What are the Best of the Best Awards?
Vote in the Advocate’s 2013 Best of the Best Awards contest recognizing reader favorites from these counties: Victoria, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio and Wharton counties. Results will be announced in our Best of the Best Guide on Sunday, March 31.
All eligible ballots will be entered in a drawing, and one winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Best Overall Restaurant and four Cinemark movie tickets. Click on the ballot link below to review the rules and cast your vote.
2013 BEST OF THE BEST
Best Car Wash: Courtesy Car WashIt takes more than elbow grease to keep Victoria's vehicles looking good. More |
Best Hospital: Citizens Medical CenterFor the fourth consecutive year, Citizens Medical Center has been named the Best of the ... More |
Best Health Club: Citizens HealthPlexCitizens HealthPlex continues its sterling reputation as a top-flight health club being named the Best ... More |
Best Day Spa: The Woodhouse Day SpaWhether experiencing a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or any other service at The Woodhouse Day ... More |
Best Moving Service: U-HaulIt takes more than jobs to make an economic boom. More |
Best Dry Cleaner: Kloesel's Cleaners and Formal WearKloesel's Cleaners and Formal Wear is keeping Victoria starched and creased, which is why readers ... More |
Best Carpet and Flooring: Lowe's Home ImprovementCrossroads residents say Lowe's Home Improvement is the place to go for all your flooring ... More |
Best Automotive Service Center: Big Ed'sFor a four-year streak, Ed Kloesel, owner of Big Ed's on North Main Street, has ... More |
Best Air Conditioning Repair: Victoria Air ConditioningVictoria Air Conditioning has kept the Crossroads cool for 40 years. More |
Best Used Car Dealer: AtzenhofferIf you're in the market for a used car, Crossroads drivers say Atzenhoffer Chevrolet, Cadillac, ... More |
Best Dentist: Gary MuellerDentist Gary Mueller said he makes his patients feel like his friends, so they feel ... More |
Best Dermatologist: Gary CoxWorking since 1979, dermatologist Gary Cox has seen everyone from teenagers with acne to rashes ... More |
Best Hair Stylist: Joe Anthony PenaJoe Anthony Pena deflects much of the credit of being named Best of the Best ... More |
Best Furniture Store: Ashley's Furniture HomeStoreReaders voted Ashley's Furniture HomeStore best furniture store in the 2013 Best of the Best ... More |
Best Optical: Victoria Eye CenterVictoria Eye Center strives to know its patients by name and educate them on what ... More |
Best Music Shop: HastingsCrossroads residents flock to Hastings for their music needs. At least, that's what Victoria Advocate's ... More |
Best Nursery: Devereux GardensDevereux Gardens has been a mainstay in the Crossroads community for at least 50 years ... More |
Best Motorcycle Shop: Victoria Harley DavidsonThis year marks the fourth time Victoria Harley Davidson has been voted by Crossroads residents ... More |
Best Hunting and Fishing Supplies: Academy Sports + OutdoorsAcademy Sports + Outdoors wants to be Victoria's go-to resource for fishing and hunting supplies. More |
Best Jewelry Store: Torin Bales Fine JewelryReaders voted Torin Bales Fine Jewelry store the Best of the Best in the 2013 ... More |
Best Gift Shop: About the GiftAbout the Gift offers a little bit for everybody in its 2,700-square-foot store. Advocate readers ... More |
Best Bike Shop: Bill's BikesBikes are Bill Yeary's specialty, and Victoria Advocate readers seem to agree. They voted Bill's ... More |
Best Western Wear Shop: Cavender's Boot CityIf you're looking for a pair of boots for work, dancing or riding, Cavender's Boot ... More |
Best Golf Course: The Club at Colony CreekThe Club at Colony Creek just made a hole-in-one. More |
Best Place to People Watch: Victoria MallWith more stores filling up the Victoria Mall, it's no wonder the place has gradually ... More |
Best Park: Riverside ParkRiverside Park is Victoria's version of Central Park, and it is a busy place. More |
Best Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-AThis isn't Chick-fil-A's first go at being voted the best fast food restaurant in the ... More |
Best Mascot: Victoria West High School WarriorWest High School Senior Chris Henschen takes being Marvin the Warrior very seriously, which paid ... More |
Best Shoe Store: Dillard'sShoes are an important part of any wardrobe, and Dillard's has a selection to fit ... More |
