Font ResizeThe best retail spots in Boulder, as voted on by Colorado Daily readers, are as follows:
BEST ART
GALLERY
The Fitter
1303 Broadway St.
303-442-4200
The Fitter, on the Hill, isn't your typical smoke shop. Best known for its unique selection of pipes and other smokeware art, The Fitter carries merchandise from local and national artists. Besides interesting smokeware, the shops wall art by Boulder artist Phil Lewis adds even more interest to this staple of the Hill. The shop, which opened in 1973, also carries clothing and other merchandise.
This place has been a part of the Hill's counterculture for almost 40 years, which makes sense considering the independent-minded product selection. Clothing, footwear and smoking accessories are the staples at the Fitter. If you're shopping for a fresh set of kicks and a brand-new bong, The Fitter's diverse assortment will save you a trip.
RUNNER-UP
Art & Soul
1615 Pearl St.
303-544-5803
ART SUPPLY
STORE
Meininger
1135 Broadway St.
303- 444-3063
This family-owned art supplies store carries over 80,000 art supplies and crafts items. Besides thousands of top-of-the-line merchandise, their website and e-mail newsletter provides listings for workshops and classes, including those held in Meiniger stores across the state. From digital projectors to paintbrushes galore, is your one-stop-shop for all things art.
RUNNER-UP
Guiry's Color Source
2404 Pearl St.
303-444-3800
BEST BANK
Wells Fargo
1242 Pearl St.
303-441-0355
1960 28th St.
303-449-3270
With at least nine ATMs and six banking locations in Boulder alone, convenience is key for keeping Wells Fargo customers happy. The Wells Fargo smartphone app and online banking options give bankers a variety of helpful features to help track their account and budget their money. The company also offers mortgage, auto, personal and student loans.
RUNNER-UP: TIE
Chase Bank
2500 Arapahoe Ave.
303-245-6620
1301 Canyon Blvd.
303-245-6660
RUNNER-UP
Elevations Credit Union
1669 Euclid Ave.
303-443-4672
4760 Baseline Rd. # A
303-443-4672
BEST BARBER
SHOP
Floyd's 99 Barbershop
2790 Pearl St.
303-442-2279
Rock posters, loud music and their own radio station gives Floyd's 99 Barbershop customers a uniquely musical hair care experience. From haircuts to styles and waxes to colors, Floyd's offers a variety of hair care for men, women and kids. But it's their experienced experts and low prices puts Floyd's above the rest.
RUNNER-UP
Silver and Gold Barber & Stylist
1366 College Ave.
303-447-1774
BEST BEDDING/
MATTRESS STORE
Denver Mattress
1945 28th St.
303-413-1314
furniturerow.com/DenverMattressCo
Whether you're replacing a dingy dorm mattress or upgrading your California King, Denver Mattress has the plushest selection. They carry a wide variety of mattresses, box springs and other bedding accessories. There's something for every sleeper at a price you'll like.
RUNNER-UP: TIE
Urban Mattress
2830 Arapahoe Ave.
303-440-0288
RUNNER-UP
Verlo Mattress
3080 Valmont Rd.
303- 447-1154
BEST BOOK
STORE
Boulder Book Store
1107 Pearl St.
303- 447-2074
boulderbookstore.indiebound.com
Locals flock to the Boulder Book Store for a large selection of new and used merchandise and the advice of the knowledgeable staff. This book store has all the charm of a local business but a variety rivaling even the largest of retailers. From Jane Austen to new age novels Boulder Book Store will fulfill all of your literary fantasies.
RUNNER-UP
Barnes and Noble Booksellers
2999 Pearl St.
303-444-0349
BEST CAMERA
SHOP/PHOTO
DEVELOPER
Mike's Camera
2500 Pearl St.
303- 443-1715
For all you photo fanatics out there, which includes almost anyone with a smart phone these days, Mike's Camera is ready to take on your photography needs. With quality, affordable equipment for professional SLRs and point-and-shoots, Mike's merchandise will delight any camera owner. Their full service developing shop can print high quality images in an hour or provide professional style packages to share with friends and family.
RUNNER-UP
Jones General Store & Camera
1370 College Ave.
303-443-4420
BEST CAR
DEALER
Fisher Auto Inc., Honda & Kia
6025 Arapahoe Rd.
303-447-9883
1117 Pearl St.
800-247-8455
If it's quality cars at an affordable price you're searching for Fisher Honda is the place to go. With fuel-efficient vehicles that will get you around in style, Fisher is sure to please. Stop by and talk to one of their friendly staff today.
RUNNER-UP
Flatirons Subaru
5995 Arapahoe Rd.
303- 442-2544
BEST CAR WASH
Puddle Car Wash
3100 28th St.
