Features

OutSmart’s Gayest and Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards 2014

Love Songs in the Key of G&G
That’s the Gayest & Greatest, baby

You know how you know when you’re in love? All the songs make sense. And because we love the winners of this year’s Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards, we’re dedicating some of the greatest love songs to them. Think of it as a compilation album of the greatest love hits about your favorite loved ones.

One of the best love songs ever is Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me, time after time.

And we dedicate it to our perennial winners like Dr. Bruce Smith, Mayor Annise Parker, Rob Schmerler, Denise O’Doherty, and Dr. Kenneth Lester, to name a few.

Looking for a veterinarian or pet supply store for your fur babies? Check out the “Puppy Love” section for Molly’s Mutt House and Best Vets Dr. Danielle Rosser and Dr. Richard Clive. And they called it puppy love, just because we’re in our teens: It’s a cute song and perfect for this category about loving your pets—just think of the Paul Anka version, not the creepy version with siblings Donny and Marie.

The B52’s “Love Shack” goes out to our favorite Realtors, homebuilders, and title companies, while we serenade our bank and financial planners with the O’Jays’ “For the Love of Money,” because who doesn’t love money, money, monnnneeey. We salute you Jeremy Fain, Karen Derr, and Pat Walker…and take a bow, Chicago Title and Loyd Russel Homes! And again this year, Grace Yung and Rick Dickson are our favorite folks to keep our wealth…our wealth!

“Love Hurts” was first recorded by The Everly Brothers in 1961, but the Roy Orbison version is a classic, and it has been recorded by countless other artists over the decades. If you’ve been hurt by love and bear the love scar, then check out this category for therapists. It just might help. Tony Carroll, Dr. Dan Garza, Denise O’Doherty, Kristin Anderson, and Woodja Flanigan have room on their couches!

If you’ve got a “Blind Love,” you just might need a great eye doctor like Dr. Stewart Zuckerbrod and Dr. Juliet Farmer or eyewear specialists like Eye Gallery and Spectacles to help put things in perspective.

Love, exciting and new, come aboard, we’re expecting you. Yes, it’s the lyrics from The Love Boat theme song written by Paul Williams, and if you are of a certain age, you know all the words. It was one of the campiest shows of the ’70s and ’80s and was famous for having a passel of aging stars guest-starring as cruise passengers in every episode. So, this tune goes out to our beloved cruise group Aquafest and the travel folks at Concierge Travel.

And who doesn’t love Houston’s restaurant and bar scene? We “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” (the Elvis version, of course) with eateries 1308 Cantina, Niko Niko’s, Giacomo’s, and Gloria’s…we’ve got winners in every food group!

“Sugar Baby Love” goes out to the best desserts, even though the treats at Dessert Gallery, Acadian Bakers, and Chocolate Bar may not be on our diets this year. And “To Sir with Love” (If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters that would soar a thousand feet high: To Sir, with Love.) takes on a whole new meaning when it’s sung to the city’s best leather bars, The Eagle and The Ripcord.

And let’s not forget our favorite legal eagles (“Justify My Love”)—Mitchell Katine and John Nechman, along with Connie Moore and Debbie Hunt. Our beloved politicians get a chorus of Whale’s “Love Hate Thing” because, well really, what else would you sing to a politician? Hopefully, Ellen Cohen and Mike Laster will enjoy being serenaded!

So settle in, cruise the winners of this year’s Greatest & Gayest Readers’ Choice Awards, and feel free to sing along. —Marene Gustin

The 2014 Gayest and Greatest Readers’ Choice Award Winners:

OUR PEOPLE

Community Hero (Male)
Bryan Hlavinka
Finalists: Ray Hill, Lou Weaver

Community Hero (Female)
Annise Parker
Finalists: Christina Gorczynski, Carol Wyatt

Most Prominent LGBT Male Activist
Noel Freeman
Finalists: Bryan Hlavinka, Brad Pritchett

Most Prominent LGBT Female Activist
Christina Gorczynski
Finalists: Kristen Capps, Monica Roberts

Most Valuable Male Volunteer
Jason Gallegos (tie)
Bryan Hlavinka (tie)
Finalists: Kris Banks, Franki Quijano

Most Valuable Female Volunteer
Christina Gorczynski
Finalists: Augie Augustine, Januari Leo, Carol Wyatt

Leading Male Fundraiser
Don Gill (tie)
Gary Wood (tie)
Finalist: Carl Han

Leading Female Fundraiser
Carol Wyatt
Finalists: Robin Brown, Marion Coleman

Favorite Local Politician (Male)
Mike Laster
Finalists: Garnet Coleman, Robert Gallegos

Favorite Local Politician (Female)
Ellen Cohen
Finalist: Kim Ogg

Best LGBT Businessperson (Male)
Charles Armstrong
810 Pacific Street
713-521-0193
sobehouston.com
Finalists: David Lorms, Irwin Palchick, Grey Stephens

Best LGBT Businessperson (Female)
Kathy Hubbard
Hubbard Financial
2615 Montrose Blvd.
713-522-0000
Finalists: Sandy Bubbert, Julie Mabry

Most Supportive Business of the LGBT Community (Local)
Neon Boots (tie)
11410 Hempstead Hwy.
713-677-0828
neonbootsclub.com

Silver Eagle Distributors (tie)
7777 Washington
713-869-4361
silvereagle.com
Finalists: Avita Pharmacy, Charles Armstrong Investments, FBar

