Best Table Breads: Tuscany in the Loews Giorgio Hotel

Best Way to Keep the Vampires Away: Carmine’s on Penn

Best Bakery: Paris Bakery

Best Danish Bakery: Danish Delight

Best Children’s Corner in an Erotic Bakery: Le Bakery Sensual

Best Pie Made by a CIA Graduate: Granny Scott’s Pie Shop

Best Pie Not Made by a CIA Graduate: Pete’s Kitchen

Best Sweet Potato Pie: M&D’s Fish & Bar-B-Q Palace

Best Pecan Pie: Bourbon Street Original Pizza Bar

Best Chocolates: Cocoloco

Best Cookies: Colorado Cookie Company

Best Ice Cream: Cucina Leone

Best Carrot Cake: Pete’s Fruit and Vegetables

Best Flan: Los Volcanes

Best Tiramisu: Greens

Best Caramel Apples: The Chocolate Foundry

Best Dessert List: Zolo Grill Readers’ choice: Cocoloco

Best Dessert Reference to Poop: Denver Buffalo Company

Best Desserts If You’re Arnold Schwarzenegger: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Best Dessert With Your Beer: Rock Bottom Brewery

Best Local Microbrew (Ale): Railyard Ale, Wynkoop Brewing Company Readers’ Choice: Railyard Ale, Wynkoop

Best Local Microbrew (Lager): Old Scratch, Broadway Brewing Company Readers’ choice: Wynkoop

Best Local Microbrew (Stout): Out of Bounds Stout, Avery Brewing Readers’ Choice: Oatmeal, Breckenridge

Best Local Microbrew (Porter): Saint Brigid’s Porter, Great Divide Brewing Company

Best Local Microbrew (Wheat): Tabernash Weiss, Tabernash Brewing Company

Best Transformation of an Old Mill: Columbine Brewery

Best Blue-Collar Bar in a Yuppie Setting: Sundown Saloon

Best Blue-Collar Bar in a Hot Spot: Rocky Flats Lounge

Best Happy Hour for Free Food: Gate 12 Readers’ Choice: Gate 12

Best Free Feed for Seniors: Lady Luck Casino

Best Adult Hangout for Kids: Rock Bottom Brewery

Best Single-Malt Scotch List: Wynkoop Brewing Company

Best Scotch Sampler: York St. Café

Best Apres-Ski Single-Malt Scotch Selection: L’Apogee

Best Bourbon Selection: Rocky Mountain Diner

Best Nouvelle Martinis: Bluepoint at the Ice House

Best Margarita: Cafe Iguana Readers’ Choice: Morrison Inn

Best Wine List (Selection): Napa Cafe Readers’ Choice: Flagstaff House

Best Wine List (Price): Pasquini’s Pizzeria & Blu Luna Room Readers’ Choice: Bistro at Marshdale

Best Reason to Take Up Drinking: City Wine

Best Alcoholic Beverage When You Have a Cold: Wynkoop Brewing Company

Best Nonalcoholic Beverage When You Have a Cold: Delhi Darbar

Best Hot Chocolate According to Hannah Temple, Age 9: Stella Geels and Co.

Best Lemonade: Fettoush

Best Slushy Fruit Drinks: Alfalfa’s

Best Shakes: Wazoo’s

Best Italian Sodas: The Art of Coffee

Best Classic Coffeehouse: Trident Booksellers, Inc.

