Best of Arkansas 2017
Cream of the shops, and more
The best, the greatest, nonpareil, primo, boss, a perfect 10. The Colosseum and the Louvre Museum. The tops! That's how Arkansas Times readers judge the businesses, from lingerie shops to veterinarians to HVAC repair, you'll read about below.
Use the results of our annual survey for advice, or look for your own business in the list. Send us your disputations or back up what we print here. You may read that our own senior editor, Max Brantley, won best newspaper writer and squeal "Rigged!" (It is not!) You'll read that Riverfest won best music festival and sigh, "What a shame!" You'll see our readers' choice for worst Arkansan is Sen. Jason Rapert and exclaim, "Just so!"
You'll read reporter Jacob Rosenberg's piece on his trip to Oaklawn and wonder, "Did he come out ahead?" (Answer: Yes.) Along with the Oaklawn feature, we give you a little more info on other winners and finalists, like Bang-Up Betty (artisan), Crying Weasel (vintage clothing), Good Earth (garden store), Flyway Brewing (Arkansas-brewed beer) and WordsWorth Books (bookstore), and our annual editor's picks, which include a feature on a business you should know, the Little Rock Violin Shop.
BEST LIST of 2017
Goods and services
Shopping center
The Promenade at Chenal
Finalists: Midtowne, The Outlets of Little Rock, Park Plaza Mall, Pleasant Ridge Town Center
Grocery store
Kroger
Local winner: Edwards Food Giant
Finalists: The Fresh Market, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods Market
Women's clothing
Dillard's
Finalists: Box Turtle, E. Leigh's, Fringe Clothing, Indigo, Scarlet
Men's clothing
Dillard's
Finalists: Barakat Bespoke, Baumans, Greenhaw's Fine Men's Wear, Mr. Wicks
Hip clothing
Fringe Clothing
Finalists: Box Turtle, Indigo, Maddox, Scarlet
Children's clothing
The Toggery
Finalists: Bologna Joe's, Carter's, The Children's Place (Conway), Dillard's
Vintage clothing
Goodwill
Local winner: Crying Weasel Vintage
Finalists: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Savers, South Main Creative
Lingerie
Cupids
Finalists: Adam and Eve, Dillard's, Seductions, Victoria's Secret
Shoes
Dillard's
Local winner: Rock City Kicks
Finalists: DSW, Shoe Carnival, Warren's Shoes
Antiques
Mid-Towne Antique Mall
Finalists: Blue Suede Shoes, Fabulous Finds, Sweet Home/Clement, South Main Creative
Furniture
Hank's Fine Furniture
Finalists: Ashley Furniture, Cantrell Furniture Design Center, Galaxy Furniture, Howse
Garden store or nursery
The Good Earth Garden Center
Finalists: Botanica Gardens, Hocott's Garden Center, Plantopia, River Valley Horticultural
Hardware/home improvement
Fuller and Son
Finalists: Ace Hardware (Cantrell), The Home Depot, Kraftco Hardware and Building Supply, Lowe's Home Improvement
Eyewear
James Eye Care
Finalists: Burrow's and Mr. Frank's Optical, Family Eye Clinic, Kavanaugh Eye Care, Little Rock Eye Clinic, Success Vision
Fresh vegetables
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Finalists: Argenta Farmers Market, Bernice Garden Farmer's Market, Fayetteville Farmers Market, Little Rock Farmers' Market
Outdoor store
Ozark Outdoor Supply
Finalists: Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Gene Lockwood, Gearhead Outfitters
Bicycle shop
Chainwheel
Finalists: Angry Dave's Bicycles, The Community Bicyclist, The Ride, Spokes
Gun store
Fort Thompson Sporting Goods
Finalists: Arkansas Armory Inc., Bass Pro Shops, Bullseye Guns and Ammo, Don's Weaponry Inc.
