OutSmart’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards Winners
These winners contribute to Houston’s diverse culture.
OutSmart magazine is excited to once again honor our community’s best and brightest—individuals and businesses who were this year’s top vote-getters after OutSmart readers cast nearly 100,000 votes. Read on for the complete Gayest & Greatest awards list, as well as profiles on 13 of these talented community leaders.
ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE
Best Local Live Music Venue
White Oak Music Hall
Finalists: KIKI Houston Michael’s Outpost, Numbers Night Club
Favorite Bar for a Happy Hour
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: BUDDY’S Houston, EAGLE Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar, RIPCORD
Favorite Bar to Shoot Pool
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Barcode, BUDDY’S Houston, George, RIPCORD, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Bar to Two-Step
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
Finalist: La Granja Disco y Cantina
Favorite Club for Dancing
South Beach Houston
Finalists: Club 2.0, EAGLE Houston, KIKI Houston, Numbers, Pearl Bar
Favorite Dance Party
DNVRMX
Finalists: La Jungla, Track ID
Best Promoter
DNVRMX
Finalists: Brutas Dewayne, CURATEDBYCOY,Flawless Oz, Jacklyn Dior
Best Drag Show in Town
Millennial Dolls
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s, King Show, Laugh Track, Michael’s Outpost, Misfits!, KIKI Houston, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Karaoke Night at a Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Barcode, EAGLE Houston, KIKI Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, Pearl Bar
Favorite Place to Show Off Your Leather
Ripcord
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Place to Watch Drag
South Beach Houston
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s, KIKI Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Place to Watch Male Dancers
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Buddy’s, EAGLE Houston, South Beach Houston, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Trivia Night at a Bar
BUDDY’S
Finalists: Frost Town Brewing, Michael’s Outpost
Favorite Women’s Bar
Pearl Bar
Favorite Men’s Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: BUDDY’S Houston, Crocker Bar, EAGLE Houston, Michael’s Outpost, RIPCORD, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite LGBTQ Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Barcode, BUDDY’S Houston, Crocker Bar, EAGLE Houston, George Your Country Sports Bar, Hamburger Mary’s, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar, ReBar, RIPCORD, South Beach Houston, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Drag Show Bar
South Beach Houston
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s, KIKI Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar, RIPCORD
Favorite Ally Bar
Boheme
Finalists: Axelrad Beer Garden, Barbarella
Best Bar Food
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Cockpit Bar & Grill, Eagle Eats, Hamburger Mary’s, Michael’s Outpost, REBAR
Best New Drag King
Hugh Stone
Finalists: Barry Mii Dandy, Juecee Flesh, Kian Kismet, M. Balm, Phuc’ken Hi
Best New Drag Queen
Astrid West Love
Finalists: Alexa Bouvier, Juliana Ross, Ophelia Tender Flesh
Favorite Veteran Drag King
Hugh Dandy
Finalist: Damien, Ian Syder Blake, Shawn Michaels
Favorite Veteran Drag Queen
Kofi
Finalists: Nyxx Laraye, Regina Dane, Regina Thorne Dubois
Best Pageant King
La’darius Mirage Jackson
Finalists: Ian Syder Blake, Phuc’ken Hi, Sir Debonaire
Best Pageant Queen
Angela Mercy
Finalists: Chloe Knox, Cyn City, Dessie Love Blake, Muffy Blake Vanderbilt, Sasha Frost
Favorite Drag King
M. Balm
Finalists: Barry Mii Dandy, Damien, Hugh Dandy, Hugh Stone, Nibblez Zon Bits, Preston Steamed
Favorite Drag Queen
Chloe Crawford Ross
Finalists: Alexa Bouvier, Carmina Vavra, Persephone, Thee Blackberri, Violet S’Arbleu
Favorite Nonbinary Drag Entertainer
D’Addie D’Vine
Finalists: Allure Gic, Malevolent
Favorite Drag Show Host/Emcee
Queen Persephone
Finalists: Amanda Anne Houston, Blackberri, Carmina Vavra, D’Addie D’Vine, Hu’Nee B, Lady Shamu, Violet S’Arbleu
Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Female Entertainer
Christina Wells
Finalists: Amanda Marie Parker/Belle Be Damned, Angie Moon Mercy, Dawn Sugarbaker Whitney, Kitty Kontour, Lauren Salazar
Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Male Entertainer
L’Darius Mirage Jackson
