If you were one of the thousands of voters who logged on to vote in this year’s Best of Erie contest, you may have noticed that we made some changes. We completely revamped our voting platform, added a write-in nomination period, and streamlined the final voting to the top five nominees only – to truly focus on finding the best and to make it easier for everyone. We’ve also added a slew of new categories to get a better picture of what makes Erie Erie.

These winners truly represent the BEST of Erie as they are bestowed their status by you, their biggest fans, going out of your way and taking time out of your day to send them a little love in the form of a vote. With over half a million page visits, it is astounding to see people show up for the businesses, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, restaurants, service providers, and musicians that make Erie so special. Thank you, on behalf of the winners, and from us here at the Reader for helping us shine our spotlight on the following winners. Cheers to you!

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Dining Out

Sweet Treats and Baked Goods

Drinks

Nightlife

Health and Beauty

Shopping

Music and Entertainment

People and Places

Home and Services

Arts and Culture

Sports and Recreation

 

Dining Out

(Clockwise from top left) Winner of Best Brunch is Flip Cafe in Edinboro, winner of Best Sushi is Samurai Kitchen, winner of Best Mexican Food and Best Taco is El Amigo, and winner of Best Indian/Nepali Food is Tandoori Hut. (Photos: Erin Phillips / Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Restaurant

Winner: Bar Ronin

Runners-up: Federal Hill Smokehouse, Colao’s

 

Best New Restaurant (Last Two Years)

Winner: Serafini’s Trattoria

Runners-up: Bay and Berry, Born & Braised

 

Best Breakfast

Winner: Gem City Dinor

Runners-up: Flip Cafe, The Breakfast Place (E 38th)

 

Best Place for Vegan or Vegetarian Food

Winner: Erie Food Co-Op

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Like My Thai

 

Best Sushi

Winner: Samurai Kitchen

Runners-up: Ichiban, Oba Sushi

 

Best Brunch

Winner: Flip Cafe

Runners-up: The Cork 1794, Skunk and Goat

 

Best Romantic Restaurant

Winner: Oliver’s Rooftop

Runners-up: Colao’s, Room 33

 

Best Fine Dining

Winner: Oliver’s Rooftop

Runners-up: Colao’s, Bar Ronin

 

Best Deli

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers

Runners-up: Teresa’s Italian Deli, Gordon’s

 

Best Food Truck

Winner: Waffle Miracle

Runners-up: The Que Abides, The Atacolypse

 

Best Chinese/Japanese/Thai/Vietnamese Food

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Runners-up: Like My Thai, Bar Ronin

 

Best Wait Staff

Winner: Calamari’s Squid Row

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Odis 12

 

Best Steaks

Winner: Firestone’s

Runners-up: Ricardo’s, The Cork 1794

 

Best Barbecue

Winner: Federal Hill Smokehouse

Runners-up: The Que Abides Pit Stop, Underdog BBQ

 

Best Chef

Winner: Stephen Stanbro (Bro Man’s)

Runners-up: Dan Kern (Bar Ronin), Martin Firestone (Firestone’s)

 

Best Waterfront Dining

Winner: Pier 6

Runners-up: Oliver’s, Smugglers’ Wharf

 

Best Indian/Nepali Food

Winner: Tandoori Hut Indian Cuisine

Runners-up: Erie Curry House, Fine Restaurant

 

Best Bar Food

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Plymouth Tavern

 

Best Dinor

Winner: Gem City Dinor

Runners-up: Lawrence Park Dinor, Flip Cafe

 

Best Wings

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Park Tavern, One Way Inn

 

Best Mexican Food

Winner: El Amigo

Runners-up: El Canelo, Torero’s

 

Best Mediterranean or Middle Eastern Food

Winner: Habibi

Runners-up: Casablanca Grill, Shawarma King

 

Best Seafood Restaurant

Winner: Pineapple Eddie

Runners-up: Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Smugglers’ Wharf

 

