Month: September 2019

Huey’s

Best Burger

BOM 1. Huey’s

2. Tops Bar-B-Q

3. LBOE

Best Bar Food

1. Huey’s

2. Young Avenue Deli

3. Bardog Tavern

Best Hangover Food

1. Huey’s

2. Slider Inn

3. Bardog Tavern

Best Kid-friendly Restaurant

1. Huey’s

2. Railgarten

3. Belly Acres

Best Service

1. Huey’s

2. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

3. Catherine & Mary’s

You want a good burger? Go to Huey’s. It’s that simple. You want a taste of a Memphis institution that helped make Midtown famous? Go to Huey’s. You want to park the kids in front of some grub they’ll love while you sneak a beer? Huey’s. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s Huey’s.

Rendezvous

Best Barbecue

BOM 1. Central BBQ

2. The Bar-B-Q Shop

3. Germantown Commissary

Best Ribs

1. Central BBQ

2. The Rendezvous

3. The Bar-B-Q Shop

Since our last BOM issue, the Central BBQ empire has continued to grow. Now, all of the city is just a few minutes away from our barbecue award-winners. What do they do well? Everything. Consistency is the key to their success, as they continue to spread the good word of Memphis ‘cue to the world.

Best Breakfast

1. Brother Juniper’s

2. Bryant’s Breakfast

3. Sunrise Memphis

Brother Juniper’s has been fueling up the University of Memphis area for decades. With their roots in San Francisco’s utopian Haight Ashbury of the 1960s, and a rebirth in 1999 when the Koplin family took over, this breakfast spot is the Bluff City’s favorite.

Best Lunch

1. Elwood’s Shack

2. Huey’s

3. Soul Fish Cafe

Elwood’s is no upstart anymore. It’s a full-fledged champion of the lunchtime hour. The menu is extensive: burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, cold-cut subs, po’ boys, tacos … And its central location means it’s easy to get to from anywhere and get back to work on time.

Best Brunch

1. The Beauty Shop

2. Owen Brennan’s

3. The Majestic Grille

See and be seen at Karen Blockman Carrier’s Beauty Shop. The setting in the former Cooper-Young salon is both funky and elegant, just like Memphis. The mimosas are overflowing, and the beignets come 10 at a time. Dress your best for Sunday funday. You don’t want to be caught looking homely at the Beauty Shop.

Best Bloody Mary

1. Bayou

2. The Beauty Shop

3. Sunrise Memphis

Ah, the bloody mary. It is the most enigmatic of the classic drinks. Is it a cocktail or a soup? Is its purpose to recover from a hangover or get you a head start on the next hangover? What is the proper garnish? Celery? Olives? Pickles? One thing’s for sure: The Bayou makes the best Bloody Mary in Memphis.

Second Line

Best Cajun/Creole

1. The Second Line

2. Bayou

3. Elwood’s Shells

Kelly English’s first spinoff from Restaurant Iris is an Overton Square favorite. The Verno, a pulled chicken with gravy po’ boy, is a perennial favorite, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Best Chinese

1. Mulan Asian Bistro

2. Wang’s Mandarin House

3. A-Tan

Is it just us, or did Memphis start to feel like a Real Big City™ the moment you could get good Chinese food delivered to your door? You can thank Mulan Asian Bistro for that. But their menu is so much deeper than General Tso’s chicken and fried rice. Mulan also has a fully operational sushi bar, making it a truly pan-East Asian operation.

Best Ethiopian

1. Blue Nile Ethiopian Kitchen

2. Abyssinia Restaurant

3. Derae Restaurant

It is a sign of our continually diversifying city that we now have enough Ethiopian restaurants to make a real contest out of this category. Blue Nile on the Madison corridor took the top prize this year, spurred on by their vegetarian options and hearty platter experiences.

Best Indian

1. India Palace

2. Golden India

3. Bombay House

It may not be set in a literal castle, but India Palace certainly makes its customers feel like royalty. Nothing drives that home more than the veritable feast provided by the lunch buffet, where Palace-goers gorge themselves on lamb meatballs, tandoori chicken, curry varieties, lentils, rice … oh, there’s no room left on the plate. Guess you’ll need to grab another!

Best Italian

1. Pete & Sam’s

2. Ciao Bella Italian Grill

3. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

Memphis’ favorite Italian restaurant boasts over seven decades of serving Italian cuisine satisfying faithful customers. Fill up on all the ravioli, cannelloni, pizza, lasagna, and Italian spinach imaginable; plus, you can even bring your own bottle of wine!

Best Margarita

1. Molly’s La Casita

2. Las Delicias

3. Babalu Tapas & Tacos

Frozen or on the rocks? Doesn’t matter. The devil’s in the details, so whatever Molly’s is putting into its secret recipe has seduced even the most snobbish of Memphis margarita enthusiasts. When it’s time for the fiesta to escalate, hit the top shelf with the Sauza Gold-featuring “The Perfect Margarita.”

Best Mexican

1. Las Delicias

2. Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana

3. Molly’s La Casita

It’s all in the name: “The Delights” boasts high-quality offerings across traditional staples of Mexican cuisine. Having started out selling tacos out of his garage as a hobby, Antonio Martinez’s restaurant portfolio now includes three locations across Memphis, serving some of the best burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas in the metropolitan area.

Best Middle Eastern

BOM 1. Casablanca

2. Global Café

3. Grecian Gourmet Taverna

When it comes to covering all of the Middle Eastern dining classics, Casablanca stuffs its menu fuller than one of its shawarma super sandwiches. Beef, chicken, and lamb accompany many dishes for the carnivores, while each location has plenty of vegan options.

