WINNERS EDITION THE BEST OF GALVESTON COUNTY2 | The Daily News | Readers’ Choice Winners | 2023 THE TREMONT HOUSE NESTED IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GALVESTON, THE TREMONT HOUSE IS RICH IN SOPHISTICATION AND HISTORY. WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS: SIP ON SPECIALTY COCKTAILS AT TOUJOUSE BAR FINE DINING IN BLUM & CO ENJOY LIVE MUSIC FROM LOCAL TALENTS OUR ROOFTOP BAR IS SET TO OPEN EARLY 2024. WE ARE CONVENIENTLY WALKING DISTANCE TO ALL THE EXCITEMENT AND SHOPPING ON THE STRAND. WE OFFER OVER 17,000 SQ FT OFFLEXIBLE EVENT SPACES & THE ROOFTOP BAR FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS. 2300 MECHANIC STREET GALVESTON TX 77550 | 409.763.1539 GALVESTON COUNTY DAILY NEWS READERS’ CHOICE BEST HOTEL 2023 2023 | Readers’ Choice Winners | The Daily News | 3 409.925.8275 TACLBO22538E AFFORDABLE AIR & HEAT FINANCING AVAILABLE FREE ESTIMATES www.AffordableAirTX.com THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 IN AC / HEATING COMPANY4 | The Daily News | Readers’ Choice Winners | 2023 Congratulations to the winners of The Daily News’ 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. This special publication identifies and celebrates those businesses we all enjoy and share with our friends. Results are based on online voting. In June and July, we asked readers to nominate their favorite businesses in more than 200 categories. After we tallied the nominations and identified the top five finalists in each category, we asked readers to select winners in another round of voting that took place during the month of August. As you read along, you might find a few surprises, as well as businesses you expected to see. Galveston County is lucky to have so many local businesses from which to choose. We hope you hold on to this special publication, so the next time you’re looking for a new restaurant or place to shop, you’ll thumb through its pages and explore what Galveston County has to offer. This publication includes second- and third-place winners in each category to give readers options. In many categories, winners and runners-up were separated by just a handful of votes. We hope this publication not only starts conversations about who won, but sparks fierce debates about who really has the best burgers or pizza. Make sure to visit your favorite businesses and offer your congratulations! Congratulations to our 2023 Readers’ Choice winners YOU VOTE, YOU WIN! The Daily News randomly selected 2 lucky winners to receive $150 gift cards just for voting for their favorite businesses in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Shelby Johnson Melissa Callender Thanks to everyone who participated! 2023 | Readers’ Choice Winners | The Daily News | 5 FOOD & DINING BEST AMERICAN FOOD 1. Miller’s Seawall Grill 2. The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe 3. Soul 2 Soul BEST APPETIZERS / SIDES 1. Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks 2. Saltwater Grill 3. Katie’s Seafood House BEST ASIAN FOOD 1. Yamato Japanese Restaurant 2. Sky Bar 3. The Garden Thai Cuisine BEST BAKERY 1. The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe 2. PattyCakes Bakery 3. Good Dough BEST BARBECUE 1. Koop’s BBQ Kitchen & Catering 2. Pennies Tex Mex Take Out 3. Kat’s BBQ BEST BREAKFAST 1. Miller’s Seawall Grill 2. The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe 3. Bronco Burrito BEST BRUNCH 1. Grand Galvez 2. The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe 3. Marais BEST CAJUN FOOD 1. Huli Huli Hut 2. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar - Galveston 3. Cajun Greek Restaurant BEST CATERING COMPANY 1. Chef Mary Bass 2. Coastal Catering 3. Soul 2 Soul BEST CHEF 1. Megan, Saltwater Grill 2. Blaine Lunz, Brews Brothers / Noodle Ill’e’Gal 3. Mary Bass, Good Dough; La Cocina BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK 1. Miller’s Seawall Grill 2. T-Bone Tom’s 3. Soul 2 Soul BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT 1. Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar 2. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 3. Vargas Cut and Catch BEST DESSERTS 1. The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe 2. Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream 3. She Devil Pastry BEST DOUGHNUTS 1. Home Cut Donuts 2. Bonnie’s Donuts 3. Donut Palace BEST FOOD TRUCK 1. MAC-IES Smashburgers and Fries 2. Tails End Food Truck @ Texas Tail Distillery 3. Tito’s Chow Down BEST FRIED CHICKEN 1. Soul 2 Soul 2. The Gumbo Diner 3. T-Bone Tom’s BEST FROZEN YOGURT 1. Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 2. sweetFrog Texas City & Friendswood 3. Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt BEST GERMAN FOOD 1. Stuttgarden Tavern - Galveston 2. King’s BierHaus 3. Stuttgarden Tavern - Texas City BEST GREEK FOOD 1. KritiKos Olympia Grill 2. Cajun Greek 3. Coastal Grill BEST GUMBO 1. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar - Galveston 2. The Gumbo Diner 3. Soul 2 Soul BEST HAMBURGERS 1. MAC-IES Smashburgers and Fries 2. The Spot 3. Brews Brothers BEST ICE CREAM 1. Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream - Galveston 2. La King’s Confectionery 3. Cordray Drug Store BEST ITALIAN FOOD 1. Trattoria La Vigna 2. Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza 3. Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT 1. Rainforest Cafe 2. Texas Tail Distillery 3. Jimmy Changas - League City BEST KOLACHES 1. Good Dough 2. Home Cut Donuts 3. Donut Palace BEST LUNCH SPECIAL 1. Maceo Spice & Import Company 2. ShyKatZ 3. Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar BEST MEAT MARKET/ BUTCHER SHOP 1. Doreck’s Meat Market 2. Seven Seas Grocery 3. Stone Cold Meats BEST MEXICAN FOOD 1. The Original Mexican Cafe 2. Café Canela 3. Mr. Taco Cantina BEST MOM-AND-POP RESTAURANT 1. Sonny’s Place 2. The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe 3. Soul 2 Soul BEST NEW RESTAURANT 1. Vida Agave 2. Sugar & Rye 3. The Bing Pizzeria & Draft House BEST PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT 1. Texas Tail Distillery 2. Taquilo’s Tex-Mex 3. Brick House Tavern + Tap BEST PIZZA 1. Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza 2. Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant 3. The Bing Pizzeria & Draft House BEST RESTAURANT PATIO 1. Texas Tail Distillery 2. The Spot 3. Fisherman’s Wharf BEST SALAD 1. Mosquito Cafe 2. Saltwater Grill 3. Yaga’s Cafe BEST SALSA 1. Taquilo’s Tex-Mex 2. Vida Agave 3. Gringo’s Mexican BEST SANDWICHES 1. Old Moon Deli 2. Maceo Spice & Import Company 3. Texas Tail Distillery BEST SEAFOOD 1. Katie’s Seafood House 2. Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant 3. BLVD Seafood BEST SENIOR SPECIAL 1. Miller’s Seawall Grill 2. IHOP 3. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill BEST SHAVED ICE 1. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard 2. Bahama Buck’s - Texas City 3. Shorecrest Sno BEST SOUL FOOD 1. Soul 2 Soul Cafe 2. Allen’s Restaurant 3. Simp’s BEST SPORTS BAR 1. Lucky Lounge 2. Press Box 3. Brick House Tavern + Tap BEST STEAKS 1. Saltgrass Steak House 2. Vargas Cut and Catch 3. The Steakhouse BEST SUSHI 1. Yamato Japanese Restaurant 2. Sky Bar 3. Kabuki BEST TACOS 1. Vida Agave 2. Pennies Tex Mex Take Out 3. Taquilo’s Tex-Mex BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN 1. EATcetera 2. Mosquito Cafe 3. Taquilo’s Tex-Mex BEST WAIT STAFF 1. Rudy & Paco Restaurant and Bar 2. Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant 3. Vargas Cut and Catch BEST WATERFRONT DINING 1. Pier 6 2. Lucky Lounge 3. Fisherman’s Wharf BEST WINGS 1. Soul 2 Soul 2. The Spot 3. Papa’s Pizza SPECIALTY DRINKS & SPIRITS BEST BAR 1. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 2. Texas Tail Distillery 3. Lucky Lounge BEST BARISTA 1. Sarah Lewis - The Proletariat and Red Light 2. Kevin Daugherty - Starbucks 3. Sara Sims BEST BARTENDER 1. John Schmidt - 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 2. John Harris - Lucky Lounge 3. Nikki - Market Station BEST BEER SELECTION 1. Lucky Lounge 2. Galveston Island Brewing 3. The Proletariat BEST BLOODY MARY 1. Lucky Lounge 2. Texas Tail Distillery 3. BLVD Seafood BEST BREWERY 1. Galveston Island Brewing 2. Galveston Bay Brewing 3. Coastal Star Brewing BEST COCKTAIL 1. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 2. Daiquiri Time Out 3. Texas Tail Distillery BEST COFFEE 1. MOD Coffeehouse 2. Teaside Tapioca 3. Seawall Coffee Company BEST CRAFT BEER 1. Galveston Island Brewing 2. The Proletariat 3. Beerfoot Brewery BEST DISTILLERY 1. Texas Tail Distillery 2. Railean Distillers 3. Gentle Ben Tasting Room BEST HAPPY HOUR 1. Texas Tail Distillery T2. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar T2. Lucky Lounge BEST JUICES / SMOOTHIES 1. Island Vibes Nutrition 2. Innovate Nutrition 3. Teaside Tapioca BEST LIQUOR STORE 1. Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods 2. Economy Liquor 3. Sydnis Liquor BEST MARGARITA 1. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 2. Vida Agave 3. Salsas BEST MARTINI 1. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 2. Texas Tail Distillery 3. Rudy & Paco Restaurant and BarCelebrating Years of Excellent Care The best is yet to come. Thank you to the Galveston County Daily News Readers For Voting HCT the #1 Best Hospice in the area. Dr. Joe Chapman and the Hospice Care Team 480 months • 2087 weeks • 14,610 days • 350,640 hours And more than 20,000 patients served 6 | The Daily News | Readers’ Choice Winners | 2023 2023 | Readers’ Choice Winners | The Daily News | 7 BEST MICHELADA 1. Lucky Lounge 2. Vida Agave 3. Vintage Crown Michelada Bar BEST SWEET TEA 1. Soul 2 Soul 2. Teaside Tapioca 3. McAlister’s Deli BEST WINE SELECTION 1. 23rd Street Station Piano Bar 2. Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood 3. Riondo’s Ristorante PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BEST ACCOUNTING/ BOOKKEEPING/TAX FIRM 1. Stellar Tax Service 2. Island Financial Solutions 3. Amber Jinkins BEST ATTORNEY 1. Patrick F. Doyle - The Doyle Law Firm 2. Mark A. Metzger III - The Metzger Law Firm, PLLC 3. Kyle Dickson - Murray | Lobb, PLLC BEST BAIL BONDS 1. Gulf Coast Bail Bonds BEST BANK 1. Moody Bank 2. Texas First Bank 3. Frost Bank BEST CHILD CARE 1. Brite Beginnings Childcare Center 2. Moody Early Childhood Center 3. Children’s Coalition of Galveston BEST CLEANING/ JANITORIAL SERVICE 1. Rosa Rios Cleaning Service 2. Southern Maid Janitorial Services 3. Longoria’s Cleaning and More, LLC BEST CREDIT UNION 1. AMOCO Federal Credit Union 2. ACU of TEXAS 3. University Federal Credit Union - Postoffice St. BEST DRY CLEANERS 1. Pilgrim Cleaners 2. Mustang Cleaners 3. Quality Cleaners & Laundry BEST EMPLOYMENT AGENCY 1. Action Personnel 2. Express Employment Professionals BEST ESTATE SALES 1. Allison’s Estately Finds 2. Patrice’s Estate Sales 3. Mae’s Helping Hands BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR 1. Moody Bank Wealth Management & Trust 2. AMOCO Federal Credit Union 3. Rodney Nelson, CUSO Financial Services, LP at UFCU BEST FUNERAL HOME 1. Malloy Funerals & Cremations 2. Carnes Brothers Funeral Home 3. J Levy & Termini Funeral Home BEST HOTEL/MOTEL 1. The Tremont House 2. Grand Galvez 3. The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center BEST INSURANCE AGENCY 1. Rochkind Insurance 2. Texas First Insurance 3. Allstate Insurance Agency: The O’Donohoe Agency, LLC BEST LAW FIRM 1. The Doyle Law Firm, PLLC 2. The Metzger Law Firm, PLLC 3. McLeod Alexander Powel & Apffel BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 1. Galveston Island Humane Society 2. Access Care of Coastal Texas Inc. 3. United Way of Galveston BEST PET BOARDING 1. BoneVoyage Pet Resort 2. Campeche Cove All Animal Hospital 3. Dogs At Dolphins View BEST PET GROOMER 1. Salty Dog Wash 2. PetSmart 3. Doggie Detailers of Galveston BEST PET SITTER/WALKER 1. George Parsons 2. Susan Boudreaux 3. Katie’s Critter Care of Galveston County BEST PHOTOGRAPHER 1. Carla Peoples 2. Midthepines photography (Sarah Saenz) 3. Kendall Paige Photography BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP 1. Unitarian Fellowship Galveston 2. Holy Rosary Catholic Church 3. The Fellowship BEST PRINTING SERVICE/ PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS 1. FASTSIGNS 2. Galveston Pack & Ship 3. Speedy’s Printing BEST TAXI/LIMOUSINE/ RIDE SERVICE 1. Galveston Limo 2. Jeff’s Cab & Airport Shuttle Service 3. Tropical Taxi BEST TRAVEL AGENCY 1. Kathy Chrappa Dream Vacation 2. Magical Vacation Planner by Robert Turner 3. Travel Escapes BEST VETERINARIAN 1. Lea Fistein – The Animal Clinic 2. Richard Henderson – Galveston Veterinary Clinic 3. Anna Hubbell –Campeche Cove All Animal Hospital BEST VETERINARY CLINIC 1. The Animal Clinic 2. Galveston Veterinary Clinic 3. Campeche