What are the Best of the Best Awards?
The Advocate’s 2013 Best of the Best Awards contest recognize reader favorites from these counties: Victoria, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Jackson, Lavaca, Matagorda, Refugio and Wharton counties. Results are announced in our Best of the Best Guide on Sunday, March 31, 2013.
All eligible ballots have been entered in a drawing, and one winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Best Overall Restaurant and four Cinemark movie tickets.
2013 BEST OF THE BEST
Best Car Wash: Courtesy Car WashIt takes more than elbow grease to keep Victoria's vehicles looking good. More |
Best Hospital: Citizens Medical CenterFor the fourth consecutive year, Citizens Medical Center has been named the Best of the ... More |
Best Health Club: Citizens HealthPlexCitizens HealthPlex continues its sterling reputation as a top-flight health club being named the Best ... More |
Best Day Spa: The Woodhouse Day SpaWhether experiencing a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial or any other service at The Woodhouse Day ... More |
Best Moving Service: U-HaulIt takes more than jobs to make an economic boom. More |
Best Dry Cleaner: Kloesel's Cleaners and Formal WearKloesel's Cleaners and Formal Wear is keeping Victoria starched and creased, which is why readers ... More |
Best Carpet and Flooring: Lowe's Home ImprovementCrossroads residents say Lowe's Home Improvement is the place to go for all your flooring ... More |
Best Automotive Service Center: Big Ed'sFor a four-year streak, Ed Kloesel, owner of Big Ed's on North Main Street, has ... More |
Best Air Conditioning Repair: Victoria Air ConditioningVictoria Air Conditioning has kept the Crossroads cool for 40 years. More |
Best Used Car Dealer: AtzenhofferIf you're in the market for a used car, Crossroads drivers say Atzenhoffer Chevrolet, Cadillac, ... More |
Best Dentist: Gary MuellerDentist Gary Mueller said he makes his patients feel like his friends, so they feel ... More |
Best Dermatologist: Gary CoxWorking since 1979, dermatologist Gary Cox has seen everyone from teenagers with acne to rashes ... More |
Best Hair Stylist: Joe Anthony PenaJoe Anthony Pena deflects much of the credit of being named Best of the Best ... More |
Best Furniture Store: Ashley's Furniture HomeStoreReaders voted Ashley's Furniture HomeStore best furniture store in the 2013 Best of the Best ... More |
Best Optical: Victoria Eye CenterVictoria Eye Center strives to know its patients by name and educate them on what ... More |
Best Music Shop: HastingsCrossroads residents flock to Hastings for their music needs. At least, that's what Victoria Advocate's ... More |
Best Nursery: Devereux GardensDevereux Gardens has been a mainstay in the Crossroads community for at least 50 years ... More |
Best Motorcycle Shop: Victoria Harley DavidsonThis year marks the fourth time Victoria Harley Davidson has been voted by Crossroads residents ... More |
Best Hunting and Fishing Supplies: Academy Sports + OutdoorsAcademy Sports + Outdoors wants to be Victoria's go-to resource for fishing and hunting supplies. More |
Best Jewelry Store: Torin Bales Fine JewelryReaders voted Torin Bales Fine Jewelry store the Best of the Best in the 2013 ... More |
Best Gift Shop: About the GiftAbout the Gift offers a little bit for everybody in its 2,700-square-foot store. Advocate readers ... More |
Best Bike Shop: Bill's BikesBikes are Bill Yeary's specialty, and Victoria Advocate readers seem to agree. They voted Bill's ... More |
Best Western Wear Shop: Cavender's Boot CityIf you're looking for a pair of boots for work, dancing or riding, Cavender's Boot ... More |
Best Golf Course: The Club at Colony CreekThe Club at Colony Creek just made a hole-in-one. More |
Best Place to People Watch: Victoria MallWith more stores filling up the Victoria Mall, it's no wonder the place has gradually ... More |
Best Park: Riverside ParkRiverside Park is Victoria's version of Central Park, and it is a busy place. More |
Best Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-AThis isn't Chick-fil-A's first go at being voted the best fast food restaurant in the ... More |
Best Mascot: Victoria West High School WarriorWest High School Senior Chris Henschen takes being Marvin the Warrior very seriously, which paid ... More |
Best Shoe Store: Dillard'sShoes are an important part of any wardrobe, and Dillard's has a selection to fit ... More |