Best Latin American/Caribbean

1. Evelyn & Olive

2. Bahama Breeze

3. Arepas Deliciosas

For a small sample of the best that the Caribbean has to offer, visit Wayne and Caroline at Evelyn & Olive. Serving up some of the finest Jamaican dishes including jerk chicken, fried plantains, and Kingston cabbage, it’s as authentic as it comes.

Bhan Thai

Best Thai

1. Bhan Thai

2. Bangkok Alley

3. Pho Binh

Curry is one of the greatest recipes ever created by mankind, and Bhan Thai sits at the top of the pedestal with its red, green, massaman, and panang varieties. Nothing beats kicking back on Bhan Thai’s patio on a crisp Memphis night and digging into one of its spicy dishes accompanied by a sweet Thai iced tea.

City Silo Table + Pantry

Best Vegetarian

1. City Silo Table + Pantry

2. Pho Binh

3. Café Eclectic

Tasty food that’s good for you and the earth? At City Silo Table + Pantry, sustainability is key. The result of that mindset is some of the freshest vegetarian options around, with the restaurant sourcing humanely produced ingredients from local farmers and striking the right balance between healthy eating and heavier Southern-style dishes.

Best Vietnamese

1. Pho Binh

2. Pho Saigon

3. Lotus — tie — Phuong Long

A simple utterance of the words “Pho Binh buffet” will see even the most resilient among us make a beeline for the restaurant’s lemongrass tofu, fried chicken wings, and dizzying array of other Vietnamese classics. Even if you can’t make it for lunch, Pho Binh’s giant menu has plenty of pho and vegetarian options to suit all diners.

Best Home Cooking/ Soul Food

1. Soul Fish Cafe

2. The Cupboard Restaurant

3. The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant

Best Seafood

1. Soul Fish Cafe

2. Half Shell

3. Tsunami

When you fish upon a star, makes no difference where you are, as Soul Fish has locations all over Memphis with catfish baskets and hush puppies galore. Nothing screams Delta dining more than Soul Fish, with seafood offerings ranging from tacos to po’ boys to even more catfish plates and beyond.

Best Fried Chicken

BOM 1. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

2. Joes’ Fried Chicken

3. Jack Pirtle’s Chicken

If you want to know how popular Gus’s is, drive down Front Street when this chicken place is open. You’ll probably see a crowd. All you have to say is “Gus’s,” and people think, “Yummy fried chicken.”

Best Farm-to-Table

1. Bounty on Broad

2. The Trolley Stop Market

3. Belly Acres

Bounty on Broad brought fine dining to Broad Avenue. And it still delivers great cuisine in a beautiful setting, whether you’re dining downstairs or drinking at the upstairs bar.

Best Hibachi

1. Nagasaki Inn

2. A-Tan

3. Osaka Japanese Cuisine

If you haven’t seen chef/owner Harold make a “Pokemon rabbit” at your table, you’ve missed a great experience. Fabulous-tasting food cooked right in front of you. And a ginger salad dressing to die for.

Best Hot Wings

1. Ching’s Hot Wings

2. Central BBQ

3. Alex’s Tavern

You might be overwhelmed when you get your order of large hot wings slathered with sauce, but you will eat every bite. This is the after-school spot for teenagers, but adults love it, too.

Best Pizza

1. Memphis Pizza Cafe

2. Aldo’s Pizza Pies

3. Broadway Pizza

This is the first food station you’ll see when you enter Zoo Rendezvous, the annual Memphis Zoo fund-raiser. And with good reason. This veteran pizza restaurant is the first place many people think of when they think of locally made pizza pies.

Best Sandwiches

1. Young Avenue Deli

2. Elwood’s Shack

3. Fino’s Italian Deli & Catering

This is a Cooper-Young hot spot that’s been around for years. Delicious sandwiches. (And don’t forget about those famous French fries). Plus, you can hear live music many nights while you eat.

Best Smoothies/Juices

1. Smoothie King

2. Raw Girls

3. I Love Juice Bar

If you want a smoothie in winter as well as summer, you visit the “King.” The name says it all.

Best Steak

BOM 1. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

2. The Butcher Shop Steakhouse

3. Buckley’s Grill

The elegant decor at Folk’s Folly gets you in the mood for one of the truly fine steaks — whether it’s a filet or a tomahawk steak. And it’s fun to sit at one of the intimate tables, where a curtain separates you from the rest of the world.

Best Sushi

1. Sekisui

2. Sakura Japanese Restaurant

3. Red Koi Japanese Cuisine

Sekisui has been on a roll — and not just sushi rolls — since the first restaurant opened years ago. Diners were required to remove their shoes at the original location. This was part of the Japanese tradition — just like the great food that’s stood the test of time in Memphis.

Best Taco

1. Maciel’s

2. Las Delicias

3. Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana

Maciel’s sells tacos called “Tinga” — a spicy chicken taco — and “Ahogado” — pork, avocado, and onions. If you’re still reading and haven’t jumped in your car to go get these, Maciel’s is a restaurant that offers traditional cooking, which is more like everyday cooking in Mexico. Now you can get in your car and go.

Best Donut Shop

BOM 1. Gibson’s Donuts

2. Howard’s Donuts

3. Midtown Donuts

With almost 40 types of donuts, Gibson’s keeps folks happy. Check out the diversity of the customers standing in line and anxiously waiting for the maple bacon, old fashioneds, or Gibson’s acclaimed glazed.

Best Dessert Shop

1. Muddy’s Bake Shop

2. Frost Bake Shop

3. Cheesecake Corner

Best Bakery

BOM 1. Muddy’s Bake Shop

2. Frost Bake Shop

3. La Baguette French Bread and Pastry Shop

Some of us may have grown up eating mud pies. But now, as adults, we’ve upgraded to eating Muddy’s Bake Shop treats, and rightfully so. Between their Shady Wake Pecan Pie and Prozac Cupcakes, it’s no wonder they’ve made it to the top of two of our BOM lists this year.