Finalists: Alex Lafemme, Angel Oxl, Borque Whitney Bouvier, Eddie Divas, Ty Frazier
Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Nonbinary Entertainer
Brutas Dewayne
Finalists: DaddyPrincess, Valencia St. James Monro
Favorite Adult Film Performer
Silver Steele
Finalist: Ryan St. Michael
Favorite Local Musician or Band
Owen Orion
Finalists: Isaac Niaz, Space Kiddettes, Uncle Tino
Favorite Female DJ
DJ Rosez
Finalists: DJ Amarji King, DJ Athenz, DJ MLE, DJ VonKiss
Favorite Male DJ
Joe Ross
Finalists: DJ Alex T, DJ Atreyu Frausto, DJ Dicc, DJ Easton Santos, DJ stupid bitch
Favorite Nonbinary DJ
Mel Frausto
Finalists: DJ Kitty, Hyperfemme, Nibblez Zon Bits
Favorite Music Producers
Dirty Disco
Finalists: DJ Von Kiss, GNDRBNDR, IIRIIS
PEOPLE
Favorite Female Local Politician
Lina Hidalgo
Finalists: Abbie Kamin, Ann Johnson, Jolanda Jones, Lesley Briones
Favorite Male Local Politician
Mario Castillo
Finalists: Adrian Garcia, Christian Menefee, John Whitmire, Robert Gallegos
Favorite Nonbinary Local Politician
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Best Female LGBTQ Business Person
Julie Mabry
Finalist: Tammi Wallace
Best Male LGBTQ Business Person
Christopher Barry
Finalists: Charles Armstrong, Doug Smith, Grey Stephens, Tony McClelland
Best Nonbinary LGBTQ Business Person
Chip Ware
Finalist: Shawn Michaels
Favorite Female LGBTQ Community Hero
Tammi Wallace
Finalists: Alexa Bouvier, Courtney Sellers, Heather Tolleson
Favorite Male LGBTQ Community Hero
Brad Pritchett
Finalists: Brandon Mack, Christopher Barry, Ian L. Haddock, Jacques Bourgeois, JD Doyle
Favorite Nonbinary Community Hero
Ethan Michelle Ganz (tie)
Kevin Nguyen (tie)
Finalists: Mike Webb, Nibblez Zon Bits
Favorite Female Trans Community Hero
B’Yancha Foxx
Finalists: Alexis Nicole Whitney, Atlantis Narcisse, Joelle Espeut
Favorite Male Trans Community Hero
Dylan Forbis
Finalists: Emmett Schelling, Ian Syder Blake, Lou Weaver
Favorite Nonbinary Trans Community Hero
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Finalist: Cameron Stodghill
Favorite Female LGBTQ Elementary School Educator/Teacher
Samantha Pisarski-May
Finalist: Pam Straker
Favorite Male LGBTQ Elementary School Educator/Teacher
Julio Palacios
Finalists: Jhory Buskey, Matthew Tharp, Paul Fox Gonzales
Favorite Nonbinary Elementary School Educator/Teacher
Damon Whitley
Finalist: Korrie Bowers
Favorite Female LGBTQ High School Educator/Teacher
Brandi Lira
Finalists: Joan Cotton, Michelle Palmer
Favorite Male LGBTQ High School Educator/Teacher
Austin Dean
Finalist: Roger Woest
Favorite Nonbinary High School Educator/Teacher
Harrow Horst
Finalist: Brandi Lira
Favorite Female LGBTQ Post-Secondary Educator/Teacher
Maria Gonzalez
Finalist: Eliz Markowitz
Favorite Male LGBTQ Post-Secondary Educator/Teacher
Brian Riedel
Finalist: Brock Taylor
Favorite Nonbinary Post-Secondary Educator/Teacher
Juliann Losey
Leading Senior-Living Professional
Fred Renninger
Favorite Local LGBTQ Journalist
Zach McKenzie
Finalists: Andrew Edmonson, Ian L. Haddock, Sam Byrd
Favorite Local LGBTQ Influencer
Ryan St. Michael
Finalists: @broadwayhusbands, Connor Dunwoodie “Rye the Guy,” Parents of Trans Youth
Best Local LGBTQ Social-Media Presence
Ryan St. Michael
Finalists: JD Doyle, Montrose Center, Parents of Trans Youth
Favorite Local LGBTQ Instagram Account
Parents of Trans Youth (tie)
Ryan St. Michael (tie)
Finalist: @Drakeunleashed
Favorite Local LGBTQ Facebook Page
JD Doyle
Finalists: First Christian Church Katy, Montrose Center, Montrose Softball League Association
Favorite Local LGBTQ TikToker
Ryan St. Michael
Finalists: Connor Dunwoodie “Rye the Guy,” Terri Joe
Favorite Local LGBTQ Twitter Account
@bradpritchett
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Montrose Center, Ryan St. Michael
Favorite Male (Community) TV Personality
Ernie Manouse
Favorite Female (Commercial) TV Personality
Pooja Lodhia
Finalists: Brani Smith, Cathy Hernandez, Cheryl Mercedes, Debra Duncan, Lauren Kelly, Melanie Lawson, Miya Shay
Favorite Male (Commercial) TV Personality
Derek Shore
Finalists: Chaz Miller, Frank Billingsley, Jacob Rascon, Matt Dougherty, Pat Cavlin, TJ Parker, Travis Herzog, Zach Lashway
Favorite Nonbinary TV Personality
Amanda / Andy Wolfe
Favorite Female (Commercial) Radio Personality
Sarah Pepper
Finalist: Theresa Rockface
Favorite Male (Commercial) Radio Personality
Special K
Finalist: Amir Diamond, Jay Michaels, Rod Ryan
Favorite Female (Community) Radio Personality
Deborah Moncrief Bell
Finalist: Biconic, Judy Reeves
Favorite Male (Community) Radio Personality
