Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019: Readers' Picks
November 26 2018
This whole process started back in August, when voting began in the first round of the fifth annual Best of Coachella Valley readers’ poll.
Now, after three months, two rounds of voting and ballots from more than 1,300 people, we’ve come to the glorious end of the process: Here are the results of the Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019!
From all of us here at the Independent: A huge, sincere thank you to all of the readers who voted. We realize that this is not an easy ballot to fill out—almost 130 categories is indeed a lot— but because you took the time to do so thoughtfully, the slate of winners and finalists presented here is truly impressive. It’s diverse; it’s valley-wide (even including representation of the high desert); and it shows how truly great the people, places, organizations and businesses are that call the Coachella Valley home.
Now, it’s time to celebrate. Please join us at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Copa Nightclub—your selection this year as Best Nightclub—244 E. Amado Road, in Palm Springs, for the Best of Coachella Valley Awards Party. All of the winners present will receive certificates and have an opportunity to say thank you; after that, your Best Local Band selection, Avenida Music, will take the stage and perform. I hope to see you there.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
CODA Gallery
Runners up:
2. Heather James Fine Art
3. Shag
4. Beatnik Lounge
5. Michael Weems Collection
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Show at Agua Caliente
3. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
4. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Empire Polo Club
3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
4. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. La Quinta Arts Foundation
4. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. CREATE Center for the Arts
Best Local Band
Avenida Music
Runners up:
2. Frank Eats the Floor
3. Mega Sun
4. The Flusters
5. Sunday Funeral
Best Local DJ
DJ Day
Runners up:
2. TIE
Alex Harrington
DJ PWee
4. Sugarfree
5.Pedro Le Bass
Best Local Musician
Matt King
Runners up:
2. Giselle Woo
3. John Stanley King
4. Justin Ledesma
5. Nick Hales
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Nancy Worthington
4. Cristopher Cichocki
5. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Century The River and XD
4. TIE
Camelot Theatres
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
2. Palm Springs Air Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
5. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Company
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
5. Coyote StageWorks
6. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group
Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
4. Desert AIDS Project
5. L-Fund
Best Gym
World Gym
Runners up:
2. 24 Hour Fitness
3. EOS Fitness
4. Planet Fitness
5. In-Shape
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Power Yoga Palm Springs
3. Yoga Central
4. Bikram Yoga Plus
5. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
4. Yucca Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Q Trading Co.
Best Auto Repair
Ramona Tire and Service Center
Runners up:
2. Andy’s Auto Repair
3. Lou’s Automotive
4. Downtown Shell Palm Springs
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Quick Quack Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Executive Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Moller’s Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Vintage Nursery
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Lotus Garden Center
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. Bones ’n’ Scones
4. Pet Oasis
5. PoshPetCare
Best Annual Charity Event
Palm Springs Pride
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Walk (Desert AIDS Project)
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
5. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
3. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Haley Clawson, KESQ News Channel 3
Best Radio Station
Jammin’ 99.5
Runners up:
2. Q102.3 Classic Rock
3. Mix 100.5
4. 93.7 KCLB
5. Big 106
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Q102.3/Big 106
3. Bill Feingold, KNews 94.3 FM
4. Randy Houston, The Big 106
5. Joey English, KGX 99.1 FM/920 AM
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. TIE
Rancho Mirage Library Book Nook
The Book Rack La Quinta
4. Sagebrush Press
Best Retail Music/Video Store
The Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
3. Vista Music and Video
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Comics
3. Comic Asylum
4. HooDoo!
Best Hotel Pool
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Runners up:
2. The Saguaro
3. Riviera Palm Springs
4. Renaissance Palm Springs
5. Arrive
Best Urgent Care
Eisenhower Medical Center Urgent Care
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Urgent Care
3. Executive Urgent Care
4. TIE
Centro Medico Urgent Care
MedPost Urgent Care
Best Indoor Fun/Activity
Escape Room Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Get Air Trampoline Park
3. Laser Oasis
4. Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Lisa Bodon
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Amanda Curnock
4. Dr. Geoffrey Block
5. Gennady “Henry” Nosovitsky, PA
Best Eye Care
Milauskas Eye Institute
Runners up:
2. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
3. Dr. Greg Evans (Evans Eyecare)
4. Old Town Optix and Optometry
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics
Runners up:
2. Dr. Frank Hernandez (Hernandez Dental)
3. Dr. Larry Kunkle (Palm Desert Dental Center)
4. Dr. Natalie Le (Palm Springs Modern Dentistry)
5. Dr. Ray Cros (Cros Dental)
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Sofonio
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Suzanne Quardt
4. Dr. Natalie Driessen
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Barbara Barrett
3. Christopher Heritage
4. Emily Benjamini
5. James Jackson
Best Air Conditioning Service
TIE
Comfort Air
General Air Conditioning
Runners up:
3. Nexgen Air Conditioning and Heating
4. Blair Heating and Air
5. On Call Air Conditioning and Heating
Best Personal Trainer
Jaime Jimenez
Runners up:
2. Brandon Wertz
3. Ted Guice
4. Francisco Serrato
Best Chiropractor
Jim Cox
Runners up:
2. Daryl Richardson
3. Nazemi Chiropractic
4. Vincent Savarese
Best Real Estate Agent
Barbara Carpenter
Runners up:
2. Bob Ross
3. Paul Zapala
4. Valery Neuman
5. Michael Benthall
Best Electrician
Desert Pro Electrical
Runners up:
2. Hegge Electrical Contractors
3. Electrician4Hire
4. Collins Electrical Services
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta City Councilman Robert Radi
3. Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Oooh La La
Runners up:
2. Bobby G’s
3. Trina Turk
4. Wil Stiles
5. Grayse
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
5. Unity Home
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley HomeStore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. West Elm
Best Antiques/Collectibles Store
Misty’s Consignments
Runners up:
2. Victoria’s Attic
3. The Estate Sale Co.
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Hephaestus
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Brush Palm Springs
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Wondercuts Inc.
