The Best of the South Sound

Readers pick their favorite people and places

Reader interest was overwhelming for our second annual Best of the South Sound. Votes more than doubled as people were eager to take part in our reader poll. The result is the ultimate resource list: the very best of what the South Sound has to offer. Did your favorites make the cut? Let us know what you think about the list at southsoundmag.com, and don't forget to vote next year! Congratulations to the 2010 Best of the South Sound winners!

We present to you your 2010 Best of the South Sound winners.  Congratulations to all who made this prestigious list! Go to southsoundmag.com to help pick next year's winners!

Dine and Drink

Best in show
Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535
From the moment South Sounders step into Pacific Grill, they are surrounded by sophistication. Chef Gordon Nacarrato debuts a new menu every season, creating exciting Northwest dishes for your palate to explore. RUNNERS UP: Blazing Onion, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor and Asado, 2810 6th Ave., Tacoma.

Best Lunch
Rosewood Café
3323 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.752.7999
Rosewood Café has made a special name for itself with its diverse menu of home-style recipes. Their wine selection is also extensive. RUNNERS UP: Blazing Onion, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor and Tides Tavern, 2925 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor.

Best Breakfast
Shakabrah
2618 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2787
Sometimes simple satisfaction is the way to win, and Shakabrah knows how to put the bacon on the table. Sip on a good cup of coffee while enjoying some local favorites — perhaps the huevos rancheros, a hearty breakfast omelet or the ever-popular biscuits and gravy. RUNNERS UP: Babblin’ Babs Bistro, 2724 N. Proctor St., Tacoma and The Harvester, 29 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma.

Best Wine Selection
Sip Wine Bar
4793 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor, 253.853.3020
Savor a sip of flavors that unite to ignite. Between divine dishes and award-winning wines, there is no question why this little luxury wins the hearts of our readers. Come in for happy hour between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. for full-glass pours at half price. RUNNERS UP: Water to Wine, 9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor, and Pour at Four, 3814 N. 26th St., Tacoma.

Best Bar and Lounge
Tides Tavern
2925 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, 253.858.3982
The only thing better than enjoying a tall, cold glass of one of Tides’ draught beers, available in 18 different styles, is biting into a beer-battered fish filet while soaking in the view of the harbor. Open seven days a week to adults ages 21 and over. RUNNERS UP: Blazing Onion, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor and Tempest Lounge, 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma.

Best Dessert
The Melting Pot
2121 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.535.3939, meltingpot.com.
Spoil your sweet tooth by dipping into The Melting Pot for dessert indulgence. Try their rich chocolate fondue atop fresh strawberries and bananas, cheesecake and brownies or marshmallows rolled in crushed Oreo and graham crackers. RUNNERS UP: Susanne’s Bakery and Delicatessen, 3411 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor and Hello, Cupcake, 1740 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.

Best Happy Hour
Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, pacificgrilltacoma.com
Pacific Grill is proud to offer 29 hours of “happy” every week. Come in between 2 and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 and 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 9 and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday to enjoy half-off select appetizers and desserts along with other great deals on wine and beer. RUNNERS UP: Matador, 721 Pacific Ave., Tacoma and Masa, 2811 6th Ave., Tacoma.

Best Burger
Blazing Onion
4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor, 253.514.6703, blazingonion.com
Bite into 1/3-pound of juicy, gourmet burger and discover what South Sounders are raving about. Sample a classic or namesake Blazing Onion Burger. Or make it a triple XL and challenge your hunger with a sky-high triple-stack of 2-pound burgers. RUNNERS UP: Frisko Freeze, 1201 Division Ave., Tacoma and Red Robin, multiple locations.

Best Chef
Gordon Naccarato, Pacific Grill
1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.3535, pacificgrilltacoma.com
This culinary artist is both a respected chef at Pacific Grill as well as the restaurant’s proud owner. Naccarato has traveled across the country studying his passion to bring Tacoma a true taste of excellence. RUNNERS UP: Charlie McManus, Primo Grill, 601 S. Pine St., Tacoma and William Mueller, Babblin’ Babs Bistro, 2724 N. Proctor St., Tacoma.