El Mero Taco

Best Food Truck

1. El Mero Taco

2. Say Cheese

3. Fuel

Southern and Mexican foods combine to create El Mero Taco’s diverse menu. The best part? You can book El Mero Taco for a private event. If not, the food truck gets around Memphis, having been spotted at the Levitt Shell, Food Truck Rodeo, Trolley Night, and much more.

Best Frozen Treat Shop

1. Jerry’s Sno Cones

2. MemPops

3. La Michoacana

Jerry’s Sno Cones has long been a popular destination for people seeking out frozen treats. Their Sno Cone Supreme is to die for. If you don’t believe us, go try one!

Best Beer Garden

1. Railgarten

2. Wiseacre Tap Room & Patio

3. Loflin Yard

Beer garden, Railgarten. Tomato, tomahto. Railgarten isn’t just known for its beer selection, though. With an expansive property full of activities, food, ice cream, and live music, you’ll be sure to remain entertained for hours.

Best Patio

1. Loflin Yard

2. Brookhaven Pub

3. Slider Inn

Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant/Bar

1. Loflin Yard

2. Slider Inn

3. Railgarten

With a deck view of Loflin Falls, front yard green space for gathering and frolicing, and a backyard for watching the trains go by, Loflin Yard makes for a supreme hot spot in Downtown Memphis for people — and their dogs.

Best Place for People Watching

1. Peabody Hotel

2. Crosstown Concourse

3. Beale Street Entertainment District

Centrally located in Downtown Memphis, where people from all walks of life come to hang out or reside, Peabody Hotel is not only a place to watch the ducks, but people, too.

Best Late-Night Dining

1. Earnestine & Hazel’s

2. Alex’s Tavern

3. Slider Inn

While Peabody Hotel is the best place for people watching, Earnestine & Hazel’s is undoubtedly the best place for ghost watching — and enjoying a Soul Burger while doing so.

Best Shared/Small Plates Menu

1. Babalu Tapas & Tacos

2. Hog & Hominy

3. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Between house-made guac, starters, and tapas (or small plates), Babalu Tapas & Tacos offers no shortage of shareable plates.

Best Local Brewery

1. Wiseacre Brewing Co.

2. Meddlesome Brewing Company

3. Memphis Made Brewing Co.

Wiseacre Brewing Co., the makers of Ananda, Gotta Get Up to Get Down, and Tiny Bomb, has more to give than just these attractively packaged and delicious brews. The brewery also offers a variety of seasonal and specialty beers. And with their brand available for sale at locations as far as the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, it appears that much of the South would agree with our readers on Wiseacre’s No. 1 ranking.

Best Local Coffeehouse

1. Ugly Mug

2. Otherlands Coffee Bar

3. Muddy’s Bake Shop + Coffee

Ugly Mug

Best Coffee Roaster

1. Ugly Mug

2. French Truck Coffee

3. J. Brooks

With an emphasis on only supplying ethically sourced, fair trade coffee and meticulously roasting it for the ultimate flavor, Ugly Mug’s coffee definitely does not taste ugly.

Best Restaurant for Dessert

BOM 1. Muddy’s Bake Shop + Coffee

2. Cheesecake Corner

3. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

The “little blue house on the hill” at 585 S. Cooper adds a double shot of awesome in addition to their treats: a full-service espresso bar.

Best Server

1. Calvin Bell, The Rendezvous

2. Taylor Pfohl, Bayou

3. Tony Dortch, Huey’s

Calvin Bell, 23-year veteran at The Rendezvous, tops the charts for the third year in a row as best server on the BOM list. He’s had the honor of serving top-notch clientele like renowned chef Guy Savoy of Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris.

Best Chef

1. Kelly English, Restaurant Iris, The Second Line

2. Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Hog & Hominy, Gray Canary, Catherine & Mary’s

3. Erling Jensen, Erling Jensen the Restaurant

Kelly English tops the Best Chef list for the 11th year in a row. If you’ve ever sampled the fare at his restaurants, Restaurant Iris or The Second Line, you know exactly why.

Best New Restaurant

1. Elwood’s Shells

2. Global Café

3. Lucky Cat Ramen

When Elwood’s opened its Shack on Summer, it became an instant hit, despite its unlikely location — the Lowe’s parking lot. They’ve done it again, but in a more traditional location: a former home in Cooper-Young. Just as with the Shack, the Shells, with a focus on seafood, has caught the attention of our readers.

Best Date-Night Restaurant

1. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

2. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

3. Southern Social

Best Fine Dining

1. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

2. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

3. Restaurant Iris

Best Wine List

BOM 1. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

2. Catherine & Mary’s

3. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

Best Restaurant

1. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

2. Restaurant Iris

3. Folk’s Folly Prime Steak House

We hate to be so blunt, but let’s face it, if you go to Flight and don’t have a fantastic dining experience, something must be wrong with you. Our readers voted this innovative restaurant their top choice in four categories, including Best Restaurant. They’re going to need more wall space for all the plaques.

Best Antiques Store

1. Cotton Row Uniques

2. Sheffield Antiques Mall

3. Palladio Antiques

Best Gift Shop

1. Cotton Row Uniques

2. The Paisley Rooster Boutique

3. Babcock Gifts

Best Home Furnishings

1. Cotton Row Uniques

2. Stash Home

3. IKEA

Cotton Row seems to offer something for everyone. How else to explain their first-place wins in three categories? For readers who like Neat Old Stuff, they provide an ever-changing display of vintage goods, but the spacious store also offers its own line of sauces, dips, and other treats and gift items. One visit, and you won’t leave empty-handed.

