BEST DINING
Best Bakery
Best of the Big O: Pettit’s Pastry
Readers’ Choice: Wheatfield’s, Jones Bros Cupcakes
Readers’ Recommend: Panera Bread, Le Quartier
Readers’ Refer: Cake Gallery, Gerda’s Bakery
Best BBQ Restaurant
Best of the Big O: Famous Dave’s, Restaurant
Readers’ Choice: Heartland BBQ, Swine Dining
Readers’ Refer: Boyd & Charlie’s, Dickey’s BBQ
Readers’ Recommend: McKenna’s Blues, Booze & BBQ
Best Value Restaurant
Best of the Big O: Cheddar’s
Readers’ Refer: Applebee’s, Village Inn, 11-Worth Cafe, Petrow’s, Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob, McDonald’s
Best Buffet
Best of the Big O: China Buffet
Readers’ Choice: Valentino’s, Golden Coral
Readers’ Refer: HuHot, Pizza Ranch
Readers’ Recommend: Grand China Buffet
Best Burger Joint
Best of the Big O: Stella’s
Readers’ Refer: Red Robin, Smash Burger, Louie M’s Burger Lust
Readers’ Recommend: Dinker’s, Five Guys
Best Café/Diner
Best of the Big O:11 Worth Café
Readers’ Choice: Leo’s Diner
Readers’ Refer: Shirley’s Diner
Readers’ Recommend: Petrow’s, Lisa’s Radial Cafe, Vidlak’s Brookside Café
Best Caterer
Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Choice: Hap Abraham
Readers’ Refer: Attitude on Food, A Catered Affair, Global Gatherings, John Benker Catering, Patricia Catering, Valentino’s
Readers’ Recommend: Eddie’s, Catering Creations
Best Chinese Restaurant
Best of the Big O: J.C. Mandarin
Readers’ Choice: Grand China Buffet
Readers’ Refer: Ming’s
Readers’ Recommend: Three Happiness Express, P.F. Changs, China Road
Best Coffeeshop
Best of the Big O: Scooter’s
Readers’ Choice: Starbuck’s, Crane Coffee
Readers’ Refer: Blue Line, Caffeine Dreams
Readers’ Recommend: Aroma’s
Best Doughnut Shop
Best of the Big O: Dunkin Donuts
Readers’ Choice: Krispy Kreme, Pettit’s Pastry
Readers’ Recommend: LaMar’s, Winchell’s
Readers’ Refer: Donut Professor, Donut Stop
Best Ice Cream Shop
Best of the Big O: Ted & Wally’s
Readers’ Choice: eCreamery, Coldstone Creamery
Readers’ Refer: Goodrich, Red Mango
Readers’ Recommend: Dairy Queen
Best Italian Restaurant
Best of the Big O: La Sole Mio
Readers’ Refer: Vincenzo’s, Sgt. Peffers
Readers’ Recommend: Olive Garden, Malara’s, Mangia
Best Japanese Restaurant
Best of the Big O: Kobe Steakhouse
Readers’ Choice: Hiro 88, Blue Sushi
Readers’ Recommend: Genji, Sakura Bana, Sushi Japan
Best Kid-Friendly (not Kid-Focused) Restaurant Best of the Big O: Red Robin
Readers’ Refer: Amazing Pizza, Pizza Ranch, Spaghetti Works
Readers’ Recommend: Applebee’s
Best Late Night Restaurant
Best of the Big O: Village Inn
Readers’ Choice: Blue Sushi
Readers’ Refer: Amsterdam’s, Hiro 88, Lighthouse Pizza, Taco Bell
Readers’ Recommend: Albelardo’s, M’s Pub
Best Local Food-Serving Restaurant
Best of the Big O: The Grey Plume
Readers’ Choice: Lot 2, Block 16
Readers’ Recommend: Kitchen Table
Best Mexican Restaurant
Best of the Big O: La Mesa
Readers’ Choice: Hector’s
Readers’ Refer: Nettie’s, Romeo’s
Readers’ Recommend: Rivera’s Mexican Restaurant, Cilantro’s, Maria’s
Best New Restaurant
Best of the Big O: Salt 88
Readers’ Refer: Cheddars, Dudley’s
Readers’ Recommend: Avoli, Over Easy, Pig & Finch
Best Nouveau Cuisine
Best of the Big O: J Coco’s
Readers’ Refer: The Grey Plume, Salt 88, V. Mertz
Readers’ Recommend: Jam’s, Wave Bistro
Best Organic Grocery Selection
Best of the Big O: Whole Foods
Readers’ Choice: Trader Joe’s, Hy-Vee
Readers’ Refer: Akin’s Natural Food Store, Jane’s Grocery
Readers’ Recommend: Natural Grocers
Best Pizza Parlor
Best of the Big O: Zio’s
Readers’ Choice: Mama’s Pizza
Readers’ Refer: Big Fred’s, The Pizza Shoppe
Readers’ Recommend: La Casa, Pitch Pizzeria
Best Greek Restaurant
Best of the Big O: The Greek Islands
Readers’ Choice: Jim & Jenny’s Greek Village, Katie’s Greek
Readers’ Refer: Legacy Gyros
Readers’ Recommend: Feta’s, King Kong
