OutSmart’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards Winners – outsmartmagazine.com
OutSmart magazine’s 25th annual Gayest & Greatest awards celebrate the accomplishments of Houston’s leading artists, activists, and business people. More than 131,000 votes were cast to select more than 370 winners in a variety of categories.
Best Local Live Music Venue
Numbers Night Club (tie)
White Oak Music Hall (tie)
Finalists: House of Blues Houston, Michael’s Outpost, POST Houston, Rudyard’s, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
Best Happy Hour
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston, George Country Sports Bar, Michael’s Outpost, Ripcord
Favorite Bar to Shoot Pool
George Country Sports Bar
Finalists: Barcode, BUDDY’S, JR’s Bar & Grill, Pearl Bar, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Bar to Two-Step
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
Finalist: La Granja Disco y Cantina
Favorite Club for Dancing
South Beach Houston
Finalists: Eagle Houston, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, Numbers Night Club, Pearl Bar, ReBar
Best Drag Show in Town
H-Town Kings (tie)
Charlie’s Angels at JR’s Bar & Grill (tie)
Finalists: Basura, EyeCons, Millennial Dolls, Misfits!
Favorite Karaoke Night at a Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar
Favorite Place to Show Off Your Leather
Ripcord
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston
Favorite Place to Watch Drag
Hamburger Mary’s
Finalists: Bar Boheme, BUDDY’S, JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, Papi’s, Pearl Bar, ReBar
Favorite Place to Watch Male Dancers
Tony’s Corner Pocket
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, Papi’s, Ripcord
Favorite Trivia Night at a Bar
BUDDY’S
Finalists: Angel Share, Category Is… Trivia with Hu’nee B, ReBar, Ripcord
Favorite LGBTQ Bar
Eagle Houston
Finalists: Barcode, BUDDY’S, George Country Sports Bar, JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, Papi’s, Pearl Bar, Ripcord, South Beach, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Favorite Women’s Bar
Pearl Bar
Finalist: Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
Favorite Men’s Bar
Eagle Houston
Finalists: Barcode, BUDDY’S, George Country Sports Bar, JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, ReBar, Ripcord, Tony’s Corner Pocket
Best Bar Food
BUDDY’S
Finalists: Eagle Eats, Hamburger Mary’s, ReBar, Rudyard’s
Best New Drag King
Barry Mii Dandy
Finalists: Sir Debonaire, Dayton Faulker, Phuc’ken Hi, Huxley Räw, Dantés Shottgunz
Best New Drag Queen
Alyanna IV Bones (link)
Finalists: Barbara Q. Chips, Kalani Ross Kahlo, Kitty Kontour, Hanna Santanna, Phoebe Seymour, Sinema
Favorite Veteran Drag King
Ian Syder Blake
Finalist: La’darius Mirage Jackson
Favorite Veteran Drag Queen
Kofi
Finalists: Lana Blake, Roxanne Collins, Dina Jacobs, Marsha Mellow, Tommie Ross
Best Pageant King
Ian Syder-Blake
Finalists: Giovanni Crawford, La’darius Mirage Jackson, Shawn Michaels, Mykey
Best Pageant Queen
Alexye’us Paris
Finalists: Dessie Love Blake, Chevelle Brooks, Cyn City, Laisha LaRue, Violet S’Arbleu
Favorite Drag King
Damien
Finalists: Sir Debonaire, Barry Mii Dandy, Hugh Dandy, Jack Hammer Dandy, Preston Steamed, Ian Syder-Blake
Favorite Drag Queen
Carmina Vavra
Finalists: Blackberri, Chloe Crawford Ross, Adriana Larue, Queen Persephone, Violet S’Arbleu, Angelina DM Trailz
Favorite Drag Show Host/Emcee
Blackberri
Finalists: Hu’Nee B, Kofi, Reign LaRue, Alexye’us Paris, Queen Persephone, Violet S’Arbleu
Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Female Entertainer
Christina Wells (link)
Finalists: Cara Cherie, Ghoulia Child, Adalina Larue, Amanda Marie Parker, Lauren Salazar
Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Male Entertainer
Ladarius Mirage Jackson
Finalists: J Alex, Jerry Atwood, Landon J. Fatale, Sebastian Gutierrez, Arron Michaels, Shawn Michaels, Peter Pecker, Wesley Whitson
Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Nonbinary Entertainer
Eddie Divas
Finalists: Chris Legacy, Ember Michelle, Rodri, Stoo
Favorite Local Musician/Band
Space Kiddettes
Finalists: Ancient Cat Society, Gammawave, Houston Pride Band, Los Skarnales, Uncle Tino
Favorite Female DJ
DJ Athenz
Finalists: DJ Aracely, DJ Drea, DJ Kittie Purrie, DJ RAQQCITY, DJ Tina
Favorite Male DJ
DJ Mel Fausto
Finalists: DJ Easton, DJ Marti Frieson, DJ GNDRBNDR, DJ Panda, DJ Joe Ross, DJ Jimmy Skinner, DJ Johnny Vibe
Favorite Nonbinary DJ
DJ HustleCry
Finalists: DJ Hyperfemme, DJ Vicky Kuba
Favorite Music Producers
Dirty Disco
Finalists: DNVR MIX, GNDRBNDR, KNOTZ
FAVORITE FEMALE LOCAL POLITICIAN
Lina Hidalgo
Finalists: Lizzie Pannill Fletcher, Ann Johnson, Jolanda Jones, Abbie Kamin, Sheila Jackson Lee, Kim Ogg
FAVORITE MALE LOCAL POLITICIAN
John Whitmire
Finalists: Adrian Garcia, Chris Hollins, Constable Alan Rosen, Jon Rosenthal, Sylvester Turner, Gene Wu
BEST FEMALE LGBTQ BUSINESS PERSON
Dylan Carnes (tie)
Julie Mabry (tie)
Finalists: Caryn Craig, Alli Jarrett, Heather Taylor, Tammi Wallace
BEST MALE LGBTQ BUSINESS PERSON
Mark De Lange (tie)
Doug Smith (tie)
Finalists: Charles Armstrong, Christopher Barry, John Donato, Ian Haddock, Bobby Hilliard Jr., Grey Stephens
BEST NONBINARY LGBTQ BUSINESS PERSON
Chip Ware
Finalist: Hexa Dulce
FAVORITE FEMALE LGBTQ COMMUNITY HERO
Annise Parker (tie)
Tammi Wallace (tie)
Finalists: Julie Mabry, Toni Mascione, Kymberlie McGuire, Megan Mooney, Tiffany Scales
FAVORITE MALE LGBTQ COMMUNITY HERO
Kennedy Loftin (link)
Finalists: Christopher Barry, Jacques Bourgeois, JD Doyle, Don Gill, Harrison Homer Guy
FAVORITE NONBINARY COMMUNITY HERO
Kevin Nguyen
Finalists: Norma Gonzalez, Verniss McFarland, Crystal Murley, Nova, Mike Webb
FAVORITE FEMALE TRANS COMMUNITY HERO
Atlantis Narcisse (link)
Finalists: Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri, Elia Chino, Anandrea Molina, Lilly Roddy, Eden Rose Torres, Dee Dee Watters, Alexis Nicole Whitney
FAVORITE MALE TRANS COMMUNITY HERO
Lou Weaver
Finalists: Liam Adair, Fabian Echavarri, dylan forbis, Landon Richie, Emmett Schelling
FAVORITE NONBINARY TRANS COMMUNITY HERO
Verniss McFarland
Finalists: Xitlalli Alvarez, Norma Gonzalez, Juliann Losey, Nova
FAVORITE FEMALE LGBTQ EDUCATOR/TEACHER
Kendricka “Kiki” Moore
Finalists: D’Lynn Barham, Kay Crayton, Tracy Daniel, Dana Harrell, Bianca Honore, Michelle Palmer, Samantha Pisarski-May, Pam Straker