5. Alankara, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
Runners up:
2. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
3. Two Bunch Palms
4. Miracle Springs Resort and Spa
5. Feel Good Spa at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Revive Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Studio M Salon and Spa
3. Desert Serenity Float and Spa
4. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. The Flower Company
4. Mami’s Floral Boutique
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
Bloodline Tattoo and Body Piercing
Runners up:
2. Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
3. Oasis Tattoo and Body Piercing
4. Strata Tattoo Lab
5. Solid Tattoo
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Milauskas Eye Institute
3. Desert Vision Optometry
4. America’s Best
5. Panache Optical Gallery
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Moorten’s Botanical Garden
4. Shields Date Garden
5. El Paseo
Best Place for Bicycling
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Creek Loop
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Palm Canyon Epic
Best Recreation Area
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon Trail
3. La Quinta Cove to Lake Cahuilla Trail
4. Ladder Canyon Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Sunrise Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. BikeMan
5. Pedego Electric Bikes
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Country Club
3. SilverRock Resort
4. The Lights at Indio GC
5. Classic Club Golf
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Demuth Park
4. Ruth Hardy Park
5. Ironwood Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Target
Runners up:
2. Walmart
3. Mr. G’s Toys and Expressions
4. The Lumpy Bunny
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Children’s Place
3. Carter’s
4. Gap
5. Crazy 8
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Old Spaghetti Factory
5. Laser Oasis
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Boomers
3. Laser Oasis
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Escape Room Palm Springs
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
3. Laser Oasis
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Eureka!
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. Katherine King Catering and Special Events
4. TRIO/Liquid Catering
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Goody’s Cafe
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. Rick’s Restaurant
5. Sunshine Café
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
4. Whole Foods
5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
Best Custom Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Runners up:
2. Over the Rainbow
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
5. Jensen’s Foods
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. French Corner Café
5. Over the Rainbow
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Ben and Jerry’s
3. Great Shakes
4. Lappert’s Ice Cream
5. Kreem
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Oasis Date Gardens
4. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
Runners up:
2. Tutti Frutti
3. Beach House
4. Jus Chillin’
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. French Corner Café
4. Carousel Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Jackalope Ranch
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burgers
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
Tyler’s Burgers
Grill A Burger
Eureka!
Bongo Johnny’s
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4. TIE
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Bongo Johnny’s
Best Sandwich
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Real Italian Deli
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Piero’s PizzaVino
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Wingstop
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Jackalope Ranch
Best Bagels
Panera Bread
Runners up:
2. Townie Bagels
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Smoothies
TIE
Fresh Juice Bar
Jamba Juice
Runners up:
3. Juice It Up
4. Koffi
5. Palm Greens Café
Best Buffet
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Coffee Co.
3. Joshua Tree Coffee Company
Best Coffee Shop
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Joey Palm Springs
6. Sip Coffee House and Juice Bar
Best Breakfast
Broken Yolk Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Wilma and Frieda’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Acqua California Bistro
3. Kaiser Grille
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Purple Palm Restaurant at the Colony Palms
Best Brunch
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Broken Yolk Cafe
4. Escena Lounge and Grill
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. City Wok
4. Bobby Mao’s Chinese Kitchen and Bar
5. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
3. Athena Gyro
4. Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
5. Koutouki Greek Estiatoro
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. L’Atelier Café
4. Cuistot Restaurant
5. Joey Palm Springs
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
Best Italian
Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Ciro’s Ristorante and Pizzeria
4. Il Corso
5. Venezia Restaurant and Pizzeria
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Shogun Restaurant
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Otori Japanese Cuisine
Best Korean
Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. Umami Seoul
Best Sushi
Dragon Sushi
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Sam’s Sushi
4. Misaki Sushi and Grill
5. The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Roy’s
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. The Steakhouse at the Spa Resort Casino
5. Chop House at Jackalope Ranch
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. My Thai
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Thai House
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. 533 Viet Fusion
4. Fuzion Five
5. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
4. Wildest Greens
5. Luscious Lorraine’s
Best Upscale Dining
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Morton’s The Steakhouse
3. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
4. Wally’s Desert Turtle
5. Johannes
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Eureka!
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rincon Norteno
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Rincon Norteno
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Pueblo Viejo
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Chipotle
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Blanca
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Best Local Brewery
La Quinta Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Billiards
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Red Barn
Best Cocktail Menu
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Tonga Hut
4. Seymour’s
5. Truss and Twine
Best Craft Cocktails
TRIO Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Bootlegger Tiki
3. Seymour’s
4. Purple Palm Restaurant at the Colony Palms
5. Truss and Twine
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar Palm Springs
3. Hunters
4. Blackbook
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Happy Hour
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza
3. La Quinta Cliffhouse
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Jackalope Ranch
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Red Barn
4. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
5. Score
Best Margarita
TIE
Las Casuelas Terraza
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
Runners up:
3. Blue Coyote Grill
4. El Mirasol
5. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Purple Room Palm Springs
5. Zin American Bistro
Best Nightclub
Copa Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. The Nest
3. Zelda’s
4. Hunters
5. Costa’s Nightclub at the JW Marriott Desert Springs
Best Sports Bar
TIE
The Beer Hunter
Burgers and Beer
Runners up:
3. Big Rock Pub
4. Playoffs Sports Bar
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Wine Bar
Mastro’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. La Fe Wine Bar
3. Dead or Alive
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs
Best Wine/Liquor Store
BevMo!
Runners up:
2. Total Wine and More
3. Desert Wines and Spirits (Go Deli)
4. The Wine Emporium
5. Larry’s Gourmet Market and Deli
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Dead or Alive
4. Paul Bar/Food
5. Counter Reformation at the Parker Palm Springs
Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018: Readers' Picks
November 27 2017
At long last … here are the results of the fourth annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
From all of us here at the Coachella Valley Independent, we’d like to thank the many, many readers who voted this year. The results, as you’ll see below, represent the amazing diversity of the Coachella Valley, with winners coming from all parts of the valley.
We’d also like you to come and celebrate with us! The Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018 Awards Show and Celebration takes place Friday, Dec. 15, at The Hood Bar in Pizza in Palm Desert—this year’s winner for Best Dive Bar! The awards start at 6:30, and will be followed by a performance from Best Local Band winners The Flusters. The event will be followed by an after-party featuring Herbert, Sunday Funeral and Black Water Gospel.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2017-2018!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
CODA Gallery
Runners up:
2. Shag
3. Melissa Morgan Fine Art
4. Hohmann Fine Art
5. J. Willott Gallery
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Show at Agua Caliente
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. The Date Shed
5. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Indian Wells Tennis Garden
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. The Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. La Quinta Arts Foundation
4. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. CREATE Center for the Arts
Best Local Band
The Flusters
Runners up:
2. John Stanley King Band
3. Sunday Funeral
4. Drop Mob
5. The Hellions
Best Local DJ
DJ PWee
Runners up:
2. Jesika Von Rabbit
3. Alex Harrington
4. Alf Alpha
5. DJ Chub Jim
Best Local Musician
John Stanley King
Runners up:
2. Lisa Lynn Morgan
3. Dan Dillinger
4. Michael Keeth
5. Dave Burk
Best Local Visual Artist
TIE
Sofia Enriquez
Shag
Runners up:
3. Ryan Campbell
4. Cristopher Cichocki
5. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Century The River and XD
4. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Camelot Theatres
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Air Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Dezart Performs
5. Coyote StageWorks
Life in the Valley
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Village Fest
3. Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market
4. Old Town La Quinta Certified Farmers’ Market
5. Palm Desert Certified Farmers’ Market
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
4. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
5. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
6. AAP-Food Samaritans
Best Gym
World Gym
Runners up:
2. EOS Fitness
3. Planet Fitness
4. Palm Springs Fitness Center
5. In-Shape
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga Plus
Runners up:
2. Urban Yoga
3. Yoga Bliss
4. Power Yoga Palm Springs
5. Yoga Central
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Yucca Bowl
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Q Trading Co.
