2019 Best of the Triangle Ballot

Feb. 17, 2019

11:57 p.m.

Comments (84)

Insurance

I have worked with Amanda Hagood and State Farm for decades. Rather than just go on and on about the superior treatment I have received in every instance (price, changes in coverage, claims (not a lot of experience here, but they have been exemplary).

Bill Hasse 9 hours ago

East Coast Electric of Holly Springs

Very dependable and knowledgeable. And most important Honest!

Maria Ptasinski 9 hours ago

Best Early Childhood Learning Facility

Arts Together has been an amazing preschool for our family!

Rebecca 10 hours ago

Best Dermatology Office Practic

The group at Regional Dermatology is the best to work with. They are accommodating of schedule needs, listen to concerns, makes the proper followup and are just so friendly. They put the patient first in all interactions.

Lydia Mis 15 hours ago

Local blog

Best blog for alternative music, art, eats!

Charlie 2 days ago

Fully loaded fritters food truck

Best fries 🍟. Love the sweet potato fries mixture. Perfect crisp!

Christy Smith 2 days ago

best kept secret

I nominate Kenny's tree removal. he is so honest and hard working, detailed and great at what he does. he knows a lot about tree species as well.

Aubrey Brooks 2 days ago

best coffee shop

cocoa cinnamon -- all locations!

Jane Kuhar 5 days ago

best performing arts space

DPAC

Jane Kuhar 5 days ago

best yoga studio

Global Breath in downtown Durham!

Jane Kuhar 5 days ago

Are ballots without 25 nominations discarded?

I see the sentence, "please nominate one in at least 25 categories". So, if I don't, do the six I nominated still get counted?

Barbara Raymond 5 days ago

Nominations

Yes, Barbara. Although we would prefer everyone nominate in at least 25 categories, all votes count.

Susan Harper, Publisher 1 day ago

Best Summer Camp: Schoolhouse of Wonder

Dirty, Tired and Happy. What more could you want for your children this summer? Our grandchildren love the time they spend at this camp. All day outdoors without screens, it is the best learning environment and most wholesome play anywhere.

Babs Wise 5 days ago

BEST REALTOR

I nominate Mrs. Kecia Bland. She is hard worker and go getter.She is very professional in meeting your needs and working with you. A very friendly and loving person.

Beverly Drew 3 days ago

Schoolhouse of Wonder is Wonder-full!!

I think Schoolhouse of Wonder is hands-down the best summer camp in the Triangle. They have experience and heart. They let kids discover the wonder of the natural world the way kids learn best - through play and experiences. They sponsor disadvantaged children too, some of whom had never been in the woods or near a river before. It's a life-changing experience for any child.

Janet DeWoskin 2 days ago

Clapping Hands Farm

Clapping Hands Farm outside of Pittsboro is a place a fun and creativity. We've been going for three years and love it!

David Solow 1 day ago

BEST REALTOR

Tiffany McLaurin (The McLaurin Group )IS A GREAT REALTOR... SHE EDUCATES HERSELF AND OTHERS WITH DEDICATION TO GET THE JOB DONE... JUST TO MAKE SURE HER CUSTOMERS IS HAPPY... I LOVE SEEING HER JOURNEY AS SHE PROUDLY LOVES HER JOB IN FINDING BEAUTIFUL HOMES... I SEE HER HAVING A VERY SUCCESSFUL FUTURE... NC OWN AND RAISED... GREAT ROLE MODEL ...BEAUTIFUL CLASSY LADY...

Dora 8 days ago

Justin Burleson

Amazing hospitality and attention to detail! The attention he gave to us as renters moving from out of the area was unparalleled- next home purchase!

Lisa Mickys 6 days ago

Best Chiropractor :Dr. Blake Livingood

My adjustments at Triangle Health Center have kept my immune system in sync and working well for almost six years. Not only does he give a great adjustment, he also brings the knowledge of "living well" to all his patients through some terrific workshops and dinners; offers us ways to give back through volunteering opportunities ; and we all can be a part of walks and runs to challenge our healthy bodies. Thank you, Dr. Blake.

Judy Davenport 9 days ago

Veterinary hospital

North Paw Animal Hospital

Gail Griffin-Ballew 9 days ago

Best Massage Therapist

Dawn Cúccaro is by far the finest, most educated and knowledgeable Massage Therapist I have ever experienced. With a caring and holistic perspective, Dawn has always known which therapeutic techniques best suited me at the time I came to see her, and in this regard, her choices have always been highly effective and healing for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Dawn to others, and I hope that she receives the recognition she has so long deserved!

