Since 1996, downtown’s Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company has been the type of place where memories are made.

“I think it’s just our fun, light, friendly atmosphere,” manager and partner Corrie Gentry said.

Locals chose the Brewpub as the Best Place for a First Date, most likely for its laid-back dining and bar areas, wide range of menu items and award-winning microbrews.

“I think we have really nice local clientele,” Gentry said. “You can stop by and usually see someone you know.”

There’s no word on the best place to take a person on a last date.

The Brewpub also won for Best Place to Socialize and Best Bar.

“Our smoke-free area in the bar is a nice attribute, and it’s also very bright in the bar area,” Gentry said. “And we have a great location.”

Beers on tap are named for local attractions such as Hanging Lake, Grizzly Creek, No Name, the Vapor Caves and Shoshone. The Brewpub’s specialty beers, the Sopris Strong Ale and Deep Lake Scotch Ale, won gold medals at the 2006 World Beer Cup.

Along with beer and food, Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company offers billiards in its back room and sports on the bar’s two high-definition TVs.

Other Finalists for Best Place for a First Date: Two Rivers Park, Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse

Other Finalists for Best Place to Socialize: Rivers, Hot Springs Lodge & Pool

Other Finalists for Best Bar: Rivers, Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse


Best Place to Find a Date

Talk about speed dating with a view. What better place to find a date than taking an intimate Iron Mountain Tramway gondola car ride up 4,300 feet to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Exclamation Point restaurant. Romance could be in the air during the seven-minute ride that provides a 360-degree view of Glenwood Springs and beyond.

Other Finalists: Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co., Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse


Best Happy Hour

Whether it’s indoors in the airy bar or outdoors on the sunny deck, Happy Hour at Rivers is a good time for all. Daily drink specials run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with a wide selection of wine, beer and cocktails.

Other Finalists: Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co. and The Bayou


Best Family Restaurant

Family-owned Dos Hombres, which opened in West Glenwood in 1992, is known for its authentic Tex-Mex culinary creations using award-winning chilies. With an extensive children’s menu and patio dining, Dos Hombres doesn’t kid around with its reputation for being a family-friendly establishment, either.

Other Finalists: Juicy Lucy’s Steakhouse, Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co.


Best Deck/Patio

The soothing sound of the rushing Roaring Fork River is the backdrop for enjoying a meal or cocktail on Rivers’ expansive wood deck. Take in the Colorado sunshine and scenic river view with a cool margarita or Rivers’ tasty trout pate during Glenwood’s warmer months.

Other Finalists: Riverside Grill, Hotel Colorado


Best Waiter/Waitress

Sisters can be best friends — and they can be the best waitresses in the valley, too. When they’re not working at Aspen Valley Hospital and Mountain Valley Developmental Services, respectively, Vicky and Sarah Bogner are serving up Bella Mia’s homemade Italian dishes in El Jebel. “They’re just sweethearts, they’re nice girls,” Bella Mia owner Joy Maniloff said. “They grew up here and they know everybody.” The Bogners were raised in Missouri Heights and graduated from Basalt High School.

Other Finalists: Heather Bell, Cindy Jetter


Best Bartender

Rebecca Frederick doesn’t just pour the drinks for her customers at Rivers — she’s also great for conversation. Locals chose her as Best Bartender for her cocktail-concocting skills as well as her friendly personality. “She’s a great bartender and just a really nice soul,” Rivers chef Mike Schlicher said about his co-worker.

Other Finalists: Sally Kilton, Cody Davis