★ BEST OF THE 'BUS 2018 - WINNERS! ★

---

Presenting the winners of CityScene Magazine's 2018 Best of the 'Bus Readers' Choice Awards

Photos by Maggie Smerdel Photography

Presenting sponsor:

BEST URBAN ART GALLERY: Wexner Center for the Arts

With exhibitions, screenings, performances, artist residencies and educational programs, it’s no wonder the Wexner Center for the Arts was voted Best Urban Art Gallery.

BEST INTERACTIVE ARTS ACTIVITIES: COSI

What is a center of science and industry good for, if not to invite visitors to interact and learn? As a winner in this category for the fifth year in a row, COSI has obviously captivated Columbus, but did you know that over 33 million people from around the world have visited this fun-filled center in its history?

BEST THEATER TROUPE: Shadowbox Live

Bet you didn’t know the largest resident theater company in America is right here in Columbus. Shadowbox Live’s original productions illustrate creativity and diversity, while often collaborating with other arts organizations in Columbus to connect audiences with local art and performers. The troupe said goodbye to dear friend and co-founder Stev Guyer in late March, but carries on inspired by his passionate and creative spirit.

BEST SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Photo by Randall L. Schieber

BEST SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Picnic with the Pops

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra sure knows how to throw a party! This BYOB-style concert series held at the Columbus Commons is a favorite once again. How could it not be when it offers eight summer nights filled with great music and the chance to picnic under the stars?

BEST SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST 2017 ARTS PERFORMANCE: BalletMet presents The Nutcracker

BalletMet dances to the top spot this year with its captivating annual performance of a classic holiday tale.

BEST SMALL MUSIC VENUE: Copious+Notes

Copious+Notes takes the phrase underground music scene quite literally with its intimate underground, yet upscale venue. If you’ve never been, stop in and check out the Copious restaurant and bar on the main level before hitting the Notes venue downstairs.

BEST REGULAR MUSICIAN GIG: John Schwab at Gatsby’s in Gahanna

New to the Best of the ‘Bus poll this year, this category aims to identify those favorite musicians/groups that play the same venue regularly. Apparently, the folks over at Gatsby’s in Gahanna really like Tuesday nights with John Schwab, local musician and lead singer of McGuffey Lane. Schwab was also up for his occasional gig at JT’s Pizza & Pub.

BEST ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Edwaard Liang, BalletMet

It was an extremely close call this year, but BalletMet’s Edwaard Liang came out on top. Liang was just five votes ahead of Rossen Milanov of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, with Shadowbox Live’s Stacie Boord closely trailing Milanov by only eight votes.

BEST CHARITABLE GALA, BEST ANNUAL EVENT FOR OUT-OF-TOWNERS, BEST CHARITABLE GALA. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS FESTIVAL. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST BREWERY TOUR: BrewDog DogTap

With the brewing scene growing throughout central Ohio, this new category seemed necessary. And what’s a brewery tour without beer? Try samples while learning about every inch of the only U.S. BrewDog Brewery.

BEST DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR. Photo courtesy of Condado Tacos

BEST DOWNTOWN HAPPY HOUR: Condado Tacos

With three locations just on high street, it’s hard to miss this trendy joint where customers create their own tacos. So be warned – if your tacos taste bad, it’s your fault.

BEST CAKES: Capital City Cakes

For the second year in a row, this Grove City bakery takes the cake.

BEST CUPCAKES: Nothing Bundt Cakes

The bundtinis may be small in size, but the flavors such as chocolate chocolate chip, classic vanilla, red velvet and lemon are quite big in taste.

BEST PIES: Just Pies

Whipping up fruit, cream and seasonal pies with homemade crust, this locally-based bakery that literally makes just pies takes the blue ribbon.

BEST DOUGHNUTS: Duck Donuts

Despite being new to Columbus, Duck Donuts beat out the competition, longtime favorite Buckeye Donuts, by just one vote.

BEST CHOCOLATE TREATS: Mozart’s

Who said chocolate treats are just for holidays? Mozart’s fancy, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates can make any day feel worthy of celebration.

BEST RETAIL BEER SELECTION and BEST RETAIL WINE SELECTION: Giant Eagle Market District

Their reign continues. That’s seven years in a row!

BEST LOCALLY OWNED BOUTIQUE. Photo courtesy of Ohio Art Market

BEST LOCALLY OWNED BOUTIQUE: Ohio Art Market

From handmade jewelry, hats and art to locally crafted honey and jams, this market is nothing but local creations.