Best Steak
El Gaucho
2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1510, elgaucho.com
The steak is superb at El Gaucho, thanks to 28-day dry-aged prime and certified Angus beef. Order the 12-or 16-ounce New York Steak, a delicate 8-or 12-ounce filet mignon, or the Steak El Gaucho, a 12-ounce baseball cut top sirloin paired with some succulent lobster medallions — the best of both worlds. RUNNERS UP: Asado, 2810 6th Ave., Tacoma and the Keg, 2212 W. Mildred, Tacoma.

Best Sushi
Two Koi
1552 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.274.8999, twokoi.com
Pull up a seat at Two Koi’s sushi bar and watch the magic. Try a new variation from the classic roll — the Dynamite Roll, a California roll topped with varieties of fish and tobiko with a creamy special sauce. The diverse selection is sure to expand your horizons. RUNNERS UP: Fujiya, 1125 Court C, Tacoma and Gari of Sushi, 1209 S. 38th St., Tacoma.

Best Kid-Friendly
The Old Spaghetti Factory
1735 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 252.383.2214, osf.com
A place kids and parents can agree on. Yum! RUNNERS UP: Red Robin, multiple locations, redrobin.com and The Ram, multiple locations, theram.com.

Best Candy
Almond Roca
1940 East 11th St., Tacoma, 253.593.3000, brown-haley.com
A local favorite for decades. RUNNERS UP: Johnson’s Candy, 924 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Tacoma and See’s, 4502 S. Steele St., Tacoma.

Best Vegetarian
Quickie Too
1324 South MLK Way, Tacoma, 253.572.7679, hillsidequickie.com
Vegan or not, the food is excellent and smart. The service is vigilant and definitely not “fast,” but this chic business prides itself in being the leading Northwest company in the “vegan slow food movement.” RUNNERS UP: Gateway to India, 2603 6th Ave., Tacoma and Marlene’s 2951 S. 38th St., Tacoma.

Best New Restaurant
Merende
813 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.722.1993, merenderestaurant.com
The philosophy at Merende stems from Italian culture. The menu is composed of “small bite” dishes and healthy, fresh ingredients. Enlighten yourself with a lemon-rosemary chicken entrée or scampi alla diavolo. RUNNERS UP: Blazing Onion, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor and Sip at the Wine Bar, 4793 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor.

Best Pizza
Puget Sound Pizza
317 South 7th St., Tacoma, myspace.com/pugetsoundpizza
Have you tried the hipster? Enough said. RUNNERS UP: The Rock, multiple locations, therockwfp.com and Cloverleaf Tavern, 6430 6th Ave., Tacoma

Best Private Dining
El Gaucho
2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1510, elgaucho.com
RUNNERS UP: Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma and The Melting Pot, 2121 Pacific Ave, Tacoma.

Best Hole in the Wall
Infinite Soups
445 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.274.0232, infinitesoups.com
This venue focuses its effort on the food and South Sound readers can vouch for that. And they certainly don’t limit themselves to one “hole in the wall;” they also opened a lunch counter on Commerce Street and frequent the Tacoma Broadway farmers market in season. RUNNERS UP: MSM Deli, 2220 6th Ave., Tacoma and Tatanka Takeout, 4915 N. Pearl St., Ruston.

Best Business Lunch
Primo Grill
601 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.383.7000, primogrilltacoma.com
RUNNERS UP: Pacific Grill, 1502 Pacific Ave., Tacoma and The Hub, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma.

Best Drive-in
Frisko Freeze
1201 Division Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.6843, friskofreeze.com
This fast food joint is famous in the Puget Sound. If you are in need of a fast food fix, pick up a burger at Frisko Freeze, full of grease and flavor. Don’t forget to include a thick milkshake with your order. RUNNERS UP: Sonic, 13609 Meridian E., Puyallup and Frugal’s, 10727 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma.

Best Cocktail
Crown Bar
2705 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4177, crownbartacoma.com
A six-count of something strong and a splash of something sweet — Crown Bar has raised the standard in the art of concocting a cocktail. Sip a Crown and Coke for the house or enjoy a $3 brew by the pint. RUNNERS UP: Harbor Lights, 2761 Ruston Way, Tacoma and Masa, 2811 6th Ave., Tacoma.

