It’s time to set aside any debates between friends and family about the area’s best burger, cocktail, golf course, doggy daycare, florist, and others. 

Thousands of readers from Centralia to Kent and as far flung as Grays Harbor and Mount Rainier have spoken and declared the following people, places, and things as the definitive winners in their respective categories. Keep reading to see if your favorites made the list. Be sure to grab tickets for our live Best of the South Sound event here, too. 

And thanks, as always, to our dedicated readers who took the time to cast their votes.

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Arts & Entertainment | Business & Services | Fashion & Retail | Food & Drink | Health & Wellness | Home & Garden | Kids & Education | Travel & Recreation | Weddings & Events

Arts & Entertainment

Concert Venue: McMenamins Elks Temple Spanish Ballroom

Tacoma’s Elks Temple and its iconic Spanish Ballroom have been a local staple for more than a century. In its early days, the latter was a perfect venue for the ballroom dancing so popular around the time of its construction. Then it sat vacant for several decades until McMenamins stepped in to bring the entire property back to life. It is once again a hopping venue and can hold up to 700 people craving the live music the ballroom most typically offers. Tacoma                  

Casino: Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma and Fife                

Art Gallery: Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma      

Live Theater: Tacoma Musical Playhouse      

Since its 1994 founding by Jon Douglas Rake — who remains an integral part of the organization as its managing artistic director — the Tacoma Musical Playhouse has been feeding a local hunger for premier musical theater. Highlights from the TMP’s upcoming season — its 29th — include “The Music Man” and “Escape to Margaritaville.” Tacoma 

Museum: Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma                     

Festival: Harbor Days, Olympia                                                    

Local TV Personality: Amanda Westbrooke, host of CityLine 

Amanda Westbrooke has been the face of CityLine, Tacoma’s NATOA-award-winning economics and culture program, for nearly 20 years. As a host, Westbrooke looks to plait tradition and progress in the community and prioritizes compassion in her storytelling. “Whether it’s a friendly conversation in the hallway, an in-depth interview on CityLine’s comfy couch, or a laugh or two about sock cam, Amanda’s compassion and care for others makes her top-notch,” TV Tacoma producer Cheryl DeMark said of Westbrooke. Tacoma       

Movie Theater: The Grand Cinema, Tacoma                        

Best Fan Experience: Tacoma Rainiers — Cheney Stadium, Tacoma

Sports Team: Tacoma Rainiers, Tacoma

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Business & Services

Law firm: Pacific Point Defense

Pacific Point Defense is a new name for a familiar law firm, formerly known as Horwath Law, which also was last year’s Best Law Firm winner. In fact, it’s won best firm or best small business in the Business & Services category five of the last six years. Angela Horwath established the office in 2008 and is Pacific Point’s lead attorney and owner. She’s joined by eight other attorneys. The firm handles all types of criminal defense cases but largely focuses on DUI, domestic violence, and personal injury. Pacific Point Defense primarily handles cases in King, Pierce, and Thurston counties. Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle

Small Business: The Doty Group, Tacoma

Large Business: Columbia Bank (now Umpqua Bank), various locations

Nonprofit: Emergency Food Network

Emergency Food Network plays a central role in combatting hunger in Pierce County. A food bank, EFN distributed about 13 million pounds of food in 2022, largely through its network of 75 food-pantry partners, to which EFN is the main food supplier at no charge. The pantries saw about 2 million visits last year, according to CEO Michelle Douglas. EFN’s food comes from donations by food-supply partners, food drives by individuals and businesses, area farms such as Mosby Farms in Auburn, and through money-saving bulk purchases EFN makes of products that it then repackages in family-size portions. EFN also has its own 8-acre farm, Mother Earth Farm, in the Puyallup Valley, where it grows fresh produce. It relies on more than 2,000 volunteers to help pursue its mission “to provide Pierce County with a consistent, diverse, and nutritious food supply so that no person goes hungry.” Lakewood

Real Estate Agent/Realtor: Ruthy Taylor of Mosaic Real Estate

Ruthy Taylor, broker and owner of Mosaic Real Estate, has been a South Sound Realtor for eight years. She and her husband, Andy, previously owned a couple of other real estate franchises before deciding to open their own brokerage, Mosaic, in early 2020, just before the pandemic lockdowns. Since then, the company has grown to about 140 brokers with offices across the South Sound. Taylor represents buyers and sellers of homes primarily in Pierce and Thurston counties, as well as in South King County. Various locations

