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PORTAGE

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL.

COUNTY’S

The results are in for the Stevens Point Journal’s first Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Find out which local taverns have the best bartenders, where to go for the best pizza and more.

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2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 2 October 28, 2010

BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA:

Stevens Point Journal

BEST FISH FRY:

POLITO’S PIZZA

HILLTOP PUB & GRILL

BY CARA SPOTO JOURNAL STAFF

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Emily Free gets a slice of pizza for a customer at Polito’s Pizza, 960 Main St. The pizza parlor was voted the best place for pizza in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

BY MADISON HEID FOR THE JOURNAL

Polito’s Pizza has only been around for three years, but it has made quite an impact on Stevens Point. The local pizza parlor recently was named the best place for pizza in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

The shop was the brainchild of owner Kevin Polito, and the business has now sprouted three additional locations in Oshkosh, Wausau and La Crosse.

“We have the best quality ingredients, and our dough is tossed by hand and made fresh daily,” Polito said.

The pizza is New York style and is cooked in a large stone oven. The shop offers a lot of unique toppings such as cheeseburger and mac and cheese.

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL. Sharon Laska has been a Polito’s patron since the Kevin Polito, owner of Polito’s Pizza, tosses pizza dough. Polito shop opened in 2007, and she enjoys the uniqueness of has opened his pizza store in Oshkosh, Wausau and La Crosse. the pizza and the shop itself.

“They have a unique atmosphere and it reminds me of when I was a kid,” Laska said. “I remember when (the building) was a clothing store, and they kept the walls in their original state.”

Laska said she is partial to the Philly cheesesteak pizza, but the macaroni and cheese pizza is a close second.

In addition to great pizza, Polito’s offers a challenge that no one has yet been able to conquer: The Monster Pizza Challenge. Two contestants are given one hour to eat a 28-inch, 12-pound pizza; if they complete the challenge, they win $500 cash.

Business name: Polito’s Pizza Address: 960 Main St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-9980; www.politospizza.com

Fish fries are more than a Wisconsin favorite; they’re a Wisconsin institution.

That’s certainly true at Hilltop Pub & Grill.

Go to the restaurant any time of the day, and you’re bound to find at least a few diners bent over a filet or two. Stop by on Friday night and that is likely all you’ll see.

Hilltop Pub & Grill was recently named the best place for a fish fry in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Krista Kile and her daughter, Kaylinn Miller of Milwaukee, usually stop at Hilltop each time they make a trip up to their cabin in Winter, Wis. Most times both mother and daughter order the fish fry.

“It’s a really good fish fry,” said Miller on a recent Friday. “I like the batter. It’s not heavy. And the fries are really good. If you’re going to get fries, you should get these.”

Opened by Cathy and Bill Mitchell in the 1950s, Hilltop was more of a tavern than a restaurant until the 1990s when son and current owner Bill Mitchell made several additions to building. Despite those changes, the food — most notably the fish fry — has stayed the same, says bar manager Farron Herzfeldt.

Although Hilltop is a favorite of visitors, locals are its biggest fan.

Stevens Point natives Joel and Beth Reck have been coming to Hilltop for the fish fry for more than 12 years. Both say the batter used to coat the fish is a big draw, calling it thin and crispy.

“I’ve never had a bad one,” Joel Reck said.

CARA SPOTO/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Mother and daughter, Krista Kile (right) and Kaylinn Miller, of Milwaukee, enjoy the fish fry at Hilltop Pub & Grill on their way to their family cabin in Winter.

Business name: Hilltop Pub & Grill Address: 4901 Main St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-3037; www.hilltoppubandgrill.com

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 3

BEST MEXICAN FOOD:

EL MEZCAL

BY NICK PAULSON JOURNAL STAFF

When people go to El Mezcal, they know exactly what they are going to get.

“It’s great food, excellent service and a good price,” said Bobbi Wagner of Stevens Point.

It’s a simple formula, but an effective one. Customers have responded so well that they voted El Mezcal the best place for Mexican food in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Since the eastside restaurant opened about seven years ago, it has relied on those basic principles to steadily grow its customer base.

The menu is extensive, and it may take longer to read the entire listing than it will for your food to come.

“We have a good, upbeat staff in the kitchen,” said owner Adolfo Melendez. “We also have people who only bring out the food.”

El Mezcal also has built up a steady stream of regular customers, like Wagner, who come in on a weekly basis.

Melendez estimates that about 50 percent of business comes from the regulars.

“A lot of my employees already know what the customers like to eat,” Melendez said.

“By the time they sit down they have their drink and we pretty much know what they are going to order.”

Business name: El Mezcal Address: 5720 Windy Drive, Stevens Point Contact: 715-342-1561

WI-5001198745

NICK PAULSON/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Gregory Hernandez serves a table at El Mezcal. The restaurant was voted the best place for Mexican food in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 4 October 28, 2010

BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST:

Stevens Point Journal

BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE:

EMY J’S

THE WOODEN CHAIR

NICK PAULSON/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

The Wooden Chair owner Carrie Kawski, center, talks with customers at the downtown restaurant. Voters chose The Wooden Chair as the best place for lunch in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

BY NICK PAULSON

CARA SPOTO/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Emy J’s baristas serve coffee to locals on a sunny day in Stevens Point.

JOURNAL STAFF

BY CARA SPOTO

Carole Guillemett loves sampling up and down the entire menu at The Wooden Chair. So far she likes everything.

“I’ve never had a bad meal,” said Guillemett, who lives in Amherst but eats at The Wooden Chair often when she is in Stevens Point.

It is customers like Guillemett who voted The Wooden Chair the best place to eat breakfast in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Owner Carrie Kawski was thrilled to hear her customers appreciated her restaurant enough to vote. In the five years she has owned the downtown eatery, Kawski and her staff have strove to create a place that is more than a restaurant, but a gathering place where regulars know their servers.

The Wooden Chair also offers a stable, healthy menu that provides fresh choices early in the morning.

“Most everything is homemade or home baked,” Kawski said. “That goes back to the product that we’re purchasing from local growers.”

The Wooden Chair is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu doesn’t change, with only small tweaks as Kawski finds new products.

It is that consistency that helps create a comforting place for the customers.

“It’s a quiet place to think,” Guillemett said. “It’s a place to come after church.”

