It’s comforting to remember that in 2021, there are still plenty of bests to offset all the worsts of 2020.

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DINING

As a preamble to this category, we continue to urge all of our readers to support dining establishments in the Augusta area. Each of us has the opportunity to help contribute to their survival and success.

 

Breakfast
Remember Forrest Gump’s friend Bubba who listed all the ways you can put shrimp on a plate? Well, Sunrise Grill is kinda like that in the world of breakfast. From pancakes to corn flakes, it’s our readers’ favorite place to start the day. Did you hear that Ruth’s Chris Steak House came in second? Yeah, that rumor has been going around, but it isn’t Ruth’s Chris — it’s Ruth’s Family Restuarant. Which is exactly why everybody loves the place. They’re probably a division of Ruth’s Chris anyway, right? Waffle House, in third, offers something the other two can’t: breakfast anytime, 24 hours a day.

Appetizers
The gourmet small plates at Craft & Vine are like everything else on their menu: handcrafted. Small plate = big deal is the message the ballots delivered. Edgar’s Grille, truly a restaurant like no other, earns first runner-up honors. Go there and you’ll see why. At Solé Augusta, the appetizer offerings include such originals as Fried Martini Olives, and you can also order two Brazilian Street Tacos. That is a lot of tacos!

Barbecue
Take a cue — a barbecue (get it?) — from your fellow readers and belly up to a platter at Sconyers Bar-B-Que (okay, technically take a “que”), this year celebrating their 65th anniversary serving the good stuff to the citizens of Augusta and the surrounding countryside. It’s a quality of life thing for us all. In second place, the folks at SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ feel like if you have to smoke something, make it chicken, beef or pork. They take their show on the road every day, so look for their truck. Or forget looking and just follow your nose. Shane’s Rib Shack, founded by Shane Thompson (would we lie to you?), wins third place.

Ribs
Diners at Shane’s Rib Shack often take a good ribbing for their choice, but after all, isn’t that the whole point? Sconyers Bar-B-Que has to settle for second place this time, and SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ completes the roster of River Region rib restaurant rankings.

Wings
As judged from the summer of 2020 through election season during the summer of 2021, the champion of the wing was the aptly named Wild Wing Cafe, rebranded these days as Doc’s Porchside in Augusta and Grovetown. In second, Wing Stop says Go. Specifically, go to Wing Stop. Don’t stop until you get there. The third place winner might be a little confusing. It’s Southbound Smokehouse, but you have to go north to get Southbound. Look for a little place called North Augusta. Southbound is so popular they had to build a stadium to accommodate everyone.

Seafood
True, Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar is your #1 source for oysters, but, oysters? Really? No disrespect intended to any oysters, but, Ah, we have just been informed that Rhinehart’s has an extensive non-oyster menu, too. Ok then. This is starting to make sense now.  Big T’s Seafood Restaurant (Jimmy Dyess Parkway at Wrightsboro Rd) scores the silver fish — wait, that doesn’t sound right … they score second place, not to be confused with non-big T’s Restaurant, a perennial seafood favorite for decades still struggling to return after a devastating fire in 2020. We wish them a boatload of good tidings. Beck’s of Kings Way (just off Central) wins third.

Sushi
This variation on the seafood theme earns a gold medal for Takosushi. Judging by the votes, readers apparently think the place should be renamed Sushitako. That’s actually not a bad idea. Solé Augusta is the sole occupant of second place. See what we did there? They are two-shi in sushi. Izumi Japanese Buffet completes the elite Top Three.

Steak
Whenever you hear the phrase, “the steaks are high,” they’re talking about the quality of steaks at TBonz Steakhouse. If our memory serves us correctly, they started winning this category shortly after the invention of the cow. And even if our memory doesn’t serve us correctly, TBonz will. That’s reassuring. LongHorn Steakhouse is long on quality too, leading to a first runner-up finish. Augusta’s very own Frog Hollow Tavern makes for a very worthy destination in third.

Catfish
Big T’s Seafood Restaurant once again lives up to its first name. They score big in what some people call C-food, which is code for “catfish.” Try it: just tell them you’d like an order of C-food. They’ll know. Old McDonald Fish Camp also comes highly recommended by readers hooked by their menu, and Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar — didn’t we tell you they have a non-oyster menu? — wins third.

Fried Chicken
We’re going to be honest with you: WifeSaver doesn’t save a lot of chickens. That’s just not their thing. But since 1965 they have saved many a wife-type person from slaving over a hot deep fryer as found in the kitchen of most CSRA homes. We all appreciate that. Maryland Fried Chicken, rumored to be founded by people who fled from Kentucky, scores second place. Frog and the Hen takes home the crispy golden bronze medal.

Bakery
There has been quite the buzz surrounding Sheila’s Baking Company since it opened in downtown North Augusta. As well there should be for things like spiced apple fritters and vanilla glazed donuts. In fact, Sheila has elevated mere donuts to doughnuts. Try Sheila’s and see if you agree. The venerable Lil’ Dutch Bakery may be lil’, but its following is big. Big enough for 2nd place. Publix Bakery ices third place. Literally.

Soup
When you dream about soup, is it soup from California Dreaming? Yeah, same with us. Every time. And there’s nothing worse than waking up before you finish the bowl, right? Hate it when that happens. In second, Panera Bread offers great bread to go with their great soup.  Jason’s Deli also has great soup, say readers.

Pizza
Fans of Mellow Mushroom aren’t exactly mellow. They’re pretty fanatical in their devotion to pizza. In second place, Pizza Joint is definitely a worthy option. The local guys always are, you know. Marco’s Pizza may be a chain, but they are a popular chain.

Hamburger
Hey, remember that old lady in the farmhouse with the hot dog? Turns out she also makes a pretty great burger, too. Farmhaus scores again. Gary’s Hamburgers wins the silver medal. (This time you can pay attention to the word hamburger in their name.) The kitchen portion of Whiskey Bar Kitchen is your next-best burger maker.

Hot dog
Picture a classic farmhouse sitting in the middle of acres of lush farmland, the house shaded by a few stately trees. As you approach the wide front porch, a grandmotherly figure opens the screen door and welcomes you, a weary and hungry traveler, to come in for a hot dog. That’s the backstory of the name Farmhaus, local purveyor of the finest hotdogs in the local landscape, as judged by readers of this magazine. There are other options, say the ballots, including North Augusta’s timeless Sno-Cap Drive In, and Gary’s Hamburgers. Just ignore the word hamburger in their name.

Burrito
A lot of us have gone full burrito for months at a time in a favorite quilt or blankie during the pandemic era, so it’s refreshing to finally be able to get out and have a real, edible, honest-to-goodness prime quality beef-filled burrito, the kind they serve at Nacho Mama’s. Mmm-mm-mm. Diablo’s Southwest Grill and Monterrey Mexican Restaurant are the second and third place options.

Sandwiches
Hildebrandt’s is in its third century of sandwich serving. You usually don’t even get through two centuries in the sandwich business unless you’re pretty good, so going on three tells you everything you need to know about Hildebrandt’s. Still working on their first century but well on their way is Knuckle Sandwiches. We say they’re going to make it. Publix Deli wins third place.

French Fries
Here goes the old lady again! With fries this time! She is amazing! Farmhaus rules! McDonald’s wins 2nd place. We are so fortunate to have McDonald’s in this area. Readers give Chick-fil-A the golden rry signifying third place.

Salad
Some people do their crunches at the gym. Personally, we agree with our readers who do theirs at Southern Salad. No membership required! California Dreaming is another favorite salad server, and readers give Zaxby’s, the Georgia-born chicken chain (which also serves Zalads), third place.

Desserts
If you don’t like The Boll Weevil Cafe, that means you don’t like red velvet cake, chocolate cake, key lime pie, peanut butter pie, cinnamon cheesecake, or even, perish the thought, apple pie à la mode. You really need to see a doctor, if not the ER. Something is clearly wrong. Once you’re cured, we’ll see you at 9th Street on the River. Frog and the Hen comes in second and Boll Weevil’s neighbor Beamie’s at the River wins third in the just desserts category.

Donuts
Krispy Kreme has been forced to change their name to Krispy de la Kreme by the vote of our readers. Sheila’s Baking Company is nipping at their heels in second place, and right behind Sheila is Belair Donuts doing a little nipping of their own.

Ice Cream
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream — none of this fake stuff for them — is the reader favorite. We live in a pretty hot climate, so ice cream is like oxygen and sweet tea and other must-have staples required for continued life. Pink Dipper claims the second place scoopage, and Cold Stone Creamery the third.

Coffee
Speaking of staples of life naturally brings us to coffee, where Buona Caffe, centrally located for the convenience of one and all, saves countless lives every day — at least, the days they’re open (which by law is 7 days per week). Starbucks, maybe you’ve heard of them, takes that all-important second cup. Ubora Coffee, tucked away on Jones Street, deserves to be on the medals stand, and they are. Give them a try, ladies and gents.

Iced Tea
We seem to be stuck on a staples of life rut in this particular stretch, but after all, life is a good thing, especially with a glass of WifeSaver iced tea in one hand and maybe a drumstick in the other.  That’s what is known as living the high life. None other than Chick-fil-A also serves iced tea of distinction, according to voters, and Sconyers Bar-B-Que rounds out the top three.

Wine Menu
There is no better pairing (not counting Sunday of Masters week) than a superb meal with a superb wine. Each enhances the other, and they have both at Craft & Vine, says the voice of the people (also known as you). Cork & Flame rakes in another silver medal in this category, and Frog Hollow Tavern wins the bronze.

Wine Merchant
The winner: Toast. We know what you’re thinking: why would a bakery win best wine merchant? But you see, the full name of Toast is Toast Wine and Beverage. It’s Toast for short, but they don’t even sell bread. Does that help clarify things?  Cork & Flame (in second) is one of those hidden gems — hidden in plain sight no less — but readers say it’s definitely a gem. The final medalist is Surrey Center’s The White Horse Wine & Spirits.

Beer Selection/Take Home
So we’re clear on Toast Wine and Beverage, right? Because they’ve just won again, this time for their selection of beers from all over the planet. They carry more beer brands that you haven’t heard of than those you have, which is probably saying something. Back Paddle Brewing, all the way from Lincolnton, steals second place.  Closer to home, Tip Top Taps (in third) is the kind of laid-back place where you can buy some excellent craft beers, fill your growlers, and (after a quick sobriety test) play a game of darts right there in the store.

Beer Menu
World of Beer carries some 500 beers from near and far, around 40 countries in all. In short, no wonder they won. And they have a great menu, too, so you can use the old, “I need something to wash this down with” excuse to order more beer. Mellow Mushroom is another noteworthy option, say voters, for a plethora of brewski options. And our Lincolnton friends, Back Paddle Brewing, make another appearance with their small batch brews.

Craft Cocktail
Not everyone is familiar with the term “craft cocktail.” One source defines it as: “A cocktail made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and built with a careful, culinary attention to detail.” By that definition, readers install downtown’s Craft & Vine in the #1 spot. Fifth & Finch (in Surrey Center) is buying the second round, and last call goes to Indian Queen.

Happy Hour
You know what this one means, right? An hour (or more) when a bar offers drink specials. It’s a great way to stretch your alcohol budget, and our panel of economic and libational experts nominated The Indian Queen for top honors. The Ampersand Twins (otherwise no relation) — Craft & Vine and Fifth & Finch — earn second and third, respectively.

Friendly Service
It is our pleasure to announce Chick-fil-A as your winner, and it is their pleasure to offer their signature friendly service. These fil-Aers could probably organize vaccinations for 50,000 people if you gave them an hour or two to get it done. And it would be their pleasure. Whoever is getting the vote out in Lincolnton did a great job, as Back Paddle Brewing scoops up another medal in this category. The friendly folks at Frog Hollow Tavern take another third.

Down Home Cooking
It has been a tough year for the Goolsby’s family losing owner Richard Goolsby, but you would never know it from the quality of their delicious menu and buffet. Come to think of it, there’s a reason their kind of food is called comfort food. We trust it’s working. The other top choices suggested by the ballots: WifeSaver and Ruth’s Family Restaurant.

Outdoor Dining
It’s always great when the thermometer and the breezes combine to make outdoor dining a pleasure. When the planets so align, head for Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, where “Beyond Casual” is their slogan and their philosophy. For a first alternate, as James Brown might put it, Edgar’s Above Broad is a place where you go up to get down. If you haven’t visited yet, what are you waiting for? And in third, Solé Augusta has a cool and spacious patio that’s also worth a visit.

Brunch
Edgar’s Grille (located at ground level) enjoys a justifiably sterling reputation for its superb Sunday brunch. The tragedy is that it’s only available once a week. On the other hand, Sundays do seem to roll around fairly regularly. Readers’ second choice is Frog and the Hen. Third place goes to Bodega Ultima, a one-of-a-kind kind of award-worthy place, and yet another member of Surrey Center’s collection of outstanding eateries.

Lunch
The farmy name itself conjures up good things, and readers say they deliver on the promise at Farmhaus, even on something as simple as lunch. Nacho Mama’s also will do an excellent job of covering you between breakfast and supper, say the votes. Whiskey Bar Kitchen wins third.

Business Lunch
For a little bit of Wall Street on 10th Street, readers first recommend Augustino’s Italian Eatery and Prime Steaks. It’s inside the Marriott on the river. Somewhat ironically, Augusta’s highest ranked restaurant (as measured by elevation above sea level) places second: The Pinnacle Club, where membership has its privileges. The trophy for third goes to Frog and the Hen.

Asian Restaurant
We’ve all heard of Mexican standoffs, but in this category we have an Asian standoff between Pho Bac and Soy Noodle, deadlocked in first place. That’s another way of saying they’re both superb options, at least in the opinion of the voting majority. Formosa’s II finishes out the top three, which normally means third. Not this time.

Indian Restaurant
Namaste, a Sanskrit word that literally means “bowing to you,” also happens to be the name of the reader pick for best Indian restaurant within the sound of this magazine. In other words, readers are bowing back. Nice touch, y’all. On another matter entirely, have you noticed that many a local Pizza Hut is no more? Never fear! Curry Hut is here! No one curries like the Hut. Taj of India closes it out in third.

Mexican
If you’re up on your Spanish, you are not surprised that Taqueria El Rey rules. After all, el rey means “the king.” Yes, they serve tacos (and a lot more) fit for a king. They do admit the peasantry, however, so all of us can dine like royalty. Poblano’s Mexican Grill is wearing the silver crown, and Monterrey Mexican Restaurant takes the bronze.

Italian Restaurant
Three very different places stand atop the leader board in this category honoring the old green, white and red. Readers give the honorary golden flask of olive oil (extra virgin, of course) to Luigi’s Restaurant. In case you didn’t know, Luigi’s has been around since 1949. They are obviously doing something right. Several somethings, no doubt. Relative newcomers Oliviana (Brava!) and Giuseppe’s Pizza and Italian Specialties (Bravo!) take second and third.

Downtown Restaurant
What makes fine dining downtown so great? No chains! No long waits! Downtown is a splendid place to support the local cuisine scene, starting with, suggest the balloteers, Frog Hollow Tavern. Next up, Craft & Vine, and then Whiskey Bar Kitchen. Keep in mind, we’re not recommending doing all of this on the same day. Spread out the enjoyment.

Neighborhood Restaurant
The sidewalk tables offer the ultimate neighborhood vibe at Manuel’s Bread Cafe, but inside dining rocks there, too. Another hot tip from your fellow readers is Beck’s. As befits a neighborhood eatery, it’s just off a main drag on a quiet little side street. Sheehan’s Irish Pub gets the nod in third.

Caterer
You know how it goes: you’ve got your country’s 500th anniversary to plan, your wedding to arrange, your wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it — you’re swamped. (Apologies to The Princess Bride) Who’s got time to cook? Better call Fat Man’s, say the ballots. If they’re swamped, too, try Roux’s Gourmet Catering. Third outstanding choice: Sconyers Bar-B-Que.

Best Hidden Gem
You won’t just accidentally drive past Rae’s Coastal Cafe. It’s a destination restaurant, which makes its victory here all the more impressive. Rae’s could be out of sight, out of mind. Instead, readers say it’s out of sight, if you catch their drift. Back Paddle Brewery is nestled into the countryside in Lincolnton. Readers say finding it will be worth the drive. Villa Europa isn’t exactly hidden, but maybe we collectively forget about it sometimes. Still there and still great, say the ballots.

New Restaurant
Readers are excited about First Watch, the shiny new local outpost of a tiny restaurant chain (three locations so far). They only serve three things: breakfast, brunch and lunch, which happen to be three of our four favorite meals of the day. That’s batting .750, which is definitely hall of fame worthy. In second, voters did not scrimp in their praise of Skrimp Shack, another newbie of note. And the unusual concept at play for Stay. Social Tap and Table got enough votes for third place. The people say check it out.

Best Restaurant Overall
TBonz wins third place. In second, Frog Hollow Tavern wins the imaginary silver serving tray exquisitely engraved with their name and logo. And now, to the accompaniment of a requisite drum roll and bugle fanfare please … the ultimate dining honor this year, the gold of the gold, goes to Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar. We offer our most sincere congratulations.

 

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Live entertainment is still on the quiet side but, as it returns, look for opportunities to support music and theater. Here are a few people and places to put on your short list.

Local Vocalist Male
Will McCranie has been on this stage before, and when he isn’t putting up pickles (do not adjust your magazine), the audience keeps chanting that they want him back for another encore. Wish granted. Ryan Abel and his big voice fills up second place. Renaissance man Kigg Cherry scores third.

Local Vocalist Female
You may know her better as simply The Lady (see the next category if you need an explanation), but as a solo act Tyreon Williams gets the gold record. If you’re smart you know that Leah Savant, “The Activist Artist,” won second (also as a solo act), while Drea Suarez took third place.

Local R&B
Why all the talk about solo acts in the previous category? Because The Lady & The Gents (in which Tyreon Williams is The Lady) is Augusta’s favorite R&B act. And when she isn’t going solo, Leah Savant and Major Sound win second as a group. United they stand and all that. Funk You adds to their collection of years of “Best” trophies in third.

Local Jazz Band
Because jazz and R&B are kissin’ cousins, The Lady & The Gents plays both genres. In fact, they do it well enough to sweep both categories. That’s called a two-peat, right? The minimalist jazz duo in second has more names than members: Do you call them Vox-n-Bass, Vox ’n Bass, vöxnbāss, or something else? Preston and Weston, members of the Augusta Jazz Hall of Fame (if we had one) score third.

Local Country Band
The Harlem Sons might seem like an unexpected victor in a country band category, especially local. What you have to remember is it’s not that Harlem. It’s our Harlem.  Makes perfect sense now, doesn’t it? Kenny George Band wins second, and it’s Anybody’s Guess in third. No, really. It’s literally Anybody’s Guess.

Local Rock
Because ladies come first She N She — take top honors among local rockers. Ed Turner & Number 9 will never be anywhere close to 9th on any voter list around here, and sure enough, they appear on this list in 2nd place. Funk You earns a well-deserved bronze medallion.

Local Bluegrass
Readers could barely keep their lids on for The Mason Jars, your prime purveyors of that peaceful easy bluegrass feeling. Next up is the perennially popular and ever-pickin’ Eryn Eubanks, and The Henrys complete this star-studded bluegrass lineup.

Local Contemporary Christian
Since the Mormon Tabernacle Choir wasn’t hiring, Ryan Abel decided to do his own thing locally, and people seem to appreciate his joyful noises. You want to talk about beautiful harmony? Then you want to talk about Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar. They are your second of two top picks.

Performing Arts Group
Now performing in their 77th season, The Augusta Players take the stage as they have been doing annually since 1945, this time to accept the gold medal bestowed upon them by Augusta Magazine readers. Bravo! It’s not exactly easy to sing wearing a mask, but Augusta Chorale could do it and still sound awesome. In third, the Jessye Norman School for the Arts is carrying on the amazing legacy of their namesake, and they are busy! Check out the calendar link at jessyenormanschool.org

Singles Spot
Readers are definitely showing they’re a class act by elevating Craft & Vine to the top of the heap. C&V is definitely a respectable joint. Not that second and third aren’t worthy winners, too. Those two lofty spots are occupied by Solé Augusta and Metro Coffeehouse. Singles, go forth and congregate (six feet apart, of course).

Late Night Spot
Your #1 choice, The Soul Bar, has the late night vibe perfected. They are #1 for a reason. Craft & Vine keeps the life in nightlife almost as well (or, to put it another way, they’re second in the voting), and The Indian Queen scoops up third.

Live music bar
Readers are sending a message: downtown and its immediate environs does not have a monopoly on words like late night and live. Exhibit #1 is the people’s choice for this category: Back Paddle Brewing, located in Lincolnton. You think that’s quite a hop, skip and a jump from Augusta? We checked. Turns out it’s only a hop and a skip, but only a hop if you’re in Columbia County. Two other good live music venues are tied in second: Stillwater Taproom and Southbound Smokehouse. Not to be overlooked (as so many do, to their loss): Oak Restaurant and Lounge on North Leg.

Sports Bar
You could check out the website of downtown Augusta’s Sports Center Restaurant — if they had one. The Sports Center is a throwback kind of place. Think pre-internet, like before Al Gore was even born. You go there for the burgers and the brews and the barstools and the billiards, not for 87 huge hi-def TVs tuned to every game on the planet. At least, that’s what the votes seem to be saying. Our erstwhile favorite, Wild Wing Cafe, lands second, and Ikonz Sportsbar & Grill (neighbors of Oak Restaurant) takes third.

 

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MEDIA

The following is not fake news. It’s the results of the media categories of our annual reader poll.

Local TV Station
If we had to guess, there are probably people who work at WJBF, your favorite station, who tell people their office is in Biographies, or perhaps Adult Non-Fiction (because, you see, WJBF is located in the old Barnes & Noble building). Speaking of buildings, WRDW has the swankiest quarters of them all in their shiny new studios on Riverwatch Parkway. In third is WFXG (aka Fox 54).

Local TV News Anchor/Female
Award-winning anchor and journalist, and your top pick, WJBF’s Jennie Montgomery, seizes the gold. Laura Warren of WRDW/WAGT goes home with the silver. Montgomery’s colleague, Barclay Bishop, scoops up the bronze.

Local TV News Anchor/Male
The headline news here is that Brad Means (WJBF) is the lead story, and coming up after the break, Richard Rogers of WRDW/WAGT. Keep up the good work, gentlemen.

Local TV Morning Anchor
Bless these poor people who fall out of bed at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning to serve up the day’s weather and report whatever erupted overnight while the rest of us were snoozing. First place, with an extra shot of caffeine, goes to Barclay Bishop. You’ve got to get up pretty early to beat her. Mary Morrison (WJBF) and Dakota Watson (WJBF/WAGT) finish second and third.

Local TV Weather Anchor
There are slow news days, but as you may have noticed, weather happens all day every day. So it’s important to have someone like Jay Jefferies of WFXG offering meteorological prognostications for our benefit. Readers also took quite a shine to Riley Hale and Tim Strong, both of WRDW.

Local TV Reporter
The inimitable George Eskola of WJBF earns another trophy for his case, thanks to his Eskolian style. No, that isn’t a word, but it probably should be. Renetta DuBose (WJBF) and Abby Bradshaw (WFXG) finish second and third.

Local Media Sports Reporter
Your #1 scorekeeper is Colin Cody of WJBF. Taking second is Ashley Brown, columnist for The Augusta Press, and rounding out third is WJBF Sports Director, Brendan Robertson.

Local Talk Radio Personality
This might seem like one of those automatic categories, and indeed, for the past several years Austin Rhodes of WGAC has had a lock on this one. But there are a lot of voices to choose from, including (in second place) Cher Best of 96.3 KissFM, whose last name, after all, is “Best.” John Patrick, a veteran of the Augusta airwaves if ever there was one, wins third place.

Local Radio Station
As befits our Southern location, Country music station Kicks 99 leads the way. Second place goes to the top station in the entire US of A back in the day: WBBQ. And HD98.3 scoops up the bronze medal.

Local Morning Radio Show
Start with a kup of koffee, perhaps a K-cup, then tune in the Kicks 99 Wake Up Krew. All those Ks are important to the process of hatching a new day. Your other big favorite is WGAC’s Mary Liz Nolan & John Patrick. Remember what they say about morning radio: it’s the most important radio of the day.

Local News Story
Like it was just about everywhere else on planet Earth, COVID-19 was Augusta’s story of the year, if not of the century. These are not normal times. At least we sure hope they aren’t. Also, ever notice that people sometimes describe something as “sort of unique”? They are literally saying that something is “sort of one-of-a-kind.” Well, let’s borrow that fractured English to say the 2020 Masters Tournament (your 2nd choice) was “very unique.” Columbia County’s shiny new Performing Arts Center gets the trophy for 3rd.

Local Writer/Columnist
Your most-liked scribe is the venerable Bill Kirby, part historian, part chronicler of the local human condition for The Augusta Chronicle. Charmain Brackett and Sylvia Cooper, online writers for The Augusta Press, are your second- and third-place faves.

Best Part of Augusta Magazine
In an year’s worth of features and special issues, what comes across as the reader favorite? What you’re reading right now, the Best, is the best. That’s logical. Thanks for the feedback. Ditto for letting us know that you also salivate over our food features. Last, but not least, comes the annual epic known as the Masters Issue.

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SHOPPING/LEISURE

In this era of online retail giants, plus the challenges posed by a global pandemic, supporting local businesses has never been more important. Here are some of the best.

Men’s Clothing Store
Don’t be intimidated by their name. The Boardroom has primo textiles for every level of management, including the kid in the mail room. Election results include second and third: Low Country Clothier and Rivers & Glen Trading Company, where they will trade you good stuff for cash or its equivalent.

Women’s Boutique
As the name suggests, The Swank Company is elite. Rumor has it they may change their name to The Swankiest Company after this. In second: One. Note the period after their name. One. Period. End of story. In third, a girl fight between SOHO and Capsule.

Place to Buy Handbags
Since fanny packs went out of style a couple months back — or was it twenty years ago? — let’s go with handbags from Shoes at Surrey. That way we can match our handbags to our shoes. The Swank Company reappears here in second, and Dillard’s is third.

Women’s Shoes
The vox populi: Shoes at Surrey. That way we can match our shoes to our handbags. If you guessed that second place goes to Belk’s, you are incorrect. There is no store by that name. However, Belk won second. Dillard’s (with an apostrophe S) wins third.

Fitness/Outdoor Store
Making an escape of its own and relocating from Evans to Martinez, the locally owned and run Escape Outdoors grabs first place by voters. Cabela’s comes in second and Academy Sports wins third.

Consignment Shop (Furniture)
You know they say that a new couch loses 20% of its value the minute you drive it off the lot. So it makes sense to be a savvy shopper and, well, go to Savvy Shopper. Savvy?  In second, that one of a kind store called Mema Had One. Key word: had. Now you can upcycle it. Consign Design wins a third place trophy which they will promptly slap a price tag on and sell.

Consignment Shop (Clothing)
While their name is a little bi-polar, you’re going to agree with the rest of the city that Uptown Cheapskate — we know, it seems contradictory — is the place to get silk for the price of denim. Not that you have to buy silk. You can buy denim, too. Encore Consignment and Second Time Around place second and third, respectively.

Supermarket
The thing about your top choice, Publix, is that it’s not easy to follow the Southern tradition of adding that apostrophe S, like we often do with Kroger’s, your second choice. Fresh Market bags up third place. No apostrophe S there either.

Organic Food/Produce
Sprouts Farmers Market, your top choice, will be here forever. We saw some of their employees wearing “Here for Good” T-shirts. Second place isn’t just Fresh Market; it’s The Fresh Market. The good people at Good Earth Produce & Garden Center earn a well-deserved bronze medal.

Produce
Even ordinary garden-variety non-organic produce is crunch-worthy when it comes from Publix, say the votes. Then again, even the worst produce is garden-variety, isn’t it? Well, none of our top three know anything about that. Good Earth and Sprouts are the other finalists.

Nursery/Garden Shop
You say Bedford Greenhouses is a great place to get your hands dirty. Go there and you will be rewarded — with tree purchases, for example — in as little as 10 years. Or within 10 minutes if you buy flowers. Good Earth and Sanderlin Greenhouses are two more places for friends of the earth to shop.

Gifts
They don’t just give away their cool stuff at Cudos2u, but there’s no reason you can’t. In fact, your vote suggests that’s exactly what you intend to do. The Swank Company and Design Images have second and third all wrapped up.

Place to Shop for Husband/Boyfriend
Thanks to you, we have three great ideas to make him happy, beginning with Rivers & Glen Trading Company.  Low Country Clothier also fits him well, while your third option, Augusta Mall, offers all kinds of choices, so go crazy.

Place to Shop for Wife/Girlfriend
Ok, maybe you don’t know her finger size, but what about her earlobes? You can do this, and trust us, the superb staff at Windsor Fine Jewelers will provide all the help you need. Your second suggestion is fresh and original: Art On Broad. Good choice. Augusta Mall gets its second consecutive bronze medal.

Local Online Shopping
The friendly folks at Field Botanicals, your fave, are not only nice, they are cruelty-free. That’s always a plus. Publix is also happy to serve you online. You were ignoring their aisle directional arrows anyway, so… Home Depot wins third.

Home Furnishings
Weinberger’s Furniture Store is pushing 90. That’s right, they’ve been furnishing homes since 1932. Are they doing something right? Yes you can! (Wait…what?) Merry’s Home Furnishings, if you missed the news — and if you did, get with the plan, Stan — is no longer in the trash business. Only treasures. No wonder they placed second. Ashley HomeStore has conveniently relocated across Wrightsboro Road from the mall, but then, you already knew that.

Antiques
If you have yet to experience Mema Had One, you are in for a treat. Readers give Mema the gold medal. It’s old, of course, but hey, gold is gold. Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk’s Antique Store in Thomson wins second. Trends & Traditions gets third.

Fine Jewelry
When it comes to buying fine jewelry, there is no wrong answer as long as it includes the word “Windsor,” as in Windsor Fine Jewelers. That’s what readers are telling us.  Jared takes (and gives) the silver.  Crown Jewelers wins third. No doubt Her Majesty is very proud.

Costume Jewelry
Let’s say you can’t remember the combination to the wall safe, and the bank is closed so the safe deposit box is out of the question. Wear the “jewels” from The Swank Company, suggest your fellow readers. Vintage Ooollee wins second. (Fun fact: You can’t have costume jewelry without costumes, right? Vintage Ooollee has many of the costumes that used to be at Fat Man’s Forest.) Dillard’s also ranks. Third, in fact.

Best Food Delivery Service
For much of the past year and a half, eating out has meant eating in, so this is an important category. May we have the envelope, please? The winner: Augusta To Go. That pretty much says everything that needs to be said. DoorDash and Uber Eats are our other two pandemic pounds partners. Let’s eat!

Best Takeout Menu
You say you’re practicing for an Augusta To Go job interview? Readers suggest driving to Frog & the Hen for their best-in-town takeout menu. Try not to eat everything at the first red light you hit. Wait until you get home. Nacho Mama’s (no, not Mema’s) also gets high marks, as does fresh face Mirin Fusion Kitchen.

Best Curbside Service
At one time this category might have suggested roller skates and window trays, but that was pre-pandemic. Now even white linen eateries offer curbside service. Of course, even those places have to take a backseat to Chick-fil-A, the Michael Jordan of the curbside world. Farmhaus Burger and Frog & The Hen are the other top vote getters.

Best Social Distancing Spot
On one hand, Home as the winner here speaks well of people’s cooperation with public health recommendations. On the other hand, what does this say about family togetherness? Riverwalk is second-best, although it has one major disadvantage: no Netflix. The Augusta Common is uncommonly good, enough to get the bronze.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

Great places to support to keep them great, and to keep them open and serving us all.

