Best Of 2010: Bar for a Martini

Best Of 2010: Bar for a Fancy-Pants Cocktail

Best Of 2010: Upscale Bar

At the beginning of August, the blue porch light at 15C went dark, the result of an early-morning fire in the building that displaced the martini and cigar bar's customers and staff. Regardless, Springs drinkers and smokers know what they like — this is 15C's eighth win for Upscale (or Classy) Bar and ninth win for Bar for a Martini. And as martinis can be a little "fancy-pants," it's really no surprise 15C grabbed that first-year award, too. From the ashes: "I'm definitely reopening — there's no question of that," says owner Alan Pak, though he doesn't have a timeline yet. —Kirsten Akens

InSider 2010

You can drink, you can smoke, and you can stare across a candle-lit table at your loved one. Or you can just drink and smoke. A multiple readers' poll winner in the Bar for a Martini and Upscale Bar categories (its seventh straight year in the latter), 15C is a den of hidden delights located down a back alley with a purple light next to an indistinguishable door. In addition to the cigar menu, martinis rule here, from the classic James Bond affectation to such trendy concoctions as the Sugar Daddy, French Kiss and Velvet Hammer.

Best Of 2012: Fitness Center

Best Of 2012: Place for Eyewear

Operations director Alan Sindler says that the first ABBA location opened some 35 years ago. We didn't dare ask whether that strengthens any connection to the '70s Swedish pop superstars. In any case, ABBA now has 14 locations in the region, including seven in the Springs (with a new storefront slated for Powers and Woodmen), three of those on local military bases. Pretty sure it adds up to a winning equation, not least because the business remains locally owned in spite of the scale. Sindler says ABBA emphasizes "high-definition" vision, with lens designs, materials and treatments all lending to clearer optics. Plus, its opticians are better-trained than even the state requires. "We try to stay in the upper stratosphere in terms of customer service." — Wyatt Miller

Best Of 2012: Place to Eat Local/Sustainable

Best Of 2012: Restaurant for Herbivores

Best Of 2012: Neighborhood Restaurant: Manitou

An institution in downtown Manitou Springs, Adam's takes multiple titles each year. There are a couple major reasons, says owner Farley McDonough: "First, we try to be as consistent as possible. ... Second, we don't waver from that which we do well." And why would they? Look at the huevos rancheros, for instance. "It seriously rocks: The green chile is great, the avocado is fresh, the beans are spiced just right, and the eggs are local," says McDonough. As for those most partial to dining on Adam's creekside patio, McDonough has more good news: "My hope for the future is that we can find a way to keep the patio open all winter," she says. — Celine Wright

Bites 2013: Christmas Mountain Falls

Yeah, the menu says Green or Red Mountain Falls, but locals know you can mix them to dramatic effect. Onto a bed of toasted polenta (yup — 'dem ITALian corn grits) capped in cheddar cheese come the vegetarian chilies garnished with scallions and tomatoes and cooled slightly by a dollop of sour cream. Get the added eggs your style (over medium, perhaps?) because the yolk adds another pleasing dimension. There you have it: Christmas year-round. ($7/$10.25 with two eggs).

Best Of 2012: Patio Dining

Amanda's long stay atop the Mexican category was finally broken this year (congrats, Salsa Brava), but its creekside respite is still tops in town, and still best appreciated with a margarita in hand. Plus, with the recent announcement of an expansion near Chapel Hills Mall, the patio power just got a boost. Mark Austin, vice president of real estate and development for the company, says to expect a 1,500-square-foot outdoor seating area with expansive views of Pikes Peak. So when it's the Bodacious Burrito you're craving — with a breeze — you'll soon have two Amanda's outlets from which to choose. — Matthew Schniper

Bites 2012

Amanda's is a 12-time Best Of winner in a time of transition: It was sold mid-year to a guy who owns a handful of Wendy's, and he's been talking growth. Regardless, our visit soon after the sale was full of largely satisfying southwestern dishes, and you'll never be disappointed by the creekside patio.

Best Of 2012: Antique Store

While it's a frequent winner of the Antique Store award, a more fitting description of American Classics Marketplace might be Best Collection of Different Stores Under the Same Roof. "We have around 300 vendors in 65,000 square feet," says assistant manager Steven Brookshire. It can take hours to see it all, since there's something fascinating around every corner, up and down every aisle, and from floor to ceiling. And they're not just antiques. You get old mixed with new, and purely decorative with still-very-useful. Come to think of it, this one could also be a contender for Best Place to Go if You're Bored — it's a sure cure of that. — Kendall Kullman

Best Of 2010: National Chain Furniture Store

OK, so American Furniture Warehouse isn't truly a national chain, since all its stores are in Colorado. But its "local delivery" includes western Kansas and Wyoming, and it will deliver virtually anywhere else (provided you buy enough furniture and pay some extra fees). Regardless, Jake Jabs' juggernaut feels more "national" than "local" to us because of its low prices and ridiculous selection. Styles run from classic to contemporary, but actually, store manager Dale Pepper says the "Colorado" style is still widely in demand. It probably needs no explanation, but just in case: It's the lodge look, with bulky, wood-framed chocolate and natural-toned pieces. "You could be moving here from the most contemporary of contemporary" cities, he says, but in Colorado, "you feel the mountains, you look at the architecture of the homes, or even the apartments, and they're not set up to be that contemporary." It's a more "down-to-earth home style. — Bree Abel

Insider Guide 2010

he Antique Gallery is great for two reasons. If you know exactly what you're looking for, ask and you often shall receive. (The staff knows its product that well!) If you're not seeking anything specific, wind your way among antique furniture, jewelry, collectibles and art to discover that special something you didn't know you needed.

