Food & Drink
Best Restaurant
Theos Estiatorio
A Greek dining experience that’s equal parts elegance and flavor. theosestiatorio.com
Silver: YOLO Restaurant
Bronze: Heritage
Best Waterfront Dining
Shooters Waterfront
Waterfront views and seafood so fresh it practically swims to your plate. A true Fort Lauderdale legend. shooterswaterfront.com
Silver: Boatyard
Bronze: Kaluz Restaurant
Best Family-Friendly Restaurant
Quarterdeck Restaurants
Quarterdeck: where the kids are happy, the beer is cold and the fish tacos steal the show. quarterdeckrestaurants.com
Silver: Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
Bronze: Flanigan’s
Best Caterer
Carving & Craving
Whether it’s a party of 10 or 100, this catering crew brings flavor and flair. carvingandcraving.com
Silver: Kamper’s Kitchen
Bronze: Hugh’s Catering
Best New Restaurant
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Where stylish vibes meet global bites—think craft cocktails, big flavors and brunch that surpasses expectations. earls.ca
Silver: Nubé Rooftop
Bronze: Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen
Best Mexican Restaurant
La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant
Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes—this festive joint is all about bold flavors and big fun. labamba123.com
Silver: El Camino
Bronze: Jalisco Retaurante
Best Indian Restaurant
Bombay Darbar
Spice up your life with sizzling curries and the kind of naan that haunts your dreams. bombaydarbar.com
Silver: MOKSHA Indian Brasserie
Bronze: The Indian Harbor
Best Brunch
S3 (Sun Surf Sand)
Brunch with a side of ocean breeze? Yes, please. S3 is where eggs and elegance collide. s3restaurant.com
Silver: Café Bastille
Bronze: HATCH
Best Cheap Eats
Zona Fresca
Budget-friendly, flavor-loaded Mexican eats that’ll make your wallet and your taste buds do a happy dance. zonafresca.com
Silver: Bohemian Latin Grill
Bronze: Flanigan’s
Best Gourmet Doughnuts
The Hollywood Donut Factory
Doughnuts that dream big—glazed, stuffed and Instagram-ready. Dessert just leveled up. thehollywooddonutfactory.com
Silver: Dandee Donut Factory
Bronze: Parlor Doughnuts
Best Bagels
Bagels & Co
Crusty on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these bagels don’t mess around. thebagelsandco.com
Silver: Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe
Bronze: Goldberg’s Delicatessen and Bagel’s
Best Dessert
The Baked Bear
Ice cream sandwiches as big as your head. Customize ’em. Devour ‘em. Repeat. thebakedbear.com
Silver: Sotogrande
Bronze: Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
Best Craft Cocktail List
Twice Removed
Craft cocktails, cozy corners and the kind of cool that can’t be manufactured—Twice Removed gets it right. twiceremovedftl.com
Silver: The Fitz Bar & Lounge
Bronze: Rooftop @1WLO
Best Wine List
Small Wine Shop
Boutique wines, expert pairings and zero snobbery. A vino lover’s happy place. smallwineshop.com
Silver: Sidewalk Bottleshop
Bronze: MAASS
Best Beer
Tarpon River Brewing
Beer brewed on-site, hearty eats and a laid-back vibe that screams Fort Lauderdale cool. tarponriverbrewing.com
Silver: Orchestrated Minds Brewing
Bronze: Invasive Species Brewing
Best Brewery
Tarpon River Brewing
A unique downtown brewery offering craft beer brewed on-site, paired with a flavorful food menu. tarponriverbrewing.com
Silver: Orchestrated Minds Brewing
Bronze: Funky Buddha Brewery
Best Bar to People Watch
Elbo Room
An iconic beach bar where time stops, the music rocks and the beer never judges. elboroom.com
Silver: American Social
Bronze: Pier Top at Pier Sixty-Six
Best Farmers Market
Yellow Green Farmers Market
Part farmers market, part global street fair, all-out sensory overload—in the best way possible. ygfarmersmarket.com
Silver: The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park
Bronze: The Flamingo Flea
Best Burger
American Social
Burgers stacked high, sports on every screen and enough energy to power Las Olas—American Social nails it. americansocialbar.com
Silver: BMC Smash Burgers
Bronze: La Birra Bar
Best Veggie Burger
Myapapaya
Myapapaya serves up real-deal nourishment that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. myapapaya.com
Silver: Twice Removed
Bronze: Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap
Best Irish Bar
Waxy’s Irish Pub
Pull up a stool, order a pint and toast to good craic and even better company. waxys.com
Silver: The Galway Shawl
Bronze: Briny Irish Pub
Best Bar
Twice Removed
A cozy cocktail bar near the beach offering creative elixirs, comfort food and good vibes. twiceremovedftl.com
Silver: The Fitz Bar & Lounge
Bronze: Patio Bar & Pizza
Best Thai Restaurant
Larb Thai-Isan
A spice lover’s paradise—bold flavors, fresh herbs and heat that hugs you back. larbthaiisan.com
Silver: Thai Spice
Bronze: Nour Thai Kitchen
Best Food Truck/Pop-Up Vendor
Jenny With the Pot
Birria taco pop-up taking Florida by storm, serving fire tacos at various locations weekly.
Silver: Chubby Mermaid
Bronze: Kaminari Ramen
Best Seafood Market
Fish Peddler East
Go-to market for fresh local seafood caught by divers and fishermen daily.