Car Wash
Every now and then you hear about some poor guy who crashed his car into some ravine where he is trapped, invisible from the road, and he survives for days on old French fries and stale cookies found under the seats. Obviously these are not customers of Sparkle Express Car Wash. They simply would not tolerate such a thing, and we presume the same is true for the second and third place car cleaners: Lulu’s Car Wash and Tidal Wave Auto Spa.

Local Charity
For its support of SafeHomes and their efforts to help victims of domestic violence, Jingle Jam 10k is the favorite on a short list where every charity is a genuine winner, and that is a fact. Take Golden Harvest Food Bank in second, for instance. Who doesn’t like to eat? It’s a fundamental human need, and they make it possible 365 days a year. Catholic Social Services takes third, but they take it as a win. Which they should.

Special Event Facility
See that first word? Special. There isn’t another place on the planet quite like Sacred Heart Cultural Center. It’s the most specialest of the special. Speaking of which, Lady A Amphitheater at Evans Town Center Park is also a pretty special place. Savannah Rapids Pavilion rounds out the top three unique venue faves.

Tourist Attraction
When it comes to unique, there’s a reason they say the Masters Tournament is like no other. It is quite literally the gold standard for golf tournaments all over the world, and it’s our top hometown attraction. And does any other city have an Augusta Canal? Don’t think so. That’s #2. And our various memorials — statues and murals and more — to the one and only James Brown are #3.

Historical Landmark
The utterly amazing Sacred Heart Cultural Center, closing in on 125 years reigning over Greene Street, stands alone as the historical landmark on your ballots. Paris has its Notre Dame Cathedral; we have our Sacred Heart. Broad Street’s James Brown Statue isn’t exactly ancient, but history is written every day, right? Even yesterday is history. The Augusta Canal, created with a ton of manual labor in 1845, is the oldest continuously operating hydropower canal in the US. That’s your top three.

Place You Wish Was Still Here
Since we’re talking unique in these last couple of categories, Fat Man’s Forest was the definition of unique back in the day, kind of like Augusta’s very own private Archie McPhee (look it up). Alas, it is no more and readers still miss it. Another chapter in the Gone But Not Forgotten book is dedicated to Fort Discovery. If you’re a newbie around here, it was a very cool science museum downtown on the river. And in 3rd, TGI Friday’s still exists, but not in Augusta. Road trip!

Photographer
When you need an important event preserved, you’d better choose the best photographer you can find because life doesn’t usually offer do-overs. Readers recommend Yolanda Rouse Photography to capture those important moments. Second choice: Aurora Adeleigh. And third: High Cotton Photography. Click!

First Date Spot
If you take the top tip from readers and opt for Craft & Vine, there very well may be more dates in your future. It’s a splendid choice. But how many people would think of Savannah River Brewing Company for a first date? Thank you, readers, for this creative second option, and that goes for your 3rd-place suggestion too: Vance’s Bakery Bar. You know any other place where you can order a Bourbon-infused chocolate chip cookie and chase it with a shot glass of milk?

Bridal Shop
That first date long since past, now it’s time to plan the big event. Guys, the best advice we can offer at this point is to just step aside and stay out of the way while the ladies go to House of the Bride at the behest of our poll participants. Their additional suggestions are headed up by Elegant Bridal and David’s Bridal.

Florist
Friends, if you only send flowers for routine events like funerals and hospital stays, you are missing out on one of the best ways known to share some love. Or appreciation. Or apologies. Or for no reason at all. Call Flowers on Broad (suggest most ballots) and send some beauty out into the world today. (Hint: you are allowed to send flowers to yourself. We checked.) Martina’s Flowers and Gifts and Ladybug’s Flowers and Gifts are two additional options (in second and third) provided by readers.

Bank/Financial Institution
If you’re looking for a place to keep up with your money, our readers says Queensborough National Bank and Trust is the area favorite, and keep in mind, Queensborough is all Georgia, all the time, going all the way back to 1902. Second- and third-best bank honors go to Wells Fargo and South State Bank.

Realtor
The votes have been tabulated and audited multiple times, and the results are in: your top realtor is none other than Venus Morris Griffin of Meybohm Real Estate. Sallie Shuford of EXP Realty is right next door, and Ross Trulock of Blanchard and Calhoun takes third.

Fitness Center/Gym
Unfortunately, many of us are not on a first-name basis with out fitness centers. It’s James for us right now, not gym. But that can be fixed. In fact, your fit fellow citizens endorse Evans Fitness Center as the place to hit the comeback trail. Your spousal unit and your doctor will probably lead the cheers. Second and third place participation trophies go to Family YMCA (then shouldn’t it be YFCA?) and Planet Fitness.

Barber
Durden’s Barber Shop is the best, say voters, although it’s not the kind of place anyone wants to go to every day. But definitely as often as necessary, right?  Old Tyme Tattoo & Barber Shop, where they can probably ink in some of those thin spots for you, wins 2nd.  Dapper & Company Men’s Grooming Lounge, in 3rd, furnishes the Augusta area with dapper gentlemen as a public service.

Hair Salon
At 4.9 out of 5 in Google reviews and a perfect 5.0 in Augusta Magazine the message is clear: Bliss Salon is accurately named. Speaking of well-named salons, you could also take your halo in for an overhaul at Halo Salon & Spa. Readers included Durden’s Barber Shop in this category, too. Who knew?

Day Spa
When your day starts out by stepping barefoot on a Lego and then the coffeemaker won’t work, it’s time to make two phone calls: first, to work. Tell them you’re not coming in. Second, to Retreat Salon and Spa. Tell them you are. Readers offer two splendid alternate destinations in second and third: Tuscany Italian Spa and Halo Salon and Spa.

Place to Swim
One spot stands above the rest: The Wilson Family Y, home of the Kathryn M. York Aquatics Center, a most fitting memorial to an exceptional human being. You can also play pool at the Kroc Center, suggest the votes, or take a walk on the non-chlorinated side and take that dip in Clarks Hill Lake.

Golf Course
Yes, you, too, can play the course where Bobby Jones began his legendary 1930 Grand Slam — Forest Hills Golf Club — and in fact, readers urge you to do just that. Who knows where it could lead you? Other links of note: The River Golf Club, and Forest Hills’ next-door neighbor, The Patch.

Tennis Courts
All tennis courts are not created equal. Some are clay. Some are grass. Some are at Newman Tennis Center, which voters say qualifies them as the best locally. If you don’t believe us, ask Novak Djokovic next time you see him. Readers also showed a lot more than love to the courts at Augusta Country Club.

Yoga Studio
If you haven’t tried yoga because you’re lactose intolerant, you’ve got it mixed up with yogurt. Yoga is a sequence of postures and controlled breathing that is usually lactose-free. Usually. Try it at Space Yoga Studio, suggests our panel of experts. Alas, North Augusta’s The Yoga Center, your second choice, was a casualty of the pandemic. But take heart: Oxygen Fitness Studio is still breathing; they are alive and well so you can be, too.

Place to Walk Your Dog
There is not a single dog reading this who will disagree with the following: the Greeneway is the primo place to put one foot in front of three others, then hit repeat. Another good spot is the Augusta Canal, and your dog doesn’t even have to know how to swim. Pendleton King Park wins third.

Best Local Festival
2020 was not the best year for large gatherings of any kind, even ones celebrating good stuff like art, music, dance, film, and great food from all over the world, all the things that are synonymous with Arts in the Heart of Augusta. But the votes poured in anyway, and after sanitizing and counting them, sure enough, Arts in the Heart is still our collective fave. Long may it live. The Greek Festival and the Augusta Pride Festival round out your favorite fairs, festivals, fêtes, feasts and festivities.

Fundraising Event
Since voters’ charity of choice is Jingle Jam 10k and its support of SafeHomes’ mission, it stands to reason that it’s also your choice for best fundraising event. Although the 2021 CSRA Heart Ball (in second) was an at-home digital experience, did you go ahead and put on your tux and evening gown? Hope so. And readers proudly nominated the Augusta Pride Festival for third.

Appears in the October 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

It’s comforting to remember that even in 2020, by popular acclaim the worst year most of us have ever had the misfortune to endure, there are still plenty of bests to offset all the worsts. Please enjoy all the proof the following pages provide.

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DINING

Breakfast
You say working from home means you aren’t up before sunrise anymore? Don’t worry. The clock may say brunch, but
Sunrise Grill will still serve you the best breakfast in town. Next most popular are Ruth’s Family Kitchen and downtown’s (that is, either Augusta or Aiken) New Moon Cafe.

Brunch
The real tragedy here is that brunch at Edgar’s Grille, anointed as #1 by our readers, happens but once a week. Another potential tragedy: forgetting to remove your mask before that first delicious bite. Manuel’s Bread Café and The Partridge Inn also receive high marks.

Lunch
Ah, something that happens daily. That’s more like it. And the menu at Village Deli is so extensive – 5 solid pages – that you can sample different good things there six days out of every seven. Edgar’s Grille shows up again here, as does TBonz Steakhouse.

Business Lunch
No offense intended, but a proper business lunch should not happen in a strip mall eatery. The setting should suggest empires a-building, a place like
Augustino’s. At least that’s what readers suggest. TBonz Steakhouse takes first runner-up, followed by The Pinnacle Club, offering a superb setting for members’ business lunches (not to mention dinner) at the highest level (seriously) for more than 50 years.

Asian Restaurant
In ordinary times, you might hop on a plane to central China to satisfy your craving for good Chinese food. This year, you’ll have to be content with Hunan Café, but readers say don’t despair: you’re in for a treat. Alas, it’s just as hard to travel to Japan right now too, so take readers up on their suggestions to also try Toki Japanese Steakhouse and Fujiyama Japanese Steak House.

Mexican Restaurant
Locations of Taqueria El Rey are popping up here and there across the area, so there’s no excuse for not visiting the best. Monterrey Mexican Restaurant and Vallarta Restaurante Mexicano (not sure what that translates to in English) are also short listed by readers.

Indian Restaurant
Know what will be crazy? If scientists discover in a month or two that curry is the most effective weapon against COVID-19. If so, Curry Hut will be even more popular than it is now. Visit today and beat the rush! Taj of India and Namaste offer tasty karma too.

Italian Restaurant
Italy made the news across the globe earlier this year for being a hot spot. Meanwhile in Augusta, Oliviana Ristorante has been a hot spot since the day it opened. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Italian Specialties scores 2nd, and Luigi’s (not too far away from their 75th Anniversary), takes 3rd.

Appetizers
Craft & Vine has earned a gold medal from readers for waking up taste buds. That’s the job of appetizers, right? C&V doesn’t even open until 5 pm, but it’s worth the wait. Other taste bud alarm clocks of note: The Bee’s Knees and Finch & Fifth.

Barbecue
Sconyers Bar-B-Que may well be the most handsome restaurant in the river region, but people don’t go there for that. It’s the barbecue that has made Sconyers rather legendary. If by chance you’ve never had a Sconyers experience, put on your stretchy pants and head over. Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q is first runner-up, and Southbound Smokehouse follows.

Ribs
This splinter faction of the barbecue world also marches to the beat of Sconyers, says the voice of the people. Shane’s Rib Shack is what you might call second rib, and TBonz Steakhouse third.

Wings
Despite its untamed name, Wild Wing Cafe has clearly corralled the secret recipe for wonderful wings. And now they’ve gone and done it in Grovetown, too. TBonz Steakhouse and Southbound Smokehouse offer some pretty fly wings too, say our readers.

Seafood
“Beyond Casual” is the most accurate slogan in all the world, and it’s the property of our own hometown eatery, Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar. Boys and girls, we are on the map. T’s Restaurant and Abel Brown are also on board as top vote getters in this category.

Sushi
Some say it’s almost criminal to eat the sushi creations at Takosushi, the reader favorite, because they’re like little sculptures. Preserve art! But never fear: eat these and they’ll make more, pinkie promise. Other A-list edible sculptures are offered at Solé Augusta and Izumi Japanese Restaurant.

Steak
Considering the dietary importance of protein, choosing TBonz Steakhouse (as readers did), is a very wise decision. Voters also have no beef (figuratively speaking) with Calvert’s Restaurant and Cadwalladers Cafe.

Catfish
This being an election year, the catfish vote has been actively courted by every candidate. The incumbent often has a natural advantage, and sure enough,
T’s Restaurant will serve another year as your top choice. Second place goes to Old McDonald’s Fish Camp, and Café 209 wins third.

Fried Chicken
WifeSaver takes the gold again when it comes to fried chicken in this town. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and we have certainly needed that while at home. Pick some up today to combat the COVID blues. Researchers from the CDC (Chicken, Delicious Chicken) also recommend Maryland Fried Chicken and Frog & The Hen.

Soup
Many people think Sunshine Bakery is a division of Sunrise Grill, but they are not related beyond the connection between sunrise and sunshine (which, admittedly, is quite significant). Yes, Sunshine Bakery stands alone, especially in the world of soup (also, admittedly, quite significant). California Dreaming, right here in Georgia (Fun Fact: they tried Georgia Dreaming and it just didn’t work), takes the silver tureen, and Village Deli gets the bronze.

Pizza
Money can’t buy happiness. But it can buy pizza, an important distinction. Your fellow readers suggest Mellow Mushroom is the best place to allocate the pizza portion of your household budget. Pizza Joint and Pizza Central are the other two toppings in this category.

Burrito
Your Numero Uno is everyone’s favorite one-link chain restaurant: Nacho Mama’s. Diablo’s Southwest Grill (6 area locations) wins second place, and Monterrey Mexican Restaurant (did you know they have almost 70 locations across the country?) wins third.

Hot dog
You know what they always say about hot dogs: they taste best at the old ball yard. But when the old ball yard isn’t available — like during pandemics, for example — then they always say SnoCap has the best hot dogs. This is a food that’s all about atmosphere. Two other top dogs are Farmhaus and Village Deli.

Hamburger
The word hamburger originally comes from Germany’s second-largest city, so it’s no coincidence that Farmhaus wins this election. (Note the German spelling of house. See what they did there?) Whiskey Bar Kitchen and Gary’s Hamburgers also made the medals stand.

French Fries
Before the invention of French fries, you might have had a hard time convincing people that elongated potato pieces would ever be a big hit. But they are, and have been for a long time. One history notes that Thomas Jefferson had “potatoes served in the French manner” at a White House dinner in 1802. Your top three 218 years later:

1. McDonald’s
2. Farmhaus
3. Whiskey Bar Kitchen

Sandwiches
If you’re going to be punched in the mouth, it’s best to let Knuckle Sandwiches do it. But we assure you, it’s a good punch in the mouth. Hildebrandt’s continues to do what they’ve done so well since 1879, and Village Deli earns third.

Salad
Just any old collection of mixed greens does not rise to the occasion, but The Southern Salad does. Veg out or veg in, your choice. California Dreaming and TBonz Steakhouse will also gladly trade some of their greens for some of yours.

Dessert
With a name like The Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery — is sweetery even a word? — they aren’t being exactly subtle about it. Just give in and go. You won’t regret it. (Ok, ok, you might. But in a good way.) Neighbors French Market Grille and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar also offer sweet dreams.

Bakery
The big winner is actually lil’ – the Lil’ Dutch Bakery, to be precise. They pour the time and energy they save by dropping those three extraneous letters into their delicious goodies. Second place goes to The Boll Weevil, and third to Taylor-Made Kakes. You’ve never heard of Taylor-Made? Get with the program! She has more than 11,000 followers on Facebook!

Donuts
Some things in the world of 2020 can be enjoyed just as well online. Not donuts. There is no substitute for the real thing, and voters recommend Krispy Kreme, Belair Donuts and Heroes Donuts, in that order.

Ice Cream
Rumor has it that Bruster’s Ice Cream, your fave, offers vanilla. That may be a hoax, but we do know for sure that they have Chocolate Butter Batter Brickle Banana Chip Cheesecake Swirl Crunch. Cold Stone Creamery and Pink Dipper also have one or two flavors.

Coffee
The world’s most popular beverage (just barely edging out vodka and scotch), coffee is item #1 on the menu at Buona Caffe, the top reader choice. Ubora and New Moon Cafe are other key suppliers to feed your addiction.

Iced Tea
Just think: you could have been born in some desolate corner of the world where they don’t have WifeSaver and their superb iced tea. Count your blessings, people. McDonald’s gets 2nd and Chick-fil-A 3rd.

Wine Merchant
In a virtual repeat of last year’s election results, Toast Wine & Beverage, The White Horse Wine & Spirits, and Cork & Flame take the top three spots. When you’ve found a winner, stick with it.

Wine Menu
When a restaurateur formerly owned a wine store, you can be pretty sure he knows his stuff, and so it is with Cork & Flame, the top reader choice. Craft & Vine and Frog Hollow Tavern are very worthy also-rans.

Beer Selection (Take Home)
There are big box brews and local lagers being produced all over the world, and Toast Wine & Beverage and Beverage Outlet take home the gold and silver as the best places to sample the planet’s offerings.

Beer Menu
Which brings us to the World of Beer. Literally. It’s a huge planet we live on, but the World of Beer is conveniently located right here on Washington Road. Even better, readers say they have the best beer menu available. Arsenal Tap Room and The Hive score second and third.

Craft cocktail
A quality craft cocktail is 50% science, 50% art, and 50% flavor. If you doubt this formula, inquire within at Craft & Vine for all the supporting evidence you’ll need. Downtown’s shiny new Pineapple Ink Tavern earns the silver medal (go see why!), while Finch & Fifth takes the bronze.

Happy Hour
In these challenging times, we need more than just an hour of happiness, so Finch & Fifth invites you to stay as long as you’d like (within reason). TBonz Steakhouse is also trying to do its part, as is Solé Augusta.

Caterer
Appropriately enough, Tastefully Yours wins the category. When you hire a caterer, you definitely want tasty, and you want it yours, not somebody else’s. FatMan’s Café and Berry’s Catering battle for second and third.

Friendly Service
Winning this category is a true key to success, and this year the honor goes to Chick-fil-A, proving once again that haute service can trump haute cuisine any day of the week (except Sunday). TBonz Steakhouse and Buona Caffe also place well in this noteworthy category.

Down-Home Cooking
In a year that has seen way too much actual down-home cooking, Goolsby’s is the best there is, say the ballots, at offering non-down-home cooked down-home cooking. And who doesn’t need that right now? Honey From the Rock and WifeSaver complete the top three.

Outdoor Dining
Dining al fresco has always been pleasant, but it hasn’t been potentially life-saving until this year. Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar has plenty of socially distanced tables waiting for you. Solé Augusta and Pizza Joint also have a spread-out spread ready for hungry customers.

New Restaurant
Your top pick, Pineapple Ink Tavern, may be new, but there is plenty of experience back in the kitchen. That experience pays off on your plate and then your taste buds. Readers also said a big “yes jo” to Nojo, a.k.a. Noble Jones. Try it! MeiMei’s Dim Sum House in Grovetown scores third place.

Downtown Restaurant
You cannot go wrong at any of these fine finalists: Whiskey Bar Kitchen in first, Frog Hollow Tavern in second, or Solé Augusta in third.

Neighborhood Restaurant
If one of these establishments isn’t in your neighborhood, call a Realtor (circle R and everything) today! Sheehan’s Irish Pub is on top, followed closely by Manuel’s Bread Café, and finally Beck’s, whom we hope to promptly see post-pandemic.

Best Hidden Gem
You could get lost the first time you search for Rae’s Coastal Café, but only if you don’t have GPS. With or without navigation, though, the votes say you’ll have no trouble finding your way back a second time. And a third and a fourth…Knuckle Sandwiches and Pineapple Ink Tavern are anything but hard to find, so don’t overlook those gems either.

Best Overall Restaurant
We conclude the dining categories with the one grouping that embraces the best of the best. The gold medal, blue ribbon trophy goes to Frog Hollow Tavern. Congratulations! Next, readers like TBonz Steakhouse, and they complete the classiest classification with Cork & Flame. Our (and readers’) compliments to all three.

 

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Local Male Vocalist
There is no doubt Trey McLaughlin can sing. But how well? Well enough to be #1 in this worthy field of finalists. In second is last year’s #1, Ryan Abel. He even sounds great singing through a mask. Russell Joel Brown is third. Is Augusta sharing him with Broadway, or is Broadway sharing him with us?

Local Female Vocalist
The ballots sing the praises of Tyreon
Williams as the winner of the Augusta version of The Voice. Bethany Davis and ChaVonne Campbell are the first and second A-list alternates.

Local R&B Group
Being a group, The Lady & The Gents no doubt stand safely within separate 6-foot circles, but the music still comes out in perfect harmony. Tre Sounds (fronted by the aforementioned ChaVonne Campbell as lead singer) wins the silver medal, and Sounds Unlimited earns the bronze.

Local Jazz Band
The Lady & The Gents’ playbook includes lots of all-time great jazz classics. You can’t go wrong with that formula. Perennial favorite Garden City Jazz wins second.

Local Country Band
Kenny George Band released their new album, “Forgotten South,” just in time to meet a little virus flying in from China. But thankfully, music is immune to infection. Find them on YouTube and elsewhere, and look for their next live gig. Harlem Sons and Whiskey Run are scond and third.

Local Rock/Alternative Band
Ed Turner and Number 9 is quite possibly Augusta’s favorite musical group of any kind. They certainly are in this category, and we have the votes to prove it. Anybody’s Guess and Bethany Davis & the Southside Boys are the warm-up acts in second and third.

Local Bluegrass Band
The Mason Jars play classic bluegrass, which probably explains their name: they preserve the traditions of the genre. The ever-popular Eryn Eubanks is next up, followed by Bethany Davis and the Southside Boys.

Local Contemporary Christian Band
We have seen this name before: Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar band, take this trophy. Repeat winners Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold, and Ryan Abel round out the category.

Local Performing Arts Group
Winners in this category, by a strange coincidence, all share the same first name. The curtain goes up to first reveal Augusta Players. Augusta Choral Society and Augusta Mini Theatre also fill ballot boxes — and seats.

Singles Spot
Have you noticed it’s not easy to meet people during a global pandemic? Lockdowns do make things a little more challenging. Enter Garden City Social. Notice anything unusual about their name? It’s not Garden City Social Distancing, thank goodness. Along with their downtown neighbors Solé Augusta and The Scene Nightclub, you’ve got three options for singles endorsed by our expert panel.

Late-night Spot
Earlier this summer The Indian Queen marked its 8th birthday. So they aren’t even legal yet, but even so they are the reader favorite. People love Southbound Smokehouse (in second) for a multiplicity of reasons: live music, good food, and refreshing libations. Metro Coffeehouse just keeps being a place people like to go.

Live Music Bar
Metro Coffeehouse (see previous sentence). They’re tops in this category. Southbound Smokehouse and Wild Wing Cafe offer alternate stages because variety is a good thing.

Sports Bar
Wild Wing Cafe offers the complete package: good food and drinks of course, but they’re your #1 sports bar and #3 bar for live music. So while you’re eating, drinking and boot scootin’, you can also keep an eye on the scoreboard. How efficient of you. Broad Street’s classic Sports Center and Buffalo Wild Wings are your primo alternates.

 

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MEDIA

Local TV Station
Sure, we miss the old Barnes & Noble, the former tenant at WJBF’s Television Park studio. But on the plus side we do have the new Barnes & Noble and WJBF. Readers say that’s a win-win. Next year’s probable winner, with their shiny new home and everything, is WRDW, and readers say Channel 3 belongs to WFXG.

Local TV News Anchor (Female)
Normally it would be highly inappropriate to call a woman an anchor, let alone tell her she’s the best. But we hope incumbent Jennie Montgomery cherishes this victory. If for any reason she is unable to complete her reign, first runner-up and colleague Dee Griffin is ready to step in. Barclay Bishop makes it a clean sweep for WJBF’s distaff staff.

Local TV News Anchor (Male)
The award for best news male anchor goes to Jennie’s on-air other half Brad Means of WJBF. Good job. Which reminds us, Richard Rogers of WRDW walks away with second place. Back at WJBF, John Hart scoops up third.

Local TV Weather Anchor
Veteran weatherman Jay Jefferies of WFXG, he of more than 30 years’ experience, gets the trophy this year, while WRDW’s Riley Hale takes home the silver. Readers gave George Myers a standing ovation in third as he headed off into retirement.

Local TV Morning Anchor
Her job description is only three words: rise and shine. Readers say Barclay Bishop of WJBF is performing quite well. First place, in fact. Her co-anchor Mary Morrison shares the early morning light, and the matutinal Monique Williams of WRDW wins third.

Local Media Sports Reporter
No one wants a Best of Augusta victory quite as much as a sports reporter, so this win is especially sweet for WJBF’s Colin Cody. Colleague John Hart takes second place, and if you’re thinking, “Hey, I thought he was a news anchor,” you don’t know John. His middle name is actually Sports. Really. Kevin Faigle of WRDW, recently retired from the broadcast world but still in the area, got third.

Local Media Reporter
George Eskola (WJBF) can be Mr Hard-Nosed Investigative Reporter, or he can be Out There Somewhere. Either way, he’s your favorite. The golden one, Meredith Anderson of WRDW, is silver this time, and her colleague Liz Owens wins the bronze.

Local Writer/Columnist
Sylvia Cooper was your favorite Augusta Chronicle writer when you voted. These days, after a 30-year run, she is your favorite former Augusta Chronicle writer.
If there is any more senior writer at the Chronicle than Bill Kirby, we’d be surprised. He’s your #2 man. Damon Cline, who can make a bond referendum for an industrial park into a fascinating paragraph, places third.

Local Radio Station
WKXC, better known as Kicks 99, takes top honors, possibly on the basis of the Guitar Pull alone. What a great annual tradition. Thanks, Kicks! WAFJ and WGAC place second and third.

Local Talk Radio Personality
WGAC’s Austin Rhodes, aka, “The Guy With the Lock on #1,” is, you guessed it, Number One. Word on the street is he has trademarked the term “Twenty-Eight-Peat.” Mary Liz Nolan, also of the WGAC family, is poised to overtake him from her perch in second. In third is the one radio personality with the word Best in her name! Cher Best sends her voice out into the universe from WKSP, better known as 96.3 Kiss-FM.

Local Radio Morning Show
No one can even speak to you until you’ve had that first cup of coffee — except the Kicks 99 Wake Up Crew. Not a bad choice. Fatz and Cher at Kiss-FM are your first alternates (who you turn to during commercials on Kicks), and John and April at WAFJ place 3rd.

Local News Story
Readers in Augusta said Covid-19 is this year’s top news story. Funny thing is, people in roughly 28 million other cities and towns said it was their top local story too. Weird. Augusta’s Cyber Center is next up, and in third is Truck hits Olive Road underpass, Truck hits Olive Road underpass, Truck hits Olive Road underpass, Truck hits Olive Road underpass, Truck hits Olive Road underpass, Truck hits Olive Road underpass…Uh oh! That story is stuck on repeat!

Best Part of Augusta Magazine
Your favorite feature in this publication is Best of Augusta, so save this copy for future reading when you need a nice pick-me-up. Those delicious photographs and recipes in Taste places next, and we close Best like we do every issue: with Around Town.

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SHOPPING/LEISURE

Men’s Clothing Store
Low Country Clothier is riding high, enjoying your votes as the #1 men’s shop in our fair city. Boardroom Clothing Company is still up there (2nd) even though boardroom attire in 2020 is sometimes pajamas (well, pajama bottoms, anyway). Jos A. Bank Clothiers takes third.

Women’s Boutique
The Swank Co. earns the first of its numerous imaginary gold, silver and bronze medallions in this category.  We hope they have plenty of empty space in their imaginary trophy case. SOHO and Brittany Boutique are the other two reader-recommended finalists.

Women’s Shoe Store
Ladies, if you’re looking for the perfect pair of shoes, Shoes at Surrey is the winner! Their knowledgeable staff is ready to help.The Swank Co. is never far behind, it seems, and here they are in 2nd. For the fleet of foot, Fleet Feet is there for you.

Place to Buy Handbags
Take your old handbag to your friends and ours at The Swank Co. Presumably it contains your cash or plastic. Use same to purchase a stylish new handbag. Find the old purse to a new home on Let It Go. Another silver for SOHO, and Shoes at Surrey is the third of three at the top.

Fitness/Outdoor Store
Readers, we like the way you think: surely you love Cabela’s, perhaps the logical first choice here, but your heart is with local businesses first. Well played. Escape Outdoors, therefore, takes the win. The outdoors is like the world’s biggest escape room, you know? Fleet Feet and Half Moon Outfitters complete your top faves.

Consignment store (Furniture)
From the antique silk Persian rugs on the floor to that original Van Gogh (that someone thought was a print worth only $49.95), Consign Design is your top choice for furnishings of the pre-owned variety. Romantic Farmhouse and Second Time Around are also winners.

Consignment store (Clothing)
Assuming the duds are in primo shape, who cares if they aren’t new as long as they’re new to you? That’s all that really matters, right? Hence the success of Encore Consignment, your top choice. Uptown Cheapskate is second in this second-hand category. Well that certainly makes sense.

Supermarket
We must say, Publix has really had their act together during this pandemic, and readers noticed too, rewarding them with the Super-Duper Supermarket designation. The Fresh Market and Sprouts Farmers Market are apparently merely duper among readers who eat.

Organic Food/Products
Because chemicals are generally considered to be less than tasty, there is a demand for organic food. Sprouts Farmers Market fills that need best, say voters. Naturally, The Fresh Market and Good Earth Produce & Garden Center are also great.

Produce
According to our readers, Good Earth Produce & Garden Center needs a new name. They modestly named the place Good Earth; readers say Best Earth is more accurate. Sprouts Farmers Market and The Fresh Market are best-adjacent.

Nursery/Garden Shop
Houseplants? Trees and shrubs for the yard? Bedford Greenhouses probably has what you’re looking for. Call ahead and ask for Isabelle if you aren’t sure, but an in-person visit never disappoints. Good Earth Produce & Garden Center wins second; Greenbrier Nursery & Gifts takes third.

Gifts
When they say Cudos2U (as readers did), they’re saying “Congratulations to U for being so generous!” Good job, u! The Swank Co. is sittin’ swanky in second. Sacred Heart Cultural Center is a great idea in third.

Place to Shop for Husband/Boyfriend
Are you thinking maybe some 2x4s and a DIY oil change kit? Please lie down until that thought goes away. Ready to try again? This time, proceed to Rivers & Glen Trading Company. Ask for Glen. He’ll take care of you. Low Country Clothier is another good reader nomination. Escape Outdoors is third. Their slogan: Get your adventure on. Well, his adventure.

Place to Shop for Wife/Girlfriend
Golfers covet the green jacket. Augusta ladies covet the green box from Windsor Fine Jewelers. They’re your hands down favorite every single time. For other gifts for the women in your life, The Swank Co. and Sacred Heart Gift Shop are also endorsed by readers.

Home Furnishings
Judging by the vote totals, Weinberger’s Furniture is kind of a big deal, which means it’s probably also a good deal. Merry’s Home Furnishings places second, and Savvy Shopper, that place across from Applebee’s on Washington Road, scores third.

Antiques
Even if Mema didn’t have one, sometimes you want one anyway. The place to go is obviously Mema Had One. Buy two so Mema has one too. This time Savvy Shopper wins the silver medal. Days Gone By is third.

Fine Jewelry
Windsor Fine Jewelers are the finest jewelers, according to the ballots. We actually weighed them and Windsor’s votes tallied up a couple hundred thousand carats. Wow! Crown Jewelers wears the silver crown signifying secondary excellence, which is still pretty excellent. Friedman’s Jewelers comes next.

Costume Jewelry
The Swank Co. is the epitome of swankiness in the costume jewelry department, say readers. If Swanksville isn’t calling your name for some reason, try the Sacred Heart Gift Shop, say readers. Or stop by SOHO, the other jewelry box filler suggested by readers.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

Car Wash
It’s not just people who need to sanitize these days. It’s important for cars too, and Sparkle Express is the recommended spot, say voters. LuLu’s and Tidal Wave are 2nd and 3rd.

