Best of Flagstaff

Even though it’s a Flagstaff favorite with readers, we knew it was time to give our Best of Flagstaff contest an update. We added two dozen new categories and subtracted a dozen or so out-of-date categories — all in hopes of making this year’s competition the best ever.

In 160 categories, nearly 22,000 votes were cast. All were voted online, and readers could only vote once.

This year’s list of winners is grouped into five categories: Favorites, Food & Drink, Outdoors, Retail and Services. New this year, as well, are vignettes about each and every winner.

Congratulations to all of the winners. They will be honored by the Arizona Daily Sun at an awards ceremony in February.

Favorites

Best Breathtaking View

The San Francisco Peaks

There are a few things in Flagstaff you can’t avoid, no matter where you are: Train noise. Rush-hour traffic. Smoke from prescribed burns. And, of course, marvelous mountain views. Nothing says Flagstaff quite like our beautiful Peaks to the north. Whether they’re glowing in the sunlight, covered in snow, or speckled with yellow aspens, the San Francisco Peaks are a sight to see.

BEST CHEAP THRILL

People-watching in downtown Flagstaff

Park yourself on a bench in Heritage Square, in the middle of historic downtown, and you’ll see the world pass by. In the summer there are free concerts, family movies and art installations. Year-round you may see lawyers, hippies, college students, tourists, musicians and the occasional naked PETA protester.

Best Elected Official

Al White

Flagstaff City Councilmember

This two-term city councilmember is quick with a smile and is readily approachable on any issue. White easily spends 40 hours a week talking to residents and business leaders, and is well-researched each week when discussing current issues. A tireless advocate of adopting a “green” agenda, White doesn’t shy away from making difficult decisions even if it costs him politically.

Best Entertainment for Kids

Sleeping Lion Martial Arts Academy

2103 E. Cedar Ave., Suite B, 214-9974

Lesi Lorente, who has a child at SLMA, says, “I have never viewed SLMA is a business, because I have always been so comfortable here, more like everyone is welcome to just hang-out and be part of a bigger family. They offered a holiday, Halloween, pizza party/sleepover for the children who attend class here and allowed them to bring a guest.”

Best Family Activity

Sleeping Lion Martial Arts Academy

2103 E. Cedar Ave., Suite B, 214-9974

From Mirna Menzies, student, as are her two children: “What makes Sleeping Lion the best in family activity is its teachers. They are always willing to spend extra time with those students who need it the most. Both teachers and students who come here are eager to learn and to teach, this allows for a feeling of openness in which both students and teacher can learn from each other.”

BEST IN-TOWN TOURIST DESTINATION

Downtown Flagstaff

With its mix of law firms, coffee shops, government offices and various tourist-related businesses, downtown Flagstaff is doing business during the day.

At night, downtown’s restaurants, galleries, bars and seasonal movies on Heritage Square are the social center of the city, and the site for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration.

Best Live Music Venue

The Orpheum

15 W. Aspen Ave., 556-1580

Pine Mountain Amphitheater

Fort Tuthill County Park

Fans of all musical tastes agree: The Orpheum is the place to be. Whether it’s hip-hop (Atmosphere, Lyrics Born, Galactic), rock (Gov’t Mule, Blues Traveler, Little Feat), bluegrass (Del McCoury, the Green-cards, Yonder Mountain String Band), alt-country (Lucinda Williams, Robert Earl Keen), metal (Trivium, Prong, Powerman 5000) or reggae (Stephen Marley, the Mighty Diamonds), the Orpheum provides the intimate setting needed for an indoor live performance. Choose your seat: at the bar, in a row of seats or shaking your booty in the pit.

For outdoor fans, Pine Mountain Amphitheater has hosted its fair share of remarkable shows. September’s Flagstaff Blues and Boogie Festival featured Taj Mahal and Robert Cray, while Los Lonely Boys, War and Ziggy Marley also have graced the amphitheater’s stage. What better way to enjoy a band than in the peaceful pines of Fort Tuthill County Park?

Best Local Artist

Joe Sorren

Web site: www.joesorren.com

Joe Sorren, 37, has been painting for about 17 years and spends from 200 to 500 hours working on each oil painting. He says he looks at past masters for inspiration and doesn’t like to be influenced by contemporary painters. Sorren says Flagstaff is a wonderful place to work, as the town itself fires his creative imagination. Prints of his work can be purchased through his Web site.

Best Morning Radio Show

KNAU Morning Edition, 91.7 FM

Northern Arizona University, 523-5628

Top-notch news and information. A mix of hard news, soft news, features, commentary, historical and more get northern Arizona residents informed on the way to work. Morning Edition is the nation’s most listened-to program nationally. The station matches the NPR sound and standards with local on-air personalities bringing listeners a mix of local, regional, national and international news.

BEST OUT-OF-TOWN TOURIST DESTINATION

The Grand Canyon

80 miles north of Flagstaff, (928) 638-7888

The mile-deep Grand Canyon was a destination for 4.4 million visitors in 2006.

While car traffic is relatively new, human visitation is not.

The oldest human artifacts found are nearly 12,000 years old. Evidence of 11 different cultures has been found in surveys covering just 3 percent of the park.

Best Outdoor Dining

Brix

413 N. San Francisco St., 213-1021

The tiny twinkling lights and comfortable chairs make Brix a romantic and fun dining experience. The helpful serving staff and excellent wine and cheese selections make your dinner or lunch one you won’t soon forget. Try the no-flour chocolate cake — it’s to die for!

Best Place to Cram for a Test

Campus Coffee Bean

1800 S. Milton Road, 556-0660

With wireless Internet and a cozy atmosphere it is a haven for NAU and high school students alike. There is a huge selection of coffee and tea as well as smoothies, sandwiches, breakfast options and even Greek food. On a student budget? Bring a friend and take advantage of Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. every day with 2-for-1 drink specials. If you want to just sit back and enjoy your coffee there are live bands playing on various days of the week.

Best Place to Dance

The Museum Club

3404 E. Route 66, 526-9434

What would a Southwestern town be without a cowboy bar? With the only honest-to-goodness dance floor in the city, The Museum Club holds strong to the title of best place to dance for the third year in a row.

Partners swing each other around below wagon-wheel chandeliers, and no couple’s too shy to be the only ones on the dance floor. People can’t seem to keep their feet from tapping whether there’s live music or the stereo playing, and you’re more than likely to hear a resounding “yee-haw!” every now and then.

Best Place to Find a Date

Pay N Take

12 W. Aspen Ave., 226-8595

Cozy and uncomplicated, Pay N Take is a great place to strike up a conversation. They keep the music below an eardrum-blasting level so you can avoid the obligatory shouting and repeating yourself that is necessary in other places.

Plus having such a relaxed atmosphere seems to attract the laid-back, so you probably won’t end up with a drink in your face if you approach an attractive member of the opposite sex.

Best Place to Go on a First Date

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

605 W. Riordan Road, 773-8600

With its tasty Chicago-style pizzas, pasta and salads and cheery decor, Oregano’s is a great place to go on a first date. The menu has enough variety that everyone can find something to eat, and waiters clad in black-and-white T-shirts with humorous slogans like “menu can trust” just might show that date of yours that you have a sense of humor.

Best Place to Pop the Question

The Cottage Place

126 W. Cottage Ave., 774-8431

Delicious food and an intimate setting combine to make Cottage Place the perfect spot to propose. For a really impressive proposal, splurge on one of the restaurant’s tableside specialties, chateaubriand for two or rack of lamb for two. Both are carved tableside and presented with fresh veggies, roasted red potatoes and other accompaniments.

BEST PLACE TO TAKEKIDS ON a RAINY DAY

Harkins Cinema

1959 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., 525-3456

Harkins usually offers two or three kid-friendly movies on its 11 screens. There’s also a big video arcade to enjoy.

BEST PUBLIC AGENCY

Flagstaff Fire Department

Multiple locations, 779-7688

It is comforting to know that if you need them, they’ll be there. The men and women of the Flagstaff Fire Department are efficient and professional in an inherently stressful job.

Best Public Art

Heritage Square mural by Joe Sorren

North end of Heritage Square

Joe Sorren’s idiosyncratic mural keeps an eye on the many activities that take place in downtown’s Heritage Square. Sorren, who doesn’t like defining his style, has nonetheless captured an instantly identifiable look that most everyone in Flagstaff recognizes.

