Top of the Town 2018
Finding the coolest new places to eat, drink, shop, relax, and play can be a royal pain. Who has the time to try them all? We do. Here, discover the 146 spots we’ve crowned the best on the Front Range.
Reporting by: Jay Bouchard, Spencer Campbell, Rejena Carmichael, Katie Ciaglo, Kasey Cordell, Mary Clare Fischer, Natasha Gardner, Lindsey B. Koehler, Jessica LaRusso, Kaelyn Lynch, Denise Mickelsen, Shane Monaghan, Robert Sanchez, Erin Skarda, Callie Sumlin, Julia Talen, Angela Ufheil, Geoff Van Dyke & Jeff Waraniak. Edited by Spencer Campbell.
The Categories
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 on the ballot. We do our research anonymously and pay for all meals and services. Our readers also select their favorites by casting votes in 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 only on our editors’ 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. Voters can suggest whatever restaurant, store, person, or service they deem worthy for every category.
I have 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. 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 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.