Best Italian Food

Winner: Colao’s

Runners-up: Valerio’s, Serafini’s Trattoria

 

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Cheeserie, All Aboard Dinor

 

Best Caterer

Winner: Cali’s West

Runners-up: Teresa’s Deli, Valerio’s

 

Best Sandwich Shop

Winner: Bro Man’s Burgers and Birria

Runners-up: Picasso’s, Teresa’s Italian Deli

 

Best Burger

Winner: Bro Man’s Burgers and Birria

Runners-up: Firestone’s, Bar Ronin

 

Best Taco

Winner: El Amigo

Runners-up: Bro Man’s Burgers and Birria, Atacolypse Food Truck

 

Best Pizzeria

Winner: John’s Wildwood Pizza

Runners-up: Ippa Pizza Napoletana, Valerio’s

 

 

Sweet Treats and Baked Goods

(Clockwise from top left): Winner of Best Ice Cream is Whippy Dip, winner of Best Donuts is Mighty Fine, and winner of Best Bakery, Best Dessert, and Best Bread is Herb and Honey Bakery. (Photos: Jessica Hunter / Erin Phillips)

 

Best Chocolates/Candies

Winner: Romolo Chocolates

Runners-up: Pulakos Chocolates, Stefanelli’s Candies

 

Best Bakery

Winner: Herb and Honey Bakery

Runners-up: Mighty Fine Donuts, Art’s Bakery

 

Best Dessert (Dish and Business)

Winner: Herb and Honey Bakery (Pastries)

Runners-up: Art’s Bakery (Cookies), Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe (Specialty Desserts)

 

Best Donut Shop

Winner: Mighty Fine

Runners-up: H&K Donuts, Peace Love and Little Donuts

 

Best Bread (by the loaf)

Winner: Herb and Honey Bakery

Runners-up: Majestic Baking Company, International Bakery

 

Best Bagels

Winner: Jo’s Brooklyn Bagels

Runners-up: Herb and Honey Bakery, Lakeside Bagel & Deli

 

Best Ice Cream

Winner: Whippy Dip

Runners-up: Straw Hat Sundae Shop, Creamland

 

Best Coffee Shop

Winner: Brew Ha Ha

Runners-up: Ember + Forge, Werner Books and Coffee

 

Best Coffee Roaster

Winner: Brew Ha Ha

Runners-up: Happy Mug, Millcreek Coffee Company

 

 

Drinks

 (Clockwise from top left) Winner of Best Bar (Overall) is Plymouth Tavern, winner of Best Hotel Bar is Oliver’s Rooftop, Winner of Best Brewery, Best Bar Staff, and Best Locally Made Beer is Lavery Brewing Company (and their beer Dulachan). (Photos: Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Bar (Overall)

Winner: The Plymouth Tavern

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Room 33

 

Best Brewery

Winner: Lavery Brewing Company

Runners-up: Voodoo Brewing, Erie Brewing Company

 

Best Winery

Winner: Arundel

Runners-up: Mazza Vineyards, 6 Mile Cellars

 

Best Distillery

Winner: Altered State Distillery

Runners-up: Luminary Distilling, Erie Distillery

 

Best Locally Made Beer

Winner: Dulachan (Lavery Brewing)

Runners-up: Love Child (Voodoo Brewing), Tattooed Lady (Erie Ale Works)

 

Best Locally Made Wine

Winner: Wild Child (Arundel)

Runners-up: Derby Red (6 Mile Cellars), Niagara (Heritage Wine Cellars)

 

Best Locally Made Spirit

Winner: Luminary Apple Pie Moonshine

Runners-up: Altered State B-Side Bourbon, Erie Distillery Limoncello

 

Best Craft Cocktails

Winner: Room 33

Runners-up: Altered State Distillery, Bar Ronin

 

Best Sports Bar

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Cornerstone Bar & Grill, Coach’s

 

Best Irish Pub

Winner: McGarrey’s Oakwood Cafe

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Sullivan’s

 

