Best Of Contest 2022-Citizen

Thank You, Readers!

Can you believe votes continue to go up and engagement is higher than the previous two years?

Thank you to our readers and businesses alike who help us make Readers’ Choice Best of the Press a big success.

From time-to-time we get comments, “I thought we had the best entrée or appetizer.” But, just because we think it is doesn’t mean the community also thinks it.

We are pleased with the Readers’ Choice voting tool, which allows the community to only vote once per day.

Overall votes grew to 51,629 in 2022, compared to 38,561 in 2021. Votes grew by and impressive 33%.

Each year, we put the word out for our readers to nominate their favorites for eating and drinking, health and fitness, arts and entertainment, sports and recreation, shopping and other local services. You, the reader, responded. Once nominations are finalized, voting opens.

Readers select their choices. Tens of thousands of you weighed in. Now more than ever, we need to love our local communities.

Best of the Press helps us highlight your favorite local businesses, people, places, products and services. As you know, we use a voting tool vendor, which is tops among media companies across the country. It has figured out the little quirks and tricks people try to use to manipulate these contests. We are pleased to be partnering with them again to produce results readers trust.

We are thankful to have such strong community participation and growth. It’s a privilege to live and work with dedicated, local business owners.

Please get out and make an effort shop local when making your purchases. With a humble heart, I say, congratulations and thank you all who participated. We look forward each year to highlighting and recognizing the best of all of you.

Carter Johnson, Publisher

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST BOWLING ALLEY

WINNER

• SPLITROCKS

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

FINALIST

• PINZ

• FLAHERTYS ARDEN BOWL

BEST CELEBRATION/FESTIVAL

WINNER

• GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS

FINALIST

• CENTERVILLE LIONS ICE

FISHING CONTEST

• FETE DES LACS

BEST OUTDOOR EVENT

WINNER

• GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS

FINALIST

• MANITOU DAYS PARADE

• BALD EAGLE WATERSKI SHOW

2022 EATING & DRINKING

BEST APPETIZER SELECTION

WINNER

• TAVERN ON MAIN

FINALIST

• BLUE HERON GRILL

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

BEST BAR

WINNER

• BLUE HERON GRILL

FINALIST

• KELLY’S KORNER BAR

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

BEST BBQ RIBS

WINNERS

• SAL’S ANGUS GRILL

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

FINALIST

• CG HOOKS BBQ

BEST BEER SELECTION

WINNER

• BLUE HERON GRILL

FINALIST

• WASHINGTON SQUARE BAR & GRILL

• KELLY’S KORNER BAR

• RUDY’S RED EYE GRILL

BEST BLOODY MARY

WINNER

• RUDY’S RED EYE GRILL

FINALIST

• KELLY’S KORNER BAR

• JIMMY’S FOOD & DRINK

BEST BREAKFAST

WINNER

• KEY’S CAFE & BAKERY

FINALIST

• WASHINGTON SQUARE BAR & GRILL

• BLUE HERON GRILL

BEST BREWERY

WINNER

• BIG WOOD BREWERY

FINALIST

• LIFT BRIDGE BREWERY

• ROMA RESTAURANT

BEST BURRITOS

WINNER

• RED LUNA TACO FACTORY

FINALIST

• FIESTA CANCUN

• DON JULIO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BEST CHEESE CURDS

