BEST DINING
Best Bakery
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Wheatfields
Readers’ Choice: Farmhouse Cafe, Pettit’s Pastry, Le Quartier Baking Company
Readers’ Recommend: Aromas Bliss Bakery
Readers’ Refer: Olsen Bake Shop
Best BBQ Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Famous Dave’s
Readers’ Choice: Parker’s Smokehouse, Hartland Bar-B-Que, Swine Dining BBQ, Jim’s Rib Haven
Readers’ Recommend: Ozark Smoked Meat Co.
Best Buffett
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Valentino’s
Readers’ Choice: China Buffet, Horseshoe Casino, Ameristar Heritage Buffet
Readers’ Recommend: Flavors Indian Cuisine, Grand China Buffett
Best Burger Joint
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Stella’s Bar & Grill
Readers’ Choice: Dinker’s Bar, Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Readers’ Recommend: Culvers Butter Burger, Louie M’s Burger Lust, Danny’s Bar & Grill
Best Cafe/Diner
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Petrow’s
Readers’ Choice: 11-Worth Café, Lisa’s Radial Café, Leo’s Diner
Readers’ Recommend: Shirley’s Diner
Readers’ Refer: The Diner
Best Caterer
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee Food Store
Readers’ Choice: Hap Abraham Catering, Upstream Catering, Spirit World
Readers’ Refer: Catering Creations, Eddie’s Catering
Best Chinese Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Three Happiness Express
Readers’ Choice: JC Mandarin Chinese Cuisine, China Road, Rice Bowl, China Palace
Readers’ Recommend: Hunan Fusion
Best Coffeeshop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Scooter’s Coffeehouse
Readers’ Choice: Caffeine Dreams, Crane Coffee
Readers’ Recommend: Archetype, Aromas Bliss Bakery
Readers’ Refer: Harold’s Coffee House
Best Doughnut Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Pettit’s Pastry
Readers’ Choice: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Dunkin Donuts, LaMar’s Donuts, Donut Stop
Readers’ Recommend: Donut Professor
Best Greek Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Greek Islands
Readers’ Choice: Jim & Jennie’s Greek Village, Feta’s, King Kong
Readers’ Recommend: Katie’s Greek Restaurant
Readers’ Refer: John’s Grecian Delight
Best Ice Cream Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Ted & Wally’s
Readers’ Choice: Cold Stone Creamery, eCreamery, Zesto’s
Readers’ Recommend: Dairy Queen, Goodrich
Best Italian Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Lo Sole Mio Ristorante
Readers’ Choice: Spezia, La Casa Pizzaria, Malara’s Italian Restaurant
Readers’ Recommend: Olive Garden, Avoli Osteria
Best Japanese Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Readers’ Choice: Hiro’s Japanese Cuisine, Kobe Steak House
Readers’ Recommend: Ponzu Sushi Grill, Sakura Bana
Readers’ Refer: Sushi Japan
Best Kid-Friendly (not Kid-Focused) Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mama’s Pizza
Readers’ Choice: Red Robin, Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Spaghetti Works, Valentino’s, Petrow’s
Best Late Night Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Readers’ Choice: Upstream Brewing Company, Abelardos’s Mexican Restaurant, Nite Owl, Hiro’s Japanese Cuisine
Readers’ Recommend: 7M Grill
Best Local Food-Serving Restaurant
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O: The Grey Plume
Readers’ Choice: Block 16, Lot 2
Readers’ Recommend: Kitchen Table, Modern Love
Best Mexican Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: La Mesa Mexican Restaurant
Readers’ Choice: El Bee’s Mexican Restaurant, El Aguila Restaurant, Rivera’s
Readers’ Refer: El Vallarta, OJ’s, Cilantro’s
Best New Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Pig & Finch
Readers’ Choice: Modern Love, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza, Mula, Mouth of the South
Readers’ Refer: Saigon Bowl
Best Nouveau Cuisine
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Salt 88
Readers’ Choice: The Grey Plume, J Coco
Readers’ Recommend: Le Bouillon
Best Pizza Parlor
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mama’s Pizza
Readers’ Choice: La Casa Pizzaria, Zio’s Pizzeria
Readers’ Recommend: Baxter’s
Readers’ Refer: Marco’s, Spin!