5. Sensuality a Store for Her
Best Auto Repair
Andy’s Auto Repair
Runners up:
2. European Auto Service
3. Cam Stone’s Automotive
4. Singh’s Automotive Repair
5. OMAG Automotive
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Airport Quick Car Wash
4. Indio Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Vintage Nursery
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Pet Supplies
Bones ’n’ Scones
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. PetSmart
4. Pet Oasis
5. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
Best Annual Charity Event
Desert AIDS Walk (Desert AIDS Project)
Runners up:
2. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. A Miracle on El Paseo (Bighorn Behind a Miracle)
5. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Morongo Casino Resort Spa
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Gino Lamont, KMIR Channel 6
5. Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
Q 102.3 Classic Rock
Runners up:
2. Mix 100.5
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. Mod FM 107.3
5. K-News 94.3 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Jeff Michaels, Q 102.3/KPLM 106.1
3. Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
4. Joey English, KGX 99.1 FM/920 AM
5. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Just Fabulous
3. Rancho Mirage Library Book Nook
4. The Book Rack La Quinta
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectables
3. Best Buy
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Game Stop
3. HooDoo!
Best Hotel Pool
Riviera Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Ace Hotel and Swim Club
4. Arrive
5. The Saguaro
Best Urgent Care
Eisenhower Medical Center Urgent Care
Runners up:
2. Desert Oasis Healthcare Immediate Care
3. VIP Urgent Care
4. MedPost Urgent Care (Desert Regional)
5. Premier Urgent Care
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Amanda Curnock
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Michael Hughes
4. Dr. Michael Jardula
Best Eye Doctor
Dr. Albert Milauskas
Runners up:
2. Dr. Camille Harrison
3. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
4. Dr. Athena Brasfield (CV Optometry)
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Larry Kunkle (Palm Desert Dental Center)
Runners up:
2. TIE
Dr. Rene Dell’Acqua
Dr. Frank Hernandez
4. Dr. Maria Aguilar (Mirage Lane Dentistry)
5. Dr. Duane Nishikubo
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Timothy Jochen
Runners up:
2. Dr. Mark Sofonio
3. Dr. Scott Aaronson
4. Dr. Bruce Chisholm
5. Dr. Suzanne Quardt
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Brian Harnik
3. David Humphrey
4. Christopher Heritage
5. J. John Anderholt III
Best Air Conditioner Repair
Comfort Air
Runners up:
2. Esser
3. General
4. All Seasons
5. Priority One
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Jim Cox
Runners up:
2. Nazemi Chiropractic
3. Dr. Kristen Bohnet
4. Dr. Paul Ross
Best Real Estate Agent
TIE
Barbara Carpenter
Brady Sandahl
Runners up:
3. Valery Neuman
4. Deirdre Coit
Best Electrician
Desert Pro Electrical
Runners up:
2. Electric Man
3. So-Cal Electric
4. Wired Up Electric
5. DCH Electric and Lighting
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Oooh La la
Runners up:
2. Trina Turk
3. Grayse
4. Blonde Clothing Boutique
5. Wil Stiles
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
5. The Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. West Elm
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Erik’s Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectibles
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Victoria’s Attic
4. Sunny Dunes Antique Mall
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Robann’s Jewelers
5. B. Alsohns Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Dishwater Blonde Salon
3. Alankara, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon
4. Josef Saliba
5. Jake Turner Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Two Bunch Palms
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa (Miramonte)
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
TIE
Revive Wellness Center
Studio M Salon and Spa
Runners up:
3. Bighorn Golf Club
4. Massage Rx
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Jensen’s Foods
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
Bloodline Tattoo
Runners up:
2. Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
3. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
4. Iron Palm Tattoo Parlour
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. LensCrafters
4. Panache Optical Gallery
5. CV Optometry
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. El Paseo
4. Moorten’s Botanical Garden
5. Desert Healthcare District Wellness Park
Best Place for Bicycling
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Highway 74
Best Recreation Area
Tahquitz Canyon
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Ladder Canyon
3. The Cross Trail
4. South Lykken Trail
5. Art Smith Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. Rancho Mirage Community Park
4. La Quinta Civic Center Park
5. Ironwood Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Tri-A-Bike
3. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
4. BikeMan
5. Velo Bum Elite Cyclery
Best Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Big 5 Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons Golf Resort
3. Indian Springs Golf Club
4. SilverRock Resort
5. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. La Quinta Civic Center Park
4. Ironwood Park
5. Dateland Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys R Us
Runners up:
2. Uncle Don’s Hobbies
3. Mr. G’s for Kids
4. The Lumpy Bunny
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Children’s Place
3. The Lumpy Bunny
4. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
5. Janie and Jack
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Old Spaghetti Factory
4. Shakey’s Pizza
5. Billy Reed’s
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Wet ’n’ Wild
3. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Boomers
5. Laser Oasis
Best Place for a Birthday Party
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Chuck E. Cheese’s
3. Boomers
4. Laser Oasis
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. TRIO/Liquid Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Lynn Hammond
Best Diner
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Whole Foods
Runners up:
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Clark’s Nutrition
5. Bristol Farms
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. TKB Bakery and Deli
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Bristol Farms
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Jake’s Palm Springs
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Cold Stone Creamery
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Creamistry
5. Ice Cream and Shop(pe) at Arrive
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
TIE
Beach House
Jus Chillin’
Runners up:
3. Yogurtland
4. Tutti Frutti
5. Yogurt Island
Best Bakery
Aspen Mills
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Frankie’s Italian Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Smoke Tree BBQ
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burger
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Tyler’s Burgers
5. Grill A Burger
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
5. TRIO Restaurant
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. Upper Crust Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Smokin’ Burgers
3. Wingstop
4. Smoke Tree BBQ
5. Kaiser Grille
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Bagel Bistro
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Luscious Lorraine’s
4. Koffi
5. Palm Greens Café
Best Buffet
Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Ernest Coffee
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. IW Coffee
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Koffi
4. Teavana
5. Panera Bread
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Elmer’s
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Cheeky’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Jake’s Palm Springs
4. Kaiser Grille
5. Acqua California Bistro
Best Brunch
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. The Tropicale
5. TRIO Restaurant
6. Jackalope Ranch
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. City Wok
4. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
5. China King
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
3. Athena Gyro
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Cuistot Restaurant
4. L’Atelier Café
5. Café des Beaux Arts
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runner up:
2. India Oven
Best Italian
Ristorante Mamma Gina
Runners up:
2. Mario’s Italian Café
3. Castelli’s
4. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
5. La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. Gyoro Gyoro Isakaya Japonaise
4. Joyce’s Sushi
5. Shabu Shabu Zen
Best Korean
JOY at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
3. Umami Seoul
4. Domo Sushi
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
2. Dragon Sushi
3. The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Edoko Sushi
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
5. Suillivan’s Steakhouse
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
3. Blue Orchid
4. My Thai
5. Thai House
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Rooster and the Pig
3. TIE
533 Viet Fusion
Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Fuzion Five
Best Vegetarian
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Luscious Lorraine’s
3. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Le Vallauris Restaurant
3. Wally’s Desert Turtle
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Johannes
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Copley’s on Palm Canyon
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Alicante
Best Mexican
Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Loco Charlie’s
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Blue Coyote Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Taqueria Tlaquepaque