Commercial art gallery
Gallery 26
Finalists: Boswell Mourot Fine Art, Cantrell Gallery, Greg Thompson Fine Art, M2 Gallery
Mobile phone
AT&T
Finalists: Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon
Internet service provider
AT&T
Finalists: Centurylink, Comcast, Conway Corp., Hyperleap
Residential real estate agency
The Janet Jones Co.
Finalists: The Charlotte John Co., Crye-Leike, Keller Williams Realty, Pulaski Heights Realty
Commercial real estate agency
Moses Tucker Real Estate
Finalists: Colliers International, Coldwell Banker, Rector Phillips Morse, Flake & Kelley
Auto service
Austin Brothers Tire and Service
Finalists: Christian Brothers Automotive, Discount Tire & Brake Inc., Foster's Garage, Jett's Gas and Service
Auto stereo
Arkansas Car Stereo
Finalists: Auto Audio, Best Buy, Bryant Audio
Travel agency
Poe Travel
Finalists: AAA Travel (Fayetteville), Small World Big Fun, Sue Smith Vacations, The Travel Shop
Hotel
Capital Hotel
Finalists: 21c Museum Hotel (Bentonville), 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (Eureka Springs), Little Rock Marriott, The Waters (Hot Springs)
Private school
The Anthony School
Finalists: Catholic High School for Boys, Episcopal Collegiate, Little Rock Christian Academy, Pulaski Academy
Public school
Central High School
Finalists: Jefferson Elementary, North Little Rock High School, Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School, Pulaski Heights Elementary
Apartment complex
The Pointe Brodie Creek
Finalists: Bowman Pointe, Fountaine Bleau West, The Park at Riverdale, The Ridge at Chenal
Bank
Arvest Bank
Finalists: First Security Bank, Centennial Bank, Regions, Simmons Bank
Barbershop
Jerry's Barber Shop
Finalists: The Art of Men's Cuts (Bryant), The Local Hair Shop, Sport Clips, Sullivan Barber Service
Salon
Suite.102.Salon
Finalists: Fringe Benefits, Joels, Joey Edwards Salon, Red Beauty Lounge
Nail salon
Fashion Nails
Finalists: Chic Nails, Ethereal Spa, Heights Nail and Spa
Spa
Wellness Revolution
Finalists: Ava Bella Day Spa, Caracalla Salon and Body Spa, Indulgences Day Spa, Rejuvenation Day Spa
Diet/Weight Loss Center
Onyx Nutrition and Fitness
Finalists: Diet Center, Nutrition Hub, TruBalance Health, Wellness Revolution
Jeweler
Sissy's Log Cabin
Finalists: Cecil's Fine Jewelry, Jones & Son Fine Jewelry, Kyle-Rochelle, Roberson's Fine Jewelry
Pharmacy
Cornerstone Pharmacy
Finalists: CVS, Kroger, Rhea Drug Store, Walgreens
Auto dealer
Steve Landers Toyota
Finalists: Everett GMC, McClarty Nissan, Russell Honda, Parker Lexus
Car
Subaru Outback
Finalists: Honda Civic, Honda Pilot, Toyota Camry
Home entertainment store
Best Buy
Local winner: Arkansas Record and CD Exchange
Finalists: Audio Dimensions, Bedford Camera, Walmart
Sporting goods
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Local winner: Ozark Outdoor Supply
Finalists: Bass Pro Shops, Fort Thompson, Gene Lockwood's
Toys
Toys "R" Us
Local winner: The Toggery
Finalists: Box Turtle Kids, The Knowledge Tree, Target
Florist
Tanarah Luxe Floral
Finalists: About Vase, Empty Vase, Frances Flower Shop, Tipton & Hurst
Plumber
Ray Lusk Plumbing
Finalists: Advantage Service Co., Don Houff Plumbing, Brad Peoples, Russell & LeMay, Sanders Plumbing
HVAC Repair
Middleton Heat and Air
Finalists: Bob & Ed's Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Chenal Heat and Air, Dash Heating & Air, Russell & LeMay
Gift shop
Box Turtle
Finalists: Bella Vita Jewelry, The Crown Shop, The Full Moon, Green Corner Store, Moxy Modern Mercantile
Veterinarian
Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Finalists: ALLPETS Animal Hospital, Bellevue Animal Clinic, Bowman Road Animal Clinic, Pleasant Valley Animal Clinic, Pinnacle Valley Animal Hospital
Dry cleaners
Moose Cleaners
Finalists: Hangers Cleaners, Max Cleaners, Oak Forest Cleaners, Schickel's Cleaners
Artisan
Bang-Up Betty (jeweler)
Finalists: Bella Vita (jewelry), Sarah DeClerk (baker), Katherine Strause (painter), V.L. Cox (mixed media)
Designer/decorator
Debi Davis Interiors
Finalists: Tom Chandler, Tobi Fairley, Garry Mertins Design Inc., Jill White Designs
Hobby shop
Hobby Lobby
Local winner: The Water Buffalo
Finalists: Art Outfitters, Game Goblin, Michaels
Music equipment
Guitar Center
Local winner: Dogtown Sound
Finalists: Best Buy, CKC Music, Jacksonville Guitar Center
Bookstore
WordsWorth Books & Co.
