10th Annual Best of Erie 2023 Winners and Finalists

Jessica Hunter

From nonprofits to hot dogs: Erie's goods and services are what define who we are as a city. Clockwise from top left: Werner Books and Coffee, featured herein, won both Best New Business and Best Bookstore this year; Nothing beats a Smith's Hot Dog and that's a fact; Romolo Chocolates has swept the Best Chocolates category for 10 years straight; And the ANNA Shelter has done the same in Best Place to Adopt a Pet.

This year, the Erie Reader is celebrating 10 years of Best of Erie — 10 years of providing a platform for the people of Erie to give a public boost to their favorite local businesses, locally made food, artists, practitioners, spaces, and places. Unlike other local "contests," Best of Erie has, and always will be, derived from the people who take the time to vote. It is truly a crowdsourced list; there are no advertisement dollars swaying the numbers here. And this list is important to local businesses. The results become the basis of our yearly City Guide, which is compiled from each year's Best of Erie list and helps tourists and visitors to Erie get a sense of the businesses we hold in highest regard.

There have been some local establishments who have swept their particular category every year the past decade and these are listed in a special shout-out list  — Erie is unwavering in their support of these places and that kind of lasting loyalty is special. Other categories have different winners every year, oftentimes in a tight race showing just how much growth, diversity, and new talent Erie has.

So without further ado, here they are — the winners of our 10th Annual Best of Erie Awards! We hope that you agree with the majority of Erie voters that this is a great representation of our region. And if you don't agree, we hope that you'll take the time to nominate and vote in 2024.

​​Runners-up listed in order of vote total

Jump to a section:

Goods & Services

Culture & Nightlife

Food & Drink

People & Places

Goods & Services

Best Local Business

Winner: Romolo Chocolates

Runners-up: Erie Humane Society, Bro-Man's Sammiches

Best New Business (Within Last Two Years)

Winner: Werner Books and Coffee

Runners-up: Flagship City Market and Erie Food Co-op, Rosco's Sports Bar and Grill

Best Locally Made Product

Winners: Smith Hot Dogs

Runners-up: Romolo Chocolates, Mighty Fine Donuts

Best Car Dealership

Winner: Bianchi Honda

Runners-up: Auto Express KIA / Mazda, New Motors Subaru / VW / BMW

Best Bank

Winner: Erie Federal Credit Union

Runners-up: PNC Bank, Northwest Bank

Best Antique / Consignment Shop

Winner: The Sassy Peacock

Runners-up: Cobb's Second Time Around Thrift Shop, The Thrifty Shopper

Best Boutique

Winner: Grasshopper

Runners-up: Glass Growers Gallery, Lollie & Co.

Best Jewelry Store

Winner: Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection

Runners-up: Breakiron Jewelers, Sacred Piercing

Best Furniture Store

Winner: John V. Schultz Furniture & Mattress

Runners-up: Arthur F Schultz Company, Seifert's House of Furniture

Best Local Book Store

Winner: Werner Books and Coffee

Runners-up: Pressed Books & Coffee, Books Galore

Best Barbershop

Winner: Ruiz Barbershop

Runners-up: V's Barber Shop, Colony Barber Shop

Best Spa

Winner: Coventina Day and Med Spa

Runners-up: Panache Salon and Spa, Ambridge Rose

Best Beauty Salon

Winner: Panache Salon and Spa

Runners-up: Moxi Hair Salon, Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Best Dog Groomer

Winner: Paws and Claws

Runners-up: Buzz n' B's, Mud Puppies

Best Place to Adopt a Pet

Winner: ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Erie Humane Society, Because You Care

Best Bike Shop

Winner: 814 Outdoor Sports

Runners-up: John Adams Cycling & Fitness, Competitive Gear

Best Auto Repair Shop

Winner: Bonnell's Collision Center

Runners-up: Bianchi Honda, Kerr's Tire Korner

Best Web Developer

Winner: Epic Web Studios

Runners-up: Erie Multimedia, Amanda Weber

Best Graphic Designer

Winner: Brink Ink

Runners-up: Kevin Fellows (Iron Empire), Marlee Malpiedi

Best Advertising Agency

Winner: 814 Digital

Runners-up: R Frank Media, Epic Web Studios

Best Law Firm

Winner: MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton

Runners-up: Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., Quinn Law Firm

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner: Agresti Real Estate Agency

Runners-up: Howard Hanna Agency, Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services

Best Bed and Breakfast

Winner: Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast

Runners-up: Spencer House Bed & Breakfast, The Victoria On Main

Best Tattoo Parlor

Winner: Wayward Tattoo Studio

Runners-up: InkXspression, Code of Honor Tattoo

Best Florist

Winner: Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses, Inc.

