2022 Best of Erie Winners and Finalists

Jessica Hunter

The winner in a whopping four categories including Best Place for a First Date, Best Place to Take Your Dog, Best Park, and Best Outdoor Adventure Activity, Erie has really shown its love for our most defining geographical element: Presque Isle.

What is it that makes Erie the best it can be? There are a lot of answers. Among them: our unique geography and the many opportunities for recreation on the lake or in the woods; our artists, musicians, and makers who add depth and beauty to our already beautiful landscape; our unique food and restaurant scene that seems to grow each year, adding eclectic and interesting fare; our locally brewed beer, the wine that makes a drive to North East always worthwhile, and the distilleries bringing imaginative cocktails by the tumbler-full; the businesses that have built their reputation on quality and customer service. Donuts. Pepperoni balls. Waldameer.

We've got a lot to be proud of and this year, 2022's Best of Erie (which brought in over half a million votes, spanning 116 categories) highlights those people, places, and things that truly represent what is best about Erie. That amount of voting indicates that the people of Erie care about showing these local entities that they are supported.

Every year, nominations are open to the public for an extended period of time. This year, via social media, the month of October allowed anyone interested to nominate their favorites prior to the voting going live. Next year will be a landmark year for these awards, so keep on the lookout for the 10th annual Best of Erie Nominations when they open up in early fall of 2023.

And now, without further ado, the winners and finalists of the 2022 Best of Erie Awards, chosen by you!

Runners up listed in order of vote total

All photography by Jessica Hunter

Jump to  Culture & Nightlife  |   Food & Drink  |   People & Places 

Goods and Services

We here in Erie know good chocolate when we taste it, and Romolo Chocolates is the clear favorite around here. Winner in both the Best Local Business and Best Chocolates/Candies categories this year, Tony Stefanelli, the master confectioner behind the company's chocolates, has clearly earned his title.

Best Local Business

Winner: Romolo Chocolates

Runners-up: Odis 12, Bro Man's Sammiches

Best New Business (Within Last Two Years)

Winner: Firestone's

Runners-up: Bar Ronin, Erie Donut Company

Best Locally Made Product

Winner: Smith Hot Dogs

Runners-up: Mighty Fine Donuts,
Romolo Chocolates

Best Car Dealership

Winner: Bianchi Honda

Runners-up: Auto Express KIA / Mazda, New Motors

Best Bank

Winner: Erie Federal Credit Union

Runners-up: PNC Bank, Northwest Bank

Best Antique / Consignment Shop

Winner: The Sassy Peacock

Runners-up: Plato's Closet, Claudine's Consignment

Best Boutique

Winner: Grasshopper

Runners-up: Lollie & Co,
Glass Growers Gallery

Best Jewelry Store

Winner: Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection

Runners-up: Breakiron Jewelers, Sacred Piercing

Best Furniture Store

Winner: John V. Schultz Furniture & Mattress

Runners-up: Arthur F. Schultz Company, Furniture Row

Best Local Book Store

Winner: Pressed Books & Coffee

Runners-up: Books Galore, Werner Books

Best Barbershop

Winner: Ruiz Barbershop

Runners-up: V's Barbershop, Colony Barber Shop

Best Spa

Winner: Coventina Day Spa

Runners-up: Panache Salon & Spa, Ambridge Rose

Best Beauty Salon

Winner: Panache Salon & Spa

Runners-up: Moxi Hair Salon, Coventina Day Spa

Best Dog Groomer

Winner: Paws N Claws

Runners-up: Buzz n' B's, Mud Puppies

Voters this year felt strongly about their love for local animal rescue The ANNA Shelter, voting the organization into first place in an impressive three categories: Best Place to Adopt a Pet, Best Nonprofit, and Best Veterinary Practice. 

Best Place to Adopt a Pet

Winner: The ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Erie Humane Society, Because You Care, Inc.

Best Bike Shop

Winner: 814 Outdoor Sports

Runners-up: John Adams Cycling & Fitness,Competitive Gear

Best Auto Repair Shop

Winner: Bonnell's Collision Center

Runners-up: Bianchi Honda, New Motors

Best Web Developer

Winner: Epic Web Studios

Runners-up: Erie Multimedia, Snowberry Media

Best Graphic Designer

Winner: Sharper Images

Runners-up: Brink Ink, Megan Callaghan

Best Advertising Agency

Winner: R Frank Media

Runners-up: Epic Web Studios, Papa Advertising

Best Law Firm

Winner: MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton

Runners-up: Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., Quinn Law Firm

Best Real Estate Agency

Winner: Agresti Real Estate Agency

Runners-up: Howard Hanna Agency, Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services

The Victoria Inn, a home turned B&B on Fourth and Peach has remained a downtown constant since 1872. The owners have excelled at this service, bringing them home the win for Best Bed and Breakfast this year (and every year since 2019).