Business name: The Wooden Chair Address: 1059 Main St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-1133

If you ask friends Melissa De Bot and Madge Bishop what they like most about Emy J’s, they likely will give you any number of reasons — from the coffee shop’s support of local events and socially conscious groups to its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone from busy business folks to families and animated tweens.

But there is one central element that keeps them coming back — the coffee. That’s why the local coffee shop was voted No. 1 in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

De Bot likes the decaf, calling it the best in town.

Bishop, 63, thinks the shop’s brewed coffee — made from fair trade beans roasted weekly by staff — is top notch.

“There is a reason people voted it best coffee in town,” Bishop said. “(You) get a real, high-quality cup of coffee when you come here.”

The women said they use the shop for socializing as well as to work on projects together, noting that the free wireless Internet is also a draw.

Emy J’s owner Guy Janssen says it means a lot to be named best place for coffee.

Janssen opened Emy J’s — named after his now 15year-old daughter Emy — in 2003. He had just sold another local business he had started — The Wooden Chair — and thought Stevens Point could use another coffee shop, as well as a place to get hard-serve ice cream.

JOURNAL STAFF

“It’s actually gone way beyond our expectations,” he said.

Janssen credits the beans and the shop’s friendly, well-trained staff of baristas for netting the public’s endorsement.

In addition to the food, ice cream and coffees, Janssen sells Emy J’s beans to a number of local businesses, including Bistro 212 and the University of WisconsinStevens Point.

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Guy Janssen owns Emy J’s in downtown Stevens Point. The store is in a plaza that also offers a year-round farmers market, Café Espresso and a resale shop, 4 Cool Stuff 2 Buy.

Business name: Emy J’s Address: 1009 First St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-345-0471; www.emyjs.com

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 5

BEST HAMBURGER:

HILLTOP PUB & GRILL

BY CARA SPOTO JOURNAL STAFF

“I love burgers,” They’re a simple meal.”

Business name: Hilltop Pub & Grill Address: 4901 Main St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-3037; www.hilltoppubandgrill.com

CARA SPOTO/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Matt Ronza of Frankfort, Ill., and Kent Lawrence of Barrington, Ill., enjoy burgers during a recent trip to Hilltop Pub & Grill.

Over 8000 kitchens installed.

(Don’t even get us started on bathrooms.)

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Linda and Rick Froelich of Stevens Point have been coming to Hilltop Pub & Grill for dinner for years.

Both husband and wife like to mix things up when they go to the restaurant, ordering any number of items from the extensive menu. But more often than not, at least one of them ends up ordering a hamburger.

That was true on a recent Wednesday night, when both ordered the great American sandwich.

“I love burgers,” Rick Froelich said. “They’re a simple meal.”

Hilltop Pub & Grill was recently named as the place with the best hamburger in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Bar manager Farron Herzfeldt said what people tend to like about the hamburgers is the variety — from beef to veggie to ostrich — and the ability to “build your own burger.”

But burgers aren’t just a favorite of locals.

Dennis Glinski of Detroit, in town to visit his daughter Christina Glinski, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, took a moment to enjoy the ostrich burger. He went to Rick Froelich Hilltop the last time he visited, and asked to go back this time around, he said.

Over at the bar, Matt Ronza of Frankfort, Ill., and Kent Lawrence, of Barrington, Ill., enjoyed their own burgers. In town for business, their clients took the men to the restaurant.

Ronza got the ostrich burger, Lawrence the California burger.

“Good. Very good,” both chimed.

Opened by Cathy and Bill Mitchell in the 1950s, Hilltop was more of a tavern than a restaurant until the 1990s when son and current owner Bill Mitchell made several additions to the building.

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Page 6 October 28, 2010

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH:

THE WOODEN CHAIR

BY NICK PAULSON JOURNAL STAFF

George and Miriam Meeks come to The Wooden Chair at least once a week. Or twice. Or maybe three times.

The Stevens Point couple stop by for a few reasons: The other regulars they know, the relaxed atmosphere and, of course, the food.

“The food is consistently good,” George Meeks said. “We eat just about anything they’ve got.”

The Meeks aren’t alone in their praise for The Wooden Chair. The restaurant was voted the best place for lunch in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Since Carrie Kawski took over the downtown eatery five years ago, the customer base has roughly doubled, Kawski said.

She believes that is because of the healthy menu with a large vegetarian selection, and a great staff that greets the customers with a smile when they walk in.

The Wooden Chair also uses as much local product as possible, so the homemade food is as fresh as it can be.

“That has a big impact on the type of customers,” Kawski said.

Business name: The Wooden Chair Address: 1059 Main St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-1133

Nick Paulson/Stevens Point Journal

Customers talk around a table at The Wooden Chair. The downtown restaurant was voted the best place to eat lunch in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 7

BEST KIDS’ MENU:

MCDONALD’S

BY B.C. KOWALSKI JOURNAL STAFF

“Happy Meals aren’t just for kids.

“We get a huge rush from SPASH,”

Business name: McDonald’s Locations: 127 N. Division St., Stevens Point, 715-341-0042; 5625 Highway 10 E., Stevens Point, 715-345-9578; 1205 Commons Circle, Plover; 715-544-4200; 2601 Plover Road, Plover, 715-341-3736

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Anastasia Brown eats a Happy Meal at McDonald’s on Division Street. McDonald’s was chosen as the restaurant with the best kids menu in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

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When it comes to picking out a restaurant to take the kids, simplicity is often the easiest on parents.

McDonald’s kids’ menu, which hasn’t changed much over the years, fits the bill perfectly. It’s for that reason the popular chain’s kids’ menu was voted No. 1 in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

First assistant manager Jamie Bailey said she hasn’t seen much change in the menu since she started 10 years ago at the McDonald’s restaurant on Division Street.

“I think McDonald’s is a brand that is popular in general,” Bailey said. “We have a good Happy Meal selection and our toys are very popular.”

Bailey said the Division Street location’s lack of a playland hasn’t slowed sales of Happy Meals, and items like apple dippers give parents a healthier option than french fries to put their minds at ease.

Jamie Bailey And as Bailey points out — Happy Meals aren’t just for kids.

“We get a huge rush from SPASH,” Bailey said.

“Kids order them because they’re cheaper.”

