2025 INDY Best of the Best of the Triangle Winners
WINNERS!
Our readers have spoken—here are the very Best of the Best of the Triangle (or, the BOBOTTs, as we’ve come to call them in the newsroom).
This year, once again, the INDY spread its beloved reader poll across three county-level contests: Durham, Orange/Chatham, and Wake. Finally, the winners in those categories squared off against each other for dedicated, discerning readers like you to determine which would be crowned the Best of the Best of the Triangle.
Here you’ll find those winners across categories spanning from restaurants and bars to dentists and yoga studios, museums and parks, and local politicians and nonprofits. These businesses, people, and institutions truly make the Triangle the best of the best places to live.
Keep an eye out next year for your chances to vote in the 2026 contest; we’ll be asking for your favorites again soon. Use the QR code below to sign up for exclusive Best Of information. And remember, shop local to support your favorites in the Triangle community this holiday season and year-round.
Thanks to our readers for taking the time to share their input, and congratulations to all of our 2025 BOBOTTs!
Contributors: Chloe Courtney Bohl, Sarah Edwards, Lena Geller, Justin Laidlaw, Chase Pellegrini de Paur, Jane Porter, and Sarah Willets STAY INFORMED!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
BEST ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS
The Velvet Hippo – Durham
Runners-up: The Crunkleton – Orange/ Chatham, FOUNDATION – Wake
BEST BAGEL
Isaac’s Bagels – Durham
Runners-up: Brandwein’s Bagels – Orange/ Chatham, Benchwarmers Bagels – Wake
BEST BAKERY
Guglhupf Bakery & Restaurant – Durham
Guglhupf is one of those places I will always bring my out-of-town visitors to showcase a little bit of Durham’s charm. With excellent brunch offerings and a big shaded outdoor seating area, it’s hard not to leave the German bakery and restaurant with a smile. On weekdays, there’s also space inside for the hybrid-work laptop crowd if your apartment walls are starting to get a bit "Yellow Wallpaper"-y. For a more casual bakery experience, check out their bakeshop in Chapel Hill’s Eastgate, which is back open after flooding during Tropical Storm Chantal. —CP
Runners-up: Mediterranean Deli – Orange/ Chatham, Grand Asia Market – Wake
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Chirba Chirba – Durham
Chirba Chirba food truck was founded in pursuit of childhood food memories, and what better way to wrap yourself in the warm embrace of comfort food than a steamy, doughy dumpling. Chirba Chirba—which translates to “eat eat” in Mandarin—prides itself on using authentic folding techniques and quality ingredients, offering classic dumplings and seasonal specials for omnivores and vegetarians alike (owner Nate Adams spent 14 years in Taiwan before launching the bright yellow truck). You can follow the truck, which roves around the Triangle, via social media or a calendar on the business’s website. —SW
Runners-up: Chirba Chirba Dumpling –Orange/Chatham, Mr. Burro Breakfast + Coffee – Wake
BEST
HOT DOG
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More –Wake
A wise person once told me that a hot dog is best enjoyed two times a year. Sound advice, to be sure, but that nutritional savant, unlike me, clearly does not live in a hot dog city like Raleigh. And in a city spoiled for hot dog choice, one place rises to the top: Snoopy’s Hot Dogs and More. The original Snoopy’s, a converted gas station, opened in 1978 in the Wake Forest Road location, and the brand has added three more locations since. The hot dogs are best described as Eastern North Carolina style, served with mustard, onion, and chili in a steamed bun, though you can order yours any way you
like. Your best bet is to show up on a Tuesday for half-price hot dogs. Go for the dogs, stay for the pithy witticisms on the scrolling marquee; at Snoopy’s, you’ll become a hot dog habitué in no time. —JP
Runners-up: Viceroy – Durham, Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar – Wake
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Gocciolina – Durham
It feels like giving away the bag to write about Gocciolina, a fairy-tale restaurant tucked in an entirely unassuming Guess Road plaza, but it’s not like this Italian restaurant is any secret—it’s topped this list for Best Italian Restaurant in the Triangle year after year, in addition to garnering lots of other praise. For good reason: Owner-chef Aaron Benjamin trained in northern Italy before bringing his spaghetti carbonara and small-plate offerings to north Durham. Gocciolina is the kind of place you should seek out for something special: a birthday, an anniversary, a celebration of good news. You’ll feel transported and will leave with a full stomach. —SE
Runners-up: Pizzeria Mercato – Orange/ Chatham, Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria – Wake
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
M Sushi – Durham
Runners-up: Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant – Orange/Chatham, Waraji Japanese Restaurant – Wake
BEST LATE NIGHT MEAL –PAST 10 P.M.