Barber
Long before quarantine hair was a thing, Durden’s Barbershop was doing its thing. When you go there, you step back in time a little bit and come out with today’s latest style. Cool how they can do that. Yankee Clippers and Old Tyme Tattoo & Barbershop are your second and third choices.

Local Charity
There is only one bank in town that allows almost anyone to make withrawals: Golden Harvest Food Bank. No wonder they’re best among voters. WLJ Angel Gowns come next, helping families cope with the loss of newborns. Let’s hope we have very little need for their services. Salvation Army is third.

Special Event Facility
If you could book a palace for a special event, that would be sweet. But you’ve got to admit, Sacred Heart Cultural Center is the next best thing. Look at the place! Remember Columbia County’s Lady Antebellum Pavillion? When the band changed its name to Lady A, the county removed more than ntebellum; they too off Lady A too, and replaced it with Columbia County Amphitheater. Of course, that has to go too (along with the name of the county) because it honors Christopher Columbus. My, how things change. Legends Club placed third.

Tourist Attraction
Ok, so maybe no tourists will come to town for this year’s Masters Tournament. But it’s still Augusta’s #1 tourist attraction. And maybe they’ll allow life-size cardboard cutouts of badge-holders on the course like the Braves do. The river takes second and third in the person of 2.) the Augusta Canal and 3.) Riverwalk.

Historic Landmark
The James Brown statue is hot, especially since they cut down the trees shading it last year. Sacred Heart Cultural Center is next, followed by the hidden gem known as the Lucy C. Laney Museum.

Place You Wish Was Still Here
The Fat Man’s dynasty still exists, but Fat Man’s Forest is just a fond memory; the fondest, in fact. Fort Discovery also holds a special place in reader’s hearts. The Haunted Pillar had a great run, but now it can only haunt our memories.

Florist
Things are coming up roses (and various other flowers) for Martina’s Flowers. Flowers on Broad and Ladybugs Flowers complete the bouquet.

Photographer
As the vote totals developed, Rick Milton Photography appeared in first place. Yolanda Rouse Photography and Rachel Tesch Photography are two other great options if your goal is to avoid awkward family photos.

First Date Spot
A leisurely stroll along the Savannah on Riverwalk could be life-changing, you never know. We like how readers are thinking. It isn’t, “for a first date, better keep the investment low.” No, they suggest Solé Augusta and Oliviana Ristorante as additional great venues for that tone-setting first date.

Bridal Shop
If things work well (see above) put Elegant Bridals on your must-see list. House of the Bride also works, say readers, because grooms need to learn as early as possible that it’s all about her. There is no House of the Groom, guys. Tiffinie Bleu Bridal Boutique wins 3rd.

Bank/Financial Institution
Coming in first as the reader favorite (after Golden Harvest Food Bank, of course) is Queensborough National Bank & Trust. SRP Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo are also good for the money.

Realtor
You can type nothing more than “Venus Augusta” into your Googler, and the world wide web will deliver Meybohm Real Estate’s
Venus Morris Griffin to your screen. Shannon Rollings and Ross Trulock are second and third. You can’t work from home if you don’t have a home, right? Call a realtor today!

Fitness Center/Gym
Call your top choice, Planet Fitness, to ask about their proposals for things like global warming, population control and acid rain. They may have nothing, but they can probably still help you personally. Gold’s Gym and Oxygen Fitness also compete.

Day Spa
The owner of  Tuscany Italian Spa might well say, “I’m Leigh Ann Keels and I improve this massage.” She probably wouldn’t say that, but she might. Second place goes to Retreat Spa & Salon, and Serenity Massage & Wellness Spa wins third.

Hair Salon
Back in the day the Bliss Salon building was the home of Hill Drug. In other words, this location has always been about helping people feel good, inside and out. Halo Salon & Spa and His & Her Hair Salon complete the top three.

Place to Swim
Swimming is the perfect exercise, which is why we all do it regularly. We do, don’t we? Well if not, get in the swim at the Family Y, recommend voters. The Augusta Aquatic Center is in lane 2, and the Kroc Center is in lane 3.

Golf Course
You say you want to follow in Bobby Jones’ footsteps but your invitation to become a member of Augusta National got lost in the mail? Then Forest Hills Golf Club is for you. The River Club is one shot back, and The Patch, also known (by no one) as the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, takes third.

Tennis Courts
In our litigious society, if you must take someone to court, take them to Newman Tennis Center. The votes say Westlake and Petersburg Racquet Club complete the local list of our highest courts.

Yoga Studio
Relax. Take a deep breath. Space Yoga Studio will take you where you need to go. Oxygen Fitness Studio is your next choice. Third place goes to Deepwater Yoga, where no water is involved. The name comes from the perpetual calm in the deep waters of the ocean no matter what’s happening on the surface.

Place to Walk Your Dog
Fun Fact: the Augusta Canal is a great place to walk your dog even if you don’t have a dog. Just pretend. North Augusta’s Greeneway is another excellent option, and readers also endorse Pendleton King Park.

Best Local Arts Festival
Speaking of pretending, lets pretend that Arts in the Heart was great again this year. The art! The performances! The food! The best yet! The same goes for the Augusta Greek Festival, except we don’t have to pretend: at press time it’s still on schedule for October 9-11. Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival, another perrenial favorite, also hopes to be back next year.

Fundraising Event
The nationwide Zoom country music concert that locally raised $100,000 for the Golden Harvest Food Bank in April might have been a worthy candidate, but voters like hometown events best. Like the Sacred Heart Garden Festival, for instance. And the Miracle Mile Walk. And It’s Spooky to Be Hungry.

Appears in the October 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

It’s our favorite issue of the year! Whether your new to Augusta or a long-time resident, the Best of Augusta has something for everyone. We invite you to discover the area’s top stores, restaurants, recreation spots and much more as chosen by you, our readers.

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DINING

Breakfast
You know what nutritionists always say: The most important restaurant of the day is Sunrise Grill. It is your top pick for bacon and eggs, corn flakes, and other morning faves, including that all-important first gallon of coffee. Ruth’s Family Restaurant is first runner-up, followed by Surrey Center’s Bodega Ultima.

Appetizers
You’ve placed your order in your favorite restaurant, which in this category happens to be Craft & Vine. Now what? Ah, yes! Stare at your phone until your entree arrives. Of course, that never happens in real life, does it? And why not? Because you ordered appetizers! The best ones in town at that. The Bee’s Knees and Finch & Fifth complete the tempting trio of tantalizingly tasty starters.

Barbecue
The debate rages on about how to spell barbecue. Three letters? Or eight? Hyphenated or not? Q or no q? But in this part of the world, no matter how you spell it, you use the letters S-C-O-N-Y-E-R-S. We have notified Merriam-Webster. Readers may not have gone whole hog for Southbound Smokehouse, but it was close enough for second place. Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q wins third.

Ribs
There are many ways to judge ribs. There’s flavor, naturally. But there’s also the napkin factor. Some people go through a dozen before they’re even warmed up. Others prefer the no-napkin approach to literally finger-lickin’-good ribs. Whatever camp you’re in, fellow ribsters recommend Sconyers as the source of prime ribs. Southbound Smokehouse takes home another silver medal, and Big Daddy’s Bar & Grill scores the bronze.

Wings
In this era of fractious left-wing and right-wing ideologies, can we all just get along? Let’s unite under the Wild Wing Cafe banner and bring the wings together, shall we? Yes, we shall. The ballots say birds of a feather can also flock together and do the wing thing at Southbound Smokehouse and TBonz.

Seafood
From the skies where chickens majestically soar we travel deep underwater for our next category. There we find a trove of ballots for Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, submerged, breaded, deep fried, yet still crisp and legible. Curious, indeed. The venerable T’s Restaurant scores second place, while Beck’s makes for a most seaworthy option in third.

Sushi
Imagine a faraway island where they invent a delicacy so delicious that it’s enjoyed as far away as Augusta, Georgia. You are imagining sushi, the Japanese dish imported to the aptly named Takosushi. It’s your favorite sushi source outside of Japan. Second-fave outside of Japan: Solé Augusta; third: Izumi Japanese Restaurant.

Steak
We all have a stake in the outcome of this category: we all like steak. Even vegetarians have cheat days, right? So when the urge hits, sink your teeth into a tender steak from TBonz. That’s what your fellow carnivores suggest. Another sterling suggestion they made: Edgar’s Grille. And still another: Frog Hollow Tavern.

Fried Chicken
Let’s say you just arrived from Mars half an hour ago. You’ve never experienced fried chicken. Where do you go? Voters say WifeSaver. If you can make it from Mars to Earth, you can surely find your way to their nearest location. In second, Maryland Fried Chicken is so good that fried is actually their middle name. The legendary Augusta institution known as Fat Man’s Cafe (in Enterprise Mill) wins the bronze medal.

Soup
Is it soup yet? If you’re at Sunshine Bakery, the answer is always yes. So forget Soup of the Day. As reigning Supreme Soup Server 2019, it’s Soup of the Year at Sunshine. Another superior soup kitchen is Inner Bean, say voters. Ditto for California Dreaming.

Pizza
Pizza is a little bit like soup, you know? There are a zillion kinds of soup, and the same is true of pizza. The possible combinations of crust types and ingredients number into the quadrillions, yet Mellow Mushroom has mastered them all. The ballots say so. Pizza Joint is another premier pizza preparer, and Giuseppe’s is the #3 place to feed your appetite.

Hot Dog
Some would call hot dogs a guilty pleasure. People! Lose the guilt! In all of mankind’s history, no one on their deathbed has ever said, “I wish I had eaten fewer hot dogs.” No one! Ever! So get over to Sno-Cap and satisfy your craving. Or, say your fellow readers, Farmhaus. Or Gary’s Hamburgers. (Sometimes when Gary says hamburger he really means hot dog.)

Burrito
“You had me at burrito,” goes that famous movie line. So saddle up, y’all, and head to Nacho Mama’s for what voters say is the optimal burrito experience. And let’s be honest: we all want an optimal burrito experience. Diablo’s Southwest Grill comes up second, Twisted Burrito takes third.

Sandwiches
The Earl himself would have loved Hildebrandt’s. Heck, he probably did. The place has been around long enough. And for good reason: they’re very good at what they do. Village Deli (located in the Village) is your next favorite. Then comes the one-link chain known as Knuckle Sandwiches.

Hamburgers
Where’s the beef? According to readers, it’s at Farmhaus. Or to put it another way, readers have absolutely no beef with Farmhaus. Whiskey Bar Kitchen is another place with major grill cred. Gary’s Hamburgers gets the nod in third.

French Fries
There comes a time in everyone’s life — usually a couple times a week, in fact — when french fries are crucially important. When a lonely burger sits all by itself on a platter. When one’s sodium intake plummets to three times the recommended maximum. When a day of the week ends in Y. When those situations unexpectedly strike, get to Farmhaus pronto, say readers. They also recommend Knuckle Sandwiches’ fries. The fries at Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar round out the top three.

Down-Home Cooking
For food just like mom used to make (unless by chance your mother was Little Debbie), readers recommend Honey From the Rock. WifeSaver came up second in the voting, and Ruth’s Family Kitchen, often confused with Ruth’s Chris Steak House, wins third place.

Catfish
This category has nothing to do with the online scam known as catfishing. This is about one of the tastiest fish around, and the proof is served up every day (well, except for Sundays and Mondays) at T’s Restaurant. It’s their specialty. Old McDonald’s Fish Camp is a logical voter choice for second place, but you may be surprised to know that readers ranked Village Deli third.

Salad
Well, salad certainly knows how to spoil a french fry party. Now we have to talk about healthy stuff. In all fairness, though, salads can be downright delicious with all their bright colors and varied flavors and crunchy goodness. Just ask the salad creators at The Southern Salad. Ask nicely and they’ll build one for you. California Dreaming and Rae’s Coastal Cafe represent the rest of the best salad stars.

Dessert
Always save room for dessert. You know that old saying, “Life is short. Eat dessert first”? Are you going to have a piece of chocolate cake and then follow that up with salad, lasagna, and garlic bread? No, you are not. So like we said, always save room for dessert. Readers recommend The Boll Weevil for happy endings. Two other splendid options: Edgar’s Grille and French Market Grille.

Bakery
When it comes to baked goodies, what’s your favorite? Cinnamon rolls? Sugar cookies? Pecan pie? Red velvet cake? Brownies? If your answer is all of the above, you voted correctly in choosing Two Moms Kitchen as best bakery. They do have all of the above and a lot more, including casseroles. Voters are also partial to The Boll Weevil and Lil’ Dutch Bakery. You know the saying, “it’s all good”? It’s true.

Doughnuts
Scholars and linguists continue to debate whether doughnut or donut is correct. We say let them talk on. That just means more donuts – and doughnuts – for the rest of us. Number 1 in your book is Krispy Kreme, aka Krispy de la Krem. But isn’t that name already taken by a rapper? Either way, Belair Donuts is first runner-up and Dunkin’ Donuts is third.

Ice Cream
Speaking of debates, what is the obvious solution to global warming? More ice cream. Duh. So get to Bruster’s before it all melts! You can also get the scoop at Pink Dipper, or grill and chill at Dairy Queen in third.

Coffee
We’ve all heard a lot about fake news in the past year, but did you know there’s also fake coffee? Indeed there is. It’s called decaf. They do serve it at your top pick, Buona Caffe, but they also serve the real thing. Your top two alternates: Inner Bean, then Rooted Coffee House.

Iced Tea
Speaking of fake news, despite what you may have heard, actor and rapper Ice-T did not invent iced tea. Ditto for Ice Cube. It was Snoop, wasn’t it? Anyway, WifeSaver puts a lid on the victory in this category. Literally. McDonald’s takes home the silver medal (please pull forward and we’ll bring it out to you) and Chick-fil-A wins the bronze.

Wine Menu
By contrast, this is your go-to source for non-to-go wine, the kind you savor with a fine meal. Or perhaps beforehand as kind of a liquid appetizer. Or afterward with dessert. Whatever the case, the place to go (but again, not to-go) is Craft & Vine, say the experts. Edgar’s Grille and Frog Hollow Tavern finish nicely in second and third.

Beer Selection/Take Home
There’s a reason beer comes in six-packs instead of a big jug: so it’s easier to carry home. That plastic thing? That isn’t designed to hold the cans together. It’s the handle. So go to Toast Wine & Beverage and get a handle on your favorite brewskis. Beverage Outlet and Savannah River Brewing are also among the reader faves.

Beer Menu
This category automatically eliminates places like That Flippin’ Egg and Sunrise Grill. Beer and pancakes just never caught on, strangely enough. But The Hive has caught on as owner of the #1 Beer Menu in the area. The aptly named World of Beer scores second place, and Arsenal Tap Room wins third.

Wine Merchant
Your favorite go-to source for to-go wine is Toast Wine & Beverage. Runner-up is The White Horse Wine & Spirits, followed by Columbia County’s transformed Cork & Flame, once upon a time The Vineyard Wine Market, now an upscale restaurant that still offers fine wines.

Craft Cocktail
You’re probably thinking some restaurant up at the lake will win this category, right? But we’re talking about craft as a skill, not a boat. See the diff? Even so, the winner, Craft & Vine is not too far from the riverfront. Finch & Fifth takes a fifth and uses it to outpour Edgar’s Grille for the runner-up spot.

Happy Hour
Yes, happy can come in a bottle. But the stuff is so potent it’s usually served only by the glass. Your favorite purveyor of this happiness is Edgar’s Grille. And the ampersand twins, Craft & Vine and Finch & Fifth take second and third, respectively. Remember, let’s always get happy responsibly.

Friendly Service
This is a vital category whether the menu features prime rib or corn dogs. Or, as it turns out, chicken nuggets. That’s a hint that the winner is Chick-fil-A. That is quite a feather in any chicken’s cap. Edgar’s Grille is next-best, followed by Honey From the Rock.

Outdoor Dining
When someone whispers those three little words in your ear – “low humidity today” – it’s the perfect opportunity to savor the great outdoors at Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, the reader favorite. Downtown’s Solé Augusta and its sweet little patio earn it second place, and Manuel’s Bread Cafe follows, sidewalk style.

Brunch
Anyone ever tell you that you can’t have it both ways? Oh yes you can! Scientists have invented a way to combine breakfast and lunch into a single meal! It’s true. They call it “brunch.” If you don’t believe us, check in at Edgar’s Grille any Sunday between 10:30 and 2:00. You’ll see. Science is amazing! Two more reader-endorsed options: Manuel’s Bread Cafe and Finch & Fifth.

Lunch
As you saw above, Honey From the Rock is tops in down-home cooking. And they’re only open from 11 am to 2 pm. Ergo, they pretty much rock lunchtime, as the vote totals in this category also attest. Second place: Fat Man’s Cafe, keepers of the family flame since the 1940s. Third place: Edgar’s Grille.

Business Lunch
This isn’t simply lunch. It’s a business lunch. There is a difference. For one thing, the winner here is Augustino’s. They serve lunch to the president and CEO. The vice president eats middays at French Market Grille, and the CFO dines at Fat Man’s Cafe.

Asian Restaurant
Ironically enough, the premier Far East restaurant is far west: Izumi Japanese Restaurant in Evans. Hunan Cafe was awarded the silver medal by readers, and Miyako won the bronze.

Mexican Restaurant
Taqueria el Rey is the king, both in name and in balloting. Long live el rey. Poblano’s is numero dos, and Salsa’s is nipping at Poblano’s heels. So it was almost a Mexican standoff, but not quite.

Indian Restaurant
Curry Hut does a reprise of last years’ victory, what is known as a two-peat. So does Taj of India in second place. In third, Namaste Indian Street Food. Since some people have trouble saying this word correctly, now is the perfect time for a quick namaste pronunciation lesson. Imagine you’re dining at Namaste and your companion asks, “You ready to leave?” Your reply will be, and we quote, “Namaste a little while longer.” There. You know how it’s pronounced.

Italian Restaurant
Since the Hoover Administration, if we recall correctly, Luigi’s has been filling plates with the savory tastes of Italy. Thank you for your service. It’s delicious. Oliviana isn’t nearly as old, but they make up for it with superb rustic farm-fresh Italian food. And let us not forget Giuseppe’s in third.

Downtown Restaurant
With options aplenty, winning here is a distinct honor, one that goes to Frog Hollow Tavern, ranked #1 among 385 Augusta restaurants on TripAdvisor and first in this Best of Augusta category. Also on the medals stand is Whiskey Bar Kitchen, then The Bee’s Knees. Worthy options one and all.

Catering
They may be a venerable presence in this city, but Fat Man’s keeps the food and the vibe fresh year after year, in the cafe and for their road show. Caterer #2 by vote is Roux’s Catering, and Tastefully Yours tastefully rounds out the top trio.

Sports Bar
Wild Wing Cafe gets the win, not just for their food and not just for their dozens of screens tuned to all the games, but also for their loyal support of local live music. The place is the complete package. Sports Center downtown is such a timeless classic that it needs to show up in some of the Hollywood productions being filmed around here. Third place goes to the always sporty Buffalo Wild Wings.

Neighborhood Restaurant
Did you know Sheehan’s Irish Pub and Beck’s are sister restaurants? They are indeed, and just to prove there’s no sibling rivalry, Beck’s let Sheehan’s have first place. Beck’s is happy enough with second. Maybe next year they’ll switch. Third place most definitely has that neighborhood vibe working: Manuel’s Bread Cafe.

Hidden Gem Restaurant
You know that seasonal promotion where Windsor Jewelers hides something precious out there somewhere? This is a completely different thing. Here, gem is used metaphorically. So there’s no need to worry about biting down on a ruby, for instance, in your shrimp & grits at Rae’s Coastal Cafe, your foremost hidden gem. Edgar’s Grille is hidden in plain sight so well that not everyone who drives past it every day knows it’s there. And finally, Knuckle Sandwiches has taken the tiny house concept and applied it to their restaurant. But obviously they still make a big impact.

New Restaurant (Less than a year)
The restaurant scene is always jumping with new arrivals and departures, and the very best of the newbies, say voters, is Frog & The Hen Market & Eatery. The Market part refers to their World’s Smallest Grocery Store section where you can buy good stuff for your cupboards at home. Broad Street’s The Southern Salad crunches the competition for a second-place showing, while Cork & Flame brings its excellence to Columbia County.

Best Restaurant Overall
This is the gold medal category, and the gold medal winner is Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, where the food, libations, service and atmosphere all combine for top honors. Frog Hollow Tavern and Edgar’s Grille share the well-deserved spotlight in 2nd and 3rd. Congratulations to all three.

 

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Male Vocalist
Whether you’ve heard him solo, with Number 9, or in church, your favorite pipes belong to Ryan Abel. Keith Gregory has been a favorite for years, and he is again this year. Third place is a tie between Trey McLaughlin and Gordon Carver.

Female Vocalist
The Bethany Davis portion of Bethany Davis and The Southside Boys is the well-deserved gold medalist of this category. Sorry, Southside Boys. We discriminate on the basis of gender here. Tyreon Williams and Eryn Eubanks could join up with Bethany and make a nice trio.

R&B Group
The Lady (one) & The Gents (six of ‘em) are your favorites, thanks to their smooth blend of R&B and jazz with an Old Hollywood flair. Yesterday’s Dream – perhaps you’ve seen them perform at Arts in the Heart – wins second place, and Sounds Unlimited third.

Jazz
We did mention that The Lady & The Gents blends jazz with their R&B, and sure enough, they scoop up another blue ribbon in this category. In musical lingo that’s called double-dipping. Perennial favorites Garden City Jazz are your next favorite, and the one and only Bill Karp comes in first in the third place division.

Country Band
The Harlem Sons is hereby officially crowned Best of Augusta. Whiskey Run earns second place, and despite the loss of their drummer Bucky Brown last year, the Kenny George Band carries on making music people love.

Rock/Alternative Band
King Cat and the Elders flavors their rock with a double shot of rockabilly. It works so well they’re #1. Anybody’s Guess comes next, but they’re a lot more of a sure thing than their name suggests. Check ‘em out at their next show. The quality of live entertainment around here must be stellar when Ed Turner and Number 9 come in third. And it is. Support live local music!

Bluegrass Band
Eryn Eubanks – solo, or with The Family Fold – is the winner among readers (and listeners). The Mason Jars are all about classic Americana for the ears. Third place goes to The Henrys, a group with more than one Henry. That’s why it’s “Henrys” instead of “Henry’s.” This band is apostrophe-free. Say that six times fast.

Contemporary Christian Band
Sometimes Sunday morning services sound a lot like a high decibel concert. Just ask Days to Come, your top pick. Don’t forget to take out your earplugs to hear their answer. Trey McLaughin and the Sounds of Zamar come in second; Eryn Eubanks reappears in third.

Singles Spot
It’s not like anyone is standing at the door of The Indian Queen checking marital status. Well, not usually anyway. Which could be one reason why it’s your top pick. Chevy’s comes in second; Solé Augusta is third. We should note that the singles in the various spots listed may be on the younger side or the older side depending on the location you choose.

Late-Night Spot
Garden City Social – no, not Social; that’s something completely different – is the late night king. If you aren’t into late night, they are also open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Their hours on those days are midnight to 2 a.m. The Indian Queen welcomes you after dark – way after dark. And Southbound Smokehouse also keeps late hours.

Live Music Bar
You have to applaud the bands that ply their trade on local stages, but let’s also have a round of applause for the venues themselves. Without them, every band would be a garage band. So let’s raise a glass (and in a few rare cases a pair of earplugs) to Stillwater Taproom, Southbound Smokehouse and Wild Wing Cafe, your first, second and third best indie stages.

Performing Arts Group
The Augusta Players have been around for awhile, and there’s a reason for that. Success, as they say, breeds Best of Augusta votes. The Augusta Broadway Singers – TABS for short – does choral arrangements of the great classics. No wonder they’re among the select few. Storyland Theatre wins third.

 

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MEDIA

Local TV Station
What makes one station better than another? It might be their community involvement, their on-air news personalities, or perhaps even network programming. Or it could be a numbers thing, like maybe people favor the number 6 over the number 12, or even 11. Locally, that numbers thing translates to your favorites: WJBF, followed by WRDW, followed by WFXG.

Local TV News Anchor/Female
Remember the old TV show Queen for a Day? Then you are definitely a seasoned viewer. But WJBF’s Jennie Montgomery is queen for a year! It doesn’t hold a candle to Queen Elizabeth’s 65 years, but still. Laura Warren of WRDW is sort of like the queen’s lady-in-waiting, and since this category is not time-of-day specific, Barclay Bishop completes the royal court.

Local TV News Anchor/Male
WJBF is not a station of modest means; it’s a station of the very best Means, say readers. Brad Means, to be specific. Richard Rogers wears the silver crown, matching his handsomely silvering hair quite nicely. Readers give Jay Jeffries of WFXG third place.

Local TV News Anchor/Morning
Mary Morrison of WJBF is the very definition of a morning person. At least we hope she is. Can you imagine if she absolutely hates getting up early? If so, she hides it very well. So well that viewers have given her the Miss Golden Ray of Morning Sunshine Award. Sidekick Barclay Bishop doesn’t rain on any parades either. In third, the lovely and talented Monique Williams of WRDW is another trusted source of daytime news.

Local TV News Anchor/Weather
You gotta love George Myers (of WJBF). Really. You have to. And we do. All of us. We love you, George. Remember that. Jay Jeffries, in his proper weather category this time, takes second place, and Tim Strong (WRDW) has what he always has: a Strong showing.

Local TV Reporter
One thing is certain: planet-wide, there is a grand total of only one George Eskola (WJBF). And aren’t we glad he’s in Augusta? Readers are. And now for something completely different: Stephanie Lopez of WFXG in second place. Investigative and consumer affairs reporter Liz Owens of WRDW wins third.

Local Sports Reporter
When was the last time you saw three teams compete in a single game? Never. Which may be why readers made this a two-man race between Kevin Faigle (WRDW) and John Hart (WJBF). It’s Kevin Faigle at the buzzer!

Local Radio Station
If HE>I (and we’re pretty sure He was last time we checked) it’s no surprise that Christian music station WAFJ 88.3 comes out on top. In second, Kicks 99 lets us get our Nashville on, right here in Augusta. And when you’re not in the mood for music, there’s always WGAC (95.1).

Local Talk Radio Personality
There are apparently no term limits in the often political world of talk radio, because voters have reelected Austin Rhodes (of WGAC) to yet another term. Fun fact: he has now passed Franklin D. Roosevelt for first place all alone. Your next-best personality is Cleve Walker, who arrives in your earbuds from WAFJ. Mary Liz Nolan (WGAC), kind of the radio version of Mary Morrison, takes third.

Local Radio Morning Show
For that perfect combination of entertainment and information, most readers rise & shine to the Kicks 99 Wake Up Crew. WAFJ’s Morning Show with John & April scores second place, and the WGAC team of Mary Liz, Steve Smith, and John Patrick rounds out the top three.

Local News Story
This might sound dumb, but your #1 news story was the viral sensation of Ft. Gordon soldiers marching to the beat of the kid’s song “Baby Shark.” This is a truly wonderful thing: other cities would have to name some huge scandal or terrible tragedy. Not here, thankfully. In second place, more good news: the Cyber Center downtown. And finally, the lock and dam and all of the questions about its future was third.

Local Writer/Columnist
It’s a clean sweep for The Augusta Chronicle, beginning with Bill Kirby and his vast knowledge of Augusta lore. Next up, the very current chronicles of what just happened?, mostly at the Marble Palace, written by Sylvia Cooper. And then comes Don Rhodes, who has met and written about just about every celebrity in every field for nearly 50 years.

Best Part of Augusta Magazine
We asked readers an obvious question: what is the “best” part of this magazine (we actually did air quotes when we asked). They actually rolled their eyes, said “Duh,” and then proceeded to tell us that The Best is The Best. SMH! Why didn’t we think of that? Well, it’s still useful information. The other two “best parts” are in general, the magazine’s local flavor, and very specifically, the local flavor of Around Town, where exceptional Humans of Augusta are caught in the act around town.

 

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SHOPPING/LEISURE

Fitness Center/Gym
Ever notice that if you take the T out of fitness, you almost spell finesse? And we all want a little more finesse, so let’s put the T back in there and head to the Y. Bring the whole gang: it’s the Family Y. Also rans (get it?) include Evans Fitness Center and Gold’s Gym.

Hair Salon
According to readers, Bliss Salon & Spa is the premium source of hair-related bliss. What about bald people? Bliss may not be able to help you there, but by all means call anyway. It never hurts to ask. D.J. & Co.
Salon is your second salon, while His & Hers gets third place.

Day Spa
Remember as an infant when you were Pampered? Well, day spas specialize in pampering of a completely different sort. It’s all about tranquility and relaxation, like what is on the menu every day at Tuscany Italian Spa. Go there and be transformed. At Retreat Spa and Salon, the name kinda says it all. D.J. & Co. Salon reprises its silver hair salon medal with a bronze here.

Place to Swim
Not that we need to cool off around here or anything. No, not at all. We swim surely for the physical fitness benefits at the the Family Y. They’ve got the coolest-poolest combo working well. The Kroc Center is another reader favorite, and the Augusta Aquatic Center is what might be called third-wettest.

Golf Course/Public
As many people have found out the hard way, golf course can easily become golf curse. It’s just one letter off. If that has ever happened to you, call the pro at Forest Hills, the poll favorite. Take some lessons and get that O back in there where it belongs. River Golf Club and Bartram Trail also offer vowel restoration services. Of course, many golfers have all their vowels intact. Congratulations.

Tennis Courts
We know it sounds contradictory, but readers have only love for Newman Tennis Center. Forest Hills and Patriots Park are two other favorite places where a lot of networking takes place.

Yoga Studio
Yoga is built from the Sanskrit word for union, while Space Yoga Studio is built on Monte Sano Avenue. So the similarities are obvious. Oxygen Fitness is the first alternate, and is Oh Yeah Yoga third? Oh yeah.

Place to Walk Your Dog
Around the block is okay for ordinary occasions, but for those special Who’s a good boy? moments, go ahead and splurge on a walk along the Augusta Canal. Take man’s best friend there and you will become dog’s best friend. See how that works? Option 2: Riverwalk. Savannah Rapids, basically the western end of Option 1, is your 3rd-favorite option.

Local Festival
Arts in the Heart, a 3-day extravaganza of art, music and food, is easy to love, and readers do. Sometimes the “R” in heart is missing that weekend, but it’s better than, say, the Augusta Frostbite Festival. Readers are also partial to the annual Greek Festival, as well as Banjo-B-Que.

Fundraising Event
All too often there is no F-U-N in fundraising. Safe Homes of Augusta knew that. So they had two choices: either throw in the towel on fun and just go with Draising, or put the fun back into fundraising. The ballots prove they went with the latter in their Fake It to Make It lip sync challenge. What a blast! The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year is another splendid event for a worthy cause. Spooky To Be Hungry is a scary-good benefit for Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Weekend Getaway
After all your donations to various fundraising events, the trip to Tahiti will have to wait at least a couple weeks. In the meantime what are the best local options? People who know recommend a jaunt to Charleston. And this time, make sure it’s South Carolina. (No offense, West Virginia.) Their second suggestion is Savannah, always lovely this time of year, followed by Hilton Head Island. Send us a postcard!

Men’s Clothing Store
Clothes make the man, as they used to say. These days, the gender-neutral saying is clothes make the person. This category isn’t even about men. It’s all about the best clothing store for a certain type of person. Turns out, that type of person prefers Boardroom Clothing Company above all others. Second-best: Jos. A. Bank, where they leave “eph” off their signs and pass the savings on to you. Third place goes to Low Country Clothier.

Women’s Boutique
Ah, another category for a certain type of person. These types are different. Very different. They prefer The Swank Company. So do we. For starters we absolutely love the name. Always have. These people also like SOHO. And at the end of the day (and the category), there is only One. It’s in Surrey Center. The question, though: are you in the camp that says One like “won” or those who say “Oh-nay”?