Best Special Event Venue: Spring Creek Place Event CenterLooking for the perfect place to host your party? What about a wedding? More |
Best Seafood: Baytown Seafood RestaurantWhen you're looking for some good seafood, Baytown Seafood Restaurant is the place to go, ... More |
Best Margarita: La TejanitaLa Tejanita is known for its food, but manager Rebecca Rocha hears compliments about the ... More |
Best Wings: Buffalo Wild WingsIf you are looking for some savory chicken wings, readers say Buffalo Wild Wings is ... More |
Best Department Store: Dillard'sDepartment stores sell a variety of things under one roof. They are the one-stop shop ... More |
Best Insurance Agent: Bruce WoodsWhether it's an after-hours fender bender, a deer hit out of town or any other ... More |
Best Local Celebrity: Gary MosesHe doesn't often walk the red carpet, and the paparazzi don't trail his every move. ... More |
Best Elected Official: T. Michael O'ConnorThese days, the public's regard for elected officials in Congress and similar positions isn't high, ... More |
Best Place to Host a Children's Birthday Party: Magic BounceThe Magic Bounce is plenty of fun, and readers think so, too, voting it the ... More |
Best Clothing Store: Dillard'sVictoria Mall is home to many clothing stores, but Dillard's was voted the best clothing ... More |
Best Athletic Department: Victoria East High SchoolDespite the occasional snafu, Victoria East High School athletic girls' coordinator Yulonda Wimbish-North said she ... More |
Best Convenience Store: Cimarron ExpressCimarron Express was voted best convenience store by readers of the Advocate in the 2013 ... More |
Best Electronic Store: Best BuyElectronic tablet cables, the latest in technology and that CD nobody got you for Christmas ... More |
Best Museum: Children's Discovery MuseumAlthough the Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent went through some bumps in the ... More |
Best Attorney: Tali VillafrancaHard work is satisfying, but the real reward comes in knowing you've treated others fairly ... More |
Best Nail Salon: The Woodhouse Day SpaJeni Garrett, founder and chief executive officer of The Woodhouse Day Spa, was excited about ... More |
Best Professional Photographer: L-Ann ImagingWhether it's a new addition to the family, a couple tying the knot, a kiddo ... More |
Best Pastor/Spiritual Leader: Jim GraffWhen it comes to looking toward a higher power, things can get confusing. Still, it ... More |
Best Funeral Home: Rosewood Funeral ChapelThe death of a loved one is never easy, but a compassionate funeral home staff ... More |
Best Public Servant: Sheriff T. Michael O'ConnorA public servant's life is intense at times. It requires focus, drive and care for ... More |
Best Local Band/Musician: Clay Crockett and the Shotgun RidersArea country band Clay Crockett and the Shotgun Riders was voted Best of the Best ... More |
Best Live Music Venue: Schroeder HallSharon Kleinecke, owner and manager of Schroeder Hall, one of the oldest dance halls in ... More |
Best Dance School: Victoria Strutters at Debbie Bennett Green School of DancingA dance center that has served the Crossroads for more than 32 years was voted ... More |
Best Place for a Business Lunch: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and BarReaders of the Victoria Advocate are making the vote count. The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and ... More |
Best Beach: Port AransasWhat city can go from 3,000 people to 100,000 in one day? More |
Best Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Gary BranfmanWhen Dr. Gary Branfman arrived to Victoria 20 years ago, there were no plastic surgeons, ... More |
Best Cardiologist: Yusuke YahagiBefore performing surgery on patients, cardiologist Dr. Yusuke Yahagi said he wants to get to ... More |
Best Chiropractor: Dr. Shane MorrisDr. Shane Morris and his wife, Gina Morris, have worked together as chiropractors for 16 ... More |
Best Pharmacy: WalgreensWalgreens continues to dominate the Best of the Best competition, being named the top pharmacy ... More |
Best Festival: BootFestThe festival that knocked everybody's boots off this past year was BootFest. More |
Best Tattoo Parlor: In the SkinA change in ownership did not mean a change in excellence at In the Skin ... More |
Best Medical Spa: Fountain of YouthFountain of Youth Medical Spa offers a long list of varied services, placing it at ... More |
Best Medical Clinic: Twin Fountains Walk-in ClinicAvailability. More |