Cove All Animal Hospital AUTOMOTIVE BEST AUTO DEALER - NEW 1. Classic Auto Group Galveston Service & Parts 2. Cook Ford 3. McRee Ford Inc. BEST AUTO DEALER - USED 1. Classic Auto Group Galveston Service & Parts 2. DeMontrond Mazda 3. McRee Ford Inc. BEST AUTO REPAIR - BODY 1. Manuel’s Paint & Body Shop 2. Caliber Collision 3. Marty’s City Auto & Towing Service BEST AUTO REPAIR - MECHANICAL 1. Velocity Auto Care LLC 2. Chapman’s Front End & Brakes 3. Broadway Minute Lube and Auto Care BEST AUTO SALESPERSON 1. Bridget Gutierrez - Classic Auto Group-Galveston 2. Jeff Pennington - Classic Auto Group-Galveston 3. Zack Malitz - Norman Frede Chevrolet Co. BEST BOAT/ MARINE DEALER 1. Laser Marine Services Inc. BEST CAR WASH 1. Katie Express Car Wash 2. Rich’s Car Wash - Texas City 3. JJ’s Car Wash - Dickinson BEST GOLF CART SALES 1. Rick’s Beach Rentals 2. Mister Golf Cart 3. T C Karts - Golf Car Sales & Service BEST MOTORCYCLE DEALER 1. Mainland Cycle Center 2. Team Mancuso Gulf Freeway BEST OIL CHANGE 1. Sharp Inspection & Lube 2. Broadway Minute Lube 3. Chapman’s Front End & Brakes BEST RV DEALER 1. DeMontrond Hyundai BEST TIRE SHOP 1. Matthews Inc. 2. Discount Tire 3. Steve’s Warehouse Tires BEST TOWING COMPANY 1. Winwood Motor Co. 2. Marty’s City Auto & Towing Service 3. Bill’s Wrecker Service REAL ESTATE BEST MORTGAGE LENDER 1. Matt Hawkes - Network Funding, LP 2. AMOCO Federal Credit Union 3. University Federal Credit Union BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY 1. Texas 1st Choice Realty 2. Joe Tramonte Realty Inc. 3. Nan and Company Properties BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT 1. Hudson Holmes at Joe Tramonte Realty 2. Barbie Miller at Gulf Coast Real Estate Experts 3. Evelyn Deharde at Texas 1st Choice Realty BEST REAL ESTATE BROKER 1. V.J. Tramonte at Joe Tramonte Realty 2. Tom Schwenk at Coldwell Banker TGRE 3. Kimberly Harding at RE/MAX Synergy BEST TITLE COMPANY 1. South Land Title Galveston 2. Texas American Title 3. Stewart Title Company BEST VACATION RENTAL AGENCY/MANAGEMENT 1. Joe Tramonte Realty 2. Sand `N Sea Properties 3. Soar Vacation Rental Services HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS BEST BARBER SHOP 1. Cutting Edge 2. Chop Shop 3. Genesis Boutique & Salon BEST CBD STORE 1. Hazy Daze 2. Wild Side Smoke & Vape Shop 3. Santa Fe Soap Factory BEST COSMETIC SURGEON/FACILITY 1. Serenity Dermatology 2. Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio 3. UTMB Health Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, Town Center BEST FITNESS CENTER 1. T-45 Fitness 2. McGuire-Dent Recreation Center 3. Ovr Drve Gym BEST HAIR SALON 1. Fantastic Sams Cut & Color - Galveston 2. Total Technique Salon 3. Hairgrl Boutique Salon BEST HAIRSTYLIST 1. Kiffery Beard - Envy Hair Salon 2. Rachel Weaver - Fantastic Sams Cut & Color 3. Ashlen O’Brien - Total Technique Salon BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST 1. Billy Davis, LMT 2. Rusty Bussey, LMT 3. Rachael Gilley, LMT8 | The Daily News | Readers’ Choice Winners | 2023 T he Tremont House is a warm slice of Southern charm, with historic features and classic beauty to delight and comfort wea- ry travelers. The hotel offers guests unique, luxury accommodations in the vibrant historic downtown of one of the most popular destinations along the Texas coast. The Tremont House stands among the most historic hotels. Utilize a num- ber of services and amenities like great dining options at our hotel, a fitness room, and expansive meeting spaces. The Tremont House offers a dining experience that features more than outstanding flavors. The Rooftop Bar features incredible views of Galves- ton’s downtown and the harbor. Meet up with friends or business associates for a relaxing drink as you drink in the breathtaking scenery. For bis- tro-style food, stop by Blum & Co. Go into the 1888 Toujouse Bar on Thurs- days to listen to live music as you order from a menu of locally brewed craft beer and prohibition-style craft cocktails with a wide offering of bourbons, whiskeys and scotch. THE TREMONT HOUSE BEST HOTEL/MOTEL GRAND GALVEZ THE SAN LUIS RESORT, SPA AND CONFERENCE CENTER I n 1994, Brent Ballard (BOI) had a dream. He wanted to open a business with his father, Donald Ballard. His father had worked at the