Top of the Town 2019
We eliminated the adequate, the middling, and the just OK to identify the 142 pre-eminent places to dine, imbibe, luxuriate, and recreate in Denver right now.
Reporting by Liam Adams, Chloe Barrett, Jay Bouchard, Spencer Campbell, Victoria Carodine, Kasey Cordell, Jerilyn Forsythe, Natasha Gardner, Kim Habicht, Lindsey B. Koehler, Laura Kokernot, Jessica LaRusso, Kaelyn Lynch, Denise Mickelsen, Shane Monaghan, Mary Murphy, Robert Sanchez, Meredith Sell, Erin Skarda, Callie Sumlin & Angela Ufheil. Edited by Spencer Campbell. Photography by Matthew Stacey. Prop Styling by James Whitney
The Categories
For Your Information
All the details you ever wanted to know about how we selected this year’s Top of the Town honorees.
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—brunch, new hotel, camping spot, 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 only 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. 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 (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.
Celebrate with us!
For one night only, 5280 will transform Larimer Square for our annual Top of the Town party. Join us for an evening filled with bites prepared by top restaurants, delicious cocktails, a lounge featuring live music and more. Tickets are available now.