2026 BEST OF AUGUSTA by Augusta Magazine Custom Pubs

SHOPPING AND LEISURE

Best of 2026

AUGUSTA by Dan Pearson

Whether you are new to Augusta or a longtime resident, our Best of Augusta listing has something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the area’s top restaurants, stores, recreation spots and much more as chosen by you, our readers. Our coveted listing is the only reader-voted survey in the region.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R SELECTION

It’s nice to be able to sample different beers from all over the world and from tiny craft breweries across the fruited plain. If you’d like to do that and don’t know where to go, you’re reading the right paragraph. Readers recommend Beverage Outlet for the widest selection. Additional options: Toast Wine and Beverage (2nd) and The White Horse Wine & Spirits (3rd).

BEST BEER MENU

dawn breakfast

joints to late-night

sips and snacks,

we’ve got what

your neighbors

say are the best

BEST HAPPY HOUR

You have to be part psychologist to be a good bartender. You’ve got to be able to mix well with people. Plus there is other mixing involved, the kind of mixtures that people drink. The consensus is that Craft & Vine has the best mixologists in our fair city. The Indian Queen also creates some memorable libations, as does Finch & Fifth. Please enjoy responsibly.

B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L

good stuff. Here’s

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Look, we know about fat and cholesterol and all that. But a person can’t live on tofu and kale chips indefinitely. At some point just to survive you’re going to have to have some mashed potatoes and gravy, meatloaf and pork and beans. But where? Our readers say go to Goolsby’s. The very name itself sounds down-home, doesn’t it? Somehow you know this isn’t a candlelit French restaurant. Election central also has tallied second- and third-place votes for Fat Man’s Mill Café and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Beverage Outlet

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

places for the

Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the half-six pack of the best.

From crack-of-

Wait. You’re saying the price of my favorite

BEST BRUNCH

We have the potential for nine months of pleasant outdoor dining — 12 if you don’t mind profuse sweating. Enjoy this singularly pleasant experience at one of the many options our area offers. If you’d like a short list, voters obliged with their top three: Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, Edgar’s Above Broad and Bodega Ultima. Now, go enjoy the breezes.

to the menu!

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It

OCTOBER 2026

Dining

What about dining out when you’d like more than a few ordinary beers to choose from? For that scenario, the totals are in

Edgar’ s Bakehouse

BEST BAKERY

Edgar’s Bakehouse on Facebook

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

B E S T B R E A K FA S T The beauty of The Brunch House of Augusta is that you don’t have to wait for brunch to go there. They win best breakfast, and that’s just their pre-brunch warm-up act. What does that say about their brunch? Probably very good things, but you’ll have to wait for that category to find out. Sunrise Grill and First Watch, as you can plainly see from their names, also specialize in marvelous mornings.

BEST APPETIZERS In the category of non-morning beginnings, sharp-eyed readers noticed a link between ampersands and quality appetizers, ranking them in this order: Craft & Vine at No. 1, followed by Finch & Fifth (not to be confused with Fifth & Finch), and then F&H, better known as Frog & the Hen. Scientists are investigating the link.

BEST BARBECUE Is it the meat or the heat? Is it the sauce or the boss? Voters say Sconyers Bar-B-Que has it all: the beef and the pork, the mesquite fires, the tangy sauces and Larry Sconyers as the ultimate grillmaster. That recipe has worked for 60 years and counting. Voters give second place to SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ and third to Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. But here is the question no one can answer: What is the correct spelling of barbecue?

BEST RIBS Many religions have their various sects and splinter groups, and barbecue is no exception. Some adherents venerate the rib in particular, and readers say they tend to congregate at SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ (but not necessarily on Sunday mornings). Others regularly attend Sconyers Bar-B-Que and Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q.

BEST WINGS It doesn’t matter if you’re talking the West Wing or the East Wing that is no more, left wing or right wing. What matters is Wingstop. Period. The ballots say they serve the best wings in the entire area. Don’t take our word for it; fly in and give them a

try! Doc’s Porchside wins second and TBonz Steakhouse scores third.

BEST SEAFOOD There is nothing quite like superb seafood, and readers say Beck’s is the best place on dry land to savor seafood at its finest. Similarly, a silvery medal is awarded to Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar. In a category all its own — definitely good and delicious and enjoyable, but also decidedly unique — the bronze medal goes to Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar.

BEST SUSHI Serving the best sushi requires more than just being an outstanding chef. You can’t just throw it on a plate; you also have to be an artist. Readers say the best combination of culinary skills and artistry is served at Takosushi, and if we’re guessing, not the tako side of the equation. Second place: See if you can find a place called 990 Broad Sushi Kitchen. Readers say it is that close to being best. In third: Koi Japanese Hibachi & Sushi.

BEST STEAK Where to go for steak in its prime? We asked our readers and they said, “You ask us every year and we keep telling you! TBonz Steakhouse! Every year!” Okay, okay. Touchy! Second-place is awarded to Brinkley’s Chop House, which is definitely a special occasion restaurant that doesn’t require a special occasion. Some people say it’s expensive. Our response: their Million Dollar Bacon is only $18. Use the $999,982 you just saved to splurge a little. A worthy third goes to Frog Hollow Tavern.

B E S T C AT F I S H If Old McDonald’s Fish Camp, the reader favorite, was not actually the best, that would be an example of catfishing. But rest easy — it isn’t. They’re really that good. Readers also like the cats served by Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

BEST FRIED CHICKEN Has it been a long day? A long week? Are you absolutely fried? Then fight fire with fire: Have some fried chicken. They call it comfort food for a reason, especially when it comes from WifeSaver, the preferred choice of voters. Maryland Fried Chicken wins second place, and the non-frog division of Frog & the Hen takes third.

BEST SOUP The voting for the soup offerings at California Dreaming was so hot and heavy it was actually chunky style. Votes for Panera Bread were also pretty souped-up, and believe us when we tell you, even in third place, Olive Garden got more than a soupçon of votes. Way more.

BEST PIZZA Our research department tells us that 13% of the U.S. population eats pizza on any given day. Based on the ballots we saw, a sizable slice of those people are patrons of Mellow Mushroom. Another segment prefers The Pizza Joint, followed by the moveable feast known as Southern Fired Foods. (They also now have a brick and mortar restaurant located in Grovetown.)

BEST HOT DOG Do you prefer the term weiner? Frankfurter? Or simply frank? Oh … okay … Moving on, the established dogma on both sides of the river seems to be that SnoCap Drive-In is the place to go. Yes, there are dog fans in South Carolina. Farmhaus Burger, in second place, has transformed the Chicago Dog into the Augusta Dog. Costco takes third, and they don’t even make you buy 72 at a time.

BEST BURRITO We’re all a little Hispanic at heart, right? That’s why we’ve been streaming to Nacho Mama’s for decades. Voters say their burritos are lo mejor, which is Spanish for “pretty durned tasty.” Diablo’s Southwest Grill is devilishly good in second, and Taqueria El Rey? Burritos fit for a king. OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

Takosushi on Facebook

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Beverage Outlet

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BEST SUSHI

Takosushi BEST SANDWICHES If the question is which sandwich, the clear answer is Hildebrandt’s. Search the planet and you won’t find another place like it. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Well, not that recently. When the stock market crashed in 1929, that year was their 50th. So semi-recently. Knuckle Sandwiches and Mosh Pit Eats and also highly rated by voters.

BEST HAMBURGER Yes, hamburgers are sandwiches. We get that. But there’s no way they’re in the same category as peanut butter & jelly. They deserve their own category. And that category was won by Farmhaus Burger. They serve the tastiest burgers, according to readers. Also, because they have a kitchen, Whiskey Bar Kitchen is able to offer silver medal burgers. The bronze medal goes to the venerable Village Deli Sub & Pub.

