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

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.warajirestaurant.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