Best Hard-to-Find Coffeehouse: Caffe Mars

Best Transformation of an Old Drugstore: Highland Grounds

Best Coffeehouse in a Greenhouse: Center Greenhouse

Best Tea in a Coffeehouse: Jitters

Best Coffee Not in a Coffeehouse: Pizza Colore Cafe

Best Excuse for the Denver-Boulder Commute: The Espresso Lane

Best Thai Iced Coffee: Tommy’s Oriental Food

Best Vietnamese Iced Coffee: New Saigon

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon Readers’ Choice: New Saigon

Best Thai Restaurant: Taste of Thailand Readers’ Choice: Taste of Thailand

Best Thai Beef Salad: J’s Noodles

Best Chinese Restaurant: Imperial Readers’ Choice: Imperial

Best Korean Restaurant: Silla

Best Japanese Restaurant: Mori Readers’ Choice: Sushi Den

Best Tempura: Matoi

Best Gyoza: Akebono

Best Sushi: Sushi Tazu

Best Sushi Boat: Genroku Restaurant

Best Asian Food in a Doughnut Shop: Daylight Donuts

Best Oriental Market: Midopa

Best Italian Restaurant: Pasta’s

Best Pasta Restaurant: Pastina Readers’ Choice: Bella Ristorante

Best Plate of Spaghetti: Amadeo’s Readers’ Choice: The Old Spaghetti Factory

Best Risotto: Mel’s Bar and Grill

Best Polenta: Washington Park Grill

Best Thin Pizza: Papa’s Readers’ Choice: Pizza Hut

Best Thick Pizza: Pantaleone’s Readers’ Choice: Beau Jo’s

Best Over-the-Top Pizza: Gino’s Pizzeria

Best Ready-Made Pizza Dough: Basil’s Cafe Pizza Dough, Alfalfa’s

Best French Restaurant: The Normandy

Best Mediterranean Restaurant: The Mediterranean Restaurant Readers’ Choice: Yanni’s

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Jerusalem Readers’ Choice: Jerusalem

Best Chips and Salsa: Ogden Cafe

Best Green Chile: Munecas Readers’ Choice: Blue Bonnet

Best Red Chile: The Fort

Best Chili Con Carne: Denver Buffalo Company Readers’ Choice: Chili’s

Best Unconventional Mole: The Roundup Grill

Best Huevos Rancheros: Bamboo Hut. Readers’ Choice: Gregorio’s

Best Tamales: Rincon Tropical Readers’ Choice: Las Delicias

Best Crispy Chile Relleno: Brewery Bar II Readers’ Choice: Blue Bonnet

Best Soft Chile Relleno: Mamacitas Readers’ Choice: Benny’s

Best Burrito: Chipotle Readers’ Choice: Chipotle

Best Tacos al Carbon: Las Delicias

Best Fish Taco: Jalapeno Mexican Grill

Best Taco: El Toro Readers’ Choice: Taco Bell

Best Exotic Taco: El Taco de Mexico

Best Gringo Mexican: Cherokee Dining on 12th

Best Yuppie Quesadilla: City Spirit Cafe

Best Neighborhood Restaurant: RosaLinda’s Mexican Cafe

Best Mexican Takeout: Lala’s Gourmet Mexican Deli

Best Store-Bought Tortillas: Gordita’s Thick Style, Soloman Baking Company

Best Dog & Burrito Vendor: Sayied, northwest corner

Best Television in a Mexican Dive: El Toro

Best Nineties Version of a TV Dinner: Cinema Grill

Best Restaurant Owned by a Former Husband of Roseanne: Full Circle Cafe

Best Shameless Schmoozing by a Restaurant: Kaddy Shack

Best David Letterman Lookalike: John Shipp, Bella Ristorante

Best Place to Pretend You’re David Mamet: Colorado Cafe.

Best Map of Denver on a Placemat: Duffy’s Shamrock Restaurant & Bar

Best Reviews of a Restaurant on a Placemat: Club 404

Best View of Coors Field: Lodo Bar and Grill

Best Indoor/Outdoor Patio: Blake Street Baseball Club

Best Outdoor Patio: La Coupole Cafe Readers’ Choice: Rock Bottom Brewery

Best Trip Back in Time: Gold Hill Inn, Sunshine Canyon

Best New Dining Room: The Denver ChopHouse & Brewery

Best Restaurant Resurrection: Today’s Gourmet Highlands Garden Cafe

Best New Restaurant: Mel’s Bar and Grill Readers’ Choice: Ocean Fresh Grill