Best of the Best 2015: The Results

Congrats to the 2015 Best of the Best award winners!

The following awardees were selected by the people in the community. Votes were collected through a two-phase online survey curated by the High Plains Reader.

**HPR's online edition also includes second and third place!

Best Local Celebrity: Josh Duhamel (Battle Creek/Transformers)

Though he may not be from Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota-bred super celebrity Josh Duhamel sure has clout with folks from the area. He’s hella handsome. And he can act with poise and eloquence alongside Hollywood’s best. After learning about his victory via Facebook, Duhamel wrote: “I’m honored. Thank you Fargo!”

Second: Robin Huebner (WDAY) • Third: Diane Miller (HPR)

Best Barber Shop: Everett’s Barbershop
Best Stylist / Barber:Chelsey Ehlen (Everett’s)

Everett’s and barber Chelsey Ehlen have scooped up two consecutive wins in HPR’s Best of the Best Awards. The men’s hair specialists are inspiring men all over downtown to look their freshest -- because getting a cut at Everett’s is quick, painless and enjoyable.

Barbershop ... Second: Men’s Hair House • Third: Skill Cutz Barber Shop
Stylist ... Second: Kari Smith (Mad Hatter) • Third: Jenna Heidmann (Serene Escape)

Best Salon: MJ Capelli Family Hair Salon

Best of the Best repeat winner MJ Capelli is one of the most dependable walk-in spots to get a cut without an appointment in the Fargo-Moorhead area. It certainly helps that the locally based company has five locations in the area. Better yet, the stylists are always friendly and skilled.

Second: Olivieri's Salons • Third: Hair Success Salon & Day Spa

Best Tattoo Parlor: No Coast Tattoo  
Best Tattoo Artist: Megan Felix (No Coast)

No Coast Tattoo has quickly become the most talked about tattoo shop in town, in no small part due to a solid roster of experienced tattoo artists who do quality, affordable work. You've probably seen Megan Felix's work on your tattooed friends, and it most likely got your mind wandering about what she could do for you. While's she's newer to the game, her skills are second to none.

Tattoo Parlor ... Second: 46and2 Tattoo • Third: Addictions Tattoo and Piercing
Tattoo Artist ... Second: Justin Zaun (Independent Ink) • Third: Megan Felix (No Coast)

Best Gift Shop: Zandbroz Variety

Zandbroz came to downtown before it was cool to be downtown. They had a vision for what downtown Fargo could be, and for nearly 25 years they’ve been selling a little bit of everything we love. As one of the original champions of the heart of our city, Zandbroz has been making downtown fun since ’91.

Second: Unglued • Third: One World Boutique

Best Clothing Store: One World Boutique

One World Boutique has been a fashion staple in the Fargo area for years. From funky threads and unique jewelry to eclectic home decor, One World is the spot to find something for that quirky friend in your life. Be sure to check out the extensive selection of perfume oils while you're there.

Second: LOT 2029 • Third: Proper & Prim

Best Thrift / Antique Store: Dakota Boys Ranch

There are a number of reasons to feel good about shopping or donating at the Dakota Boys Ranch thrift store, a Best of the Best repeat winner. Proceeds benefit children in need and buying and selling gently used goods helps reduce our carbon footprint. Another positive: DBR has four locations throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Second: The Arc Attic Treasures • Third: Moorhead Antique Mall

Best New Store: HomeGoods

HomeGoods is department store ran by TJ Maxx and is connected to Marshalls on 13th Avenue in West Fargo. The store sells fashionable home furnishing goods made by top brands at an affordable price.

Second: Broadway Shoe Company • Third: Others

Best Photographer: Kensie Wallner

Kensie Wallner’s photographs are ubiquitous these days. Just earlier this year the former HPR photo editor’s work was in just about every local publication. Wallner’s raw, yet elegant photos have turned her into a highly active and sought-after wedding, family portrait and event photographer.

Second: Lindsay Kaye • Third :Dan Francis

Best Art Space: Plains Art Museum

The Plains Art Museum is a cultural and community leader. From hosting symposiums that question the role of art in community development to visual commentaries on the Bakken Oil Boom, it is a vital part of what makes Fargo's community so vibrant.

Second: ecce art gallery • Third: Uptown Gallery

Best Established Visual Artist: Jon Offutt

Fargo glassblower Jon Offutt works out of his House of Mulciber studio and travels to highly regarded art shows. So far this year, he’s visited Denver, Omaha, Kansas City, Jamestown and Detroit Lakes. Next weekend, he’ll be in Grand Forks, then he’ll head to Pekin soon and a couple of county fairs later this summer. A founder of FMVA and its annual Studio Crawl, Offutt is the consummate artistic performer, educator and advocate.

