New business
Just BE Kitchen
2500 30th St., #101, Boulder
Just BE Kitchen is taking home the popular Best New Business category in this year’s Best of Boulder. This establishment caters to the allergenic among us and offers “mindful mouthfuls” without major allergens like gluten, soy, peanuts and more. Their Boulder location is the newest shop — the two others are in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood and Greenwood Village.
Silver: Sundry Goods
Bronze: Belzer Law
Nude Foods Market
Winner: Woman-owned company, Independent business
3233 Walnut St., Boulder
The average person produces nearly 2,000 pounds of trash each year. Nude Foods is on a mission to change that with a less wasteful grocery experience. The Nude staff contributes to the cause by using the least environmentally impactful delivery containers and by finding farmers using sustainable practices. Order online or head to the store in Boulder, where they have prefilled reusable jars, or you can bring your own.
Woman-owned company
Silver: Apex Massage & Recovery Lab
Bronze: Island Farm
Independent business
Silver: Island Farm
Bronze: MECHA
Accountant
Boulder CPA Group
1790 30th St., #418, Boulder
Boulder CPA Group is a full-service tax, accounting and business consulting firm that helps area businesses and individuals reach their financial goals. This local team has specialized in tax for small- to medium-sized businesses since 1991 and offers services like IRS representation, entity selection and other tax management services.
Silver: Cahill & Associates, P.C.
Bronze: Johnson Kightlinger & Co.
Auto dealer – new and used
Flatirons Subaru
5995 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Subarus are the unofficial car of choice for Boulderites. From the classic Outback to the sporty WRX, each model fits the job for everything from long trips into the mountains to Sunday drives to your local Trader Joe’s. That’s why our readers choose Flatirons Subaru for their new or used set of wheels to bring them where they need to go. Plus, the company has high ratings, master technicians on staff and a detail-oriented service center.
Auto dealer – new
Silver: Fisher Acura/Honda
Bronze: Valley Subaru of Longmont
Auto dealer – used
Silver: Super Rupair
Bronze: Fisher Acura/Honda
Auto service/repair
Hoshi Motors
2907 55th St., Unit 1, Boulder
Locally owned Hoshi Motors can be your one-stop-shop for anything from auto detailing to tire alignments, and with 4.9 stars on Google we know they do it well. The company says it relies on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers rather than advertising. That’s resulted in winning this coveted award multiple times over their three decades in business.
Silver: Super Rupair
Bronze: Valley Subaru of Longmont
Bank/financial institution
Elevations Credit Union
Multiple locations
Elevations Credit Union has come a long way from serving 12 members as CU Boulder’s credit union after it was founded in 1952. Today, the company has more than 170,000 members and 10 locations around Boulder County. They are our readers’ go-to when it comes to investing, preparing for homeownership, borrowing money and more.
Silver: Chase Bank
Bronze: Wells Fargo
Bicycle shop
Full Cycle
2355 30th St., Boulder
Full Cycle prides itself as being a hub for cycling and adventure in Boulder. With its weekly events — including bike rides, educational seminars, live jazz and trivia nights — high-quality maintenance team and bikes to purchase or rent, our readers have clearly found plenty to love. Pull up a chair at the shop’s cafe for coffee, beer or snacks while you’re there.
Silver: University Bicycles
Bronze: Community Cycles
Bookstore
Boulder Book Store
1107 Pearl St., Boulder
Boulder Book Store’s seemingly endless selection and curation of staff picks, local authors, maps, calendars and more show they do more than sell new and used books — they sell an experience. To us at Boulder Weekly, it’s like walking into a candy emporium, all with McGuckin-level staff kindness, knowledge and precision. By voting Boulder Book Store as the winner of this category, our readers show they feel the same.
Silver: Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Bronze: The Bookworm
Camera store
Mike’s Camera
2500 Pearl St., Boulder
Mike’s Camera has helped people capture special moments and memories since it first opened in 1967. In the intervening decades, Mike’s has expanded to nine stores in Colorado and Northern California. This store is our readers’ pick when it comes to anything photo, from camera rentals to photo processing, printing and everything in between.
Silver: Victory Camera
Bronze: Pro Photo Rental
Car wash
Gloss Auto Wash & Detail
3100 28th St., Boulder
If you think car washes are just to clean your vehicle, Gloss Auto Wash & Detail wants you to think again. Not only do they offer a full auto detail service, but they also have a gift shop and cafe that makes this company just as much of a community gathering place as a car wash. The shop is located off 28th Street for ultimate convenience.