Queeny’s – Durham
Runners-up: Cosmic Cantina – Orange/ Chatham, Cook Out – Wake
BEST MEXICAN
RESTAURANT
Mezcalito – Durham
Runners-up: Fiesta Grill – Orange/Chatham, Gringo A Go Go – Wake
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
The Velvet Hippo – Durham
Runners-up: Wooden Nickel Pub – Orange/ Chatham, FOUNDATION – Wake
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Wedgewood Cheese Bar – Orange/ Chatham
Runners-up: QueDogs – Durham, Brodeto – Wake
BEST NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
The Velvet Hippo – Durham
Runners-up: Wooden Nickel Pub – Orange/ Chatham, Cha House – Wake
BEST PIZZA
Pizzeria Toro – Durham
With its perfectly crispy wood-fired pizzas and bustling, neighborhood vibe, Pizzeria Toro is the perfect unfussy yet impressive spot to bring out-of-towners for a taste of Durham. Chef-owner Gray Brooks serves up inventive seasonal specials alongside crowd-pleasers like homemade cannoli and a truly exceptional kale salad topped with shaved Parm and Calabrian chiles. Hot tip: Order the burrata and arugula pesto starter alongside your pizza of choice (I love their classic Margherita). Devour as much as you can of both. Then use your leftover pizza crusts to mop up every last drop of that bright, creamy pesto. *Chef’s kiss.* —CCB
Runners-up: Tom Robinsons Seafood –Orange/Chatham, N.C. Seafood Restaurant at the Farmers Market – Wake
BEST SMALL PLATES/TAPAS
Mateo – Durham
Runners-up: Glasshalfull – Orange/ Chatham, Barcelona Wine Bar – Wake
BEST SOUTHERN FOOD
Succotash – Durham
Runners-up: Acme Food & Beverage –Orange/Chatham, Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant – Wake
BEST SUSHI
M Sushi – Durham
Runners-up: Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant – Orange/Chatham, Waraji Japanese Restaurant – Wake
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Thai Cafe – Durham
Runners-up: Cham Thai – Orange/Chatham, Lemongrass Thai Restaurant – Wake
BEST VEGETARIAN EATERY
Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Pure Soul – Durham, Irregardless – Wake
BEST WINE LIST
Glasshalfull – Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: LouElla Wine Bar – Durham, Angus Barn – Wake
BEST WINE RETAIL STORE
Wine Authorities – Durham
Going to one of Wine Authority’s weekly free wine tastings (Tuesdays from 5 to 7 and Saturdays from 12 to 3) feels like being let in on a little secret. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur per se, being guided—tastings are usually done by region—alongside a group of strangers by someone who really knows what they’re doing is a distinct pleasure. Tucked in the Rockwood Shopping Center (with another location in Raleigh), this shop features wines at a range of price points, including affordable under-$15 bottles, with the grapes all grown on estates and farms. Friendly, knowledgeable staffers make the shopping experience feel special by sending you off with your bottle of choice wrapped in heavy paper and accompanied by tasting notes. —SE
Runners-up: Rocks + Acid – Orange/ Chatham, Total Wine & More – Wake
Runners-up: Carrboro Town Commons –Orange/Chatham, Marbles Kids Museum – Wake
BEST ARBORETUM OR GARDEN
Sarah P. Duke Gardens –Durham
A few weeks ago, I went to Duke Gardens for a mum show. These weren’t your standard stubby bushes but heirloom chrysanthemum varieties. Think head-sized flowers with curly petals in delectable shades of pastel, like something out of The Lorax rather than a grocery store parking lot. While the flowers themselves were stunning, the experience was made all the more enjoyable by discovering them tucked along the intimate, winding paths of the gardens' 55 acres. Whether you’re trying to occupy out-of-town guests, see some flowers (or take in the elusive cherry blossoms), or simply take a quiet break in the middle of the day, Duke Gardens has you covered. —SW
Runners-up: North Carolina Botanical Garden – Orange/Chatham, JC Raulston
Arboretum – Wake
BEST BIKE TRAIL
American Tobacco Trail –Durham
Despite the ongoing hard work of many residents, the Triangle is not quite a cyclist's dream. The American Tobacco Trail, though, comes as close as possible to meeting that standard. With a wide, paved, path and long straightaways with minimal road crossings, the ATT’s 22.6 miles are a lovely stretch for a weekend bike ride. As the Triangle’s preeminent rail trail (along an abandoned rail route built for the tobacco factories), it’s also an excellent example of how a dedicated group of people with a dream can build a public space that will benefit future generations (whether on training wheels or otherwise) for years to come. —CP