Best Bar Staff

Winner: Lavery Brewing Company

Runners-up: Plymouth Tavern, Erie Ale Works

 

Best Pet-Friendly Bar

Winner: Voodoo Brewing

Runners-up: Oliver’s Beer Garden, Lavery Brewing Company

 

Best Hotel Bar

Winner: Oliver’s

Runners-up: Shoreline Bar and Grille, Two45 Waterfront Grille

 

 

Nightlife

Best Music Festival

Winner: Erie Blues and Jazz Festival

Runners-up: CelebrateErie, 8 Great Tuesdays

 

Best Happy Hour

Winner: Plymouth Tavern

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, U Pick 6 Public House

 

Best Comedy Venue

Winner: Kellar’s, A Modern Magic & Comedy Club

Runners-up: 1020 Collective, Werner Books

 

Best Dance Club

Winner: The Zone Dance Club

Runners-up: BIGBAR King’s Rook Club

 

Best Patio

Winner: Oliver’s Beer Garden

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Calamari’s Squid Row

 

Best Place to See Live Music

Winner: Warner Theatre

Runners-up: Oliver’s Beer Garden, Centennial Hall

 

Best Trivia Night

Winner: Plymouth Tavern

Runners-up: Altered State Distillery, Voodoo Brewing

 

Best Live Music Series

Winner: 8 Great Tuesdays

Runners-up: Voodoo’s Patio Concert Series, Erie Philharmonic In Your Hometown

 

Best Karaoke

Winner: Rack & Roll

Runners-up: Sloppy Duck, Flagship City Foodhall

 

Best Night Club

Winner: BIGBAR

Runners-up: Kings Rook Club, The Zone

 

 

Health and Beauty

 (Clockwise from top left) Winner of Best Spa, Best Med Spa, and Best Massage Therapist is Coventina Day Spa, winner of Best Dispensary is RISE, winner of Best Hospital is UPMC Hamot, and winner of Best Salon is Moxi Hair Salon. (Photos: Jessica Hunter / Erin Phillips / Contributed)

 

Best Salon

Winner: Moxi Hair Salon

Runners-up: The Loft, Hidden Gem Hair Studio

 

Best Spa

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: Monacella Massage & Kinesiology, A Compassionate Hart

 

Best Barbershop

Winner: Ruiz Barbershop

Runners-up: V’s Barbershop, Colony Barbershop

 

Best Nail Salon

Winner: M Nails

Runners-up: Sky Nails, Glow Luxe Aesthetics

 

Best Med Spa

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: ReJuv, A Compassionate Hart

 

Best Massage Therapist

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: A Compassionate Hart, Monacella Massage & Kinesiology

 

Best Doctor/PCP

Winner: Dr. Christine Agnello

Runners-up: Dr. Kelli DeSanctis, Dr. Brad Fox

 

Best Hospital

Winner: UPMC Hamot

Runners-up: AHN St. Vincent, LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion

 

Best Physical Therapist

Winner: Shriners Children’s Erie

Runners-up: Ashley and Kuzma Therapeutics, Rise Up PT

 

Best OB/GYN

Winner: Dr. Andrea Jeffress

Runners-up: Dr. Sarah Achenbach, Dr. Elizabeth Wise

 

Best Dentist

Winner: Dr. David James DeMarco

Runners-up: Dr. Carla Orlando, Dr. Aaron Merski

 

Best Eye Doctor

Winner: Dr. Nicholas Sala

Runners-up: Dr. Alyssa Conjack, Dr. Emily Hosack

 

Best Pediatrician

Winner: Dr. Cynthia Weibel

Runners-up: Dr. Michael Webster, Dr. Robert Burns

 

Best Mental Health Counseling

Winner: LECOM Institute for Behavioral Health

Runners-up: Life Balance Counseling and Wellness, ABC’s of Building Better Lives LLC

 

Best Chiropractor

Winner: Trevor Nash (Nash Chiropractic)