WINNER

• KELLY’S KORNER BAR

• BLUE HERON GRILL

FINALIST

• TAVERN ON MAIN

BEST CHICKEN

WINNER

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE & BROASTER

FINALIST

• OLD LOG CABIN

• TAVERN ON MAIN

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

WINNER

• CARIBOU COFFEE

FINALIST

• DUNKIN

• DUNN BROTHERS COFFEE

BEST DELI

WINNERS

• GRUNDHOFER’S OLD

FASHIONED MEATS

• FESTIVAL FOODS

FINALIST

• LUNDS & BYERLY, WHITE

BEAR LAKE

BEST FAJITAS

WINNER

• RED LUNA TACO FACTORY

FINALIST

• FIESTA CANCUN

• DON JULIO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

BEST FAST FOOD

WINNER

• JERSEY MIKE’S

FINALIST

• ALLEYCAT’S GOURMET SANDWICHES

• SUBWAY

• DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL

BEST FISH FRY

WINNERS

• THE CHURCH OF ST. GENEVIEVE

FINALIST

• AMERICAN LEGION POST 620

• KELLY’S KORNER BAR

BEST FRENCH FRIES

WINNER

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

FINALIST

• MCDONALD’S

• KELLY’S KORNER BAR

BEST FRIED RICE

WINNER

• ORCHID RESTAURANT

FINALIST

• ASIAN TO GO

• AMIAN AMERICAN & ASIAN BISTRO

BEST GROCERY STORE

WINNER

• FESTIVAL FOODS

FINALIST

• CUB FOOD, WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP

• ALDI’S, FOREST LAKE

• LUNDS & BYERLYS, WHITE BEAR LAKE

BEST HAMBURGER

WINNER

• LUCY’S BURGERS

FINALIST

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

• CABIN 61

BEST HAPPY HOUR

WINNER

• BLUE HERON GRILL

FINALIST

• JIMMY’S FOOD & DRINK

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

BEST ICE CREAM CONE

WINNER

• CUP AND CONE

FINALIST

• BOOMS ICE CREAM SHOP

• DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL

BEST LUNCH

WINNER

• WISEGUYS PIZZA & PUB

FINALIST

• BLUE HERON GRILL

• FIESTA CANCUN

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

WINNER

• RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL

FINALIST

• RUSTIC ROOTS WINERY

• BLUE HERON GRILL

BEST PIE

WINNER

• KEY’S CAFE, WHITE BEAR LAKE

FINALIST

• GRANDMA’S BAKERY

• FESTIVAL FOODS

BEST PIZZA

WINNER

• WISEGUYS PIZZA & PUB

FINALIST

• CARBONE’S, CENTERVILLE

• RICARDO’S PUB PIZZA

BEST RESTAURANT

WINNER

• BLUE HERON GRILL

FINALIST

• CABIN 61

• TAVERN ON MAIN

BEST SALAD

WINNER

• TAVERN ON MAIN

FINALIST

• CAMPANELLE RESTAURANT & BAR

• BLUE HERON GRILL

BEST SEAFOOD

WINNERS

• ACQUA RESTAUARANT

FINALIST

• STELLA’S ON ‘97

• TRIA RESTAURANT BAR & EVENT CENTER

BEST SOUP

WINNER

• EAT! AT BANNING AND 5TH

FINALIST

• BLUE HERON GRILL

• TRIA RESTAURANT

BEST STEAK DINNER

WINNER

• PORTERHOUSE STEAK & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

FINALIST

• SAL’S ANGUS GRILL

• BLACKSMITH LOUNGE

BEST STIR FRY

WINNER

• ORCHID RESTAURANT

FINALIST

• ASIAN TO GO

• ZEN ASIA

BEST SUB/SANDWICH

WINNER

• JERSEY MIKE’S

FINALIST

• CUP AND CONE

• ALLEYCAT’S GOURMET SANDWICHES

BEST TACOS

WINNER

• RED LUNA TACO FACTORY

FINALIST

• FIESTA CANCUN

• AMERICAN LEGION POST 620

BEST WALLEYE DINNER

WINNER

• SAL’S ANGUS GRILL

FINALIST

• BLUE HERON GRILL

• RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL

• OLD LOG CABIN

BEST WINE SELECTION

WINNER

• MGM LIQUOR, HUGO

FINALIST

• ON THE ROCKS WINE & SPIRITS

• JP’S LIQUOR WINE & BEER, CENTERVILLE

HEALTH & FITNESS

BEST ASSISTED LIVING/SENIOR CARE FACILITY

WINNER

• GOOD LIFE ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE

FINALIST

• KEYSTONE PLACE AT LAVALLE FIELDS

• ENCORE AT HUGO

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

WINNER

• ASSOCIATED HEARING OF MAPLEWOOD

FINALIST

• MIRACLE-EAR CENTER

• EAST CENTER AUDIOLOGY

BEST CHIROPRACTIC CARE

WINNER

• HUGO CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

FINALIST

• ONEKA CHIROPRACTIC

• BEAR TOWN CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

• CORNERSTONE CHIROPRACTIC

• SCHLAVIN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

BEST CLINIC

WINNER

• LAKEVIEW FAMILY DENTISTRY

FINALIST

• ASSOCIATED EYE CARE

• FAIRVIEW CLINICS

BEST COSMETIC DENTIST

WINNER

• LAKEVIEW FAMILY DENTISTRY

FINALIST

• HUGO DENTAL CARE

• PARK DENTAL, HUGO

BEST DENTIST

WINNER

• LAKEVIEW FAMILY DENTISTRY

FINALIST

• HUGO DENTAL CARE

• PARK DENTAL

BEST EYE DOCTOR

WINNER

• ASSOCIATED EYE CARE

FINALIST

• HUGO OPTICAL

• WHITE BEAR

The Bruggeman family has been holding themselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship and customer service for 62 years. One contractor for all your exterior renovations. We specialize in roofing, siding, windows and gutters.

