Best of the Triangle 2009 

Congratulations to this year's winners and finalists! And thank you to all of our readers who voted in this year's poll. Special thanks to Caroline Key, David Lorimer and Alece Oxendine who assisted with this project.

Categories: Out & About • Goods & Services • Wine & Dine

Search our Locations Guide: Browse the Indy's database for current and previous Best of the Triangle winners

---

---

Out & About

Best neighborhood bar in Wake County

The Borough 317 W Morgan St Suite 117 • Raleigh • 832-8433 • www.theboroughraleigh.com

finalists: The Raleigh Times Bar, Ba-Da Wings

Best neighborhood bar in Durham County

Dain's Place 754 Ninth St • Durham • 416-8800 • www.dainsplace.net

finalists: Federal, The Pinhook

Best neighborhood bar in Orange/Chatham County

Orange County Social Club 108 E Main St • Carrboro • 933-0669 • www.orangecountysocialclub.com

finalists: The Crunkleton, The Station at Southern Rail

Best bar staff in Wake County

The Borough 317 W Morgan St Suite 117

Raleigh • 832-8433 • www.theboroughraleigh.com

finalists: Carolina Ale House, The Raleigh Times Bar

Best bar staff in Durham County

Dain's Place 754 Ninth St • Durham • 416-8800 • www.dainsplace.net

finalists: The Pinhook, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best bar staff in Orange/Chatham County

Orange Country Social Club 108 E Main St • Carrboro • 933-0669 • www.orangecountysocialclub.com

finalists: The Crunkleton, Wooden Nickel Pub, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best club DJ

Joey Shull 330 W Hargett St • Raleigh • 831-8888 • www.legends-club.com

finalists: Wesley Boz, DJ LV, Lady Factual

Best local brewery

Carolina Brewery 460 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 942-1800 / 120 Lowes Dr Suite 100 • Pittsboro • 545-2330 • www.carolinabrewery.com

finalists: Big Boss Brewing Company, Triangle Brewing Company

Best bar for young professionals

The Raleigh Times Bar 14 E Hargett St • Raleigh • 833-0999 • www.raleightimesbar.com

finalists: The Crunkleton, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best art gallery

Artspace 201 E Davie St • Raleigh • 821-2787 • www.artspacenc.org

finalists: Somerhill Gallery, North Carolina Museum of Art

Best live theater

Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian St • Durham • 680-2787 • www.dpacnc.com

finalists: Manbites Dog Theater, PlayMakers Repertory Company, Raleigh Little Theatre

Best theater to see a blockbuster movie

Southpoint Cinemas 8030 Renaissance Pkwy Suite 975 • Durham • 313-6627 • www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/html/movielisting.asp

finalists: The Lumina, Mission Valley Cinema, Regal North Hills Stadium 14

Best theater to see an independent film

The Carolina Theatre 309 W Morgan St • Durham • 560-3030 • www.carolinatheatre.org

finalists: Chelsea Theater, Galaxy Cinema, Varsity Theater

Best outdoor music venue

Koka Booth Amphitheatre 8003 Regency Pkwy • Cary • 462-2052 • www.boothamphitheatre.com

finalists: North Carolina Museum of Art, Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek

Best place to see music before 10 p.m.

The Cave 452 1/2 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 968-9308 • www.caverntavern.com

finalists: The Broad Street Cafe, Cat's Cradle

Best strip club

The Men's Club 3210 Yonkers Rd • Raleigh • 250-0910 • www.vcgh.com/TheMensClubOfRaleighNC.aspx

finalists: Pure Gold, Teasers

Best sports bar

Carolina Ale House multiple locations • www.carolinaalehouse.com

finalists: Tobacco Road, Champps

Best dance club

Legends 330 W Hargett St • Raleigh • 831-8888 • www.legends-club.com

finalists: Players, Steel Blue

Best lesbian bar

Steel Blue 1426 S Miami Blvd • Durham • 596-5876 • www.clubsteelblue.com

finalists: Visions, Legends

Best gay bar

Legends 330 W Hargett St • Raleigh • 831-8888 • www.legends-club.com

finalists: Flex, Steel Blue

Best place to shoot pool

The Green Room 1108 Broad St • Durham • 286-2359 • www.myspace.com/greenroomdurham

finalists: Snooker's Sports Pub, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best jukebox

