0313 Best Of
James Spann was voted Best Local Personality in Best of Hoover.
Food and Drink
Most Friendly Service
Pulled pork, ribs, and, of course, cheese biscuits — Riverchase is home to one of the chain’s original locations.
1810 Montgomery Highway, 733-1300
Runner Up: Taziki’s
Most Kid Friendly Restaurant
A strong supporter of local schools, Hoover resident David Cohen’s ice cream haven is favorite of kids, and their parents.
3421 South Shades Crest Road, Suite 121, 444-8000
Runner Up: Chick-fil-A
Best Happy Hour
The sports bar boasts 85 beers on tap, games in HD, and not one but two outdoor patios.
3440 Galleria Circle, 988-3203
Runner Up: Firebirds
Best Asian Food
Sumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
An original tenant in Patton Creek, Sumo is known for its hibachi, sushi bar and cocktails.
151 Main St., 444-1515
Runner Up: Pacific Rim
Best Mexican Food
Iguana Grill
Many a Hoover resident will swear it’s the most authentic Mexican in town. Plus, the décor is a spectacle in itself.
2085 Colonial Drive, 987-8240
Runner Up: La Paz
Best Italian Food
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall off Highway 31, you’ll find classic and more elaborate dishes from Italy here.
1851 Montgomery Highway, 985-2909
Runner Up: Salvatore’s
Best Breakfast/Brunch
This popular breakfast destination welcomes civic groups including Hoover Kiwanis Club and Friends of Hoover for meetings.
4741 Chace Circle, 982-8477
Runner Up: Clubhouse at Ross Bridge
Best Bakery
Louise has been baking cakes for brides, birthdays and other special occasions for 25 years. The business now caters as well.
1694 Montgomery Highway, 823-6799
Runner Up: Edgar’s
Best Mediterranean Food
From Greek Salads to gyros to a host of other fresh options, Taziki’s brings a taste of Greece to Chace Lake. Friday Special, anyone?
4745 Chase Circle, Suite 117, 682-6999
Runner Up: Costa’s
Best Date Night
A Galleria Circle staple for years, the restaurant’s menu of wood-fired choices includes prime rib of beef, steaks, fresh seafood, sandwiches and entrée salads.
3320 Galleria Circle, 733-9995
Runner Up: Bonefish Grill
Best Coffee
Starbucks
With locations on Highway 31, at the Galleria, on John Hopkins Parkway and more, America’s favorite coffee spot is also Hoover’s favorite.
Various locations
Runner Up: Earth Fare
Best Pizza
Thai Chicken, California Club and other outside-the-box varieties ensure CPK pizzas are never too ordinary.
3470 Galleria Circle, 444-0777
Runner Up: Tortuga’s
Best Casual Dining & Best Ladies’ Lunch Spot
The casual, locally owned establishment boasts local brews and an eclectic menu
popular with young families.
616 Preserve Parkway, Suite 112, 978-8988
Casual Dining Runner Up: Jubilee Joe’s
Ladies’ Lunch Spot Runner Up: Zoe’s Kitchen
Best New Restaurant
The Galleria Circle welcomed a duplication of the longtime Crestline Village eatery in October, margaritas included.
3340 Galleria Circle, 444-2035
Runner Up: The Boot at The Preserve
Community
Best Local Personality
James Spann
When the weather turns questionable, or even when we just want to know if it’s going to rain, we all look to one man: Spann.
Runner Up: Micky Furguson
Best Place for Family Outing
This 30-acre urban oasis, originally the private garden of Eddie and Kay Aldridge, recently celebrated 10 years in operation.
3530 Lorna Road, 682-8019
Runner Up: Carmike Cinemas (formerly The Rave)
Best Local Band/Musician
Hoover High School Jazz Band
In December, the First Edition Band was one of four from the state over the past 50 years to attend The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, recognized as the single most prestigious clinic of its kind.
Runner Up: Eric Essex
Best Hometown Hero
Brenda Ladun
The local newscaster not only defeated cancer — she helps conquer it at her annual run, held each spring at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen.
Runner Up: Scout Campbell
Best Outdoor Space
250 acres of hiking trails, bouldering rocks and more welcome nature lovers, bird watchers and anyone who enjoys stepping into the woods.
617 Preserve Parkway
Runner Up: Aldridge Gardens
Best Neighborhood
Bluff Park
Nestled atop Shades Crest, the neighborhood welcomed the new Artists on the Bluff last year and a pictorial history of its beginnings as a resort community this year.
