Your votes are in. Congratulations to all of the RALtoday’s Best nominees. We’re excited to announce our roundup of local winners who truly shine and make Raleigh a better place to live.

From high-level dining experiences and accommodations to places to unwind and relax, here are your top choices in each of our categories.

Psst — Scroll to the bottom of this article for a map view.

Food & Beverage

Breweries + Distilleries

Your locally crafted haven of small-batch spirits with a focus on quality and community roots.

🏆 First place: Trophy Brewing & Taproom | With multiple locations through our area, fun events, and food trucks on site, this brewery is your No. 1 pick.

🥈 Runner Up: Raleigh Beer Garden

Honoree: Crank Arm Brewing Company

Brunch

Your favorite place for a mid-morning weekend indulgence.

🏆 First place: Flying Biscuit Café - Raleigh | It wouldn't be Saturday morning without the benedicts, chicken and waffles, and biscuits and gravy this favorite serves up.

🥈 Runner Up: Irregardless

Honoree: PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails

Check out the moody vibes of the new Jubala location on Hillsborough Street. | Photo by Sam Overton

Coffee Shop

Your go-to spot for the perfect latte, cold brew, or tea.

🏆 First place: Jubala Coffee | There's not only delicious coffee at this go-to coffee house that roasts its beans on site, but scratch-made biscuits and hot pressed sandwiches.

🥈 Runner Up: NoRa Cafe

Honoree: Sola Coffee Cafe

Fine Dining

A place to savor exquisite dishes where every detail is designed to impress.

🏆 First place: Angus Barn | This steakhouse is your go-to for enjoying delectable entrees in a charming country-style space — be sure to stop by during the holidays for a plethora of lights and decorations.

🥈 Runner Up: Stanbury

Honoree: Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

Food Trucks

Your fave mobile food businesses offering diverse, convenient, and freshly prepared meals.

🏆 First place: Arepa Culture | Who doesn't want to buy a from-scratch, Venezuelan-style arepa when they see this food truck coming? Bonus: All arepas are gluten-free.

🥈 Runner Up: Drew's Brews

Honoree: Che Empanadas

Postino Wine Cafe took the spot of Cafe Carolina, which is now just a few steps away. | Photo by RALtoday

Happy Hour

Your relaxing choice for the best deals on drinks and appetizers.

🏆 First place: Postino Village District | This cheery, chic wine bar offers $6 wines by the glass + $6 beers by the pitcher for happy hour — cheers to that.

🥈 Runner Up: Gussie's

Honoree: Tap Yard Raleigh

Ice Cream + Desserts

A sweet spot for all ages, dishing out locally inspired ice cream made with fresh ingredients.

🏆 First place: Two Roosters Ice Cream | There's nowhere else you'd rather grab a scoop of blackberry hibiscus or coffee bourbon ice cream from.

🥈 Runner Up: Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery

Honoree: Andia's Ice Cream

Lunch Spot

Your midday choice for a good sandwich, soup, or salad for a quick light bite.

🏆 First place: Sassool | Fresh, delicious Lebanese food is what Raleigh wants for lunch. Bonus: Shop for pantry items and Mediterranean staples in the grocery store.

🥈 Runner Up: Village Deli and Grill

Honoree: Tazza Kitchen Village District

Outdoor Dining

The best rooftops and patios for enjoying a meal while soaking up the sun.

🏆 First place: Standard Beer + Food | The endless picnic tables and fan-favorite brunch make this your favorite place to gather for food and drinks on a nice day.

🥈 Runner Up: Whiskey Kitchen

Honoree: Hummingbird

Sports Bar

Where you head to for the next sports game, a wide menu of drinks, and game-day cravings.

🏆 First place: The Players Retreat | Game day just isn't the same when you're not indulging in sandwiches, chicken Retreats, and 200+ single malt scotch whiskey varieties at this cozy pub. my faveeee

🥈 Runner Up: High Park Bar & Grill

Honoree: Village Draft House

Tap Rooms

A spot guaranteed to deliver a delicious, locally crafted beer.

🏆 First place: Trophy Brewing & Pizza | With multiple locations through our area, fun events, and food trucks on site, this brewery is your No. 1 pick.

🥈 Runner Up: Tap Yard Raleigh

Honoree: The Anchor Bar

Winery or Wine Bar

Your spot to enjoy crafted wine, offering a taste of the area’s unique flavors and traditions.

🏆 First place: The Raleigh Wine Shop | Shop, sip, and learn at this specialty wine shop that offers classes, private events, and a wine club.

🥈 Runner Up: Postino Village District

Honoree: Pelagic Beer and Wine

Community

Apartment Complex

Apartment complexes with features, designs, and amenities that make you feel at home.

🏆 First place: The Row Raleigh Apartments | This complex earned your No. 1 spot thanks to a resort-style pool, rooftop lounge, and on-site coworking rooms.

Dentist

Helping you smile brighter with gentle care and expert treatment.

🏆 First place: Cary Family Dental | Making patients feel comfortable is a priority at this family dentistry offering everything from cosmetic to emergency care.

🥈 Runner Up: Carolina Dental Arts of Glenwood South

Honoree: NAY orthodontics

Gym + Fitness Center

Your favorite place to pump iron and get a sweat in.

🏆 First place: Alexander Family YMCA | A pool, sauna, and all your classic gym essentials are available at this local YMCA that offers seasonal community events.

🥈 Runner Up: Oak and Iron Fitness

Honoree: Kerr Family YMCA

Home Service Provider

Your go-to for carpentry, flooring, and all things home improvement + repair.