Runners-up: Allburn Florist, Gerlach's Garden & Floral

Best Greenhouse

Winner: Stan's Garden Center

Runners-up: Mason Farms, Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses

Best Place to Camp

Winner: Sparrow Pond Family Campground

Runners-up: Sara's Campground, Camp Sherwin (YMCA of Greater Erie)

Best Neighborhood Grocer

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat

Runners-up: Gordon's Butcher & Market, Bello's Shur-Fine Food Mart

Best Landscaper

Winner: Gerlach's

Runners-up: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors, J J Wurst Landscape Contractors and Garden Center

Best Electrician

Winner: Church & Murdock Electric Inc.

Runners-up: Dobrich Electric, Hilbrich Electric JE

Best Plumber

Winner: TJ's Plumbing & Heating of Erie, Inc.

Runners-up: Wm T Spaeder, Reeves

Best Residential Roofer

Winner: Angelo's Roofing

Runners-up: Brink Roofing, Dougherty Contracting

Best General Contractor

Winner: Father and Son Remodeling

Runners-up: Great Lakes Home Solutions, Matt Krol Construction

Best Pet Daycare

Winner: Paws 'n Claws

Runners-up: Peninsula Pups, Buzz n' Bees

Best HVAC

Winner: J.J. Agnello Heating & Cooling

Runners-up: TJ's Plumbing & Heating of Erie, Nerthling's Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Production Company

Winner: WQLN

Runners-up: R Frank Media, Erie Promotions

Best Med Spa

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: Massage Envy, Rejuv

Best Dispensary

Winner: Rise Erie

Runners-up: Curaleaf, Sunny Side

 Erie's art, culture, and nightlife scenes have always been packed full of local talent and great institutions and this year is no exception. (Clockwise from top left): Winner of Best Museum this year is the newly renovated and expanded expERIEnce Children's Museum; Repeat winner for Best MC CEE Brown always brings the beats; Oliver's Beer Garden wins again for best patio – who can beat that view?; Glass Growers Gallery is a creative Erie staple, taking home the win for Best Gallery. (Photos: Erin Phillips, Andrew Dalton, Jessica Hunter)

Culture & Nightlife

Best Museum

Winner: ExpERIEnce Children's Museum

Runners-up: Erie Art Museum, Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Best Art Gallery

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery

Runners-up: PACA, City Gallery

Best Community Theater

Winner: Erie Playhouse

Runners-up: PACA, Mercyhurst Institute for Arts and Culture (MIAC)

Best Dance School

Winner: Long's School of Dance

Runners-up: Little Dance Studio, Marguerite's Academy of Dance

Best Photographer

Winner: Katie Mihalak Photography

Runners-up: R Frank Media, Lorei Photography

Best Visual Artist

Winner: Adam Stempka

Runners-up: Kaitlyn Page, Eerie Eric Fargiorgio

Best Band (Original)

Winner: Eric Brewer & Friends

Runners-up: Smilo & The Ghost, Six Year Stretch

Best New Band/Musician (Last Two Years)

Winner: Do Not Call List*

Runners-up: Abigail (Abby Barrett-Cieslak), Frontier

*The Reader congratulates Sarah Everhart on her initial win in this category, unfortunately she doesn't qualify (as she is not a musician). 

Best Cover Band

Winner: The Groove

Runners-up: Geek Army, First to Eleven

Best Vocalist

Winner: Lindsay Vendetti

Runners-up: Audra Miller, Brooke Surgener

Best MC

Winner: CEE Brown

Runners-up: Jonny Evans, Dezzy Call

Best Instrumentalist

Winner: Eric Brewer

Runners-up: Abby Barrett, Ron Yarosz

Best DJ

Winner: DJ Bill Page

Runners-up: Erie Wedding & Event Services, Tony Beraducci

Best Irish Pub

Winner: McGarrey's Oakwood Cafe

Runners-up: Sullivan's, Lavery Brewing Co.

