{"id":87753,"date":"2026-01-15T18:48:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T18:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/87753\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T18:48:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T18:48:31","slug":"best-of-erie-winners-and-finalists-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/87753\/","title":{"rendered":"Best of Erie Winners and Finalists 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Jump to a section:<\/p>\n

Dining Out<\/a><\/p>\n

Sweet Treats and Baked Goods<\/a><\/p>\n

Drinks<\/a><\/p>\n

Nightlife<\/a><\/p>\n

Health and Beauty<\/a><\/p>\n

Shopping<\/a><\/p>\n

Music and Entertainment<\/a><\/p>\n

People and Places<\/a><\/p>\n

Home and Services<\/a><\/p>\n

Arts and Culture<\/a><\/p>\n

Sports and Recreation<\/a><\/p>\n

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Dining Out<\/p>\n

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(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Restaurant<\/p>\n

Winner: Bar Ronin<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Federal Hill Smokehouse, Colao’s<\/p>\n

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Best New Restaurant (Last Two Years)<\/p>\n

Winner: Serafini’s Trattoria<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Bay and Berry, Born & Braised<\/p>\n

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Best Breakfast<\/p>\n

Winner: Gem City Dinor<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Flip Cafe, The Breakfast Place (E 38th)<\/p>\n

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Best Place for Vegan or Vegetarian Food<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Food Co-Op<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Like My Thai<\/p>\n

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Best Sushi<\/p>\n

Winner: Samurai Kitchen<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ichiban, Oba Sushi<\/p>\n

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Best Brunch<\/p>\n

Winner: Flip Cafe<\/p>\n

Runners-up: The Cork 1794, Skunk and Goat<\/p>\n

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Best Romantic Restaurant<\/p>\n

Winner: Oliver’s Rooftop<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Colao’s, Room 33<\/p>\n

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Best Fine Dining<\/p>\n

Winner: Oliver’s Rooftop<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Colao’s, Bar Ronin<\/p>\n

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Best Deli<\/p>\n

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Teresa’s Italian Deli, Gordon’s<\/p>\n

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Best Food Truck<\/p>\n

Winner: Waffle Miracle<\/p>\n

Runners-up: The Que Abides, The Atacolypse<\/p>\n

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Best Chinese\/Japanese\/Thai\/Vietnamese Food<\/p>\n

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Like My Thai, Bar Ronin<\/p>\n

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Best Wait Staff<\/p>\n

Winner: Calamari’s Squid Row<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Odis 12<\/p>\n

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Best Steaks<\/p>\n

Winner: Firestone’s<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ricardo’s, The Cork 1794<\/p>\n

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Best Barbecue<\/p>\n

Winner: Federal Hill Smokehouse<\/p>\n

Runners-up: The Que Abides Pit Stop, Underdog BBQ<\/p>\n

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Best Chef<\/p>\n

Winner: Stephen Stanbro (Bro Man’s)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dan Kern (Bar Ronin), Martin Firestone (Firestone’s)<\/p>\n

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Best Waterfront Dining<\/p>\n

Winner: Pier 6<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Oliver’s, Smugglers’ Wharf<\/p>\n

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Best Indian\/Nepali Food<\/p>\n

Winner: Tandoori Hut Indian Cuisine<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Curry House, Fine Restaurant<\/p>\n

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Best Bar Food<\/p>\n

Winner: Odis 12<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Plymouth Tavern<\/p>\n

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Best Dinor<\/p>\n

Winner: Gem City Dinor<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lawrence Park Dinor, Flip Cafe<\/p>\n

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Best Wings<\/p>\n

Winner: Odis 12<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Park Tavern, One Way Inn<\/p>\n

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Best Mexican Food<\/p>\n

Winner: El Amigo<\/p>\n

Runners-up: El Canelo, Torero’s<\/p>\n

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Best Mediterranean or Middle Eastern Food<\/p>\n

Winner: Habibi<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Casablanca Grill, Shawarma King<\/p>\n

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Best Seafood Restaurant<\/p>\n

Winner: Pineapple Eddie<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Smugglers’ Wharf<\/p>\n