Best Restaurant Menu Specials
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
Readers’ Choice: Kona Grill, Crave, Plank Seafood Provisions
Readers’ Recommend: Salt 88
Readers’ Refer: Sushi Japan
Best Restaurant Wine Selection
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Brix
Readers’ Choice: Spirit World, M’s Pub
Readers’ Recommend: V Mertz, Salt 88
Readers’ Refer: 801 Chophouse
Best Retail Deli Counter
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee Food Store
Readers’ Choice: Wohlner’s, Spirit World, Bakers
Readers’ Recommend: Fareway
Readers’ Refer: Whole Foods Market
Best Retail Meat Counter
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Fareway
Readers’ Choice: Hy-Vee Food Store, Just Good Meat, Stoysich House of Sausage
Readers’ Recommend: Whole Foods Market, Bakers
Best Retail Produce Selection
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee Food Store
Readers’ Choice: Whole Foods Market, Bakers
Readers’ Recommend: Trader Joe’s, Fareway
Readers’ Refer: Natural Grocers, Target
Best Retail Wine Selection
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee Food Store
Readers’ Choice: Brix, Spirit World, Trader Joe’s
Readers’ Recommend: Corkscrew Wine & Cheese, Whole Foods Market
Best Steak House
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Drover
Readers’ Choice: Anthony’s Steakhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse
Readers’ Recommend: Piccolo Pete’s, Johnny’s Café, Gorat’s Steak House
Best Sweets Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Old Market Candy Shop
Readers’ Choice: Hollywood Candy, Wheatfields, The Cordial Cherry
Readers’ Recommend: Candy Wrappers
Best Tapas/ Small Portions
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Espana
Readers’ Choice: French Bulldog, Mula
Readers’ Recommend: Taita Restaurant
Best Tex-Mex
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Fernando’s
Readers’ Choice: Cantina Laredo, Romeo’s Mexican Food & Pizza, Julio’s, Stokes Grill & Bar
Best Thai Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mai Thai
Readers’ Choice: Thai Pepper, Taste of Thailand, Thai Spice, Salween Thai Restaurant
Readers’ Recommend: Bangkok Cuisine
Best Value Restaurant
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Cheddar’s Casual Cafe
Readers’ Choice: Billy J’s Cafe, La Casa Food Truck
Readers’ Recommend: The Food Court
Readers’ Refer: Tasty Pastry, 11-Worth Cafe, Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Best Vegetarian
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Modern Love
Readers’ Choice: Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob, Mother India, Saigon Bowl
Readers’ Refer: Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
Best Yogurt Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Orange Leaf
Readers’ Choice: TCBY Frozen Yogurt
Readers’ Recommend: Yo Yo Berri, Peachwave
Readers’ Refer: Red Mango
BEST GETTING AROUND
Best Airline
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Southwest Airlines
Readers’ Choice: Delta Air Lines Inc.
Readers’ Recommend: United Air Lines
Readers’ Refer: Frontier Air Lines
Best Auto Body Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Dingman’s Collision Center
Readers’ Choice: CARSTAR Auto Body Repair, Charlie Graham Body & Service, Dave’s Auto Body
Readers’ Recommend: B Street Collison Center, Inter-tech Collision Centers
Best Auto Dealer Service Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Performance Toyota Scion
Readers’ Choice: Woodhouse Nissan, Superior Honda of Omaha, Atchley Ford
Readers’ Recommend: Performance VW
Best Auto Dealership Group
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Woodhouse Auto Group
Readers’ Choice: Performance Auto, Baxter Auto Group
Readers’ Recommend: Huber Automotive, Markel Auto Group
Readers’ Refer: Gregg Young Chevrolet
Best Auto Glass
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Safelite Auto Glass
Readers’ Choice: Omaha Glass Pro, ABC Auto Glass, Kryger Glass, Metro Glass Omaha
Best Auto Parts
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Auto Zone
Readers’ Choice: Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts
Readers’ Refer: NAPA Auto Parts, U Pull It
Best Auto Repair Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Charlie Graham Body & Service
Readers’ Choice: Walker Tire
Readers’ Recommend: Exclusive Honda, Sports Car Garage
Readers’ Refer: Havers
Best Bike Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Bike Rack
Readers’ Choice: Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, Re-Cycle Bike Shop, Greenstreet Cycles, Omaha Bicycle Company, Dundee Bike shop
Best Buy Here/Pay Here
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Paul Gerber Auto Sales
Readers’ Choice: Carhop, Dino’s Auto Sales, Eckley Auto Brokers, Sports & Imports Auto Sales
Best Car Audio
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Stereo West
Readers’ Choice: Inphase Car Audio, Metro Audio Dynamics
Best Car Wash
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Russell Speeder’s Car Wash
Readers’ Choice: Dolphins Car Wash, Brentwood Touchless Auto Wash, Cornhusker Auto Wash
Readers’ Recommend: Fort Crook Car Wash
Readers’ Refer: Gorilla Unlimited Car Wash
Best Gas Station/Convenience Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Quik Trip
Readers’ Choice: Bucky’s Convenient Stores, Casey’s General Store
Readers’ Recommend: Kum N Go Food Store
Readers’ Refer: Cubby’s Old Market, Fantasy’s
Best Luxury Auto Dealer
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Lexus of Omaha
Readers’ Choice: Mercedes Benz of Omaha, Infiniti of Omaha, Markel BMW/Mini/Jaguar/Range, Gorges Volvo Inc.