BEST FRENCH FRIES You say you prefer your potatoes fried in the French style? How suave and urbane of you! You undoubtedly already know that your

OCTOBER 2026

discriminating tastes (and taste buds) are best satisfied to your exacting standards at Farmhaus Burger. We cannot disagree. Some Francophiles alternately patronize Five Guys, where purists pronounce guy in the French manner: “ghee.” McDonald’s takes home third place.

BEST SALAD Remember last summer when lettuce was such an explosive topic? Hopefully by the time we’re reading this, salads will have returned to being the healthful foundations that we can then bury in shredded cheese, garlic croutons, bacon bits, chicken bites and dressing. Or we could just take the recommendations of the ballots and go to 1) California Dreaming, 2) SoSal, or 3) Edgar’s Grille, and let them build us a great salad.

BEST DESSERT Quick, name an area eatery famous for its superb desserts. We posed that challenge to 2,762 registered voters recently and the overwhelming winner was The Boll Weevil Cafe & Sweetery. They had us at sweetery, even though that is not actually a

word. Manuel’s Bread Café wins the silver cake fork, and Whipped Creamery takes home the bronze waffle cone.

BEST BAKERY Considering the many options — breads, bagels, muffins, brownies, dinner rolls, sweet rolls, cookies, cakes, pies — the list could go on almost indefinitely — this is a category with national security implications. Readers rose to the occasion, nominating Edgar’s Bakehouse for top honors. Grovetown’s sterling little Lazarette St. Bakeshop is vice bakery, and Lil’ Dutch Bakery is tapped for the deputy of the bakery post.

BEST DONUTS Personally, we prefer “lite” varieties, the ones spelled “donuts,” not “doughnuts.” That way we can eat two or three instead of just one. Readers recommend EN Donuts in North Augusta for your daily fix. If you’re wondering, EN comes from the initials of the owners’ first names (Elena and Nolan). Krispy Kreme and Belair Donuts score second and third, respectively.

BEST ICE CREAM Our grandparents probably never even heard the word froyo. Is this a great time to be alive or what? Which reminds us: Summerville Scoops in Daniel Village wins this category, and they offer all the delicious flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt you would expect from a winner. Kettle Creek Creamery and Whipped Creamery creamed the competition for second and third.

BEST COFFEE Speaking of our grandparents, they suffered through 50¢ cups of coffee their entire lives. Today we have the privilege of drinking coffee at 10 times that price (and more), and places like Relic Coffee Company exist to help make sure the extra expense is worth it. Heavily-caffeinated readers also voted for Rooted Coffeehouse and its multiple one-of-a-kind locations, with Trellis Coffee Bar completing the top three.

BEST ICED TEA Travel afar, ask for iced tea, and some places will bring you tea bags, a mug, a pot of hot water and a glass of ice. What is wrong with these people? Let’s just be thankful that for most of us it’s just a short hop to WifeSaver, the reader favorite. Realtors tell us it’s a major selling point for people moving to the area. McDonald’s and McAlister’s Deli also get lots of votes.

BEST WINE MERCHANT You say you have an elegant dinner party coming up and need to know what pairs best with pimento cheese sandwiches? Take your questions to The White Horse Wine & Spirits. The ballots say they’re the experts. Toast Wine and Beverage is another finalist, as is Cork & Flame, a wine shop disguised as a fine restaurant. Or is it the other way around?

BEST WINE MENU It could be inferred that a restaurant with an excellent wine list more than likely also serves excellent food. They go hand in hand. Readers have crowned the aforementioned Cork & Flame as the best in this category. Frog Hollow Tavern also pairs well with second place, and Brinkley’s Chop House finishes with third-place notes. OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

Beverage Outlet BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R SELECTION It’s nice to be able to sample different beers from all over the world and from tiny craft breweries across the fruited plain. If you’d like to do that and don’t know where to go, you’re reading the right paragraph. Readers recommend Beverage Outlet for the widest selection. Additional options: Toast Wine and Beverage (2nd) and The White Horse Wine & Spirits (3rd).

BEST BEER MENU What about dining out when you’d like more than a few ordinary beers to choose from? For that scenario, the totals are in and they point to Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen, where the menu includes more than 150 craft beers from around the world and, according to Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen, the best beer selection in the South. World of Beer and hometown fave

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Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the half-six pack of the best.

B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L You have to be part psychologist to be a good bartender. You’ve got to be able to mix well with people. Plus there is other mixing involved, the kind of mixtures that people drink. The consensus is that Craft & Vine has the best mixologists in our fair city. The Indian Queen also creates some memorable libations, as does Finch & Fifth. Please enjoy responsibly.

BEST HAPPY HOUR Wait. You’re saying the price of my favorite drinks and appetizers is reduced? For how long? And this happens every day? I can just show up? At Finch & Fifth? Trust me, I will. Most definitely! Sign me up! Oliviana Ristorante & Bar Italiano does this, too? And The Indian Queen? Awesome!

BEST OUTDOOR DINING We have the potential for nine months of pleasant outdoor dining — 12 if you don’t mind profuse sweating. Enjoy this singularly pleasant experience at one of the many options our area offers. If you’d like a short list, voters obliged with their top three: Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, Edgar’s Above Broad and Bodega Ultima. Now, go enjoy the breezes.

BEST BRUNCH This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It was probably this close, and then reason prevailed at the last moment. Thank goodness! You can enjoy a late breakfast/ early lunch — a brunch — at The Brunch House of Augusta. Or Frog & the Hen. Or Edgar’s Grille.

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

erage Outlet

EST DOWN-HOME OOKING

ok, we know about fat and cholesterol and that. But a person can’t live on tofu and e chips indefinitely. At some point just to vive you’re going to have to have some shed potatoes and gravy, meatloaf and k and beans. But where? Our readers go to Goolsby’s. The very name itself nds down-home, doesn’t it? Somehow you ow this isn’t a candlelit French restaurant. ction central also has tallied second- and rd-place votes for Fat Man’s Mill Café and cker Barrel Old Country Store.

EST OUTDOOR DINING

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BEST BRUNCH

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BEST LUNCH On a different day (not a brunch day), get your hungry self over to Laziza Mediterranean Grill (downtown, Evans or Aiken). The Augusta magazine-reading citizens of the region recommend it as the best in midday meals. They also speak highly of Edgar’s Grille and Bodega Ultima.

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH This category doesn’t necessarily mean 3-piece suits and pantyhose. It just means a pleasant setting, excellent but unobtrusive service, and a place where you don’t have to shout to be heard. The votes say Edgar’s Grille checks all the boxes, so be sure to bring a pen. You’ll have contracts to sign. A couple of other spots to keep the local economy humming along are French Market Grille West and a place we’ve already heard from on these pages once or twice: Frog & the Hen.

B E S T A S I A N R E S TA U R A N T We begin our world culinary tour in the Far East, where the ballots take us to Mirin Fusion Kitchen. Mirin because the word is associated with beauty, fusion because it’s Japanese, Korean and more. Koi Japanese Hibachi & Sushi wins second

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place, and Toki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar takes third.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN R E S TA U R A N T Since we did a mini-language lesson above, it’s only fair to do it here, too. “Laziza,” as in Laziza Mediterranean Grill, the reader fave, has origins related to “delicious” and “delightful.” We like the sound of that. Pita Mediterranean Street Food, next to Sprouts, scores second place, and Ephesus Greek and Turkish Restaurant, purveyors of Greek and Turkish food, wins third.

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT Taqueria El Rey, the #1 choice by readers (pronounced tah-keh-REE-ah el ray) denotes a casual restaurant serving none other than el rey — the king. That would be you. And me. Everybody. Gender is irrelevant when it comes to excellent Mexican food. Yes, women can be king, too. Poblano’s Mexican Bar & Grill cruises to 2nd place, while Salsa’s Bar & Grill gets 3rd.

Indian restaurant, Taj of India. It fits. Curry Hut and Namaste Indian Street Food complete the Top Three.