Women’s Shoes
First, look for a place that has shoes in its name. That helps narrow things down. Hopefully it’s located near several primo boutiques so you don’t have to run all over town to complete the perfect ensemble. A place like Surrey Center, for example. A place named Shoes at Surrey would be ideal. It would probably win Best of Augusta in this category, in fact. The next place you let your feet carry you is The Swank Company, and The Ivy Boutique in Evans completes the trio that’s tops in shoes.

Place to Buy Handbags
Speaking of the perfect ensemble, as long as you’re already at Shoes at Surrey, you should know that they are, say the ballots, the premiere purse purveyor and the home of humdinger handbags. Other worthy selections are presented at The Swank Company and SOHO.

Fitness/Outdoor Store
Rivers & Glen Trading Company is just ever-so-slightly more outdoorsy than fitnessy. They’re also holding more votes than anybody else in this category. Second and third place go to Escape Outdoors and Fleet Feet, respectively, and both of them are just a wee bit more fitness-centric than Rivers & Glen.

Furniture Consignment
Where can you find that $2995 love seat for $29.95? Uh, no place. But that doesn’t mean you can’t score some serious deals at Savvy Shopper. Consign Design not only has a cool name, but enough first class decor to rank as #2 in the voting. Romantic Farmhouse is #3.

Clothing Consignment
Here’s the dilemma: basically you’re cheap, but you’re also definitely the uptown type. Believe it or not, there’s a store just for you! It’s called Uptown Cheapskate, and trust us when we tell you they mean no offense. But if you’re totally offended, try Kid-to-Kid, or the place where they look at used clothing and yell out “Encore!” That would be Encore Consignments.

Supermarket
From that first produce aisle all the way through to frozen foods, your pick is Publix. The public has spoken. The Publix public. Kroger is your next favorite. Why? Because they sell stuff we like to eat. Ditto for Fresh Market. Yum!

Organic Food/Products
The winner by definition must offer a tantalizing array of natural products. But natural alone isn’t enough; gravel is all-natural, after all. It must be wholesome and natural and edible. Tasty, in fact. That tall order, say the balloteers, is filled nicely by Sprouts. Earth Fare is the silver medalist and Good Earth wins the bronze.

Produce
Ever hear someone say “Why don’t you grow a pear?” Next time you hear that, score one for the local guy and shop at Good Earth. It’s the only Earth we have, after all, so go there while you still can. Their neighbor, Sprouts, wins second place, and third, the produce aisle at your nearest Publix. In season, they all sell pears. There’s no need to grow your own, friends.

Nursery/Garden Shop
But if you wanted to (grow your own, that is), you could do no better than to visit Sanderlin’s Greenhouses. Ask about their pear tree special. At #2, Bedford Greenhouses is the top in-town option (visit once and you’ll see why), followed by Good Earth, where they sell fruits, vegetables, and the plants that makes them.

Gifts
Many of us know from personal experience that The Swank Company is a great place to buy stuff to give away, because it makes it so much easier to justify keeping it. It’s too nice to give away. But you see, that’s the whole point. So keep going there. Just buy two of everything. Cudos2U gets second place and Whole Life Christian Bookstore came in third.

Place to Shop for Husband/Boyfriend
Looking to treat that special guy in your life? Head on over to the Boardroom Clothing Company off Wheeler Road in the Verandah. Buy him whatever his little heart desires. Encourage him to splurge.
Repeat the same process at Rivers & Glen Trading Company and Escape Outdoors, suggest our voters. Three great stores sure to have something for every man.

Place to Shop for Wife/Girlfriend
Looking to surprise the lady in your life with the perfect gift? Start your day at Windsor Fine Jewelers for the big reveal: the surprise shopping spree of her life! We promise she won’t be disappointed. Then for a memorable double encore, repeat at The Swank Company and One.

Home Furnishings
When a company tries to rebrand itself, the results are usually mixed. Take the old Merry’s Trash & Treasures. Their new name is Merry’s Home Furnishings. Has the new name caught on? Voters say even though Trash is gone, the Treasures remain. Well, at least they tried. Weinberger’s Furniture and Andrews Gallery are readers’ second and third favorites.

Antiques
Next time you hear “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore,” drive directly to West End Collective and get it from the time when they did make it like that. It’s their specialty. Mema Had One is second (hand). Knowing her, she probably had several actually. Savvy Shopper invites you to come in and prove that you are.

Fine Jewelry
To acquire fine jewelry one must find a fine jeweler. And it’s a huge time saver when things are properly labeled. For example: Windsor Fine Jewelers. There you go. You now have a Fine Jeweler. The final step is next: acquire your fine jewelry. Readers also endorse CrownJewelers (The Augusta ones, not the British ones) as well as Martinez Gold.

Costume Jewelry
You might never refer to your 2-carat diamond and sapphire brooch as “bling,” but that name does fit the lesser sparklies you got at The Swank Company, your first choice. Windsor Fine Jewelers offers something for every budget, says their second-place finish here. And SOHO takes home another rhinestone-encrusted third place trophy.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

Car Wash
Got the car wash blues? Maybe you need to find a new car wash. Readers (and to be honest, we got a number of votes from actual cars) award 5 stars to Sparkle Express. Drive there and ease your pain. Lulu’s and Tidal Wave are your other top choices.

Barber Shop
Apparently Augusta has a barber shop district, because all the finalists here are within shouting distance of one another. First up comes Durden’s Monte Sano Barber Shop. Right around the corner from them is Yankee Clippers on Central (we are told they will also cut hair for Red Sox fans); and then a hop and a skip from them is Daniel Village Barber Shop on Wrightsboro Road (but not in Daniel Village).

Local Charity
There’s this thing about humans: we have to eat every day. And when we don’t bad things happen. So no wonder looking out for each another through the good offices of Golden Harvest Food Bank is your best local charity. Goodwill Industries comes next, because who doesn’t want to discover an actual Picasso from someone’s attic for ten bucks? Salvation Army takes third.

Special Events Facilty
Choosing the right venue can make any event a special one, and readers headline their list of the top three with that landmark we call Enterprise Mill. Good choice. Next up, the often overlooked Snelling Center, which is on the other side of the wall from Edgar’s Grille, a name you have seen repeatedly in these winner’s lists. Third place goes to the beautiful Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

Tourist Attraction
The good thing about the Augusta Canal, your favorite, is that it gets everybody up and moving out in the great outdoors, whether by kayak, bicycle or on foot. #2 on the list might be first if it wasn’t off limits 50 weeks a year. It’s called the Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Third place: take your guests for a stroll along Riverwalk.

Historic Landmark
Even though someone thought it was actually a good idea to break out the chain saws and transform James Brown Plaza from a cool and shady bower to a sun-baked island surrounded by asphalt, the James Brown statue still manages to be the reader favorite. In second place, the amazing Rosemary Hall bed & breakfast in North Augusta. Then the brick palace that is Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

Place You Wish Was Still Here
When it comes to the place we miss the most – Fat Man’s Forest – the #1 question is obvious: why did it go away? Why isn’t it still here? When you need a bouquet of roses, a rubber chicken, some candy cigarettes, a sympathy card, a clown costume and a bag of boiled peanuts, and you want to get it all in one stop, where are we supposed to go these days? If Squeaky’s Tip Top was still open it might be condemned, but that doesn’t mean we can’t miss it. And plenty of people do. Third place: the noble experiment that was Fort Discovery.

Photographer
Although your favorite, Britt Croft, is based in South Carolina’s Low Country, she includes Augusta in her viewfinder, so we’ll certify your votes and declare her the winner. Second place goes to Justin and Cali Cook, known professionally as Aurora Adeleigh. In third place: a tie, a photo finish, between Laura Fulmer Photography and Ivey Gibb Photography.

First Date Spot
Ah, the all-important place to launch a whole new branch of the family tree – or kill it like a James Brown Plaza shade tree. Which will it be? Well, if you listen to fellow readers, your best shot is to book a cozy table at Abel Brown (yes, they accept reservations). That will get things going nicely. Frog Hollow Tavern is a most worthy second option, and Solé Augusta is third. Notice: there is not a florescent light or kid’s playground in sight.

Bridal Shop
We know, it seems a bit sudden and hasty; it isn’t. It’s just the way this issue is laid out. A suitable interval of time has passed, and now it’s time to navigate the proverbial aisle. House of the Bride will help you prepare. Correction: help her prepare. Your next choice is Elegant Bridals, and Tiffinie Bleu Bridal Boutique scores third.

Florist
Surrey Center’s Charleston Street came out smelling like a rose in the voting. And there’s probably an Augusta Street Florist in Charleston. The name Flowers on Broad tells you what they do and where they are. And we can tell you they are Augusta’s silver-medal florist. Martina’s Flowers and Gifts in third  is the final flower finalist.

Bank/Financial Institution
We know what you’re thinking: prenups. No! Again, it’s just a quirk of layout. And that should be at an attorney anyway. We’re looking for the bank you like best, the one with the crispest bills in town. You have bestowed that honor upon Queensborough National Bank & Trust (ignore the “national” part; they’re Georgia through and through). Your second choice is South State Bank, and in third, the financial institution that has roughly 50,000 green stickers on vehicles around town, SRP Federal Credit Union.

Realtor
Your top realtor is Venus Morris Griffin of Meybohm Real Estate. She is far more than just a pretty face. Her story is truly inspiring, which is why she is a realtor and a motivational speaker of note. Edwin Douglass of Blanchard & Calhoun also gets high honors in what is definitely a crowded field. Shannon Rollings (of, you guessed it, Shannon Rollings Real Estate) wins third.

Appears in the October 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

It’s pretty special to know that the White House — well, the First Lady at least — evidently reads our magazine. We don’t even mind that she stole (OK, borrowed) the concept behind Best of Augusta for her “Be Best” campaign. All the winners who follow took her challenge to heart.

 

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DINING

Breakfast
Let’s get this party started early — at sunrise, in fact. That may not be the time you like to eat breakfast best, but it’s definitely the place: Sunrise Grill, that is. And if you do happen to be a morning person, they open at 6 a.m. Your secondary and thirdary faves are Metro Diner and Waffle House.

Appetizers
Later in the day there are other ways to get a party started. Like at Craft & Vine, where readers say the best appetizers in the River Region are crafted & served. Other worthy places to get something delicious started include The Bee’s Knees and Bonefish Grill. Let’s light this candle!

Down-Home Cooking
No one wants something that tastes like it was made in a New Jersey factory. That’s why people tuck their napkins under their chins at Honey From the Rock and chow down like it’s Sunday, even when it isn’t. Goolsby’s and Ruth’s are two more non-uptown options.

Hamburger
It would be considered rude to pick up a slab of meat in your hands and start to chew on it. So the real magic is in the bun. It allows us to do the aforementioned, in public, even. And we all do it, millions of times every day, especially at Farmhaus, according to your votes. Whiskey Bar Kitchen and Gary’s round out the best burgers.

Barbecue
The unofficially official food of the South presents in a variety of meats,  but whatever its variations, they can all be found at Sconyers Bar-B-Que. Of course, everyone has their own religion. Some believe in Southbound Smokehouse, others Shane’s Rib Shack.

Ribs
If barbecue is a religion, ribs is a sect. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. These days, most worshippers pay homage at Shane’s Rib Shack, while the holiest shrine for others is Southbound Smokehouse. Sconyers is the third party in this trinity.

Seafood
Did you know seafoodarian is a real word? It is indeed, and it’s easier to remember than pescetarian. Whichever word you prefer, seafood lovers prefer Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, which proves they’re a casual bunch. T’s Restaurant hooks the second-highest vote total, followed by Bonefish Grill.

Sushi
Readers say the spring rolls are outstanding at Takosushi, but why wait that long? Try them this fall at the fastest growing sushi chain in the Southeast: from its Augusta beginnings, Takosushi has grown to Evans, Aiken, Greenville, Columbia and Asheville. In second, the one-link chain called Solé Augusta; Miyabi takes third.

Steak
Ah, the food that goes with everything, like steak and ale, steak and shake, steak and eggs…we could go on. But we’d prefer to be seated at Tbonz Steakhouse before doing so. Readers say they do steak best. So order a steak with a side of ale, eggs and a shake. Let us know how it goes. Frog Hollow and Outback Steakhouse take the runner-up spots.

Catfish
The top feeder of this bottom feeder is T’s Restaurant because, after all, you can’t spell catfish without T, right? Old McDonald’s Fish Camp has nary a T, and it cost them: they finish in second. Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar takes third.

Fried Chicken
Our earlier references to barbecue being almost a religion was meant as no disrespect to fried chicken, which also enjoys cult status in these parts. According to readers, the #1 chicken chapel is your nearest Wife Saver, where a name change to Spouse Saver is rumored to be in the works. MFC, not KFC (Maryland Fried Chicken), and Honey From the Rock complete the top three.

Soup
Soup has an interesting history: if you think soup isn’t enough for a meal, recall that it comes from the Latin word suppa, and in fact, in France in the 1700s, restaurant was the word for soup. When someone opened up an eatery serving it in Paris, the name caught on as an eating establishment. You can look it up. So what are the best restaurants serving soup? 1. Panera Bread. 2. Sunshine Bakery. 3. Laziza Mediterranean Grill.

Hot Dog
To be frank, the wiener in this category, recipient of the coveted Golden Hot-Diggety-Dog Award, is Sonic. Drive in and see for yourself. Farmhaus wins Top Dog #2. Or, you can simultaneously enjoy the bronze medal dog and the ambience of the Costco food court. Try it this week, or wait until your anniversary or another special occasion.

Burrito
Twisted Burrito, say your ballots, is the most burritocentric establishment in the greater Augusta area. Twisted Burrito, in fact, is why the Augusta area is sometimes called “greater.” Nacho Mama’s, in second, makes ‘em just like mama used to (if your mama was a burrito virtuoso). Diablo’s Southwest Grill takes third place.

Sandwich
The winner: a place that Augustans have loved for parts of three centuries. Do not adjust your magazine. Three centuries! That can only mean one place: Hildebrandt’s, where the family’s fourth generation will make you a sandwich to write home about. Or perhaps tweet about. Second place: a knockout blow from Knuckle Sandwiches. Third place: Arsenal Taproom.

Bread
From the previous entry it’s plain to see how important bread is. There’s nothing plain about it. No wonder your fellow readers recommend Panera Bread; they want you to enjoy the best. Manuel’s Bread Café and Logan’s Roadhouse slice up the second and third place votes.

Salad
Readers green-light California Dreaming as the top greenhouse. Get your crunch on! Second place goes to Fat Man’s Café, which probably won’t win next year: Fat Man’s own The Southern Salad, born after the close of Best voting, may well harvest a victory. Zaxby’s zalads reap third place.

Dessert
The term “guilty pleasure” is unknown at The Boll Weevil, your top purveyor of desserts. Remember that, and operate by the same philosophy in your life. Next up, Evans’ Rooted Coffee House, followed by Eli’s American Café. All’s well that ends well.

Bakery
Baked Alaska gets a lot of publicity, but don’t forget about baked Georgia. There’s the weather, of course, but there’s also The Sweet Suites Bakery in Grovetown. It’s worth the search — and you only have to do it (search) the first time. After that your GPS will drive you there even when you have other ideas. Lil’ Dutch Bakery and Smallcakes Cupcakery complete the triple-decker of top bakeries.

Donuts
There are people who think donuts are complete junk food. These are the people who only buy (and eat) half a dozen at a time. Yeah, we all do donuts. The donuttiest, according to the ballots, are sold by Belair Donuts. Mmm-mm. Krispy Kreme takes first runner-up; and the late Kim’s Donuts gets third place in memoriam.

Ice Cream
As is the case with donuts, ice cream is universally loved. People scream for it, right? Especially if Bruster’s are the scoopers (which is actually a line from a rap song). Coldstone Creamery adds a second scoop, and the old reliable, Pink Dipper, puts their cherry on top in third.

Coffee
As long as we’re talking desserts and other sweets, this is a perfect time to note that plenty of folks say coffee is the perfect partner to pie, cake, ice cream, et cetera. For the best, the ballots send you to Rooted Coffee House. Conveniently, they also serve silver-medal desserts. Buona Caffé, brews up second place. Both of them beat Starbucks (in third)!

Iced Tea
Iced tea isn’t the national drink, but perhaps it should be. In which case Wife Saver would probably become a government department, maybe the ITO for short. Once again the new kid, Rooted Coffee House in Evans, shows up to claim another medal. Third place goes to McDonald’s.

Wine Merchant
Box or bottle, cap or cork, red or white (or rosé), may we propose a toast? Toast Wine & Beverage, that is. It’s your favorite. White Horse Wine and Spirits is another worthy option, say the ballots, followed by North Augusta’s Wine World.

Wine Menu
What can introduce, accompany, and follow a great meal — other than fries. Fine wine. And what can introduce, accompany, and follow a great wine? An exceptional meal. You’ve got to have both. Ah, but where? Craft & Vine, quickly resurrected after a summer fire, gets the good word. Their last name is Vine, after all. Just up the street, Frog Hollow Tavern comes up next, and readers give Olive Garden third.

Happy Hour
Making the world a little bit happier one hour at a time is the mission of millions of taverns, but only one can reign as Best of Augusta, and that distinction belongs to Solé Augusta for the coming year. The almost-winner is Craft & Vine, and the almost-almost winner is The Hive. These three are probably Porkchop’s favorite places.

Beer Selection
The winner: Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen, where their website announces, “Craft Beer at it’s (sic) finest.”  They agree with you and you with them! The Hive scores the silver schooner and World of Beer earns the bronze beer stein (and yes, they have a breakfast menu – on Sundays). Heady stuff!

Outdoor Dining
That’s not an empty lot next to Solé Augusta. That’s their – and your – dining terrace. Ask their maitre d’, Mr. Al Fresco, for an outside table on your next visit. Pizza Joint has vote-worthy outdoor tables, too, as does Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen.

Craft Cocktail
Craft cocktail…Craft & Vine…see what they did there? Voters went for this word association game and gave them primo status. The Indian Queen is the bar who would be king except, you know, for that name thing. But they are throne-adjacent. Finch & Third is home to the third-place mixologists. Correction: Finch & Fifth.

Brunch
Edgar’s Grille gets an “A” in Brunch, and they deserve it. Your votes install Rooted Coffee House securely in second place, and Metro Diner offers a third excellent option. It was a long week. You earned this fuel and you need it: tomorrow is Monday. Sorry.

Lunch
Looking for that perfect lunch spot? Readers say look no further than Honey from the Rock. Not in the mood for country cooking. Rhinehart’s takes home the second place price, followed by the Pizza Joint in third.

Business Lunch
Now it is Monday. Or one of the four days following it. These are the days we use to earn our weekends. Plans need to be hatched. Napkins need to be sketched on. Deals need to be made. Augustino’s is a good place to do all of the above, say the votes, while simultaneously enjoying a handsome meal. Your first alternate: French Market Grill. Excellent choice. Rooted Coffee House? Your third option.

Japanese Restaurant
From half a world away comes the best the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer, served just for you by Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steak House. If you ask nicely they’ll even let you watch them cook your order. Toki Japanese Steakhouse and Miyako Sushi and Steakhouse also earn your accolades.

Asian Restaurant
For the rest of the Orient, New Ming Wah brings China to our plates and our palates, as does Dragon Express. In third, Hunan Café offers the best of Thai, Malaysian, Chinese and Korean cuisine. Sounds delicious. Tastes even more delicious.

Mexican Restaurant
Readers say Taqueria El Rey is so ¡fantastico! that even their exclamation points flipped! Mi Rancho, which means “my guacamole-stuffed fajita de pollo con queso taco grande,” wins second place; Poblanos wins third.

Indian Restaurant
Grab your appetite, a handful of rupees, and head to Curry Hut. Do that and you’ll have the backing of a majority of your peers. Taj of India also got plenty of endorsements, and so did Lahore Express, tucked away on Shartom Drive, where they offer both Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Pizza
This category is a bit of a misnomer, since there is no such thing as bad pizza. So the competition here is picking the best from among the best, which turns out to be Mellow Mushroom. The people have spoken. The Pizza Joint earns the title of first runner-up, and Pizza Central, newly relocated to Columbia County, wins third.

Italian Restaurant
We asked you to put in a good word for your favorite Italian restaurant, and you responded. The good word was Oliviana. If you can’t make it to Italy, at least visit Oliviana. Another good word is Luigi’s, celebrating their 69th year serving Augusta. Appropriately enough, three words in third: Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Downtown Restaurant
Downtown offers lots of dining options, from funky casual to upscale elegance. Voters opted for the classier end of the spectrum for their top choice, Frog Hollow Tavern, and for third place, the Craft & Vine branch of the Frog Hollow family. In between, a decidedly less casual but no less delicious choice: Whiskey Bar (Kitchen).

Neighborhood Restaurant
If you’re willing to drive far enough, every restaurant is a neighborhood restaurant. It’s more about the vibe than the ZIP code. By that measure, Sheehan’s Irish Pub is just the ticket. Just around the corner, Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen takes second, and Rooted Coffee House adds another trophy to their shelf in third.

Hidden Gem Restaurant
These are those exceptional places that are either off the beaten path, or perhaps they just don’t come to mind like the big players do. But they’re worth remembering and searching out, starting with Rae’s Coastal Café, tucked away off the side of a side street. Rooted Coffee House is out of the way if you live all the way on the other side of the CSRA; as for Solé Augusta, it’s all too easy to drive by a hundred times and not notice it. Fix that!

New Restaurant
If we had to guess, many people never heard of Rooted Coffee House before picking up this magazine. But enough other people did to give it the gold in this coveted category. Metro Diner takes the silver, and Flying Biscuit Café, famous for their biscuit-free menu, gets the bronze.

Special Occasion Restaurant
If a restaurant appears in this category, it’s the kind of place people visit on special occasions — and on ordinary occasions they want to make special. It’s an enviable category in which to win, place, or show. The winner is Frog Hollow Tavern! Second place goes to Calvert’s, and third to its Surrey Center neighbor, Abel Brown Southern Kitchen.

Friendly Service
Proving you don’t need soft lighting and fine linen to offer sterling service, Chick-fil-A gets the victory. Congratulations! Rooted Coffee House makes yet another appearance, this time in second place. They’re obviously doing a lot of things right. Frog Hollow Tavern completes the top three.

Best Restaurant Overall
The granddaddy of them all, this is the crowning achievement in area dining, and readers bestow the laurel wreath upon Frog Hollow Tavern. Well done. Keep up the good work. Ditto to second-place finisher Abel Brown Southern Kitchen, and also to Solé Augusta in third.

Wings
According to the ballots, the wings at Wild Wing Café are pretty fly. Their many fans are affectionately known as wing nuts. Elsewhere, Wing Stop and Tbonz Steakhouse have enough fans to take birdhouse numbers 2 and 3.

 

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Local R&B Band
The Lady and The Gents lay claim to the top R&B (short for Rhythm & Best) band, followed by the Mainstreet Band and the lovely and talented Funmilayo Ngozi. Support live local music!

Local Vocalist, Male
Your top local vocal turns out to be rockabilly singer and guitarist Dwight Bradham,Jr. The silver microphone goes to a voice we won’t be hearing again, the late singer/songwriter Phillip Lee Jr. Ryan Abel, proud owner of some serious, serious pipes, gets third.

Local Vocalist, Female
Speaking of serious pipes, you need to catch Bethany Davis, lead singer for The Southside Boys. She does not disappoint. Betsy Jamison wins second, and the familiar voice of Celia Gary sounds forth in third.

Local Jazz Band
Readers show their knowledge by giving top billing to the Mike Frost Band. Mike, the band’s bassist, studied under Weather Report’s late Jaco Pastorius, the self-styled greatest bass player in the world. That looks good on a resume, but it sounds even better. The Lady and The Gents take second; Karen Gordon and Garden City Jazz get their smoove on in third.

Local Country Band
Harlem Sons is pickin’ and grinnin’ all the way to first place. Bethany Davis scores second, and Eyrn Eubanks & The Family Fold gets third. She’s just one woman, but voters say she qualifies as a band.

Local Rock/Alternative Band
Your choice here is King Cat and The Elders. If that doesn’t ring a bell it should: their lead guitar and vocalist is Dwight Bradham Jr., the aforementioned Best Male Vocalist winner. The white guys of Black Dawg are the runners-up, and the well-traveled pros of Funk You complete the set list in third.

Local Contemporary Christian Band/Vocalist
The good news (get it?): Dayz to Come repeats as winner here. Funmilayo Ngozi scores second, and someone she often sings with, Trey McLaughlin, takes third.

Performing Arts Group
Augusta workers who enjoy supporting the arts like to watch performances by Augusta Players. See what we did there? We couldn’t do it if it weren’t true. Staying with the thespian theme, readers voted for Storyland Theatre next. The Augusta Symphony in its sweet new home, the Miller Theater, earns third.

Singles Spot
Ready to meet your future partner? Readers suggest Metro Coffee House as a possible rendezvous spot for your unsuspecting mate. Or perhaps you’re not on the make, you’d just like to be someplace where your singleness is not going to make you feel out of place. Indian Queen – the bar, not the person – is another possibility. Finally, readers also suggest Solé Augusta.

Late Night Spot
Nothing against bed, but in the long history of the Best, “bed” has gotten quite a few votes in this category. For the record, by late night spot we mean outside of the house, not in it. Exhibit #1: Solé Augusta. It’s your top choice. Indian Queen snags another runner-up slot, and Chevy’s Nite Club makes the third winner.

Live Music Bar
Sky City is still a department store, but these days its only department is music, being Augusta’s #1 live music venue by reader vote (prior to announcing its closing). Metro Coffeehouse wins second place, and relative newcomer Southbound Smokehouse is voted into third.

Sports Bar
Your selections begin with Wild Wing Café. Well played, readers. They’ve got the total package: the food, the drinks, the music and the screens. Carolina Ale House is your second choice, and Robbie’s Sports Bar is third, a place so coveted that it’s rumored the Augusta National wants to buy it.

Bar to Watch People
The great thing about your first choice, Metro Coffeehouse, is its acres of plate glass windows. So you can people-watch inside Metro, or just stare at the people inside from the sidewalk. The choice is yours. Solé Augusta wins second place and Chevy’s Nite Club third.

 

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MEDIA

Local TV Station
It might be our imagination, but it seems like two stations trade victories in this category one year to the next. Well, this year it seems to be ABC affiliate WJBF’s turn. The clickers have spoken. WFXG (aka Fox 54) is where we click first during commercials on WJBF, followed by CBS affiliate WRDW.

Local TV News Anchor/Female
Ladies first, right? Readers give Jennie Montgomery of WJBF the golden tiara. May she wear it proudly on the air. We’ll be watching to see. The votes added up to a second-place win for Stephanie Lopez of WFXG. Mary Morrison of WJBF is third.

Local TV News Anchor/Male
From among their many choices, readers award WJBF’s Brad Means the top spot. Kudos, sir! WFXG again scores second place: their CE Huffman takes that spot. Readers apparently couldn’t wait for the weather category to vote for Jay Jefferies, giving him third place as an anchor. Way to go, Jay!

Local TV Morning Anchor
Mary Morrison’s professionalism earns her another gold medal for WJBF. Plus she seems to have discovered the secret of never aging. How does she do it? Stephanie Lopez of WFXG takes another second, and Barclay Bishop of WJBF scoops up third.

TV Weather Anchor
Ok, now you can vote for Jay Jefferies of WFXG without confusion – and that’s just what you did. Congratulations again, Jay. Hope you win in sports, too. Second place: George Myers of WJBF. Third place: Kevin Coskren of WRDW.

Local TV Reporter
The one and only George Eskola of WJBF rides his unique style to victory. Good job! Reporter/anchor Kelly Wiley of WRDW earns runner-up honors, and reporter/anchor Ashley Campbell of WJBF takes third.

Local Sports Reporter
Readers say their favorite is Jessica Eley of WRDW. Go team Jessica! Since summer voting, Nathan Palm of WJBF has gone on to other fields of play elsewhere. Ashley Brown of third-place fame may not be on the air these days, but he definitely hasn’t hung up his cleats and still knows 98 percent of all sports facts.

Local Radio Station
We can’t talk and drive like we used to, but we can still listen to other people talk. That’s the concept behind WGAC, and it’s the station readers listen to most, behind the wheel and otherwise. When we’re in the mood for some tunes, our next choice is Kicks99 (WKXC). WAFJ (88.3) wins third place.

Local Radio Personality
Voting with your iPods, battery-powered transistor radios, car radio dials, satellite radio settings and other streaming devices, you chose Austin Rhodes, currently celebrating 25 years (and 48,361,627,593 words) on the air. Colleague Mary Liz Nolan is a close second, and Cher Best of 96.3 Kiss FM gives you the lift you need on the afternoon drive.

Local Radio Morning Show
For that perfect balance of music and fun, readers recommend Mike, Jenny and Dub of the Kicks99 Wake Up Crew. The syndicated Kidd Kraddick Morning Show on HD 98.3 gets the silver medal, and Mary Liz Nolan takes third, a one-woman show unto herself.

Local Writer/Columnist
Do you like reading tales of Augusta’s historic past? How about the current travels of your fellow CSRA-ians? Do you like a daily joke? Well, that explains the win by The Augusta Chronicle’s Bill Kirby. He’s got that formula down. Sylvia Cooper, your second choice, takes the frequently contentious and gridlocked world of local politics and somehow actually makes it entertaining. It’s a gift. Austin Rhodes takes third for his weekly analysis of whatever’s on his mind – and ours.

Best Part of Augusta Magazine
You say the best is the best, the Best of Augusta being your fave feature. That certainly makes a lot of sense. After all, if the Best weren’t the best, what would be? Maybe it would be your next favorite, our main feature articles. You also voted Around Town into the Top Three. Can we have a vote? Is it legal for the magazine to vote on its favorite feature? Yes it is, because we make the rules. Our vote goes to you, our readers. Thanks, y’all!

 

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SHOPPING

Nursery/Garden Shop
What about non-edible produce? That’s the specialty of Sanderlin’s Green Houses in Appling. Across town, Griffin’s Greenhouses takes the green-tinged silver medal, and Good Earth Produce & Garden Center will give you tasty goodies for your table or your yard.

Children’s Clothing
Every tot deserves the chance to be posh, which is why Posh Tots is again the reader favorite. Go forth and poshify. Kid-to-Kid, kind of a recycling place for clothes, toys and other kid gear, gets the second-place vote. Rhea Lana’s on Augusta West Parkway has been consigned the third-highest vote total.

Women’s Shoes
We should pair this with a new category: closet remodelers. Knock out a wall here, add some shelving there, and you might have enough room for all your Shoes at Surrey purchases. DSW takes two, because you always buy shoes in pairs. Funny how that works. The Swank Company reappears for a shoe-shopping bronze medal.

Women’s Boutique
Their name says it all: The Swank Company. Oh yeah! Second goes to Brittany (the Boutique or the House of Elegance), whether it’s for a wedding, the prom, or just lounging about in fashionable perfection. Capsule, draping well-appointed ladies in fine threads on Walton Way Extension, makes it three for three in this category: all local Augusta originals, just the way we like it.

Place To Buy Purses
The Swank Company rules here, ladies. And gentlemen, be sure to ask about their man bags. Shoes at Surrey is also a great place for doing the shoe/purse ensemble thing. Not matching is totally gauche. Bardot Boutique is another quality purse purveyor.   

Place to shop for Husband/Boyfriend
To listen to Brian Kemp ads, you would think all guys want are shotguns and chainsaws. But our readers suggest a more refined recipient, the kind of guy who would appreciate something from Low Country Clothier, Rivers & Glen Trading Co., or perhaps JoS. A. Bank.

