Often associated with misfortune, the number 13 is proving to be rather lucky for these 13 winners of OutSmart magazine’s 2013 Gayest & Greatest awards. After all, we did survive the apocalyptic prediction at the end of the thirteen cycles of the Mayan calendar (see OutSmart, Gayest & Greatest, October 2012). Unlucky 13, we’re not buying what you’re selling. There’s something special about the number, perhaps only in that triskaidekaphobes give the rest of us some breathing room. We thumb our nose at the superstition, embracing all that makes 13 a prime number in our book. Tell that to Betsy Ross. Bar mitzvah, anyone? Who doesn’t remember counting down the days to becoming a bona-fide teenager—and isn’t a baker’s dozen always sweeter than just twelve? In fact, even in this very superstitious month of 2013, we say, “Bring on the black cats and the broken mirrors.” We’ll step on a crack if we feel like it, or walk under a ladder. We’ll say “Good luck” and scream “Macbeth” in a theater. Bring it on, Halloween! You don’t scare us!
GAYEST & GREATEST COMMUNITY PROFILES
GAYEST & GREATEST 2013 WINNERS:
PEOPLE
BUSINESS
DINING
DRINKS/SPIRITS
ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTLIFE
GALVESTON
••••••••••
Houston
PEOPLE
Community Hero (Male)
Ray Hill
Finalists: Don Gill, Bryan Hlavinka
Community Hero (Female)
Mayor Annise Parker
Finalists: Christina Gorczynski, Carol Wyatt
Most Prominent LGBT Male Activist
Bryan Hlavinka
Finalists: Noel Freeman, Ray Hill
Most Prominent LGBT Female Activist
Januari Leo
Finalists: Robin Brown, Cristan Williams
Most Valuable Male Volunteer
Bryan Hlavinka
Finalists: Jason Gallegos, David Lorms
Most Valuable Female Volunteer
Christina Gorczynski
Finalists: Sol Lara, Januari Leo, Carol Wyatt
Leading Male Fundraiser
Bryan Hlavinka (tie)
Gary Wood (tie)
Finalists: Christopher Garrett, Don Gill
Leading Female Fundraiser
Christina Gorczynski
Finalists: Robin Brown, Carol Wyatt
Favorite Local Politician (Male)
Mike Laster
Finalist: Garnet Coleman
Favorite Local Politician (Female)
Mayor Annise Parker
Finalists: Ellen Cohen, Jenifer Rene Pool
Best LGBT Businessperson (Male)
Tom Baker
Aquafest
4801 Woodway, Ste. 400W
800/952-9058
Finalists: Charles Armstrong, Ryan Monceaux, Rob Schmerler
Best LGBT Businessperson (Female)
Kathy Hubbard
Hubbard Financial Services
2615 Montrose Blvd.
713/522-9000
Finalists: Lea Bogle, Monica Pope
Best Attorney (Male)
Mitchell Katine
1111 N. Loop West, Ste. 180
713/808-1000
lawkn.com
Finalists: James Kovach, John Nechman, Dwane Todd
Best Attorney (Female)
Connie Moore and Debbie Hunt
3608 Audubon
713/522-4282
mooreandhunt.com
Finalist: Clyde Williams
Best Eye Doctor (Male)
Stewart Zuckerbrod, MD
5420 Dashwood Dr., Ste. 101
713/668-9118
houstoneye.com
Finalists: Evan Mapes, OD; Scott Sawyer, MD
Best Eye Doctor (Female)
Juliet Farmer, OD
2500 Woodhead St.
713/528-2010
boutiqueeyecare.com
Finalists: Christine Tyler, OD; Lisa Woo, OD
Best Physician (Male)
Gordon E. Crofoot, MD, PA
3701 Kirby, Ste. 1230
713/526-0005
crofootmd.com
Finalists: Octavio Barrios, MD; James Carroll, MD
Best Physician (Female)
Julia Kovacs, MD
1213 Hermann Dr., Ste. 430
713/522-1221
Finalists: Patricia Salvato, MD; Sandra Scurria, MD
Best Dentist (Male)
Bruce Smith, DDS
1006 Missouri
713/529-4364
brucesmithdds.com
Finalists: Marcus De Guzman, DDS; Mason Jones, DDS; Cory Logan, DDS;
Best Dentist (Female)
Shirley Parikh, DDS (tie)
Bristles
701 Shepherd Dr., Ste. 102
281/506-0539
bristlesdental.com
Dianna Wilde, DDS (tie)
Floss Dental
514 Elgin
713/942-0101
flossdental.com
Best Chiropractor (Male)
Kenneth Lester, DC
Kirby Health & Wellness
1603 Shepherd Dr.
713/526-5252
kennethlesterdc.com
Finalists: Art Keller, DC; Byron Menard, DC
Best Chiropractor (Female)
Darla Thompson
House of Chiropractic
202 Knox St., Ste. A
713/880-1555
houseofchiropractic.com
Finalist: Jackie Duval, DC
Best Cosmetic Surgeon (Male)
Jon A. Mathy, MD
NuJuv Plastic Surgery Center
16605 S.W. Freeway, Ste. 175
281/846-4692
nujuv.com
Best Cosmetic Surgeon (Female)
Angela Sturm, MD
Facial Plastic Surgery Assoc.