FAVORITE MALE LGBTQ EDUCATOR/TEACHER
Paul Fox Gonzales
Finalists: R. Scott Allen, Joan Cotton, Bryant Johnson, Jesse Gover Sanchez, DeVonta Lee, Brian Riedel, Cam. O Scott
FAVORITE NONBINARY LGBTQ EDUCATOR/TEACHER
Juliann Losey
Finalists: Angela Horst, Monét Love, Myr Olivares
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ JOURNALIST
Joey Guerra
Finalists: Sam Byrd, Rachel Carlton, Andy Cerota, Andrew Edmonson, Ian Haddock
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ INFLUENCER
Ryan Lindsay
Finalists: @bougiebrie, Miguel Jacquez, Johnny Peden, Cam. O Scott, Diamond Stylz
BEST LOCAL LGBTQ SOCIAL-MEDIA PRESENCE
JD Doyle
Finalists: Let’s Talk About Gay Stuff, Ryan Lindsay, The Normal Anomaly, Rainbow Community, Diamond Stylz
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
The Montrose Center
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Ryan Lindsay, @parentsoftransyouth, Pearl Bar, Christian Whorton
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ FACEBOOK PAGE
JD Doyle
Finalists: AmistadesHTX, BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston, The Montrose Center, Rainbow Community
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ TIKTOKER
Ryan Lindsay (@ryanstmichael)
Finalists: @drew_baebe, @bougieBrie, @kay.crayton, @hughdandy, @lordfeatherspolenta, @shiningnathan
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ TWITTER ACCOUNT
The Montrose Center
Finalists: Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, robcarrasco
FAVORITE MALE (COMMUNITY) TV PERSONALITY
Ernie Manouse
FAVORITE FEMALE (COMMERCIAL) TV PERSONALITY
Deborah Duncan
Finalists: Shern-min Chow, Cathy Hernandez,
Lisa Hernandez, Pooja Lodhia, Courtney Zavala
FAVORITE MALE (COMMERCIAL) TV PERSONALITY
Frank Billingsley (tie)
Derrick Shore (tie)
Finalists: Pat Cavlin, Andy Cerota, Chancy Glover, Steven Romo
FAVORITE FEMALE (COMMERCIAL) RADIO PERSONALITY
Sarah Pepper
Finalists: Roula Christie, Kara Leigh, Theresa Rockface
FAVORITE MALE (COMMERCIAL) RADIO PERSONALITY
Special K
Finalist: Carlos Dueno
FAVORITE MALE (COMMUNITY) RADIO PERSONALITY
Bryan Hlavinka (link)
Finalists: Ernie Manouse, Easton Santos
FAVORITE FEMALE (COMMUNITY) RADIO PERSONALITY
Deborah Bell
Finalists: Gale Delaughter, Donna McKenzie, Judy Reeves, Tiffany Scales
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ PODCAST
Queer Voices (link)
Finalists: Asking for a Friend, Let’s Talk About Gay Stuff, Marsha’s Plate, Tiffany Scales, That Lil Gay Talk Show
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ WRITER
Andrew Edmonson
Finalists: Sam Byrd, Scott Damon, Ian L. Haddock, Julia Holstine, Tiffany Scales, Bryan Washington
FAVORITE FEMALE COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Dani Benoit
Finalists: Nicky Bryant, Andrea Simonton, Wendy Taylor, Eden Rose Torres, Yvonne Tran
FAVORITE MALE COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Dalton DeHart
Finalists: Victor Contreras, Seferino Garcia, Sebastian Gutierrez, Kennedy Loftin, Steven Tilotta
LEADING FEMALE FUNDRAISER
Chree Boydstun
Finalists: Shelby Hansen, Sarah McCoy, Kymberlie McGuire, Heather J. Taylor, Sallie Woodell
LEADING MALE FUNDRAISER
Kennedy Loftin (link)
Finalists: Derrick Brown, Jon Bumann, Don Gill, Div Kumar, Timmy Martinez, Roger Woest
LEADING TRANS COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
Atlantis Narcisse
Finalists: Elia Chino, Anandrea Molina, Emmett Schelling, Alexis Nicole Whitney
LEADING NONBINARY FUNDRAISER
Kevin Nguyen
Finalists: Nova, Nick Stinson
LEADING FEMALE ENTERTAINER FUNDRAISER
Ivanna Cupcake
Finalists: Regina Dane, Jessica Fox, An’ Marie Gill, Ginger Grant, Lady Shamu, Alexis Nicole Whitney
LEADING MALE ENTERTAINER FUNDRAISER
Roger Woest
Finalists: Landon J. Fatale, Sebastian Gutierrez, Shawn Michaels, Ian Syder-Blake, Mykey Whitney
MOST PROMINENT FEMALE LGBTQ ACTIVIST
Annise Parker
Finalists: Kymberlie McGuire, Megan Mooney, Tammi Wallace, Fran Watson, Kandice Webber
MOST PROMINENT MALE LGBTQ ACTIVIST
Brad Pritchett
Finalists: Christopher Barry, Jacques Bourgeois, Ian Haddock, Brandon Mack, Sal Boy Salas, Ashton P. Woods
MOST PROMINENT NONBINARY LGBTQ ACTIVIST
Kevin Nguyen
Finalists: Verniss McFarland, Nova, Odyssey Oakengrove
MOST PROMINENT FEMALE TRANS ACTIVIST
Atlantis Narcisse (link)
Finalists: Sunny Bryant, Joelle Espeut, Anandrea Molina, Eden Rose Torres, Dee Dee Watters
MOST PROMINENT MALE TRANS ACTIVIST
Emmett Schelling
Finalists: Dylan Forbis, Jevon Martin, Landon Richie, Ian Syder-Blake
MOST PROMINENT NONBINARY TRANS ACTIVIST
Verniss McFarland
Finalists: Nova, Payshunz Nagashima, Charlie Richie
MOST PROMINENT YOUTH LGBTQ ACTIVIST
Landon Richie
Finalists: Sunny Bryant, Razi Montalto, Britt Perez
MOST VALUABLE INTERSEX ADVOCATE/EDUCATOR
Koomah
Finalist: Mo Cortez
MOST VALUABLE FEMALE VOLUNTEER
Januari Fox (link)
Finalists: Augie Cahee, Dawn Elizardo, Jani Lopez, Kymberlie McGuire, Heather J. Taylor, Tammi Wallace
MOST VALUABLE MALE VOLUNTEER
Don Gill
Finalists: Jacques Bourgeois, Adonis Darling, Sebastian Gutierrez, Div Kumar, Patrick McIlvain, Shawn Michaels, Jim Taylor, Jovon Alfon B. Tyler
MOST VALUABLE NONBINARY COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
Kevin Nguyen
Finalists: Xitlalli Alvarez, Hexa Dulce, Nova, Odyssey Oakengrove
MOST VALUABLE FEMALE TRANS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
Atlantis Narcisse (link)
Finalists: Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri, Gia Pacheco, Joelle Salatersky, Eden Rose Torres, Catina Rose Valentine
MOST VALUABLE MALE TRANS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER
George Zemanek
Finalists: Sebastian Gutierrez, Petey Makopoulos-Senftleber, Ian Syder-Blake, Daron Yanes
BEST FEMALE REAL ESTATE AGENT
Jessica Wahlquist
Finalists: Karen Derr, Paul Gomberg, Poonam Kapoor, Debbie Levine, Hunny Phillips
BEST MALE REAL ESTATE AGENT
Brooks Ballard
Finalists: David Batagower, Scott Brown, George Burch, Mark Chupik, Bryan Cotton, Jeremy Fain, Nicholas Bryan Guidry, Timothy Hampson, Thomas Phillips, Dan Pleason, Dan Ritchel, Joe Ross, Andy Weber
BEST GALVESTON REAL ESTATE AGENT
Tom Schwenk
Finalists: David Bowers, VJ Tramonte, Robert Zahn
BEST REAL ESTATE WEBSITE
HAR.com
Finalists: Boulevard Realty, Compass Real Estate Houston, Nan and Company Real Estate/Christie’s International Real Estate, Texas American Realty
BEST MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL
Riaz Pooran/PrimeLending
Finalists: John Frels/American Pacific Mortgage, Cody Grizzoffi/NRL Mortgage, Cari Middaugh/AmCap Home Loans, Robert Spiegel/The Spiegel Group
BEST TITLE COMPANY
Alamo Title Company (tie)
Chicago Title (tie)
Finalists: Fidelity National Title, Patriot Title, Texas American Title
BEST HOME BUILDER
Sandcastle Homes
Finalists: Heels 2 Hammers Construction, ROC Homes, Loyd Russel Homes, Sabo Custom Builders
BEST HOME REMODELING COMPANY
Noble Contractor Solutions
Finalists: J. Charles, Inc., Heels 2 Hammers Construction, Crystal Idika/Affordable 1 Home Services, Juancho Jimenez, Luria Construction, Venus Construction
FAVORITE RENTAL COMMUNITY
Elan Memorial Park
Finalists: CityView Lofts, Pradera Oaks
BEST POLITICAL ADVOCACY GROUP
Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus
Finalists: Equality Texas, HRC Houston, Legacy Takes Action, Victory Fund
FAVORITE LGBTQ PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATION
The Montrose Center
Finalists: Bunnies on the Bayou,
Dalton DeHart Photographic Foundation, The Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star ERSICSS, The Mahogany Project, Texas Gay Rodeo Association
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
The Montrose Center
Finalists: Bunnies on the Bayou, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Lambda Center, The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Out For Education
FAVORITE LGBTQ SOCIAL GROUP
Pride Bike Ride Houston
Finalists: AmistadesHTX, Bayou City Pups, EPAH, Diana Foundation, Hatch Youth, Houston Gaymers, Houston Queer Camp and Events, Out Professionals
FAVORITE TRANS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
Transgender Education Network Texas (TENT)
Finalists: FLAS Trans Center, The Mahogany Project, Monica Roberts Resource Center, The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Organización Latina de Trans en Texas (OLTT), Save Our Sisters United, Trans Legal Aid Clinic of Texas, Transmasculine Alliance Houston
FAVORITE PLACE TO WORSHIP
Bering Church (UCC)
Finalists: Congregation Brith Shalom, Congregation Or Ami, Congregation Shma Koleinu, Kindred, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Unity Church of Houston
FAVORITE LGBTQ SPORTS CLUB OR LEAGUE
Montrose Softball League Association
Finalists: Houston Tennis Club, Houston Women’s Softball League, Lone Star Volleyball, Pride Sports Houston, Space City Rugby
FAVORITE HIV/AIDS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
AIDS Foundation Houston
Finalists: AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Avenue 360 Health and Wellness – Midtown, Bering Omega Community Services, Legacy Community Health – Montrose Clinic, The Montrose Center, The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Positive Women’s Network, PWA Holiday Charities, Ryan White Planning Council
FAVORITE LGBTQ BENEFIT EVENT OF THE YEAR
Bunnies on the Bayou
Finalists: Black Queer AF Festival, Mint Julep, Out for Good, Show Up & Out for Trans Youth (TENT), Victory Fund Brunch
BEST HOUSTON CORPORATE LGBTQ DIVERSITY GROUP
Chevron Corporation
Finalist: Accenture Houston Pride ERG, Amegy LGBTQ+ ERG, Emerson Automation Solutions, MDA Employee Group
LOCAL BUSINESS MOST SUPPORTIVE OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
Pearl Bar (tie)
BUDDY’S (tie)
Finalists: Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe, Eagle Houston, Hawthorne Capital, H-E-B
NATIONAL BUSINESS MOST SUPPORTIVE OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY
Target
Finalists: Bank of America, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Wells Fargo
BEST COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
University of Houston
Finalists: Houston Community College, Lone Star College, Prairie View A&M University, Rice University, Texas A&M University, University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)
FAVORITE PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM
Houston Astros
Finalists: Houston Dash, Houston Dynamo, Houston Rockets, Houston SaberCats Rugby, Houston Texans
BEST LOCAL LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE
OutSmart magazine
Finalists: Montrose Star, Spectrum South
BEST LOCAL LGBTQ ONLINE RESOURCE
JD Doyle Archives
Finalists: Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Lambda Center, The Montrose Center, OutSmart, The Ryan White Planning Council Blue Book
BEST NATIONAL LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE
Advocate magazine
Finalist: Instinct magazine
BEST NATIONAL LGBTQ ONLINE RESOURCE
JD Doyle Archives
Finalists: Lambda Center, OutProfessionals.org, TransAdvocate.com, The Trevor Project
FAVORITE NATIONAL LGBTQ ORGANIZATION
Human Rights Campaign
Finalists: Lambda Legal, LGBTQ Victory Fund, Metropolitan Community Churches, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Out Professionals, Pride Portraits
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Southern Yankee Crafthouse
Finalists: Acadian Coast, Figo Sugo, 93’ Til
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Eagle Eats
Finalists: BunSlut, Fries & Grind, Houston Sauce Pit, Taqueria Adrian, Yoyo’s Hotdog Food Cart
BEST 24-HOUR RESTAURANT
Katz’s
Finalists: Chapultepec Lupita, House of Pies, Spanish Flowers Mexican Restaurant, Voodoo Doughnut, Whataburger
BEST BAKERY
Dessert Gallery
Finalists: Common Bond Bistro & Bakery, Leona’s Bakeshop, Sinfull Bakery, Sweets by Tony, Three Brothers Bakery
BEST BARBECUE
The Pit Room
Finalists: Brookstreet BBQ – Montrose, Demeris Bar-B-Q, Gatlin’s BBQ, Killen’s Barbecue, Pinkerton’s Barbecue, Truth BBQ
BEST BREAKFAST
Baby Barnaby’s
Finalists: The Breakfast Klub, Harry’s, Snooze an A.M. Eatery, The Toasted Yolk, Urban Eats, Yale Street Grill
BEST BRUNCH
Riva’s Italian Restaurant
Finalists: Boheme, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, Hamburger Mary’s, Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace, Hugo’s, ReBar, Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Urban Eats
BEST LUNCH SPOT
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, Southern Yankee Craft-house, Tacos Doña Lena, Pistolero’s, 93’ Til, Urban Eats
BEST DELI
Katz’s
Finalists: Brown Bag Deli, Jason’s Deli, Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen, Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods, Urban Eats
BEST DESSERTS
Dessert Gallery
