2016 Best of Lawrence by Sunflower Publishing

2016

Best Bartender

68 Best Dentist!

5 6 1 e d i s n I s r e n n i W

Best Mexican Food

Best Gift Shop!

Best Nurse

e ik or St

Plus! Insider tips from our best and brightest.

e Presented by th l-World Lawrence Journa

B es

Best Toy Store 60

Best Beer Selection

2013

2014

2015

2016

THANK YOU LAWRENCE, for voting us Best in Lawrence four years in a row!

Salon Di Marco & Day Spa Hair • Skin • Body

733 Massachusetts Street • 785.843.0044

Open 7 Days a Week

Mon-Fri 9am-8pm • Sat 8am-8pm Sun 11am-7pm

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Full service hair and nail salon • Full body waxing Facial and body treatments • Massage and Reiki

Table of CONTENTS 15

BEST FOOD & DINING

New Restaurant, Chinese Food, BBQ, Restaurant Dish, Fresh Produce, Mexican, Breakfast Spot, Dessert

BEST COMMUNITY

BEST SHOPPING

Gift Shop, Unique Store, Gardening Store, Second-Hand Store, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing Store, New + Used Car, Jewelry Store, Furniture Store

BEST HEALTH & FITNESS

Gym, Personal Trainer, Martial Arts, Massage Therapy, Family Doctor, Acupuncture, Nurse

BEST SERVICES

Pet Care, Handyman (or Lady), Hair Stylist, T-shirt or Screen Printing, Painting Services, Auto Service Repair, Interior Design, Law Firm

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Date Spot, Cocktail, Happy Hour, Local Band, Bar, Beer Selection, Wine List Photo by Doug Stremel

Unsung Hero, Artist, Place to Take an Out-of-towner, New Business, Place to Work (Small Business), Radio Station, University Teacher, Family Fun

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

FeelIng HopeleSS FroM DepreSSIon?

There’S one More ThInG To Try.

Deep TMS!

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Interpersonal Psychiatry is the only provider of Deep TMS treatment in the Lawrence, Kansas area

To learn more, visit ip-psych.com, or contact us for a free consultation: 785. 393.6167.

ip-psych.com

Deep TMS is: • Safe • FDA-approved

Hiten Soni, MD

• Painless

Quick and convenient, this outpatient treatment doesn’t require medication, anesthesia or sedation, so you can go about your day. Plus, unlike other depression treatments, to there are no side effects. So, if you feel like you’ve tried it all, don’t despair. There is hope. Get your energy back. Improve your outlook on life. And finally break the cycle of depression with Deep TMS.

Published by:

645 New Hampshire | Lawrence, KS 66044 | www.bestoflawrence.com

General Manager, Scott Stanford media division, the world co.

General Manager, Katy Ibsen Sunflower Publishing

Senior Account Executive, Joanne Morgan Sunflower Publishing Editor

Nadia Imafidon

Copy Editor

Leslie Andres

Writers

Becky Bridson Melinda Briscoe Meryl Carver-Allmond Thaddeus Haverkamp Seth Jones Katie Kutsko Nick Spacek Liz Weslander

Photographers

Kevin Anderson Richard Gwin Nick Krug Bill Stephens Doug Stremel Mike Yoder John Young

Designer

Jenni Leiste

production team leader

Shelly Bryant

urvey and Communications Tony Barton S Amy Elzea Bill Fowle Adrian Jacobs Glen Stansberry Marketing

B E ST OF L AW R E NC E 2 0 1 6

Allie Sebelius

Excellence is here to stay.

Truven Health 100 Top

re c i p i e n t

Hospitals®

2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016

Ranks among the

Top 20 of 950

LMH is the only hospital

in Kansas to achieve this honor four times

medium community

hospitals

Proud to be among four locally owned and operated hospitals in our top 20 category.

If all patients in the nation

received the level of care provided at 100 Top Hospitals:

104,000

more lives saved

48,400

Nearly fewer patients with complications

About 100 Top Hospitals – 2016 Hospitals cannot apply for the 100 Top Hospitals award – results are based on an objective, independent study by Truven Health Analytics (now in its 23rd year).

$2 billion

saved in inpatient costs

2,769

hospitals studied

hospital categories

• major teaching hospitals • teaching hospitals • large community hospitals • medium community hospitals • small community hospitals

4 eleven

performance

areas evaluated clinical and operational

1/2-day

shorter patient stays

10 minutes

less time spent in the emergency room

245,000

Nearly fewer 30-day readmissions

As one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals, LMH demonstrates excellence in patient outcomes and experiences, operational efficiency, and financial strength. Learn more at lmh.org/100top.

Hospitals do not pay to market this achievement. The 100 Top Hospitals® program is a registered trademark of Truven Health Analytics.™

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Dear Reader, Growing conditions that make my yard look like I know what I’m doing. Weather that lets me play golf in every month of the year. A five-minute commute. Briarwood.The camarones barrachos off the menu at Mexquisito, the ciabatta French dip sandwich at Free State Brewery, and the shrimp and grits at Merchants Pub and Plate. People who say “hi” when you greet them on the street. These are some things that come to mind when I think of the best of Lawrence. I know it’s different for others. I know because we ask you to share your Best of Lawrence every year. And you always respond passionately. This year, 12,624 of you gave us your picks for the Best of Lawrence—a new record for participation. Here’s how we do this. During the month of February, we surveyed residents on every subject imaginable from the best hamburger to the best dentist. Survey participation is conducted online and is limited to one ballot per registered user. This year’s multiple-choice survey featured 165 categories, and 424,597 votes were cast. In most categories, we listed up to the top 10 vote getters from the previous year and allowed for write-ins, as well. Which is a good thing—we received more than 28,000 write-in votes this year! The survey was divided into six themes: food and dining, community, health and fitness, services, shopping, and entertainment and nightlife. Best of Lawrence is truly meant to reflect the collective tastes of the residents who make up this great community. In that vein, we’re always up for suggestions to make it more representative. If you have any ideas for years going forward, please share with us by emailing info@bestoflawrence.com. The 2016 Best of Lawrence is meant to celebrate the shops, restaurants and people that distinguish the community. We hope you find the magazine as helpful and fun as we intended it to be.

—Scott Stanford, General Manager, Media Division, The World Company

On the cover 2016

Best Bartender

76 Best Dentist!

165 Winners Inside

Best Mexican Food

Best Gift Shop!

Best Nurse

Best Toy Store 60

e ik

e or St

Plus! Insider tips from our best and brightest.

B es tB

Presented by the rld Lawrence Journal-Wo

Best Beer Selection

When it comes to naming everything that makes Lawrence the best, there is no shortage of candidates in this town—hence the 165 categories you voted on for the contest. To show the variety of these entities, we collected items to represent as many categories as we could on the cover of the magazine. We grabbed guitar picks for best local band, a stethoscope for best family doctor, a gavel (shout out to the city manager’s office!) for best law firm, and a post-shoot snack, guacamole and chips, for best Mexican food, in addition to many other items. Photo by Doug Stremel

Photos from left to right, top to bottom: Jason Dailey, Kevin Anderson Bill Stephens, Nick Krug, Sara Shepherd, Richard Gwin, John Young, Kevin Anderson, Mike Yoder, Kevin Anderson, Jason Dailey, Mike Yoder, Bill Stephens, Bill Stephens, Nick Krug and Lawrence Journal-World File Photo.

bestoflawrence.com

contest

165

495 busin e ss e s plac e d 1 st, 2 nd , or 3 rd

Categories

28,597 W rit e - I ns

PUBLICATION

BALLOT VOTES

424,597 VOTES 12,624 R e gist e r e d us e rs

Record-breaking turnout!

8 writers

396,000

Best of Lawrence By the numbers

PUBLICATION

112 pages

221

photographers

stories

photos submitted

photos published

items used in cover shoot

Timeline

twentynine

thirteen

days of voting

days of writing stories

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

FIVE days of editing stories

ten

days of magazine production

Creating a naturally beautiful smile designed specifically for you!

“The most wonderful part of our practice is when your family becomes part of ours.”

Thanks for voting for us 5 consecutive years in Best of Lawrence!

– Ranjbar Orthodontics

4828 Quail Crest Place | 785.832.1844 | ranjbarorthodontics.com

An Elite Preferred Invisalign Provider

Making Lawrence Families Smile for Over 20 Years.

Fine Arts Unique • Functional

FEATURING THE ORIGINAL HANDMADE WORKS OF OVER 300 LOCAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ARTISANS. • Pottery • Blown Glass • JewelryWoodwork • Textiles and much more

Visit us in beautiful

Downtown Lawrence 825 Massachusetts Street Lawrence KS 785-843-0080 Also visit us at: Country Club Plaza 4740 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO

Thank you for voting us Best Art Gallery & Best Gift Shop!

Also shop at: phoenixgalleryart.com

MAKING THE MAGAZINE Lawrence Voters

Development Team

Review the results, crown winners

[YOU]

Ballot open February 1-29

Assign stories

Editor

Assign photography

Writers

Photographers

Interview finalists, submit stories

Photograph finalists + cover

schedule shoots

Write-in

Hall of Fame

The editorial staff selects a few of its favorite write-in votes.

BEST PLACE OF WORSHIP “Allen Fieldhouse” BEST UNSUNG HERO “James Naismith” BEST LIQUOR STORE “Jensen’s (RIP)”

Copy Editor Fine-tunes all stories for production

Editor Reviews stories and approves photos

Designer

Editor

Builds magazine layout, places stories + photos

Proof pages, fine-tune magazine

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

BEST HEARING AID PROVIDER “What?” BEST NON-PROFIT We had more than 400 write-ins!

Send to Printer

food & dining

Photo by Doug Stremel

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Written by Meryl Carver-Allmond

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... American Cuisine 1) The Burger Stand 2) Free State Brewing Company 3) Ladybird Diner Bakery 1) WheatFields Bakery Café 2) Munchers Bakery 3) Great Harvest Bread Co. Barbecue 1) Biemer’s BBQ 2) Bigg’s Barbecue 3) Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q Barista 1) Chelsea Rae, The Roost 2) Logan Tyler, Alchemy Coffee & Bake House 3) Rob Schulte, La Prima Tazza Best Restaurant Dish 1) Margherita Pizza, LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar 2) The Bill Self, 23rd Street Brewery 3) Pad Thai, Zen Zero Breakfast Spot 1) The Roost 2) Big Biscuit 3) Ladybird Diner Burrito 1) Chipotle Mexican Grill 2) Burrito King 3) El Potro Caterer 1) Maceli’s 2) Culinaria 3) Hy-Vee Chef 1) Rick Martin, LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar 2) Zach Thompson, 715 3) Vaughn Good, Hank Charcuterie Chinese Food 1) Encore Cafe 2) Jade Garden 3) Oriental Bistro & Grill Coffee or Tea Shop 1) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House 2) La Prima Tazza 3) Starbucks Cookie 1) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies 2) Hot Box Cookies 3) WheatFields Bakery Café

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Best New Restaurant

Best Hamburger

Burger Stand’s Black & Blue Burger

Leeway Franks Lee Meisel began training early to be a butcher. He grew up on a cattle ranch, and one of his early jobs was at an old-school butcher shop. He continued his training at the Merc and 715, until finally, in July 2015, the real-estate stars aligned, and Meisel was able to open his own place—Leeway Franks. Lee’s wife and co-owner of the business, K, says, “Leeway’s flagship sausages are frankfurters and bratwursts, as well as rotating specialty sausages.” And for you early-bird meatlovers, they’re now serving breakfast on Saturdays at 8 a.m., so drop in for an expertly crafted chorizo breakfast burrito.

935 Iowa Street, 785-856-0890

Anatomy of a winner …

Blue Cheese In most cases, the more cheese the better. For this gourmet burger they top the patty with melted blue cheese, which pairs nicely with fresh veggies (we’re getting there…).

Photo by Richard Gwin

Granny smith apple chutney With the tart apples, onion, ginger, vinegar, brown sugar and more found in chutney, this adds a variety of flavor profiles and fuses sweet with that savory cheese topping.

Ass o r t e d g r e e n s Because we have to get a little green on our plate if we plan on consuming this entire thing (and we do).

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Delivery 1) Pizza Shuttle 2) Jimmy John’s 3) Ramen Bowls Dessert 1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream 2) Ladybird Diner 3) WheatFields Bakery Café Diner 1) Ladybird Diner 2) The Roost 3) Big Biscuit Ethnic Market 1) Au Marché 2) Mediterranean Market & Cafe 3) The Merc Co-op Fast Food 1) Chipotle Mexican Grill 2) Burrito King 3) Culver’s

ervice is Kin S e r e h g!!

Ron King Agency, Inc. 3010 Four Wheel Dr. Bus: (785) 841-8008 rking@amfam.com www.ronkingagency.com

THANKS FOR VOTING US E BEST INSURANC AGENCY ow! 3 years in a r

YOU Be the Best:

Vaughn Good:

Hank Charcuterie

Best Chef

Bringing farm-to-table practices to your home

Photo by Richard Gwin

Good’s goal is to bring the freshest ingredients to his tables, so we asked him for some advice on how at-home cooks can bring the farm-to-table model to their own kitchens. Head to the Farmers’ Market “Cooking farm-to-table is easy when you are surrounded by abundant resources as we are here in Douglas County,” Good says. For local produce, he recommends that consumers visit the farmers’ market and get to know the farmers themselves. “Every farmer is a resource.”