Bailey said she doesn’t foresee much change in the kids’ menu itself, but said customers often mention they’d like to see a Happy Meal option on the breakfast menu.

EL MEZCAL

Carry Outs Available

5720 WINDY DR, STEVENS POINT, WI

715-342-1521

LOCATED JUST EAST OF HOLIDAY INN

2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 8 October 28, 2010

Stevens Point Journal

NICK PAULSON/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

The Stevens Point Brewery has a long tradition in Stevens Point, where it has operated for more than 150 years. It was voted the best local brew in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

BEST LOCAL BREW:

STEVENS POINT BREWERY

BY NICK PAULSON JOURNAL STAFF

More than 150 years since the brewery opened, Portage County residents are still enjoying Point beer.

But the brewery isn’t resting on its laurels. Under new leadership the past few years, the Stevens Point Brewery has added new beer lines, offering its loyal drinkers a variety of tastes.

It is that mix of old and new that keeps the brewery strong.

“They have been stepping out of their normal box,” said Matt Lazarski, who manages JR Liquor and enjoys the occasional Point beer. At his liquor store, Point is so popular it “warrants half the shelf space (in one aisle),” he said.

The Stevens Point Brewery was voted as the best local brew in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey. It’s signature beer, Point Special,

received the most votes of any of the brewery’s beers.

Being selected is a testament to the hard work the brewery staff puts in, said operating partner Joe Martino.

“I think it always comes down to quality,” Martino said.

The longevity in the community doesn’t hurt either.

The brewery has had multiple owners, and has suffered through some rough patches, but is running full steam now and shipping Point beer around the country, getting the brewery’s — and city’s — name some national recognition.

“We hear that (our customers) are proud that we help represent the city of Stevens Point,” Martino said.

Business name: Stevens Point Brewery Address: 2617 Water St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-344-9310; www.pointbeer.com

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 9

BEST ASIAN CUISINE:

MATSU-YA SUSHI BAR AND GRILL

BY DAN RICHTER FOR THE JOURNAL

“This is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve found in central Wisconsin.”

Business name: Matsu-Ya Sushi Bar and Grill Address: 5725 Windy Drive, Suite A, Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-8893; www.matsuyasushistevenspoint.com

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL.

Joy Clendenning serves sushi to Tegan Kennedy and Kerri Bigelow at Matsu-Ya Sushi Bar and Grill, 5725 Windy Drive. The restaurant was voted the best place for Asian cuisine in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

27 REASONS TO STOP AT CAFÉ 27

Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award (WAMI) Winner

Otis & the Alligators

1. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes 2. Vegan Carrot Cupcakes 3. Apple Pie 4. Butterscotch Pear Pie 5. Black Pepper Brownies 6. Chocolate Nut Blondies 7. Apple Coffee Cake 8. Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies 9. Lemon/Ginger Scones 10 .Cherry/Almond Scones 11. Chocolate Croissants 12. Per Coffee Cake 13. Harvest Apple Danish 14. Pumpkin Cake w/ Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting 15. Flourless Chocolate Cake 16. Carrot Cake 17. Banana-Coconut Cake w/ Cream Filling 18. Boston Cream Pie Cake 19. Coconut Cream Pie 20. Almost Oreos 21. Almost Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake 22. Pecan Espresso Sandies 23. Lemon Cord Cake 24. Chocolate Covered Ginger Cookies 25. Lemon Fennel Cookies 26. Granola Breakfast Cookies 27. Biscotti

945 Clark Street, Stevens Point 715.544.4730 • Tues-Fri 7 am-3 pm and SAT 8 am to 3 pm

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It’s possible that no one was more surprised by Matsu-Ya Sushi Bar and Grill grabbing the top spot for best Asian cuisine in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey than the restaurant’s owner, Angel Liu. “When we first opened I didn’t know if we’d be successful because I wasn’t sure how much people around here would like sushi,” said Liu. “People seem to like what we have to offer and I think they come back because our food is fresh and because the restaurant is clean and has a great atmosphere.”

The restaurant, with its authentic sushi bar Bryan Anderson and classy interior decorating, has attracted customers from as far away as Madison and Chicago, Liu said.

One customer, Bryan Anderson, said he dines at Matsu-Ya almost every Thursday when he passes the restaurant on his work route as a salesman.

Anderson, of Mosinee, said his favorite meal to order is tempura bento box, which includes tempura shrimp, vegetables, miso soup and sushi.

“This is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve found in central Wisconsin and is the closest that I’ve found to actual authentic Japanese cuisine,” Anderson said.

Liu, who opened Matsu-Ya in 2008, said she is grateful for the community’s support and is excited for what the future may bring.

“I feel so happy and am so appreciative that people love the restaurant,” she said. “We’re going to keep working hard to provide good service and good food for years to come.”

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FOR BOOKINGS: 715-345-2634 otismc@charter.net

Page 10 October 28, 2010

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

BEST HAIR SALON:

BEST DAY SPA:

THE WELLNESS SPA

CHANGES HAIR DESIGN

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL.

Stylists Dawn Dombroski, right, and Sheila Szymanski, above, cut hair for Steve Van Ark and John Clucas, respectfully, at Changes Hair Design, 1000 Prentice St. The business was voted the best hair salon in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Deb Adams, owner of The Wellness Spa, 3916 Water St., gives a massage. The Wellness Spa was voted the best day spa in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

by voters as the top day spa in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

The facility is complete with heated tables, heated Nestled on eight beautiful acres, The Wellness Spa floors and special lamps. in Stevens Point is a charming, serene and relaxing “We have 90 salt lamps throughout the spa, and they destination for anyone looking to unwind. produce negative ions which make people feel good Deborah Adams is the spa owner and has been a and relaxed,” Adams said. Negative ions are naturally therapist for 20 years. She started the business in produced in locations like beaches and mountains.

1994 in downtown Stevens Point, then relocated in “It is such a beautiful place and you really get to 1999 to the more than 100-year-old home that currentescape with the sound, music and smells,” said Sharon ly houses the day spa. An addition was made in 2005.

Mras, 62, who has been going to The Wellness Spa for The Wellness Spa offers many things ranging from spa services and shopping, to classes and a hair salon. 10 years.