Finalists: Common Bond Bistro & Bakery, The Chocolate Bar, Leona’s Bakeshop, Michael’s Cookie Jar, Sinfull Bakery, SweetCup, Sweets by Tony
BEST HAMBURGER
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: The Burger Joint, Hamburger Mary’s, Lankford’s Grocery & Market, Someburger, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
BEST HOT DOGS
Good Dog Houston
Finalists: Barnaby’s Cafe, Minute Maid Park, What A Taco, Yoyo’s Hotdog Food Cart
BEST DUMPLINGS
Dumpling Dudez
Finalists: Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House, Bao Shi Yi, Pho 518, Trendy Dumpling, Wanna Bao
BEST PIZZA
Star Pizza
Finalists: Bambolino’s, Bollo Woodfired Pizza, BUDDY’S, Luna Pizzeria, Meek’s Vegan Pizza, Pink’s Pizza, Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana
BEST SEAFOOD
Acme Oyster House
Finalists: Acadian Coast, Brennan’s of Houston, Le Colonial, Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine, Goode Company Seafood, Manny’s Mexican Grill & Seafood, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
BEST STEAK HOUSE
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
Finalists: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Saltgrass Steak House, Steak 48
BEST STEAK NIGHT AT A BAR
BUDDY’S
Finalists: Around the Corner, Free Grillin’, Pearl Bar
BEST SUSHI
Uchi
Finalists: Kata Robata, MF Sushi, Oishii, Osaka, Sushi King
BEST BRITISH
Red Lion British Pub
Finalists: McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, The Richmond Arms Pub, Rudyard’s
BEST CAJUN
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Finalists: Bayou City Seafood & Pasta, Brennan’s of Houston, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Ragin’ Cajun, Treebeards
BEST CENTRAL/SOUTH AMERICAN
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Finalists: Andes Cafe, Churrascos, Latin Bites, Morfi Argentino, Mi Pueblito
BEST CHINESE
Café Ginger
Finalists: Ambassador, Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House, Cooking Girl, Heights Asian Cafe, Mala Sichuan Bistro, The Rice Box
BEST CUBAN
El Rey Taqueria
Finalists: Cafe Piquet, Flor de Cuba, El Meson
BEST GREEK
Niko Niko’s
Finalists: Anonymous Cafe, Chatter’s Cafe & Bistro, Helen Greek Food & Wine, Mediterraneo, Phoenicia Specialty Foods
BEST INDIAN
Tarka Indian Kitchen
Finalists: Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine, Himalaya Restaurant, Khyber, Kiran’s, Musaafer, Pondicheri
BEST ITALIAN
Rivas (tie)
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino (tie)
Finalists: Carrabba’s, Cavatore Italian Restaurant, Figo Sugo, Postino – Montrose, Sorrento Ristorante, The Spaghetti Western
BEST JAPANESE
Osaka
Finalists: Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Kata Robata, Mikoto, Nippon,Soma Sushi
BEST MEXICAN
Tacos Doña Lena
Finalists: Candente, La Hacienda Restaurant, Hugo’s, Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, El Tiempo Cantina
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN/MEDITERRANEAN
Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine
Finalists: Fadi’s, Halal Guys, Hamsa, Mary’z Mediterranean Cuisine, Phoenicia Specialty Foods
BEST THAI
Street Food Thai Market
Finalists: Khun Kay, Kin Dee, Nidda Thai Cuisine, Street to Kitchen, Thai Village
BEST VIETNAMESE
Mai’s
Finalists: Hughie’s, Huynh, Jenni’s Noodle House, Kim Son, Pho 518
BEST RESTAURANT FOR OUTDOOR DINING
Postino Montrose
Finalists: Baby Barnaby’s, Candente, Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino, Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
BEST VEGETARIAN/VEGAN
Hobbit Cafe
Finalists: green seed vegan, Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine, Korny Vibes,
Shiv Sagar, Sinfull Bakery, Verdine
BEST RESTAURANT FOR AFFORDABLE EATS
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, Oishii, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Tacos Doña Lena, Taqueria Laredo
BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DATE
Bludorn (link)
Finalists: B&B Butchers & Restaurant,
BCN Taste & Tradition, Brennan’s of Houston, Cavatore Italian Restaurant
BEST RESTAURANT FOR ELEGANT DINING
Brennan’s of Houston
Finalists: B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, March, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Ruth’s Chris Steak House
BEST RESTAURANT FOR HAPPY HOUR FOOD
Urban Eats
Finalists: Aka Sushi House, Eunice, Federal American Grill, La Griglia, Moxies Houston, Oishii, Sushi King
BEST LOCAL LGBTQ CHEF
NaTosha Barber
Finalists: David Alcorta, Joey Cantu, Dylan Carnes, Christopher Loera, Greg Montelaro
BEST COOKING CLASS
Dumpling Dudez
Finalists: 210 Fusion Cuisine, Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ-OWNED RESTAURANT
Barnaby’s Cafe (tie)
Tacos Doña Lena (tie)
Finalists: Hamburger Mary’s, Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace, Pho 518, Urban Eats
FRIENDLIEST RESTAURANT STAFF
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Figo Sugo, Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Tacos Doña Lena, Urban Eats
FAVORITE WINE BAR
Postino Montrose
Finalists: a’Bouzy, Boheme, 13 celsius,
Light Years, MAX’s Wine Dive
FAVORITE PLACE FOR DRINKS ON A FIRST DATE
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: BUDDY’S, Eagle Houston, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar
FAVORITE FEMALE BARTENDER
Sarah McCoy
Finalists: Raci Farris, Vivian Little, Gia Marie Martinez, Kristina Prats, Reyna Rodriguez
FAVORITE MALE BARTENDER
Charles Garibay
Finalists: Brandon Akridge, Daniel Banda, Julio Briceño, Michael Engelke, Aaron Latour, Bryan Wade
FAVORITE NONBINARY BARTENDER
Uly Money
Finalist: Crystal Murley
BEST COCKTAIL
Michael’s Outpost
Finalists: Anvil Bar, Eagle Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, Pearl Bar, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
BEST MARGARITA
El Tiempo Cantina
Finalists: Buddy’s, Eagle Houston, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine, La Tapatia Mexican Cafe
BEST MOCKTAILS
BUDDY’S
Finalists: Crocker Bar, Eagle Houston, Pearl Bar, Ripcord, South Beach Houston
FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
Karbach Brewing Co. (tie)
Eureka Heights Brew Co. (tie)
Finalists: Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., Frost Town Brewing, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Southern Yankee Beer Company
FAVORITE LOCAL CRAFT BEER, CIDER, OR SELTZER
Eureka Heights Brew Co.
