Over the summer, we asked our readers to rate their favorite Belmont businesses in 13 categories. After weeks of an open nomination process, we counted up the votes and named our winners in the 2012 Readers' Choice contest.
The victors included Water Dog Lake Loop Trail for best hiking spot in Belmont. Trail improvements will continue throughout the winter, and Park and Rec commissioner Kevin Sullivan reports that the work is almost complete.
"We have been able to take advantage of some early rain as well as the latest downpour to build about 300 feet of retaining wall under a beautiful grove of Oak Trees on a steep hillside. The wall allows the trail to be 4ft wide and with a gentle slope to walk or ride. This is the last major section before we can say the "digging part" is complete. (There are a few more small dig areas and 3 bridges to build.)," said Sullivan.
Meanwhile, Godfather's was the winner for best burger spot, and Whisper's Cafe took top honors for best breakfast.
In one of the most heavily-voted categories, Vivace took honors for the best Italian food, with 65 percent of the vote.
And when it comes to preschools, most of you say Merry Moppet is the best.
Take a look at the list we posted in August, and let us know in the comment section below if you think the top vote-getters in each category still stand, or if someone else should move to the top spot.
Food & Drink
Best Burger
Winner: Godfather's
2nd Place: Cafe Bliss
2nd Place: Marvin Gardens
Best Pizza
Winner: Toto's
2nd place: Village Host
3rd place: Mountain Mike's
Best Family Restaurant
Winner: Mountain Mike's
2nd Place: Whisper's
3rd Place: IHOP
Best Chinese Food
Winner: Gin Mon
2nd Place: China Village
2nd Place: Blue Sky Cafe
Best Coffee Shop
Winner: Starbucks
2nd Place: Peet's
3rd Place: Jimmy's Cafe
Best Pub
Winner: Marvin Gardens
Winner: Ausiello's (Now called McGraw's)
Best Sushi
Winner: Monster Sushi
2nd Place: Sushi Lover
Best Italian Food
Winner: Vivace
2nd Place: Divino
3rd Place: Caprino's
Best Tacos/Burritos
Winner: Hola
2nd Place: El Metate
3rd Place: Coyote's Cafe
3rd Place: Whisper's Cafe
Best Breakfast Spot
Winner: Whisper's Cafe
2nd Place: IHOP
2nd Place: Hobee's
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Entertainment
Best Sports Bar
Winner: Chris's New Harbor Bar
2nd Place: Ausiello's (Now called McGraw's)
3rd Place: Marvin Gardens
Kids & Family
Best Preschool
Winner: Merry Moppet
2nd Place: City of Belmont Early Learning Center
Best Place to Bike/Hike/Walk
Winner: Water Dog Lake Loop Trail
Winner: Belmont's Children's Bridge and Connecting Trails
2nd Place: John Brooks Open Space Preserve