Best Beer Selection (in a store)

1. Buster’s Liquors & Wines — tie — Madison Avenue Growler & Bottle Shop/Cash Saver

2. Superlo Foods

3. Joe’s Wines & Liquor

It’s not hard to find beer in this town. But if you want the really good stuff, and we’re talking every possible brand, from every possible country, you will be astonished at the variety offered by our two top (and tied) winners. Drink up (but don’t drive).

Best Bicycle Shop

1. Peddler Bike Shop

2. Victory Bicycle Studio

3. Outdoors Inc.

Some of us remember when Peddler was tucked away in a ramshackle place on Southern, and the yellow “barn” didn’t seem the most likely place to buy high-end road-racing and mountain-biking gear. Starting out in 1971 with a handful of Raleighs for sale, they’re now the largest Trek dealer in Tennessee, with three locations in this area.

Best Bookstore

1. Novel

2. Barnes & Noble

3. Burke’s Book Store

When Booksellers at Laurelwood closed its doors two years ago, a chapter ended, but the story wasn’t over. Some 27 local investors stepped forward to revive the store. With a monthly book club, Miss Marjorie’s storytime for the kids, and a well-stocked selection of local bestsellers, Novel is the bookstore that Memphians just can’t live without.

Best Butcher

BOM 1. Charlie’s Meat Market

2. Thomas Meat & Seafood Market

3. Superlo Foods

Charlie Hogan opened his first butcher shop on Lamar in 1967. It moved to its current location on Summer in 1971, but it’s been owned and operated by the same family since the beginning. That’s one way to build customer loyalty. Another is to offer the best meats at the best prices in town.

Best Creative Agency

1. Sauce Marketing

2. Archer Malmo

3. Ray Rico Freelance

Sauce says that “every business needs some flavor,” and their talented team does just that, with a wide range of clients. They’re not the biggest agency in town, not by a long shot, but our readers think they offer the best recipe for their business success.

Best Day Care for Kids

1. Lindenwood Christian Child Care Center

2. Memphis Jewish Community Center

3. Calvary Episcopal Church

It’s never easy to turn the care of your children over to strangers while you venture out in the world every day to earn that paycheck, but Lindenwood makes the kids (and parents) feel right at home.

Best Event Rental Venue

Memphis Botanic Garden

1. Memphis Botanic Garden

2. Cadre Building

3. 409 South Main Events

The Japanese Bridge may be one of the most-photographed locations in Memphis, but MBG also offers Hardin Hall, the Goldsmith Civic Garden Center, and some of the most beautiful gardens in Memphis. It’s a natural (and we mean that literally) pick for anyone seeking a venue for weddings, reunions, and events of all kinds.

Best Farmers Market

1. Memphis Farmers Market

2. Agricenter Farmer’s Market

3. Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market

Saturdays come alive at the Memphis Farmers Market. Music mingles among the aromas of fresh flowers and coffee and through the conversations of the hundreds who shop or browse (or fuel their Instagram) there every week.

Best Florist

1. Pugh’s Flowers

2. Holliday Flowers

3. Garden District

You gotta love a company with a sense of humor. A florist named Pugh? Let’s lean into it. So, a skunk mascot? Absolutely. Pugh’s Flowers opened here in 1976 by Bill Pugh. Run now by his three sons, Pugh’s Flowers brings fresh-cut flowers to Memphis every day.

Best Garden Center

1. Dan West Garden Center

2. Midtown Nursery

3. Urban Earth Garden Center

East Memphians know if you need garden supplies (and the expertise to help you use them), you go to Dan West Garden Center. It was a feed and seed store when it opened in 1952, supporting (can you believe it?) the East Memphis farm community.

Best Grocery Store

Kroger

1. Kroger

2. Trader Joe’s

3. ALDI

Kroger is a staple in Memphis — an important one. Remember the outrage (and public hearings, even) after the company closed two stores here last year? Even if you don’t, you know you have your Kroger, and you know your Kroger, aisle by aisle.

Best Specialty Food Shop

1. Dinstuhl’s Fine Candies

2. Charlie’s Meat Market

3. Lucchesi’s Ravioli & Pasta Company

I know I’m at a legit event if it has products (hopefully chocolate) from Dinstuhl’s Fine Candies. The golden logo on that wrapper quietly conveys quality and old-school Memphis charm. Where else are you gonna find an Elvis TCB milk chocolate bar?

Best Shopping Center

Shops of Saddle Creek

1. Shops of Saddle Creek

2. Carriage Crossing

3. Laurelwood Shopping Center

The Shops of Saddle Creek thrives on balance. It’s where you’ll stand in line for the newest iPhone and get the proper attire for a traditional occasion. It has national brands and Memphis originals. If they’re shopping for quality when nothing less will do, Memphians go to Saddle Creek.

Best Hotel

1. Guest House at Graceland

2. Peabody Hotel

3. The River Inn of Harbor Town

Luxury on Elvis Presley Boulevard isn’t just for The King anymore. The $90 million Guest House at Graceland envelops visitors in comfort from the pool to the bar and to their tastefully appointed rooms and expansive theater.

Best Law Firm

1. Baker Donelson

2. Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz

3. Ballin, Ballin & Fishman

Legal situations probably don’t come around very often for most of us. But when they do, it’s not the time to mess around. That’s why people pick Baker Donelson. Established in Memphis 130 years ago, the law firm has more than 700 attorneys.