Runner Up: The Preserve
Best Community Event
Always the first Saturday in October, the beloved art show turns 50 this year. It also made the top-10 list of events in Alabama for 2013. bluffparkartshow.com
Runner Up: Moss Rock Festival
Best Church Choir
Catch their chorales and cantatas Sunday mornings at 8:45, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Dr. Jeff Reynolds is the church’s minister of music.
1953 Old Highway 31, 987-4030
Runner Up: Hunter Street Baptist
Best Charity Event
Eric Essex co-hosts this quickly growing event, which welcomes jazz enthusiasts and families alike.
Runner Up: Regions Classic
Health and Wellness
Best Dentist
Drs. Morrissey-Patton, Yates and Barkley clean teeth and offer a wide range of dental procedures.
425 Emery Drive, 989-8480
Runner Up: Dr. Preston Reynolds
Best Orthodontist
After more than 20 years in business, Dr. Stephanie Whitehead moved to Trace Crossings last year. She loves to bake cookies to share with her patients.
5336 Stadium Trace Parkway, #112, 988-9678
Runner Up: Backus Orthodontics
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Jeff Malone, South Trace Pediatrics
A longtime Hoover pediatrician, Dr. Malone recently moved to a new office in Trace Crossings.
5356 Stadium Trace, Suite 200, 985-9424
Runner Up: Dr. John Cortopassi, Greenvale Pediatrics
Best Family Practitioner
Dr. James Marshall, Trace Crossings Health Center, UAB Medical Center West
Dr. Marshall’s clinical interests include hypertension, cholesterol management, diabetes and adolescent medicine.
18 Mars Hill Road, 987-0005
Runner Up: Dr. Carrie Huner, Brookwood Primary Care
Businesses and Services
Best Customer Service
Wrapsody: A Celebration of Giving
This “must shop” destination for women sells unique and thoughtful gifts, including a wide selection of Greek gifts.
161 Main Street, Suite 127, 989-7277
Runner Up: The Whole Scoop
Best Women’s Clothing Store
This contemporary boutique offers the latest seasonable fashions and the accessories to accompany them, all at affordable prices.
593 Shades Crest Road, 823-9007
Runner Up: Belk
Best Store for Men
Best Buy
What man doesn’t love aisles of gigantic HD screens, iPhones and DVD favorites?
3780 Riverchase Village, 682-9822
Runner Up: Jos A. Bank
Best Veterinarian
Dr. Borden and his staff welcome furry friends of all kinds for the very best of care.
2953 John Hawkins Parkway, 987-7297
Runner Up: Caldwell Mill Animal Clinic
Best Financial Planner
Regions - Michael Johnson
For those trying to figure out how to invest for today and the future, Michael Johnson is a trusted advisor.
3965 John Hawkins Parkway, 444-2798
Runners Up: Brooks Clark and Prudential-Terry Bagwell (Tie)
Best Place to Buy Home Décor
Home Goods
Every time you go in, the store’s selection of furniture and accessories is sure to grab your eye.
1660 Montgomery Highway, 823-5221
Runner Up: Pier One
Best Children’s Store
This locally owned kids’ boutique is where moms turn for great clothes for both boys and girls.
180 Main Street, 444-0005
Runner Up: Toys R Us
Best New Business & Best Workout Facility
Locally owned, the Trace Crossings gym offers many free perks, many of which are directly requested by members.
2539 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 113, 403-3305
Best Work Out Facility Runner Up: Hoover YMCA
Best New Business Runner Up: Earth Fare
Best Mechanic Shop
Family-owned and operated since 1975, Estes stocks tires for brands like Michelin, BFGoodrich and Goodyear. It also sells wheels and offers auto repair.
3420 Old Columbiana Road, 979-7841
Runner Up: Christian Brothers
Best Salon
Stylists offer cuts, dyes and other services at this popular salon.
2798 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 122, 733-0383
Runner Up: Tranquility Salon
Best Store for Your Hobby
A growing destination for sewing, smocking and embroidery enthusiasts, Thimbles sells fabrics for children’s clothes, applique and quilting.
3780 Riverchase Village, #600, 682-6008
Runner Up: Hobby Lobby
Best Golf Course
The newest addition to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Ross Bridge’s long course also offers multiple tees for golfers at all levels.
4000 Grand Ave., 949-3085
Runner Up: Hoover Country Club
