BEST FRIED CHICKEN Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery

This year’s winners for fried chicken are serving crispy, golden bits and bites of heaven that ruled the roost. Buttermilk-brined or bathed in buffalo sauce—it’s a way of life that’s worth the extra (millions) of napkins. Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery surprised onto the scene as a sandwich shop serving up some finger-licking fierceness taking home Platinum. Der Dutchman and Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village had an all-out Amish battle for best of the best ultimately taking a shared Gold. Brewster’s Gastropub went fried up the line to Silver and Fork & Hen SRQ battered their way to Bronze. Have a crack at Honorable Mentions Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ, Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse, FOOD+BEER, Gecko’s Grill & Pub and The Barnyard.

Dimitri N Syros (on Focaccia) Focaccia is the best sandwich in Sarasota. The bread is absolutely killer, but their homemade ingredients and sauces take it to the next level. Rebecca Gannon (on Der Dutchman) Der Dutchman’s fried chicken is the best around. Consistently delicious and cooked to perfection. It’s definitely a conversation starter, especially with the locals. I recommend a lot of different foods and Der Dutchman’s is definitely one of them. Alyssa Holcomb (on Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village) Can’t be beat! Always crispy, always juicy, always huge. William B (on Brewster’s) Wonderful chicken tenders and sandwiches. Stephanie Moylan (on Fork & Hen SRQ) Honestly, I couldn’t pick a favorite thing on the menu if I tried—everything at Fork & Hen SRQ is just that good. Their fried chicken is undeniably amazing, but the talent of the chefs and owners shines through in every single dish they create. It’s a place that never disappoints. Cassi Checklick (on Food+Beer) Food + Beer is the future of the neighborhood sports bar. It breaks the mold of a traditional sports bar with scratch made recipes and clever twists on classic sports bar dishes. The menu also includes healthy options, vegetarian items and even a big weekend brunch.

BEST LOCAL AÇAÍ BOWL Passion Roots

Refusing to blend in, these berry delicious delicacies are packed with superfoods to ensure a smooth start to your day. Passion Roots is a fruit-forward first taking home Platinum while Toastique-Sarasota is a grape pick for Gold. Purple BOl has the straw-berry that broke the best of’s back to take home Silver followed by Summer Tap Juice Bar that had readers going bananas for its Bronze winning bowls. Honorable Mention Clementines Açaí is also a sweet spot.

Alizee Gagliardi (on Passion Roots) The owners are incredibly sweet and care about the quality of each bowl and smoothie they make. They decided to start making their açaí fresh from scratch each time because what they could find elsewhere were packets full of added sugar that didn’t make them feel great. Definitely a hidden gem! Jacob Allen (on Toastique - Sarasota) Great place to get an acai bowl or smoothie. The staff is amazing and Paul (the owner) is always there for a good or funny word. Nicole Mabalot (on Purple Bol) Best acai bowl in town. Brianna Ream (on Purple Bol) Whether I’m happy, sad, or an unhinged feral raccoon—the Purple Bol’s friendly staff and best unsweetened açaí in town always makes me want to happy dance, even on rainy days. Chrissy Rowden (on Summer Tap ) Everything is fresh. You can choose from a large variety of fruit toppings, including papaya and kiwi. They also have fun toppings like bee pollen and coconut flakes, combined with granola. Make it your way!

BEST LOCAL AVOCADO TOAST Toastique - Sarasota

It’s basic, it’s old news—ugh enough, it’s delicious! There will always be someone too pretentious to pretend they enjoy this humble yet trendy dish, but alas it has prevailed past the mid-aughts onslaught to become a staple on the food scene. Toastique - Sarasota is an easy Platinum pick for all things toast while Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery had fans flocking for Gold. Next up Hamlet’s Eatery served up slices of the good stuff for Silver and First Watch is a Bronze best for bread plus avo. You thought the fun started there? Avocad-no! Try Honorable Mentions Project Coffee, Sun Garden Cafe, The Breakfast Company, ATRIA Cafe, The Toasted Yolk Cafe, Sarasota, Green Zebra Café and Clementines Açaí.

