No more grumbling about having nothing to do next weekend.  Our annual compilation of the best of the best around the Mile High City provides you with 153 ways to re-energize your summer (and the rest of the year), from must-visit restaurants to outdoor activities, first-date ideas, worthy boutiques, and more.

Reporting by Nicole Blanchard, Spencer Campbell, Kasey Cordell, Amanda M. Faison, Mary Clare Fischer, Jerilyn Forsythe, Natasha Gardner, Luc Hatlestad, Kiran Herbert, Lindsey B. Koehler, Jessica LaRusso, Lindsey R. McKissick, Chris Outcalt, Corrie Sahling, Robert Sanchez, Daliah Singer, Erin Skarda, Camilla Sterne, Callie Sumlin & Geoff Van Dyke

5280 July 2015
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DINING
SERVICES
SPORTS, FITNESS & OUTDOORS
CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE
SHOPPING

FAQ

How It Works

We answer some common questions about the process behind Top of the Town. 

HOW DOES 5280 PICK TOP OF THE TOWN WINNERS?

Our reporters and editors choose winners for every category on the ballot (sandwich, new brewery, home furnishings, etc.) based on months of exploring. 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 business that receives the most votes wins.

DON’T YOUR ADVERTISERS AUTOMATICALLY WIN?

Nope. Top of the Town recognition is based solely on our research and your ballots; 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 long run, we’d lose a lot more than we’d be gaining—like our integrity and credibility with you.

HOW DO I GET MY BUSINESS ON THE BALLOT?

Our ballot uses a write-in format, which means we don’t provide predetermined multiple-choice options for our readers to choose from. Voters are free to suggest whatever restaurant, business, service, shop, or person they deem worthy for each 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 in 2016. Reminder: The ballot opens online 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 CAN I VOTE?

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

This article was originally published in 5280 July 2015.
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.