Bank: Heritage Bank, various locations

Credit Union: BECU, various locations

Attorney: Emelia Hickok

Emelia Hickok, senior attorney at Pacific Point Defense, is more than a criminal defense lawyer; she focuses largely on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Hickok, who grew up in Tacoma, has “always fought for the underdog,” her bio on the firm’s website reads. Hickok’s pro bono work includes representing veterans in Veterans Treatment Court, a therapeutic court in Lakewood to help veterans with criminal charges and service-connected disabilities get help to lead productive, law-abiding lives. She’s working on a similar program, essentially a mental health court, for indigent people to get the help they need to resolve their legal cases and avoid recidivism. Tacoma

Auto Repair: Ball Auto, Tacoma 

Financial Advisor: Ali Criss-Kemp of Financial Insights Wealth Management, Tacoma

Mortgage Lender: Kyle Rohrbaugh of CrossCountry Mortgage, Gig Harbor 

Cannabis Shop: Mary Mart, Tacoma

Veterinary Services: Soundview Veterinary Hospital, Tacoma 

Dog Day Care: Biscuits Doggie Daycare, Tacoma 

Groomer: Bubbles and Bows Pet Grooming, Tacoma

Auto Dealer: Honda of Fife, Fife

Grocery Store: Metropolitan Market, various locations

Florist: Blitz & Co. Florist & Flower Delivery, Tacoma

City: Gig Harbor, Gig Harbor

Marina: Narrows Marina

Narrows Marina, located just southeast of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, has served boaters since 1946 with all things boat-related, including covered and uncovered moorage slips, boathouses, a boat launch, parking, store, bait and tackle, ethanol-free fuel dock, and maintenance shop, according to its website. It also provides several dry, secure units for boat storage, open bay storage, and heated and nonheated winter storage. Additionally, the marina includes The Waterfront Venue for weddings or other special events. Also onsite are Narrows Brewing Co. and the Boathouse 19 restaurant. The marina is owned and operated by Gordon Rush and Scott Wagner. Tacoma

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Fashion & Retail

Boutique: Purpose Boutique

When shopping at Purpose Boutique, your purchases go further than the cash register — a percentage of every sale is donated to Atlas Free to fight human trafficking. In addition, the boutique offers more than 10 brands created by survivors of trafficking and social injustice around the world. Since opening in 2013, Purpose Boutique has grown to several locations in cities such as Silverdale, Totem Lake, Downtown Kirkland, and Tacoma. It also has robust offerings via its online store. Various locations 

Men’s Clothing: eTc

For the second year in a row, South Sound readers have chosen eTc as their favorite place to shop for limited edition menswear, or what the founders of the store have coined as “rarewear.” Born-and-raised Tacomans Perris Wright and Umi Wagoner first crossed paths as middle schoolers. What began as traveling to Seattle after school to get the hats and hoodies that weren’t available in Tacoma stores eventually evolved into collecting hard-to-find items for their storefront that opened on Pacific Avenue in 2014. The eTc brand has evolved many times throughout its history and now resides in a comfortable storefront on South Ninth Street. Wagoner describes present-day eTc as a brand that is centric to Tacoma focusing on sturdy outerwear with a city style and Northwest color palettes. On the horizon, Wright and Wagoner will check a Tacoma Dome collaboration off their bucket list for the brand. The line will celebrate the Tacoma icon’s 40th anniversary. Tacoma

Jewelry: Tacoma Custom Jewelers, Tacoma 

Tattoo Artist: Travis Brown, Fleshworks Tattoo Studio, Olympia

Hair Salon: Salt Hair Lounge, Olympia

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Food & Drink

New Restaurant: Side Piece Kitchen    

Since opening in 2022, Side Piece Kitchen has been serving up giant biscuit sandwiches, creative slices of cheesecake, and even biscuits for the puppies on South Tacoma Way. Husband-and-wife team Hailey and Dante Hernandez are whipping up nearly 500 fresh biscuits daily for their biscuit sandwiches and proving to customers with every visit that practically anything served on a biscuit and smothered in gravy is good for the soul. “There’s nothing that can’t go on a biscuit,” Hailey recently told South Sound in an interview. “Recently, we did the first Bis Mac Daddy, where we literally made a Big Mac on a triple biscuit. If it can be done, it will be done.” You’ll want to make room for a delicious slice of cheesecake, too. Tacoma