Readers’ Recommend: Huber Cadillac
Best New Auto Dealer
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Performance Toyota Scion
Readers’ Choice: H&H Chevrolet, Atchley Ford
Readers’ Recommend: Beardmore Chevrolet Subaru, Performance VW
Best Pre-Owned Car Dealer
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: CARMAX
Readers’ Choice: H&H Chevrolet, Atchley Ford
Readers’ Recommend: Metro Auto Sales
Readers’ Refer: Sports & Imports Auto Sales
Best Tire Store & Service
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Jensen Tire & Auto
Readers’ Choice: Tommy’s Tires & Custom Wheels, Walker Tire
Readers’ Recommend: Marion Tire, Midwest Tire Company, Inc.
Readers’ Refer: Lyle’s Discount Tires
Best Towing Service
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: AAA
Readers’ Choice: Neff Towing Services
Readers’ Recommend: 24 Hour Towing, Ely’s Towing LLC
Readers’ Refer: 3 B’s Towing, Arrow Towing Inc.
Best Transportation/Long- Distance Travel (not airlines)
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Amtrak
Readers’ Choice: MegaBus, Arrow Bus Lines
BEST LIVING & HOME SERVICES
Best Assisted Living Facility
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Brookstone Meadows
Readers’ Choice: Immanuel Communities, Fountain View
Readers’ Recommend: Granville Assisted Living
Best Concrete Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: McGill Restoration Inc.
Readers’ Choice: Modern Concrete, JR Barger & Sons, SB Concrete
Readers’ Recommend: Schroeder Concrete
Best Electrician
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Brase Electrical Contracting
Readers’ Choice: D&J Electric, Advantage Electric, Wiggins Electrical
Readers’ Refer: Gatchell, Powered Up Electric Inc., Vierregger Electric
Best Exterminator Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Orkin
Readers’ Choice: Lien Pest Control, ABC TERMITE
Readers’ Refer: Omaha Pest Control
Best Furniture Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Nebraska Furniture Mart
Readers’ Recommend: Hutch
Readers’ Refer: Ethan Allen, The Humble Home
Best Garden Center/Nursery
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mulhall’s Nursery
Readers’ Choice: Lanoha Nursery, Earl May Nursery & Garden Center, Indian Creek Nursery
Readers’ Refer: Canoyer Garden Center
Best Gutter Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Gutter Company
Readers’ Choice: Omaha Leafguard, ABC of Nebraska
Readers’ Refer: Monarch Siding & Windows, Z’s Home Improvements
Best Hardware Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Westlake Ace Hardware
Readers’ Choice: Menards, Center ACE Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s
Readers’ Refer: Millard Lumber Inc.
Best Heating & A/C Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Aksarben ARS Heating Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Readers’ Choice: Eyman Plumbing, Burton Plumbing, Thermal Services Inc.
Readers’ Recommend: Controlled Comfort
Readers’ Refer: Ideal Heating & Air Conditioning, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
Best Home Builder
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Legacy Homes
Readers’ Choice: Celebrity Homes, The Home Company
Readers’ Recommend: Regency Homes, Charleston Homes, Advance Design & Construction, Inc.
Best Home Window Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Pella Windows
Readers’ Choice: Omaha Door & Window, Champion Windows of Omaha, Millard Lumber Inc.
Readers’ Recommend: Window World
Readers’ Refer: Marvin Windows & Doors
Best Hotel
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Magnolia Hotel
Readers’ Choice: Hilton Omaha, Embassy Suites
Readers’ Recommend: Hotel Deco, Element Midtown Crossing
Best House Cleaning Service
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Merry Maids
Readers’ Choice: The Maids, Molly Maid
Readers’ Refer: Clean Homes by CHolmes, Mary Ann’s Cleaning Service
Best Insulation Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Omaha Door & Window
Readers’ Choice: Carlisle Insulation, Seal Rite Insulation, USA Insulation
Readers’ Refer: Millard Lumber Inc.
Best Interiors Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Millard Lumber Inc.
