Skip to content

There’s Still Time To Get Out Those (Uptown GR) Votes!

By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist

 

Hey friends of Uptown! Just in time for this brand new year, we’ve got a brand new mission for everyone. If you peruse our blog even occasionally, you know we love to pipe up whenever there’s an opportunity to cast a vote for an Uptown business. And thanks to one of West Michigan’s most recognized publications, Grand Rapids Magazine, another such opportunity is here!

 

Click this image and cast your Best of Grand Rapids vote now!

 

Each year the magazine hosts its ‘Best of Grand Rapids’ competition, with two rounds of voting that allow the full West Michigan community to chime in on who they think the area’s absolute Bests are across a multitude of categories in industries such as Food and Beverage, Services, Arts and Entertainment, and more. The initial round of voting happens near the end of the previous year. Then the top 3-5 finalists are tallied and we’re asked to narrow the list down to the numero uno champion, per category.

 

That time, is NOW.

 

This year, SIXTY-SIX of our district businesses have garnered a total of EIGHTY-SEVEN finalist nominations, across FIFTY-NINE different categories. That, in itself, is worth a round of applause, eh? Especially when you consider that every single one of these finalists is an independently-owned small business. Makes us all pretty proud to think about.

 

Rebel, located in Eastown, is a finalist for GR’s Best Gift Shop!

 

We’d be honored if you’d take just a few moments to cast your final votes in the hopes of helping as many of our Uptown business pals nab that top spot. Winners really do see a positive impact from your votes of confidence – both in business performance and company morale. And who among us couldn’t use an ‘attaboy’ now and again, right?

 

Regional competitions like this one provide a wonderful way to spark district engagement and, they allow participants a really fun way to support the local business community. Plus, it’s always fun to see where the pulse of the community is at! Thank you to GR Magazine for creating this tradition for us all.

 

Now, let’s get voting! The deadline draws near, and final votes must be cast by next Friday, January 31.

To help you zero in on Uptown – here is the complete list of our Uptown finalists. AND, HERE IS YOUR BALLOT:

 

 

Bar – Pursuit of Happiness
Bloody Mary – The Winchester
Craft Cocktails – Buffalo Trader’s Lounge
Craft Cocktails – Eastern Kille/EK Wealthy
Craft Cocktails – Long Road Distillers/Less Traveled
Coffeehouse – Madcap Coffee
Coffeehouse – Scorpion Hearts Club
Coffeehouse – Squib
Distillery – Eastern Kille/EK Wealthy
Distillery – Long Road Distillers/Less Traveled
Distillery – Mammoth Distillery
Margarita – Donkey Taqueria
Margarita – El Cerrito

 

Image courtesy El Cerrito, who is currently in contention for GR’s Best Margarita. Find them on Lake Dr. SE.

 

Local Alcohol/Spirits Brand – Eastern Kille/EK Wealthy
Local Alcohol/Spirits Brand – Long Road Distillers/Less Traveled
Whiskey Bar – Buffalo Trader’s Lounge
Whiskey Bar – Mammoth Distillery
Wine Bar (locally owned) – Chateau Grand Rapids
Wine Bar (locally owned) – Pursuit of Happiness
Bakery – Wealthy St. Bakery
Bartender/Mixologist – Cassie (Pursuit of Happiness)
Breakfast – Wolfgang’s Restaurant
Burger – Black Napkin
Butcher Shop – Louise Earl Butcher
Cake – The Cakabakery
Chicken Sandwich – Black Napkin
Chicken Sandwich – Hancock
Chili Dog – Yesterdog
Chinese Food – Red Bowl
Cupcakes – The Cakabakery
Deli – Schnitz Deli
Desserts – Chartreuse Sisters
Diner – Matchbox Diner
Fries – Black Napkin
Fries – Vivant Brewery + Spirits
Hangover Food – The Pita House
Hangover Food – Wolfgang’s Restaurant
Ice Cream – Furniture City Creamery
Late Night Dining + Drinks – The Winchester
Mac ‘n’ Cheese – Electric Cheetah
Mac ‘n’ Cheese – Greenwell
Mac ‘n’ Cheese – Hancock
Mediterranean – The Pita House
Mediterranean – Zivio
Nachos – Vivant Brewery + Spirits
Pasta – Testa Rosa
Pizza – Harmony Brewing Co.
Pizza – Quarantino’s
Poutine – Vivant Brewery + Spirits
Sandwich – The Pita House
Mexican Food Restaurant – Donkey Taqueria
Tacos – Donkey Taqueria
Thai Food – Thai Table
Vegan/Vegetarian Menu – Greenwell
Veggie Burger – Black Napkin
Veggie Burger – Greenwell
Annual Festival – Art Prize
Annual Festival – Grand Rapids Pride Festival

 

While located in the city’s downtown district, GR’s annual Pride Festival is organized and hosted by the Grand Rapids Pride Center which is located in our district! Image courtesy GRPC.

 

Place to go Dancing – Billy’s Lounge
Movie Theater – Wealthy Theatre
Park – Wilcox Parks
Dermatology Clinic – Urban You
Tattoo Parlor – Sparrow’s Nest
Yoga Studio – Funky Buddha Yoga
Yoga Studio – Kula Yoga
Antiques Dealer – Bluedoor Studio Inc.
Book Store (locally owned) – Argo’s Book and Comics
Book Store (locally owned) – Books & Mortar
Bridal Shop – Jenna in White
Comic Book Store – Argo’s Book and Comics
Consignment Shop – Rock Paper Scissors
Consignment Shop – Urban Exchange
Gift Shop – Commune
Gift Shop – Rebel
Home Décor Boutique – Commune
Home Décor Boutique – The Counting House
Home Décor Boutique – Stoffer Home
Jewelry Store – Dime and Regal
Jewelry Store – Metal Art Studio
Men’s Clothing (locally owned) – Better Aged Vintage
Place to Buy Local Artwork – Grey Rabbit
Place to Buy Local Artwork – Lafontsee Gallery
Place to Buy Local Artwork – Woosah
Specialty Grocer – Art of the Table
Women’s Clothing (locally owned) – Lee & Birch
Interior Designer – Jean Stoffer Design
Real Estate Agency – Kyle Visser – Reside

 

The Cakabakery certainly deserves a shot at GR’s Best Cake, wouldn’t you agree?

 

 

To learn more about these or any of the nearly 400 business located across our four business districts (Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street, and East Fulton), head on over to our business directory page.