Jess Alvarez (on Toastique-Sarasota) Hands down, the best avocado toast around. I never had one better! Hearty, healthy and full of yum. Chrissy Rowden (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) Their avocado sandwich is so full of satisfying flavor. You can tell that they care about each ingredient. In addition, they use clean ingredients and NO seed oils. Sign me up! Kim Livengood (on Hamlet’s Eatery) It changes weekly and Chef Mitch is coming up with the most delicious toppings for it! Brooke Alverson (on First Watch) Delicious avocado toast here. Anna Khasik (on Project Coffee) All I have to say… fresh avocado! No pre-mix or guacamole mix. Sourdough bread. In my opinion no better avocado toast in town. Judy Furginson (on Clementines) The toast is amazing, loaded with all fresh ingredients.

BEST LOCAL BAGEL Jersey Girl Bagels

These bagel spots have risen to the occasion, boiling the rest to bake their way to the stop. A hole-y grail of goodness—they’ve got everything. No, literally. They have everything bagels. Jersey Girl Bagels rolled into first taking home Platinum while 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop got Gold. Buddy’s Bagels - Tamiami (Formerly Lox’ n Egg Bagel Company) spread the love for Silver followed by Bread Bandits, that had fans schmearing them on for Bronze. Have your circle shaped breakfast at Honorable Mention Buddy’s Bagels - Cattlemen.

Brendan Carroll (on Jersey Girl Bagels) Jersey Girl Bagels not only have the best bagels in town, but the food is always consistent and the staff is one of the hardest working in the area. Jillian Pendergast (on Jersey Girl Bagels) Literally go here every Sunday to get our bagel fix! The best bagels in town. Andrea Capek (on 99 Bottles) 99 Bottles has quickly become one of my favorite spots for delicious bagels and expertly crafted sandwiches for Sunday Brunch. Their menu offers a great variety, ensuring there’s something for everyone. On top of that, their excellent service and dedication to supporting our community make every visit even more enjoyable. Shelly Masters (on 99 Bottles) Authentic New York bagels. Worthy of a gluten cheat, although they have that option as well. Service is friendly and attentive. Taylor Underwood (on Buddy’s Bagel’s - Formerly Lox & Egg Bread Co) They have the best cream cheese and it feels like a deli from up north. Chrissy Rowden (on Bread Bandits) Sourdough and delicious! Homemade and fresh. I can’t ask for more.

BEST LOCAL BREAD Bread Bandits

Bread is the backbone to the carb family. It surpasses all cultures to find itself safely at home in any home. Baguette, ciabatta, naan, injera—across the world people are wiping down their plates with a-pita something leavened. Keeping it local, however, are these Sarasota specific stand-outs for best bread. Bread Bandits, aptly named, stole our hearts and the top spot winning Platinum. Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery said challah to second place winning Gold and Mademoiselle Paris sliced some sourdough to secure Silver. Baking their debut in Bronze (but not to this list!) is C’est la Vie. Rip off a hunk of homemade heaven at Honorable Mentions Rendez-Vous French Bakery, ATRIA Cafe and Artisan Cheese Company.

Chrissy Rowden (on Bread Bandits) Bread bandits used clean ingredients and everything is sourdough! So good and better for you. Suzanne Cronin (on Focaccia) Fantastic bread. Always a great experience. James Spalding (on Focaccia) A hidden gem that serves the best sandwiches around. Each creation is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, perfectly stacked to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Madeleine L (on Mademoiselle Paris) The only place where bread tastes like what I had in Paris. Ag Fowler (on Ces’t la Vie) Best local breads and pastries. Brandi Fano (on Artisan Cheese Company) We get our sourdough and cheese here every week. It’s the best!

BEST LOCAL BAKERY Bread Bandits

Muffin compares to these winners who are bake-ing the world a better place. Voters were on a roll when it came to baking favorites—a cinnamon swirl of success choosing the very best in all things butter. The main ingredient of all things delicious. So without further ado, let’s dough it! Bread Bandits took a sugar high to the top winning Platinum followed by Gold winning Mademoiselle Paris. Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery sprinkles goodness around for Silver and Cakes by Ron bakes our breath away for Bronze. Honorable Mentions to meet your sweet needs are Rendez-Vous French Bakery, OfKors Bakery, ATRIA Cafe, Pineapple Kitchen and Simply Sweets SRQ.