Finalists: Cidercade Houston, Frost Town Brewing, Houston Cider Company, Local Group Brewing, Southern Yankee Beer Company
FAVORITE NATIONAL BRAND OF BEER, CIDER, OR SELTZER
Modelo (tie)
Bud Light (tie)
Finalists: Angry Orchard, Guinness, Michelob Ultra, White Claw
FAVORITE BRAND OF LIQUOR
FIX Vodka
Finalists: Deep Eddy Vodka, Don Cosmé Tequila, Dripping Springs Distilling, EFFEN Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
BEST COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER
Legacy Community Health
Finalists: AIDS Foundation Houston, Avenue 360, Ronald R. Buescher, Gordon E. Crofoot, The Montrose Center, Wellness Bar by Legacy
BEST MEN’S HEALTH CLINIC
Gordon E. Crofoot
Finalists: AHF Healthcare Center – Binz, Avenue 360 Health and Wellness – Heights, Ronald R. Buescher, Village Medical, Wellness Bar by Legacy
BEST WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC
Planned Parenthood
Finalists: Avenue 360, Legacy Community Health
BEST URGENT OR EMERGENCY CARE CENTER
Montrose 24 Hour ER (tie)
SignatureCare (tie)
Finalists: Concentra Urgent Care, Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center, Next Level Urgent Care
BEST PHARMACY
Legacy Community Health Pharmacy
Finalists: AHF Pharmacy, Avenue 360 Health and Wellness Pharmacy – Heights, Avita Pharmacy – Bellaire, H-E-B Pharmacy, Scott Read Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy at CrofootMD
BEST FEMALE PHYSICIAN
Jeannie Banh
Finalists: Elizabeth Horvath, Julia Kovacs, Jessica Pearce, Patricia Salvato, M. Sandra Scurria, Natalie Vanek
BEST MALE PHYSICIAN
Gordon Crofoot
Finalists: Ronald Buescher, James Carroll, Terence Chang, Abel Flores, Ronald Lopez-Cepero
BEST FEMALE PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT (PA)/NURSE PRACTITIONER
Maggie White
Finalists: Michelle DeSalvo, Elizabeth Horvath, Kelli Krisp, Jessie Pawvelek, Mary Shepard
BEST MALE PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT (PA)/NURSE PRACTITIONER
Derek Smith
Finalists: Daniel Arellano, John Chapman, Kendrick Clack, Greg Cupit, Paul Simmons
FAVORITE FEMALE NURSE
Christina Wells (link)
Finalists: Tamra Bradley, Kimberly Hase, Priscilla Presson, Christine R. Raby, Nina Saltzman
FAVORITE MALE NURSE
Adam Sirico
Finalists: Ryan Balbas, Buddy Bell, Carlos Contreras, Robert Couchman, Morgan Guillory
BEST MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE
Ajana Therapy & Clinical Services
Finalists: The Montrose Center, Pinkerton Psychotherapy, Southwest Psychotherapy Associates
BEST MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST/PSYCHIATRIST
Chad Lemaire (tie)
Dan Garza (tie)
Finalists: Michael Barber, Robert Scott, Daryl Shorter
BEST FEMALE MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST/PSYCHOLOGIST
Leah Singer
Finalists: Megan Mooney, Betsy Vasquez
BEST MALE MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST/PSYCHOLOGIST
Denis “Woodja” Flanigan
Finalist: Hiram Rivera Mercado
BEST FEMALE MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST
Jessica Eiseman
Finalists: Tara Bates, Candice Holloway, Denise O’Doherty, Andrea Washington
BEST MALE MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST
Ty David Lerman
Finalists: Shane Hennesey, Robert Snellgrove, Andrew Tessmer
BEST NONBINARY MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST
Thomas Owsley
Finalists: Nakita Bowman, Noel Gonzalez, ks Stanley
BEST MALE DENTIST
Marcus De Guzman (tie)
Sam Carrell (tie)
Finalists: Alex Barrera, John Dioquino, Austin Faulk, Randy Mitchmore
BEST FEMALE DENTIST
Cynthia Corral (link)
Finalists: Daniella Farias, Melicia Tjoa
FAVORITE FEMALE DENTAL HYGIENIST
Hifa Taha/Montrose DDS
Chriszelda/Bayou City Smiles, Karla/Bayou City Smiles, Kate/Bayou City Smiles, Magda/Bayou City Smiles, Jennifer McCrary/Avenue 360 Health & Wellness
FAVORITE MALE DENTAL HYGIENIST
Tu Tuu/Bayou City Smiles
BEST FEMALE EYE DOCTOR
Nancy Lo
Finalists: Juliet Farmer, Rosa Kim, April Oliver/Today’s Vision
BEST MALE EYE DOCTOR
Paul Lovero
Finalists: Bimal Patel, Marc Sanders,
Scott Sawyer, Stewart Zuckerbrod
BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Alexia McClerkin
Finalists: Matt Arnold/Airrosti – Heights, Fernando Franco, NuSpine Chiropractic
BEST FOOT DOCTOR
Vanessa Barrow
Finalists: Paul Gee, Gian Steinhauser/Caring Foot and Ankle Specialists
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Black Swan Yoga Houston (tie)
BIG Power Yoga – Montrose (tie)
Finalists: SPENGA Houston Montrose, STRETCH Studio of Houston, Tamika’s Ranch
BEST FERTILITY CLINIC/SURROGACY SERVICES
Aspire Houston Fertility Institute
Finalists: CCRM Fertility of Houston, The Family Fertility Center at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, SGF Houston – Texas Medical Center
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Roy Rivera
Finalists: Jon Koborsi, Huzefa Tayabali-Wilson
BEST FEMALE MASSAGE THERAPIST
Afton Macione/Cruz Family Chiropractic
Finalists: Tamia Anderson, Kim Stacy/Integrated Massage Services
BEST MALE MASSAGE THERAPIST
Ryan Fugate
Finalists: Chris Tognetti/Life Time Fitness, John Aaron Villarreal, Tom Zeppelin
BEST NONBINARY MASSAGE THERAPIST
Robin Mack
BEST FEMALE PERSONAL TRAINER
Monique Freeman
Finalists: Melanie Jackson, Felicia Lee-Sexton, Kimberly Marler, Danielle Sampey
BEST MALE PERSONAL TRAINER
Christopher Lucas
Finalists: Layn Chess, Oscar Gutierrez, Andrew Hayes, Eliot Perez, Gian Quiteno, John Aaron Villarreal
BEST NONBINARY PERSONAL TRAINER
Bree Turner
BEST GYM
SPENGA Houston Montrose
Finalists: Body3 Personal Fitness, Facet Seven, FIT Athletic Club, Houston Gym, TC Jester Fitness, Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, Life Time Fitness
BEST CYCLING STUDIO
SPENGA Houston Montrose
Finalists: Cyclebar – Sawyer Heights, For The People, RYDE Montrose, Soul Cycle
BEST FEMALE HAIR STYLIST
Isabel Ferry
Finalists: Lana Blake, Celina Carcamo, Elizabeth Carlile/Studio A Salon, Jacky Madrid, Sylvia Perez
BEST MALE HAIR STYLIST
Adrian Santos
Finalists: JT Heath, Raven Montano, Reza Nouri, David Ramirez, Kenny Slack
BEST NONBINARY HAIR STYLIST
J. Bookie
Finalist: Shannon Moore
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST
Shoshuna Akerman
Finalists: Lana Blake, Sylvia Perez, Edward Sanchez
BEST NAIL SALON
Hollywood Hair & Nails Salon
Finalists: Aura Nails, Mason’s Nails
BEST NAIL TECHNICIAN
Adam Gutierrez
Finalists: Liz Brooks, Roxsann Lavan, William Medrano
BEST TATTOO ARTIST
Stephanie Purnell
Finalists: Dan Martin, Megan Medina, Nadia Munoz
BEST TATTOO PARLOR
The Electric Chair Tattoo & Body Piercing
Finalists: Corazones Tattoo+Beauty Studio, Scorpion Studios Tattoo, Shaw’s Tattoo Studio
BEST COSMETIC SKIN CARE CENTER
SkinCeuticals Skinlab at West Ave.