Readers’ Choice: Designers Touch, The Humble Home, Hutch
Readers’ Recommend: Lee Douglas Interiors
Best Kitchenware Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Williams-Sonoma
Readers’ Choice: The Afternoon, Sur La Table
Readers’ Refer: Bed Bath & Beyond, Hockenberg’s
Best Landscaper
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mulhall’s Nursery
Readers’ Choice: Urban Prairie Land Design
Readers’ Recommend: Blooming Prairie
Readers’ Refer: Green Wings, Greenlife Gardens, Patera Landscaping
Best Lawn Care Service
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Kozy Lawn Care
Readers’ Choice: TruGreen Chemlawn
Readers’ Recommend: Greenlife Gardens, Absolute Green
Readers’ Refer: Dream Green Lawn Solutions, Tuff Turf
Best Locksmith
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Accurate Locksmith
Readers’ Choice: Big Red Locksmiths, Keymasters of Greater Omaha
Readers’ Recommend: Bust-a-Loc, Luckey Locksmith
Readers’ Refer: Carl Jarl Group
Best Painting Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Master’s Touch
Readers’ Choice: John Moran Painting, Marquez Painting, G&H Painting
Readers’ Refer: Tainted to Repainted
Best Plumbing Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Burton Plumbing
Readers’ Choice: Two Men & a Snake, Red-D Plumbing, Eyman Plumbing
Readers’ Refer: Southside Plumbing, Tritz Plumbing Inc.
Best Realty Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: NP Dodge
Readers’ Choice: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Ambassador Real Estate, Condo Living Omaha, CBSHome Real Estate, Deeb Realty
Best Roofing Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Aksarben Roofing
Readers’ Choice: Pyramid Roofing Inc.
Readers’ Recommend: Home Pride Co Inc., Champion Windows of Omaha, Takoda Green Roofing
Readers’ Refer: Duranski Roofing
Best Siding Company
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Omaha Door & Window
Readers’ Choice: Midwest Siding Inc., Champion Windows of Omaha, Millard Siding & Window
Readers’ Refer: The Home Improvement Store, Monarch Siding & Windows
Best Storage Facility
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Dino’s Storage
Readers’ Choice: Metro Self Storage, Milt’s Mini Storage
Readers’ Refer: A Place to Store, Armor Storage, l St. Storage, Millard Air Park Storage
BEST NIGHTLIFE
& PLAY
Best Bar for an Internet Date
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: M’s Pub
Readers’ Choice: Corkscrew Wine & Cheese, Homy Inn
Readers’ Recommend: Nite Owl, Spielbound
Readers’ Refer: Grane
Best Bar for Conversation
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mr. Toads
Readers’ Choice: La Buvette, Dundee Cork & Bottle
Readers’ Recommend: Brothers Lounge, 1912, The Omaha Lounge
Best Bar for Hiding Out
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Mai Tai Lounge
Readers’ Choice: Brothers Lounge, Bud Olson’s Bar, Rose & Crown Pub, Burke’s Pub
Readers’ Recommend: C&K’s Lounge
Best Bar for Spirits Selection
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Dundee Dell
Readers’ Choice: Brix, Spirit World, Liv Lounge
Readers’ Recommend: Berry & Rye
Readers’ Refer: Grane
Best Bar for Stiffest Pours
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Green Onion
Readers’ Choice: Krug Park, Holiday Lounge
Readers’ Recommend: Bud Olson’s Bar, Library Pub
Best Bar with Live Music
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Waiting Room
Readers’ Choice: The Slowdown, Ozone Lounge
Readers’ Recommend: The Hive, Brazen Head
Readers’ Refer: Barley Street Tavern
Best Beer Selection
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Crescent Moon Ale House
Readers’ Choice: Krug Park, Old Chicago
Readers’ Recommend: Upstream Brewing Company, Nebraska Brewing
Best Bike Trail
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Keystone Trail/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Readers’ Choice: Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Lake Zorinsky, West Papio
Readers’ Refer: Field Club Trail
Best Billiards Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Big Johns Billiards
Readers’ Choice: Upstream Brewing Company, Musette Bar
Readers’ Recommend: Cirino’s Cafe & Billiards
Readers’ Refer: California Bar, My Way Lounge
Best Casino for Slots
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Horseshoe Casino
Readers’ Choice: Ameristar, Harrah’s
Best Casino for Tablegames
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Horseshoe Casino
Readers’ Choice: Ameristar, Harrah’s
Best Cigar Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Jake’s Cigars & Spirits
Readers’ Choice: Havana Garage, Copa Cabana
Readers’ Refer: Safari Cigars & Lounge
Best College Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Crescent Moon Ale House
Readers’ Choice: DJ’s Dugout, Billy Froggs, The Blue Jay Bar & Grill
Best Dance Club
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Maxx
Readers’ Choice: Bushwackers Saloon & Dance
Readers’ Recommend: Rehab Lounge
Readers’ Refer: Stage II, Bar 415, House of Loom
Best Darts Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Fox & Hound
Readers’ Choice: Elbow Room, Underwood Bar
Readers’ Recommend: The Tavern