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Best Italian Food<\/p>\n

Winner: Colao’s<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Valerio’s, Serafini’s Trattoria<\/p>\n

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Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant<\/p>\n

Winner: Odis 12<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Cheeserie, All Aboard Dinor<\/p>\n

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Best Caterer<\/p>\n

Winner: Cali’s West<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Teresa’s Deli, Valerio’s<\/p>\n

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Best Sandwich Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Bro Man’s Burgers and Birria<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Picasso’s, Teresa’s Italian Deli<\/p>\n

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Best Burger<\/p>\n

Winner: Bro Man’s Burgers and Birria<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Firestone’s, Bar Ronin<\/p>\n

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Best Taco<\/p>\n

Winner: El Amigo<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Bro Man’s Burgers and Birria, Atacolypse Food Truck<\/p>\n

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Best Pizzeria<\/p>\n

Winner: John’s Wildwood Pizza<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ippa Pizza Napoletana, Valerio’s<\/p>\n

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Sweet Treats and Baked Goods<\/p>\n

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(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Chocolates\/Candies<\/p>\n

Winner: Romolo Chocolates<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Pulakos Chocolates, Stefanelli’s Candies<\/p>\n

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Best Bakery<\/p>\n

Winner: Herb and Honey Bakery<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Mighty Fine Donuts, Art’s Bakery<\/p>\n

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Best Dessert (Dish and Business)<\/p>\n

Winner: Herb and Honey Bakery (Pastries)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Art’s Bakery (Cookies), Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe (Specialty Desserts)<\/p>\n

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Best Donut Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Mighty Fine<\/p>\n

Runners-up: H&K Donuts, Peace Love and Little Donuts<\/p>\n

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Best Bread (by the loaf)<\/p>\n

Winner: Herb and Honey Bakery<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Majestic Baking Company, International Bakery<\/p>\n

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Best Bagels<\/p>\n

Winner: Jo’s Brooklyn Bagels<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Herb and Honey Bakery, Lakeside Bagel & Deli<\/p>\n

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Best Ice Cream<\/p>\n

Winner: Whippy Dip<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Straw Hat Sundae Shop, Creamland<\/p>\n

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Best Coffee Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Brew Ha Ha<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ember + Forge, Werner Books and Coffee<\/p>\n

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Best Coffee Roaster<\/p>\n

Winner: Brew Ha Ha<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Happy Mug, Millcreek Coffee Company<\/p>\n

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Drinks<\/p>\n

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\u00a0(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Bar (Overall)<\/p>\n

Winner: The Plymouth Tavern<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Room 33<\/p>\n

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Best Brewery<\/p>\n

Winner: Lavery Brewing Company<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Voodoo Brewing, Erie Brewing Company<\/p>\n

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Best Winery<\/p>\n

Winner: Arundel<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Mazza Vineyards, 6 Mile Cellars<\/p>\n

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Best Distillery<\/p>\n

Winner: Altered State Distillery<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Luminary Distilling, Erie Distillery<\/p>\n

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Best Locally Made Beer<\/p>\n

Winner: Dulachan (Lavery Brewing)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Love Child (Voodoo Brewing), Tattooed Lady (Erie Ale Works)<\/p>\n

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Best Locally Made Wine<\/p>\n

Winner: Wild Child (Arundel)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Derby Red (6 Mile Cellars), Niagara (Heritage Wine Cellars)<\/p>\n

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Best Locally Made Spirit<\/p>\n

Winner: Luminary Apple Pie Moonshine<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Altered State B-Side Bourbon, Erie Distillery Limoncello<\/p>\n

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Best Craft Cocktails<\/p>\n

Winner: Room 33<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Altered State Distillery, Bar Ronin<\/p>\n

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Best Sports Bar<\/p>\n

Winner: Odis 12<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Cornerstone Bar & Grill, Coach’s<\/p>\n

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Best Irish Pub<\/p>\n

Winner: McGarrey’s Oakwood Cafe<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, Sullivan’s<\/p>\n

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Best Bar Staff<\/p>\n

Winner: Lavery Brewing Company<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Plymouth Tavern, Erie Ale Works<\/p>\n