Best Retail Deli Counter
Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Refer: Fareway, Spirit World,
Readers’ Recommend: Baker’s, Whole Foods, Jason’s Deli
Best Retail Meat Counter
Best of the Big O: Fareway
Readers’ Choice: Hy-Vee,Best Retail Meat Counter
Readers’ Refer: Wohlner’s, Baker’s
Readers’ Recommend: Stoysich, Just Good Meat
Best Retail Produce Selection
Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Choice: Whole Food, Baker’s
Readers’ Refer: Costco
Readers’ Recommend: Trader Joe’s, Fareway
Best Retail Wine Selection
Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Choice: Brix
Readers’ Refer: Whole Foods, Costco
Readers’ Recommend: Spirit World, Trader Joe’s
Best Restaurant Menu Specials
Best of the Big O: Jam’s
Readers’ Refer: Anthony’s Steak House, Block 16, Blue Sushi, Crave, Dante Pizzeria, IceHouse, Jazz a Louisiana kitchen, Kitchen Table, Salt 88
Best Restaurant Wine Selection
Best of the Big O: Brix Market
Readers’ Refer: 801 Chophouse, Brother Sebastian’s, Charleston’s, Dante Pizzeria, Flemings, M’s Pub, Olive Garden, Salt 88, Stoke’s, The Boiler Room
Best Steak House
Best of the Big O: Texas Roadhouse
Readers’ Choice: The Drover, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Readers’ Refer: Gorat’s
Readers’ Recommend: Anthony’s Steak House, Piccolo Pete’s
Best Sweets Shop
Best of the Big O: Jones Bros Cupcakes
Readers’ Choice: The Cordial Cherry, Old Market Candy Shop
Readers’ Refer: Eileen’s Cookies, Wheatfields
Readers’ Recommend: Hollywood Candy Shop
Best Tapas/Small Portions
Best of the Big O: Espana
Readers’ Refer: Brix
Readers’ Recommend: Cantina Laredo
Best Tex-Mex
Best of the Big O: Julio’s
Readers’ Refer: Hector’s
Readers’ Recommend: Stoke’s, Fernando’s, Roja’s, Romeo’s
Best Thai Restaurant
Best of the Big O: Mai Thai
Readers’ Choice: Thai Spice
Readers’ Refer: Bangkok Cuisine, Salween Thai, Taste of Thailand
Readers’ Recommend: Thai Pepper
Best Vegetarian
Best of the Big O: McFoster’s Natural Kind Café
Readers’ Recommend: Cantina Laredo, Kitchen Table
Best Yogurt Shop
Best of the Big O: Orange Leaf
Readers’ Choice: Red Mango
Readers’ Refer: Peach Wave
Readers’ Recommend: TCBY, Yo-Yo Berri, Cherry Berry
BEST GETTING AROUND
Best Airline
Best of the Big O: Southwest Airlines,
Readers’ Choice: Delta Airlines,
Readers’ Refer: American Airlines, Frontier Airline, Midwest Express
Readers’ Recommend: United Airlines
Best Auto Detail Shop
Best of the Big O: Dolphin’s
Readers’ Choice: Cornhusker Auto Wash and Detail Center
Best Auto Body Shop
Best of the Big O: Dingman’s
Readers’ Choice: Charlie Graham, B Street Collison
Readers’ Refer: CarStar, Shadow Lake Auto Body
Readers’ Recommend: Dave’s Auto Body Shop
Best Auto Dealer Service Shop
Best of the Big O: Woodhouse
Readers’ Choice: Atchley Ford
Readers’ Refer: Baxter, Performance, Stan Olsen
Readers’ Recommend: H & H, Superior Honda
Best Auto Dealership Group
Best of the Big O: Woodhouse
Readers’ Choice: Performance
Readers’ Refer: H & H, Sid Dillon, Stan Olsen
Readers’ Recommend: Huber, Baxter, Beardmore
Best Auto Glass
Best of the Big O: Safelite Autoglass
Readers’ Refer: Galvin Glass, Glassman’s, Metro Glass, River City Glass
Readers’ Recommend: ABC Glass, Omaha Glass Co., Heartland Glass
Best Auto Parts
Best of the Big O: O’Reilly Auto Parts
Readers’ Choice: Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone
Readers’ Refer: Atchley Ford, U-Pull It
Readers’ Recommend: NAPA
Best Auto Repair Shop
Best of the Big O: Jensen Tire and Auto
Readers’ Choice: Exclusive Honda and Acura, Excellence In Auto Repair
Readers’ Recommend: Bunchanan’s Auto Center & Convenience Store
Best Bike Shop
Best of the Big O: The Bike Rack
Readers’ Choice: Trek Bicycyle, Olympic Cycle
Readers’ Recommend: Greenstreet Cycles, Re-Cycle Bike Shop
Readers’ Refer: Bike Masters, Bike Way, Omaha Bicycle Co.