Silver: Finster Murphy
Bronze: Sea Salt Fish Market
Best Japanese Restaurant
TAKATO
High-end Japanese-Korean fusion with views as jaw-dropping as the sushi. takatorestaurant.com
Silver: MISO Japanese Tapas
Bronze: Phat Boy Sushi, Kitchen & Bar
Best Bakery
Croissan’Time French Bakery
Flaky croissants that crunch just right and coffee that’ll make you fluent in French pastry. croissantime.com
Silver: Gran Forno Bakery
Bronze: LoveLee Bakeshop
Best Cuban Restaurant
Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant
Comfort food Cuban-style, with every bite soaked in family tradition and a little garlic magic. padrinos.com
Silver: Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine
Bronze: Colada Cuban Cafe
Best Latin Restaurant
The Chimney House
Hidden gem alert: This cozy cottage serves Latin soul food with serious date-night energy. chimneyhousefl.com
Silver: Bohemian Latin Grill
Bronze: La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant
Best Healthy Restaurant
SoFresh
Wraps, bowls and smoothies so fresh they practically high-five your metabolism. sofresh.com
Silver: Pura Vida
Bronze: Myapapaya
Best Ice Cream
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant
Old-school charm, towering sundaes and a whole lot of whipped cream—Jaxson’s is pure childhood joy. jaxsonsicecream.com
Silver: Kilwins
Bronze: Wilton Creamery
Best Diner
Lester’s
When only pancakes at midnight will do—this retro diner’s got your back 24/7. lestersdiner.com
Silver: Peter Pan Diner
Bronze: Floridian Restaurant
Best Breakfast
Java & Jam
Chic, cheerful and absolutely jammin’—Las Olas mornings start right at Java & Jam. java-jam.com
Silver: HATCH
Bronze: Top Hat Deli
Best Pizza
Heritage
This is not your average pizza joint. Heritage serves up pies that are nothing short of edible art. heritageftl.com
Silver: Luigi’s Coal Oven Pizza
Bronze: Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
Best Deli
Top Hat Deli
A New York-style deli with a South Florida soul—stacked sandwiches and sass served daily. tophatftl.com
Silver: Goldberg’s Delicatessen and Bagel’s
Bronze: Laspadas
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant
PLANTA Queen
Plant-based and posh—this vegan hot spot makes veggies feel like royalty. plantarestaurants.com
Silver: The Hummus House
Bronze: Myapapaya
Best Coffee
Wells Coffee Company
Coffee so good, it’ll ruin every other cup for you—sorry, not sorry. wellscoffees.com
Silver: Java & Jam
Bronze: Press and Grind Cafe
Best Tea
Press and Grind Cafe
Where wellness meets warm mugs—sip your way to inner peace and outer chill. pressandgrindcafe.com
Silver: Wells Coffee Company
Bronze: The Alchemist Café
Best Wine Shop
Small Wine Shop
Big flavor in a small space—this cozy shop pairs wine with personality. smallwineshop.com
Silver: Forum Wine Shop
Bronze: Sidewalk Bottleshop
Best Market
The Flamingo Flea
Pop-up paradise for quirky finds, local art and flea-market flair. flamingoflea.com
Silver: The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park
Bronze: The Riverside Market
Best Italian Restaurant
Anthony’s Runway 84
Red sauce, Rat Pack vibes and meatballs that deserve a standing ovation. runway84.com
Silver: Casa D’Angelo
Bronze: Heritage
Best Barbecue Restaurant
Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Catering
BBQ so smoky and tender it might just bring a tear to your eye. eatsmokebbq.com
Silver: Tom Jenkins BBQ
Bronze: Fat Boyz Barbecue
Best Caribbean Restaurant
Calypso Restaurant & Raw Bar
A taste of the islands with conch, rum and reggae in the air. calypsorestaurant.com
Silver: The Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant
Bronze: Aruba Beach Cafe
Best French Restaurant
Escargot Bistro
Charming, chic and unapologetically French—bring your beret and your appetite. escargotbistro.com
Silver: Rendez-Vous Bakery and Bistro
Bronze: Croissan’Time French Bakery
Best Fruit Bowls/Smoothies
Grain & Berry
These fruit-packed bowls are as photogenic as they are delicious. grainandberry.com
Silver: Playa Bowls
Bronze: Myapapaya
Best Steakhouse
The Capital Grille
Where the steaks are aged, the wine list is deep and the service is smoother than a jazz saxophone. thecapitalgrille.com
Silver: Eddie V’s
Bronze: Daniel’s, a Florida Steakhouse
Best Sub/Sandwich
Laspadas
Subs so big you might need backup—layers on layers of sandwich glory. laspadashoagies.com
Silver: Publix
Bronze: My Market & Deli
Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant
Quarterdeck Restaurants
They offer a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where pets are treated like family, making them a go-to spot for dining with furry companions. quarterdeckrestaurants.com
Silver: Shooters Waterfront
Bronze: Patio Bar & Pizza
Best Meal Prep Service
Farm to Fork Meals
Healthy, ready-to-go meals that save time and taste like a chef lives in your fridge. farmtoforkmeals.com
Silver: Fitlife Foods
Bronze: Factor
Best Seafood
Boatyard
Dockside dining with seafood so fresh, it practically tells fish tales. boatyard.restaurant
Silver: Lobster Bar Sea Grille
Bronze: Sotogrande
Best Peruvian Restaurant
Bravo Peruvian Kitchen
Ceviche, lomo saltado and flavors straight from Lima—get your Inca fix here. bravoperuviankitchen.com
Silver: Manta
Bronze: Sardi Peruvian Cuisine
Best Greek Restaurant
Theos Estiatorio
From grilled octopus to baklava, Theos brings the Mediterranean magic straight to your plate. theosestiatorio.com
Silver: Greek Islands Taverna
Bronze: Ethos Greek Bistro
Best Chicken Wings
Wings Plus Fort Lauderdale
The hot sauce has bite, the ranch is house-made and the wings are crispy, messy and gloriously unapologetic. wingsplusfortlauderdale.com
Silver: Wilton Wings & Pizza
Bronze: Wings N’ Things
Best Chinese Restaurant
Rainbow Palace
An upscale twist on classic Chinese—where elegance meets egg rolls. rainbowpalace.com
Silver: Christina Wan’s
Bronze: Lotus Chinese Kitchen
Best Philly Cheesesteak
Original Fat Cat’s
Late-night hero serving up legendary cheesesteaks with a side of rock ‘n roll vibes.