Find locally sourced meat As for meats and other animal products, Good recommends his restaurant as good local resource for products and advice. “We source locally and provide specialty cuts of meat and charcuterie items.” Prepare for winter Finally he points out that, “Eating locally means eating seasonally, so your menu will have to vary by time of year. If you spend some time in the summer canning, preserving and pickling, you can have a full pantry for the colder months.” His favorite book on the topic, by the way, is The Preservation Kitchen by Paul Virant. If you listen to pros like Chef Good you should be whipping up your own locally sourced, culinary masterpieces in no time. —Thaddeus Haverkamp

Thank you Lawrence! Photo by Dalton Paley

Chef Vaughn Good grew up in the tradition of downhome Southern and Midwestern cooking. It was while Good was at the International Culinary Center in New York that he developed his love of charcuterie— the culinary art of all things meat. He has now opened his own delicatessen, Hank Charcuterie, with a counter for cuts of meats, cheeses and pickles, as well as full-service brunch, lunch and dinner options.

814 Massachusetts St

www.limestonepkb.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... French Fries 1) The Burger Stand 2) Five Guys 3) Dempsey’s Burger Pub Fresh Produce 1) Lawrence Farmers’ Market 2) Checkers 3) The Merc Co-op Grocery Store 1) Dillons 2) Checkers 3) Hy-Vee Hamburger 1) The Burger Stand 2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub 3) Johnny’s Tavern Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt 1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream 2) Orange Leaf 3) Cold Stone Creamery Indian or Middle Eastern Food 1) India Palace 2) Zen Zero 3) The Mad Greek

Best chinese food

Italian Food 1) The Basil Leaf Café 2) Paisano’s Ristorante 3) Genovese Lunch Spot 1) Terrabonne Po’ Boys 2) Free State Brewing Company 3) Ingredient

Encore Cafe

Mexican Food 1) El Potro 2) Mi Ranchito 3) Cielito Lindo

Encore Cafe serves Chinese food that’s more upscale than your average take-out, but—at less than $10 for most entrees—is still an affordable dining option. And unlike takeout, some dishes arrive plated beautifully in a bamboo pot or pineapple half. Paired with Asian-spiced, fresh green beans, and a thick, umami-laden sauce, the Kung Po Chicken is easily the best version of the dish in town, says frequent Encore diner Heather Cessna. But if you can’t commit to just one entrée, try Encore’s bento box special, which lets you mix and match smaller portions of several dishes—like Mango Chicken and General Tsao’s—to figure out your own tasty favorite.

New Restaurant 1) Leeway Franks 2) Chick-fil-A 3) Port Fonda Outdoor Dining 1) Cielito Lindo 2) La Tropicana 3) 23rd Street Brewery Overall Menu 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) 23rd Street Brewery 3) Merchants Pub & Plate

1007 Massachusetts Street, 785-856-3682

Beef Teriyaki Bamboo Pot

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Best overall restaurant

Free State Brewery

Anatomy of a winner …

G a r n i s h d e ta i l Order the hummus appetizer, and dip hot pita bread in a mixture of garbanzo beans, sesame paste, lemon juice and spices, topped off with Kalamata olives.

Photo by Kevin Anderson

Local beef The bourbon barrel strip steak entree includes a hand-cut Kansas City Strip and is served with Free State’s Oatmeal Stout brown sauce.

Community c o l l a b o r at i o n Free State outsources fresh bread from WheatFields (Best Bakery!) to make a sandwich with applewood pork belly, cornmeal-fried green tomatoes and lettuce. The sandwich includes sweet tomato jam aioli and Dijon baby red potatoes. For the tiramisu dessert— sugared vanilla lady fingers soaked in cold-press espresso—it partners with its next door neighbor, La Prima Tazza. —Katie Kutsko

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Overall Restaurant 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) 715 3) Merchants Pub & Plate Pizza 1) LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar 2) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria 3) Rudy’s Pizzeria Place to get Pie 1) Ladybird Diner 2) Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 3) WheatFields Bakery Café Restaurant for Kids 1) Cici’s Pizza 2) Ladybird Diner 3) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria Restaurant to Watch a Game 1) Johnny’s Tavern 2) Buffalo Wild Wings 3) 23rd Street Brewery

Number of freebies you can collect on your birthday (sandwich, fries, drink)

Let us Thank You for voting for us!! Bring this ad in and get a free cookie

New

4931 W 6th Street, Suite 124 • Lawrence, KS 66049 Phone: (785) 856-2253 • www.eileenscookies.com

Happy Hour 4-6pm (M-F)

$2.50 Anything

Sandbar Subs Appetizers

(Fri)

Best barbecue

Photo by Kevin Anderson

Biemer’s BBQ Biemer’s serves up a unique mix between Kansas City- and Memphis-style barbecue. Their winning recipes start with sourcing local meat; their beef is from Creekstone Farms and their pork is sourced from Missouri and Iowa. And they smoke it fresh every day. According to owner Jim Biemick, though, what really sets Biemer’s apart is the customer service. “I’ll put it up against any restaurant in town. My staff is great,” Biemick says. The only drawback to this fresh, friendly barbecue is that most days they run out before closing, so pop in early to enjoy your ribs and burnt ends and save yourself heartbreak.

2120 W 9th Street, 785-842-0800

thank you Lawrence for Voting us the Best

2040 W 31st St, Lawrence, KS 66046

(785) 749-3400 | www.fiveguys.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Best restaurant dish

Salad 1) Ingredient 2) Jason’s Deli 3) WheatField’s Bakery Café Sandwich 1) Terrabonne Po’ Boys 2) Yello Sub 3) WheatFields Bakery Café Seafood 1) Mariscos (rebranding to J. Wilson’s, summer 2016) 2) Yokohama Sushi 3) Terrabonne Po’ Boys Secret Menu 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Cafe Beautiful 3) 715 Steak 1) LongHorn Steakhouse 2) Six Mile Tavern & Chop House 3) 715 Sushi 1) Yokohama Sushi 2) Wa Japanese Restaurant 3) Kokoro Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse Tacos 1) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 2) TACO ZONE 3) El Potro Take Out 1) Ramen Bowls 2) Jade Garden 3) Encore Café Thai Food 1) Zen Zero 2) Thai-Siam Restaurant 3) Baan Thai Restaurant

Margherita Pizza at Limestone Pizza + Kitchen + Bar

Waitstaff/Service 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Ladybird Diner 3) The Roost

Limestone’s margherita pizza starts with great dough. It ferments and matures for 36 hours, which gives the crust slightly sour notes that you just can’t get from instant dough. It is then topped with the best tomatoes available for the season—even if that means they’ve been preserved in a can—and basil-infused olive oil, an ingredient unique to Limestone’s margherita rendition. Lastly, the pizza is fired in Limestone’s 900-degree pizza oven, which alchemizes it into something outstanding.

Wings 1) Jefferson’s 2) Buffalo Wild Wings 3) Henry T’s

In the words of chef Rick Martin, “It’s everyone’s favorite, not because it’s the default item, but because it’s the very best thing we have to offer.”

Vegetarian or Vegan food 1) The Merc Co-op 2) Zen Zero 3) Encore Café

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

814 Massachusetts Street, 785-856-2825

Ramen Bowls: Best Take Out

YOU Be the Best:

Ramen Bowls Dining Out Dos And Don’ts When Shantel Grace and her husband Tim moved from Kaneole, Hawaii, back to their home state of Kansas, they brought with them their love of the Japanese noodle soup called Ramen. This hearty mix of broth, noodles and other ingredients—like veggies, pork belly, and a soft-boiled egg—is a far cry from the cheap staple of most college students’ diet. In 2013, they took this love and opened their restaurant, Ramen Bowls, which won Best Takeout and took number three for Best Delivery this year. We asked Shantel for her top tips on dining out etiquette. Don’t walk away with the merchandise Shantel’s number one request? “Please don’t steal the spoons! Or sake sets, or bowls, or pint glasses. It helps keep prices reasonable and keeps our favorite eateries in business.” Take care of your delivery driver “Tipping a delivery driver is a little different than tipping your server at a dine-in restaurant,” Shantel says. If the order is simple and straightforward, “Just a buck or two is a great way to say, ‘thanks and great job’ for speedy service.”

Photo by Kevin Anderson

If, however, you order $50 worth of food with a half dozen special requests and modifications on a snowy Saturday night at 7 p.m. during a KU basketball game, and then call back again and change your order, the driver deserves a bit more. Shantel advises it is best to remember that, “the only person really looking out for your complicated order is your delivery driver.” She adds, “A gracious and generous tip never goes unremembered.” For her own restaurant… “Slurp! … Slurping noodles or tipping your bowl close to your face to enjoy soup is generally considered bad etiquette. But we love to see peoples’ faces in their bowls.” —Thaddeus Haverkamp

bestoflawrence.com

Photo by Nick Krug

Biggest Fan

Peter Luckey Senior Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church

Best Bakery Wheatfields Bakery Cafe

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I owe WheatFields a real debt of gratitude when I think of all the good things that have transpired over a sandwich; plans hatched, wounds salved, friendships birthed. How lucky can I be to have a first-class bakery only yards from where I work? I count WheatFields as my second home.â&#x20AC;?

Best fresh produce

CEK INSURANCE PROTECTS YOU EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT.

Lawrence Farmers’ Market

When life gets unlucky, CEK will be right there

The oldest continuous farmers’ market in Kansas is marking its 40th year, and market goers can expect plenty of celebration. The farmers’ market is not just a place to pick up a few veggies; you can also discover new vendors, enjoy chef demonstrations, and, of course, pick up produce straight off the farm. Long-time vendor Karen Pendleton says, “It’s a community. It’s a place to meet friends and be social.”

with you to help put your life back together. Protect what’s important to you. Call CEK. 785-843-2772

Pendleton also emphasized that despite the construction immediately surrounding the market this year, there’s still plenty of close parking via adjacent parking lots, at the Hobbs-Taylor lofts, and in the city parking garage, so don’t let a few construction signs deter you from the best fresh produce in town.

Protecting what’s important to you since 1931.

824 New Hampshire, 785-505-0117

bestoflawrence.com

Lawrence, KS: 785-843-2772 Kansas City Metro: 816-453-8584 cekinsurance.com 27

Best mexican food

El Potro Mexican Cafe

While El Potro may appear to be a typical Mexican-American cantina, it has a little something special. From the zesty queso dip that’s complimentary with your chips and salsa, to the rice that’s made fresh twice daily, to the crowd-pleasing jalapeno-creamcheese enchiladas, El Potro’s family recipes put it over the top.

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

And, if that weren’t enough, owner Gloria DeLaTorre says, “We’re going to start making homemade tortillas this summer, and we’re working on a new patio.” Sounds like the perfect spot to enjoy one of their premium margaritas.

3333 Iowa Street, 785-331-2500

Guide to … best Coffee If you want

Cold Brew Alchemy—Whether you’re on the go or want to settle in, Alchemy’s pre-bottled cold coffee will quench your craving. Find straight up, compound, and draught options.

Thanks Lawrence!

If you want a

Specialty Drink

FOR VOTING US

THE BEST.

Photo by Kevin Anderson (left), Nick Krug (right)

La Prima Tazza—Super-sweet white chocolate. Nutty fudge. Creamy mint with chocolate. La Prima Tazza’s dessert-like coffees are perfect for an earlymorning pick-me-up. If you want to

Drive Thru Starbucks (on Sixth Street)—Sometimes you just need a quick and easy fix.

DINE-IN · DRIVE-THRU CARRY-OUT · CATERING

—Katie Kutsko bestoflawrence.com

1516 W. 23rd St. · 785.842.4100 · Lawrence 5330 Southwest 21st Street · Topeka GoHogWild.com

Muchas Gracias for voting for us! Best Mexican Food Best Margarita Best Burrito Best Taco

Order OnLine at

www.henryts.com 785-749-2999 3520 W 6th St. • Lawrence, KS 66049

Plenty of TVs for great views of the games!

3333 S. Iowa St, Lawrence, KS (In Front of the Movie Theater)

785-331-2500 • www.elpotrokc.com

Best breakfast spot

The Roost The Roost knows how to make a good morning meal. “Breakfast is our focus,” says co-owner Manda Jolly. “It’s our favorite type of food and we serve it up fresh, from scratch, with all the best accessories: outstanding coffee, cocktails and bakery items.” While The Roost’s most popular dish is the eponymous “Rooster”—French toast, pancakes or potato pancakes, with eggs and bacon or sausage—the staff has a lot of fun with their Friday “Benny” specials, creating experimental combinations like pulled pork and green chili hollandaise or salmon cakes and roasted red pepper puree.

Photo by Jason Dailey

Whatever food you order, be sure and top it off with a Bloody Mary from their extensive selection. The No Law, filled with garlic, horseradish, hot sauce, peppers, and a delightful assortment of “pickled items,” is a spicy way to wake up after a late night out.