Best Sandwich Shop
MSM Deli
2220 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.535.9775
Your eyes won’t believe what you're seeing when you come face to face with a Magical Sandwich Maker’s masterpiece. Add the Mike’s Deluxe to your list of favorites. RUNNERS UP: Antique Sandwich Company, 5102 N. Pearl St., Tacoma and Jimmy Johns, 4027 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma.

Best Outdoor Dining
C.I. Shenanigans
3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.752.8811, cishenanigans.com
RUNNERS UP: Katie Downs, 3211 Ruston Way, Tacoma and Tides Tavern, 2925 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor.

Best View
Stanley and Seafort’s
115 East 34th St., Tacoma, 253.473.7300, stanleyandseaforts.com
RUNNERS UP: Anthony’s, 5912 N. Waterfront Drive, Tacoma and Jake’s, 215 Wilkes St., Steilacoom.

Best Coffee
Forza Coffee Company
Multiple locations, forzacoffeecompany.com
Forza Coffee Company is a popular place in the South Sound. This may be due to the excellent baristas who make up the tight-knit staff, or the signature bean blend from Dillano’s Coffee Roasters. RUNNERS UP: Ohana Coffee Company, 5224 Olympic Drive N.W., Gig Harbor, and Satellite Coffee Company, 2813 6th Ave., Tacoma.

Best Bakery
Corina Bakery
510 South 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.5070, corinabakery.com
Corina can turn out a heavenly treat for vegan, gluten-free or low sugar needs. Or splurge on rich, creamy chocolate and warm and buttery, flaky, oven-fresh baked goods loaded with love. RUNNERS UP: Affairs, 2811 Bridgeport Way West, University Place and Susanne’s Bakery and Delicatessen, 3411 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor.

Best Winery
21 Cellars
2621 N. 21st St., Tacoma, 253.353.2317, pont21.com
This local winery has built its reputation behind a commitment to producing the finest, limited-production wines. Tacoma residents can now hold their glasses high. Coates Winery has rebranded. Look for its products under its new name, 21 Cellars. RUNNERS UP: Trillium, 17812 G St., Home and Stina’s Cellars, 2211 70th Ave., University Place.

Best Brewery
7 Seas Brewery
3207 57th St. Court N.W., Gig Harbor, 7seasbrewing.com
A friendly green team, 7 Seas Brewery unites flavors and styles of brewing to create the perfect pint, moving away from a consumer obsessed culture. Come in and meet beer with character. RUNNERS UP: The Harmon, 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, and Silver City Brewery, 2799 N.W. Myhre Road, Silverdale.

Best Neighborhood Bar
Parkway Tavern
313 N. I St., Tacoma, 253.383.8748,
myspace.com/parkwaytavern
RUNNERS UP: Doyle’s, 208 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma and Tides Tavern, 2925 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor.

Health and Beauty

Best Salon
Salon Miro
1320 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.272.6476, salonmiro.com
Customers at Salon Miro love the artful approach to hair and fantastic customer service. The salon offers a full range of services. Check out their wedding packages, too. RUNNERS UP: Angelo Mendi, 12 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma and Gene Juarez Salons and Spas, multiple locations, genejuarez.com.

Best Massage Therapist
Abrah Zigler, Savi Day Spa
1320 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.627.2000, savidayspa.com
Got knots? Abra has the magic touch and her massages will make you melt. RUNNERS UP: Tammy Bentley, Serenity Massage, 3007 6th Ave., Tacoma and Webster Foreman, Tacoma Family Chiropractic, 1033 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma.

Best Makeup
Bare Escentuals
Multiple locations, bareescentuals.com
This popular mineral makeup makes skin feel as fresh as it looks. RUNNERS UP: Nordstrom, multiple locations, nordstrom.com and Sephora, multiple locations, sephora.com.

Best Hairstylist
Brooke Lockhart, Angelo Mendi
12 Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.284.2842, angelomendi.com
RUNNERS UP: Cheryl Deskins, Salon Miro, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma and Drew Smith, Gene Juarez Tacoma, 4502 South Steele St., Tacoma.

Best Mani/Pedi
VIP Nails Gig Harbor
5125 Olympic Drive N.W., Gig Harbor, 253.851.4545
RUNNERS UP: Julep Gig Harbor, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor and Savi Day Spa, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma.