Readers’ Refer: Bucky Dexter’s, O’Connor’s Irish Pub
Best DJ Service
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: ShowTime Music
Readers’ Refer: Complete Music, Farley, Gman’ 3D Entertainment, Greg Foral, House Kats, Jonny O, Master Djs LLC, Matt Mixan, Midwest Music, Shif-D
Best Golf Course
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Indian Creek
Readers’ Choice: Champions Run, The Knolls Golf Course, Tara Hills
Readers’ Recommend: Johnny Goodman Golf Course, Bay Hills Golf Course
Best Happy Hour Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Kona Grill
Readers’ Choice: Pitch Pizzeria, Jimi D’s
Readers’ Recommend: Red Lounge
Readers’ Refer: Grane, Salt 88
Best Karaoke Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Pheasant Tavern & Cigar Store
Readers’ Choice: Stoli’s Lounge, The Sydney, Goldeez
Readers’ Recommend: Bishops Bar & Grill
Readers’ Refer: California Bar
Best Live Music Venue
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Stir Concert Cove
Readers’ Choice: The Waiting Room, The Slowdown
Readers’ Refer: PS Collective, Reverb Lounge, Sokol Auditorium
Best Lounge/ Ultra Lounge
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Liv Lounge
Readers’ Choice: Reverb Lounge, Nosh Wine Lounge
Readers’ Choice: Interlude Cocktail Lounge
Readers’ Recommend: Omaha Lounge
Readers’ Refer: Vegalou Ultra Bar
Best Movie Theater
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Aksarben Cinema
Readers’ Choice: Marcus Majestic Cinema of Omaha, Film Streams, Star Cinema Theater
Readers’ Recommend: Twin Creek Cinema, AMC Oakview Plaza 24
Best Neighborhood Tavern
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Homy Inn
Readers’ Choice: Dinker’s Bar, Sullivan’s Bar
Readers’ Recommend: Perry’s Place, Tracks Lounge
Readers’ Refer: Bud Olson’s Bar
Best Outdoor Festival
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Jazz on the Green
Readers’ Choice: Maha Music Festival, ArtSarben, Shakespeare on the Green
Readers’ Refer: Santa Lucia Festival
Best Patio at a Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Kona Grill
Readers’ Choice: 1912, Cantina Laredo, Icehouse, Legends
Readers’ Recommend: El Aguila Restaurant
Best Performing Arts Theater
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Orpheum Theater
Readers’ Choice: Holland Center, Omaha Community Playhouse
Readers’ Recommend: The Rose Theater
Best Sand Volleyball
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: O’Leavers
Readers’ Choice: The Digz, Big Red Keno, Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill
Readers’ Recommend: Harold’s Bar
Readers’ Refer: Sinnott’s Sand Bar
Best Shopping District/Mall
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Village Pointe
Readers’ Choice: Shadow Lake Towne Center, Westroads Mall, Old Market, Oakview Mall
Readers’ Refer: Aksarben Village
Best Shuffleboard Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Clancy’s Pub
Readers’ Choice: Fox & Hound, Jimi D’s, Sullivan’s Bar, Brownie’s Watering Hole, Musette Bar
Best Sports Bar
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: DJ’s Dugout
Readers’ Choice: Varsity Sports Café, Saints Pub & Patio, Icehouse
Readers’ Recommend: Tiger Tom’s Pub, Tanners Bar & Grill
Best Staycation Destination
(within 8 hour drive)
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association
Readers’ Choice: Okoboji, Mahoney State Park, Arbor Day Lodge
Readers’ Refer: The Ozarks
Best Tourist Attractions
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Readers’ Choice: Old Market
Readers’ Recommend: The Durham Museum
Readers’ Refer: College World Series, Mormon Trail Center, North Omaha, Omaha Culinary Tours
Best Vineyard/Winery
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Soaring Wings Vineyard
Readers’ Recommend: Breezy Hills Winery, Sugar Clay Winery, Too Far North
Readers’ Refer: Nissen Winery, James Arthur Vineyards
Best Wine Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Brix
Readers’ Choice: Spirit World, Corkscrew Wine & Cheese
Readers’ Recommend: The Winery
Readers’ Refer: Vino Mas
BEST PERSONAL
SHOPPING &
SERVICES
Best Barber
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Sports Clips
Readers’ Choice: Scissor & Scotch, Arlan’s Barber Shop, Southside Barbers & Beauty
Readers’ Refer: O’Brien’s Hair & Style, Chop Shop, The Beard & Mane
Best Beauty Salon
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Garbo’s Salon & Spa
Readers’ Choice: Beauty First
Readers’ Recommend: Seven Salon, Urbane Salon & Day Spa
Readers’ Refer: Reve Salon & Spa, JB’s Salon & Day Spa, Minabella Beauty Resort
Best Bookstore
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Barnes & Noble
Readers’ Choice: Half Price Books, The Bookworm
Readers’ Recommend: Jackson Street Booksellers
Readers’ Refer: Books-A-Million
Best Cell Phone Provider/ Carrier
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Verizon
Readers’ Choice: Sprint
Readers’ Recommend: ATT, Cricket
Readers’ Refer: US Cellular, Boost Mobile
Best Child Care
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: La Pettit Academy
Readers’ Choice: Creative Learning Center, Jewish Community Center, Montessori Educational Centers Inc.