Bryan Hlavinka
Finalists: Andrew Edmonson, Brett Cullum, Jay Michaels
Favorite Nonbinary (Community) Radio Personality
Amanda Wolfe
Favorite Local LGBTQ Podcast
Queer Voices
Finalists: Let’s Talk About Gay Stuff, Space Case, Y’all Out
Favorite Local LGBTQ Writer
Zach McKenzie
Finalists: Andrew Edmonson, Ian L. Haddock, JD Doyle, Sam Byrd, Scott Damon
Favorite Female Community Photographer
Nora Dayton
Finalists: Chandrayee Soneja, Kali Deming
Favorite Male Community Photographer
Dalton DeHart
Finalists: Connor Hart, Emilio Coochie
Favorite Nonbinary Community Photographer
Chiugo Akujuobi
Finalist: Ash Guest
Leading Female Fundraiser
Meleah Jones
Finalists: Angela Mercy, Angie Moon Mercy, Atlantis Narcisse, Courtney Sellers
Leading Male Fundraiser
Roger Woest
Finalists: Borque Whitney Bouvier, Dan Cato, Don Gill, Jacques Bourgeois, Mykey Whitney
Leading Trans Community Fundraiser
Atlantis Narcisse
Finalists: Alexis Nicole Whitney, Pete Makopoulos-Senftleber
Leading Nonbinary Fundraiser
Kevin Nguyen
Finalist: Nibblez zon Bitz
Leading Female Entertainer Fundraiser
Angela Mercy
Finalists: Alexa Bouvier, Dawn Sugarbaker Whitney, Ivanna Cupcake
Leading Male Entertainer Fundraiser
Roger Woest
Finalists: Borque Whitney Bouvier, Geary Whitney, Mykey Whitney
Leading Nonbinary Entertainer Fundraiser
Nibblez zon Bitz
Finalist: Chastity St. Cage
Most Prominent Female LGBTQ Activist
Alexa Bouvier
Finalists: Joelle Espeut, Meghan Fairbanks, Meghan Mooney
Most Prominent Male LGBTQ Activist
Brad Pritchett
Finalists: Brandon Mack, Geary Whitney, Ian L. Haddock, Lou Weaver, Mykey Whitney
Most Prominent Nonbinary LGBTQ Activist
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Finalist: Amanda Wolfe
Most Prominent Female Trans Activist
Kenia Gallardo
Finalists: Alexis Nicole Whitney, Atlantis Narcisse, Joelle Espeut, Meghan Fairbanks
Most Prominent Male Trans Activist
Landon Richie
Finalists: Dylan Forbis, Lou Weaver
Most Prominent Youth LGBTQ Activist
Cameron Samuels
Finalists: Landon Richie, Paul Fox Gonzales
Most Valuable Intersex Advocate/Educator
Mo Cortez
Finalist: Koomah
Most Valuable Female Volunteer
Natalie Ferguson
Finalists: Alexa Bouvier, Angie Moon Mercy, Dawn, Sugarbaker Whitney, Donna Junker, Heather J. Taylor
Most Valuable Male Volunteer
Torque Spec
Finalists: Blair Fullerton, Brandon Mack, Denis Kelly, Luis Adame, Mykey Whitney
Most Valuable Nonbinary Community Volunteer
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Finalists: Amanda Wolfe, Kevin Nguyen, Nibblez zon Bitz
Most Valuable Female Trans Community Volunteer
Meghan Fairbanks
Finalists: Alexis Nicole Whitney, Joelle Espeut
Most Valuable Male Trans Community Volunteer
Pete Makopoulos-Senftleber
Finalist: Simon Willis
REAL ESTATE
Best Female Real Estate Agent
Karen Derr
Finalists: Aubrie Layne, Debbie Levine, Lynette Lew, Poonam Kapoor
Best Male Real Estate Agent
Brooks Ballard (tie)
David Batagower (tie)
Finalists: Colby Wulf, Danny Pleason, Hudson Holmes, Jason Knebel, Jeremy Fain, Joshua Bernal, Mark A Chupik, Richard Ray, Thomas Eickleberry, William Finnorn
Best Galveston Real Estate Agent
Hudson Holmes
Finalists: David Bowers, Tom Schwenk
Best Houston Real Estate Website
HAR.com
Finalist: Sothebysrealty.com
Best Galveston Real Estate Website
Joe Tramonte Realty Inc
Best Mortgage Company
Cody Grizzoffi, NRL Mortgage
Finalists: John Frels (Mortgage Guru), Riaz Pooran (PrimeLending)
Best Title Company
Alamo Title – Uptown-River Oaks
Finalists: Chicago Title, Old Republic Title
Best Home Builder
Noble Contractor Solutions
Finalists: Loyd Russel Homes, Sandcastle Homes
Best Home Remodeling Company
Noble Contractor Solutions
Finalists: C House, Handyman Home Services–Texas City, Shelley Kennedy, VCS Construction & Remodeling
Favorite Rental Community
Law Harrington Senior Living Center
Finalists: The Pearl, The Susanne
COMMUNITY
Best Political Advocacy Group
Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus
Finalists: Equality Texas, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Legacy Takes Action
Favorite LGBTQ Philanthropic Organization
First Christian Church Katy (tie)
Montrose Grace Place (tie)
Finalists: Bunnies on the Bayou, Diana Foundation, Krewe of Olympus, Legacy Community Health, Montrose Center
Favorite Local LGBTQ Community Organization
Krewe of Olympus
Finalists: Bering Memorial United Church of Christ, First Christian Church Katy, Legacy Community Health–Montrose Clinic, Montrose Center, The Normal Anomaly Initiative, The T.R.U.T.H. Project, Inc.