Fitness/Outdoor Store
Locally owned Escape Outdoors helps its customers escape the indoors. Flee for your lives. Really. Cabela’s isn’t locally owned, but at least it’s local. We’re glad. Dick’s Sporting Goods helps every one of its customers be a good sport.

Consignment Shop/Furniture
Somewhere nearby, someone has something they no longer want that you need. It could be a lamp, a chair, maybe an oil painting on velvet of dogs playing cards. That is exactly what they carry at Bargain Hunters of Augusta. Get thee there. Consign Design and Savvy Shopper also help find new homes for cool stuff.

Consignment Shop/Clothing
The local outpost of a national chain, Rhea Lana’s gets top honors. It’s a give-and-take kind of place. The second of two winners in this category, Final Cut, takes second-hand seriously with a second-place finish.

Men’s Clothing Store
Customers of Low Country Clothier display sartorial splendor like no others, according to the votes. JoS. A. Bank, in second, has created a new trend of capitalizing the first and third letters of your abbreviated name. Like if your name is Brody, you would write it BrO. It works for girls too: MaD. for Madeline, LoL. for Lola, and so on. In third, Boardroom Clothing Company is this year marking its 30th year of superior service to well-dressed gentlemen.

Supermarket
You say you’ve never been to a consignment shop? Fair enough, but no one says that about supermarkets. We can possibly survive without an oil painting on velvet, but not without food. So this is a very important category. The voice of the people endorses Publix as tops, followed by Kroger and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Organic Food & Products
As you might expect, one of the area’s newest toys, Sprouts Farmers Market, wins the prize here. Earth Fare takes the harvest of second-place votes. Fresh Market wins third, naturally.

Produce
Let’s all raise a celery stalk in praise of Good Earth Produce & Garden Center on Davis Road. Not to mention the good earth itself. They’re both pretty amazing. New kid on the block (literally) Sprouts Farmers Market comes next. Those stores are entirely produce-oriented. But just one aisle in one store rules third place, the produce aisle in Publix.

Gifts
The Swank Company is the giver, so when you’re ready to give, get there. And remember to buy yourself something nice too. Anything Goes gifts is in second. Charm House Boutique is so charming that it won third.

Christmas Decorations
Believe it or not, Christmas Tree Shops (singular…yeah, it looks plural, but it isn’t) is apparently the ideal place to get decorations (plural). Who knew? Southern Landscaping and Gifts is another great place, especially if someone you know and love has a roll of sod on their wish list. Mish Mash Interiors can also get you in the holiday spirit.

Home Furnishings
If Weinberger’s Furniture doesn’t have it, what with their vast main store, their outlet store and their frequent tent sales… It sounds highly improbable, but if it did happen you could always check the West End Collective or Andrews Gallery. Those are your first, second and third choices.

Place To Shop for Wife/Girlfriend
Well, well, well. Here’s a surprise: the winner is Windsor Fine Jewelers. Actually, it comes as no shock at all. The real surprise is that they didn’t win second and third too. Those slots go to The Swank Company and Art on Broad. Great suggestions, one and all.

Antiques
Like a solid old oak bookcase, maybe? The West End Collective could be just the ticket. Oh, you say you have an old maple bookcase you no longer need? Ditto. Another place to check out is Mema Had One. You aren’t getting any younger, after all. You’ve got to build up your estate for that inevitable future estate sale, right? Days Gone By is the third-place winner.

Fine Jewelry
Take this category name and simply add Windsor and you’ve got the headline. Windsor is the exact opposite of a big box store. Jared, no last or middle name, comes in second, but he likes people to say The Galleria Of Jewelry after his name. It’s great when a little guy can elbow his way in sometimes too. Like Treasures Old & New, the Grovetown jewelers, in third.

Costume Jewelry
Your million-dollar jewels are being polished at Windsor? Put The Swank Company’s costume jewelry on instead. Capsule also offers some nice sparklies that don’t require a rider on your insurance policy. Ditto for Treasures Old & New Jewelers.

 

 

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LEISURE

Fitness Center/Gym
You know those tabloid headlines that promise you can drop 20 or 30 pounds instantly? Here’s the secret: Go to the Family Y (your top choice). Pick up a 20 or 30 lb. weight. Then drop it. Voila! As Yoda once said, “There is no why; there is only Y.” Or something like that. Burn Boot Camp wins second, and the Kroc Center takes third.

Day Spa
Where do you go the day after you start at the gym? Tuscany: A Classic Italian Spa. It’s in Evans too, which is so much more convenient than Italy. Retreat Spa & Salon is first runner-up and Cucumber & Mint follows.

Place To Swim
There are tons of options. Strike that. Gallons of options. From among them you chose the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center first, followed by the Wheeler Y, which offers both indoor and outdoor swimming. That’s always nice. The Augusta Aquatics Center is a most worthy third.

Golf Course/Public
Soon to observe its 100th anniversary, and the course marking the beginning of Bobby Jones’ 1930 Grand Slam, Forest Hills is the place where most golfers yell “Fore!” when they really mean “One!” They yell “Two!” at Gordon Lakes and “Three!” at Jones Creek.

Place to Play Pool
Get over to Robbie’s Sports Bar quick, before the Augusta National buys it and turns it into a private billiards club for National members only. Riverfront Pub & Sports, conveniently located next door to the legendary Discotheque, wins second place, and the west side’s Rack & Grill has about a half acre of green felt awaiting your arrival.

Tennis Courts
Newman Tennis Center gets the most love from readers (not tennis love, though). Petersburg Racquet Club wins the second set. Forest Hills Racquet Club, just off Wimbledon Drive, takes the third.

Yoga Studio
Space Yoga Studio said, “make me one,” and readers obliged. Oh Yeah Yoga is excited to be second, so no downward dog there. It’s no stretch to say that hOMe Downtown Yoga, where no one gets bent out of shape, is third. Wait, wait. It is a stretch.

Place To Ride a Bicycle
Did you know training wheels aren’t called training wheels anymore? “Stabilizers,” the new term, is way less humiliating. So even if you’ve never learned how to ride, get some stabilizers on that baby and head for the Augusta Canal. If North Augusta is more convenient, make the Greeneway your destination. Readers voted for “Savannah Rapids Pavilion” in third.

Best-Kept Recreational Secret
Shhhh! Don’t tell anybody about the Augusta Canal towpath. It’s a secret! Ditto for Pendleton King Park and the Kroc Center. Can we trust you to keep quiet?

Place To Walk Your Dog
The top spot: the Augusta Canal. You say you don’t have a dog? Then walk your dogs along the Augusta Canal. Just make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes. Freshly-saved Pendleton King Park is also a great pet-friendly destination. The North Augusta Greeneway is third. Can’t decide? Ask your dog.

Fundraising Event
The 3 Bridges 5K combines a beautiful river levee trail with cool spring weather and proceeds that benefit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. What’s not to like? Answer: nothing. The Jingle Jam 10K (benefiting SafeHomes) comes in second, and the mighty tasty Art of Chocolate (benefiting Child Enrichment and thousands of abused and neglected children) wins third.

Weekend Getaway
There are so many worthy options just down the road in every direction that only one of the following is a repeat from last year. Your first choice is Savannah. Nice! Option #2: Hilton Head. Nice (just watch out for gators)! Option #3: Greenville, S.C. Nice! And it’s the closest of the three, closer even than Atlanta.

Local Festival
The best fest is Arts in the Heart of Augusta, and it’s easy to see why: tons of art of every description coupled with cuisine from the world over. Good choice. The Greek Festival may feature just one country, but even so it’s good enough for second place. Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que (third) was such a party it took Evans Towne Center months to recover. Now that is a party.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

Special Event Facility
If you needed to rent someplace to make a great event even greater, where would it be? Your friends and neighbors propose The Barn at Sanderlin’s Horse Farm. Notice it’s not a barn; it’s the barn. That tells you everything you need to know. Enterprise Mill is also a pretty cool venue. In third: the James Brown Arena. Not that you would rent it, just that it’s your third-fave special event facility.

Car Wash
Have you ever thought that it’s odd that we “wash” our cars rather than clean them? That’s the kind of esoteric thinking and attention to detail they specialize in at Sparkle Express, which might explain why they’re your top pick. Not that second-placer Tidal Wave isn’t almost equally awesome. In third, none other than Dazzling Car Care by Leon.

Barber
Is your barber a barber? Or is she a barbette? Excellence is all that matters, not gender, and according to our polling results, Yankee Clippers is the home of tonsorialists par excellence. Durden’s Barber Shop takes the silver scissors (what they were already using anyway), and Russell’s Corner is third.

Local Charity
You chose WLJ Angel Gowns, a local charity that provides free wraps and gowns made from donated fabrics (often wedding dresses and formalwear) for infants who do not survive birth. Let’s pray their services are seldom required. United Way of the CSRA is your next favorite, followed by the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Tourist Attraction
Downtown gets your vote as best, and it’s getting more attractive all the time (with exceptions…read on). The Masters Tournament obviously belongs on this list, being as it is a truly global destination. Does anybody know how many countries are represented in the gallery? It’s got to be a ton. Third place: the James Brown statue, which used to stand in a nice shady oasis of cool until someone got happy with a chainsaw more than a year ago. We’re still waiting for the replacement landscaping.

New Civic Project
The winner is a dream brought to reality that many Augustans thought they would never see, and that had been dangled as “coming soon” for many years. Well, the Miller Theater has been reborn in all its original splendor and then some. All that’s left to do now is for us to support it through our attendance. The United Way’s “Bridge the Gap” campaign, an effort to replace lost funding, earns second-place honors. CityServe, an unusual city-wide collaboration of private parties to get things done (like landscaping projects at schools, litter cleanup in parks, etc., etc.), gets a well-deserved third.

Place You Wish Were Still Here
We still miss Fat Man’s Forest on Laney-Walker Boulevard. It was definitely a one-of-a-kind place. Squeaky’s Tip-Top is another spot with a unique and unusual place in Augusta’s history. Of much more recent vintage is your third reminiscence: Whole Foods.

Historic Landmark
Good job, readers. You say it’s Sacred Heart Cultural Center. What a remarkable edifice it is. The aforementioned James Brown statue is another unique and noteworthy Augusta landmark. Lastly, the Augusta Canal headgates are your third-best landmark.

 

Article appears in the October 2018 issue of Augusta Magazine.

It’s our favorite issue of the year! Whether your new to Augusta or a long-time resident, the Best of Augusta has something for everyone. We invite you to discover the area’s top stores, restaurants, recreation spots and much more as chosen by you, our readers.

 

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DINING

Donuts

Academic types endlessly debate the donuts versus doughnuts issue that is tearing our nation apart (not to mention chitlins vs chitterlings). Purists, meanwhile, simply walk in to Belair Donuts and place their order. It’s not complicated. Kim’s Donuts takes second; Krispy Kreme scores third.

 

Coffee

Trying to function without coffee is like trying to drive without texting. It ain’t happening, people. So fill ‘er up at Buona Caffe, suggest fellow readers. Get the gallon-to-go and you’ll hopefully have enough to last until lunch. The interesting thing about The Coffee Geek (in second place) is the element of mystery. Where is he today? And if you like bundling, Belair Donuts adds a bronze medal in coffee to its donuts gold.

 

Bakery

Sticking with the Breakfast of Champions theme, folks say the best bakery is Shortstack Sweets. Granted, their specialty is cookies, not sweet rolls, muffins, cupcakes, etc., but let’s face it: cookies are good any time of day. The trouble with these cookies: they’re works of art. Temporary art, though. Very temporary. Grovetown’s Sweet Suite Bakeshop is first runner-up, and A Piece of Cake rounds out—wink, wink—the top three.

 

Breakfast

As you may have noticed, sunrise and breakfast are not exactly distant cousins. They go together like bacon and eggs, like pancakes and syrup, like biscuits and gravy. Like scrambled eggs and ketchup? Let’s not get carried away. Even so, it’s all of which are awaiting you at Sunrise Grill, your top choice for breakfast. Ruth’s Restaurant and New Moon Café place second and third.

 

Brunch

All of the above — bacon, eggs, donuts, coffee, pancakes, cookies, etc. — might last you ‘til maybe 10:30 a.m., tops. Then it’s time to make your way to Edgar’s Grille, home of the best brunch offered in our fine city, according to the balloteers. Augustino’s also placed well, offering the top alternate, followed by Bonefish Grill.

 

Lunch

Voters say you can’t get much better than Fat Man’s Café. Soak up the old mill ambience while you use your cornbread to soak up the gravy. It’s soul good! For a slightly more upscale experience, the silver medal goes to Edgar’s Grille, while downtown’s Whiskey Bar Kitchen is kind of a tweener, atmosphere-wise, in third. Worthy options, all three.

 

Appetizers

Craft & Vine is not the kind of place to go if you’re looking for a platter laden with enough food to feed a Third World village. “Small plates” reads a major Craft & Vine menu heading. Yes, appetizers is a C&V specialty. Special enough for first place. The Bee’s Knees is your next favorite, and as their menu reminds one and all, “No bees were harmed in the production of this food.” The eclectic small bites of Solé score the bronze medal.

 

Barbecue

With more than 60 years of slow-cooking under their belts, when the folks at Sconyers Bar-B-Que say, “Come taste the legend for yourself,” it isn’t hype. It’s a promise. Turns out, legends are delicious. Relative newcomer Southbound Smokehouse, aside from being a decent live music venue, offers an array of mouth-watering dishes with music-themed names. Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q offers a free side of Southern hospitality with every order.

 

Ribs

When barbecue gets specific, ribs sometimes happen. The best, say the ballots, are served up at Southbound Smokehouse. Remember what we said about their musical names for dishes? Well, their name for their ribs is “Ribs.” See what we mean? Second-place ribs: Sconyers Bar-B-Que. Third-place but still awesome ribs: Shane’s Rib Shack.

 

Seafood

With more than 70 percent  of Earth covered by water, Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar has millions of acres of potential farmland. No wonder voters say they serve so much good stuff. T’s Restaurant—they should have named it “C-Food”—wins second and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen a most seaworthy third.

 

Catfish

Voters say all the certified cat lovers go to T’s Restaurant. Another delegation of cool cats says Old McDonald’s Fish Camp makes them purr, and Rhinehart’s Oyster (and Catfish) Bar rounds out the top three.

 

Sushi

Is it true that kids who play with their food grow up to be sushi chefs? If so, the art of play has been perfected at Takosushi, says the voice of the people. Solé gets the silver medal and Kinja Sushi the bronze.

 

Pizza

Circular food is by definition natural, healthy and holistic. Pizza, for example, is the same shape as our Earth. In the great celestial pizza pie chart, the biggest slice goes to Mellow Mushroom, but readers say they earned it. Next biggest is Pizza Joint, followed by Pizza Central.

 

Steak

Other than a few vegetarians, we’ve all got a stake in this. So who is it going to be this year? It’s going to be TBonz, riding a winning steak streak dating back to ancient times, like the Reagan administration or something. A tip of the A-1 in your direction! Frog Hollow is sizzling in second; The Chop House is doing the chop over their third-place finish.

 

Soup

In competition known as The Soup Bowl, Sunshine Bakery has been famous for its soup for years. But would new owners earlier this year squander the legacy, or build upon it? According to the ballots, the news is good: Sunshine is still the place to get your soup on. Panera Bread gets the runner-up trophy, and voters gave the late Walton Way Deli a place on the medal stand in memoriam.

 

Sandwich

The ancient wisdom, ”Man cannot live on bread alone,” is still true. We have to put stuff on it: Peanut butter and jelly. Salami. Lettuce. Ham and Swiss. All on separate sandwiches, of course. To avoid unintended combinations like peanut butter and ham, or mayonnaise and jelly, leave it to the experts at Hildebrandt’s. Or go for something new and different: Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen. They don’t open ‘til 4 p.m., but it’s legal to eat a sandwich any time of day. Jason’s Deli gets the bronze medal.

 

Hotdog

Hot dog! It’s the only food that is an exclamation of happiness and pleasant surprise. No one finds a 20-dollar bill on the sidewalk and says, “Lasagna!” or “Broccoli casserole!” But people do go to Farmhaus, peruse the menu and then say “Hot dog!” And presto! They bring you one. Sam’s Hot Dog Stand is first runner-up, and Bird Dog Grille is second.

 

Burrito

Straight up: Twisted Burrito is your favorite burrito builder in the CSRA, which officially encompasses 13 counties in Georgia and eight in South Carolina. So it’s a huge honor to be the best. Or second, as in Diablo’s. Or even third, as in Nacho Mama’s.

 

Hamburger

If hamburger ever needed a helper, it has it in Farmhaus, elevating the lowly burger to dizzying new heights of flavor and presentation. Try one and you may never go back to fast food burgers again. Another worthy option recommended by readers is Whiskey Bar Kitchen, with emphasis in this case on the kitchen portion of their name. Eli’s American scores third.

 

Bread

Some people hear the word bread and they get weak in the knees. They could go on a diet successfully—except for bread. In particular, Manuel’s Bread Café is a mecca for bread lovers. It’s definitely upper crust. Panera Bread wins second place and Sunshine Bakery wins third.

 

Dessert

Dessert is the best way to end a meal, unless you subscribe to the eat-dessert-first faction, in which case a hot fudge sundae is the ultimate appetizer. In either case, voters recommend The Boll Weevil. If a restaurant offers just two dessert choices and they win second place, you can bet those are two stellar. Judge for yourself at Eli’s American. Voters award third place to Edgar’s Grille.

 

Ice Cream

Victory is always sweet, but perhaps nowhere is it sweeter than at Cold Stone Creamery, your top choice. Evans is the location of the world’s only Yotopia Frozen Sweets & Treats, so it is a global destination for connoisseurs of chill. Bruster’s scoops up third.

 

Iced Tea

Ever try ordering iced tea up north? You might get this: tea bag, a teacup, a kettle of hot water and a tall glass filled with ice. What you do with all that is up to you. Or you can visit the nearest Wife Saver as your fellow readers suggest. Rounding out the top three: Chick-fil-A and Sunshine Bakery.

 

Wine Menu

For the perfect complement to a perfect meal, for starters you’ve got to have the perfect meal. Readers direct us to Craft & Vine. Check. The wine list is a good as the food, maybe better. Frog Hollow also gets high marks for its offerings from the vineyard. Solé has a nice finish in third.

 

Beer Menu

Readers are swarming to The Hive for the best selection of brewskis to go along with meals. They get the amber-colored medal with the head of foam. Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen gets the silver, and the votes add up to third for World of Beer.

 

Take Home Beer Selection

As in a package store or other non-restauranty setting. For that, the voters toast Toast Wine & Beverage, offering all the big brew brands and the unknown small-batch craft brews that you buy just because the name or the label is cool. Tip Top Taps places second and The Hive double-dips for a bronze medal here.

 

Craft Cocktail

Signature cocktails are a mixture of art and chemistry. Who does that bundle best? With a name like Craft & Vine, they had better win this category, and they do. The Indian Queen raises the bar – see what they did there? – for a second place win, and Solé Augusta adds another medal to their mantle for third.

 

Happy Hour

At most watering holes there is too much happy to fit into one hour, and Solé Augusta is no exception. They’re just kidding about the hour part, so lighten up, loosen up and enjoy. The ampersand twins, Craft & Vine and Finch & Fifth (no relation), take second and third, respectively.

 

Wine merchant

Whether it’s bottle or box, cork or screw-off cap, red, white or rosé, they’ve got you covered at Toast Wine & Beverage. Voters next recommend The White Horse Wine & Spirits, followed by Wine World. Cheers, y’all.

 

Friendly Service

What matters here is not whether the floors are concrete or oak, nor if the tableware is plastic or silver. Even sporks are irrelevant. It’s all about the service, and this coveted win goes to the team at Chick-fil-A. Congratulations! This is the spot where we normally add the second  and third  finishers, but everyone in this paragraph is a winner, so Coffee Geek and Honey From the Rock, congrats to you too.

 

Down-Home Cooking

Some people say we shouldn’t eat anything we can’t pronounce. Well, can you say meatloaf? How about cornbread? If you can, you should also say Honey From the Rock, Goolsby’s and Fat Man’s Café, in that order. Note: the word “artisanal” will not appear on any of their menus.

 

Mexican Restaurant

Your favorite place north of the border happens to be right here in Augusta: Taqueria El Rey. Which, when translated, means that not only does this establishment offer tacos for purchase and onsite consumption, but they also have a butcher shop for the convenience of their patrons, and that in their dual endeavors they rule; they are the king. Spanish is a very economical language; English not so much. Second and third: Poblano’s and Salsa’s.

 

Outdoor Dining

Now that it’s fall, this is an actual option, not just a theoretical possibility. Thanks to the conveniently empty lot next door, Solé Augusta scores a win here. Manuel’s Bread Café offers the French bistro sidewalk café/ballpark-adjacent experience in the runner-up spot. Edgar’s Grille takes third.

 

Fried Chicken

As the old saying goes, “everyone loves the hometown chicken.” which is why WifeSaver is once again the top pick. Maryland Fried Chicken, which is said to have considered changing its’ name to MFC, comes in second with Honey From the Rock taking the third spot.

 

Business Lunch

Not that you wouldn’t be welcomed at any of the above in a suit and tie, but when you make the million-dollar sale and want to celebrate in style, spring for Augustino’s, say your fellow shakers and movers. Edgar’s Grille would also do nicely, and the Pinnacle Club offers a third lofty option.

 

Asian Restaurant

What you’re looking for here is authenticity, and when “authentic” is in its name it’s a slam dunk, as in Sawasdee Authentic Thai & Noodle House. Pho Bac doesn’t say it’s authentic, but we’re pretty sure they are. Ditto for Thai Kitchen.

 

Japanese Restaurant

Asia is a pretty big place, so let’s get specific. What about Japan? Toki Japanese Steakhouse is number one. Miyabi Augusta is awarded the silver medal, Miyako Sushi and Steakhouse gets the bronze.

 

Indian Restaurant

Taj of India gets the taj (definition: a crown worn by an Indian prince of high rank) from readers. More savory Indian dishes are available at India Café, your first alternate, followed by even more deliciousness at Curry Hut.

 

Italian Restaurant

You might think an Italian restaurant that spells its name in Italian is just a not-so-clever gimmick, but in the case of DiVino Ristorante Italiano, the owners just moved here from Italy a little over a year ago. It’s the classic buon cibo, buon vino, buoni amici right here in good old North Augusta. Oliviana scores a first runner-up, and Cucina 503 is the third medalist.

 

Downtown Restaurant

With so many worthy downtown dining options the voting was fast and furious, but when the dust settled, Frog Hollow Tavern (they who spawned Craft & Vine) earned the five-star ranking. Whiskey Bar Kitchen is your next fave, and Solé Augusta also made the elite top three.

 

Neighborhood Restaurant

Looking for a place without a parking issue, in fact within walking distance? That might well describe Sheehan’s Irish Pub. Ironically enough, the ballots say it’s a neighborhood restaurant worth driving to. Another neighborhood option is Southbound Smokehouse. No smoking is permitted there; they’ll do the smoking for you. Village Deli is always a great option, in third.

 

Restaurant Overall

Readers bestow the ultimate best-of among all dining categories to—drum roll please—Frog Hollow Tavern. Our congratulations to the whole team there, including the frog. The silver and bronze medals go to Solé Augusta and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen. Kudos to all three!

 

Hidden Gem

We could say Best Hidden Gem, but that would be redundant. A gem is a gem is a Rae’s Coastal Café. It’s not really all that hidden, but if you’ve never been before, definitely use navigation. Taqueria El Rey, on the other hand, is hiding in plain sight. A great eatery in a shopping center is always a bit of a surprise. Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen isn’t exactly hidden either, but it’s new enough to be unknown by many. Stop by and introduce yourself.

 

Special Occasion Restaurant

The handsome setting of Frog Hollow Tavern, coupled with its enticing menu, makes it the perfect choice for a special occasion. Well done, readers. Calvert’s, a classic destination that has proven itself over many years, is your next option. Craft & Vine completes three superb options.

 

New restaurant

Beck’s offers its sterling New Orleans-infused menu and readers say welcome—and thank you. It’s your number one newcomer choice. Westtown’s Taqueria Y Carniceria El Rey may be king, but it will have to settle for throne-adjacent in this category, still a fine honor. Hammond Ferry’s DiVino Ristorante Italiano scoops up third.

 

 

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Male vocalist

Local soul and R&B phenom Eric Mayweather KOs the competition here, followed by Phillip Lee Jr of Ed Turner and Number 9 and the Phillip Lee Band. Third place goes to Harlem’s #1 country star of the future, Ray Fulcher.

 

Female vocalist

Your top pick, Donna Jo, is further proof that Augusta is fertile ground for first-class talent. Support live local music before it moves to Nashville or LA! Speaking of which, Funmilayo Ngozi gets gigs the world over, but the hometown crowd still cares enough to keep her in the local spotlight. Third place goes to Tara Scheyer. Remember her band Snapdragon? Best local band name ever.

 

R&B Band

Funmilayo Ngozi—just so you don’t get your categories mixed up, takes home the Grammy locally. Chris Dneti, often seen and heard at Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Beech Island, comes in second. Finally, Picture Perfect is, as its name suggests, picture perfect and knows how to rock the house.

 

Jazz band

Jazz is said to be the only strictly American contribution to the world of music, so it’s fitting that The American Jazz Combo gets the recording contract with readers. But they’re local. In fact, so is Garden City Jazz, your second choice. The seemingly omnipresent Bill Karp earns third.

 

Country Band

The Kenny George Band will carry on despite the loss in July of their drummer, Bucky Brown, who was part of the Augusta music scene for the majority of his all too short life. County Line and Delta Cane are your other two top choices for the ultimate country concert.

 

Bluegrass Band

This time Delta Cane takes the coveted Golden Banjo. It’s not easy to play, but it looks great in a trophy case. Perennial fave Eryn Eubanks and The Family Fold score second, and Doug and The Henrys are fiddling around in third place.

 

Christian Band

Dayz to Come… what it sometimes seems like we’re all waiting for, right? Better days. Well, we already have Dayz to Come right here in Augusta, and they are your top choice. Funmilayo Ngozi belts out some musical preaching from her second-place spot, and Ryan Abel regularly performs on Saturday nights. And Sunday mornings.

 

Rock Band

Local favorite, Ed Turner and the No. 9 takes the top spot, and Scarlett Begonias and False Flag are the warm-up acts in second and third, respectively.

 

Performing Arts Group

Remember that studio crawl a couple years ago? We got to watch artists in the act of painting or sculpting. But it never caught on, and performing arts are generally still acting and making music. As a matter of fact, the Augusta Choral Society is your top pick, followed by Symphony Orchestra Augusta, then The Augusta Players.

 

Late Night Spot

Waffle House has won in years past, but this year the trophy goes to The Indian Queen, although there are Waffle House locations nearby (a statement we could accurately make no matter who won). Solé Augusta gets the silver medal, and Joe’s Underground is the last of your top three places to welcome in a new day.

 

Neighborhood Bar

If you can’t drive (or even focus on your phone enough to call for a ride) you can always walk home if you’ve chosen your bar wisely. Readers recommend The Indian Queen. If that isn’t in your neighborhood, we know some great realtors. Metro wins second; Southbound Smokehouse nabs another bronze medal.

 

Live Music Bar

You know the local act The Henrys, right? In some circles HENRY is an acronym meaning “High Earner, Not Rich Yet.” Seriously. You can look it up. Of course, that acronym depends upon the support we give to live local music at places like Sky City, Metro Coffeehouse, and Southbound Smokehouse, your first, second and third choices. Let’s do this.

 

Sports Bar

And by sports we mean watching TV while sports are being televised. Not pole vaulting, Greco-Roman wrestling, playing lacrosse, etc. You’re on your own there. But for standard sports bars, the people have voted, and they have voted for Robbie’s Sports Bar. And for Wild Wing Café. And for Buffalo Wild Wings.

 

Bar to People Watch

Conversely, here we do not mean on television, but in person people. So who assembles the most interesting collection of specimens and speciwomens for your viewing pleasure? That distinction belongs to Stillwater Taproom. Tap into that and see if you agree. Solé Augusta and The Indian Queen also offer highly viewable barstoolians. And yes, that is a word.

 

Bar to watch people

One of the great indoor sports, the best arena in these parts for people watching is downtown’s Soul Bar, in the considered opinion of the electorate. The Country Club takes second, and offers a good acre and a half of humanity to watch. Wild Wing Café takes third, perhaps in part due to its smokin’ new patio.

 

Singles Spot

Grab some tens and twenties, enough to have a good time, and go to the singles spot, which readers have conveniently identified as Solé Augusta. Another place to mingle is The Indian Queen. You might very well meet Pocahontas, you never know. In third, Stillwater Taproom.

 

 

 

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MEDIA

Local TV News Anchor: Male

The reader—and therefore viewer—favorite is Richard Rogers of WRDW. Congratulations, sir! Brad Means takes second, so he’ll audition as co-anchor if this magazine ever starts BOB (“Best Of” Broadcast). Destiny Chance’s sidekick Jake Rakoci comes in third.

 

Local TV news Anchor: Female

If you aren’t a morning person you may not know the lovely and talented Destiny Chance of WFXG News Now, but plenty of your fellow readers do, enough for her to be Augusta’s best. Laura Warren, international social media figure and WRDW co-anchor, takes second, and Jennie Montgomery of WJBF wins third.

 

Local TV news Anchor: Weather

Way to go WFXG! With his win in this category, Jay Jefferies completes a sweep for the WFXG morning crew, all of whom were in the top three. The coveted (but imaginary) silver thermometer goes to Tim Strong of WRDW, and George Myers of WJBF gets the bronze rain gauge.

 

Local TV Station

Back in the day there were only a few TV stations. Can you believe that, kids? Now there are 300 and there’s still nothing worth watching—except on the Top Three. Yes, we’ve come full circle. Your number one source for news is WJBF NewsChannel 6, which officially stands for Where Journalism Bears Fruit (unofficially it’s Where Jennie and Brad are First). WRDW— 12,.that is—is 2, while 54 (WFXG) equals three. New math.

 

Local News Story

The major headline named by readers is Augusta’s cyber revolution. The National Security Agency’s (NSA) growing presence here, the Army Cyber Command’s move to Augusta, and a growing private sector cyber-security presence says this is a huge deal. Another big story: Janell Carwell’s disappearance. The 16-year-old Augustan vanished on her birthday back in April, and her mother and stepfather, both in jail, aren’t talking. Headline #3: Pam Tucker’s resignation came as a shock to many people in Columbia County and the CSRA as a whole. Now she’s campaigning for a job supervising her former overlords.

 

Writer/Columnist

Yes, people still do read things longer than tweets. Take The Augusta Chronicle’s Bill Kirby, for example. Does he even tweet? We think he just blogs. And does the newspaper thing, online and on paper. He is your favorite. Austin Rhodes somehow takes second place. What could he possibly write about? The man has no opinions on anything. And if you think politics is dry and boring, you obviously haven’t read Sylvia Cooper’s Chronicle articles.

 

Local Radio Morning show

The Kicks 99 Wake Up Crew gets the gold—and they should. There are fewer and fewer local radio shows, but we get to listen to one here instead of a syndicated show originating who knows where. Thanks, Kicks! Elsewhere, WGAC’s informative morning team of Harley Drew and Mary Liz Nolan takes second, and another local crew, John & Cleve in the Morning, hold down the 6 to 9 am weekday slot on WAFJ.

 

Local Radio Station

Kicks99’s “new country” format carries the day. Why? Because they can carry a tune too. But when you get totally twanged out—hey, it happens to the best of us—and want an alternative, the next best place to turn is WGAC AM/FM. There you can find out what’s going on in the world and get that low blood pressure back up where it belongs. WAFJ wins third.

 

Local TV Morning News Anchor

Why is gender important? Plain and simple, who’s best in the morning? That honor goes to WJBF’s Barclay Bishop, who landed on her feet after some recent station shuffling in the Augusta TV market. Remember all that a little over a year ago? Destiny Chance shows up again for a repeat performance here, this time winning silver. Meredith Anderson of WRDW wins third.