Emma Kleppinger (on Bread Bandits) The most amazing bakery. The croissants are delightful as well as the made in house quiche. Madeleine L (on Mademoiselle Paris) If you know, you know. Real gem. Katy Bogley (on Focaccia) Focaccia is the very best Sarasota has to offer. From their perfect bread to their incredible flavorful sandwiches and soups, to their fantastic new breakfast menu and the wonderful environment they provide for their guests. Focaccia is simply unbeatable and happens to be organic and seed oil free! My family and I go to Focaccia once a week minimum. Weyli Angus (on ATRIA Cafe) The laminated pastries are second to none! It feels like it should be in NYC or Cali, yet we have this gem right here in our local neighborhood.

BEST LOCAL COFFEE SHOP Project Coffee

When you’ve been there and brewed that and need something new—these will energize you by whatever beans necessary. Project Coffee had the best batch to get back to the top spot pouring out a Platinum. Perq Coffee Bar got us ready for the day with Gold and O & A Coffee and Supply steamed their way to a Silver-worthy win. Coast To Coast Coffee gives us deja-brew popping back on our list for their Bronze barista skills. Ex-presso yourself at Honorable Mentions ATRIA Cafe, Pastry Art Café & Dessert, The Clever Cup Coffee Shop, Oscura Coffee & Cocktails, Hashtag Café, Breaking Wave Coffee and Via la Casa | Coffee & Wine Bar.

LeeAnne Swor (on Project Coffee) Latte with a little vanilla is my coffee fav! Always buzzing with the local people! Megan Baers (on O & A Coffee and Supply Downtown Sarasota) Serving incredible coffee, atmosphere and early conversations every Saturday at the Sarasota Farmers Market. Patrick Robinson (on Coast To Coast Coffee) The best pour over and cold brew in Sarasota hands down! Brittaney Johnston (on Coast To Coast Coffee) Love this spot! They create the most delicious cold brews. The owners are so sweet! Joelene Fruehauf (on ATRIA Cafe) The iced caramel latte is out of this world! Best coffee in Florida. Melissa Connelly (on Pastry Art Café & Dessert) I love watching the world go by at Pastry Art and the muffins are out of this world. Catherine Clouse Ferrer (on Oscura Coffee) The way Oscura is a hub for community is amazing. After Hurricane Milton, Oscura and the Friendly City Foundation hosted free community meals and continues to be a resource for artists, entrepreneurs, and community as we rebuild.

BEST LOCAL CATERER Michael’s On East

Being the host with the most doesn’t mean slaving away in the kitchen—leave the plates to the professionals at your next soiree and focus on more important things. Like decorations. And picking the perfect playlist. And drinks—definitely focus more on the drinks. Platinum pick Michael’s On East is a mainstay on the best local caterer list—with a 30-year track record of amazing food, it’s easy to see why. The Maine Line Food Truck gets the party going with Gold and Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery sneaks in before your guests to get their Silver-winning trays ready. Finally, Cornerstone and Company treats your party to the tastiest tasting as our Bronze best for dinner decadence. Call on Honorable Mentions Taste of Spain by Tapas & Fun Catering, Pineapple Kitchen and Gecko’s Grill & Pub.

Christine Clary (on Michael’s On East) Phil Mancini is the best! Always great food and service. They really know how to do it. Nancy Warman (on The Maine Line) Awesome New England seafood. James T. Spalding (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) Focaccia has a variety of options to suit all tastes and dietary preferences, they ensure every bite is both healthy and satisfying. Let them bring a wholesome and flavorful experience to your next event. Kim Livengood (on Cornerstone) The creativity of food and presentation is truly remarkable. When they have one of their vintage trucks on site, it makes whatever event they are catering that much cooler. Jamie Alred (on Cornerstone) Catered our wedding to perfection! Amazing food, friendly service and went above and beyond to help make our day special. Christine Brooks (on Taste of Spain by Tapas & Fun Catering) Tapas are so tasty and her chocolate moose is to die for. Lots of options. A great choice for something unique and tasty. Derek Housh (on Gecko’s Grill & Pub) Wonderful in every way.