Best Public Servant

Steve Peru

Coconino County Manager

A fixture in Coconino County government for more than 25 years, Peru has a reputation of being both knowledgeable and even-handed. Peru has held a plethora of titles while at the county, from homecare aide for the elderly to clerk of the Board of Supervisors. This background serves him well in his current position as county manager.

Best Rainy-Day Diversion

Go see a movie

The rain is coming down, depriving you of the chance to pull weeds, paint the fence, or pooper-scoop the back yard. What to do? Grab your “loyalty cup,” go to the cinema and get lost in a world of animated humanoid insects, fantastic computer-generated beasts, or wise-cracking buddy cops.

Best Time to See a Movie

Afternoon

Readers agree the afternoon shows offer two great benefits: matinee prices and plenty of available parking.

Food & Drink

Best Bakery for Bread

The Village Baker

1800 S. Milton Road, 773-9310

Have you ever had bread so wonderful you couldn’t stop eating slice after slice? The artisan breads baked at The Village Bakers are irresistible, with an Old-World charm that beckon the diner with crunchy crusts, intriguing ingredients and soft interiors. Staff bakers rise in the wee hours to bake several hundred loaves each morning, which are then delivered to local restaurants and markets, such as Oregano’s and New Frontiers. Loyal customers also know where to find the little bakery in Greentree Village Shopping Center to buy their all-natural, hearth-baked breads at the store. The most popular breads may be the Italian ciabatta rolls or the yummy cranberry-hazelnut loaves, but you won’t miss with any of the baked goods.

Best Bar Food

Beaver Street Brewery

11 S. Beaver St., 779-0079

From its starters — check out the big fat soft pretzels or the Arizona quesadilla — to its sandwiches, burgers and wood-fired pizzas, Beaver Street Brewery serves up a winning menu. The brewer’s platter of beer-soaked and braised sausages and garlic mashed potatoes is pub fare done well. And the pile of french fries you get with burgers and sandwiches is perfect for washing down with beer. For the more refined palate, the mouthwatering Enchanted Forest pizza features slabs of portabello mushrooms, fresh spinach, roasted red bell peppers, walnuts and French Brie — yum!

Best Barbecue

Bigfoot Bar-B-Que

120 N. Leroux St., 226-1677.

Peanut shells on floor, White Trash Wednesday, where all domestic beers are 99 cents? Must be Bigfoot Bar-B-Que. Don’t miss the chicken, pork ribs and pulled meats. All the meats are smoked with hickory for long periods over low temperatures for lots of flavor. Southern flair and fare brought to diners by friendly staff. Try the oyster sandwich. The oysters come in fresh. Don’t forget to sample the homemade barbecue sauce. The owner uses his staff to test recipes.

Best Bartending staff

The Joint

110 S. San Francisco St., 774-0444

The atmosphere of this downtown favorite may be a little on the dark side, but that doesn’t transfer over to its bartenders. They’re sharp, outgoing and quick with a mug of suds or one of their world-famous Poor Boys.

Best Beer Selection

Beaver Street Brewery

11 S. Beaver St., 779-0079

A somewhat interesting choice by readers because Beaver Street only has its standard five brews on tap, plus a seasonal selection — maybe those six beers represent the best selection around (but what about Buster’s, Uptown Billiards or even the Wine Loft, we ask). Regardless, Beaver Street Brewery patrons can opt for any one of about half-dozen macrobrewed beers instead. Why you would order a Coors Light, we don’t know, but hey, the folks at Beaver Street are willing to pour you one if you insist.

Best Breakfast

Brandy’s

1500 E. Cedar Ave., Suite 40, 779-2187

Restaurateurs Ed and Brandy Wojciak have 31 years of experience watching people eat breakfast. They know, for example, that breakfast diners love Eggs Benedict, and that’s why they now have 11 varieties on the menu. They also know people love pancakes, which is why they cook their buttermilk and oat pancakes from scratch each morning, including the koala-shaped pancakes for kids. Producing other favorites from mimosa, to mochas and muffins, the Wojciaks have enjoyed the return business of families through several generations. The couple feels at home in Flagstaff, and they have trained the friendly staff to make all customers feel at home at Brandy’s.

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

Dog Haus

1302 E. Route 66, 774-3211

The morning burrito Flagstaff likes best includes eggs, cheese, salsa, bacon or sausage and sometimes has hash browns.

It’s served at the Dog Haus, a bright-red drive-through with a sign asking drivers to “back it out” if they question whether their automobile is too tall.

“It’s the only true drive-through in Flagstaff. Everything else is just a drive-by,” owner Gary McElfresh said.

Best Brew Pub

Beaver Street Brewery

11. S. Beaver St. 779-0079

Combine excellent beer, tasty menu selections with a gourmet flair, plentiful seating and televisions in the bar tuned to sports and you’ve got the right ingredients for a brew pub. You can see the brew room from the bar. The bank of windows facing South Beaver Street allows for ample people-watching, which is always a conversation-starter.

Best Burger

Bun Huggers

901 S. Milton Road, 779-3743

In addition to its decidedly northern Arizona decor and clever name, this burger joint serves up made-to-order, flame-broiled burgers that are not just good, but darn good. An extensive condiments bar allows you to dress your burger the way you like it. Fried side choices of zucchini, mushrooms, onion rings and/or fries complete the meal.

Best Chinese Food

August Moon

1300 S. Milton Road, 774-5280

Two words: Garlic Chicken. This tasty dish comes in a variety of sizes to fit any appetite. The other dishes on the menu are also tasty and the service is extremely fast, for dine-in, carryout and delivery. Also a must-try are the crab cheese puffs and spring rolls.

Best Coffee House

Late for the Train

Multiple locations

A fixture in Flagstaff since 1993, Late for the Train has won for best coffee house for several years in a row. Through careful consistency and a sincere passion for roasting their own beans, they keep their customers coming back again and again — so much so that many employees know them by name.

Best Deli Sandwich

Crystal Creek Sandwich Co.

1051B S. Milton Road, 774-9373

BLTs, French dips and tuna salad are staples of any sandwich shop. Crystal Creek Sandwich Co. offers those, and much more. Meat lovers will like the Grand Rapids (Genoa salami, smoked ham, turkey breast, roast beef, AND bacon, plus three different kinds of cheese). But fear not, vegetarians: The filling Sonoran veggie is a yummy marriage of cheese, greens and zest (picante sauce in a sandwich? Yes!). Crystal Creek also bakes its own bread daily and offers up more than a dozen beers on tap in a homey, relaxed setting.

Best Dessert Menu

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

605 W. Riordan Road, 773-8600

What could be better than warm cookie dough topped with vanilla bean ice cream? Nothing. That’s why people have been known to visit Oregano’s just for its dessert, the Original Pizza Cookie. Choose from chocolate chip, white chocolate-macadamia nut or peanut butter-chocolate cookie dough. But be prepared to share: This mammoth dessert dishes up more than a half pound of cookie dough and three scoops of ice cream.

Best Dive Bar

The Orpheum

15 W. Aspen Ave., 556-1580

Here’s a curious selection by readers, seeing as the bar isn’t open unless there’s a show. Still, the atmosphere at the bar is one unlike any other in town. During a particularly loud show, make sure you’ve memorized your nonverbal beer-ordering etiquette.

Best Family Dining

Hiro’s Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant

1312 S. Plaza Way, 226-8030

The Japanese culture, use of chopsticks, chefs preparing sushi dishes at the sushi bar promises to bring families together for fun and food for all ages. Even if the little ones balk at raw fish, fish eggs or eels, the kitchen menu has plenty of chicken and meat dishes. Be sure to get there before the lunch rush, and remember the restaurant closes between the end of lunch at 2:30 p.m. and the beginning of dinner at 5 p.m.

BEST FAST FOOD

Dog Haus

1302 E. Route 66, 774-3211

Though he describes Winslow, Jackson Browne was actually thinking of a girl pulling out of Wienerschnitzel in east Flagstaff when he wrote about a girl looking at him in the song “Take it Easy,” according to one interview.

That hot dog stand is now the Dog Haus, owner Gary McElfresh said, and Flagstaff’s favorite place for quick, meaty meal stops along East Route 66.