Runners-up: Amber Kridler (HealthSource Chiro of Erie), Jeff Manucci (Manucci Chiropractic Center)

 

Best Assisted Living/Retirement Community

Winner: St Mary’s at Asbury Ridge

Runners-up: Brevillier Village, Springhill

 

Best Tattoo Studio

Winner: Wayward

Runners-up: Lake Effect Tattoo, Inkxpressions

 

Best Dispensary

Winner: RISE

Runners-up: Sunny Side Dispensary, Curaleaf

 

Best Body Piercing

Winner: Sacred Piercing

Runners-up: Ink Assassins, Wayward

 

Best Tanning

Winner: Zoom Tan

Runners-up: Liquid Glam Spray Tans, Planet Fitness

 

 

Shopping

(Clockwise from top left): Winner of Best Local Business and Best Bookstore is Werner Books and Coffee, winner of Best Farmers Market is LEAF Open Markets, winner of Best Deli and Best Local Grocer is Urbaniank Brothers, and winner of Best Tailor/Alterations Shop is Primo Tailoring. (Photos: Erin Phillips / Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Local Business

Winner: Werner Books and Coffee

Runners-up: Purrista Cat Cafe, Herb & Honey Bakery

 

Best New Business (Last Two Years)

Winner: Bay and Berry

Runners-up: Serafini’s Trattoria, Bespoke Tailoring

 

Best Locally Made Product

Winner: Romolo Sponge Candy

Runners-up: Smith’s Provisions, Herb and Honey Bakery Pastries

 

Best Furniture Store

Winner: John V. Schultz

Runners-up: Cobb’s Thrift Shop, Arthur F. Schultz

 

Best Farmers Market

Winner: LEAF Open Market

Runners-up: Mason Farms, Pay What You Can Markets

 

Best Bike Shop

Winner: John Adams Cycling and Fitness

Runners-up: Bert’s Bikes and Fitness, The Erie Bike Co-Op

 

Best Thrift/Consignment Store

Winner: Amvets

Runners-up: Sassy Peacock, Cobb’s

 

Best Florist

Winner: Allburn Florist

Runners-up: Potratz, Gerlach’s

 

Best Car Dealership

Winner: Bianchi Honda

Runners-up: Auto Express, New Motors

 

Best Boutique

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery & Gifts

Runners-up: The Dollhouse Vintage Boutique, Ala Carte

 

Best Greenhouse

Winner: Stan’s Garden Center

Runners-up: Potratz, Johnston’s Evergreen Nursery

 

Best Tailor/Alterations Shop

Winner: Primo Tailoring

Runners-up: Bespoke Tailoring, Erie Alterations

 

Best Local Book Store

Winner: Werner Books & Coffee

Runners-up: Pressed, Books Galore

 

Best Neighborhood Grocer

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers

Runners-up: Erie Food Co-op, Bello’s

 

Best Antique Shop

Winner: Copper Carriage

Runners-up: Oregon Antiques, 814 Vintage Marketplace

 

Best Jewelry Store

Winner: Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection

Runners-up: Dempsey and Baxter, Glass Growers Gallery

 

Best Gift Shop

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery

Runners-up: Ala Carte, Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts

 

 

Music and Entertainment

(Clockwise from top left) Winner of Best Family-Friendly Attraction is Presque Isle State Park, winner of Best New Band is Broke Boland’s String Show, winner of Best Kid’s Birthday Party Venue is expERIEnce Children’s Museum, and winner of Best Music Venue is the Warner Theatre. (Photos: Erin Phillips / Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Band (Original)

Winner: Eric Brewer and Friends

Runners-up: Smilo and the Ghost, Storms Within

 

Best Band (Cover)

Winner: The Groove

Runners-up: First To Eleven, The Goats

 

Best New Band (Last Two Years)

Winner: Broke Boland’s String Show

Runners-up: Hot Mess, Battle Chapel

 

Best Singer/Songwriter

Winner: Jess Royer

Runners-up: Tyler Smilo, Erica Lynn

 