BEST LOCAL PIE Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village

Pie to die for—these slices of sweetness pecan’d the interest of our readers and mer-ingue the bell for the top spots. Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village coconut-creamed the competition picking up Platinum once again while Der Dutchman ban-offee’d at those coming for their crown—Gold is theirs for the second year running. Floribbean Flo’s apple-crisp’d an amazing achievement by moving up a spot for Silver and Detwiler’s Farm Market bakes it onto the list this year with a Bronze win. Help yourself to seconds at Honorable Mentions The 1818 Grill and Simply Sweets SRQ.

Sharon Sellers (on Yoder’s) The best pie. Blueberry cream, rhubarb and lemon meringue. Brooke Alverson (on Der Dutchman) Best pies in Sarasota for sure! Nothing beats a fabulous homemade pie, doughnut or cake from Der Dutchman. Love the community that runs that place, very friendly! Bryan Blondeau (on Floribbean Flo’s) It smells fantastic in here every single time!

BEST LOCAL DONUTS Five-O Donut Co.

Do-NOT joke with Sarasotans about their hole-y havens for mornings favorite circle—sorry bagels but it’s hard to beat this sweet treat. Five-O Donut Co. glazed the competition, easily powerdering the rest for Platinum. Peachey’s is a Boston creme best, making mornings Gold. Crop Juice is a unique contender cruller-ing onto the list this year to secure Silver. For the final stop on your jam-packed drive to work, give Bronze winner Gold Star Donuts a go. Don’t fritter, plenty more donuts to devour at Honorable Mentions Abbe’s Donut Shop and Island Donut Company.

Suzane Rodriguez (on Five-O Donut Co) They have always been great to my hubby, especially on his birthday. It’s a plus for them also since he’s their mailman. Melissa Connelly (on Five-O Donut Co) Five-O is deliciously brilliant. Beth Graves (on Peachy’s) We love Peachey’s! Their donuts and pretzels too. Delicious! Mary Sander (on Gold Star Donuts) Oh my goodness, their donuts are fresh, huge and delicious! Don’t miss out on your favorites. Go early or you will miss out. Marge McCarthy (on Gold Star) If you have something you like, you better call ahead and have them hold it for you. They are well known now, even though we try to keep it a secret, they are the best. Lilly Matthews (on Island Donut Company) I’ve never had strawberry icing like theirs, it’s amazing.

BEST LOCAL SANDWICH Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery

Readers had no (Italian) beef duking it out for Sarasota's best sandwich—we don’t have one sub-par selection. Knocking the reigning Reuben from first place is Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery—taking home a panini worthy Platinum. Anna’s Deli is still in the club taking the Gold spot this year followed by Silver winning The Maine Line Food Truck who must be grilled cheesin’ to find themselves on yet another list. Voters wanted Mademoiselle Paris to BLT the Bronze best this year. Ham it up with Honorable Mentions Main Bar Sandwich Shop, Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Brewster’s Gastropub and The 1818 Grill.

Deanna Parsons (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) Nick puts his heart and soul into his sandwich creations. Fresh baked focaccia and the best ingredients! Patrick Lynch (on Anna’s Deli) Really delicious and fresh sandwiches. Nancy Warman (on The Maine Line Food Truck) Amazing seafood and owners. Peter Williams (on Mademoiselle Paris) The best products. Delicious meat/cheese and amazing bread.

BEST LOCAL FRENCH FRIES FOOD+BEER

Want to ketchup on the latest news in fries? We’ve got spud-tacular news—a whole heaping helping Best Of winners. It’s no small potato to pull off Platinum but that’s exactly what FOOD+BEER did this year. Next up is Brewster’s Gastropub, who is an un-fry-gettable Gold followed by Gecko’s Grill & Pub—our on point-ato Silver selection. Aioli! We’re talking to you! Don’t forget about this year’s Bronze win Hamlet’s Eatery. Feeling salty there aren’t more choices? Relax—try Honorable Mention Pie on Main.