🏆 First place: Air Experts | Turn to Air Experts for all your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs.

🥈 Runner Up: H2D Concrete Specialists

Honoree: Hughey Mechanical

Local Influencer + Celebrity

Your passionate leaders and trendsetters who are driving community awareness.

🏆 First place: Ovies & Giglio Podcast | North Carolina sports fans have probably already downloaded the latest episode of this beloved podcast.

🥈 Runner Up: Get 2 Know Raleigh

Honoree: Bobbie Denise

Local Nonprofit

Local organizations going above and beyond to fuel positive community impact.

🏆 First place: A Place at the Table | Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can cafe has a mission to provide community and good for all, regardless of means.

🥈 Runner Up: Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC

Honoree: Grants For Stamps

Medical Center

Facilities offering a range of healthcare services, including diagnostics and specialized care.

🏆 First place: Blue Water Plastic Surgery Partners | After a successful plastic surgery practice in Beverly Hills, Dr. Michael Law returned to Raleigh to offer his skills to his home town — book everything from body contouring to facial rejuvenation.

🥈 Runner Up: Southern Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center

Honoree: HER Body PT

Photographer

High-level creatives who knock how to capture compelling images through artistic vision.

🏆 First place: Richard Barlow Photo | From weddings to headshots to food photography, this award-winning photographer will deliver beautiful images every time.

🥈 Runner Up: Relevant Media Solutions

Honoree: Tom Waldenberg Photography

Real Estate Agent + Group

Nominate the real estate agent or group that helped secure your dream home.

🏆 First place: Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston | Buy or sell your Raleigh dream house with this trusted real estate firm.

🥈 Runner Up: Jim Allen Group | Coldwell Banker HPW

Honoree: Gaskill Realty

Spas + Salons

The best option for hair care or a spa-day to unwind and treat yourself.

🏆 First place: Blue Water Spa | This medical spa offers injectable services, laser hair removal, and body treatments to help you look your best.

🥈 Runner Up: Hush Hair Lash Brow

Honoree: The Skin Lab By Jessi

Sports Medicine

Expert care for athletes of all levels—helping you recover, perform, and stay in the game.

🏆 First place: Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic| The Raleigh Orthopaedic team has years of orthopedics experience and the care needed to bring you back to functional, joyful movement and athletic performance.

🥈 Runner Up: BreakThrough Physical Therapy

Honoree: EmergeOrtho

Veterinary Clinics

Where pets are treated like family—offering gentle, comprehensive care for your furry pals.

🏆 First place: Oak Heart Veterinary Hospital & Emergency at South Saunders | Your pets are in good hands at this emergency vet service and veterinary hospital.

🥈 Runner Up: Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin

Honoree: Bayleaf Veterinary Hospital

Entertainment & Retail

Arts + Craft Store

From projects to crafts, find everything you need to create and make memories together.

🏆 First place: Jerry's Artarama | Get all the supplies you need for your next project at this store selling paint, canvasses, framing, and more.

🥈 Runner Up: Rebus Works

Quail Ridge Books was your No. 1 choice local bookstores. | Photo by RALtoday

Bookstore

Your curated selection of literature, cozy reading nooks, and a community for curious minds.

🏆 First place: Quail Ridge Books | Your next page-turner is waiting at this local gem offering book clubs and author events.

🥈 Runner Up: Blackbird Books and Coffee

Honoree: Page 158 Books

Golf Course

A little birdie told us that this is your favorite golf course.

🏆 First place: Lonnie Poole Golf Course | This NC State course offers 18 holes, scenic greens, and a challenging yet fun game.

🥈 Runner Up: North Ridge Country Club

Honoree: Brier Creek Commons

North Carolina Museum of Art won the No. 1 spot in favorite museums. | Photo by RALtoday

Museum

The places to explore history, culture, art, and science through curated exhibits.

🏆 First place: North Carolina Museum of Art | We could wander in the outdoor sculpture park forever — immerse yourself in art, culture, and education at this No. 1 choice in museums.

🥈 Runner Up: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Honoree: Marbles Kids Museum

Music Venue

A vibrant hub for live performances showcasing local and touring artists.

🏆 First place: Red Hat Amphitheater | Catch your favorite musical artist's tour at this amphitheater's outdoor stage.

🥈 Runner Up: Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Honoree: The Ritz

Party Venue

A dedicated space designed for hosting celebrations, events, and gatherings.

🏆 First place: ParTee Shack - North Raleigh | Make your next party a mini golf party with this spot's fun mini course, arcade games, and duckpin bowling.

🥈 Runner Up: Home for Entertaining

Pet-Friendly Venue

Your favorite place to eat, drink, play, or stay with your furry friend.

🏆 First place: The Players Retreat | It's not just your No. 1 sports bar — it's also one of your favorite place to bring puppy pals (though they should probably stay away from the scotch).

🥈 Runner Up: Boxcar Bar + Arcade

Honoree: Foxcroft Food & Wine - Raleigh

Theater + Performance Venue

Your venue of choice for live artistic performances and award-winning shows.

🏆 First place: DPAC | Watch 200+ different performances a year at Durham Performing Arts Center — the season tickets might just be worth it.

🥈 Runner Up: Raleigh Little Theatre

Honoree: Martin Marietta Center for the Perfoming Arts

Vintage + Resale Shops

Where to shop sustainably and stylishly with handpicked pieces that celebrate the past.

🏆 First place: MODE Consignment Boutique | Find your favorite brands at this chic secondhand boutique that's helping the environment, one Agolde jean at a time.

🥈 Runner Up: TrunkShow

Honoree: Nice Price Books & Records