Access NEPA's Best Of winners announced
Feb. 24—The people of Northeast Pennsylvania know a good thing when they see it.
They cast more than 161,000 votes in this year's Access NEPA Best Of fan favorites poll, choosing the top spots for dining, music, shopping, events and more as well as the superstars in jobs ranging from doctors and social media influences to coaches and photographers. The contest, now in its second year, also included some new categories this year, such as best virtual event and best virtual graduation, in response to the coronavirus pandemic's impact on local life.
Click here to view the list of winners of Best Of
Congratulations to this year's winners, and remember to check AccessNEPA.com every day for lifestyles and entertainment news along with a comprehensive regional events calendar.
Love & Romance
Baby Shower Venue: Constanino's Catering & Events
Bridal Shower Venue: Constanino's Catering & Events
Flower Shop: McCarthy Remick Flowers
Limo Service: Gilbride Limousine
Place for a Bachelor Party: Mohegan Sun Pocono
Place for a Bachelorette Party: Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
Place for a First Date: Cooper's Seafood House
Place to Buy a Bridesmaid Dress: Tunis Bridal Shoppe
Place to Buy a Wedding Dress: The Blushing Bridal Boutique
Place to Buy an Engagement Ring: Steve Pronko Jewelers
Place to Buy Lingerie: Boscov's
Place to Pick Up Someone: Mohegan Sun Pocono
Place to Propose: Nay Aug Park
Place to Rent a Tux: Tuxedo by Sarno
Wedding Registry: Live with It by Laura Hobbs
Wedding Venue: Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple
Arts & Entertainment
All-Ages Venue: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Art Venue: AFA Gallery
Brewery Tour: Susquehanna Brewing Co.
Casino: Mohegan Sun Pocono
Concert Venue: Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Dance Company/Studio: Dave Ragnacci Dance Studio
Drive-In Theater: Circle Drive-In
Escape Room Venue: Electric City Escape
Fundraising Event: Rally For Restaurants
High School Marching Band: Tunkhannock Area High School Marching Band
High School Musical: Pittston Area Drama Club
High School Play: Wyoming Area Drama Club
Holiday Light Attraction: Festival of Lights at Stone Hedge Golf Course
Local Festival: La Festa Italiana
Local Theater Troupe: Act Out Theatre Group
Local Theater Venue: Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple
Movie Theater: Cinemark 20 & XD
Museum: Everhart Museum
New Event: Ballet Theater's "The Nutcracker" at Circle Drive-In
New Local Album: "Missed Opportunities," Modern Ties
New Virtual Event: "Flat Stanley," Act Out Theatre Group
Ongoing Cultural Event: Pittston Tomato Festival
Open Mic: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple's Underground Microphone
Orchard: Lakeland Orchard & Cidery
Original Band: University Drive
Parade: Scranton St. Patrick's Parade
Parking Lot Event: Scranton Co-op Farmer's Market
Party Cover Band: Flaxy Morgan
Place to Shoot Pool: Idle Hour Lanes
Pumpkin Patch: Roba Family Farms
Theater Production: "Beauty and the Beast," Phoenix Performing Arts Centre
Twirling Group: Lynnette's Twirlerettes
Virtual Event: Garth Brooks Drive-In Theater Concert Series
Virtual Graduation Ceremony: North Pocono High School
Virtual Performance: "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley: Online Edition," Act Out Theatre Group
Eat & Drink
Ambiance: AV Restaurant & Lounge
Asian Restaurant: Thai Rak Thai, Scranton
Bagels: National Bakery
Bakery: Lynn Sandy's Bakery
Beer Menu: Sabatini's Bottleshop & Bar
Boneless Wings: Nina's Wing Bites & Pizza
Breakfast: Henry's on Clay
Brewery: Susquehanna Brewing Co.
Brewpub: Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.
Brunch: State Street Grill
Cheesesteak: Steve & Irene's
Chinese Restaurant: China Palace
Chocolate: Dunmore Candy Kitchen
Church Picnic: Mary, Mother of God
Coffee Roaster: Electric City Roasting Co.