920 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-1110

Biggest Fan

Stephanie Bickel Alumni relations consultant, Pennington & Company

Best Coffee or Tea Shop Alchemy Coffee and Bake House

“Anytime I step into Alchemy, I’m instantly at ease. Each drink is carefully curated by a friendly barista—my go-to order is a black pourover in the morning, or a cold brew in the afternoon. You can’t go wrong with any of their home baked goods, either. Even if it’s just taking 30 minutes out of my day to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere, it feels like home.” bestoflawrence.com

Best dessert

Sylas and Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream Is it their homemade waffle cones with a malt ball surprise in the bottom? Or maybe it’s the fact that, according to store manager Sarah England, even “after being in business for almost 20 years now we try to come up with different flavors frequently.” (Look for a new “chocolate thunder” flavor soon!) Or is it that sitting down inside takes you back to your grandparents’ home, pulling a chair up to the kitchen table to eat a bowl of hand-cranked vanilla? It’s hard to be sure what makes for its magic pull, but Sylas and Maddy’s regularly has a line to get inside that spans down the block on hot summer evenings. And it’s worth the wait because you’ll be leaving sticky, happy and full.

1014 Massachusetts Street, 785-832-8323

40 Ice Cream Flavors

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Guide to …

best ethnic markets If you have a

Sweet Tooth

Au Marché — Whether you’ve been to Europe and need to satisfy a craving, or you just want to try something new, Au Marché has something for you. Best sellers include Anna’s Ginger Thins, Haribo Fizzy Cola Candy, Toblerone Swiss Milk Chocolate, Schlünder Amaretto Cake and more. If you like to

Eat While You Shop

Mediterranean Cafe & Market — Shop the market after picking up a warm shawarma or a gyro sandwich at the full-menu café housed in the store. If you want a

Photo by Sara Sheperd

Healthy Option

The Merc — Find Kombucha on tap. This beverage, which is fermented black tea, contains beneficial probiotics linked to better digestion, immune support, reduced joint pain and more. It’s no wonder the Chinese called it “the Immortal Health Elixir” 2,000 years ago. —Katie Kutsko bestoflawrence.com

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785-843-7511

3200 Mesa Way Ste D, Lawrence, KS 66049 tpollard1@farmersagent.com

Thank you for continuing to vote us the Best in Lawrence.

www.orthokansasllc.com

Providing the best possible outcomes.

community

Photo by Doug Stremel

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Written by Liz Weslander

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Art Gallery 1) Lawrence Arts Center 2) Spencer Museum of Art 3) Phoenix Gallery Artist 1) Stan Herd 2) John Sebelius 3) Jason Barr Bank 1) Capitol Federal 2) Commerce Bank 3) US Bank Credit Union 1) Truity Credit Union 2) Meritrust Credit Union 3) Mainstreet Credit Union Family Fun 1) Lawrence Public Library 2) Sports Pavilion Lawrence 3) Sunfire Ceramics Hotel 1) The Eldridge 2) The Oread 3) TownePlace Suites by Marriott Local Blog, Facebook, Twitter or other Social Media Page 1) Chad Lawhorn, Town Talk Blog at Lawrence Journal-World 2) F*ck you, I’m from Kansas on Facebook 3) Lawrence KS Buy, Sell and Trade on Facebook Local Event 1) Lawrence Farmers’ Market 2) Christmas on Massachusetts Street 3) Lawrence Busker Festival Local Non-Profit 1) Lawrence Humane Society 2) The Willow Domestic Violence Center 3) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Local Store Owner 1) Linda and Tom Cottin, Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 2) Jim Lewis, Checkers 3) Dan and Karla Hughes, Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop Mature Living Community 1) Brandon Woods at Alvamar 2) Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living 3) Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Best Unsung Hero

Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical Responding to dozens of daily calls and providing community education on fire safety, CPR and bike helmets is all in a day’s work for Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical. In 2015, the year of their 100th anniversary, they fought significant fires at downtown restaurants, Jefferson’s and Bigg’s BBQ, and were on the scene of a devastating fire at the locally owned pet store, Pet World. “It’s not just their obvious duties that make them heroes; it’s also who they are behind the scenes,” says Pet World co-owner Sherry Emerson. “What you don’t see on the news is their unbelievable compassion. I have never witnessed such a high level of kind, respectful professionalism in all my life.”

1911 Stewart Avenue, (785) 830-7000

Photo by Bill Stephens

bestoflawrence.com

National Celebrity from Lawrence 1) Paul Rudd 2) Bill Self 3) Kathleen Sebelius New Business 1) Sprouts Farmers Market 2) Menards 3) Epic Fun

Best ARTIST

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Park 1) South Park 2) Clinton Lake State Park 3) Centennial Park Place of Worship 1) St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 2) Corpus Christi Catholic Church 3) Lawrence First United Methodist Church

Stan Herd

Local artist Stan Herd—who was once called the “father of crop art” by Dan Rather on CBS Evening News—has spent more than 40 years creating large-scale images by planting, mowing and plowing pieces of land all over the world. His most recent project, “Young Woman of Brazil,” works with communities in Rio and Sao Paulo to plant gardens and create an atmosphere of collaboration. Herd says that he values Lawrence because it is a mecca for the arts and a great melting pot for a variety of artistic disciplines. “There is no place in the Midwest with this much energy, creative talent and cuttingedge excitement,” Herd says.

www.stanherdarts.com

Lawrence Gymnastics & Athletics

Birthday Parties

Competitive Teams

Day Camps

Recreational Gymnastics

Parkour

Preschool Boys and Girls

Parents Night Out Open Gyms “Building Better Kids Since 1994” 4930 Legends Drive

785-865-0856

w w w. l a w r e n c e g y m n a s t i c s . c o m

Best TEACHER–K-12

David Platt, Social Studies, Lawrence High School

Photo courtesy Stan Herd

Anatomy of a winner …

Pa ss i o n f o r the content “I have passion for the content I teach, which can be contagious. The content in my classes is interesting, which helps in generating passion from them as well.”

Ac t i v e l i s t e n i n g “I love to share stories both personal and content-related that illustrate the various concepts we come across in the classroom. This helps the students to make their own personal connection with concepts. This also can help kids become more comfortable with who they are becoming as people.”

Life and learning a r e a p r o c e ss “I try to focus on process as well as content as the class progresses. I like to engage in activities that promote the growth of the concepts and the individuals that are learning them. A second feature of this dynamic is building on what we have done before and making reference to our prior experiences.”

—Katie Kutsko

K I W OU!

one p o Sh rence! k i Kw f Law g n i vot Best o r o F the of

K Y K A N A H T

Exploring your retirement living options? Together, we’ll find the answers.

1429 Kasold Drive | Lawrence, KS 66049 | 785-841-4262 LawrencePresbyterianManor.org Independent Living • Assisted Living Health Care • Rehabilitation • Memory Care

The Best in Lawrence Convenience at 6 Locations: • 1846 Massachusetts • 1611 E 23rd Street • 4841 W 6th Street

• 1420 Kasold • 3440 W 6th Street • 845 Mississippi

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Place to Have Kid’s Birthday Party 1) Pet World 2) Sunfire Ceramics 3) Laugh Out Loud Family Zone Place to Hold an Event 1) Abe & Jake’s Landing 2) Liberty Hall 3) Cider Art Gallery Place to Take an Out-ofTowner 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Downtown Lawrence Inc. 3) Allen Fieldhouse Place to Work, large business (100 or more employees) 1) The University of Kansas 2) Lawrence Memorial Hospital 3) The Merc Co-op Place to Work, small business (less than 100 employees) 1) Pet World 2) Lawrence Public Library 3) Free State Brewing Company

Photo by Nick Krug

Radio Station 1) KJHK 90.7 FM 2) KANU 91.5 FM 3) KKSW 105.9 FM Teacher - K-12 1) David Platt, Lawrence High School 2) Samuel Rabiola, Free State High School 3) Hilary Morton, Free State High School Teacher - University 1) Stephen S. Ilardi, Associate Professor, Psychology, KU 2) Alice Lieberman, Professor, Center for Children & Families, KU 3) Anne Patterson, Lecturer, Architecture, Design & Planning, KU Unsung Hero 1) Lawrence Fire and Medical 2) Don “Red Dog” Gardner 3) Honk for Hemp

Best Place to take an Out-of-Towner

Free State

Brewing Company With its laid-back, friendly atmosphere and legion of local devotees, the beloved Free State Brewery is an ideal spot to take out-of-towners for a well-rounded taste of Lawrence life. And the quality menu doesn’t hurt either. Lawrence resident Lou Mulligan says he enjoys entertaining visiting guests at Free State because you won’t have to sacrifice good food for good beer. “The Free State is a Lawrence institution,” says Mulligan. “It’s nice that families can go there and everyone has a good time. People are always pleasantly surprised that food from a brewery is so good.”

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

636 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-4555

Best new business

Sprouts Farmers Market Finding healthy food in Lawrence has become even easier with the recent addition of Sprouts Farmers Market. The Phoenix-based chain grocery store, which specializes in organic and natural foods, opened in west Lawrence in July 2015. Store manager Pat Trueheart says that Sprouts has been a good fit for Lawrence because, like the rest of

4740 Bauer Farm Drive, 785-727-7314

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

the country, Lawrence shoppers have become increasingly concerned with the quality, safety and production features of food. Customers also like the prices at Sprouts. “Simply put, we make healthy eating affordable,” says Trueheart. “We believe healthy living shouldn’t be a luxury.”

Thanks for voting us

Best of Lawrence Mature Living

Guide to …

best birthday parties If they won’t stop

Asking for a Pet BRANDON WOODS HAS MORE OPTIONS FOR SENIORS

Pet World—Pet World has animals for all types of personalities—birds, small mammals, dogs, cats, reptiles, fish and more. In a private area of the store, kids get to learn about, pet, and hold animals.

If you want to

Create

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care - Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rehabilitation Skilled Nursing Care

Sunfire Ceramics—From plates to cups to frames, your crew can spend the afternoon painting anything they’d like at a low cost. If you want to

Photos by Bill Stephens

Keep Them Busy Laugh Out Loud Family Zone—A hassle-free option, LOL offers a space for kids to get the “play out,” where you can also enjoy cake and presents in a separate celebration room. —Katie Kutsko bestoflawrence.com

1501 Inverness Drive | Lawrence, KS 66047 | 785-838-8000 www.brandonwoods.com Pet Friendly

Best Place to Work (small business)

Pet World

It takes four sets of interviews, an intense orientation session and seven Sundays of training to become an employee at Pet World. It’s a tough process, but Aundrea Kearns, who has worked there for seven years, says that once you’re in, you become part of a team of people who share your interests, care about you, and want you to do well. Pet World’s customers also make it a great place to work, says Kearns. “We have the best customer family that anyone could ask for,” she says. “And there’s nothing better than helping a child hold a bunny or a snake for the first time.”

711 W 23rd Street, 785-841-7476

Best Local Event

Lawrence Farmers’ Market

Anatomy of a winner …

Convenient l o c at i o n Located just near the heart of downtown, LFM is an ideal stop right before strolling down Mass Street and catching brunch on a Saturday morning.

Photo by Bill Stephens

G r e at va r i e t y In the same spot that you’re picking up tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage and watermelon, you can also find lavender, crème brûlée, kombucha and tamales.

Freshest food around At LFM you can speak directly with the farmer who grew the food you’re buying. You can make educational connections with local farmers.

bestoflawrence.com

Best Radio Station

KJHK 90.7 FM KJHK 90.7 FM, the student-run radio station at the University of Kansas, celebrated its 40th birthday in 2015. Aside from being the favorite among locals for music, sports and culture, the station is also ranked no. 19 in the nation by The Princeton Review for “Best College Radio Station.” Station manager John Dillingham says that the Lawrence community is integral in KJHK’s success. “Lawrencians have supported our station for all 40 years, and we are eternally grateful,” says Dillingham. “They continually inspire us to work harder and think larger about programming, content and events that involve and serve the community.”

1301 Jayhawk Boulevard, Suite 370, 785-864-4745

1511 W. 23rd St., Lawrence, KS 66046 (785) 841-8881

www.orientalbistrolawrence.com Oriental Bistro & Grill is not just Chinese food. We have a fantastic variety of authentic Asian cuisine. We have Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Japanese style food. We offer carryout and delivery throughout Lawrence.

Sunday 11:00am - 9:00pm Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 9:30pm Friday and Saturday 11:00am - 10:00pm

Best Secret Menu and Chinese Food!!

Thank You for helping make us the

Best of Lawrence!

Guide to …

Photo by Nick Krug, Mike Yoder (Right)

best art galleries If you want to

Be the Artist Lawrence Arts Center—Learn to dance, write, paint, sculpt, perform and more. LAC has countless education programs to enrich your inner artist. If you want to

View Fine Art Without Reaching for Your Wallet Spencer Museum of Art—Spencer offers a lot of bang for no buck. You can view nearly 36,000 pieces of art for free. The collection contains European, East Asian and American art forms, spanning from medieval to modern paintings, sculptures and prints. Best Mature Living Community Brandon Woods at Alvamar

If you want to

Buy Handmade Works

Biggest Fan

Kathleen Turner 84 years old, independent living, January 2015–present

“I lost my husband five years ago and couldn’t stand being by myself. I’m a people person. I like people around me because I feel comfortable—and this place makes me feel comfortable.”