Best Facial
Gene Juarez
Multiple locations, genejuarez.com
They have an excellent reputation for a reason, and South Sound readers agree — they're the best! RUNNERS UP: Savi Day Spa, 1320 Broadway, Tacoma and Willow Salon and Spa, 2702 N. 21st St., Tacoma

Best Mens Salon
Joe’s Barbershop
1506 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.682.2005, clubbiella.com
Looking for a classic cut? Joe’s Barber Shop at Club Biella is dedicated to the art of cutting hair with razor, a comb and a straight blade shave. RUNNERS UP: Supernova, 817 Division Ave., Tacoma and Tight Cuts, multiple locations, tightcuts.com.

Best Place for Beauty Products
Sephora
Multiple locations, sephora.com
RUNNERS UP: Nordstrom, multiple locations, Nordstrom.com and Target, multiple locations, target.com.

Best Tanning
Desert Sun
Multiple locations, desertsuntanning.com
RUNNERS UP: Pink Coconut Tan, multiple locations, latan.com and Seattle Sun Tan, multiple locations, seattlesuntan.com.

Best Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Karla Bloomquist, Soundbridge Center for Dental Arts
2727 Hollycroft St., Ste. 280 West, Gig Harbor, 253.857.4114, soundbridgedentalarts.com
Dr. Karla Bloomquist of SoundBridge Center for Dental Arts performs her work with passion, putting her patients at total ease. Her satisfied and smiling patients have made Dr. Bloomquist the Best Cosmetic Dentist for the second year in a row. RUNNERS UP: Dr. John Hodges, 33301 9th Ave. S., Suite 125, Federal Way and Dr. Jill Hansen 6659 Kimball Dr. N.W., Suite D401, Gig Harbor.

Best Personal Trainer
Jennifer Nerio
Tacoma Fitness and Nutrition, jenerio.com
RUNNERS UP: Kjersten Salzman, Elev8 Fitness, 606 N. State St. Tacoma and Dusty Kinley, Innovative Fitness, 1105 Regents Blvd., Fircrest.

Best Yoga Studio
Source Yoga
2712 N. 21st St., Tacoma, 253.756.8066, sourceyogaonline.com.
Source Yoga has something for everyone, from new mommies to yoga junkies. RUNNER UP: Bikram Yoga 3907 6th Ave. Suite B, Tacoma

Hotels

Best in Show
Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, 253.238.8000, hotelmurano.com
Friendly service, amazing art and beautifully designed rooms make Hotel Murano a reader favorite. The downtown Tacoma hotel was recently named to Conde Nast’s 2010 Gold List of top hotels (it’s the highest-rated Washington hotel on the list). RUNNERS UP: Silver Cloud Inn, 2317 N. Ruston Way, Tacoma and Maritime Inn,
3212 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor.

Best Kid-Friendly
Great Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99 S.W., Grand Mound, 800.640.9653, greatwolf.com
Great Wolf Lodge was the South Sound readers favorite for best place to stay with kids. It has something for everyone — waterslides for the kids and kids-at-heart and a spa for mom and dad.

Best Service
Hotel Murano
1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, 253.238.8000, hotelmurano.com
RUNNERS UP: Tacoma Courtyard Marriott, 1515 Commerce St., Tacoma and The Best Western Wesley Inn, 6575 Kimball Drive, Gig Harbor.

Most Romantic
Silver Cloud Ruston
2317 N. Ruston Way, Tacoma, 253.272.1300, silvercloud.com
Readers agree that sparks of romance fly at Tacoma’s only all-water view hotel. Look for packages that include deluxe in-room Jacuzzis. RUNNERS UP: Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma and Alderbrook Resort and Spa, 7101 Highway 106, Union.

Best Corporate Meeting
Tacoma Courtyard Marriott
1515 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.591.9100, marriott.com
RUNNERS UP: Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma and The Inn at Gig Harbor, 3211 56th St. N.W., Gig Harbor.

Best Bed and Breakfast
Green Cape Cod B&B
2711 N. Warner St., Tacoma, 253.752.1977, greencapecod.com
RUNNERS UP: Waterfront Inn Gig Harbor, 9017 N. Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor and Chinaberry Hill, 302 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma.