Silver: Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen
Bronze: The Parrot Lounge
Best Specialty Burger
BRGR STOP
We’re talking mac-and-cheese-topped behemoths, deep-fried bacon-stuffed concoctions, and truffle fries that come with their own fan club. brgrstop.com
Silver: La Birra Bar
Bronze: Rosie’s Bar & Grill
Best Beachfront Restaurant
Casablanca Cafe
Charming vibes, live piano and ocean views—Casablanca is a classic for a reason. casablancacafeonline.com
Silver: S3 (Sun Surf Sand)
Bronze: TAKATO
Best Sports Bar
American Social
Wall-to-wall TVs, game-day energy and drinks that keep the high-fives flowing. americansocialbar.com
Silver: Bokampers
Bronze: Quarterdeck Restaurants
Best Rooftop Lounge
Nubé Rooftop
Sky-high views, stylish cocktails and sunset selfies—Nubé’s got rooftop swagger. nuberooftop.com
Silver: Pier Top in Pier Sixty-Six
Bronze: Rooftop @1WLO
Best Cake Designer
Sweeter Days Bake Shop
Custom cakes so gorgeous you’ll hesitate to slice them—until you taste what’s inside. sweeterdaysbakeshop.com
Silver: LoveLee Bakeshop
Bronze: New River Cafe and Bakery
Best Happy Hour
YOLO
When the clock strikes 5, head to YOLO for bites, booze and buzzworthy ambiance. yolorestaurant.com
Silver: El Camino
Bronze: Boatyard
Best Chocolate Shop
Kilwins
Heavenly fudge, caramel apples and hand-paddled joy—this shop is every chocoholic’s dream. kilwins.com
Silver: Hoffman’s Chocolates
Bronze: Jan’s Homemade Candies
Best Kids Menu
Quarterdeck Restaurants
Mini burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese and smiling little faces—Quarterdeck nails kid-approved eats. quarterdeckrestaurants.com
Silver: HATCH
Bronze: Flanigan’s
Best Taco
Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar
Craft tacos, tequila flights and that funky modern-Mexican vibe you’ll crave every Tuesday. tacocraft.com
Silver: El Camino
Bronze: Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
Best Restaurant With Customer Service
American Social
Where the smiles are as strong as the drinks and your server remembers your name. americansocialbar.com
Silver: HATCH
Bronze: Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen
Best Asian Restaurant
TAKATO
Pan-Asian flavors with a modern twist—every dish is a delicate work of edible art. takatorestaurant.com
Silver: KUBO Asian Fusion and Bar
Bronze: Koi
Best Sushi Restaurant
TAKATO
Sushi so beautiful you’ll hesitate to eat it… but only for a second. takatorestaurant.com
Silver: Phat Boy Sushi, Kitchen & Bar
Bronze: KAIZEN Sushi Bar & Grill
Best Whiskey Bar
Whiskey Neat
A haven for whiskey lovers—choose from hundreds of bottles and sip like a connoisseur. whiskeyneatfl.com
Silver: Stache Drinking Den
Bronze: Hidden Speakeasy
Best Empanadas
Pirata Empanadas
Handmade pockets of joy—crispy outside, savory inside and downright addictive.
Silver: Casa Playa
Bronze: Bohemian Latin Grill
Best Chef
Chef Brandon Salomon at Evelyn’s
A culinary mastermind crafting elevated coastal cuisine with bold flavors and big personality. evelynsfortlauderdale.com
Silver: Chef Ped Phommavong of S3 (Sun Surf Sand)
Bronze: Chef Jonathan Kaiser of Calusso & Sotogrande
Best Take-Out
SoFresh
Quick, healthy and delicious—meals here are fresh. sofresh.com
Silver: Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Bronze: Sushi-One
Shopping
Best Lighting Store
LBU Lighting
Mood lighting, statement pieces and all the sparkle to make your space shine. lbulighting.com
Silver: Capitol Lighting
Bronze: Ferguson Home
Best Jeweler
Argenti Designer Jewelers
Custom designs, dazzling gems and service that sparkles just as brightly. argentidesignerjewelers.com
Silver: Daoud’s Fine Jewelry
Bronze: Sabii Jewelry
Best Fine Jeweler
Daoud’s Fine Jewelry
Where luxury sparkles and every piece tells a story—bling with serious pedigree. daouds.com
Silver: Argenti Designer Jewelers
Bronze: Sabii Jewelry
Best Home Decor Store
Rehaus
Vintage meets modern in this treasure trove of design finds for every kind of home. re.haus
Silver: Oddballs Nifty Thrift
Bronze: Allied Kitchen and Bath
Best Music Store
We Got the Beats Record Store
A vinyl lover’s paradise—where crate digging leads to musical gold. wegotthebeatsrecordstore.com
Silver: Connect Record Shop
Bronze: Vinyl Destination
Best Thrift/Consignment Store
OddBalls Nifty Thrift
One-of-a-kind finds, wild vintage flair and quirky treasures galore.