Orange County Social Club 108 E Main St • Carrboro • 933-0669 • www.orangecountysocialclub.com

finalists: The Green Room, The Crunkleton

Best karaoke

Flex 2 S West St • Raleigh • 832-8855 • www.flex-club.com

finalists: He's Not Here, Bub O'Malley's

Best place to salsa dance

Red Room Tapas Lounge 510 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 835-1322 • www.redroomraleigh.com

finalists: Spice Street, Carmen's Cuban Café & Lounge

Best place to hear jazz

Tallula's 456 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 933-1177 • www.talullas.com

finalists: Amra's, Broad Street Cafe

Best place to hear hip-hop

Cat's Cradle 300 E Main St • Carrboro • 967-9053 • www.catscradle.com

finalists: The Pour House Music Hall

Best place to hear rock 'n' roll

Cat's Cradle 300 E Main St • Carrboro • 967-9053 • www.catscradle.com

finalists: Lincoln Theatre, Local 506, The Pour House Music Hall

Best place to hear country

City Limits Saloon 901 Tryon Hill Dr • Raleigh • 829-3939 • www.hellyeahraleigh.com

finalists: The Pour House Music Hall, The Cave

Best place to hear bluegrass

The Pour House Music Hall 224 S Blount St • Raleigh • 821-1120 • www.the-pour-house.com

finalists: Carolina Inn, Bynum General Store

Best place to watch televised ACC basketball in Wake County

Carolina Ale House multiple locations • www.carolinaalehouse.com

finalists: Ba-Da Wings, Tobacco Road

Best place to watch televised ACC basketball in Durham County

Satisfaction 905 W Main St Suite 37 • Durham • 682-7397 • www.satisfactionrestaurant.com

finalists: Carolina Ale House, Dain's Place

Best place to watch televised ACC basketball in Orange/Chatham County

Top of the Hill 100 E Franklin St 3rd Floor • Chapel Hill • 929-8676 • www.topofthehillrestaurant.com

finalists: Carolina Brewery, Orange County Social Club

Best place to watch Monday night football

Carolina Ale House multiple locations • www.carolinaalehouse.com

finalists: Ba-Da Wings, Raleighwood

Best place to watch international soccer

Italian Pizzeria III 508 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 968-4671 • italianpizzeria3.com

finalists: Tir Na nOg, Hibernian Restaurant & Pub

---

Goods & Services

Best CD/record store

Schoolkids Records 2114 Hillsborough St • Raleigh • 821-7766 • www.myspace.com/schoolkidsrecords

finalists: CD Alley, Bull City Records, Offbeat Music

Best place to buy music gear

The Music Loft 116 W Main St • Carrboro • 968-4411 • www.carrloft.net

finalists: Guitar Center, Harry's Guitar Shop

Best camera/video store

Wolf Camera multiple locations • www.wolfcamera.com

finalists: Best Buy, Peace Camera, Southeastern Camera

Best local bookstore

The Regulator Bookshop 720 Ninth St • Durham • 286-2700 • www.regulatorbookshop.com

finalists: Nice Price Books, Quail Ridge Books & Music, Edward McKay

Best comic book store

Chapel Hill Comics 316 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 967-4439 • www.chapelhillcomics.com

finalists: Ultimate Comics, Capitol Comics

Best tailor shop

Lee's Tailors Southpoint Mall • 6910 Fayetteville Rd Suite 190 • Durham • 806-5770 / Triangle Town Center • 5959 Triangle Town Blvd • Raleigh • 792-2108 / Crabtree Valley Mall • 4325 Glenwood Ave Unit 1074 • Raleigh • 510-8380 • www.leetailors.com

finalists: Cynthia's Tailor Shop, Oriental Tailors, Thu's Tailoring, Wang's Tailor Shop

Best veterinarian

Carrboro Plaza Veterinary Clinic 104-M Carrboro Plaza • Carrboro • 929-0031 • www.carrboroplazavet.com

finalists: The Animal Hospital of Carrboro, Hayes Barton Animal Hospital, Colony Park Animal Hospital

