Best of the Press helps highlight your favorite local businesses, people, places, products and services as we continue to grow our engagement. I love to see the variety of businesses our readers vote to be the best of the Press. A few years ago I received a signed autographed Best of the Press from a local restaurant. They thought they had the best entrée and in my mind I think they did, but the challenge was the readers voted for someone else. It didn’t elevate other than businesses stole the shell. Once they started promoting that entrée, it clearly became a topic in our community. Thank you to our readers and businesses who help us make best of the press a success in our communities. In 2023, our votes drew 16% compared to 2022 59,629. It’s clear we have some of the best reader engagement in the Northeast Metro. So as you’re out and about, please help us recognize those who have made readers choice Best of the Press, and those who should be in 2024. With that congratulations and thank you.
Mary Peterson Lead Designer art@presspubs.com
Laurie Ericson Designer art@presspubs.com
Brianna Luecken Circulation circ@presspubs.com
Paul Dols Photo Journalist photos@presspubs.com
BEST LOCAL SINGER/VOCALIST
Gary LaRue
FINALISTS
• Jake Nelson
• Lauren Redpath
BEST OUTDOOR EVENT
Good Neighbor Days
FINALISTS:
• Marketfest
• Lions Club Centerville Fishing Contest
BEST SPORTS MOVIE “The Waterboy”
FINALISTS:
• “Remember the Titans” “Hoosiers”
and Finalists
Carter Johnson Publisher
EATING & DRINKING
BEST APPETIZER
Lucy’s Burgers – Tator Tots
FINALISTS
Blue Heron Grill – Walleye Fingers
Rudy’s Redeye Grill – Onion Rings
• Campanelle Restaurant and Bar – Pickle Fries
BEST APPETIZER SELECTION
Blue Heron Grill
FINALISTS
Lucy’s Burgers
Rudy’s Redeye Grill
BEST BAR
Rudy’s Redeye Grill
FINALISTS
American Legion Post 620
Blue Heron Grill
BEST BBQ RIBS
Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill
FINALISTS
• Sal’s Angus Grill
• Cabin 61
BEST BEER SELECTION
Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill
FINALISTS
Blue Heron Grill
MC’s Taphouse
Tavern on Main
BEST BLOODY MARY
Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster
FINALISTS
American Legion Post 620
Kelly’s Korner Pub
BEST BREAKFAST
Key’s Cafe & Bakery
FINALISTS
• Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster
• Cobblestone Cafe
BEST BREWERY
Big Wood Brewery
FINALISTS
• Lift Bridge Brewery
• White Bear Meadery
BEST BURRITOS
Red Luna Taco Factory
FINALISTS
Fiesta Cancun Grill & Bar
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
BEST CHEESE CURDS
Rudy’s Redeye Grill
FINALISTS
Tavern on Main
American Legion Post 620
BEST CHICKEN
Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster
FINALISTS
Bear Town Bar & Grill
Old Log Cabin
BEST CHOW MEIN
Orchid Restaurant
FINALISTS
• Amian Chinese Restaurant
• A sian to Go
BEST COFFEE
Coffeesmith
FINALISTS
Caribou Coffee
Dunkin’
BEST DELI
Festival Foods
FINALISTS
Grundhofer’s Old Fashioned Meats
Kowalski’s Markets
BEST FAJITAS
Red Luna Taco Factory
FINALISTS
Fiesta Cancun Grill & Bar
Blue Heron Grill
BEST FAST FOOD
Red Luna Taco Factory
FINALISTS
Subway
• Jersey Mike’s
BEST FISH FRY
St. John’s Men’s Club
FINALISTS
• Cabin 61
• St. Genevieve Church
BEST FRENCH FRIES
Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster FINALISTS
• McDonald’s
• VFW Post 1782
BEST FRIED RICE
Orchid Restaurant
FINALISTS
• Amian Chinese Restaurant
• Joy Garden
BEST GROCERY STORE
Festival Foods
FINALISTS
• Kowalski’s Markets
• Cub - White Bear Township
BEST HAMBURGER
Lucy’s Burgers FINALISTS