Mras enjoys going to the day spa for massages and From the moment a customer walks in, he or she is pedicures, and loves how relaxing the experience is. greeted with a smile and a heated neck wrap.

“This is a spa experience and the journey starts in the parking lot,” Adams said. “The services here are Business name: The Wellness Spa awesome because we make it super special for each cliAddress: 3916 Water St., Stevens Point ent, and keep it consistent.”

Contact: 715-341-3333; www.wellnesssparesort.com That’s the reason The Wellness Spa was chosen

BY MADISON HEID FOR THE JOURNAL

BY MADISON HEID FOR THE JOURNAL

A welcoming atmosphere is what keeps loyal customers coming back to Changes Hair Design. That’s why the business was selected as the best hair salon in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Owner Sheila Szymanski opened the hair salon 18 years ago, and was joined about a year later by stylist Dawn Dombroski.

“We have a very relaxed, comfortable and friendly environment,” Dombroski said. “(Sheila and I) are like sisters, and (the clients) can feel that when they walk in.”

Steve VanArk is one of the business’s loyal customers. He has been going to Changes for 16 years and loves the feel of the salon.

“They are like my sisters,” VanArk said. “They do a great job and it’s very comfortable here.”

Business name: Changes Hair Design Address: 1000 Prentice St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-345-1800

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

STEVENS POINT AREA YMCA

BY ADAM MALOOLY FOR THE JOURNAL

Positive places for teens to hang out are graciously welcomed in any city, and the Stevens Point Area YMCA provides that type of place, specifically with its Teen Center and Teen Night activities.

David McDonald, 17, is president of the Teen Leaders Club and helps coordinate and involve area teens primarily by word of mouth.

“I like helping the community,” McDonald said. “Being president I wanted to take on more of a role in the group.”

Name: Stevens Point Area YMCA Teen Center Address: 1000 Division St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-342-2980, www.spymca.org

Adam Malooly/For the Journal

Allan Higgins, 13, of Stevens Point plays pool in the Teen Center at the Stevens Point Area YMCA. Higgins has been coming to the center for three years.

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BEST TEEN HANGOUT:

That’s why the facility was named the No. 1 teen hangout in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Youth and teen director Kyle Beach, along with other staff and volunteers, runs the center with financial backing from the United Way. The center offers a multitude of things to do including pool, ping-pong, video games, concession stands and study rooms.

Teen Nights also are held from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. most Saturdays. Open to all area teens in grades six to 12 at no charge, Teen Night activities include open gym, access to the Teen Center, music, Zumba classes and more, Beach said.

Teen Nights typically draw between 150 and 190 youths, while nightly Teen Center attendance is about 20 to 30 kids.

Allan Higgins, 13, of Stevens Point has been coming to the center for three years. He enjoys surfing the Internet and hanging out with friends while there, he said.

October 28, 2010 Page 11

Stevens Point • 715-344-8011 Hours: Mon-Wed 10am-6pm; Thur 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-3pm WI-5001199484

Page 12 October 28, 2010

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

HOT WORKOUT SPOT: ADVENTURE 212 AND STEVENS POINT AREA

YMCA

BY B.C. KOWALSKI JOURNAL STAFF

Whether the workout spot has been in town for decades, or is relatively new, one thing is certain: Portage County residents look for quality in a place to work out.

It’s for that reason Adventure 212 and the Stevens Point Area YMCA tied as the hottest workout spots in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Adventure 212, that has been around for three years, already boasts a huge membership that enjoys its 37,000square-foot facilities.

“We have a huge level of knowledge over our competitors,” Adventure 212 president Michelle Peariso said. “We’re kind of an all-in-one facility.”

The facility has all the amenities one would expect in a fitness center — weight rooms, dance/fitness class studios — but it also has a full-service spa, personal trainers, a therapy pool and a health bar to enjoy post-workout.

There also is a child-care facility on site so parents can bring their kids while they train.

Peariso said Adventure 212 membership is all-inclusive, meaning once you sign up everything but the spa and personal trainer are available.

“We have good customer loyalty,” Peariso said. “There’s no extra hassles.

Here you can come and go however your schedule allows.”

The Stevens Point Area YMCA has been a staple of the community for 40 years, and associate executive director Troy Durkee said the Y continues in that role by offering something for everyone.

Adventure 212 employee Brent Dammen assists member Nate Epestein on the bench press.

B.C. Kowalski/Stevens Point Journal

“We’re not only about helping the individual, but about helping the whole family,” Durkee said.

Not only does the YMCA offer a variety of classes for adults, but includes many children’s programs and a variety of activities in the community. For example, the YMCA hosts the annual Lactic Edge Triathlon every summer, which also features a kids triathlon.

Durkee said it’s the people at the YMCA that makes the difference.

“It’s not the weight room, it’s not the treadmill downstairs, it’s the people that make this place what it is,” Durkee said.

“I hope we’re always a staple in the community. We need to respond with the changing needs of the community.”

B.C. Kowalski/Stevens Point Journal

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students Trent Thibodeau, from left, Cassie Wolf and Andrea Boehlke train at the Stevens Point Area YMCA.

Business name: Adventure 212 Address: 3217 John Joanis Drive, Stevens Point Contact: 715-343-0212; www.adventure212.com

Business name: Stevens Point Area YMCA Address: 1000 Division St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-342-2980; www.spymca.org

Stevens Point Journal

2010 Portage County’s Best

October 28, 2010 Page 13

BEST TATTOO SHOP:

MONKEY WRENCH TATTOO & PIERCING

BY DAN RICHTER FOR THE JOURNAL

With its tidy, laid back setting and heavy metal music blaring in the background there’s no place Portage County residents would rather get ink done than at Monkey Wrench Tattoo & Piercing.

“You don’t always get to hear that people like what you’re doing,” said Shawn Turner, who’s DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL. owned the shop since 2004. “To Monkey Wrench Tattoo & Piercing, 913 Main St., was named the best tattoo parlor in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey. Tattoo have something that actually says artists Niel Marks, from left, Jonah Osgood, Shawn Turner (owner) and Dylan Marks pose outside the business. ‘you’re the best,’ that’s really cool.”

Just winning the title of best tattoo parlor in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey is a testament to the level of artistry that is performed at Monkey Wrench, Turner said.

