Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020: Readers' Picks
November 25 2019Every year, when late August rolls around, and we start the first round of Best of Coachella Valley voting, the results announcement seems so far away.
Yet … the next three months fly by—and while the time is flying, a lot of work is being done.
Primary, that work is being done by you, the amazing readers of the Independent. To start, you tackle that first-round ballot—including almost 130 categories and NO pre-selected finalists, just a blank field to fill in next to each category.
After that goes on for several weeks, we here at the Independent get to work, and we tabulate all those first-round ballots to determine who you picked as our finalists. Then, in late September comes the announcement of each category’s three to six finalists (five in most cases)—and the start of the final round of voting. After four weeks of that, we here at the Independent check the results and begin putting together our special Best of Coachella Valley print edition, as well as this online version.
We say it every year, but it’s worth repeating: Man, you readers are good. Yeah, other publications and websites here in the Coachella Valley do readers’ polls—but the slate of winners and finalists you Independent readers come up with is so much better than the rest, partially because of how we do our polling (i.e., asking readers to vote just once in each round, to lessen the ballot-box-stuffing), but mostly because you, our readers, are smart and community-minded. This is a fantastically diverse, valley-wide selection of finalists and winners.
So, please join us to celebrate at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Copa Nightclub—again your selection this year as Best Nightclub—at 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 thanks. Plus, we may have several surprises in store for everyone. I hope to see you there.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
TIE
CODA Gallery
Shag
Runners up:
3. Heather James Fine Art
4. Melissa Morgan Fine Art
5. Michael Weems Collection
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Show at Agua Caliente
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
4. Empire Polo Club
5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. CREATE Center for the Arts
5. Coachella Valley Symphony
Best Local Band
Giselle Woo and The Night Owls
Runners up:
2. TIE
The Flusters
Ocho Ojos
4. Avenida Music
5. Captain Ghost
Best Local DJ
DJ Galaxy
Runners up:
2. Alf Alpha
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Baz/Barry Martin
5. DJ Mr. D/Joe De Hoyos
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Giselle Woo
3. Doug Van Sant
4. Courtney Chambers
5. Krystofer Do
Best Local Visual Artist
Adam Enrique Rodriguez
Runners up:
2. Shag
3. Sofia Enriquez
4. Chris Sanchez
5. Cristopher Cichocki
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
4. Century Theatres at The River and XD
5. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. TIE
Palm Springs Air Museum
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Desert Theatreworks
5. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
6. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
TIE
Desert AIDS Project
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
3. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
4. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
EOS Fitness
Runners up:
2. 24 Hour Fitness
3. World Gym
4. In-Shape
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Plus
3. Yoga Center Palm Desert
4. Power Yoga Palm Springs
5. Yoga Central
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Lanes Bowling
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Mischief Cards and Gifts
Best Auto Repair
Exotic Car Service
Runners up:
2. A.G. Auto Care
3. Kennard’s Automotive
4. TIE
Cam Stone’s Automotive
Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Quick Quack Car Wash
Runners up:
2. Elephant 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. Moorten Botanical Garden
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Lotus Garden Center
5. Bob Williams Nursery
6. Sky Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Bones-N-Scones
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. PetSmart
4. Pet Oasis
5. PoshPetCare
Best Annual Charity Event
Palm Springs Pride
Runners up:
2. Concert for Autism
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. Red Dress/Dress Red (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
5. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
6. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
3. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Palm Springs (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/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. Brooke Beare, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Jeff Stahl, KESQ News Channel 3
Best Radio Station
KGAY 106.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin’ 99.5
4. Mix 100.5
5. 107.3 Mod FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. John Taylor, KGAY 106.5
3. Bill Feingold, KNews 94.3 FM/104.7
4. Don Wardell, 107.3 Mod FM
Best Retail Music/Video
Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
Runners up:
2. Record Alley
3. Guitar Center
4. Music Heals
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Game Stop
3. Comic Asylum
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. The Saguaro Palm Springs
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Renaissance Palm Springs
5. Kimpton Rowan
Best Indoor Fun/Activity
Escape Room Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Get Air Trampoline Park
3. Glitch Palm Springs
4. Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym
Best Marijuana Dispensary
Joy of Life Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. The Leaf El Paseo
3. Atomic Budz
4. Palm Springs Safe Access
5. Mother Earth’s Farmacy