Kim Truitt 11 days ago

Best Dance Studio

I nominate World of Motion Dance Studio in Morrisville NC as Best Dance Studio.

They have great caring dance instructors, unique classes week long, they are involved in community dance events as well as strengthening the dance community!

Nita 13 days ago

Best Dance Studio

I nominate World of Motion Dance Studio in Morrisville NC as Best Dance Studio.

They have great dance instructors which produce other great dance instructors. They are a phenomenal dance company.

Emily Wilson 8 days ago

Best Latin Restaurant

I nominate Alpaca Chicken for best Latin Restaurant and Best Chicken!

Daniel Oldham 13 days ago

Karaoke

I nominate Brickhouse Sports Bar and DJ Stephen Scott (Stevie B) for the best karaoke spot! This place is conveniently located near downtown with nice pool tables and great food and plenty of seating for the non-singers. Stephen Scott's shows are always entertaining with a dance break everytime. He was even picked by SoundChoice, the producers of the karaoke music, to debut a country singer from Nashville, TN who's new song was recently released as a karaoke song. One will never know what to expect at this karaoke show. In fact, I'm still reeling from the entertainment that popped in last Friday night. Awesome venue, amazing singers, and terrific DJ lends to the best way to unwind on a Friday night. My vote goes to Brickhouse Sportsbar and DJ Stephen Scott!

Elisabeth Lee 13 days ago

Best Karaoke Shows

I nominate David Price's Original Super Karaoke as the best karaoke shows in the Triangle! David is the ultimate karaoke show host and his group of KJs helping him run the 10 shows weekly in the Triangle have learned from the master!! Their shows are full of energy and attract THE BEST singings in the Triangle. All of the KJs, including Dave, are know for jumping in and helping new singers as needed and always ready for a duet. The shows all use the latest technology in the industry. Requests your song from the extensive library using your phone and the SongbookDB app. Receive notification from the app when you are next to sing. If you don't have a smart phone or don't want to install the app, you can request your song on a kiosk PC provided by the KJ. The slickest and most efficient show in the Triangle.

The extensive library of songs (30,000+) contains almost everything you ever would want to sing. But, on the off chance that the library doesn't contain the song your must sing, they will search for the song online and purchase it for you. Yes... purchase it!

No pirated tracks! No illegal YouTube videos! 100% legally purchased karaoke tracks!!

I have been to MANY karaoke shows in the Triangle and I know from personal experience that Dave Price's Original Super Karaoke is THE BEST!! Hands down!

Mark Sikora 14 days ago

Yarn Store

I just wanted to ensure that The Hillsborough Yarn Shop is in the running again this year. Best yarn store ever—anywhere. The quantity and quality of the yarn is incredible. The staff is always knowledgeable and so helpful. There are classes for beginners and for the most experienced knitters too. I live in Hillsborough, I'm an addicted knitter, and the shop really means a lot to a whole lot of us!

April Leidig 14 days ago

Therapist

Adrianne Robinson, best therapist

Linda Vermillion 15 days ago

Best Hair Salon

Curl Up & Dye of Carrboro, NC has the most trustworthy cosmetologists in the triangle. Every employee has 15+ years of experience, they all love what they do, and they all do amazing work! They aren't very active on social media, which I think is all the more reason they deserve this Indy. It shows that they are truly passionate about their business and living in the moment!

Sammie C. 15 days ago

Best Bartender

Nick Newby of Carrboro, NC is undoubtedly the best bartender I have ever known! He is efficient, works hard, makes people smile, and makes drinks that are well above par. He is an excellent team player, and definitely deserves this Indy! He rocks!

Sammie C. 15 days ago

I nominate Ari Greco

The best bartender ever! Friendly, knowledgeable, quick, keeps your drinks coming! I've never seen a bartender that can zip easily from one end of the bar to the other with a smile and a drink. She's really a cutie! LOL

Bob Reifenberger 11 days ago

Regional Dermatology of Durham

Julie Dodge and Elizabeth Hamilton are both great doctors and it is obvious that they really care about their patients! Heidi Oakley is a very friendly and helpful receptionist. This practice deserves the Best of the Triangle 2019 award.

Marcia Green 16 days ago

Cookies

The Cookie people are the nicest people and the cookies are always fresh and homemade. So many options!! My new favorite is a toss up between chocolate Nutella and Caramel butterscotch.