Most Supportive Business of the LGBT Community (National)
Anheuser-Busch/Bud Light
anheuser-busch.com
Finalists: Shell, Southwest Airlines, Wells Fargo Bank

Favorite Radio Personality (Male)
Special K, KRBE
krbe.com
Finalists: JD Doyle, Bryan Hlavinka, Chad Pitt

Favorite Radio Personality (Female)
Sarah Pepper
HOT 95.7
hothits957.cbslocal.com
Finalist: Lauren Finkelstein, Maria Todd

Best TV Personality (Male)
Frank Billingsley (tie)
Channel 2, Houston KPRC
click2houston.com

Ernie Manouse (tie)
Channel 8, Houston PBS
ernieontv.com
Finalists: Andy Cerota, Ryan Korsgard

Best TV Personality (Female)
Dominique Sachsa
Channel2, Houston KPRC
click2houston.com
Finalists: Casey Curry, Deborah Duncan, Miya Shay

Favorite Blogger (Female)
Monica Roberts
transgriot.blogspot.com
Finalist: Cristan Williams

Favorite Blogger (Male)
Joey Guerra
Houston Chronicle and
29-95.com
Finalists: Matt Burrus/Michael Pearce GaybyBoom Blog—Houston Chronicle;
AJ Mistretta— MyGayHouston.com

Favorite Tweeter (Male)
Joey Guerra
@joeyguerra

Favorite Tweeter (Female)
Monica Roberts
@TransGriot

Favorite Community Photographer (Male)
Dalton DeHart
713-622-2202
daltondehart.com
Finalists: John Cox, Oliver Puzon

Favorite Community Photographer (Female)
Yvonne Feece
832-876-1053
yvonnefeece.com

Best LGBT Website (Local)
HouEquality.com
Finalists: MyGayHouston.com,
OutSmartMagazine.com, PrideHouston.com

OUR COMMUNITY

Favorite LGBT Social Organization
Houston Gaymers
houstongaymers.com
Finalists: Bunnies on the Bayou, Executive & Professional Association of Houston (EPAH), Montrose Softball League

Favorite LGBT Philanthropic Organization
Voted by our readers as the best charitable organization and winner of OutSmart’s
$5,000 grand prize in cash and advertising scholarships.
Bering Omega
1429 Hawthorne, 713-529-6071, beringomega.org
Finalists: Bunnies on the Bayou, Diana Foundation, Kindred Spirits

Favorite Local LGBT Organization
Bering Omega
beringomega.org
Finalists: AssistHers, Legacy Community Health Services, Lesbian Health Initiative

Favorite National LGBT Organization
Victory Fund
victoryfund.org
Finalists: Human Rights Campaign, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

Favorite LGBT Benefit Event of the Year
Bunnies on the Bayou
bunniesonthebayou.org
Finalists: Heritage Gala, HRC Gala, Pride Parade

Favorite Place to Worship
Resurrection MCC
2025 W. 11th St.
713-861-9149
resurrectionmcc.org
Finalists: Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, Cathedral of Hope, Grace Lutheran, Living Mosaic

Favorite Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors
Discovery Green
discoverygreen.com
Finalists: Hermann Park, Menil Collection

Favorite Houston Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
1001 Bissonnet St
713-639-7300
mfah.org
Finalists: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Menil Collection, Museum of Natural Science

BUSINESSES & SERVICES

Automotive

Best Auto Mechanic
Tech Auto
37 Waugh Dr.
713-863-8244
techautomaintenance.com

Best Domestic Auto Dealership
Stewart Cadillac
2520 Main
832-369-8318
stewartcadillac.com
Finalists: Knapp Chevrolet, Planet Lincoln, River Oaks Chrysler-Jeep

Best Import Auto Dealership
Advantage BMW (tie)
2101 San Jacinto
713-289-1200
advantage-bmw-houston.com

Momentum Dealerships (tie)
713-596-3450
momentum-mini.net
Finalists: Houston Jaguar-Land Rover, Star Motors

Health & Beauty

Best Chiropractor (Male)
Kenneth Lester, DC
1603 Shepherd Drive
713-526-5252
kennethlesterdc.com
Finalists: Art Keller, DC; Byron Menard, DC

Best Chiropractor (Female)
Day Lee Snell
3411 Richmond Ave.
Ste. 100 A, 713-520-9330
greenwayplazachiropractic.com
Finalists: Jackie Doval, DC; Melissa Stephens, DC

Best Cosmetic Skin Care Center
Skin Renaissance (tie)
507 West Gray
713-942-7546
skinrenaissance.net

The Skin Renewal Center (tie)
1512 W. Alabama
713-533-0800
theskinrenewalcenter.com
Finalist: Heights Dermatology

Best Cosmetic Surgeon Center (Male)
Scott Yarish, MD
Town & Country Plastic Surgery 10565 Katy Fwy
713-467-0146

Best Cosmetic Surgeon Center (Female)
Angela Sturm, MD
6655 Travis
713-526-5665
drangelasturm.com

Best Aesthetic Physician
Octavio Barrios, MD (tie)
507 West Gray
713-942-7546
skinrenaissance.net

Patrick McNamara, MD (tie)
1512 W. Alabama
713-533-0800
theskinrenewalcenter.com

Best Dentist (Male)
Bruce Smith, DDS
1006 Missouri
713-529-4364
brucesmithdds.com
Finalists: Marcus De Guzman, DDS; Cory Logan, DDS; Randy Mitchmore, DDS

Best Dentist (Female)
Diana Wilde, DDS
Floss Dental
514 Elgin, 713-942-0101
flossdental.com
Finalist: Jewel Day, DDS