Runners-up: Occoneechee Loop – Orange/ Chatham, Greenway Trail – Wake
BEST COWORKING SPACE
Durham Main Library – Durham
When the seasons change and the fancy $100+-a-month coworking spaces of the Triangle have long since declined into quiet economic ruin, the Durham County Library will still be standing strong. With fast internet, friendly staff, space for quiet or noisy work, and a $0 monthly membership, the public library remains the Triangle’s best coworking space. Whether you’re working on job applications, getting your startup off the ground, or just doing some homework, you’re welcome to join us, and hundreds of your neighbors, in the stacks. —CP
Runners-up: Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH) – Wake, Carolina Coworking –Orange-Chatham Counties
BEST DANCE VENUE
The Fruit – Durham Runners-up: Cat’s Cradle – Orange/ Chatham, Legends Nightclub – Wake
BEST GOLF COURSE
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club –Durham
Runners-up: Lonnie Poole Golf Course –Wake, Old Chatham Golf Club – Orange/ Chatham
BEST HOTEL
The Umstead Hotel and Spa –Wake
A serene lakeside setting surrounded by woods. A super-relaxing spa. A Forbes Five-Star restaurant. These are all the elements you need for a memorable stay, and you’ll find them all at the Umstead Hotel in Cary, the Triangle’s premier world-class luxury hotel. Book a massage, facial, or mani-pedi, then lounge by the pool or stroll around the hotel grounds. Chill in the meditation garden or unwind in the steam room and sauna. Enjoy a meal or two at Herons: It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends and afternoon tea Wednesday through Sunday. Whether you’re traveling in from out of town or enjoying a staycation, the Umstead Hotel will always offer an unforgettable experience. —JP
Runners-up: The Carolina Inn – Orange/ Chatham, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club – Durham
BEST HOTEL LOUNGE
Rooftop at Durham Hotel – Durham
Runners-up: The Carolina Inn – Orange/ Chatham, The Longleaf Hotel and Lounge – Wake
BEST KARAOKE PLACE/EVENT
Pinhook – Durham
Runners-up: Speakeasy Carrboro – Orange/ Chatham, Neptunes Parlour – Wake
BEST PARK
West Point on the Eno –Durham
This summer, Tropical Storm Chantal caused record flooding along the Eno River. At West Point on the Eno, the river topped its banks and spilled into nearby neighborhoods. I don’t know about you, but after the flood I sorely missed access to Eno River trails, especially West Point on the Eno, where I had spent many mornings trodding familiar trails and sitting on my favorite rock by the makeshift waterfall near the park’s historic mill. The site of the annual Festival for the Eno, a popular swimming hole, hiking trails, historic buildings dating back to the late 1700s, and the Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography, the 404-acre park is a gem just a few miles north of downtown Durham. —SW
Runners-up: William B. Umstead State Park – Wake, North Carolina Botanical Gardens – Orange/Chatham
BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH
Weaver Street Market –Orange/Chatham
As a student at Carrboro High School, I spent many afternoons at Weaver Street Market and can attest to its people watching bona fides. Of course you can glimpse folks walking through the heart of Carrboro, but there’s so much to see on the market’s lawn—provided the grass isn’t sleeping (iykyk). On any given day, you might find a family playing games, lovers having a picnic, some barefoot stranger quietly hugging a tree, or a gaggle of swaying Hula-Hoopers (I stored two in the trunk of my Honda for such occasions). Make a plate from the outstanding hot bar, grab a copy of the INDY, and settle in for hours of entertainment. —SW
Runners-up: Durham Farmers Market –Durham, Downtown Raleigh – Wake
BEST PLACE TO TAKE A FIRST DATE
Duke Gardens – Durham
Runners-up: North Carolina Museum of Art – Wake, Ackland Musuem of Art – Orange/ Chatham
Best Arboretum or Garden: Sarah P. Duke Gardens - Durham WIKIPEDIA
BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER
Duke Gardens – Durham
Runners-up: North Carolina Museum of Art – Wake, Ackland Musuem of Art – Orange/ Chatham
BEST PRESCHOOL/EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM
Carolina Friends School –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Schoolhouse of Wonder –Durham, Temple Beth Or Preschool and Kindergarten – Wake
BEST SPORTS BAR
Bull McCabe’s – Durham