Best Boat Dealer
Best of the Big O: Omaha Marine
Best Car Audio
Best of the Big O: Stereo West
Readers’ Choice: InPhase
Readers’ Refer: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Readers’ Recommend: Best Buy
Best Car Wash
Best of the Big O: Russell Speeder
Readers’ Choice: Dolphin’s Car Wash
Readers’ Refer: Cornhusker Auto Wash
Readers’ Recommend: Fantasy’s, Gorilla Car Wash, Bucky’s
Best Gas Station/Convenience Store
Best of the Big O: Bucky’s
Readers’ Choice: Quick Trip
Readers’ Refer: Kwik Shop
Readers’ Recommend: Hy-Vee Gas, Casey’s, Kum & Go
Best Luxury Auto Dealer
Best of the Big O: Lexus of Omaha
Readers’ Choice: Markel BMW, Mercedes of Omaha
Readers’ Refer: Infiniti of Omaha, Stan Olsen
Readers’ Recommend: Acura, Gorges Volvo
Best New Auto Dealer
Best of the Big O: Performance
Readers’ Choice: Woodhouse
Readers’ Refer: Baxter, Nissan of Omaha, Plaza, Sid Dillon, Superior Honda
Best Pre-owned Car Dealer
Best of the Big O: CarMax
Readers’ Choice: Atchley Ford
Readers’ Refer: Beardmore, Woodhouse
Readers’ Recommend: Performance, Sid Dillon
Best Tire Store & Service
Best of the Big O: Jensen Tire and Auto
Readers’ Choice; Discount Tire
Readers’ Refer: Marion Tire
Readers’ Recommend: Midwest Tire, Tires Plus, Firestone
Best Towing Service
Best of the Big O: AAA
Readers’ Refer: A-1 Towing, Arrow, Bam’s, Grabow Towing, Hansen Towing, Neff Towing, Paul’s Sinclair, Youngs
Best Transportation / Long-distance Travel (not airlines)
Best of the Big O: MegaBus
Readers’ Choice: AmTrak, Greyhound
Readers’ Recommend: Lyft, Ollie The Trolley
BEST PROFESSIONAL & HEALTH SERVICES
Best Allergist Practice
Best of the Big O: Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates, PC Practice, Boys Town Allergy
Readers’ Choice: Midwest Allergy and Asthma
Readers’ Refer: Asthma & Allergy Center, William A. Ingram MD PC
Best Attorney – Criminal
Best of the Big O: James Martin Davis,
Readers’ Choice: Pfeffer Law Office, Bianchi Law
Best Attorney – Divorce
Best of the Big O: McGill Law, Kinney Law, Anderson, Bressman and Hoffman
Best Attorney – DUI
Best of the Big O: Schaffer Shapiro
Best Attorney – Personal Injury
Best of the Big O: Abboud Law Firm
Readers’ Choice: Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop
Readers’ Recommend: Knowles Law Firm
Best Bank
Best of the Big O: First National Bank
Readers’ Choice: Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank
Readers’ Recommend: Great Western Bank, Bank of the West, Pinnacle Bank
Best Chiropractic Practice
Best of the Big O: Hauser Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Readers’ Choice: Koca Chiropractic
Readers’ Refer: Clark Chiropractic Clinic, Elasser Chiropractic, Essentials, Hoogeveen Chiropractic, Martin Chiropractic and Wellness
Readers’ Recommend: Armour Chiropractic
Best Cosmetic Dentist
Best of the Big O: The Smile Design Studio, The Tooth Doc, Nebraska Institute of Comprehensive Dentistry, The Dentists
Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice
Best of the Big O: Aesthetic Surgical Images
Readers’ Choice: Finkle Cosmetic, Sculpt
Readers’ Recommend: Denenberg Facial Plastic Surgery, Popp Cosmetic Surgery
Best Counseling Clinic
Best of the Big O: Boys Town Behavioral Health,
Readers’ Recommend: Alliance Family Counseling, Associated Counseling Professionals, Children’s Behavioral Health, Family Enrichment, Lutheran Family Services
Best Credit Union
Best of the Big O: SAC Federal Credit Union
Readers’ Choice: Centris Federal Credit Union
Readers’ Refer: First Nebraska Educators, Omaha Douglas FCU
Readers’ Recommend: Metro Federal Credit Union, Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union
Best Dentist Office
Best of the Big O: Rainbow Dental,
Readers’ Choice: Mancuso and Mancuso
Readers’ Recommend: “Dr. Curry, DDS”, Dundee Family Dental, Greder Dental Group
Best Dermatology Clinic
Best of the Big O: Midwest Dermatology,