Best Eye Doctor (Male)
Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD
5420 Dashwood Dr., Ste 101
713-668-9118
houstoneye.com
Finalists: Evan Mapes, MD; Scott Sawyer, MD

Best Eye Doctor (Female)
Juliet Farmer, OD
2502 Woodhead
713-528-2010
[email protected]
Finalists: Christine Tyler, OD; Lisa Woo, OD

Best Gym/Place to Work Out
Houston Gym (tie)
1501 Durham
713-880-9191
houstongym.com

FIT Athletic (tie)
1532 W. Gray
713-782-9348
fithouston.com
Finalists: Anytime Fitness, Club Houston, Define Body & Mind

Best Hair Stylist (Male)
Jesse Cougot
804-405-0005
jessecougotdoeshair.mysalononline.com
Finalists: Carlos Gomez, Joel Quinones, Anthony Skoogi

Best Hair Stylist (Female)
Jessica Alston
Tre Spa
2516 Sunset, 713-523-7800
trespasalon.com
Finalists: Celine Arzola, Patty Gooch

Best Massage Therapist (Male)
Ryan Fugate
713-269-7926
ryanmassageworks.com
Finalists: Joel Leal, Tom Zeppelin

Best Mental Health Therapist (Male)
Tony Carroll, LCSW
1006 Missouri
713-527-0000
houstontherapist.com
Finalists: Tony Aucoin, LCSW, LCDC; Ken McLeod, LCSW, ACSW; Robert Snellgrove, LCSW

Best Mental Health Therapist (Female)
Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMST, LCDC, RN
3730 Kirby, Ste. 910
713-524-9525
relationshiptherapist.com
Finalist: Enod Gray, LCSW, CSAT

Best Personal Trainer (Male)
Ryan Monceaux
832-623-7823
houstontrainers.com
Finalists: Michael Shallis, Shane Stimmer

Best Personal Trainer (Female)
Kimberly Marler
1210 W. Clay, #3
832-443-3488
coachkimmie.com
Finalists: Shana Ross, Danielle Sampey

Best Physician (Male)
Gordon E. Crofoot, MD, PA
3701 Kirby, Ste. 1230
713-526-0005
crofootmd.com
Finalists: Octavio Barrios, MD; James Carroll, MD

Best Physician (Female)
M. Sandra Scurria, MD
6565 W. Loop South
Ste. 300, Bellaire
281-661-5901
sandrascurriamd.com
Finalists: Julia Kovacs, MD; Patricia Salvato, MD

Best Psychiatrist (Male)
Daniel Garza, MD
2323 Shepherd, Ste. 805
281-610-8190
Finalist: Barry F. Gritz, MD

Best Psychologist (Male)
Woodja Flanigan, PhD
2600 Southwest Fwy., Ste. 409
713-589-9804
dwoodjaflanigan.com
Finalist: David Genac, PhD

Best Psychologist (Female)
Kristin K. Anderson, PhD
9525 Katy Fwy., Ste. 200
713-263-0400
drkristinanderson.com

Best Tanning Salon
Eclipse
415 Westheimer
713-520-6611
eclipsesunlesstanning.com

Best Tattoo Parlor
Electric Chair
8722 Richmond, 713-780-3500
electricchair.cc
Finalists: Sacred Heart, Shaw’s Tattoo Parlor

House & Home

Best Art Gallery
Archway Gallery
2305 Dunlavy
713-522-2409
archgallery.com
Finalist: John Palmer Art Gallery

Best Florist
AJ’s Urban Petals
1217 West 20th Street
713-957-0449
ajsurbanpetals.com
Finalists: Glenwood Weber Design, John Friedman Flowers

Best Furniture Store
IKEA (tie)
7810 Katy Fwy.
713-688-7867
ikea-usa.com

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams (tie)
4091 Westheimer
832-397-5130
mgbwhome.com
Finalists: Gallery Furniture, Rooms To Go

Best Furniture Store on a Budget
IKEA
7810 Katy Fwy.
713-688-7867
ikea-usa.com
Finalist: Gallery Furniture

Best Garden & Nursery Supply
Buchanan’s Native Plants (tie)
611 E. 11th St.
713-861-5702
buchanansplants.com

Joshua’s Native Plants (tie)
502 W. 18th St.
713-862-7444
joshuanativeplants.com
Finalist: AJ’s Landscaping Company

Best Insurance Agent (Male)
David Lorms (tie)
2200 N. Loop West, Ste. 136
713-688-8669
lormsinsuranceservices.com

Rob Schmerler (tie)
6575 W. Loop South
Ste. 185 Bellaire
713-661-7700
schmerleragency.com

Best Insurance Agent (Female)
Pam Ellis
5900 Memorial, Ste. 301
713-869-7263
callpam.com

Best Interior Designer (Male)
Kevin Hamby
1300 Holman, Ste. 301
713-718-6097
Finalist: Mark Wade Brown

Best Interior Designer (Female)
Laura Umansky
1840 Westheimer
713-522-0855
laurau.com

Best Landscaping Company
AJ’s Landscaping
1223 W. 21st St.
713-957-0449
ajslandscaping.com
Finalist: Glenwood Weber Design, Windswept Landscaping

Best Plumber
Village Plumbing
5403 Kirby
713-581-8353
villageplumbing.com
Finalist: Tom Pierce Plumbing

Best Pool Company
Pools By James
713-822-2531
Finalists: Reflection Pools, Tranquility Pools