Coffee Shop: Zummo's Cafe
Deli: Abe's Deli
Delivery: Pizza Bella
Desserts: Minooka Pastry Shop
Diner: Glider Diner
Doughnuts: Krispy Kreme
Farm-to-Table Restaurant: Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar
Food Truck: Hooked
French Fries: Downtown Deli
Frozen Yogurt: Manning's
Hamburger: The Barrel Restaurant
Hoagie: Hank's Hoagies
Hot Dogs: Coney Island
Ice Cream: Josie's Frozen Custard & Italian Ice
Italian Food: Cafe Rinaldi
Italian Ice: Rita's
Japanese Restaurant: Kyoto
Kielbasi: Trovato's Meat Market
Liquid Lunch: Roosevelt Beer Garden
Long Lunch: The Loading Dock
Lunch on a Budget: Catalano's
Lunch on the Go: Caravia Fresh Foods
Mexican/Southwestern Restaurant: Chicano's
New Restaurant: Avenue Pizza
Organic Menu: Alter House
Patio Dining: Cooper's Seafood House
Pierogies: The Pierogi Cafe
Potato Pancakes: Jones's Potato Pancakes, Harveys Lake
Restaurant: Alfredo's Pizza Cafe
Romantic Restaurant: Bar Pazzo
Round Pizza: Rosario's
Salads: Scanlon's
Sandwiches: Cara Mia's Gourmet Delicatessen & Pizzeria
Seafood: Hooked on State Street
Service: Alfredo's Pizza Cafe
Soup: Zuppa Del Giorno
Square Pizza: Maroni's Pizza House
Steakhouse: Frank's
Stromboli: Fratelli's Pizza & Pasta House
Sushi: Sushi Thai
Takeout: Pizza by Pappas
Thai Restaurant: Thai Rak Thai
Vegetarian/Vegan Menu: Eden — A Vegan Cafe
Wine Menu: Lucchi Family Wine Cellars
Wings: Kelly's
Goods & Services
Barbershop: Loyalty Barber Shop
Bicycle Shop: Cedar Bicycle
Boutique: New Laundry
Candy Store: Port Clinton Peanut Shop
Car Dealership: Matt Burne Honda
Car Wash: Northeast Auto Reflections Detail Spa and Mobile Wash LLC
Carpet Cleaner: Stanley Steamer
Cigar Shop: Summit Cigar Bar
Comic Book: Store Comics on the Green
Curb Appeal: The Daisy Collective
Curbside Pickup: Gerrity's
Customer Service: Head to Toe Salon & Spa
Decor: Jerry's for All Seasons
Dry Cleaner: Eagle Cleaners
Farmer's Market: Scranton Co-op Farmer's Market
Garden Store: Corky's Garden Path
Hair Salon: RD Salon & BlowDry Bar
Health Food Store: Everything Natural
Jewelry Store: Boccardo Jewelers
Kids' Birthday Party Venue: Bee's Backyard
Landscaper: DJ2 Lawn Care
Library: Scranton Public Library
Men's Clothing Store: Boscov's
Mom/Pop Grocery Store: Malacari's Produce & Deli
Perfume Store: Noteology
Pet Supply Store: Stately Pet Supply
Pipe Shop: Pied Piper Pipes
Place to Buy Beer: Cadden Brothers Beer Distributors
Place to Buy Music: Gallery of Sound
Place to Get a Wax: Sapphire Salon
Second-hand/Thrift Store: On&On
Shoe Store: Runway
Ski Shop: The Ski Corner
Spa: Woodhouse Day Spa
Store for Music Equipment: Magdon Music
Tailor/Seamstress: Alterations by Liza
Tanning Salon: Tanfastic
Tattoo Parlor: Native Stray Tattoo
Tree Service: Titan Tree Service
Unique Gift Shop: Over the Moon
Vape Shop: Vape Dragons
Veterinarian: Dr. Emily Gillette
Vintage Clothing Store: Esther's Consignment
Winery: Nimble Hill Winery & Brewery
Women's Clothing Store: Burlap & Bourbon
Nightlife
Bar in a Restaurant: Alfredo's Pizza Cafe
Bar You Can Smoke In: The V-Spot
Best-Looking Bar Crowd: Backyard Ale House
Bike Night: Thirst T's Bar & Grill
Cocktails: AV Restaurant & Lounge
College Bar: Ale Mary's at the Bittenbender
Corner Bar: Roosevelt Beer Garden
Drink Specials: Cooper's Seafood House
Happy Hour: Honeychilds'
Happy Hour Food: The Down Pour
Karaoke: The V-Spot
LGBTQ-Friendly Bar: 12 Penny Saloon
Live Music Venue: River Street Jazz Cafe
Margaritas: La Tonalteca
Martinis: Fireside Martini Grill
New Bar/Club: The Down Pour
Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar: Abbiocco
Place to Shake It: The Woodlands
Pub Trivia: Benny Brewing Co.