6655 Travis, Ste. 900
713/526-5665
drangelasturm.com
Best Aesthetic Physician
Octavio Barrios, MD (tie)
Skin Renaissance
517 West Gray St.
713/942-7546
skinrenaissance.net
Patrick McNamara, MD (tie)
The Skin Renewal Center
1512 W Alabama St.
713/533-0800
theskinrenewalcenter.com
Best Mental Health Therapist (Male)
Tony Carroll, LCSW
1006 Missouri
713/527-0000
houstontherapist.com
Finalists: Tony Aucoin, LCSW, LCDC; Ken McLeod, LCSW, ACP; Robert Snellgrove, LCSW
Best Mental Health Therapist (Female )
Denise O’Doherty, LPC, LMST, LCDC, RN
3730 Kirby, Ste. 910
713/524-9525
relationshiptherapistrn.com
Finalist: Enod Gray, LCSW, CSAT, CGP
Best Psychiatrist
Daniel R. Garza, MD
2323 S. Shepherd, Ste. 805
713/980-5577
Finalist: Barry F. Gritz, MD
Best Psychologist (Male)
Woodja Flanigan, PhD
2600 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 409
713/589-9804
dwoodjaflanigan.com
Finalists: Mike Harrison, PhD; Ken McLeod, LCSW, ACP
Best Psychologist (Female)
Kristin K. Anderson, PhD
9525 Katy Freeway, Ste. 200
713/263-0400
drkristinanderson.com
Best Massage Therapist (Male)
Tom Zeppelin
2510 Whitney St.
713/542-0426
zeppelinmassage.com
Finalists: Armando Arango, Brad Brandt, Joel Leal
Best Massage Therapist (Female)
Robin Maek
1301 Marshall St.
3deepbreaths.org
Best Personal Trainer (Male)
Ryan Monceaux
Houston Trainers
4150 Westheimer Rd.
832/623-7823
houstontrainers.com
Finalists: Drake Abshire, Eric Turner
Best Personal
Trainer (Female)
Dawne Ledano
832/257-5670
dawneledanotrainer.com
Finalists: Amy Christiansen, Kimberly Marler
Best Veterinarian (Male)
Richard Clive, DVM
Midtown Veterinary Hospital
1434 W. Alabama St.
713/528-4900
midtownvethospital.com
Finalists: Randy McBride, DVM; Tom F. Vining, DVM
Best Veterinarian (Female)
Danielle Rosser, DVM
West Alabama Animal Clinic
2030 W. Alabama
713/528-0818
westalabamaanimalclinic.vetsuite.com
Finalists: Christie Cornelius, DVM; Jacquelyn Marshall, DVM
Best Astrologer (Male)
Kevin Casey
Body Mind & Soul Bookstore
7951 Katy Fwy, Ste. N
713/993-0550
bmshouston.com
Best Astrologer (Female)
Lilly Roddy
920 West Main
713/529-5842
lillyroddy.com
Best Interior Designer (Male)
Kevin Hamby
Kevin Hamby Designs
281/250-9678
Best Interior Designer (Female)
Laura Umansky
1840 Westheimer
713/522-0855
laurau.com
Finalist: Glenda Eason
Best Insurance Agent (Male)
David Lorms (tie)
1244 Candlelight
713/688-8669
davidlorms.com
Rob Schmerler (tie)
6575 W. Loop South
Ste. 185, Bellaire, TX
713/661-7700
schmerleragency.com
Finalist: Allen Tran
Best Insurance Agent (Female)
Pam Ellis
5900 Memorial, Ste. 301
713/869-7263
callpame.com
Finalist: Pippa Wiley
Best Real Estate Agent (Male)
Mike Copenhaver (tie)
RE/MAX Metro
2626 Richmond Ave.
713/528-4963
mikecopenhaver.com
Richard Ray (tie)
John Daugherty Realty
520 Post Oak Blvd.
713/351-4674
johndaugherty.com
Finalists: Eric Gage, Tim Surratt, Andy Weber
Best Real Estate Agent (Female)
Karen Derr (tie)