Best Hip-Hop Artist/Group

Winner: MTV Canyon (posthumous)

Runners-up: CEE Brown, Jonny Evans

 

Best Instrumentalist

Winner: Eric Brewer

Runners-up: Stephen Trohoske, Joe Porter

 

Best Vocalist

Winner: Heather Nemenz (The Goats)

Runners-up: Erica Lynn (Storms Within), Johnny Snyder (Fastfall)

 

Best Local Comedian

Winner: Lisa Ann the Glam Ham

Runners-up: Anthony Morelli, Aaron Forsyth

 

Best Club/Vinyl DJ

Winner: Stephen Maynard

Runners-up: Mark Eisert – Millennium Sound, DJ Sleepy Matt Sinnott

 

Best Special Event/Wedding DJ

Winner: Millennium Sound Productions

Runners-up: Stephen Maynard, DJ Sleepy Matt Sinnott

 

Best Indoor Playground/Trampoline Park

Winner: Vertical Jump Park

Runners-up: ASCEND Erie, We Rock The Spectrum

 

Best Kid’s Birthday Party Venue

Winner: expERIEnce Children’s Museum

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Play Port

 

Best Radio Personality

Winner: Lou Baxter

Runners-up: Nat the Hat, DJ Bill Page

 

Best Radio Station

Winner: 90.5 WERG

Runners-up: Happi 927, 94.7 BOB FM

 

Best Family-Friendly Attraction

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Waldameer Park and Water World, Erie Zoo

 

People and Places

(Clockwise from top left): Winner of Best Elected Official is Ryan Bizzarro, winner of Best Lawyer is Seth Trott, winner of Best Local Entrepreneurs are Nicole and Jason Lavery of Lavery Brewing Company, and winner of Best Place to Camp is Sara’s Campground. (Photos: Contributed / Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Local Entrepreneur(s)

Winner: Jason and Nicole Lavery (Lavery Brewing Company)

Runners-up: Jessica Schultz (Herb and Honey Bakery), Rebecca Styn (Blind Tiger Spirit Free Cocktails)

 

Best Nonprofit

Winner: The ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Shriners Children’s Erie, WQLN/NPR/PBS

 

Best University

Winner: Penn State Behrend

Runners-up: Gannon University, Mercyhurst University

 

Best Public School

Winner: Collegiate Academy

Runners-up: McDowell High School, Fairview Elementary

 

Best Private School

Winner: Mercyhurst Preparatory School

Runners-up: Cathedral Prep, Erie Day School

 

Best Preschool

Winner: Montessori in the Woods

Runners-up: Erie Day School, Child Development Centers

 

Best Daycare

Winner: St. Paul’s Child Development Center

Runners-up: YMCA, Child Development Centers

 

Best Local Elected Official

Winner: Ryan Bizzarro

Runners-up: Daria Devlin, Tyler Titus

 

Best Place for a First Date

Winner: Presque Isle

Runners-up: Werner Books & Coffee, Bar Ronin

 

Best Dog Park

Winner: Scott Park

Runners-up: Larry R. Fabrizi Dog Park. Harborcreek Community Park

 

Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Lavery Brewing Company

 

Best Place to Work

Winner: Erie Insurance

Runners-up: Erie Federal Credit Union, The ANNA Shelter

 

Best TV Anchorperson

Winner: Sean Lafferty

Runners-up: Eva Mastromatteo, Briaunna Malone

 

Best Local Weatherperson

Winner: John Stehlin

Runners-up: Tom Divecchio, Tom Atkins

 

Best Local Sportcaster

Winner: Mike Fenner

Runners-up: John Lydic, Tom Reisenweber

 

Best Local TV Station

Winner: Erie News Now

Runners-up: JET 24, WQLN/NPR/PBS

 

Best Lawyer

Winner: Seth Trott

Runners-up: John Knox, Nikki Page

 

Best Place to Camp

Winner: Sara’s

Runners-up: Sparrow Pond, Camp Sherwin

 