Best Special Event Venue: Spring Creek Place Event CenterLooking for the perfect place to host your party? What about a wedding? More |
Best Seafood: Baytown Seafood RestaurantWhen you're looking for some good seafood, Baytown Seafood Restaurant is the place to go, ... More |
Best Margarita: La TejanitaLa Tejanita is known for its food, but manager Rebecca Rocha hears compliments about the ... More |
Best Wings: Buffalo Wild WingsIf you are looking for some savory chicken wings, readers say Buffalo Wild Wings is ... More |
Best Department Store: Dillard'sDepartment stores sell a variety of things under one roof. They are the one-stop shop ... More |
Best Insurance Agent: Bruce WoodsWhether it's an after-hours fender bender, a deer hit out of town or any other ... More |
Best Local Celebrity: Gary MosesHe doesn't often walk the red carpet, and the paparazzi don't trail his every move. ... More |
Best Elected Official: T. Michael O'ConnorThese days, the public's regard for elected officials in Congress and similar positions isn't high, ... More |
Best Place to Host a Children's Birthday Party: Magic BounceThe Magic Bounce is plenty of fun, and readers think so, too, voting it the ... More |
Best Clothing Store: Dillard'sVictoria Mall is home to many clothing stores, but Dillard's was voted the best clothing ... More |
Best Athletic Department: Victoria East High SchoolDespite the occasional snafu, Victoria East High School athletic girls' coordinator Yulonda Wimbish-North said she ... More |
Best Convenience Store: Cimarron ExpressCimarron Express was voted best convenience store by readers of the Advocate in the 2013 ... More |
Best Electronic Store: Best BuyElectronic tablet cables, the latest in technology and that CD nobody got you for Christmas ... More |
Best Museum: Children's Discovery MuseumAlthough the Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent went through some bumps in the ... More |
Best Attorney: Tali VillafrancaHard work is satisfying, but the real reward comes in knowing you've treated others fairly ... More |
Best Nail Salon: The Woodhouse Day SpaJeni Garrett, founder and chief executive officer of The Woodhouse Day Spa, was excited about ... More |
Best Professional Photographer: L-Ann ImagingWhether it's a new addition to the family, a couple tying the knot, a kiddo ... More |
Best Pastor/Spiritual Leader: Jim GraffWhen it comes to looking toward a higher power, things can get confusing. Still, it ... More |
Best Funeral Home: Rosewood Funeral ChapelThe death of a loved one is never easy, but a compassionate funeral home staff ... More |
Best Public Servant: Sheriff T. Michael O'ConnorA public servant's life is intense at times. It requires focus, drive and care for ... More |
Best Local Band/Musician: Clay Crockett and the Shotgun RidersArea country band Clay Crockett and the Shotgun Riders was voted Best of the Best ... More |
Best Live Music Venue: Schroeder HallSharon Kleinecke, owner and manager of Schroeder Hall, one of the oldest dance halls in ... More |
Best Dance School: Victoria Strutters at Debbie Bennett Green School of DancingA dance center that has served the Crossroads for more than 32 years was voted ... More |
Best Place for a Business Lunch: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and BarReaders of the Victoria Advocate are making the vote count. The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and ... More |
Best Beach: Port AransasWhat city can go from 3,000 people to 100,000 in one day? More |
Best Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Gary BranfmanWhen Dr. Gary Branfman arrived to Victoria 20 years ago, there were no plastic surgeons, ... More |
Best Cardiologist: Yusuke YahagiBefore performing surgery on patients, cardiologist Dr. Yusuke Yahagi said he wants to get to ... More |
Best Chiropractor: Dr. Shane MorrisDr. Shane Morris and his wife, Gina Morris, have worked together as chiropractors for 16 ... More |
Best Pharmacy: WalgreensWalgreens continues to dominate the Best of the Best competition, being named the top pharmacy ... More |
Best Festival: BootFestThe festival that knocked everybody's boots off this past year was BootFest. More |
Best Tattoo Parlor: In the SkinA change in ownership did not mean a change in excellence at In the Skin ... More |
Best Medical Spa: Fountain of YouthFountain of Youth Medical Spa offers a long list of varied services, placing it at ... More |
Best Medical Clinic: Twin Fountains Walk-in ClinicAvailability. More |