Boulevard Realty
1545 Heights Blvd.
713/875-7050
yourblvd.com
Pat Walker (tie)
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
5050 Westheimer, Ste. 200
713/412-6682
har.com/patriciawalker
Finalists: Pam Efferson, Debbie Levine, Lynette Lew
Best Hairdresser (Male)
Joel Quinones
Q The Salon
1512 B W. Alabama
713/807-0000
qthesalon.com
Finalists: Jesse Cougot, Carlos Gomez, John Rubio
Best Hairdresser (Female)
Celina Arzola
Nu-Cuts Salon
515 Westheimer, Ste. H
713/524-7858
Finalists: Traci Duff, Patty Gooch
Favorite Community Photographer (Male)
Dalton DeHart
713/622-2202
daltondehart.com
Finalists: John Cox, Oliver Puzon
Favorite Community Photographer (Female)
Yvonne Feece
832/876-1053
yvonnefeece.com
Favorite Radio Personality (Male)
Jimmie Carper KPFT 90.1 (tie)
Blake Hayes, MIX 96.5 (tie)
Finalists: Bryan Hlavinka, Special K
Favorite Radio Personality (Female)
Sarah Pepper, HOT 95.7
Finalists: Angie Moreno, Julie Takahashi
Best TV Personality (Male)
Frank Billingsley (tie)
Channel 2, Houston KPRC
click2houston.com
Ernie Manouse (tie)
Channel 8, Houston PBS
ernieontv.com
Finalists: Andy Cerota, Ryan Korsgard
Best TV Personality (Female)
Dominique Sachsa
Channel 2, Houston KPRC
click2houston.com
Finalists: Casey Curry,
Deborah Duncan, Maya Shay
Favorite Blogger (Female)
Cristan Williams
transhouston.com
Favorite Blogger (Male)
Joey Guerra
Houston Chronicle and
29-95.com
Finalists: A.J. Mistretta, Michael Pearce
Favorite Tweeter
Joey Guerra
Houston Chronicle
chron.com
••••••••••
Houston
COMMUNITY
Favorite Social Organization
Bunnies on the Bayou
bunniesonthebayou.org
Finalists: EPAH, Houston Gaymers, Montrose Softball League
Favorite Philanthropic Organization
Bunnies on the Bayou (tie)
bunniesonthebayou.org
Kindred Spirits (tie)
kindredspiritshouston.org
Finalists: Diana Foundation, OutReach United
Favorite Community Organization
AssistHers (tie)
assisthers.org
Bering Omega (tie)
beringomega.org
Finalists: Legacy, Lesbian Health Initiative
Favorite Benefit Event of the Year
Bunnies on the Bayou
bunniesonthebayou.org
Finalists: Kindred Spirits, Ms. Mint Julep, Victory Fund Brunch
Favorite National LGBT Organization
Victory Fund
victoryfund.org
Finalists: Human Rights Campaign, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
Favorite Place to Worship
Resurrection MCC
2025 W. 11th
713/861-9149
resurrectionmcc.org
Finalists: Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, Cathedral of Hope, Grace Lutheran, Living Mosaic
••••••••••
Houston
BUSINESS
Most Supportive Business of the LGBT Community (Local)
Aquafest (tie)
4801 Woodway, Ste. 400W
800/592-9058
aquafestcruises.com
Silver Eagle Distributors (tie)
7777 Washington Avenue
713/869-4361
wideworldofbud.com
Finalists: Charles Armstrong Investments, Deeter Mazda, FBar
Most Supportive Business of the LGBT Community (National)
Anheuser-Busch/Bud Light
anheuser-busch.com
Finalists: Macy’s, Shell, Wells Fargo Bank
Best Local LGBT Website
OutSmartMagazine.com
Finalist: mygayhouston.com
Best Bank/Credit Union
Bank of America (tie)
bankofamerica.com
Chase (tie)
chase.com
Wells Fargo (tie)
wellsfargo.com
Best Copy/Print Shop
Copy.com
1201-F Westheimer
713/528-1201
copydotcom.com
Best Financial Advisor (Male)
Rick Dickson
Wallstreet Texas
5120 Woodway, Ste. 9000
281/953-2050
wallstreettexas.com
Best Financial Advisor (Female)
Grace Yung, CFP
Midtown Financial Group, LLC, 3355 W. Alabama
Ste. 230
713/355-9833
midtownfg.com
Best Mortgage Company
Zeus Mortgage
230 Westcott St., Ste. 120
713/275-9387
askzeus.com
Finalists: Buildwealth, John Frels
Best Title Company
Chicago Title, Innerloop
3700 Buffalo Spdwy, Ste. 400
713/418-7000
chicagotitleinnerloop.com
Best Homebuilder
Loyd Russel Homes
Russel Garrison
3939 Washington, Ste. 200
713/529-4399
loydrusselhomes.com
Best Furniture Store
High Fashion Home (tie)
3100 Travis Street
713/528-3838
highfashionhome.com
IKEA (tie)
7810 Katy Fwy.
713/688-7867
ikea-usa.com
Finalists: Frog at Home, Rooms to Go
Best Furniture Store on a Budget
IKEA
7810 Katy Fwy.
713/688-7867
ikea-usa.com
Finalist: Gallery Furniture
Best Landscaping Company
AJ’s Landscaping
1223 W. 21st
713/957-0449
ajslandscaping.com
Finalists: Glenwood Weber, Windswept Landscaping
Best Garden & Nursery Supply
Buchanan’s Native Plants (tie)
611 E. 11th
713/861-5702
buchanansplants.com
Joshua’s Native Plants & Garden Antiques (tie)