Phoenix Gallery—Purchase handcrafted pottery, blown glass, woodwork, textiles, jewelry and more, from local, regional and national artists. —Katie Kutsko

bestoflawrence.com

Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop: Best Local Store Owner

YOU Be the Best:

Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop

Keeping your bike in tip-top shape from a tip-top cycling shop Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop has been Lawrence’s premier cycling and outdoor outfitters for over 40 years. For a town that desperately loves cycling—this shop did win Best Bike Store—Sunflower is an absolute must. We wanted to talk with owners Dan and Karla Hughes, this year’s third-place winners for Best Local Store Owner(s). Unfortunately, Dan was injured during a ride. Thankfully, he is on the mend and will be back at the store shortly. In his place, however, we spoke with Collin Earhart, the bike shop’s manager. Collin has been with the business for more than 10 years and offered his tips for proper bike maintenance.

Stephen Ilardi Stephen Ilardi, associate professor of psychology at the University of Kansas, is known nationwide for his research on treating depression with lifestyle changes. Among KU students, Ilardi is also known for his conversational lecture style, his contagious compassion for people suffering from mental illness, and his genuine interest in his students. “I think my students can tell that I genuinely care about them,” Ilardi says. “Not just about their learning, but about them as people. Even though I teach really large classes—around 300 students—I still try to get to know as many students as I can.”

Tire check “Always check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated before each ride,” Earhart says. “Riding on under-inflated tires can lead to more flats and potentially damage your wheels; checking them before your ride can save you a lot of trouble and headache. Pumps are relatively inexpensive and something every bike owner should have.” Store indoors “Keep your bike inside whenever possible,” Earhart says. “We see bikes in for repair all the time that are kept outside, which prematurely ages the parts and can lead to rust on your cables and drivetrain. You’ll end up spending more on maintenance if your bike lives outside, but if that’s the only option, invest in some chain lube to keep your chain happy and slow down the rust.” Annual check-up “Have a bike shop tune up your bicycle once a year,” he says. “A properly maintained bike will be much more fun to ride and inspire you to get out more often. Bike maintenance is cheaper than you might expect and any good shop should be able to provide you with a free estimate.” Happy cycling! —Thaddeus Haverkamp

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Photo by Kevin Anderson

Best Teacher— University

stepping

stones

Providing 29 years of quality care and education for children 2 months - 11 years.

843-5919

www.steppingstones-childcare.org

Best Family Fun

Lawrence Public Library With lively story times, cozy book nooks and the chance to play with trains, puppets and more, the Lawrence Public Library hits the all rights notes for families looking for a fun daytime outing. It’s also free to the public, and you’re pretty likely to learn something while hanging out there. “The Lawrence Public Library strives to be a place where families can connect, and where reading is fun and educational,” says youth services coordinator Karen Allen. “We’re your family’s spot for extra space when you need a little break from the world.”

707 Vermont Street, 785-843-3833

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

75,000 Library card holders (2015)

Guide to … best PARKS If you want to

Stay Close to Downtown South Park—Walk down Mass Street after sitting in the South Park gazebo with a book or a dip into the wading pool on a hot summer day. If you want

Glamorous Views Clinton Lake State Park—The trails around the lake are perfect for a sunset (or sunrise) walk any time of year. If you want to

Play Disc Golf Library storyteller Michael Bradley plays the guitar while leading a group of children through a dance during “Stories and Songs.”

Centennial Park—Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf at Centennial Park’s course. The game is just like golf; instead of hitting a ball, you throw a disc. —Katie Kutsko

Photo by John Young (top), Mike Yoder (bottom)

Biggest Fan

Scout Adopted in 2014

“Scout was adopted from the Lawrence Humane Society on March 25, 2014. She’s approximately 3 years old. Her favorite toys are her Star Wars mouse and anything with kibble in it! She loves taking long naps while cuddling on the lap of Don, her human. She’s a super social cat and absolutely loves all humans. She craves a good pet, and will reward your attention with many purrs. She has a wide range of meows, too!” —Meghan Scheibe, director of development and marketing, Lawrence Humane Society

Best Local Non-profit Lawrence Humane Society

bestoflawrence.com

u o y k Than

e c n e r w La AL LoCre, t i g n i eep r Best Grocery Sto r for uK e r votes fo ocal Own & yo & Best L e c u d o r P Best

23rd & Louisiana LawrenCe, Ks

checkersfoods.com “Like” us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @CheckersFoods!

shopping

Photo by Doug Stremel

—Written by Melinda Briscoe

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Antique Store 1) Lawrence Antique Mall 2) Amy’s Attic Interiors and Antiques 3) Blackbird Trading Post Bike Shop 1) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 2) The Lawrence Re-Cyclery 3) Cycle Works Bookstore 1) The Dusty Bookshelf 2) The Raven Book Store 3) Hastings Children’s Clothes 1) Doodlebugs 2) Gap 3) 2 Shy Kids Children’s ReRun Store Convenience Store 1) QuikTrip 2) Kwik Shop 3) Hy-Vee Gas Department Store 1) Weaver’s 2) Kohl’s 3) Target Dress Shop or Formal Wear 1) Weaver’s 2) J.Lynn Bridal 3) Kieu’s Inc. Electronics Store 1) Best Buy 2) Game Nut Entertainment 3) Hastings Flower Shop 1) Owens Flower Shop 2) Englewood Florist 3) Hy-Vee Floral Furniture Store 1) World Market 2) Winfield House 3) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore Gardening Store 1) Clinton Parkway Nursery 2) Howard Pine’s Garden Center and Greenhouse 3) Earl May Nursery & Garden Center

Best gift shop

made “I never really considered anywhere else in Lawrence,” says Matt Richards, when asked why he situated his store on Massachusetts Street. “I just love to talk to customers, and there is great foot traffic here.” As far as finding gifts for loved ones, made supplies the originality. “Many of the pieces we have here are one of a kind,” Richards says. “We work with artists from all over the country, as well as local artists. We feature things you can only find here.” Maybe that’s why he has regular customers from Kansas City and Topeka who make the trip to get that special trinket for their special people.

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

737 Massachusetts Street, 785-749-1162

GARDEN ART • PET DISHES • DINNERWARE Photo by Nick Krug

Biggest Fan

Bert Haverkate-Ens top customer and book junkie

“The Dusty Bookshelf is a comfortable place just to be. I particularly like wandering through the shop, picking up a book by its cover and sitting down and reading for a while—especially in the Poetry or Children’s Books sections. Sometimes I’ll decide to buy the book, but I always feel welcome to come in and read.” bestoflawrence.com

SUNFIRE CERAMICS

Pottery Painting & Fused Glass Make your own Gifts Art & Decor. CREATIVE FUN ANYTIME YOU CHOOSE TWO LOCATIONS & WINE FRIENDLY STUDIOS

1002 New Hampshire • Downtown • 749-2828 4821 W. 6th St • Westgate Center • 856-2360

sunfireceramics.com

Lawrence since 1997

BIRTHDAY • SIP & CREATE • FUNDRAISER • SCOUTS

Best Bookstore the dusty bookshelf

FREE PARTY ROOM OUR STUDIO IS YOUR STUDIO

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Gift Shop 1) made 2) Phoenix Gallery 3) LMH Gift Shop Hardware Store 1) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental 2) Westlake Ace Hardware 3) Ernst & Son Jewelry Store 1) Marks Jewelers 2) Goldmakers Jewelry 3) Kizer Cummings Jewelers KU Souvenir Shop 1) Kansas Sampler 2) KU Memorial Union Bookstore 3) Jock’s Nitch Men’s Clothing Store 1) Weaver’s 2) Kohl’s 3) JoS. A. Bank Music Store 1) Love Garden 2) Mass Street Music 3) Hastings Pet Store 1) Pet World 2) Pawsh Wash and Pet Health Market 3) Lawrence Humane Society Place to Buy a New Car 1) Crown Automotive 2) Laird Noller Automotive 3) Briggs Auto Place to Buy a Used Car 1) Crown Automotive 2) Laird Noller Automotive 3) Johnny I’s Second-Hand Store 1) Arizona Trading Co. 2) Plato’s Closet 3) Wild Man Vintage Shoe Store 1) Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. 2) Shark’s Surf Shop 3) Famous Footwear Sporting Goods 1) Dick’s Sporting Goods 2) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 3) Garry Gribble’s Running Sports

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Best flower shop

Owens Flower Shop

Best Unique Store

Mass Street Soda There have been Chicagoans who stop by Mass Street Soda and are delighted to find and purchase their beloved local lime-flavored soft drink called Green River. Same goes for those who hail from North Carolina who find out the store sells Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored specialty soda. “We sell a lot of those,” says general manager Matt Duval, smiling. Duval takes in pride in the fact that kids feel they can just come hang out at the store with their friends. “It’s a wholesome place,” he says. “I wish there would’ve been a place like this when I was their ages.” In this little store, there is something for every thirst.

1103 Massachusetts Street, 785-409-1767

Anatomy of a winner …

Lilies Owner Kristen Spacek says they design custom arrangements for every customer. Lilies happen to be one of the most popular selections, with their beautiful fragrance and great pop of color.

P i x i e c a r n at i o n s Carnations have been known to signify “a mother’s love” with red specifically for admiration and white for good luck.

Photo by Nick Krug

B o r o n i a h e at h e r Boronia heather is a bright pink filler flower featuring tiny bellshaped blooms, used to fill in any gaps of the arrangement and add the finishing touches. —Katie Kutsko

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Toy Store 1) The Toy Store 2) Wild Territory Science & Nature Store 3) Walmart Unique Store 1) Mass Street Soda 2) made 3) Brits Vintage Clothing 1) Wild Man Vintage 2) Arizona Trading Co. 3) Plato’s Closet Window Display 1) The Toy Store 2) Game Nut Entertainment 3) Weaver’s Women’s Clothing Store 1) Kohl’s 2) Weaver’s 3) Eccentricity

Best Gardening Store Biggest Fan

Clinton Parkway Nursery

Matt Gilhousen Cyclist & outdoors enthusiast

“My favorite thing about Sunflower is the fact that it isn’t just an outdoor and bike shop, but it’s also a hub for community and culture. You don’t get that from many businesses, which makes it so unique and valuable to our community. If you like being outdoors, how can you not like going to a shop that has everything you could Best Bike Shop possibly need? For me, going Sunflower Outdoor to Sunflower means that I am & Bike Shop preparing to do something I enjoy, whether it is biking, traveling, etc. I associate Sunflower with many of the things I love to do. Not to mention, the ownership and staff are really good people that I truly enjoy seeing. Beyond that, they are experts in their respective fields and often accomplished athletes, climbers, hikers, and runners, which is inspiring and makes me want to get out there and do the same. All of that said, as a cyclist they are flat out the best shop around if not the country. Whether you are shopping for an entry-level bike or a high-end custom build or simply getting your bike tuned up, they will take care of you.”

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Clinton Parkway Nursery goes above and beyond gardening to set itself apart from other gardening stores. They host classes like Make Your Own Container Garden and Perennial Gardening 101. Then there is the annual Garden Party, which is a great opportunity to sip wine and nibble on some tasty treats. And what really puts them on top, owner Anne Peuser says, is that they know how to make people smile by strategically displaying their product. “People love the flowers on our roof. They get a lot of attention and they make a lot of people stop and check out our store. So we have them every year.”

4900 Clinton Parkway, 785-842-3081

Guide to …

best Dress shops and formal wear If you’re going to

A Wedding Weaver’s—Go up to the second floor of Weaver’s, and find the perfect special occasion dress. Weaver’s carries Jones New York, Jessica McClintock, Woolrich and more. If you’re in

The Wedding Party J.Lynn Bridal—At J.Lynn Bridal, peruse wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shapewear and more, all while a consultant guides you through the process of planning the formal attire for your big day.

Thank you Lawrence.

We have the best customers!

Photo by Nick Krug (left), Richard Gwin (right)

As always, support all of our locally owned garden centers. If you’re looking for an

Everyday Dress Come by the greenhouse for all your garden and planting needs. 1320 N. 3rd - NORTH LAWRENCE North of east turnpike exchange

Kieu’s—When you’re in need of a new sundress, Kieu’s is the place to find something trendy that won’t break the bank.

Call 749-0302

M-F 9-6 Sat 8:30-5:30 Sun 12-5

—Katie Kutsko bestoflawrence.com

howardpinesgardencenter.com

Best toy store

The Toy Store Anatomy of a winner …

Animal planet The Toy Store is a child’s dream. And perfect for adults who refuse to grow up. According to Nick Guffey, store manager, the top-sellers are the Small Animals From Safari; they sold 6,556 last year. Following the animal figures, Lego mini-figures and plush animals come next in sales.

Best Second-Hand Store

Arizona Trading Company Jennifer McKnight says Lawrence is a great place for her store because of the diversity in style that we see here. “We have an amazing array of people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and ages who dress with a little more creativity and are a bit more adventurous,” McKnight says. Lawrencians want to set the trends, often looking for items you can’t find in duplicates on a rack. “People are attracted to originality, and that’s something we offer,” she says. “We have the staples like jeans and T-shirts, but we also have ’80s party dresses and so many cool pieces.” The store has been around for 25 years now. Looking back on a quarter of a decade, she laughs, “It’s been a blur, but a great blur!”

736 Massachusetts Street, 785-749-2377

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Good (local) reads You can purchase local authors’ children’s books at The Toy Store. They sell Lindsey Yankey’s inspiring and whimsical books, Bluebird and Sun and Moon, as well as former KU basketball walkon, Scott Novosel’s Fieldhouse.