Bull McCabe's, the Irish pub with a prime triangle of lawn real estate in downtown Durham, seems like a bit of an odd selection for best sports bar—it doesn’t have a wall of TVs, it doesn’t have any wings specials that I’ve heard of, and its frequent live Irish rock performances would drown out any ESPN analysis. But there is no better spot to be during gametime. The Guinness tap hardly gets a break during big soccer matches, and Duke fans have been known to pack the lawn during March Madness. And if you’re more into academic sports, try Arturo’s Wednesday night trivia! —CP
Runners-up: Wooden Nickel Pub – Orange/ Chatham, The Players Retreat – Wake
BEST SUMMER CAMP
Camp Chestnut Ridge –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Schoolhouse of Wonder –Durham, Raleigh Little Theatre – Wake
BEST TRIVIA BAR/EVENT
Hammered Trivia at Durty Bull –Durham
Runners-up: Lanza – Carrboro – Thursday night trivia – Orange/Chatham, Raleigh Brewing Company – Wake
BEST WEDDING/EVENT VENUE
Museum of Life and Science –Durham
Runners-up: The Umstead Hotel and Spa – Wake, The Parlour at Mann's Chapel –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Carrie Schleiffer – Alley Twenty Six – Durham, Ashley Christensen – Wake
BEST DJ
DJ Ayo VIP – Durham
Runners-up: Luxe Posh – Wake, DJ Wilder –Orange/Chatham
BEST DRAFT-SLINGER
Bella – Steel String Brewery –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Tom Fisher – Queenys –Durham, Cailin Peterson @ Clouds Brewing Raleigh Taproom – Wake
BEST KIDS NONPROFIT
Note in the Pocket – Wake
In 2005, a Wake County kindergarten teacher noticed some of her students didn’t have warm clothes as the winter months approached, so she and her mother scoured sales racks and thrift shops for coats, sweaters, and jackets. They sent the clothes home with needy kids, and when parents tried to return them the next day, the teacher packed notes with the students explaining that the clothes were gifts, laying the groundwork for the nonprofit Note in the Pocket. Note in the Pocket has provided high-quality clothes to kids for 20 years, and since 2013, it has delivered 780,000 clothing items to more than 64,000 kids. Now, from its new facility in Raleigh, Note in the Pocket provides clothes to kids in all 12 Wake municipalities and in Durham County, and has launched a clothing distribution model for counties across North Carolina. Check out noteinthepocket.org for volunteer opportunities or ways to support them financially or through donations. —JP
Runners-up: Emily K Center (Emily Krzyzewski Center) – Durham, Camp Chestnut Ridge – Orange/Chatham
BEST LOCAL ACTIVIST GROUP
PORCH Chapel Hill – Carrboro –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Bike Durham – Durham, Raleigh United Mutual Aid Hub (RUMAH) – Wake
BEST LOCAL BAND
Sylvan Esso – Durham
A band the caliber of Sylvan Esso has likely graduated from “local band” status. The duo has performed on Fallon and Colbert and toured the world many times over. But what distinguishes SE from other megastar performers is their presence in the city they call home. When they’re not on tour, Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath can be found picking out vegetables at the farmers market, or headknockin’ in the back of the Pinhook supporting other local acts. Sylvan Esso remains loyal to the community that fueled their launch into stardom, and the affection remains mutual. —JL
Runners-up: Dan Davis Group- Wake, Chiroptera – Orange-Chatham Counties
BEST LOCAL INFLUCENER
Valerie Foushee – Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Naomi Dix – Durham, Kiara Ruth (@the.bananamoon) – Wake
BEST MIXOLOGIST
Will Swart-Alley Twenty Six –Durham
Runners-up: Emma @ Lantern –Orange/Chatham, Kyle Hankin @ Foundation – Wake
BEST NONPROFIT
PORCH Chapel Hill–Carrboro –Orange/Chatham
PORCH swept multiple categories this year, including best activist group and best professional development organization. The recognition is well deserved: Since 2010, the nonprofit has provided more than “$6.5 million in hunger relief to residents of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community,” per its website, with a host of programs that stock local food pantries, drop off food directly to families, and help local schools feed kids. And the work PORCH is doing couldn’t be more urgent: North Carolina’s high rates of food insecurity are deepening with SNAP and Medicaid cuts. There are plenty of ways to plug into PORCH’s work, from donating food or money to acting as a neighborhood donations coordinator.