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Best Pet-Friendly Bar<\/p>\n

Winner: Voodoo Brewing<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Oliver’s Beer Garden, Lavery Brewing Company<\/p>\n

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Best Hotel Bar<\/p>\n

Winner: Oliver’s<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Shoreline Bar and Grille, Two45 Waterfront Grille<\/p>\n

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Nightlife<\/p>\n

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Best Music Festival<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Blues and Jazz Festival<\/p>\n

Runners-up: CelebrateErie, 8 Great Tuesdays<\/p>\n

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Best Happy Hour<\/p>\n

Winner: Plymouth Tavern<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lavery Brewing Company, U Pick 6 Public House<\/p>\n

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Best Comedy Venue<\/p>\n

Winner: Kellar’s, A Modern Magic & Comedy Club<\/p>\n

Runners-up: 1020 Collective, Werner Books<\/p>\n

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Best Dance Club<\/p>\n

Winner: The Zone Dance Club<\/p>\n

Runners-up: BIGBAR King’s Rook Club<\/p>\n

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Best Patio<\/p>\n

Winner: Oliver’s Beer Garden<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Calamari’s Squid Row<\/p>\n

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Best Place to See Live Music<\/p>\n

Winner: Warner Theatre<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Oliver’s Beer Garden, Centennial Hall<\/p>\n

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Best Trivia Night<\/p>\n

Winner: Plymouth Tavern<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Altered State Distillery, Voodoo Brewing<\/p>\n

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Best Live Music Series<\/p>\n

Winner: 8 Great Tuesdays<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Voodoo’s Patio Concert Series, Erie Philharmonic In Your Hometown<\/p>\n

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Best Karaoke<\/p>\n

Winner: Rack & Roll<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Sloppy Duck, Flagship City Foodhall<\/p>\n

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Best Night Club<\/p>\n

Winner: BIGBAR<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Kings Rook Club, The Zone<\/p>\n

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Health and Beauty<\/p>\n

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\u00a0(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Salon<\/p>\n

Winner: Moxi Hair Salon<\/p>\n

Runners-up: The Loft, Hidden Gem Hair Studio<\/p>\n

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Best Spa<\/p>\n

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Monacella Massage & Kinesiology, A Compassionate Hart<\/p>\n

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Best Barbershop<\/p>\n

Winner: Ruiz Barbershop<\/p>\n

Runners-up: V’s Barbershop, Colony Barbershop<\/p>\n

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Best Nail Salon<\/p>\n

Winner: M Nails<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Sky Nails, Glow Luxe Aesthetics<\/p>\n

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Best Med Spa<\/p>\n

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa<\/p>\n

Runners-up: ReJuv, A Compassionate Hart<\/p>\n

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Best Massage Therapist<\/p>\n

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa<\/p>\n

Runners-up: A Compassionate Hart, Monacella Massage & Kinesiology<\/p>\n

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Best Doctor\/PCP<\/p>\n

Winner: Dr. Christine Agnello<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dr. Kelli DeSanctis, Dr. Brad Fox<\/p>\n

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Best Hospital<\/p>\n

Winner: UPMC Hamot<\/p>\n

Runners-up: AHN St. Vincent, LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion<\/p>\n

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Best Physical Therapist<\/p>\n

Winner: Shriners Children’s Erie<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ashley and Kuzma Therapeutics, Rise Up PT<\/p>\n

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Best OB\/GYN<\/p>\n

Winner: Dr. Andrea Jeffress<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dr. Sarah Achenbach, Dr. Elizabeth Wise<\/p>\n

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Best Dentist<\/p>\n

Winner: Dr. David James DeMarco<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dr. Carla Orlando, Dr. Aaron Merski<\/p>\n

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Best Eye Doctor<\/p>\n

Winner: Dr. Nicholas Sala<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dr. Alyssa Conjack, Dr. Emily Hosack<\/p>\n

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Best Pediatrician<\/p>\n

Winner: Dr. Cynthia Weibel<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dr. Michael Webster, Dr. Robert Burns<\/p>\n