Best Patio

Winner: Oliver's Beer Garden

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar, Rum Runners

Best Festival

Winner: Celebrate Erie

Runners-up: Peek'n Peak Fall Fest, Zabawa Polish Festival

Best Music Series

Winner: 8 Great Tuesdays

Runners-up: Celebrate Erie, Sunset Music Series

Erie's food scene grows bigger and more interesting every year. (Clockwise from top left): Sweeping a number of categories this year, Chef Stephen Sanbro of Bro Man's Sammiches – winner of Best Chef – is cooking up winner after winner; Awarded in both the Best Taco and Best Mexican Restaurant categories, Downtown Erie's El Amigo is el mejor; Best Brewery goes to the hometown favorite, Lavery Brewing Company; Mighty Fine is always a crowd pleaser. (Photos: Jessica Hunter)

Food & Drink

Best Restaurant

Winner: Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

Runners-up: Federal Hill Smokehouse, Bar Ronin

Best New Restaurant (Within Last Two Years)

Winner: Bro Man's Sammiches

Runners-up: Rosco's Sports Bar and Grill, Colony Pizza & Catering

Best Chef

Winner: Stephen Stanbro (Bro Man's Sammiches)

Runners-up: Jean Paul (Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro), Martin Firestone (Firestone's)

Best Bakery

Winner: Art's Bakery

Runners-up: Mighty Fine, Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe

Best Coffee Shop

Winner: Tipsy Bean Cafe

Runners-up: Brew Haha at the Colony, Ember + Forge

Best Ice Cream Shop

Winner: Straw Hat

Runners-up: Whippy Dip, Creamland

Best Chocolates or Candy

Winner: Romolo Chocolates

Runners-up: Pulakos Chocolates, Stefanelli's Candies

Best Donut Shop

Winner: Mighty Fine Donuts

Runners-up: H & K Donut Shop, Little Shop of Donuts

Best Dinor

Winner: Gem City Dinor

Runners-up: The Dinor at Lawrence Park, Flip Cafe

Best Brunch

Winner: Flip Cafe

Runners-up: Gem City Dinor, The Breakfast Place

Best Brewery

Winner: Lavery Brewing Co.

Runners-up: Erie Brewing Company, Voodoo Brewing Company

Best Locally Made Beer

Winner: Railbender (Erie Brewing Company)

Runners-up: Dulachan (Lavery Brewing Co.), Good Vibes (Voodoo Brewing Company)

Best Winery

Winner: Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co.

Runners-up: Mazza Vineyards, Heritage Wine Cellars

Best Distillery

Winner: Altered State Distillery

Runners-up: Luminary Distilling, Fuhrman's Cider, Eatery; Erie Distillery

Best Bar Food

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Plymouth Tavern, BIGBAR

Best Sandwich Shop

Winner: Picasso's

Runners-up: Bro Man's Sammiches, Teresa's Italian Deli

Best Deli

Winner: Teresa's Italian Deli

Runners-up: Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meats, Gordon's Butcher & Market

Best Burger

Winner: Bro Man's Sammiches

Runners-up: Odis 12, BIGBAR

Best Pizzeria

Winner: John's Wildwood Pizza

Runners-up: Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sticks & Bricks Wood Fired Pizza

Best Wings

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Park Tavern, One Way Inn

Best Sushi

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Runners-up: Bar Ronin, Ichiban

Best Food Truck

Winner: Bro Man's Sammiches

Runners-up: Que Abides, A Waffle Miracle

Best Place for Vegan or Vegetarian Food

Winner: Erie Food Co-op

Runners-up: The Juice Jar, Like My Thai

Best Barbecue Restaurant

Winner: Federal Hill Smokehouse

Runners-up: Underdog BBQ, Outlaw Barbecue Revolution

Best Seafood Restaurant

Winner: Smuggler's Wharf

Runners-up: Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro, Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Best Asian Restaurant

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Runners-up: Like My Thai, Imperial Buffet

Best Italian Restaurant

Winner: Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Runners-up: Mi Scuzi, Colao's

Best Mexican Restaurant

Winner: El Amigo Mexican Grill

Runners-up: El Canelo, Torero's

Best Mediterranean or Middle Eastern Restaurant

Winner: Bistro 26

Runners-up: Habibi, Casablanca Grill

Best Caterer

Winner: Teresa's Italian Deli

Runners-up: Cali's West, Calamari's

Best Waterfront Dining

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop & Beer Garden

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Grill, Sloppy Duck Saloon

Best Romantic Restaurant

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop

Runners-up: The Cork 1794, Mi Scuzi

Best Health Food Store

Winner: Erie Food Co-op

Runners-up: Juice Jar, Chicory Hill Herbs

Best Bar

Winner: Plymouth Tavern

Runners-up: BIGBAR, Odis 12

Best Taco

Winner: El Amigo Mexican Grill

Runners-up: El Canelo, Bro Man's Sammiches

Erie always has something to cheer for, to celebrate, and to protect: from local sports to our greatest natural resource, our people and places are top notch. (Clockwise from top left): With over 6,000 employees, Erie Insurance is the clear winner for Best Place to Work; Sweeping the category for all 10 years, the Erie Otters are Erie's Best Team to Root For, paws down; Namaste! YogaERIE has also taken Best Yoga Studio for 10 years straight; and Presque Isle is the obvious choice for Best Park (and Best Place to Take Your Dog) each year. (Photos: Jessica Hunter, Erie Otters Hockey)