BEST ITALIAN RESTAUR ANT Oliviana Ristorante & Bar Italiano gets the top prize. And why wouldn’t it? The name Oliviana derives from the olive, both olive oil and the trees the precious oil comes from. We could not have fine Italian dining without it. Trattoria Polipo is first runner-up, followed by Olive Garden.

BEST DOWNTOWN R E S TA U R A N T Pity the embattled downtown eatery, beleaguered and bedeviled by Broad Street’s never-ending construction project. It will presumably look great when it’s all done, but in the meantime, if you’re looking for a restaurant to support, by all means pick one on Broad Street. Looking for suggestions? Readers recommend Frog Hollow Tavern first, followed by Whiskey Bar Kitchen and Solé Augusta.

B ES T I N D I A N R ES TAU R A N T

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD R E S TA U R A N T

“Taj,” meaning diadem or royal headdress, crowns the name of our readers’ favorite

The best in this category, say voters, is

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

Mirin Fusion Kitchen to bring the food to you and 300 of your closest friends (for smaller groups, try Grub Hub or DoorDash). People who presumably know (otherwise, why would they vote?) recommend Tastefully Yours. Well, the name certainly checks out. Roux’s Catering and Berry’s Catering + Events also get high marks from readers.

BEST FOOD TRUCK Mirin Fusion Kitchen on Facebook

The challenge in this category is always, “Where are they today?” If they’re in this paragraph, they’re worth the search. First, check websites and social media for SmokeShow Southern Style BBQ. Readers next recommend Southern Fired Foods (note, that’s not “fried” misspelled), followed by Whipped Creamery (Fun fact: during the World Cup they thought about changing their name to Whirled Creamery). Sheehan’s Irish Pub. We should point out that you don’t have to live in the same neighborhood as Sheehan’s to go there. Or be Irish. You can be Bulgarian or Bora Borian, for example, and that’s okay. The same goes for Ironwood Tavern and Rae’s Coastal Cafe. Everybody may not know your name now, but they will soon.

BEST HIDDEN GEM R E S TA U R A N T Some places are hidden in plain sight, others not so much. At Rae’s Coastal Cafe, for instance, the top reader choice, their business has increased 86% since navigation apps became commonplace. But in the Plain Sight Department, there is no need to search for Cadwalladers or Edgar’s Grille. Just

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drive there and go in. Reservations are often useful, however.

B E S T N E W R E S TA U R A N T Atop the final standings is Suea. Have you heard of it? Suea is located at 123 James Brown Boulevard downtown, and in a word … well, in three words … it’s all about “modern Thai tapas.” And if we didn’t mention this before, readers say it is the best new restaurant in our city. Across the river, Brink’s Tavern scores the silver medal and the ballots say Evans’ newish CAVA gets third place.

B E S T C AT E R E R When you can’t go to the food, hire someone

B E S T TA K E O U T You can’t miss the big game, but you’re starving. What to do? Readers say call Village Deli for the best takeout. Quick, tasty, et cetera. What more could you ask for? Other worthy takeout options: Top Dawg Tavern and Ironwood Tavern.

B E S T R E S TA U R A N T OVER ALL Perhaps the most coveted of all categories is won by Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, a place sometimes known as Abel Brown. Congratulations! The other two finalists in this rarefied bracket are Frog Hollow Tavern and Beck’s. Well done! Keep up the good work!

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B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R SELECTION

What about dining out when you’d like more than a few ordinary beers to choose from? For that scenario, the totals are in

BEST BEER MENU

In this era of online retail

giants, supporting local

businesses has never

been more important.

Here are some of the

OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It

BEST BRUNCH

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Beverage Outlet

Wait. You’re saying the price of my favorite

BEST HAPPY HOUR

B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L

Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the half-six pack of the best.

Shopping & Leisure best picks.

BEST PLACE TO BUY HANDBAGS

Dill ard’ s

Dillard’s on Facebook

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

Good Earth Produce & Garden Center

Good Earth Produce & Garden Center on Facebook

BEST OF OF AUGUSTA AUGUSTA 2026 2026 BEST

BEST BEER SELECTION/

BEST PRODUCE

BEST MEN ’S CLOTHING STORE Being well dressed is one of the least expensive ways to build self-confidence. In other words, one visit to Boardroom Clothing Company, tops in your voting, costs far less than multiple visits to a psychologist. That’s why it’s called retail therapy. Other options your closet will love you for: Low Country Clothier and Gentry Mens Shop.

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE People who say money can’t buy happiness

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just don’t know where to shop. Our readers are here to help. They first recommend The Swank Company, and who are we to disagree? It is Swanksville USA over there. Capsule comes next, followed by its neighbor, One.

B EST PL ACE TO BUY HAN DBAGS Ok guys, listen up. You need a man bag. Take a hint from the ladies. They’ll have something they bought at Dillard’s (the top choice) the size of a paperback, and inside they’ve got their keys, wallet, cell phone, 17 charge cards, lipstick in three shades, a pack of Tic Tacs®, a bottle of

Icelandic, and just for a little added weight, a brick. It’s very convenient. So gentlemen — and ladies — check the aforementioned Dillard’s, The Swank Company and also Shoes at Surrey.

BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE If the shoes fit, wear them, especially if they are stylish — which should be true on all counts if you follow the advice of readers and take your feet (both of them) to Shoes at Surrey. There is no need to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes with the selection they offer. Dillard’s also comes highly recommended, as does DSW.

Best

VOTED

PRODUCE THANK YOU AUGUSTA!

G O O D P R O D U C T, G O O D P E O P L E , G O O D E A R T H

150 Davis Rd. Augusta, GA 30907 | 706-550-0227 | goodearthaugusta.com

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST CLOTHING CONSIGNMENT STORE

Uptown Cheapskate

Uptown Cheapskate on Facebook

produce, followed by the delicious garden goodies from Augusta Locally Grown.

B E S T N U R S E R Y/ G A R D E N SHOP

BEST FITNESS/OUTDOOR STORE Escape Outdoors is dedicated to helping you do exactly what their name says. That is a worthy mission indeed, and the votes say they’re succeeding. Best of all, they’re local. Academy Sports + Outdoors and Dick’s Sporting Goods may not be locally owned, but readers say they’re still good.

BEST CLOTHING CONSIGNMENT STORE Here’s the formula: A consignor takes items to a consignee. The consignee offers the items for sale on behalf of the consignor to various third parties. That’s where we come in. It sounds complicated, but at Uptown Cheapskate they will explain it all very simply. In second place, appropriately

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enough, is Second Time Around. They could have won, but they like the whole Second Time/second place vibe. Goodwill takes third.

BEST ORGANIC FOODS At your top pick, Sprouts Farmers Market, they don’t exactly guarantee their produce is cyclospora-free, but realistically you should be safe. If you’re still concerned, simply cook your lettuce to at least 165°F before serving. In second, Good Earth Produce & Garden Center, say the ballots, is slightly gooder than Fresh Market, which finishes in third.

BEST PRODUCE In this category, readers say Good Earth Produce & Garden Center is the best earth. Fresh Market has the next crispest

The website for Bedford Greenhouses says they are Augusta’s most beloved nursery. We could not agree more. Readers could not agree more. If you haven’t been, consider this your invitation. Good Earth Produce & Garden Center is next-best, followed by Sanderlin Greenhouses.

BEST GIFT STORE We don’t have the statistics on how many gifts bought at The Swank Company end up being too precious to give away, but the numbers are considerable. We have the solution: Every time you find a perfect gift at Swank, buy two. Problem solved. Readers also like Design Images & Gifts and Mish Mash Interiors (and Gifts).

B EST PL ACE TO S HOP FOR WIFE/GIRLFRIEND This can be challenging. According to gender stereotypes, guys aren’t exactly born to shop, especially for someone else. So here’s what our readers suggest: Just walk into one of the three top options with a white flag

Experience

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Trends and Traditions on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It was probably this close, and then reason

Trends and Traditions

and ask for assistance. Here are the reader recommendations: first, Windsor Fine Jewelers. Next, The Swank Company. And third, perhaps a new destination to discover for some, Lovies Mercantile.