Best pet specialty store

Phydeaux 400-A1 S Elliott Rd • Chapel Hill • 960-3606 • www.phydeauxpets.com

finalists: Gourmutt's Bakery, PetSmart

Best place to board your pet

Doggie Spa & Day Care 1101 Dawson Rd • Chapel Hill • 932-4738 • www.doggiespa.com

finalists: Camp Bow Wow, Sunny Acres Pet Resort

Best pet-sitting service

Cindy's Pet Services Raleigh • 605-5133 • www.formc.com

finalists: All Breed Care, Fetch! Pet Care

Best place to pamper your pet

Gourmutt's Bakery Falls Village • 6675 Falls of Neuse Rd Suite 123 • Raleigh • 870-8220 • www.gourmuttsbakery.com

finalists: PetSmart, Phydeaux

Best afterschool program

YMCA multiple locations • www.ymcatriangle.org

finalists: Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center, Wade Edwards Learning Lab

Best summer camp

Camp Kanata 13524 Camp Kanata Rd • Wake Forest • 556-2661 • www.campkanata.org

finalists: Chestnut Ridge Camp and Retreat Center, Museum of Life and Science, New Life Camp

Best birthday cakes

Mad Hatter 1802 W Main St • Durham • 286-1987 • www.madhatterbakeshop.com

finalists: Edible Art, Sugarland

Best children's clothing store

Glee Kids University Square • 133-C W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 942-6881 • www.gleekids.com

finalists: The Red Hen, The Children's Place

Best children's toy store

Tookie's Toys Cameron Village • 2028 Cameron St • Raleigh • 828-5574 / Falls Village • 6675-125 Falls of Neuse Rd • Raleigh • 841-4955www.tookiestoys.com

finalists: Alley Cat, Learning Express

Best green business

Vert & Vogue Brightleaf Square • 905 W Main St Suite 24-B • Durham • 251-8537 • Facebook page

finalists: Twig, Whole Foods Market

Best salvage/reuse business

Habitat for Humanity ReStore 2420 Raleigh Blvd • Raleigh • 833-6768 • www.habitatwake.org/restore / 3710 Shannon Rd • Durham • 403-8668 • www.restoredurhamorange.org

finalists: The Scrap Exchange, PTA Thrift Shop

Best local television personality

Greg Fishel 

finalists: David Crabtree, Bill Leslie

Best radio station

WUNC (NPR), 91.5 FM 120 Friday Center Dr • Chapel Hill • 445-9150 • www.wunc.org

finalists: WKNC, 88.1 FM, G105, 105.1 FM

Best radio DJ

Bob and the Showgram, G105 

finalists: Kitty Kinnin, 100.7 The River; Salt & Demetri the Greek, 96rock; Mz. Kelly, WKNC 88.1

Best auto shop

Pinnacle Automotive Service 4808 Hargrove Rd • Raleigh • 828-3113 • www.bimmercare.com

finalists: Frantz Automotive Center, Chapel Hill Tire Co. Car Care Center

Best chiropractor

Chas Gaertner of NC Chiropractic 212 W Rosemary St • Chapel Hill • 929-3552 • www.ncchiropractic.net

finalists: Crabtree Chiropractic Center

Best optometrist

Eye Care Associates multiple locations • www.eyecareassociatesnc.com

finalists: Carrboro Family Vision, Specs Eye Care

Best dancewear

Footlights Seaboard Station • 10 W Franklin St Suite 130 • Raleigh • 832-4090 • footlightsraleigh.com

finalists: Dance Design, Relevé Dancewear

Best yoga studio

Franklin Street Yoga Center University Square • 123 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 929-0414 • franklinstyoga.com

finalists: Carrboro Yoga Company, Triangle Yoga

Best real estate agency

Fonville Morisey multiple locations • www.fmrealty.com

finalists: RE/MAX, York Simpson Underwood Realty

Best dry cleaner

Medlin-Davis multiple locations • www.medlindavis.com

finalists: Brothers Cleaners, Dry Clean Warehouse

Best dance studio

Ninth Street Dance 1920 1/2 Perry St • Durham • 286-6011 • www.ninthstreetdance.com