303- 447-9274
With surprising snow and slush dirtying up your automobile beauty all winter, treat your ride to a wash at the Puddle. The Puddle's helpful hands will leave the exterior sparkling in the sun and the interior spotless. So stop by today for some suds and you'll drive away in style.
RUNNER-UP
Conoco Phillips
1201 Arapahoe Ave.
303-442-6293
4700 Baseline Rd.
303-499-2651
BEST COMPUTER
STORE
Apple
1755 29th St.
720-479-9451
Need to upgrade that dinosaur of a computer you have at home? Stop into Apple to find the newest, state-of-the-art technology from terabit hard drives to a new laptop, an iPod or the latest iPhone. But beware, once you go Mac you never go back.
RUNNER-UP
Mac Shack
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., lower level
303-443-2899
BEST CUSTOMER
SERVICE
Boulder Hydoponics
1630 63rd St., # 5
303-415-0045
The customer comes first at Boulder Hydroponics. The best selection and advice from the knowledgeable staff has made this the perfect stop for your growing needs since 1995. Employees are standing by to help answer questions and get you on your way to a green thumb.
From its humble beginning in a 200-square-foot hole in the wall, Boulder Hydroponics has grown to be one of the largest hydroponic and organic gardening stores in the country. It's the perfect spot for the supplies for that "flower" garden in your closet. Boulder's beginning gardeners and seasoned green thumbs will also benefit from the knowledgeable staff that is always ready to answer questions or offer suggestions.
RUNNER-UP
Pompadours Hair Salon
1320 Pearl St., suite 200
303-938-8015
BEST DRY
CLEANER
Art Cleaners
1715 15th St.
303- 440-8600
2610 Baseline Rd.
303-499-7030
Art Cleaners offers dry cleaning, laundry and alterations in one quick and convenient stop. Their GreenEarth cleaning system gives them, and the environment, an edge, offering environmentally friendly system that's good for everyone. And with 5 locations in Boulder, they'll get your clothes smelling fresh.
RUNNER-UP
John's Dry Cleaners
4800 Baseline rd.
303-499-5554
3325 28th St.
303-444-2877
BEST FLORIST
Sturtz & Copeland
2851 Valmont Rd.
303-442-6663
Maybe it's a special occasion. A birthday, an anniversary or maybe it's just because. But no matter what the reason, Sturtz & Copeland offers a variety of beautiful arrangements to fit your needs. So take the time to stop in and smell the roses.
RUNNER-UP
Fiori Flowers
2620 Broadway St.
720-565-2434
1227 Spruce St.
BEST FURNITURE
STORE
Arhaus
1755 29th St.
303-449-1528
When it comes to furniture and design, Arhaus Furniture is setting the latest trends. Arhaus offers in-home design consultations along with a huge selection of unique home accents and beautiful furniture for any room in your home. Arhaus takes pride in their furniture so you can take pride in your home.
RUNNER-UP: TIE
HW Home
1941 Pearl St.
303-545-0320
RUNNER-UP
Clutter Consignment
1909 9th St.
303-386-3423
BEST GROCERY
STORE
Whole Foods
2584 Baseline Rd.
303-499-7636
1821 30th St.
303-643-5757
Living in one of the healthiest cities in America, Boulder residents take their food very seriously, which is why Whole Foods is once again Boulder's most popular grocery store. With a large selection of organic, vegan, vegetarian and natural foods, Whole Foods attracts locals seeking out a tasty and healthy lifestyle. It's the market of choice for most Boulderites and it's no surprise that locals have stayed loyal to the quality and freshness of Whole Foods.
RUNNER-UP
King Soopers
1650 30th St.
303-444-0164
3600 Table Mesa Dr.
303-499-4004
BEST HYDRO-
PONICS STORE
Boulder Hydroponics
1630 N. 63rd St.
303-415-0045
See best customer service.
RUNNER-UP
Family Hydroponics
2125 32nd St. Suite A
303-996-6100
BEST HAIR SALON
Pompadours
1320 Pearl St. #200
303-938-8015
Bad haircuts suck. So, when you need to take a couple of inches off or you want to try a new 'do, the stylists at Pompadours have excellent scissor skills. Located on the Pearl Street Mall since 1990, Pompadours understands what goes into personal hair care. If you need a cut, a wax or a coloring, make an appointment at Pompadours, and let the staff show your locks some love.
RUNNER-UP
Rumours Hair Studio
1886 30th St.
303-444-7797
BEST HARDWARE
STORE
McGuckin Hardware
2525 Arapahoe Ave.
303-443-1822
Since opening in 1959, this uniquely Boulder hardware store has upheld the vision of Bill McGuckin. Here, you'll still find an excellent and experienced staff and a broad selection of products, but McGuckin Hardware is much more than just another building supplies shop. From fishing gear to kitchen appliances and remodeling supplies, McGuckin offers a little bit of everything, with a staff that can point in the right direction.
