Winner

The Kitchen
www.thekitchencafe.com
1039 Pearl St., Boulder
303.544.5973


Just what exactly is American cuisine, and what’s cooking in our melting pot these days? “Our focus is on locally produced, seasonal ingredients, prepared simply so that the expression of the food comes through,” explains Kate Kaufman, manager at community bistro The Kitchen. “Our produce and our meat come from local farmers and ranchers, who are our friends as well.” Chefs Hugo Matheson and Kimbal Musk have created a menu that skillfully moves from starter plates of Poached Salmon Salad or Pork Terrine to enticing entrees like Roasted Pork Loin or Pan Seared Lamb Sirloin. Weekend brunch (you can even order a Full English Breakfast!) is served until 2 p.m. – the perfect way to slow-start your day. Not a morning person? If the nighttime is the right time for your socializing, join friends for dinner under the chandeliers in the dining room. Or cozy up to the counter with a special friend and share a couple of yummy desserts and a tawny port. The vibe is tastefully mellow, a happy mashup of visual palette and “flavor” palate that makes The Kitchen your choice for Best American and Best Late-Night Restaurant.

Runner Up

The Attic Bar & Bistro
949 Walnut St., Boulder
303.415.1300

Winner

Flagstaff House Restaurant
www.flagstaffhouse.com
1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder
303.442.4640

Flagstaff House Restaurant

The stars twinkling over the foothills, the breathtaking views of Boulder, the slightly thinner air – the Flagstaff House’s mountainside location is cause enough to get weak in the knees. Add that special someone as well as exquisite food, drinks and service to the mix and forget about it; you’re Cupid fodder. Romance is part of the package at the Flagstaff House. “A lot of proposals happen here,” says general manager Scott Monette, who recommends popping the question during the first course instead of waiting until dessert. “We find people enjoy the experience much more that way,” he adds with a knowing smile. Truly, it would be a shame to spend a night at this premier dining establishment distracted by nerves when you could be looking deep into your loved one’s eyes, drinking in the ambiance and a delectable Cabernet Sauvignon, savoring a stolen kiss and butter poached Maine lobster. The Flagstaff House’s seasoned staff goes out of its way to make every night remarkable for its customers, whether the moment calls for crystal glasses or party hats. “We’re a family-run operation and have been around for 37 years,” says Monette. “It’s great to be a part of Boulder and part of the environment for so many people’s special occasions.”

Runner Up

Carelli’s of Boulder Ristorante Italiano
www.carellis.com
645 30th St., Boulder
303.938.9300

Winner

Lucile’s Creole Cafe
www.luciles.com
2124 14th St., Boulder, 303.442.4743
518 Kimbark St., Longmont, 303.774.9814

BEST Breakfast: Lucile’s Creole Cafe

Ask Rose Fuller which menu item is the customer favorite, and she answers without hesitation: Eggs New Orleans (fried eggplant slices with creole sauce, poached eggs and hollandaise). “Though our eggs Benedict will give any other eggs Benedict in town a run for their money,” the Boulder Lucile’s principal host adds with a laugh, and then pauses for a moment. “You know, there are lots of great dishes, but people come to us for our biscuits and jam, our beignets and coffee.” The truth of the matter is you can’t go wrong. If any of you reading this haven’t yet experienced Lucile’s, there’s nothing left to say. You simply must go to understand the distinctively decadent, immediately addictive creole cuisine. For the rest of us who regularly go out of our way for the chicory coffee, Eggs Sardou and the best grits this side of the Mississippi, here’s something else to love about Lucile’s: The restaurant started a farm in Niwot to grow its own food. “Our daily and weekend specials have been fresh from the farm,” enthuses Fuller. “We’re on our way to being more organic and self-sustainable.” And I’m on my way to Lucile’s. See you there.