502 W. 18th St.
713/862-7444
joshuanativeplants.com
Finalist: Another Place in Time
Best Energy Provider
CenterPoint
1111 Louisiana St.
713/207-1111
centerpointenergy.com
Finalists: Gexa, Green Mountain Energy
Best Pool Company
Tranquility Pools
1935 Richmond Ave.
713/533-0932
tranquilitycustompools.com
Finalist: Reflections
Best Plumber
Village Plumbing
5403 Kirby Dr.
713/581-8353
villageplumbing.com
Finalist: Nick’s Plumbing
Best Grocery Store
HEB
Multiple locations
heb.com
Finalists: Kroger, Whole Foods
Best Specialty Food Store
Whole Foods
Multiple locations
Finalists: Central Market, Phoenicia, Spec’s Downtown, Trader Joe’s
Best Liquor Store
Spec’s Liquor Stores
2410 Smith
713/526-8787
specsonline.com
Best Domestic Auto Dealership
Stewart Cadillac
2520 Main St.
832/369-8318
stewartcadillac.com
Finalists: Helfman Dodge, Knapp Chevrolet, Planet Lincoln
Best Import Auto Dealership
Advantage BMW (tie)
2101 San Jacinto
713/289-1200
advantage-bmw-houston.com
Momentum Dealerships (tie)
Multiple locations
713/596-3450
momentum-mini.net
Finalists: Deeter Mazda, Sterling McCall
Best Place to Buy Cellular Phones
Apple Store (tie)
Multiple locations
apple.com
Premier Paging(tie)
12220 Murphy Rd., Ste. F Stafford, TX
281/575-8500
premierwirelesstx.com
Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothes
Macy’s
2727 Sage
713/968-1985
macys.com
Finalists: Nordstrom, Settlement
Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothes
Macy’s
2727 Sage
713/968-1985
macys.com
Finalists: MPenner, Nordstrom, Settlement
Best Jewelry Store
I.W. Marks
3841 Bellaire Blvd.
713/668-5000
iwmarks.com
Finalist: Silverlust
Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies
Arne’s Warehouse
2830 Hicks
713/869-8321
arneswarehouse.com
Best Antique Store
Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas
1001 W. Loop North
713/688-4211
antiquecenteroftexas.com
Finalist: BJ’s Oldies Antique Shop
Best Place to Buy Eyewear
Eye Gallery (tie)
1806 Westheimer Rd.
713/523-1279
eyegalleryhouston.com
Spectacles (tie)
4317 Montrose Blvd.
713/529-3937
wearusout.com
Finalists: Eye Contact, Eye Elegance
Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings
Hollywood Super Center
2409 Grant St.
713/527-8510
hollywoodsupercenter.com
Finalists: Black Hawk Leather, Erotic Cabaret, Executive Video Superstore
Computers/Electronics
Apple Store
Multiple locations
apple.com
Best Catering Firm
Jim Benton of Houston, LLC
2811 Eastman St.
713/802-2860
jimbentonhouston.com
Finalists: City Kitchen, El Tiempo, Melange Catering
Best Florist
Glenwood Weber
805 Hyde Park Blvd.
713/295-1498
glenwoodweberdesign.com
Finalist: John Friedman
Best Tattoo Parlor
Electric Chair Tattoo & Body Piercing
8722 Richmond Ave.
713/780-3500
electricchair.cc
Finalists: Sacred Heart Studio, Shaw’s Tattoo Parlor
Best Cosmetic Skin Care Center
Skin Renaissance (tie)
517 West Gray
713/942-7546
skinrenaissance.net
The Skin Renewal Center (tie)
1512 W. Alabama
713/533-0800
theskinrenewalcenter.com
Finalists: Edward Sanchez Vanity Lounge, Heights Dermatology, Nu Juv
Best Tanning Salon
Eclipse
415 Westheimer Rd.
713/520-6611
eclipsesunlesstanning.com
Best Gym/Place to Work Out
Anytime Fitness (tie)
1102 Yale St.
713/869-3222
anytimefitness.com
Houston Gym (tie)
1501 Durham
713/880-9191
houstongym.com
Finalists: Club Houston, FIT, Quality Life Fitness
Best Auto Mechanic
Tech Auto
37 Waugh Dr.
713/863-8244
techautomaintenance.com
Finalists: Montrose Car Care, Silvio’s Autohaus
Best Copy/Print Shop
Copy.com
1201 Westheimer Rd.
713/528-1201
copydotcom.com
Best Local Hotel
Hotel ZaZa
5701 Main St.
713/526-1991
hotelzaza.com/houston
Finalists: Granduca Hotel, Hotel Derek
Best Airline
Southwest Airlines
southwest.com
Finalist: United Airlines
Best Local Travel Agency
Concierge Travel
4920 Mimosa
713/661-2117
conciergetravel.cc
Best Travel Website
Orbitz.com
Finalist: kayak.com
Best LGBT Cruise or Tour Company
Aquafest (tie)
4801 Woodway
Ste. 400W
aquafestcruises.com
Concierge Travel (tie)
4920 Mimosa
713/661-2117
conciergetravel.cc
Finalist: Gayribbean Cruise
••••••••••
Houston
DINING
Best New Restaurant
Eleven XI (tie)
607 West Gray
713/529-5881
elevenxi.com
Seasons 52 (tie)
4410 Westheimer Rd.
713/621-5452
seasons52.com
Best Restaurant for People Watching
Barnaby’s
414 W. Gray St.
713/522-8898
barnabyscafe.com
Finalist: Baba Yega
Best 24-Hour Restaurant
Katz’s Deli & Bar
616 Westheimer Rd.
713/521-3838
ilovekatzs.com
Finalists: House of Pies, Midtown Bar & Grill
Best Restaurant for Elegant Dining
Mark’s American Cuisine
1658 Westheimer Rd.
713/523-3800
marks1658.com
Finalists: Da Marco, Sorrel, Tony’s
Best Restaurant for Cheap Eats
Jenni’s Noodle House
3111 S. Shepherd/multiple locations
713/523-7600
noodlesrule.com
Finalist: Tacos a Go-Go
Best Food Truck
Bernie’s Burger Bus (tie)
281/386-2447
berniesburgerbus.com
Tila’s (tie)