Community The Toy Store is all about community. Every Monday, children can attend an African drum circle. And every couple months, the store has costumed characters meet children. Find throughout the store local art on display. —Katie Kutsko

Best Children’s Clothing Store

Doodlebugs Photos by Nick Krug

Lawanna Huslieg-Hanks, owner of Doodlebugs, speaks highly of her customers. “I have amazing families that frequent the store,” she says. “I’ve built some great relationships with them over the past five years.” But it isn’t just the returners that make her smile. “I love it when new folks stop by. It is fun meeting them and getting to know them, finding

out what they are looking for and what they need.” That face-to-face customer service is probably one of the reasons Doodlebugs was voted to the top. That, and the fact that Huslieg-Hanks tries to keep the best items in stock, from sizes preemie to teenager, as well as an assortment of maternity clothing. “Everything from cloth diapers to toys to baby shower gifts,” she says.

816 Massachusetts Street, 785-856-4060

bestoflawrence.com

Best New + Used Car

Crown Automotive Find descriptors like “phenomenal,” “friendly,” “fun” and “not pushy” when you peruse Crown Auto’s Facebook page. That’s because they work hard to be supportive to customers and ease any big-purchase anxiety, says office manager Connie Beebe. “Buying a car is one of life’s biggest purchases—whether it is new or used. People want to feel like someone is on their team during and after the process because sometimes it can be a bit stressful.” What else makes them so great in the car sales business? “Lawrence is a tight-knit community, and we want customers to know we think of them as family.”

3430 S. Iowa, 785-312-3803

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Best Jewelry Store

Marks Jewelers As enduring as the gems it creates, repairs and sells, Marks Jewelers sets itself apart with “one-onone customer appeal,” says sales manager Jaclyn Iden, who has worked at the store for nine years. Their customer service is so spot-on that when a patron came in to order a Mother’s Day pendant, Iden worked with him to hatch a sparkling plan to surprise his mom. Iden placed the gift in the window display for her to spot as she and her son walked down Massachusetts Street on their way to dinner following a KU men’s basketball victory. Another happy customer and everlasting memory was triumph enough for Iden. —Becky Bridson

817 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-4266

Guide to …

Department Stores

If you’re looking for

Photos by Kevin Anderson (left), Nick Krug (right)

Something High-End Weaver’s—From renting a tuxedo to investing in Gucci products at the cosmetics counter, Weaver’s offers an array of trendy products with a localbusiness feel.

If you’re looking for

A Deal

Kohl’s—Find something for everyone in the family, with a particularly expansive men’s clothing section. Bonus: Browse the killer clearance racks.

If you want

Clothes + More Target—We’ve all been here before. Find your new favorite a sweater and pick up the milk in the same trip.

—Katie Kutsko bestoflawrence.com

Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 1825 Wakarusa Drive / 785.843.5577

percent of World Market staff has traveled internationally or speaks a foreign language

Proudly Serving Lawrence For 40 Years

50+ blends of coffee

100+ 14

for your vote, Lawrence!

varieties of tea

years of business in Lawrence

Monday–Friday: 7:30am–12:00pm 1:00pm–5:30pm

2862 Four Wheel Drive, Lawrence (785) 832-0330 | stevesautoplaza.com

B E ST OF L AW R E NC E 2 0 1 6

Thank you for your vote and confidence. A FINALIST IN:

• Women’s Clothing • Men’s Clothing • Dresses/Formal Wear • Window Display • Department Store

901 Massachusetts

(785) 843-6360

Best Furniture Store

3106 S. Iowa Street, 785-331-2312

bestoflawrence.com

K id

der Un & 2 s1

World Market is a treat for travelers and homebodies alike; customers can find international foods and décor that remind them of places they’ve been or places still on their bucket lists “Even though we are actually a chain, many people do not realize that because the store has so many interesting and distinctive items,” says store supervisor Ann Armstrong. Bringing home a piece from World Market is bringing home the statement piece you’ve been looking for. “The thing about this store is that we don’t sell many things that you just have to have,” Armstrong says. “We have special things, conversation pieces that also are functional and are priced affordably.”

bowlin

ce to Bring Pla Ki st

Photos by Kevin Anderson

World Market

FREE

933 & Iowa • Lawrence, KS

785-842-1234

www.royalcrestlanes.com

Thank ThankYou You

Fo r V oFor ti n g FoUS! r U S! For Voting • • • • • •

Dr. Chris Wertin DC Dr. Chris Wertin DC Dr. Colleen Auchenbach DC Dr. Colleen Auchenbach DC Dr.Dr. Mary Huss Huss DC Mary DC Wertin Dr.Dr. KyleKyle Wertin DC DC Wertin Dr.Dr. EricEric Wertin DC DC Dr. Jessica Speidel DC Dr. Jessica Speidel DC

1605 Wakarusa Drive

407 Sycamore Street

13027 Kansas Avenue Bonner Springs KS 66012 913-721-5530

123 Dakota Street Holton KS 66436 785-362-7500

1605 Wakarusa Drive 13027 Kansas Avenue 123 Dakota Street Lawrence KS 66047 Valley Falls KS 66088 Lawrence, KS 66047 Bonner Springs, KS 66012 Holton, KS 66436 785-842-4181 913-721-5530 785-945-6137 785-842-4181 785-362-7500

Health & Fitness

Photo by Doug Stremel

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Written by Becky Bridson

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

Best Gym + Personal Trainer

Acupuncture 1) Ad Astra Acupuncture 2) Southwind Health Collective, LLC 3) Risley Chiropractic Chiropractor 1) Advanced Chiropractic Services 2) TIE: Peak Performance Health Center, Rodrock Chiropractic 3) Risely Chiropractic Dentist 1) Peterson, Krische & Van Horn, DDS 2) Wilkerson, Saunders & Anderson DDS, LLC 3) Heinbach Larkin DDS Eye Doctor, Vision Center or place to buy Eyewear 1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic 2) Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau 3) The EyeDoctors Family Doctor 1) Family Medicine Associates, PA 2) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics 3) Lawrence Family Practice Center Golf Course 1) Alvamar Golf Course and Country Club 2) Eagle Bend Golf Course 3) Lawrence Country Club Gym/Fitness Center 1) Underground Lab 2) Sports Pavilion Lawrence 3) Genesis Health Club Hiking and Bike Trails 1) Clinton Lake Trails 2) Kansas River Trails 3) Mutt Run, Off-Leash Dog Park Martial Arts 1) Prime Martial Arts 2) Premier Martial Arts 3) City of Lawrence Parks & Recreation Martial Arts Massage Therapy 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Massage Envy Spa 3) Elevate: Mind, Body, Peace

The Underground Lab, Fernando Rodriguez Exercise science energizes The Underground Lab. Whether it’s a fitness module, a personal training session or a transformation academy, all programs follow sound scientific principles. Owner and strength and conditioning coach, Fernando Rodriguez, emphasizes the concept of stimulating multiple metabolic systems through his strength, power and endurance system. He and his colleagues continue to reach new creative heights with their instruction and work toward making the experience positive and productive for each gym member. “No rock is being unturned,” Rodriguez says. “I think we’ve carved ourselves a pretty nice little niche.”

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

919 E. 29th Street, Suite C, 785-312-9862

Best Eyewear

Lawrence Family Vision Clinic

Anatomy of a winner …

C o n ta c t l e n s e s Lawrence Family Vision Clinic is a one-stop shop for any contact lenses you might need, and it offers classes to teach you how to put contact lenses in and take them out. LFVC even has a contact lenses specialist to cater to everyone’s specific needs.

Best Martial Arts

Prime Martial Arts

Photo by Bill Stephens (left), John Young (right)

Frames LFVC presents a range of styles and options for eyewear, from luxury brands such as Tom Ford to conservative styles like Chesterfield to more durable styles like Flexon.

Personalized care Lawrence Family Vision Clinic has an in-house lab to innovate and personalize individual eyewear needs quickly and efficiently.

Jimmy Golden, co-owner of Prime Martial Arts, knows firsthand the health benefits martial arts provide because he experienced similar training growing up that he now offers to his youth clients. “My dad wanted us to be in a positive environment,” says Golden, who owns the operation with wife, Kelly. Prime also offers free self-defense classes for women, school demonstrations for kids, and daycare visits for three- to six-year-olds, introducing them to their “Tiny Tiger” program. “We like to make the community safe,” Golden says. Prime also offers inhouse Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing classes to participants of all ages.

—Katie Kutsko

5150 W. Clinton Parkway, 785-749-7337 bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Medical Clinic 1) Family Medicine Associates, PA 2) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics 3) Internal Medicine Group, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Nurse 1) Karen Roberts, Internal Medicine Group, Lawrence Memorial Hospital 2) Joni Lawrence, Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics 3) Colleen Walker, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Orthodontist 1) Ranjbar Orthodontics 2) Oread Orthodontics 3) McColm Orthodontics

Thank you for voting us The Best in Lawrence 5 years in a row! Kent T. Peterson, DDS • Matthew F. Krische, DDS • Keith D. Van Horn, DDS

Family Dentistry 530 FOLKS ROAD • 785-842-0705 • WWW.PKVDDS.COM

Guide to …

best Chiropractic Services

Best Massage Therapy

If you’re seeking a

Painless Check-up

Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

Advanced Chiropractic use the Activator Method, which is a gentle, low-force approach to chiropractic care. This painless system of spinal adjustments will help restore balance to the body, offering relief to a variety of health concerns. If you’re seeking

Photo by Nick Krug

The massage offerings at Salon Di Marco are plentiful— including Swedish, deep tissue, four hands, hot stone, prenatal, Reiki and reflexology. Co-owners Carlos and Jacquelyn Castillo know clients have high expectations and want to be sure to offer anything a customer might request through a wide variety of a massage services. And it seems to be working, as many of their patrons stop in on a weekly basis for different treatments—waxing, hair, and nail services—offered at this one-stop shop. “The clients trust us,” says Carlos. A customer can expect to relax and unwind in a space solely dedicated to bodywork, receiving massages from therapists with extensive experience and education.

733 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-0044

Holistic Treatment

Rodrock Chiropractic—If you need some bodywork done, Rodrock offers Rolfing, which is deep manipulation of the body’s soft tissue to realign and balance the body’s myofascial structure. This improves posture, offers relief from aches and pains, increase energy and alleviate mental and physical stress. If you notice you a

Reduced Range of Motion

Peak Performance Health Center—Dr. Rob Jones at Peak Performance is the longest practicing chiropractor using Active Release Techniques in town. ART involves 500 treatment moves to identify issues with nerves, tissue and muscle, and correct any affected areas.

Thank You For Voting Us Best Hearing Aid Provider! Comprehensive Comprehensive Hearing Hearing Evaluations Evaluations Our Our Fully Fully Licensed Licensed Staff Staff will will perform perform the the following following

The Clear Choice for All Your Hearing Needs The Clear Choice for All Your Hearing Needs LocallyOwned Owned& & Operated Locally Operated Locally Owned & Operated Since 2002

C1-482601 C1-482601

LAWRENCE LAWRENCE

4106 4106 W. W. 6th, 6th, Ste Ste E E (785) 749-1885 (785) 749-1885

Our friendly, fully licensed staff is Our friendly, fully licensed staff is partner with you concerning here to here to partner with you concerning your hearing healthcare. your hearing healthcare.

TONGANOXIE TONGANOXIE 330 330 Delaware Delaware St. St. (866) 749-1885 (866) 749-1885

•• Video Video Otoscopy Otoscopy ~ ~ Ear Ear Wax? Wax? See for yourself on See for yourself on our our HD HD monitors! monitors! *Lawrence Office *Lawrence Office •• Hearing Hearing Evaluations Evaluations ~ ~ Including Including a a Speech Speech Discrimination Discrimination test! test! •• Personalized Personalized Counsel Counsel and and Demonstration Demonstration of of the the Latest Latest Hearing Hearing Aid Aid Technology! Technology! If you currently wear hearing If you currently wear hearing aids aids we we will will be happy to service them. We service be happy to service them. We service and and repair repair most most brands brands and and models. models.

OTTAWA OTTAWA

1302 1302 S. S. Main Main St., St., Ste Ste 23 23 (785) 242-7100 (785) 242-7100

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Pediatrician 1) Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, PA 2) Lawrence Pediatrics, PA 3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics Personal Trainer 1) Fernando Rodriguez, Underground Lab 2) Tracey English, Aspire Fitness 3) Josh Hilger, Genesis Health Club Pharmacy 1) Dillons Pharmacy 2) Walgreens Pharmacy 3) Sigler Pharmacy Physical Therapist 1) OrthoKansas, LLC 2) LMH Therapy Services, Lawrence Memorial Hospital 3) TherapyWorks Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Counselor 1) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 2) Wes Crenshaw, PhD ABPP, Family Psychological Services, LLC 3) Interpersonal Psychiatry, Dr. Hiten Soni, MD Spa 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Lada Salon & Spa 3) Massage Envy Spa

Surgeon 1) Dr. Jeffrey C. Randall, OrthoKansas, LLC 2) Dr. Cheryl Rice, Lawrence General Surgery 3) Dr. Stephen W. Myrick, Lawrence General Surgery

Best Family Doctor

Family Medicine Associates, P.A. Launching two new programs in the last year has been a welcome challenge for Kathy Severa, practice administrator at Family Medicine Associates. “The doctors and staff put forth a lot of sincere hard work and effort toward excellent patient care,” Severa says. The newly established Diabetic Education Program and Chronic Disease Management

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

4921 W. 18th Street, 785-830-0100

Program have enhanced patient health. “We’re finding that diet and exercise and all those things are great on paper, but are much harder to implement in real life,” she says. “Helping people find what works in their life and working with them individually has really turned out to be very powerful for the person trying to make the change.”