Best Tattoo
House of Tattoo
2701 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.8282
For great art as well as friendly and talented service, this is the place to go. They do piercings, too! RUNNERS UP: Flaming Dragon, 3514 Pacific Ave., Tacoma and Tsunami Tattoo, 3213 S. 38th St., Tacoma.

Business

Best Office Space
Suite 133
703 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, suite133.com
This office space is full of beauty and function. It’s Tacoma’s premier co-working environment. If you haven’t heard, co-working is shared office space for telecommuters, start-up entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and more. RUNNERS UP: BCRA, 2106 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300, Tacoma and Rusty George Creative, 732 Broadway, Tacoma.

Best Large Business
MultiCare
Multiple locations, multicare.org.
RUNNERS UP: Franciscan Health Systems, multiple locations, fhshealth.org and Costco, multiple locations, costco.com.

Family-First Company
Tacoma Public Utilities
3628 S. 35th St., Tacoma, 253.502.8600, mytpu.org
RUNNERS UP: Hammond Knoll, 3320 S. G St., Tacoma and Addison Construction Supply, 6201 S. Adams St., Tacoma.

Best Place to Work
Tacoma Lutheran Home
and Retirement Facility
1301 N. Highlands Parkway, Tacoma, 253.752.7112, tacomalutheran.org
For the second year in a row, the staff at Tacoma Lutheran have spoken — they love their jobs! RUNNERS UP: MultiCare, multicare.org and Franciscan Health System, fhshealth.org.

Best Financial Adviser
Klaudia Conradt, UBS Financial
1160 Broadway Plaza, Tacoma, 253.428.3957, ubs.com
RUNNERS UP: Lynn Syler, RBC Wealth Management, 3312 Rosedale St., Ste. 201, Gig Harbor and Stephanie Shinn, Summit Capital Advisors, 2200 N. 30th St., Tacoma.

Best Bank
Columbia Bank
Multiple locations, columbiabank.com
RUNNERS UP: Sound Credit Union, multiple locations, soundcu.com and BECU, multiple locations, becu.org.

Best Lawyer
Heather Bliss
1105 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.383.5346
RUNNERS UP: James Lynch, 5224 Olympic Drive N.W. Ste.. 104, Gig Harbor and Chuck Granoski, 2626 N. Pearl St., Tacoma.

Best Creative Company
Rusty George Creative
732 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.284.2140, rustygeorge.com
Readers choose Rusty George Creative as their favorite local creative company. Rusty George Creative offers a variety of design and consulting services, working with local companies and organizations like Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Russell Investments, Tacoma Public Utilities and more. RUNNERS UP: Hemisphere Design, hemispheredm.com and JayRay, 535 E. Dock St., Ste. 205, Tacoma.

Best Mechanic
Import Auto Center
6602 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, 253.473.1111, importautoctr.com
RUNNERS UP: Lloyd and Wilson Auto Service, 631 S. Baker St., Tacoma and Ball Automotive, 116 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma.

Best Small Business
Ohana Harbor
Coffee Company
5224 Olympic Drive N.W., Ste. 101, Gig Harbor, ohanaharborcoffee.com
Ohana means family in Hawaiian, and Ohana Harbor Coffee, based out of Gig Harbor (their farm is in Holualoa, Hawaii), operates under the principle that family is the strongest institution. This small business vision resonates with South Sound readers. RUNNERS UP: Green Handyman Services, greenhandymanservices.blogspot.com and Import Auto Center, 6602 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma.

Pets

Best Vet
North End Pet Hospital
3819 N. 25th St., Tacoma, 253.752.2265, northendpethospital.com
RUNNERS UP: Columbia Veterinary Hospital, 5916 6th Ave., Tacoma and Chambers Creek Veterinary Hospital, 7210 Bridgeport Way W., Tacoma.

Best Groomer
Tacoma’s Best Dog Groomer
3411 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.756.7385
RUNNERS UP: Clip-N-Clean, 3205 N. 26th St., Tacoma and PetSmart, multiple locations.

Best Pet Park
Fort Steilacoom Dog Park
8714 87th Ave. S.W., Lakewood
RUNNER UP: Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma.

