Believe it or not, it’s almost spring, i.e. the always chillier-than-preferred season that ushers in a certain community-wide survey. Beginning March 1st, the polls will open for the 17th Annual Best of Bozeman. A friendly local competition, Best of Bozeman is the original celebration of everything we love about our town and all it has to offer. Though The BoZone sponsors this poll every year, it is all of YOU who champion the winners of each category. This is an opportunity for Southwest Montanans of all ages to have their say in the crowning of area establishments, whether with first-time prizes or multiple awards.
This year’s voting will again consist of a multiple choice format, displaying area favorites from previous surveys, top picks from public nominations, as well as the option to add a choice not listed. The online ballot will also be complete with new and revised categories. While there are many to represent all our area’s vast Best-ness, voters can decide the winners of as many or as few titles as they please.
Bozeman loves to eat out. Why? Because of all the great options, of course! Here’s a look at just a few of 2017’s winners in our local food and beverage industry.
“Best Breakfast” went to reigning category champion Nova Cafe, while Cold Smoke Coffeehouse repeated with the titles for “Best Coffee” and “Best Coffeehouse.” Higher Ground Coffee for a Cause won for “Best Coffee Hut.” Starky’s Authentic Americana was voted “Best Lunch” again in 2017, and Burger Bob’s took “Best Burger.”
Always a big winner, Montana Ale Works nabbed “Best Happy Hour,” “Best Casual Dining,” and “Best Restaurant,” piling on “Best Beer Selection,” “Best Bar Food,” and “Best Restaurant Service” for good measure. “Best Distillery” went to Bozeman Spirits Distillery, while Bridger Brewing claimed the award for “Best Pizza.”
Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill won “Best Appetizer” and “Best Place for Guys’ Night Out.” Local Chain Fiesta Mexicana walked away with “Best Mexican Food,” while Blacksmith Italian earned bragging rights for “Best Italian Food” and the Pita Pit took “Best Late Night Grub.”
Nearly three thousand logged on last year and gave recognition to their favorite food and beverage hotspots, service industries, live entertainment, small businesses, nonprofits, other local destinations, and so much more. Continuing the tradition, it’s up to each and every one of you to acknowledge your Best of the Best. Do you feel a longtime neighborhood shop or restaurant has been left in the cold in years past? Is there a new business you think deserves a blue ribbon for an existing category? Is there somewhere so criminally underrated you can’t stand it? VOTE them in!
Log on to www.thebestofbozeman.com to peruse the complete list of 2017 winners and to make your picks. The 2018 Best of Bozeman will take place March 1st through April 15th. •