Morgan Steffes (on FOOD + BEER) FOOD + BEER has some of the best, most creative food in Sarasota and also has such a good vibe at all of their different locations. From crab rangoon mozzarella sticks to gator fries it’s my number one rec to people out of town. Alyssa Holcomb (Gecko’s Grill & Pub) Can’t go wrong with Gecko’s fries. Always crispy and just the right consistency. Judy Alexander (on Hamlet’s Eatery at the Bazaar) Best french fries! AR (on Pie on Main) Ooohhh, the truffle fries.

BEST LOCAL COOKIES Detwiler’s Farm Market

No matter what way the cookie crumbles, these winners were here to make sure our readers had an oatmeal raisin reason to stop at their shop. Detwiler’s Farm Market gave us plenty of sugar (cookies) and took home the Platinum win. Cakes by Ron knows there’s nothing black and white about fan-favorites but they worked hard to chocolate-chip away the competition for Gold. Tutu’s Cookies sprinkled their way to Silver and Clarabell Cookies says whoopie about their Bronze win. Snickerdoodle studies show Honorable Mention Simply Sweets SRQ is another great pick.

Elaine Loos (on Detwiler’s Farm Market) The decorated sugar cookies are my favorite. Mechaela Reed (on Cakes by Ron) Came for the cupcakes, stayed for the cookies. Leslie Balleweg (on Tutu’s Cookies) Innovative recipes with high quality ingredients. Melt in your mouth deliciousness! Plus, her customer service is hands down the best. Don Osenga (on Clarabell Cookies) Cookies are so fresh. Their social media is always informative and fun.

BEST LOCAL FARM Dakin Dairy Farm Market & Cafe

These legen-dairy destinations bring the farm to your kitchen table. Udder-ly irresistible, Dakin Dairy Farm Market & Cafe produced a Platinum win. Jessica’s Organic Farm is a farm-fresh favorite with our readers grabbing on Gold. You herd it here first, Hunsader Farms takes Silver and Blumenberry Farms is a big dill. Outstanding in their field they take the Bronze spot. Other places to go from pasture to plate is Honorable Mention Gamble Creek Farms.

Danielle Dettman (on Dakin Dairy Farm Market & Cafe) They have been through so much and work so hard to bounce back. Great milk and great people. Alexa Kurowski (on Jessica’s Organic Farm) Jessica’s Farm is such a beautiful, natural spot and we love visiting! P.J. (on Hunsader Farms) A local gem, offering families a perfect blend of farm charm and outdoor fun. Featuring a full petting zoo, vibrant flower fields (seasonal U-pick), playgrounds, and an array of games and activities, it’s a fantastic location for a day of fun with the family. Brandi Fano (on Blumberry Farms) We did their CSA this year and it was so awesome! Kristelle Soto (on Gamble Creek Farms) The fresh produce is grown locally and sold on site in the market. Their lunch soups and salads are incredibly flavorful!

BEST LOCAL ICE CREAM Main Street Creamery

These winners cone-quered the competition starting with Main Street Creamery—our Platinum pick for piling on scoop after scoop. Great Heights Creamery goes for Gold by chocolate-saucing any doubters. Scoops & Sprinkles Creamery is an ice-scream worthy Silver and Abel’s Ice Cream is the cherry on top of the category rounding us off for Bronze. There are more Honorable Mentions sprinkled throughout Sarasota so check out Orange Octopus, Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery and Island Scoops.

Irene Tuttle (on Main Street Creamery) They have the largest selection of homemade plant based/non-dairy flavors around and they are so good. You can’t tell that it’s not dairy. Jamie Edwards (on Great Heights Creamery) Somewhere, in a parallel universe, another version of me is eating Great Heights Creamery’s ice cream for the first time. I envy them. Michael Mantagas (on Great Heights Creamery) They make the best flavors ever with the freshest, tastiest ingredients. Love, love, love this shop! Peri Goodman (on Abel’s Ice Cream) What a special place! The ice cream is delectably scrumptious! From the moment you walk in, people make you feel special. Extraordinary experience all around. Renee Ferreira (on Orange Octopus) The sea salt caramel is to die for. Sara Meadow (on Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery) Allergen friendly soft serve ice cream. Marcia Frisina (on Island Scoops) Their ice cream cookie sandwich is huge—big enough for two.