Best Wedding Venue

Winner: Warner Theatre

Runners-up: Goodell Gardens, Erie Art Museum

 

Best Staffing Agency

Winner: Career Concepts

Runners-up: All Seasons Staffing, Just In Time Staffing

 

Best Bed and Breakfast

Winner: Spencer House Bed & Breakfast

Runners-up: The Victoria on Main, Elsie Greer House

 

 

Home and Services

(Clockwise from top left) Winner of Best Place to Adopt a Pet is the ANNA Shelter, winner of Best Local Hardware Store is Kraus Department Store, and winner of Best Insurance Company is Erie Insurance. (Photos: Jessica Hunter / Erin Phillips)

 

Best General Contractor

Winner: Great Lakes Construction

Runners-up: Leon Construction, Matt Krol Construction

 

Best HVAC

Winner: Wm. T. Spaeder

Runners-up: Nerthlings, Agnello

 

Best Electrician

Winner: Wm. T. Spaeder

Runners-up: Knorr Electric, Stonehouse

 

Best Residential Roofer

Winner: Angelos Roofing Inc.

Runners-up: Leon Construction, Mark Bean & Son

 

Best Plumber

Winner: Wm. T. Spaeder

Runners-up: Motsch Plumbing, TJ’s Plumbing & Heating

 

Best Real Estate Agent

Winner: Max Rankin

Runners-up: Adell Lane, Eric Hammill

 

Best Pet Daycare/Pet Boarding

Winner: Peninsula Pups

Runners-up: Lucky Dog Stay & Play, Paws ‘n Claws

 

Best Place of Worship

Winner: St. Peter’s Cathedral

Runners-up: Grace Church, Elevate

 

Best Insurance Agency

Winner: Erie Insurance

Runners-up: State Farm, Allstate

 

Best Dry Cleaner

Winner: Thrifty

Runners-up: Chido’s Dry Cleaning, Frank’s

 

Best Veterinarian

Winner: Dr. Dan Pierce (Glenwood Pet Hospital)

Runners-up: Dr. Kevin Ramey (Animal Ark/Kingdom), Dr. Jenny Grimshawe (Millcreek Animal Hospital)

 

Best Place to Adopt a Pet

Winner: The ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Erie Humane Society, Because You Care

 

Best Dog Groomer

Winner: Joy Riley

Runners-up: Paws ‘n Claws, Peninsula Pups

 

Best Dog Trainer

Winner: Scholars in Collars

Runners-up: Peninsula Pups, Lake Erie K9

 

Best Interior Designer

Winner: Andrea’s Interior Design

Runners-up: Vintage & Soul Home, Blue Lily Interior Design and Remodeling

 

Best Pest Control

Winner: Big Foot

Runners-up: Ehrlich, General Exterminating

 

Best Auto Repair Shop

Winner: Bianchi Honda

Runners-up: Nolan’s Pine Ave, Smith’s Collision

 

Best Estate Sale or Auctioneering Company

Winner: Mel and Tee’s

Runners-up: C & C Auctions, Wheeler Auctions

 

Best Bank/Credit Union

Winner: Erie Federal Credit Union

Runners-up: PNC Bank, Widget

 

Best Law Firm

Winner: MacDonald, Illig, Jones, and Britton

Runners-up: Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett, MP2 Placidi and Parini

 

Best Landscaper

Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors

Runners-up: Weiss Earley, Chaffee Landscaping Inc.

 

Best Cleaning Service

Winner: Keep It Clean

Runners-up: Poppins Cleaning Service, Presidential Cleaning

 

Best Moving Company

Winner: Tri State

Runners-up: Frank’s Movers, Zoom Movers

 

Best Realty Company

Winner: Agresti Real Estate

Runners-up: RE/MAX Real Estate Group, Marsha Marsh

 

Best Home Decor Shop

Winner: Trellis

Runners-up: a la Carte, Traditions Unlimited

 

Best Web Developer

Winner: Epic Web Studios

Runners-up: NLM Media, Werkbot Studios

 

Best Advertising Agency

Winner: Epic Web Studios

Runners-up: LAMAR Advertising, 814 Digital

 

Best Local Hardware Store

Winner: Kraus Department Store

Runners-up: Ferrier’s True Value, Hobbs Lumber & Hardware Inc.