4. Casa Mendoza
5. La Perlita Mexican Food
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. The Beer Hunter
3. Burgers and Beer
4. Draughtsman
5. Eureka!
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. The Hood Bar and Pizza
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Red Barn
Best Cocktail Menu
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Eureka!
4. Dish Creative Cuisine
5. Seymour’s
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. Streetbar
5. Blackbook
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Runners up:
2. TRIO Restaurant
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. The Tropicale
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. The Nest
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Red Barn
5. Plan B Live Entertainment and Cocktails
Best Margarita
Blue Coyote Grill
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Armando’s Dakota Bar and Grill
5. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Kaiser Grille
Best Nightclub
The Nest
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. Hunters
4. Zeldas
5. Bart Lounge
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Big Rock Pub
5. Playoffs Sports Bar
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Mastro’s Steakhouse
3. The Wine Emporium
4. Dead or Alive
5. La Rue Wine Bar
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. Costco
3. BevMo!
4. Desert Wines and Spirits (Go Deli)
5. The Wine Emporium
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Big Rock Pub
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. TRIO Restaurant
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017: Readers' Picks
November 28 2016
Here are the results of the third annual Best of Coachella Valley readers' poll!
An all-time-high number of people voted in both rounds this year—and the slate of winners and finalists represent all parts of the valley.
Come celebrate the winners with us during the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017 Awards Show and Celebration, presented by Renova Solar. It will take place at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Copa Nightclub—this year's Best Nightclub winner.
Thanks to all of you who voted in this year's poll!
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2016-2017.
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ARTS
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. CODA
3. Heather James
4. Melissa Morgan
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Hood Bar and Pizza
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Date Shed
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Art Scene
3. McCallum Theatre
4. La Quinta Arts Foundation
5. Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
Best Local Band
Venus and the Traps
Runners up:
2. The Flusters
3. Brightener
4. The Myx
5. War Drum
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. DJ Day
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Pwee
5. Tommy Locust
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika Von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Nico Flores
3. Keisha D
4. Kal David
5. EeVaan Tre
Best Local Visual Artist
Sofia Enriquez
Runners up:
2. Elena Bulatova
3. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
4. Marconi Calindas
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Camelot Theatres
3 TIE
Regal Palm Springs Stadium 9
Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
5. Century Theatres at the River
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Coachella Valley History Museum
4. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
5. La Quinta Museum
Best Outdoor Venue
Empire Polo Club
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
5. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Coyote StageWorks
5. Dezart Performs
LIFE IN THE VALLEY
Best Alternative Health Center
La Quinta Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Healing Center
3. Desert Hot Springs Health and Wellness Center
Best Farmers’ Market
College of the Desert Street Fair Farmers’ Market
Runners up:
2. Certified Farmers’ Market Old Town La Quinta
3. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Springs
4. Palm Springs VillageFest
5. Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Desert
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Animal Shelter
3. Desert AIDS Project
4. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
24 Hour Fitness
Runners up:
2. World Gym
3. EOS Fitness
4. In-Shape
5. Planet Fitness
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans
3. Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon
4. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Palm Desert-El Paseo
3. TIE
Evolve Yoga
Yoga Central
5. Bikram Yoga University Village
Best Bowling
Fantasy Springs Bowling Center
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes Bowling at Morongo
Best Auto Repair
Palms to Pines Automotive
Runners up:
2. Desert Classic Cars
3. Desert Lexus
4. L&L Automotive
5. Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Car Wash
3. Indio Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
The Living Desert’s Palo Verde Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moller’s Garden Center
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Bob Williams Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Petco
Runners up:
2. Bones ’n’ Scones
3. PetSmart
4. Miriam’s Poochella Grooming
5. Desert Feed Bag
Best Annual Charity Event
Evening Under the Stars (AIDS Assistance Program)
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
3. Ramblin’ and Gamblin’ (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert)
4. Dinner in the Canyons (Agua Caliente Cultural Museum)
5. Center Stage (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Spa Resort Casino
4. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Ginger Jeffries, KMIR Channel 6
Runners up:
2. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
3. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Bianca Rae, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
Best Local Radio Station
Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin 99.5 FM
4. K-News 94.3
5. La Ponderosa 96.7 FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Jimi “Fitz” Fitzgerald, CV 104.3 FM
Runners up:
2. Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
3. Mozingo, Mix 100.5
4. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
5. Dan McGrath, Sunny 103.1 FM
Best Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Runners up:
2. Rancho Mirage Public Library Booknook
3. Revivals
4. The Book Rack
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
Runners up:
2. Best Buy
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Comics/Games Shop
Game Stop
2. Desert Oasis
3. Interstellar Comic Books and Collectables
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. The Riviera
5. The Saguaro
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Spencer’s Gifts
4. GayMart
FASHION AND STYLE
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
2. Wil Stiles
3. Glossy
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Angel View
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Gypsyland
4. Penny Lane Boutique
5. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Ashley Furniture Homestore
4. Mor Furniture for Less
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
TIE
The Estate Sale Co
Victoria’s Attic
Runners up:
3. Misty’s Consignments
4. Classic Consignment
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
El Paseo Jewelers
Runners up:
Leeds and Son
Hephaestus
Daniel’s Jewelers
Robann’s Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Salon 119 and Spa
3. Dishwater Blonde Salon
4. Revive Salon and Spa
5. Read Brown
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Spa La Quinta (La Quinta Resort)
Runners up:
2. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
3. Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
4. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
5. Well Spa at Miramonte
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Desert Zen
3. Studio M Salon and Spa
4. Revive Wellness Center
5. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Palm Springs Florist
5. Lotus Garden Center
Best Tattoo Parlor
TIE
Art and Ink Tattoo Studio
The Tattoo Gallery
Runners up:
3. Flagship Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Milauskas Eye Institute
4. Walmart
5. Old Town Optometry
OUTSIDE!