Finalists: Barnes & Noble, Dickson Street Bookshop (Fayetteville), Nightbird Books (Fayetteville), River Market Books and Gifts
Pawn shop
iPawn
Finalists: A-1 Gun and Pawn Inc., Braswell & Son Pawnbrokers, Cbay Trading & Loan, Pawnderosa Pawn Shop
Funeral home
Ruebel Funeral Home
Finalists: Olmstead Funeral Home, North Little Rock Funeral Home, Roller Funeral Homes, Smith Funeral Home
Retirement community
Parkway Village
Finalists: Fox Ridge Assisted Living, Good Shepherd Community, The Manor, Woodland Heights
Place to take a yoga class
Barefoot Studio
Finalists: Arkansas Yoga Collective, Blue Yoga Nyla, Little Rock Athletic Club, Wellness Revolution
Chiropractor
Brady DeClerk
Finalists: Beverly Foster, John Vincent, Natural State Health Center, Rose Livingston (Hot Springs)
Tattoo
7th Street Tattoos & Piercing
Finalists: Black Cobra, Forever Yours, The Parlor, Tried and True Tattoo Co. by Rick Medina (Russellville)
Vape shop
Rogue Vapors
Finalists: Abby Road, RAO Video, Vapor World
Investment adviser
Heath Harper (Morgan Stanley)
Finalists: Brian Bush (Stephens), Barry Corkern, Kelly Ross Journey (Edward Jones), Larry Root (Ameriprise Financial Services)
Company to work for
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Finalists: The Janet Jones Co., Inuvo, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Youth Home Inc.
Recreation
Place to swim
Little Rock Racquet Club
Finalists: Little Rock Athletic Club, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Ouachita, Wild River Country
Park
Burns Park
Finalists: Allsopp Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Riverfront Park, Two Rivers Park
Cheap date
Movies in the Park
Finalists: Arkansas Arts Center, Arkansas Travelers, Big Dam Bridge, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
Weekend getaway
Hot Springs
Finalists: Eureka Springs, Mount Magazine, Bentonville, Petit Jean State Park
Resort
Red Apple Inn
Finalists: Arlington Hotel (Hot Springs), Gaston's White River Resort, The Lodge at Mount Magazine, Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
Golf course
Pleasant Valley Country Club
Finalists: Chenal Country Club, Country Club of Little Rock, Rebsamen Golf Course, War Memorial Golf Course
Athletic club
Little Rock Athletic Club
Finalists: 10 Fitness, Little Rock Racquet Club, Omnis Crossfit, Wellness Revolution Crossfit
Hiking trail
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Finalists: Allsopp Park, Ouachita Trail, Petit Jean Mountain, Two Rivers Park
Place to mountain bike
Burns Park
Finalists: Allsopp Park, Camp Robinson, Pinnacle Mountain, Slaughter Pen (Bentonville)
Marina
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa (Lake Ouachita)
Finalists: Fairfield Bay (Greers Ferry Lake), Heber Springs Marina (Greers Ferry Lake), Jolly Roger's Marina (Lake Maumelle), Brady Mountain Marina (Lake Ouachita)
Entertainment
Musician or band
Amasa Hines
Finalists: Chris DeClerk, Adam Faucett, Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, Tragikly Whit
DJ
Gforce
Finalists: DJ Mario Luna, Seth Baldy, Kramer, rob O.