Best Weight-Loss Surgeon: Craig ChangBefore performing any type of weight loss surgery, Dr. Craig Chang wants to be sure ... More |
Best of the Best: Day CareThe day care service at Our Lady of Victory lays down the basic building blocks ... More |
Best Assisted Living: Hospice of South TexasHospice of South Texas is all about compassion. More |
Best Pediatrician: Dr. Stephen DentlerDr. Stephen Dentler has worked as a pediatrician since 1995 and could not think of ... More |
Best Financial Institution: First Victoria National BankWith its founding in 1846, First Victoria National Bank is Texas' oldest independent bank, said ... More |
Best Real Estate Agent: Jimmy ZaplacWhen a person is enthusiastic about his profession and enjoys what he does, it doesn't ... More |
Best Orthodontist: Dr. Robert WestbrookDr. Robert Westbrook, who has practiced as an orthodontist since 1981, came to Victoria in ... More |
Best OB-GYN : Dr. Tony McDowellDr. Tony McDowell said that while he specializes as OB-GYN, he still thinks of himself ... More |
Best Orthopedic Surgeon: Charles DanielDealing with patients and their problems has been a task Dr. Charles Daniel has been ... More |
Best Italian Restaurant: Olive GardenIf you're hungering for breadsticks, pasta and all the delicious things that come to mind ... More |
Best Wine and Liquor Store: Spec's Wines Spirits & FinerFor spirits, wine and fine foods, Spec's has the market cornered. More |
Best Florist: McAdams FloralClay Atchison III thinks McAdams Floral's commitment to its customers is what has earned them ... More |
Best Antique Shop: Market of VictoriaConnie D. Wood, owner of Market of Victoria, is celebrating almost 10 years in the ... More |
Best High School: Victoria West High SchoolGood behavior, academic excellence and professional pursuits have put the Victoria West High School Warriors ... More |
Best Bar: Greek's 205 BarIf you're looking for an after-work place to hang out and perhaps to grab a ... More |
Best Historic Monument: Goliad MissionStepping into the Goliad State Park is like stepping into history. More |
Best of the Best: Place to WorkDeTar Healthcare Systems employees think of the hospital as more than a place to work ... More |
Best Physical Rehabilitation: Warm Springs Specialty HospitalAt Warm Springs Specialty Hospital, individualized care is at the core of physical rehabilitation. More |
Best Retail Customer Service: Academy Sports + OutdoorsFulfill all your recreation needs at Victoria's Academy Sports + Outdoors. The sporting goods store ... More |
Best New Car Dealer: Atzenhoffer ChevroletFor 87 years, Atzenhoffer Chevrolet, Cadillac, Mazda Mitsubishi has built a reputation based on hard ... More |
Best Nursing Home: Twins Pines Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterThe continued recognition of Twin Pines Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as the Best of the ... More |
Best Ice Cream: Marble Slab CreameryStep through the double doors of the Marble Slab Creamery in the Whispering Creek Shopping ... More |
Best kolaches: Prasek's Hillje SmokehouseWith so much stuff hiding under one roof at Prasek's Hillje Smokehouse, it's always hard ... More |
Best Kid Friendly Restaurant: Chick-fil-AChick-fil-A is not like every fast food restaurant in the Crossroads. More |
Best Sandwich Shop: Jason's DeliSandwiches are a serious business. There's such a slim margin between a forgettable meeting of ... More |
Best Wait Staff: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant & Bar |
Best Steak: Texas RoadhouseIf you're looking for a good cut of beef, Texas Roadhouse is the place to ... More |
Best Tax Service: H&R BlockH&R Block has a longstanding tradition of customer service and reliability in the Crossroads and ... More |
Best Pest Control: BugmobilesFor more than half a century, Bugmobiles, a family-owned and operated pest control business, has ... More |
Best Lake: Coleto CreekColeto Creek may feel like it's in the middle of nowhere, but the creek definitely ... More |
Best Massage Therapist: The Woodhouse Day SpaCustomers have a choice when seeking a massage at The Woodhouse Day Spa. More |
Best Picnic Spot: Riverside ParkEven when you don't feel like walking the trails or kayaking the Guadalupe River, Riverside ... More |
Best Place to Bird Watch: Aransas Wildlife RefugeNestled along the Gulf Coast near Austwell is a piece of true nature, so it's ... More |