Best Weight-Loss Surgeon: Craig ChangBefore performing any type of weight loss surgery, Dr. Craig Chang wants to be sure ... More |
Best of the Best: Day CareThe day care service at Our Lady of Victory lays down the basic building blocks ... More |
Best Assisted Living: Hospice of South TexasHospice of South Texas is all about compassion. More |
Best Pediatrician: Dr. Stephen DentlerDr. Stephen Dentler has worked as a pediatrician since 1995 and could not think of ... More |
Best Financial Institution: First Victoria National BankWith its founding in 1846, First Victoria National Bank is Texas' oldest independent bank, said ... More |
Best Real Estate Agent: Jimmy ZaplacWhen a person is enthusiastic about his profession and enjoys what he does, it doesn't ... More |
Best Orthodontist: Dr. Robert WestbrookDr. Robert Westbrook, who has practiced as an orthodontist since 1981, came to Victoria in ... More |
Best OB-GYN : Dr. Tony McDowellDr. Tony McDowell said that while he specializes as OB-GYN, he still thinks of himself ... More |
Best Orthopedic Surgeon: Charles DanielDealing with patients and their problems has been a task Dr. Charles Daniel has been ... More |
Best Italian Restaurant: Olive GardenIf you're hungering for breadsticks, pasta and all the delicious things that come to mind ... More |
Best Wine and Liquor Store: Spec's Wines Spirits & FinerFor spirits, wine and fine foods, Spec's has the market cornered. More |
Best Florist: McAdams FloralClay Atchison III thinks McAdams Floral's commitment to its customers is what has earned them ... More |
Best Antique Shop: Market of VictoriaConnie D. Wood, owner of Market of Victoria, is celebrating almost 10 years in the ... More |
Best High School: Victoria West High SchoolGood behavior, academic excellence and professional pursuits have put the Victoria West High School Warriors ... More |
Best Bar: Greek's 205 BarIf you're looking for an after-work place to hang out and perhaps to grab a ... More |
Best Historic Monument: Goliad MissionStepping into the Goliad State Park is like stepping into history. More |
Best of the Best: Place to WorkDeTar Healthcare Systems employees think of the hospital as more than a place to work ... More |
Best Physical Rehabilitation: Warm Springs Specialty HospitalAt Warm Springs Specialty Hospital, individualized care is at the core of physical rehabilitation. More |
Best Retail Customer Service: Academy Sports + OutdoorsFulfill all your recreation needs at Victoria's Academy Sports + Outdoors. The sporting goods store ... More |
Best New Car Dealer: Atzenhoffer ChevroletFor 87 years, Atzenhoffer Chevrolet, Cadillac, Mazda Mitsubishi has built a reputation based on hard ... More |
Best Nursing Home: Twins Pines Nursing & Rehabilitation CenterThe continued recognition of Twin Pines Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as the Best of the ... More |
Best Ice Cream: Marble Slab CreameryStep through the double doors of the Marble Slab Creamery in the Whispering Creek Shopping ... More |
Best kolaches: Prasek's Hillje SmokehouseWith so much stuff hiding under one roof at Prasek's Hillje Smokehouse, it's always hard ... More |
Best Kid Friendly Restaurant: Chick-fil-AChick-fil-A is not like every fast food restaurant in the Crossroads. More |
Best Sandwich Shop: Jason's DeliSandwiches are a serious business. There's such a slim margin between a forgettable meeting of ... More |
Best Wait Staff: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant & Bar |
Best Steak: Texas RoadhouseIf you're looking for a good cut of beef, Texas Roadhouse is the place to ... More |
Best Tax Service: H&R BlockH&R Block has a longstanding tradition of customer service and reliability in the Crossroads and ... More |
Best Pest Control: BugmobilesFor more than half a century, Bugmobiles, a family-owned and operated pest control business, has ... More |
Best Lake: Coleto CreekColeto Creek may feel like it's in the middle of nowhere, but the creek definitely ... More |
Best Massage Therapist: The Woodhouse Day SpaCustomers have a choice when seeking a massage at The Woodhouse Day Spa. More |
Best Picnic Spot: Riverside ParkEven when you don't feel like walking the trails or kayaking the Guadalupe River, Riverside ... More |
Best Place to Bird Watch: Aransas Wildlife RefugeNestled along the Gulf Coast near Austwell is a piece of true nature, so it's ... More |
Best Appetizer: The PumpHouseOffering an array of inventive appetizers to tempt the entire spectrum of tastes, The PumpHouse ... More |