RUNNER-UP
Home Depot
1600 29th St.
303-449-4221
BEST
HOUSEWARES/
KITCHEN STORE
Peppercorn
1235 Pearl St.
303-449-5847
Pearl Street's Peppercorn has got your kitchen covered. After opening in downtown Boulder in 1977, Peppercorn keeps the shelves stocked with all of your kitchen needs, from cookware and knifes to table linens and cookbooks. Stop in and satisfy your inner cook's appetite.
RUNNER-UP
McGuckin
2525 Arapahoe Ave.
303-443-1822
BEST INDEPEN-
DENT BUSINESS
The Fitter
1303 Broadway St.
303-442-4200
See Best Art Gallery.
RUNNER-UP
Half Fast Subs
1215 13th St.
303-449-0404
BEST JEWELRY
STORE
Walter's and Hogsett
2425 Canyon Blvd. #J
303-449-2626
The team at Walter and Hogsett has been making jewelry in Boulder for over 30 years. Featuring a wide selection of wedding-day diamonds and classy timepieces, the staff at Walter and Hogsett knows how to create accessories for your special day or a night on the town.
BEST JEWELRY
STORE
Cronin Jewelery
1235 Alpine Ave.
303-440-4222
Jewelry is an art form at Cronin Jewelry. Owned by Master Jeweler Bill Cronin, the shop fabricates all of those pretty-to-look-at creations in Boulder. The influences of this city are also evident in Cronin's pieces, particularly the rings and necklaces that feature buffaloes and mountain designs.
RUNNER-UP
Frisk
1144 13th St.
303-449-3030
BEST LAWYER/
LAW FIRM
Laszlo Law
2595 Canyon Blvd. Suite 210
303-926-0410
When you're in a legal jam, the experienced team at Laszlo Law knows exactly what you should do.
RUNNER-UP
Faegre & Benson
1900 Ninth St.
303-447-7700
BEST LIQUOR
STORE
Liquor Mart
1750 15th St.
303-449-3374
If the guy taking IDs at the front door of Boulder's Liquor Mart doesn't know your first name yet, you probably aren't drinking enough. Locals have been flocking to this one-stop drink shop for their beer and wine needs since the 1960s, and the selection inside is endless. So if you need 35 cases of Bud Light for a blowout toga party or suggestions for wine pairings, Liquor Mart has the answer. They also feature online shopping and free delivery of orders of $50 or more.
RUNNER-UP
Superior Liquor
100 Superior Way, Superior
303-499-6600
BEST MEN'S
CLOTHING STORE
The Regiment Shops
2425 Canyon Blvd.
303-443-2713
First impressions are all about the way you dress. So when a guy needs to add a bit of spice to his wardrobe, the staff at Regiment knows how to make you look like you're headed to a GQ photo shoot. Regiment can also teach the ill-fitting-suit buyers how to dress and employs a staff of Italian-trained tailors to make any of those ill-fitting suits fit perfectly. Head over to Regiment and lose that malfunctioning wardrobe for good.
RUNNER-UP
Savvy
1114 Pearl St.
303-440-3989
BEST MEN'S
SHOE STORE
Savvy
1114 Pearl St.
303-440-3989
Savvy is just what this town called for. The hip store, run by University of Colorado alum Erica Dahl, is constantly on the prowl for Boulder's next trend. Living in an outdoorsy town, Dahl has found the perfect balance between what Boulder loves as well as the chic duds walking down New York, Paris and Los Angeles runways. Labels such as Eight Sixty, T-bags and Ella Moss, offer fashion hard to find in town.
Guys will find a wide selection shoes, and Savvy's staff can help you make the perfect selection for walking out of there in style
In 2006, TOMS Shoes came to fruition. With every pair of shoes sold, TOMS donates one pair to a needy kid. Savvy was one of the first stores in Boulder to get behind this movement and offer TOMS. Plus, the shop has more UGG styles than you even knew existed. Other brands the shop carries are: Sorel, Keds, Sanuk, Reef, Rainbow Sandals, Havaianas and Sam Edelman. Don't leave the feet out of fashion. They deserve a good pair of style.
RUNNER-UP: TIE
Boulder Running Company
2775 Pearl St.
303-786-9255
Installation
1955 Broadway St.
303-440-3820
BEST
MORTGAGE
COMPANY
Bank of Commerce Mortgage
1637 Pearl St., # 203
303-544-0600
www.bankofcommercemortgage.com
Bank of Commerce Mortgage is ahead of the curve. The company's technological advancements with a real-time online system, can be accessed from anywhere. In a busy world, many don't have time to sit down with an agent on a constant basis. The company gives clients full access to their loan status online. Plus, with competitive pricing on loans and financing, the company also takes pride in one-on-one customer service.