Readers’ Choice: Dermatology Specialists of Omaha, Braddock Finnegan
Readers’ Refer: Joel Schlessinger, Dr. Christopher Huerter
Readers’ Recommend: Methodist Physician’s Clinic Dermatology
Best Financial Advisor Office
Best of the Big O: Feltz Wealth Plan
Readers’ Choice: Amerprise
Readers’ Refer: Centris Federal Credit Union, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, UBS Financial Services, Wells Fargo
Readers’ Recommend: Edward Jones
Best Health Clinic
Best of the Big O: Alegent Creighton
Readers’ Choice: Methodist Physicians Clinic
Readers’ Refer: One World Health Clinic
Readers’ Recommend: Boys Town, Physicians Clinic, UNMC
Best Hospital
Best of the Big O: Methodist Hospital
Readers’ Choice: Nebraska Medical Center,
Readers’ Refer: Lakeside, Children’s Hospital, Methodist Women’s Hospital
Readers’ Recommend: Bergan Mercy Medical Center
Best Insurance Agency
Best of the Big O: State Farm
Readers’ Refer: Geico, Chastain Otis, Progressive
Readers’ Recommend: Farm Bureau, American Family, Allstate
Best Lasik Center
Best of the Big O: Kugler Vision
Readers’ Refer: Brumm Eye, Lasik Plus, Nebraska Laser Eye Associates
Readers’ Recommend: Omaha Eye and Laser
Best Long-Term Care Facility
Best of the Big O: Brookstone Meadows
Readers’ Recommend: Brighton Gardens, Hillcrest
Best Massage Therapy Practice
Best of the Big O: Massage Envy
Readers’ Refer: Essentials, Massage Associates, Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare, Alternative Therapies – Sheila Zealand, Downtown Omaha Massage, Gloss Salon and Spa, Massage Heights, Take Five
Best Nursing Home
Best of the Big O: Brookestone Meadows,
Readers’ Choice: Rose Blumkin Home
Readers’ Recommend: Parson’s House
Best OB/GYN Practice
Best of the Big O: Methodist Women’s Clinic
Readers’ Choice: Alegent Creighton
Readers’ Refer: Associates in Women’s Health
Readers’ Recommend: Mid City OB/GYN, Omaha OB/GYN
Best Optical Store (eyewear store)
Best of the Big O: Pearle Vision
Readers’ Choice: Shopko Optical, Target
Readers’ Refer: Legacy Eyeware, Midwest Eyecare Optical Center, Stanton Optical
Readers’ Recommend: LensCrafters, Millard Family Eyecare
Best Optician
Best of the Big O: KuglerVision
Readers’ Choice: Midwest Eyecare
Readers’ Refer: Legacy Eye Care, Pearl Vision, Primary Eye Care
Best Orthodontist Office
Best of the Big O: Igel Orthodontics
Readers’ Choice: Orthodontics Omaha
Readers’ Refer: Longo Orthodontics, Peter Ziegler
Readers’ Recommend: Barnard Orthodontics, Reis Orthodontics
Best Pediatric Practice
Best of the Big O: Children’s Physicians
Readers’ Choice: Boys Town Pediatrics
Readers’ Refer: Village Pointe Pediatrics, Methodist Children’s, UNMC
Readers’ Recommend: Creighton Alegent Health
Best Pharmacy
Best of the Big O: Walgreens
Readers’ Choice: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Recommend: CVS, Baker’s Pharmacy, Wal-Mart
Readers’ Refer: Target Pharmacy
Best Physical/Occupational Therapy Practice
Best of the Big O: Excel,
Readers’ Choice: Alegent Creighton Immanuel Rehabilitiation Center, Methodist Health West, Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital,
Readers’ Refer: Community Rehab, Edge Physical Therapy, Go Physical Therapy, Integrated Rehab, Makovicka Physical Therapy
Best Rehabilitation Facility
Best of the Big O: Brookestone Meadows
Readers’ Choice: Alegent Creighton Immanuel Rehabilitation Center
Best Veterinary Clinic
Best of the Big O: Ralston Vet
Readers’ Choice: 24th Street Animal Clinic, Mobile Animal Clinic
Readers’ Recommend: Best Care Pet Hospital, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, Rockbrook Animal Clinic
BEST LIVING & HOME SERVICES
Best Apartments-Downtown
Best of the Big O: Old Market Lofts
Readers’ Refer: Bull Durham Building Apartments, SoMa, The Greenhouse, The Highline
Best Apartments-Midtown
Best of the Big O: Midtown Crossing Apartments
Readers’ Choice: Broadmoor at Aksarben Village