People & Places

Best Place to Work

Winner: Erie Insurance

Runners-up: UPMC Hamot, Erie Federal Credit Union

Best Place for a First Date

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Oliver's Rooftop, The Cork 1794

Best Place to Take Your Dog

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods

Best Radio Station

Winner: 92.7 Happi

Runners-up: 103.7 Star 104, 104.9 Rocket 105

Best Radio Personality (or Radio Team)

Winner: Sammy Stone

Runners-up: Jessica Curry Carlson, Mojo & A.C.

Best TV Personality

Winner: Tom Atkins

Runners-up: Sean Lafferty, John Stehlin

Best Filmmaker

Winner: Chronicles (WQLN/PBS)

Runners-up: Jesse James, Double Tap Productions

Best Yoga Space

Winner: yogaErie

Runners-up: Barefoot Buddha, PACA Movement Center

Best Tattoo Artist

Winner: Rachel Travis (Steadfast Tattoo)

Runners-up: Jake Miller (Ink Assassins), Johnny Matters (Wayward Tattoo)

Best Theatrical Performer

Winner: Adele Crotty

Runners-up: Kate Thiem, Brandon Vogt

Best Nonprofit

Winner: The ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Shriners Children's Erie, Erie Zoo

Best University

Winner: Penn State Behrend

Runners-up: Gannon University, Mercyhurst University

Best Fitness Club

Winner: Planet Fitness

Runners-up: YMCA, FitnessU

Best Bowling Alley

Winner: Greengarden Lanes

Runners-up: Eastway Lanes, Rolling Meadow Lanes

Best Team to Root for

Winner: Erie Otters

Runners-up: Erie SeaWolves, Erie Roller Derby

Best Lawyer

Winner: Jim Toohey (MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton)

Runners-up: Christine McClure (Knox Law Firm), Chad Vilushis (McCormick & Vilushis)

Best Dentist

Winner: Dr. David Demarco

Runners-up: Beautiful Smiles, Dr. Carla Orlando

Best Golf Course

Winner: Whispering Woods Golf Club

Runners-up: Mound Grove Golf Course, Lawrence Park Golf Club

Best Real Estate Agent

Winner: Jake Scheloske (Agresti Real Estate)

Runners-up: Max Rankin, Carol Dabrowski

Best Local Entrepreneur(s)

Winner: Michael Miodus (Odis 12 Bar and Grill)

Runners-up: Jason and Nicole Lavery (Lavery Brewing Company), Tony Stefanelli (Romolo Chocolates)

Best Podcast

Winner: Idiotville: Erie, PA's Favorite Podcast

Runners-up: Spotlight 814, 2 Man Happy Hour

Best Hiking Trails

Winner: Wintergreen Gorge

Runners-up: Asbury Woods, Presque Isle State Park

Best Park

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods

Best Outdoor Adventure Activity

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Scallywags Pirate Adventures

Best Wedding Venue

Winner: Port Farms

Runners-up: Warner Theatre, Peek'n Peak Resort

Best Veterinary Practice

Winner: Glenwood Pet Hospital

Runners-up: The ANNA Shelter, Erie Animal Hospital

Best Athletic Competition

Winner: Barber Beast on the Bay

Runners-up: Save an Eye Game, Erie Roller Derby

Best Heritage Festival

Winner: Zabawa Polish Heritage Festival

Runners-up: Panegyri Greek Festival, Erie Irish Festival

Best Doctor/PCP

Winner: Dr. Christine (Brown) Agnello

Runners-up: Dr. Pamela Beck, Dr. Brian J. Stark

Best Physical Therapist

Winner: Greg Kuzma (Ashley & Kuzma Therapeutics)

Runners-up: Mary Eighmy (Shriners Children's Erie), Elizabeth Darling (Rise Up Physical Therapy)

Best Mental Health Professional

Winner: Safe Harbor Behavioral Health

Runners-up: Journey to a Trauma Informed Life, Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Service