1111 S Shepherd Dr.
713/522-7654
tilas.com
Finalists: H-Town Streets, Monster PBJ
Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining
Baba Yega
2607 Grant St.
713/522-0042
babayega.com
Finalists: Backstreet Café, Cedar Creek, Tila’s
Best Breakfast
Baby Barnaby’s
602 Fairview
713/522-0106
barnabyscafe.com
Finalists: Breakfast Klub, Tacos a Go-Go
Best Brunch
Chelsea Grill
4621 Montrose
713/942-9857
chelseagrill.com
Finalists: Gloria’s, Riva’s, Sorrel, St. Genevieve
Best Deli
Katz’s Deli & Bar
616 Westheimer
713/521-3838
Finalists: Jason’s Deli, Kenny & Ziggy’s
Best Lunch
Barnaby’s
604 Fairview
713/522-0106
barnabyscafe.com
Finalists: The Acadian Bakers, Auntie Chang’s, Gloria’s, Jenni’s Noodle House
Best Dessert
The Acadian Bakers (tie)
604 W. Alabama
713/520-1484
acadianbakers.com
Dessert Gallery (tie)
3600-D Kirby
713/522-9999
dessertgallery.com
Finalist: Chocolate Bar
Best Barbecue
Goode Co. Barbeque
5109 Kirby Dr.
713/522-2530
goodecompany.com
Finalists: Hickory Hollow, Pappas
Best British
Black Labrador Pub
4100 Montrose Blvd.
713/529-1199
blacklabradorpub.com
Finalist: Red Lion
Best Cajun
BB’s Cajun Café
2710 Montrose Blvd.
713/524-4499
bbscafe.com
Finalists: Ragin Cajun, Woodrow’s Heights
Best Chinese
Kam’s
4500 Montrose Blvd.
713/529-5057
kamscuisine.com
Finalists: Auntie Chang’s, Cafe Ginger
Best Cuban
El Rey
9742 Katy Fwy
Ste. 100
832/358-8100
elreytaqueria.com
Finalists: Cafe Piquet, El Meson
Best French
Charivari Restaurant
2521 Bagby St.
713/521-7231
charivarirest.com
Finalists: Brasserie 19, L’Olivier Restaurant
Best Greek
Niko Niko’s
2520 Montrose Blvd.
713/528-1308
nikonikos.com
Finalist: Theo’s
Best Hamburger
Lankford Grocery
88 Dennis St.
713/522-9555
lankfordgrocery.com
Finalists: Barnaby’s, BRC, Hub Cap Grill, Rudyard’s
Best Indian
Bombay Brasserie
2414 University Blvd., Ste. 210
713/355-2000
thebombaybrasserie.com
Finalists: Pondicheri, Shiva
Best Italian
Riva’s
1117 Missouri
713/529-0666
rivasrestaurant.com
Finalists: Carrabba’s, Damien’s
Best Japanese
Uchi
904 Westheimer Rd.
713/522-4808
uchirestaurants.com
Finalist: Kata Robata
Best Mexican
1308 Cantina/El Tiempo
1308 Montrose/multiple locations
713/807-8996
eltiempocantina.com
Finalists: Gloria’s, Teotihuacán, Tila’s
Best Mediterranean
Aladdin
912 Westheimer Rd.
713/942-2321
aladdinhouston.com
Finalists: Fadi’s, Skewers
Best Pizza
Pizza L’Vino (tie)
544 Waugh Dr.
713/526-1000
pizzalvino.com
Star Pizza (tie)
2111 Norfolk St.
713/523-0800
starpizza.net
Finalist: Romano’s
Best Seafood
Danton’s Seafood
4611 Montrose Blvd.
713/807-8883
dantonsseafood.com
Finalists: Goode Company Seafood, Liberty Kitchen
Best Sushi
Osaka (tie)
515 Westheimer Rd.
713/533-9098
osakasushi.com
Blue Fish House (tie)
2241 Richmond Ave.
713/529-3100
bluefishhouse.com
Finalist: Oishii
Best Steakhouse
Laurenzo’s (tie)
4412 Washington Ave.
713-880-5111
laurenzos.net
La Casa del Caballo(tie)
322 Westheimer Rd.
832/623-6467
lacasadelcaballo.com
Finalist: Morton’s
Best Thai
Nidda
1226 Westheimer Rd.
713/522-8895
niddathai.com
Finalists: Thai Cottage, Thai Spice
Best Vegetarian
Radical Eats (tie)
507 Westheimer Rd.
713/697-8719
radicaleats.com
Ruggles Green (tie)