B EST PL ACE TO S H O P FO R H US BA N D/ B OY F R I E N D

somebody’s cluttered old attic or junk drawer? Well, one of the reasons readers say Trends & Traditions is the best is that the store is clean and well organized. It makes a difference. West End Collective and Barbara Kelly Antique Gallery score second and third, respectively.

B EST FI N E J E W E LRY STO R E

What do you get for the guy who has everything? By which we mean you, of course. Naturally, nothing you buy can compares, but you should still give it your best shot. Escape Outdoors is the tiptop tip from readers. Try them first. Other suggestions: Low Country Clothier and Palmetto Moon. Oh yes, Palmetto Moon has lots of stuff for guys.

Note: Fine print follows. This two-horse race checks the “fine jeweler” box twice. Fine Jeweler is in the name of both stores. It’s Windsor Fine Jewelers in first, and Floyd & Green Fine Jewelers is first runner-up. Everything’s just fine.

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Back in the day they used to sell unfine jewelry, but somehow it just didn’t have the necessary je ne sais quoi, so someone came

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Beverage Outlet

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C O C K TA I L

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BEST ANTIQUE STORE

OCTOBER 2026

BEST COSTUME JEWELRY STORE

up with the term costume jewelry. Like, “I’m not a real clown, I just look like one because of this costume,” and also, “I’m not a real diamond, I just look like one because of these sparkles.” Fast forward to 2026, and The Swank Company is riding this wave to victory. But in second place, Reniara and its golf-themed jewelry is driving (and putting) its way to the top from its online store. Third place belongs to Soho.

BEST LOCAL ONLINE SHOPPING The Swank Company, winner of this category, probably racks up more online sales in a single week all by itself than our grandparents’ favorite store did in a year. The same might also apply to Posh Tots Children’s Boutique, although we will have to check the figures to be sure. Escape Outdoors gets third, filling orders that no doubt get shipped to wilderness drops across the continent.

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BEST BRUNCH

OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING Look, we know about fat and cholesterol and all that. But a person can’t live on tofu and kale chips indefinitely. At some point just to survive you’re going to have to have some mashed potatoes and gravy, meatloaf and pork and beans. But where? Our readers say go to Goolsby’s. The very name itself sounds down-home, doesn’t it? Somehow you know this isn’t a candlelit French restaurant. Election central also has tallied second- and third-place votes for Fat Man’s Mill Café and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

them great, and to We have the potential for nine months of pleasant outdoor dining — 12 if you don’t mind profuse sweating. Enjoy this singularly pleasant experience at one of the many options our area offers. If you’d like a short list, voters obliged with their top three: Rhinehart’s Oyster Bar, Edgar’s Above Broad and Bodega Ultima. Now, go enjoy the breezes.

support — to keep

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It

and serving us all.

Beverage Outlet

Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the half-six pack of the best.

BEST HAPPY HOUR Wait. You’re saying the price of my favorite

great places to

B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R SELECTION

BEST BEER MENU

Miscellaneous & Services

What about dining out when you’d like more than a few ordinary beers to choose from? For that scenario, the totals are in

Here are some

BEST GOLF COURSE keep them open

Th e Patch

The Patch on Facebook

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

B E S T CA R WAS H

BEST LOCAL CHARIT Y

Every time we go to the top reader choice, we always have a sparkling conversation with the attendant. That’s probably why they call it Sparkle Express, because of the scintillating conversations everybody has there. Readers gave Ray Ray’s Carwash second place and LuLu’s Car Wash earns third place, with 4.7 Google stars to back it up.

Whatever you call your money — bacon, dough, bread, cheddar, cabbage — Golden Harvest Food Bank welcomes your deposits. Like any other bank, they pay dividends on those deposits, but unlike other banks, Golden Harvest pays dividends to everybody. Ronald McDonald House Augusta and Child Enrichment also rank high — as well they should.

BEST BARBERSHOP Big City Cuts makes a big splash as the #1 barbershop in the big city (of Grovetown). Seven days a week they interact with hundreds of thousands of individual hairs. Wow. Second place goes to the several V’s Barbershops around town (although so far there are only III locations, not V), and Durden’s Barber Shop, the OG classic, wins the bronze medal.

BEST SPECIAL EVENT FAC I L I T Y When the event itself is already special, a venue that is also special makes the whole thing even specialer, which is what the votes say about the Columbia County Amphitheater, what old-timers still sometimes call Lady Antebellum. Although Lady A wins, every finalist in this category is

a special special event facility. Exhibits 2 and 3: Edgar’s Above Broad and Sacred Heart Cultural Center are the very definition of unique, and that makes them special.

BEST H ISTORIC L AN DMARK Readers chose well, giving the crown to Sacred Heart Cultural Center, the spectacular church designed by the same architect behind Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We counted the other day, and Sacred Heart contains more than 600,000 bricks. True! (Not true: that we counted the other “day.” It actually took us over a week.) The James Brown Statue — evidently off somewhere on tour — wins second place. Augusta Canal, which was dug completely by hand using the most advanced earth-moving technology of the day — shovels, picks and wheelbarrows — takes third.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Hope Believe Photography on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/

Hope Believe Photography

OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

Quee nsborough National Bank & Trust Co.

Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co./Facebook

P L AC E YO U W I S H WA S STILL HERE We know what you’re thinking: The James Brown Statue. But you see, this category is all about gone and not coming back. Mr. Brown is coming back, so he does not qualify. What does qualify is Fat Man’s Forest. There was no place like it, that’s for sure. Fort Discovery, ahead of its time, comes (or went) next, and Funsville takes the final spot on the medals stand. Let us have a moment of silence for all three.

BEST FLORIST At your favorite florist, Flowers on Broad, they’re not pushing up daisies. The very opposite; they’re thriving. What they are doing is pushing daisies. See the difference? There is no up. They’re also pushing — correction, providing — roses, carnations, corsages, boutonnières and all kinds of beautiful floral bouquets. Readers also like Martina’s Flowers and Gifts, and Charleston Street.

BEST PHOTOGR APHER Think about this: Photographers (like Hope Believe Photography, #1 in the voting) capture special moments in our lives forever, and they do so in less than 1% of a second. That is the ultimate return on investment. Spotlight Photography and Natalie Thompson Photography also use split-seconds to create images we treasure forever.

OCTOBER 2026

Drive around town and you can still see “Save the A” and “We Love & Support Augusta University” bumper stickers, relics of a campaign fighting an ill-advised name change a few years ago. Judging by the votes, the love is still there. But there was still plenty of love left over to shower on Augusta Technical College and Helms College.

BEST BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

BEST FITNESS CENTER/GYM

Banks seem to change their names so often it’s hard to keep track. But there is a

It’s gotta be tough to be in the fitness business these days: hardly anyone needs to lose

OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

None of the top choices are in Aiken. That would be bridle shops. This category is for the places where brides-to-be find the perfect dress for that most special day of their lives, a place like Elegant Bridals, the reader favorite. Readers also said “they do” to House of the Bride in Surrey Center and Tiffinie Bleu Bridal Boutique in downtown Augusta.

common thread woven through your favorite banking institutions. Atop the medals stand is Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company, established more than 120 years ago. SRP Federal Credit Union is the baby of the group, and it’s been around for more than 65 years. Security Federal Bank completes the top three, and it was founded in 1922. Can you spell stability?

Augusta University Beverage Outlet

B EST B R I DAL S HOP

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Why merely dress to the nines? Readers rate Simon’s Formal Wear a 10. Now that’s what we’re talking about! Savvy readers also clue us in that traditional clothiers like Men’s Wearhouse (in 2nd) and Lionel Smith Ltd. (in 3rd) are also great options for tuxedos.