Best Lingerie Shop

1. Coco & Lola’s

2. Trousseau

3. A Fitting Place

Leather. Lace. Latex. Fishnet. Fur. Satin. Silk. Panties. Bodysuits. Thigh-highs. Garters. Bustiers. Babydolls. Steel-boned corsets. You won’t find anything X-rated at Coco & Lola’s, but selections at the Midtown lingerie shop are chosen with “playfulness” in mind. Coco’s tastes are refined. Lola’s are spicy. Find it all on Central for some “lacy, frilly confidence.”

Best Liquor Store

1. Buster’s Liquors & Wines

2. Joe’s Wines & Liquor

3. Kirby Wines & Liquors

Buster’s Liquors & Wines is the candy store for kids over 21. Looking for a Tennessee-made Imperial IPA? Go to Buster’s. What about that single-malt Scotch your father-in-law likes? Go to Buster’s. How about cheese, meats, crackers, corkscrews, ice buckets, openers, stoppers, and flasks? Yep. Go to Buster’s.

Best Local Athletic Goods Store

1. Outdoors Inc.

2. Fleet Feet Sports

3. Breakaway Running

I get lost in adventure at Outdoors Inc. I paddle whitewater and sleep under stars. I bike gravel and hike mountain trails. I then snap myself back into the store and hope no one caught me daydreaming. When I get serious about these adventures, though, I ask the experienced folks at Outdoors.

Best Local Bank or Credit Union

1. Orion Federal Credit Union

2. Southern Security Federal Credit Union

3. First Tennessee

In the last few years, Orion has upped the ante on customer service as well as community involvement. It also has something most credit unions don’t: cool factor. Just check out its new headquarters in the old Wonder Bread building near Downtown.

Best Local Fine Jewelry Store

1. Mednikow Jewelers

2. Ed Harris Jewelry

3. Sissy’s Log Cabin

For more than 125 years, the Mednikow family has delivered top quality in all they do, from service to design to watches and jewelry. It’s Memphis’ signature store for whatever you need that sparkles.

University of Memphis

Best Local College

1. University of Memphis

2. Rhodes College

3. Christian Brothers University

The University of Memphis has been showing its mettle in recent years by aiming high, getting there, and then going further. That includes everything from a planned new music facility to ambitious research and innovation goals to campus improvements. And, of course, Penny.

Best Local Private School

1. Christian Brothers High School

2. St. Mary’s Episcopal School

3. Lausanne Collegiate School

With a top-tier academic structure, a vision to the future, and unbeatable alumni support, Christian Brothers High School has become a deeply respected Memphis institution.

Best Local Public School

1. White Station High School

2. Houston High School

3. Central High School

With its award-winning faculty and programs, White Station High School continues to make a mark by turning out high-achieving students.

Best Place to Get Vintage/Used Clothing

1. Flashback

2. City Thrift

3. Goodwill

Don’t ever go to Flashback expecting to walk away empty-handed. You’re guaranteed to find something from an era you adore in Millett Vance’s terrific vintage store that’s a joy to visit even if you don’t get anything. But you will.

Best Local Store for Men’s Clothing

1. Oak Hall

2. Lansky Bros.

3. James Davis Men’s Store

Best Local Store for Men’s Shoes

1. Oak Hall

2. James Davis Men’s Store — tie — Outdoors Inc.

3. Fleet Feet

Oak Hall is not just a men’s store, it’s a gentlemen’s store. You’ll get attentive service and find yourself walking out with perfectly fitted outfits from this legendary haberdashery.

Best Local Store for Women’s Clothing

1. The Paisley Rooster Boutique

2. Indigo

3. Crazy Beautiful

Look smart and shop smart at this store with locations in Collierville and Arlington, although if you just can’t get out to either one, hit them up online and make your wish list come true.

Best Local Store for Women’s Shoes

1. Kaufman Shoes

2. Joseph

3. Indigo

Kaufman Shoes has long known that Memphis women are interested in both style and comfort. That has made the difference since 1947 when it started selling shoes, and it has been striding purposefully ever since.

Best Music Equipment Store

1. Amro Music

2. Memphis Drum Shop

3. Martin Music

The longtime family-owned music store can get you a piccolo or a piano, some music to go with your choice, and service it as well. And if it was good enough for Elvis, B.B. King, and John Mayer, then it should be for you, too.

Browndog Lodge

Best Pet Boarding/Day Care

1. BrownDog Lodge

2. Camp Bow Wow

3. Claridge Spa Pet Resort

Don’t agonize over how well your pup is going to be treated while you’re away. BrownDog has enough love to go around to take care of your four-legged friend. Or friends.

Best Pet Store

BOM 1. Hollywood Feed

2. House of Mews

3. Three Dog Bakery

Freshly made pupcakes, a great selection of food and toys, and treats galore — Hollywood Feed is my pack’s favorite place, and, like our readers, we enjoy the excellent service from knowledgeable staff.

Best Vet

1. Walnut Grove Animal Clinic

2. McGehee Clinic for Animals

3. Utopia Animal Hospital

When my doggies are ailing, I want to take them to a vet’s office whose staff is skilled and kind. Walnut Grove Animal Clinic fits the bill, and Flyer readers trust them with their beloved pets.

Best Realtor

1. Joshua Spotts, Crye-Leike, Realtors

2. Ashley Onsby, MidSouth Residential

3. Julie Upchurch, McWaters & Associates Realtors

The housing market’s on fire right now, and whether you’re buying or selling, Crye-Leike’s Joshua Spotts has what it takes to get the results you’re looking for, and our voters attest to that.

Best Home Remodeling Service

1. Crone Construction

2. Salvaggio Group

3. RKA Construction

You’ve seen the shows on HGTV. A remodeling project can be a nightmare, but the fine folks at Crone Construction get the job done right without hassle or headache. That’s why our readers consider them the best.