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Best Mental Health Counseling<\/p>\n

Winner: LECOM Institute for Behavioral Health<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Life Balance Counseling and Wellness, ABC’s of Building Better Lives LLC<\/p>\n

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Best Chiropractor<\/p>\n

Winner: Trevor Nash (Nash Chiropractic)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Amber Kridler (HealthSource Chiro of Erie), Jeff Manucci (Manucci Chiropractic Center)<\/p>\n

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Best Assisted Living\/Retirement Community<\/p>\n

Winner: St Mary’s at Asbury Ridge<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Brevillier Village, Springhill<\/p>\n

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Best Tattoo Studio<\/p>\n

Winner: Wayward<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lake Effect Tattoo, Inkxpressions<\/p>\n

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Best Dispensary<\/p>\n

Winner: RISE<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Sunny Side Dispensary, Curaleaf<\/p>\n

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Best Body Piercing<\/p>\n

Winner: Sacred Piercing<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ink Assassins, Wayward<\/p>\n

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Best Tanning<\/p>\n

Winner: Zoom Tan<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Liquid Glam Spray Tans, Planet Fitness<\/p>\n

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Shopping<\/p>\n

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(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Local Business<\/p>\n

Winner: Werner Books and Coffee<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Purrista Cat Cafe, Herb & Honey Bakery<\/p>\n

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Best New Business (Last Two Years)<\/p>\n

Winner: Bay and Berry<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Serafini’s Trattoria, Bespoke Tailoring<\/p>\n

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Best Locally Made Product<\/p>\n

Winner: Romolo Sponge Candy<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Smith’s Provisions, Herb and Honey Bakery Pastries<\/p>\n

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Best Furniture Store<\/p>\n

Winner: John V. Schultz<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Cobb’s Thrift Shop, Arthur F. Schultz<\/p>\n

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Best Farmers Market<\/p>\n

Winner: LEAF Open Market<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Mason Farms, Pay What You Can Markets<\/p>\n

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Best Bike Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: John Adams Cycling and Fitness<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Bert’s Bikes and Fitness, The Erie Bike Co-Op<\/p>\n

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Best Thrift\/Consignment Store<\/p>\n

Winner: Amvets<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Sassy Peacock, Cobb’s<\/p>\n

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Best Florist<\/p>\n

Winner: Allburn Florist<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Potratz, Gerlach’s<\/p>\n

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Best Car Dealership<\/p>\n

Winner: Bianchi Honda<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Auto Express, New Motors<\/p>\n

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Best Boutique<\/p>\n

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery & Gifts<\/p>\n

Runners-up: The Dollhouse Vintage Boutique, Ala Carte<\/p>\n

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Best Greenhouse<\/p>\n

Winner: Stan’s Garden Center<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Potratz, Johnston’s Evergreen Nursery<\/p>\n

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Best Tailor\/Alterations Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Primo Tailoring<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Bespoke Tailoring, Erie Alterations<\/p>\n

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Best Local Book Store<\/p>\n

Winner: Werner Books & Coffee<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Pressed, Books Galore<\/p>\n

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Best Neighborhood Grocer<\/p>\n

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Food Co-op, Bello’s<\/p>\n

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Best Antique Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Copper Carriage<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Oregon Antiques, 814 Vintage Marketplace<\/p>\n

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Best Jewelry Store<\/p>\n

Winner: Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dempsey and Baxter, Glass Growers Gallery<\/p>\n

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Best Gift Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ala Carte, Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts<\/p>\n

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Music and Entertainment<\/p>\n

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(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Band (Original)<\/p>\n

Winner: Eric Brewer and Friends<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Smilo and the Ghost, Storms Within<\/p>\n

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Best Band (Cover)<\/p>\n

Winner: The Groove<\/p>\n

Runners-up: First To Eleven, The Goats<\/p>\n

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Best New Band (Last Two Years)<\/p>\n

Winner: Broke Boland’s String Show<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Hot Mess, Battle Chapel<\/p>\n

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Best Singer\/Songwriter<\/p>\n