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It was probably this close, and then reason

Augusta University on Facebook

h River Brewing Co. complete the ack of the best.

C R A F T C O C K TA I L

to be part psychologist to be a ender. You’ve got to be able to mix people. Plus there is other mixing the kind of mixtures that people e consensus is that Craft & Vine est mixologists in our fair city. The ueen also creates some memorable as does Finch & Fifth. Please ponsibly.

HAPPY HOUR

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BEST TUXEDO SHOP

BEST COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY

weight or get in better shape. But a few places are managing to hang on. Readers say these fitness centers, defying the odds, are in great shape: Evans Fitness Club in first; Oxygen Fitness is the first runner-up (literally), and in third, Planet Fitness.

BEST HAIR SALON When a salon’s website says that balayage is among their specialties and you don’t even know what that word means, it’s pretty safe to say they are certified experts. That’s what readers say about Mane 18 (sometimes also known as Mane XVIII and Mane Eighteen). Bliss Salon & Spa wins second, and Bella Capelli Salon & Spa takes third.

B E S T D AY S P A One of the great things about working at a day spa is never having to work nights, right? Happy employees make happy customers. That seems to be the formula at Cucumber & Mint Skin and Beauty

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Newman Tennis Center on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

EST BEER SELECTION/

BEST TENNIS COURTS

Newman Tennis Center

Studio, the top reader pick. Serenity Day Spa and Rosewater Spa & Wellness round out the top three.

BEST NAIL SALON One thing we know for sure: the winner does nails and has Paris in their name, Paris Nails. Our suggestion: have one do the nails on your left hand and the other the nails on your right. Everyone will be happy. Second place goes to Morning Lavender Nail Butik (“Butik” is pronounced “salon”). Elegant Nails & Spa scores third.

B E S T YO GA S T U D I O Yoga is hot at Space Yoga + Wellness Studio, the victor, especially the hot yoga, and that’s cool. Oxygen Fitness gets another silver medal for their trophy case, and YMCA gets the bronze, where they always say Yoga Makes Calm Attainable.

B EST PL ACE TO SWI M Voters again recommend the YMCA, this time for Your Muscle-Conditioning Aquatics. As a low-impact exercise, swimming can

OCTOBER 2026

have a great impact. The Kroc Center is another good place to just dive in. At around 120,000 gallons, the Kroc pool held off a charge by a rival with 800 billion gallons of water. Sorry, Clarks Hill Lake; you’ll have to settle for third.

BEST GOLF COURSE The Patch opened to many accolades last spring. Sitting atop the leaderboard, in all its newfound emerald splendor, is this reimagined public golf course. Forest Hills Golf Course comes next, and Bartram Trail Golf Club (the organization and its course, not the ball striking tool) wins third.

BEST TENNIS COURTS Conveniently located within a couple of Daly-esque drives from The Patch, Newman Tennis Center gets the most love in this category, and that means something. The Columbia County Racquet Center (formerly the Petersburg Racquet Club), located in a quiet setting off The Pass, wins second, and readers judge the courts at Riverview Park in North Augusta as next best.

B E S T L O C A L F E S T I VA L Arts in the Heart of Augusta, born in 1982, just keeps getting bigger and better. It repeats as the fave in what is often called a “44-peat.” And some people get excited about a 3-peat! Get over yourselves. The Augusta Greek Festival — happening both spring and fall — places second. Augusta’s Juneteenth Festival, in its 10th year already, cracks the top three.

B ES T FU N D R A I S I N G E V E N T Unfortunately, there are about a million worthy causes that deserve our support. Which makes it all the more meaningful to make it to the top in such a crowded field, as Fake It To Make It, the annual fundraiser for SafeHomes of Augusta, has done in this year’s balloting. Next up: Wine, Women & Shoes, benefitting different charities all over the country, is held in Augusta to support the Ronald McDonald House Augusta. In third place, and only found on planet earth in Augusta, Ga., Paceline is a bike ride organized to help fund research at the Georgia Cancer Center.

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OCTOBER 2026

Entertainment

AE the Cool on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It was probably this close, and then reason

BEST BRUNCH

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Beverage Outlet

h River Brewing Co. complete the ack of the best.

C R A F T C O C K TA I L

HAPPY HOUR

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For the best of

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Arts &

AE the Cool

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST LOCAL FEMALE VOCALIST

BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST

BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST Readers display the breadth of their artistic chops in their votes, naming three artists whose styles could not be more different. There’s the somewhat whimsical paintings and murals by April Henry King (in first), the fine art landscapes of Lillie Morris (in second) and the graphic designs of Jason Craig (in third). There’s something for everyone.

BEST LOCAL MALE VOCALIST Many people who don’t know who Ryan Abel is (your top choice) actually know who Ryan Abel is — but not for his vocals. He has appeared in TV commercials for SRP and Butler Automotive. Similarly, the second-place vocalist — Will McCranie — performs all over town and is the proprietor of Will’s Dills, making him one of the few pickle tycoons who have risen to Best of Augusta status. Reader’s next favorite is Joe Stevenson, whose career spans everything from People Who Must back in the ‘80s to this decade’s

OCTOBER 2026

april.e.henry.1 on Facebook

April Henry King Southeastern Songwriters Series.

BEST LOCAL FEMALE VOCALIST AE the Cool is the winner. Not AE a Cool. AE the Cool. As readers are well aware, she is most definitely cool and a half. Robin Dixon has been belting out country classics in these parts for years, and readers give her the silver medal. Augusta’s very own queen of bluegrass, Eryn Eubanks, scores the bronze.

BEST LOCAL R&B BAND Perennial favorites The Lady & the Gents get another gold record this year. In fact, all three medalists are well-known in Best of Augusta balloting and area performance venues. They have paid their dues! Second place goes to The Tony Howard Band, followed by Tre’Sounds.

BEST LOCAL JAZZ BAND Readers love the jazz vibes of the L4 Jazz

Collective — especially since the quartet is built around classic jazz instruments: piano, drums, string bass — and a vibraphone. Quality music. The same is true of The BrownsTown Gritty, a most worthy recipient of second place. Bill Karp Jazz, purveyor of classic American jazz, scores third place. As readers know, Karp is kool.

BEST LOCAL COUNTRY BAND The aforementioned Robin Dixon isn’t a solo act. She fronts Robin Dixon & Midnight Moon, which readers say is the #1 country band within the sound of this magazine. Here’s another country band or two to check out upon the word of your fellow readers: The Dusty Angels and The Harlem Sons. After all, we live in the South, do we not?

BEST LOCAL ROCK / A LT E R N AT I V E B A N D We have it on good authority that Bodega Cat even appeals to dog people. Yes, they’re that good. But if you have a problem

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

The Sounds of Zamar on Facebook

BEST BEST OF OF AUGUSTA AUGUSTA 2026 2026

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Trey McLaughlin & Th e Sounds of Zamar

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It was probably this close, and then reason

Beverage Outlet

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C O C K TA I L

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HOUR

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BEST LOCAL CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN GROUP

with that, try the second place band, Black Dawg. In third, The Coveralls bill themselves as Augusta’s best Dad Rock band. Yes, that is a legit Billboard category. Would we lie?

BEST LOCAL CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN BAND/GROUP Tops among the Joyful Noise People — which would be a great name for a Christian band if nobody’s already snagged it — is Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar. Obviously Zamar was a joyful dude. Dave Pettigrew takes second, and Kristal Mindingall & Vibe Theory wins third.

BEST PERFORMING ARTS GROUP The Augusta Players may seem to be the best in this category, but readers say they’re just acting. They don’t say that about The Davidson Fine Arts High School Chorale. They say they’re just singing. And in perfect

harmony to boot! That goes for the Augusta Choral Society, too.

