Best of Erie Winners and Finalists 2024

Jessica Hunter

Chefs Adam Williams (left) and Dan Kern (right) of Bar Ronin, winner of Best Restaurant 2024; runner-up for Best Chef, Best Burger, and Best Sushi

You're simply the best — better than all the rest.

You've done it again Erie — for 11 years running, the Erie Reader has fielded hundreds of thousands of crowdsourced votes from you, telling us who you think should be deemed the best. The best businesses, people, organizations, artists, restaurants, products, places to visit, adventures to have, experts to hire, etc. — you chose the best in Erie and we're so happy to give these winners their moment in the spotlight.

Every year we celebrate those who always sweep their individual categories, those who have upset some long-standing winners, and those newcomers (like in Best New Business, Best New Restaurant, Best New Band, etc.) who have gone through the harrowing experience of putting themselves out there, investing in an idea, or using their creative talents to make Erie more interesting. Simply, they're the best.

And so, without further ado, here they are: the winners and runners-up of Best of Erie 2024, chosen by you. Congratulations!

All photos by Jessica Hunter (unless otherwise noted)

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Goods and Services

Culture and Nightlife

Food and Drink

People and Places

Goods and Services

Werner Books and Coffee, winner of Best Local Business, Best New Business, and Best Local Bookstore 2024; owners Kyle Churman and Lauren Shoemaker were runners-up for Best Entrepreneurs 

Best Local Business

Winner: Werner Books and Coffee

Runners-up: Romolo Chocolates, Bro-Man's Sammiches

Best New Business (Within Last Two Years)

Winner: Werner Books and Coffee

Runners-up: Bakery on 5th, 5 Iron Golf

Best Locally Made Product

Winner: Smith's Hot Dogs

Runners-up: Romolo Chocolates, Mighty Fine Donuts

Best Car Dealership

Winner: Bianchi Honda

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

Best Bank

Winner: Erie Federal Credit Union

Runners-up: PNC Bank, Northwest Savings Bank

Best Antique Shop

Winner: Copper Carriage

Runners-up: Oregon Antiques, The Dollhouse at Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique

Best Boutique

Winner: Erie Apparel

Runners-up: Grasshopper, Glass Growers Gallery

Best Jewelry Store

Winner: Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection

Runners-up: Dempsey & Baxter, Sacred Piercing

Best Furniture Store

Winner: John V. Schultz Furniture & Mattress

Runners-up: Arthur F. Schultz Company, Lake Erie Woodworks

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, Rejuv MedSpa, Salon, and Wellness

Best Beauty Salon

Winner: Moxi Hair Salon

Runners-up: Coventina Day and Medical Spa, Ambridge Rose Salon & Spa

Best Dog Groomer

Winner: Paws and Claws Pet Resort

Runners-up: Buzz n' B's Aquarium and Pet Shop, Erie Humane Society Pet Wellness Clinic

The ANNA Shelter, winner of Best Place to Adopt a Pet and Best Nonprofit

Best Place to Adopt a Pet

Winner: ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Erie Humane Society, Because You Care, Inc

Best Bike Shop

Winner: 814 Outdoor Sports

Runners-up: John Adams Cycling & Fitness, Bert's Bikes and Fitness

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, Gem City Creative

Best Graphic Designer

Winner: Mark Nardo - Erie Ale Works

Runners-up: Carley Biebel - Epic Web Studios, Marlee Malpiedi - Art by Marlee

Best Advertising Agency

Winner: 814 Digital

Runners-up: R Frank Media, Gem City Creative

Best Law Firm

Winner: Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C.

Runners-up: MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, Quinn Law Firm

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner: Agresti Real Estate Agency

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

Spencer House Bed & Breakfast, winner of Best Bed and Breakfast 

Best Bed and Breakfast

Winner: Spencer House Bed & Breakfast

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

Best Tattoo Parlor

Winner: Ink Assassins

Runners-up: Wayward Tattoo Studio, Steadfast Tattoo

Best Florist

Winner: Allburn Florist

Runners-up: Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses, Inc., 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)

Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat, winners of Best Neighborhood Grocer and Best Deli (photo: Erin Phillips)

Best Neighborhood Grocer

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat

Runners-up: Erie Food Co-op, Gordon's Butcher & Market

Best Landscaper

Winner: Gerlach's Property Maintenance

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 Company, C. Carlin Plumbing

Best Residential Roofer

Winner: Angelo's Roofing

Runners-up: Bauer Specialty, Alex Roofing Company

Best General Contractor

Winner: Great Lakes Construction

Runners-up: Father and Son Remodeling, E. E. Austin and Son

Best Pet Daycare

Winner: Paws 'n Claws Pet Resort

Runners-up: Lucky Dog Stay and Play, Buzz n' B's

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 PBS NPR

Runners-up: R. Frank Media, Erie Multimedia

Best Med Spa

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: ReJuv Med Spa, Salon, & Wellness, Glow Laser & Beauty Center