Silver: Breeze Thru Car Wash
Bronze: 95th Street Car Wash
Clothing store – children’s
Childish Things
3183 Walnut St., Boulder
Looking for cute outfits for your peanut that won’t break the bank? With second-hand items for babies and toddlers, Childish Things might be the consignment store for you. Check out their website for the latest items on the rack, or find the brick and mortar on Walnut Street.
Silver: Pig + Pearl Secondhand
Bronze: Once Upon a Child
REI
Winner: Clothing store – men’s, Outdoor gear
1789 28th St., Boulder
REI might be known for some of the best outdoor equipment the industry has to offer, but our readers know it also holds a wide selection of comfortable and sneaky-stylish garb from ultra-utility pants to casual shirts for the fellas. Along with new clothes from some of the most recognizable brands, swing by their garage sale section to find lightly used and discounted goods and clothing. REI makes it easy to find the right gear too — if you’re not ready to buy or just want to try something out, the rental shop can get you the gear you need.
Clothing store – men’s
Silver: Weekends
Bronze: Jax Outdoor Gear
Write-in: Apocalypse
Outdoor gear
Silver: Neptune Mountaineering
Bronze: JAX Mercantile
Clothing store – used
Apocalypse
1813 Pearl St., Boulder
You know you’re about to strike gold at a thrift store when the whole staff is dripping head to toe in cooler outfits than you. Such is the case at Apocalypse — our readers’ favorite spot to find used clothing. This family owned store also strives to create an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community and to de-gender fashion while promoting sustainable and conscious consumerism.
Silver: Rags Consignments
Bronze: ARC Thrift Store
Clothing store – women’s
Anthropologie
1805 29th St., Boulder
Located in the 29th Street Mall, Anthropologie sells an assortment of clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, home décor and more. Shop here with a clean conscience: Their clothing uses ethically sourced goods and their bags are made mostly from recycled material.
Silver: Prana
Bronze: Athleta
Write-in: Island Farm
Computer repair
Boulder Mac Repair
2525 Broadway, Boulder
Boulder Mac Repair has served our readers’ computer and tech needs since 2003. While they may specialize in repairs, the team also can help with data management, liquid damage, virus removal and more. The business is driven by values of honesty and fairness — principles founder Sean Patrick adopted as a fully ordained Buddhist Monk.
Silver: Apple Store
Bronze: uBreakiFix
Dry cleaners
Art Cleaners
Multiple locations
Art Cleaners is a local full-service dry cleaner with seven locations in Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Lafayette and Erie. Our readers call on them for dry cleaning, alterations and leather cleaning. Plus, they use a process called GreenEarth Cleaning that uses silicone for “a kinder clean.”
Silver: John’s Cleaners
Bronze: Boulder Cleaners
Farm
Black Cat Farms
4975 Jay Road, Boulder
Black Cat is a 425-acre certified organic farm operated by Jill and Eric Skokan that is an incubator for veggies, livestock and more than 200 heirloom and heritage cultivars using their own grains. Popular dinners at the farm are returning soon (check online for details), or you can try fruits from the farm at the Skokans’ sister restaurant, Bramble & Hare, in downtown Boulder.
Silver: Munson Farms
Bronze: Aspen Moon Farm LLC
Financial advisor
Edward Jones
Multiple locations
Everyone wants to use their hard-earned dollars the right way, and that includes our readers. With over 18,000 financial advisors, Edward Jones is their first choice to help manage their wealth and prepare for the unexpected bumps in the road. Find an advisor for yourself by taking the Starting Point Quiz on their website.
Silver: Oliver Asset Management
Bronze: Raymond James
Gift store
Peppercorn
1235 Pearl St., Boulder
Right on the bricks of Pearl Street, Peppercorn is a treasure trove of special gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and more. Since Peppercorn opened its doors over 40 years ago, owners have taken pride in embodying the local Boulder spirit. Take a gander through the fully stocked shelves and you’ll find everything from kitchenware and decor to books, toys and games that rival the inventory of big box stores.
Silver: Jacque Michelle
Bronze: Cheese Importers
Write-in: Island Farm
Grocery store
King Soopers
Multiple locations
We don’t take it personally that the owner of King Soopers, Kroger Co., removed free publications (including alt-weeklies like yours truly) from its stores in September 2019, and neither do our readers. King Soopers checks all the boxes you want from a grocery store: Its shelves are always stocked with options, high-quality produce and good prices. (That is, except for the box with the most recent edition of Boulder Weekly.)
Silver: Lucky’s Market
Bronze: Natural Grocers
Write-in: Niwot Market
Hardware store
McGuckin Hardware
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
We’re not surprised our readers voted McGuckin Hardware once again as their hardware store of choice. We know the selection, we know the service, we know the vests. This local institution takes it to the next level in many ways, including the live string quartet that plays in the middle of the store around the end of the year.