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Best Attorney (Male)
Mitchell Katine
1834 Southmore
713-808-1000
lawkn.com
Finalists: Jim Evans, Raed Gonzales, John Nechman, Jerry Simoneaux

Best Attorney (Female)
Connie Moore and Debbie Hunt
3608 Audubon
713-522-4282
mooreandhunt.com
Finalist: Clyde Williams

Best Bank/Credit Union
Wells Fargo
wellsfargo.com
Finalists: BBVA Compass,
JP Morgan Chase

Best Financial Advisor/Planner (Male)
Rick Dickson, CFP
[email protected]

Best Financial Advisor/Planner (Female)
Grace Yung, CFP
Midtown Financial Group, LLC
3355 W. Alabama, Ste. 230
713-355-9833
midtownfg.com

PETS

Best Doggie Day Care
Molly’s Mutt House
3407 Montrose Blvd.
832-581-2453
Finalists: Pet Paradise, Rover Oaks

Best Place to Adopt a Pet
Houston SPCA
900 Portway
713-869-7722
houstonspca.org
Finalist: BARC, Molly’s Mutt House

Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Multiple Locations
petsmart.com
Finalist: Natural Pawz

Best Veterinarian (Male)
Richard Clive, DVM
Midtown Veterinary Hospital
1434 W. Alabama St.
713-528-4900
midtownvethospital.com
Finalists: Randy McBride, DVM; Tom F. Vining, DVM

Best Veterinarian (Female)
Danielle Rosser, DVM
West Alabama Clinic
2030 W. Alabama
7113-528-0818
westalabamaanimalclinic.com
Finalists: Dayna Baxter, DVM; Christie Cornelius, DVM

REAL ESTATE

Best Home Builder
Loyd Russell Homes
Russell Garrison
3939 Washington, Ste. 200
713-529-4399
loydrussell.com

Best Mortgage Company
John Frels
Sente Mortgage
1717 Yale
713-524-1850
mortgageassociates.com
Finalists: Academy Mortgage,
Zeus Mortgage

Best Real Estate Agent (Male)
Jeremy Fain
Greenwood King
1616 S. Voss Rd., Ste. 900
713-677-4337
har.com/jeremyfain
Finalists: Tim Anthony,
Bob Beszborn, Richard Ray,
Tim Surratt, Andy Weber

Best Real Estate Agent (Female)
Karen Derr (tie)
Boulevard Realty
1545 Heights Blvd.
713-875-7050
yourblvd.com

Pat Walker (tie)
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
5050 Westheimer, Ste. 200
713-412-6682
har.com/patriciawalker
Finalists: Pamela Efferson, Debbie Levine, Lynette Lew

Best Title Company
Chicago Title, Innerloop
3700 Buffalo Spdwy., Ste. 400
713-529-4399
chicagotitleinnerloop.com

TRAVEL & VACATIONS

Best Airline
Southwest Airlines
Finalist: United Airlines

Best LGBT Cruise or Tour Company
Aquafest (tie)
4801 Woodway, Ste. 400 W
800-592-5098
aquafestcruises.com

Concierge Travel (tie)
4920 Mimosa
713-661-2117
conciergetravel.cc
Finalists: Gayribbean Cruise, Sweet Cruises

Best LGBT Travel Destination
Puerto Vallarta
Finalists: New Orleans,
Provincetown

Best Local Hotel
Hotel Derek
2525 W. Loop South
713-961-3000
hotelderek.com
Finalists: Granduca Hotel, Hotel Za Za

Best Local Travel Agency
Concierge Travel
4920 Mimosa
713-661-2117
conciergetravel.cc

Best Travel Website
Orbitz.com

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Best Astrologer (Male)
Kevin Casey
4344 Westheimer
713-993-0550
bodymindandsoulhouston.com

Best Astrologer (Female)
Lilly Roddy
920 W. Main
713-529-5842
lillyroddy.com

Best Copy/Print Shop
Copy.com
1201 Westheimer, Ste. F
713-528-1201
copydotcom.com

Best Grocery Store
HEB
Multiple Locations
heb.com
Finalists: Kroger, Whole Foods

Best Jewelry Store
Silverlust
1338 Westhiemer, Ste. C
713-520-5440
silverlustonline.com
Finalist: Zadok Jewelers

Best Liquor Store
Spec’s Liquor Stores
2410 Smith St. &
Multiple Locations
713-526-8787
specsonline.com

Best Cellular Phone Store
Premier Paging (tie)
12220 Murphy Rd., Ste. F
Stafford, TX
281-575-8500
premierwirelesstx.com

Apple Store (tie)
Multiple Locations
apple.com

Best Erotic Playthings Store
Adam & Eve
1111 Westheimer &
Multiple Locations
713-521-2326
adamevetexas.com
Finalists: Erotic Cabaret,
Executive Video Superstore, Hollywood Super Center

Best Eyewear Store
Eye Gallery (tie)
1806 Westheimer, Ste B
713-523-1279
eyegalleryhouston.com

Spectacles (tie)
4317 Montrose
713-529-3937
wearusout.com
Finalists: Eye Contact,
Eye Elegance, Eye To Eye

Best Men’s Clothing Store
Macy’s
2727 Sage & Multiple Locations
713-968-1985
macys.com
Finalists: The Class Room,
Neiman Marcus, SoHo

Best Women’s Clothing Store
Macy’s
2727 Sage & Multiple Locations
713-968-1985
macys.com
Finalists: Nordstrom’s, Tootsie’s

Best Specialty Food Store
HEB – Central Market
heb.com & centralmarket.com
Finalists: Phoenicia, Spec’s Downtown, Whole Foods