Place for live music
Revolution Music Room
Finalists: Cajun's Wharf, South on Main, Stickyz Rock 'N' Roll Chicken Shack, White Water Tavern
Place to dance
Club Sway
Finalists: Club Level, Discovery, Electric Cowboy, Ernie Biggs
Live music festival
Riverfest
Finalists: Hot Water Hills Festival (Hot Springs), King Biscuit (Helena/West Helena), Legends of Arkansas, Toad Suck Daze (Conway), The Valley of the Vapors (Hot Springs)
Neighborhood festival
Hillcrest HarvestFest
Finalists: Block Street Block Party, Cornbread Festival, Chili Fights in the Heights, Patio in Park Hill
Late-night spot
Midtown
Finalists: Discovery, Ciao Baci, Ernie Biggs, Four Quarter Bar
Gay bar
Club Sway
Finalists: 610 Center, Discovery, Triniti
Sports bar
The Tavern Sports Grill
Finalists: Dugan's Pub, Prospect Sports Bar, Twin Peaks, West End Smokehouse & Tavern
Movie theater
Riverdale 10
Finalists: UA Breckenridge 12, Cinemark Colonel Glenn 18 (Rave), Chenal 9, Ron Robinson Theater
Museum
Museum of Discovery
Finalists: Arkansas Arts Center, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville), Clinton Presidential Center, Historic Arkansas Museum
Performing arts group
Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Finalists: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Arkansas, Red Octopus, River City Men's Chorus
Place to gamble
Oaklawn Racing & Gaming
Finalists: Gold Strike Casino (Tunica, Miss.), Southland Park Gaming and Racing (West Memphis), Choctaw Casino (Oklahoma), Cherokee Casino (Oklahoma)
Food and Drink
Food festival
Greek Food Festival
Finalists: Chili Fights in the Heights, Cornbread Festival, Jewish Food Festival, Main Street Food Truck Festival
French fries
Big Orange
Finalists: Buffalo Grill, David's Burgers, McDonald's, The Root Cafe
Onion rings
Sonic Drive-In
Finalists: Arkansas Burger Co., Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Dugan's Pub, Leo's Greek Castle
Cheese Dip
Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro
Finalists: El Porton, Heights Taco & Tamale Co., La Hacienda, Mexico Chiquito
Ribs
Whole Hog Cafe
Finalists: Sims Bar-B-Que, Corky's Ribs and BBQ, McClard's Bar-B-Q, Penguin Ed's Bar-B-Que (Fayetteville)
Wine list
So Restaurant-Bar
Finalists: By the Glass, Crush Wine Bar, Samantha's Taproom, Zin Urban Wine and Beer Bar
Arkansas-brewed beer
Lost Forty
Finalists: Diamond Bear Brewing Co., Flyway Brewing, Ozark Beer Co., Rebel Kettle
Liquor store
Colonial Wines and Spirits
Finalists: 107 Liquor (Sherwood), Legacy Wine and Spirits, O'Looney's Wine and Liquor, Sullivant's Liquor Store
Sushi
Sushi Cafe
Finalists: Hanaroo Sushi Bar, Kemuri, Kiyen's, Mt. Fuji, Oceans at Arthur's
Salad
ZAZA Fine Salad and Wood-Oven Pizza Co.