Readers’ Recommend: Peony Village
Best Apartments-West
Best of the Big O: Broadmoor Hills
Readers’ Choice: Harrison Hills, Stone Gate Park Apartments
Readers’ Recommend: Apple Creek Apartments, Standing Bear Lake Apartments, The Grand Legacy, The Vanderbilt
Best Assisted Living Facility
Best of the Big O: Brookstone Meadows,
Readers’ Choice: New Cassel,Best Assisted Living Facility
Readers’ Refer: Rose Blumpkin, Silver Ridge (Gretna), Waterford at Miracle Hills
Readers’ Recommend: Hillcrest
Best Carpet / Flooring Store
Best of the Big O: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Readers’ Choice: Kelly’s Carpet
Readers’ Refer: Carpetland, Lowe’s, Mrs B’s, Baldwin Flooring America, Lumber Liquidators
Best Concrete Company
Best of the Big O: Flatwork Inc., Harms, McGill Restoration, Schroeder Concrete, Twin City Masonry
Best Condo Development
Best of the Big O: Riverfront
Readers’ Choice: Beebe + Runyon
Best Electrician
Best of the Big O: Miller Electric Company
Readers’ Refer: Bruce Kutler Electric, Burton A/C Heating Plumbing & More, Oak Hills Electric, Robert’s, Superior Electric
Best Exterminator Company
Best of the Big O: Presto X
Readers’ Choice: Lien Pest Control, Orkin, Terminix
Readers’ Recommend: Echo Pest Control, Pest Solutions 365
Best Furniture Store
Best of the Big O: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Readers’ Refer: Allen’s, Ethan Allen
Best Garden Center / Nursery
Best of the Big O: Mulhall’s
Readers’ Choice: Lanoha’s
Readers’ Refer: Lowe’s
Readers’ Recommend: Earl May, Menard’s, Canoyer
Best Gutter Company
Best of the Big O: The Gutter Truck, Z’s Home Improvement
Best Hardware Store
Best of the Big O: Westlake Ace Hardware
Readers’ Choice: Menard’s, Lowe’s
Readers’ Refer: True Value, Ideal Hardware
Readers’ Recommend: Home Depot
Best Heating & A/C Company
Best of the Big O: Aksarben Heating and Cooling
Readers’ Choice: A-1 United Heating and Air
Readers’ Refer: Burton A/C Heating Plumbing & More, Fred’s Heating & Air
Readers’ Recommend: Controlled Comfort, Thermal Services
Best Home Window Company
Best of the Big O: Pella Window
Readers’ Choice: Omaha Door & Window, Renewal by Andersen, Window World
Readers’ Recommend: Champion, Builders Supply Co.
Best Home Builder
Best of the Big O: Craig Tuttle, The Home Company
Best Home Theater Store
Best of the Big O: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Readers’ Choice: Best Buy
Readers’ Refer: BOSE, The Sound Environment
Readers’ Recommend: Stereo West
Best Hotel
Best of the Big O: Hilton Omaha
Readers’ Choice: Marriott
Readers’ Refer: DoubleTree, Hyatt Place, Magnolia Hotel
Readers’ Recommend: Embassy Suites
Best House Cleaning Service
Best of the Big O: Merry Maids, The Maids
Best Interiors Store
Best of the Big O: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Readers’ Choice: Pier 1
Readers’ Recommend: Garden Ridge, Gordman’s, Lowe’s, Pottery Barn
Best Kitchenware Store
Best of the Big O: Bed Bath & Beyond
Readers’ Choice: Sur La Table
Readers’ Refer: Hockenbergs, Home Depot, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Target
Readers’ Recommend: Williams-Sonoma
Best Landscaper
Best of the Big O: Mulhall’s
Readers’ Choice: Greenlife Gardens
Readers’ Refer: Executive Lawn and Landscaping, Jay Moore, Kinghorn Gardens, Patera Landscaping
Readers’ Recommend: Lanoha
Best Lawn Care Service
Best of the Big O: Heartland Lawns
Readers’ Choice: Kozy Lawn, TruGreen
Best Locksmith
Best of the Big O: Big Red Locksmith, Carl Jarl, Keymasters
Readers’ Choice: Enterprise Locksmith
Best Painting Company
Best of the Big O: Certa Pro Painters, Harwood Services
Best Plumbing Company
Best of the Big O: Backlund Plumbing
Readers’ Choice: Burton, Roto Rooter
Readers’ Recommend: 2 Men and a Snake, Eyman, Tritz Plumbing
Best Realty Company
Best of the Big O: CBS Home Real Estate
Readers’ Choice: NP Dodge