Runner Up

Greenbriar Inn
www.greenbriarinn.com
8735 N. Foothills Hwy., Boulder
303.440.7979

Winner

Lucile’s Creole Cafe
www.luciles.com
2124 14th St., Boulder, 303.442.4743
518 Kimbark St., Longmont, 303.774.9814

BEST Breakfast: Lucile’s Creole Cafe

Ask Rose Fuller which menu item is the customer favorite, and she answers without hesitation: Eggs New Orleans (fried eggplant slices with creole sauce, poached eggs and hollandaise). “Though our eggs Benedict will give any other eggs Benedict in town a run for their money,” the Boulder Lucile’s principal host adds with a laugh, and then pauses for a moment. “You know, there are lots of great dishes, but people come to us for our biscuits and jam, our beignets and coffee.” The truth of the matter is you can’t go wrong. If any of you reading this haven’t yet experienced Lucile’s, there’s nothing left to say. You simply must go to understand the distinctively decadent, immediately addictive creole cuisine. For the rest of us who regularly go out of our way for the chicory coffee, Eggs Sardou and the best grits this side of the Mississippi, here’s something else to love about Lucile’s: The restaurant started a farm in Niwot to grow its own food. “Our daily and weekend specials have been fresh from the farm,” enthuses Fuller. “We’re on our way to being more organic and self-sustainable.” And I’m on my way to Lucile’s. See you there.

Runner Up

Walnut Cafe
www.walnutcafe.com
3073 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.447.2315
673 S. Broadway, Boulder, 720.304.8118

Winner

Abo’s
www.abospizza.com
2761 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1921
1110 13th St., Boulder, 303.443.3199
637 S. Broadway St., Boulder, 303.494.1274
720 Austin Ave., Erie, 303.828.9777
1834 Main St., Longmont, 303.678.0111
1355 South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303.604.9896
7960 Niwot Road, Niwot, 303.652.0830
502 Center Drive, Superior, 720.304.6000


With all the pizza places around, what makes Abo’s stand out? “Quality ingredients – special dough and special sauce made daily just for Abo’s,” according to manager Ben Bishop. “Also, our professional pie makers, professional because of the quality they assure and the pride they take in their work.” It’s true, the dough is made fresh daily and hand tossed according to Neopolitan New York tradition, and, oh, that genuine Neopolitan crust – benissimo! It is classically thin with a bumpy texture, bubbly, pliable but firm to fold over. Abo’s Pizza still adheres to the original quality ingredients of its first pie, which hit Boulder in 1977. The sauce is a proprietary blend fashioned after the legendary Rocky Graziano family sauce recipe. Founder Steve Abo was trained in New York pizza restaurants owned by the once-famous boxer. Abo’s continues to use high quality tomatoes from the same supplier year after year. The freshest vegetables are delivered and chopped daily. They use mozzarella cheese that won’t slide off the crust. A slice of Abo’s pizza is only $3, and the restaurant offers lunch specials. Bishop says, “Thanks to all our fans,” and notes, “We have quite a few regulars who come in three to five days a week. We know them by their names and their slices!”

Runner Up

Proto’s Pizza
www.protospizza.com
4670 Broadway St., Boulder, 720.565.1050
489 Highway 287, Lafayette, 303.661.3030
600 Airport Road, Longmont, 303.485.5000

Winner

Vic’s
2680 Broadway, Boulder, 303.440.8209
3305 30th St., Boulder, 303.440.2918
801 Main St., Louisville, 303.666.1402
700 Tenacity, Suite 101, Prospect New Town
Longmont, 303.485.6791

At Vic’s, first and foremost it’s about the coffee. Good coffee, dark roasted and served pretty much anyway you want it. The baristas are friendly in a non-corporate way and keep things moving. Locally baked scones, pastries and muffins go great with your cuppa Joe. Did we mention there’s free Wi-Fi? Every great coffeehouse has its scene, and Vic’s version is hustle, bustle and laid-back cool, all at once. The tables out front are popular for meeting friends or taking a caffeine break while you’re out walking your canine friends. Inside, great American novels and business plans are being written on a medley of laptops, two chic ladies are catching up on neighborhood news, and one young man in a fedora is scrutinizing the local artwork on the walls. Owner Mike Hilliker says that Vic’s success is all about “good product, good service, good customers and a good staff.” Good enough to be the best.

Runner Up

Laughing Goat Coffeehouse
www.thelaughinggoat.com
1709 Pearl St., Boulder
303.440.4628