Karen 19 days ago

Best Physical Therapy Clinic

NC Center for Physical Therapy is the BEST physical therapy clinic in the triangle. They truly care about their patients and offer the best care.

Ashley 19 days ago

Pour taproom

First time in Durham from Boston. The beer list is fantastic, and be the manager is wicked friendly. Looking forward to visiting again

andrew Cullen 19 days ago

Best draft list Durham

Visiting from Boston, pour taproom in Durham has the best tap list I’ve seen. Ben, the manager, is a great guy and very knowledgeable about beer. Would definitely come back again

Aaron 19 days ago

best dermatologist Dr.Amy Stein

She is friendly, professional, and understanding.

Joan Kearsey 19 days ago

Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton

I have been one of her patients for 6 +yr. and could not have got a better dermatologist anywhere. She is very knowledgeable, caring and treats you with respect in every way. She deserves to be #1, in her field!!!!!!

Sylvia Bigham 9 days ago

Best tap list Durham

Growler girls.... 42 taps... best in durham by far!!!

Scott Malzahn 20 days ago

Best Environmentally Friendly Business

Ungraded Produce (https://ungradedproduce.com/). They rescue unwanted vegetables and fruit from the food system and deliver them weekly right to your door, at a very affordable price This business, founded by a student at Duke, cuts down on food waste and helps with healthy eating. Plus they donate to food banks!

They call their produce "ugly," but I haven't been able to figure out why. It's just potatoes with *character*.

Jean Goodwin 20 days ago

Best Bartender

Sara F who works at Ruckus-Morrisville is a top notch bartender. She handles the bustling lunch crowd single handedly. She's always super pleasant and fun to talk to.

Russ B 20 days ago

Best Pizza in Orange/Chatham County

Capp’s Pizzeria & Trattoria undoubtedly has the best pizza in Orange/Chatham counties. Their wood fired pizza is always of extraordinary quality, and their consistently innovative ideas for specialty pies are to die for. I'm somewhat of a pizza snob, I've had great pizza around the country (including exhaustive experience all around the Triangle!) and Capp's has the best pizza I've had. Period.

Evan Newcity 21 days ago

Best Optometry Practise in Triangle

Dr. David Kroninger at Academy Eye Associates is the best Optometrist in the Triangle.
I have gone to him and trusted in his excellent care since I moved to Chapel Hill in 1993.
He has always remained current in the new technologies and, at times, has referred me to
other eye care Specialists when he thought I needed further care. I am in the process of
moving back to the Triangle after living in Asheville for many years. During these years, I would travel to Chapel Hill for my eye care.

Barbara King 21 days ago

Best Dentist in the Triangle

Dr. Cynthia Elderkin is the best dentist in the Triangle. She is competent and compassionate. She explains options to you and treats you with respect.

Betty Williamson 22 days ago

Best dentist

Dennis Ellis is best dentist

Lynn Ogden 15 days ago

No question- Dennis Ellis IS the best dentist- hands down

Our family has been going to Dr Ellis for over 30 years and between the quality care, the pleasantness of the staff, the upbeat atmosphere and the sincere compassion- there is no better dental practice around

Nancy Plemmons 15 days ago

Best Chiropractor in the Triangle

Dr. Rachel Sorg at Bull City Family Chiropractic has honestly changed my life twice. In 2015, MDs, DOs, and neurologists could not figure out why I was experiencing numbness in my extremities. Dr. Rachel was the only health professional to recognize the misalignment of my spine and the compression of various nerves. After going to Dr. Rachel for chiropractic care, my symptoms resolved, and I never experienced the numbness again. That was until December 2018, I injured my back and began to experience numbness in my left arm and a tight pain in my chest! I went to the Urgent Care thinking I, a healthy 25-year-old, was having a heart attack! Needless to say, I wasn't having a heart attack, but the nurses and physicians were unable to explain my symptoms...they didn't even palpate the affected area. I later turned to Dr. Rachel again, and not too long after beginning care again my symptoms have resolved. I feel the best I have felt in an extremely long time.
Dr. Rachel changes lives every single day…she truly is the Best of the Triangle.

Zamir 22 days ago

Restaurant...Vinnie's

Outstanding service, bar and food. We've never had anything less than stellar here.