Best Urban Landscaping
El Paseo
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Downtown Palm Springs
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
3. Sunnylands
4. El Paseo
5. Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
La Quinta
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs
3. Palm Desert
4. Highway 74
5. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon
3. Whitewater Preserve
4. Lake Cahuilla
5. Coachella Valley Preserve
Best Hike
Bump and Grind
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Tahquitz Canyon
4. Palm Springs Museum Trail
5. South Lykken Trail
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. TIE
Freedom Park (Palm Desert)
Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Las Flores (Coachella)
5. Demuth Park (Palm Springs)
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Cyclery
3. Tri-A-Bike
4. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
5. PGA Tour Superstore
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Runners up:
2. PGA West
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs
4. The Golf Club at Terra Lago
5. The Lights at Indio Golf Course
FOR THE KIDS
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Rancho Mirage Community Park
5. Cathedral City Town Square
Best Place to Buy Toys
Toys “R” Us
Runners up:
2. Mr. G’s for Kids
3. Target
4. Walmart
5. Big Lots
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. The Childrens Place
3. Tillys
4. Fallas
5. Revivals
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Shakey’s Pizza
3. Red Robin
4. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
5. Old Spaghetti Factory
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
3. Boomers
4. Chuck E. Cheese
5. Desert Ice Castle
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert
3. Boomers
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Desert Ice Castle
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Best Casual Eats
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. In-n-Out Burger
3. Lulu California Bistro
4. Eureka!
5. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
2. Lavender Bistro
3. Jennifer’s Kitchen and Catering
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Cello’s Pantry
Best Diner
Keedy’s Fountain Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at the Augustine Casino
3. Elmer’s
4. John’s
5. Rick’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Trader Joe’s
2. Sprouts Farmers Market
3. Whole Foods
4. Harvest Health Foods
5. Clark’s Nutrition
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Real Italian Deli
5. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace
Best Custom Cakes
TIE
Over the Rainbow
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Exquisite Desserts
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. French Corner Café
3. Pastry Swan Bakery
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Ben and Jerry’s
4. Brandini Toffee
5. Creamistry
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
2. Beach House
3. Golden Spoon
4. Jus Chillin
5. Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Best Bakery
French Corner Café
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. Over the Rainbow
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Peninsula Pastries
Best Barbecue
Smoke Tree BBQ Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
3. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Best Burger
In-n-Out Burger
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Tyler’s Burgers
4. Eureka!
5. Smokin’ Burgers and Lounge
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Eureka!
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Trio
5. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Aspen Mills
Best Pizza
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Bill’s Pizza
3. Giuseppe’s Pizza and Pasta
4. Piero’s PizzaVino
5. Blaze Pizza
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Wingstop
4. Neil’s Lounge
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels
Runners up:
2. Panera Bread
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Einstein Bros. Bagels
5. Manhattan in the Desert
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Juice It Up
4. Beach House Yogurt
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
4. Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Starbucks
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. IW Coffee
4. Vintage Coffee House
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Old Town Coffee
4. IW Coffee
5. Ernst Coffee
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Starbucks
3. Teavana
4. Koffi
5. Ristretto
Best Breakfast
Wilma and Frieda’s Café
Runners up:
2. Elmer’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Sunshine Cafe
5. John’s
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Cliffhouse
3. Zin American Bistro
4. Spencer’s Restaurant
5. Trio
Best Brunch
Pinocchio in the Desert
Runners up:
2. Wilma and Frieda’s
3. Spencer’s Restaurant
4. Louise’s Pantry
5. The Tropicale
Best Chinese
PF Chang’s
Runners up:
2. City Wok
3. Wang’s in the Desert
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. New Fortune
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Miro’s Restaurant
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Athena Gyro
Best French
La Brasserie
Runners up:
2. Si Bon
3. Le Vallauris
4. Cuistot
5. Chez Pierre
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
4. Shabu Shabu Zen
5. Shogun Restaurant
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Cafe
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Castelli’s
4. Trilussa
5. Livreri’s Palm Springs
Best Sushi
Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
Runners up:
The Venue Sushi Bar and Sake Lounge
Shogun Restaurant
Dragon Sushi
Edoko Sushi
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
4. TIE
Morgan’s in the Desert
Steakhouse at the Spa
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai House
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Le Basil
5. Blue Orchid
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Pho 533
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. Watercress Vietnamese Bistro
5. Pho Na
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. Café Jasmin
Best Upscale Cuisine
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Wally’s Desert Turtle
3. Le Vallauris
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
4. Lavender Bistro
5. The Tropicale
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Alicante
4. Smokin’ Burgers
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Mexican
La Casita
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill’
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Las Casuelas Quinta
5. Felipe’s
Best Burrito
Taqueria Guerrero
Runners up:
2. Castaneda’s Mexican Food
3. Chipotle
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
SPIRITS AND NIGHTLIFE
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Eureka!
5. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brew House
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hunters
4. Bart Lounge
5. Score the Game Bar
Best Cocktail Menu
Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Eureka!
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Trio
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Toucan’s
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. Hunters
4. The Tropicale
5. Spurline
Best Happy Hour
Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
Runners up:
2. Applebee’s
3. The Tropicale
4. La Quinta Cliffhouse
5. Mitch’s on El Paseo
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. Hair of the Dog
4. Red Barn
5. Score
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas (Original)
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave
3. El Mirasol
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Casa Mendoza
Best Martini
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Mitch’s on El Paseo
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse
4. The Tropicale
5. Trio
Best Nightclub
Copa
Runners up:
2. Zelda’s
3. Hunter’s
4. Bart Lounge
5. Chill Bar
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Buffalo Wild Wings
4. Alicante
5. Village Pub
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
3. La Rue Wine Bar
4. Vue Grille and Bar
5. Dead or Alive
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Costco
4. Trader Joe’s
5. Fame Lounge
Best Bar Ambiance
Eureka!