Favorite LGBTQ Social Group
Krewe of Olympus
Finalists: Executive and Professional Association of Houston, First Christian Church Katy, Houston Gaymers, Trans & GenderQueer Houston
Favorite Trans Support Organization
Transparent Closet – FCC Katy
Finalists: Organización Latina Trans in Texas, Parents of Trans Youth, Save Our Sisters United, The Mahogany Project, Trans Legal Aid Clinic Texas, Transgender Education Network of Texas
Favorite Place to Worship
Bering Memorial United Church of Christ
Finalists: First Christian Church Katy, Kindred, Resurrection MCC, Westbury United Methodist Church, St. Peter United
Favorite LGBTQ Sports Club or League
Montrose Softball League Association
Finalists: Lone Star Volleyball Association, Space City Rugby
Favorite HIV/AIDS Support Organization
Legacy Community Health (tie)
PWA Holiday Charities (tie)
Finalists: AHF Healthcare Center, Allies in Hope, Avenue 360, Montrose Center, Positive Women’s Network
Favorite LGBTQ Benefit Event of the Year
Bunnies on the Bayou (tie)
Krewe of Olympus Ball (tie)
Finalists: FCC Katy Transparent Closet Fashion and Drag Show, Mint Julep, Montrose Center Gala, The Diana Awards, Unity Banquet
Best Houston Corporate LGBTQ Diversity Group
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Finalist: Amegy Bank, Chevron, Houston Methodist
Local Business Most Supportive of the LGBTQ Community
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Amegy Bank, EAGLE Houston, Hawthorne Capital, Pearl Bar, Silver Eagle Distributors, Tony’s Corner Pocket
National Business Most Supportive of the LGBTQ Community
Amegy Bank
Finalists: Southwest Airlines, Wells Fargo Bank
Best College or University
University of Houston
Finalists: Lone Star College-Houston North, Rice University
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Houston Astros
Finalists: Houston Dash, Houston Rockets, Houston SaberCats Rugby
Best Local LGBTQ News Source
OutSmart Magazine
Finalists: Spectrum South, Transadvocate
Best Local LGBTQ Online Resource
OutSmart Magazine
Finalists: JD Doyle Archives, Montrose Center, Parents of Trans Youth Instagram
Best National LGBTQ Online Resource
The Trevor Project
Finalist: Out Professionals
Favorite National LGBTQ Organization
PFLAG
Finalists: Human Rights Campaign, Out Professionals, The Trevor Project
DINING OUT
Best New Restaurant
Low Tide Kitchen & Bar
Finalists: Citizens of Montrose, Picnik Montrose
Best Food Truck
Eagle Eats
Finalists: Houston Sauce Pit Food Truck, The Pupusa Pocket Food Truck
Best LGBTQ Caterer
NaTosha Barber
Finalists: Chris Legacy, Larry Fogarty
Best 24-Hour Restaurant
House of Pies
Finalists: Katz’s, Shokku Ramen
Best Bakery
Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe
Finalists: Common Bond Bistro & Bakery – Montrose, La Sicilia italian Bakery & Cafe, Leona’s Bakeshop, Three Brothers Bakery, Urban Eats
Best Barbecue
The Pit Room
Finalists: Brookstreet BBQ, Demeris Bar-B-Q, Gatlin’s BBQ, Truth BBQ
Best Breakfast
Baby Barnaby’s
Finalists: Empire Café, Epicure Café, Urban Eats
Best Brunch
Brennan’s of Houston (tie)
Riva’s Italian Restaurant (tie)
Finalists: Tex-Orleans, Hamburger Mary’s, Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Urban Eats
Best Lunch Spot
Barnaby’s Cafe (tie)
Urban Eats (tie)
Finalists: Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace; Hobbit Cafe; Low Tide Kitchen & Bar; Southern Yankee Crafthouse
Best Deli
Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen
Finalists: Katz’s, Urban Eats
Best Desserts
Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe
Finalists: Leona’s Bakeshop, Michael’s Cookie Jar, Niko Niko’s, Urban Eats
Best Hamburger
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Burger Joint, Lankford’s Grocery & Market, Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Trill Burgers, Urban Eats
Best Hot Dogs
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalist: Good Dog Houston
Best Dumplings
Dumpling Dudez
Finalists: Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House, Wanna Bao
Best Pizza
Star Pizza
Finalists: Bambolino’s, Love Buzz, Pepperoni’s, Pizaro’s Pizza
Best Seafood
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Finalists: Acme Oyster House, Low Tide Kitchen & Bar, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Best Steak House
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Finalists: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Laurenzo’s, The Lexington Grille
Best Steak Night at a Bar
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Free Grillin’ at George, Pearl Bar, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
Best Sushi
Oishii
Finalists: Kata Robata, MF Sushi, Nippon
Best British
The Red Lion
Finalist: Rudyard’s
Best Cajun