Best Record Store

1. Goner Records

2. Shangri-La Records

3. Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Looking for vintage vinyl? How about a freshly pressed copy of your favorite new album? Since 2004, Goner has stocked its shelves with new and used punk, rock, soul, and blues records, and we love thumbing through them, searching for musical treasure.

Best Sex Shop

1. Christal’s

2. Inz & Outz

3. Romantix

When Flyer readers need a little something to spice things up in the bedroom, they look to Christal’s. Lube, lingerie, whips, and toys — there’s a reason their slogan is “The Fun Starts Here.”

Best Tattoo Artist

1. Sarah Workman, Underground Art

2. Jordan Epperson, No Regrets

3. Claire Faulhaber, Bluff City Tattoo

A delicate butterfly, cherubs ripping a woman’s heart out — whether you’re looking to get something dainty or something fierce, Sarah Workman’s skills with a tattoo needle are unsurpassed.

Best Tattoo Studio

1. No Regrets

2. Trilogy

3. Bluff City Tattoo

From custom work to cover-ups, the crew of talented tattoers at No Regrets has years of experience making a mark on Memphians’ skin, as well as their hearts. Our readers love the shop’s cleanliness and quality work, and, of course, the fact that they leave with beautiful skin art and no regrets.

Best Tobacco Shop

1. Whatever Shop

2. Tinder Box

3. Robusto by Havana Mix

Best Vape Shop

1. Whatever Shop

2. Wizard’s

3. Vapor World

Best Alternative Smoke Shop

1. Whatever Shop

2. Wizard’s

3. VaporWize

When it comes to smoking and smoking accessories, Whatever packs the pipe … er, lights the cig … um, puffs a big cloud. Well, you get it. Whatever’s got the goods to cover your smoking needs, alternative or otherwise.

Best Place to Buy a Motorcycle

1. Bumpus Harley-Davidson

2. Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson

3. Vintage Motorcycle

Looking for a new hog? Our motorcycle-riding readers think the best place to shop for one is Bumpus Harley-Davidson, with pre-owned and new inventory to get you on the road on two wheels, in style.

Best New Car Dealership

1. Principle Toyota

2. Lexus of Memphis

3. Wolfchase Honda

Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Tacoma — Principle Toyota carries the top-of-the-line Toyota models Memphis loves and trusts, which makes them a favorite among those looking for a fresh new ride.

Best Used Car Dealership

1. CarMax

2. City Auto

3. AutoNation Ford Wolfchase

No-haggle pricing, awesome inventory selection, and hassle-free trade-ins make CarMax the go-to for Memphians’ used-car needs.

Best Auto Repair

1. Christian Brothers Automotive

2. Steve’s Tire & Auto

3. Barton’s Car Care

Fuel pump go out? Leak spots on the driveway? No problem. The mechanics at Christian Brothers Automotive can resolve just about any issue without breaking your bank, and our readers like that.

Best Local Athlete

BOM 1. Penny Hardaway

2. Mike Conley

3. Jaren Jackson

The University of Memphis basketball coach has taken Memphis by storm, even winning the Best of Memphis contest’s “Best Athlete” … as a coach. Take a bow, Penny.

Best Podcast

1. Roundtable of Hooligans

2. Motivated AF With Katie Forbis

3. The Outsiders

Roundtable of Hooligans’ Facebook page says it is a weekly podcast “where guys share beers and discuss the most pressing issues of modern times.” Or “basically just yell at each other about soccer.” Sounds good to us. Especially the beer part, you hooligans.

Best Newspaper Columnist

1. Geoff Calkins, Daily Memphian

2. Michael Donahue, Memphis Flyer

3. Bruce VanWyngarden, Memphis Flyer

Geoff Calkins left his longtime columnist home at The Commercial Appeal more than a year ago to write for the online Daily Memphian. He didn’t miss a beat with our Best of Memphis voters, taking home first place once again.

Best Radio Personality

1. Drake Hall

2. Stan Bell

3. Liz Luda

Best Local Radio Show

1. Drake in the Morning

2. Latty and Liz in the Morning

3. Ron Olson and Karen Perrin

Perennial winner Drake Hall took home two categories, as he has for years, showing that his unique blend of cranky humor, good music, stimulating guests, and talented co-hosts (Sydney Nabors and Wes Yahola) is a winning combination.

Best Sports Radio Show

Gary Parrish

1. The Gary Parrish Show

2. The Geoff Calkins Show

3. The Chris Vernon Show

National CBS basketball writer and commentator Gary Parrish’s local afternoon sports show is No. 1. Parrish’s willingness to step outside the lines of a typical sports-talk show format by using humor, discussions of film and music, and the occasional double entendres have kept him on top. (That’s what she said.)

Best Radio Station

1. WEVL-FM 89.9

2. Q107.5 WHBQ-FM

3. 98.1 The Max

The volunteer-run station on South Main is a perennial winner in this category. It offers an eclectic mix of music from many genres, served up by local hosts with a passion for their favorite tunes and artists.

Best Sports Team

1. Memphis Tigers Basketball

2. Memphis Grizzlies

3. Memphis Tigers Football

Tiger basketball returns to the top of the Best Sports Team ballot after an absence of a few seasons. No doubt, new Coach Penny Hardaway has BOM voters as excited as he does all those returning season-ticket holders.

Best TV News Anchor

1. Joe Birch

2. Kontji Anthony

3. Mearl Purvis

Joe! Joe! Joe! The longtime WMC Channel 5 anchor seemingly can’t be beaten. He’s playing at a level we mere humans can’t comprehend: four-dimensional chess TV anchoring. Congrats on another year!

