I’ll start with some numbers: More than 57,000 people voted in the two rounds of this year’s Best of the Triangle contest, totaling more than 365,000 votes in 343 categories. That’s crazy. 

The INDY’s annual Best Of issue, now in its fourteenth iteration, has a lot of imitators—some paler than others—but there’s a reason this one stands apart: you. 

From the best spots to catch a drink after work to the most reliable company to call when your AC is on the fritz, our readers’ picks are insightful because our readers are some of the smartest, most knowledgable folks around—and there’s a whole lot of them. 

What you’re about to read comprises the wisdom of a very large, very wise crowd. In these pages, you’ll find new places to explore, new adventures to undertake, new restaurants to visit, new retailers to support, and maybe, when some jerk rear-ends you on the highway, the right lawyer to call. 

Throughout, our writers have selected about 60 of these 343 categories and written about the winners. To be clear: These are still our readers’ choices; we just wanted to add some insight of our own. 

One final note: On Saturday, we’re celebrating this issue with the Best of the Triangle Bash—a free, all-ages party at Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt. There will be vendors, food trucks, killer live music from rad local artists, a bounce house, beer, everything you could want from a late spring afternoon. The festivities start at noon and run until four. 

Come hang out with us—and with some of your wise fellow readers.

Contents

Best of the Triangle 2019: Local Color

Best of the Triangle 2019: Eat & Drink

Best of the Triangle 2019: Out & About

Best of the Triangle 2019: Health & Body

Best of the Triangle 2019: Shops & Services

Contributors: Jeffrey C. Billman, Sarah Edwards, Lena Geller, Brian Howe, Bryan Reed, Andrea Rice, Leigh Tauss

Comment on the Best of the Triangle at backtalk@indyweek.com. 

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