Second: Punchgut • Third: Mackenzie Kouba

Best Student Visual Artist: Olivia Bain

Olivia Bain is the very first winner of HPR’s Best Student Visual Artist award. The new category was added to increase awareness of young talented artists. Bain is a ceramics major at Minnesota State University Moorhead and also works at the Plains Art Museum. She’s an incredible sculpture artist, who’s crafted everything from a 16-foot hippo snake to a 4-foot lobster claw made of metal rods.

Second: Hillary Ehlen • Third: Chase Body

Best Crafter: Amber Parsons (Ambrosian Design)

Veteran artist/potter/crafter Amber Persons is known for her pottery, ceramics and headdresses/hair pieces, which are sold at Unglued. She’s been named Best Emerging Artist two years in a row and this is her first win as Best Crafter. She has uncharacteristic ability to create beautiful art in an unconventional, yet appealing way.

Second: Ashley Dedin (AENDEE) • Third: Chelsea Thorson (MaeKit)

Best Original Band: 32 Below

Fargo-based country-rockers 32 Below reached No. 70 on the iTunes country charts this past October. The veteran band has a very loyal local following that the national scene is starting to notice. Awarded for its focus on original, crowd-pleasing music, 32 Below has consistently stayed on top as the most popular group in the area.

Second: D Mills & The Thrills • Third: Pat Lenertz Band

Best Cover Band: Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome

With several music doctorates among them, Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome easily has some of the most talented musicians in Fargo-Moorhead. The 13-piece band is equipped with a full horn and rhythm section, two lead vocalists and a repertoire of classic funk-pop tunes and new funk-pop tunes. PTFS has won this award several years in a row.

Second: Tripwire • Third: Heavy is the Head

Best Musician: Diane Miller

When not editing or writing for HPR, Diane Miller spends much of her time playing in one of five bands: D Mills & The Thrills, Heavy is the Head, Panda Bandit, Diane Miller and the Silver Daggers and Haley E. & The Rydells. Whether she’s performing hip-hop, alternative rock, pop or folk music, Miller's musical talent has not gone unnoticed in the community.

Second: Pat Lenertz • Third: Amanda Standalone

Best Large Music Venue: Bluestem Amphitheater

The gorgeous outdoor Bluestem Amphitheater has hosted musicians like The Beach Boys and Alice in Chains, and soon it will host John Prine, Pat Benatar and many more top-notch acts. The outdoorsy ambiance paired with the fine architecture of the facility make it a one-of-a-kind concert or theater experience.

Second: Fargo Theatre • Third: Fargodome

Best Small Music Venue: The Aquarium

The Aquarium is the only venue in town that hosts national and regional touring bands on a nearly day-to-day basis. From Father John Misty to Against Me to Prof to Ana Sia, some of the finest alternative, punk, indie, hip-hop and dubstep acts in the country have made a stop at this 270-plus-capacity venue.

Second: Hotel Donaldson • Third: Dempsey's Public House

Best Bar, Best Open Mic and Best Karaoke: Dempsey’s Public House

On any given late night of the week, Dempsey’s Public House will be filled with people. That’s tough for any other bar in town to say. From its attentive, dedicated staff to its solid clan of regulars to its consistent lineup of great entertainment, Dempsey’s knows how to deliver.

Bar ... Second: Wurst Bier Hall • Third: Sidestreet Grille & Pub
Open Mic ... Second: Sidestreet Grille & Pub • Third: Red Raven Espresso Parlor
Karaoke ... Second: Rhombus Guys • Third: Rooter's Bar

Best Comedian: Jason Jacobson

Jacobson has been a staple of the comedy scene in Fargo-Moorhead for over a decade, performing his solo stand-up and as a member of the Linebenders Improv Troupe. He has toured his unique style of comedy from Utah to New York. Whether you catch his stand-up or see him in a Linebender’s show, Jacobson is definitely one of F-M’s funniest.

Second: Adam Quesnell • Third: Anthony Ryan

Best Radio DJ: Jesse James (Big 98.7)

Check out story here.