—SE
Runners-up: TROSA – Durham, Second Chance Pet Adoptions – Wake
BEST PERSONAL LIFE COACH
iHealth Integration 629 – Durham
Runners-up: Carolina Poole – Orange/ Chatham, Envision Today – Life Coaching with Rachel Crawford – Wake
BEST POLITICIAN
Roy Cooper – Wake
The Roy Cooper fan club spans the political spectrum—and decades of North Carolina politics. Since first running for public office in 1985, Cooper is undefeated in his pursuit of state seats in the N.C. House of Representatives and as attorney general and governor, winning races regardless of which party captures the presidency. Cooper, who announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate in July, is well regarded by peers and constituents who appreciate his grandfatherly warmth and commitment to bipartisan collaboration, even if it is a dying art form. —JL
Runners-up: Housing prices – Durham, High cost of living – Orange/Chatham
BEST REASON TO LOVE THE TRIANGLE
Community – Durham
Runners-up: Parks and Green Spaces –Wake, Nature access – Orange/Chatham
BEST USE OF PUBLIC MONEY
Affordable Housing – Wake
There’s a reason why everyone wants to live in the Triangle: schools, weather, college sports—check this list of Best Of winners for hundreds more. But a booming population plus a limited housing supply means local real estate is pricey. As our region grew, Triangle residents collectively decided we didn’t want our hometowns to become playgrounds for rich people, and we’re willing to put our money on it. We elect local leaders who champion housing affordability and we (usually) vote in favor of affordable housing bonds. We’ve made good progress: Public-private partnerships have financed thousands of affordable units, and our tax dollars support models such as community land trusts and affordable housing on publicly owned land. We’ve still got work to do, but for all its growth, we should be proud our tax dollars have kept the Triangle a relatively mixed-income destination. —JP
Runners-up: Durham Public Schools –Durham, Parks and trails – Orange/Chatham
BIGGEST WASTE OF PUBLIC MONEY
Republicans Fighting Allison Riggs’ Legitimate Win – Wake
Before a federal judge finally ordered the State Board of Elections to certify Allison Riggs’ 734-vote state Supreme Court victory in May, her opponent Jefferson Griffin and his N.C. Republican allies spent six months contesting it. Their effort to overturn the election result spanned two recounts, hundreds of county-level protests initiated by Griffin, and state and federal court cases. Griffin challenged 60,000 individual ballots including some cast by overseas voters, military voters, and voters with two last names (including yours truly). It would be tricky to calculate the public worker-hours eaten up in pursuit of this lost cause, but we can safely say it was too many. —CCB
Runners-up: Charter Schools & Private School Tuition Vouchers from the GA –Durham, “Flood control” for massive new development in our creeks’ small watersheds – Orange/Chatham
BEST ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE
A New Day Integrative Health and Wellness – Wake
Runners-up: Southern Village Acupuncture & Herbology – Orange/Chatham, Bull City Acupuncture – Durham
BEST BARBER SHOP
Rock's Bar & Hair Shop – Durham
Runners-up: Snip-Ish – Orange/Chatham, The Herr Cutter – Wake
BEST CAT VETERINARIAN
Eno Animal Hospital – Durham
Runners-up: Carrboro Plaza Veterinary Clinic – Orange/Chatham, Care First Animal Hospital – Wake
BEST CHILDCARE
Schoolhouse of Wonder – Durham
Runners-up: Chapel Hill Cooperative Preschool – Orange/Chatham, Children’s Lighthouse of Raleigh – Wake
BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE
Oak City Chiropractic – Wake
Runners-up: Chapel Hill Family Chiropractic – Orange/Chatham, Carolina Pain & Performance – Durham
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE
Holman Family Dental Care –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Durham Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics – Durham, Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry – Wake
BEST DERMATOLOGICAL PRACTICE
Chapel Hill Dermatology – Orange/ Chatham
Runners-up: Triangle Dermatology –Durham, CLARA Dermatology – Wake
BEST DOG VETERINARIAN PRACTICE
Carrboro Plaza Veterinary Clinic –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Eno Animal Hospital – Durham, Care First Animal Hospital – Wake
BEST GYM
Duke Health and Fitness Center –Durham
Runners-up: FIT Carrboro – Orange/ Chatham, Oak and Iron Fitness – Wake
BEST HAIR SALON
Tone Hair Salon – Wake
Runners-up: Rock Paper Scissors – Durham, To The Woods – Orange/Chatham
BEST HOLISTIC MEDICINE
Carolina Hemp Hut – Orange/ Chatham
Runners-up: A New Day Integrative Health and Wellness – Wake, Duke Integrative Medicine – Durham