Best Fine Dining

The Cottage Place

126 W. Cottage Ave., 774-8431

Cottage Place is Flagstaff dining at its finest. The menu features classics like beef bourguignonne, spicy duck a l’orange, seafood ravioli and saffron and roasted red pepper risotto. Don’t be caught without a reservation, though: The popular eatery is open only for dinner, and only Wednesday through Sunday.

Best Happy Hour

Pay N Take

12 W. Aspen Ave., 226-8595

From 5-7:30 p.m., readers voted this little bar as the best place for drink specials. Drafts and wine are $2.50, and the environment can be hectic but, indeed, a happy one. Since they close earlier than other bars, it’s a great place to get your evening started.

Best Hole in the Wall Restaurant

MartAnne’s

10 N. San Francisco St., 773-4701

This quirky restaurant is tucked in a nook on North San Francisco Street. In case you don’t see the sign, look for the crowd congregating outside on weekends because inside only seats 27. The huevos rancheros, chilaquiles and other Mexican food delights are definitely worth the wait, but get there by 2 p.m. at the latest because that’s when Anne, the owner, calls it a day or runs out of food.

BEST HOT DOG

Dog Haus

1302 E. Route 66, 774-3211

The king of all foods sold at the Dog Haus is, predictably, the hot dog.

Over 34 years and four generations, the business has sold more than 2 million. Tight on space, the crew takes meal orders in the parking lot for dogs with a variety of toppings. The price of hot dog here: 18 cents in 1973. Now it’s $1:45.

Best Ice Cream

Cold Stone Creamery

6 E. Aspen Ave., 773-44282080 S. Milton Road, 779-2607

Even if it’s 40 degrees out while you read this, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good time for ice cream, especially if it comes from Cold Stone Creamery. The Arizona-based chain’s gourmet, customizable ice cream treats, hand-crafted before your eyes on a chilled granite slab, define dessert decadence.

Best Indian Food

Himalayan Grill

801 S. Milton Road, 213-5444

A newcomer to the Flagstaff restaurant scene, this family-run restaurant doesn’t disappoint. The reasonably priced lunch buffet and a large dinner menu make Himalayan Grill a great choice at any time of day. Our favorite continues to be the Chicken Marsala.

Best Italian Food

Mamma Luisa Italian Restaurant

2710 N. Steves Blvd., 526-6809

One trip to this little-known eastside restaurant and you will be hooked. The delicious food and intimate atmosphere make Mamma Luisa a great choice to bring a date or celebrate an important anniversary. Reservations aren’t necessary, but are recommended.

Best Japanese Food

Sakura

1175 W. Highway 66, 773-9118

In business for about 18 years, Sakura is Flagstaff’s original Japanese restaurant. It has a loyal local customer base and happy tourist diners as well. Eight specialty chefs serve both teppanyaki treats hot off the grills and handmade sushi delights from the sushi bar. One master teppanyaki fry chef can even entertain guests by flipping a bowl of fried rice into the air and have it land on top of his chef’s hat. Sakura is also known for the freshest ingredients, including fish items like bluefin and yellowfin tuna, which travel all the way from Japan by plane into Phoenix and then by truck to Flagstaff. A brand-new menu introduces items such as Pacific-caught mahi-mahi grilled with butter, soy sauce, white wine and lemon upon request. Teppanyaki diners can also order sushi with their grilled entrees. Sakura has a wide selection of Japanese beers, hot and cold sake and an extensive wine list.

Best Late-Night Snack

The Pita Pit

213 E. Aspen Ave., 213-1330

Hungry night owls in Flagstaff don’t have to settle for the usual fast-food fare thanks to this Canadian chain. The menu is packed with tasty meat choices and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Best LocallyBrewed Beer

Beaver Street Brewery

11 S. Beaver St. 779-0079

Despite stiff competition from Mogollon and Flagstaff Brewing, readers opted for Flagstaff’s first and oldest brew pub. Its Railhead Red is consistently a local favorite, along with the Bramble Berry Brew. The brewery’s Hefe Weizen, a German-style wheat beer, was given a gold medal at the 26th Great American Beer Festival Awards Ceremony earlier this year.

Best Lunch

Picazzo’s

1300 S. Milton Road, 226-1000

The lunch combo of a slice of pizza, generous helping of salad and a drink is a favorite for families and workers on the go. The posh surroundings make you feel like you are eating in an expensive restaurant but the prices say different. There are a variety of pizzas and salads to choose from, as well as the finger-lickin’ good gluten-free wings.

Best Mexican Food

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant

1900 N. Second St., 779-0296

This eastside eatery has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike for years. Don’t let the line in the lobby discourage you because the wait won’t be long — La Fonda has two kitchens working at the same time. The food hits the spot for even the most demanding gourmand of this particular food genre. Muy delicioso.

Best OverallRestaurant

Buster’s

1800 S. Milton Road, No. 111, 774-5155

Variety, variety, variety. Buster’s offers a wide range of appetizers and has everything from pasta and seafood to burgers and steaks. You can either settle in for a nice family dinner in the dining room or head over to the bar and eat the same great food while catching a game on one of the televisions while sipping one of their many brews on tap. Make sure you’re hungry when you go as the portions are huge.

Best Pizza

Fratelli

119 W. Phoenix Ave., 774-92002120 N. Fourth St., 714-9700

Any pizzeria worth its salt (or cheese, as the case may be) makes a name for itself with its specialty pizzas. Fratelli has won the “best pizza” honor for six years running, and with signature pies like the barbecue-infused Route 66, wing-inspired Buffalo Chicken, and the Pesto Cashew (how it sounds, and perhaps better how it tastes) it’s easy to see why.

Best Salsa

Salsa Brava

2220 E. Route 66, 779-5293

Any salsa aficionado will agree: The key to a good salsa is freshness. And Salsa Brava whips up each and every one of its handmade salsas in the kitchen every day. In fact, every item the chefs create is made to order. Salsa Brava makes a wonderful assortment of salsas, so whether you like the red-hot five-alarm spicy stuff or the milder mixes, Salsa Brava has the best stuff in town. Salsa Brava also provides full-service catering, so you can enjoy all these salsas at your next event.

Best Seafood

Red Lobster Restaurant

2500 S. Beulah Blvd., 556-9604

Just inside the entrance of the restaurant is a conspicuously-positioned water-tank with about a dozen good-sized live lobsters ready to fulfill your appetite for seafood. The lunch menu boasts such fare as endless soup (chowder or gumbo) and shrimp garden salad. At dinnertime, try the Ultimate Feast, which includes a tender Maine lobster tail, steamed snow crab legs, garlic shrimp scampi and Walt’s favorite shrimp. A full bar complements any dining experience.

Best Sports Bar

Buffalo Wild Wings

2700 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., 774-3550

With 34 televisions, including six projection screens, Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect place to catch a game — any game. The bar has all the satellite packages, from NCAA football to the National Hockey League. While watching a game, you can munch on their famous buffalo wings, which come in 13 different flavors.

Best Steakhouse

Horsemen Lodge

8500 N. Highway 89, 526-2655

This dynamite restaurant offers a true western dining experience with both the service and the food. With unique western artwork decorating the walls, along with animal mounts all around the dining room, it’s easy to feel comfortable. Off the broiler, the Horsemen Lodge offers everything from a New York strip to a top sirloin with excellent flavor.

Best Sunday Brunch

Little America Hotel

2515 E. Butler Ave., 779-7900

Brunch at Little America on Sundays is a longstanding Flagstaff tradition. Whether fresh from church or coming off a long hike, the hotel offers a wide selection of foods to nosh on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Having the choice of having a tasty omelet in the afternoon or getting an early start on a sandwich in the morning, it is easy to see why locals continue to flock to Little America.

Best Sushi

Hiro’s Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant

1312 S. Plaza Way, 226-8030.

Hot wasabi and pickled ginger bring out seafood flavors at an affordable price. The Japanese-style sushi bar displays the foods of the day, while more formal diners can find a table behind a small specialty shop where residents can purchase items to bring a feeling of the Orient to culinary exploration in their own homes.

Best Taco

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant

1900 N. Second St., 779-0026

Crunchy. Tasty. Spicy. Easy on the wallet. ’Nuff said.

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Dara Thai

14 S. San Francisco St., 774-0047

It was the first and it’s still the best. All the yummy Thai classics — curries, rice and noodle dishes — are here served up at affordable prices in a casual setting. There are also lots of vegetarian options to choose from.