HEALTH & FITNESS

BEST GYM

WINNER

• ENDURANCE FITNESS OF MN @ THE ROOKERY ACTIVITY CENTER

FINALIST

• LIFETIME FITNESS

• ANYTIME FITNESS

BEST HOSPICE CARE

WINNER

• HEARTLAND HOSPICE

FINALIST

• GRACEWOOD SENIOR LIVING

• AMADA SENIOR CARE

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST

WINNER

• TRANQUIL DAYS

FINALIST

• MARY JO LOHN, INDULGE

BEST ORTHODONTICS

WINNER

• BATES ORTHODONTICS

FINALIST

• ERICKSON & AAMODT

ORTHODONTICS

• WHITE BEAR ORTHODONTICS

BEST ORTHOPEDICS

WINNER

• TWIN CITIES ORTHOPEDICS

FINALIST

• SUMMIT ORTHOPEDICS

BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST

WINNER

• LAKEVIEW FAMILY DENTISTRY

FINALIST

• HUGO DENTAL CARE

• SPROUTS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

BEST BOAT LAUNCH

WINNER

• BALD EAGLE

FINALIST

• BIG MARINE LAKE

• WHITE BEAR LAKE

LOCAL

BEST CURBSIDE PICKUP

WINNER

• CARBONE’S, CENTERVILLE

FINALIST

• WISEGUYS PIZZA & PUB

• FESTIVAL FOODS

BEST LOCAL WEBSITE

WINNER

• READTHECITIZEN.COM

FINALIST

• THE WEBSITE GUY

BEST PLACE TO GET MARRIED

WINNER

• 7 VINES VINEYARD DELLWOOD BARN WEDDINGS

FINALIST

• CHURCH OF ST. GENEVIEVE

• DANCING DRAGONFLY WINERY

BEST PLACE TO WORK, SMALL (<50 EMPLOYEES)