BEST BAR What transforms a mere bar to a Best Bar? Is it the skills of the bartender? The atmosphere? The juke box? Maybe it’s the stools. Whatever it is, the The Indian Queen takes the victory. Their neighbors at Arsenal Tap Room + Kitchen win second. In third (first-place among downtown bars), it’s Metro Pub & Coffeehouse.

B E S T L AT E - N I G H T S P O T Metro Pub & Coffeehouse, on what people used to call the shady side of Broad Street, takes a medal here as the best place to end one day and possibly start the next. Loft of Augusta, on what people used to call the sunny side of Broad Street, wins second place. Just make sure to get there well before 2 a.m. The lack of shade should be no problem at that hour. The Indian Queen scores third.

BEST LIVE MUSIC BAR All the great performers we’ve been talking about above … where can you see them play live? It’s just not the same on YouTube, you know? These are the places to check for their live music calendar: Start with Doc’s Porchside, say the ballots. Next, try the Fox’s Lair, which offers the added advantage of overnight accommodations within walking distance if happy hour is a little too happy. Finally, readers recommend Stillwater Taproom. These are all venues worthy of our support.

BEST SPORTS BAR When we say sports bar, relax. You don’t need to be in shape. You don’t need to wear gym shorts. In fact, we highly recommend that you don’t. Readers anoint Twin Peaks as tops in the category. From that you can infer several things: for starters, cold beer, good food and many screens. Doc’s Porchside and Buffalo Wild Wings win second and third with similar amenities. OCTOBER 2026

Robin Dixon & the Midnight Moon are an award winning local country band from Augusta that have been entertaining the CSRA for more than a decade. They’ve played festivals, rodeos, fairs, private parties, & bars all over the Southeast; and also opened up for Lincolnton’s own, Little Roy & Lizzy. Together they create a musical experience that keeps fans coming back for more. In 2025, Robin made it to the 2nd round of Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk School at Tootsie’s in Nashville. Robin Dixon & the Midnight Moon keep their wheels rolling all over the Southeast. For bookings contact Bill Lariscy, (706) 830-6546 booking@robindixonandmidnightmoon.com midnightmoonband

Best Female Volalist

Best Local Country Band

B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R SELECTION

BEST BEER MENU

The following is not fake news. It’s

the results of the media categories of our annual reader poll.

OCTOBER 2026

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It

BEST BRUNCH

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Beverage Outlet

Wait. You’re saying the price of my favorite

BEST HAPPY HOUR

B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L

Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the half-six pack of the best.

Media

What about dining out when you’d like more than a few ordinary beers to choose from? For that scenario, the totals are in

WRDW News 12

Shutterstock

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

BEST LOCAL TV STATION

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST LOCAL MALE ANCHOR

Brad Means

By definition, this is about the local people who are the face of our area stations. That’s why it isn’t “Best TV Network.” That would be a completely different category. As it turns out, the most local people who most local people like most are the ones on the air at WRDW News 12. Next comes WJBF NewsChannel 6, and then WFXG FOX54. We would mention their network affiliations, but that’s irrelevant, right?

B ES T LO CA L FE M A L E ANCHOR The lead story in the Best Female Anchor category — breaking news, as they say — is none other than Jennie Montgomery of WJBF. Coming up: Zayna Haliburton of WRDW, and after a short break, Kimberely Scott at WFXG. Congratulations to them all.

B ES T LO CA L M A L E ANCHOR Ladies first, right? So when they say Brad & Jennie, they probably really meant to say Jennie & Brad. But in this case, we’re going to allow Brad & Jennie because Brad Means (WJBF) was the winner in this category. Readers, thanks for this synchronicity. Who knows what troubles might have been created by co-anchors

OCTOBER 2026

Photo courtesy of WJBF NewsChannel 6

B ES T T V S TAT I O N

who are unevenly ranked! Trent Butler (WFXG) and Will Rioux (WRDW) are the other reader favorites.

B ES T M O R N I N G T V ANCHOR For a night owl, being a morning TV anchor would be the worst job on the planet. Fortunately (according to the ballots), Mary Morrison of WJBF is a different kind of feathered friend. She is an early bird. Viewers seem to appreciate that greatly. WRDW has second and third place locked down with Ashley Jones and Nick Proto.

B ES T T V W E AT H E R ANCHOR Some people say Jay Jeff ries of WFXG is like a summer thunderstorm in Augusta: you know it’s coming, but you don’t know exactly when or where.

People, are you not paying attention? Jay always wins! Will summer be hot? Will winter be cold? Will Jay win? In other news, the best weather anchor not named Jay is Tim Strong of WRDW, and the best weather anchor not named Jay or Tim is Jenna Petracci of WJBF.

B ES T LO CA L T V REPORTER It is no exaggeration to say that the top two slots in voting for this category are the definition of unique, each in their own way. At the top once again is WJBF’s George Eskola, Mister One-of-a-Kind himself. Second place goes to WFXG’s Daniel Matesevac. Here he is, enjoying his first on-air job out of college, and he already has a silver medal under his belt. Nice work, Daniel. Third place goes to anchor and investigative journalist Meredith Anderson of WRDW.

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

Kicks 99 Wake Up Krew

Courtesy of Kicks99.com

Beverage Outlet

BEST RADIO MORNING SHOW

B ES T LO CA L S P O R TS REPORTER

B ES T TA L K R A D I O PERSONALITY

Perennial winner Ashley Brown finds himself this year in a former colleague sandwich, enjoying second place, while the this year’s winner is Alyssa Lyons, the former sports director at WRDW, and Joseph Doerhing, former WRDW sports reporter and anchor in third place. Ashley, looks like the field is yours.

Look who’s talking! It’s Austin Rhodes of WGAC, who talks the talk for a living. Not everyone can say that. In fact, hardly anyone can, but Austin gives the city a good talking-to every day. Station-mates John Patrick and Mary Liz Nolan win secondand third-most talkative.

Voters gave it up for DropTheDis, the doctor-recommended antidote for all the negativity of the Disgusta faction. Second place goes to Local Matters, a great place for voters and ordinary citizens to educate themselves on the local issues of the day, and third place is won by life coach Tara Simkins’ 5-star podcast about living your best life.

BEST RADIO MORNING SHOW

B ES T LO CA L W R I T E R

No offense, TV people, but nobody’s got time to watch TV in the morning. We’ve got to get our lipstick on straight, hop in the car and get in line at Chick-fil-A. While we’re doing all that, we can squeeze in some quality radio time, and readers say they’re tuned in mostly to the Kicks 99 Wake Up Krew. Second-place goes to Augusta’s Morning News, hosted by the aforementioned John Patrick and Mary Liz Nolan.

Your top local wordsmith is Greg Rickabaugh, the man behind The Jail Report, which has now gone all digital. Unfortunately for Greg, crime is so rare around here there’s hardly anything to write about, but he makes do with what he can. Good work, Greg. Speaking of good work, Joe Hotchkiss (2nd place) has been at The Augusta Chronicle since 1999. Ordinarily that’s only 27 years, but it’s 83 in newspaper years. Another Chronicle veteran, Susan McCord, wins third.

B ES T R A D I O S TAT I O N What we’re looking for here is good music. Don’t give us any static on this! Last time we checked, we’re in the South, which suggests Kicks 99 might have an edge in this category, and sure enough, the ballots confirm it. In second place, what used to be the #1 radio station on the planet — WBBQ, of course — and in third, what used to be called WAFJ — now The JOY FM, of course.

OCTOBER 2026

B ES T LO CA L P O D CAS T

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1259 AUGUSTA WEST PKWY, AUGUSTA, GA 30909 706.364.1400 | MAVENTILE.COM

B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R SELECTION

BEST BEER MENU

OCTOBER 2026

BEST BEST OF OF AUGUSTA AUGUSTA 2026 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It

BEST BRUNCH

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

Beverage Outlet

Wait. You’re saying the price of my favorite

BEST HAPPY HOUR

B E S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L

Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the half-six pack of the best.