Runners up:
2. Chill Bar
3. The Tropicale
4. Matchbox
5. Workshop Kitchen+Bar
Best of Coachella Valley 2014-2015 Readers' Picks
November 24 2014
Welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2014-2015!
Here’s how these results came to be: Between Aug. 29 and Oct. 3, Coachella Valley Independent readers voted at CVIndependent.com in an open ballot in the categories listed below.
No finalists were selected in advance; readers had to write in their selections.
We then took the top three to five finishers in each category and put them on a final-round ballot, which ran at CVIndependent.com from Oct. 8 to Nov. 7.
Readers had to provide an email address, and were allowed to submit only one ballot in each round. We sent an email to each voter; if the email bounced, we did not count the ballot associated with that email address.
Here are the results of this first-ever Coachella Valley Independent readers’ poll.
Enjoy!
Arts
Best Art Gallery
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Runners up:
2. Gallery 446
3. Heather James Fine Art
4. Archangel Gallery
5. Stewart Gallery
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Show at Agua Caliente
4. The Hood Bar and Pizza
5. The Date Shed
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. TIE
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre
5. Backstreet Arts District
Best Local Band
Queens of the Stone Age
Runners up:
2. Machin’
3. The Rebel Noise
4. TIE
CIVX
Slipping Into Darkness
Best Local DJ
Alf Alpha
Runners up:
2. All Night Shoes
3. House Whores
4. TIE
CoffeeBlvck
Femme A
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Mark Gregg
3. Giselle Woo
4. Charles Herrera
5. Gene Evaro Jr.
Best Local Visual Artist
Elena Bulatova
Runners up:
2. Ryan “Motel” Campbell
3. Michael Weems
4. Jennifer Stern
5. Lon Michels
Best Movie Theater
Camelot Theatres
Runners up:
2. Cinemas Palme d’Or
3. UltraStar Mary Pickford
4. Regal Palm Springs
5. Century Theatres at The River
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley History Museum
3. Children’s Discovery Museum
4. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
5. Palm Springs Art Museum Palm Desert
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Empire Polo Club
3. Pappy and Harriet’s
4. Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs
5. The Palms Restaurant
Life in the Valley
Best Alternative Health Center
Stroke Recovery Center
Runners up:
2. Nature’s Health Food and Café
3. All-Desert Wellness Centers
4. Live Well Clinic
5. Palm Springs Healing Center
Best Farmers’ Market
Palm Springs VillageFest
Runners up:
2. Camelot Theatres
3. Old Town La Quinta
4. Palm Desert (Chamber of Commerce)
5. Joshua Tree Certified
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Project
3. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
4. Shelter From the Storm
5. LGBT Community Center of the Desert
Best Gym
Gold’s Gym Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. World Gym Palm Springs
3. World Gym Palm Desert
4. Palm Springs Fitness Center
5. 24 Hour Fitness
Best Public Servant
Congressman Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Mayor Steve Pougnet
3. County Commissioner John Benoit
4. Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez
5. Assemblyman Brian Nestande
Best Yoga Studio
Bikram Yoga University Village
Runners up:
2. Urban Yoga
3. TIE
Coachella Valley Art Scene
Power Yoga
5. Evolve Yoga
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Lanes at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
Best Sex Toy Shop
Not So Innocent
Runners up:
2. Skitzo Kitty
3. Q Trading Company`
4. Gay Mart
5. Red Panties Boutique
Best Auto Repair
Desert Classic Cars
Runners up:
2. Performance Plus Automotive
3. TIE
Chuck’s Automotive
European Auto Service
Palm Springs Tire and Automotive
Best Car Wash
TIE
Airport Quick Car Wash
Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash (pictured)
Runners up:
3. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
4. Executive Car Wash
5. Red Carpet USA Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Moller’s Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Vintage Nursery
3. Bob Williams Nursery
4. Cactus Mart
5. Moorten Botanical Gardens
Best Pet Supplies
PetSmart
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. Bones ’n’ Scones
4. Cold Nose Warm Heart
5. Exotic Birds
Best Annual Charity Event
Evening Under the Stars, by the AIDS Assistance Program
Runners up:
2. Desert AIDS Walk, by the Desert AIDS Project
3. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, by the Desert AIDS Project
4. Paint El Paseo Pink, by the Desert Cancer Foundation
5. Center Stage, by the LGBT Community Center of the Desert
Best Place to Gamble
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
Runners up:
2. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
3. Spa Resort Casino
4. Spotlight 29
5. Augustine Casino
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. CBS Local 2
3. KMIR Channel 6
Best Local TV News Personality
Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
Runners up:
2. Gino LaMont, KMIR Channel 6
3. John White, KESQ News Channel 3
4. Brooke Beare, CBS Local 2
5. Thalia Hayden, KMIR Channel 6
Best Radio Station
Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. Big 106 (KPLM)
3. KDES FM 98.5
4. TIE
KWXY FM 107.3
K-News 94.3
Best Local Radio Personality
Jeff Michaels, Big 106 (KPLM)
Runners up:
2. Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
3. Bill Feingold, K-News 94.3
4. Joey English, K-News 94.3
5. Dan McGrath, EZ-103
Best Bookstore
Barnes and Noble
Runners up:
2. Just Fabulous
3. Revivals
Best Retail Music/Video Store
Record Alley
2. Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
3. Best Buy
4. Barnes and Noble
5. Video Depot
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Hoodoo
3. Barnes and Noble
Best Video Game Store
GameStop
Runners up:
2. TIE
Video Depot
Walmart
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. Riviera Palm Springs
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Saguaro
5. Renaissance Palm Springs
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Bobby G’s
Runners up:
2. Glossy Boutique
3. R&R Men’s Wear
4. Fine Art of Design
5. Wil Stiles
Best Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Resale Therapy
3. Angel View
4. The POP Shop
5. Fine Art of Design
Best Furniture Store
Plummers
Runners up:
2. Ashley Furniture HomeStore
3. Marc Russell Interiors
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Erik’s Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
The Estate Sale Co.
Runners up:
2. Misty’s Consignments
3. Gypsyland
4. Pioneer Crossing Antiques
5. Sunny Dunes Antique Mall
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
El Paseo Jewelers
Runners up:
2. Smoke Tree Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. Hephaestus Jewelry
5. ASC Jewelers
Best Hair Salon
J Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Heads Up Hair Designs
3. Brien O’Brien Salon
4. Turquoise A Salon
5. Revive Salon Spa
Best Spa
DHS Spa Hotel
Runners up:
2. JW Marriott Desert Springs
3. Studio M
4. The Canyon Spa
5. Revive Salon Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Florist
3. Rancho Mirage Florist
4. Jensen’s
5. Blooming Events
Best Tattoo Parlor
Strata Tattoo Lab
Runners up:
2. TIE
Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
Bloodline Tattoo
TG Tattoo
5. Flagship Tattoo
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. TIE
Elegant Eye Optometry
Oh La La de Paris Eyeware
5. Desert EyeCare Center
Outside!