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Finalists: Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks, Ragin’ Cajun
Best Central/South American
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Finalists: El Pueblito Patio, Morfi Argentino
Best Chinese
Mala Sichuan Bistro
Finalists: China Garden Restaurant, P. King Authentic Chinese Food, Pepper Twins
Best Cuban
El Rey Taqueria
Finalist: Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine
Best Greek
Niko Niko’s
Finalist: Raja Mediterranean Food & Sweets
Best Indian
Tarka Indian Kitchen
Finalists: Khyber North Indian Grill, Kiran’s, Pondicheri
Best Italian
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino (tie)
Riva’s Italian Restaurant (tie)
Finalists: Carrabba’s, Damian’s Cucina Italiana
Best Japanese
Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Finalists: Kata Robata, Oishii
Best Mexican
Chapultepec Lupita (tie)
Tacos Doña Lena (tie)
Finalists: Candente, El Tiempo Cantina, Spanish Flowers, Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe
Best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean
Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine
Finalists: AL Quick Stop, Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Best Thai
Nidda Thai Cuisine
Finalists: Nara Thai, NUA Thai, Street Food Thai Market
Best Vietnamese
Mai’s Restaurant
Finalists: Cali Sandwich & Pho, Kau Ba, Pho Saigon
Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Finalists: Hobbit Cafe, Riva’s Italian Restaurant, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Soul Food Vegan
Finalists: Chef Kenny’s Asian Vegan Cuisine, Korny Vibes, The Ginger Mule
Best Restaurant for Affordable Eats
Barnaby’s Cafe (tie)
Tacos Doña Lena (tie)
Finalists: Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace; Urban Eats
Best Place for a Romantic Date
Brennan’s of Houston
Finalist: Riel
Best Restaurant for Elegant Dining
Brennan’s
Finalist: Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Best Restaurant for Happy Hour Food
BB’s Tex-Orleans (tie)
Urban Eats (tie)
Finalist: El Tiempo Cantina
Best Local LGBTQ Chef
NaTosha Barber
Finalists: Gregory Montelaro, Levi Rollins
Best Cooking Class
Dumpling Dudez
Finalists: 210 Fusion Cuisine, Central Market, Sur La Table–River Oaks
Favorite Local LGBTQ-Owned Restaurant
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s; Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, Tacos Doña Lena, Urban Eats
Friendliest Restaurant Staff
Barnaby’s Cafe (tie)
Riva’s Italian Restaurant (tie)
Finalists: BB’s Tex-Orleans, Urban Eats
DRINKS & SPIRITS
Favorite Wine Bar
Postino Montrose
Finalists: Boheme, Montrose Cheese & Wine
Favorite Happy Hour
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Crocker Bar, EAGLE Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, RIPCORD, Urban Eats
Favorite Place for Drinks on a First Date
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Eagle, JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, Urban Eats
Favorite Female Bartender
Jolina Moore
Finalists: Dema Jeter, Kristina Prats, Lareyna Rodriguez
Favorite Male Bartender
Michael Milam (BUDDY’S Houston)
Finalists: Aaron Latour, Bryan Wade, Charles Garibay (EAGLE Houston), Chris Contello, Marteen Gutierrez
Favorite Nonbinary Bartender
Crystal Murley
Finalists: Lucid, Piero Arevalo, Uly Money
Favorite Cocktail
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Crocker Bar, EAGLE Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, KIKI Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, Urban Eats
Favorite Margarita
El Tiempo Cantina
Finalists: BUDDY’S Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, KIKI Houston, Michael’s Outpost, EAGLE Houston
Favorite Mocktails
BUDDY’S Houston
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
Favorite Local Brewery
Frost Town Brewing
Finalists: Eureka Heights Brew Co., Karbach Brewing Co., Southern Yankee Beer Company
Favorite Local Craft Beer, Cider, or Seltzer
Frost Town Brewing
Finalists: Eureka Heights Brew Co., Karbach Brewing Co., Southern Yankee Beer Company
Favorite National Brand of Beer, Cider, or Seltzer
Bud Light
Finalists: High Noon, White Claw Hard Seltzer
Favorite Brand of Liquor
Tito’s Vodka
Finalists: Bombay Sapphire, Don Cosmé Tequila
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Best Community Health Services Provider
Gordon E. Crofoot (tie)
Legacy Community Health (tie)
Finalists: Abel Flores, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Ronald R. Buescher
Best Men’s Health Clinic
CrofootMD (tie)
Wellness Bar by Legacy (tie)
Finalist: AHF Wellness Center
Best Women’s Health Clinic
Wellness Bar by Legacy
Best OB/GYN
Olga Swanson
Finalist: Kristen Garcia
Best Urgent or Emergency Care Center
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital (tie)