Cabin 61
• Blacksmith Lounge & Broaster
• Burger Bar WBL
BEST HAPPY HOUR
Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub – White Bear Lake
FINALISTS
• Rudy’s Redeye Grill
• Blue Heron Grill
BEST ICE CREAM CONE
Boom’s Ice Cream Shop FINALISTS
• Cup and Cone
• Pizza Man & The Corner Malt Shop
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Donatelli’s FINALISTS
• Campanelle Restaurant & Bar
• Panino’s
BEST LASAGNA
Donatelli’s FINALISTS
Wiseguys Pizza
Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub – White Bear Lake
BEST LUNCH
Lucy’s Burgers
Wiseguys Pizza
FINALISTS
Blue Heron Grill
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Rudy’s Redeye Grill
FINALISTS
• Blue Heron Grill
• Brickhouse Food and Drink
EATING & DRINKING
BEST PHO SOUP
Orchid Restaurant
FINALISTS
• Zen Asia
• Vietnam Star Restaurant
BEST PIE
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
FINALISTS
Key’s Cafe & Bakery
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
BEST PIZZA
Wiseguys Pizza
Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub — White Bear Lake
FINALISTS
• Red’s Savoy Pizza
BEST RESTAURANT
Rudy’s Redeye Grill
FINALISTS
• Blue Heron Grill
Lucy’s Burgers
BEST SALAD Campanelle Restaurant & Bar
FINALISTS
• Blue Heron Grill
• Tria Restaurant
BEST SEAFOOD
Red Lobster
FINALISTS
• Acqua Restaurant
• Mizu Japanese
BEST SOUP
Eat! @ Banning and Fifth FINALISTS
• Lunds & Byerlys - White Bear Lake
• Quinny’s Sports Pub and Grill
BEST STEAK DINNER
Gordy’s Steakhouse FINALISTS
Porterhouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant
Blacksmith Lounge and Broaster
BEST STIR FRY
Lee Ann Chin FINALISTS
A sian to Go
• Zen Asia
BEST SUB/SANDWICH
Subway FINALISTS
• Jersey Mike’s
• Cup and Cone
BEST TACOS
Red Luna Taco Factory FINALISTS
Fiesta Cancun Blue Heron Grill
BEST WALLEYE DINNER
Rudy’s Redeye Grill
FINALISTS
• Sal’s Angus Grill
• Old Log Cabin
BEST WINE SELECTION
Haskell’s — White Bear Lake FINALISTS
• 7 Vines Vineyard
• MGM Liquors - Hugo
At the core of every great company stands a hard-working staff. So as the leading HVAC and plumbing team in Minnesota, it’s no surprise that Krinkie’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing is no different. In fact, we can confidently say that there’s no team of plumbers and HVAC contractors in St. Paul, MN, that is more passionate, committed and experienced than ours. From the quality of our craftsmanship to the dedication of our team, homeowners who put their trust in our team are choosing long-lasting home comfort solutions—and endless peace of mind.
At Krinkie’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, delivering it’s a guarantee. That’s because our team is dedicated to keeping our clients’ homes comfy all year long. But fear not: Our promises don’t stop there. From outlining the quality of our services to defining the superiority of out care, our code of ethics is what we stand behind—and makes us stand out.
HEALTH & FITNESS
BEST ASSISTED LIVING/SENIOR CARE FACILITY
Good Life Senior Living
5260 127th St. N., Hugo
651-426-1999
goodlifesl.com
At Good Life, we provide arrangements for Memory Care and Assisted Living Suites. In addition to the amenities that are included with each of these programs, we also offer activities to keep our residents engaged with the community they are living in…If you are looking for care for your loved one who struggles with Memory, Dementia, or just needs Assisted Care, at Good Life we offer a smaller, more intimate, and more personal setting for our residents to call home.