2311 W. Alabama St.
713/533-0777
rugglesgreen.com
Finalists: Field of Greens, Hobbit Café
Best Vietnamese
Mo Mong
1201 Westheimer Rd.
713/524-5664
mo-mong.com
Finalists: Kim Son, Van Loc
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Multiple locations
buffalowildwings.com
Finalist: Griff’s
••••••••••
Houston
DRINKS/SPIRITS
Best Coffee House
Starbucks
Multiple locations
starbucks.com
Finalists: Ben’s Beans, Blacksmith, Southside Espresso
Favorite Wine Bar
Boheme
307 Fairview
713/529-1099
barboheme.com
Finalists: 13 Celsius, Max’s Wine Dive
Best Happy Hour
Crocker Bar
2313 Crocker
713-529-3355
m.crockerbar.com
Finalists: FBar, Guava Lamp, JR’s
Best Margarita
FBar
202 Tuam
713/522-3227
fbarhouston.com
Finalists: Bayou City Bar, JR’s
Best Martini
FBar
202 Tuam
713/522-3227
fbarhouston.com
Finalists: Guava Lamp, Venus
Favorite Brand of Beer
Bud Light
budlight.com
Finalists: Shiner, Stella Artois
Favorite Brand of Liquor
Ketel One
ketelone.com
Finalists: Jager, Smirnoff
Favorite Brand of Energy Drink
Red Bull
redbull.com
Finalist: Monster
••••••••••
Houston
ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTLIFE
Favorite Gay Bar
Crocker Bar (tie)
2313 Crocker St.
713/529-3355
m.crockerbar.com
JR’s (tie)
808 Pacific St.
713/521-2519
Finalists: FBar, George
Favorite Sports Bar
George Country Sports Bar
617 Fairview
713/528-8102
georgecountrysportsbar.com
Best Women’s Bar
Venus
2901 Fannin St.
713/751-3185
venushouston.com
Finalists: Ranch Hill Saloon, The Usual
Best Club for Dancing
South Beach
801 Pacific St.
713/529-7623
southbeachthenightclub.com
Finalists: Blur Bar, FBar
Best Drag Show Bar
FBar
202 Tuam
713/522-3227
fbarhouston.com
Finalists: Jr’s, TC’s Show Bar
Best Straight Bar
Royal Oak
1318 Westheimer Rd.
281/974-4752
royaloakhouston.com
Finalists: Boheme, Rudyard’s Bar
Best Place for Two-Step Dancing
Neon Boots
11410 Hempstead Hwy.
713/677-0828
neonbootsclub.com
Finalists: Ranch Hill Saloon, Rebels Honky Tonk
Best Place to Shoot Pool
George Country Sports Bar
617 Fairview
713/528-8102
georgescountrysportsbar.com
Finalists: JR’s, Ripcord, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Best Place to See Male Dancers
Meteor
2306 Genesee St.
713/521-0123
Finalists: JR’s, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Best Place to Show Off Your Leather
Eagle
213 Milam St.
713/236-8777
eaglehouston.com
Finalists: Montrose Mining Company, Ripcord
Best Club if You’re Under 21
South Beach
810 Pacific
713/529-7623
southbeachthenightclub.com
Finalists: Bayou City Bar and Grill, Blur
Best Club After 2 a.m.
South Beach
810 Pacific
713/529-7623
southbeachthenightclub.com
Finalists: Ripcord, Viviana’s
Best Bartender (Male)
Chris Robinson (tie)
Marc Ruiz (tie)
Finalists: David Cunningham, Mike Rubio
Best Bartender (Female)
Amanda Plocheck
Finalists: Ailiah Crawford, Crystal Murley
Best DJ (Male)
DJ Eddie E (tie)
Joe Ross (tie)
Finalists: Chris Allen, DJ Level
Best DJ (Female)
DJ Athenz
Finalists: DJ Melle Mel, DJ Rocky B
Most Divine Drag Queen
Charo Beans DaBarge
Finalists: Kara Dion, Kofi, Violet S’Arbleu
Best Local Non-Drag Entertainer (Male)
Marty Adamson
Finalists: Jerry Atwood, Blake Hayes
Best Local Non-Drag Entertainer (Female)
Morena Roas
Finalist: Nina Lombardo
Best Local Band
Kerri K & the Stonewall Riot
Finalists: Fluff the Kat, Gadget White Band
••••••••••
Galveston
GALVESTON PEOPLE
GALVESTON COMMUNITY
GALVESTON DINING
GALVESTON ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTLIFE
PEOPLE
Community Hero (Male)
Rodney Seiler
Finalists: David Bowers, Joe Jaworski
Community Hero (Female)
Jill Costa
Finalist: Misty Valdez
Most Prominent LGBT Male Activist
James Stork
Finalist: Rodney Seilers
Most Prominent LGBT Female Activist
Jennifer Meyers
Finalist: Misty Valdez
Most Valuable Male Volunteer
Robert Evans
Finalists: David Bowers, James Stork, Robert Zahn
Most Valuable Female Volunteer
Pam Froeschner
Finalist: Misty Valdez
Leading Male Fundraiser
Rodney Seiler
Finalist: James Stork
Leading Female Fundraiser
Misty Valdez
Favorite Local Politician (Male)
Mayor Joe Jaworski
Favorite Local Politician (Female)
Betty Massey
Finalist: Elizabeth Beeton
Best LGBT Businessperson
Rodney Seiler
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
Finalists: David Paschall, VJ Tramonte
Best Attorney (Male)
Eric Kirkpatrick
1 Moody Plaza, 18th Floor
409/797-3200
greerherz.com
Finalists: Joe Jaworski, VJ Tramonte
Best Attorney (Female)
Debbie Hunt & Connie Moore
3608 Audubon, Houston, TX
713/522-4282
mooreandhunt.com
Best Eye Doctor
Kevin Katz, OD, MS
Texas State Optical
515 22nd St.
