Top of the Town 2017

Intimidated by all the new hot spots popping up around the city? We’ve got you covered. Our annual list of the best places to eat, drink, take in a show, work out, relax, and more (150 winners this year!) will ensure you never have to settle for the same ole thing.

Spencer Campbell 5280 July 2017

The outside of Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, which was voted "Music Venue That Isn’t Red Rocks" in Top of the Town 2017. Image courtesy of Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Reporting by: Sarah Boyum, Spencer Campbell, Kasey Cordell, Mary Clare Fischer, Jerilyn Forsythe, Natasha Gardner, Samantha Harris, Karah Kemmerly, Lindsey B. Koehler, Jessica LaRusso, Hilary Masell Oswald, Denise Mickelsen, Abbie Mitchell, Emma Murray, Nicola Payne, Robert Sanchez, Erin Skarda, Callie Sumlin, Geoff Van Dyke & Emily Williams

The Winners

Culture & Nightlife

Services

Shopping

Sports, Fitness & Outdoors

Dining

Need-to-Know Basics

The how, why, and who behind this year’s Top of the Town.

How does 5280 pick Top of the Town winners?

Our reporters and editors spend months exploring the city in order to choose winners for every category—taco, yoga studio, massage, etc.—on the ballot. We do our research anonymously and pay for all meals and services. Our readers also select their favorites by casting votes via our online ballot. (The businesses that receive the most votes win.)

Don’t your advertisers automatically win?

No. Top of the Town recognition is based solely on our research and readers’ votes; there is zero connection between advertisers and winners. The fact that some winners happen to be advertisers, or later decide to advertise in the magazine, does not influence our selections. Sure, we could make some folks happy by “selling” winners, but in the end, we’d lose a lot more than we’d gain—like our integrity and credibility with you.

How can my business get on the ballot?

Our ballot is a write-in format, meaning we don’t provide multiple-choice options for our readers to choose from. Voters can suggest whatever restaurant, store, person, or service that they deem worthy in each category.

I own a business that deserves an award. How can I win?

Let people know about Top of the Town voting. Contact an editor with your tip. Encourage your customers to vote for you next year (the readers’ choice ballot opens on 5280.com in February). To help you spread the word, we can make a Top of the Town tool kit available to you; it includes downloadable marketing materials and links to our site and the ballot.

How do I vote?

Visit 5280.com (voting occurs online in February and March), sign in with your name and email address, and cast your ballot. It’s that simple.