BEST LOCAL CUPCAKES Cakes by Ron

This year’s whipped cream of the crop was an adorable assortment of miniatures. The baby sister to an adult sized cake—the cupcake is the cuter bite-sized sensation that ensures everyone at the party is ready for fun-fetti. Cakes by Ron frosts their way to the front yet again with a Platinum win. Sarasota Bakehouse didn’t skimp on the sprinkles this year, ensuring a Gold spot while Pineapple Kitchen made cupcake making look like a piece of cake—securing Silver. Rounding out the case for cupcakes is Simply Sweets SRQ, that baked crazily crave-worthy Bronze treats.

Rosy Asiain (on Cakes by Ron) Huge and delicious cupcakes. Amanda Just (on Sarasota Bakehouse) The peanut butter-filled chocolate cupcakes are amazing (and also available vegan). Phyllis Dawson (on Simply Sweets) Simply Sweets has it all. Thanks for brightening my day.

BEST LOCAL FARMERS MARKET Sarasota Farmers Market

These egg-stra special spots are the cream of the crop for local goods—housemade and home grown. Sarasota Farmers Market soars to the top spot with Platinum followed by Waterside Farmer’s Market—an a-maize-ing Gold spot for crafty creators. Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch has farm-tastic fare and sew many Silver-winning crafts to select. Phillippi Farmhouse Market goes against the grain in a good way, and delivers something different—a Bronze win that you’ve goat to check out. Spend a wonderful weekend at Honorable Mentions Downtown Bradenton Public Market and Meadows Farmers Market.

Irene Tuttle (on Sarasota Farmers Market) Amazing vendors, live music and great food! Always my favorite. JoAnn Imre (on Waterside Farmer’s Market) Each time I visit my daughter’s Sarasota family, I treasure the special memories of visiting the restaurants and booths at Waterside Farmer’s Market, grandchildren in tow.Nina Jolani (on Waterside Farmer’s Market) A fun, dog-friendly farmers market full of energy and great vibes! Browse a mix of vendors with fresh produce, tasty food, handmade art, crafts, and more. The beautiful waterfront setting makes it a unique and awesome place to spend the day! Kris Wood (on Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch) The best outdoor market in the area, by far! Kim Novo (on Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch) Best run Farmers Market I’ve ever been in and the people are just awesome, great vendors and great customers. A+! Jennifer Helenek (on Phillippi Farmhouse Market) Love going here every Wednesday. Ashley Millington (on Meadows Farmers Market) I love the culture that has been created at the Meadows Farmers Market. The team and vendors make you feel right at home when you visit. They always create a unique experience for the holidays bringing different family activities, wellness events, community games, special decorations, live music and characters creating a one-of-kind experiences for all ages! While supporting local businesses from art to food they are helping create a healthy economy in Sarasota feeding the mind, body and soul. Judy Furginson (on Downtown Bradenton Public Market) Great market for such a small downtown.

BEST LOCAL GROCER Detwiler’s Farm Market

Lettuce celebrate these local grocers with glee. Detwiler’s Farm Market is your no-brainer neighborhood Platinum pick to bring home the bacon followed by Morton’s Gourmet Market for Gold—a produce paradise that’s totally a-peel-ing. How about them apples.

Danielle Dettman (on Detwiler’s Farm Market) Detwiler’s is superior to all stores. Nothing beats fresh. Denice Peoples (on Detwiler’s Farm Market) I honestly cannot describe what I love about Detwiler’s. I have not been to Publix in about three years. The prices, the fresh produce and the bakery is unmatched. The family is dedicated to its customers and any store I go in around Sarasota county is the same. Kim Livengood (on Morton’s Market) Being locally owned and operated for three generations makes it extra special. Plus, when they are low on your favorite ice cream they make sure to get it back in right away.

BEST LOCAL BUTCHER Southern Steer Butcher Sarasota

Finding a new butcher can be the wurst—luckily Sarasota is chop-full of spots to meat someone new. Southern Steer Butcher Sarasota pounds a Platinum cut while Alpine Steakhouse and Butcher Shop grinds a Gold-winning sausage. Call in some cutlets from Silver winning The Butcher’s Block or link up with Bronze best Geier’s Sausage Kitchen. Have a look at Honorable Mention The Chop Shop.