Silver: Rehaus
Bronze: Out of the Closet Thrift Stores
Best Florist
Studio C Flowers & Events
Petals, personality and Pinterest-worthy arrangements for every occasion. studiocflowers.com
Silver: Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar
Bronze: Flormosura
Best Animal Shelter/Rescue
Humane Society of Broward County
Where second chances begin and tails find their forever wag. humanebroward.com
Silver: Paw Patrol Animal Rescue
Bronze: Abandoned Pet Rescue
Best Pet Shop
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Fort Lauderdale
From gourmet treats to spa days, this is canine heaven on a leash. woofgangftl.com
Silver: Ruff House
Bronze: Auggie’s Pet Supplies & Spa
Best Pet Groomer
Salon Bark
Where pups get pampered like royalty—fur fluffed, tails wagged.
Silver: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Bronze: Foxy Paws Pet Grooming
Best Pet Boutique
Dainty Days Accessories
Tiny bows, glittery collars and posh treats for your four-legged fashionista. daintyday.com
Silver: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming
Bronze: Salon Bark
Best Gift Store
The Wander Shop
Gifting made chic—think boho, local and totally Instagrammable. thewandershop.com
Silver: The Flamingo Flea
Bronze: OddBalls Nifty Thrift
Best Garden Store/Nursery
GardenWorks
A green thumb’s happy place—lush, leafy and full of planting inspiration.
Silver: Living Color Garden Center
Bronze: Flamingo Road Nursery
Best Surf Shop
BC Surf & Sport
Surfboards, skate decks and beachwear with local cred—ride the wave in style. bcsurf.com
Silver: Quiet Storm Surf Shop
Bronze: Surf World
Best Boating/Fishing Store
West Marine
From anchors to zincs, this boater’s paradise has everything but the fish. westmarine.com
Silver: Bass Pro Shops
Bronze: Sailorman Marine Supply
Best Tailor
Needlestitch
Precision tailoring that’ll make your suit or dress look custom-made. needlestitch.net
Silver: The Little Seamstress
Bronze: Marcelo’s Shop
Best Women’s Fashion Boutique
Green and Serene Boutique
Chic, sustainable and totally scroll-stopping—style with a conscience never looked so good. shopgreenandserene.com
Silver: The Wander Shop
Bronze: The Pretty Nomad
Best Men’s Fashion Boutique
The Wander Shop
For the guy who likes his wardrobe like his travels—effortlessly cool and globally inspired. thewandershop.com
Silver: Southern Tide
Bronze: State and Liberty
Best Furniture Store
CITY Furniture
Style for every room and vibe—because your couch should match your energy. cityfurniture.com
Silver: Rehaus
Bronze: OddBalls Nifty Thrift
Best Art Gallery
New River Fine Art
Where contemporary masterpieces meet gallery glamour—your walls will thank you. newriverfineart.com
Silver: MAC Fine Art
Bronze: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Best Bike Shop
Conte’s Bike Shop
From cruisers to carbon frames, this place keeps Fort Lauderdale rolling in style. contebikes.com
Silver: Carvelle Bikes
Bronze: Downtown Bicycles
Best Doggie Day Care
Lauderdale Pet Lodge
A canine country club where your pup plays while you slay the day. petlodgeofsouthflorida.com
Silver: The Barkers Pet Center
Bronze: A Pet Nose Best
Places
Best Date Night
Riverfront Gondola Tours
Private canals, fairy lights and that “just engaged” energy—it’s amore on the water. riverfrontgondolatours.com
Silver: S3 (Sun Surf Sand)
Bronze: Twice Removed
Best Place to Book a Staycation
Fort Lauderdale Stays
Boutique Airbnb-style escapes designed for instant vacation vibes without leaving town. fortlauderdalestays.com
Silver: Latitude Key – Curated Vacation Properties
Bronze: Four Seasons Hotel And Residences Fort Lauderdale
Best Concert Venue
Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
A stage fit for legends—arena acoustics, epic lighting and serious rockstar vibes. casino.hardrock.com/hollywood
Silver: Revolution Live
Bronze: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Best Arts/Crafts Festival
The Flamingo Flea
Etsy in real life—local makers, handmade gems and enough flair to fill your tote bag. flamingoflea.com
Silver: Las Olas Art Fair
Bronze: Indie Craft Bazaar
Best Music Festival
Tortuga Music Festival
Boots in the sand, music in the air—Tortuga turns the beach into a country bash. tortugamusicfestival.com
Silver: Riptide Music Festival
Bronze: Tarpon River Brewing’s Lucky Anniversary Music Festival
Best Swimming Pool/Water Park
Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center
Olympic-size fun with high dives, lap lanes and splash-worthy views of the Intracoastal. parks.fortlauderdale.gov
Silver: Coral Ridge Country Club
Bronze: Pompano Beach Aquatics Center
Best Tour
Riverfront Gondola Tours
Romantic, relaxing and oh-so-Fort Lauderdale—gondola rides through the Venice of America. riverfrontgondolatours.com
Silver: Water Taxi
Bronze: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Best Event
Fur the Love Pet Fest
A pet lover’s paradise packed with furry fun, local vendors and endless tail wags. theloopflb.com
Silver: Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival
Bronze: Tortuga Music Festival
Best Place to Volunteer
Jack and Jill Center
Where giving back is hands-on, heart-filled and always welcomed with smiles. jackandjillcenter.org
Silver: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Bronze: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Best Movie Theater
Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale
Indie flicks, cult classics and a retro vibe—cinema the old-school cool way. paradigmcinemas.com
Silver: AMC DINE-IN Coral Ridge 10
Bronze: Regal Dania Pointe
Best Outdoor Space