Second: Robbie Daniels (107.9 The Fox) • Third: Noel “Scotch” Anderson (Rock 102)

Best Theater Troupe: Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre

This 69-year-old organization is the longest-running community theater company in the area. Theater-lovers of all ages and all skill levels have the opportunity to act or take part in community-run plays thanks to FMCT. The troupe also gives partnering theater organizations the opportunity to use its wonderful facility, The Stage at Island Park.

Second: Theatre B • Third: Linebenders

Best Actor / Actress: Carrie Wintersteen

For the second year in a row, Carrie receives the honor of Best Actor/Actress around town. She's known for her ability to transform into radically different characters, and her work has been described as uncluttered, focused and authentic. Carrie has been behind Theatre B for 12 years – she co-founded the nonprofit theater in 2003 and now serves as executive director.

Second: Aimee Klein • Third: Taylor Schatz

Best Drag King / Queen: Kelly Coxsyn

Kelly Coxsyn was HPR’s “working OUT” cover model for our 2014 FM Pride issue. The highly active performer and emcee is sassy, quick witted and certainly knows how to rock killer heels and a stylin’ dress. This is her first HPR Best Drag Queen win.

Second: Allison Wonderlust • Third: Sasha Maria

Best New Restaurant: The Boiler Room

The steampunk-esque decor mixed with the vibrant menu and amiable staff have made this new eatery an instant toast of the town. The Boiler Room is also the only non-hotel restaurant that serves breakfast every day of the week in central downtown Fargo. Customer favorites include the scotch eggs, chicken fried waffles and blueberry pancakes with candied pecans.

Second: The Toasted Frog • Third: Rustica

Best Fine Dining: Mezzaluna
Best Chef: Eric Watson (Mezzaluna)

Not only is Mezzaluna getting recognized as one of the best restaurants in Fargo-Moorhead, it’s also noted as one of the best, if not the best, in North Dakota. The friendly service and classy ambiance certainly make it great, though Mezzaluna stands out, first and foremost, for its exceptionally tasty food. Head chef Eric Watson bleeds talent and leads an outstanding culinary team.

Fine Dining ... Second: Hotel Donaldson • Third: Maxwells
Chef ... Second: Mark Schmidt (Hotel Donaldson) • Third: Ryan Nitschke (Luna)

Best Breakfast: The Shack on Broadway

The Shack’s mom-and-pop breakfast menu is as traditional as it gets. From hash browns to bacon and eggs, there’s no other place that serves a full-menu breakfast as deliciously homestyle as The Shack. Best yet, everything is served with a warm smile from the staff.

Second: Fryn' Pan • Third: The Boiler Room

Best Lunch, Best Burger, Best Craft Beer Selection: JL Beers

JL Beers has been a Best of the Best champion since it opened in 2009. Perhaps it has a special sauce or something for its beef, perhaps its the intimacy of small space or perhaps it’s the exclusive beer selection, the speedy service or the always-happy (always!) staff. We don’t know. One thing’s for sure, JL Beers is the flippin’ king.

Lunch ... Second: Wurst Bier Hall • Third: Romo's Mexican Deli and Catering
Burger ... Second: HiHo Tavern • Third: Sickies Garage
Craft Beer Selection ... Second: Wurst Bier Hall • Third: Fargo Brewing Company 

Best Pizza and Best Outdoor Patio: Rhombus Guys

Rhombus Guys once again triumphs with both the Best Pizza and Best Outdoor Patio in Fargo-Moorhead. Their eclectic pizza selection has something for everyone. They even offer a "Pizza of the Month" featuring a pie not offered on the regular menu. And Rhombus’ rooftop patio is a one-of-a-kind elevated outdoor hot spot.

Pizza ... Second: Duane’s House of Pizza • Third: Blackbird Woodfire
Outdoor Patio ... Second: Shotgun Sally’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Saloon • Third: Hotel Donaldson (Sky Prairie)

Best Taco: Vinyl Taco

Who knew vinyl music snobs were such taco fanatics? Or perhaps it’s the other way around. Whatever it may be, Vinyl Taco’s concept, “tuned in music, turned on tacos,” has been a mega hit since its opening in 2013. The eatery’s untraditional yet delectable take on Mexican cuisine has got the community spinning in more ways than one.

Second: Taco Bros. Food Truck • Third: Taco Shop

Best Desserts: Nichole’s Fine Pastry

With two Culinary Institute of America pastry chefs at the helm, Nichole’s Fine Pastry is without a doubt the fanciest dessert and lunch joint in town. Not to confuse fancy for snobby, Nichole’s is also one of the friendliest eatery’s in the area. The staff and the ambiance are exceptionally pleasant. Yes, and the treats are to die for.