Finalists: Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center Houston – River Oaks, Heights Dermatology & Aesthetic Center, The Skin Renewal Center
BEST COSMETIC SURGEON
Forrest S. Roth
Finalists: Bonnie Baldwin, Regina Rodman, Angela Sturm
BEST AESTHETIC PHYSICIAN
Patrick McNamara
Finalist: Octavio Barrios
BEST FEMALE INSURANCE AGENT
Jennifer Baca
Finalists: Shenice Brown, Lisa Miller,
Riaz Pooran, Lacie Smith
BEST MALE INSURANCE AGENT
Jacob Creadeur (tie)
Lane Lewis (tie)
Finalists: Bryan Cotton, Jeremy Henry, Modern Risk Management, Patrick Torma
BEST HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY
Village Plumbing & Air
Finalists: Cooling Specialists, Diamond Heating and Air Conditioning, NewPort A/C & Heating
BEST PLUMBER
In the Loop Plumbing
Finalist: MET Plumbing
BEST ELECTRICIAN
Justin Chipman
Finalist: Justin Rubio/Rubio Electric
BEST FLOOR COVERING COMPANY
Floor Coverings International
Finalist: Manchester Carpet
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY
Eklektik Interiors
Finalists: Christopher Charles Interiors, Emmanuel Leventis Design, Jacob Medina Interior Design, Jean Quila, Corbin Young
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY/LANDSCAPER
Will Skinner/Fire and Flora Landscaping and Pottery (tie)
Johnny Steele Design (tie)
Finalists: AJ’s Landscaping & Design, Another Place in Time, McDugald Steele, Nickal’s Landscaping, Thompson+Hanson Stone House
BEST POOL COMPANY
Venture Pool Co.
Finalist: American Swimming Pool of Central Houston
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Finalists: BeDESIGN, Eklektik Interiors, IKEA, Kuhl-Linscomb, Mid in Mod, Nadeau Furniture
BEST FURNITURE STORE ON A BUDGET
IKEA
Finalists: Alabama Furniture, The Blue Bird Circle, The Guild Shop, Second Blessings at Bering UCC,
World Market
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS STORE
Eclectic Home
Finalists: BeDESIGN, Eklektik Interiors, Kuhl-Linscomb
BEST GARDENING/NURSERY SUPPLY
Joshua’s Native Plants & Garden Antiques
Finalists: Another Place in Time, Buchanan’s Native Plants, Fountains & Statuary, Tall Plants
BEST FLORIST
Robert Shipman Flowers & Events
Finalists: David Brown Flowers, Dream Bouquet, The Empty Vase of Houston, In Bloom, Perfect Petals by Geo, Village Greenery and Flowers
BEST BANK
Chase Bank Houston (tie)
Amegy Bank (tie)
Finalists: Bank of America, Capital One Bank, Frost Bank, PNC Bank, Regions Bank
BEST CREDIT UNION
Houston Federal Credit Union
Finalists: PrimeWay FCU, Smart Financial Credit Union
BEST FEMALE ACCOUNTANT
Kimberly Shockley
Finalist: Dorothy B. Pearce
BEST MALE ACCOUNTANT
Joseph Werle/Crunch Consulting
Finalists: José Arteaga, An Dang, Ramon Fernandez, Gary Gritz,
Brian Kapchinskie, Donald Simon
BEST FEMALE BOOKKEEPER
Kathy Hubbard
Finalists: Sandra Medrano, Pennie Mutschler
BEST MALE BOOKKEEPER
An Dang
Finalists: Robert Cruz, Carlos Rodriguez Jr., Bradley Smith
BEST FEMALE FINANCIAL PLANNER/ADVISOR
Grace Yung
Finalists: Christyna Lewis, Angele Watson, Sandra White/Goldman Sachs
BEST MALE FINANCIAL PLANNER/ADVISOR
Richard Dickson
Finalists: Elias Contreras, Bryan Cotton, Michael Ryan, Shane Theriot
BEST LGBTQ FUND MANAGER
Doug Smith
BEST BUSINESS ATTORNEY
Paul Franzetti (tie)
Mitchell Katine (tie)
Finalists: Danielle Healey, Julie Maxey
BEST FAMILY ATTORNEY
deborah lawson
Finalists: Ashley DeHart, Chelsea Klumpp, Dawn Renken, Kathleen Vossler
BEST PROBATE ATTORNEY
Jeff Watters
Finalists: Stephany Alvarez, James Fuller, Hegwood Law Group, Samuel Hodges, deborah lawson, Coleton W. Mayo
BEST HUMAN-RIGHTS ATTORNEY
Luis Ruiz
Finalists: Danielle Healey, Mitchell Katine, Ian Scharfman
BEST IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
John Nechman (tie)
Raed Gonzalez (tie)
Finalists: Luis Ruiz, Ana Maria Schwartz
BEST PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
Lena Laurenzo
Finalists: Matt Franks, Greg Nassar, Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist
BEST FEMALE VETERINARIAN
Danielle Rosser (tie)
Kristy Kyle (tie)
Finalists: Leslie Jenkins, Jackie Marshall, Caroline Oeben
BEST MALE VETERINARIAN
Eric Cagle
Finalists: Richard Clive
BEST PET EMERGENCY CARE CENTER
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists
Finalists: Emergency Pet Care of Texas, Petcare Express, Vergi 24/7, Westbury Animal Hospital
BEST DOGGIE DAY CARE
Pet Nanny’s Pet Sitting
Finalists: Demi’s Dog House, The Dog House Pet Salon, Dogtopia of Houston, Happy Puppy, Molly’s Mutt House, You Lucky Dog Pet Resort
BEST PET WALKING/PET SITTING SERVICE
Pet Nanny’s Pet Sitting
Finalists: Big Dog & Miss Kitti’s Pet Sitting Services, Roberto Carrasco/Smiles for Miles, Happy Puppy
BEST PLACE TO BUY PET SUPPLIES
Pet City Houston
Finalists: Chewy’s Online, Molly’s Mutt House, Natural Pawz Montrose, PetSmart
BEST PET FOOD OR TREATS
Baked Bones
Finalists: Blue Life Protection, Bosco and Roxy’s, Cesar, Nulo Pet Food, Nutri Source
BEST PET GROOMING SERVICE
PetSmart
Finalists: Aussie Pet Mobile, The Best Little Dog House in Texas, Haute Pets Mobile Grooming, Heather’s Mobile Pet Salon, Molly’s Mutt House
BEST PET PARK
Buffalo Bayou Park
Finalists: The Dog Gym, West Webster Dog Park
BEST PLACE TO ADOPT A PET
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions
Finalists: CAPS, Dachshund Rescue of Houston, Friends For Life, Houston SPCA, Juno’s Hope, K-9 Angels Rescue
BEST PLACE TO BUY EXOTIC ANIMALS
Pet City Houston
FAVORITE PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT/BAR
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: BUDDY’S, The Burger Joint, Pearl Bar, Southern Yankee Crafthouse
BEST PERFORMING-ARTS ORGANIZATION
Houston Metropolitan Dance Center
Finalists: Houston Alliance of Latinx Arts, Houston Pride Band, Houston Symphony, Performing Arts Houston, Pride Chorus Houston
BEST COMMUNITY THEATER
The Catastrophic Theatre
Finalists: Art Factory, Classical Theatre Co., Dirt Dogs Theatre Co., The Ensemble Theatre
BEST LOCAL EQUITY THEATER COMPANY
Alley Theatre
Finalists: Stages, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
FAVORITE REGIONAL EQUITY THEATER
Stages
Finalists: Alley Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)
FAVORITE LOCAL FEMALE ACTOR
Christina Wells
Finalists: Tamarie Cooper, Mary Hooper, Susan Koozin, Aili Maeve, Amanda Marie Parker
FAVORITE LOCAL MALE ACTOR
Wesley Whitson
Finalists: Doug Atkins, Dylan Godwin, Mark Ivy, Kyle Sturdivant, Abraham Zapata
FAVORITE LOCAL NONBINARY ACTOR
Clarity Welch
Finalists: Josh Levin, Chess MacElvaine, Robert Straight, T Lavois Thiebaud
BEST DANCE COMPANY
Houston Ballet
Finalists: Houston Contemporary Dance Co., Open Dance Project, Pilot Dance, Rivkah French Choreography, Urban Souls
FAVORITE LOCAL DANCER
Rivkah French
Finalists: Belle Be Damed, Harrison Homer-Guy, Courtney Jones, Kristina Prats, jhon r. stronks
FAVORITE LOCAL FEMALE COMEDIAN
Trinity Newman
Finalists: Lesley the Comic, Emily Peacock, Dusti Rhodes
FAVORITE LOCAL MALE COMEDIAN
Ku Egenti
Finalists: Zahid Dewji, Chinedu Ogu, Grady Pruitt
FAVORITE LOCAL NONBINARY COMEDIAN
Juliann Losey
Finalist: T Lavois Thiebaud
FAVORITE LOCAL LGBTQ MUSICIAN
Jerry Atwood
Finalists: Christie Hein/Christie Alan Music, Sugar Jokio, Trent Lira, Shayna Powers, Uncle Tino
FAVORITE LOCAL FEMALE FINE ARTIST
Katharine Ligon
Finalists: Jan Golden, Rikki Mitman, Kristy Peet,
Heather J. Taylor, Sherry Tseng Hill, Abiola Wabara
FAVORITE LOCAL MALE FINE ARTIST
Robin Baker
Finalists: Wood Fancher Anthony, Fabian Echavarri,
Joe Haden, Bogdan Mihai, Hugo Perez
FAVORITE LOCAL NONBINARY FINE ARTIST
Crystal Murley
Finalists: Urethra Burns, Alex Ramos, Robert L. Straight
FAVORITE LOCAL PAINTER
Wood Fancher Anthony
Finalists: Robin Baker, Katharine Ligon, Edgar Medina, Patrick Palmer, Hugo Perez
FAVORITE LOCAL SCULPTOR
Joe Haden
Finalists: Patrick Medrano, Nestor Topchy, Patrick Renner, Robert L. Straight, Ben Woitena
FAVORITE LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST
Robin Baker
Finalists: Wood Fancher Anthony, Katharine Ligon, Rikki Mitman, Crystal Murley, Alex Ramos
BEST ART CENTER
MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston
Finalists: Art League Houston, Moody Center for the Arts, Silver Street Studios, Winter Street Studios
BEST ART GALLERY
Archway Gallery
Finalists: Art League Houston, Bogdan Foto Art, Hardy & Nance Studios, RobinWood Art Studio, Taft McWhorter Art, Winter Street Studios
FAVORITE LOCAL MUSEUM
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Finalists: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Holocaust Museum Houston, Menil Collection, National Museum of Funeral History, Station Museum of Contemporary Art, 1940 Air Terminal Museum
BEST AUTO BODY SHOP
Master Car Care & Collision
Finalists: Collision Lab, Connect Collision, RMS Auto Care
BEST AUTO MECHANIC
Tech Auto Maintenance
Finalists: Active Auto, Downtown Automotive Repair, RMS Auto Care, Christian Brothers Automotive – West Galleria
BEST CAR SALESPERSON
Tony McClelland/Central Houston Cadillac
Finalists: Aleta Chipman/Central Houston Cadillac, Sergio Jimenez/Advantage BMW Pre-owned
BEST CAR WASH/AUTO DETAILING
Mister Car Wash
Finalists: Aqua Hand Car Wash & Detail, Eagle Hand Carwash & Detail
BEST DOMESTIC AUTO DEALERSHIP
Central Houston Cadillac
Finalist: Planet Ford
BEST IMPORT AUTO DEALERSHIP
Advantage BMW Midtown
Finalists: Audi Central Houston, Fred Haas Toyota World, Humble Hyundai, Joe Myers Kia
BEST LIFE COACH
Nathan Herrington
Finalists: Liam Adair, Miriam Lopez, Tiffany Scales
BEST ASTROLOGER
Lilly Roddy
Finalists: Lisa Brown, Kevin Casey, Shayna Powers
BEST GROCERY STORE
H-E-B
Finalists: Central Market, Kroger, Pyburns Farm Fresh Foods, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods
BEST SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Finalists: Central Market, Pyburns Farm Fresh Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods
BEST LIQUOR STORE
Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods
Finalist: Total Wine & More
BEST COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Victor Contreras
Finalist: David Jones
BEST COMMERCIAL VIDEOGRAPHER
Jay Clark
Finalist: Priscilla T. Graham
BEST COPY/PRINT SHOP
Copy.com
Finalists: 2DayPostcards, Copy Doctor
BEST CREATIVE AGENCY
Mad Hat Maven Creative (tie)
REFUGE Marketing & Consulting (tie)
Finalists: The Arts Advocate, Like Minds Communications
BEST FUNERAL SERVICES
Bradshaw-Carter (tie)
Jovon Alfon B. Tyler (tie)
Finalists: Houston Jewish Funerals, Geo. H. Lewis & Sons