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Nature trails, scenic paddling and a peaceful escape smack in the city. floridastateparks.org
Silver: Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
Bronze: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Best Park
Las Olas Oceanside Park
Beachfront lawn, market vibes and events galore—it’s Fort Lauderdale’s outdoor living room. theloopflb.com
Silver: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Bronze: Holiday Park
Best Nonprofit Fundraiser
MS Focus on Fashion (Multiple Sclerosis Foundation)
Fashion with a purpose—raising awareness and funds in serious style. msfocus.org
Silver: Flip Flops on the Dock by Jack & Jill Center
Bronze: Gilda’s Club South Florida Jet Cruise
Best Museum
Museum of Discovery and Science
Dinosaurs, flight simulators and IMAX adventures—science has never been this fun. mods.org
Silver: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
Bronze: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Best Dog Park
Snyder Park
Let the leash loose—Snyder’s got shade, space and even a doggy lake. parks.fortlauderdale.gov
Silver: BarkYard n’ Brews
Bronze: Canine Beach
Best Nightclub
Sparrow
Swanky rooftop scenes, moody lighting and beats that go deep into the night. sparrowbar.com
Silver: Hunters Wilton Manors
Bronze: SWAY Nightclub
Best Waterfront Wedding Venue
Latitude Key – Curated Vacation Properties
Where vows meet views—boutique-style wedding spots make for unforgettable “I dos.” latitudekey.com
Silver: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Bronze: Grateful Palate Catering & Events
Best Classic Wedding Venue
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
History, art and lush gardens make this hidden gem pure wedding-day romance. bonnethouse.org
Silver: Riverside Hotel
Bronze: Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
Best Luxury Condo Building
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
Five-star everything—where upscale living meets beachfront bliss. fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale
Silver: The Residences at Pier Sixty-Six
Bronze: Auberge Beach Residences
Best Playground
Bayview Park
Slides, swings and wide-open spaces—this neighborhood park is a parent’s MVP. parks.fortlauderdale.gov
Silver: Holiday Park
Bronze: Florence C. Hardy Park
Best Elementary/Middle School
Madelaine Halmos Academy
Top-notch academics and character-building lessons—where young minds flourish. jackandjillcenter.org/madelaine-halmos-academy
Silver: Bayview Elementary School
Bronze: Christ Church School
Best High School
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Chiefs pride, strong academics and sports teams that bring the heat. cghsfl.org
Silver: St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Bronze: Pine Crest School
Best College/University
Florida Atlantic University
Big brains, beach vibes and Owl pride—FAU is soaring to new academic heights. fau.edu
Silver: Nova Southeastern University
Bronze: Broward College
Best Building
Pier Sixty-Six
A Fort Lauderdale icon where luxury lives—towering views and timeless design. piersixtysix.com
Silver: The Main Las Olas
Bronze: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Best Hotel
Pier Sixty-Six
With yachts, spa days and sunset cocktails—Pier Sixty-Six is hospitality at its finest. piersixtysix.com
Silver: W Fort Lauderdale
Bronze: Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale
Best Mural
Laudy Bar Craft Kitchen
Bold colors, bold flavors—this eye-catching mural is a feast for the senses. laudybar.com
Silver: LOVE Mural by Cey Adams
Bronze: Linela, the Final Sister of the Sea by Danny Doya
Best Place to Take Kids
Kids Hideout
A play paradise with slides, ball pits and smiles by the minute. kidshideout.com
Silver: Museum of Discovery and Science
Bronze: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Most Instagrammable Place
Nubé Rooftop
Golden hour glow, skyline backdrops and cocktails too pretty to drink. nuberooftop.com
Silver: The Modern Castle
Bronze: TIMBR Restaurant & Lounge
Best Place to Work
Latitude Key – Curated Vacation Properties
Where team spirit meets tropical vibes—because even work feels like vacation. latitudekey.com
Silver: The Restaurant People
Bronze: Demesmin and Dover Law Firm
Best Girls Night Out
Girls Night Out / Heels at Royal Peacock Studio
Heels on, music up—this girls’ night is equal parts fierce and fabulous. theroyalpeacockstudio.com
Silver: O Lounge at YOLO Restaurant
Bronze: Riverfront Gondola Tours
Best Kids Camp
Madelaine Halmos Academy
Where summer’s about exploring, learning and a whole lot of fun. jackandjillcenter.org/madelaine-halmos-academy
Silver: Camp Live Oak
Bronze: Funky Fish Ocean Camp
Best Place to Watch the Sunset
Nubé Rooftop
Golden hour hits differently up here—skyline views and cocktails seal the deal. nuberooftop.com
Silver: Latitude Key – Curated Vacation Properties
Bronze: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Most Unique Night Out
Riverfront Gondola Tours
A night of romance and whimsy on Fort Lauderdale’s Venetian-inspired canals. riverfrontgondolatours.com
Silver: Girls Night Out / Heels at Royal Peacock Studio
Bronze: TIMBR Restaurant & Lounge
Best Vacation Rental/Airbnb
Fort Lauderdale Stays
Where luxury meets local—vacation rentals that redefine hospitality. fortlauderdalestays.com
Silver: The Tranquil Villa
Bronze: The Guesthouse Collection
Health & Beauty
Best Orthodontist
Dr. Christopher Freeman, DMD, MS
Smiles shaped to perfection—Dr. Freeman brings artistry to alignment. freemanortho.com
Silver: JJ Dental
Bronze: Journey Kids Dental