Best VegetarianSelection

Mountain Oasis

11 E. Aspen Ave., 214-9270

If you want a taste of the best downtown Flagstaff has to offer, visit Mountain Oasis, where the friendly staff serves up a wide range of dishes, both meat and vegetarian, for lunch and dinner. A very popular dish is the Mountain Oasis Thai dish with peanut sauce, available with tofu, shrimp or chicken. Soups are also popular, and locals call up to check on the soup of the day. The restaurant has a full bar with liquor, wine and beer and a smoothie bar, as well. Jeff Opper has owned the business for six years, running it with Linda Kouragian. Local musicians provide live music Thursday though Monday. The romantic mood is enhanced by soft lighting, including candles at night, lush living plants and a fountain. A different local artist hangs his or her work each month, and the restaurant takes no fee on sales.

Best Waitstaff

The Cottage Place

126 W. Cottage Ave., 774-8431

Customers on the Cottage Place’s Web site praise its waitstaff as attentive, caring, friendly and nice, so the Daily Sun readers’ vote is no surprise. Expect your food to arrive at the table promptly and at the right temperature, and your water glasses to remain full. It will be a dining experience you’ll remember forever.

Best Wine Selection

The Wine Loft

17 N. San Francisco St., 773-9463

Located above the Artists Gallery and decidedly unpretentious, The Wine Loft caters to wine lovers big and small. Wine flights (three pours at 2 ounces each) are featured, as well as nearly 40 wines available by the glass. Even beer lovers will find something to drink here with 50-plus brews to choose from. If you find a wine you like, you can buy a bottle from the Wine Loft’s excellent selection of on-hand stock.

Outdoors

Best Bike Trailfor Beginners

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS)

Bike trails columnist Jack Welch sums up why readers like the FUTS: “The Flagstaff Urban Trail System is an excellent place for a beginner bicycle rider to test out their wheels. Good first-time treks include: Thorpe Park north to Crescent Drive, the paved FUTS through the Ponderosa Trails neighborhood, McMillan Mesa FUTS or from Lone Tree Road east to the waste water treatment plant.”

BEST CITY PARK

Thorpe Park

191 N. Thorpe Road, 779-7690

Thorpe Park offers a little something for everyone in its 219 acres. A senior center with exercise room, lighted tennis courts, basketball court, playgrounds, a dog park and a disc golf course are all here. There’s plenty of parking and restrooms, too.

Best Day Hike

Humphreys Peak

From spring to fall, the trail to Humphreys Peak is the most beautiful, serene hike around Flagstaff. If you’re going all the way up, pack plenty of water and an assortment of snacks to munch on. If you just have a few hours to kill, wander up as far as the Saddle and check out the amazing views of Doney Park and the Painted Desert.

Best Family Hike

Fat Man’s Loop

North Highway 89 past the Flagstaff Mall and the Peaks Ranger Station.

This 2.2-mile hike gains only about 500 feet in elevation, making it perfect for young and old alike. Be careful not to take the Mount Elden Lookout Trail, which is accessed from Fatman’s Loop — not unless you want a serious workout with more than 2,000 feet in elevation gain. The tykes typically have a hard time with such a lung buster. The best hiking time is April to November. For more information, visit the Coconino National Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

Best Killer Hike

Humphreys Peak

At 12,637 feet, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona. Of course, after the grueling hike up the lava flows, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. On a clear day, you can see the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. Swap stories and granola bars atop the peak with your fellow hikers … just make sure the rain clouds aren’t closing in.

BEST PICNIC SPOT

Lockett Meadow

Coconino National Forest, 527-3600

Easy to reach and not far from town, Lockett Meadow nonetheless feels a world apart. Aspen-lined mountains surround the meadow and blue sky stretches above. It’s a perfect setting for a romantic picnic or a family outing.

Best Placeto Go Fishing

Ashurst Lake

20 miles southeast of Flagstaff off Lake Mary Road, 527-3600

A perfect place to unwind and relax, Ashurst Lake is also a great place to go to catch some fish. With beautiful and peaceful surroundings, the lake is regularly stocked with both rainbow and brook trout. You never have to worry about the water levels either, as the lake has an excellent reputation for holding water, even through dry spells.

Best Placeto Stargaze

Lowell Observatory

1400 W. Mars Hill Road, 774-3358

Everyone knows there’s only one place in Flagstaff to go for stars. With a nationally renowned research center, telescopes ( including the one Clyde Tombaugh used to discover Pluto) and a long list of activities for people young and old, there’s really no competition for a place to view the cosmos. Lowell can entice anyone with an interest in space, from the avid scientist to the casual observer. These guys and gals are so serious about stars, they made the whole town go dark to see them better.

Best Placeto Walk Your Dog

Buffalo Park

East Cedar Avenue

Located on McMillan Mesa, this popular, easy walk is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. The scattered pine forest and open meadows give this place a special feeling. The spaciousness is enhanced by the great views of the San Francisco Peaks, the Dry Lake Hills, and Mount Elden. Dogs will love all the stops and smells along the loop.

BEST PLAYGROUND

Thorpe Park

191 N. Thorpe Road, 779-7690

Kids of all ages will find something to do at Thorpe Park’s playgrounds. There’s a playground for the tots and a separate one for the older kids — with benches in between so mom and dad can see all the kids at once. An expanse of soft grass and picnic tables complete the recipe for can’t-miss fun.

Best Rock Climb

Vertical Relief

205 S. San Francisco St., 556-9909

Perhaps blasphemy to the outdoor purist, given northern Arizona’s renowned “real” rock climbing. But don’t hold it against Vertical Relief, Flagstaff’s indoor climbing gym. The staff is friendly and experienced, the routes are thought-provoking, and when it’s too dark or snowy to enjoy the area’s abundant stone, the gym provides invaluable opportunities to stay strong and psyched.

Best Running Trail

Buffalo Park

East Cedar Avenue

The wide, well-worn 2-mile loop boasts beautiful views. There are markers every quarter of a mile to help runners know how far they have gone. Paths also branch out, including to the McMillan Mesa Trail, as part of the FUTS to give people some variation in their running. Any time of the day people are out running and walking, with their dogs or with friends.

Retail

Best AntiqueShopping

Carriage House Antiques

413 N. San Francisco St., 774-1337

No stranger to the “Best of Flagstaff” winner’s list, Carriage House Antiques carries a huge assortment of treasures, including hard-to-find items. As Lynne Baker, who owns the shop with Dee Wright, says, they have everything “from soup to nuts.” Even better, all that variety has a small price tag, which is probably why Carriage House Antiques has won accolades every year.

Best Appliance Store

Sears

4800 N. Highway 89 (Flagstaff Mall), 527-0079

Not a surprise here at all. Sears offers all the top brands and has a wide range of selections. With a knowledgeable and friendly staff, Sears makes buying an appliance an easy process. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small purchase like a coffee maker or a bigger one like a washer and dryer, Sears has it.

Best Artist Gallery

The Artist Gallery

17 N. San Francisco St., 773-0958

Celebrating 15 years in downtown Flagstaff, The Artist Gallery features about 55 artists, almost all of them local. The gallery runs primarily as a cooperative, although some consignments are now accepted. Participating artists help staff the counter, so visitors can meet local artists when they come to shop. They can also arrange special orders through artists. Featured artwork includes paintings, fused and stained glass, gourd carvings, pottery, photography, jewelry, woven items, paper pieces, ironwork, sculpture, wood collage and turned-wood objects. Gallery members set their own prices, which tend to be affordable. Prices for art can range from as little as $7 up to $12,500 for the metal consignment sculpture of a scorpion recently featured in the gallery window.

Best Auto Dealer

Planet Nissan Subaru

2020 E. Route 66, 774-9163.

The auto dealer has an established client base from nine years of local ownership. With 50 percent repeat business, Planet Nissan Subaru strives to satisfy daily. From the ownership down, a customer-first mentality is always top priority. The Jeep part of the business is the fastest growing franchise in the state, and bigger plans are in the works. Even with the market down, Planet continues to pick up market share with Nissan, Subaru and Jeep products.

Best Bike Shop

AZ Bikes and Boards

5 E. Aspen Ave. 773-9881

We love our bicycles in this town and readers find that AZ Bikes caters to experienced bicylists, but is always being available to help the novice make an informed purchase. The store’s laidback approach allows everyone to feel comfortable. Owner Bryce Wright is a serious bicycle enthuiast and amateur racer who surrounds himself with a knowledgeable staff, whether it’s for customer service or for expert repairs.

Best Book Store

Bookmans

1520 S. Riordan Ranch Road, 774-0005

Bookmans isn’t just a place to get dog-eared pulpy detective novels and old Arizona Highways — it’s a cultural hot spot. The used book, music and media miscellany emporium offers a trading system that makes the stock as eclectic as its clientele, and is a popular place to play chess, sip coffee, take in a story hour or even hook up with a knitting circle — and, of course, curl up with a good book.

Best ClothingBoutique

The Basement Marketplace

120 N. Leroux St., 556-3081

The Basement beat out Rainbow Connection this year, proving that you don’t have to have store-front windows to attract customers. This boutique keeps a cheery atmosphere despite its substreet level, with tons of space to browse, a bubbling pond complete with fish and friendly greetings from sales associates as you descend the stairs. Their fresh selection of styles can suit tastes from the simple to the highly fashionable, and the attentive staff keeps a pleasant rapport throughout the clothes-purchasing process.

Best Convenience Store

Pay N Take

12 W. Aspen Ave., 226-8595

Don’t call it just a bar — Pay N Take stays true to its name by offering a variety of items you can grab quickly if you can’t stay for a drink. Aspirin, batteries, gourmet coffee, condoms — they have you covered for wherever the night takes you. It’s not unusual to see someone bring a roll of paper towels up to the bar to add to their tab. And many patrons appreciate the plentiful snack foods, especially after they’ve had a few.

BEST CRAFT/HOBBY STORE

Michael’s

1500 S. Riordan Ranch Road, 774-4558

The vast array of craft supplies at Michael’s — yarn, scrapbook supplies, clay, paint, fake flowers, glue, googly eyes, wood forms, foam forms, beads, cake decorating equipment — is sure to get anyone’s creative juices flowing. Don’t know how? They have classes, too.

BEST DEALS ON KIDS’CLOTHING

Madie and Mo’s

1061 S. Plaza Way, Suite E, 773-0502

Need that perfect party dress or first-day-of-school togs? Madie and Mo’s consignment kids’ clothing boutique is the place to go in Flagstaff for a good deal on name-brand kids’ clothes. They sell only the best so your kids will look great.

Best Department Store

Kohl’s

500 W. Forest Meadows St., 773-1380

In an upset, this westside department store bumped off perennial champ Dillard’s. Customers love Kohl’s, which opened in Flagstaff in October 2003, for its early-bird sales, name-brand selections and neatly compartmentalized sections throughout the store. Readers also like the customer service and clean sales floor.

Best Electronics Store

Best Buy

5005 East Marketplace, 522-6141

In just its second month, Best Buy has already established itself in town. It’s the perfect one-stop store for everything electronic from plasma screen TVs to low-priced CDs and DVDs. Best Buy also has the Geek Squad on site to repair computers.

Best Fabric and/or Sewing/Knitting Store

JoAnn’s

1514 S. Riordan Ranch Road, 774-6873

JoAnn’s is a crafter’s paradise: Bolts and bolts of fabric, as well as quilters’ fat quarters and a variety of threads fill the store. Helpful staffers will cut your selections and even offer advice on color-matching when asked. And JoAnn’s sales deliver prices that can’t be beat.

Best Floor Covering

Carpets of Dalton/Flooring

2720 E. Lakin Drive, 526-9100

Set one foot inside Carpets of Dalton/Flooring and you will overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices in terms of flooring. With one of the largest showrooms in northern Arizona, visitors can choose between imported Italian stone or, if they prefer, shag carpeting, for their floors.

Best Florist

Sutcliffe Floral & Gifts

111 N. Beaver St., 774-0670

Sutcliffe Floral is a Flagstaff institution, having served locals with beautiful floral arrangements and gifts since 1944. The secret to the shop’s success is three-fold: customer service, customer service and more customer service. The staff is there to make the customer happy, including offering deliveries to more far-flung environs such as Munds Park and Bellemont.

Best Gift Shop

Little America Hotel

2515 E. Butler Ave., 779-7900

It doesn’t matter who you take with you on a trip (or move) to Flagstaff, there is someone who is always left behind. And if you want to bring a piece of Flagstaff culture to them, this gift shop has something for everyone. The selection ranges from a cowboy boots to Navajo jewelry to Route 66 trinkets.

Best Home Accessories Store

The Lite Company

2109 N. Fourth St., 774-6257

Don’t let the name fool you, as owners Mike and Kathie Knapp have significantly expanded this 4th Street store to include fine furniture and home decorating items that represent the Flagstaff style of living. The 10,000-square-foot showroom features lighting, fine furniture and home decor that is often handpicked for its uniqueness and style. Customers say they stop in just to see what new treasures are on the showroom floor.

Best HomeFurnishings

The Furniture Barn

503 W. Clay Avenue, 774-2752

What sets Furniture Barn apart from other furniture chain stores is its great customer service and deep roots within the community — oh, and the gigantic cow painted on the side of its building. It is very Flagstaff-oriented, and the employees make good relationships with people in the community. The two-story building is sure to have what you’re looking for in home furnishings.

Best HomeImprovement

Ace HomeCo Home Center

1763 E. Butler Ave., 779-6111

Whether customers are interested in remodels of kitchens, or bathrooms, Ace is the place to find all supplies for the do-it-yourself home improvement needs. From cabinets to counter tops, to paint and all points in between, the staff also offers a wide array of installations. Need cabinets installed? Fireplaces, wood stoves, doors, or windows? Don’t forget the knowledgeable employees and top-notch customer service. Ace has been voted Best of Flagstaff for the last four years.

BEST JEWELRY

Gold Wolff Jewelers

1926 N. Fourth St., 526-8660

For custom made and ready-to-wear jewelry, customers from Winslow, Page, east Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon head to Gold Wolff Jewelers.

The proprietor, who’s been in town most years since 1983, has been best of Flagstaff for three years running for, he says, selling unique jewelry at competitive prices.

BEST KIDS CLOTHINGBOUTIQUE

Madie and Mo’s

1061 S. Plaza Way, Suite E, 773-0502

You want the best for your kids but don’t want to drive to Phoenix for the shopping options? Go to Madie and Mo’s for a variety of togs for kids ages zero to 6. They pick and choose the best stuff and offer it at reasonable prices.

BEST KITCHEN STORE

Seasoned Kitchen

106 N. San Francisco St., 213-5942

If you’re looking for a cast-iron tea kettle, a Thai cooking class, copper pans from France or a $3,200 espresso maker, Seasoned Kitchen has it.

Opened by a homebuilder in fall 2006, the store carries a wide array of high-end hand tools, cookware, some eclectic foods, and heavy machinery such as large mixers. Local chefs teach cooking classes here, too.

Best LandscapeCompany

Warner’s

1101 E. Butler Ave., 774-5187

Need help designing your garden? A crew of 50 at Warner’s Landscape Company is ready and willing to plan both residential and commercial landscapes, complete with water features if requested. Delivery and planting services are also available. Warner’s garden staff can do monthly maintenance for customers, including pruning and weeding. The landscape staff will also install irrigation systems for anything they design. Customers can contract for snowplow services, usually for apartment complexes and businesses in town. Two greenhouses, one for annuals, the other for perennials, are fully stocked with plants for all landscaping needs.

Best MeatDepartment

Randal’s Fine Meats

5200 E. Cortland Blvd., Suite C5, 714-1209

If meat’s on the menu, make sure you stop by Randal’s for the highest-quality steaks and seafood in Flagstaff. Randal’s carries prime and choice beef from the Midwest, and the store’s selection is top-notch. To ensure you get the most out of your meat, the staff offers expert advice for preparation.

Best MusicalInstrument Store

Arizona Music Pro

122 E. Route 66, 556-9054

Not only does Arizona Music Pro have a huge selection of instruments — from brass to woodwind to guitars and amps — but the store also has eight practice studios and a large teaching academy with 10 teachers. Most importantly, the staff prides itself on customer service, whether it’s personal attention or repairs. Arizona Music Pro also conducts workshops by local musicians (Tony Balbinot of the Cadillac Angels performed there in October). No matter what your musical need, Arizona Music Pro will be music to your ears.

Best Nursery/Plant Store

Warner’s

1101 E. Butler Ave., 774-5187

A walk through Warner’s plant store is like a stroll through a delightful park. The abundant greenery, indoor and outdoor ponds (complete with bridges, Japanese goldfish and seven turtles), cheerful lighting and charming retail staff make the Warner’s experience both amusing and calming. A family business since 1987, Warner’s is still run by several children of the founder, Dorothy Warner. Dot’s Back Porch store, a tribute to Dorothy, is full of colorful Christmas decorations and other holiday gifts. Open all year, staff are trained to answer gardening questions throughout all four seasons. Pets are always welcome, and two cats, Cinders and Saga, lounge in the sun and welcome all two- and four-footed guests.

Best Office Supply

Staples

2625 N. Woodlands Village Blvd., 214-8424

Staples, home of the “Easy” button, is also home to the best office supplies in town. It stocks a wide variety of printers, ink cartridges and electronic gadgets, as well as standard office supplies like paper and card stock, Post-it notes and a rainbow of writing utensils. There’s also stuff to help you organize your home office, from desks and deluxe office chairs to storage boxes and bulletin boards.

Best Outdoors Shop

Peace Surplus

14 W. Route 66, 779-4521

Whether you’re a rock climber, a kayaker, a disc golfer, a trail runner or just an average outdoors enthusiast, Peace Surplus has the gear you need. Located downtown on Route 66, stop by Peace before you head out on a day hike or a longer adventure. Owner Steve Chatinsky says the store prides itself on three keys: service, selection and hours. The store’s staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and staying open until 9 p.m. weeknights and 8 p.m. on Saturday ensures that Flagstaff folks of all pursuits get what they need when they need it.

Best Pet Supply

PetsMart

1121 S. Plaza Way, 213-1737

PetsMart offers not only a large selection of products it also focuses on grooming and pet training. The animal lover can make a one-stop shop. PetsMart caters to all kinds of animals including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, from exotic to the more common, as well as small animals. Dog training classes are for puppies at 10 weeks old and up to adult dogs. Private and group training classes are available.

Best Pharmacy

Walgreens

1025 S. Milton Road, 779-9888,1500 E. Cedar Ave., 773-1155

Knowledgeable and friendly pharmacists who take the time to explain medications is key, but readers also like the wide selection of over-the-counter remedies. Plus, where else can you pick up your meds, find great stocking stuffers, choose from gobs of candy choices, have your film and pictures developed and pick up the latest kitschy products like “The Clapper?”

Best Place to Buy CDs/Recorded Music

Hastings Books Music & Video

1540 S. Riordan Ranch St., 779-1880

Hastings employees know their stuff, and their music-geared associates are no different. Knowledgeable, helpful staff are on hand to guide shoppers toward the perfect CD — and with 60,000 to 70,000 new and used music units expected in the store for the upcoming holiday season, patrons will have plenty to choose from.

Best Place to Buy Native AmericanJewelry/Art

Painted Desert

2 N. San Francisco St., 226-8313

Janet and Mark Shipley have been in the trading post business for 18 years, eight of those at their Painted Desert Trading Company in downtown Flagstaff. Since 2002, they have operated out of the historic Brannen Building on San Francisco Street, which survived the second Flagstaff fire of 1886. The Shipleys are passionate about Native American art and have the largest collection of Zuni fetishes outside of Santa Fe and a large selection of Kachina dolls, sand paintings, Navajo pottery and Pendleton trade blankets. Inside Painted Desert, there are 12 cases of jewelry from many tribes — Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Santa Domingo. Good news for locals: They get a 20 percent discount on all items.

BEST PLACE TO FINDJUNKYARD TREASURES

ERIC Building Supply

2112 N. West St., 774-3732

If you need a toilet, a door, a medicine cabinet, a light bulb or a rake, you can find it at ERIC Building Supply.

Do-it-yourselfers from as far away as Colorado drive here to find items at rock-bottom prices that have been bought from overstocked home improvement stores or salvaged elsewhere.

Best Placefor Party Supplies

Confettis Gift and Party

1500 E. Cedar Ave., Suite 62 (Safeway shopping center), 522-5930

Big-box variety and grocery stores may sell a variety of colorful napkins, pointy cardboard hats and noisemakers, but do they stock paper plates in the shape and design of Hawaiian shirts for the office luau? Confettis does. Confettis, Flagstaff’s mom-and-pop party operation, offers complete party planning from invitation creation to unique balloon arrangements and affordable custom banners, and prides itself on all the extra touches it can provide for theme parties. Starting Jan. 1, the store will cut down its overhead by shifting to e-commerce, and moving into a smaller storefront on Seventh Avenue, where the balloon and banner artists will still work and customers can pick up orders. The good news: Confettis will go global while prices go down.

Best Place to Outfit Your Game Room

Mountain Home Gameroom and Spa

1 S. Milton Road, 226-1626

This two-floor superstore has everything to make up a perfect game room. While it’s best known for its wide selection of pool tables, Mountain Home also offers ping-pong tables, dart boards, air hockey tables, as well as bars and bar stools.

BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

Brookside Chocolate Company

120 N. Leroux St., 779-5611

English toffee is the big seller at this old-fashioned candy store, where licorice is sold from glass jars and all the truffles are hand-dipped.

More than 25 years old, the store is busy from winter through Feb. 15 selling gummies, hard candies, snakes, palm-sized chocolate “turtles” and Peaks-shaped truffles.

Best ProduceDepartment

Flagstaff Farmers Market

1901 N. Fourth St., 774-4500

With half their store dedicated to produce, it is easy to see why Flagstaff Farmers Market is consistently a reader’s favorite. But sink your teeth into some of their farm-fresh vegetables and you will know why. The market also offers local favorites not found in chain stores.

Best Rent-to-Own Store

Aspen Sales and Rentals

2710 N. Steves Blvd., No. 20, 526-9496

You can find just about everything you need here from televisions to couches. In its 13th year of operation, Aspen offers free delivery and setup for all customers. Locally owned and operated, Aspen can also custom order anything and also does straight sales along with rent-to-own.

Best Shoe Store

Shoes and Such

17 E. Aspen Ave., 214-6355

For the third year in a row, Shoes and Such has proved the favorite when it comes to footwear. Their prime downtown location, across from Heritage Square, gives them plenty of foot traffic (pun intended). Boots, heels and sandals all come in quirky styles sure to grab attention. As a nice change of pace from the usual awkward armed chairs, they offer comfy couches when you’re ready to try stuff on. And if you’re worried that your new shoes won’t work with your current wardrobe, they have plenty of clothes to choose from and a style-savvy staff to help you find a match.

Best Sporting Goods

Big 5 Sporting Goods

2775 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., 214-0590

Competitive athletes and weekend warriors alike can find what they need to get it done on the courts, courses or diamonds. The selection is second-to-none and its staff truly believes in service with a smile.

Best Thrift Store

Savers

5060 N. Highway 89, 526-1066

Need to find clothes to fit your burgeoning — or shrinking — waistline without spending a lot of dough? How about a Halloween costume that’s the talk of the party? You can find clothing at Savers, Flagstaff’s best thrift store. But there’s also much, much more: Kids’ toys and games, books, music and movies, kitchenware and other staples … all at low, low prices. It’s a bargain-hunter’s paradise.

Best Tire Store

Discount Tire

1230 S. Milton Rd., 774-5273

4290 N. Hwy 89, 526-3956

If you believe your car or truck is only as good as its tires, look no further. This establishment has a large variety of tires from the world’s top manufacturers, all at reasonable prices.

Best Tool & Hardware Store

Ace HomeCo Home Center

1763 E. Butler Ave., 779-6111.

The watch phrase for Ace employees is to offer excellent customer service. The knowledgeable staff is always willing to help customers with the extensive selections of power tools — brands like Dewalt and Makita — as well a sturdy Stanley hand tools. The desire to get customers what they need has created a loyalty among Flagstaff’s residents and has made the store’s Butler Avenue location a 15-year landmark.

Best Western Wear

Circle Q Western Wear

618 E. Route 66, 774-4672

From clothing to boots to hats, Circle Q Western Wear has it all. The best Western wear shop in Flagstaff carries brands like Stetson, Resistol, Pendleton, Red Wing, Carhartt, Levi and Wrangler. But even better than its variety is the customer service. Since it’s a family-owned business, Circle Q can offer service not available in larger stores. This includes free hemming on jeans, while you wait. And it’s not just for cowboys and cowgirls: Circle Q also caters to river-runners and other outdoorsmen and women. “We take pride in getting our customers what they want,” Jme Schelander said.

Services

Best Advertising Agency

Overdrive Media, Inc.,

121 E. Birch St., Suite 507, 213-1288

The design team specializes in fast turnaround for products detailed to the client. With a mixture of pleasing design and hands-on service negotiating best rates to maximize budgets, the agency can take care of all radio, print, television, direct mail and Web advertising needs. A one-stop, full-service ad agency, Overdrive always meets deadlines and exceeds expectations.

BEST APARTMENTCOMMUNITY

Levitan Investment Properties & Sales

19 S. San Francisco St., 774-8461

Renters have more than a dozen smaller apartment communities offered by Levitan Investment Properties & Sales (aka LIPS) to choose from, including several with historical significance, such as the St. Anne Apartments, built as Flagstaff’s first rooming house in 1892 by Judge Hicks.

LIPS owner Barry Levitan says his properties offer modern conveniences and hardwood floors, which means pets are welcome at most complexes. In this pet-loving town that goes a long ways with renters.

“We’re small, we’re locally owned and we care,” sums up Levitan, who started business in 1990 with a few smaller properties and now has about 300 units total.

Best Auto Repair (Collision)

Latham’s Collision Inc.

2360 E. Huntington Drive, 226-1100

Anyone who has had a fender bender knows what a hassle it can be to get things back to factory specifications. These guys do their darndest to make it all better without breaking the bank in the process.

Best Auto Repair (Mechanical)

Ascot Automotive, Inc.

1608 N. East St., 774-1582

Owner Joe Rosenfeldt says, “We are old school when it comes to treating are customers correctly. We have seen many businesses come and go, but we’re still here. We would not be in business without our many satisfied customers.”

Best Bank

First State Bank

Multiple locations

When you’re a locally based bank, it’s a given that you’ll be focused on your local community— that’s what the Flagstaff-headquartered First State Bank does, and it does it well. Recently, the bank opened a handsome HQ on Woodlands Village Boulevard, and expanded into Cottonwood and Payson, spreading more of that sterling small-town service around northern Arizona.

Best Barbershop

Tony’s

3000 N. Fourth St., No. 1, 526-6597

This barbershop has become a local institution in its 19 years in Flagstaff. Just walk right in, don’t worry about making an appointment, and while you’re in there, make sure to marvel at all the western collectibles hanging on the walls. It’s also cheap, with a regular haircut running just $12 and is a great place to bring your child for their first haircut, as it will be quick and well-done.

Best Brake Service

Ascot Automotive, Inc.

1608 N. East St., 774-1582

Mike Vasquez, a seven-year customer, notes, “When the brakes on my 1995 Toyota pickup started to give me trouble, Ascot Automotive did a great job helping me. They went over what I needed, giving me three choices of (brake) pads, and helped me make the right choice.”

Best Car Wash

Route 66 Wash & Lube

2491 N. Steves Blvd., 526-8113

It is easy to get your car/truck dirty in northern Arizona. From the sprawling dirt roads that take you to some of the most picturesque areas in the world or that thin layer of de-icer that gets on your vehicle in the winter, Route 66 Wash & Lube has a solution for every budget. With prices starting at $5, it is easy to see why this eastside car wash is always busy.

Best Carpet Cleaner

Spots

2209 N. Main St., 526-7495

Spots carpet cleaning is definitely the spot to go for the highest quality carpet cleaning services in town. Owner Nathan Denno, 31, started his business in 1993, going door to door with his first carpet cleaner. Today, he employs nine certified cleaning technicians and guarantees the very best customer service possible. In addition to cleaning standard carpets, Spots specializes in cleaning elaborate rugs from all over the world, like silk, hand-knotted rugs from China and Navajo rugs. The largest carpet-cleaning company in northern Arizona, Spots technicians use the most advanced equipment, ultra-pure water and “green” cleaning products.

Best Catering

Simply Delicious

408 E. Route 66, 774-2855

The company’s Web site, simplydeliciousflagstaff.com, describes Simply Delicious as a full-service catering company specializing in eclectic and seasonal cuisine. But Best of Flagstaff voters call it simply Flagstaff’s best catering company. And it lives up to its name: The food really is simply delicious. Menus by chef/owner Nancy McCulla and her staff are inspired by the seasons. Some fall favorites include bourbon-pecan tarts, filo tartlettes with grilled steak and horseradish cream, and corn cakes with black bean salsa and crema fresca.

BEST CHIROPRACTIC SERVICE

Dr. Jeff Alfred

2733 E. Lakin Drive, Suite 3, 527-9309

Among Flagstaff’s many chiropractors, voters said they preferred Alfred most to get them realigned. Here since 1983, Alfred also won Best of Flagstaff in 2006.

Best Cigar Shop

Traders Outlet

1530 Riordan Ranch, 214-9657

Stogie aficionados follow their noses to this top-notch cigar shop on a regular basis. Its huge selection has something for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned pro.

Best Cleaners

Ogden’s Cleaners

602 W. Route 66, 774-92521420 E. Route 66, 214-7284.

No stranger to winning Best of Flagstaff (for the last two years), Carmen and Gary Ogden’s success has a lot to do with having an owner on the premises and involved in the day-to-day of running the business. Dontations to schools and sporting organizations an also a big part of the couple’s formula for success in dry cleaning, laundry service and alterations. Better yet, Ogden’s delivers.

Best Coin-OperatedLaundry

White Flag Coin-Op Laundry

16 S. Beaver St., 774-7614

Kim Genung, a customer since 1999, says “The location, near Macy’s coffee house and Beaver Street Brewery, makes White Flag a great place to do laundry. It’s walking distance from my home and it seems that I am always running into someone I know, so doing laundry is more a social event.”

Best CustomerService

Ascot Automotive, Inc.

1608 N. East St., 774-1582

Owner Joe Rosenfeldt says his secret is simple: “The key to running a successful business in Flagstaff requires a gigantic customer base. We rely on word-of-mouth to grow our business. We are outgrowing our current building where we’ve been based for the last 20 years. To keep our customers happy, we explain what is wrong with their vehicle and offer different solutions (when applicable), give a fair price and fully guarantee our work.”

BEST DAY CARE

Rockhouse Playschool

414 W. Cherry Ave., 774-1282

You can leave the kids (ages 6 weeks to 5 years) confident that they’ll be safe and well cared for. Since 1969, Rockhouse has provided a safe, creative and fun environment for kids. They’ll play hard and come home happy. What more can you ask?

Best Day Spa

Flagstaff Face and Body

724 N. Humphreys St., 226-9355

Despite its small interior space, Face and Body holds its own as a day spa. Though they can’t boast a Jacuzzi or hair and nail service, they have complete packages of care that leave people with the melted look of true contentment. Because they have an intimate setting, those being pampered can feel more comfortable about the privacy and professionalism they receive.

Best FinancialServices

Edward Jones

Multiple locations, agents

Edward Jones has five locations all over town and the company prides itself on face-to-face personal service that focuses on the individual investor and his or her needs.

Best Fitness Club

Flagstaff Athletic Club

3200 N. Country Club Drive, 526-8652200 W. Route 66, 779-4593

With two locations Flagstaff Athletic Club is convenient for any Flagstaff resident. The east location boasts indoor tennis courts that are also used for indoor soccer. Both locations have indoor lap pools and a full cardio and weight room.

Best Framing Shop

Blackhound

120 N. Leroux St., 774-2323

Beyond the kooky knick-knacks and silly shirts of Blackhound is the best frame shop in town. Blackhound is quick, good and inexpensive. These guys know framing inside and out, and they’ll even help you deliver and install your custom pieces. From the simple to the special-effects-laden, Blackhound is the place to go for all your framing needs.

Best Hotel

Little America Hotel

2515 E. Butler Ave., 779-7900

Large LCD televisions, bathtubs big enough for an adult, gaming stations for the kids and the huge beds make Little America a natural choice when staying overnight in Flagstaff. The hotel has two restaurants with an amazing Sunday brunch and a gift shop that offers shoppers a little bit of everything to take back home.

Best InsuranceCOMPANY

State Farm

Multiple agents, locations

For whatever you need — life, car, renter’s or health insurance — these folks have you covered. Options are varied, so whatever your situation, State Farm can help you out. Plus, having multiple coverages provides an additional discount. With several locations around town, you’re never far from an office. Any representative is sure to greet you with a smile and explain everything easily.

Best Interior Design

Carpets of Dalton/Flooring

2720 E. Lakin Drive, 526-9100

Interior designers at this eastside company know the latest trends in design, in part because they see the latest rage in floor design every day as they work out of the Carpets of Dalton/Flooring showroom.

BEST INTERNETSERVICE

NPG Cable

1601 S. Plaza Way, 774-5336

More households and businesses use NPG Cable for broadband service than any other Internet provider, the company says.

Though there is an installation charge and equipment needed, the company doesn’t ask residential customers to sign multiyear contracts. Fiber optic lines being planted around east Flagstaff could boost the telecommunications capacities in years to come.

Best Martial ArtsTRAINING

Sleeping Lion Martial Arts Academy

2103 E. Cedar Ave., Suite B, 214-9974

From Mikell Coleman, student and instructor: “Sleeping Lion Martial Arts provides unmatched quality in martial arts instruction due to the variety and depth of teachings, specialized programs for all age groups, and individualized attention to students. When a person enters the studio, she or he is immediately welcomed into a family of martial artists who are interested in the personal growth and development of each student. The students possess a unique sense of pride and cooperation that gives serious training a friendly appeal.”

Best MortgageCompany

Mountain Country Mortgage

2076 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., 226-6908

What makes a great mortgage company? For Mountain Country Mortgage, it’s the longtime Flagstaff residents who make up its staff, providing friendly, professional and deeply knowledgeable service with timely closures.

Best Oil Change

Pit Stop

4504 N. Highway 89, 526-50571061 W. Route 66, 556-0400

Known for its fast and friendly service, the Pit Stop opened a second location this year so it could better serve the Flagstaff community. Open six days a week, the Pit Stop will get you in and out in a hurry and do it for a reasonable price. A standard oil change runs $34, with Tuesday being “ladies day” as all ladies receive a $5 discount.

Best Photographer

Kristen Lullo

Reachable by cell phone at (480) 459-0525

It certainly was a surprise to Kristen Lullo, 20, when she heard she was chosen as the Best Photographer for 2007. This may be because the talented young woman, who came up from Mesa to study at NAU, has only been in Flagstaff for three years. Her mom got her into photography when she was a child, and passion for the art is still growing. Lullo, who is majoring in photography, is focusing on images of people and is currently exploring fashion work. Although she is unpublished, she has photographed several local bands and displayed her photos during First Friday Artwalks. If the public has any say in it, her future is bright.

BEST PLACETO ADOPT A PET

Second Chance Center for Animals

11665 N. Highway 89, 526-5964

This private nonprofit takes in about 800 cats, dogs, bunnies, gerbils, ferrets, birds and turtles per year, taking animals off other shelter’s euthanasia lists in Phoenix, and northern and eastern Arizona. Animals are allowed to live here until they’re adopted.

Dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated before being put up for adoption.

Best Place to FindCheap Gas

Fry’s Food & Drug Stores

201 N. Switzer Canyon Drive, 774-2719

The rising price of gasoline has taken bigger and bigger bites out of the household budgets of many Americans, so it makes sense to save as much money as possible when filling your tank.

Best Place to Get a Manicure/Pedicure

Red OTS Salon Spa

120 N. Leroux St., 779-3355

Red 115 Salon Spa

1800 S. Milton Road, Suite 115, 214-0115

Voting with their feet and fingers, readers commend both of Flagstaff’s Aveda-partnership salons, Red OTS Salon Spa and Red 115 Salon Spa, as tops for manicures and pedicures — hands down. Don’t worry, there’s no manicurist named Madge softening your cuticles with dishwashing liquid at either location, just professionals happy to offer the latest treatments and styles.

Best Placeto Get a Massage

Flagstaff Face and Body

724 N. Humphreys St., 226-9355

In a world where massage parlors are more and more common, the favorite in Flagstaff is the little blue house on North Humphreys. A highly experienced staff each with their own techniques makes Flagstaff Face and Body desirable to anyone looking to ease aches and pains, or to just simply relax for an afternoon. Their care is personalized for each customer, making the entire experience a comfortable one.

Best Print Shop

Flagstaff Printing Co.

2231 E. Seventh Ave., 526-3744.

What sets Flagstaff Printing off from the competition is that it specializes in building relationships with their clients. Offset digital color printing at affordable prices with fast turnaround helps this locally owned and operated business deliver great customer service by a knowledgeable staff.

Best Real Estate Agency

Re/Max Peak Properties

717 W. Riordan Road 214-7325

At Re/Max Peak Properties, located in the historic Saginaw House, Owner Andrew Meyer relies on quality agents who are excellent at what they do, with an obsession for exceeding client expectations. Expect large numbers of sales, high professional and ethical standards from agents who are polite and courteous. The office focuses on maintaining an environment that gets results for clients.

Best Salon

Red OTS Salon Spa

120 N. Leroux St., 779-3355

Red 115 Salon Spa

1800 S. Milton, Suite 115, 214-0115

For the second year in a row, readers reward the two “red” salons as best. Red 115 is the full-service salon and spa, where guests have the option for a full range of services and can stay all day. Red OTS Salon Spa is the hip downtown location that offers all hair services, manicures/pedicures and express waxing services for eyebrows and lips.

Best Skin-CareServices

Flagstaff Face and Body

724 N. Humphreys St., 226-9355

The secret weapon of Face and Body is its professional-level skin care. They have a physician on staff to administer medical procedures, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Any type of problematic skin can be tackled, and they administer skin products only found elsewhere in the offices of dermatologists and plastic surgeons. What the business prides itself in is the ability to provide this high level of treatment, yet still keep customers relaxed and comfortable.

Best TanningSalon (Tie)

Flagstaff Sun Center

1061 S. Plaza Way, Suite D, 779-00864401 N. Highway 89, Suite 1, 522-8090

Tanning Time

1800 S. Milton Road, Suite 17, 774-0772

The health risks of sunbathing are well-documented. These salons give all the benefits of lying out the sun, while negating the hazards thanks to their state-of-the art tanning beds.

Best Tattoo Parlor

Tat-Fu

100 N. San Francisco St., 213-5493

This parlor gives 110 percent in everything the tattoo artists do, and they don’t skimp on time or effort just to get the piece done. The artists try their hardest in everything they do, even if they don’t see eye-to-eye with the customer. The new location is much larger and a step up from the old location. Tat-Fu also does body piercings.

Best Travel Agency

Avenues of the World

2915 N. Fourth St., 556-0853

Are you merely taking a trip, or looking for a travel experience? For the latter, check out Avenues of the World, where dedicated travel agents extraordinaire will set you on the path to your dream adventure, be it heli skiing in Canada, staring down the big beasts on an African safari, or lounging on an Alaskan cruise.

Best Video Rental

Video Espresso (now Video Express)

1500 E. Cedar, Suite 48, 213-1073

For the last four years, this Sunnyside video store has catered to local tastes. With thousands of videos, this store competes with the national chains in terms of selection, whether your preference is for political documentaries or the latest sci-fi epic. The store also offers a wide selection of used DVDs to buy if you are looking to expand your video library.

Best Wireless Cafe

The Coffee Pedaler

719 N. Humphreys St., 779-5393.

Owners Dennis and Tara Paprocki have created the ultimate hangout for bicyclists and coffee lovers. While your two wheels are getting a tune-up, you can sip on coffee, tea or one the Coffee Pedaler’s signature smoothies, all the while surfing the Internet for your next big outdoor adventure or just checking email. The shop’s free Wi-Fi extends to the outdoor patio seating in front of the store. Inside, seating includes comfy couches and plenty of outlets to plug in your laptop. Coming soon, in-house computer terminals.

Best Wireless Service

Verizon

4650 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff Mall, Suite B026, 526-0390

Can you hear me now? Yes! said readers who voted in Verizon for its reliable, high-speed, broadband wireless, even up in the mountain town of Flagstaff. Over the past seven years, the company has invested more that $620 million in the Arizona network. Part of that investment includes a full fleet of mobile cell sites that can provide service to emergency response teams and customers during disasters. Just in time for the holidays, Verizon also has come out with several new devices, including Juke, a tiny flick-phone, which is perfect for the music lover, who can load 500 songs into the device.