SignatureCare Emergency Center (tie)
Best Pharmacy
Legacy Pharmacy
Finalists: AHF Pharmacy, Avita Pharmacy, Scott Read Pharmacy
Best Female Physician
Julia Kovacs (tie)
Sandra Scurria (tie)
Finalists: Jennifer Feldmann, Natalie Vanek
Best Male Physician
Gordon Crofoot
Finalists: Abel Flores, James Carroll, Norris Tran Duc, Octavio Barrios, Terence Chang
Best Female Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Maggie White
Finalist: Chichy Nwachukwu
Best Male Physician’s Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Derek Smith
Finalists: David Nasser, John Chapman, Jose Lara, Kendrick Clack
Best Female Nurse
Christina Wells
Finalist: Molly Cook
Best Male Nurse
Christopher Cox (tie)
Bert Zumaya (tie)
Finalists: A.J. Sarabia, Quincy Jennings
Best Nonbinary Nurse
Adam Sirico
Best Mental Health Practice
Ajana Therapy and Clinical Services (tie)
Southwest Psychotherapy Associates (tie)
Finalists: Legacy Community Health, Montrose Center, Vada Counseling
Best Mental Health Therapist/Psychiatrist
Dan Garza
Finalist: Jay Tarnow
Best Male Mental Health Therapist/Psychologist
Ks Stanley
Finalists: Denis “Woodja” Flanigan, Meghan Mooney
Best Female Mental Health Therapist
Lori Fiester
Finalists: Andrea Washington, Denise O’Doherty, Jessica Eiseman, Meghan Mooney
Best Male Mental Health Therapist
Shane Hennesey
Finalists: Andrew Tessmer, Ks Stanley, Matt Trietsch, Ty David Lerman
Best Nonbinary Mental Health Therapist
Ks Stanley
Finalists: Candice Holloway, Thomas Owsley
Best Female Dentist
Cynthia Corral
Finalists: Carol Price, Daniella Farias, Lauren Brownfield
Best Male Dentist
Marcus De Guzman (tie)
Sam Carrell (tie)
Finalists: Alex Barrera, Austin Faulk, Jeff Tollett
Best Female Dental Hygienist
Jacquelyn Clemmer
Finalists: Chriszelda Luna, Kate McGraw
Best Male Dental Hygienist
Tu Tuu
Best Female Eye Doctor
Nancy Lo
Finalist: Juliet Farmer
Best Male Eye Doctor
Paul Lovero
Finalists: Gary Nguyen, Stewart Zuckerbrod
Best Chiropractor
Fernando Franco
Finalists: Brandant Cruz, Jackie Doval, Sean Beukelman
Best Foot Doctor
Vanessa Barrow
Finalists: Gian Steinhauser, Maria Buitrago
Best Yoga Studio
BIG Power Yoga – Montrose
Finalists: Black Swan Yoga, SPENGA Houston – Montrose
Best Fertility Clinic/Surrogacy Services
Aspire Houston Fertility Institute
Best Physical Therapist
Roy Rivera
Finalist: Patrick Lucas
Best Female Massage Therapist
Kasie Tedrick
Finalists: Afton Macaione, Robin Mack
Best Male Massage Therapist
John Aaron Villarreal
Finalists: Tom Zeppelin
Best Nonbinary Massage Therapist
Cameron Stodghill
Best Female Personal Trainer
Shana Ross
Finalists: Danielle Sampey, Monica Earnshaw, Viviana Alzate
Best Male Personal Trainer
Andrew Hayes (tie)
John Aaron Villarreal (tie)
Finalist: David Thompson
Best Nonbinary Personal Trainer
Monica Earnshaw
Finalists: Exy-Fable Mars
Best Gym
Body3 Personal Fitness
Finalists: Life Time, Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA
Best Cycling Studio
for the people.
Finalist: RYDE
Best Female Hair Stylist
Electa Hazenstab
Finalists: Ashlee Amano, Isabel Ferry
Best Male Hair Stylist
Angel Chapa
Finalists: Fabian Espinoza, Geno O’Quinn, Reza Nouri, Timothy Silmon, Kenny Slack
Best Nonbinary Hair Stylist
J. Bookie
Finalists: Alecia Farrar, Katie Roome
Best Hair Salon
Smokin’ Mirrors
Finalists: Green Apple, Hair By St. Rose, Hue Hair Lounge, NuCuts
Best Makeup Artist
Aubrie Layne
Finalist: Edward Sanchez
Best Nail Technician
Chelsea Garcia
Finalist: William Medrano
Best Nail Salon
Heavenly Nails
Finalists: Mason’s Nails Salon, Q Nails – Weslayan
Best Tattoo Artist
Julian Solis
Finalists: Chino Feliciano, Stephanie Purnell
Best Tattoo Parlor
The Electric Chair Tattoo & Body Piercing
Finalist: Corazones Tattoo + Beauty
Best Cosmetic Skin Care Center
The Skin Renewal Center
Finalist: Skin Renassance
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
George Washington
Finalists: Forest Roth, Peter Chang
Best Aesthetic Physician
Patrick McNamara
Finalists: Octavio Barrios, Van Tran
HOUSE & HOME
Best Female Insurance Agent
Christyna Lewis
Finalist: Kelli Lines
Best Male Insurance Agent
Lane Lewis
Finalists: Dustin Harwell, Jacob Creadeur, Jeremy Henry
Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company
New Balance A/C, Inc.
Finalists: Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing, Cooling Specialists, Newport Air
Best Plumber
Metro Plumbing
Finalist: In the Loop Plumbing
Best Electrician
Leo Llanos
Best Floor Covering Company
Floor Coverings International
Finalist: Carpet World
Best Interior Designer
Eklektik Interiors
Finalists: Brad Brandt Designs, Jacob Medina Interior Design
Best Landscaping Company/Landscaper
Aj’s Landscaping & Design (tie)
Fire and Flora – Will Skinner (tie)
Best Pool Company
Venture Pool Co.