FINALISTS
• Ecumen Lakeview Commons
• Keystone Place at LaValle Fields
BEST CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Birch Lake Chiropractic Clinic, LLC 4635 White Bear Parkway, WBL 651-429-5329
Birchlakechiropractic.com
@BirchLakeChiropractic
Birch Lake Chiropractic Clinic, LLC has a long history of service to the White Bear Lake and surrounding community. The clinic was started by Dr. Zervic in the 1950’s, moved over to Dr. Jensen (1965-2011), and has been the practice location of Dr. Grant Erickson since 1993. It has been at several locations throughout its history including on Highway 61 and in the Birch Lake Professional building. The clinic moved to its current location at 4635 White Bear Parkway in 2006. “Our mission is to make our patients happy”- we work hard to partner with each and every person that comes through our door to improve their quality of life.
FINALISTS
• Hugo Chiropractic Clinic
• Carlson Chiropractic Care
BEST CLINIC
Advanced Dermatology Care
FINALISTS
• Lakeview Family Dentistry
• A ssociated Eye Care
BEST COSMETIC DENTIST
Dr. Drew Carrell — Lakeview Family Dentistry
FINALISTS
• White Bear Smiles
• Dr. Stephen Jaksa - Lake Area Dental
BEST DENTIST
Dr. Drew Carrell — Lakeview Family Dentistry
FINALISTS:
Dr. Patrick J. Merritt, DDS - Hugo Dental Care
Lakeshore Family Dentistry
Park Dental - Hugo
BEST DERMATOLOGY
Advanced Dermatology Care
FINALISTS
• Dermatology Consultants
• North Metro Dermatology
• The Dermatory by Angie Donna
BEST EYE DOCTOR
Dr. Ann Hickson – Associated Eye Care 2380 Rosemary Way, Lino Lakes 651-275-3000 associatedeyecare.com
Associated Eye Care’s patients place their trust in our doctors and staff to provide them the very best in eye care; to provide their families VISION FOR A LIFETIME.
FINALISTS
Best of The Citizen Winners and Finalists
BEST HOSPICE CARE
Ecumen Hospice
FINALISTS
• St. Croix Hospice Olive Grove Hospice
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
Tranquil Days Massage
FINALISTS
• A Little TLC Massage
• Massage Envy - Vadnais Heights
BEST ORTHODONTICS
Signature Orthodontics
• Brian Grudem, O.D. - Birch Lake Clinic
• Dr. Michael Petronack - Hugo Optical
BEST GYM
FINALISTS
Bates Orthodontics
Minnesota Orthodontics - Hugo Sorenson Dental
Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping — White Bear
FINALISTS
Life Time
My Tribe Fitness
• Tiger Training & Family Fitness
BEST HEALTHCARE FACILITY
Associated Eye Care
Good Life Senior Living
FINALISTS
M Health Fairview Clinic
BEST ORTHOPEDICS
Summit Orthopedics
FINALISTS
Twin Cities Orthopedics
• Dr. Robert Doohen - Allina
• M Health Fairview Rehabilitation
BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Dr. Drew Carrell — Lakeview Family Dentistry
FINALISTS
our website or call to make
• Hugo Dental Care
www.associatedeyecare.com
• Sprouts Pediatric Dentistry
• Bald Eagle Lake
• Forest Lake #3 BEST
•
• White Bear Lake Dog Beach BEST
• Dellwood Barn Weddings
• Kellerman’s Event Center
• Withrow Ballroom and Event Center
BEST PLACE TO WORK, LARGE
Associated Eye Care
FINALISTS
• Ideal Credit Union
BEST SCHOOL
Liberty Classical Academy
BEST TEACHER
1058 122nd St. N., Hugo 3878 Highland Ave., White Bear Lake 651-447-4033
libertyclassicalacademy.org
BUILDING LIVES THAT INSPIRE
Liberty Classical Academy, founded in 2003, was established to give families a private school option in the Twin Cities that is as committed to academic excellence as it is to Christ-centered living and learning. Liberty Classical builds confident speakers, informed citizens, competent writers, moral leaders, deep thinkers, and lives that inspire. The classical education model provides a unique opportunity for students to learn within the natural flow of child development, leveraging age and cognitive development to produce the greatest possible outcome in learning.