plant his whole life, and with the 14- hour days that he put in to provide for his family, Brent didn’t get to spend a lot of time with his dad. That year, Brent made good on his dream and opened Affordable Air & Heat. Now, after 28 years in business, Don still acts as a consultant who helps to manage a successful family business. Brent’s son, Brett, is the third generation of Ballards to head the family business. Today, Af- fordable Air & Heat is an elite HEIL dealer and the number one dealer in the nation of HEIL branded HVAC equipment. With 25 HVAC-certi- fied employees, including installers and service technicians, in-house financing and warranties for labor and parts, the Ballards are experts in the air and heat fields. Affordable Air & Heat takes pleasure in keeping your family com- fortable year round. AFFORDABLE AIR AND HEAT BEST A/C AND HEATING COMPANY BOSWORTH AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING INC. LARRY RYAN HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING H ospice Care Team is your com- munity-based, nonprofit hospice, serving Galveston County and the surrounding areas since 1983. During its 40 years of providing qual- ity end-of-life care to area residents, the company has served more than 20,000 patients and their families. The company’s goal is for patients to maintain the highest possible level of independence within fa- miliar surroundings, supported by family and friends. Hospice Care Team provides the help of a highly-skilled, professional team of physicians, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, chaplains and volunteers. Established in 2018, Hospice Care Team’s Sea Turtle Program, focusing on children and teens with a terminal diagnosis, continues to grow. We are proud to have been a part of the greater Galveston Bay community for more than four decades. HOSPICE CARE TEAM BEST HOSPICE CARE ESSENTIAL HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE SERVICES S tarFine Furniture & Mattress knows that putting together the vision of your space can be an intimidating task that can lead to wrong sized furniture and a frustrating experience. The staff at StarFine is here to make buying furniture fun and easy. StarFine is family owned and makes caring about your experience and satis- faction a top priority. Whether you have a second home or live on Galveston Is- land year round, StarFine can outfit your space with the look and feel you desire with a unique look at a great price! The store offers more than 1,000 items in the store to browse through and try out. If you don’t find exactly what you are looking for, StarFine has hundreds of custom-order options and a free in-home design service to get your entire home looking just right! StarFine also allows you to completely customize furniture, including choosing fabrics, style, size, color, seat comfort, leg color and much more. StarFine’s fabric selection includes pet- and kid-friendly fabrics, beautiful leathers and blends. Buying furniture should be a re- laxing and fun experience, and it is, at StarFine Furniture & Mattress! The store carries an extensive collection of living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, mattresses, home office furniture, home accents and outdoor furniture. Visit StarFine Furniture at 3727 Broadway Ave. in Galveston or at 3503 Gulf Freeway in Dickinson or shop their store online at StarFineFurniture.com. STARFINE FURNITURE & MATTRESS BEST FURNITURE STORE TARNISHED TREASURES RESALE SHOPALLEY ANTIQUES AND RESTORATIONGC.EDU | 409-944-GCGC GC Main Campus, 4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, TX 77550 GC Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center 7626 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77554 It is the policy of Galveston College to provide equal opportunities without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, genetic information or veteran status. 50 degrees and certificatesFinancial aid and scholarships Dual Credit programsBachelor’s degree programs Close to homeAffordable AthleticsOn-campus housing “Thank You” for voting Galveston College your Readers’ Choice # 1 Best College in Galveston County 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 2023 | Readers’ Choice Winners | The Daily News | 9Next >