Winner: Jess Royer<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Tyler Smilo, Erica Lynn<\/p>\n

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Best Hip-Hop Artist\/Group<\/p>\n

Winner: MTV Canyon (posthumous)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: CEE Brown, Jonny Evans<\/p>\n

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Best Instrumentalist<\/p>\n

Winner: Eric Brewer<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Stephen Trohoske, Joe Porter<\/p>\n

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Best Vocalist<\/p>\n

Winner: Heather Nemenz (The Goats)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erica Lynn (Storms Within), Johnny Snyder (Fastfall)<\/p>\n

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Best Local Comedian<\/p>\n

Winner: Lisa Ann the Glam Ham<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Anthony Morelli, Aaron Forsyth<\/p>\n

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Best Club\/Vinyl DJ<\/p>\n

Winner: Stephen Maynard<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Mark Eisert – Millennium Sound, DJ Sleepy Matt Sinnott<\/p>\n

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Best Special Event\/Wedding DJ<\/p>\n

Winner: Millennium Sound Productions<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Stephen Maynard, DJ Sleepy Matt Sinnott<\/p>\n

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Best Indoor Playground\/Trampoline Park<\/p>\n

Winner: Vertical Jump Park<\/p>\n

Runners-up: ASCEND Erie, We Rock The Spectrum<\/p>\n

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Best Kid’s Birthday Party Venue<\/p>\n

Winner: expERIEnce Children’s Museum<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Play Port<\/p>\n

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Best Radio Personality<\/p>\n

Winner: Lou Baxter<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Nat the Hat, DJ Bill Page<\/p>\n

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Best Radio Station<\/p>\n

Winner: 90.5 WERG<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Happi 927, 94.7 BOB FM<\/p>\n

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Best Family-Friendly Attraction<\/p>\n

Winner: Presque Isle State Park<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Waldameer Park and Water World, Erie Zoo<\/p>\n

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People and Places<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Local Entrepreneur(s)<\/p>\n

Winner: Jason and Nicole Lavery (Lavery Brewing Company)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Jessica Schultz (Herb and Honey Bakery), Rebecca Styn (Blind Tiger Spirit Free Cocktails)<\/p>\n

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Best Nonprofit<\/p>\n

Winner: The ANNA Shelter<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Shriners Children’s Erie, WQLN\/NPR\/PBS<\/p>\n

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Best University<\/p>\n

Winner: Penn State Behrend<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Gannon University, Mercyhurst University<\/p>\n

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Best Public School<\/p>\n

Winner: Collegiate Academy<\/p>\n

Runners-up: McDowell High School, Fairview Elementary<\/p>\n

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Best Private School<\/p>\n

Winner: Mercyhurst Preparatory School<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Cathedral Prep, Erie Day School<\/p>\n

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Best Preschool<\/p>\n

Winner: Montessori in the Woods<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Day School, Child Development Centers<\/p>\n

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Best Daycare<\/p>\n

Winner: St. Paul’s Child Development Center<\/p>\n

Runners-up: YMCA, Child Development Centers<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Local Elected Official<\/p>\n

Winner: Ryan Bizzarro<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Daria Devlin, Tyler Titus<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Place for a First Date<\/p>\n

Winner: Presque Isle<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Werner Books & Coffee, Bar Ronin<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Dog Park<\/p>\n

Winner: Scott Park<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Larry R. Fabrizi Dog Park. Harborcreek Community Park<\/p>\n

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Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors<\/p>\n

Winner: Presque Isle State Park<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Lavery Brewing Company<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Place to Work<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Insurance<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Federal Credit Union, The ANNA Shelter<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best TV Anchorperson<\/p>\n

Winner: Sean Lafferty<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Eva Mastromatteo, Briaunna Malone<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Local Weatherperson<\/p>\n

Winner: John Stehlin<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Tom Divecchio, Tom Atkins<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Local Sportcaster<\/p>\n

Winner: Mike Fenner<\/p>\n

Runners-up: John Lydic, Tom Reisenweber<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Local TV Station<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie News Now<\/p>\n

Runners-up: JET 24, WQLN\/NPR\/PBS<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Lawyer<\/p>\n