“We do quality work for a fair price and that’s something you can’t find everywhere. It’s especially imporGet relief from stress, tant when you’re putting something on someone’s body chronic pain, and work-related that’s more or less permanent,” Turner said. “Such a muscle aches while staying wide range of people are getting tattooed now, from the within your budget.

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2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 14 October 28, 2010

BEST PLACE FOR DEALS:

KOHL’S

BY NICOLE STRITTMATER JOURNAL STAFF

Patricia Lundgren, 55, and her friend Barb Garfield, 58, both from Wisconsin Rapids, shopped at Kohl’s in Plover recently with a mission — to find a chair cover.

There was just one small problem — they couldn’t get past the purses, jewelry, clothes and makeup sections, because of all the good deals.

“We got distracted,” Lundgren said.

They weren’t surprised when they found out that Kohl’s was voted the best place to find deals in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“I think they’re really reasonable,” Garfield said.

“They’ve got great deals and really a nice selection of things.

“We can spend lots of money here.”

Courtney Piotrowski, 22, of Stevens Point shops at Kohl’s often for deals. She said she especially loves the Kohl’s Cash she earns. At various times during the year, Kohl’s gives out $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 a customer spends.

Piotrowski browsed the home goods section to decorate her dining room, but she said being six months pregnant she also finds deals in the maternity section beneficial.

“You just can’t go wrong with their prices,” she said.

Business name: Kohl’s Address: 150 Crossroads Drive, Plover Contact: 715-344-0480

Kohl’s department store in Crossroads Commons in Plover

Nicole Strittmater/Stevens Point Journal

Lydia Daniels, 22, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, looks for shoes at Kohl’s in Plover.

Stevens Point Journal

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 15

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE:

KOHL’S

BY NICOLE STRITTMATER JOURNAL STAFF

Lydia Daniels, 22, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, goes to Kohl’s in Plover for the deals and the customer service.

On a recent shopping excursion she browsed through the purses, jewelry and then the shoes. She wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but Kohl’s sent her a coupon like they often do, so she had to find something to buy.

Even though she didn’t need anything, she didn’t have a problem finding a pair of sandals on clearance, perfect for next summer.

Daniels knew when Lydia Daniels she got to the checkout line she could also expect speedy service, from clerks who always try to give her the best deals and coupons.

It’s for that reason she thinks Kohl’s in Plover was right in being voted best in customer service in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

The customer service is “awesome,” she said.

“It’s not overwhelming, but if we look a little lost they’ll come up to us. Checkout is more than what’s expected,” she said, referring to how they always try to give customers the best coupons at the register.

Vicki Shamion, Kohl’s senior vice president of public relations and community relations in Kohl’s corporate offices, provided a statement about the win.

“Kohl’s is honored to be recognized by its customers for our continuing efforts to provide high quality customer service and a variety of ways to get great values on the brands they love,” she said in a statement. “Kohl’s commitment to customer service has also been recognized by the National Retail Federation, which for the past five years has listed Kohl’s among retailers that offer the best customer service. In addition, Kohl’s has ranked among the top retailers in the University of Michigan’s customer satisfaction survey for eight consecutive years.”

The customer service is “awesome,”

Business name: Kohl’s Address: 150 Crossroads Drive, Plover Contact: 715-344-0480

Nicole Strittmater/Stevens Point Journal

Employee Erica Persson assists Jenna Ebben, 21, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, at Kohl’s in Plover.

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Page 16 October 28, 2010

BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE:

PINK BOUTIQUE

BY NICOLE STRITTMATER JOURNAL STAFF

Walk into Pink Boutique in Stevens Point and you’ll feel like you’re in a big city.

It’s got all the clothes and accessories you’d expect to find inside a store in Manhattan or Chicago, and it’s right here in central Wisconsin.

That is exactly what owner Jaime Stepan of Mosinee wanted to create when the store opened in 2005. The boutique is a women’s clothing and accessories store that specializes in designer denim.

“It’s all the stuff you can only find in boutiques in larger cities,” she said. “Always for shopping trips I’d go out of town.”

Stepan had no idea about the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey or that readers voted her store the best shopping experience in Portage County, but she was excited people appreciate the type of shopping experience she is trying to give the area.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said.

Business name: Pink Boutique Address: 3233 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point Contact: 715-344-8011

Nicole Strittmater/Stevens Point Journal

Pink Boutique owner Jaime Stepan looks through her stock.

Stevens Point Journal

BEST HIDDEN TREASURE:

BURTON SUZUKI STUDIO teaching at UWSP for 17 years, then Jennifer Burton’s teaching at Suzuki studio may not be Institute of Dallas a specific location for 14 years before — she teaches at returning to St. Paul’s United Wisconsin in 2006.

Methodist Church While the Suzuki in Stevens Point, method is primarThe Springs, Your ily focused on United Methodist children, it’s also Community in effective for adults, Plover and the Burton said. One Jensen Community of her students is Center in Amherst in her 80s and has — but the selfbeen learning from esteem boost kids, Burton for about and adults, get from four years. her violin/viola les“Talk about a sons is anything but hidden treasure,” hidden. said Marcy Kirsch It’s for that reaof Stevens Point. son Burton Suzuki “I knew all along Studio was voted she was the hidden the best hidden treasure of Portage treasure in the County. She’s very Stevens Point charismatic, she Journal’s Portage just connects with County’s Best readall of us, we all love er survey. her. Beyond that, Burton, who she is an excellent received her teacher.” master’s degree in Students come music education at from various parts the University of of Portage County Wisconsin-Stevens and beyond — Point, didn’t grow Neenah, Oshkosh up with the Suzuki and Waupaca, to method. It wasn’t name a few — to until she encounlearn from Burton. tered a group of Burton said the Suzuki students Suzuki method’s while attending goal is to go UW-Eau Claire that beyond just learnshe realized the ing music.

B.C. Kowalski/Stevens Point Journal potential the teach“The No. 1 thing ing method offered. Jennifer Burton of Burton Suzuki Studio, left, teaches Marcy Kirsch of Stevens is to help a child’s “There was a Point during a violin lesson at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Stevens self-esteem,” group of kids who Point.

Burton said. were especially kind as well as high achievers,” Burton “Everyone has hidden talents. I just help unlock the said. “There was something special about them. They part of a child that makes music and can create.” treated everyone in the class with respect.”