Best Urban Landscaping
El Paseo
Runners up:
2. Downtown Palm Springs (general)
3. College of the Desert
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. Moorten Botanical Gardens
4. Ruth Hardy Park
5. El Paseo
Best Place for Bicycling
Palm Springs (general)
Runners up:
2. La Quinta (general)
3. Frank Sinatra Drive
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness (Top of the Tram)
4. Salton Sea State Recreation Area
5. Tahquitz Canyon
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Indian Canyons
3. Mount San Jacinto
4. Tahquitz Canyon
5. Mission Creek Preserve
Best Park
Whitewater Park
Runners up:
2. Demuth Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. Wellness Park
5. Dateland Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Off the Grid
4. Second Amendment Sports
5. Walmart
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Palm Desert Cyclery
3. BikeMan
Best Sporting Goods Store
Big 5
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Sports Authority
4. Lumpy’s
5. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Desert Willow
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Creek
3. Indian Wells
4. Eagle Falls
5. Escena
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Demuth Park
3. Ruth Hardy Park
4. La Quinta Park
5. Whitewater Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Mr. G’s for Kids
Runners up:
2. Toys “R” Us
3. Target
4. Walmart
5. Goodwill
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Old Navy
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. Janie and Jack
4. Goodwill
5. Justice
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Ruby’s
4. Islands
5. Dickie O’Neal’s
Best Place for Family Fun
Wet ’n’ Wild
Runners up:
TIE
2. Boomers!
Rock-N-Roll Mini Golf
4. Palm Desert Aquatic Center
5. Chuck E. Cheese
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Children’s Discovery Museum
Runners up:
2. Chuck E. Cheese
3. Boomers!
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
LuLu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
3. Sherman’s
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Caterer
LuLu/Acqua Pazza
Runners up:
2. Lynn Hammond
3. Fusion Flair
4. Dash and a Handful
5. Savoury’s
Best Diner
Elmer’s
Runners up:
2. Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
3. Sunshine Café
4. Rick’s
5. John’s
Best Organic Food Store
Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
Runners up:
2. TIE
Sprouts Farmers Market
Whole Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Café
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. Appetito
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Pastry Swan Bakery
3. Sherman’s
4. Exquisite Desserts
5. Jensen’s
Best Desserts
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Crave (now Plate | Glass)
5. French Corner Café
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Cold Stone Creamery
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Lique at Fantasy Springs
5. Ben and Jerry’s
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Great Shakes
3. Hadley Fruit Orchards
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Lappert’s Ice Cream
Best Frozen Yogurt
TIE
Eddie’s Frozen Yogurt
Tutti Frutti
Runners up:
3. Beach House
4. Yogurt on Tap
5. Cactusberry + Frozen Treats
Best Bakery
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Aspen Mills
3. Frankie’s Old World Italian Bakery
4. Clementine Gourmet Marketplace and Café
5. TKB Bakery
Best Barbecue
Pappy and Harriet’s
Runners up:
2. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
3. Cowboy Way
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Big Willie’s Catering
Best Burger
In-n-Out
Runners up:
2. Grill-A-Burger
3. Woody’s
4. Tyler’s
5. Smokin’ Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Grill-A-Burger
Runners up:
TIE
2. Woody’s
Ruby’s Diner
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Sandwich
Sherman’s
Runners up:
2. Manhattan in the Desert
3. The Sandwich Spot
4. Aspen Mills
5. L’Atelier Café
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza
3. Piero’s PizzaVino
4. Giuseppe’s
5. Ciro’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
3. LuLu California Bistro
4. Bar
5. Village Pub
Best Bagels
New York Bagel and Deli
Runners up:
2. Panera Bread
3. Sherman’s
4. Townie Bagels
5. Bagel Bistro
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Juice It Up
4. Jamba Juice
5. Luscious Lorraine’s
Best Buffet
Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3 TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Oasis Buffet at Spa Resort Casino
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Coffee Shop for Coffee
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
3. Old Town Coffee Company
4. Ernest Coffee
5. Ristretto
Best Coffee Shop for Hanging Out
Starbucks
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Ernest Coffee
4. Ristretto
5. Espresso Cielo
Best Tea
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Teavana
3. Ristretto
4. Old Town Coffee Company
5. Espresso Cielo
Best Breakfast
Elmer’s
Runners up:
2. Cheeky’s
3. Sunshine Café
4. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
5. Louise’s Pantry
Best California Cuisine
LuLu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. TRIO
3. Acqua Pazza California Bistro
4. Jake’s
5. POM—The Bistro at Fantasy Springs
Best Brunch
Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Pinocchio’s
4. Escena Lounge and Grill
5. Las Casuelas Nuevas
Best Chinese
Wang’s in the Desert
Runners up:
2. China Wok
3. JOY at Fantasy Springs
4. New Fortune
5. Supreme Dragon
Best Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
3. Miro’s Restaurant
Best French
Le Vallauris
Runners up:
2. TIE
Clementine Gourmet Marketplace and Café
Pomme Frite
4. La Brasserie
5. L’Atelier Café
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Naan House
Best Japanese
Shabu Shabu Zen
Runners up:
2. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
3. Gyoro Gyoro
4. Otori Japanese Cuisine
5. No Da Te
Best Italian
Nicolino’s
Runners up:
2. Giuseppe’s
3. Il Corso
4. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante
5. Mimmo’s
Best Sushi
Wasabi
Runners up:
2. Gyoro Gyoro
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Edoko Sushi
5. The Venue
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Ruben and Ozzy’s
3. Shanghai Reds
4. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
5. Oceans Seafood Restaurant
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
LG’s Prime Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Chop House
3. Mastro’s
4. The Bistro at Fantasy Springs
5. The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Thai Smile Rancho Mirage
3. Peppers Thai
4. Le Basil
5. Thai Kitchen 1
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. Pho 533
3. Bangkok Noodles
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Palm Greens Café
3. Nature’s Health Food and Café
Best Upscale Restaurant
Spencer’s
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Le Vallauris
4. Johannes
5. Figue Mediterranean Cuisine (no longer in business)
Best Outdoor Seating
Jackalope Ranch
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Spencer’s
4. Las Casuelas Terraza
5. The Falls
Best Late-Night Restaurant
LuLu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Village Pub
3. Bar
4. Alicante
5. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel
Best Mexican
El Mirasol
Runners up:
2. El Gallito
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. La Tablita
5. Tlaquepaque
Best Salsa
Las Casuelas Nuevas
Runners up:
2. Rincon Norteno
3. Maracas
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Margaritas
Best Burrito
El Gallito
Runners up:
2. TIE
La Tablita
Santana’s
4. El Taco Asado
5. Jalisco Restaurant
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
TIE
2. The Beer Hunter
Eureka!