 

Local Sports Reporter

First across the goal line is veteran left-hander Kevin Faigle, back for another season with WRDW. You’ve got to hand it to WJBF’s Nathan Palm (6’2” 190 lbs), who won second place. The Augusta Chronicle’s Scott Michaux (throws right, types ambidextrously) is a triple threat, covering football, golf and baseball—and every other sport. And if you’re wondering, yeah, we just made up the stats.

 

Local TV Reporter

Fans of Alissa Holmes of WFXG have installed her in the top spot. That is certainly newsworthy. Investigative/consumer reporter Liz Owens of WRDW puts the teeth into 12 On Your Side, and Ashley Campbell, WJBF anchor, reporter, producer and new mom completes the Top 3.

 

Local Talk Radio Personality

If you have any doubt that Austin Rhodes isn’t the rightful champion of this category, feel free to ask Austin himself. He’ll set you straight. The man always has ammunition. And even though this is a radio category, The CW wins second place; you know, Cleve Walker of family friendly WAFJ. The Handsome One at WAGC, Harley Drew, wins third.

 

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SHOPPING

 

Men’s Clothing store

The Boardroom suggests nothing but silk ties, wing tips and 3-piece suits, and they definitely have the usual elements of the standard corporate uniform, but they also have all the accompanying goodies for conducting business elsewhere. On the golf course, for example. Second place goes to Low Country Clothier; third to Rivers & Glen Trading Co.

 

Purses

First, rule #1: Always buy purses. Never snatch them—ever. And when you buy them, readers recommend going to The Swank Company. Shoes at Surrey? Oh yeah, they sell purses too. Purses that match their shoes, no less. Cudos2U scores third.

 

Women’s Shoes

Yes, The Swank Company (2 locations) has shoes. Yes, they are the reader favorite. Shoes at Surrey wins Best Descriptively Self-Explanatory store name and second place in women’s shoes. Third goes to Designer Shoe Warehouse, aka DSW.

 

Children’s Clothing

Talk about your descriptive names! The only thing missing in Posh Tots is the location, but it’s no secret it’s in Surrey Center. And it’s the best place to transform ordinary tots into posh tots. Carter’s is your next favorite option, followed by Kid to Kid.

 

Fitness/Outdoor Store

Readers went outside the box — well actually, just plain outside — to hand the victory to Half Moon Outfitters. Escape Outdoors wins second, and Fleet Feet pants up to the finish line for a strong third.

 

Furniture Consignment Shop

No one wants broke furniture, but furniture that’s broken in, that’s another matter altogether. The cushions are comfier and the patina is patinier. And the price is right too. Readers steer you to Consign Design to take advantage of all these benefits, with The Savvy Shopper and Designed for Change rounding out the top three choices.

 

Clothing Consignment Shop

We recycle glass, aluminum and newspaper, so why not clothing? Hence the whole point of Uptown Cheapskate, the top reader choice for eco-shopping. Second Time Around (in second, appropriately enough) has no objection if it’s the third or fourth time around. The more the merrier. Just don’t get dizzy. Kid to Kid wins third.

 

Supermarket

A man’s gotta eat, right? So get thee to Publix already, says the voice (and stomach) of the people. “Let’s go Krogering!” is the battle cry of the alt-bite crowd. Fresh Market is your third-favorite.

 

Women’s Boutique

As their t-shirts put it, “you had me at Swank.” Yes, The Swank Company comes out on top in the alliterative Best Boutique category. Surrey’s Palm Village and SOHO claim second and third, respectively.

 

Nursery Garden Shop

Since Augusta no longer has a green thumb, perhaps the reader recommendations here can help us get our collective mojo back. We’ll definitely give it a try. For starters, readers dig Sanderlin Green Houses in Appling. Slightly closer in (or way farther if you live in Appling), Good Earth Produce & Garden will help you celebrate plant life. In third, readers plant a kiss on Bedford Greenhouses.

 

Antiques

They say the depreciation on a new couch the minute it leaves the lot is insane. Let someone else pay that and then we can swoop in for the savings later. Really, if Mema Had One, why shouldn’t we? The ballots also recommend Merry’s Trash & Treasures in 2nd, even though they haven’t carried antiques for years, you still love them.  Romantic Farmhouse comes in third.

 

Christmas Decorations

This might seem like a very seasonal category, but remember: every neighborhood has at least one house where the decorations are still up in April or May. So for year-round decorations, readers say it’s Cudos2U. Southern Landscaping Garden & Gifts and Communigraphics will also help you get in the holiday mood, even if it’s 80° outside.

 

Organic Produce/Food

It’s not natural how unnatural some food is, but readers say the fare at Earth Fare is the real thing. Fresh Market rules Aisle #2, if you catch our drift, while the semi-new and definitely improved Good Earth Produce & Garden is the hometown pick in third place.

 

Fine Jewelry

Whether the emphasis is on “fine” or on “jewelry,” add “Windsor” and both suddenly seem a lot finer. The real question here isn’t who will win. It’s who will finish second to Windsor Fine Jewelers. That distinction this year goes to the Estate Jewelry Center. Across the river, Stan Johnson Jewelers takes third place.

 

Gifts

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it is apparently the motto for voters, giving another gold to The Swank Company. Your recipients will consider you a gold-medal friend too. Cudos2U claims another silver, and Charleston Street gets the bronze medal, and you don’t even have to go to Charleston to shop there.

 

Best Place to Shop for Wives

Gentlemen, let’s admit here and now we’re often a little shopping-challenged. We need all the help we can get, and here it is: The Swank Company. That comes from countless (but counted) voters across the fruited plain. Another helpful tip readers offer: Palm Village. And another: Cudos2U. Our own suggestion: make sure you know her sizes.

 

Home Furnishings

Transform your abode from a house to a home at Merry’s Trash & Treasures, says the electorate. They also install Weinberger’s as first runner-up, and Andrews Gallery in third. Now go forth and furnish.

 

Costume Jewerly

Baubles, bangles, bright shiny beads are offered in abundance at The Swank Company, according to our sources. They also again suggest Cudos2U and the mall’s Charming Charlie.

 

Place to Shop for Husbands

Ladies, the votes say your best bet for a gift he’ll love is Southeastern Armory. There’s really no place quite like it, and that’s a good thing in the world of gift giving. Rivers & Glen Trading Co. is a worthy first alternative, and readers also suggest Cabella’s.

 

 

 

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LEISURE

 

Best Place to Ride a Bike

Whether it’s a trike, bike or unicycle, the clear favorite for human-powered locomotion is at the Augusta Canal.  Since it’s paved, the #2 option—North Augusta’s Greeneway—offers an advantage over the canal if you’re using training wheels (or stabilizers, if you prefer). F.A.T.S., the Forks Area Trail System, is no place for stabilizers, but it is your third-fave.

 

Fitness Club

If you really want to feel the burn, readers suggest the club you should join is Burn Boot Camp. The theory is, the more burn you feel the hotter you’ll be. Speaking of which, the motto of second place Orangetheory Fitness is “keep burning.” Your third choice: the good old Family Y.

 

Day Spa

Number one on your list is Cucumber & Mint. We feel slightly refreshed already, just typing the name. Look for it behind the green door in Surrey Center. Not green green…more cucumber…or maybe it’s kind of mint. Balanced Body Spa earns second place and Tuscany: A Classic Italian Spa places third.

 

Place to Swim

If you’ve come here looking for the best place to play pool, that’s another category. Keep reading. This one involves recreation in a huge container of water such as the one at the Family Y. Or at your second choice: the Augusta Aquatic Center. Or your third: the Kroc Center. So go already. But no running!

 

Golf Course

As did Bobby Jones himself in decades past, we like Forest Hills Golf Club. Excellent top choice, Augusta. The lush green of Jones Creek wins runner-up, and the riverside jewel called River Club ranks third.

 

5k Race

As it was last year, the beautiful 3 Bridges Run is your #1, and it’s no wonder, with its beautiful natural riverside scenery and complete absence of road traffic. The Color Run repeats in second and Jingle Jam in third.

 

Tennis Courts

The city’s Newman Tennis Center is a great and inexpensive place to play or learn the game of tennis, and its 18 courts comprise the reader favorite.  Second and third place, Forest Hills Racquet Club and West Lake Country Club, are private, so be sure to wear a Members Only jacket if you go.

 

Place to Work Out

A fitness club suggests toning, stretching, cardio, maybe help with weight loss… but when someone wants to work out, it’s about power. Bulking up. Snapping 2x4s in half. Lifting twice your weight in pencil-necked geeks. That sort of thing. Thankfully, they don’t subscribe to that theory at your top choice, the Family Y, nor at CrossFit Augusta, or Gold’s Gym. We can all breathe easier.

 

Best-Kept Recreational Secret

How can Augusta Canal bike trails win both best place to ride and best-kept secret? Let’s just say you won’t find any traffic jams along the canal. With many months of moderate weather stretching before us, we should all try to jam it up a little. Ditto for the Greeneway. Third place: Pendleton King Park.

 

Yoga Studio

Tied for the crown are Space Yoga Studio and hOMe Downtown Yoga, where “OM” shows up in the most unexpected places. Surrey Center’s Oxygen Fitness Studio gets the silver medal.

 

Weekend Getaway

We know people who are obsessed with their job every waking moment, 7 days a week. They call or text the office multiple times a day even when they’re on vacation. People, please. Step away from the phone. Unplug and unwind.
Ah, but where? The votes are in: your personal trip advisors say Charleston is the place to go. Worthy destination #2: Asheville, with plenty of stuff to see and do, including Biltmore Estate. Hilton Head is your #3 destination. Now get out of town!

 

Place to play pool

If you’ve come here looking for the best place to swim, that’s another category. This category usually involves no water (although beer is a distinct possibility). The winner is Robbie’s Sports Bar. In second is Rack & Grill, and the legendary Sports Center downtown racks up third place.

 

Place to Walk Your Dog

The obvious answer is your own neighborhood, but that’s like eating every meal at your own kitchen table 24/7/365. A little variety once in a while would be nice, so take Fido (that is your dog’s name, right?) to the place most readers recommend: the Augusta Canal. Trust us, you will earn major points with Fido. The rest of the Top 3: the North Augusta Greeneway and the Evans Towne Center Dog Park.

 

Local Festival

The big kahuna of area festivals is Arts in the Heart of Augusta. Back in the day, it was held in the yard next to the Old Medical College on Telfair. It was that tiny. My, it has grown. Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que, soon to celebrate its 9th year, rules Memorial Day weekends. Westobou cracks the top three. That’s good.

 

Place to Get Back to Nature

Forget the box. Just think outside. The ballots say when you do that, you think Phinizy Swamp. But don’t just think. Go. And make it snappy: we keep hearing that someone wants to drain the swamp. The Augusta Canal is your next favorite. Clarks Hill Lake (because it’s not PC in some quarters to utter the name Strom Thurmond anymore) wins third.

 

Fundraising Event

People say their most-liked event is Lights for Lydia. Next, the Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross has hosted the Boot Scootin Boogie Bash for more than 20 years. Third will be here before we know it: the Jingle Jam 10K benefiting Safe Homes is run in December.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

 

The Place You Wish Was Still Here

The winner is the Haunted Pil…wait, wait, hold up. Let’s start over. The winner is actually Fat Man’s Forest. Ah yes. Oh! Here we go! The Haunted Pillar takes second place. And third among the gone but not forgotten is the late great Duke Restaurant.

 

Local Charity

Our charitable readers donated enough ballots with “The Lydia Project” on them to make it the CSRA’s favorite charity. The American Red Cross and everything it does in so many ways earns it second place. Golden Harvest Food Bank and its important work put it into third. Thank you one and all, including those charities not among the Top Three.

 

Special Event Facility

The key word here is special, and that’s all it took to get The Barn at Sanderlin’s Horse Farm installed at the top. It’s one cool place, all right. Another one-of-a-kind venue is Enterprise Mill (2nd), a description that is equally true of Sacred Heart (3rd).

 

Christmas Light Display

Lights of the South was riding high last Christmas. Its Facebook page has more than 35,000 likes, but a lot has happened since then. Maybe your second choice, Downtown Augusta’s light, will move up. Or Hopeland Gardens in Aiken will. Or maybe Lights of the South will keep its crown next year.

 

Historic Landmark

It may not be exactly ancient, but the James Brown statue certainly highlights a keynote element of Augusta’s rich history. It’s your top choice. Sacred Heart Cultural Center comes next. Third place: Woodrow Wilson Home.

 

New Civic Project

Two titans battled this one out. There really are no losers here, but there is a winner. When the construction dust settled, the winner was the long-awaited Miller Theater, almost ready for its curtain to rise again after more than a 30-year intermission. That will be an awesome day for Augusta. The other candidate in the field is just as stellar: Project Jackson, rising just across the river. If just half of the project’s goals become reality it will be an amazing place.

 

Tourist Attraction

The winner is the Haunted Pil…wait, wait, hold up. Let’s start over. The winner is the SouthStar Trolley Tour. Ok. Now we’re straight. Another cool thing: Augusta Canal Tours. And although it has been transformed from a cool and leafy glade to a stark, sun-baked setting, James Brown Plaza and its life-sized statue still ranks in the top three.

 

Barber

The local film industry…cyber…hair…everything seems to be growing around here. But managed growth is a good thing, which is why we periodically consult barbers. The ballots start with Durden’s Barber Shop. It’s old school but not old fashioned. There is a difference. Yankee Clippers gets second, which shows we have forgiven the Northern aggressors. We’re moving on. The Bobbi Pin Salon is probably not the first place you think of when you think barber; it’s third, actually.

 

Tourist attraction

You’ve got out-of-town company coming to visit. Looking for ideas on where to take them? Readers generously suggest the James Brown Statue, honoring the memory of our own hometown international superstar. Another winning idea: Augusta Canal boat tours. Finally, take a stroll along Riverwalk and the beautiful Savannah River.

 

Carwash

The local carwash landscape has changed a lot in the past year thanks to mergers, closings and renovations. The current king of the hill is Sparkle Express, while LuLu’s Express Car Wash wins the silver (or as some people call it, the chrome). TopNotch Carwash—now known as Tidal Wave Auto Spa—rounds out the Top 3.

 

 

Article appears in the October 2017 issue of Augusta Magazine.

If you’re new to the area, this issue is your guide to discovering the best Augusta has to offer. If you’re a long-time resident, what follows is sure to enhance your appreciation of Augusta and lead you to some fresh new discoveries of your own.

 

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DINING

Best Restaurant Overall

This combines everything: the best food and drink, the finest and friendliest service, great atmosphere, the best appetizers to the most sinful desserts, whether the cuisine is from Europe, Asia or the Americas. This is the whole enchilada, even if enchiladas aren’t on the menu. Your votes send Frog Hollow to this prestigious position of honor. Congratulations! First runner-up status goes to Solé Grill & Sushi Bar. Readers rank Sheehan’s Irish Pub as second runner-up. Bravo to all three.

 

Breakfast

Even if you don’t show up at sunrise, the great folks at Sunrise Grill will still feed you. Is this a great country or what? No wonder they’re your favorite place to grab an appetizer of Wheaties, followed by orange juice, bacon, eggs and sausage, with pancakes and coffee for dessert. Your esteemed runners up: New Moon Café and Bodega Ultima.

 

Appetizers

What starts well is usually going to continue in similar fashion. That’s why Craft & Vine is an excellent dining choice: readers give them the highest marks in appetizers, a sure sign of more good things to come. Speaking of which, The Bee’s Knees and Solé Grill & Sushi Bar (in second and third) also tease taste buds in tempting fashion downtown.

 

Barbecue

If barbecue is akin to a religion in the South, then another word for atheist is vegetarian. Friends, have a little faith and belly up to a checkered tablecloth at Sconyers. You’ll feel better. Like all barbecue eateries, North Augusta’s
The Pot Smoker, your second choice, offers that great BBQ aroma. Inhale by all means! Southbound Smokehouse wins third.

 

Soup

When you’re in the mood for a great meal you really can’t sink your teeth into, visit Sunshine Bakery.
It’s soup. Walton Way Deli and New Moon Café also bowled over our expert panel of readers.

 

Wings

Even during an election year, Wild Wing Café doesn’t discriminate between Left Wing and Right Wing customers. They do request that you always order an even number of wings, however. Think about it. Southbound Smokehouse (pictured here) makes yet another appearance on the medals stand, taking home silver while Wing Stop scores the bronze.

 

Seafood

When all the votes were weighed, the scales tipped in favor of T’s Restaurant. Scales are a big deal at seafood restaurants, you know. Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar is beyond third place. They’re in second, as a matter of fact. Bonefish Grill wins third.

 

Steak

If you love steak—and who doesn’t?—check out Tbonz, the #1 purveyor of steaks year after year, say the ballots. If you’d like to become a steakholder in their business, you only need a small amount of capital, a fork and perhaps a steak knife. A-1 is optional. The Chop House places second; Augustino’s is third.

 

Burrito

If you can’t put up with the S.O.B. even one more day, the ballots say go to Twisted Burrito in Evans for a fresh approach. It’s anything but the Same Old Burrito. The names on the menu alone will tell you that. Nacho Mama’s and Diablo’s Southwest Grill have a burrito battle for seond and third, respectively.

 

Catfish

Voters did a CAT scan of area seafood eateries and the result was another
gold medal for T’s Restaurant.
Readers say they’re the cat’s pajamas of catfish. Old McDonald Fish Camp and Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar (second and third, respectively) are also top choices.

 

Ribs

Who doesn’t enjoy a little good-natured ribbing from time to time? Next time you do, your fellow readers recommend Shane’s Rib Shack, with Pot Smoker and Southbound Smokehouse doing an encore, again in second and third.

 

Fried Chicken

As the old saying goes, “everyone loves the hometown chicken,” which is why Wifesaver is once again Chicken a la King, which is Bulgarian for “Best Fried Chicken.” Maryland Fried Chicken considered changing its name to MFC, but the Colonel might have objected. Third place goes to Honey From the Rock. If you ask, they’ve also got honey mustard from the rock.

 

Pizza

If you’re reading this, what you’re really looking for is something with a couple of extra Z’s tacked on, pizza with pizzazz, in other words. Your fellow readers anoint Mellow Mushroom to the coveted Pizza Pinnacle. Stop by soon so it won’t be lonely at the top. The Pizza Joint wins the silver medal and Yo Pizza is the third tasty topping.

 

Hot Dog

We asked voters who think hot dog is a noun to abstain from voting, preferring only those who view the term as an exclamation. That left only people who say “Hot dog!” as voters, and they say Sonic elevates the hot dog to high art. Or as they say at exclusive French restaurants, “Chaud Chien.” Sam’s Hot Dog Stand gets second place and Farmhaus takes third.

 

Ice Cream

Are you more of a bowl person or a cone person? Either way, the ballots suggest you make a cold call to Bruster’s, the cold gold victor in the battle between the top scoopers in town. Cold Stone Creamery gets the silver and The Pink Dipper takes home the bronze.

 

Sandwich

Is there another word in the entire English language that covers so much real estate? The word covers everything from peanut butter and pepperoni sandwiches to tuna & jelly. But whatever it is, Hildebrandt’s is the place to go. The people have spoken. They also say Village Deli is worthy. Your third choice: new kid Jason of Jason’s Deli.

 

Hamburger

If we don’t eat hamburgers, the Hamburglar wins. So despite the threat of crime, people keep streaming to Farmhaus for their burgers. Don’t forget: their full name is Farmhaus Burger. If you can’t visit in person, at least listen to their website. Gary’s Hamburgers and Five Guys add their creations to the best burger party platter.

 

Donuts

These sugary little gems have quite a presence in the world of food. Their very name begins with a commanding “Do!” They aren’t called don’tnuts, ladies and gentlemen. Just ask the master donut builders at Krispy Kreme, the reader fave. Next up: Belair Donuts, follwed by Kim’s Donuts.

 

Bread

Whether it’s just bread and nothing but—like the pre-appetizer appetizer in many restaurants—or the platform upon which is piled meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo or any of a few thousand other options, readers say Manuel’s Bread Café is the upper crust of the local bread world. Sunshine Bakery and Panera Bread round out the top members of local bread board.

 

Desserts

Desserts. Plural. Because nobody can eat just one. You might want to start with carrot cake with a side of chocolate mousse, follow that with some pie and a maybe a scoop of sorbet, then finish with a slab of blackberry cobbler a la mode. Or, simply go to The Boll Weevil Café and Sweetery and order one of everything on their splendid dessert menu. Readers also recommend French Market Grill and Edgar’s Grille (in that order) for additional waistline enhancement.

 

Special occasion cakes

The artistry in cake building has taken a quantum leap in recent years. Once upon a time, you might have been amazed by “Have fun in Paris!” written in frosting on a sheet cake. These days, that message might come on a two-foot tall cake shaped like the Eiffel Tower. Readers say the cake artists at A Piece of Cake are worthy of #1 status, followed by Delightful Bites and Lil’ Dutch Bakery.

 

Sushi

Voters say you won’t get a raw deal at Takosushi—unless that’s what you order, of course. Solé Grill & Sushi Bar, whose sushi platter is pictured above, is the sole winner of second place, followed by Miyabi Japanese Steak and Seafood House.

 

Pastries & cookies

Two Moms Cookies is the reader favorite. We looked up their website online (we had to enable cookies on our computer) and discovered they are very sensitive to the needs of people trying to lose weight. If you are someone who has trouble eating just one cookie, they offer a 12-inch size. That’s definitely helpful. Lil’ Dutch Bakery wins first runner-up; A Piece of Cake wins third.

 

Coffee

Some people drink coffee only in the morning or only when the weather is cold. What is wrong with some people? Buona Caffe will gladly help stage an intervention if that’s what’s required. Readers also say The Coffee Geek can help, as can New Moon Café.

 

Iced tea

The Cold War may be over, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lingering skirmishes, like over whose ice cold iced tea reigns as best. Well, we have the answer. The people have spoken. Wifesaver wins the brewhaha. Second place goes to Honey From the Rock. That sounds sweet. In third: Sunshine Bakery.

 

beer selection/take home

As a growler bar—growler being a word dating back to the late 1800s for a pitcher or jug for transporting beer—Hive Growler Bar gets us coming and going. They score another Best in this category. Running a close second is Evans’ Tip Top Taps and Toast Wine & Beverage completes the top three.

 

Beer menu

With 61 beers on tap, Hive Growler Bar was an easy top pick for the largest bloc of voters. Stillwater Taproom also scored well, and Pizza Joint takes third.

 

Wine menu

It’s extensive at Craft & Vine, your top choice. But there’s no need to be intimidated. The menu breaks it down for you, so you can choose light and fruity or bold and robust. You don’t even have to pretend to be a wine expert (but you can if you want to). Just up the block, Frog Hollow is first runner-up. Cadwalladers Café adds another medal to its many wine-related honors over the years in third.

 

Wine merchant

There are no grapes of wrath in this category, just grapes of happiness—in liquid form, bottled up and ready to take home. From Toast Wine & Beverage in particular, say the votes. North Augusta’s Wine World reprises last year’s second place finish with another one just like it; ditto for Vineyard in third.

 

Wine by the Glass

If you fancy a glass of wine, then head to Craft & Vine! They took top honors in this category. Surrey Center’s reputation as a dining mecca gives them second place in this category, with Finch & Fifth. We’re back downtown again at the Bee’s Knees in third.

 

Happy Hour

After a long and grueling day of tapping on a keyboard, nothing looks better to downtown’s legions of office workers than the Solé Grill & Sushi Bar happy hour. At least that’s what our readers tell us. The Bee’s Knees adds another silver to its trophy case and Edgar’s Grill wins third.

 

Friendly service

Proving once again that it doesn’t take chandeliers, linen and silver to excel in food service, Chick-fil-A takes top honors in this vital category. Way to go! The rest of the surprising field: The Coffee Geek and Honey From the Rock score second and third.

 

Chef/caterer

Caterers and chefs are the most important players in many a dining experience, but also the most invisible. They let the food do the talking for them, but readers let their votes do their talking, and they say it’s another #1 finish for Jennifer Shuford and Tastefully Yours. Silver Palm Catering wins next best.

 

Down home cooking

Owned and operated by Whole Life Ministries, Honey from the Rock Café is absolutely divine, according to the votes. Apparently collard greens and collared votes are their dual specialties. Goolsby’s and Ruth’s also serve up the city’s favorite down-home food.

 

Brunch

Try this next Tuesday: it’s midmorning. The hungries strike. As you head for the door, call out to your colleagues, “Anyone up for brunch at Edgar’s Grille?” Just watch how many follow you! And watch how many of you will file for unemployment that afternoon! Maybe we’d better stick to Sunday Brunch. Elsewhere around town, Augustino’s also gets high reader marks, as does Bonefish Grill.

 

Lunch

We would not suggest taking the reader recommendations that follow on the same day you sample Best Brunch, but ultimately that’s up to you. Either way, the surprise winner is Moe’s Southwest Grill. They will definitely welcome you. Honey From the Rock gets yet another Top 3 finish and Village Deli completes the triple play.

 

Italian restaurant

Italians have definitely put themselves on the world map, food-wise. Locally, Carrabba’s Italian Grill is the top destination, at least according to our readers. People love the outside of the building as much as what they serve inside. The Garlic Clove takes second, and last but definitely not least Cucina 503 (conveniently located at 502 Furys Ferry Road) scores the coveted medaglia di bronzo. See what we did there?

 

Mexican restaurant

Did you know there are almost 70 Monterrey Mexican Restaurants in their chain? There’s a lot to like, say the ballots. Numero Dos goes to Poblano’s Mexican Grill. Ask for the owner, Señor Poblano, next time you’re there. Salsa’s wins third.

 

Asian restaurant

The culinary world tour always starts in the Far East, but we have imported the best to our fair city. You don’t even have to get a passport to go to Thailand—if you take readers’ advice and visit Thai Kitchen. Ditto for Option 2: Fuji Asian. And for Option 3: Kawa Japanese Tapas and Grill.

 

Japanese restaurant

Miyabi Japanese Steak and Seafood House tops the list of reader favorites, probably as much for the entertaining grill masters as much as the delicious food. Kawa reappears, this time for a next-best finish, and Fujiyama Japanese Steak House wins third.

 

Indian restaurant

The beauty of foreign cuisines lies in its variety, and Indian cuisine is no exception, famous for its delicious and exotic spices. Bland is not in the vocabulary at places like your favorite, Taj of India, nor at runner-ups India Café or Curry Hut. They all come highly recommended.

 

Downtown restaurant

Downtown Augusta as a dining destination is superb and often overlooked. That combination means great dining without the 45-minute wait for a table you might encounter in suburbia. Try Frog Hollow first, say the ballots. Next best by reader acclaim: Solé Grill & Sushi Bar. Finally, Whiskey Bar Kitchen completes the best of downtown.

 

Elegant dining/romantic dining

These two categories, kissing cousins to start with, also share the same winners list: Frog Hollow gets the gold. Twice. That’s a high honor indeed. Calvert’s takes both silver medals, and Cadwallader’s Café sweeps third. Now let’s light the candles, cue the soft music and pour the wine.

 

Craft cocktail

There’s an art to the craft of mixology, and readers give the gold to Craft & Vine, appropriately enough. The Indian Queen and The Bee’s Knees battle to a second-place tie, while Solé Grill & Sushi Bar is, as you might guess, all alone in third.

 

New restaurant

It’s always a treat to sample a new restaurant, and the voting public has given you three great choices. If you haven’t already tried these, here is your official invitation. Solé Grill & Sushi Bar takes top honors, and no wonder: you’ve seen their name numerous times in the previous categories. Southbound Smokehouse comes next, giving new
life to a venerable Augusta dining location. Twisted Burrito completes the newbie triplets with a fresh take on a traditional favorite.

 

Neighborhood hidden gem

As we mentioned above, there are plenty of fine eateries where you’d better not show up hungry, because you’ll be waiting for a table for quite awhile. Instead, use Google and GPS to try these hidden gems that are slightly off the path beaten to all the usual choices. 1st Place: Rae’s Coastal Café. 2nd Place: Humanitree House. 3rd Place: The Pot Smoker BBQ.

 

Neighborhood Restaurant

What follows are the kind of places where, if you can’t finish your dessert
(In what world does that happen? But bear with us.) you can ask for a to-go box and have it home before it melts. They’re also the kind of places you’ll drive across town to get to—and then eventually you’ll call a realtor. These winners are: in first place, Sheehan’s Irish Pub. Second place, Southbound Smokehouse. And in third, but not least, Village Deli.

 

Neighborhood Bar

Want to go where everybody knows your name? Then head over the Southbound Smokehouse and grab a drink after a long day at the office. Want to kick back at a cabin in the woods without the long drive? You’re in luck if you’ve discovered the Indian Queen, which takes second place. It’s your urban wilderness experience, replete with bartenders no less. Metro downtown scoops up the bronze.

 

Outdoor dining

If the weather is right, there’s nothing better than dining al fresco, especially, say the ballots, if you’re doing the deed at downtown’s Solé Grill & Sushi Bar. This is definitely the time of year to check it out. Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar pipes their AC outdoors, so that’s cool. If everyone did that we wouldn’t have global warming, right? And in third, Pizza Joint says let’s take this outside.

 

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Male vocalist

It’s going to be tough for blues-infused Shane Davis to sing the blues after being voted #1 Male Vocalist. It won’t be easy, and therefore it will still be bluesey. Moving from our senior vocalist to the junior circuit, second place sees a battle of juniors, as Phillip Lee Jr. and Dwight Bradham Jr. are deadlocked in second. The glorious pipes of Ryan
Abel take third.

 

Female vocalist

Beautiful lady, beautiful voice. That’s what readers say about Donna Jo Carroll. Silver medalist Funmilayo Ngozi has performed in Amsterdam, London and Paris when she isn’t playing Aiken. Or Hephzibah. Perennial favorite Tara Scheyer takes home third.

 

Country band

The Kenny George Band is so country they hate to play here in the big city. But they manage somehow—enough to win the category! It would be funny if County Line was a crossover band—get it?—but they are pure country, and they win second. As for McKenna Hydrick, she’s so good she won third. It’s like she’s an entire band wrapped up in one woman.

 

Jazz band

The American Jazz Combo—as if there’s some other kind—scores as the reader favorite. But wait, there’s more. First, here’s your second-favorite jazz performer: Garden City Jazz. Good thing they’re located in Augusta, right? As promised earlier, more: third place on the ballots goes to Bill Karp. Wait a second. He’s one person, not a band. And he’s the vocalist for the American Jazz Combo, which has already won this category. Is any of this even legal?

 

School band

Lakeside High School is so good, say readers, that they even have a warm-up act they tour with. It’s the Lakeside football team. After they get the crowd (and the field warmed up), the crowd gets what they’ve been waiting for: marching band music. The pattern is repeated at Greenbrier (second) and Evans. That’s a clean sweep for Columbia County.

 

Country band

The Kenny George Band is so country they hate to play here in the big city. But they manage somehow—enough to win the category! It would be funny if County Line was a crossover band—get it?—but they are pure country, and they win second. As for McKenna Hydrick, she’s so good she won third. It’s like she’s an entire band wrapped up in one woman.

 

Jazz band

The American Jazz Combo—as if there’s some other kind—scores as the reader favorite. But wait, there’s more. First, here’s your second-favorite jazz performer: Garden City Jazz. Good thing they’re located in Augusta, right? As promised earlier, more: third place on the ballots goes to Bill Karp. Wait a second. He’s one person, not a band. And he’s the vocalist for the American Jazz Combo, which has already won this category. Is any of this even legal?

 

School band

Lakeside High School is so good, say readers, that they even have a warm-up act they tour with. It’s the Lakeside football team. After they get the crowd (and the field warmed up), the crowd gets what they’ve been waiting for: marching band music. The pattern is repeated at Greenbrier (second) and Evans. That’s a clean sweep for Columbia County.