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Maria Gopez
Runners up:
2. Dr. Bruce Ferguson
3. Gennady “Henry” Nosovitsky, PA
4. Dr. David Morris
5. Dr. Michael Jardula
Best Eye Care
Milauskas Eye Institute
Runners up:
2. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
3. Dr. Greg Evans (Evans Eyecare)
4. Dr. Wallace Goldban (Desert Ophthalmology)
5. Dr. John K. Schofield
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Scott Shepherd (Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry)
Runners up:
2. Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics
3. Dr. Frank Hernandez (Hernandez Dental)
4. Dr. Gerald Chang
5. Vineyard Family Dental Office
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Sofonio
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Scott Aaronson
4. Dr. Bruce Chisholm
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Barbara Barrett
3. Christopher Heritage
4. Brad Faber
5. Michael Knighten
Best Air Conditioning Service
Comfort Air
Runners up:
2. Timo’s Air Conditioning and Heating
3. Esser Air Conditioning and Heating
4. General Air Conditioning
5. Simmons Air
Best Personal Trainer
Jaime Jimenez
Runners up:
2. Ryann McMillon
3. Brian Guzman
4. Brandon Wertz
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Gina Davis
Runners up:
2. Dr. Jim Cox
3. Dr. Susan Brennan
4. Dr. Navid Nazemi
5. Dr. Stephen Krupey
Best Real Estate Agent
TIE
Barbara Carpenter
Paul Zapala
Runners up:
3. Shann Carr
4. Paula LaBellarti
5. Jason Allen
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
3. Sheriff Chad Bianco
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Desert City Councilman Sabby Jonathan
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Trina Turk
Runners up:
2. R&R Menswear
3. Wil Stiles
4. Kimbals
5. Division
Best Local Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. H3K Design
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Bob’s Discount Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
Misty’s Consignments
Runners up:
2. Sunny Dunes Antiques Mall
3. The Estate Sale Co.
4. Victoria’s Attic
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. The Fine Jewelry Bar
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Heads Up Hair Designs
3. 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon
4. Turquoise Salon
5. Dishwater Blonde Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
Runners up:
2. Spa at the Ritz Carlton
3. Spa La Quinta at the La Quinta Resort
4. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
5. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Studio M Salon and Spa
3. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Cathedral City Floral Designs
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
Runners up:
2. Bloodline Tattoo and Body Piercing
3. Blue Rose Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Ooh La La De Paris Eyewear
4. LensCrafters
5. One Price Optical
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. TIE
Moorten Botanical Garden
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
5. Wellness Park at Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
CV Link
Runners up:
2. Joshua Tree
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Tahquitz Creek Loop
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Whitewater Preserve
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
5. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon Trail
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
5. The Cross Trail Loop
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. La Quinta Civic Center 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
4. Nomad Ventures
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs/Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Tri-A-Bike
3. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
4. BikeMan
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
Runners up
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course
4. Classic Club Golf
5. Mission Lakes Country Club
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
Best Place to Buy Toys
Mr. G’s Toys and Expressions
Runners up:
2. Target
3. Walmart
4. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Target
Runners up:
2. Old Navy
3. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
4. Carter’s
5. The Children’s Place
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Old Spaghetti Factory
4. Shakey’s Pizza
5. Billy Q’s
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Boomers
3. Escape Room Palm Springs
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Fantasy Lanes Bowling Alley
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
3. Get Air Trampoline Park
4. Chuck E. Cheese’s
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Kitchen 86 + Bar
5. Billy Q’s
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. Dash and a Handful
4. Lynn Hammond
5. Fusion Flair
Best Diner
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Bongo Johnny’s
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. Rick’s Restaurant
5. John’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Runners up:
2. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
3. Whole Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Real Italian Deli
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Jensen’s Foods
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Nothing Bundt Cakes
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Billy Reed’s
6. Jensen’s Foods
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Brandini Toffee
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Coco Freeze
5. Kreem
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
4. Oasis Date Gardens
5. Windmill Market
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
Runners up:
2. Jus Chillin’
3. Tutti Frutti
4. Beach House
Best Bakery
Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Aspen Mills
4. Frankie’s Italian Bakery, Café and Supper Club
5. Carousel Bakery
Best Barbecue