The Suzuki method of teaching music is different than the typical method of teaching. Instead of the parent dropping off their child once a week, parents parBusiness name: Burton Suzuki Studio ticipate in the lesson, learning the basics of how to play Contact: 715-252-0703; and teaching their child at home. www.burtonsuzukistudio.com Burton earned her master’s degree with a Suzuki method emphasis and as been using it ever since,

BY B.C. KOWALSKI JOURNAL STAFF

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 17

BEST AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE:

D&D AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES INC.

BY DAN RICHTER FOR THE JOURNAL

When faced with car trouble, the majority of Portage County residents look no further than D&D Automotive Services Inc. Dave Harvath, owner of the modest but popular body shop, was elated to find out his business was named the best place for automotive service in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey, going so far as to call the win “humbling.”

“To me it’s a huge honor,” Harvath said. “I’m moved by the fact that my customers think enough of the business to award us this title.”

Harvath said that by providing top-of-the-line repairs and by offering services that can’t easily be found at other body shops, such as performance tuning and rebuilding transmissions in-house, D&D has made many customers for life.

“Our primary job is to inform our customers so they can make educated decisions concerning the DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL.

Nikki Coulthurst, left, and Greg Worden work on automobiles at D&D Automotive Services Inc., 2916 Minnesota Ave. The business was voted the best place for automotive service in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County Best reader survey.

THE WOODEN CHAIR 1059 Main St.,

repair of their vehicles and they appreciate that,” Harvath said.

Dan Griffin, an employee at Welling Woodworks in Stevens Point, said it’s the expert knowledge of the D&D staff and the quick turnaround time that keeps both he and his employer coming to the shop.

“I bring my personal vehicle to D&D and we at Welling Woodworks also bring our fleet vehicles here,” Griffin said. “Whenever we need something done immediately they definitely go out of their way to make it happen.”

For Harvath, who started the business 21 years ago, working at D&D isn’t work at all.

“I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life because I love it here,” he said. “The variety and the challenge of solving someone’s problem — it’s great.”

Business name: D&D Automotive Services Inc. Address: 2916 Minnesota Ave., Stevens Point Contact: 715-344-6707; www.dndautorepair.com

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2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER:

JOHN HARTMAN

BY B.C. KOWALSKI JOURNAL STAFF

Even for someone who has seen a lot of photographs, John Hartman’s photos stand out as particularly unique.

It’s for that reason that Hartman was voted best photographer in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Accepting new challenges and keeping up with, and ahead of, the changing photography industry is something that keeps Hartman going every day.

“Getting up in the morning, I say ‘Thank goodness it’s Monday. I get to go to work,’” Hartman said. “I don’t see a need for retirement. I’m not looking forward to it, I’m having way too much fun.”

Hartman, 54, has been a photographer most of his life.

He’s seen and embraced the shift from film to digital photography and has made a business out of using that technology to do things the average person, and even the average photographer, can’t.

“I’m going to continue to stay relative through innovation,” Hartman said. “I’m finding out what isn’t being done and then I do that. There will always be a market for what I’m doing.”

Hartman’s studio on Clark Street contains several examples of his work. Senior portraits depict high school seniors swimming to victory, grinding gears in full cycling racing garb or launching an all-terrain vehicle through thick, spraying mud. Hartman said he likes

depicting seniors doing the things they do.

And the students love it too. Students travel from an 80-mile radius to have their senior photos taken by Hartman.

Hartman also donates his time to creating calendars for local sports teams, for which Spectra Print prints at cost. The calendars give teams something to look on with pride and allows Hartman to give back to the community.

Business name: Contemporary Photography Address: 1416 Clark St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-3527; jhartmanphoto.com

John Hartman photographs the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point women’s basketball team at Berg Gymnasium in Stevens Point. The team’s coach, Shirley Egner, holds the light for Hartman as he shoots the photo for the team’s calendar.

B.C. Kowalski/Stevens Point Journal

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DATE:

SILVER COACH

BY MADISON HEID FOR THE JOURNAL

The idea of dining in a 1905 Barney and Smith sleeper car doesn’t sound all that enticing, but the Silver Coach has transformed a railcar into the ultimate romantic destination in Portage County.

That’s one of the reason’s the restaurant was voted the No. 1 place for a romantic date in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Rob Tuszka, who co-owns the restaurant along with his wife, Brenda, bought the establishment about 10 years ago.

“This is the oldest restaurant in the area, and it is a unique building with a cozy atmosphere,” Tuszka said.

BEST PLACE FOR A CHEAP DATE:

BELTS’ SOFT SERVE

BY NICOLE STRITTMATER JOURNAL STAFF

Cole Racine, assistant manager of Belts’ Soft Serve, can always tell if a couple is on a first date when they order their ice cream.

Sometimes it’s that awkward “who’s going to pay” moment.

But it’s not only couples on first dates who stop by for a treat. He once had a man propose to his girlfriend at Belts’ because that’s where they had their first date.

In fact, their wedding party, and many others over the years, even stopped at Belts’ before the reception.

Some people have even come to the window looking for dates with Belts’ employees, but that’s a different story.

Someone once told Racine Belts’ is the perfect spot to take a date, because it doesn’t cost much and if the lines are long it’s the perfect time to flirt. So it comes

October 28, 2010 Page 19

The restaurant has secluded rooms for two that are perfect for a romantic date, as well as a larger dining area.

The food is made from scratch, and always has fresh ingredients. Tuszka strives to use the best quality ingredients with all of his entrees.

“Everyone eats with their eyes, so we make food that has lots of freshness and color,” Tuszka said.

The restaurant is popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and even a number of engagements. This is why Ginny Little and her husband, Bill, eat there at least once a year.

“We’ve been going there for our anniversary,” Little said. “We go in the summer and eat out on the deck.”

Her husband enjoys the pecan-encrusted salmon, while she enjoys the tenderloin. She said the Silver Coach is a special place for them to eat, and they really enjoy going there.

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL.

Business name: Silver Coach Address: 38 Park Ridge Drive, Park Ridge Contact: 715-341-6588; www.silvercoachrestaurant.com as no surprise that Belts’ was voted the best place for an cheap date in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“Everyone loves ice cream,” said Racine, whose father, Dan, owns the store.