Best Furniture Store
Eklektik Interiors
Finalists: BeDesign Houston, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Best Furniture Store on a Budget
IKEA
Finalist: The Guild Shop
Best Home Furnishings Store
Eclectic Home
Finalist: Eklektik Interiors
Best Gardening/Nursery Supply
Joshua’s Native Plants & Garden Antiques
Finalists: Aj’s Landscaping & Design, Another Place in Time, Buchanan’s Native Plants, Fountains & Statuary, Orchid Express & Leasing
Best Florist
In Bloom (tie)
Robert Shipman Flowers & Events (tie)
Finalist: Perfect Petals by Geo
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
Best Bank
Amegy Bank
Finalists: Bank of America, Wells Fargo
Best Credit Union
Houston Federal Credit Union (HFCU)
Finalists: PrimeWay FCU, TDECU – Houston Heights
Best Female Accountant
Christyna Lewis
Finalists: Britt Kornmann, Kimberly Shockley, Nadinna Simonette
Best Male Accountant
Joseph Werle
Finalist: Gary Gritz
Best Bookkeeper
Sandra Medrano
Finalist: Gennifer Ratliff
Best Female Financial Planner/Advisor
Grace Yung
Finalists: Britt Kornmann, Christyna Lewis
Best Male Financial Planner/Advisor
Richard Dickson
Best LGBTQ Fund Manager
Doug Smith
Best Business Attorney
Cameron Rivers
Finalist: Charlie Hunter
Best Female Family Attorney
deborah lawson
Finalist: Peggy S. Bittick
Best Male Family Attorney
John Suarez
Finalist: Jim Evans
Best Female Probate Attorney
deborah lawson
Finalist: Marlyn Schultz
Best Male Probate Attorney
Jeff Watters
Finalists: Charles Hunter, Coleton Mayo, Jose Luis Cuellar
Best Human-Rights Attorney
Luis Ruiz
Finalists: Chelsea Klumpp, Mitchell Katine
Best Female Immigration Attorney
Ana Schwartz
Best Male Immigration Attorney
Luis Ruiz (tie)
Raed Gonzalez (tie)
Finalist: John Nechman
Best Female Personal Injury Attorney
Lena Laurenzo
Finalists: Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist
Best Male Personal Injury Attorney
Lucas Walker
Finalist: Greg Nassar
PETS
Best Female Veterinarian
Danielle Rosser (tie)
Kristy Kyle (tie)
Finalists: Carolyn Oben, Kristen Olson, Meredith Perry
Best Male Veterinarian
Eric Cagle
Finalists: David Doherty, Richard Clive
Best Veterinary Clinic
The Montrose Vet Clinic
Finalists: Bayou City Veterinary Hospital, Urban Vet, West Alabama Animal Clinic
Best Pet Emergency Care Center
Vergi 24/7
Finalists: Animal ER of Northwest Houston, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Veterinary Emergency Group
Best Doggie Day Care
Dogtopia of Houston – West Alabama St.
Finalists: Molly’s Mutt House, Wag’n World, You Lucky Dog Pet Resort
Best Place to Board Your Pet
Wag’n World
Finalists: Dogtopia of Houston–West Alabama, Molly’s Mutt House, Rover Oaks Pet Resort
Best Pet Walking/Pet Sitting Service
Wag’n World
Finalists: Happy Puppy, Pet Nanny’s Pet Sitting, WAGS Dog Walking + Pet Sitting
Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies
Pet City Houston
Finalists: Chewy, Molly’s Mutt House, Natural Pawz–Montrose, PetSmart, The Pet Stop
Best Pet Food or Treats
Nutri Source
Finalists: Baked Bones, Woof Gang Bakery–West U.
Best Pet Grooming Service
Dogtopia of Houston – West Alabama St.
Finalists: Demi’s Dog House, Molly’s Mutt House, Wag’n World
Best Pet Park
Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park
Finalist: Johnny Steele Dog Park
Best Place to Adopt a Pet
Houston SPCA
Finalists: 632 Canine Rescue, BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions, Friends For Life
Best Place to Buy Exotic Animals
Pet City Houston
Favorite Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Axelrad Beer Garden, Frost Town Brewing, Pearl Bar
ARTS
Best LGBTQ Community Performing-Arts Organization
Houston Pride Band (tie)
Pride Chorus Houston (tie)
Best Community Theater
Art Factory
Finalists: Dirt Dogs Theatre Co., Theatre Suburbia
Best Experimental Theater Company
The Catastrophic Theatre
Best Local Equity Theater Company
Stages Theatre
Finalists: Alley Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
Best Regional Equity Theater Company
Alley Theatre
Finalists: 4th Wall Theatre Company, Stages, The Ensemble Theatre
Best Regional Musical Theater Company
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
Finalist: Art Factory
Best Dance Company
Houston Ballet
Finalists: Pilot Dance Project, Urban Souls Dance Company
Favorite Local Female Actor
Tamarie Cooper
Finalists: Amanda Marie Parker, Christina Wells, Holland Vavra
Favorite Local Male Actor
Abraham Zapata
Finalists: Joel Sandel, Kyle Sturdivant, Mark Ivy, Wesley Whitson
Favorite Local Nonbinary Actor
Clarity Welch
Finalists: Chess MacElvaine, Sam Lank
Favorite Local Poet
Stephen Schwei
Finalists: Aaron Coleman, T Lavois Thiebaud, Tiffany Scales
Favorite Local Dancer
Angelina dm trails
Finalists: Adam Castaneda, choreobyjai, Kristina Prats
Favorite Local Female Comedian
Timely Rain
Finalists: Keisha Hunt, Slim Bloodworth
Favorite Local Male Comedian
Arron Michaels
Finalist: Dayton Faulker
Favorite Local Nonbinary Comedian
Payton Herbert
Finalists: Crystal Murley, Julz, Mackenzie Jewell
Favorite Local LGBTQ Musician
Noel Freeman
Finalists: Emilio Coochie, Monet J Love, Uncle Tino
Favorite Local Female Fine Artist
Tracey Meyer
Finalists: Katharine Ligon, Michelle Huff
Favorite Local Male Fine Artist
Robin Baker
Finalists: Hugo Pérez, Wood Fancher Anthony
Favorite Local Nonbinary Fine Artist
Mackenzie Jewell