finalists: City Ballet, Mad About Dance Academy

Best place to shop for a pre-owned vehicle

CarMax 3809 Capital Blvd • 325-2273 / 8520 Glenwood Ave • 783-9494 • Raleigh • www.carmax.com

finalists: Weaver Brothers Volvo, Leith Auto Center

Best place to shop for a new vehicle

Fred Anderson Toyota 9101 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 787-0099 • www.fredandersontoyota.com

finalists: Johnson Lexus, Leith Toyota

Best local wine store

Wine Authorities 2501 University Dr • Durham • 489-2884 • www.wineauthorities.com

finalists: Total Wine & More, The Wine Merchant, A Southern Season

Best local moving company

TROSA Moving 1820 James St • Durham • 489-3941 • trosamoving.com

finalists: Two Men and a Truck, DeHaven's Transfer & Storage Inc.

Best retail beer selection

Sam's Quik Shop 1605 Erwin Rd • Durham • 286-4110 • samsquikshop.com

finalists: Peace Street Market, Total Wine & More

Best retail cheese selection

Whole Foods Market multiple locations • www.wholefoodsmarket.com

finalists: A Southern Season, Weaver Street Market

Best candy selection

A Southern Season University Mall • 201 S Estes Dr • Chapel Hill • 929-7133 • www.southernseason.com

finalists: Parker & Otis, The Fresh Market

Best place to get pierced

Blue Flame Tattoo 710 W Peace St • Raleigh • 755-3355 • www.blueflametattoo.com

finalists: Dogstar Tattoo Company, (pro•gress) Body Piercing

Best tattoo studio

Blue Flame Tattoo 710 W Peace St • Raleigh • 755-3355 • www.blueflametattoo.com

finalists: Dogstar Tattoo Company, Phoenix Tattoo Studios

Best gym/health club in Orange/Chatham County

UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont 100 Sprunt St • Chapel Hill • 966-5500 • www.uncwellness.com

finalists: Carolina Fitness, Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA

Best gym/health club in Durham County

YMCA (various locations) 215 W Morgan St • 667-9622 / 410 Blackwell St #20 • 956-9602 / 2119 Chapel Hill Rd • 493-4502 • Durham • www.ymcatriangle.org

finalists: Peak Fitness, Fitness World

Best gym/health club in Wake County

YMCA (various locations) multiple locations • www.ymcatriangle.org

finalists: Gold's Gym Raleigh - North Hills, Peak Fitness

Best hotel in Orange/Chatham County

The Franklin Hotel 311 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 442-9000 • www.franklinhotelnc.com

finalists: The Carolina Inn, The Siena Hotel

Best hotel in Durham County

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club 3001 Cameron Blvd • Durham • 490-0999 • www.washingtondukeinn.com

finalists: Durham Marriott Convention Center, Sheraton

Best hotel in Wake County

The Umstead 100 Woodland Pond • Cary • 447-4000 • www.theumstead.com

finalists: Embassy Suites, Raleigh Marriott City Center, Marriott Renaissance Raleigh Hotel North Hills

Best place to get a facial

Mina's Studio The Galleria Shopping Center • 400 S Elliott Rd Suite K • Chapel Hill • 968-8548 • www.minasstudio.com

finalists: Aveda Institute - Chapel Hill, Iatria

Best place to get a manicure/pedicure

Mina's Studio The Galleria Shopping Center • 400 S Elliott Rd Suite K • Chapel Hill • 968-8548 • www.minasstudio.com

finalists: Iatria, Synergy Spa, Bella Trio Day Spa

Best day spa

Skin Sense 6801 Falls of Neuse Rd • Raleigh / 1269 Kildaire Farm Rd • Cary / 8441 Brier Creek Pkwy • Raleigh • 870-0700 • www.skinsense.com

finalists: Iatria, Mina's Studio

Best hair salon in Orange/Chatham County

Moshi Moshi 416 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 933-1272 • www.moshimoshimeanshello.com

finalists: Mina's Studio, Syd's Hair Shop

Best hair salon in Durham County

Wavelengths 704 Ninth St • Durham • 416-9705 • www.wavelengthsalon.biz

finalists: Posh The Salon, Funky Monkey

Best hair salon in Wake County

Marigold Parlour Seaboard Station • 10 W Franklin St Suite 150 • Raleigh • 833-0146 • www.marigoldparlour.com