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
Runners up:
2. Smoke Tree BBQ
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burger
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Tyler’s Burgers
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. Tony’s Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Grand Central Palm Springs
Best Sandwich
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. The Sandwich Spot
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. The Lunchbox
6. Billy Q’s
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Upper Crust Pizza
5. Billy Q’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Wingstop
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Panera Bread
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Koffi
4. Coco Freeze
5. Big Juice Bar
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantast Springs
4. Emperor Buffet
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Joshua Tree Coffee Company
3. Coachella Valley Coffee Company
Best Coffee Shop
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Gre Coffeehouse and Art Gallery
3. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
4. IW Coffee
5. Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Grand Central Palm Springs
4. Starbucks
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. POM California Cuisine at Fantasy Springs
4. Acqua California Bistro
5. Bellatrix at the Classic Club
Best Breakfast
TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
3. Elmer’s
4. Broken Yolk Café
5. Bongo Johnny’s
6. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Brunch
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. The Tropicale
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. Palm Tree Palace
4. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
5. Soul of China
Best Greek
Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
Runners up:
2. Athena Gyro
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Yianni’s Taverna
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. French Corner Cafe
3. L’Atelier Café
4. Cuistot Restaurant
5. Si Bon
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Café
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante
4. Il Giardino
5. Il Corso
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Shabu Shabu Zen
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
5. Taka Shin
Best Korean
JOY at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
3. Umami Seoul
4. You Grill Korean BBQ
Best Sushi
Dragon Sushi
Runners up:
2. Misaki Sushi and Griill
3. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
4. Joyce’s Sushi
5. Taka Shin
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. Mariscoco's Culiacan
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente
3. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
5. Outback Steakhouse
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. My Thai
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Thai House
5. Le Basil
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. 533 Viet Fusion
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. Pho of the Desert
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Runners up:
2. Native Foods Café
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. The Sandbox Kitchen
Best Upscale Dining
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. The Tropicale
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Jackalope Ranch
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. Bellatrix at the Classic Club
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Paul Bar/Food
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Pueblo Viejo Grill
3. Tac/Quila
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Rincon Norteño
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Tac/Quila
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. El Mirasol
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Loco Charlie’s
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Draughtsman
4. The Beer Hunter
5. Eureka!
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Desert Beer Company
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill
5. Bart Lounge
Best Cocktail Menu
TRIO Restaurant
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Tonga Hut
4. Workshop Kitchen + Bar
5. Seymour’s
Best Craft Cocktails
Paul Bar/Food
Runners up:
2. Seymour’s
3. Truss and Twine
4. Libation Room
5. Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Hunters
Runners up:
2. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
3. Blackbook
4. Chill Bar Palm Springs
5. The Roost
6. Streetbar
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. The Tropicale
4. TIE
Il Corso
Kitchen 86 + Bar
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Tool Shed
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Desert Fox
5. Club 5
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. El Mirasol
5. Tac/Quila
Best Martini
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. TIE
Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Zin American Bistro
Best Nightclub
Copa Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Chill Bar Palm Springs
4. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
5. Bart Lounge
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Big Rock Pub
3. AMP Sports Lounge
4. Revel Public House
5. Billy Q’s
6. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. V Wine Lounge
3. TIE
Dead or Alive
Twelve Cocktails Above at Fantasy Springs
5. La Fe Wine Bar
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Desert Wine Shop on 111
4. Bouschet
5. Larry’s Wine and Spirits
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Paul Bar/Food
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. Stacy’s Palm Springs
5. Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Best of Coachella Valley 2018-2019: Readers' Picks
November 26 2018This 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