Readers’ Recommend: Morning Star Preschool & Child Care Center
Best Church
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Westside Church
Readers’ Choice: Holy Cross Catholic Church, Countryside Community Church
Readers’ Recommend: Sacred Heart Parish Church
Readers’ Refer: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, King of Kings Church, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Salem Baptist Church, St. Cecilia’s Cathedral, Saint Columbkille
Best College or University
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: University of Nebraska at Omaha
Readers’ Choice: Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College
Readers’ Recommend: Bellevue University
Readers’ Refer: Iowa Western Community College
Best Dance Studio
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Acapriccio Dance Co.
Readers’ Choice: Kitty Lee Dance Studio, Pear Tree Performing Arts
Readers’ Recommend: STARS Dance Academy, Shannon Barnhart Dance Studio
Best Day Spa
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: LovelySkin Spa
Readers’ Choice: Faces Spa, Bella Dea Day Spa, JB’s Salon & Day Spa, Gloss Salon & Day Spa
Readers’ Recommend: Minabella Beauty Resort
Best Dry Cleaner
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Max I Walker Dry Cleaning
Readers’ Choice: Fashion Cleaners
Readers’ Recommend: $1.99 Any Garment Cleaners, Nu Trend Dry Cleaners
Readers’ Refer: Tide Dry Cleaners
Best Fitness Center
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Planet Fitness Omaha
Readers’ Choice: Prairie Life, Blue Moon Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness
Readers’ Refer: Lifetime Fitness, YMCA
Best Florist
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Stems at Countryside
Readers’ Choice: Janousek Florist, Dundee Florist
Readers’ Recommend: Beyond the Vine, Hy-Vee Food Store
Best Grocery Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Hy-Vee Food Store
Readers’ Choice: Bakers
Readers’ Recommend: Fareway
Readers’ Refer: Daddy’s Neighborhood Fresh Market, Wohlner’s, No Frill’s
Best Jewelry Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Borsheims
Readers’ Choice: Helzberg Diamonds
Readers’ Recommend: Goldsmith Silversmith, JR’s Jewelry
Readers’ Refer: Perspective Jewelry Design
Best Martial Arts Studio
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Nebraska Academy of Martial Arts
Readers’ Choice: Legacy Martial Arts, Omaha Blue Waves Martial Arts, Taijutsu Academy
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Von Maur
Readers’ Choice: Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear, Parsow’s, Post & Nickel, Lindley Clothing Co.