finalists: Salon Blu, BloAlter EGO

Best store to buy eyewear

Specs Eye Care 701 Ninth St • Durham • 286-4426 / 8030 Renaissance Pkwy Suite 850 • Durham • 572-1200

finalists: Eye Care Associates, LensCrafters

Best men's clothing

Hudson Belk  Cary Towne Center • 1105 Walnut St • Cary • 467-5050 / Crabtree Valley Mall • 4325 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 782-7010 / North Station Shopping Center • 1450 Garner Station Blvd • Raleigh • 772-0105 • www.belk.com

finalists: Vert & Vogue, Nordstrom

Best local women's boutique

Uniquities 452 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 933-4007 / 450 Daniels St • Raleigh • 832-1234 / 4120 Main at North Hills St Suite 125 • Raleigh • 785-3385 • www.uniquities.com

finalists: Scout & Molly's Boutique, Vert & Vogue

Best place for kick-ass shoes

DSW Patterson Place • 3615 Witherspoon Blvd • Durham • 493-9280 / Crossroads Plaza • 427 Crossroads Blvd • Cary • 858-8850 / Triangle Town Commons • 3604 Sumner Blvd • Raleigh • 792-0710 • www.dsw.com

finalists: Nordstrom, SRI Shoe Warehouse

Best place to buy erotic gifts

Cherry Pie 1819 Fordham Blvd • Chapel Hill • 928-0499 • www.cherrypieonline.com

finalists: Adam & Eve, Frisky Business Boutique, Priscilla's

Best outdoor outfitters

REI 255 Crossroads Blvd • Cary • 233-8444 / 6911 Fayetteville Rd • Durham • 806-3442 / 4291 The Circle at North Hills • Raleigh • 571-5031 • www.rei.com

finalists: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Townsend Bertram & Company

Best bike shop

The Bicycle Chain multiple locations • thebicyclechain.com

finalists: The Clean Machine, Performance Bicycle

Best garden store

Logan's Trading Company 707 Semart Dr • Raleigh • 828-5337 • www.logantrd.com

finalists: Southern States, Stone Brothers & Byrd

Best local hardware store in Orange/Chatham County

Fitch Lumber 309 N Greensboro St • Carrboro • 942-3153 • fitchlumber.com

finalists: Ace Hardware, Pope's True Value in Chapel Hill (Cole Park Plaza)

Best local hardware store in Durham County

Triangle Pharmacy & True Value 1700 E Hwy 54 • Durham • 544-1711 / Woodcroft Shopping Center • 4711 Hope Valley Rd • Durham • 493-5722 / 1000 N Miami Blvd #500 • Durham • 682-5096

finalists: Public Hardware

Best local hardware store in Wake County

Ace Hardware multiple locations • www.acehardware.com

finalists: Burke Brothers Hardware, Briggs Hardware

Best consignment shop

The Stock Exchange 6118 Farrington Rd Suite H • Chapel Hill • 403-9977 • www.chapelhillstockexchange.com

finalists: Revolver Consignment Boutique, Stuff

Best place to buy vintage/antique furniture

Father and Son Antiques 107 W Hargett St • Raleigh • 832-3030 • www.myspace.com/fatherandsonantiques

finalists: Everything But Grannie's Panties, Portobello Road

Best place to buy new furniture

Ecko Home Furnishings 6740 Fleetwood Dr • Raleigh • 781-0081 • www.eckointernational.com

finalists: Ambiente, Rooms to Go, Nowell's Contemporary Furniture

Best vintage clothing store

Time After Time 414 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 942-2304 • www.timeaftertimevintageclothing.com

finalists: Father and Son Antiques, Roulette Vintage

Best jewelry store in Orange/Chatham County

Goldworks 201 S Estes Dr • Chapel Hill • 932-1771 • www.goldworks-nc.com

finalists: Grimball Jewelers, Light Years

Best jewelry store in Durham County

Hamilton Hill Brightleaf Square • 905 W Main St • Durham • 683-1474 • www.hamiltonhilljewelry.com

finalists: Jewelsmith, Light Years

Best jewelry store in Wake County

Bailey's Fine Jewelry  415 Daniels St • Raleigh • 829-7337 • www.baileybox.com

finalists: Jared, Jolly's Jewelers (North Hills)