Kelly O’Brien (on Southern Steer Butcher Sarasota) Everything is always delicious and the customer service is the best. Not only are they an amazing butcher shop, but they do a lot for the community. Robyn A. Marinelli (on The Butcher’s Block) The Butcher Block has the freshest and best selection of meats and other home made foods. Locally owned for several generations. Megan Collins (on Geier’s Sausage) We love the selection of German goods and our pups love the bones and pig ears as treats! Always service with a smile. Fiona Farrell (on Geier’s Sausage Kitchen)Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unmatched. Our restaurant group has been sourcing their products year-round, and we proudly feature their exceptional bangers every St. Patrick’s Day, making our celebrations truly special. Geier’s expertise in traditional butchery and their dedication to using only the finest ingredients ensure we can deliver an authentic culinary experience to our guests, solidifying their place as our top choice in the community. Sharon Sellers (on The Chop Shop) The best meat and stuffed pork chops. Yum.

BEST LOCAL JUICES + SMOOTHIES Crop Juice

Hot off the press and freshly squeezed—these are the winners that make life a little zestier. Crop Juice is one-in-a-melon taking the top spot once again. Passion Roots and Toastique-Sarasota made readers so grape-ful for their peachy-keen concoctions sharing the Gold spot. Green Zebra Café had voters bananas for their Silver sips and Summer Tap Juice Bar beet out other fruit-forward contenders for Bronze. Honorable Mentions include ionie Living Food & Tonics and Clementines Açaí.

Claire Lewis (on Crop Juice) Super fresh and quality ingredients. Owners go above and beyond to provide a great experience and excellent, healthy options that you can feel good and confident about. Love supporting this local biz! Brandi Fano (on Passion Roots) Best place for organic juice and smoothies. Wonderful atmosphere and customer service always. Cheryl Diballa (on Toastique-Sarasota) Fresh pressed juice and smoothies with additions like protein and collagen. Lauren Fairchild (on Summer Tap Juice Bar) Such a cute place with the freshest tasting smoothies and juices. Irene Tuttle (on Ionie) Ionie’s makes the best juices! Everything there is so healthy and delicious.

BEST LOCAL TEA Elixir Tea House

Time to proverbially spill the tea—these were our top picks to fill your cup. Elixir Tea House has spent oolong time at the top, winning Platinum once again. Oscura Coffee & Cocktails is an earl grey Gold followed by ATRIA Cafe—steeping in their Silver success. Kam’s Bubble Tea & Sushi assam-s the Bronze spot. Have a cuppa at Honorable Mention 941 Tea House.

Alyssa Holcomb (on Elixir Tea House) I love stopping by here with friends on a Saturday to enjoy some tea and treats. It’s a quaint atmosphere that’s very calming. Missy Ardis (on Oscura) Oscura is awesome. They are my third place. In communities most people have three places: home, work and that third place to go to hangout, food, drink etc and Oscura is that place for me and many others. Shelby Eagen (on Kam’s Bubble Tea & Sushi) Kam’s bubble tea is amazing and the sushi is fresh. Always have great service when I go too! Weyli Angus (on ATRIA Cafe) The Chai Latte is so delicious! The spices and cardamom notes are so well balanced. The Blueberry Matcha is also one of my favorites.

BEST LOCAL COCKTAILS C+M Cocktail Co.

Hey there, don’t cry over spilt milk . . .it could’ve been a cocktail! No matter what spirit you’re in, these places have the pours for you. C+M Cocktail Co. can help you shake it ‘til you make it, with their Platinum drinks that pack a punch. State Street Eating House + Cocktails had readers gulping down Gold-winning gimlets and Catch A Buzz is a Silver sip above the rest. Cask and Ale garnishes their gin-uinely great drinks all the way to a Bronze buzz. Raise a glass to Honorable Mentions Cornerstone and Company and Tripletail Seafood & Spirits.