Best Men’s Shoe Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: DSW
Readers’ Choice: Von Maur, Haney Shoes Store
Readers’ Refer: Comfort Plus, Bucks
Best Music Equipment Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Dietze Music
Readers’ Choice: Guitar Center, Schmitt Music Omaha
Readers’ Refer: Lidgett Music, Millard Music House
Best Music Lessons
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Dietze Music
Readers’ Choice: Guitar Center, 402 Arts Collective, Omaha Conservatory of Music
Readers’ Refer: Mindy’s Violin Studio
Best Nail Salon
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Martini Nails & Spa
Readers’ Choice: American Nails & Spa, NT Nails Omaha Midtown Crossing, Minabella Beauty Resort
Readers’ Recommend: Mohegan Nails, V Nails
Best Nutrition Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: GNC
Readers’ Choice: No Name Nutrition, Akins Natural Foods, Complete Nutrition, Natural Grocers
Best Organic Grocery Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Whole Foods Market
Readers’ Choice: Natural Grocers, Daddy’s Neighborhood Fresh Market
Readers’ Recommend: Akins Natural Foods
Readers’ Refer: Trader Joe’s
Best Pawn Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Sol’s Jewelry & Loan
Readers’ Choice: Mid City Jewelry & Pawn
Readers’ Recommend: E-Z Money Jewelry & Loan
Readers’ Refer: Four Ace’s Pawn
Best Pet Grooming
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Petsmart
Readers’ Choice: Wag, Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare, Noah’s Bark, The Green Spot
Readers’ Refer: Omaha Animal Medical Group
Best Pet Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Petco
Readers’ Choice: The Green Spot, Petsmart
Readers’ Recommend: Pets R Us, Nature Dog
Best Sporting Goods
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Scheels All Sports
Readers’ Choice: Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Canfield’s Sporting Goods
Best Store for Engagement Rings
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Borsheims
Readers’ Choice: Helzberg Diamonds
Readers’ Recommend: Goldsmith Silversmith
Readers’ Refer: Perspective Jewelry Design
Best Store for Unique Gifts
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Afternoon
Readers’ Choice: The Imaginarium
Readers’ Recommend: Tannenbaum Christmas Shop, Souq Ltd.
Readers’ Refer: The Humble Home
Best Tattoo Shop
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Big Brain
Readers’ Choice: American Tattoo, Villian’s Tattoo, Grinn & Barrett Tattoo
Readers’ Recommend: Liquid Courage
Best Thrift Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Goodwill
Readers’ Choice: New Life Thrift, Thrift World
Readers’ Recommend: Hand Me Ups
Readers’ Refer: Lucky’s, Flying Worm Vintage
Best Wedding Venue
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Joslyn Art Museum
Readers’ Choice: Lauritzen Gardens, Magnolia Hotel, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Best Women’s Clothing Store
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: B Yourself
Readers’ Choice: Nouvelle Eve, The Ugly Sister Boutiqe, Chico’s
Readers’ Refer: Dress Barn
Best Yoga Studio
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Lotus House of Yoga
Readers’ Choice: One Tree Yoga, Omaha Yoga & Bodywork, Yoga Med
Readers’ Recommend: Karma Yoga
BEST PROFESSIONAL & HEALTH SERVICES
Best Attorney- Criminal
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: James Martin Davis Law Office
Readers’ Choice: Whelan Law Office, Pfeffer Law Office
Readers’ Refer: Paragas Law Offices, Steve Leffler
Best Attorney- Divorce
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Koenig Dunne Divorce Law P.C. LLO
Readers’ Choice: Cordell & Cordell, Vacanti Shattuck Attorneys, McGill Law
Readers’ Recommend: Marks, Clare & Richards, LLC
Best Attorney- DUI
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Schaefer Shapiro, LLP
Readers’ Choice: Abboud Law Firm, Doran, Lustgarten & Troia PC, LLO, Petersen Law
Readers’ Recommend: Nelson Law Office
Best Attorney- Personal Injury
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, P.C.
Readers’ Choice: Abboud Law Firm, Cullen & Cullen, Knowles Law Firm, McGill Law
Readers’ Refer: Inserra & Kelley
Best Bank
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: First National Bank
Readers’ Choice: Pinnacle Bank, American National Bank
Readers’ Recommend: Security National Bank, U.S. Bank
Readers’ Refer: Great Western Bank
Best Chiropractic Practice
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Millard Chiropractic Clinic
Readers’ Choice: Body in Harmony, Elsasser Chiropractic Clinic
Readers’ Recommend: Omaha Chiropractic Associates, Clark Chiropractic Clinic, First Choice Chiropractic
Best Cosmetic Dentist
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Premier Dental
Readers’ Choice: Smile Design Studio, Legacy Dental
Readers’ Recommend: Omni Dental, The Tooth Doc
Best Cosmetic Practice – Noninvasive
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Skin Specialists
Readers’ Choice: Te Bella Med Spa