Finalists: Cheers, Jason's Deli, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, The Root Cafe
Business lunch
Cache Restaurant
Finalists: Capital Bar and Grill, Samantha's Taproom, South on Main, Trio's Restaurant
Brunch
Red Door Restaurant
Finalists: Boulevard Bistro, Lost Forty, The Root Cafe, YaYa's Euro Bistro
Cocktail
Cajun's Wharf
Finalists: Big Orange, Capital Bar and Grill, The Pizzeria, South on Main
Milkshake
Purple Cow
Finalists: Big Orange, Loblolly Creamery, Sonic Drive-In, Shake's Frozen Custard
Vegetarian
The Root Cafe
Finalists: North Bar, Star of India, Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co., The Veg
Bread
Boulevard Bread Co.
Finalists: Arkansas Fresh, Community Bakery, Old Mill Bread and Flour Co., Mylo Coffee Co., Panera Bread
Caterer
Catering to You
Finalists: Alan Bennett, RX Catering, Simply the Best, Trio's Restaurant
Outdoor dining
Brave New Restaurant
Finalists: Cajun's Wharf, Local Lime, The Root Cafe, U.S. Pizza Hillcrest
People and Politics
Artist
V.L. Cox
Finalists: Guy Bell, Kevin Kresse, John Kushmaul, Matt McLeod
Celebrity
Mary Steenburgen
Finalists: Beth Ditto, Bill Clinton, Judge Reinhold, Jeff Nichols
Photographer
Joshua Asante
Finalists: Brian Chilson, Lily Darragh, Rita Henry, Matt White
Politician
Joyce Elliott
Finalists: Tom Cotton, Clarke Tucker, Warwick Sabin, Kathy Webb
Athlete
Rawleigh Williams III
Finalists: John Daly, Hunter Henry, Darren McFadden, Leah Thorvilson
Liberal
Max Brantley
Finalists: Matt Campbell, Joyce Elliott, Warwick Sabin, Kathy Webb
Conservative
Tom Cotton
Finalists: Asa Hutchinson, Jeremy Hutchinson, Rex Nelson, Bill Vickery
Worst Arkansan
Jason Rapert
Finalists: Wendell Griffen, French Hill, Mike Huckabee, Leslie Rutledge
Charity
Youth Home Inc.
Finalists: Habitat for Humanity, Lucie's Place, Our House, The Van
Charity event
Eggshibition (Youth Home)
Finalists: Soup Sunday (Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families), Paws on the Runway (CARE for Animals), Race for the Cure, Walk for the Waiting (foster care)
Misuse of taxpayer funds/property
Ten Commandments monument
Finalists: 30 Crossing, charter schools, Ecclesia College, Robinson Center
Media
Radio station
Alice-FM, 107.7
Finalists: KABF-FM, 88.3; KUAR-FM, 89.1; The Buzz-FM, 103.7; The Wolf-FM, 105.1
Radio personality
Heather and Poolboy
Finalists: Bobby Bones, Tommy Smith, Lisa Fischer, Roger Scott
TV station
KATV, Channel 7
Finalists: KARK, Channel 4; Fox 16; KTHV, Channel 11; AETN
TV personality
Dawn Scott
Finalists: Alyson Courtney, Craig O'Neill, Donna Terrell, D.J. Williams
TV weatherman
Todd Yakoubian
Finalists: Barry Brandt, Tom Brannon, Ed Buckner, Ned Perme
TV sports
Steve Sullivan
Finalists: D.J. Williams, Mary Dunleavy, Wess Moore
Newspaper writer
Max Brantley
Finalists: Gwen Moritz, John Brummett, Wally Hall, John Lynch
Blog
Arkansas Blog
Finalists: Blue Hog Report, The Mighty Rib, Rex Nelson's Southern Fried, Rock City Eats
Website
arktimes.com
Finalists: bluehogreport.com, earnspendlive.com, fayettevilleflyer.com, mysaline.com
Twitter feed
@bluehogreport
Finalists: @ademillo, @austinkellerman, @johnbrummett, @jefflongUA
Instagram feed
@annpotterbaking
Finalists: @bangupbetty, @hannahacarpenter, @tnorman23
Author
Kevin Brockmeier
Finalists: Bryan Borland, Garrard Conley, Mara Leveritt, Nate Powell
Best of Arkansas 2017
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