409/762-8679
tsogalveston.com
Best Physician (Male)
Jim Hunderup, MD
1401 St. Joseph Pkway
713/756-4080
Finalist: Victor S. Sierpina, MD
Best Physician (Female)
Angela Shepherd, MD
6710 Stewart Rd., Ste. 100
409/744-4030
Best Dentist (Male)
David Colombo, DDS, PC
4410 Seawall Blvd.
409/763-8444
Best Dentist (Female)
Barbara A. Pickering, DDS
8333 Stewart Rd.
409/744-4330
barbarapickeringdds.com
Best Chiropractor
Chad Duchon, DC
2724 61st St., Ste. 5
409/744-9355
galvestonspine.com
Finalist: Daniel Hatmaker, DC
Best Massage Therapist
Larry Campbell
Best Veterinarian
Jackie Cole, DVM
Campeche Cove Animal Hospital
3802 Cove View Blvd.
409/740-0808
campechecoveanimalhospital.com
Best Interior Design
Seamus Kraham
Frog at Home
2701 Broadway
409/762-3764
frogathome.com
Finalist: Trent Brown
Best Insurance Agent (Male)
Alex Monteith
SMI Agency
1802 Broadway, Ste. 118
409/765-9515
smiagency.com
Best Real Estate Agent (Male)
David Bowers (tie)
The House Company
2615 Broadway
409/763-2800
thehousecompany.com
VJ Tramonte (tie)
Joe Tramonte Realty
1802 Broadway, Ste. 206
409/765-9837
tramonterealty.com
Finalists: Tom Schwenk, Robert Zahn
Best Real Estate Agent (Female)
Karen Flowers
Joe Tramonte Realty
1802 Broadway, Ste. 206
409/789-7377
tramonterealty.com
Best Hairdresser
Jim Windmiller
Windmiller’s Hair Salon
1015 26th St.
409/762-1627
windmillers.com
Finalists: Roy Fronsee, Loi Guriey
Favorite Community Photographer (Female)
Susan Henry
2115 Postoffice
409/762-6454
susanhenryphotograpy.com
Favorite Community Photographer (Male)
Billy Hill
409/771-8211
g-townsurf.com
Best TV Personality
Frank Billingsley
KPRC, Channel 2
click2houston.com
••••••••••
Galveston
COMMUNITY
Favorite Social Organization
Krewe of Bacchus
kreweofbacchustexas.com
Favorite Community Organization
Galveston Historical Foundation
502 20th St.
409/765-7834
galvestonhistory.com
Finalist: AIDS Coalition of Galveston
Favorite Benefit Event of the Year
ACCT Annual Brunch
Finalists: 3rd Coast Turn-About, PAWS Gala
Most Supportive of the LGBT Community (Local)
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalists: Galveston.com, Island ETC Theatre, Stars Beach Club
Best Local LGBT Website
Galveston.com
523 24th St.
409/765-3502
galveston.com
Best Bank/Credit Union
HomeTown Bank
1801 45th St.
409/763-1271
bankofgalveston.com
Finalists: Amolo Fed Credit Union, Bank of America
Best Mortgage Company
David Paschall
Secure Mortgage Co.
6511 Stewart Rd.
409/741-9300
securemortgagecompany.com
Best Title Company
Stewart Title
222 Kempner
409/763-4641
stewartgalveston.com
Finalists: Chicago Title, Southland Title
Best Furniture Store
Star Furniture
3727 Broadway
409/762-7821
starfurnituregalveston.com
Finalist: The Frog at Home
Best Garden/Nursery Supply
Tom’s Thumb Nursery
& Landscaping
2014 45th St.
409/763-4713
tomsthumbnursery.com
Best Art Gallery
Buchanan Art Gallery
302 25th St.
409/763-8683
832/289-0029
Best Grocery Store
Kroger
5730 Seawall Blvd.
409/741-8580
kroger.com
Best Specialty Food Store
Spec’s
6815 Stewart Rd.
409/740-3161
specsonline.com
Finalist: Oasis Market
Best Liquor Store
Spec’s
6815 Stewart Rd.
409/740-3161
specsonline.com
Finalist: Economy Liquor
Best Domestic Auto Dealership
Classic Auto Group Galveston
8020 Broadway
409/744-5711
classicgalveston.com
Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothing
Ginger Snaps
501 E. Main St.
League City, TX
281/338-1001
Finalist: Rue21
Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothing
Cruz Cortez Clothiers
2227 Postoffice
409/763-9600
cruzcortezclothiers.com
Best Jewelry Store
Fullen Jewelry
2215 Postoffice
409/763-0555
fullenjewelry.com
Best Place to Buy Eyewear
TSO/Kevin Katz, OD, MS
515 22nd St.
409/762-8679
tsogalveston.com
Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings
Wild Side Things (tie)
902 Seawall Blvd.
409/762-0074
XTC Boutique (tie)
5309 I-45/multiple locations
La Marque, TX
409/986-6144
Best Catering Firm
Cathy Townsend
1719 25th St.
409/765-7005
Finalist: Catering by Benno
Best Day Spa
Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409/765-7721
wyndhamhotelgalvez.com
Finalist: San Luis
Best Local B&B
The Mermaid & the Dolphin Resort
1103 33rd St.