RISE Erie, Winner of Best Dispensary 

Best Dispensary

Winner: Rise Erie

Runners-up: Curaleaf, Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary

Best Nail Salon

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: M Nails and Spa, Panache Salon and Spa

Best Thrift/Consignment Store

Winner: The Sassy Peacock

Runners-up: The Salvation Army Family Store, AMVETS Erie

Best Record Store

Winner: Legenderie Records and Coffee House

Runners-up: Graham's Records, The Exchange

Culture & Nightlife

CEE Brown, winner of Best Hip-Hop Artist, alongside Eric Brewer & Friends, winner of Best Original Band and Best Instrumentalist

(Photo: Andrew Dalton)

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: 10/20 Collective, City Gallery

Best Community Theatre

Winner: Erie Playhouse

Runners-up: PACA, Mercyhurst University Theatre Program

Best Dance School

Winner: Long's School of Dance

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

Best Photographer

Winner: R. Frank Media

Runners-up: Mike Conway Photography, Katie Mihalak Photography

Best Visual Artist

Winner: Adam Stempka

Runners-up: Eerie Eric Fargiorgio, Kaitlyn Page

Best Band (Original)

Winner: Eric Brewer & Friends

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

Best New Band/Musician (Last Two Years)

Winner: Hotdog Thursday

Runners-up: Piano Punk, Matthew Crays & Co.

Best Cover Band

Winner: The Groove

Runners-up: First to Eleven, Small Town Revolution

Best Vocalist

Winner: Audra Miller

Runners-up: Roy Hollis, Preston Dillemuth

Best Hip-Hop Artist/Group

Winner: CEE Brown

Runners-up: Solo Gambino, THOT Saviors

Best Instrumentalist

Winner: Eric Brewer (Eric Brewer and Friends)

Runners-up: Allen Zurcher (Erie Philharmonic), Jonathan Nolan (The Mulligans)

Best DJ

Winner: Millennium Sound Productions

Runners-up: DJ Bill Page, DJ Tony J

Glass Growers Gallery, winner of Best Art Gallery, runner up for Best Boutique 

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

Food & Drink

El Amigo, winner of Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Taco

Best Restaurant

Winner: Bar Ronin

Runners-up: Federal Hill Smokehouse, Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

Best New Restaurant (Within Last Two Years)

Winner: ippa Pizza Napoletana

Runners-up: Bakery on 5th, Roma's Italian Kitchen

Best Chef

Winner: Stephen Stanbro (Bro Man's Sammiches)

Runners-up: Jean Paul (Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro), Dan Kern (Bar Ronin)

Best Bakery

Winner: Art's Bakery

Runners-up: Herb & Honey Bakery, Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe

Best Coffee Shop

Winner: Tipsy Bean Cafe

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

Best Ice Cream Shop

Winner: Whippy Dip

Runners-up: The Straw Hat Sundae Shop, Whippy Dip 2

Best Chocolates or Candy

Winner: Romolo Chocolates

Runners-up: Pulakos Chocolates, Stefanelli's Candies

Whippy Dip, winner of Best Ice Cream Shop

Best Donut Shop

Winner: Mighty Fine Donuts

Runners-up: H & K Donut Shop, Fuhrman's

Best Dinor

Winner: Gem City Dinor

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

Best Brunch

Winner: Flip Cafe

Runners-up: Gem City Dinor, The Cork 1794

Best Brewery

Winner: Lavery Brewing Co.

Runners-up: Erie Brewing Company, Voodoo Brewing Company

Best Locally Made Beer

Winner: Lavery Brewing Company - Dulachan

Runners-up: Erie Brewing Company - Railbender, Erie Ale Works - Tattooed Lady

Best Winery

Winner: Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co.

Runners-up: Mazza Vineyards, 6 Mile Cellars

Best Distillery

Winner: Altered State Distillery

Runners-up: Luminary Distilling, Erie Distillery

Best Bar Food

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Plymouth Tavern, BIGBAR

Best Sandwich Shop

Winner: Bro Man's Sammiches

Runners-up: Picasso's, Teresa's Italian Deli

Best Deli

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meats 

Runners-up: Gordon's Butcher & Market, Teresa's Italian Deli

Best Burger

Winner: Bro Man's Sammiches

Runners-up: Bar Ronin, Odis 12

Best Pizzeria

Winner: John's Wildwood Pizza

Runners-up: ippa Pizza Napoletana, Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Best Wings

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Park Tavern, One Way Inn

Samauri Kitchen, Winner of Best Sushi and runner-up for Best Asian/Indian/Nepali Restaurant

Best Sushi

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Runners-up: Ichiban, Bar Ronin

Best Food Truck

Winner: Que Abides

Runners-up: A Waffle Miracle, Atacolypse Food Truck

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, The Que Abides

Best Seafood Restaurant

Winner: Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Runners-up: Smuggler's Wharf, Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