Best Bed and Breakfast

Winner: Victoria Inn Bed & Breakfast

Runners-up: Spencer House Bed & Breakfast, Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast

Best Tattoo Parlor

Winner: Ink Assassins

Runners-up: Wayward Tattoo, Steadfast Tattoo Parlour

Best Florist

Winner: Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses

Runners-up: Allburn Florist, Gerlach's Garden & Floral

Best Greenhouse

Winner: Stan's Garden Center

Runners-up: Mason Farms, Potratz Floral Shop & Greenhouses

Best Place to Camp

Winner: Sparrow Pond Family Campground

Runners-up: Sara's Campground,
Camp Sherwin (YMCA of Greater Erie)

 A staple on 24th and German streets for generations, Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meats has been building a loyal clientele since the 1950s, and has earned the title of Best Neighborhood Grocer for the second year running.

Best Neighborhood Grocer

Winner: Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat

Runners-up: Gordon's Butcher & Market, Bello's Shur-Fine Food Mart

Best Landscaper

Winner: Gerlach's

Runners-up: Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors, J J Wurst Landscape Contractors and Garden Center

Best Electrician

Winner: Church & Murdock Electric

Runners-up: Dobrich Electric, Hilbrich Electric

Best Plumber

Winner: TJ's Plumbing & Heating of Erie

Runners-up: H Jack Langer, Jackson Plumbing

Best Residential Roofer

Winner: Angelo's Roofing

Runners-up: Dougherty Contracting, Brink Roofing

Best General Contractor

Winner: Father and Son Remodeling

Runners-up: Great Lakes Home Solutions, Matt Krol Construction

Best Pet Daycare

Winner: Paws 'n Claws

Runners-up: Peninsula Pups, Buzz n' B's

Best HVAC

Winner: J.J. Agnello Heating & Cooling

Runners-up: Reeves Plumbing and Heating, Nerthling's Heating & Air Conditioning

Best Production Company

Winner: Crew Life Productions

Runners-up: Oddity Productions, Condor Creative

Culture & Nightlife

One of Erie's more impressive cultural institutions, the Erie Art Museum is a consistent favorite for Best Museum.

Best Museum

Winner: Erie Art Museum

Runners-up: ExpERIEnce Children's Museum, Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Best Art Gallery

Winner: Glass Growers Gallery

Runners-up: PACA, City Gallery

Best Community Theatre

Winner: The Erie Playhouse

Runners-up: PACA, Mercyhurst University Theatre Program

Best Dance School

Winner: Long's School of Dance

Runners-up: Little Dance Studio, Erie Dance Theater

Best Photographer

Winner: Katie Mihalak Photography

Runners-up: Lorei Portraits, Mike Conway Photography

Best Visual Artist

Winner: Kaitlyn Page

Runners-up: Mckenzie Sprague, Adam Stempka

Best Band (Original)

Winner: Eric Brewer & Friends

Runners-up: Concrete Castles, Six Year Stretch

Winner of Best New Band/Musician this year goes to up-and-coming singer/songwriter Elle Taylor, who started writing poetry at a young age but only recently began putting those words into song. Her 2021 album Taken Me A While features 12 charming songs sure to become some of your favorites.

Best New Band/Musician (Last Two Years)

Winner: Elle Taylor

Runners-up: Stoned Apes, Dumpster Garden

Best Cover Band

Winner: The Geek Army

Runners-up: First to Eleven, The Groove

Best Vocalist

Winner: Audra Miller

Runners-up: Lindsay Vendetti, Brooke Surgener

Best MC

Winner: CEE Brown

Runners-up: Jonny Evans, Brandi "FRESCO" Carlini

Best Instrumentalist

Winner: Eric Brewer

Runners-up: Abby Barrett, Zack Orr

Best DJ

Winner: Millennium Sound Productions

Runners-up: DJ Bill Page, DJ John Gallagher

Best Irish Pub

Winner: Molly Brannigan's Irish Pub

Runners-up: McGarrey's Oakwood Cafe, Sullivan's

Best Patio

Winner: Oliver's Beer Garden

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar,
Rum Runners

Best Festival

Winner: Celebrate Erie

Runners-up: Peek'n Peak Fall Fest, Erie's Blues & Jazz Festival

Best Music Series

Winner: 8 Great Tuesdays

Runners-up: Sunset Music Series, Erie Philharmonic "In Your Hometown"