Readers’ Refer: Hike Realty, Malloy Real Estate
Readers’ Recommend: Deeb Realty, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Best Retirement Home
Best of the Big O: New Cassell, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
Readers’ Choice: Hillcrest
Readers’ Recommend: Elmwood Towers
Best Roofing Company
Best of the Big O: Pyramid Roofing
Readers’ Choice: Thompson and Thompson 3rd Generation
Readers’ Recommend: Home Science Solutions, Integrity Roofing, McKinnis
Best Siding Company
Best of the Big O: ABC Siding, Elite Exteriors
Best Storage Facility
Best of the Big O: Dino’s
Readers’ Choice: Milt’s Mini Storage
Readers’ Recommend: Center Street Storage, PODS, Strong Box Mini Storage
BEST PERSONAL SHOPPING & SERVICES
Best Barber
Best of the Big O: Sports Clips
Readers’ Choice: O’Brien’s
Readers’ Recommend: Great Clips, Papillion Barbers, Southside Barbers
Best Beauty Salon
Best of the Big O: Garbo’s
Readers’ Choice: Creative Hair Design, One Drake Place
Readers’ Recommend: Salon Platinum, Mod Salon
Best Bookstore
Best of the Big O: Barnes and Noble,
Readers’ Choice: The Bookworm, Half Price Books
Readers’ Refer: Jackson Street Books, Parables
Best Cell Phone Provider / Carrier
Best of the Big O: Verizon Wireless
Readers’ Choice: Sprint
Readers’ Refer: US Cellular, Cricket, Virgin Mobile
Readers’ Recommend: AT&T
Best Church
Best of the Big O: Christ Community Church
Readers’ Choice: Westside
Readers’ Refer: Christ the King Catholic, Countryside Community Church, Sacred Heart Catholic, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Wenceslaus
Readers’ Recommend: Holy Cross Catholic, King of Kings, Stonebridge Christian Church
Best College or University
Best of the Big O: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Readers’ Choice: Creighton University
Readers’ Refer: UNMC
Readers’ Recommend: Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Best Dance Studio
Best of the Big O: Nebraska Dance
Readers’ Choice: Kitty Lee Dance Studio, Sue’s Stepperettes,
Readers’ Recommend: Cherrie Anderson Dance, Mickie’s Dance
Best Daycare
Best of the Big O: Montessori, Morning Star Preschool & Child Care
Readers’ Choice: Children’s Heaven, Creative learning center, Get Ready Set Grow, Hamilton Heights Child Development Center, JCC, Little Lambs, Millard Children’s Academy, Pre K and Play, Small Miracles, Through the Years Daycare
Best Day Spa
Best of the Big O: Gloss Salon & Day Spa
Readers’ Choice: Faces, Creative Hair Design
Readers’ Recommend: Kimberly Day Spa, Sanctuary Day Spa
Best Dry Cleaner
Best of the Big O: Max I Walker
Readers’ Choice: Fashion Cleaners, NuTrend
Readers’ Recommend: Tide Dry Cleaning, Key Cleaners
Best Store for Engagement Rings
Best of the Big O: Borsheim’s
Readers’ Choice: Helzberg’s, 14 Karat
Readers’ Refer: Goldsmith Silversmith, Zale’s
Readers’ Recommend: Greenberg’s Jewelers, Kay’s Jewelry
Best Farmer’s Market
Best of the Big O: Aksarben Village, Old Market Farmer’s Market
Readers’ Choice: Village Pointe
Readers’ Recommend: Benson Farmers Market
Best Fitness Center
Best of the Big O: 24 Hour Fitness, Lifetime Fitness
Readers’ Choice: Prairie Life, Aspen
Readers’ Recommend: Blue Moon Fitness, YMCA
Best Fitness Equipment Store
Best of the Big O: Body Basics, Scheel’s
Best Florist
Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Choice: Janousek’s, Baker’s
Readers’ Refer: Bloom’s, Flowerama
Readers’ Recommend: Dundee Florist
Best Grocery Store
Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee
Readers’ Choice: Baker’s
Readers’ Refer: Trader Joe’s, Bag N Save, Whole Foods
Readers’ Recommend: Fareway
Best Jewelry Store
Best of the Big O: Borsheim’s
Readers’ Refer: 14 Karat, Helzberg’s, Greenbergs
Readers’ Recommend: Erwin’s, Goldsmith Silversmith
Best Martial Arts Studio
Best of the Big O: Dragon Arts
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Best of the Big O: Men’s Wearhouse