 

 

Arts and Culture

(Clockwise from top left) Winner of Best Museum is the Erie Art Museum, winner of Best Photographer is the Erie Reader’s own Jessica Hunter Photography, winner of Best Local Author is Justin Dombrowski, and winner of Best Art Gallery (along with Best Boutique and Best Gift Shop) is Glass Growers Gallery. (Photos: Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Museum

Winner: Erie Art Museum

Runners-up: expERIEnce Children’s Museum, Watson-Curtze Mansion/Hagen History Center

 

Best Art Studio Space

Winner: Performing Artists Collective Alliance (PACA)

Runners-up: 1020 Collective, ClaySpace

 

Best Dance School

Winner: Long’s School of Dance

Runners-up: Little Dance Studio, Dafmark Dance

 

Best Podcast

Winner: Spotlight 814

Runners-up: 2 Man Happy Hour, The Metal Family Experience

 

Best Local Author

Winner: Justin Dombrowski

Runners-up: Brenna Thummler, Tommy Link

 

Best Filmmaker/Videographer (Individual)

Winner: John Lyons

Runners-up: Jessica Yochim Taylor, Jesse James

 

Best Local Instagram

Winner: VisitErie

Runners-up: Erie Reader, Lake Erie Life

 

Best Production Company

Winner: Project Algerine

Runners-up: MenajErie Studio, Tethered Immersive

 

Best Painter (Art)

Winner: Jamie Keim-Pomorski

Runners-up: Kaitlyn Page, Lara Schaaf

 

Best Photographer

Winner: Jessica Hunter Photography

Runners-up: Katie Mihalak, R. Frank Media

 

Best Community Theater

Winner: Erie Playhouse

Runners-up: Performing Artist Collective Alliance (PACA), Footlights Theatre Performing Arts Center

 

Best Sculptor

Winner: Evan Everhart

Runners-up: Adam Stempka, Madison Rose

 

Best Art Gallery

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery

Runners-up: 1020 Collective, City Gallery

 

Best Theatrical Performer

Winner: Adele Crotty

Runners-up: Kate Neubert-Lechner, Ryan Dawley

 

Best Heritage Festival

Winner: Zabawa Polish Festival

Runners-up: Greek Festival, Irish Festival

 

 

Sports and Recreation

(Clockwise from top left): Winner of Best Team to Root For are the Erie SeaWolves, winner of Best Bowling Alley is Greengarden Lanes, and winner of Best Hiking Trails is Asbury Woods. (Photos: Erin Phillips / Jessica Hunter)

 

Best Team to Root For

Winner: Erie SeaWolves

Runners-up: Erie Otters, Eerie Roller Girls

 

Best Public Park

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods

 

Best Hiking Trails

Winner: Asbury Woods

Runners-up: Wintergreen Gorge, Presque Isle State Park

 

Best Yoga Space

Winner: YogaErie

Runners-up: Dreaming Tree Yoga, Infinite Love Yoga

 

Best Fitness Club

Winner: YMCA

Runners-up: Motivate Studios, FitnessU

 

Best Outdoor Adventure Activity

Winner: Presque Isle

Runners-up: Waldameer Park and Water World, Erie SeaWolves

 

Best Bowling Alley

Winner: Greengarden Lanes

Runners-up: Eastway Lanes, Rolling Meadows

 

Best Athletic Competition

Winner: Turkey Trot

Runners-up: Presque Isle Triathlon, Erie Roller Derby

 

Best Golf Course

Winner: Whispering Woods Golf Club

Runners-up: Lawrence Park Golf Course, Beechwood Golf Club