DINING OUT

Best New Restaurant
Coltivare
3320 White Oak Dr.
713-637-4095
coltivarehouston.com
Finalist: Osteria Mazzantini

Best 24-Hour Restaurant
House of Pies
Finalists: Katz’s Deli,
Midtown Bar & Grill

Best Restaurant for Cheap Eats
Jenni’s Noodle House
3111 S. Shepherd &
Multiple Locations
713-noodles
noodlesrule.com
Finalists: Pho Saigon, Tacos a Go-Go

Best Restaurant for Elegant Dining
Brennan’s
330 Smith St.
713-522-9711
brennanshouston.com
Finalists: Mark’s American Cuisine, Ouisie’s Table, Sorrel

Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining
Baba Yega
2607 Grant St.
713-522-0042
babayega.com
Finalists: Backstreet Café, Tila’s

Best Catering Firm
Jim Benton of Houston, LLC
2811 Eastman St.
713-802-2860
jimbentonhouston.com
Finalists: Don Carlos Catering, El Tiempo, Melange Catering

Best Food Truck
Bernie’s Burger Bus
281-349-9400
berniesburgerbus.com
Finalists: Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, Tila’s, Waffle Bus

Best Barbeque
Goode Co. Barbeque
5109 Kirby Dr.
713-522-2530
goodecompany.com
Finalists: Hickory Hollow, Pappas

Best Breakfast
Baby Barnaby’s
602 Fairview
713-522-4229
barnabyscafe.com
Finalists: Breakfast Klub, La Mexicana, Tacos a Go-Go

Best British
Red Lion
2316 S. Shepherd
713-782-3030
redlionhouston.com
Finalist: Black Labrador Pub

Best Brunch
Gloria’s
2616 Louisiana, Ste. 101
832-360-1710
gloriasrestaurants.com
Finalists: Baba Yega, The Bird and the Bear, Riva’s, Sorrel

Best Cajun
Ragin’ Cajun
4302 Richmond Ave., Ste. A
713-623-6321
ragin-cajun.com
Finalists: BB’s Cajun Café, Woodrow’s

Best Chinese
Kam’s
4500 Montrose
713-529-5057
kamscuisine.com
Finalists: Ambassador,
China Garden

Best Cuban
El Rey
910 Shepherd
713-802-9145
elreytaqueria.com

Best Deli
Kenny & Ziggy’s
New York Deli
2327 Post Oak Blvd.
713-871-8883
kennyandziggys.com
Finalists: Jason’s Deli,
Katz’s Deli

Best Dessert
The Acadian Bakers (tie)
601 W. Alabama
713-520-1484
acadianbakers.com

Dessert Gallery (tie)
3600 Kirby, Ste. D
713-522-9999
dessertgallery.com
Finalist: The Chocolate Bar

Best French
Charivari
2521 Bagby St.
713-521-7231
charivarirest.com
Finalist: Brasserie 19

Best Greek
Niko Niko’s
2520 Montrose
713-528-1308
nikonikos.com
Finalists: Midtown Bar & Grill, Theo’s

Best Hamburger
The Acadian Bakers (tie)
604 W. Alabama
713-520-1484
acadianbakers.com

Lankford Grocery & Market (tie)
88 Dennis
713-522-9555
lankfordgrocery.com
Finalist: Christian’s Tailgate

Best Indian
Bombay Brasserie
2414 University Blvd, #210
713-355-2000
thebombaybrasserie.com
Finalists: Khyber Grill, Shiva

Best Italian
Giacomo’s (tie)
3215 Westheimer Rd.
713-522-1934
giacomosciboevino.com

Riva’s (tie)
1117 Missouri
713-529-0666
rivasrestaurant.com
Finalists: Carrabba’s, Damian’s

Best Japanese
Uchi
904 Westheimer
713-522-4408
uchirestaurant.com/houston
Finalist: Samurai

Best Lunch Spot
Gloria’s
2616 Louisiana, Ste. 101
832-360-1710
gloriasrestaurants.com
Finalists: The Acadian Bakers, Baba Yega, Maine-ly Sandwiches

Best Mediterranean
Aladdin
912 Westheimer
713-942-2321
aladdinshouston.com
Finalist: Skewer’s

Best Mexican
Gloria’s (tie)
2616 Louisiana, Ste. 101
832-360-1710
gloriasrestaurants.com

1308 Cantina/El Tiempo (tie)
1308 Montrose &
Multiple Locations
713-8070-8996
eltiempocantina.com
Finalists: La Mexicana,
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, Tila’s

Best Pizza
Pizza L’Vino (tie)
544 Waugh Dr.
713-526-1000
pizzalvino.com
713-8070-8996

Star Pizza (tie)
77 Harvard
713-869-1241
starpizza.net
Finalist: Pizzeria Solario

Best Seafood
Danton’s Seafood
4611 Montrose
713-807-8883
dantonsseafood.com
Finalists: Pappadeaux, Tony Mandola’s Gulf Coast Kitchen

Best Steakhouse
Laurenzo’s (tie)
4412 Washington Ave.
713-880-5111
laurenzos.net

Morton’s Steakhouse (tie)
5000 Westheimer
713-629-1964
mortons.com

Best Sushi
Uchi
904 Westheimer
713-522-4808
uchirestaurant.com/houston
Finalists: The Fish, Oishii

Best Thai
Nidda
1226 Westheimer
713-522-8895
Finalists: Khun Kay Thai, Thai Spice