Readers’ Choice: Von Maur
Readers’ Recommend: Jerry Ryan’s, Lindley’s, Parsow’s
Best Men’s Shoe Store
Best of the Big O: Von Maur
Readers’ Choice: Haney’s, DSW
Best Music Equipment Store
Best of the Big O: Dietze, Guitar Center
Readers’ Choice: Schmidt’s Music
Best Music Lessons
Best of the Big O: Dietz Music
Readers’ Choice: SNJ Studios, 402 Arts Collective
Best Nail Salon
Best of the Big O: Martini Nails
Readers’ Choice: Legacy Nails
Readers’ Refer: V Nails
Readers’ Recommend: American Nails and Spa, Mohegan’s, La Vista Nails
Best Nutrition Store
Best of the Big O: No Name Nutrition
Readers’ Choice: GNC, Complete Nutrition
Readers’ Recommend: Natural Grocers, Jane’s Health Market, Whole Foods
Best Pawn Shop
Best of the Big O: Sol’s Jewelry and Loan
Best Pet Grooming
Best of the Big O: PetSmart
Readers’ Choice: Petco
Readers’ Refer: Audrey’s Pet Groomer, Bark Avenue, Spaw at Three Dog Bakery
Readers’ Recommend: Susie’s Grooming
Best Pet Store
Best of the Big O: PetSmart
Readers’ Choice: Petco, The Green Spot
Readers’ Refer: Three Dog Bakery, Pets R Us
Readers’ Recommend: Long Dog Fat Cat
Best Shopping District/Mall
Best of the Big O: Westroads Mall
Readers’ Choice: Village Pointe,Best Shopping District/Mall
Readers’ Refer: Old Market
Readers’ Recommend: Oakview Mall, Shadow Lake Towne Center, Nebraska Crossing Outlets
Best Sporting Goods
Best of the Big O: Scheel’s
Readers’ Choice: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Readers’ Refer: Sports Authority
Readers’ Recommend: Cabela’s
Best Tanning
Best of the Big O: Palm Beach Tan
Readers’ Choice: Sun Tan City
Readers’ Recommend: Ashley Lynn’s
Best Tattoo Shop
Best of the Big O: Big Brain Tattoo and Piercing
Readers’ Choice: Black Squirrel Tattoo, Grinn & Barrett, Liquid Courage
Readers’ Recommend: Authentic Ink, Dr. Jack’s Ink Emporium
Best Tech or Vocational School
Best of the Big O: Metropolitan Community College
Best Thrift Store
Best of the Big O: Goodwill
Readers’ Choice: Thrift World
Readers’ Refer: Big Wheels to Butterflys, Lucky’s Vintage, Salvation Army Readers’ Recommend: New Life Thrift
Best Store for Unique Gifts
Best of the Big O: The Afternoon
Readers’ Refer: Francesca’s, Goodwill
Readers’ Recommend: Imaginarium
Best Wedding Venue
Best of the Big O: 1316 Jones Street, DC Centre, Elmwood Groto
Readers’ Choice: Bridal Traditions, Soaring Wings Vineyard
Best Women’s Clothing Store
Best of the Big O: Von Maur
Readers’ Choice: Kohl’s
Readers’ Refer: Chico’s
Readers’ Recommend: Maurices
Best Women’s Shoe Store
Best of the Big O: DSW
Readers’ Choice: Von Maur
Readers’ Refer: Kohl’s
Readers’ Recommend: Dillards, Shoe Carnival
Best Yoga Studio
Best of the Big O: Lotus House of Yoga
Readers’ Choice: One Tree Yoga
Readers’ Recommend: Omaha School Of Yoga, YogaMed
Best Youth Athletics Facility
Best of the Big O: YMCA
Readers’ Choice: MAA
BEST NIGHTLIFE AND PLAY
Best Bar with Live Music
Best of the Big O: Waiting Room
Readers’ Choice: The Slowdown, Waiting Room
Readers’ Recommend: Ozone, Two Fine Irishman
Best Beer Selection
Best of the Big O: Old Chicaco
Readers’ Choice: Crescent Moon
Readers’ Refer: Beercade, Hy-Vee
Readers’ Recommend: Krug Park, Brix
Best Billiards Bar
Best of the Big O: Big John’s
Readers’ Choice: Upstream
Readers’ Recommend: Fox & Hound, The Den
Best College Bar
Best of the Big O: Bluejay Bar
Readers’ Choice: Stiles Pub
Readers’ Refer: Billy Frogs, Dubliner
Readers’ Recommend: Crescent Moon, Stadium Club
Best Casino for Slots
Best of the Big O: Ameristar
Readers’ Choice: Horseshoe
Readers’ Recommend: Harrah’s
Best Casino for Tablegames
Best of the Big O: Horseshoe
Readers’ Choice: Ameristar
Readers’ Recommend: Harrah’s
Best Cigar Bar
Best of the Big O: Jake’s
Readers’ Choice: Havana Garage
Readers’ Refer: Safari Cigar & Lounge
Best Bar for Conversation
Best of the Big O: Homy Inn
Readers’ Choice: Choo Choo’s, Mr. Toad’s, M’s Pub
Best Bike Trail