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Keegan Roper, DC of Inline Health & Wellness
Spinal wizardry meets holistic healing—get aligned and feel alive. drkeeganinline.wixsite.com/inline
Silver: Dr. Blake Pennock II, DC of Innove Chiro and Rehab
Bronze: Cohen Chiropractic and Wellness
Best Pilates
Club Pilates South Fort Lauderdale
Core strength meets boutique chic—flex your way to fabulous. clubpilates.com
Silver: Galt Ocean Pilates
Bronze: Reforming Pilates
Best Pain Management Office
Dr. Anthony Giuffrida
Precision care that takes the ache out of everyday life. cantorspinecenter.com
Silver: Slight Motion PT
Bronze: Courtney Adams Massage
Best Hair Salon
Salon Nirvana 954
Blowouts, balayage and all the glam you crave—hair nirvana achieved. salonnirvana954.com
Silver: MaVo Hairlounge
Bronze: Hair Circus
Best Vet
Seiler Animal Hospital
Paw-sitively the best place for furry family members to get TLC. seileranimalhospital.com
Silver: Gentle Care Animal Hospital
Bronze: South Federal Animal Hospital
Best Dermatologist
Z-ROC Dermatology
Skin care with precision and polish—Z-ROC is where beauty meets science. zrocderm.com
Silver: Dr. Mark S. Bernhardt, MD
Bronze: Dr. Thomas Stephen Breza, Jr., MD, PA
Best Physical Therapist
Physical Therapy Group of Florida
Rehab, recovery and results—PT with a personal touch. physicaltherapygroupofflorida.com
Silver: Dr. Ariana Fontenot PT of Slight Motion PT
Bronze: Maximum Fitness Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Best Medical Spa
VIO Med Spa
Cutting-edge care for your glow-up—VIO delivers rejuvenation with style. viomedspa.com
Silver: Amaira Med Spa & Surgical
Bronze: South Florida Center For Cosmetic Surgery
Best Doctor
Dr. Carolina Sueldo, MD
Compassion, expertise and care that make you feel truly seen. ceibofertilitycenter.com
Silver: Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh, MD
Bronze: Dr. William Leone, MD
Best Dentist
JJ Dental
Gentle hands, bright smiles—JJ Dental makes checkups something to smile about. jjdental.com
Silver: My Dentist of Fort Lauderdale
Bronze: Journey Kids Dental
Best Hair Implant Specialist
Sierra Robotic Hair Restoration Institute
High-tech hair miracles for your comeback story. sierrarobotic.com
Silver: Dr. Brett Bolton of Great Hair Transplants
Bronze: Dr. Matt Huebner of Natural Transplants, Hair Restoration Clinic
Best Personal Trainer
Justin Azzey
Motivation, movement and muscle—all powered by Justin’s dynamic energy. riseathleticswellness.com
Silver: Tim Parker of T Parker Training
Bronze: Mariah Ancona of Rise Athletics & Wellness
Best Crossfit
CrossFit SoFlow
High-intensity workouts and a community that lifts as hard as it sweats. crossfitsoflow.com
Silver: Riptide CrossFit
Bronze: Symmetry Fitness & Performance
Best Cycle Studio
CYCLEBAR – Fort lauderdale
Spin class with nightclub energy—pedal, pulse and party. cyclebar.com
Silver: Cycleward Studio
Bronze: GVO Cycle
Best Gym
Symmetry Fitness & Performance
Strength, sweat and structure—your goals, their mission. mysymmetryfitness.com
Silver: Rise Athletics & Wellness
Bronze: MC Fitness Training
Best Yoga
Las Olas Yoga
Balance, breath and bliss—find your zen in the heart of the city. lasolas.yoga
Silver: Yoga Joint
Bronze: SOL Yoga
Best Barbershop
Noblemen’s Cut and Shave
Classic cuts and straight-razor style—where grooming is elevated to an art form. noblemenscs.com
Silver: Joe’s Barber Shop
Bronze: ManKind Grooming & Services
Best Fitness Classes
Rise Athletics & Wellness
From HIIT to mobility, Rise serves up sweat sessions with serious impact. riseathleticswellness.com
Silver: Symmetry Fitness & Performance
Bronze: Club Pilates South Fort Lauderdale
Best Occupational Therapist
Florida Hand Therapy & Rehabilitation
Helping hands recover stronger—specialized care with a personal touch.
Silver: Paving Ways Therapy Services
Bronze: SoFloPT SPORT
Best Place to Get Fillers/Injections
VIO Med Spa
Expert injectors, subtle enhancements—hello, flawless face. viomedspa.com
Silver: Amaira Med Spa & Surgical
Bronze: South Florida Center For Cosmetic Surgery
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh, MD
Precision, artistry and beautiful results—cosmetic confidence starts here. floridacentercosmetic.com
Silver: Dr. Michael J. Frederick, MD of Le Spa Plastic Surgery
Bronze: Dr. Sanam Zahedi, MD
Best Hearing Specialist
Janine Ramirez, HAS of Hear Again America
Expert hearing care that turns “What?” into “Wow!” hearagainamerica.com
Silver: Dr. Valerie Rossetti, AUD of Florida Hearing Matters
Bronze: Dr. William Roach of Ascent Audiology and Hearing
Best Nail Salon
Holi Nails
Manicures with flair—Holi turns your fingertips into works of art. holinails.com
Silver: Em Nail Lounge
Bronze: The Nail Room by Jossie
Local People & Personalities
Best Talk Show Host
Kristin Sanchez
Charming, quick-witted and always in the know—Kristin keeps the convo flowing.
Silver: Dan Le Batard
Bronze: Zach Krantz
Best DJ
DJ JoyJoy
Spinning energy, attitude and epic beats—JoyJoy owns every room she enters.
Silver: DJ Grizzlii
Bronze: DJ Ricky Fatts
Best Local Lifestyle Blog
Living a Fairytail
A dreamy scroll through food, hotels and dog-mom life—with a dash of sparkle. livingafairytail.com
Silver: The Lauderdale Local
Bronze: Lauderbabe
Best Television News Reporter/Male
Andrew Perez of WPLG Local 10
Hard-hitting stories and on-the-ground energy—Andrew brings journalism to life.
Silver: Austin Carter of CBS
Bronze: Jawan Strader of NBC 6
Best Television News Reporter/Female
Saira Anwer of WPLG Local 10
Fearless, sharp and always ready to chase the lead—Saira is the real deal.