 

Rock band

The winner here is Anyone’s Guess. No, really. It’s Anyone’s Guess. Wanna know who won second? No Sir. Seriously. No Sir. And in third something we all want: Happy Bones.

 

Bluegrass band

Readers send Delta Cane off into the sunset with a gold medal to tell the grandkids about in their golden years. Thanks for the memories. Meanwhile, Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold—of silver medal fame—is still kickin it, while Doug and The Henrys gets third.

 

Contemporary christian band

Christian as in “incorporating gospel themes into the act.” Contemporary as in “plugging amplifiers into electric wall sockets, recording digitally and what have you.” By that definition (loosely), readers chose Funmilayo Ngozi. She is a force of nature, trust us. When Ryan Abel gets religious on us, it can send a chill down your spine. And finally, Eryn Eubanks and The Family Fold round out the trinity of winners.

 

Performing arts group

On a related note (see previous category) Dance 2 Inspire inspired readers to vote them into first place. That’s uplifting for sure. Augusta Players gets a semi-standing ovation…kind of like half-sitting, not quite standing, as is appropriate for second place. Victory Productions, speaking of inspiring, is keeping it real in third.

 

Singles spot

No, it’s not the far-right slot in the cash drawer. It’s The Indian Queen. The ballots say so! Our expert panel says another likely spot to meet your future—yes, your future—is The Country Club. Metro (full name: Metro A Coffee House) wins third.

 

Live music bar

If there’s one thing harder than a musician’s life, it’s when said musician practices for hours, days and weeks and stays up late, all just to play to an empty (or nearly empty) house. The antidote: support live local music at places like
1. Sky City; 2. StillWater Taproom and 3. Southbound Smokehouse.

 

Bar to watch people

One of the great indoor sports, the best arena in these parts for people watching is downtown’s Soul Bar, in the considered opinion of the electorate. The Country Club takes second, and offers a good acre and a half of humanity to watch. Wild Wing Café takes third, perhaps in part due to its smokin’ new patio.

 

Late-night spot

The winner here could be a place with tile on the floors, fluorescents on the ceiling and waffles on the plates. But it isn’t. It’s The Indian Queen yet again. And The Country Club takes another first runner-up. But this time The Highlander gets the final spot among the top three.

 

Local festival

Even though it’s held at the beginning of fall, there’s a rumor that Arts in the Heart of Augusta, your fave festival, may change its name to Arts in the Heat of Augusta. It could happen. It would save money on signs. Another big vote getter is Banjo-B-Que Music Festival. Actually, it was Willie Nelson’s favorite CSRA music festival last year. The Greek Festival wins third. Opa!!!

The winner here is Anyone’s Guess. No, really. It’s Anyone’s Guess. Wanna know who won second? No Sir. Seriously. No Sir. And in third something we all want: Happy Bones. 

 

Sports bar

Readers say Somewhere in Augusta tops this category. Ah, but where, exactly? That joke never gets old, does it? Carolina Ale House and Buffalo Wild Wings also help answer the age-old question: what do you do if you only have enough money to either, A) go out drinking, or B) pay the cable bill, but not both?

 

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MEDIA

Local TV Station

Back in the day there were only three TV stations. Can you believe that, kids? Now there 300 and there’s still nothing worth watching—except on the Top Three. Yes, we’ve come full circle. #1, says our panel of dedicated couch potatoes, is WJBF, which officially stands for Where Journalism Bears Fruit (unofficially it’s Where Jennie and Brad are First). WRDW— 12, that is—is 2, while 26 (WAGT) equals three. New math.

 

Local TV news
Anchor: Female

The lovely and talented Barclay Bishop gets the golden microphone as your favorite anchor in this category. These days she is an anchor and reporter at WJBF. WRDW’s Laura Warren takes the silver. Jennie Montgomery of WJBF wins third.

 

Local TV news
Anchor: Male

Veteran newscaster Richard Rogers sets the standard at WRDW, and according to our readers, for all other male anchors in town. Brad Means (WJBF) is first runner-up. John Hart, anchoring the 5:30 and 10 newscasts on WJBF, takes home the bronze.

 

Local media sports reporter

Notice it says media, not just TV. So the field is wide open to radio, TV, internet and print sports journalists. The victor from that wide field is Brian Chojnacki, recently of WRDW, but since the ballots were cast he has relocated to Jacksonville. Speaking of WRDW, Kevin Faigle, Brian’s old boss, takes second. Third goes to Brendan Robertson, formerly of WAGT, now also gone down the road tot the next big job.

 

Local TV
Anchor: Weather

There has been a lot of musical chairs in the TV media business in the past year. Your favorite Augusta weatherman, Jay Jeffries, for example, holds forth from WFXG Fox54 studios these days. WJBF’s George Myers came in second—which he probably predicted. The ever-likable Tim Strong is third.

 

Local TV
Reporter

Like weather people, there are tons of these. The leader of the pack is Ashley Campbell, roving reporter and morning and weekend anchor for WJBF. She stays busy. Her colleague Renetta DuBose snags second place and the one and only George Eskola takes third for a clean sweep by WJBF.

 

Local radio
Morning show

Some people hate talk radio, but for some reason they like it just fine in the morning. And the team they like best in these parts is the Harley Drew-Mary Liz Nolan duo at WGAC. The Kicks 99 Wake Up
Krew is next up and John and
Cleve on WAFJ score third.

 

Local radio
Station

Last time we checked, this was The South. No wonder Kicks 99 has the most listeners. Multiply their audience by two (number of ears per listener),
and the numbers really start to get
crazy. WGAC AM/FM comes in second and WAFJ completes the medalists.

 

Local talk
Radio personality

If you have any doubt that Austin Rhodes isn’t the rightful champion of this category, feel free to ask Austin himself. He’ll set you straight. The man always has ammunition. And even though this is a radio category, The CW wins second place; you know, Cleve Walker of family friendly WAFJ. The Handsome One at WAGC, Harley Drew, wins third.

 

Local news story

For the last time (hopefully) the whole MCG/GHSU/GRU naming fiasco rears its ugly head, this time with its happy ending: renaming the renaming as Augusta University. They could have just done this in the first place and saved a lot of time and money. Second place: “Restaurant report cards.” Those are interesting, aren’t they? In third, “the house left in the Masters parking lot.” It looked like something that landed on the Wizard of Oz set for a while there.

 

Writer/columnist

Like Austin Rhodes and T-Bonz, there are some categories where the winner is a shoe-in. Bill Kirby as Best Writer, for instance. Congratulations! Occasional Augusta Magazine contributor Mark Hodges wins the silver typewriter (what’s a typewriter?) and inspirational storyteller Karlton Klay is the right writer for third.

 

Best part of Augusta Magazine

Maybe we should reword this category: the Best part is the Best part. Duh. Best of Augusta wins! Next most favorite: Around Town, which is kind of like The Jail Report—you look through it to see if how many of your friends are in it. But unlike The Jail Report, you don’t mind if you are. Those sumptuous homes we feature around town score third.

 

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SHOPPING

 

Men’s Clothing store

Sartorial splendor is an amazing thing: it actually makes you feel better. Some people pay therapists or pharmacies for this feeling. Clothes are a lot less expensive. This election victory goes to The Boardroom. Don’t let the name fool you—they sell play clothes too. Low Country Clothier and Rivers & Glen complete the three-piece suit.

 

Women’s Clothing store

The top of the line here is the domain of The Swank Company. They are, in a word, swanky. But then, you knew that already. SOHO (pictured on page 57) takes second and fabrik wins third. You know what this means? Surrey Center is the place to shop, ladies.

 

Children’s clothing

The right clothes on your toddler could mean getting into a better daycare, which could lead to a better Pre-K, then eventually a better Ivy League school and a better corner office. It all begins at Posh Tots, say the experts. Kid-to-Kid will also serve them well and Gap Kids takes third.

 

Fine jewelry

When it comes to fine jewelry, well, at Windsor Fine Jewelers, it’s almost like Fine is their middle name. That’s what readers tell us. We tend to believe them. The Estate Jewelry Center wins silver—which they already have plenty of. Third place takes us to the mall and Zales.

 

Nursery/garden shop

It must be nice to be in the business of beautifying this already spectacular planet. Tops among readers in this play-in-the-dirt category: Bedford Greenhouses, which about 25,000 of us drive past every single day. Aiken’s Cold Creek Nurseries is worth the drive in second and so is Appling’s Sanderlin Greenhouses.

 

Christmas decorations

You say you want to deck your halls with boughs of holly? We asked readers where you can get your supplies, and they said “kudos to them” and we said “kudos to who?” and they replied “Cudos2u.” Thank you very much, we said. Second place? None other than Christmas Tree Shops. If they didn’t win, place or show, something would be seriously amiss. In third, Communigraphics.

 

Place to buy purses

Purses are important. If you don’t believe that, just weigh one sometime. That isn’t 10 pounds of nothing in there. It’s 20 pounds, actually. That’s why purses need to be high quality, like the ones they sell at The Swank Company, say readers. Shoes at Surrey makes sense in 2nd, since purses and shoes match (sometimes). Belk wins third.

 

Women’s shoes

While the well-dressed gentleman can easily survive on a few carefully selected pairs of shoes, his feminine counterpart needs dozens. Hundreds would not be too many, so get busy shopping already! Shoes at Surrey is Destination One, say your ballots. The Swank Company and Designer Shoe Warehouse—DSW—will also help fill your closet. At all three, walk-ins are welcome. Encouraged, in fact.

 

Consignment shop
(furniture)

Sometimes furniture that shows the patina of the years is more appealing than something that’s all sleek and shiny and new. Visit Consign Design, suggest your fellow readers, and you’ll see the point on display at every turn. They also recommend The Savvy Shopper and Designed for Change.

 

Consignment shop
(clothing)

As long as it’s new to you it’s still new, right? That’s the beauty of Uptown Cheapskate, where the name says it all. Second Time Around and Kid-to-Kid are the other finalists, places to score a bargain or thin out those closets. Or both.

 

Organic food/produce

The Big Three dominate this category, starting with three green thumbs up for Whole Foods. Nothing against having three thumbs, but it’s just a little on the freaky side, you know? Fresh Market has a more normal two green thumbs and poor Earth Fare, getting by on just one green thumb, still does quite well.

 

Women’s boutique

You know the old adage, when you find a pair of shoes you really like, buy a pair in every color? Or to put it slightly differently, when you find a clothing store you like, stick with it. Maybe that’s why this category has the same three winners as the previous category, just arranged in different order. SOHO gets top billing here, followed by fabrik and The Swank Company.

 

Supermarket

The store virtually everyone visits. Everyone. A man’s gotta eat, right? The finest food purveyor (DIY Division) for 2016 is Whole Foods. Mmm mmm good, say readers. Second place is awarded to Publix, third to Kroger.

 

Seafood market

Some days if you go by early enough, you’ll see a boat tied up behind Whole Foods. That’s how you know the seafood is fresh, and it’s also the #1 seafood source of voters whenever they don’t have time to hit the water with rod and reel. Second place—the coveted Silver Hook—goes to Fresh Market and longtime local favorite Island Seafood wins third.

 

Gifts

When you feel like pampering yourself a little, go out and buy a gift for someone else. According to the ballots, if you do this at The Swank Company, there’s a better than even chance you’ll wind up keeping it for yourself. Everybody wins (except your intended recipient)! Cudos2u, which is what you say as you give a gift, is next-best. Then the recipient will say, “No, kudos to you!” See how that works? Design Images wraps up third and puts a bow on it.

 

Place to shop for husband/boyfriend

If you’re in the market for boy toys, the votes are in: Southeastern Armory is the place to go. They’ve got what he’s looking for. Rivers & Glen Trading Co. is option two and Cabela’s is option three. Worthy choices one and all.

 

Place to shop for wife/girlfriend

For most guys this is quite a challenge, so we’re happy to help, passing along the guidance of many. Their advice is simple, and can be summarized in three words: Windsor. Fine. Jewelers. You cannot go wrong. In fact, that goes for the other two top reader picks: The Swank Company and Jared.

 

Home furnishings

Alternate category heading: Best Place to Shop for House/Home. Yes, houses need love too. Get a gift for yours at Andrews Gallery, a repeat gold medalist from last year’s balloting. Wondering if you can get nice stuff at Weinberger’s Furniture? As their slogan puts it, “You not only can, you may!” Or something like that. Merry’s Trash & Treasures scoops up third.

 

Costume jewelry

Costume jewelry isn’t just for Halloween anymore (if it ever was). No, it’s swank enough for everyday dazzlement, especially if you get it at the best source: The Swank Company. Augusta Mall’s Charming Charlie comes in second and Georgia’s (and Etsy’s) own Betsy Pittard Designs takes third.

 

Antiques

Looking for old new stuff? Or do you want new old stuff? Either way, they’ve got you covered at The Antique Market.  More old news: Merry’s Trash & Treasures and Mema Had One also get votes for their old-fangled ways.

 

Fitness/outdoor store

It’s always nice to see locally owned stores win, as have several already. Another addition to that list is Escape Outdoors. Get your adventure on at two locations: Evans and Downtown Augusta. In fact, you can get your kayak on there, not to mention all kinds of other cool gear. Academy Sports + Outdoors and Dick’s Sporting Goods give you three great options for stuff to help you leave the couch behind.

 

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FITNESS

 

Fitness club

Got time to burn? Then you’ve got the right idea. And the Family Y offers just the place to feel the burn, say voters. Orangetheory Fitness also welcomes losers—not that you need to have weight loss as your goal. Cardio health is a wonderful thing, too. So is just toning up muscles so you can chase down a Pokemon or two. Evans Fitness Club takes third.

 

Place to swim

Where will the next Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky come up for air? Chances are best at the Family Y, suggest most ballots. The Kroc Center was also swimming in ballots, enough for second place, and Augusta’s Aquatic Center is another splendid place to get your feet wet, figuratively speaking.

 

Place to work out

Sure, everyone’s busy, but your fellow readers urge you to work in a workout at the Family Y. You’ll be glad you did. Orangetheory Fitness comes up next, and Gold’s Gym is also know for making people feel in the pink.

 

Golf course (public)

A good walk spoiled? No walk of any kind among acres of beautifully and meticulously manicured surroundings can be spoiled by something as trivial as a high score. So please, enjoy Forest Hills, Jones Creek and The River Club (first, second and third) at the behest of golfing voters across the area.

 

Place to walk your dog

Or, if you’re a professional dog walker, someone else’s dog. The place to go (so they can go) is the Augusta Canal. For this category at least, it’s going to the dogs—in a good way. The Greeneway takes yet another silver medal and Evans Town Center Dog Park scoops up third.

 

Golf course (private)

We can do this one of two ways: there’s the climb over the fence or parachute in under cover of darkness approach, and then there’s the legally and legitimately join-the-club approach. We recommend the latter. But where? Election central reports Augusta Country Club as the preferred course among our readers. Just one shot back is Champions Retreat, followed by West Lake Country Club.

 

Day spa

There is nothing quite like that just-came-from-the-spa feeling, you know? Pampered within an inch of your life is the feeling you’ll get at Tuscany, according to well-informed pamperees. It’s a classic Italian spa, after all. Spa Bleu and Balanced Body Spa will also wait on you hand and foot. Literally.

 

Best place to ride a bike

One of the best ways to get exercise, bike riding is low impact, especially if you avoid hitting stationary objects like trees, and there are many of them along the Augusta Canal. But that’s a good thing. Shade is good. North Augusta’s Greeneway may be the #2 place to ride, but it’s #1 in shade. F.A.T.S. (Forks Area Trail System) is also a top choice for a ride through the forest.

 

5k race

Advertising itself as “Augusta’s Most Scenic Race,” the 3 Bridges 5K lives up to its name and its billing. It’s also Augusta’s favorite. We have the ballots to prove it. The Color Run is a step back in second, proving that lives of all colors matter, even green, blue and orange. Jingle Jam takes 3rd.

 

Best-kept secret

The bike trails along the Augusta Canal take first place here, not because they’re secret or unknown, but probably because so many more of us should take advantage of this splendid area asset. Ditto for your second choice: The Greeneway. Third place goes to little-known Space Yoga Studio on Monte Sano. It’s definitely unique. For example, Space has no set fees for classes—it’s all donation based. That doesn’t mean free, but “pay what you can” is a refreshing approach.

 

Tennis courts

Where are scoring and line disputes settled in tennis? At tennis courts, naturally. The supreme court in this area holds sessions at Petersburg Racquet Club, report those who know. Overflow is handled at Newman Tennis Center and West Lake Country Club. All rise!

 

Place to play pool

Where is the best corner pocket in the entire Central Savannah River Area? Robbie’s Sports Bar. Now it’s up to you to discover which corner pocket of which table. Send us a postcard when you find it! Rack and Grill is the #2 ball, the blue one, and downtown’s venerable Sports Center is the red #3 ball.

 

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MISCELLANEOUS

 

Best carwash

It’s a common strategy: you keep your car messy outside and in so that if you’re ever pinned in your car in a ravine for a week after a wreck you can survive on the old French fries under the seat. Just get the car cleaned—and do it at LuLu’s, suggest your fellow motorists. Second place: Sparkle Express. Third: Top Notch Car Wash.

 

Special event facility

A special event becomes more special in a special facility, one like Enterprise Mill, suggest the ballots.
It’s definitely a singular place steeped in history, as is Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Legends Club, the new kid on the block, wins your third-place vote.

 

Historic landmark

It may not be exactly ancient, but the James Brown statue certainly highlights a keynote element of Augusta’s rich history. It’s your top choice. The Haunted Pillar comes next. Third place: Sacred Heart. What an amazing edifice it is.

 

Place to propose marriage

For a suitably romantic setting to propose the ultimate merger, shakers and movers recommend the beautiful setting of the Augusta Canal. Gentlemen, it’s up to you to decide if you can get down on one knee in a canoe, or if you need to stay on solid ground. Second and third place: the Savannah Rapids and Riverwalk.

 

The place you wish was still here

#1: Squeaky’s Tip Top. At least we still have Squeaky’s in paintings and art prints all over town. Fat Man’s Forest comes up next. If your shopping list read, “rubber chicken, scented candle, thank you card, Frankenstein costume and mask, bouquet of roses, snow globe and a burger with fries,” Fat Man’s was your one-stop shop. Duke Restaurant wins third. At Duke you didn’t need a menu. You just told them what you were hungry for and that’s what they cooked up.

 

Reason to like Columbia County

The #1 reason is the county’s well-respected school system. They keep the kids out from underfoot for hours every day, months out of every year. Thanks! Evans Towne Center Park gets second. What’s not to like? A superb concert venue, playground, dog park, splash pad, walking track, picnic pavilions, bike sharing, et cetera. All of this says that third place—“it’s family friendly”— is pretty much a slam dunk.

 

Reason to like Richmond County

Tops here is downtown, the centerpiece of the entire region, replete with museums and concert venues, parks that host community events, and many of the areas finest shopping and dining destinations. In fact, downtown is central to all the winners in this category: “Events” are the runner-up asset, followed by the Augusta Common.

 

Best barber

Last time we checked, Augusta is in what is called the Deep South. So if a barbershop named Yankee Clippers wins, they must be pretty good. They’re just around the corner from Durden’s Barbershop, in second place. It’s apparently Augusta’s barber district. The man cave also known as The Men’s Refinery downtown gets a well-earned third-place finish.

 

Tourist attraction

You’ve got out-of-town company coming to visit. Looking for ideas on where to take them? Readers generously suggest the James Brown Statue, honoring the memory of our own hometown international superstar. Another winning idea: Augusta Canal boat tours. Finally, take a stroll along Riverwalk and the beautiful Savannah River.

 

Local charity

Satisfying mankind’s most basic need, one that every person needs to address several times every day of our lives: food. That’s the mission of Golden Harvest Food Bank, your most worthy first place selection. The Lydia Project is your second choice, Ronald McDonald House your third.

 

Christmas light display

Lights of the South and its 5,000,000 lights wins first prize. We counted both the ballots and the bulbs, so we know. Downtown Augusta, your second-favorite, may not have 5 million lights, but then, it has shops and restaurants that Lights of the South doesn’t. Aiken’s lovely Hopelands Gardens takes the last of the top spots.

 

Place to get a speeding ticket

Is there really a best place? Probably not. The worst place, however, is Riverwatch Parkway, especially now with its fresh new pavement inviting speed. Do so at your peril, friends. North Augusta likes to trap speeders, as many of us know from painful (and expensive) experience. Bobby Jones Expressway gets third, and it should probably have won by a landslide. You can exceed the speed limit by 5 or 10 m.p.h. or even more and get passed like you’re parked any day of the week.

 

New Civic Project

Remember the sign on The Miller Theater marquee that announced “Coming Soon”? No? You’re not old enough? It has been Miller time for decades. Well, it was there once upon a time and believe it or not, it finally looks like it really is coming soon. You can even help ensure the Miller’s restoration and encore performance at millerllc.org. The only other medalist in this category: North Augusta’s controversial baseball stadium. Love it? Hate it? Either way, it’s coming.

 

Fundraising event

You can’t spell fundraising without fun. Or raisin, for that matter. In any event, the event you like best is the Jingle Jam 10K, whose proceeds benefit SafeHomes. Lights for Lydia, as you would expect, supports The Lydia Project. In third, the drag boat race—correction—dragon boat race known as Good Boats benefits Goodwill and its Helms College.

 

Place to break off a relationship

You people in first and third place: shame on you. The winner is: “by cell phone.” Seriously? Those winners are losers. Third place goes to “email.” Again we ask, have you no decency? Thankfully there is some shred of hope for the survival of civility and manners: “in person.” Thank you, second-place people.

 

Weekend getaway

Whether the two of you need some alone time or you just broke off a relationship by email, sometimes you just need to get out of town for a few days. Readers would like to steer you in the direction of Charleston, a truly worthy destination for dozens of reasons. Rounding out the top three are two other splendid options: Savannah and Hilton Head.

This article appears in the October 2016 issue of Augusta Magazine.

DINING

Breakfast

If we announce Sunrise Grill as number one on reader ballots, there had better be some bacon in it for us. Which, in part, is probably why they won, come to think of it. We also see bacon and eggs in our future at Ruth’s Family Restaurant (runner up) and New Moon Cafe (in third). That and pancakes, sausage, croissants, coffee…all the good stuff.

Barbecue

Everybody thinks fast food is taking over the world, but barbecue is the undisputed king and you can’t get much slower than barbecue. Barbecue will not be rushed. It refuses. Just ask the folks at your favorite slo-cooker, Sconyers Bar-B-Que. Or Shane’s Rib Shack. Or North Augusta’s BBQ Barn (just look for the neon pig). They’ll tell you.

Ribs

And on the sixth day, God took a rib and said, “My, this looks tasty.” And so it was—and still is. Readers say the ribs are absolutely divine at Shane’s Rib Shack. Sconyers, meanwhile, settles for second rib this time and BBQ Barn advertises itself as “second rib adjacent.”

Wings

Well, Wild Wing wins wings. Easy for us to say. Technically it’s Wild Wing Café, but all we’re really concerned with here is their middle name. Buffalo Wild Wing scores second and Wing Stop third.

Seafood

There is something very fishy about T’s, the reader choice. They’re also oystery, shrimpy and scallopy. And hush puppy. Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar trawls in the next-best vote totals, followed by French Market Grille.

Sushi

You know the old saying, “Sushi sells seashells by the…” That’s odd; we’re drawing a blank. How does it end again? Oh right, sushi sells seashells by the southwest. Takosushi, the winner, reminded us. Readers also advise plugging in your GPS system (Great Platter of Sushi) to locate Izumi Japanese Buffet in Evans. They say it’s worth it. Toki (Martinez and Evans) wins the bronze.

Catfish

The catfish at T’s Restaurant is so good even dog lovers order it. Old McDonald Fish Camp takes second. And be prepared: There will be no clown in a yellow outfit with red hair and shoes anywhere on the premises. And in third place? The Village Deli.

Fried Chicken

Don’t let that first word scare you away. It’s not like you’re eating fried food every day. Fried is just the occasional treat for celebrating weekends, special midweek lunches, end-of-the-week dinners, holidays of various kinds, days of the week ending in “day” and so on. Hence the success of WifeSaver. With their string of victories, we should probably start saying it’s artisanal fried chicken. Readers also put Maryland Fried Chicken and Café 209 on the medals stand in second and third, respectively.

Soup

Soup is what people are referring to when they use the term “liquid refreshment,” especially when they further describe it as “chunky-style” liquid refreshment. If you’re of legal age and you’d like to try the best, belly up to the bar at Sunshine Bakery and order the special. You can thank us later. Other top places that specialize in soupy sales: New Moon Café and Boll Weevil in second and third.

Pizza, Delivery

For those evenings when your hair is up in curlers and your wife’s makeup isn’t just perfect, there’s always delivery and readers say Pizza Hut makes that a great choice. We’re told Pizza Central also does the whole pizza on wheels thing rather well and Marco’s Pizza rounds out the top three.

Hot Dog

The hot dogs at BirdDog Grille are, like, totally tubular, man, as we used to say back in the ’60s. Here we are in 2015 and the ballots still say the same thing. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream may not be the alpha dog, but they’re alpha-adjacent. Farmhaus takes third.

Burrito

Let’s say you’re hungry enough to eat a burro, but you know you’d hate yourself in the morning. A burrito is always a prudent compromise. Enough, but not too much. Make the burrito choice and Nacho Mama’s will serve you right. We have your word on it. Moe’s Southwest Grill (in second place) also does Tex-Mex well and, in third, Diablo’s Southwest Grill is location number one for this aspiring franchise.

Sandwich

Legend has it that The Earl himself—you know which earl we’re talking about—used to frequent Hildebrandt’s back in the day. Hildebrandt’s continues its reign as the area’s preeminent sandwich builder. Village Deli is the silver medalist and for the bronze we award half a medal to Broad Street’s New Moon Café and half to newcomer Knuckle Sandwiches (tied for third).

Hamburger

There are beef burgers, turkey burgers, bacon burgers, salmon burgers, veggie burgers, but oddly enough, no ham burgers. You may explore this mystery further at Farmhaus, the most reader-recommended option. Maybe you can figure it out. If not, head down the street to Whiskey Bar Kitchen. If further investigation is needed (it will be), keep going up Broad Street until you get to Sports Center. Go in. Order a burger. And onion rings.

Bread

Need bread? Manuel’s Bread Café is the bread-winner, if you know what we’re saying. Sunshine Bakery and Panera Bread also score. Specifically, second and third.

Bagels

Before we talk openly about donuts, let’s discuss their more health-conscious cousins. Bagels—sometimes called super-ultra-mega-plain donuts—evolved over billions of years, shedding impediments to survival like icing and sprinkles along the way. They are thus in no danger of extinction, although they are regularly threatened by predators like bear claws. Try some at Panera, New Moon Café or Atlanta Bread  (in that order, the ballots say).

Salad

As mentioned, donuts are coming up just a few categories from now, so it might be a good idea to fill up on salad. Ah, but where? If you believe your fellow readers (and we do), the place to go is California Dreaming. Another farm-fresh option would
be Raes Coastal Café, nestled along the coast of Raes Creek. The Bee’s Knees completes this green trio.

Dessert

Here’s an idea: Start with something primo from the appetizer menu and then order dessert. Skip the entrée step entirely, thus ensuring a semi-guilt-free dessert experience. Readers recommend Boll Weevil for dessert, although there is nothing to prevent you from sampling their appetizers too. French Market Grille is legendary for its desserts (in second) and Edgar’s Grille completes the elite dessertiers.

Pastries/Cookies

You can’t go wrong with Two Moms Cookies. Trust us on that. That goes for their brownies and lemon squares too. Lil’ Dutch Bakery is another sweet option and readers also say you can get your cookie on at Delightful Bites in third place.

Special Occasion Cakes

You know what would be cruel? If their name was Delightful Bite. But thankfully “Bites” is plural. Good thing too. In second place we have a tie between Lil’ Dutch Bakery and Publix. We should challenge them to a bake-off to settle this thing, with all entries becoming the property of Augusta Magazine (temporarily…very temporarily). In third: Piece of Cake. Mmm mmm.

Ice Cream

All hail the Chinese for inventing ice cream way back in 200 B.C., and Bruster’s for serving what readers say is the best in town all these many centuries later. Yotopia takes the cake (not literally) in second and Cold Stone Creamery wins third.

Iced Tea

WifeSaver savors a sweet victory yet again. Sconyers and Honey From the Rock take second and third. Bottoms up, y’all!

Coffee

Do you prefer your coffee as a breakfast beverage? An after-dinner/dessert accompaniment? Or an all-day companion? No matter, Buona Caffe should be your source, say voters. Some prefer the hunt and if you’re one of those, readers suggest the percolator on wheels known as the Coffee Geek. Check Facebook or the web to see where the mobile baristas are now. Hire Grounds takes third, pouring Goodwill a cup at a time. See what we did there?

Wine Menu

And this is for the people who serve you the finest wines to accompany your meals. In this category the winner is downtown’s almost legendary Craft & Vine. Edgar’s Grille claims a well-deserved second place; Cadwalladers Café earns the bronze medal.

Wine by the Glass

Surrey Center’s reputation as a dining mecca seems to improve with each passing year. In this category, Finch & Fifth takes the gold medal. We’re back downtown again at Craft & Vine for second place and for the Bee’s Knees in third.

Beer Menu

As its name might suggest, Still Water Taproom is as advertised and there is often stellar musical accompaniment to the fine brewskis. The Pizza Joint enjoys first runner-up status; Mellow Mushroom can also help keep your pizza company in fine style.

Margarita

Here is a cocktail so unique that bars and restaurants are judged by their preparation of it alone. You don’t see a category for Best Manhattan, do you? Anyway, Salsa’s will no doubt savor this victory, as do many of its customers. Takosushi’s mixologists earn the silver and Tin Lizzy and Vallarta battle to a third-place tie.

Craft Cocktail

For their encyclopedic knowledge of whatever you feel like drinking today, the votes add up to a win for the Indian Queen, “a good place to have a good drink.” The ampersand brothers (no relation), Craft & Vine and Finch & Fifth, take second and third.

Happy Hour

After a long day in the cubicle, wouldn’t it be nice to kick back at some cabin in the woods? Dream on—unless you’ve discovered the Indian Queen. It’s your urban wilderness experience, replete with bartenders no less. Craft & Vine wins another runner-up medal. French Market Grille scoops up the bronze.

Bar Food

We’re talking considerably more than just complementary nuts here. That’s why the full name of Whiskey Bar is Whiskey Bar Kitchen. Stop in; you’ll see why for yourself. Readers give next-best status to Wild Wing Café; Tbonz’s follows in third.

Down-Home Cooking

Before we get too far away from that cabin in the woods image, best down-home groceries on any plates in town are found at Honey From the Rock, says our panel of experts. WifeSaver gets second, for collard greens just like grandma used to make. Goolsby’s is another unsophisticated place, just the way we like it.

Chef/Caterer

Jennifer Shuford of Tastefully Yours takes the cake—or rather, she serves it, along with an entire buffet of additional goodies. Manuel Verney-Carron, he of Manuel’s Bread Café, also will take his show on the road for you. Edward Mendoza likes numbers: Kitchen 1454 and Cucina 503. He gets third for his movable feast capabilities.

Lunch

Has that Best Breakfast from Sunrise Grill worn off yet? Why not head over to French Market Grille West? It has the endorsement of a majority of readers. If you’re not on the west side, try Fat Man’s, say the ballots, in its historic old mill digs. Café 209 gets your vote for third place.

Business Lunch

Your fellow readers say Augustino’s offers the ambiance suitable for signing that million-dollar deal. Be sure to leave an appropriate tip. Edgar’s Grille and the Pinnacle Club complete the Big Three of business lunches.