BEST HOMETOWN PRODUCT: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Once again, Jeni’s wins this hometown award. Some of the newest ice cream flavors include salted honey pie, frosé sorbet and dairy-free dark chocolate truffle.

BEST FARMERS' MARKET EXPERIENCE: Worthington Farmers’ Market

Most farmers’ markets only occur during the warmer months, but Worthington has it figured out: an outdoor season from May to October and an indoor season the remaining months. Shop from local vendors who sell homemade products like breads, fruits, vegetables and flowers.

BEST SPA DAY OUT: Woodhouse Day Spa

For the sixth year in a row, Woodhouse Day Spa takes the spot for central Ohio residents’ preferred destination for the best spa. Enjoy a full day of relaxation with facials, sleep treatments, massages and more.

BEST GYM: Premier at Sawmill Athletic Club

This locally owned and operated athletic club has taken the win in the past, but this year they’re back on top and clearly the best.

BEST FITNESS EVENT: Arnold Sports Festival

Every year the Arnold Sports Festival gets bigger and stronger. This year, the long-time event added competitions like pickleball, axe throwing, body painting and equestrian.

BEST SUBURBAN ART GALLERY. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST CITY BIKE PATHS. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST SPOT TO SPEND NEW YEAR'S EVE: Hollywood Casino

You won’t find a better way to ring in the new year than amongst your closest friends and family with a night full of live music and entertainment in Ohio’s largest Vegas-style casino.

BEST DOUGHNUTS. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST NEW RESTAURANT (Since March 2017): Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

New to the Columbus market, restaurant owner, Jeff Ruby recently brought one of his renowned to the city. When eating at a Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, the experience is key.

BEST CATERING (Business Lunch): City Barbeque

Did you pick up the phone and order yet or are we going to have to call in for your office? Six years straight of the best catering for business lunches and you’re still packing a lunch…

BEST MOM & POP PIZZERIA: Tommy’s Pizza

Your grandparents ate here, your parents ate here, if you haven’t eaten here yet, you are missing out on one of the best Columbus staples.

BEST FOOD COMA POTENTIAL and BEST BURGERS: Thurman Café

Burgers that practically feed an entire family… for a week… at least.

BEST OUTDOOR DINING: Lindey’s Restaurant and Bar

It’s time to change up your outdoor eating habits this summer.

BEST ORGANIC DINING: Northstar Café

Winning this category by a landslide, Northstar is the spot to be in Columbus when you are looking to clean up your diet.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST CATERING (High-End Party): Cameron Mitchell Premier Events

If you have ever attended a high-end event throughout Columbus, chances are Cameron Mitchell had a hand in the event. We think it’s safe to say they know all about the art of hosting an event.

BEST PLACE TO DRINK YOUR BRUNCH: Matt the Miller’s Tavern

With three locations spread across Dublin, Grandview and Polaris, there is no excuse not to be attending Sunday brunch. Be sure to indulge in the ultimate bloody Mary bar.

BEST FAMILY BRUNCH: Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

You still haven’t tried these cinnamon sugar rolls yet? Or are you still making yours out of a can?

BEST APPETIZER OPTIONS: Old Bag of Nails

Serving up the greatest appetizers in the city and don’t worry nails are not included.

BEST BAR/RESTAURANT FOR LIVE MUSIC and BEST SUBURBAN HAPPY HOUR: Grove City Brewing Company

Chances are you are staying after happy hours to watch the slew of entertainment and talent coming through this Grove City bar.

BEST FAMILY BRUNCH. Photo by Maggie Smerdel Photography

BEST RESTAURANT TO NOT RUIN YOUR DIET: Tucci’s

Located in the heart of Historic Dublin, Tucci’s stands apart from the bunch with a focus on diverse menu options all constructed from locally sourced ingredients.

BEST ROTATING/SEASONAL MENU: 101 Beer Kitchen

You are always in for a pleasant surprise each time you visit 101 Beer Kitchen. Whether it’s a new beer or dish you want to try, chances are you’ll always have something new.

BEST FOOD TRUCK NAME: ClusterTruck

Though it may not be your typical standing food truck, ClusterTruck brings the party to you. This food truck is all the nuances of a food delivery service, housed under one roof.

BEST FOOD TRUCK ART: Mikey’s Late Night Slice

It’s pretty hard to miss Mikey’s Late Night Slice’s truck throughout Columbus when you are out and about. How can you not appreciate their little pizza man?