Best Pet Store
Petco
Multiple locations, petco.com
RUNNERS UP: PetSmart, multiple locations, petsmart.com and Next to Nature, 1624 Tacoma Ave., Tacoma.

Best Dog Trainer
Positive Approach Dog Training
1501 Center St. Tacoma, 253.627.4275, positiveapproachdogtraining.com
RUNNERS UP: Jeanne Hampl, 7898 Gray Hawke Ave. and Janet Miller, 9609 S.W. Cemetery Road, Vashon.

Best Breed
Mutt
RUNNERS UP: Labrador, Golden Retriever

Best Doggy Day Care
Lucky Dog
1610 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.9663
Fido's home away from home. South Sound readers give two paws up to Lucky Dog day care.  RUNNERS UP: Hound Hangout, 414 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma and Positive Approach, 1501 Center St., Tacoma.

Kids

Best Daycare
Our School, Gig Harbor Academy
6820 32nd St. N.W. Gig Harbor, 253.265.2150, gigharboracademy.org

Best Birthday Party Place
Pump It Up, Tacoma
3610 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253.752.5867, pumpitupparty.com
RUNNERS UP: Odyssey 1, 2310 Mildred St. W., Tacoma and Hello, Cupcake, 1740 Pacific Ave., Tacoma.

Best Public School
Stadium High School
111 N. E St. Tacoma, 253.571.3100, tacoma.k12.wa.us
The castle on the hill is not only beautiful, but offers its students a great education. And, students and alumni have a lot of pride voting themselves the best in the South Sound. RUNNERS UP: Hoyt, 3701 N. 26th St., Tacoma and Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, 1018 N. Prospect St., Tacoma.

Best After-School Program
YMCA
Multiple locations, ymcapkc.org
RUNNERS UP: Annie Wright School, 827 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma and Boys and Girls Club, multiple locations, bgca.org.

Best Teacher
Eileen Perry, Gig Harbor Academy
Eileen Perry has been getting kids at Gig Harbor Academy enthusiastic about learning for four years and South Sound readers say she’s one of the best teachers in the area. “She represents what is   about our teachers here; she’s able to have her students learn amazing things with a   deal of enjoyment,” said head of school Vince Fragasso.

Best Summer Camp
Camp Wright
827 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma,
253.272.2216, aw.org
RUNNERS UP: Summer at Seabury, 1801 53rd St. N.E., Tacoma and Camp Seymour, 9725 Cramer Road KPN., Gig Harbor.

Best Private School
Gig Harbor Academy
6820 32nd St. N.W. Gig Harbor, 253.265.2150, gigharboracademy.org.
Teaching kids pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in a variety of unique ways, Gig Harbor Academy incorporates art, field trips, foreign language and more on a large campus.  RUNNERS UP: Annie Wright School, 827 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma and Seabury School, 1801 53rd St. N.E., Tacoma.

Homes

Best Builder
Mike Schwartz Construction
253.848.3865, mikeschwartzconstruction.com
With more than 25 years experience, this longtime Master Builders Association member and award-winning builder is a reader favorite because of high standards of excellence and quality control. RUNNERS UP: Kessler Construction, Tacoma, kesslerconstructioninc.com and Rush Custom Homes, 2727 Hollycroft St. No. 410, Gig Harbor.

Best Architect
Drager Architecture
2607 N. Warner St., Tacoma, 253.593.0131, dragerarchitecture.com
Drager Architecture specializes in custom residential design throughout Western Washington. Expect personal attention and a detailed design philosophy. RUNNERS UP: Belay Architecture, 708 Broadway, Tacoma and BCRA, 2106 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300.

Best Landscaper
Olympic Landscape
4310 70th Ave. E. No. A, Fife, 877.922.7075, olympiclandscape.com
Olympic Landscape offers a wide variety of services, from landscape design and installation to sprinkler service. RUNNERS UP: Clark’s Diversified Services, clarksdiversifiedservices.com and Sprinklers Only, 2703 West St., Puyallup.

Best Interior Design
Calla Lily Designs
7 Tacoma Ave. N., Ste. A, Tacoma, 253.627.5520, callalilydesigners.com
Calla Lily Designs will work with your current design elements and add fresh color, accessories and plants to enhance your space. Check out their store in the Stadium District. RUNNER UP: Sandra Newell Interior Design, P.O. Box 1095, Gig Harbor.