Second: Sandy’s Donuts & Coffee Shop • Third: Mezzaluna

Best Mexican: Mango’s Mexican & American Grill

For authentic-as-it-comes traditional Mexican cuisine, Mango’s is the place to go. The fairly new ethnic restaurant serves everything from refried beans to spanish rice to burritos to enchiladas, not to mention free chips with, according to some Facebook fans, “the best salsa in Fargo.”

Second: Mexican Village • Third: Romo’s Mexican Deli and Catering

Best Italian: Toscana

Serving foods inspired by the region of Tuscany, Toscana cooks up some of the most authentic Italian foods in all of Fargo-Moorhead. Italian chef Mirco Marganti will take you on a trip to his home country with just one bite of his delectable foods. Be sure to try the fettuccine, gnocchi, penne, scampi or some fine Italian wines.

Second: Johnny Carino’s • Third: Sarello's

Best Sushi and Best Asian: Wasabi Sushi & Asian Grill

Fargo-Moorhead has a devout population of sushi and sashimi lovers, thanks in no small part to the crazy popularity of Wasabi, a downtown Asian restaurant. The rolls and other asian delicacies served here are always fresh and flavorful. And the place is always hopping.

Sushi ... Second: Kobe’s Japanese Cuisine • Third: Osaka Sushi & Hibachi
Asian ... Second: Lucy’s North China Cuisine • Third: Thai Orchid

Best Late Night Menu: The Drunken Noodle

This Best of the Best multiple repeat winner is called “Drunken” Noodle for more reasons than one. This popular after-bar, and before-bar, restaurant serves all our favorite types of noodles, including pad thai, mac and cheese and fettuccine alfredo, along with fried rice, sweet buns and bread sticks.

Second: Mezzaluna • Third: Fryn' Pan

Best Bartender: Alison Buecksler (Dempsey’s)

Someone has taken out “Best Bartender” giant Jeffrey Fonder! She must be pretty good, right? Alison Buecksler, while still a fairly new bartender, is very quick on her toes and has great rapport with customers and co-workers at Dempsey’s. She makes killer drinks and has a killer smile.

Second: Andrea Anderson (Monte’s) • Third: Sean Dwyer (Duffy’s)

Best Mixologist: Andrea Anderson (Monte’s/Boiler Room)

It's been an incredible year for bartender Andrea Anderson. She was the overall winner for both HPR's Cocktail Showdown and Bartenders Battle. This is Anderson’s first HPR Best Mixologist award. Her experience, attractive personality and impeccable knack for blending flavors makes her a standout professional behind the bar.

Second: Jason Laub (HoDo) • Third: Alison Buecksler (Dempsey’s)

Best Coffee Shop: Caribou Coffee

If you ever drive by Caribou Coffee in the morning, there is always a long line of cars. For good reason. The Brooklyn Center-based company’s coffee is consistently delicious; the service is friendly. If you need a place to sit and read it's very accomodating. That makes for a winning combination.

Second: Atomic Coffee • Third: Red Raven Espresso Parlor

Best Local Brewery: Fargo Brewing Company

Fargo Brewing Company sold its very first Woodchipper IPA in 2011. Since then it has gone on to build a state-of-the-art taproom and brewery, which produces craft beer for hundreds of restaurants and liquor stores throughout the region. The “Best Local Brewery” category is new this year. Thanks in part to the smashing success and influence of the FBC, there are now five breweries in Fargo-Moorhead.

Second: Junkyard Brewing • Third: Drekker Brewing Company

Best Cocktail Bar: Hotel Donaldson

The Hotel Donaldson has been home to professional mixologists before many of us even knew what the word mixologist was. With solid attention to detail, HoDo bartenders craft some of the finest martini and mixed drinks in all of North Dakota. If your mind were to imagine the dictionary definition of a cocktail bar, it would fit the standards of the HoDo Lounge.

Second: Mezzaluna • Third: The Boiler Room

Best Liquor Store: Happy Harry’s Bottle Shop

Its incredible selection of booze certainly makes this liquor store a customer favorite. Though, Happy Harry’s is also responsible for uber-popular penny sales (yes, penny) and of course the mega-popular annual event Ribfest. Happy Harry’s, happy Fargo. 

Second: 99 Bottles • Third: Bottle Barn Liquors

<em>Contributing writers: Diane Miller, Chris Hennen, Granville Wood, Amber Schmidt, Taylor Blumer, Amber Morgan and Ravi Panjini</em>