Best TV Sportscaster

BOM 1. Jarvis Greer

2. Doc Holliday

3. Pete Pranica

Jarvis Greer, also of WMC Channel 5, is another perennial winner. Viewers (and BOM voters) love his sassy style and adorable grin — and the way he gives those Friday night highlights.

Best TV Weatherperson

Chelsea Chandler

BOM 1. Chelsea Chandler

2. Ron Childers

3. Brittney Bryant

Hey, we have a first-time winner in this category. Chelsea Chandler of Local 24 was voted the new No. 1 meteorologist in Memphis. We forecast big things for this newcomer to the top of the contest podium.

We asked, and you made your opinions heard. Of course, I’m referring to the Memphis Flyer‘s annual Best of Memphis, when Flyer readers do the heavy lifting by casting their votes for their favorite Memphis restaurants, record stores, radio stations, and more. This year, more than 20,000 people voted. Not to be outdone, we, the Flyer staff, have added our own personal favorites. Best Semi-Nude Gardening. Best Conspiracy Theory. You know — that kind of thing. Real serious journalism.

Winners with “BOM” next to their name absolutely dominated their category. Any ties have also been noted.

This issue was written by Shara Clark, Toby Sells, Maya Smith, Jackson Baker, Michael Donahue, Jon Sparks, Julia Baker, Michael Finger, Alex Greene, Chris McCoy, Samuel X. Cicci, and Bruce VanWyngarden. It was designed by Carrie Beasley and illustrated by Bryan Rollins (who had the foresight to be in another country during BOM production. We’ll talk when you get back, Bryan). Images by Justin Fox Burks.

As always, we thank our readers, those who submitted nominations and voted and those who didn’t. Y’all are the real Best of Memphis. And we thank our advertisers, who make it possible to keep the Flyer free, always. — Jesse Davis

Categorical links to each section are at the bottom of the your browser window.

Best Barber Shop

1. 1776 Men’s Grooming Parlor

2. Baron’s Man Cave

3. High Point Barber Shop

1776 Men’s Grooming Parlor offers haircuts, straight razor cuts, beard trims, and kids cuts. Whether you’re looking to get a fade or a pompadour, 1776 will have you “groomed for freedom,” as its tagline promises.

Best Barre Studio

1. Pure Barre

2. Club Pilates

3. Neighborhood Barre

Pure Barre sets the bar pretty high when it comes to barre studios. With highly trained instructors, a focus on community, and a nonjudgemental environment, Pure Barre is Memphis’ best place to go for a barre workout, no matter your fitness level.

Crossfit Hit and Run

Best Crossfit Studio

1. CrossFit Hit and Run

2. Crossfit Bartlett

3. Iron Tribe

At CrossFit Hit and Run, it’s not all about health and fitness. It’s about having fun and becoming your best self, too. The warm, welcoming staff help make that a reality. Everyone from experienced athletes to everyday people can get better, faster, and stronger at CrossFit Hit and Run.

Best Day Spa

1. Gould’s

2. The Skin Clinics

3. Pavo Salon Spa

Gould’s is a Memphis staple when it comes to a day at the spa. It’s the city’s top place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life while stepping into a world of relaxation. From deep tissue and hot stone massages to foot rejuvenation, Gould’s has what you need and will not disappoint.

Best Place to Get a Facial

1. The Skin Clinics

2. Pavo Salon Spa

3. Gould’s

Best Tanning Salon

1. Custom Spray Tanning by Bari at The Skin Clinics

2. Jamazin Mobile Airbrush Tanning

3. Esthetiques Skin Spa

We all want beautiful, polished skin, but sometimes life gets in the way. The Skin Clinics can help. It’s the No. 1 place to go in Memphis for both tanning and facials.

Best Hair Salon

1. Pavo Salon

2. Gould’s

3. Rachel’s Salon & Day Spa

Need a new ‘do? Pavo Salon has got you covered. The stylists are friendly and eager to give clients the look they want. This high-end salon can likely master any cut, color, or style your heart desires.

Best Hair Stylist

1. Erica Richardson, Verseau Hair Studio

2. Sarah Coward, Pavo Salon

3. Chelsea Prince, Empire Hair Studio

When it comes to hair styling, Erica Richardson at Verseau Hair Studio is the best in the city. She knows how to give clients a look that fits and pays extra attention to getting it right for each client. She’s your girl.

Best Nail Salon

1. Nail Bar & Co.

2. Gloss Nail Bar

3. Envy Nail Bar

Nail Bar & Co. is not your typical nail salon. Yes, they’ve got you covered with manis and pedis, but the high-end salon is also known for its personalized nail art. The creative, professional staff wants your nails to be as unique as you.

Best Health/Fitness Club

1. YMCA

2. Salvation Army Kroc Center

3. ATC Fitness

With multiple locations in the city, the YMCA comes in as the top health and fitness club in Memphis. The gyms house a variety of top-notch workout equipment, offer group classes taught by knowledgeable instructors, and provide a safe space to get fit.

Best Place to Get Waxed

1. European Wax Center

2. Wax Therapy Studios

3. Gould’s

European Wax Center offers all-encompassing waxing services to help reveal beautiful skin from head to toe. The staff are always ready to pamper you and help radiantly transform your skin.

Best Yoga Studio

Any Body Yoga

1. Any Body Yoga

2. Better Bodies Yoga

3. Delta Groove Yoga

Anyone is welcome at Any Body Yoga. That’s one of the reasons why it tops the list as the best yoga studio in the city. It’s the go-to studio for nourishment of the mind, body, and soul.

Best Beer Selection in a Bar

1. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

2. Young Avenue Deli

3. Lucchesi’s Beer Garden

For a beer selection that’s out of this world, Memphians choose the UFO-themed beer garden Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. They offer more than 200(!) global beers. Hunger for a hefeweizen? Gotta grab a gose? Flying Saucer’s got you covered.