---

Wine & Dine

Best new restaurant in Wake County

Sitti 137 S Wilmington St • Raleigh • 239-4070 • www.sitti-raleigh.com

finalists: Coquette Brasserie, The Flying Biscuit Café, The Remedy Diner

Best new restaurant in Durham County

Revolution 107 W Main St • Durham • 956-9999 • www.revolutionrestaurant.com

finalists: Toast, Rockwood Filling Station, Chubby's Tacos

Best new restaurant in Orange/Chatham County

Mint 504 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 929-6188

finalists: BUNS, Neal's Deli

Best chef in Wake County

Ashley Christensen, Poole's Downtown Diner 426 S McDowell St • Raleigh • 832-4477 • www.poolesdowntowndiner.com

finalists: John Toler, Bloomsbury Bistro; Sander Kedich, The Borough

Best chef in Durham County

Ben Barker, Magnolia Grill 1002 Ninth St • Durham • 286-3609 • www.magnoliagrill.net

finalists: Amy Tornquist, Watts Grocery; Tim Lyons, blu

Best chef in Orange/Chatham County

Andrea Reusing, Lantern 423 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 969-8846 • www.lanternrestaurant.com

finalists: Bill Smith, Crook's Corner; Charlie Deal, Jujube

Best wait staff in Wake County

The Borough 317 W Morgan St Suite 117 • Raleigh • 832-8433 • www.theboroughraleigh.com

finalists: The Angus Barn, Skipper's Fish Fry & Market

Best wait staff in Durham County

Dain's Place 754 Ninth St • Durham • 416-8800 • www.dainsplace.net/

finalists: Elmo's Diner, Magnolia Grill

Best wait staff in Orange/Chatham County

Bailey's Pub & Grille 1722 Fordham Blvd • Chapel Hill • 918-1005

finalists: Acme Food & Beverage Company, Elmo's Diner, Lantern

Best place to people watch while drinking a beer

Top of the Hill 100 E Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 929-8676 • www.topofthehillrestaurant.com

finalists: The Raleigh Times Bar, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best outdoor dining in Wake County

Mellow Mushroom 601 W Peace St • Raleigh • 832-3499 • www.mellowmushroom.com/store/index.php?s=79

finalists: The Borough, Vivace

Best outdoor dining in Durham County

Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom 324 Blackwell St • Durham • 433-0345 • www.tylerstaproom.com/restaurants/durham

finalists: Alivia's Durham Bistro, Federal

Best outdoor dining in Orange/Chatham County

Top of the Hill 100 E Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 929-8676 • www.topofthehillrestaurant.com

finalists: Crook's Corner, Weaver Street Market

Best romantic restaurant

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern 330 Hillsborough St • Raleigh • 829-3663 • www.second-empire.com

finalists: Lantern, The Melting Pot

Best business lunch

Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom multiple locations • www.tylerstaproom.com

finalists: Skipper's Fish Fry & Market, Weathervane

Best super cheap meal

Cook Out multiple locations

finalists: Chubby's Tacos, Cosmic Cantina

Best children's menu

Elmo's Diner 776 Ninth St • Durham • 416-3823 / 200 N Greensboro St • Carr Mill Mall • Carrboro • 929-2909 • www.elmosdiner.com

finalists: Red Robin, Skipper's Fish Fry & Market

Best salad

Whole Foods Market multiple locations • www.wholefoodsmarket.com

finalists: Lilly's Pizza, Sweet Tomatoes

Best sandwich

Sandwhich Courtyard of Chapel Hill • W Franklin at Roberson St (behind Penang) • Chapel Hill • 929-2114 • www.sandwhich.biz

finalists: Neal's Deli, Toast

Best bagel

Bagels on the Hill 630 Weaver Dairy Rd • Chapel Hill • 929-7700

finalists: Bruegger's, Panera Bread

Best desserts

Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery 2000 Fairview Rd • Raleigh • 856-8551