FINALISTS
Oneka Elementary School Centerville Elementary School
Everything we do is about you - At Ramsay & Associates, we have been providing accounting, tax and advisory services to the community for more than 45 years. Services are customized to meet your unique business and personal financial goals. When you work with our team of CPAs, you can expect the highest level of service – as well as mutual trust and respect.
FINALISTS
BEST CAR WASH
Lakes 1 Stop
FINALISTS
• Kwik Trip
• Mister Car Wash
• Redpath and Company
• Elizabeth Bystrom, CPA
BEST AUTO BODY
North Country Auto Body & Mechanical
A big thank you to Hugo and all the surrounding communities for voting us Best Auto Body in 2023. Galen and his partner Mark are overwhelmed by the response from everyone in support of our business. We pride ourselves along with each member of our crew in delivering the best repair and customer experience we can in the area. Our services include any problem, mechanical or collision that you may have with your vehicle. We thank you for your support and look forward to serving the community for many years to come.
FINALISTS
BEST CHILDCARE
Apple Academy
FINALISTS
• Pat-A-Cake Child Care
• Cornerstone Early Learning Center
BEST CHURCH
Eagle Brook Church — White Bear Lake
FINALISTS
St. John the Baptist
St. Jude of the Lake
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Ideal Credit Union
FINALISTS
Wiseguys Pizza Hugo Feed Mill
• Automotive Reflections Collision Center
• Fairway Collision and Automotive
BEST AUTO REPAIR/MECHANIC
Pods Complete Car Care and Accessories
FINALISTS
• TGK Automotive
• North Country Auto Body & Mechanical
Ideal Credit Union 14750 Victor Hugo Blvd N, Hugo 651-770-7000 idealcu.com
Founded in 1926, Ideal Credit Union is a member owned financial institution that is dedicated to providing financial services driven by a sincere and personal interest in the needs of our employees, members and community. Ideal CU offers a complete range of services, including a full suite of digital banking products, savings, checking, loans, mortgage products, business services, investment services and more. Ideal Credit Union is pleased to be ranked #1 Best-In-State Credit Union in Minnesota by the 2023 ranking by Forbes and was recognized as a 2023 Best Places to Work honoree by the Minneapolis – St. Paul Business Journal.
Ramsay Wealth Management is an independent investment advisor representative of J.W. Cole Financial, Inc., offering a wide range of financial products and providers. We believe in fully understanding you, your family or business, and your financial needs and goals. We develop a plan based on what you want to accomplish, educating and guiding you along the way. We always have your best interests in mind.
FINALISTS
• Craig Lundquist - Ideal Credit Union
• MIke Goehner - Edward Jones
BEST FUNERAL HOME
Mueller Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation
4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake 651-429-4944
MuellerMemorial.com
Always working to meet the changing needs of families, Mueller Memorial provides cremation, all[1]natural green burial, customary burial, and unique life celebrations with optional full bar service and catering to create the right goodbye that is meaningful to your family. To go beyond what you might expect from a funeral home, Mueller Memorial also offers service broadcasting, free professional guidance for settling personal and estate matters, and a full year of grief care following a loss. We understand that grief can make it feel like your whole world has stopped, and Mueller Memorial helps gently guide you through because, as we all know, life continues
FINALISTS
• Roberts Family Funeral Home
• Bradshaw Funeral & Cremation Services
BEST GAS STATION
KWIK TRIP #454
14730 Victor Hugo Blvd N, Hugo, MN 55038 (651) 407-5126
FB, Twitter Instagram
From the start, we’ve focused on doing right by our customers and our community. We’ve stocked the freshest foods and kept prices low by making things ourselves and keeping a close eye on costs. Then we’ve passed the savings on to you.