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST
Kathryn Kager Massage and Bodywork – Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Hayley at Auroraflow –Durham, Laura Gries @ Awakenings Health – Wake
BEST PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Chapel Hill Pediatrics – Orange/ Chatham
Runners-up: Duke Pediatric Primary Care –Durham, Durant Road Pediatrics – Wake
Runners-up: Hillsborough Cheer and Dance – Orange/Chatham, Stage Door Dance Productions – Wake
BEST DOG BOARDING
Eno Animal Hospital – Durham
Runners-up: Doggie Dude Ranch Kennel –Orange/Chatham, Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding – Wake
BEST DOG GROOMING
Elliotte’s Pet Spa – Durham
Runners-up: Top Dog Training and Resort – Orange/Chatham, Pawfection Salon NC – Wake
BEST DOG SITTING
Go Dog – Durham
Runners-up: Walk & Wag – Orange/ Chatham, Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding – Wake
BEST DOG TRAINING
Pawsitive Empowerment – Durham
Runners-up: Top Dog Training and Resort – Orange/Chatham, Sally Said So! Professional Dog Training – Wake
BEST DOG WALKING
Kate’s Critter Care – Durham
Runners-up: Pack&Pride – Wake, Walk & Wag – Orange/Chatham
BEST ELECTRICIAN
Dynamic Electric (Sarah Fulcher) –Durham
Runners-up: Bonneville Electric – Orange/ Chatham, Chris Lee Electric- Inc. – Wake
BEST FLORIST
Ninth Street Flowers – Durham
Runners-up: Victoria Park Florist – Orange/ Chatham, Victoria Park Florist – Orange/ Chatham
BEST GAME STORE
Atomic Empire – Durham
Runners-up: Hidden Block Games – Wake, The Gathering Place – Orange/Chatham
BEST HVAC COMPANY
Boer Brothers Heating & Cooling –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Alternative Aire – Durham, Comfort Monster Heating & Air – Wake
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
Farm Bureau Insurance – Wake
Runners-up: Bonnie Rose – NC Farm Bureau – Orange/Chatham, Mike Embree Insurance Agency – Durham
BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE
Jewelsmith – Durham
Runners-up: Melissa Designer Jewelry –Orange/Chatham, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry –Wake
BEST LANDSCAPER
TROSA Lawn Care – Durham
Runners-up: Jessica Davis – Roots & Sproots – Orange/Chatham, Four Seasons Landscaping and Maintenance- Inc. – Wake
BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE
Flyleaf Books – Orange/ Chatham
There’s an almost witchy deception to the way the low-slung yellow building on Chapel Hill’s MLK Boulevard opens up to reveal the surprisingly large Flyleaf Books. If you’re looking for the newest and buzziest books, you don’t need to go any farther than the front room. If you have the time to get lost in the stacks for an hour or two, keep going straight to find the used books room. Feel free to spend a few minutes in their comfortable reading chairs to make sure that the book you picked up is exactly what you’re looking for, and don’t forget to check out their expansive list of author events. —CP
In the front, Aaktun is a cozy coffee shop where you can grab a breakfast sandwich and an horchata latte. But the true magic happens in the restaurant’s subterranean back room, where tropical flora, sultry lightning, salmony velvet upholstery, and myriad recessed niches conjure an undersea-tiki-bar vibe. James Beard-nominated chef Oscar Diaz (the brains behind Little Bull and TaTaco as well as Aaktun) fuses influences from Mexico, Chicago, and the American South on the menu. The result is decadent, colorful, and not too serious: Your salmon comes on a bed of tender calamari, and your cocktail comes in a giant ceramic coconut. —CCB
Runners-up: PRESS Coffee Crepes Cocktails – Wake, Say it With Glass – Orange/ Chatham
– Orange/Chatham, Stage Door Dance Productions – Wake
BEST DOG BOARDING
Eno Animal Hospital – Durham
Runners-up: Doggie Dude Ranch Kennel –Orange/Chatham, Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding – Wake
BEST DOG GROOMING
Elliotte’s Pet Spa – Durham
Runners-up: Top Dog Training and Resort – Orange/Chatham, Pawfection Salon NC – Wake
BEST DOG SITTING
Go Dog – Durham
Runners-up: Walk & Wag – Orange/ Chatham, Dog Diggity Daycare & Boarding – Wake
BEST DOG TRAINING
Pawsitive Empowerment – Durham
Runners-up: Top Dog Training and Resort – Orange/Chatham, Sally Said So! Professional Dog Training – Wake
BEST DOG WALKING
Kate’s Critter Care – Durham
Runners-up: Pack&Pride – Wake, Walk & Wag – Orange/Chatham
BEST ELECTRICIAN
Dynamic Electric (Sarah Fulcher) –Durham
Runners-up: Bonneville Electric – Orange/ Chatham, Chris Lee Electric- Inc. – Wake
BEST FLORIST
Ninth Street Flowers – Durham
Runners-up: Victoria Park Florist – Orange/ Chatham, Victoria Park Florist – Orange/ Chatham
BEST GAME STORE
Atomic Empire – Durham
Runners-up: Hidden Block Games – Wake, The Gathering Place – Orange/Chatham