Sports Bar: Happy Valley Sports Bar
St. Patrick's Day Parade Bar: Andy Gavin's
Strip Club: Grandview
Young Professionals Bar: Trax Bar + Kitchen
Media
Afternoon Radio Show: Hoover, Rock 107
College Radio Station: WVFM, Marywood University
Morning Radio Show: Prospector, Rock 107
Radio Station: Rock 107
Health & Recreation
Bowling Alley: Idle Hours South (South Side Bowl)
Gym/Health Club: NEPA Fit Club
Ice Rink: Revolution Ice Centre
Local Park: Nay Aug Park
Martial Arts School: Fifth Dimension Martial Arts Academy
Pilates: The Salt Barre
Place to Go Camping: Knoebels Park Campground
Place to Go Hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park
Place to Go Running: Lake Scranton
Place to Picnic: Frances Slocum State Park
Pool: Lackawanna State Park
Running Event: Steamtown Marathon
Skiin:g Montage Mountain Resorts
Sports Venue: PNC Field
State Park: Lackawanna State Park
Tubing: Montage Mountain Resorts
Waterpark: Camel Beach
Yoga: Rhythm Yoga
Zumba: Gianna Muracco
Superstars
Barber: Toxic at Loyalty Barber Shop
Bartender: Olivia Romano at Big House Tobacco
Boudoir Photographer: Lynsey Noel Photography
Caterer: Constanino's Catering & Events
Chef: John Tabone, Bar Pazzo
Chiropractor: Complete Chiropractic and Rehab
College Coach (Female): Tara Maccaccio
College Coach (Male): Mark Duda
Colorist: Katie Franko, Sapphire Salon
Dentist: Dr. Jason Hanyon
DJ: EJ Dougher (EJ the DJ)
Doctor: Dr. Michael Gilhooley
Esthetician: Nicole at Sapphire Salon
High School Actor: Nate Scullion
High School Actress: Hannah Danielowski
High School Coach (Female): Kathy Healey, Hanover Area
High School Coach (Male): Mark Seitzinger, Scranton Preparatory School
Librarian: Mrs. Nicolas, Diocese of Scranton Virtual Academy
Licensed Acupuncturist: Jackie Stefanski
Local Actor: Jovon Barnes
Local Actress: Sarah Neel
Local Author: Christopher Vernon
Local Blogger: NEPA Pizza Review
Local Comedian: Sergio Marzitelli
Local Dancer: Lindsay Sherrick
Local Filmmaker: Scranton Films
Local Instagrammer: Gia Mazur (@miss.gia.m)
Local Podcaster: "Sons of the Hunt"
Local Radio Personality: Prospector, Rock 107
Local Social Media Influencer: Gia Mazur
Local Theater Director: Chuck Yarmey
Local TikTok Personality: Heather B. (@handittoheather)
Local TV News Personality: Joe Snedeker
Local Tweeter: @sportsTT (Times-Tribune sports department)
Local Visual Artist: Autumn Granza
Local YouTube Star: NEPA Pizza Review
Makeup Artist: Sarah Karpowich
Massage Therapist: Tori Siconolfi
Mechanic: Paul at Gibbons Ford
Medium/Psychic: Inner Harmony Tarot
Nail Technician: Just Jess
Naturopath: Juanita
Newspaper Columnist: Chris Kelly
Newspaper Reporter: Jim Lockwood
Nip/Tuck: Dr. Scot McKenna
Personal Trainer: Mike Marcinek
Pet Groomer: Hair of the Dog
Photojournalist: Christopher Dolan
Physical Therapist: Allied Services
Piercer: Amy Jones, Marc's Tattooing, Pittston
Solo Musician: Jovon Barnes
Stylist: Jessica Stein Perechinsky
Tattoo Artist: Dez Del Rey
Therapist: Amanda Rosentel
Travel Agent: John Madden
Wedding DJ: EJ Dougher (EJ the DJ)
Wedding Singer/Band: Daddy-O & the Sax Maniax
Wedding/Portrait Photographer: Ruby Tree Photography
Wedding Planner: Desirae Risse Weddings & Events
Shocking Moment of 2020
The entire year
Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; @cheaneywest on Twitter