Winner: Seth Trott<\/p>\n

Runners-up: John Knox, Nikki Page<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Place to Camp<\/p>\n

Winner: Sara’s<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Sparrow Pond, Camp Sherwin<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Wedding Venue<\/p>\n

Winner: Warner Theatre<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Goodell Gardens, Erie Art Museum<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Staffing Agency<\/p>\n

Winner: Career Concepts<\/p>\n

Runners-up: All Seasons Staffing, Just In Time Staffing<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Bed and Breakfast<\/p>\n

Winner: Spencer House Bed & Breakfast<\/p>\n

Runners-up: The Victoria on Main, Elsie Greer House<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Home and Services<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

(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)<\/p>\n

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Best General Contractor<\/p>\n

Winner: Great Lakes Construction<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Leon Construction, Matt Krol Construction<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best HVAC<\/p>\n

Winner: Wm. T. Spaeder<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Nerthlings, Agnello<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Electrician<\/p>\n

Winner: Wm. T. Spaeder<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Knorr Electric, Stonehouse<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Residential Roofer<\/p>\n

Winner: Angelos Roofing Inc.<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Leon Construction, Mark Bean & Son<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Plumber<\/p>\n

Winner: Wm. T. Spaeder<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Motsch Plumbing, TJ’s Plumbing & Heating<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Real Estate Agent<\/p>\n

Winner: Max Rankin<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Adell Lane, Eric Hammill<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Pet Daycare\/Pet Boarding<\/p>\n

Winner: Peninsula Pups<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lucky Dog Stay & Play, Paws ‘n Claws<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Place of Worship<\/p>\n

Winner: St. Peter’s Cathedral<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Grace Church, Elevate<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Insurance Agency<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Insurance<\/p>\n

Runners-up: State Farm, Allstate<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Dry Cleaner<\/p>\n

Winner: Thrifty<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Chido’s Dry Cleaning, Frank’s<\/p>\n

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Best Veterinarian<\/p>\n

Winner: Dr. Dan Pierce (Glenwood Pet Hospital)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dr. Kevin Ramey (Animal Ark\/Kingdom), Dr. Jenny Grimshawe (Millcreek Animal Hospital)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Place to Adopt a Pet<\/p>\n

Winner: The ANNA Shelter<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Humane Society, Because You Care<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Dog Groomer<\/p>\n

Winner: Joy Riley<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Paws ‘n Claws, Peninsula Pups<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Dog Trainer<\/p>\n

Winner: Scholars in Collars<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Peninsula Pups, Lake Erie K9<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Interior Designer<\/p>\n

Winner: Andrea’s Interior Design<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Vintage & Soul Home, Blue Lily Interior Design and Remodeling<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Pest Control<\/p>\n

Winner: Big Foot<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ehrlich, General Exterminating<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Auto Repair Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Bianchi Honda<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Nolan’s Pine Ave, Smith’s Collision<\/p>\n

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Best Estate Sale or Auctioneering Company<\/p>\n

Winner: Mel and Tee’s<\/p>\n

Runners-up: C & C Auctions, Wheeler Auctions<\/p>\n

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Best Bank\/Credit Union<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Federal Credit Union<\/p>\n

Runners-up: PNC Bank, Widget<\/p>\n

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Best Law Firm<\/p>\n

Winner: MacDonald, Illig, Jones, and Britton<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett, MP2 Placidi and Parini<\/p>\n

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Best Landscaper<\/p>\n

Winner: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Weiss Earley, Chaffee Landscaping Inc.<\/p>\n

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Best Cleaning Service<\/p>\n

Winner: Keep It Clean<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Poppins Cleaning Service, Presidential Cleaning<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Moving Company<\/p>\n

Winner: Tri State<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Frank’s Movers, Zoom Movers<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Realty Company<\/p>\n

Winner: Agresti Real Estate<\/p>\n

Runners-up: RE\/MAX Real Estate Group, Marsha Marsh<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Home Decor Shop<\/p>\n

Winner: Trellis<\/p>\n

Runners-up: a la Carte, Traditions Unlimited<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Web Developer<\/p>\n