BEST HVAC COMPANY
Boer Brothers Heating & Cooling –Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: Alternative Aire – Durham, Comfort Monster Heating & Air – Wake
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
Farm Bureau Insurance – Wake
Runners-up: Bonnie Rose – NC Farm Bureau – Orange/Chatham, Mike Embree Insurance Agency – Durham
BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE
Jewelsmith – Durham
Runners-up: Melissa Designer Jewelry –Orange/Chatham, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry –Wake
BEST LANDSCAPER
TROSA Lawn Care – Durham
Runners-up: Jessica Davis – Roots & Sproots – Orange/Chatham, Four Seasons Landscaping and Maintenance- Inc. – Wake
BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE
Flyleaf Books – Orange/ Chatham
There’s an almost witchy deception to the way the low-slung yellow building on Chapel Hill’s MLK Boulevard opens up to reveal the surprisingly large Flyleaf Books. If you’re looking for the newest and buzziest books, you don’t need to go any farther than the front room. If you have the time to get lost in the stacks for an hour or two, keep going straight to find the used books room. Feel free to spend a few minutes in their comfortable reading chairs to make sure that the book you picked up is exactly what you’re looking for, and don’t forget to check out their expansive list of author events. —CP
In the front, Aaktun is a cozy coffee shop where you can grab a breakfast sandwich and an horchata latte. But the true magic happens in the restaurant’s subterranean back room, where tropical flora, sultry lightning, salmony velvet upholstery, and myriad recessed niches conjure an undersea-tiki-bar vibe. James Beard-nominated chef Oscar Diaz (the brains behind Little Bull and TaTaco as well as Aaktun) fuses influences from Mexico, Chicago, and the American South on the menu. The result is decadent, colorful, and not too serious: Your salmon comes on a bed of tender calamari, and your cocktail comes in a giant ceramic coconut. —CCB
Runners-up: PRESS Coffee Crepes Cocktails – Wake, Say it With Glass – Orange/ Chatham
Runners-up: TRIAVA (Triangle Association of Volunteer Administrators) – Durham, Legacy Wealth Strategies – Wake
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Inhabit Real Estate – Durham
Runners-up: Inhabit Real Estate – Orange/ Chatham, Raleigh Realty – Wake
BEST REALTOR (INDIVIDUAL'S NAME)
Dara
Shain – Durham
Fun fact: Dara Shain, of Durham-based Inhabit Real Estate, is also an INDY alum. She sold ads for our storied publication for 15 years before taking her talents to the Triangle housing market, where she’s been working as a real estate agent for the past nine. Dara’s Zillow profile describes her as “a lover of people and stories”—that checks out—and her clients and friends “appreciate her honesty, quick wit, and relaxed manner.” Dara has a five-star rating on the site, and reviewers who’ve worked with Dara say she’s “insightful and responsive,” “never pushy or impatient,” and “a pro” who’s helped many first-time and seasoned buyers find their dream homes. Dara’s local knowledge, expertise, and negotiation skills are unrivaled; she comes highly recommended from dozens of local clients, so if you’re in the market for a new home, you’d do well to give her a call. —JP
Runners-up: Shelby Bishop – Orange/ Chatham, Gracie Goins – Wake
BEST ROOFING COMPANY
Pickard Roofing Company – Durham
Runners-up: Artisian Roofing – Wake, On Tops Roofing – Orange/Chatham
Two years ago at Rumors, I bought—and this is not an exaggeration—the best pair of pants that I have ever owned. I would easily rank them among the best-value purchases of my life, comparable only perhaps to the money that my parents spent on braces to align my middle school buckteeth. For a thrifting newbie, the secondhand clothing scene in the Triangle can feel a bit overwhelming. Rumors makes it easy, filling its Chapel Hill and Durham locations with genuinely high-quality clothing. Check out their active and engaging social media channels for some outfit inspiration. —CP
Runners-up: TROSA Thrift Store – Durham, Cheshire Cat Antique Gallery – Wake
BEST WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORE
Scrap Thrift – Durham
Runners-up: The Flourish Market – Wake, Julian's – Orange/Chatham
Best Women's Clothing Store: Scrap Thrift - Durham PHOTO BY CAITLIN PENNA
The Hub for Jazz in the Triangle
Downbeat Magazine has recognized the Sharp 9 Gallery as a Top 100 Jazz Venue Worldwide (2024 & 2025). 140 concerts a year featuring regional and international jazz artists. The Durham Jazz Workshop also runs an educational program year-round for adult and youth students.
Thank you for nominating us for Best of the Triangle 2025!