finalists: Sugarland, Francesca's Dessert Caffé

Best steak

The Angus Barn 9401 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 781-2444 • www.angusbarn.com

finalists: Ruth's Chris Steak House, Sullivan's Steakhouse

Best burger in Wake County

Char-Grill multiple locations • www.chargrillusa.com

finalists: Five Guys, MoJoe's Burger Joint

Best burger in Durham County

Dain's Place 754 Ninth St • Durham • 416-8800 • www.dainsplace.net/

finalists: Cook Out, Five Guys

Best burger in Orange/Chatham County

Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom 102 E Main St • Carrboro • 929-6881 • www.tylerstaproom.com/restaurants/carrboro

finalists: 501 Diner, BUNS

Best fries

Five Guys multiple locations • www.fiveguys.com

finalists: Federal, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best wings

Carolina Ale House multiple locations • www.carolinaalehouse.com

finalists: Ba-Da Wings, Wild Wing Café

Best hot dog

Snoopy's Hot Dogs & More multiple locations • Raleigh • www.snoopys.com

finalists: Dog House, Neal's Deli, Roast Grill

Best pizza

Lilly's Pizza 1813 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 833-0226 • www.lillyspizza.com

finalists: Amante Gourmet Pizza, Mellow Mushroom, Pepper's Pizza

Best barbecue

Allen & Son 6203 Millhouse Rd • Chapel Hill • 942-7576

finalists: Barbecue Joint, The Original Q-Shack, The Pit

Best sushi

Waraji Japanese Restaurant 5910 Duraleigh Rd • Raleigh • 783-1883 • www.warajijapaneserestaurant.com

finalists: Akai Hana, Shiki Sushi, Sushi Blues Cafe

Best Vietnamese

Lime & Basil 200 W Franklin St #130 • Chapel Hill • 967-5055

finalists: an, Dalat Oriental Restaurant

Best Italian

Bella Monica 3121-103 Edwards Mill Rd • Raleigh • 881-9778 • www.bellamonica.com

finalists: 411 West Italian Cafe, 518 West Italian Cafe, Maggiano's Little Italy

Best Caribbean

Bahama Breeze 3309 Wake Forest Rd • Raleigh • 872-6330 • www.bahamabreeze.com

finalists: Jamaica Jamaica, Cool Runnings Jamaican Cuisine

Best Greek

Taverna Agora 6101 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 881-8333 • www.tavernaagora.com

finalists: Mediterranean Deli & Catering, Nikos

Best French

Vin Rouge 2010 Hillsborough Rd • Durham • 416-0466 • www.ghgrestaurants.com/vinrouge/vinrouge.html

finalists: Coquette Brasserie, Rue Cler

Best Chinese

Five Star Restaurant 511 W Hargett St • Raleigh • 833-3311 • heatseekershrimp.com

finalists: Neo-China Restaurant, Red Lotus Asian Kitchen & Bar

Best Mexican/Latin American in Wake County

El Rodeo multiple locations

finalists: Dos Taquitos, Los Tres Magueyes, Jibarra

Best Mexican/Latin American in Durham County

Torero's 4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd • Durham • 489-6468 / 800 W Main St • Durham • 682-4197 • www.torerosmexicanrestaurants.com

finalists: Blue Corn Cafe, Cosmic Cantina, El Rodeo

Best Mexican/Latin American in Orange/Chatham County

Fiesta Grill 3307 Hwy 54 W • Chapel Hill • 928-9002 • www.fiestagrill.us

finalists: Carrburritos, Monterrey

Best Thai

Sawasdee 3601 Capital Blvd Suite 107 • Raleigh • 878-0049 • sawasdeerestaurant.com

finalists: Thai Cafe, Twisted Noodles

Best Japanese

Kanki 4325 Glenwood Ave • Raleigh • 782-9708/ 4500 Old Wake Forest Rd • Raleigh • 876-4157 / 3504 Mt. Moriah Rd • Durham • 401-6908 • www.kanki.com

finalists: Waraji Japanese Restaurant, Akai Hana

Best Indian

Sitar 3630 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd • Durham • 490-1326 • www.sitarindiapalace.net

finalists: Royal India, Mint

Best Middle Eastern

Neomonde 10235 Chapel Hill Rd • Morrisville • 466-8100 / 3817 Beryl Rd • Raleigh • 828-1628 • www.neomonde.com

finalists: Baba Ghannouj Mediterranean Bistro, Mediterranean Deli & Catering, Sitti