FINALISTS
• Lakes 1 Stop
• Shell Station
BEST HAIR STYLIST OR SALON
Lemon Water Salon & Spa
FINALISTS
• Guys & Dolls Salon
• Salon 61
Heating Air Plumbing
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Brian Burth — State Farm
FINALISTS
• Joe Lofboom - Lofboom Insurance
• Michael Giovinazzo - American Family
• Ty Schrupp - State Farm
BEST JEWELER
Sherburne Jewelers
FINALISTS
• Forest Jewelers
• White Bear Jewelers
BEST JUNK REMOVAL
Johnson Junk Removal
651-323-4682
Johnsonjunkremoval.com
Your preferred, locally owned, sustainable junk removal company. We offer full service junk removal for the greater Saint Paul area and eastern metro cities, such as Woodbury, Stillwater and White Bear Lake.
FINALISTS
• Gene’s Disposal
1-800-Junk
BEST REALTOR
Jeff Hanzal Realty
651-383-1064
hanzalconstruction.com
Over his years as a professional contractor, Jeff Hanzal has remodeled and built homes from scratch. To better serve his customers, he realized that he should be a licensed real estate agent as well. If you’re looking to purchase a home, walking through homes with a licensed contractor who points out potential ways to better the home, as well as potential issues, has proven invaluable.
FINALISTS
• Sean Ecklin, Edina Realty
• Fry Group, eXP Realty
BEST REMODELER
Husnik Homes
FINALISTS
Bruggeman’s Exteriors
Preferred Kitchens
BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY
Ideal Credit Union
FINALISTS
Jamie Larkin CrossCountry Mortage
Nick Fairbanks Guaranteed Rate Affinity
BEST OUTDOORS/BOAT/MOTOR SPORTS STORE
Tousley Motor Sports
FINALISTS
• Nelson Marine
• Hallberg Marine
BEST PAINT STORE
Hirshfield’s Roseville
FINALISTS
Abbott Paint & Carpet White Bear Lake
Sherwin-Williams Paint Store
BEST PET SITTER/BOARDING
Oneka Pet Resort
FINALISTS
• All Star Pet Hotel and Daycare
• Goldwood Kennels
BEST PLUMBER
Krinkie’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
87 County Rd. B East, St. Paul 651-488-5555
krinkies.com
When it comes to choosing trustworthy HVAC contractors in St. Paul, the choice is clear: Krinkie’s Heating, Air and Plumbing. From delivering dependable heating and cooling solutions to making our customers’ comfort our top priority, you can count on our certified technicians to work tirelessly to help you achieve the comfortable home you crave—and the peace of mind you deserve.
FINALISTS
Oneka Plumbing
• Hugo Plumbing & Pump Service
BEST RENTAL BUSINESS
White Bear Rental
FINALISTS
All Seasons Rental
Ruddy’s Rental
BEST RETIREMENT FACILITY/INDEPENDENT LIVING
Keystone Place at LaValle Fields
14602 Finale Ave N, Hugo 651-829-6182
www.keystonesenior.com
Every person who chooses to make Keystone their home has not only lived an extraordinary life but shares the desire to keep living life to the fullest.
Whether you choose Independent Living, Assisted Living, or Memory Care at Keystone Place at LaValle Fields, we guarantee you will be both inspired and enabled to do just that! Located on a beautifully landscaped campus in Hugo, our senior living community is committed to providing you with the ability to thrive! A highly engaged social life, physical and mental stimulation, and exceptional, innovative personal care are our cornerstones. And, of course, you will enjoy living where you are safe and feel both secure and confident in your home. We know you. We got you. Welcome home.