800/930-1866
mermaidanddolphin.com
Finalist: Lasker Inn
Best Local Hotel
San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409/744-1500
sanluisresort.com
Finalists: Commodore on the Beach, Hotel Galvez & Spa, The Tremont House
Best Local Travel Agency
Galveston.com
523 24th St.
409/765-3502
galveston.com
••••••••••
Galveston
DINING
Best New Restaurant
Farley Girls Café (tie)
801 Postoffice
409/497-4454
Zack’s Mac Shack (tie)
2219 Postoffice
409/539-5618
Best Restaurant for People Watching
The Spot
3204 Seawall Blvd.
409/621-5237
thespotgalveston.com
Best Restaurant for Elegant Dining
The Steakhouse at San Luis Resort (tie)
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409/744-1500
sanluisresort.com
Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks (tie)
Moody Gardens Hotel
Seven Hope Blvd.
409/741-8484
moodygardenshotel.com
Best Restaurant for Cheap Eats
Gorditas
712 Seawall Blvd.
409/621-1944
galveston.com/gorditas
Finalist: The Press Box
Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining
The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
512 14th St.
409/763-5500
thesunflowerbakeryandcafe.com
Best Breakfast
Mosquito Cafe
628 14th St.
409/763-1010
mosquitocafe.com
Finalists: Miller’s Landing, The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Best Brunch
Hotel Galvez & Spa
2024 Seawall Blvd.
409/765-7721
galveston.com/galvez
Finalists: Mosquito Cafe, The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Best Lunch Spot
Mosquito Cafe
628 14th St.
409/763-1010
mosquitocafe.com
Finalist: The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Best Dessert
The Steakhouse at San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall
409/744-1500
sanluisresort.com
Finalists: Mosquito Cafe, The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Best Barbecue
Queen’s Bar-b-que
3428 Avenue S
409/762-3151
galveston.com/queens
Best Steak
The Steakhouse at San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd.
409/744-1500
sanluisresort.com
Best Cajun
Benno’s on the Beach
1200 Seawall Blvd.
409/762-4621
bennosofgalveston.com
Finalist: Cajun Corner
Best Chinese
Happy Buddha
2827 61st St.
409/744-5774
galveston.com/happybuddha
Finalist: Beijing Garden
Best Greek
Olympia Grill
4908 Seawall Blvd.
409/766-1222
olympiagrill.net
Best Hamburger
The Spot
3204 Seawall
409/621-5237
thespotgalveston.com
Best Italian
Di Bella’s Italian Restaurant
1902 31st St.
409/763-9036
galveston.com/dibellas
Finalist: Mario’s on the Seawall
Best Japanese
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
2104 61st St.
409/744-2742
Finalist: Sky Bar
Best Mexican
The Original Mexican Café
1401 Market St.
409/762-6001
theoriginalgalveston.com
Finalists: Gorditas, Salsa’s
Best Mediterranean
Mediterranean Chef
2402 Strand
409/765-7700
Finalist: Olympia Grill
Best Pizza
Mario’s on the Seawall
628 Seawall Blvd.
409/763-1693
mariosseawall.com
Finalist: Jack’s Pub on Postoffice
Best Seafood
Gaido’s Seafood
3900 Seawall Blvd.
409/762-9625
gaidos.com
Finalist: Benno’s on the Beach
Best Sushi
Sky Bar
2107 Postoffice
409/621-4759
skybargalveston.com
Finalist: Yamato Japanese
Best Thai
Pho 20
2101 Broadway
409/750-9200
pho20.com
Best Vegetarian
Mosquito Café
628 14th St.
409/763-1010
mosquitocafe.com
Finalists: Pho 20, The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
Best Vietnamese
Pho 20
2101 Broadway
409/750-9200
pho20.com
••••••••••
Galveston
ENTERTAINMENT/NIGHTLIFE
Favorite Gay Bar
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalists: The Pink Dolphin Tavern, Robert’s Lafitte, Stars Beach Club
Best Women’s Bar
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
Finalist: Stars Beach Club
Best Coffee House
MOD Coffee & Tea House
2126 Postoffice
409/765-5659
modcoffeehouse.com
Best Happy Hour
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalist: Stars Beach Club
Best Margarita
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalists: Salsa’s, Stars
Best Martini
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalists: Sky Bar, Stars Beach Club
Best Straight Bar
Bucks Bar/BuckShot Saloon
2409 Market St.
409/599-9437
galveston.com/bucks
Best Club for Dancing
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalist: Stars Beach Club
Best Drag Show Bar
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalist: Lafitte’s
Best Place for Two-Step Dancing
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Finalist: Stars Beach Club
Best Place to Shoot Pool
3rd Coast Downtown
2416 Postoffice
409/765-6911
3rdcoastdowntown.com
Best Place to See Male Dancers
The Pink Dolphin Tavern
1706 23rd St.
409/621-1808
thepinkdolphintavern.com
Finalist: Stars Beach Club
Best Bartender
John Timothy Branstetter
3rd Coast Downtown
Finalist: Josh Mills
Best DJ
DJ Houseman (Joe Flores)
3rd Coast Downtown
Most Divine Drag Queen
Tara Dion & Kara Dion
3rd Coast Downtown
Finalists: Lana Blake, Kymbor Divine, CC Ryder
Best Local Band
The Line Up
Jeff Pennington
thelineupmusic.com