Finalist: T Lavois Thiebaud
Favorite Local Painter
John Slaby (tie)
Wood Fancher Anthony (tie)
Finalists: Katharine Ligon, Robin Baker, Carl Palazzolo
Favorite Local Sculptor
Joe Haden
Favorite Local Visual Artist
Tracey Meyer
Finalists: Hugo Pérez, Robin Baker, Wood Fancher Anthony
Best Art Center
MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
Finalists: Color Factory (Houston Interactive Art Museum), Lawndale Art Center
Best Art Gallery
Archway Gallery
Finalists: Art Is Bond, Bug in The Box, RobinWood Art Studio
Favorite Local Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Finalists: Art Car Museum, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Menil Collection
AUTO
Best Auto Body Shop
Collision Lab
Finalist: Montrose Automotive
Best Auto Mechanic
Active Auto Car Care
Finalists: Montrose Automotive, RMS Auto Care, Tech Auto
Best Mobile Auto Repair/Service
Dion & Manny’s Interiors (tie)
POZ Impact (tie)
Finalist: Montrose Automotive
Best Car Salesperson
Tony McClelland
Finalists: James Vanya, Michael Shallis
Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing
Aqua Hand Car Wash & Detail
Finalist Car Spa Car Wash, Detail & Oil Change
Best Domestic Auto Dealership
Central Houston Cadillac
Finalists: Planet Ford, Randall Reed’s Planet Lincoln
Best Import Auto Dealership
Fred Haas Toyota (tie)
Westside Kia (tie)
Finalist: Audi Central Houston
SHOPPING & SERVICES
Best Female Life Coach
Meg Ellis
Best Male Life Coach
Nathan Herrington
Best Female Astrologer
Lilly Roddy
Best Male Astrologer
Kevin Casey
Best Funeral Services
Bradshaw-Carter
Best Grocery Store
H-E-B
Finalists: Kroger, Trader Joe’s
Best Specialty Food Store
Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Finalists: Central Market, Trader Joe’s
Best Liquor Store
Spec’s
Finalist: Total Wine
Best Place to Buy Cellular Phones
Apple
Finalists: T-Mobile, Verizon
Best Commercial Photographer
Victor Contreras
Finalists: Robyn Arouty, Sandy Flint
Best Commercial Videographer
TV I.M.A.G.E. Productions
Finalist: Jay Clark Films
Best Copy/Print Shop
Copy.com
Best Creative Agency
Mad Hat Maven Creative
Finalists: Like Minds Communications, REFUGE Marketing & Consulting, Strike Marketing
Best Place to Buy Eyewear
Eye Gallery (tie)
Montrose Eye Care (tie)
Finalists: Eye Elegance, Eye Impact
Best Jewelry Store
Tenenbaum Jewelers
Finalists: Houston Jewelry, J. Landa Jewelry
Best Leather Store
Montrose Forge
Finalist: Sir Rat
Best Local Clothing Designer
MANBUNS
Finalists: Mark Chupik (URS WearBear), Offensive But Cute
Best Online Clothing Store
Generation DNA (tie)
MANBUNS (tie)
Finalists: Offensive But Cute, URS WearBear
Best Local Resale or Thrift Store
Out of the Closet
Finalist: The Guild Shop
Best Place to Buy or Rent a Costume
CostumeWorx
Finalist: Electric Love
Best Men’s Intimate Clothing Store
Hollywood Super Center
Finalists: Offensive But Cute, Sir Rat Leather–Montrose
Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings
Hollywood Super Center
Finalists: Montrose Forge & Lilith’s Way, Sir Rat Leather Montrose
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Best Place to Pop the Question
Houston Botanic Garden
Finalists: Hermann Park Japanese Garden
Best Wedding/Event Planner
Shaun Gray Events
Finalists: Event Elementz, Robert Shipman Flowers & Events
Best Wedding Officiant
Rev. Diane McGehee
Finalists: Johnny Peden, Rev. Heather Tolleson
Best Wedding/Event Venue
Bering Memorial United Church of Christ
Finalists: First Christian Church Katy, Magnolia Hotel Houston
Best Wedding/Event Cake Bakery
Who Made the Cake!
Finalists: Angel_TheCakeChef, Leona’s Bakeshop
Best Wedding/Event Catering Firm
City View Catering (tie)
Event Elementz (tie)
Finalists: Chef Larry Fogarty, Leona’s Bakeshop
Best Wedding/Event Florist
Robert Shipman Flowers & Events
Finalist: Dream Bouquet
Best Wedding/Event DJ
DJ Crazy V
Finalist: DJ Jamie Waymire
Best Wedding/Event Live Musicians or Band
Harmony Strings
Finalists: David Caceres Orchestra,
Space Kiddettes
Best Wedding/Event Photographer
EventSmith Productions
Finalist: Davis Mendoza Darusman
Best Wedding/Event Videographer
EventSmith Productions
Finalists: Jay Clark Films, TV I.M.A.G.E. Productions
Travel & Vacations
Best Local LGBTQ Travel Agency
Concierge Travel
Best LGBTQ Land Tour Company
Concierge Travel
Finalist: BrandG Vacations
Best Travel Insurance Services
AIG Travel
Favorite LGBTQ Travel Destination
New York City
Finalist: Palm Springs
Favorite LGBTQ-Friendly Campground
Rainbow Ranch
Best Airline
Southwest Airlines (tie)
United Airlines (tie)
Best LGBTQ Cruise Company
Vacaya
Finalists: Aquafest Cruises, BrandG Vacations
Best Place for a Staycation
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Best Local Hotel
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Finalists: Hilton Garden Inn–Medical Center, Hilton–Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Best Local Hotel Restaurant
Quattro–Four Seasons Hotel
Best Local Hotel Bar
La Colombe d’Or
Best Local Hotel Pool
Marriott Marquis – Houston
Favorite Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Thank you to all of our readers, advertisers, and sponsors—as well as everyone who voted—for making our 26th annual Readers’ Choice Awards possible!
This list appears in the October 2023 edition of OutSmart magazine.
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