Outdoor Dining

At Manuel’s Bread Café, you can be forgiven for thinking you’re in some village in the South of France. Drink it in. And you don’t even need a passport. Edgar’s Grille also has that whole the-sky-is-the-ceiling thing down too. The Pizza Joint also scores.

Asian Restaurant

Let’s begin the world tour that is dining in the Far East (Thailand, specifically), where Thai Kitchen wins the category. Congratulations! Fuji Asian is kind of pan-Asian, offering Chinese, Japanese and Thai entrees. P. F. Chang’s China Bistro earns readers’ third place honors.

Japanese Restaurant

Take two Toki Hibachi and Sushi eateries and you have your winner. Myabi Kyoto is next up and Miyako Sushi & Steakhouse (next to Kroger on Washington Road) rounds out the Japanese leg of our world tour.

Mexican Restaurant

Let’s swing back to the Americas briefly for a South of the Border culinary tour beginning with Poblanos, named for a flavorful pepper. Sounds tasty. Salsa’s Bar and Grill and Monterrey battle to a draw for “el segundo lugar,” as we sometimes say. Meanwhile, we have yet another Mexican standoff in third, where Vallarta and Teresa’s are deadlocked. ¿You’ve got plenty of options, si?

Indian Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for pemmican, you’ve got the wrong Indians. These are of the Taj Mahal variety, as in your favorite Indian eatery Taj of India. They deserve the gold medal. India Café is worth searching for, especially since it’s right under our noses. For third, voters give Curry Hut the award.

Italian Restaurant

Giving Surrey Center a run for its money, your number one Italian restaurant is next door to Taj of India, Cucina 503 is tops in its category. Giuseppe’s takes second place and downtown’s venerable Luigi’s, serving guests since 1949, wins third.

Downtown Restaurant

Downtown has a growing and well-deserved reputation as the fine dining capital of our fair city. If you’ve read this far you know your top three choices illustrate merely the appetizers. And they are in first place: Frog Hollow. Second Place: Whiskey Bar Kitchen. And in third but not least: Luigi’s.

Neighborhood Restaurant

What follows are the kind of places where, if you can’t finish your dessert (In what world does that happen? But bear with us.) you can ask for a to-go box and have it home before it melts. They’re also the kind of places you’ll drive across town to get to—and then eventually you’ll call a Realtor. These winners are: in first place, Sheehan’s Irish Pub. Second place, Villa Europa. And in third, but not least, French Market Grille West.

Place To Eat After Church

Rumor has it that on an average Sunday, WifeSaver feeds 5,000 men, besides women and children. You can choose to believe it or not, but after all, it was your choice for number one, so… In second place, 5 O’Clock Bistro. Believe the sign: They open at 5 O’Clock, except for Sunday brunch. In third: The Bee’s Knees, offering a fresh and filling brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Friendly Service

French Market Grille takes the gold in this all-important category. Frog Hollow scores an impressive second-place finish and Tbonz takes third. It’s not easy to be so good at dealing with the hungry and sometimes cranky masses that voters will single you out for recognition, so to all three honorees, good job!

Elegant Dining

Your nominees begin with Calvert’s, a place that has obviously discovered a formula for success. The late great Chef Heinz of La Maison on Telfair would have loved that his house placed second. One look at the building and you know he created a memorable experience for his guests. Frog Hollow makes a well-deserved third-place appearance in the top tier too.

Romantic Restaurant

Romantic and elegant are two entirely different words. For starters, you’ll notice one starts with an R, the other with an E. Even so, Calvert’s wins this category too. And La Maison on Telfair follows in second. But in third the winner is Cadwalladers. See? We told you these are two completely different concepts.

Special Occasion Restaurant

Since we sometimes (but not always) think of elegance and romance for special occasions with special someones, it is perhaps no surprise that Calvert’s takes home yet another gold medal. Frog Hollow scores the silver;
5 O’Clock Bistro the bronze.

Craft Cocktail

YUM! The Indian Queen mixed it up and landed on our cover‚. Not only did they win for Best Craft Cocktail, they won Best Happy Hour, Best Late Night Spot, Best Neighborhood Bar. For one of their great recipes, see page 82 in Good Taste.

Steak

Step aside, tofu eaters. Steak has arrived. It’s on a Texas-sized platter served by Tbonz, the kind of place that people enjoy, sure, but that even cattle aspire to. For them it’s kind of like the ultimate afterlife
experience. Augustino’s sends steaks to their eternal reward in grand style too, say the ballots, followed in third by Frog Hollow. Well done to all (except for those who like rare and medium well).

Appetizers

They will flat out craft you up some superb appetizers at Craft & Vine. People have been known to make a complete meal of their appetizers, which has to be confusing for the stomachs involved. They’re all set for the main course and then—boom—dessert. Weird. Finch & Fifth takes fifth, you might be thinking. No! Second! The Bee’s Knees in third.

Donuts

You will notice that “Breakfast of Champions” and Krispy Kreme both contain the letter K. We don’t believe in coincidences. Kim’sDonuts (in second place) agrees. Belair Donuts takes third without the benefit of a single K, so you know they’re good too.

Pizza, Dine-In

Remember when gas prices were nearly $5 a gallon? Pizza parlors felt the hit and Washington’s über-powerful pizza lobby got to work. Thanks to their efforts we can now drive to places like the Pizza Joint (first place winner) and enjoy a piece of pizza in peace. Or to Giuseppe’s, suggest ballots. Or to Mellow Mushroom in third.

Wine Merchant

This is for the stuff you take home by the bottle. Or for non-purists, where you buy a box of wine.And the winner is: Toast. Cheers! Wine World finishes clean and bright with fruity after tones in second; Vineyard completes the medalists.

Beer Selection/Take Home

What is a growler, you ask? If we, in turn, asked the winning proprietors in this category—that would be Gravity Growlers, by the way—they would explain that a growler is a jug used to carry take-out craft beer home. When the growler is empty, take it back and fill it up again. Toast gets second place; Beverage Outlet takes third.

Hidden Gem Restaurant

If your car has GPS (Gem Positioning System), you’re good to go. First stop, Raes Coastal Café, carefully concealed like the grand prize in a culinary scavenger hunt. You elected De Novoto the lofty position of Vice-Best. They have been around since early 2015, so you should know them by now. Spoiler alert: They’re in North Augusta. Inner Bean is another place you really should get in touch with, even if it requires a search.

Restaurant Overall

This category is the granddaddy of them all and at the head of this elite class readers have given the honor to Frog Hollow. That is quite an honor, indeed. Congratulations to kitchen staff, wait staff, bar staff, everybody. Frog Hollow’s co-celebrants are Sheehan’s Irish Pub in second place and, for third, a tie between Edgar’s Grille and 5 O’Clock Bistro. Our sincere compliments to one and all. Bravo!

New Restaurant

Check out these new kids on the block, say fellow diners, beginning with Cucina 503. De Novo (which means “anew, afresh,” appropriately enough) follows in second, then Abel Brown. If these places are indeed the best newbies around, your goal should be to ensure they stay around for a long time to come.

SHOPPING

Men’s Clothing Store

They’re just threads arranged in organized patterns, but the Boardroom has built its brand making those patterns and threads the best. That’s what discriminating readers say. Rivers & Glen and the Gentry Men’s Shop complete the well-appointed gentleman’s closet.

Women’s Clothing Store

Picture this couple stepping out on the town: She’s arrayed in the finest Summerville Rags, he’s wearing the Boardroom’s best. They would literally stop traffic. Soho wins the coveted Silver Hanger; Fabrik takes the bronze medal.

Women’s Boutique

Don’t you love it when you go to a party and three or four other ladies are wearing the same dress? No? Then try Fabrik, Augusta’s best boutique by ballot. Soho again wins first alternate, followed by Lav’s Boutique.

Women’s Shoes

Shoes at Surrey does more than win this category; they win the Most Accurate Store Name Medal Prize Award. Shoe Studio wins second place, holding off the newbies down the street, where DSW takes third.

Children’s Clothing

Posh Tots takes crumb-crunchers and, well you know the old saying: clothes make the child. Kid to Kid consignment guarantees none of their clothes are adult clothes that accidentally shrunk in the wash. Pinky promise! Third place: Head to the mall and its many choices.

Purses

Sure, their name is Shoe Studio, but the idea is to match purse with shoes, right? Shoes at Surrey also gets the leather off street level; Cudos2U wins third.

Produce

Practically anyone can pro-duce, but at Whole Foods it’s pro-duce. See what they did there? In the business that’s known as “putting the pro in produce.” Since voters give Good Earth second place,hopefully there’s no danger they’ll fold their tent and steal away any time soon. We join readers in giving the ol’ green thumb salute to Augusta Locally Grown and Evans Farmers Market, in a tie for third.

Organic Food

If you’re in the market for organic, then hopefully the market you’re in is Whole Foods, say your fellow friends of the earth. Fresh Market and Earth Fare, tied in second place, are like two peas in the same organic pod. New Life Natural Foods elbows in with the big guys for third place.

Fitness/Outdoor Wear

Rivers & Glen has actually gotten fan mail from deer and trout (among others) who have spotted some of their nattily attired customers out in the great outdoors. That’s impressive. Escape Outdoors wins second by telling their customers where to go; Half Moon Outfitters garners third.

Fitness/Outdoor Gear

The competition in this category was in tents. Really. When the dust settled everyone from shotgun shoppers to hammock shoppers agreed: Cabela’s was their top choice. Academy Sports and Dick’s Sporting Goods win first and second runner-ups.

Consignment Shop (Furniture)

Looking for solid oak on a particle-board budget? Readers suggest you try Consign Design first. If they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, Savvy Shopper just might. Third place in voting is a tie between ReQoop and Home to Home Consignment.

Consignment Shop (Clothing)

Now that your house has been furnished for pennies on the dollar, let’s do the same for our bods, starting our spree at Uptown Cheapskate, whose very name embodies the entire concept. Looking for a wardrobe encore? Second place goes to Encore Consignments and Kid to Kid wins third.

Supermarket

Since consignment groceries never really caught on, voters value value and variety in vittles—and freshness. Do you value value? Then Publix is the most recommended supermarket. Kroger is in the proverbial Aisle 2; Whole Foods cleans up in Aisle 3.

Seafood Market

We placed all the ballots in this category on the scales and Island Seafood came out the winner. Hey, they beat Whole Foods! Third place goes to Fresh Market. Fresh is good.

Nursery/Garden Shop

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, goes the old saying. But the second-best time is today, so head over to Bedford Greenhouses because the same principle applies to shrubs, perennials, even annuals. Green Thumb takes second; Southern Landscaping and Design third.

Gifts

You’re buying cool stuff to give away? Well kudos to you! Cudos2U is presently the place to go, say voters. In second, The Swank Company is Swanksville when it comes to neato gifts. Design Images is another purveyor of nifty stuff.

Toys

Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to bet the farm on it, especially if the little geniuses get their toys from Learning  Express. Grown-ups can learn a thing or two there. Old reliable, Toys R Us, wins a Toys R Us gift certificate for placing second. Target is on target in third.

Costume Jewelry

Sometimes there just isn’t time to get the good stuff out of the vault or to drive to the bank and open the safe deposit box. Well, there’s always the next best thing: bright shiny adornments from the Swank Company. Give them a ring. They’ll give you a ring. Cudos2U and Handpicked also vie for a slice of your non-Harry Winston jewelry budget.

Christmas Decorations

This is not the category for “that one house over by Warren Road School.” No, this is where you buy the stuff to compete with that house. Readers suggest Southern Landscaping. And Cudos2U. And the White Crane. In that order.

Place To Shop for Husband/Boyfriend

The ballots say Friedman’s Jewelers, but we suspect they really mean Southeastern Armory, which is inside Friedman’s, and which has more cool stuff than you can shake a stick at (and they sell the sticks too, if you’re looking for a cool walking stick). Rivers & Glen Trading Company is option number two. Cabela’s is number three. Heck, get him one gift certificate from each place.

Place To Shop for Wife/Girlfriend

Gentlemen, you simply cannot go wrong by following the advice of your peers given here: Windsor Fine Jewelers. In fact, many a ballot added, “Ignore at your peril.” Should you decide to do just that, the first runner-up is the Swank Company, followed by Design Images. Heck, get her one gift certificate from each place.

Antiques

Bring home the oldest antique you can find and—voila!—it’s the newest item in your home. How weird is that? Go to Antique Market on the appropriately and propitiously named Pleasant Home Road and try it yourself. It also works at Mema Had One, according to readers who know. Merry’s Trash and Treasures does their best to weed out the trash. That’s how they scored this top three finish.

Fine Jewelry

The dictionary says this under the word fine: “Worthy; Impressive; Nicely Done; Superlative; Opulent; Regal.” Amazingly enough, those words can be abbreviated as W.I.N.D.S.O.R., although we’re all used to seeing it as simply Windsor (technically Windsor Fine Jewelers). Estate Jewelry Center is first runner-up. Friedman’s comes next.

Home Furnishings

Do you live in a house? That house can become a home with the assistance of Andrews Gallery, advise readers. For example, your living room can become the drawing room. Consign Design and Weinberger’s (second and third respectively) can help too. Any room can become a great room.

FITNESS/LEISURE

5K Run

Let’s face it: a 401k is too far. 5K is just right, especially if it’s the Color Run. Jingle Jam (second place) is a 10K, which is simply two 5Ks, right? Heart and Sole and the Turkey Trot break the third place ribbon in a photo finish.

Fitness Center/Gym

All of us have six-pack abs, but many of us are looking for our inner six-pack. For us, the Family Y is the place to go. The ballots say so. Oxygen Fitness Studio and Evans Fitness Club in second and third will also be happy to assist in the search. They’re in there somewhere, we’re sure of it.

Day spa

To feel like a million bucks without spending anywhere near that much, readers suggest Tuscany Classic Spa. Retreat Spa and Salon provides a true retreat (in second) and as for Serenity Day Spa, just walk in and tell them you need some serenity in your life. They’ll take it from there.

Place To Swim

They took the basic Y, added water and—voila!—the Family Y wins the category. Augusta Aquatics Center is another place that celebrates the life aquatic, followed by the biggest pool in these parts, Clarks Hill Lake.

Place To Work Out

As Americans, we need to work in more work outs. Seriously. And that is the Family Y’s very raison d’etre. Just show up on their doorstep; they’ll help you work it out. Evans Fitness Club wins second; The Kroc Center could also be the salvation of your fitness plan. They score third.

Golf Course/Public

Forest Hills Golf Club, now in its 90th year, has been played by Bobby Jones, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love II and Patrick Reed among others. You can add your name to the list if you’re so inclined and your fellow readers say you should be. The River Golf Club and Jones Creek complete the top 54 holes.

Golf Course/Private

Personally, when we can’t play Augusta National we just don’t play. Our theory is that the National will respond by offering us full membership—and very soon. The best for the rest of you begins with the Augusta Country Club, the front 18 if you will. Then comes Champions Retreat, followed by West Lake Country Club.

Tennis Courts

Contrary to popular opinion, all tennis courts are not created equally. If they were, would Newman Tennis Center be the clear victor? No. Would Petersburg Racquet Club be second? No. Would West Lake Country Club be third? Again, no.

Place To Ride a Bicycle

You want someplace that’s paved, or a little on the wild side? Flat and easy, or hilly and challenging? No matter your answer, we think voters have you covered. The top answer is Augusta Canal, which we’ll assume means the towpath. Next up is North Augusta’s lovely Greeneway. Fear not: All trains have been removed. In third, the Forks Area Trail System (FATS). For the bikeless, all three winners are also great places to walk, hike, jog, etc.

Best-Kept Recreational Secret

We asked our printer about placing a small flap over this category in every copy, but the price was prohibitive. They suggested we just precede the results with “Spoiler Alert!” That accomplished, here we go: The single best-kept secret is or are the Augusta Sports Leagues, offering everything from softball to Olympics-worthy cornhole and dodgeball competition to its membership. In second, readers extol the area’s many sterling yet overlooked kayaking opportunities. Phinizy Swamp (third) may not be a secret to assorted eagles, woodpeckers, bobcats and beavers, but it is to humans.

Place To Play Pool

Don’t be snookered: Rack & Grill is tops, say readers. Downtown’s Sports Center also gets high marks and Robbie’s Sports Bar gets the 3-ball in the corner pocket.

Place To Walk Your Dog

The Augusta Canal gets another gold medal. It was kind of a gimme since both people and dogs were voting. The Greeneway again follows, winning the coveted Silver Scooper Award. Evans Towne Center Dog Park, which is Lady Antebellum-adjacent, also makes the grade.

Best Local Festival

Arts in the Heart of Augusta has become more than a local arts festival. It’s a major Southeastern event. Best of all, it is local. And it’s the best, say readers. The Banjo B-Que combines pulled pork and strummed strings, which is pretty much an unbeatable combination for second place. Third place is a tie between the Greek Festival and Westobou. All told that adds up to four fine festivals.

Place To Get Back To Nature

There’s no real way to dress up a swamp, is there? That’s why Phinizy Swamp Nature Park almost had to win. It’s a natural for this category. Walk along the Augusta Canal, your second choice, and you can see the hand of man on one side and nature’s on the other. Clarks Hill Lake takes the final spot in the top three.

Place to Propose Marriage

Congratulations, voters! Enthroning the Savannah Rapids Park as the victor shows an appreciation for serenity and beauty that bodes well for the future of every marriage proposed there. Another worthy option is the lovely shaded pathways and benches of Riverwalk. And the Augusta Canal overall, the portion downstream from the Savannah Rapids, takes third.

Place To Break Off a Relationship

We admit, this is a little jarring to immediately follow the best proposal spots, but sometimes that’s how the cookie crumbles. We’re a little dismayed by the first and second place nominations: via cell phone (first) and Facebook (second). Seriously? Way harsh. A little decency and civility makes an appearance in third place with “in private.”

Fundraising Event

Lights for Lydia is your favorite, helping support women coping with cancer. The Jingle Jam (benefiting Safe Homes of Augusta) and Art of Chocolate (in support of Child Enrichment) tie for second place; Good Boats, the annual dragon boat festival benefiting Goodwill, wins third.

Weekend Getaway

Want to get away? Charleston, S.C., your top destination, is famed as the Most Mannerly City in America, a reputation that has only grown in the past year. Savannah is almost as escape-worthy, just missing first place, and good old Hilton Head is always ready when you are (in third).

MEDIA

Local TV Station

Winning this category has nothing to do with network shows. It’s all about the local team and by that measure your collective fave happens to be the staff at WJBF. The rest of the alphabet soup is WRDW in second place and WAGT in third.

Local TV News Anchor/Female

This honor goes to veteran anchor Jennie Montgomery of WJBF, while second place goes to a relative newcomer to the position, Laura Warren of WRDW. Paige Tucker of WAGT wins third.

Local TV Morning News Anchor

Since much of the rest of the world is sneaking around doing stuff while we’re asleep, this is an important category. It’s a lot more than today’s school lunch menus. Just ask the reigning queen of the category, Barclay Bishop of WAGT. The erstwhile Meredith Anderson earned a silver morning medal for WRDW. Mary Morrison of WJBF adds another medal, a bronze, to her trophy case.

Local TV News Anchor/Male

The newsworthy gentlemen are led by Richard Rogers of WRDW. Voters, you’ve got 12 on your side. Brad Means and John Hart, colleagues at WJBF, complete what we sometimes (but not very often) call the Trio at the Top.

Local TV News Anchor/Weather

There are slow news days, but weather is happening all the time, 24/7/365 (except during leap years). Jay Jeffries of WAGT holds down this vital anchor position as your number one source for the latest forecast. George Myers, chief meteorologist at WJBF, gets first runner-up, followed by WAGT’s Rich Rogers (not to be confused with Richard Rogers).

Local TV weekend news Anchor

After a brief hiatus from the news, Ashley Campbell (WAGT) celebrates her return with a gold medal. Way to go, Ashley! Silver medalist Christie Ethridge (WRDW) was so good she’s been promoted to the 5 p.m. First at Five co-anchor desk. Mike Miller of WJBF wins third.

Local TV News Reporter

George Eskola (WJBF) can cover the hard news stories and the offbeat, zany ones too. For that, he earns your recognition as the best. Colleague Renetta DuBose, heiress to the Bose audio fortune—strike that; wrong person—takes second place. In third, Danielle Hughes of WRDW.

Local Sports Reporter

Ashley Brown of WGAC (radio), aka AB, gets the trophy from readers. The man is a walking encyclopedia whether the topic is the SEC, the NBA or NFL, local high school sports or Bulgarian lacrosse. Back on TV, Kevin Faigle, sports director at WRDW is runner up. Brendan Robertson of WAGT takes first place in the consolation round.

Local Radio Station

What’s on in the car or playing while the morning coffee perks? It would seem WGAC AM/FM is the number one preset button. In second place two very distant cousins: New Country Kicks 99 and WAEG Smooth Jazz (92.3 FM). Another tie in third place: WBBQ (104.3) and WAFJ (88.3).

Local Talk Radio Personality

Depending on your point of view, Marconi is either spinning in his grave every afternoon from 3 to 6 or Austin Rhodes (WGAC) is his favorite son. But the lovers and the haters both seem to be listening, which is always good for ratings. Harley Drew and Mary Liz Nolan (WGAC) once again attempt a challenge and once again fall just short. Maybe next year.

Local Radio Morning Show

But while Austin is still snoring, Harley and Mary Liz crank up “Augusta’s Morning News”  and “The Morning News Coffee Break” from 6 to 9 a.m., with a wake up call for radio listeners year after year. The Kicks 99 Wake Up Krew holds forth in second (not fourth) and WAFJ’s John and Cleve win third.

Local News Story

The resignation and departure of Dr. Ricardo Azziz from GRU (now Augusta University) was your choice for the year’s top—well, technically, the best—news story. Now that he’s gone, wonder how long it will be before some area parks and streets are named after him? Second place in this category is the ongoing saga of Project Jackson and the Augusta GreenJackets adding “North” to their name. Are we not in the South? Rounding out the top news stories: the continuing impact of the U.S. Army Cyber Command’s move of its headquarters to Fort Gordon.

Writer/Columnist

The Augusta Chronicle’s Bill Kirby wins an all-expenses-paid (by Bill) trip to the state he didn’t get a postcard from. Congratulations, Bill! The Chronicle’s Sylvia Cooper scoops up second place and Augusta Magazine’s own Deb Barshafsky wins third. You are all so write for these honors!

Best Part of Augusta Magazine

Logic would suggest that the best part almost has to be the best part and, sure enough, voters said Best of Augusta is, well, the best. The Around Town section—starring voters themselves—wins second place.We will ignore the apparent conflict of interest. And our covers take third, proving once again that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a magazine that way.

MISC

Barber Shop

In these days of franchised everything, it’s refreshing to report a top three of locally owned tonsorial parlors, starting with Durden’s Barber Shop at the top. Taking a little off the top we come to King’s Crown, still a decidedly regal second place, followed in third by Russell’s Corner Barber Shop.

Local Charity

Readers voted The Lydia Project into first place in recognition of their multi-faceted approach to care and assistance for women facing cancer. Tied in second are two worthy recipients of your votes: Golden Harvest Food Bank and Child Enrichment. Ditto for third place: another tie, this time between Augusta Warrior Project and Ronald McDonald House.

Special Events Facility

If you held a paint drying expo within the soaring confines of Sacred Heart Cultural Center, it would be special. It’s just that kind of place. In another direction entirely is Evans Towne Park and Lady Antebellum Amphitheater. The stained glass windows and cathedral ceilings are gone, replaced by the great outdoors. It’s just that kind of place. Not that third place isn’t legendary too: The Legends Club takes that honor.

Christmas Lights Display

Lights of the South has millions upon millions of lights strung through a 100-acre forest. That’s hard to beat and, in fact, no one did. They open November 20, according to their website. Broad Street in downtown Augusta wins second place and Aiken’s beautiful Hopelands Gardens takes third.

Best Reason To Like Columbia County

Your reason numero uno is the Columbia County school system. It gets high marks all over, not just from our readers. Next up is Evans Towne Center Park. It regularly hosts world-class events, true, but when nothing special is happening it just has that nice small-town vibe going for it. What we’re trying to say is what you said in third place: It’s family-friendly.

Best Reason To Like Richmond County

Your leading reason: downtown events. It’s amazing how often something is happening on the Augusta Common. There are the downtown biggies like Arts in the Heart, First Fridays and Border Bash, but there are also dozens of other happenings large and small all year long. Richmond also has block after block of historic neighborhoods, entire square miles of vintage neighborhoods that look like they should be movie sets. Your third “Like” is museums. Visit one this week!

Tourist Attraction

Where should you take the guests to show off our fair city? The expert panel we call our readers has installed Augusta Canal boat tours at the top of the list and that is an excellent choice, indeed. Another worthy option: the Ghost Trolley tour, combining a little history and maybe a little histrionics (although it’s really not too scary). In third, pack a picnic basket or a rod and reel and take a spin to Clarks Hill Lake.

Historic Landmark

These can all do double duty as tourist attractions too, starting with Woodrow Wilson’s Boyhood Home. Sacred Heart is a spectacular landmark and your second choice. Third place goes to the Confederate Powder works alongside the Augusta Canal.

Place To Get a Speeding Ticket

We’ve discovered the hard way that if you intend to disregard speed limit laws and get away with it, it’s best to locate a woman having labor pains less than three minutes apart and have her ride with you. Otherwise, the best place to get what you’ve got coming is on Riverwatch Parkway, say readers. Or pretty much anywhere in North Augusta, especially if you have Georgia plates. Third place goes to Berckmans Road. Honestly though, the best place is nowhere, so slow down and make that happen.

New Civic Project

Dozens of artists transformed drab utility boxes into 3-D works of art and the result is Art the Box, your favorite new civic project. The Miller Theater may not be new, but it would like to be—and we have every confidence it will be again. Third place goes to Turn Back the Block, the ambitious project to revitalize Harrisburg house by house, block by block.

Places You Wish Were Still Here

Will the winner be Schlotzsky’s? Anderson’s Pond? Old Ellenton? No! It’s Fat Man’s Forest. It’s amazing how often you think of something and wonder where it would be available, followed by, “I bet Fat Man’s would have had it.” Oh well. Fort Discovery lives on at number two Memory Lane, right next door to Duke’s Restaurant.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Male Vocalist

Your favorite is multitalented singer/songwriter Chris Hardy. His music is seriously fun. Next up is Carey Murdock, Augusta born and raised, although you might just as easily track him down in Nashville or on tour in France or Sweden or someplace. In
third Phillip Lee Jr. rocks.

Female Vocalist

If you drop in Wild Wing or Somewhere on a Friday or Saturday night, you’re likely one of those who voted country singer Donna Jo into the top spot. In second, the adorable Brandi Nicole. Who does your hair, girl? Tara Scheyer gets the bronze, and is well on her way to a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jazz Band

Bill Karp wins, which is not surprising: the man seems to play everywhere. Karen Gordon and Gordon City—strike that—Garden City Jazz scoops up a bronze medal, and the venerable Preston and Weston trio takes third.

R&B Band

Hey, this is Augusta. Who do you think won? J.A.M.P.  To refresh your memory, that stands for James (Brown) Academy of Musik Pupils. The ever-popular Funk You takes the stage next and they never disappoint. Perfect Picture Band wins third.

Country Band

The winner is County Line and that’s not the half of it: They will cross county and state lines to commit country music to listeners. The Jeremy Graham Band has seen these pages before and they’re seeing them again. And we’re hearing them. Congratulations also to the Daniel Johnson Band. They received enough first-place votes to land in third.

Rock/Alternative Band

If you know the Phillip Lee Band, you know that readers are excellent judges of talent. Thanks, Phillip Lee Sr, for bringing us Phillip Lee Jr. Daddy Grace has to settle for second and third is an even tie between Livingroom Legends and The Breaking News Band. Breaking News’s secret weapon: Christi Ethridge on cowbell.

Bluegrass Band

It’s amazing how the strains of certain kinds of music—the kind The Henrys have mastered—can magically send you down a quiet country road. We need more of that. Delta Cane is your choice for second place and Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold win third.

Contemporary Christian Band/Vocalist

“Contemporary“ means Ryan Abel, your favorite, probably only sings “Jesus Loves Me” by special request. But hey, you can ask. Eryn Eubanks wins the silver this time and The Remedy, dual threats who play Christian music and Southern Rock, takes third.

Performing Arts Group

Since virtually all art is performance art in one way another, the field was wide open on this one. When the dust settled, the curtain rose to reveal Storyland Theatre all alone at the top, gazing consolingly down at the Augusta Players in second and Dance Augusta in third. Perform on, y’all.

Concert Venue

We’ve all been to more than enough concerts in school cafeterias and gyms. We deserve an upgrade and Lady Antebellum Amphitheater is just the ticket: sweet music, lovely breezes and the sky above. Voters say it doesn’t get any better than that. While we impatiently await the return of the Miller, the indoor venues are headlined by the Imperial Theatre first and the Bell Auditorium second.

Professional Arts Performance

The question here is not the best individual performance so much as the most consistent provider of the best performances. The gold medal goes to Augusta Ballet, say readers, and deservedly so. Symphony Orchestra Augusta got the second-highest number of first-place votes. Bravo! Dance Augusta (think The Nutcracker) wins third.

Public Art

Walk in any day of the week that falls between Tuesday and Sunday (especially Sunday if you’re on a tight budget) and savor the collections of the Morris Museum of Art, the world’s first museum dedicated to the art and artists of the American South. Readers give it top marks (figuratively speaking). The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art is first runner-up; the James Brown statue can’t run—it just stands there—but somehow it still managed to place third.

School Band

Strap tubas and trombones on a couple dozen kids and then tell them to play songs while marching in choreographed patterns around a huge field and what have you got? If you really want to know, go to an Evans High School football game this fall. Readers say they have elevated this musical art form into the rarefied category of best. Lakeside High and Josey High finish second and third.

Singles Spot

Our readers are really not the type to wear beer goggles. But if they were they might visit the Indian Queen, anointing it on their ballots as the best place to mix adults and adult beverages together, then stir. The Country Club also got enough single votes to add up to second place; Metro Coffeehouse is singled out for third place honors.

Dance Spot

Good question: Where is the best dance spot? It’s not easy to find in the semi-darkness, but it’s on the floor of the Country Club, marked by a small duct tape “X.” Find it, then dance like nobody’s watching. Sky City has another good dance spot, but you’ll have to find it yourself. Ditto for the Ballroom Dance Center in third.

Late Night Spot

What will win? Bed? Waffle House? Not even! The winner is the Indian Queen (the Augusta bar, not the 17th century opera). Surrey Tavern also is a great place to end one day and begin another, say the ballots. Soul Bar wins third.

Sports Bar

Keep tabs on 14 games at once while simultaneously flexing your elbow at regular intervals? That sounds a lot like Wild Wing Café, say readers. You can also wet your whistle (but not the referee’s) at Carolina Ale House, suggest ballots. Somewhere in Augusta scores a third-place finish.

Live Music Bar

It’s no surprise to live music aficionados that Sky City takes top honors. Wild Wing also keeps its stage well supplied with local musicians, and the Country Club and Stillwater Tap Room are tied  for third. Support live local music!

Bar To Watch People

It’s fascinating, isn’t it? And it gets more interesting with each successive round. Try the Soul Bar for this spectator sport, say your fellow readers, and you can leave the binoculars at home. The Country Club is first alternate and third place is a tie between Wild Wing Café and the new kids on the block: Twin Peaks.

Neighborhood Bar

Always good to have one, since there are times it would be best to be within walking distance of home. You can fetch the car in the morning, right? The Indian Queen offers the best neighborhood bar feel (it works even if you don’t live nearby); The Fox’s Lair is another worthy reader selection; BirdDog Grille wins third.

This article appears in the October 2015 issue of Augusta Magazine.