Denver
Superior Service
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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CHERRY CREEK. Andre's Confiserie Suisse blends the decor of a Swiss chalet with that of a European pastry shop. Owner Bruno Gegenschatz and his pastry chef of more than 25 years bake daily delectables such as petit fours, macaroons, tortes, cakes, cookies, strudels, tiramisu, chocolates, breads, quiches and a variety of French pastries. Locals have been known to frequent Andre's in Cherry Creek as many as three, four and five times a week, and most of Andre's staff have been working there for at least five years, meaning that you can be assured of dedication and knowledge when you need assistance.
LODO. Built to combine old-time ballpark atmosphere – an open air stadium, brick walls, real grass, pleasant employees – with modern conveniences, Coors Field is the place for baseball fans of all ages to enjoy America's great pastime. Most ushers at Coors Field have worked at the stadium since it opened in 1995 and are known for being friendly, helpful and baseball savvy. Fans usually leave the stadium sun-soaked, with perma-grins and full bellies.
AURORA. Having served Coloradoans for more than 44 years, Emil-Lene's is one of Denver's last traditional western steakhouses. They still buy beef from a vendor who's been hand-picking it for over 30 years, and employees are all long-timers who have worked at the restaurant anywhere from three to thirty-five years. The restaurant is in an old ranch-style home converted into an eatery, complete with wood paneling, green vinyl chairs, and a tree growing in the middle of one of the dining rooms.
LODO. Historian Kevin Rucker neatly fills Denver's historical sightseeing void with knowledge and clever witticisms, sharing the city's sordid and not-so-sordid past as he guides visitors on walking tours of the city's oldest and most questionable areas. Known for his storytelling skills, Rucker relates the history of Denver – its hotels, businesses, brothels, saloons and infamous characters. The tour includes appetizers at the Oxford Hotel and Mattie's House of Mirrors. Tours begin at various locations; call for details.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE. The greatest little map store in the West, Mapsco has been serving Denver's needs for over 25 years, serving the likes of John Fielder, Pete Coors, and Denver historian Tom Noel. Most employees at Denver's Mapsco are ex-teachers or professionals who bring their knowledge, expertise, and passion to the map trade. The store has an extensive selection of local, national, and international maps, and they can order maps not in stock. Framing and lamination are also available on site, and the store sells a variety of travel equipment and map-related products.
UPTOWN. This specialty food store on hip, trendy East 17th Avenue stays true to the small-but-high-quality grocers found in Europe. Produce, meat, dairy and other goods are purchased from local businesses (organic farms, dairies, etc.), and the adjacent wine shop boasts a fine collection of local, national and international spirits. Shoppers can rely on Marcyzk's knowledgeable, genial employees for recommendations.
CAPITOL HILL. Tour guides at this Victorian brownstone once owned by Margaret "Molly" Brown (of Titanic fame) take special docent classes on Denver and Molly Brown history before leading visitors through the museum. Many of the guides wear period clothing during tours and have been on staff since the mid-70s, which makes for especially intriguing personalities. One particularly knowledgeable guide has been working at the museum since the second day it opened – in 1971! The museum hosts teas and other events throughout the year.
COMMONS PARK. For people who love the rugged outdoors, Denver's flagship REI store may be the closest thing to heaven. Situated along the Platte River, just south of downtown Denver in the city's old power generating station, REI boasts three floors of outdoor equipment and plenty of knowledgeable and friendly employees ready to help. Besides having all the necessary equipment for camping, climbing, cycling, skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, kayaking, paddling and running, a climbing pinnacle looms three stories high for folks wanting to safely try their hand at scaling a vertical outcrop. A stone's throw from REI's front doors is a white water park on the Platte River, where adventurers can learn to kayak in the rapids.
CITY PARK. Built in an historic theater, this bookstore maintains many of the old building's unique features – lobby, balcony, orchestra pit and stage. Instead of theater decor, however, comfy lounge chairs, tables and books fill the old performance area. Without a doubt, employees at this locally owned bookstore know their books! You can stop just about any one of them, and they just seem to intuit your book needs. The newsstand room is to die for, and a monthly calendar lists the store's upcoming book signings, readings and other events, which are mostly free and open to the public.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE. Anyone traveling to Denver should take a gander at one of the city's best local papers – Westword. The superb staff of more than 50 compile a weekly list of upcoming shows and events: local music performances, open stage jams, theater events, gallery openings, movies – both obscure and mainstream, comedy shows, poetry readings, restaurant options from A to Z, club listings, cafes, parties and festivals. Westword has been Denver's comprehensive bulletin board for both day and nighttime activities since 1977. The paper can be picked up free throughout the Denver metro area or viewed online. It's great to be treated like royalty, to know that you matter to someone's business. Now, read up on employees who go above and beyond to serve you. We'll share the names of bars where bartenders mix special drinks, restaurants where servers remember your name and your order, and salons where the staff go that extra mile to put you at ease. All are worthy of mention, and we'll ensure that you know what to expect when you show up.
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It's great to be treated like royalty, to know that you matter to someone's business. Now, read up on employees who go above and beyond to serve you. We'll share the names of bars where bartenders mix special drinks, restaurants where servers remember your name and your order, and salons where the staff go that extra mile to put you at ease. All are worthy of mention, and we'll ensure that you know what to expect when you show up.
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