Silver: JAX Lafayette Farm & Ranch
Bronze: Table Mesa Hardware
Hotel
St Julien Hotel & Spa
900 Walnut St., Boulder
Located in downtown Boulder, St Julien prides itself in combining luxurious style with gracious service. Visiting town? With first-class views of the Flatirons and a range of rooms and suites, St Julien is one of the finest hotels in Boulder. Living on the Front Range? Indulge in the company’s spa or its award-winning restaurant as a special treat.
Silver: Hotel Boulderado
Bronze: Chautauqua Cottages and Lodges
Jewelry store
Schapell Jewelers
3163 Walnut St., Boulder
Whether you’re buying for that special someone, treating yourself or repairing a family keepsake, Schapell Jewelers has you covered. The business has operated in town since 1964 and employs some of the most knowledgeable and customer-service oriented staff the industry has to offer.
Silver: Hurdle’s Jewelry
Bronze: Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers
Write-in: Island Farm
Law firm
Frascona, Joiner, Goodman & Greenstein PC
4750 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
Over the past five decades, Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein, PC has offered a range of legal services for clients throughout the state. The company has over 20 attorneys on staff and practices in numerous areas, including real estate, mediation, business law, taxation, water law and construction. They have a track record of winning this category, and it’s no surprise to us our readers voted them here again.
Silver: Hutchinson Black & Cook, LLC
Bronze: Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP
Write-in: Moorhead Law Group
Liquor store
Hazel’s Beverage World
1955 28th St., Boulder
Hazel’s says they offer the county’s largest selection of wine, beer, spirits, specialty foods and more. The store shelves more than 15,000 products in a 35,000 square-foot facility. They don’t just sell copious amounts of alcohol — check out their website for special tasting events, too.
Silver: Wyatt’s Wet Goods
Bronze: Superior Liquor
Moving company
Taylor Moving
1275 Sherman Drive, Unit B, Longmont
Moving can be a lot of work, but our readers choose Taylor Moving for a smooth and effortless moving experience. The company, which moves both homes and businesses in addition to providing storage, operates all along the Front Range and can even handle transitions across the country.
Silver: Free Range Movers
Bronze: Pink Dot Moving
Music store
H.B. Woodsongs
3101 28th St., Boulder
After starting as Folk Arts Music in 1971, H.B. Woodsongs has blossomed into a mainstay in Boulder’s music landscape. The staff, who are also musicians, take pride in knowing the ins-and-outs of every instrument in the store, including ukuleles, mandolins, autoharps, Native American flutes and guitars. Woodsongs also provides lessons and repairs.
Silver: Wildwood Guitars
Bronze: The Drum Shop
Natural foods store
Natural Grocers
Multiple locations
Natural Grocers has served communities across the state, including Boulder, Longmont and Lafayette with quality produce and affordable rates for more than 50 years. Our readers pick this grocery store out of the bunch because of its consistent prices and variety of departments, including body care, bulk foods, organic produce and pet products.
Silver: Trader Joe’s
Bronze: Whole Foods
Optical store
Envision Boulder
1011 Pearl St., Boulder
Located on the west end of Pearl Street, Envision Boulder provides comprehensive eye care that includes holistic exams, myopia management and contact lens fitting, all from the assistance of a passionate team of optometrists. If you’re looking for new glasses, the office cuts lenses to fit your desired frame right on site.
Silver: Aspen Eyewear
Bronze: Eyecare Center of Northern Colorado
Write-in: The Optical Centre
Pet boarding
Cottonwood Kennels
7275 Valmont Road, Boulder
Our readers feel more comfortable knowing their good boys and girls are well taken care of when life pulls them away. Found on a farm east of Boulder, Cottonwood Kennels is the perfect vacation for your pet. They even have a special second floor that is quiet for kitty cats. Base rates for cats and other small animals start at $35.95 a day, and can reach up to $76.95 a day for larger dogs.
Silver: Camp Bow Wow
Bronze: Bowhaus
Write-in: Updog Daycare
Pet store
PC’s Pantry
2828 30th St., Boulder
After starting in a small house on Walnut Street more than 25 years ago, Mary Lee has grown PC’s Pantry into a pet’s (and owner’s) dream. The store is full of all kinds of toys, food and treats for your four-legged friend. All dogs and cats are welcome to roam inside PC’s too, where “treats will be shared freely.”