Best Buffet: China B Super BuffetBuffets are convenient and oh so helpful when you are on the go. Diners can ... More |
Best Place to Worship: Faith Family ChurchThe Crossroads is studded with churches in a variety of denominations. Readers have chosen Faith ... More |
Best Place to Meet Singles: Faith Family ChurchEligible men and women can move the search for their perfect match to Faith Family ... More |
Best Bakery: Halepaska's BakeryHalepaska's is a household name in Victoria - whether you are talking about city government ... More |
Best Breakfast Taco: TNTReaders of the Victoria Advocate have voted TNT the best breakfast taco restaurant four years ... More |
Best Breakfast: IHOPBeing open 24 hours a day, seven days a week helps when you serve breakfast More |
Best Barbecue: Mumphord's PlaceOne doesn't simply decide to make great barbecue. It's an art that requires dedication and ... More |
Best Asian Restaurant: Tokyo Grill & Sushi Bar |
Best Caterer: Mumphord's PlaceAfter catering for 13 years, Mumphord's Place has got it down to science - a ... More |
Best Deli/Meat Department: H-E-B PlusThe deli and meat department at H-E-B Plus has been named Best of the Best ... More |
Best Dessert: Halepaska's BakeryDessert is the best part of any meal, and Victoria Advocate readers love the desserts ... More |
Best Doughnut: Shipley Do-NutsSometimes it's hard to start the day off without a little help. That is why ... More |
Best Fried Chicken: Moo-MooChicken may just be chicken, but Moo-Moo's fried chicken is the stuff gods would eat, ... More |
Best Happy Hour: Sonic Drive-InWhen you're looking for a cool drink for an after-work happy hour, readers agree that ... More |
Best Hamburger: Dairy TreetThere is only one Dairy Treet. Perched on the corner of Laurent and Crestwood streets, ... More |
Best Financial Planner: Michele RohdeWith diversified portfolios, retirement plans, college savings and more, the financial world can be tricky. ... More |
Best Family Practice Doctor: Dr. John McNeillDr. John McNeill likes to promote that he is accessible. More |
Best General Surgeon: Dr. Andrew ClemmonsDr. Andrew Clemmons works with multiple medical facilities in the Crossroads, but still takes time ... More |
Best Healthy Meal: Jason's DeliThe old adage says you are what you eat, and those who want to eat ... More |
Overall Best Restaurant: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant & Bar |
Best Mexican restaurant: La TejanitaWhen Rebecca Rocha moved to Victoria, she was looking for a job and decided she ... More |
Best Pizza: Niki's RomaThe Victoria Mall food court offers starving shoppers a range of foods from Chinese to ... More |
Best of the best: Best hotelThe 76 rooms at Victoria's Holiday Inn Express book up pretty fast and will hopefully ... More |
Best Produce: H-E-B PlusH-E-B Plus strives for excellence in food quality and has been named as Best of ... More |
Best Place to Take a Date: The PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and BarThe PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar is a place for all occasions. Readers voted the ... More |
Best Tourist Destination: Port AransasPort Aransas isn't just home to a great beach. It's also home to great dining ... More |
Best Place to Take Photos: Downtown VictoriaThe changes in downtown Victoria have not gone unnoticed. More |
Best Veterinarian: Dr. John BeckWhether it's a peaked pup, an ailing iguana or any issue in between, Dr. John ... More |
Best French Fries: McDonald'sLike an ice cream sundae without a cherry, a burger with no French fries seems ... More |
Best Volunteer: Gary MosesFor many people, weekends and evenings are a chance to kick back, relax and enjoy ... More |
Best Teacher: David PozziAlthough his subject is not a popular one for most high school students, calculus instructor ... More |
Best Pet Store: PetSmartPetSmart was named for the fourth year in a row the best store for furry ... More |
Best Bed and Breakfast: Inn on Main StreetThe quaint, early Texas vernacular-style home in the heart of Downtown Victoria is celebrating its ... More |
Best Builder: Tony ProkopHouses are fine, but with a few special touches, a builder can transform the structure ... More |
Best Youth Sports Coach: Bennett Green CainDance school instructor Bennett Green Cain was voted best youth sports coach in the Crossroads ... More |
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