Best of the Big O: Keystone Trail
Readers’ Choice: Wabash Trace, Papio Creek
Readers’ Refer: Field Club, Swanson Park
Best Dance Club
Best of the Big O: The Maxx
Readers’ Choice: Whiskey Tango
Readers’ Recommend: Capitol, House of Loom, Rednecks
Best Darts Bar
Best of the Big O: Elbow Room
Best DJ Service
Best of the Big O: Complete Music,
Readers’ Choice: Bandstand Music, DJ Entertainment
Best Family Entertainment Center
Best of the Big O: Amazing Pizza Machine
Readers’ Choice: Family Fun Center
Readers’ Recommend: Sempeck’s, The V, Dave & Buster’s
Readers’ Refer: Fun-Plex
Best Fireworks Stand
Best of the Big O: Bellino
Readers’ Choice: Big Bear, Wild Willy’s
Readers’ Recommend: Kaboomers, Kracklin Kirks
Best Golf Course
Best of the Big O: Tiburon
Readers’ Choice: Happy Hollow Club, Benson
Readers’ Recommend: Champion’s, Indian Creek, Miracle Hills, Omaha Country Club
Best Happy Hour Bar
Best of the Big O: Blue Sushi
Readers’ Choice: Kona Grill
Readers’ Refer: Applebee’s, The Den, Two Fine Irishmen
Readers’ Recommend: Crave, Roja
Best Bar for Hiding Out
Best of the Big O: Homy Inn
Readers’ Choice: Brother’s Lounge
Readers’ Refer: Clancy’s, Elbow Room Bar, The Hideout Lounge, The Trap Room
Readers’ Recommend: Bud Olson’s
Best Bar for an Internet Date
Best of the Big O: Beercade
Best Karaoke Bar
Best of the Big O: Choo Choo, Mic’s
Readers’ Choice: Full House, Grandmother’s
Best Bar for Stiffest Pours
Best of the Big O: Green Onion
Readers’ Choice: Charlie’s on the Lake, Elbow Room
Best Live Music Venue
Best of the Big O: Stir Concert Cove
Readers’ Choice: The Waiting Room Lounge
Readers’ Refer: CenturyLink, Sokol Auditorium
Readers’ Recommend: The Slowdown
Best Tourist Attraction
Best of the Big O: Henry Doorly Zoo
Readers’ Refer: Old Market, College World Series, Boys Town
Best Lounge / Ultra Lounge
Best of the Big O: Liv Lounge
Readers’ Refer: Interlude
Best Movie Theater
Best of the Big O: Marcus Majestic
Readers’ Choice: Aksarben Cinema
Readers’ Refer: Oakview
Readers’ Recommend: Twin Creek, Marcus Theater Village Pointe, AMC
Best Neighborhood Tavern
Best of the Big O: Homy Inn
Readers’ Choice: Barrett’s, Tanner’s
Readers’ Recommend: Benson Brewery, Brownie’s, Crescent Moon, Dinkers, Dundee Dell, Elbow Room, Geno’s, Jerry’s, Tiger Tom’s
Best Outdoor Festival
Best of the Big O: Summer Arts Festival
Readers’ Choice: Maha Music Festival, Taste of Omaha
Readers’ Recommend: Jazz on the Green, Santa Lucia, Papillion Days
Best Patio at a Bar
Best of the Big O: Mr. Toad’s, Salt 88
Readers’ Choice: Benson Brewery, Brix, Cantina Laredo, Stories Coffeehouse, Upstream
Best Performing Arts Theater
Best of the Big O: Orpheum Theater
Readers’ Choice: Omaha Community Playhouse, Holland Performing Arts Center
Readers’ Recommend: Rose Theater, Blue Barn
Best Sand Volleyball
Best of the Big O: O’Leaver’s
Readers’ Choice: Spikers
Readers’ Refer: Big Red Keno, Winchester Bar and Grill
Readers’ Recommend: Digz, Sinnott’s
Best Shuffleboard Bar
Best of the Big O: Musette
Readers’ Choice: Elbow Room, Harold’s, My Way, Sullivan’s
Best Bar for Spirits Selection
Best of the Big O: Jake’s
Readers’ Choice: Dundee Dell, Krug Park
Best Sports Bar
Best of the Big O: DJ’s Dugout
Readers’ Refer: IceHouse, Brewsky’s
Readers’ Recommend: Oscar’s Pizza & Sports Grille, Tanners, Buffalo Wild Wings
Best Staycation Destination (within 8 hour drive)
Best of the Big O: Kansas City
Readers’ Choice: Worlds of Fun
Readers’ Refer: Branson Missouri, Mahoney State Park, Minneapolis, Okoboji
Readers’ Recommend: Chicago, Great Wolf Lodge, St. Louis
Best Vineyard / Winery
Best of the Big O: Soaring Wings
Readers’ Choice: James Arthur Vineyard
Readers’ Refer: Glacial Till
Readers’ Recommend: Cellar 426, Slattery Vintage Estates
Best Wine Shop
Best of the Big O: Brix
Readers’ Choice: Spirit World
Readers’ Refer: La Buvette, The Winery
Readers’ Recommend: Cork Screw, Hy-Vee