Best Vegetarian
Ruggles Green
2311 W. Alabama
713-533-0777
rugglesgreen.com
Finalists: Field of Greens, Radical Eats

Best Vietnamese
Mai’s
3403 Milam St.
713-520-7684
maishouston.com
Finalists: Dua, Pho Saigon, Red Pier, Van Loc

DRINKS & SPIRITS

Best Coffee House
Starbucks
Multiple Locations
starbucks.com
Finalists: Antidote, Blacksmith, Southside Espresso

Favorite Wine Bar
Boheme
307 Fairview
713-529-1099
barboheme.com
Finalists: 13 Celsius, Max’s Wine Dive

Club with the Best Happy Hour
F Bar
202 Tuam
713-522-3227
fbarhouston.com
Finalists: Crocker Bar, Guava Lamp, JR’s

Club/Restaurant with the Best Margarita
1308 Cantina/El Tiempo
1308 Montrose &
Multiple Locations
713-807-8996
eltiempocantina.com
Finalists: FBAR, JR’s

Club/Restaurant with the Best Martini
Guava Lamp
570 Waugh
713-524-3359
guavalamphouston.com
Finalists: F Bar, Meteor

Favorite Brand of Beer
Bud Light
budlight.com
Finalists: Shiner, St. Arnold

Favorite Brand of Liquor
Ketel One
ketelone.com
Finalists: Absolut, Tito’s

ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTLIFE

Favorite Gay Bar
Crocker Bar (tie)
2312 Crocker
713-529-3355

JR’s (tie)
808 Pacific St.
713-521-2519
jrsbarandgrill.com
Finalists: F Bar, Neon Boots

Favorite Women’s Bar
Pearl Bar
4216 Washington
832-740-4933
pearlhouston.com
Finalists: Neon Boots,
Ranch Hill Saloon

Favorite Straight Bar
Anvil
1424 Westheimer
713-523-1622
anvilhouston.com
Finalists: Boheme, Royal Oak

Favorite Club for Dancing
South Beach
801 Pacific St.
713-529-7623
southbeachthenightclub.com
Finalists: F Bar, Neon Boots

Best Drag Show Bar
F Bar
202 Tuam
713-522-3227
fbarhouston.com
Finalists: Guava Lamp, Meteor, TC’s Show Bar

Favorite Bar to Two-Step
Neon Boots
11410 Hempstead Hwy
713-677-0828
neonbootsclub.com
Finalist: Ranch Hill Saloon

Favorite Bar to Shoot Pool
George Country Sports Bar
617 Fairview
713-528-8102
georgescountrysportsbar.com
Finalists: JR’s, Neon Boots, Tony’s Corner Pocket

Favorite Place to Watch Male Dancers
Meteor
2306 Genesee St.
713-521-0123
meteorhouston.com
Finalists: Montrose Mining Company, Tony’s Corner Pocket

Favorite Place to Show Off Your Leather
Eagle Houston
611 Hyde Park
eaglehouston.com
Finalists: Montrose Mining Company, Ripcord

Favorite Club if You’re Under 21
South Beach
810 Pacific St.
713-529-7623
southbeachthenightclub.com
Finalists: Bayou City Bar and Grill, Blur

Favorite Club after 2 a.m.
South Beach
810 Pacific St.
713-529-7623
southbeachthenightclub.com
Finalists: Kryptonite, Viviana’s

Favorite Bartender (Male)
Christopher Barry (tie)
Christopher Tyer (tie)
Finalists: Reggie Miles, Marc Ruiz

Favorite Bartender (Female)
Kristina Prats
Finalists: Crystal Murley, Sarah Tompkins

Favorite DJ (Male)
Chris Allen (tie)

Joe Ross (tie)
Finalists: DJ Level, Chris Zane

Favorite DJ (Female)
DJ Athenz
Finalist: DJ Melle Mel

Most Divine Drag Queen
Kara Dion (tie)
Kofi (tie)
Finalists: Kiki Dion Van Wales, Kourtney Paige Van Wales

Favorite Local Non-Drag Entertainer (Male)
Marty Adamson
Finalists: Jerry Atwood, Tye Frazier

Favorite Local Non-Drag
Entertainer (Female)
Morena Roas
Finalist: Nina Lombardo

Favorite Local Band
The Goods

GALVESTON

OUR PEOPLE

Community Hero (Male)
Rodney Seiler
Finalists: Tom Long, Robert Mainor

Most Prominent LGBT Activist
Misty Valdez

Most Prominent LGBT Female Activist
Jill Costa
Finalist: Misty Valdez

Most Valuable Male Volunteer
Robert Evans
Finalists: David Bowers, Tom Schwenk

Most Valuable Female Volunteer
Pam Froeschner

Leading Male Fundraiser
Johnny Mize (tie)
Rodney Seiler (tie)
Finalists: Eddie Kier, Mark Smith

Leading Female Fundraiser
Pamela Passino

Favorite Local Politician (Male)
Craig Brown

Favorite Local Politician (Female)
Susan Criss
Finalist: Terilyn Tarlton

Best LGBT Businessperson
Rodney Seiler (tie)
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409-765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com

Paul Vincent (tie)
Georgetown Mortgage
4022 Ave S ½
409-599-9461
Finalists: David Paschall,
Tom Schwenk

Most Supportive of the LGBT Community (Local)
Pink Posse
at the Pink Dolphin Tavern
Finalists: 3rd Coast Downtown, Galveston.com, Island ETC Theatre