Corey Lepak, 20, and his girlfriend, Rebecca Wood, 19, both University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students, split a heaping mound of chocolate ice cream in late September. They said they go to Belts’ often, because the portions are huge and the check is small.

Lepak said he gets a lot of bang for his buck.

“It’s really cheap and you can’t go wrong with ice cream,” Wood said.

Heidi and Brad Scholze of Rudolph toast their seventh wedding anniversary in the Glen Flora Room at the Silver Coach, 38 Park Ridge Drive in Park Ridge. Silver Coach was voted the best place for a romantic date in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Belts’ is closed for the season but will re-open March 4.

Business name: Belts’ Soft Serve Address: 2140 Division St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-344-0049

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2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 20 October 28, 2010

BEST LOCAL BAND:

BEST LIVE MUSIC:

SPICY TIE BAND

BY ADAM MALOOLY FOR THE JOURNAL

You’ve probably heard the name in conversation, or advertised on television or radio, because the Spicy Tie Band has been rocking events since its inception in 1999.

The Stevens Point-based band recently was named the best local band in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

The Spicy Tie Band began as a five-piece ensemble, playing its first show in the dead of winter, with three feet of snow on the ground, at the former Super Bowl (now Opi’s Sports Bar & Grill) in Plover.

“Some of the showgoers arrived via snowmobile,” founding band member Pat Dunn fondly remembers.

The band has changed members throughout the years while growing into its current complement of eight performers. The two longest-running members

are Pat and Patience Dunn, who have been there since the beginning. Bass player Eric Schmies is a close third, having joined the band in 2001.

The Spicy Tie Band is an all-cover band, playing for public and private shows in Wisconsin and the Midwest. They had a recent gig at a convention in St. Louis, and enjoy playing a variety of venues.

“When you do too much of one thing it gets to be mundane, so you have to keep a good mix going,” Dunn said.

The band also was voted the best wedding band in 2010 by Wisconsin Bride Magazine.

“The group is much more than just a band,” said Dunn. “It’s a little family kind of thing.

“We do it because we like to have fun.”

Photo courtesy of Dunn Entertainment

Band members are: • Pat Dunn - Vocals, guitar • Patience Dunn - Vocals • Eric Schmies - Bass • Brian Chojnacki - Vocals

• Josh Frekmiller - Drums • Tom Jaworski - Keyboard • Rob Raflik - Guitar • Brad Pagel - Trumpet

Contact: 715-341-3967; www.dunnentertainment.com

Stevens Point Journal

The Spicy Tie Band is an all-cover band, playing public and private shows in Wisconsin and the Midwest.

RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL

BY ADAM MALOOLY FOR THE JOURNAL

The number of places to catch live, local music in Portage County has declined in recent years, but Rudy’s Redeye Grill at Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center in Stevens Point has been doing something to reverse that trend.

The local restaurant and bar offers live entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Friday.

For that reason, Rudy’s was named the best place for live music in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“If you want to go out, it’s extremely hard to find good quality live music,” said Rick Johnson, food and beverages director for the Holiday Inn. “There’s no cover, and we’ve always done it that way.”

The restaurant focuses on bands that play “music people know,” said Christine Liebe, restaurant manager. Upcoming bands include Howard ‘Guitar’ Luedtke, Outta Hand, The Traveling Harts and Mike Droho.

Johnson and Liebe say business at Rudy’s has increased during the last year, and credit their great staff for the venue’s success.

The business also is looking to the future.

“Look for some exciting changes to come,” Johnson said.

Adam Malooly/For the JournaL

The band Backseat Driver performs recently at Rudy’s Redeye Grill.

Business name: Rudy’s Redeye Grill Address: 1001 Amber Ave., Stevens Point Contact: 715-344-9808; www.rudysstevenspoint.com

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 21

BEST CAR DEALER:

MARK TOYOTA

BY ADAM MALOOLY FOR THE JOURNAL

You’ve seen the loud and memorable commercials, and you’ve heard the slogan “put your mark on the road.” Staff at Mark Toyota have been using that energy to help customers do just that since 1988.

That’s why the business was named the best car dealer in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Mark and Patti Olinyk started their business in Wisconsin Rapids, with their Plover store opening in December 2005.

“Over half of the business, from the beginning, came from Portage Mark Olinyk County and the surrounding area,” said Mark Olinyk of his reason for the move to Plover. “We have a good partnership with the area; we love the people.”

He said Highway 54 also allows customers from Wisconsin Rapids to easily make the trip to the Plover location.

Mark Toyota’s involvement in the community also is evident, with the Portage County Rapid Response Vehicle being donated by Toyota and the dealership.

The keys for a 2010 Toyota Tundra also were given to the American Red Cross of Portage County.

“We just want to give back as much as we can,” owner Mark Olinyk said.

“Over half of the business, from the beginning, came from Portage County and the surrounding area.

We have a good partnership with the area; we love the people.”

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DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL

Mark Olinyk, of Mark Motors in Plover, has received several awards for his dealership’s involvement in the community.

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2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 22 October 28, 2010

Stevens Point Journal

BEST SPORTS BAR:

GRAFFITI’S SPORTS PUB

BY CARA SPOTO JOURNAL STAFF

When Troy Hojnacki opened Graffiti’s Sports Pub in downtown Stevens Point, he wanted a place everyone could feel not only welcome, but comfortable. He named it after a sports bar in Korea that a friend of his, a former G.I., used to visit while stationed in the country.

“Koreans, American G.I.’s, Brazilians, everybody got along. It was a big melting pot. From suits and ties to T-shirts and blue jeans — everybody got along,” said Hojnacki, 41, of Stevens Point, who co-owns the bar with Dan Retzki. “I wanted to create a place with a quality atmosphere, where you could come after work, no matter where you work, and feel comfortable and feel at home.”

That atmosphere is just one of the reasons people voted Graffiti’s the best sports bar in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey. The other reason is simple — the ability to watch the game from nearly every spot in the bar, even if you need to duck into the bathroom.

Originally located at 835 Main St., Grafitti’s opened its current location, 912 Main St., five years ago and earned an award for best restored building in the state of Wisconsin.