WINNER

• LAKEVIEW FAMILY DENTISTRY

FINALIST

• KEY AUTOMOTIVE

• FESTIVAL FOODS

BEST SCENIC SPOT WINNER

• BALD EAGLE LAKE

FINALIST

• SCANDIA

• BIG MARINE LAKE

BEST SCHOOL WINNER

• HUGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FINALIST

• WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA

SCHOOLS

• CENTERVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SERVICES SERVICES

BEST ACCOUNTANT

WINNER

• RAMSAY & ASSOCIATES

FINALIST

• COMMON CENTS

BOOKKEEPING

• JAK TAX AND ACCOUNTING LTD

BEST AUTO REPAIR

WINNER

• NORTH COUNTRY AUTO BODY & MECHANICAL

FINALIST

• KEY AUTOMOTIVE

• HUGO AUTO & TRUCK

• VIKING AUTO REPAIR

BEST BANK/FINANCIAL

INSTITUTION

WINNER

• HEARTLAND CREDIT UNION

FINALIST

• IDEAL CREDIT UNION

• LAKE AREA BANK

BEST CAR WASH

WINNER

• KWIK TRIP #454

FINALIST

• LAKES 1 STOP

• HOG WASH

BEST CHILDCARE

WINNER

• APPLE ACADEMY

FINALIST

• GROWING GENERATIONS

• CORNERSTONE EARLY

LEARNING CENTER

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM A LOCAL BUSINESS

WINNER

• HEARTLAND CREDIT UNION

FINALIST

• THE ARGYLE MOOSE

• NORTH COUNTRY AUTO BODY

• KEY AUTOMOTIVE

BEST DOG GROOMER

WINNER

• GOLDWOOD KENNELS

FINALIST

• HAUTE DOG SPA

• PETSTYLES GROOMING SHOP

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

WINNER

• RICH RAMSAY, RAMSAY

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

FINALIST

• CRAIG LUNDQUIST, IDEAL CREDIT UNION

• MIKE GOEHNER, EDWARD JONES

BEST FUNERAL HOME

WINNER

• ROBERTS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME

FINALIST

• MUELLER MEMORIAL FUNERALS & CREMATIONS

• MATTSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES

• MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME

BEST GAS STATION

WINNER

• KWIK TRIP #454

FINALIST

• LAKES 1 STOP

• SUPER AMERICA, HUGO

BEST HAIR STYLIST OR SALON

WINNER

• GUYS & DOLLS

FINALIST

• GREAT CLIPS, HUGO

• LEMON WATER SALON & SPA

BEST HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY

WINNER

• KRINKIE’S HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING AND PLUMBING

FINALIST

• FOUR SEASONS AIR

SPECIALISTS

• WHITE BEAR HEATING & COOLING

BEST INSURANCE AGENT

WINNER

• MICHAEL GALLIVAN, GALLIVAN INSURANCE

FINALIST

• BRIAN BURTH, STATE FARM

• ALL CITY AGENCY

BEST JEWELER

WINNER

• JOEL B SHERBURNE JEWELERS

FINALIST

• GELLER JEWELERS

• FOREST JEWELERS

BEST JUNK REMOVAL

WINNER

• JOHNSON JUNK

FINALIST

• 1-800-GOT JUNK

BEST MECHANIC

WINNER

• STEVE VERMEERSCH, VERMEERSCH AUTOMOTIVE

FINALIST

• GREG BERNIER, HOMETOWN AUTO

• JAKE SARRACK, VIKING AUTOMOTIVE

BEST MORTGAGE COMPANY

WINNER

• HEARTLAND CREDIT UNION

FINALIST

• LAKE AREA MORTGAGE

• MIDWESTONE BANK

BEST OUTDOORS/BOAT/MOTOR SPORTS STORE

WINNER

• HALLBERG MARINE

FINALIST

• NELSON MARINE

• GOOSE LAKE MARINE

BEST PET SITTER/BOARDING

WINNER

• GOLDWOOD KENNELS

FINALIST

• ONEKA PET RESORT

• MUDDY PAWS DOGGY DAYCARE

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER WINNER

•

• NICOLE GIEFER PHOTOGRAPHY

•

BEST PLUMBER

WINNER

• KRINKIE’S HEATING AIR PLUMBING

FINALIST

• HUGO PLUMBING & PUMP SERVICES

• WHITE BEAR PLUMBING

BEST REALTOR

WINNER

• JEFF HANZAL, REALTY

GROUP

FINALIST

• MELISSA WILLENBRING, REMAX

• DEBRA DEMPSEY, REMAX

RESULTS

• FRY GROUP

BEST REMODELER

WINNER

• BRUGGEMAN EXTERIORS

FINALIST

• ALL AROUND REMODELING

• SUNRISE REMODELERS

BEST RENTAL BUSINESS

WINNER

• WHITE BEAR RENTAL

FINALIST

• ALL SEASONS RENTAL

• RUDDYS RENTAL INC.