Readers’ Recommend: Sculpt Omaha
Readers’ Refer: Carter Abbot Med Spa, Popp Cosmetic Surgery
Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Aesthetic Surgical Images
Readers’ Choice: Finkle Cosmetic Surgery Center, Skin Specialists, Popp Cosmetic Surgery
Readers’ Recommend: Sculpt Omaha, Imagen Body Sculpting
Best Counseling Clinic
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Arbor Family Counseling
Readers’ Choice: Community Alliance, Alliance Counseling Center, Associated Counseling Professionals
Readers’ Recommend: Family Enrichment
Best Credit Union
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Centris Federal Credit Union
Readers’ Choice: SAC Federal Credit Union
Readers’ Recommend: Metro Health Credit Union, Creighton Federal Credit Union
Readers’ Refer: Mutual 1st Federal, Omaha Federal Credit Union
Best Dentist Office
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Summit Dental Health
Readers’ Choice: The Tooth Doc
Readers’ Recommend: Hillsborough Family Dentistry
Readers’ Refer: Paragon Dental, Gradoville Dentristry
Best Dermatology Clinic
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Skin Specialists
Readers’ Choice: Midwest Dermatology Clinic, PC, Braddock Finnegan Dermatology, Alegent Creighton Dermatology
Readers’ Recommend: Dr. Anthony Griess
Best Financial Advisor Office
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Callahan Financial Planning
Readers’ Choice: Feltz Wealth Plan, Renaissance Financial
Readers’ Recommend: Insurevest Financial
Readers’ Refer: Curnes Financial Group, Edward Jones
Best Health Clinic
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Methodist Physicians Clinic
Readers’ Choice: CHI Alegent Creighton Clinics, UNMC Family Physicians, One World Community Health
Readers’ Refer: Southwest Family Physicians
Best Hospital
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Nebraska Medical Center
Readers’ Choice: Methodist Hospital, Methodist Women’s Hospital, Alegent Lakeside
Readers’ Refer: Midlands Hospital
Best Insurance Agency
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: State Farm
Readers’ Choice: Chastain Otis Insurance & Financial Services, Pat Lemmers Agency
Readers’ Recommend: Insurevest Financial, American Family Insurance
Best Lasik Center
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Kugler Vision
Readers’ Choice: Omaha Eye & Laser Institute, Nebraska Laser Eye Associates, Brumm Eye & Laser Vision Center
Readers’ Refer: Lasik Plus, Midwest Eye Care
Best Long Term Care Facility
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Brookstone Meadows
Readers’ Choice: Hillcrest Health & Rehab Systems, Brighton Gardens of Omaha
Readers’ Recommend: Fountain View, Heritage Ridge
Readers’ Refer: The Lighthouse
Best Massage Therapy Practice
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Massage Envy
Readers’ Recommend: Massage Heights, Omaha Blue Waves Massage & Bodywork, Get A Grip
Readers’ Refer: Creative Hair Design Salon, Take Five Massage
Best OB/GYN Practice
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Methodist Women’s Health
Readers’ Choice: Mid-City OB/GYN
Readers’ Recommend: One World Community Health
Readers’ Refer: Metro OB/GYN, Sarpy County OB/GYN, Olsen Center for Women’s Health
Best Optical Store (Eyewear Store)
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: America’s Best
Readers’ Choice: Spectacles Eyeglass Shop Midwest Eye Care, Malbar Vison Center
Readers’ Choice: Stanton Optical
Readers’ Refer: Walmart Stores
Best Optician
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Midwest Eye Care
Readers’ Choice: Millard Family Eyecare, Aksarben Eye Care, Malbar Vision Center
Readers’ Refer: Invisions Eyecare & Optics, Legacy Eye Care, Shopko Optical
Best Orthodontist Office
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Igel Orthodontics
Readers’ Choice: Huerter Orthodontics
Readers’ Recommend: The Orthodontic Group, Clear Choice Orthodontics, P.C.
Readers’ Refer: Barnard Orthodontics, Hurd Orthodontics
Best Pediatric Practice
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Boys Town Pediatrics
Readers’ Choice: Children’s Physicians
Readers’ Recommend: Village Pointe Pediatrics, Omaha Children’s Clinic
Readers’ Refer: West Center Pediatrics
Best Pharmacy
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Walgreens
Readers’ Choice: Hy-Vee Food Store, CVS Pharmacy
Readers’ Recommend: Kohl’s Pharmacy, Kubat Pharmacy
Readers’ Refer: Elmwood Pharmacy
Best Physical Therapy/
Occupational Therapy Practice
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Makovicka Physical Therapy
Readers’ Choice: Community Rehab Physical Therapy, ProCare3, Bellevue Physical Therapy Associates
Readers’ Recommend: Home Nursing with Heart Therapy
Readers’ Refer: Excel Physical Therapy
Best Veterinary Clinic
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: Ralston Veterinary Clinic
Readers’ Recommend: 24th Street Animal Clinic, Rockbrook Animal Clinic, Northwest Animal Hospital, Mobile Animal Clinic, Omaha Animal Medical Group