Best Appetizer: The PumpHouseOffering an array of inventive appetizers to tempt the entire spectrum of tastes, The PumpHouse ... More |
Best Buffet: China B Super BuffetBuffets are convenient and oh so helpful when you are on the go. Diners can ... More |
Best Place to Worship: Faith Family ChurchThe Crossroads is studded with churches in a variety of denominations. Readers have chosen Faith ... More |
Best Place to Meet Singles: Faith Family ChurchEligible men and women can move the search for their perfect match to Faith Family ... More |
Best Bakery: Halepaska's BakeryHalepaska's is a household name in Victoria - whether you are talking about city government ... More |
Best Breakfast Taco: TNTReaders of the Victoria Advocate have voted TNT the best breakfast taco restaurant four years ... More |
Best Breakfast: IHOPBeing open 24 hours a day, seven days a week helps when you serve breakfast More |
Best Barbecue: Mumphord's PlaceOne doesn't simply decide to make great barbecue. It's an art that requires dedication and ... More |
Best Asian Restaurant: Tokyo Grill & Sushi Bar |
Best Caterer: Mumphord's PlaceAfter catering for 13 years, Mumphord's Place has got it down to science - a ... More |
Best Deli/Meat Department: H-E-B PlusThe deli and meat department at H-E-B Plus has been named Best of the Best ... More |
Best Dessert: Halepaska's BakeryDessert is the best part of any meal, and Victoria Advocate readers love the desserts ... More |
Best Doughnut: Shipley Do-NutsSometimes it's hard to start the day off without a little help. That is why ... More |
Best Fried Chicken: Moo-MooChicken may just be chicken, but Moo-Moo's fried chicken is the stuff gods would eat, ... More |
Best Happy Hour: Sonic Drive-InWhen you're looking for a cool drink for an after-work happy hour, readers agree that ... More |
Best Hamburger: Dairy TreetThere is only one Dairy Treet. Perched on the corner of Laurent and Crestwood streets, ... More |
Best Financial Planner: Michele RohdeWith diversified portfolios, retirement plans, college savings and more, the financial world can be tricky. ... More |
Best Family Practice Doctor: Dr. John McNeillDr. John McNeill likes to promote that he is accessible. More |
Best General Surgeon: Dr. Andrew ClemmonsDr. Andrew Clemmons works with multiple medical facilities in the Crossroads, but still takes time ... More |
Best Healthy Meal: Jason's DeliThe old adage says you are what you eat, and those who want to eat ... More |
Overall Best Restaurant: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant & Bar |
Best Mexican restaurant: La TejanitaWhen Rebecca Rocha moved to Victoria, she was looking for a job and decided she ... More |
Best Pizza: Niki's RomaThe Victoria Mall food court offers starving shoppers a range of foods from Chinese to ... More |
Best of the best: Best hotelThe 76 rooms at Victoria's Holiday Inn Express book up pretty fast and will hopefully ... More |
Best Produce: H-E-B PlusH-E-B Plus strives for excellence in food quality and has been named as Best of ... More |
Best Place to Take a Date: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and BarThe PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar is a place for all occasions. Readers voted the ... More |
Best Tourist Destination: Port AransasPort Aransas isn't just home to a great beach. It's also home to great dining ... More |
Best Place to Take Photos: Downtown VictoriaThe changes in downtown Victoria have not gone unnoticed. More |
Best Veterinarian: Dr. John BeckWhether it's a peaked pup, an ailing iguana or any issue in between, Dr. John ... More |
Best French Fries: McDonald'sLike an ice cream sundae without a cherry, a burger with no French fries seems ... More |
Best Volunteer: Gary MosesFor many people, weekends and evenings are a chance to kick back, relax and enjoy ... More |
Best Teacher: David PozziAlthough his subject is not a popular one for most high school students, calculus instructor ... More |
Best Pet Store: PetSmartPetSmart was named for the fourth year in a row the best store for furry ... More |
Best Bed and Breakfast: Inn on Main StreetThe quaint, early Texas vernacular-style home in the heart of Downtown Victoria is celebrating its ... More |
Best Builder: Tony ProkopHouses are fine, but with a few special touches, a builder can transform the structure ... More |
Best Youth Sports Coach: Bennett Green CainDance school instructor Bennett Green Cain was voted best youth sports coach in the Crossroads ... More |
