6 minute read
FAVORITE FOOD
Kaiyo Sushi, SW Hwy 20, Albany
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BEST SALAD BAR/SALAD
Winner: Sizzler, Albany
Sizzler’s line of steaks and seafood doesn’t need an introduction, but its salad bar is often underappreciated. For less than $10, you can have an unlimited amount of greens, toppings and dressings. Sizzler prides itself on fresh ingredients, locally sourced when available, served in a clean and family-friendly environment. Sizzler has also begun offering signature craft salads, including a fruit-quinoa salad, a sweet potato and pomegranate salad and a spinach and cranberry salad.
BEST SUSHI
Winner: Kaiyo Sushi, Albany
If you’ve never been to a conveyer-belt sushi restaurant, be careful, because it’s very easy to keep grabbing plates until you’ve rung up quite a bill. It’s especially a problem when the food is as good as it is at Kaiyo Sushi. Kaiyo has a long list of selections on its menu, with some of the highlights being a crunchy California roll, a green dragon roll with tempura shrimp, and the chef’s sashimi platter.
Favorite: Ginza Japanese Restaurant, Albany Favorite: Sada Sushi & Izakaya, Corvallis
Sugar Vibes, S Main St., Lebanon
BEST VEGETARIAN/ VEGAN
Winner: Café Yumm!, Corvallis
Café Yumm locations have become a staple in the Pacifi c Northwest. If you’ve never been, Café Yumm’s most famous menu item is its line of bowls fi lled to the brim with rice, beans and vegetables. The bowls are usually slathered in Café Yumm’s Original Yumm Sauce, a tangy, savory sauce made from almonds, garbanzo beans and garlic. If you don’t want your food in a bowl, Café Yumm also off ers salads, wraps and bento boxes.
BEST BURGER
Winner: First Burger, Albany
This lively, family-owned restaurant stands for nothing short of perfection with its burgers. Sink your teeth into favorites such as the Uncle Sam, Down the Hatch, Western 50/50 or the California Burger. Alternatively, customize your patty with limitless combinations of cheeses, toppings and house-made sauces. All burgers are served with a heap of waffl e fries and a salad. For just $2.25 extra, add in tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings or chili.
BEST DOUGHNUT
Winner: Sugar Vibes Donut Company, Lebanon
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sugar Vibes Donut Company. From apple fritters to Bavarian cream to the classic maple bar, Sugar Vibes off ers a mouthwatering selection of doughnuts made fresh daily. After a tasty treat, wash down the sugar rush with a warm and soothing cup of coff ee. Be sure to drop in earlier in the day, though; this local bakery frequently sells out of its gourmet pastries.
Favorite: Cork’s Old Fashioned Donuts, Albany Favorite: BakerzDozen, Albany
BEST FRENCH FRIES
Winner: Hasty Freez, Albany
On the outside, this drive-thru, pick-up-only fast-food joint appears ordinary and unassuming. But this tiny structure contains the best fries in the Willamette Valley. Fresh out of the fryer and lightly salted, these heavenly fries will leave you wanting more. For the ultimate savory experience, Hasty provides its own fry sauce and ketchup on the side.
Hasty Freez, SW Lyon St., Albany
BEST FROZEN YOGURT/ ICE CREAM
Winner: BJ’s Ice Cream, Albany, Lebanon
I scream, you scream, we all scream for BJ’s Ice Cream! With nearly 50 featured fl avors to choose from, BJ’s is sure to have the dessert of your dreams. Craving something salty? Salted Caramel Swirl or Salted Chocolate Waffl e are at your service. Sorbet lovers have the option of Rainbow, Mango or Raspberry. For brave souls, try Grasshopper or Bittersweet Nugget. Non-dairy options are available as well, and the parlor off ers both dine-in and takeout.
Favorite: Hasty Freez, Albany Favorite: Yogurt Extreme, Albany, Corvallis
BEST PIZZA
Winner: Southpaw’s Pizza & Sports Bar, Albany
Calling all pizza lovers! Step into Southpaw’s and sink your teeth into Hawaiian, pepperoni, veggie or combo pizza made to order and topped with authentic ingredients. Sizes vary from 8-inch personals to the 16-inch XL. Try the specialty pizzas made with gluten-free and caulifl ower crust options, also available online. While eating, catch the latest football game and cheer on your favorite team, or head to the full-service bar to enjoy local brews.
Favorite: Krakelen Wood Fired Pizza, Albany Favorite: American Dream Pizza, Corvallis
BEST STEAK
Winner: Sybaris Bistro, Albany
these steak cuts and more. This bistro will deliver excellence, cooked to your preference and tender, straight to your taste buds. Relax in this classy atmosphere and order a cocktail laden with fl avor to accompany your meal.
BEST TACO
Winner: TacoVino, Corvallis
Everything’s coming up tacos at this 100% gluten-free Corvallis restaurant. TacoVino features a menu packed to the brim with barbacoa, Korean beef short rib, al pastor, caramelized tempeh, fi sh and a daily special. For the little ones, brisket, chicken and pork tacos are a great choice. All-natural corn tortillas are prepared daily in the kitchen.
BEST VEGGIE BURGER
Winner: Frankie’s, Albany
Owned by two fi rm believers in the farm-to-table movement, this charming, rustic eatery boasts vegetarian-friendly meals hearty with fl avor and love. Its crown jewel? The Beyond Veggie Burger with a vegetarian patty, jalapeño cream cheese, caramelized onion, roasted red peppers and butter lettuce on a housemade bun.
BEST STEAK
Winner: Sybaris Bistro, Albany
Filet mignon, prime rib, sirloin, oh my! Sybaris off ers all of these steak cuts and more. This bistro will deliver excellence, cooked to your preference and tender, straight to your taste buds. Relax in this classy atmosphere and order a cocktail laden with fl avor to accompany your meal.
BEST TACO
Winner: TacoVino, Corvallis
Everything’s coming up tacos at this 100% gluten-free Corvallis restaurant. TacoVino features a menu packed to the brim with barbacoa, Korean beef short rib, al pastor, caramelized tempeh, fi sh and a daily special. For the little ones, brisket, chicken and pork tacos are a great choice. All-natural corn tortillas are prepared daily in the kitchen.
BEST VEGGIE BURGER
Winner: Frankie’s, Albany
Owned by two fi rm believers in the farm-to-table movement, this charming, rustic eatery boasts vegetarianfriendly meals hearty with fl avor and love. Its crown jewel? The Beyond VegSybaris, 1st St., Albany
gie Burger with a vegetarian patty, jalapeño cream cheese, caramelized onion, roasted red peppers and butter lettuce on a house-made bun. Favorite: Squirrel’s Tavern, Corvallis Favorite: First Burger, Corvallis
FarmtoTableDiningandCocktails
IndoorandOutdoorDining (541)248–3671•www.frankies-oregon.com