BEST RETIREMENT FACILITY/ INDEPENDENT LIVING

WINNER

• KEYSTONE PLACE AT LAVALLE FIELDS

FINALIST

• ENCORE SENIOR LIVING AT

• GOOD LIFE SENIOR LIVING

BEST ROOFER

WINNER

• TIMBERLINE ROOFING AND CONTRACTING

FINALIST

• BRUGGEMAN EXTERIORS

• ONEKA ROOFING

BEST SELF STORAGE

WINNER

• NORTH STAR MINI STORAGE

FINALIST

• PUBLIC STORAGE

BEST SPA

WINNER

• TRANQUIL DAYS

FINALIST

• GUYS & DOLLS SALON

• INDULGE SALON AND SPA

BEST TAX PREPARER

WINNER

• RAMSAY & ASSOCIATES

FINALIST

• KEN FRANZMEIER, CPA, PC

• COMMON SENSE

BOOKKEEPING

BEST TIRE SHOP

WINNER

• KEY AUTOMOTIVE

FINALIST

• DISCOUNT TIRE

• FRED JR’S, MINNESOTA WHOLESALE TIRE

• TGK AUTOMOTIVE

BEST VETERINARIAN

WINNER

• OTTER LAKE ANIMAL CARE

CENTER

FINALIST

• LAKE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

• P.A.W.S. PET HOSPITAL

SHOPPING

BEST AUTO DEALER

WINNER

• WHITE BEAR MITSUBISHI

FINALIST

• WHITAKER BUICK GMC

• BARNETT WHITE BEAR

CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE

BEST BUTCHER

WINNER

• GRUNDHOFER’S OLD FASHION MEATS

FINALIST

• FESTIVAL FOODS

• KOWALSKI’S MARKET

BEST CLOTHING STORE

WINNER

• MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE, WHITE BEAR LAKE

FINALIST

• THE MINNESOTAN

• KOHL’S,LINO LAKES

BEST FLOORING/CARPET STORE

WINNER

• SIGSTADS FLOORING

FINALIST

SHOPPING

BEST FLORIST

WINNER

• LEBEN’S FLORAL & GARDEN

FINALIST

• CENTERVILLE FLORAL

• ROCK GARDENS

• WHITE BEAR FLORAL SHOP & GREENHOUSE

BEST GIFT SHOP

WINNER

• THE ARGYLE MOOSE

FINALIST

• ENCHANTED BOUTIQUE

• THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER

BEST GREENHOUSE/NURSERY

WINNER

• LEBEN’S FLORAL & GARDEN

FINALIST

• WAGNER GREENHOUSES

• WALDOCH FARM

BEST HOME FURNISHING DECOR

WINNER

• UPSY-DAISEY

FINALIST

• FARMHOUSE FURNITURE

• HOM FURNITURE

BEST LIQUOR STORE

WINNER

• MGM LIQUOR, HUGO

FINALIST

• ON THE ROCKS WINES & SPIRITS

• JP’S LIQUOR, CENTERVILLE

BEST SPECIALTY SHOP

WINNER

• THE ARGYLE MOOSE

FINALIST

• GOODTHINGS

• ENCHANTED BOUTIQUE

SPORTS & RECREATION

BEST BIKE TRAIL

WINNER

• HARDWOOD CREEK

REGIONAL TRAIL

FINALIST

• RICE CREEK CHAIN OF LAKES

BEST DANCE STUDIO

WINNER

• 4TH STREET DANCE CENTER

FINALIST

• LORENZ DANCE & TUMBLING

STUDIO

• LAURIE’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

BEST LOCAL PARK

WINNER

• HANIFL FIELDS ATHLETIC PARK

FINALIST

• LIONS PARK

• RICE LAKE PARK

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

WINNER

• SUN YI’S ACADEMY

RAMSAY & ASSOCIATES

1620 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi | 651-4299-9111 | www.ramsaycpa.com

Everything we do is about you -- At Ramsay & Associates, we have been providing accounting, tax and advisory services to the community for 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.

RAMSAY WEALTH MANAGEMENT

1620 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi | 651-429-3151 | www.ramsaywealth.com

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. 2022

ROBERTS FAMILY FUNERAL HOME 555 Centennial Drive SW, Forest Lake | 651-464-442 | www.robertsfamilyfh.com

Roberts Family Funeral Home originated in 2005 located in Forest Lake operating out of a modern life celebration facility. We pride ourselves in being a locally owned cremation and funeral provider, specializing in curating personalized life celebrations events. Roberts Family Funeral Home is also committed to being “community involved” in giving back to the communities they serve.

care in the community and there is no long-term commitments or contracts-we treat on an “as-needed” patient-directed basis.

BATES ORTHODONTICS

14755 Victor Hugo Blvd, Suite 103, Hugo, MN 55038 | 651-429-0094

www.batesortho.com

We offer a wide range of Orthodontic treatment to meet the needs and desires of each individual patient. Dr. Bates’ off is equipped with state -of-the-art tecnology to ensure our patienst receive optimum results in the most efficient manner possible. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing each of our patients with compassionate and individualized care they deserve.

GOLDWOOD KENNELS

9500 Dellwood Road N, White Bear Lake | 651-429-0648 | goldwoodkennels.com

Located in the beautiful countryside of White Bear Lake, Goldwood Kennels has been a professional boarding kennel since 1972. The entire Hilton family and Goldwood staff pride themselves on making your pet’s stay clean, comfortable, worry-free and fun. If you’re looking for a breed-specific trim, clipping or specialty grooming services, this is a PAWsitively perfect choice! Your pup will have the full spa experience in the caring hands of one of our professional groomers.

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