Best seafood

Squid's 1201 Fordham Blvd • Chapel Hill • 942-8757 • www.squidsrestaurant.com

finalists: 42nd St. Oyster Bar, blu

Best bakery

Guglhupf 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite 1 • Durham • 401-2600 • www.guglhupf.com

finalists: La Farm Bakery, Weaver Street Market

Best Irish pub

Tir Na nOg 218 S Blount St • Raleigh • 833-7795 • www.tirnanogirishpub.com

finalists: Hibernian, James Joyce

Best bar food in Wake County

The Raleigh Times Bar 14 E Hargett St • Raleigh • 833-0999 • www.raleightimesbar.com

finalists: Carolina Ale House, The Borough

Best bar food in Durham County

Federal 914 W Main St • Durham • 680-8611 • www.thefederal.net

finalists: Dain's Place, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best bar food in Orange/Chatham County

Milltown 307 E Main St • Carrboro • 968-2460

finalists: Bailey's Pub & Grille, Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom

Best comfort food

Elmo's Diner 776 Ninth St • Durham • 416-3823 / 200 N Greensboro St • Carr Mill Mall • Carrboro • 929-2909 • www.elmosdiner.com

finalists: Crook's Corner, Mama Dip's

Best breakfast

Elmo's Diner 776 Ninth St • Durham • 416-3823 / 200 N Greensboro St • Carr Mill Mall • Carrboro • 929-2909 • www.elmosdiner.com

finalists: Breadmen's, Brigs

Best margarita

Dos Taquitos 5629 Creedmoor Rd • Raleigh • 787-3373 • www.dostaquitosnc.com

finalists: El Rodeo, Margaret's Cantina

Best bloody mary

NOFO At The Pig 2014 Fairview Rd • Raleigh • 821-1240 • www.nofo.com/tour_pig.php

finalists: The Raleigh Times Bar, The Crunkleton

Best draft beer selection

Tyler's Restaurant & Taproom multiple locations • www.tylerstaproom.com

finalists: Flying Saucer, Milltown, Village Draft House

Best martini selection

Blue Martini 116 N West St • Raleigh • 899-6464 • www.bluemartiniraleigh.com

finalists: Bogart's American Grill, East End Oyster & Martini Bar

Best meal after 10 p.m.

Cosmic Cantina 1920 1/2 Perry St • Durham • 286-1875 / 128 E Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 960-3955

finalists: Cook Out, The Borough

Best coffee shop in Wake County

Cup A Joe 3100 Hillsborough St • 828-9665 / 2109-142 Avent Ferry Rd • 828-9886 • Raleigh • www.cspot.com

finalists: Cafe Helios, The Morning Times, The Third Place

Best coffee shop in Durham County

Bean Traders 714 Ninth St • Durham • 286-6087 / 249 NC 54 W • Durham • 484-2499 • www.beantraderscoffee.com

finalists: Francesca's Dessert Cafe, Joe Van Gogh

Best coffee shop in Orange/Chatham County

Open Eye Café 101 S Greensboro St • Carrboro • 968-9410 • www.openeyecafe.com

finalists: 3 Cups, Caffe Driade

Best Sunday brunch

Crook's Corner 610 W Franklin St • Chapel Hill • 929-7643 • www.crookscorner.com

finalists: Acme, Brigs, Watts Grocery

Best vegetarian friendly

Spotted Dog Restaurant & Bar 111 E Main St • Carrboro • 933-1117

finalists: The Irregardless Cafe, Sage Vegetarian Cafe

Best burrito

Carrburritos 711 W Rosemary St • Carrboro • 933-8226 • www.carrburritos.com

finalists: Cosmic Cantina, Moe's Southwest Grill

Best taqueria

Taqueria la Vaquita 2700 Chapel Hill Rd • Durham • 402-0209 • www.lavaquitanc.com

finalists: Chubby's Tacos, Super Taqueria