Food & Drink

Best Restaurant

Winner: Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro

Runners-up: Federal Hill Smokehouse, Odis 12

Best New Restaurant (Within Last Two Years)

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Grill, Bar Ronin

Best Chef

Winner: Jean Paul (Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro)

Runners-up: Martin Firestone (Firestone's), John Bouquin (The Skunk and Goat Tavern)

Best Bakery

Winner: Art's Bakery

Runners-up: Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe, Icing On The Lake

Best Coffee Shop

Winner: Tipsy Bean

Runner up: Ember + Forge, Brew Haha at the Colony

Best Ice Cream Shop

Winner: Straw Hat

Runners-up: Whippy Dip, Sara's

Best Chocolates or Candy

Winner: Romolo Chocolates

Runners-up: Stefanelli's Candies, Pulakos Chocolates

Among those things that make Erie uniquely Erie, Mighty Fine Donuts ranks near the top. A fixture on Parade Street since 1967, most Erie residents feel a strong allegiance to the Mighty Fine brand.

Best Donut Shop

Winner: Mighty Fine Donuts

Runners-up: H & K Donut Shop, Erie Donut Factory

Best Dinor

Winner: Gem City Dinor

Runners-up: Flip Cafe, Lawrence Park Dinor

Best Brunch

Winner: Flip Cafe

Runners-up: The Breakfast Place, Gem City Dinor

Best Brewery

Winner: Erie Brewing Company

Runners-up: Voodoo Brewing Company, Lavery Brewing Co

The Lavery Brewing Company's flagship IPA Dulachan is made with Simcoe, Mosaic, and Citra hops and at 5.6 percent abv, it is an inherently drinkable Erie favorite which has earned it the title of Best Locally Made Beer this year.

Best Locally Made Beer

Winner: Lavery Brewing Company - Dulachan

Runners-up: Erie Brewing Company - Railbender, Voodoo Brewery - Good Vibes

Best Winery

Winner: Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co

Runners-up: Mazza Vineyards, Heritage Wine Cellars

Best Distillery

Winner: Altered State Distillery

Runners-up: Luminary Distilling,
Erie Distillery

Best Bar Food

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Plymouth Tavern, BIGBAR

Best Sandwich Shop

Winner: Picasso's

Runners-up: Bro Man's Sammiches, Teresa's Italian Deli

Best Deli

Winner: Teresa's Italian Deli

Runners-up: Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat, Gordon's Butcher & Market

Best Burger

Winner: Bro Man's Sammiches

Runners-up: Odis 12 and Firestone's

Best Pizzeria

Winner: John's Wildwood Pizza

Runners-up: Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sticks & Bricks Wood Fired Pizza

Best Wings

Winner: Odis 12

Runners-up: Park Tavern, One Way Inn

Best Sushi

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Runners-up: Chopstix Express, Ichiban

Best Food Truck

Winner: The Atacolypse Food Truck

Runners-up: Big Cheese Food Truck, The Que Abides

Best Place for Vegan or Vegetarian Food

Winner: Erie Food Co-op

Runners-up: The Juice Jar, Like My Thai

Best Barbecue Restaurant

Winner: Federal Hill Smokehouse

Runners-up: Outlaw Barbecue Revolution, Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Best Seafood Restaurant

Winner: Pineapple Eddie's Southern Bistro

Runners-up: Smugglers' Wharf, Calamaris Squid Row

Best Asian Restaurant

Winner: Samurai Kitchen + Sushi

Runners-up: Imperial Buffet, Like My Thai

Best Italian Restaurant

Winner: Valerio's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Runners-up: Mi Scuzi, Colao's Restaurant