Winner: Epic Web Studios<\/p>\n

Runners-up: NLM Media, Werkbot Studios<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Advertising Agency<\/p>\n

Winner: Epic Web Studios<\/p>\n

Runners-up: LAMAR Advertising, 814 Digital<\/p>\n

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Best Local Hardware Store<\/p>\n

Winner: Kraus Department Store<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Ferrier’s True Value, Hobbs Lumber & Hardware Inc.<\/p>\n

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Arts and Culture<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

(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)<\/p>\n

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Best Museum<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Art Museum<\/p>\n

Runners-up: expERIEnce Children’s Museum, Watson-Curtze Mansion\/Hagen History Center<\/p>\n

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Best Art Studio Space<\/p>\n

Winner: Performing Artists Collective Alliance (PACA)<\/p>\n

Runners-up: 1020 Collective, ClaySpace<\/p>\n

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Best Dance School<\/p>\n

Winner: Long’s School of Dance<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Little Dance Studio, Dafmark Dance<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Podcast<\/p>\n

Winner: Spotlight 814<\/p>\n

Runners-up: 2 Man Happy Hour, The Metal Family Experience<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Local Author<\/p>\n

Winner: Justin Dombrowski<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Brenna Thummler, Tommy Link<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Filmmaker\/Videographer (Individual)<\/p>\n

Winner: John Lyons<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Jessica Yochim Taylor, Jesse James<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Local Instagram<\/p>\n

Winner: VisitErie<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Reader, Lake Erie Life<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Production Company<\/p>\n

Winner: Project Algerine<\/p>\n

Runners-up: MenajErie Studio, Tethered Immersive<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Painter (Art)<\/p>\n

Winner: Jamie Keim-Pomorski<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Kaitlyn Page, Lara Schaaf<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Photographer<\/p>\n

Winner: Jessica Hunter Photography<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Katie Mihalak, R. Frank Media<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Community Theater<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie Playhouse<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Performing Artist Collective Alliance (PACA), Footlights Theatre Performing Arts Center<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Sculptor<\/p>\n

Winner: Evan Everhart<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Adam Stempka, Madison Rose<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Art Gallery<\/p>\n

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery<\/p>\n

Runners-up: 1020 Collective, City Gallery<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Theatrical Performer<\/p>\n

Winner: Adele Crotty<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Kate Neubert-Lechner, Ryan Dawley<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Heritage Festival<\/p>\n

Winner: Zabawa Polish Festival<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Greek Festival, Irish Festival<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sports and Recreation<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

(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)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Team to Root For<\/p>\n

Winner: Erie SeaWolves<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Erie Otters, Eerie Roller Girls<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Public Park<\/p>\n

Winner: Presque Isle State Park<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Hiking Trails<\/p>\n

Winner: Asbury Woods<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Wintergreen Gorge, Presque Isle State Park<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Yoga Space<\/p>\n

Winner: YogaErie<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Dreaming Tree Yoga, Infinite Love Yoga<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Fitness Club<\/p>\n

Winner: YMCA<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Motivate Studios, FitnessU<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Outdoor Adventure Activity<\/p>\n

Winner: Presque Isle<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Waldameer Park and Water World, Erie SeaWolves<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Bowling Alley<\/p>\n

Winner: Greengarden Lanes<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Eastway Lanes, Rolling Meadows<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Athletic Competition<\/p>\n

Winner: Turkey Trot<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Presque Isle Triathlon, Erie Roller Derby<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Best Golf Course<\/p>\n

Winner: Whispering Woods Golf Club<\/p>\n

Runners-up: Lawrence Park Golf Course, Beechwood Golf Club<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you were one of the thousands of voters who logged on to vote in this year’s Best…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":87754,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[43711,43709,43713,43712,136,138,137,43710],"class_list":["post-87753","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-erie","tag-best-of-erie","tag-best-of-erie-2025","tag-best-of-erie-winners","tag-boe","tag-erie","tag-erie-headlines","tag-erie-news","tag-erie-readers-best-of-erie"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87753\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}