Doug O’Connell (on C+M Cocktail Co.) Absolutely amazing variety and quality of cocktails! The Key Lime Martini and Dark Chocolate Espresso Martini are my faves. Kate Schwartz (on State Street Eating House + Cocktails) Most creative cocktails without trying too hard. Always delish. Kasey Gamble (on Catch A Buzz) The owner, Rachel, is so sweet, caring and an all-around amazing person! I love her dedication and ability to make people happy. Polly Pitchford (on Cask and Ale) Cask has its finger on the pulse of what many ages of Sarasota residents want and need. Good food, competent and friendly staff who know all the services of making a cocktail to serving food and genuinely socializing with you. There’s music, there’s brunch, there’s high-end clientele mingling with the not high-end clientele. The general manager, Steve Pitchford is the number one best in Sarasota.

BEST LOCAL BREWERY Big Top Brewing Company

These breweries crafted a few of the finest pints in town, showing our readers that great beer is always on tap. Big Top Brewing Company says IPA “Hey” to Platinum followed by the creative minds behind Calusa Brewing guzzling down a frothy pour for Gold. Flobucha hops into the third spot stealing Silver and join us in raising a glass to Motorworks Brewing—brewing into Bronze. Hang out at Honorable Mentions Good Liquid Brewing Company, Sun King Sarasota and 3 Keys Brewing and Eatery.

Wendy Moore (on Big Top Brewing Company) Great local gathering and watering hole with plenty of beer options and the food is excellent. Jennifer Helenek (on Calusa Brewing) Love the vibe of this brewery! Florian Trinkwalder (on Flobucha) Flobucha simply brews the best kombucha in the universe. Marge McCarthy (on Motorworks) Aside from good brews, they have cornhole and music and just a fun atmosphere. Alyssa Holcomb (on Sun King Brewery) Be sure to stop by and say “hi” to Jessica. She’ll hook you up with the best local brew.

BEST LOCAL WINE SHOP 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop

What did you chardon-say? You wanted to hear who rosé to the top this year? Well, we pinot just the picks. 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop pours itself into Platinum while Dive Wine & Spirits had the grapes for Gold. We don’t think Norman’s Liquors Fine Wines Beers & Cigars will get bordeaux of their Silver wine any time soon and Seagrape Wine Company grigi-gos the distance to round out our full-bodied bunch taking home Bronze. Have a glass at Honorable Mentions Michael’s Wine Cellar and Fine Wine & Tastings on Main.

Alejandra Salazar (on 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop) Amazing selection and the staff is so friendly! Dylan rocks! Derek Fotch (on Dive Wine & Spirits) Broc and staff are killing it! Amazing bourbon selection . . . diverse and fun pop-up dinners and tastings. Unfortunately I think Sarasota’s best kept secret has gotten out. Darcy Dunn (on Seagrape Wine Company) Hands down the best! Excellent selection of wines at all price points. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Jason Blankenbiller (on Seagrape Wine Company) Amazing selection. Thomas, Freddy and Doug are all amazing.

BEST LOCAL HAPPY HOUR Memories Lounge

Un-wine-d after work at these cocktail o’clock category winners. Memories Lounge helps readers whiskey away their worries at the Platinum level while Mademoiselle Paris is a Gold getaway to cheers your weekday tears. Gecko’s Grill & Pub is the Silver spot to ring in 5 o’clock and Brewster’s Gastropub has a full bar Bronze-winning booze to help you stop and smell the rosé. Tequila might not be the answer, but it’s worth a shot at Honorable Mentions Kolucan Mexican Bar & Grill and Tripletail Seafood & Spirits.

Judi Dean (on Memories Lounge) Fun times, happy friendly and fun bartenders! Knowledgeable about the different drinks—if you can name a cocktail they can make it. Awesome good times! Derek Housh (on Gecko’s Grill & Pub) The staff at Geckos are amazing. Always friendly and they remember me and my preferences. The atmosphere is fun and lively, but still mellow enough to have conversations with at the bar or table. The bartenders are super creative. Every couple of weeks they have 4-5 new cocktails. Amy Leithauser (on Gecko’s Grill & Pub) It’s like Cheers—where everyone knows your name. That is hospitality. Greg Hodges (on Brewster’s) Four dollar wells, wine, domestic drafts, Bloody Mary’s and margaritas everyday. Ed Arsenault (on Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill) Best food and cocktails.