Silver: Jenise Fernandez of WPLG Local 10
Bronze: Julia Bagg of NBC 6
Best News Anchorwoman
Saira Anwer of WPLG Local 10
Delivering the news with smarts, style and a smile that commands the screen.
Silver: Kristi Krueger of WPLG Local 10
Bronze: Nicole Perez of WPLG Local 10
Best News Anchorman
Louis Aguirre of WPLG Local 10
Charismatic, credible and always camera-ready—Louis keeps South Florida informed and inspired.
Silver: Calvin Hughes of WPLG Local 10
Bronze: Eric Yutzy of WPLG Local 10
Best Morning Radio Show
The Paul Castronovo Show
Witty banter, local love and laugh-out-loud commentary—South Florida’s morning soundtrack. big1059.iheart.com
Silver: TC & Dina B on Kiss Country
Bronze: Joe Rose Show of AM 560 Sports WQAM
Best Radio Talk Show Host
Paul Castronovo
The voice of the people (and your car ride) with a mic full of opinions and charm. big1059.iheart.com
Silver: The Joe Rose Show on AM 560 Sports WQAM
Bronze: Julie Guy & Tamara G. on 101.5 LITE FM
Best Television Sportscaster
Will Manso of WPLG Local 10
Passion, precision and playoff hype—Will delivers sports with style.
Silver: Amanda Guerra of CBS
Bronze: Jim Berry of CBS
Best Local Fashion Designer
Danielle Gaudreau of The Pretty Nomad
Runway-ready looks with Fort Lauderdale flair—chic meets custom couture. theprettynomad.com
Silver: Jypsea Local
Bronze: Montce
Best Photographer
Mr. Paw Portraits
Capturing fur-babies in all their glory—because your dog deserves a headshot. mrpawportraits.com
Silver: Silvana González Photography
Bronze: Halle Alessia Photography
Best Local News Station
WPLG Local 10
Breaking news, community stories and trusted coverage you can count on. local10.com
Silver: NBC 6
Bronze: WSVN 7 News
Best Morning News Anchorman
Eric Yutzy of WPLG Local 10
Your go-to guy for morning news, coffee-fueled energy and reliable reporting.
Silver: Kris Anderson of NBC 6
Bronze: Andrew Perez of WPLG Local 10
Best Morning News Anchorwoman
Alex Finnie of WPLG Local 10
Early riser with poise and presence—Alex is the sunshine in your morning news.
Silver: Constance Jones of NBC 6
Bronze: Saira Anwer of WPLG Local 10
Best Television Meteorologist/Male
Brandon Orr of WPLG Local 10
Always one step ahead of the storm—Brandon makes weather watching worth it.
Silver: Adam Berg of NBC 6
Bronze: Ryan Phillips of NBC 6
Best Television Meteorologist/Female
Betty Davis of WPLG Local 10
Forecasting with flair—Betty’s bright personality shines through rain or shine.
Silver: Julie Durda of WPLG Local 10
Bronze: Vivian Gonzalez of WSVN Local 7
Best Influencer
Nubs the Pups
One look at Nubs and you’re in love—this pup’s pawsitively a social media star. instagram.com/nubsthepups
Silver: Tour With Teddy
Bronze: Devon Miller
Best Dolphins Player
Tua Tagovailoa
Leading the Fins with poise and precision—Tua’s arm is Miami’s magic weapon. miamidolphins.com
Silver: Tyreek Hill
Bronze: Jaylen Waddle
Best Heat Player
Tyler Herro
Cool under pressure and lethal from three—Herro lives up to his name nightly. nba.com
Silver: Bam Adebayo
Bronze: Nikola Jović
Best Panthers Player
Matthew Tkachuk
Power, presence and pure hustle—Tkachuk skates circles around the competition. nhl.com
Silver: Aleksander Barkov
Bronze: Sam Reinhart
Best Marlins Player
Sandy Alcantara
Ace on the mound, humble off the field—Sandy’s pitching is poetry in motion. mlb.com
Silver: Connor Norby
Bronze: Javier Sanoja
Best Band
Tasty Vibrations
Funky, feel-good jams that make every gig a dance party—vibes guaranteed. tastyvibrations.com
Silver: AudioCrash
Bronze: Smirk Douglas
Best Male Athlete
Matthew Tkachuk of Florida Panthers
Ice-cold plays with fire in his skates—Tkachuk leads the Panthers with grit and goals. nhl.com
Silver: Aleksander Barkov
Bronze: Lionel Messi
Best Female Athlete
Coco Gauff
A tennis phenom with fierce focus—Coco’s serves are fast and her star is rising.
Silver: Casey Anderson of Flagler Village CrossFit
Bronze: Lilly Zinn
Best Local Radio Station
99.9 Kiss Country
Country hits, local love and feel-good tunes that ride shotgun with you daily. audacy.com
Silver: 104.3 The Shark
Bronze: WLRN-FM
Best Lawyer
Justin Weinstein of Weinstein Legal Team
Tough in the courtroom, thoughtful with clients—Justin fights for what’s right. thelawofwe.com
Silver: Matthew Gelber of Gelber Law Group
Bronze: Jeffrey Fauer of Tripp Scott
Best Videographer
23 Odd
Visuals that stop the scroll—cinematic magic from lens to screen.