Joseph Slifer 22 days ago

Best Bartender in Durham County

Ashley manages the taproom at Durty Bull and is seriously a jack of all trades. She’s always on the ball, takes care of her customers right away, comes up with so many great ideas to improve the brewery, organizes countless events, and is so much fun to talk to and be around. She knows her trade so well and will literally tell anything you want to know about beer, Durty Bull, and the local brewery scene. Ashley is legitimately the heart & soul of DB and is one of the many reasons my friends and I love going there! Please please please show her some love, because she is way too humble to ever ask for it.

Kailyn W 22 days ago

Fount Coffee + Kitchen

The Best Ever!

Nicholas 23 days ago

Best Physical Therapy Clinic

North Carolina Center for Physical Therapy gives every patient the attention that they need. The therapists are kind, professional, and provide the care necessary for recovery!

Sara 23 days ago

Best Physical Therapy Clinic

North Carolina Center for Physical Therapy is an amazing clinic with caring, professional, and enthusiastic staff. Best PT experience ever!

Mary 23 days ago

Best Physical Therapy Clinic

NC Center for Physical Therapy is a private practice that puts patients FIRST! They are highly skilled and help patient's achieve their goals! Everyone in the office has a smile on their face which creates a warm and friendly environment.

Colten Sullivan 23 days ago

NC Center For Physical Therapy

Best Physical therapy clinic needed to have a nomination!!

K Nguyen 23 days ago

Best new restaurant Wake County

Fount Coffee + Kitchen. Best coffee, food and bakery options, amazing staff and a gorgeous space. Awesome and health-focused menu.

Chelsea Corso 24 days ago

Best Coffee Shop of Wake County

Fount Coffee + Kitchen! Best coffee, healthy food and bakery items as well as a friendly staff and gorgeous space!

Chelsea Corso 24 days ago

Best Doctor Henry Van Pala

He's the best general practitioner I've had, hands down. I was a 43 year old male, wondering why I wasn't feeling as well as I thought I should and he turned that around. I feel like I'm 25 again and it's made a difference in all areas of my life.

Buddy Langston 24 days ago

Best Doctor Henry Van Pala

Dr. Henry Van Pala is my doctor for 4 years now, he is not only an excellent doctor but he is a nice Human being too. He makes you feel that he is your best friend, he is also knowledgeable beyond his profession. His practice has his wife a very nice lady that knows patients by name and his son who I expect him to be an excellent doctor like his father.

Hesham Mohamed 25 days ago

Best Doctor

Dr. Henry Van Pala is absolutely awesome. I have always been extremely cynical of doctors. After meeting Dr. Van Pala, he was the most amazing physician that I have meet. He actually listen!!!!! Most importantly, Dr. Van Pala was observant regarding the my overall whole body health and developed a treatment plan that I continue to follow. It’s been 4-years since I became his patient and its been a privilege to have him as “my doctor.” Thank you Dr. Van Pala❤️ You are the BEST!!!!

Myra Saylor 24 days ago

Best contractor

Tingen remodelers

Karen 25 days ago

TingenRemodeling

Creative, conscientious, knowledgeable and customer focused

Susan 25 days ago

Best Specialty Food

Bull City Olive Oil!!! The ONLY shop like it in all of Durham County (and beyond). Fresh pressed olive oils, local cheeses, chocolates and charcuterie and more. AND you can taste everything in the store before buying!!! Also makes the best gift baskets around. Give them some love- the only store like it around here!

Patricia C Clark 25 days ago

Burney’s Sweets & More

This bakery just opened in Raleigh in Falls of Neuse and their glazed croissants are to die for!! They also make pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other pastries. It’s so nice to finally have a full service bakery in the area.

Their pies are awesome and once you try the croissants, you’ll be hooked!! They also carry Maple View Farm ice cream.

They’re owned by a young family and the staff is wonderful. Be sure to stop in before you vote. ;-)

Caroline 25 days ago

Dr Henry Vanpala

Dr Vanpala is awesome !!! He’s so dedicated and puts his patients first .

Terrie Johnson 26 days ago

Dr Jason Gracyzk

The doctors at Triangle Chiropractic are outstanding doctors and staff. They have fixed my tendanitis elbow pain and a lot of my trapezoid area in my upper back. I cant get over how much better I feel after a few sessions there. They truly know how to get you feeling better without all the medicines that a lot of other doctors like to push on to you. After seeing chiropractors for years since I left NJ, I finally found one here in the triangle area at Triangle Chiropractic that knows exactly what they are doing to help me feel great again.

Dave Johnson 26 days ago

Best Doctor Henry Van Pala

I have been seeing Dr. Van Pala for years now and he has helped me with the Myriad of problems i have!! He isn't just a GREAT Dr. He is a GREAT Human Being!! He truly does care about his patients!!