Best Asian/Indian/Nepali Restaurant

Winner: Like My Thai

Runners-up: Thai Eatery, Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Best Italian Restaurant

Winner: Mi Scuzi

Runners-up: Colao's Ristorante, Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

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: Cali's West

Runners-up: Teresa's Deli and Catering, Valerio's Catering

Best Waterfront Dining

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop & Beer Garden

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Grill, Sunset Grill

Best Romantic Restaurant

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop

Runners-up: Mi Scuzi, Colao's Restaurant

Best Health Food Store

Winner: Erie Food Co-op

Runners-up: Juice Jar, Dietary Foods

Best Bar

Winner: Plymouth Tavern

Runners-up: BIGBAR, Lavery Brewing Company

Best Taco

Winner: El Amigo

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

People & Places

Presque Isle State Park, winner of Best Park, Best Place for a First Date, Best Place to Take Your Dog, and Best Outdoor Adventure Activity  (Photo: Erin Phillips)

Best Place to Work

Winner: Erie Insurance

Runners-up: Erie Federal Credit Union, Shriners Hospitals for Children - Erie

Best Place for a First Date

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Room 33 Speakeasy, Oliver's Rooftop

Best Place to Take Your Dog

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods

Best Radio Station

Winner: 92.7 Happi WICU-FM

Runners-up: 90.5 WERG Gannon Radio, 103.7 Star 104

Best Radio Personality (or Radio Team)

Winner: Jessica Curry Carlson (Star 104)

Runners-up: Bobbi Bones (93.9 The Wolf), Lou Baxter (LECOM Radio)

Best TV Personality

Winner: Tom Atkins

Runners-up: John Stehlin, Sean Lafferty

Best Filmmaker

Winner: Chronicles (WQLN/PBS)

Runners-up: Everything At Once Studios LLC, Jesse James

Best Yoga Space

Winner: yogaErie

Runners-up: Dreaming Tree Yoga, Barefoot Buddha

Best Theatrical Performer

Winner: Adele Crotty

Runners-up: Matt Fuchs, Kate Neubert-Lechner

Best Nonprofit

Winner: The ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Shriners Hospital Erie, Erie Zoo

Best University

Winner: Penn State Behrend

Runners-up: Gannon University, Mercyhurst University

Seth Trott of Quinn Law Firm, winner of Best Lawyer

Best Fitness Club

Winner: YMCA

Runners-up: ASCEND Erie, 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: Seth Trott - Quinn Law Firm

Runners-up: Kim Oakes - MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, Alan Natalie, Attorney at Law

Best Dentist

Winner: Dr. David Demarco

Runners-up: Dr. Carla Orlando, Dr. Laura King

Best Golf Course

Winner: Whispering Woods Golf Club

Runners-up: The Kahkwa Club, Lawrence Park Golf Club

Best Real Estate Agent

Winner: Max Rankin - RE/MAX

Runners-up: Sarah O'Neill - Agresti Real Estate, Stephanie Montgomery - Coldwell Banker

Nicole and Jason Lavery, winners of Best Entreprenuers 2024; Lavery Brewing Company won Best Brewery, Best Locally Made Beer (Dulachan), and was runner-up for Best Bar and Best Irish Pub.

Best Local Entrepreneur(s)

Winner: Jason and Nicole Lavery - Lavery Brewing Company

Runners-up: Kyle Churman and Lauren Shoemaker - Werner Books & Coffee, Dena Rupp - Purrista Cat Cafe

Best Podcast

Winner: Spotlight 814

Runners-up: Idiotville: Erie, PA's Favorite Podcast, 2 Man Happy Hour

Best Hiking Trails

Winner: Asbury Woods

Runners-up: Wintergreen Gorge, 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: Waldameer Park and Water World, Erie Zoo

Best Wedding Venue

Winner: Warner Theatre

Runners-up: Port Farms, Peek'n Peak Resort

Best Veterinary Practice

Winner: Glenwood Pet Hospital

Runners-up: The ANNA Wellness Center, Animal Ark Pet Hospital

Best Athletic Competition

Winner: Barber Beast on the Bay

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

Asbury Woods, winner of Best Hiking Trails 2024; runner-up for Best Park and Best Place to Take Your Dog

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. Kelli DeSanctis

Best Physical Therapist

Winner: Shriner's Children's Hospital Erie

Runners-up: Ashley & Kuzma Therapeutics, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Best Mental Health Counseling

Winner: Safe Harbor Behavioral Health

Runners-up: AHN Behavioral Health, Barber Behavioral Health

Best Chiropractor

Winner: Iadeluca Chiropractic

Runners-up: Lake Erie Spine & Injury Center, Nash Chiropractic

Best Indoor Playground/Trampoline Park

Winner: Vertical Jump Park

Runners-up: Elevate Trampoline Park, Jumpin' Jungle

Best Massage Therapist

Winner: Coventina Day and Medical Spa

Runners-up: Massage Envy, Monacella Massage & Kinesiology