4. Village Pub
5. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Local Brewery
TIE
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
La Quinta Brewing Co.
Runner up:
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
TIE
Hunters
Palm Springs Lanes
Runners up:
3. Pappy and Harriet’s
4. The Beer Hunter
5. Sharky’s Family Billiards
Best Cocktail Menu
Bar
Runners up:
2. Purple Room
3. Eureka!
4. Zin American Bistro
5. Workshop Kitchen and Bar
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Streetbar
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
4. Score
5. Digs
Best Happy Hour
Twin Palms Bistro and Lounge
Runners up:
2. LuLu California Bistro
3. TIE
Hunters
Stuft Pizza
5. Village Pub
Best Dive Bar
Neil’s Lounge
Runners up:
2. Bar
3. Score
4. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Maracas
5. Blue Coyote Grill
Best Martini
The Falls
Runners up:
2. Tropicale
3. Zin American Bistro
4. Copley’s
5. Workshop Kitchen and Bar
Best Nightclub
Hunters
Runners up:
2. Copa
3. LIT at Fantasy Springs
4. TIE
Schmidy’s Tavern
Village Pub
Best Sports Bar
Burgers and Beer
Runners up:
2. Yard House
3. The Beer Hunter
4. TIE
Tilted Kilt
Village Pub
Best Wine Bar
3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro
Runners up:
2. TIE
12th Floor Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar at Fantasy Springs
Zin American Bistro
4. Wine Bar Bistro
5. Fame Lounge
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. 3rd Corner Wine Shop and Bistro
4. Fame Lounge
5. LQ Wine
Best Bar Ambiance
Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Bar
3. Melvyn’s
4. Schmidy’s Tavern
5. Copa
Staff Picks
Best Story From an Annual Festival
“The Moneymaker”
A woman who appears to be about 65 and who is here for the American Heat Bike Weekend event in downtown Palm Springs comes in to Crystal Fantasy and wants to use some tape, because her “moneymaker” is broken. I give her some packing tape, and she takes something out of her pocket she is trying to fix.
After a few moments, she says, “OK, I’ll see if it works”—and proceeds to swallow a foot-long (now-taped) all-beef hot dog down her throat; she then pulls it out of her mouth. The tape wasn’t really sticking, and all I had otherwise was some purple duct tape.
That seemed to do the job. She very professionally deep-throated the hot dog, thanked us and left.
—Joy Brown Meredith, as told to the Palm Springs Neighborhoods Group on Facebook, adapted with permission by Jimmy Boegle
Best Band Militia
Machin’
I first met David Macias of Machin’ for an interview at Starbucks in Desert Hot Springs, and I was rather surprised when he told me about what he called the “Machin’ Militia”—the band’s loyal fans who turn up for their shows.
Well, I’ve seen Machin’ perform several times over the last year—and I’m not surprised that the Machin’ Militia is growing rapidly.
Perhaps David’s military background explains his terminology. He was born in Mexico and completed two deployments to Iraq as a Navy corpsman. When he gets together with classically trained violinist Bri Cherry and upright-bass-player/accordionist Andy Gorrill, they make attention-grabbing music that combines Latin, hip-hop and rock sounds. Their sound is instantly recognizable wherever they go.
Crowds of all sorts adore Machin’. They have a weekly residency at the Purple Room in Palm Springs; they busk on street corners in various places while on tour. Wherever Machin’ is, people can’t help but clap or dance along when the group performs.
Machin’ is truly what the name means in Spanglish slang—supremely excellent.
—Brian Blueskye
Best Food and Drink Trend That’s Finally Arrived in the Valley
Craft Cocktails
Tucson, Ariz., the city in which I used to live, is the home of one of the leaders in the craft-cocktail revolution. Scott and Co.—a speakeasy-style bar that’s received national attention for its amazing and innovative drinks—was perhaps the place I missed the most when I moved to the desert several years ago.
Look at the Best Cocktail finalists here, and you’ll see why I used to miss Scott and Co. so damned much: When I first started making preparations to move here, four of the five finalists picked by our readers weren’t yet in existence.
Today, however, I don’t miss Scott and Co. all that much—because over the last couple years, the craft-cocktail revolution has belatedly arrived in the Coachella Valley. In addition to our readers’ five Best of Coachella Valley finalists (great picks, readers!), you can find fantastic hand-crafted beverages at locations all across the valley, from Indian Wells’ Vue Grille and Bar, to retro-tiki newcomers Tonga Hut and Bootlegger Tiki in downtown Palm Springs, to Citron at the Viceroy (pictured), also in Palm Springs.
Cheers, folks. The local craft-cocktail scene is getting better by the month.
—Jimmy Boegle
Best Local Social Trend
The Increasingly Busy Summer
Let’s face facts: The business and tourism cycle in the Coachella Valley will always have seasonal highs and lows. The power of the weather is undeniable: Temps in the 70s and 80s will always draw people to the valley during the winter, and temps in the 110s will always push people out during the summer.
However, that seasonality is beginning to lessen—just a little.
I live in downtown Palm Springs, and last summer, the streets near my home weren’t as lonely as they used to be in years past. In fact, on some summer weekend nights, Palm Canyon Drive foot traffic was even something approaching busy. (Not April busy, but still.) The reason? More people are starting to brave the toasty temps to come to the valley, thanks to great events like Splash House (which was so nice, they did it twice during the summer of 2014; pictured), fantastic deals (like those offered during Restaurant Week) and the realization that the slower summer pace here has its benefits. (No snowbirds on Highway 111?! YES!)
Can one argue that the Best Season here in the Coachella Valley is, in fact, the summer? No … we won’t go that far. But the summers here are certainly not as dead as they used to be—and that’s something worth celebrating.
—Jimmy Boegle
Photo credits: Elephant Car Wash/Rancho Super Car Wash courtesy of elephant-carwash.com. The Living Desert courtesy of Greater Palm Springs CVB. Machin’ courtesy of Chris Miller via Machin’ Facebook. Splash House by Guillermo Prieto/IROCKPHOTOS.NET.
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