Photo by Kevin Anderson

Sports Medicine 1) OrthoKansas, LLC 2) TherapyWorks 3) Peak Performance Health Center

Tracey English: Best Personal Trainer

YOU Be the Best:

Tracey English

Getting a good workout regime is simpler than we make it out to be.

Tracey English has been in the fitness industry for more than 19 years now. She is the owner and AFAA-certified personal trainer at Aspire Fitness LLC and online fitness coach for Beachbody. With that much experience—and as second-place winner of Best Personal Trainer—Tracey gave us her top three fitness tips. A little goes a long way “Forget the ‘all or nothing’ mentality,” English says. “It has the potential to set you up for failure. No one can be 100 percent perfect 100 percent of the time, and putting that pressure on yourself is sure to bring about more upset than excitement.” Be realistic She also recommends setting small, attainable goals. She points out that if you are new to exercise, “telling yourself

that you will work out six to seven times a week is probably unrealistic.” Just start moving! And if you can’t get to the gym, she says, “No problem! There are so many apps, websites, at-home fitness programs, etc., that are available to us now. If you don’t have a gym membership, it’s never been easier to complete your workouts at home. Or get outside. Do something you enjoy. Just move more. Commit to it. Don’t use the lack of gym accessibility as an excuse.” Workout buddy Tracey recommends getting an accountability partner. “A trainer if you have the funds to pay for one, but even if not, a friend, spouse, neighbor ... someone who will work with you to keep you accountable to your goals.” —Thaddeus Haverkamp

Biggest Fan

Tatum Bandy Fitness Junkie

“What I like about Sports Pavilion is the facility, equipment, recreation leagues and group fitness programs are accessible to everyone at every age or stage of fitness they fall into. I really enjoy taking group fitness classes. I like that you can try a demo class or get a guest pass at the front desk and see if it is a fit before you sign up. I tried Anna Oliver’s Zumba tone demo and now I am taking it weekly. I really enjoy the class and people I’ve met. I plan to try her PiYo Live class next.

Best Fitness Center Sports Pavilion Lawrence

My daughter has been playing volleyball and participating in Sports Pavilion Park and Rec leagues for three years and skills camps in the summer. She has had great coaches, improved her skills as each season progressed and made lasting friendships. She also takes Kids Yoga at Sports Pavilion, which I teach. When I’m not taking classes or teaching at Sports Pavilion, I like to walk with my husband or friends on the track. There really is something for everyone and every age at Sports Pavilion. We are fortunate to have such a resource available to us in Lawrence.” bestoflawrence.com

Our family caring for yours.

Guide to …

best Hiking and bike trails If you want a

Lake View Where you and your growing family will see your own doctor for OB visits, delivery, and your continuing health care needs. That’s added peace of mind when it comes to your health and the health of your baby. Dr. Melissa Kalb, Dr. Kimberley McKeon and Dr. Chad Johanning provide comprehensive primary care including obstetrics, pediatrics and urgent care.

Clinton Lake Trails—Walk, run, bike or skate around Clinton Lake and pretend you’re on the coast for a few minutes (this is as good as it gets in landlocked territory). If you like hiking in

Wooded Areas obstetrics • gynecology • weight loss • infertility • pediatrics • menopause • management • dermatology • urgent care • bioidentical hormone replacement

Kansas River Trails—Get close and personal with the Kansas River and enjoy the greenery and wildlife on this trail. Plus, easy access to Downtown Lawrence. If you have a

Dog

CALL (785) 841-6540 FOR AN APPOINTMENT 4951 W. 18th Street • Lawrence, KS 66047 LawrenceFamilyPractice.com ACUTE CARE WALK-IN CLINIC HOURS Weekdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon

Mutt Run—Take your dog off the leash, and let this little guy go wild in this 30-plus-acre playground. Mutt Run also has a bathroom for humans and water for dogs.

Carla Phipps, MD • Bradley Phipps, MD Kimberley McKeon, MD • Melissa Kalb, MD Chad Johanning, MD • Heather Yates, PA-C

—Katie Kutsko

B E ST OF L AW R E NC E 2 0 1 6

acupuncture specialists

Best Acupuncture

Photos by Nick Krug

Ad Astra Acupuncture When Ann Rich, owner and acupuncturist, passed away in 2015, Ad Astra Acupuncture teetered on closing until Barry Bornstein, a local businessman, stepped in and gave it new life. “It was too valuable of a community resource to let go,” Bornstein says. Bornstein has altered Rich’s model from providing private services to one client to treating anywhere from six to 12 clients simultaneously—a strategy that lowers the cost. “Where can you get treatment for $20?” asks Bornstein. Clients can stay as long as they want, and the experience is so relaxing most people fall asleep for an hour or sometimes longer, Bornstein adds.

massage therapists

$15-35 for each acupuncture session

average number of needles used on one client

45-60 minutes clients stay per session

1410 Kasold Dr., 785-760-1961

bestoflawrence.com

Best Golf Course

Best nurse

Alvamar Golf Course and Country Club

Anatomy of a winner …

Courses for champions Alvamar consists of two courses, the Championship Course and the Members’ Course. Both are 18 holes and par is 72. The Championship Course is known for the beautiful landscape, playability and the challenge. The Members’ Course, Alvamar claims, is one of the toughest in Kansas.

T h e r e s ta u r a n t Perhaps the most important part— the food—can be found in the Championship Clubhouse, which serves hot dogs, deli sandwiches, snacks and beverages. The clubhouse and dining facility are currently under construction and will re-open in Fall of 2016. —Katie Kutsko

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

The Internal Medicine Group Karen Roberts has been a nurse for 27 years. All you have to do is speak with her for a couple of minutes to gauge just how much she loves her job. “Nursing is about relationships,” she says. “Communication and compassion are key… If you don’t relate to the patient, they are going to feel unsatisfied.” She was caught slightly off guard when she found out she was nominated for Best Nurse in Lawrence. “One of my colleagues told me,” Roberts says. “I was so surprised and grateful. It makes me feel so good to know I am having a positive impact on people.” —Melinda Briscoe

4525 W 6th Street Ste 100, 785-843-5160

Photo by Kevin Anderson

The academy Not a golf pro? No problem. Alvamar’s Academy offers instruction on golf technique, fitness and club fitting. Everyone is welcome to play here!

Karen Roberts,

Thank you, everyone who voted us the

Best of Lawrence

Best Family Doctor | Best Local Medical Clinic | Best Pediatrician

www.lfmo.com • 785-331-1700 • 1220 Biltmore Drive

Visit Us Online

www.thedentistsinlawrence.com

Located in beautiful downtown Lawrence 831 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 785•843•6060

Brian C. Wilkerson, D.D.S. Michelle Saunders, D.D.S. Justin R. Anderson, D.D.S. Lesley R. Nellor, D.D.S.

Thank you to all of our wonderful patients who voted for us as the Best Dental Office in Lawrence! Caring & Modern Dentistry for Your Entire Family!

New Patients Always Welcome!

Home of the Best Patients in ALL of Kansas!

Thank you Lawrence!!

“Best Real Estate Company”

& Nicholas Lerner “Best Realtor”

AskMcGrew.com

785.843.2055

Thank You Lawrence for voting for us!

OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE: Use the best materials available, combined with quality craftmanship to guarantee that we exceed our clients expectations.

No job is too big or small. Whether it is painting the walls in a single room, or taking care of all of the coatings in a large remodel or custom construction project. We are meticulous painting professionals, whose attention to detail will ensure the beauty and longevity of any painting project.

BEST PAINTING SERVICE Patrick Brown | 760-0352 Seth Roberts | 218-3824 www.starlightpainting.com

Starlight Painting is committed to servicing the needs of homeowners, businesses, interior designers, general contractors, and real estate professionals.

Browse our website and follow us on Facebook to find out more about us, and when you are ready, please contact us to schedule a bid for your painting project.

Call us today to schedule your late Summer/early Fall painting projects!

services

Photo by Doug Stremel

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Written by Seth Jones

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Accountant or Tax Consultant 1) Roark & Associates, PA 2) Mize Houser & Company 3) Hume’s Tax Service Auto Body Repair 1) Hite Collision Repair Center 2) Steve’s Auto Plaza Body Shop Inc. 3) Crown Automotive Auto Service Repair 1) Westside 66 and Carwash 2) Lawrence Automotive Diagnostics Inc. 3) Slimmer’s Automotive Barber 1) Amyx Barber Shop 2) Downtown Barber Shop 3) Rex’s Stadium Barber Shop Childcare Center 1) Raintree Montessori School 2) Hilltop Child Development Center 3) Googols of Learning Computer Repair or Service 1) UNI Computer 2) DoctorDave Computer Repair 3) Geek Squad Dry Cleaner/Laundry 1) Scotch Fabric Care Services 2) Eco-Logic Dry Cleaners 3) Lawrence Laundromat Electrician 1) Danielsan Electric 2) Lynn Electric & Communications Inc. 3) Mel Lisher Electric

Best Pet Care

Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital

Event Planner 1) Maceli’s 2) Abe & Jake’s Landing 3) Culinaria

Hair Salon 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Greenroom Salon 3) Static Hair Salon Hair Stylist 1) Kevin Shutts, Static Hair Salon 2) Suzi McKinney, Greenroom Salon 3) Brad Hestand, Bzar Salon

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

It’s a great time to be a veterinarian at Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital. The technology to help animals is better than ever. It used to be vets had to rely on owners to speak on the animal’s behalf, says part owner of the facility, Gary Olson. But now the animals can speak, in a way, for themselves. The doctors working to help keep animals healthy can now use advanced technology such as radiographs and ultrasounds. Take a picture of, say, a dog’s heart, then email it to an expert, get a diagnosis back within an hour—only the best for man’s best friend.

4340 Clinton Parkway, 785-841-3131

Photo by Bill Stephens

Flooring 1) Kring’s Interiors 2) Paradise Carpet One Floor & Home 3) The Home Depot

Thank you Lawrence, for voting for me! — Pat Reed

I make insurance simple.®

Call today to see how I make it simple to protect your family, home, car and business.

Pat Reed, LUTCF

2311 Wakarusa Dr Suite F Lawrence, KS 66047 785-856-8920 Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services MC037C-ML-1 (3-14)

Roofing • Siding • Windows • Painting • Doors • Insulation

Visit our new website at

www.meslerexteriors.com

for your vote!

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Hearing Aid Provider 1) Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, LLC 2) Lawrence Hearing Aid Center 3) Kaw Valley Hearing Home Handyman (or lady) 1) Linda Cottin 2) Greg Springer 3) Patrick Shea Insurance Agency 1) CEK Insurance 2) Kurt Goeser, State Farm 3) Ron King, American Family Insurance Insurance Agent 1) Kurt Goeser, State Farm 2) Ron King, American Family Insurance 3) Al Hack, CEK Insurance Interior Designer 1) Jane Bateman Interiors 2) Winfield House 3) M.Street Interiors Landscaping Service 1) Lawrence Landscape 2) Turf Masters Inc. 3) Low Maintenance Landscaping

Lawyer 1) Sarah G. Swain, The Swain Law Office 2) Evan H. Ice, Stevens & Brand, LLP 3) John Frydman, Frydman Criminal Defense Nail Salon 1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa 2) Chieu’s Nail Salon 3) Envy Nails Painting Service 1) KB Painting, LLC 2) Color My World Painting & Countertop Resurfacing 3) Starlight Painting Pet Care 1) Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital 2) Pawsh Wash and Pet Health Market 3) Pet World

Linda Cottin

Best home Handy(wo)man

Linda Cottin, co-owner of Cottin’s Hardware, doesn’t consider herself a handywoman. She just gives good advice. “When someone comes in and they don’t think they can fix something, you walk them through it and give them confidence … that’s a great feeling,” she says. “Or, on the other hand, when they think they can do a major project on their own, I’ll say, ‘Maybe you should call somebody.’” Something she sees frequently: people wanting to replace something that just needs fixed. “People come in and think they need a new faucet because it’s leaking,” Cottin says. “I’ll tell them they don’t need a new faucet, they need a $2 part.”

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

1832 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-2981

Photos by Bill Stephens (left), Oh Snap! (right)

Law Firm 1) Stevens & Brand, LLP 2) The Swain Law Office 3) Riling, Burkhead & Nitcher, CHTD

Thank You Lawrence!

Celebrating Cele lebr brat atin ing 10 years yea of quality and friendly electrical service and contracting. trical servi

Guide to …

best Photographers

An Audio - Video Division of Danielsan Electric

www.lightsofflightson.com

If you want a

Photo Booth

EQUIPMENT SALES

DANIELSAN ELECTRIC

An Audio - Video Division Oh Snap! Photography—Keep your guests amused of Danielsan Electric for hours with a photo booth at your next event. If you like making silly faces with fun props, Ailecia Ruscin www.lightsofflightson.com from Oh Snap! is the one you want to hire.

LIGHTS OF LIG OFF? LI LIGHTS ON ON!