Joseph Bryan 26 days ago

Cocoa Forte

Cocoa Forte has the BEST cheesecakes! They offer different chocolate covered cheesecake slices on a stick. I absolutely love the peanut butter flavor! They also offer round cheesecakes in different flavors big enough to share with like 2 other people. I stopped by the other weekend to grab some of their chocolate covered strawberries and they now have bite size gluten free cheesecakes. I got a 12 pack (mixed flavors of course... Got to try the coconut and white chocolate raspberry yumm). Those bites are like pringlez, once you pop you just can't stop. Once you add in the extra sweet staff this place is AMAZING!!! I recommend everyone stop by Morgan St Food Hall and grab a cheesecake. My family just loves this place!

Suprina 27 days ago

Dr. Elizabeth Hamilton, dermatologist

Dr. Elisabeth Hamilton is the best dermatologist in the Triangle. She successfully treated my skin cancer growths on my scalp. She also treated skin infections and an ulcer on my legs.

Kurt Becker 27 days ago

Dr. Cagle is the BEST Vet!!!!

I live in Ohio and came to know Dr. Cagle through my daughter Josette. My fur baby, Faith, had developed breast cancer. I came down from Ohio to have him perform two very extensive surgeries because I have complete trust in him and his knowledge. It was amazing how well she did and continues to do with the years that have passed. I don't think she would be here today if it wasn't for the treatment she received from Dr. Cagle. All my thanks and blessings to him and Willow Oak Veterinary Hospital!

Diane Muhlbach 27 days ago

Elizabeth Hamilton

I have been going to Dr. Hamilton for at least 10 years. She is so easy to talk too and she “listens “ to all your concerns. And answers all my questions. Never had a problem with any of her procedures. I Love Her !!

Louise Heatherly 28 days ago

DERMATOLOGIST

Amy Stein, M.D. is an outstanding dermatologist who practices with Regional Dermatology. She is very thorough and extremely competent. She is a caring physician who is judicious in prescribing necessary medications. She is definitely on my side in helping me prevent skin cancer. I give her my highest recommendation. She has been caring for me for years now.

John McGovern 28 days ago

Dr.Amy

Dr. Steins has been my Dermatologist for a long time and has always been very caring in treating me and my family on our visits. She cares about our treatment and always explains what needs to be done and how to care for ourselves at home after the treatments. I have really enjoyed having her as our Dermatologist, and recommend her to our friends and other family members. God Bless her in her practice and in her private life.

Hillery F.Hux 28 days ago

Dermatologist

Dr Stein is excellent. I've been going to her for years and she's always taken the best care of me and my needs.

William Gallimore 28 days ago

Dermatologist

Dr. Stein is a wizard. I am a walking petri dish of weird skin stuff, and she deals with it without fuss or bother!

Nancy Armstrong 28 days ago

Which dr Stein

Patricia 26 days ago

Best Pet Training

All Dogs Allowed in Cary uses only positive reinforcement when training. The employees are great at explaining the hows and whys of training.

Melissa Cohan 28 days ago

Art

Fabulously Flawless, Jennifer-Delamar Goss.

Nikki 28 days ago

Best Live Theater

Raleigh Little Theatre is always a winner. Nice variety of shows and friendly staff and volunteers.

Marcia McNamara 28 days ago

Theatre

Justice Theatre

Susan 28 days ago

BEST theater

Love justice theater!

Sara 24 days ago

Dentists

Dr Archie Cook

Jessica Silver 29 days ago

Best Interior Designer Category....?

Is it possible to add a Best Interior Designer Category? There are many talented professionals spread throughout the Triangle and would love to nominate one.....

Chris 29 days ago

Best bakery

Utica bakery is by far the best bakery this entire area has ever seen. It's more than just amazing food,its the wonderful owners too. They provide this area with a taste of NEW YORK that we never would have ever been blessed with. They are a melting pot for the people of Apex
I thank you Utica for all your hard work. Keep it all comming,please

Renata Ralston 30 days ago

Best Bakery

Utica Bakery in Apex hands down is the best bakery in the Triangle. Where else can you get fresh authentic Italian pastries made the right way & made fresh! They fill the cannolis, lobster tails, rum babas & cream puffs to order with your choice of filling...& they're all delicious! Their tomato pie & quiches are also to die for! Another great thing is that they're family run!!

Surelyne Lee 30 days ago