Best Mexican Restaurant

Winner: El Canelo

Runners-up: El Amigo Mexican Grill, Torero's

Best Mediterranean or Middle Eastern Restaurant

Winner: Bistro 26

Runners-up: Habibi, Casablanca Grill

Best Caterer

Winner: Teresa's Italian Deli

Runners-up: Cali's West, Colony Pub & Grille

Best Waterfront Dining

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop

Runners-up: Pier 6 Rooftop Bar & Grill, Sloppy Duck Saloon

Best Romantic Restaurant

Winner: Oliver's Rooftop

Runners-up: The Cork 1794, Mi Scuzi

Best Health Food Store

Winner: Erie Food Co-op

Runners-up: Juice Jar, Chicory Hill Herbs

Best Bar

Winner: Plymouth Tavern

Runners-up: BIGBAR, U Pick 6 Tap House

People & Places

Best Place to Work

Winner: Erie Insurance

Runners-up: UPMC Hamot, Erie Humane Society

Best Place for a First Date

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Oliver's Rooftop, Erie Otters Hockey

Best Place to Take Your Dog

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods

Best Radio Station

Winner: 92.7 Happi

Runners-up: 103.7 Star 104, 93.9 The Wolf

Best Radio Personality (or Radio Team)

Winner: Sammy Stone

Runners-up: Jessica Curry Carlson, Mojo & A.C.

Best TV Personality

Winner: Tom Atkins

Runners-up: Sean Lafferty, John Stehlin

Best Filmmaker

Winner: Jesse James

Runners-up: John C Lyons, Jake Lydic

Best Yoga Space

Winner: yogaErie

Runners-up: Barefoot Buddha,
PACA Movement Center

Best Tattoo Artist

Winner: Garret Ybanez - InkXpressions

Runners-up: Rachel Travis - Steadfast Tattoo, Jason Dunn - Mid-Town Tattoo

Best Local Actor

Winner: Brandon Vogt

Runners-up: Brendan Daugherty, Curtis Jones III

Best Local Actress

Winner: Adele Crotty

Runners-up: Krista Perry, Kate Neubert-Lechner

Best Nonprofit

Winner: The ANNA Shelter

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Shriners Hospital Erie

Best University

Winner: Penn State Behrend

Runners-up: Gannon University, Mercyhurst University

Best Fitness Club

Winner: Planet Fitness

Runners-up: YMCA, Iron Oxygen

Best Bowling Alley

Winner: Greengarden Lanes

Runners-up: Eastway Lanes, Rolling Meadow Lanes

Best Team to Root for

Winner: Erie Otters

Runners-up: Erie Seawolves, Erie Roller Derby

Best Lawyer

Winner: Kim Oaks - MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton

Runners-up: Jim Toohey - MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton; Chad Vilushis - McCormick & Vilushis

Best Dentist

Winner: Dr. David Demarco

Runners-up: Beautiful Smiles, Dr. Carla Orlando

Best Golf Course

Winner: Whispering Woods Golf Club

Runners-up: Mound Grove Golf Course, Peek'n Peak Resort

Best Real Estate Agent

Winner: Sarah O'Neill - Agresti Real Estate

Runners-up: Cherie Bishop - Keller Williams, Max Rankin - RE/MAX

The winners for Best Local Entrepreneur, Nicole and Jason Lavery, proprietors of Lavery Brewing Company are featured in this month's Gem City Syle article. Read to learn more about their story.

Best Local Entrepreneur(s)

Winners: Jason and Nicole Lavery - Lavery Brewing Company

Runners-up: RJ Messenger - Iron Empire, Kyle Bohrer - Gordon's Meat Market

Best Podcast

Winner: Girls Night In

Runners-up: Our Erie, Idiotville: Erie, PA's Favorite Podcast

Best Hiking Trails

Winner: Wintergreen Gorge

Runners-up: Asbury Woods, Presque Isle State Park

Best Park

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Frontier Park, Asbury Woods

Best Outdoor Adventure Activity

Winner: Presque Isle State Park

Runners-up: Erie Zoo, Peek'n Peak Mountain Adventures

Best Wedding Venue

Winner: Peek'n Peak

Runners-up: Port Farms, Nick's Place

Best Veterinary Practice

Winner: The A.N.N.A. Shelter

Runners-up: Glenwood Pet Hospital, Erie Animal Hospital

Best Athletic Competition

Winner: Barber Beast on the Bay

Runners-up: Save an Eye Game, Erie Marathon at Presque Isle

Best Heritage Festival

Winner: Zabawa Polish Heritage Festival

Runners-up: Panegyri Greek Festival, Saint Paul's Italian Festival