Drive-In: Frisko Freeze, Tacoma

Food Truck: Fat Zach’s, various locations 

Best Place to Take Dogs: Beer Star, Tacoma and White Center 

Happy Hour: en Rama, Tacoma     

Mexican: Cactus Restaurants, various locations

Chef: Erlindo Hernandez at Viva Tacoma, Tacoma     

Burger: McNamara’s Pub & Eatery, DuPont         

Steak: Cuerno Bravo Prime Steakhouse & Cantina

With Cuerno Bravo Prime Steakhouse & Cantina, owner David Orozco gives diners an “experencia única” in a historical building on Tacoma’s St. Helens Avenue. Cuerno Bravo blends the old world with new flavors — often perfected in a wood-fired oven — and brings a full sensory dining experience with cocktails, juicy steaks, and Mexican hospitality. Tacoma

Japanese/Sushi: THEKOI Japanese Cuisine, Tacoma  

Pizza: Fat Zach’s, various locations 

Vegetarian: Viva Tacoma, Tacoma 

Hole-in-the-Wall: Marcia’s Silver Spoon Café 

If you’re craving some good-old American comfort food, look no further than Marcia’s Silver Spoon Café. The local favorite has been serving home-style food since Betty Jean Murdock opened the café in 1988. (Murdock’s daughter, Marcia, took over in 1995 and changed the name with her arrival.) The family-owned business uses its own recipe for soups, salad dressings, cinnamon rolls, and its famous sausage gravy. Tacoma

Coffee Shop: Anthem Coffee, various locations

Bakery: Corina Bakery, Tacoma

Winery: Browne Family Vineyards, various locations 

Brewery: 7 Seas Brewing Co.

Founded in 2009 by South Sound locals Mike Runion and Travis Guterson, 7 Seas Brewing Co. is an independently crafted, PNW-inspired brewery. The company boasts that it is the first craft brewery in Washington to package its beer in aluminum cans and continues to progress with clean and cohesive packaging. The company operates two brewery and taproom locations, including one in the historic Heidelberg Brewing facility in Tacoma. Tacoma and Gig Harbor

Chinese: Harbor City Tacoma, Tacoma

Thai: Thai Pepper

The family-owned and -operated Thai Pepper restaurant specializes in fresh authentic Thai food, including bahn mi, summer rolls, Pad Thai, yellow curry, and more. Located at 701 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma, Thai Pepper also features creamy coconut ice cream and flavorful mango sticky rice nicely complementing its warm atmosphere. Tacoma

Italian: Marzano Italian Restaurant, Tacoma

Distillery: Heritage Distilling Co., various locations 

Indian: Gateway to India, Tacoma      

Fine Dining: El Gaucho, various locations 

French: Le Sel Bistro, Tacoma  

Vietnamese: La Ca Bar, Tacoma 

Outdoor Dining: Tides Tavern

In 1973, Peter Stanley bought a once-run-down tavern in Gig Harbor. Since then, the restaurant, now owned by Stanley's son Dylan, has cultivated a reputation as a place to celebrate good times and comfort foods like burgers, pizzas, seafood, chowder, and more. On a warm day, food is best enjoyed outside on the waterside patio. Boaters can even pull up to the dock and be served there. Gig Harbor 

Donut: Pao’s Donut & Coffee Shop, Tacoma  

Seafood: Duke’s Seafood, various locations 

Cocktail: en Rama, Tacoma  

Bartender: Gustavo Figueroa at THEKOI, Tacoma  

Barbecue: BBQ2U, Gig Harbor        

Dessert: The Cat & Rabbitt Cakeshop, Tacoma 

Breakfast: Shakabrah Java

The old saying goes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and Shakabrah Java is one place that lives up to the loftiness of that declaration. The casual breakfast spot serves up large and hearty portions that will get you through the day, including pancakes bigger than your head and or a fully loaded breakfast burrito bursting with bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, and globby cheddar cheese. The best part? Shakabrah serves up its great breakfasts all day long. Tacoma  

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Health & Wellness

Place to Bike: Point Defiance Park

Find a bit of solace within the otherwise bustling city of Tacoma at the 760-acre oasis that is Point Defiance Park. In addition to its well-known Five-Mile Drive, the park offers myriad trails of varying lengths and elevations, making it a great spot for the regular cyclist or tiny tots on training wheels. Tacoma 

Health Care Worker: Dr. Keith Dahlhauser at Cascade Eye and Skin Centers, various locations

Massage Therapist: Jorge Gomez at Tacoma Family Chiropractic, Tacoma

Gym: Revolushon Fitness Group, Tacoma 

Dermatologist: Dr. Ladie C. Araña-Domondon at Concordia Star Medical & Aesthetics, Puyallup