RUNNER-UP
Premier Mortgage
1844 Folsom St.
303-449-8855
BEST OIL
CHANGE/CAR
REPAIR/TIRE
STORE
Grease Monkey
2710 Baseline Rd.
303-499-9844
2405 28th St.
303-444-9303
Not knowing much about what's under that hood can be daunting when something goes wrong. Grease Monkey's affordable prices are second to the friendly customer service and professionalism. The company services just about every vehicle with no appointment needed. The quick and complete service by trained technicians offers more than just an oil change -- the technicians will keep you updated on what your car needs, offer suggestions, be honest and are never pushy.
RUNNER-UP
Hoshi Motors
2504 Spruce St.
303-449-6632
BEST OUTDOOR
FURNITURE
STORE
Fruehauf's Patio Furniture Store
1665 33rd St.
303-449-9551
You've got a great yard. Let's show it off. Lucky for Boulder, we have the largest patio furniture retailer in Colorado: The massive Fruehauf's covers two acres. The knowledgeable staff will help you choose the best fit for your yard, all while keeping in mind the unpredictable Boulder weather. The contemporary to casual top-name selection is huge and same day delivery is offered. Time to build your dream backyard.
RUNNER-UP
Christy Sports
2000 30th St.
303-442-2493
BEST PET
PRODUCT STORE
Petsmart
1850 30th St.
303-449-0201
Sure, that cute little doggie of yours can live off of Iams from the grocery store, but why not take him to favorite his toy store to drool over the treats. That wagging tail is worth the crazy car ride. Petsmart offers all things pets for so many pets -- fish, birds, dogs, cats, reptiles -- the store's got the goods. Treats, beds, books, clothes, crates, food, gates, gifts and even grooming. Offering affordable prices, you may even have enough leftover cash to cart home a reptile.
RUNNER-UP: TIE
PC's Pantry
2600 30th St.
303-245-9909
Whole Pets
2835 Pearl St.
303-444-4733
BEST PIPE
SHOP
The Fitter
1303 Broadway St.
303-442-4200
See Best Art Gallery and Best Independent Business.
RUNNER-UP
Mile High Pipes & Tobacco
1144 Pearl St.
303-443-7473
BEST REAL
ESTATE COMPANY
RE/MAX of Boulder
2425 Canyon Blvd. #210
303-875-4907
When looking to purchase a home, traits sought in a realty company are comfort, ease, trust and reputation. RE/MAX of Boulder has been an icon in the real estate market since 1977, and is one of the first RE/MAX franchises in the country. The comprehensive website offers tips for sellers as well as a homebuyer's guide. With 90 experienced agents, clients can feel at ease in finding the perfect match.
RUNNER-UP
Coldwell Banker
2700 Canyon Blvd. # 200
303-444-7000
BEST RECORD/CD
STORE
Albums on the Hill
1128 13th St.
303-447-0159
This institution has been Boulder's source for the best local and national music for more than 30 years. Vinyl, CDs, movies, music memorabilia -- new and used -- can be found in this basement shop across from the Fox Theatre on the Hill. Local musicians can frequentlybe found in the store, as can their music. Have a true Boulder experience by supporting local music and local business.
RUNNER-UP
Bart's Music Shack
236 Pearl St.
303-444-1760
BEST SECOND
HAND STORE
Buffalo Exchange
1813 Pearl St.
303-938-1924
We've all got style. Why not buy one another's used gems? Buffalo Exchange's clothing is bought directly from local customers. The store hand picks gently-used treasures from sellers and offers cash or trade for clothes. Offering men's and women's attire, the store is not like a thrift store. It's trendy, it's hip, it's affordable and it's fashionable. Go get rid of those jeans that have been sitting in your closet since Christmas and trade them in for that unique skirt you've been after.
RUNNER-UP: TIE
Goldmine Vintage
1123 Pearl St.
303-945-0845
Saver's
695 S Broadway St. # B
303-499-6979
BEST
WOMEN'S
CLOTHING
Savvy
1114 Pearl St.
303-440-3989
See Best Men's Shoe Store.
RUNNER-UP
Anthropologie
1805 29Th St. #1118
303-449-4575
BEST
WOMEN'S SHOE
STORE
Savvy
1114 Pearl St.
303-440-3989
See Best Men's Shoe Store and Best Women's Clothing Store.
RUNNER-UP
Two Sole Sisters
1703 Pearl St.
303-442-0404