Best of Home

What about dining out when you’d like more than a few ordinary beers to choose from? For that scenario, the totals are in

BEST DECORATOR FABRIC STORE

Decorator’ s Outlet & Interiors

Decorator’s Outlet and Interiors on Facebook

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

r Brewing Co. complete the the best.

Lauren Robbins Interiors on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named blunch. And it could have happened. It was probably this close, and then reason

Lauren Robbins Interiors Beverage Outlet

A F T C O C K TA I L

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PPY HOUR

ng the price of my favorite tizers is reduced? For how

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

BEST APPLIANCE STORE You say you blew a fuse? Sounds like some new energy-saving appliances may be in order, for which the citizens of the Savannah River Region recommend a trip to Kelly Appliance Center. They have a range — well, they have other appliances, too, but a range of choices. Georgia-based Dave’s Appliance & Home comes in second. Be sure to ask for Dave. Guaranteed they’ve never heard that one before. Davis Appliance & Furniture scores third.

Gallery — in this instance their bath department — snags second place, and W.A. Bragg & Co. wins third place.

B EST B LI N D/S H UT TE R C O M PA N Y Shutter companies come and go. But one that definitely isn’t shuttered, ironically enough, is Summerville Shutter Company. Yes, they build shutters. In Augusta. No wonder readers gave them the top spot. Bloomin’ Blinds of Augusta comes next, and a place called Lowe’s takes third.

B E S T B AT H S U P P LY SHOWROOM

B E S T C A R P E T/ R U G C O M PA N Y

We’re pretty sure Landrum Supply Co. doesn’t sell towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner, etc., but, hey, it never hurts to ask. Readers say they’re the best, so they might. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting

As carpeting once said, “The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Or words to that effect. And the proof has been right under our feet the whole time! Voters say further evidence may be viewed (and

OCTOBER 2026

walked on) at Merit Flooring, Kitchen and Bath. A second option, call it Exhibit B, would be Hardwood Floors & More. And for Exhibit C, we have a tie! A & D Carpets & Hardwoods, and Augusta Flooring.

BEST CARPET CLEANING SERVICE As we may have noted in previous years, there is a huge difference between stained glass and, say, stained carpet. One is a good thing. For the other, your fellow readers suggest Stanley Steemer. They use something called “steem” to clean and sanitize carpets. Duraclean gets the silver medal; Majestic Floor Care, the bronze.

B E S T C A B I N E T C O M PA N Y We have categories for butchers and bakers, why not cabinet makers? Hence, the completely imaginary gold medal readers

Beverage Outlet Evans on Facebook

B E S T TA K E - H O M E B E E R

hereby bestow upon Crawford Cabinets. Second place goes to Looper Cabinet Co., and in third, right where Lowe’s was last year at this time, the giant killers known as Hill’s Cabinet Work.

BEST COUNTERTOP C O M PA N Y

Southern Lighting Gallery on Facebook

BEST LIGHTING SHOWROOM

Southern Lighting Gall ery

BEST CUSTOM ART FRAME SHOP

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

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Savannah River Brewing Co. complete the

The website of the winner — GA Granite — says, and we quote, “We serve the communities of Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Buckhead, Buckhead Atlanta, Chastain Park, College Park, East Point, Hapeville, Lithia Springs, Mableton, Powder Springs, Red Oak, Roswell, Smyrna, Underwood Hills, Vinings and all of north Georgia.” And yet they won this category in Augusta (where they do have a showroom). They must be good, right? Augusta Granite and CounterSync take second and third.

We’re going to join our readers in giving a high five to Art on Broad, and that is true even for people who don’t have a single picture that needs framing. Picture frames or no picture frames, it is a cool shop. Augusta Art & Frame Shop on Furys Ferry Road is first runner-up, followed by that very self-explanatory place on Walton Way known as The Frame Shoppe.

B E S T D E C O R AT O R FA B R I C S TO R E It might seem like the needle arts are disappearing. Why make a dress out of a burlap potato sack when you can just go buy a burlap dress? You’re completely missing the point: you won’t get any potatoes with the store-bought dress. But readers say the fabric professionals at Decorator’s Outlet & Interiors can guide you through all such issues. Curtain Call takes second, and Park Avenue Fabrics

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BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026 Dr. Electric on Facebook

BEST BEER SELECTION/

BEST ELECTRICIAN

Dr. Electric wins third. These places might be more about drapery and upholstery than sewing a dress, but fabric is fabric (sort of).

BEST ELECTRICIAN Whenever the subject of decorator fabrics comes up, the next question is always, “Okay, but who is the best electrician?” You came to the right place. We have the answer: readers say it’s Dr. Electric, which is only obvious given Augusta’s huge medical community. Second and third place: BZ Electric and Mr. Sparky®, respectively.

BEST FURNITURE STORE For close to a century area residents have been furnishing their homes from Weinberger’s Furniture & Mattress Showcase. And it shows, Weinberger’s takes first place in this category. In the meantime, Merry’s Home Furnishings wins second place and Rooms To Go wins third.

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B E S T F E N C E C O M PA N Y As Robert Frost always used to say, “Good fences make good neighbors.” In other words, the reader fave, East Georgia Fence, is actually in the business of building good neighbors. That’s cool. Guardian Fencing & Outdoor Services wins second, followed by Augusta Fencing in third.

B EST GAR AG E DOOR C O M PA N Y A couple years ago we had a garage door opener clipped to the visor of our car. That was fine for opening the door, but what about closing it? We went to Overhead Door of Augusta/Aiken, the reader favorite, and they explained to us how we could use the same device — the opener — to also close the door. They are geniuses! Lowe’s got second place in this category and Access Garage Door won third.

B E S T H E AT I N G & A I R C O M PA N Y Published author Rick Busby (you didn’t know he’s got a book out?) and his eponymous company, Busby’s Heating & Air Conditioning, probably saved thousands of lives (and marriages) this past summer just by fi xing people’s AC units. No wonder they are #1! Doc Savage Heating and Air, part of that huge medical community we referred to earlier, got next, followed by Bailey’s Comfort Services. Give them a call! Tell ‘em, “I need some comfort over here! Come to think of it, bring two comforts!”

BEST HARDWOOD FLOORING STORE The average person has trouble rapidly saying “floor store” ten times in a row without messing up. Not so for the professionals at Hardwood Floors & More. In fact, that

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BEST OF AUGUSTA 15 YEARS IN A ROW!

SERVING THE CSRA AND SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1998. Evans: 706.863.1207 | Aiken: 803.641.3117 Lexington/Columbia: 803.373.2238 | petealewinepools.com

Pebble Creek Landscaping on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/ TAKE HOME

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

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Beverage Outlet

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BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY

Pebble Cree k Landscaping test is part of their interview process for new employees. The same might be true at Augusta Flooring, and A & D Carpets & Hardwoods, we’re not sure. But they win second and third.

B E S T K I T C H E N S U P P LY SHOWROOM The top option here, say readers, can transform that old leaking kitchen faucet, the 110-decibel garbage disposal and your cracked and chipped sink into, well, you might think you’re still at Landrum Supply Co. But it will be your kitchen! Go ahead, pinch yourself! It’s true! Customers of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery sometimes have the same reaction. Ditto for Lowe’s, say the ballots.

BEST LIGHTING SHOWROOM Light is required to see light, which is probably why the showroom of Southern

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Lighting Gallery has hundreds of lamps and chandeliers, helping their customers make good choices — and helping Georgia Power stay in business. It’s like a public service. Second place may be something of a surprise: Hardwood Floors & More. People are so captivated by their flooring that they forget to look up and see all the lighting options offered. Crazy. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Augusta wins third.

BEST HOME ACCESSOR I ES STOR E You can’t just fill a house with the big things: couches, chairs, a table, a bed. What about lamps? End tables? Bookcases? Art? A disco ball? You need accessories, and the place to get them is Weinberger’s Furniture & Mattress Showcase, according to the voting (and decorating) public. They also recommend Design Images & Gifts, as well as West End Collective.