BEST PLACE TO BUY EYEWEAR
Montrose Eye Care
Finalists: Costco Wholesale, Eye Elegance, The Eye Gallery, Smith’s Opticians, Today’s Vision – Tanglewood, Warby Parker
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Tenenbaum Jewelers
Finalists: Dubin’s Fine Jewelry, Eklektic Jewelry Studio, Reiner’s Fine Jewelry, Silverlust Jewelry, Womxn on the Moon
BEST LEATHER STORE
Sir Rat Leather
Finalists: Discount Video, Eagle Houston, The Montrose Forge
BEST LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER
Anthony Ferrell
Finalists: Chloe Dao, Yahaira DeHill, Zozo Garcia, King Underwear, Nicholas Nguyen
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Lilith’s Way (tie)
Tootsie’s (tie)
Finalists: Erotic Cabaret Boutique, lululemon
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
King Underwear
Finalists: Jos. A. Bank, lululemon,
Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
BEST LOCAL RESALE OR THRIFT STORE
Out of the Closet
Finalists: Second Blessings at Bering Church, Buffalo Exchange
BEST ONLINE CLOTHING STORE
Slutmonkey.com
Finalists: King Underwear, Offensive But Cute
BEST PLACE TO BUY CELLULAR PHONES
AT&T Store
Finalists: Apple, Boost Mobile, Mint, T-Mobile, Verizon
BEST PLACE TO BUY/RENT A COSTUME
Erotic Cabaret Boutique
Finalist: CostumeWorx
BEST PLACE TO BUY EROTIC PLAYTHINGS
Eagle Houston (tie)
Hollywood Super Center (tie)
Finalists: Discount Video, Erotic Cabaret Boutique, Lilith’s Way, The Montrose Forge, Sir Rat Leather Montrose
BEST PLACE TO POP THE QUESTION
Pearl Bar
Finalists: Eagle Houston, Houston Botanic Garden, Mecom Fountain, Menil Park, POST Houston
BEST WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER
Rexberry Luxury Weddings and Events
Finalists: A Day to Remember, Event Elementz, Mariana Lemesoff, Dewayne Hinojosa Ross, Robert Shipman
BEST WEDDING OFFICIANT
Rev. Diane McGehee
Finalists: Dewayne Hinojosa Ross, Anton Igdalov, Johnny Peden, Tiffany Scales, Pastor Sven Verbeet
BEST WEDDING/EVENT VENUE
AvantGarden
Finalists: The Ballroom at Bayou Place, The Bell Tower on 34th, Bering Church (UCC), Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, Spread Oaks Ranch
BEST PLACE TO RENT/BUY FORMAL WEAR
Men’s Wearhouse
Finalists: Al’s Formal Wear, Balani Custom Clothiers, Festari for Men, Indochino, Jos. A. Bank
FAVORITE LOCAL FORMAL WEAR DESIGNER
Festari for Men
BEST WEDDING/EVENT CAKE BAKERY
David Alcorta Catering & Custom Bakery
Finalists: Angel The Cake Chef, Jodycakes, Leona’s Bakeshop,
Susie’s Cakes, Who Made the Cake!
BEST WEDDING/EVENT CATERING FIRM
David Alcorta Catering
Finalists: Event Elementz, 210 Fusion Cuisine, Legacy Events Catering, Mason’s Catering Services,
Chef Soren Pedersen
BEST WEDDING/EVENT FLORIST
Robert Shipman Flowers & Events
Finalists: Chad Cornwall, DeMartino Design Group, Minerva’s Blossoms, Rexberry Luxury Weddings and Events
BEST WEDDING/EVENT DJ
DarKer Side DJs
Finalists: Dillion Allen, B&B Entertainment, DJ Krazzy Kris, DJ Ukemi
BEST WEDDING/EVENT LIVE MUSICIAN/BAND
Harmony Strings
Finalists: Tianna Hall & The Houston Jazz Band, Hayden Jones, Third Floor Strings
BEST WEDDING/EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Kirk Surber Photography
Finalists: Jay Clark, Sebastian Gutierrez, David Truong, Tristan Turner
BEST WEDDING/EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER
Jay Clark Films
Finalists: Brandon Fincher, Lozano Studio, Tristan Turner
BEST LOCAL LGBTQ TRAVEL AGENCY
Concierge Travel
Finalist: Cruise Planners
BEST LGBTQ LAND TOUR COMPANY
Concierge Travel
Finalist: Mr. McKinney’s Houston History Bus
FAVORITE LGBTQ TRAVEL DESTINATION
Puerto Vallarta
Finalists: Costa Rica, Key West, Palm Springs, Provincetown, San Francisco, Sitges (Spain)
FAVORITE LGBTQ-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS
Rainbow Ranch Campground
Finalist: Grizzly Pines
BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATION
Puerto Vallarta
Finalists: Bali, Costa Rica, Italy, Las Vegas, New York City
BEST AIRLINE
Southwest Airlines
Finalists: American Airlines, Delta, JSX, United Airlines
FAVORITE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Keith Gordin
Finalists: Carlos Camacho, Mike Gibbons, David Revils, Victor Soto, Alex White
BEST LGBTQ CRUISE COMPANY
Aquafest Cruises (tie)
Vacaya (tie)
Finalists: Atlantis, Brand g Vacations
BEST PLACE FOR A STAY-CATION
Moody Gardens
Finalists: The Galleria, Galveston,
Hilton Houston Plaza – Medical Center, Marriott Marquis – Houston, The St. Regis – Houston
BEST LOCAL HOTEL
Hilton Houston Plaza – Medical Center
Finalists: Hotel ZaZa – Museum District, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Marriott Marquis – Houston
BEST LOCAL HOTEL BAR
Hotel ZaZa – Museum District
Finalist: La Colombe d’Or
BEST LOCAL HOTEL LOBBY
Hilton Americas – Houston
BEST LOCAL HOTEL POOL
Marriott Marquis – Houston
BEST LOCAL HOTEL SPA
The Post Oak Hotel
Finalists: Hotel ZaZa – Museum District, Trellis Spa at The Houstonian
FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS
Menil Collection
Finalists: The Galleria, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, National Museum of Funeral History, Space Center Houston
This article appears in the October 2022 edition of OutSmart magazine.