Many believe the key to business success is "location, location, location." For the Antique Gallery which moved out of the site of the old Ute Theater into a 10,000-square-foot building on Wahsatch Avenue the adage couldn't be truer. "The location here is so much more practical," says owner Jason Carr. "And, so much more comfortable," adds his wife and co-owner, Tina Carr. They don't miss the dark, drafty Ute Theater and its sloping floors, and neither do their customers. In just over a year since the move, the new building has helped the business attract more than 50 dealers and 100 consignors. "When you've got that many different dealers," says Tina, "the amount of inventory is just so varied that it really does impress the customer."

Best Of 2012: Place to Buy Motorcycles

The musky scent of new leather hits your nose. Your adrenaline skyrockets. Your heart begins to pound. Upon entering family-owned and -operated Apex Sports, at least two of the aforementioned sensations are bound to kick in. Apex has been a staple for local motorcycle enthusiasts since opening in 1960, and in addition to the annual Pikes Peak Supercross, sponsors a number of events throughout each year. Just FYI, top sellers today are mostly Hondas, says general manager Mike Stokes; check out the 2013 Tri-tone Honda 250. — Kiki Lenihan

Best Of 2012: Computer Store

Best Of 2012: Thrift Store

Best Of 2012: Thrift Store: Infants/Children

Sure, your thrifted clothing was once hanging in someone else's closet. But remember the Velveteen Rabbit? That shabby rabbit became real because it was loved. And once you start shopping at thrift stores, it's hard to pay full price for a pair of jeans that are stiff and missing that lived-in, loved-in, broken-in quality. The Arc, with its well-stocked aisles of secondhand threads, has won in the Thrift Store category for seven years in a row, and the Infants/Children category both years it's been offered. If that's not enough of a reason to give it a shot, "All of the money generated is to fund our mission, which is supporting the individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities," explains Erick Martinez, director of store operations. About 144 Arc employees statewide have a developmental disability, roughly 10 percent of the nonprofit's total workforce. — Darcie Mankell

Best Of 2010: Thrift Store

Insider Guide 2010

According to thrift-store mavens, Arc stores rate as the best in terms of selection and sale prices. The clothing, especially, tends to be of good quality. Sales support advocacy and services for kids and adults with developmental disabilities.

Best Thrift Store

The great thing about shopping at Arc is that in the rare case where you actually manage to spend too much money, and the moving truck arrives at your house with your new summer, spring, fall and winter wardrobes, plus the couch and loveseat, coffee table and dining set you picked up, and your spouse looks at you disapprovingly, there is an easy out. You weren't thinking of yourself. No. Of course not. You were being green by buying all this stuff used. And, and, Arc stores help fund Arc of the Pikes Peak Region, which advocates for people with developmental disabilities. Irresponsible? You're not irresponsible. You just have a tender heart. Like Mother Teresa. In a fabulous vintage jacket. — J. Adrian Stanley

Best Of 2012: Ethnic Market

A winner in this category five years in a row, Asian Pacific Market is a multicultural wonderland. The aisles are packed with Asian and Indo-European food and household goods, and even some items made in America. Among the offerings: frozen banana leaves, quail eggs and an aloe vera dessert. The produce section features exotic fruits and vegetables along with the usual finds, and entire sections are devoted to noodles, sauces and tea. As manager Jason Zhou says, "We are also wholesalers, and have a store in Denver so we can keep the prices low." Note: if you're a little tired after traveling around the world in 25,000 square feet, you can pick up a can of Red Bull at the checkout. — Kendall Kullman

Best Of 2010: Mechanic

Aspen Auto Clinic started out as a one-bay shop on Cimarron Street 10 years ago. Now it's a three-operation enterprise that's open on Saturdays, runs a fancy, handy website, and offers shuttle and towing service. "Most people have a lot on their plates on a daily basis," says general manager Michelle Croushore. "We try to make it as easy as we can for folks to get their car taken care of." And that dedication hasn't fallen on deaf ears. In the past five years, Aspen has netted silvers and golds as the public's favorite garage. Maybe it has to do with the variety of services it offers — "There isn't anything that we don't do," Croushore says. Or the fact that it services domestic and foreign models at all locations, or its three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on all repairs, parts and labor. Top that! — Edie Adelstein

Best Of 2010: Mechanic

Aspen Auto Clinic started out as a one-bay shop on Cimarron Street 10 years ago. Now it's a three-operation enterprise that's open on Saturdays, runs a fancy, handy website, and offers shuttle and towing service. "Most people have a lot on their plates on a daily basis," says general manager Michelle Croushore. "We try to make it as easy as we can for folks to get their car taken care of." And that dedication hasn't fallen on deaf ears. In the past five years, Aspen has netted silvers and golds as the public's favorite garage. Maybe it has to do with the variety of services it offers — "There isn't anything that we don't do," Croushore says. Or the fact that it services domestic and foreign models at all locations, or its three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on all repairs, parts and labor. Top that! — Edie Adelstein

Best Of 2010: Mechanic

Aspen Auto Clinic started out as a one-bay shop on Cimarron Street 10 years ago. Now it's a three-operation enterprise that's open on Saturdays, runs a fancy, handy website, and offers shuttle and towing service. "Most people have a lot on their plates on a daily basis," says general manager Michelle Croushore. "We try to make it as easy as we can for folks to get their car taken care of." And that dedication hasn't fallen on deaf ears. In the past five years, Aspen has netted silvers and golds as the public's favorite garage. Maybe it has to do with the variety of services it offers — "There isn't anything that we don't do," Croushore says. Or the fact that it services domestic and foreign models at all locations, or its three-year, 36,000-mile warranty on all repairs, parts and labor. Top that! — Edie Adelstein