BEST LANDSCAPING C O M PA N Y The entire Earth is covered with land that could potentially be scaped, including the Savannah River Region. Deciding what should remain wild and what should be manicured — your yard, for example — is a job for Pebble Creek Landscaping. The ballots say so. Augusta Landscaping is another recommended option from readers, along with Cold Creek Nurseries. Their slogan: “We come to you!” That’s certainly convenient.

B E S T L U M B E R C O M PA N Y In today’s fast-paced economy, successful firms need to adapt to changing conditions, sometimes overnight. You would think a lumbering company would be at a disadvantage, but Mulherin Lumber Company seems to be doing just fine, and in fact, readers gave them the crown. At

Come See the Latest Lighting Styles

Landrum Supply Co. on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

BEST BEER SELECTION/

BEST BATH SUPPLY SHOWROOM

Landrum Supply Co. number 2 (as in 2 by 4) is Howard Lumber, while Belair Building Supply takes third.

B EST MORTGAG E/ LENDING INSTITUTION An ally here can mean the difference between 2.5 bathrooms and 3, between high anxiety and a smooth, pleasant move. Readers say Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company offers the best experience. First Citizens Bank also comes highly recommended, as does Silverton Mortgage.

BEST HOME BUILDER Now that your financing has been approved, perhaps it’s time to get in touch with Ivey Homes, which voters say is building the best homes in the area. Not that they’re the

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only game in town. Far from it. For instance, Lacher Construction is always working on a handful of custom-built homes at any given time. That might be more your cup of tea. If not, try America’s Home Place in third.

Incidentally, Weinberger’s Furniture & Mattress Showcase and Lowe’s won second and third. More proof.

BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE STORE

What did the paint store employee do when he got cold? He put on another coat. Stop by Sherwin-Williams, tops in the reader poll, for more paint store (attempts at) humor. Gerald Robinson’s Paint & Decorating Center and Lowe’s round out the top three.

This is a category that bespeaks the finest traits of the human spirit, a philosophy of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. Why? Because much Best of Augusta voting took place during the summer, when the average daily temperature was 114°. Yet people knew the day would come when they could once again enjoy a patio during daylight hours without suffering heat stroke. And so they gave 5 stars to Casual Furniture of Augusta, proving the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

B E S T PA I N T S TO R E

BEST PEST CONTROL C O M PA N Y When it comes to pests, we’ve all learned the hard way that the best we can hope for is to control them. They’ll survive a nuclear attack and we think we can kill them with

Building the CSRA since 1937

*Project: Savannah River Dermatology

Let us give you a materials estimate for your next project At Mulherin Lumber Company, we pride ourselves in our quality selection and strong relationships with the largest vendors in the construction business. Reach out to one of our sales representatives and see the value we can add to your project while help you save money.

705 Industrial Park Dr. Evans, GA 30809 706-863-6070 | www.mulherinlumber.com

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS CO N S I G N M ENT STO R E When it’s a case of “they sure don’t make ‘em like they used to,” go to a place where they sell ‘em like they used to make ‘em, a place like Second Time Around. Classic. Vintage. Time-tested. Consign Design wins secondhand; Savvy Home is third-hand.

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

Speaking of our torrid climate, a sparkling pool offers a staycation every day of the year because even when it isn’t boiling outside, a pool is relaxing to just look at or sit beside. It’s the opposite of a roaring fire — and yet somehow very similar. Just ask Pete Alewine of (coincidentally) Pete Alewine Pool & Spa. Hefner Pools and Peachtree Pools also made a big splash with voters.

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B E S T P O O L C O M PA N Y

that, you definitely want the best plumber around. If you take the advice of our readers at such a moment, the plumber you call will arrive in a Universal Plumbing truck. The votes also say Yohe Plumbing and Stark Plumbing are near the top.

SherwinWill iams

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some country spice-scented spray? No, it’s best to call the pros at Bug House Pest Control, say voters. Or Massey Services. Or Aiken Pest Control. Or hit them with a flip-flop.

BEST DOWN-HOME COOKING

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

BEST BRUNCH

This category always makes us say a silent thank-you that the concept wasn’t named

Sherwin-Williams on Facebook

nnah River Brewing Co. complete the six pack of the best.

S T C R A F T C O C K TA I L

have to be part psychologist to be a bartender. You’ve got to be able to mix with people. Plus there is other mixing ved, the kind of mixtures that people k. The consensus is that Craft & Vine he best mixologists in our fair city. The an Queen also creates some memorable ions, as does Finch & Fifth. Please y responsibly.

ST HAPPY HOUR

BEST PAINT STORE

agents. And now they’re living the dream every day and working at Blanchard and Calhoun. Life is good! But so is term, you know? State Farm agent Keith Perret was specifically singled out for second place, and “Allstate” won third, evidently all 8,000 agents. Congratulations!

B E S T R E A L E S TAT E C O M PA N Y The more things change, the more they stay the same: this year’s results are a carbon copy of last year’s. Meybohm Real Estate is the first to slap “SOLD” on their sign, followed very shortly thereafter by Blanchard and Calhoun, and Southeastern Residential.

B ES T P LU M B I N G C O M PA N Y

BEST INSURANCE C O M PA N Y

B E S T R E A LT O R

Plumbing and plumbers are so unimportant — until there’s a problem, that is, and then it all becomes super-important. At times like

Believe it or not, there are adults in the Savannah River Region who dreamed as children of growing up to become insurance

Let’s break it down from entire real estate companies to the top individual realtors. The A-list starts with Meybohm-affiliated Ann OCTOBER 2026

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Summerville Shutter Company on Facebook

BEST OF AUGUSTA 2026

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BEST SHUTTER COMPANY

Summervill e Shutt er Company Marie McManus, who has probably sold about 8 million houses around here over the years. Next up is Greg Oldham, also with Meybohm, followed by Venus Morris Griffin, and she is with … guess who? Meybohm.

Southpaw Roofing; they are the reader choice. Lovelace Roofing gets next, and Brighter Side Roofing wins third.

BEST REMODELING C O M PA N Y

The folks at Georgia Carolina Security lull their clients into a true sense of security. That’s refreshing. It’s hard to be lulled when you don’t feel safe. In second, how do you spell A-D-T? We spell it ADT, which is pretty much how everyone else does, too. Cruise Security Systems is in the number three slot.

Are you wearing the same clothing styles you wore in the ‘80s? No way, right? So why live in a house that was styled in the ‘80s? One possible reason is that you haven’t called Augusta Remodeling and Construction yet. That’s what most readers suggest. Rapid Renovations is another hot tip from the ballots, and a third is Posey Home Improvements.

B E S T R O O F I N G C O M PA N Y Roof! Roof! There are no dogs in this list of top area roofers, but there is a paw:

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B E S T S E C U R I T Y C O M PA N Y

B E S T T I L E C O M PA N Y We know a guy named Tyler. Guess what he does for a living? He’s a tiler. Just thought we’d mention that. But back to the category, Tile Center tops the reader poll as the best place to get tile. And probably the best place for guys like Tyler to work. Traditions in Tile and Maven Tile & Stone win second and third.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER Lauren Robbins Interiors wears the gold crown bestowed by readers as the best at her craft. Congratulations! Laurie McRae Interiors is another person recognized for making the world a better place, one room at a time, along with Brittany Cason Interior Design.

BEST ASSISTED LIVING FAC I L I T Y Brandon Wilde is one of those rare places that can make younger people who visit there say, “Man, I wish I was old enough to live here!” Rest easy, friend; your wish will come true. Guaranteed. Start saving your pennies now so you’ll be ready. Readers also like Thrive at Augusta, which earns the silver-haired medal, and Camellia Walk of Evans, recipient of the bronze.

Imagine the Possibilities! Drapes Fabric Draperies Pillows Top Treatments

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