Favorite Community Photographer (Female)
Susan Henry
2115 Postoffice
409-762-6454
susanhenryphotograpy.com

Favorite Community Photographer (Male)
Billy Hill
409-771-8211
g-townsurf.com

Best TV Personality
Frank Billingsley
KPRC, Channel 2
click2houston.com

Best (Local) LGBT Website
Galveston.com
523 24th St.
409-765-3502
galveston.com

OUR COMMUNITY

Favorite Community Organization
Galveston Historical Foundation
502 20th St.
409-765-7834
galvestonhistory.com
Finalist: AIDS Coalition of Galveston

Favorite Benefit Event of the Year
ACCT Annual Brunch
Finalist: PAWS Galveston

BUSINESS & SERVICES

Automotive

Best Domestic Auto Dealership
Classic Auto Group Galveston
8020 Broadway
409-744-5711
classicautogroupgalveston.com

Best Import Auto Dealership
Clear Lake Fiat
15965 Gulf Frewway
281-310-8300
houstonfiatdealer.com

Health & Beauty

Best Chiropractor
Chad Duchon, DC
2724 61st #5
409-744-9355
galvestonspine.com

Best Dentist (Male)
William Glenn III
2601 Braoadway
409-765-5538
drglennfamilydental.com

Best Dentist (Female)
Barbara A. Pickering, DDS
8333 Stewart Rd.
409-744-4330
barbarapickeringdds.com

Best Eye Doctor
Kevin Katz, OD, MS
Texas State Optical
515 22nd St.
409-762-8679
tsogalveston.com

Best Gym/Place to Work Out
Urban Fitness
2009 Postoffice
409-621-2878
urbanhealthandfitness.com
Finalist: Total Fitness

Best Hair Stylist
Jim Windmiller
Windmiller’s Hair Salon
1015 26th St.
409-762-1627
windmillers.com
Finalist: Bill Kirklin

Best Physician (Male)
Victor S. Sierpina, MD
6710 Stewart Rd., Ste 100
409-744-4030
Finalist: Jim Hunderup

Best Physician (Female)
Angela Shepherd, MD
6710 Stewart Rd., Ste 100
409-744-4030

Best Mental Health Therapist
Marco Vega
301 University Blvd.
409-486-7044

Best Tattoo Parlor
Island Tattoo
3615 Broadway St.
409-974-4133
Finalist: Asylum

House & Home

Best Furniture Store
Star Furniture
3727 Broadway
409-762-7821
starfurnituregalveston.com

Best Landscaping Company
Tom’s Thumb Nursery
& Landscaping
2014 45th St. • 409-763-4713
tomsthumbnursery.com

Best Interior Design
Seamus Kraham
Urban Resort Home
411 25th Street
409-443-5410
Urbanresorthome.com
Finalists: Eddie Kier,
Johnny Mize

Best Insurance Agent (Male)
Alex Monteith
SMI Agency
1802 Broadway, Ste 118
409-765-9515
smiagency.com

Best Insurance Agent (Female)
Gigi Heffernan
Heffernan Insurance Agency
1703 Tremont Street
409-765-9011
heffernaninsurance agency.com

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Best Attorney (Male)
Ernest Caldwell
1619 Avenue E
409-762-3500
Finalist: David Bowers

Best Attorney (Female)
Connie Moore & Debbie Hunt
Moore and Hunt
3608 Audubon, Houston
713-522-4282
mooreandhunt.com

Best Bank/Credit Union
HomeTown Bank of Galveston
1801 45th Street
409-763-1271
bankofgalveston.com
Finalist: Amoco Federal
Credit Union

PETS

Best Veterinarian
Jackie Cole, DVM
Campeche Cove Animal Hospital
3802 Cove View Blvd.
409-740-0808
campechecoveanimal
hospital.com

REAL ESTATE

Best Real Estate Agent (Male)
David Bowers (tie)
The House Company
2615 Broadway
409-763-2800
davidbowers.com

V.J. Tramonte (tie)
Joe Tramonte Realty
1802 Broadway, Ste 206
409-765-9837
tramonterealty.com
Finalists: Tom Schwenk, Robert Zahn

Best Real Estate Agent (Female)
Kelly Kelley
Kelly Kelley Real Estate
3616 7 Mile Road
281-794-9463
kellykelley.com

Best Mortgage Company
Paul Vincent
Georgetown Mortgage
4022 Ave S ½
409-599-9461

Best Title Company
Stewart Title
222 Kempner
409-763-4641
stewartgalveston.com
Finalists: Chicago Title, Southland Title

TRAVEL & VACATIONS

Best Day Spa
Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409-765-7721
wyndhamhotelgalvez.com
Finalist: San Luis Resort

Best Local Hotel
Commodore on the Beach (tie)
3618 Seawall Blvd
409-763-2375
commodoreonthebeach.com

Hotel Galvez (tie)
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409-765-7721
wyndhamhotelgalvez.com
Finalists: San Luis Resort,
The Tremont House,

Best Local Travel Agency
Galveston.com
523 24th St.
409-765-3502
galveston.com

Best Local LGBT Travel Website
Galveston.com
523 24th St.
409-765-3502
galveston.com

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Best Grocery Store
Kroger
5730 Seawall Blvd.
409-741-8580
kroger.com

Best Specialty Food Store
Maceo Spice
2706 Market Ave Drive
409-763-3331
maceospice.com
Finalist: Oasis Juice Bar

Best Liquor Store
Spec’s
6815 Stewart Rd.
409-740-3161
specsonline.com
Finalist: Economy Liquor

Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothing
Treasure Trove
2719 61st Street
409-737-9900
giftsandgarments.com

Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothing
Cruz Cortez Clothiers
2227 Postoffice St.
409-763-9600
cruzcortezclothiers.com

Best Jewelry Store
Fullen Jewelry
2215 Postoffice
409-763-0555
fullenjewelry.com
Finalists: John Ford,
Vic’s Estate & Fine Jewelry

Best Place to Buy Eyewear
TSO/Kevin Katz, OD MS
515 22nd St.
409-762-8679
tsogalveston.com

Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings
Wild Side Things
902 Seawall Blvd
409-762-0074
Finalist: XTC Boutique

Best Catering Firm
Butter & Company
923 Nicholson (Houston)
713-820-3221
butterandcompany.com
Finalist: Catering by Benno’s

Best New Restaurant
Number 13
7809 Broadway
409-572-2650
number13steak.com

Best Restaurant for People Watching
The Spot
3204 Seawall Blvd.
409-621-5237
thespotgalveston.com

Best Restaurant for Elegant Dining
Shearns Seafood
7 Hope Blvd
409-683-4000
moodygardenshotel.com
Finalist: Pelican Club/Gaido’s Seafood

Best Restaurant for Cheap Eats
Gorditas
712 Seawall Blvd.
409-621-1944
galveston.com/gorditas
Finalist: The Press Box

Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining
Smooth Tony’s Patio & Grill
415 9th Street
409-765-5200
smoothtonys.com

Best Breakfast
The Sunflower Bakery & Café
512 14th Street
409-763-5500
thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com
Finalists: Miller’s Landing, Mosquito Café

Best Brunch
Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409-765-7721
galveston.com/galvez
Finalists: Mosquito Café,
The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

Best Lunch Spot
Mosquito Café
626 14th St.
409-763-1010
mosquitocafe.com
Finalist: The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

Best Dessert
Patty Cakes
704 14th Street
409-762-2537
pattycakesgalveston.com
Finalists: Mosquito Café, The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

Best Barbeque
Queen’s Bar-b-que
3428 Avenue S
409-762-3151
galveston.com/queens

Best Steak
The Steakhouse
at San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409-744-1500
sanluisresort.com

Best Cajun
Benno’s on the Beach
1200 Seawall Blvd.
409-762-4621
bennosofgalveston.com
Finalist: Leo’s Cajun Corner

Best Chinese
Happy Buddha
2827 61st St.
409-744-5774
galveston.com/happybuddha

Best Greek
Olympia Grill
4908 Seawall Blvd.
409-766-1222
olympiagrill.net

Best Hamburger
The Spot
3204 Seawall
409-621-5237
thespotgalveston.com
Finalist: Sonny’s Place

Best Italian
Mario’s on the Seawall
628 Seawall Blvd
409-763-1693
mariosseawall.com

Best Japanese
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
2104 61st St.
409-744-2742
Finalist: Sky Bar

Best Mexican
Gorditas
712 Seawall Blvd,
409-621-1944
Finalists: La Estacion
Restaurant, Salsa’s

Best Mediterranean
Olympia Grill
4908 Seawall Blvd.
409-766-1222
olympiagrill.net
Finalist: Mediterranean Chef

Best Pizza
Mario’s on the Seawall
628 Seawall Blvd.
409-763-1693
mariosseawall.com
Finalist: Jack’s Pub on Postoffice

Best Seafood
Pelican Club/Gaido’s Seafood
3900 Seawall Blvd.
409-762-9625
gaidos.com
Finalist: Benno’s on the Beach

Best Sushi
Yamato Japanese
2104 61st Street
409-744-2742
yamatotx.com
Finalist: Sky Bar

Best Vegetarian
Oasis Juice Bar
409 25th Street
409-762-8446
oasisjuicebar.com

Best Vietnamese
Pho 20
2101 Broadway
409-750-9200
pho20.com

Best Coffee House
Mod Coffee & Tea House
2126 Postoffice
409-765-5659
modcoffeehouse.com

Favorite Gay Bar
3rd Coast Downtown (tie)
2416 Postoffice
409-765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com

Pink Dolphin Tavern (tie)
1706 23rd
409-621-1808
thepinkdolphintavern.com
Finalist: Robert’s Lafitte

Best Happy Hour
Olympia Grill at Pier 21
100 21st Street
409-765-0021
olympiagrill.net
Finalist: Medicinal Purposes

Best Margarita
Olympia Grill at Pier 21
100 21st Street
409-765-0021
olympiagrill.net
Finalist: Salsa’s

Best Martini
Olympia Grill at Pier 21
100 21st Street
409-765-0021
olympiagrill.net
Finalists: Hotel Galvez & Spa,
Sky Bar, Tremont

Best Straight Bar
San Luis Hotel Bar
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
sanluisresort.com

Best Club for Dancing
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409-765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com

Best Drag Show Bar
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409-765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalist: Stars Beach Club

Best Place for Two-Step Dancing
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409-765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com

Best Place to Shoot Pool
Pink Dolphin Tavern
1706 23rd Street
409-621-1808
thepinkdolphintavern.com

Best Place to Show off Your Leather
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409-765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com

Best Bartender
John Timothy Branstetter
Finalists: Nick Gray,
Marcus Williams

Best DJ (Male)
Joe Rios

Most Divine Drag Queen
Tara Dion
Finalists: Lana Blake,
Jasmen Pierce, CC Ryder

Best Local Band
The Line Up
thelineupmusic.com

Comments

Leave a Review or Comment

Back to top button