Medical Doctor: Dr. Keith Dahlhauser at Cascade Eye and Skin Centers, various locations

Cosmetic Doctor: Dr. Ladie C. Araña-Domondon at Concordia Star Medical & Aesthetics 

Dr. Ladie C. Araña-Domondon’s name precedes her. The accomplished provider has been named in six previous years’ Best of awards. Earning her degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, Araña-Domondon has received several awards during her time as a resident at the University of Texas. Eventually, she became one of the original internists at MultiCare Good Samaritan before founding Puyallup-based Concordia Star in the late aughts. Puyallup

Dentist: Dr. Stephen Hansen, Hansen Dentistry, Tacoma 

Naturopath: Andrew Rife, N.D., Puget Sound Family Health, Tacoma

Hospital: MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, Tacoma 

Physical Therapist: PhysioStrength Physical Therapy, Tacoma

Orthodontist: Dr. Douglas J. Knight Orthodontics

Readers may not be surprised to see Dr. Douglas J. Knight Orthodontics listed here as voters have chosen this orthodontics office time and time again for years. Knight grew up in Auburn and earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Pacific Lutheran University before graduating from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1990 where he ranked second in his class. Since then, Knight has maintained his private orthodontic practice in Tacoma for the last 20 years. In addition, he’s joined the University of Washington as an affiliate assistant professor and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Tacoma

OB/GYN: Dr. Adam Nickel at Nickel Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tacoma 

Pediatrician: Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff, Pediatrics Northwest

Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff finds the field of pediatrics as the perfect mix of science and compassion. After earning her degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and completing her residencies, she found a particular interest in childhood development and relational health. Woodruff currently works at Pediatrics Northwest in the James Center office and is the physician champion for behavioral health integration. In addition, Dr. Woodruff has been the medical director for Reach Out and Read Washington State since 2007 and has served as a medical advisor for the organization’s national chapter.  

Day Spa: Olympus Spa, Lynnwood and Tacoma 

Mani/Pedi: Pensee Nails & Spa, University Place

Personal Trainer: Shon Peterson, CEO of Revolushon Fitness, Tacoma

Chiropractor: Jason Stockton, Tacoma Family Chiropractic

Jason Stockton of Tacoma Family Chiropractic has been voted as Best Chiropractor for more than a decade and has been providing chiropractic care to the South Sound since 1998. Located in North Tacoma, Tacoma Family Chiropractic said it is dedicated to helping patients achieve wellness objectives by combining skill and expertise to span the entire chiropractic wellness spectrum, according to its website. Tacoma

Yoga Studio: Tuladhara Yoga, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, and Tacoma 

Assisted Living: Merrill Gardens, various locations

Acupuncturist: Chris Woon at Woon’s Healing Arts Center, Tacoma 

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Home & Garden

Retirement Community: eliseo

This Tacoma retirement community is committed to “engaging lives through active living, compassion, and dignity,” according to its website. Members of its community have access to a wellness and aquatic center, a garden and art center, spiritual support, salon services, and more. “I valued the fact that they responded, listened, and acted,” reads one anonymous comment about the staff on the community’s website. “They made me feel like I was a member of the family.” Tacoma 

Builder: High Country Homes, Puyallup    

Architect: Dephiance Design Build 

Dephiance Design Build is committed to making architectural dreams come true regardless of the size and scope of a homeowner’s vision. Co-owned by architect and contractor Phil Stuen and interior designer Carissa Stanley, Dephiance offers masterclass assistance with architecture, construction, and interiors. Tacoma 

Landscaper: Olympic Landscape

Olympic Landscape has been kicking for more than 40 years, and it prides itself on being not just locally owned and operated but run by people who genuinely enjoy what they do. If homeowners are wanting landscaping done, sprinklers set up, outdoor lighting installed, and more, voters agree that Olympic Landscape is the first place to call. Puyallup 

Designer: Holly Bero with H. Bero Interiors, Puyallup      

Remodeler: Gordon T. Jacob, Puyallup 

Garden Shop: GardenSphere

With its cozy layout and a proclivity of locals to stop by simply to say, “Hi,” GardenSphere considers itself a “coffee shop” nursery. In fact, every day of the week for nearly 20 years, this coffee shop nursery has been offering top-of-the-line organic gardening products. The shop’s cat, Britney, is something of an attraction herself, too. Tacoma 