EQU I P M E NSERVICE T SALES QUALITY Q U A L I T Y S E RV I C E R ERESIDENTIAL SIDENTIAL C OCOMMERCIAL MMERCIAL AUAUTOMATION T O M AT I O N I T SU PP O RT Visit our showroom at Abe & Jake’s Landing. Visit our showroom at Abe & Jake’s Landing.

If you want

Portraits THANK YOU

The Crystal Image—Whether you need portraits for you baby, belly, family, or a professional headshot, the Crystal Image has you covered. The studio is located in West Lawrence. If you want

Event Coverage Ann Dean Photo—Using a photojournalistic approach, Ann Dean captures those special moments at events, on location and through portraits.

for voting us BEST TANNING SALON • Locally owned & operated • UV Free Spray-on Tanning • 3 Different Levels of Tanning Beds • Best selection/pricing of top tanning lotions Thank you for supporting our small business for 13 years. LD & Kristi Lawrence

785-856-2646

—Katie Kutsko

bestoflawrence.com

4000 W 6th Street, Ste D • In Hy-Vee Shopping Center Mon-Thurs: 9am-9pm • Fri/Sat: 9am-7pm • Sun: Noon-7pm

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Photographer 1) Oh Snap! Photography 2) The Crystal Image 3) Ann Dean Photo Plumber 1) Action Plumbing 2) Kastl Plumbing 3) Jim Bost Plumbing Printing Service 1) Minuteman Press 2) Pro-Print 3) FedEx Kinko’s Property Management Company 1) First Management 2) Tuckaway Management 3) Midwest Property Management Real Estate Agency 1) McGrew Real Estate 2) Stephens Real Estate Inc. 3) Keller Williams Realty Diamond Partners Realtor 1) Nick Lerner, McGrew Real Estate 2) Tom Harper, Stephens Real Estate Inc. 3) Holly Garber, American Dream Realty Roofing Company 1) Alpha Roofing, LLC 2) Garrison Roofing 3) Mesler Roofing Tanning 1) Mango Tan 2) Shark’s Surf Shop 3) Ultimate Tan and Spa T-Shirt or Screen Printing 1) Acme 2) Blue Collar Press 3) Happy Shirt Printing

Veterinarian 1) Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital 2) Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital 3) Animal Hospital of Lawrence

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Photo by Bill Stephens

Utility Company 1) Westar Energy 2) City of Lawrence Utilities 3) AT&T U-Verse

Best of Lawrence Winners 2013 2014 2015

Best Hair Stylist

Experience You Can Trust!

Kevin Shutts Static Hair Salon

Now in his 13th year as a stylist, Kevin Shutts is as driven as ever. He loves his job at Static Hair Salon and working with people to create hairstyles that are unique for the individual. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of making people happy,” he says. “And all my clients are amazing people.” Those amazing people range from college students and young professionals to wellestablished professors and business people (that’s his nice way of saying “older”). Shutts helps make a wide variety of Lawrencians happy by attending to their hair needs and making sure they walk out of the salon feeling amazing.

12th East 8th Street, 785-830-9400

bestoflawrence.com

Robbins Painting, LLC

would like to thank Lawrence for voting us the Best in Lawrence.

Free Estimates Insured Interior & Exterior Quality at a Reasonable Price LAWRENCE AND SURROUNDING AREAS

785.331.7498

jrobbinspainting@gmail.com

years since they opened

Best T-Shirt or Screen Printing

Lawrence Journal-World File Photo

Acme The T-shirts at Acme make people smile. And so do the people who work there. “We’re lucky enough to have a business that is creative, and it’s a fun job—it’s what we live for,” says manager Katlyn Conroy. “We get to be creative, do what we love and we’re all really good friends.”

designers on staff

That environment allows them to come up with crowd-pleasing T-shirt designs, like a recent design commemorating McCollum Hall that reads “R.I.P. McCollum,” after the longtime (long-loved) dorm building was demolished last November. “We can put almost anything on a T-shirt,” Conroy says. “We want to create fun, popular garments for people.”

garment options available (basic tee, fitted, etc.)

custom orders received in one day

200 number of shirts on display on wall

847 Massachusetts Street, 785-832-2263

Thanks for Voting me a Best of Lawrence Realtor!

Holly Garber American Dream Realty

785.979.7325

garber.holly@gmail.com

Best painting services

We install the BEST... And Repair the REST!

Thank You

for your votes!

Painting, LLC

In business since 1984 offering a wide variety of plumbing services, including: • Service & Repair • • Water Heaters • • Remodeling • And much more!

KB Painting prides itself on being a full-service company that takes on jobs both big and small. They offer all customers a free one-hour color/design consultation. The passion for good business starts at the top with owner Kate Boyd. A lifelong entrepreneur, Boyd grew up in Lawrence and remembers getting her start selling loomed potholders as a little girl. Business has been good at KB Painting over the past 12 months. Over the winter, when the industry typically settles down, KB Painting did not. The company even added staff in that time, hiring a fulltime carpenter and an additional painter. (But, sorry … no loomed potholders. Yet.)

CALL 843-5670

3010 Four Wheel Drive, 785-423-4464

B E ST OF L AW R E NC E 2 0 1 6

Thank You LAWRENCE

for 23 Great Years! • Established 1992 • Zero Pressure Sales • Relaxed Atmosphere • Solid, dependable and safe used cars at an affordable price

Johnny & Judy Inverarity 814 Iowa St. | Lawrence, KS 66044

www.johnnyisautosales.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

Sue Bee’s

Cleaning Best HAIR SALON Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

Biggest Fan

Erica Staab Photo by Kevin Anderson (above)

Senior at University of Kansas

“Every time I walk into Salon Di Marco I know I’m going to get a great hair cut, no matter what style or inspiration I have in mind. All of the stylists are talented and do their best to give you the exact look you are going for. They go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied with your cut before you walk out the door. I look forward to getting my hair cut at Salon Di Marco ever time, and have always been beyond happy with how my hair looks after.” bestoflawrence.com

At Sue Bee’s Cleaning, cleaning is our business. We tailor to clients needs - weekly, twice a month, monthly or if you just need a spotless house for a special occasion. Give us a call today and see what a difference we can make for you.

(785) 841-2268 Lawrence, Kansas suebeescleaning.com INSURED AND BONDED GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Richard Haig, owner of Westside 66 and Carwash, owns the last full-service station in Lawrence. When he first started pumping gas there in 1981 as an attendant, there were 19. How has Westside 66 and Carwash remained? Haig credits good staff and faithful customers. But the low cost of gas has also helped. “We’ve had lean times—when gas was $4 a gallon—but we’ve weathered everything,” he says. “We see a lot of the same people; it’s like an extension of our own family. Good staff and good people keep us going.”

2815 West 6th Street, 785-843-1878

Photo by Richard Gwin

Best Auto Service Repair

Westside 66 and Carwash

I nterIor P aIntIng S pecialty W all F iniSheS D ryWall S erviceS c eiling t extureS

c abinetry - n eW or r eFiniSh F urniture r ehab /r epurpoSe

e xterIor P aIntIng S iDing /W ooD r eplacement W inDoW /D oor r eplacement D eck /F ence r epair

D eck /F ence S taining p oWer W aShing

D esIgn c olor c onSulting D eSign /D ecorating S erviceS

Best Painting Service! Thank You for Voting Us

3010 F our W heel D r ., S te . 1 l aWrence , kS 66047 (785) 423-4464 WWW . kbpaintingllc . co m

Best Landscaping Services

Lawrence Landscape Anatomy of a winner …

Well-manicured lawn It’s okay to dislike mowing the lawn. These guys at Lawrence Landscape will take care of you, judgment-free. Get those lawn grid lines you want without having to do it yourself!

Hug your trees Or at least, keep them bug-free. It can be hard to take care of your yard trees, especially with pests like bagworms going after them. Lawrence Landscape offers Integrated Pest Management to give your trees the care they need.

Seasonal cleanups Not all of us have green thumbs. (And some of us just prefer staying away from yard work entirely.) Let these landscapers take care of your pruning needs, blow fall leaves out of flowerbeds, and “renew” your landscape. And they offer yearlong contracts so you can set up what you want in advance, and let them take care of the rest year-round.

Best Interior Designer

jane Bateman Interiors Bateman Interiors relocated last August, and the company has settled in nicely in its new home on West 27th Street. The location is highly visible, and with lots of windows, there’s good lighting—something important to a business that specializes in window treatments.

2108 West 27th Street, Suite I, 785-841-0370

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Photos by Bill Stephens

“We respect our customers, and over the years, they’ve become our friends,” says Jane Bateman, owner. “We love what we do. That’s why we’re still doing it after 33 years. When you create something for someone and they say, ‘Wow, I wouldn’t have ever even thought of that,’ that’s exciting.”

Being there is why I’m here. Guide to …

Kurt J Goeser Ins Agency Inc Kurt Goeser, Agent 1811 Wakarusa Drive, Ste 100 Lawrence, KS 66047 Bus: 785-843-0003

event planning If you want

Venue + Food + Bar in One Place Maceli’s—They offer it all so you don’t have a bunch of cooks in the kitchen, so to speak. There’s an in-house menu to choose from, making selecting a menu much easier, a fully stocked bar and plenty of space to make sure all your guests can share your special day. If you have a

Big Guest List Abe and Jake’s Landing—The main banquet hall at Abe and Jake’s holds 600 people standing and 350plus sitting. That should accommodate your entire extended family and all of their plus-ones. And this gives you access to the River Walk patio, which is a great spot for guests to take in fresh air. If you love

Wine Pairing Culinaria—In addition to catering, the husbandand-wife duo of Culinaria offers Wine Club events (purchase tickets online) that includes a six-course meal, and wine pairing for each. They know their wine. And it won’t disappoint guests at your next event! bestoflawrence.com

Whether you need a question answered, a problem solved, or a claim reported, my job is to make it happen. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®

Thank you Lawrence voters for recognizing our commitment to the community! P097193.1

State Farm, Home Oﬃce, Bloomington, IL

Best Computer Repair or Service

UNI Computer

Anatomy of a winner …

T e c h T u e s d ay s Bring your computer in on a Tuesday and a technician will perform free computer diagnostics on the spot. This is also a time to ask them about any technology fails you’ve had recently. They have answers.

Best Law Firm

D e l i v e ry s e r v i c e s They will come pick up your computer, fix it, and bring it back to you so you never have to leave the couch or lift a finger. Or presumably you’re just too busy to take it in. Either way, this is better than ordering takeout.

B E ST OF LAWR E NCE 2016

Stevens & Brand, LLP It was a good year for the downtown Lawrence law firm Stevens & Brand. The firm added a couple lawyers, saw steady growth and played a valuable part of the Lawrence community by sponsoring events like the Education Foundation Breakfast, Ballard B3, Lawrence Arts Center auction and more. “We pride ourselves in not only doing good legal work, but also being active in the community,” says Brad Finkeldei, managing partner. Finkeldei says that even though the law firm practices many different types of law, there is one commonality with every employee of the firm. “We have folks here at the firm who love their jobs, love helping people,” he says. “Our everyday goal is to help people fix their problems.”

900 Massachusetts Street, Suite 500, 785-843-0811

Photo by Kevin Anderson

R e c o v e ry m a g i c There’s nothing worse than completing a 10-page project and then having your computer crash, just to lose everything you’ve worked on. Don’t stress! UNI will perform their magic to bring it all back.

Chieu’s Nails: Best Nail Salon

YOU Be the Best:

Chieu’s Nails Learning from the pros how to keep your fingernails strong and healthy Chieu’s Nails, located at 601 Kasold Dr., has been up and running for four years now. The popular shop is this year’s second place winner for Best Nail Salon. We spoke with Chieu’s shop manager Maple Demby to get her top tips on maintaining healthy nails. Drink lots of water You hear this all the time—never be without a water bottle! And not just to stay hydrated or for weight loss—it also keeps your nails and cuticles hydrated, which is key to nail strength.

! a Row n i s r ea FourY

Moisturize Use cuticle oil every night before bed, Demby says, to rehydrate and revitalize those cuticles. It also helps with nail flexibility to prevent any breakages. Regular manicures It’s never a bad thing to get the professionals involved. They’ll moisturize your skin and nails, prevent nail damage, and keep those hands looking and feeling their best. Diet “A healthy diet is also important, and for those who are trying to grow their nails long we recommend taking biotin vitamins,” Demby says. —Thaddeus Haverkamp

entertainment

Photo by Doug Stremel

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Written by Nick Spacek

bestoflawrence.com

AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Bar 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) The Sandbar 3) 23rd Street Brewery Bartender 1) Dave Johanning, The Sandbar 2) Ian Sotomayor, Free State Brewing Company 3) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig Beer Selection 1) Free State Brewing Company 2) Merchants Pub & Plate 3) The Burger Stand Date Spot 1) 715 2) LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar 3) The Basil Leaf Café Happy Hour 1) Merchants Pub & Plate 2) SONIC Drive-In 3) Six Mile Tavern & Chop House Liquor Store 1) On The Rocks 2) Cork & Barrel 3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits

Best Date Spot

715

Live Music Venue 1) Liberty Hall 2) The Granada 3) The Bottleneck Local Band 1) Truckstop Honeymoon 2) Sellout 3) Your Friend Place to get a Cocktail or Mixed Drink 1) The Eldridge 2) The Bourgeois Pig 3) 715 Place to get a Margarita 1) Cielito Lindo 2) El Potro 3) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Tattoo Shops 1) BDC Tattoo 2) Abraxas Tattoo Co. 3) Skin Illustration Tattoos and Hairdoos Wine List 1) City Wine Market 2) 715 3) Cork & Barrel

B E ST OF LAWR ENCE 2016

At 715, there aren’t any TVs to distract you from the sweetie sitting across the table. It’s just the two of you, candlelight, and a plethora of delicious fare. It’s the sort of restaurant suitable for something last minute—jeans and sneakers casual—or for a fancy night out. Bar manager Katrina Weiss thinks 715’s staff is a big part of that. “Our staff is a group of such kind, talented and sincere people that it’s a treat to be cared for by them,” Weiss says. And anyone who’s ever been handed a Former Spy cocktail (limoncello, vodka, lavender and lemon) with a smile knows that’s true.