Best Real Estate Agent
Heidi Hurst, Re/Max
253.232.5100, heidihurst.net and Steve Sloboda, Windermere, 253.565.1121, SteveSloboda.myWindermere.com. RUNNER UP: Jo Jensen, Re/Max, jojensen.com.

Best Lighting
Crescent Lighting
3214 20th St. E. Fife, 253.248.4284, mycrescentlighting.com
RUNNER UP: Lighting Universe, 4915 Center St., Tacoma.

Best Neighborhood
Proctor
RUNNERS UP: Old Town Tacoma and Stadium District

Best Hardware Store
Lincoln Hardware
3726 S. G St., Tacoma, 253.472.1425
RUNNERS UP: McClendon’s, multiple locations, mclendons.com and Lowe’s, multiple locations, lowes.com

Best Home Décor Store
Posh Home
2502 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.593.5001, poshhomedesigns.com
RUNNERS UP: Dwell, 2716 N. 21st. St., Tacoma and Calla Lily Designs, 7 Tacoma Ave. N., Ste. A, Tacoma.

Best Nursery
Watson’s
6211 Pioneer Way E., Puyallup, 253.845.7359, watsonsgreenhouse.com
RUNNERS UP: Portland Ave. Nursery, 1409 E. 59th St., Tacoma and Sunnycrest Nursery, 9004-B Key Peninsula Hwy. N., Vaughn.

Best Kitchen and Bath Designer
Signature Woodworks
911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.0805, signaturewoodworksllc.com
The professionals at Signature Woodworks in downtown Tacoma offer kitchen and bath design, drafting services, interior design, cabinetry installation and selection of hardware, plumbing fixtures, countertops, tile, flooring and lighting fixtures.

Romance

Best Place to Propose
Point Defiance Park
5400 N. Pearl St., Ruston, metroparkstacoma.org
With beautiful gardens and waterfront views, how could she not say yes?

Best Dating Service
eharmony.com
Looking for Mr. or Miss Right? Your future spouse is just a mouse click away.

Best Place to Kiss
Point Defiance Park
5400 N. Pearl St., Ruston, metroparkstacoma.org
The zoo. Owen Beach. The rose garden. Or one of several scenic trails. There are many places at Point Defiance Park to plant the perfect kiss.

Best First Date Spot
Tacoma Rainiers Game
2502 S. Tyler St., Tacoma, 253.752.7700, tacomarainiers.com
According to voters, catching a game at Cheney Stadium hits it out of the park when it comes to a great first date.

Best Place to Get Married
Point Defiance
5400 N. Pearl St., Ruston, metroparkstacoma.org
RUNNERS UP: Union Station, 1717 Pacific Ave., Tacoma and Tacoma Country & Golf Club, 13204 Country Club Drive S.W., Lakewood.

Most Eligible Bachelor
Tony Lindgren, 31, Tacoma
Professional engineer at Tacoma Water
Hobbies: Keeping active with basketball and golf; being active in the community; and spending time with family. Ideal date: Having fun and enjoying comfortable conversation.

Most Eligible Bachelorette
Shauna Lunde, 26, Tacoma
Director of Sales and Marketing at the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau.
Hobbies: Hiking, backpacking and happy hour. Ideal date: A long hike, red wine and interesting conversation.

Best Place to Celebrate Your Anniversary
El Gaucho
2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1510, elgaucho.com
RUNNERS UP: Stanley and Seaforts, 115 E. 34th St., Tacoma and The Lobster Shop, 4015 Ruston Way, Tacoma

Best Place to Meet Singles
Doyle’s Public House
208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.7468, doylespublichouse.com
Apparently Doyle’s Public House in Tacoma is the place for singles to mingle. Saunter up to the bar and order your favorite Irish ale, chat about soccer and enjoy some friendly company over something from Doyle’s tasty menu.

Shopping

Best in Show
Nordstrom
Multiple locations, nordstrom.com
Once again, South Sound shoppers have listed Nordstrom department stores as their favorite place to spend their dollars on style. RUNNERS UP: Macy’s, multiple locations, and Bloom Denim Boutique, 4779 Pt. Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor.