Well, it’s finally over. Best of Columbus 2011 is tucked into bed and is sleeping soundly for yet another year. This year was a rough one – seems like lots of people are upset about the Best Band category – last year everyone was upset last year about Best Tenderloin. To get on the ballot all you needed to do was nominate your favorite – this year to get on the ballot a 2% community consensus was needed – which was 6 total nominations.

Sorry to say, but being nominated by only one person or not getting nominated at all doesn’t make anyone or place the Best of Columbus.

Check out the 2011 Best of Columbus numbers (all 750 pages of them)

FOOD & DRINK

BEST BREAKFAST
1: Cracker Barrel – 635 votes
11701 N US Highway 31, Edinburgh
A little ole’ country general store serving down-home foods and goods since 1969. Originating in Lebanon Texas, this country store and restaurant has branched out all over the U.S. The décor includes old advertising signs, farm equipment, early kitchen appliances and photos which complement the country-style seating. Their menu includes home-style comfort foods like meatloaf and house-made mashed potatoes daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to stop into the gift shop for souvenirs and a variety of knick-knacks.

2: Dimitris Family Restaurant – 465 votes

BEST BURGER
1: The Brick – 780 votes
309 Walnut Street, Jonesville
Cooked to order, served fresh and dressed the way a burger should be – simple and to the point. Don’t expect fries or even a plate – because at The Brick you won’t get either. It’s all about cold beer and great burgers. Oh yea, watch your mouth and don’t drop an “f-bomb” cause you’ll be asked to leave and that would be sad and you would still be hungry.

2: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 650 votes

BEST SANDWICH: DELI STYLE
1: Papa’ Deli – 645 Votes
412 Washington Street, Columbus
Great Sandwiches with even better names. Who doesn’t want a “People Pleaser?” Stacked with pastrami, ham, turkey breast, and cobly cheese – paired with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise and we’ll bet your people will be pleased. Meat not your then – go veg with a the “Columbus Connection”, a spinach flat bread with cream cheese, mayonnaise, avocado, spinach leaves, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and shredded cheddar. Yummy, either way.

2: Big Cheese – 510 votes

BEST PIZZA
1: ZwanzigZ Pizza – votes 1995
ZwanzigZ Pizza, 1038 Lafayette Ave, Columbus
Family owned and operated – pizza at ZwanzgiZ is king. The original recipe dough is made fresh daily and the sauce is a proprietary blend of California tomatoes, olive oil, spices and a few secret ZwanzigZ ingredients. A quality pizza using fresh ingredients is what you’ll get here – and remember good things come to those who wait.

2: Bella Pizza – votes 360

BEST MEXICAN & BURRITO
1: Riviera Maya Mexican – 875 votes
Riviera Maya, 2380 25th St, Columbus
Muy Bueno! Winning the Best Mexican category for the first time is FairOaks Mall restaurant Riviera Maya. With a fairly large menu  offering both traditional and “Americanized” favorites – you’re sure to find a favorite or something new to try. The restaurant decor is very bright and colorful – while still maintaining a very relaxed atmosphere. Prices are incredibly reasonable with large portions to fill you up.

2: Mexico Veijo – 520 Votes  &  Burrito 571 votes

BEST SALSA
1: Riviera Maya Mexican – 740 votes
Riviera Maya, 2380 25th St, Columbus
What good are free chips if the salsa doesn’t stimulate your taste buds? Salsa is a spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions and chili peppers and other wonderful additions. Great to dip your free chips in, dollop on tacos or dress up a burrito. Without good salsa many of our favorite would just be okay.

2: Mexico Viejo – 620 Votes

BEST ICE CREAM
1: Zaharakos – 1425 Votes
Zaharakos, 329 Washington St, Columbus
When you walk into Zaharako’s and notice the stained glass, carved oak, Mexican onyx soda fountain, and the Welte orchestration, it is easy to forget that they also have outstanding ice cream. Made on-site with ultra-pure water, the highest quality dairy products, and topped with a wide array of delicious treats, Zaharako’s really delivers the best ice cream in the area – try a hot fudge sundae.

1: Coldstone – 1190 Votes

BEST SEASONAL
1: Musillami’s Drive-In – 1145 votes
Musillami’s Drive In, 855 Jonesville Rd, Columbus
One sure sign of Spring, since 1957, is that Musillami’s Drive In is open for business. If you’re in the mood for a real live car hop experience with car service and great eats then Musillami’s is the place to pull-in and park. Try their “Pizza Burger” and don’t forget the milk shakes! You’ll go back for another and another and another…

2: Becker’s Drive-In – 915 Votes

BEST TENDERLOIN
1: Columbus Bar (Powerhouse Brewing Company) – 605 Votes
Columbus Bar, 322 4th Street, Columbus
The breaded tenderloin is an Indiana creation and the Breaded Tenderloin from the Columbus Bar has been mentioned in the New York times – count ‘em – two times. While the tenderloin has been around for a long time the sandwich from the Columbus Bar brings a different take on the classic by using a special (top secret) blend of spices and cornmeal.

2: Shorty’s – 603 Votes

BEST WINGS
1: Buffalo Wild Wings – 1515 Votes
Buffalo Wild Wings, 2035 W. Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus
Chicken wings are by far one the best foods ever – so wonderful they should in fact be a separate food group! With 14 sauces, from mild (sweet barbecue) to wild (blazin’) and bone in or boneless options Buffalo Wild Wings is a great place to get your fix.

2: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 505 Votes

BEST FINER DINING
1: Smith’s Row Food & Spirits – 1005 Votes
Smith’s Row Food & Spirits, 418 4th St. Columbus
There is something to said about a nice dinner out. The kind of place with black and white clad servers, an ever changing daily special and, of course, menu items you won’t attempt at home. Smith’s Row is taking home the Best Finer Dining category for the third year in a row.

2: Bistro 310 – 750 Votes

BEST FISH SANDWICH
1: Ye Olde Fish House – 1350 Votes
Ye Olde Fish House, 2024 17th Street, Columbus
The only thing as good as their fish sandwich is the friendly service you get at Ye Olde Fish House. This is no fish patty like you get in other restaurants. This is real fish, piled high on a bun, right before your eyes. Delicious!

2: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 575 Votes

BEST CHINESE
Mark Pi’s – 1035 Votes
Mark Pi’s, 2106 East 25th St, Columbus
When you enter Mark Pi’s Chinese Restaurant, you’ll be graciously greeted by the staff and escorted to your requested table. The atmosphere is both elegant and comfortable. Being a simple oriental foodie, my favorite dish is their Sweet and Sour Chicken with white rice and a side order of Hot and Sour Soup. Their Plum Wine is the best…sweet and potent with just enough zing to smooth the edges off a hectic day. Bring the kids, they’ll enjoy the huge fish tank!

2: Yee Kee – 695 Votes

BEST STEAK
1: Texas Roadhouse – 1425 Votes
Texas Roadhouse, 2508 25th St, Columbus
Do you like peanuts and meat? Then Texas Roadhouse is the place for you. The cook can prepare your steak anyway you like it-rare-medium-or “hockey puck” well done. If you can’t resist the peanuts then just throw the hulls on the floor. Enjoy the experience and toss those nutshells, however, make sure to leave room for the fresh-baked rolls with honey-cinammon butter.

2: Smith’s Row – 384 Votes

BEST CASUAL DINING
1: Texas Roadhouse – 690 Votes
Texas Roadhouse, 2508 25th St, Columbus
Texas–themed barbecue chain provides carnivores with a family-friendly spot for a hand-cut steak or rack of tender ribs.With dozens of locations spread across most of the country, this faux-roadhouse chain has become a dependable spot for families in search of a casual spot for affordable steaks and down-home comfort fare. The playful menu is dotted with kid-friendly titles (chicken “critters,” “road kill” chopped sirloin) and don’t forget to load up your baked or sweet potato for just a $1 more. In-house hand-cut steaks come in a plethora of cuts and sizes which are sure to satisfy the carnivore in you.

2: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 450 Votes

BEST INEXPENSIVE LUNCH
1: Zwanzigiz Pizza – 780 votes
ZwanzigZ Pizza, 1038 Lafayette Ave, Columbus
The ZwanzigZ Lunch Slice Special includes a slice of cheese, pepperoni or a sausage, weighing in at 1/2 lb. each, with two bread sticks and dipping sauce with unlimited fountain drinks (same visit only) all for $4.99. Family owned and operated a lot of attention is paid to a high quality product customer satisfaction.

2: Shorty’s Lunch – 300 votes

BEST FRIED CHICKEN
1: Skooters – 665 Votes
Skooters, 1602 State St, Columbus
While technically the chicken from Scooters isn’t fried, it’s broaster style chicken (cooked using a commercial pressurized fryer). It’s good, really good – with a crisp flavorful skin and tender juicy inside. My favorite as a kid was the “Wing Ding” and I must admit, it’s still on high on my favorite list as an adult, however, I’m more inclined to get a dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans.

2: Cracker Barrel Sunday Special – 410 Votes

BEST SIGNATURE DISH
1: Musillami’s Drive-In – Pizza Burger – 485 votes
Musillami’s Drive In, 855 Jonesville Rd, Columbus
If you’ve ever had one you just know. Pizza Burgers are delicious. Those who have tasted the wonder of the Pizza Burger have been known to have uncontrollable cravings while away at college, away on businesses or during the cold winter months, when their closed. Get your fill now while Musillami’s is open – cuz it’s not available year round.

2: Zaharakos – GOM Cheese-brr-grr – 435 votes

BEST SUSHI
1: New Japan – 685 Votes
New Japan, 3820 25th St, Columbus
This was the first year for Best Sushi and the competition was tough. While sushi isn’t for everyone – it’s for many. New Japan offers great lunch specials with friendly prices. For the less adventuresome or uninitiated try the more Americanized menu – feeling traditional go for the Japanese menu for a delightful dinner.

2: Satuma – 565 Votes

BEST SWEET TREAT
1: Gramz Bakery – 430 votes
Gramz Bakery, 409 Washington Street, Columbus
Gramz Bakery and Cafe uses the finest ingredients, including the best quality flour, sugar, and chocolate, to create delectable baked goods. We present a range of specialty breads and pastries, from San Francisco sourdough bread to Boston whoopie pies.  Open from 7 am until 7 pm during the week – Gramz Bakery is sure to tame your sweet tooth with wonderful brownies or fill your stomach with delectable European Breads.

2: 240Sweet Marshmallows – 210 Votes

NIGHTLIFE

BEST BEER SELECTION
1: Columbus Bar (Powerhouse Brewing) – 1165 Votes
Columbus Bar, 322 4th Street, Columbus
Columbus Bar is one of Indiana’s oldest continually operating bars, and houses Columbus’ only brewery since Prohibition. Affectionately called the “CB” by locals and brewheads alike. Columbus Bar is a full-service family restaurant and brew pub where all ages are welcome, however, you have to 21 to imbibe in a brew. With inhouse brews like Diesel Oil Stout, White River Brown Ale, and Jack The Bum Pale Ale there to  fill your mugs – there are also national favorites like Stella Artois and PBR on tap for your drinking pleasure.

2: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 545 Votes

BEST PLACE TO DANCE
1: Scores – 121 Votes
Scores, 3539 W Two Mile House Rd, Columbus
Feeling the pull of the music and the thump of the floor? Zip on out to Scores and get your dance on. “There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them.”  ~Vicki Baum

2: Dance Street – 114 Votes

BEST PLACE FOR LIVE  MUSIC
1: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 1025 Votes
4th Street Bar & Grill, 433 4th St, Columbus
Small venue, intimate setting that can at times get a little loud and smoky show casing the talents of local bands and musicians alike. Acoustic music every on Thursday with live rock bands on Saturday night – never a cover. Come early to get a seat up front or call ahead to reserve a table for your party because it’s been known to get busy with many of the good seats taken.

2: The Crump – 250 Votes

BEST WINE SELECTION
1: Smith’s Row – 705 votes
Smith’s Row, 418 4th St, COlumbus  705
“Wine Spectator Magazine” has designated Smith’s Row wine list as an “uncommon value”. With a wonderful selection the pricing philosophy is also special, with affordable pricing so the wine will be shared and enjoyed instead of gathering dust in the cellar.

2: Bistro 310 – 530 Votes

BEST BILLIARDS
1: Scores – 630 Votes
Scores, 3539 W Two Mile House Rd, Columbus
The History of billiards is long and very rich. The game has been played by kings and commoners, presidents, mental patients, ladies, gentlemen, and hustlers alike. Get your hustle on and rack up the balls, chalk your stick and put the balls in the pockets.

2: Caddies – 615 Votes

BEST BARTENDER
1: Brian Gentry @ 4th Street Bar & Grill – 590 Votes
4th Street Bar & Grill, 433 4th St, Columbus
Winning for three years in a row Brian Gentry slings drinks with the rest of them, however, he just happens to be the best of them.  Quick with a joke or a light of your smoke – he more than likely remembers your name and if he doesn’t admit it – he’s glad you came.

2: Roxanne Stillabower – Texas Roadhouse – 370 Votes

BEST BAR
1: 4th Street Bar & Grill – 1185
4th Street Bar & Grill, 433 4th St, Columbus
With good food, friendly staff, clean bathrooms and great daily specials 4th Street Bar & Grill is one of Columbus’s most popular places. Normally busy on the weekends with a smaller more regular crowd during the week. Smoking is permitted on all days expect Comedy on Tap night – where the ashtrays are taken away at 7pm and laughter fills the air.

2: Columbus Bar (Powerhouse Brewing Company) – 540 votes

BEST KARAOKE
1: Ziggies – 690 Votes
Ziggies, 3029 North National Road, Columbus
Claiming the title for the third year in a row, Ziggies is the place to go to bust out your inner American Idol. Good or bad plan to stay late and sing to your hearts content – once it starts it’s hard to stop. Not a singer? That’s okay, karaoke night proves to provide a good dose of people-watching with only the occasional

2: The Cozy – 460 Votes

BEST BAND
1: 40 Years of College – 425 Votes
2: 650North – 220 Votes

FAMILY FUN & LOCAL COMMERCE

BEST GOLF COURSE
1: Otter Creek – 730 Votes
2: Par 3 – 385 Votes

BEST PUBLIC ART
1: chaos – 810 Votes
2: Eos – 500 Votes

BEST CITY PARK
1: Millrace – 1240 Votes
2: Donner – 650 Votes

BEST EDUCATIONAL LOCATION
1: Bartholomew County Public Library – 1250 Votes
2: kidscommons – 650 Votes

BEST INSIDE RECREATION
1: Ceraland – 600 Votes
2: Foundation for Youth – 560 Votes

BEST FESTIVAL
1: Ethnic Expo – 950 Votes
2: Fair on the Square – 320 Votes

BEST GYM
1: Total Fitness – 945 Votes
2: ColumbusFit- 365 Votes

BEST CARWASH
1: Sparkle – 875 Votes
2: Topdog – 795 Votes

BEST RADIO STATION
1: Qmix – 935 Votes
2: Y106 – 460 Votes

BEST RADIO PERSONALITY
1: Brittany Gray – 107.3 QMIX – 645 Votes
2: Buzz McKay – Y106 – 360 Votes