One of the hallmarks of CARA SPOTO/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL the bar is what University Football fans watch the Green Bay Packers play the Chicago Bears Sept. 27 at Graffiti’s Sports of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pub. student Jordan Gross, 24, describes as its “smorgasbord of TVs.” In addition to its giant projector screen TVs, there are smaller TVs pepBusiness name: Graffiti’s Sports Pub pered throughout the bar, even in the men’s room.

Address: 912 Main St., Stevens Point Sitting with friend and fellow student, Tyler Bastian, Contact: 715-344-4450; 23, Gross said he often comes to the bar to watch football. www.graffitissportspub.com “There’s (a) good atmosphere,” he said.

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE:

PARTNERS PUB

BY ADAM MALOOLY FOR THE JOURNAL

We’ve heard the good and the bad, from the young and the old. And on alternating Wednesday and Thursday nights, you can enjoy karaoke at Partners Pub in Stevens Point.

Whether belting out your favorite song or just sitting back to enjoy others step up to the microphone, Partners Pub offers a diverse atmosphere to do both.

That’s why the local pub and grill was voted the best place for karaoke in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

“I like stopping by on karaoke night with a few friends, it’s pretty fun,” said University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student Mara Thiel. When asked if she would go up on stage and do a number she replied with a laugh, “Probably not.”

Paul Korbisch, the bar’s manager, said he sees some people who really enjoy going up to sing and others who do not.

“We have our regulars,” he said. “We have some people show up every week, and it’s the highlight of their week to get up and sing.”

Johnny Copps of Sing That Tune Entertainment has been serving the area with disc jockey and karaoke services since 1990 and is the regular DJ during karaoke nights at Partners Pub. Bill Hill serves as DJ on nights when there’s no karaoke.

In addition to karaoke, Partners Pub also is known for its popular 99-cent bottle night on Wednesdays. Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers games also draw a crowd, with drink specials and free snacks during the game.

Adam Malooly/For the Journal

Mara Thiel and Jackie Boeck share a laugh while Tuck Pence performs at Partners Pub in Stevens Point.

Business name: Partners Pub Address: 2600 Stanley St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-544-0661; www.partners-pub.com

2010 Portage County’s Best

Stevens Point Journal

October 28, 2010 Page 23

BEST BARTENDERS:

BRIAN CLANCEY AND SCOTTY KERSTEN

Scotty Kersten stands behind the bar at Joe’s Bar, 831 Main St. Kersten was voted one of the best bartenders in the area in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

DOUG WOJCIK/STEVENS POINT JOURNAL.

Brian Clancey of Clancey’s Stone Lion, 7214 Custer Drive in Custer, stands next to his large selection of Irish whiskeys. Clancey was voted one of the best bartenders in the area in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

BY DAN RICHTER FOR THE JOURNAL

There’s such a vast amount of bars and taverns in Business name: Joe’s Bar Portage County that, naturally, you couldn’t choose Address: 831 Main St., Stevens Point just one winner for best bartender in the Stevens Point Contact: 715-344-9827 Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

Luckily the area is big enough for two favorites, with Brian Clancey from Clancey’s Stone Lion and Scotty Kersten from Joe’s Bar tying for first place.

CHANGES Best of Clancey was intrigued by the vote and cited his years of HAIR DESIGN Portage County bartending experience as a possible reason for the win.

“I’ve worked in taverns since I was 18 and bartended for 15 years on the square while I went to school,” said We wish to Thank our loyal clients for your many Clancey, owner of Clancey’s Stone Lion, an almostyears of patronage. We look forward to many more. authentic Irish pub in Custer. “I get along with people great. Maybe I just had some of that Irish luck on my Close to UWSP & YMCA side, I don’t know.”

715-345-1800 • 1000 Prentice Stevens Point Scotty at Joe’s Bar on Main Street has worked at that New Clients Always Welcome establishment on and off since 1998 and was equally surprised by the vote.

“It’s unexpected but a very kind gesture by the patrons Voted who voted for me,” he said. “I’ll just keep doing what I do Best of because people must like it.”

Portage Open Bowling, College Rock N’ Bowl County Dave Way, a regular at Clancey’s Stone Lion, said Birthday Packages, Adult & Junior Leagues he voted for Clancey because of his friendly demeanor (New) Legend Larry’s Sauces toward patrons and because of the tavern’s diverse On Our Chicken Wings Bone In or Boneless menu of food, which includes items such as lasagna and Friday Fish Fry Broasted Chicken Eat in or Carry Out Guinness pot roast.

Baked or Deep Fried Dinner or Buckets Lunch Served Daily at 11am 11am - 9pm 11am - 10pm Full Service Menu “Clancey’s just a real nice guy and he serves good beer, good food, and I appreciate that,” said Way, a resident of the town of Hull. “It’s a unique bar and great place to go.” www.pointbowl.com WI-5001198805

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Business name: Clancey’s Stone Lion Address: 7214 Custer Drive, Custer Contact: 715-592-4511

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2010 Portage County’s Best

Page 24 October 28, 2010

Stevens Point Journal

BEST JEWELER:

LEE AYERS JEWELERS

BY ADAM MALOOLY FOR THE JOURNAL

Jewelry has captured the eyes, hearts and minds of people throughout the years, and Lee Ayers Jewelers has made catering to that desire its mission in the Stevens Point area since 1985.

That’s why the business was named the top jeweler in the Stevens Point Journal’s Portage County’s Best reader survey.

With 13 employees on staff, including four full-time goldsmiths, Lee Ayers offers the full range of services you have come to appreciate and expect from the top-notch jeweler, from custom design to repair and everything in between.

All in-house design is done by Thomas Dailing, a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate who is well-known in the world of jewelry design. He has worked at Lee Ayers for about 25 years.

“I eat, live and breathe this stuff,” said Dailing, “but I don’t feel like I’ve gone to work in 25 years.”

One of Dailing’s designs was recently accepted into the gem collection at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.

Lee Ayers also has a long-standing and growing client base.

Recently engaged Danialle Rupert’s ring was “exactly what I would have picked out for myself,” she said.

The business also prides itself in giving back to the community and to the arts by donating unique, handmade pieces for various events.

Business name: Lee Ayers Jewelers Address: 1044 Main St., Stevens Point Contact: 715-341-0411; www.ayersjewelers.com Adam Malooly/For the Journal

Sue Kramer helps a customer at Lee Ayers Jewelers in Stevens Point.

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