The Waters of White Bear Lake
FINALISTS
Gable Pines
BEST ROOFER
Timberline Roofing & Contracting
4463 White Bear Pkwy, Ste. 103, White Bear Lake 651-287-3720
TimberlineRoofingMN.com
BEST SELF STORAGE
North Star Mini Storage
FINALISTS
• Centerville Secure Storage
• Public Storage
BEST SPA
Advanced Esthetics Med Spa
FINALISTS
• Lemon Water Salon & Spa
Indulge Salon & Spa
BEST STREAMING SERVICE
Netflix
FINALISTS
Hulu Apple TV
BEST TAX PREPARER
Ramsay & Associates
FINALISTS
• JAK Tax & Accounting
• Ken Franzmeier, CPA
BEST TIRE SHOP POD’s Complete Car Care
FINALISTS
• TGK Automotive
• Discount Tire
BEST TREE SERVICE Hugo Tree Service
FINALISTS
• Renstrom Tree Service
• Budget Tree Service
BEST VETERINARIAN
Dr. Wayne Scanlan — Otter Lake Animal Care Center
6848 Otter Lake Rd., Hugo 651-4256-8871
otterlakeanimalcare.com
TIMBERLINE
ROOFING AND CONTRACTING
Timberline Roofing offers outstanding roofing and siding solutions for residential and commercial building applications alike. we specialize in all the most popular roofing and siding materials, plus we offer energy solutions and cosmetic enhancements such as new windows, skylights, and more. Timberline specializes in storm damage assessment, repair, and restoration for both residential and commercial properties.
FINALISTS
Bruggeman’s Exteriors
Bear Roofing
• Gunner Construction
Otter Lake Animal Care Center has been under the ownership of Dr. Wayne Scanlan since 1987. Dr. Scanlan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. We offer medical and surgical services, boarding for dogs and cats and limited services for birds and rabbits. Our staff prides itself on knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate and hard-working employees that are always willing to help in any way possible.
FINALISTS
Maplebrook Pet Care
Birch Lake Animal Hospital
SHOPPING
BEST AUTO DEALER
White Bear Mitsubishi
FINALISTS
Whitaker Buick GMC
Buerkle Honda
BEST BUTCHER
Grundhofer’s Old Fashioned Meats
FINALISTS
Festival Foods
Von Hanson’s Meats
BEST CLOTHING STORE
Mainstream Boutique — White Bear Lake
FINALISTS
Kohl’s
GoodThings Clothing
BEST FLOORING/CARPET STORE
Sigstads Flooring
6585 Hwy 8 Forest Lake
651-462-5698
sigstadsflooring.net
With over 20 years of experience, our flooring company is uniquely qualified to handle any flooring needs for your home or business. As a family and locally owned and operated business, we take pride in using our expertise to deliver superior results for every customer we serve.
FINALISTS
Abbott Paint & Carpet
• Thomco Carpet & Blinds
BEST FLORAL SHOP
Centerville Floral
FINALISTS
• Lebens Floral and Garden
• Lakes Floral & Garden
BEST GIFT SHOP
The Argyle Moose
FINALISTS
• GoodThings
• The Farmer’s Daughter
BEST GREENHOUSE/NURSERY
Lebens Floral & Garden
FINALISTS
Urban’s Farm & Greenhouses, LLC
• Costa Produce Farm
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Fresh Thyme Market
FINALISTS
Sa ssafras Health Foods
Victory Nutrition
BEST HOME FURNISHING DECOR
Farmhouse Style Furniture
FINALISTS
Upsy-daisy
Haus Theory
SPORTS & RECREATION
BEST BIKE TRAIL
Hardwood Creek Trail
FINALISTS
Big Marine Lake Park Reserve
• Brown’s Creek Trail
• Rice Creek Chain of Lakes
BEST DANCE STUDIO
Larkin Dance Studio
1400 East Highway 36, Maplewood, MN 55109Phone: (651) 770-0764
Founded in 1950, Larkin Dance Studio is a family-owned and operated full-service dance studio specializing in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, acro, and pointe instruction. Our professional staff share their passion for dance with over 900 students from the Twin Cities area, including approximately 200 students who compete in regional and national dance competitions. The passion for dance that emanates from our studio leads our dancers to greatness. Learn about our Legacy, and how we live it every day.
• Forest Lake Centerville Lake
BEST GOLF COURSE
Keep dancing the Larkin way 1400 East Highway 36, Maplewood www.larkindancestudio.com. | 651-770-0764