Silver: Whole Pets
Bronze: BlackPaw
Real Estate Group
Re/Max of Boulder
2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 110, Boulder
A home purchase is a big decision – especially in today’s market. Our readers turn to Re/Max of Boulder to help all their house hunting dreams come true. With over 100 agents to choose from, the company can match you with the best agent for your needs. From marketing strategies to help your home sell faster to data and technology that make finding the right house easier, Re/Max has you covered regardless of the type and level of service you need.
Silver: 8z Real Estate
Bronze: Compass Real Estate
Write-in: Live West Realty
Shoe store
Pedestrian Shops
1425 Pearl St., Boulder
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
From hitting the trails to hitting the town and lounging in between, Pedestrian Shops has been serving Boulderites and beyond for more than 50 years. The family-owned store with two locations in Boulder and one in Denver prides itself on offering “the world’s most comfortable brands of shoes” including Blundstones, Birkenstocks and Hokas. Its owners also pride themselves on making the world a better place — the store supports a variety of nonprofits, holds two shoe drives each year and aims to reduce its carbon footprint through recyclable boxes and solar energy.
Silver: Brown’s Shoe Fit
Bronze: Two Sole Sisters
Write-in: In Motion Running
Ski/Snowboard shop
Epic Mountain Gear
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
It’s no secret that hitting the slopes is one of Colorado’s favorite — and most expensive — pastimes. For all their gnar-shredding needs, our readers turn to Epic Mountain Gear. With locations across the Front Range, the shop sells gear and apparel in addition to expert boot fitting and tuning services.
Silver: Christy Sports
Bronze: REI
Stereo/electronics
ListenUp
2034 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
When it comes to the crispest, cleanest sound, our readers head to ListenUp. With more than a half-century of experience, you’re in the hands of professionals. That experience includes designing and building a sound system that drew praise from the likes of Miles Davis, U2 and The Police. The ListenUp team also installed sound systems for Folsom Field, Mile High Stadium and Ball Arena. Whether you’re in need of a new speaker system or an entire integrated tech system that can “transform ordinary spaces into sanctuaries for the senses,” ListenUp has you covered.
Silver: Mike’s Camera
Bronze: Absolute Vinyl
Storage facility
Guardian Storage
Multiple locations
Storage and security can be a headache, but not at Guardian Storage. Have a body to hide? Guardian’s got climate controlled units with motion sensors and individually alarmed units. Don’t want to get your car dirty transporting that body? Guardian gives you a free moving truck during your move in. Need to dispose of incriminating documents? Head to one of Guardian’s free shred-it events. No matter what you have to hide, Guardian will guard it. (Editor’s note: Boulder Weekly and Guardian Storage do not endorse murder or improper disposal of corpses and criminal evidence.)
Silver: Arapahoe Self Storage
Bronze: Life Storage
Tattoo/piercing parlor
Rising Tide Tattoo
3193 Walnut St., Boulder
Rising Tide Tattoo has come a long way since Phill Bartell founded the business as a one-man shop on Pearl Street. Nearly 20 years later, the shop has added two tattooers and moved to Walnut Street, but still provides this town with top-tier tattoos our readers love.
Silver: Tribal Rites
Bronze: Claw and Talon Tattoo
Tire shop
Discount Tire
Multiple locations
Did you know the first rubber tire was invented in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop? Although that is pushing 140 years ago now, our readers know how important it is to have a good set of those bad boys to bring us from point A to B. Find Discount Tire in Boulder, Lafayette or Longmont.
Silver: Barnsley Tire Co.
Bronze: Big O Tires
Tobacco/pipe shop
The Fitter
1121 13th St., Boulder
Since 1973, The Fitter has served the good people of Boulder with the best customer service, merch and the top glass and pipes in the biz. This locally owned cultural cornerstone is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. As it says on Fitter’s website: “Toke it easy & have a great jay!”
Silver: Smoker Friendly
Bronze: Little Dog Pipe & Tobacco
Toy store
Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Looking to put a smile on a young person’s face? From Lava and Ice Dragons to a My Barnyard Friends Playset and the Ultimate Unicorn Baking Party, Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe has an impressive array of options in all shapes and sizes for every kid from toddlers to grown-up kids.
Silver: Into the Wind
Bronze: Time Warp Comics
Vinyl/CD store
Paradise Found Records & Music
1646 Pearl St., Boulder
After being one of Bart Stinchcomb’s top customers since 2008, Will Paradise took over Bart’s Record Shop on Pearl Street in 2016 and started Paradise Found Records & Music. The shop, open seven days a week, has a fabulous collection of new and used records, CDs, cassettes and more to keep Boulder vibing. Looking for what’s in Boulder’s headphones? Check out Boulder Weekly’s roundup of the top records sold at Paradise Found every month.
Silver: Absolute Vinyl
Bronze: Recycled Records