Furniture: Sage Interiors + Design, Tacoma      

Plumber: Robert Craul of Rush Plumbing, Kent      

Electrician: KBE Electric Co., Tacoma    

Appliances: Albert Lee Appliance, various locations           

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Kids & Education

College: University of Puget Sound

While it’s true that many students at the University of Puget Sound are locals, the higher-education institution is among one of the top liberal arts schools in the country, drawing high-school graduates from across the nation — and the globe. In fact, 74% of UPS students hail from outside of Washington. Tacoma

Public High School: Curtis High School, University Place

Public Middle School: Mason Middle School, Tacoma

Public Elementary School: Washington Elementary, Auburn

Private High School: Life Christian Academy

The Life Christian Academy experience for high school students includes many opportunities in academics, including advanced placement classes, programs in the fine and performing arts, athletics, clubs, leadership groups, community service outreach, retreats, and mission trips.  Tacoma

Private Middle School: Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma

Private Elementary School: Life Christian Academy, Tacoma

Preschool: Charles Wright Academy, Tacoma

Day Care: Life Christian Academy, Tacoma

Teacher: Catherine Grider at Charles Wright Academy

If the last two years have taught parents anything, it’s that it takes a special person to teach. And our readers say this Charles Wright Academy junior kindergarten teacher is even more special than most. In addition to educating young minds, Catherine Grider started a program at CWA that has become a Tarrier tradition. Grider leads her class in a performance of “Rainbow Crow,” an Indigenous legend about selflessness and friendship. Tacoma

Kids' Birthday Party Venue: Defy, various locations

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Travel & Recreation

Family Vacation Spot: Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound offers a year-round indoor waterpark, arcade games, mini-golf, Build-a-Bear experiences, an interactive magic wand game, and more. Along with the attractions, guests will be able to stay in rustic-modern themed suites that can fit the whole family. The resort offers a variety of dining options that include shareable plates, pizza fresh from the oven, a casual poolside picnic, and more. Grand Mound

Camping Spot: Deception Pass State Park, Anacortes and Oak Harbor

NW Travel Destination: Leavenworth, Leavenworth

Golf Course: Chambers Bay

With the tall swaying grass, sand dunes, and jaw-dropping views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, the Chambers Bay golf course brings the traditions of Scottish linksland to the Pacific Northwest. Located in University Place, this walking-only, 18-hole course provides an authentic links playing experience. Many noteworthy and important championships have been decided on the grounds of Chambers Bay. University Place

Local Hotel: McMenamins Elks Temple, Tacoma  

Out-of-State Destination: Maui, Hawaii

NW Romantic Getaway: Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Alderbrook Resort & Spa has been a place for gatherings since 1913, back when there were no paved roads and guests arrived in canoes. Many years later, Alderbrook expanded the resort to the beauty it is today. Completely refurbished, the indoor canal-front swimming pool and whirlpool provide visitors with endless entertainment. Landscaping design includes a revitalized stream for salmon habitat with resting pools that run throughout the property. Along with the design and views, Alderbrook offers amenities such as shopping, golf, spa, as well as a pool & fitness center. Dining options allow guests to stay and relax with in-room dining or restaurants such as Hook & Fork and The Drinkery just steps from their rooms. Union

Dog-Friendly Getaways: Seabrook, Seabrook

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Weddings & Events

Photographer: Jessie Koon of Madcap Marketing

Jessie Koon received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography and a minor in studio art from Seattle University, where she worked as a staff photographer for the school paper, “The Spectator.” After Koon graduated, she became more interested in the world of videography and started to play around with more than just still images. Since then, Koon has created videos for local nonprofits in Tacoma. Her favorite part of being a MadCap team member has been learning new techniques and skills from her colleagues. Tacoma

Bridal Shop: The Wedding Bell, Tacoma

Caterer: Gallucci’s Catering, Tacoma

Venue: The Kelley Farm

As a Northwest historical landmark, the Corliss family has taken a great deal of pride in perfectly preserving and restoring The Kelley Farm, as well as highlighting its natural beauty for the public to enjoy. Kelley Farm once started as a wedding gift in 1907 and continues to live on as a new, modern place for intimate weddings and gatherings. Located in Bonney Lake, the venue is easily accessible from Seattle or Tacoma and its rustic-glam barn is in the perfect spot for a tucked-away wedding or event. From its charming garden to its expansive views and rich history, locals are raving about this stunning property. Bonney Lake 

Event Planner: Gian Events, Seattle

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