BEST COMEDY CLUB/EVENT
Goodnights Comedy Club –Wake
Goodnights Comedy Club, located in a newish underground space in the Village District, feels just right. Goodnights owner Brad Grossman modeled the comedy club, which opened in its current home in 2023, on his very first business venture, the underground Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia. Catch stadium-sized talent in an intimate venue at a modest ticket price. Or polish your own comedy act with a stand-up or improv
BEST ELECTRONIC CONCERT VENUE
Cat’s Cradle – Orange/Chatham
In 2018, I treated myself with a ticket to see Kikagaku Moyo, an obscure Japanese psych-rock band from Tokyo, who performed to about 80 people at Cat’s Cradle Back Room the day after my birthday. The following year, the band made the voyage from Tokyo to Carrboro again, this time performing in front of me and about 500 other people in Cat’s Cradle’s main hall. Two days later, Durham legend and Japanese-American rapper G Yamazawa rocked the same stage. Very few venues can offer that blend of international flavor and home cookin’ at that scale, let alone in the —JL
Vivica C. Coxx Music Bingo at The Velvet Hippo – Durham
Runners-up: The Lavender Social's Queer Cabaret at Speakeasy, Legends Nightclub –Wake
Runners-up: The Fruit – Durham, Red Hat Amphitheater – Wake
BEST FILM THEATRE VENUE/EVENT
Carolina Theatre – Durham
In a post-COVID era when the average person is buying fewer movie and concert tickets, movie theaters and music venues are struggling to find an audience. Anyone at the Carolina Theatre will tell you they have taken their lumps, too, but the historic venue–which celebrates 100 years in 2026–has managed to stay adaptable in the face of a changing landscape. Check the marquee and you’ll find blockbusters, indie flicks, comedy shows, concerts, and local programming that showcases the region’s extraordinary performers. Personally, I’m making CatVideoFest a can’t miss next year.—JL
Runners-up: Chelsea Theater – Orange/ Chatham, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh – Wake
Best Comedy Club/Event: Goodnights
Comedy Club - Wake PHOTO BY BRETT VILLENA
Orange/Chatham ticket Japawho Cat’s my band Carrfront people in later, Japanese-American same that home the Hat
VENUE/EVENT average conmusic audience. tell too, celebrates to changing you’ll comedy programming extraordimaking —JL
BEST LOCAL/REGIONAL PODCAST
Embodied – Durham
Launched in 2019, WUNC’s Embodied is hosted by Anita Rao and touches on topics relating to sex, intimacy, health, relationships, and identity—essentially, any topic that might make for a taboo dinner-table topic. Within that paradigm and guided by Rao’s curiosity, the show has covered an expansive range of topics, with recent episodes focusing on the death care industry, dyslexia, erotica, sex in nursing homes, and period pain. Intrigued? Embodied has won more than INDY reader awards, including first and second place awards from the Public Media Journalists Association, this past year, and three Edward R. Murrow regional awards. —SE
Runners-up: Embodied – Orange/Chatham, Level Up Artists – Wake
BEST MURAL
Pauli Murray – Durham
Runners-up: All Are Welcome 428 S McDowell St – Wake, The Power of Persistence – Orange/Chatham
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Festival for the Eno – Durham
Runners-up: Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival – Orange/Chatham, Hopscotch Music Festival – Wake
BEST RADIO STATION SERVING IN THE TRIANGLE
WUNC – Orange/Chatham
Runners-up: WUNC – Durham, WUNC – Wake
BEST SCIENCE/HISTORY MUSEUM
Museum of Life and Science –Durham
Red wolves and butterflies and black bears, oh my! For decades, the Museum of Life & Science has provided a mix of exceptional exhibitions and hands-on programming to adventurous youth and adults alike. Whether you want to walk on the moon or walk amongst the dinosaurs, the Museum of Life & Science is the perfect place to bring your family or take a date and explore the natural world. And Durham County recently invested nearly $14 million to enhance the experience, so go take advantage of your tax dollars at work. —JL
Runners-up: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – Wake, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – Orange/ Chatham
BEST THEATRE COMPANY
Playmakers Repertory Company – Orange/Chatham
The Triangle’s theater scene is known to punch above its weight, with UNC’s PlayMakers Repertory Company at the fore of much of that dramaturgic punching. The company was established in 1976— though UNC’s theatrical tradition goes back farther, with famed playwrights like Paul Green leading the drama program—and produces plays that draw on both local and Broadway talent. The 2025-2026 season features a range of works, from contemporary playwright Sarah DeLappe’s award-winning work, The Wolves, earlier this fall, to classics like Macbeth and Steel Magnolias next spring. —SE
“One of America’s leading theatre companies” -American
A Broadway-quality experience created right here in Chapel Hill. Dynamic, intimate spaces keep you close to the action!