Silver: Maxson Media
Bronze: Antonella Bacco
Services
Best Sports Team
Florida Panthers
Hard-hitting, fast-skating and Fort Lauderdale proud—go Cats! nhl.com
Silver: Miami Dolphins
Bronze: Inter Miami CF
Best Developer
Paterson Project Management
From blueprint to brilliance—boutique development done right. patersondevelopment.com
Silver: Stiles
Bronze: Miller Construction Company
Best Financial Group/Advisor
Global Wealth Management
Financial futures made brighter—smart advice with local heart. askglobalwealth.com
Silver: Darlene Cerezo Swaffar of Sunshine Insurance Associates
Bronze: The Las Olas Group – Morgan Stanley
Best Work Spaces
General Provision Downtown
A cool space that encourages a collaboration and serious productivity. generalprovision.com
Silver: Axis Space
Bronze: Pipeline Workspaces
Best Interior Designer
Manhas Design
Spaces with soul—where elegance and individuality meet. manhasdesign.com
Silver: Daniela Araya
Bronze: Jaime Blomquist
Best Real Estate Group
Balistreri Real Estate
Local legacy, luxury listings and agents who hustle. balistreri.com
Silver: Heather | Ashleay Team of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Bronze: The Vairo Group
Best Realtor
Erica Simas of Balistreri Real Estate
Market savvy, negotiation skills and next-level client care. balistreri.com
Silver: Heather | Ashleay Team of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Bronze: Joe Vairo of The Vairo Group
Best Mural Artist
Claudia Aguilera
Vibrant walls and voices—Claudia brings bold beauty to Fort Lauderdale streets. clauaguilera.com
Silver: Lori Patrico
Bronze: Aaron Karl Bodden
Best PR Agency
Durée & Company
Big buzz, smart strategy—Durée’s team gets the town talking. dureeandcompany.com
Silver: Pierson Grant Public Relations
Bronze: Brustman Carrino Public Relations
Best Ad Agency
Emazing Marketing
Creative minds, digital mastery and results that wow. emazingmktg.com
Silver: Bullseye Strategy
Bronze: White Cloud Media Group
Best Retirement Community
Allegro
Luxury living for your golden years—care, comfort and community. allegroliving.com
Silver: John Knox Village
Bronze: Belmont Village
Best Residential Roofer
The Roof Xperts
Tried, true and leak-proof—your roof’s best friend. theroofxperts.com
Silver: Kairos Roofing
Bronze: Chase Roofing
Best Commercial Roofer
Best Roofing
From high-rises to warehouses, these pros keep businesses covered. bestroofing.net
Silver: The Roof Xperts
Bronze: Chase Roofing
Best Law Firm
Demesmin and Dover Law Firm
Fighting for justice with passion, precision and client-first service. youraccidentattorneys.com
Silver: Weinstein Legal Team
Bronze: Tripp Scott
Best Landscaping Company
Design & Cut Landscape Services Inc
Your dream yard, delivered—lush, level and envy-worthy. designandcutlandscape.com
Silver: Saborio Landscaping Services LLC
Bronze: Ted Conner Landscaping
Best Funeral Director
John Lilli at Dignity Memorial
Recognized for his compassionate care, he guides families through their most challenging moments with kindness, sensitivity and professionalism. dignitymemorial.com
Silver: James C. Boyd Funeral Home
Bronze: Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home and Cremation Center
Best Life Coach
Bryleigh Hansen
Empowering minds, unlocking goals—coaching with heart and hustle. coachbryleigh.com
Silver: Jackie Nepola
Bronze: Natalie Schneider of Amazing Transition Coaching
Best Architecture Firm
Austin Fox Architecture
Designs that inspire—where creativity meets craft. af-architect.com
Silver: Architect Bruce Celenski, Inc.
Bronze: Stiles
Best Car Wash
Majestic Car Wash & Detail Center
Because your car deserves a spa day too—spotless and shining every time. majesticcarwashflorida.com
Silver: El Car Wash
Bronze: Sparkling Image Car Wash
Best Massage Therapist
Courtney Adams Massage
Tension? What tension? Courtney’s got the healing hands of magic. courtneyadamsmassage.com
Silver: Beata Jeziorska Massage
Bronze: Carlos Blain LMT
Best Networking Group
Emerge Broward
Young professionals making power moves and meaningful connections. emergebroward.org
Silver: Biz Babes Social
Bronze: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Best Cleaning Service
Kleen1
Spotless homes and happy clients—cleaning made classy. kleen1.com
Silver: Shaka Cleans
Bronze: LED Cleanz LLC
Motors
Best Car Dealership
Holman Motorcars
Where horsepower meets high-end—luxury cars and white-glove service included. holmanmotorcars.com
Silver: Rick Case Automotive Group
Bronze: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale
Best Boat Broker
Anthony Gathercole of 26 North Yachts
Luxury on the water starts with the right broker—and Anthony’s the one. 26northyachts.com
Silver: Jordan Thompson of OneWater Yacht Group
Bronze: Nicholas Scherb of 26 North Yachts
Best Boat Dealer
26 North Yachts
Boutique yacht brokerage specializing in luxury yacht sales, charters and curated experiences. 26northyachts.com
Silver: David Walters Yachts
Bronze: Bobby Giancola of Denison Yachting
Best Marina
Pier Sixty-Six Marina
Yachts, views and world-class service—this marina is nautical luxury at its best. piersixtysixmarina.com
Silver: Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Bronze: Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center
Best Boats
Denison Yachting
A global yacht brokerage offering luxury yacht sales, charters and full service with top-tier support. denisonyachtsales.com
Silver: Water Taxi
Bronze: Flamingo Yacht Charters & Boat Rentals
Best Fishing Charter
ReeLit Charters
Cast off with confidence—these captains know where the fish are biting. reelitcharters.com
Silver: Fishing Headquarters
Bronze: Pontoon Party
3 comments
Some of these winners definitely embody some of the best that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.
That being said,, it’s also quite concerning that some restaurants that have been closed for health code violations multiple times also appear on these lists.
Best Marina?
Bradford Marine
What about dog walker/ pet sitter?