Best College Hangout

1. RP Tracks

2. Railgarten

3. Newby’s

It’s no wonder that RP Tracks, the little bar by the railroad tracks, takes home the award for Best College Hangout. What University of Memphis student or professor hasn’t fueled a study session with the famous barbecue nachos or celebrated the end of the semester by hoisting a pint (or several)? Congrats, RP Tracks, on making the grade.

Best Dance Club

1. Paula & Raiford’s Disco

2. Lafayette’s Music Room

3. Rumba Room

Best After Hours Night Spot

1. Paula & Raiford’s Disco

2. Alex’s Tavern

3. Earnestine & Hazel’s

Best Nightclub

1. Paula & Raiford’s Disco

2. Lafayette’s Music Room

3. B.B. King’s Blues Club

Paula & Raiford’s wins a hat-trick this year with Best Dance Club, Best After Hours Night Spot, and Best Nightclub. Basically, if you’re looking for a place to dance late at night, well, you’re looking for Raiford’s. With a light-up dancefloor, grooving tunes, and strobes and smoke machines, a night at Raiford’s is a night to remember.

Best Date Bar

Lafayette’s Music Room

1. Lafayette’s Music Room

2. Alchemy

3. Loflin Yard

The Overton Square-area Lafayette’s Music Room is a short walk from an ice cream shop, a movie theater, a ballet studio, and more than one playhouse. The prime location, extensive drinks list, mouthwatering menu, and an impressive lineup of local and national music acts make Lafayette’s Memphians’ choice for Best Date Bar.

Best Happy Hour

1. Alchemy

2. Huey’s

3. Brookhaven Pub & Grill

Best Craft Cocktails

1. Alchemy

2. Hog & Hominy

3. Art Bar at Crosstown Arts — tie — The Cove

After a long day at work, it’s refreshing to be reminded of a little magic in the world. That’s where the alchemists at Alchemy come in. The drinks list at this Cooper-Young cocktail lounge is extensive, and the menu includes shareable plates, making Alchemy a shoo-in for Best Happy Hour.

Best Gay Bar

1. Dru’s Bar

2. Mollie Fontaine Lounge

3. The Pumping Station

Dru’s is a longtime favorite of the Memphis LGBTQ community (and their allies). With karaoke, pool and darts, friendly staff, live bands, and special events during Pride Month, Dru’s checks all the boxes for a welcoming neighborhood bar.

Best Hole in the Wall

1. Earnestine & Hazel’s

2. Alex’s Tavern

3. The Cove

Best Jukebox

1. Earnestine & Hazel’s

2. Alex’s Tavern

3. Young Avenue Deli

Earnestine & Hazel’s is in touch with Memphis’ soulful history, so it’s fitting that the beloved bar nets the award for Best Jukebox and Best Hole in the Wall this year. Why is E&H a perennial favorite, though? Is it the famous Soul Burger? The jazz nights? The aforementioned rockin’ jukebox? Yes, all of the above.

Best Karaoke

1. The Blue Monkey

2. TJ Mulligan’s

3. P&H Cafe

Whether you’ve got a voice like a bell or you wail like a cat in heat (guilty as charged), karaoke is a good time. The Blue Monkey’s weekly karaoke nights are no exception — seriously, we’re not monkeying around.

Best Place to See Stand-up

1. Chuckles Comedy House

2. P&H Cafe

3. The Orpheum

Chuckles is Memphis’ go-to comedy club. With both national and local acts performing regularly, a full bar, and your basic pub grub on the menu, it’s the place to be when you’re hungry for some humor.

Best Place to Shoot Pool

1. Young Avenue Deli

2. Highpocket’s

3. The Blue Monkey

Whether you’re an ace or a “B” player, with pool tables nestled near the jukebox in the back of the bar, the Deli is a sweet spot to shoot some pool. Rack ’em up!

Best Sports Bar

1. Brookhaven Pub & Grill

2. Celtic Crossing

3. Bayou

This East Memphis pub checks every box on the list of neighborhood bar qualifications, from good food to a wide array of drink options. Televisions hang on the walls for sports fans, and darts and live music nights keep the options for entertainment varied. Owner Rick Spell sums it up best when he says, “We serve fun here.”

Best Strip Club

1. Gold Club

2. Purple Diamond Gentlemen’s Club

3. The Pony

The gold standard for strip clubs is the Gold Club. They offer V.I.P. specials and custom packages for a great time. Ooh la la!

Best Bartender

1. Allan Creasy, Celtic Crossing

2. David Parks, Restaurant Iris

3. Amber Carey, Brookhaven Pub & Grill

A good bartender makes you feel at home. A great bartender makes you feel at home, even if you just struck out at the weekly trivia tournament. Allan Creasy, a familiar and friendly face behind the bar at Celtic Crossing, is a great bartender.

Art Bar at Crosstown

Best New Bar

1. Art Bar at Crosstown Arts

2. B-Side

3. Lucky Cat Ramen

On a recent visit to Art Bar, just to enter the bar, I walked past works of art on display and threaded my way through a crowd watching a jazz quartet. Music followed me in as I found a seat on a quirky green couch and ordered a Sugar Magnolia State of the Guava Mind. With jazz, art, funky furniture, and decadent drinks, no wonder Memphians recognized Art Bar as the Bluff City’s Best New Bar.

Railgarten

Best Bar

1. Railgarten

2. Brookhaven Pub & Grill

3. Alchemy

This year alone, Railgarten has played host to countless benefit concerts, bar-wide Nerf gun fights, and crawfish boils. Oh, and there are lawn games, hammocks, ice cream options, and beer galore. Sup it, Railgarten.