715 Massachusetts Street, 785-856-7150

LAWRENCE’S ORIGINAL AUTHENTIC BARBERSHOP

downtown BarBer

Specializing in men’s haircuts

Guide to …

best HAPPY HOUR If you love

THANk yOU LAWRENCE fOR yOUR CONTINUEd SUPPORT!

Beer

Large selection of hair care products.

824 Massachusetts | 843-8000

Merchants Pub & Plate — Merchants has not one but two happy hours. Leave work a little early (4-6 p.m.), or make a stop later (9-11 p.m.) for deals on 30 craft draft beers, specialty cocktails and wine.

open 7 days a week! open late on Thursdays to 7 p.m. and sunday 12-5p.m.

FINE WINES-CRAFT SPIRITS-WALK-IN BEER CAVE

If you’re a

Teetotaler Sonic Drive-In—No alcohol, no problem. Get a fountain drink, tea or slushy—and some half-price snacks won’t hurt—everyday from 2-4 p.m.

Photos by John Young (left), Kevin Anderson (right)

If you’re a

West-Sider FINE CIGARS

Six Mile Tavern & Chop House—Named after the headquarters of a Union effort during the Civil War, Six Mile’s drink menu includes an expansive wine list, as well as beer and cocktails. Drop in from 3-6 p.m. —Katie Kutsko bestoflawrence.com

PARTY SHOP

Best place to get a Cocktail

The Eldridge If you’re after a cocktail, the Eldridge Hotel’s Jayhawker bar is the place to go—especially if you love a martini. The bar offers 36 specialty martinis, from the traditional, to a Cosmopolitan, to the popular local concoction, Jayhawker Juice, made with pineappleinfused vodka.

Nancy Longhurst, general manager, sees the Jayhawker as a neighborhood bar for the downtown area. “It is all generational,” Longhurst says. “Merchants enjoy meeting after a full day of work. People from old west Lawrence call the Jayhawker their home, and the younger adults love the energy of the Jayhawker.”

701 Massachusetts Street, 785-749-5011

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B E ST OF LAWR ENCE 2016

Best wine list

City Wine Market

Anatomy of a winner …

T h r i f t y b u t ta s t y We can’t always splurge on that $500 bottle, but we still want something that get our taste buds going. They described one of their March-featured wines of the week, Seaside Cellars Rose, as tasting like a vacation to Portugal. We’re about that life, and for only $7.99.

Photo by Kevin Anderson

F r e e ta s t i n g s Sample top-of-the-line wine and for no charge. Knowledgeable wine experts guide you through the process, and you might walk away with a new favorite with tips to pair with a favorite food.

Wine wisdom These guys know their wine and they are more than happy to sit down with you and share their expertise if you come in looking for something specific to your taste. Clockwise: Cherry Cheesecake, Bloody Cajun, Jayhawker martinis. bestoflawrence.com

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Best happy hour

Merchants Pub & Plate Emily Peterson, co-owner of Merchants, knows that the restaurant’s happy hour is top-notch, especially given that, unlike most places, it happens twice a day. Their beer specials are particularly popular, with at least 15 or more beers on special at any time. “The idea behind it was to give people the opportunity to get some rare beers at a bargain,” Peterson explains. Additionally, the selection includes a house wine and cocktail special, meaning anyone’s tastes will be satisfied. And they mean anyone— especially with favorites like In a Pickle—a vodka martini with their house-made pickle juice.

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746 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-4111

B E ST OF LAWR ENCE 2016

BDC Tattoo:

YOU Be the Best:

BDC Tattoo

Best Tattoo Shop

Tattoo aftercare for first-timers

You had been thinking about getting that sunflower tattoo for a while, and you finally overcame your fear of needles, went to BDC Tattoo—this year’s Best Tattoo Shop—and did it! And it looks amazing. That is, underneath all of the redness and bandages, of course. Something you probably weren’t thinking about is how to make sure it heals properly after you leave the shop, and you’re on your own. Luckily, BDC offers some quick aftercare instructions (find on their website) for the first-timers. Ice ice, baby First things first, keep that bandage on for three to five hours. Unwrap, and wash gently with unscented bar soap and your fingertips. Pat dry with a clean towel. Make an ice pack with a clean cloth as a barrier between the pack and your tattoo, and ice for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and close pores.

Moisturize Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor to the area, but make sure it’s thin, as you want your tattoo to breathe to heal properly. You’ll do this three to five times a day; as it starts feeling dry, put a small amount of ointment on it. It will start peeling in three to five days and finish in five to seven. Keep it clean You’ll want to wash it three times daily for about a week. Any clothing you wear should be loose to avoid touching it. Showering, of course, is fine, but don’t submerge your tattoo at any time before it heals.

best local band your friend

Biggest Fan

Justin Zareba

Photo by Kevin Anderson

Taryn Miller, who performs under the name “Your Friend,” has been a staple of the Lawrence music scene for the past several years. Miller has found widespread recognition and glowing reviews in such major publications as Spin magazine. Diehard fan Justin Zaruba was intrigued by the widespread reviews he’d heard of her sound. “I heard words like ‘echoey’ and ‘dreamlike,’” he says. Zaruba had to hear for himself at a live show with the full band, and walked away a fan. “Their music fit into a genre of music that I love, but their live-performance energy really blew me away.” Justin worked at Liberty Hall the night of Your Friend’s newest album release, Gumption. “It was easily the busiest, most intense show I have ever worked. But more than that, she brought in the chillest, most respectful crowd possible. Every aspect of her music and fan base continues to impress me.” “Great musical acts have come out of Lawrence,” Justin continues, “and I’m proud to see Taryn join their ranks. There’s great things ahead for her and, provided I can still afford it, I will go to all of her shows.” —Thaddeus Haverkamp bestoflawrence.com

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Your Hometown Team At Lawrence Otolaryngology, we’ve been a part of the Lawrence community for 31 years. We are proud to be your hometown option for audiology services, including diagnostic testings, hearing screenings and one of the largest selection of hearing aids and accessories in our area. We serve our patients every day, with the time and attention it takes to truly be a partner in their hearing journey. And, our patients say it best...

Audiologists Meryl R. Lockling, AuD and Misti M. Ranck MS CCC-A

Questions about your hearing? We look forward to the opportunity to answer your questions and treat you like we’ve been treating your neighbors for more than 30 years.

Call 785.841.1107 or visit us online at www.lawoto.com

k n a h T ou Y

for voting us

Best Locally Owned Pharmacy • Friendly and Professional Staff • Free delivery • Quick Service • Best Prices in Lawrence • Free Med Box Preparation • Nursing Home Services • Therapy Management • Pet Medications • Compounding

4951 W 18th St Lawrence, KS 785-749-6740

4525 W 6th St Lawrence, KS 785-842-1225

• Breast Pumps • Weekly Med Reminders

Best local band

Truckstop Honeymoon Truckstop Honeymoon, the bluegrass duo of Mike and Katie West, has been a popular fixture since they arrived in 2005 from New Orleans, post-Katrina. Mike West attributes the acceptance of his family to that very word. “‘Community’ is a word that gets overused, but if there was ever a town that has it, it’s Lawrence,” Mike says. “As soon as we arrived in Lawrence, everybody was unbelievably supportive and open to whatever we had to offer.” From shows in tiny bars to Mardi Gras parades, these two bluegrass musicians have not only made music but also become closely enmeshed with this community. The hardest part is having to share the Wests with the international community: the pair has done extensive tours of both the UK and Australia in recent months.

Photo by Jason Dailey

www.truckstophoneymoon.com

bestoflawrence.com

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Best Bar + Beer Selection

Free State Brewing Company While expecting everyone at Free State to know your name might be a little much, the chances of seeing someone you know at the downtown institution on a Monday night is nearly guaranteed. The ever-changing, alwaysappealing beer selection keeps customers coming back. Two factors have shaped the types of beer both on tap and in bottles offered at the bar, says owner Chuck Magerl.

636 Massachusetts Street, 785-843-4555

Photo by Jason Dailey

First is, “The expectation for new and different from customers always wanting to explore,” Magerl says. And second is Free State’s own restless spirit. “We’re looking to expand the way in which we define ourselves.”

Dave Johanning: Best Bartender

YOU Be the Best:

Sandbar

The “Best Bartender” shares the principles of bar etiquette so happy hour remains … happy. Dave Johanning, from the Sandbar, has long served as the best bartender in town, and as a former KU basketball player, it’s obvious why he’s shown so much love in Jayhawk territory. So we thought it best to ask the man behind the bar how we can be on our best behavior when stepping out for a night on the town. Patience is key Trust that they’ll make it your way and get you the Shark Attack you deserve. “Don’t yell, wave or— especially—reach over the bar and tap or grab the bartender,” Johanning says. Know what you want to order Be specific so the bartender can be swift about getting what you need. Don’t just say, “Give me a beer.” Before waving down the bartender, have the list of drinks for you

and your friends ready in your mind to order. And (bonus) pro-tip: Always order with the liquor first, then the mix. “It’s a vodka cranberry, not a cranberry vodka,” Johanning says. “Ordering with the mix first messes us up because we pour the liquor first.” Tip what you can! “We understand that not everyone is going to tip like an ex-bartender or waiter would,” he says. “But it really does make us feel unappreciated when we take care of you, and you’re having a great time, and you order a drink that’s $3.75 and give us $4 and we bring back the quarter and you put it in your pocket.” Spare the quarter. It may be small, but it’s something! —Katie Kutsko

Guide to …

best cocktails If you want to

An Extensive Martini List

Best Wine List

The Eldridge (on Thursday)—Whether you like savory, sweet or anything in between, there’s a martini for you at the Jayhawker. You can get an Andes Mint, Bloody Mary, key lime pie, classic Gimlet— or nearly anything else you can imagine in your martini glass. If you want

City Wine Market If one was amazing, two is dazzling. The City Wine Market opened a second location this past year, bringing the successful West-side shop’s ambiance to the downtown area. While the store specializes in wine, offering everything up to and including a pricey bottle of Abreu ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon—along with a curated craft beer selection—the Market’s appeal is that it feels more like a neighborhood cafe than a liquor store. Co-owner Steve Wilson says that’s intentional. “That’s what we’re going for,” says Wilson. “We’ve spent a long time learning our trade, and we like what we do. We want people to feel that way.” 4821 W 6th Street Ste N, 785-856-2489; 900 New Hampshire Street, Suite C, 785-856-2491

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B E ST OF LAWR ENCE 2016

Boozy Coffee The Bourgeois Pig—Or as they call it at the Pig, “corrected coffee.” Take your pick of whiskey, Kahlua, rum or Bailey’s. Hot or cold—The Pig has you covered. If you want

Innovative Concoctions 715—715’s cocktail menu comprises a unique mix of flavors and ingredients. They do a sweet twist on a classic with the “Maple Old Fashioned.” It includes buffalo trace, maple syrup, angostura bitters and orange. On the savory side, the “Bombay Shandy” is made of bombay sapphire, genepy de alpes, boulevard pilsner, pineapple gum and lemon. Their menu is fresh and innovative.

ve o l ll in

h t i w

s s e Fitn

Come experience how Active Release Therapy, innovative rehab, and a personalized approach to addressing pain and injuries, are why over 4000 patients trust Peak Performance for their care.

Thank you Lawrence! n inso Rob y b . Ab nd Dr onda a R s, e n o J Dr. Rob

Best of Lawrence Chiropractor 4 Years Running!

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peakperformancehealthcenter.com

Real Women. Real Workouts. Real Results. You feel it when you first walk in the door, this place is something special.Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been locally owned and operated for 26 years and have always been more than a gym. We are a Club where women support women and get strong TOGETHER.

2330 Yale Road, Lawrence 785.749.2424 www.bodyboutique.net

Thank You Lawrence for voting us Best of Lawrence for Best Auto Repair! Serving loyal, Lawrence customers since 1957. • Full-service • Oil changes • Seven days a week • Maintenance • Tires and tire • Batteries repairs • No charge for air E-15 E-85

Most Gas Stations

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Westside 66 Premium

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Westside 66 and Car Wash Premium Ethanol-Free Gasoline 2815 West 6th St. • (785) 843-1878 Lawrence’s only full service and pure gasoline station!

THANK YOU L A W R E N C E !

Proud to be part of Kansas for over 90 years! WE

HAV E

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B E ST

CUS TO MERS

AS S O CI ATES!