The Plainsman's Choice 2019

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Best Student Org ..................... 5 Best Involvement Event ....... 5 Best Tradition ............................ 6 Best Professor ........................... 6 Best Administrator ....................... 7 Best Food Truck ....................... 8 Best On-Campus Dining ...... 9 Best On-Campus Housing ...... 9

clothes &

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Best Overall Restaurant ..................... 11 Best Treat Your Self Spot .................. 11 Best Sushi ................................................ 12 Best Date Night Spot ...................... 12 Best Seafood ......................................... 12 Best New Restaurant ............................ 13 Best Brunch .............................................. 13 Best Pub Food ........................................ 13 Best Hangover Food .......................... 13 Best Margarita ....................................... 14 Best Fried Chicken .............................. 14 Best Pasta ................................................ 14 Best Vegetarian Meal ...................... 14 Best Vegan Meal ............................... 15 Best Calzone ......................................... 15 Best Ice Cream ..................................... 15 Best Coffee ............................................ 16 Best Burger ........................................... 16 Best Pizza .............................................. 16 Best Sweet Spot ................................ 16 Best Wings ............................................ 16 Best Mexican Restuarant .............. 17 Best Dessert ......................................... 17 Best Late Night Grub .......................... 17

18 PAGE Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best

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life &

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Best Veterinarian .....................

Best New Business .................

Best Fitness Class ...................

Best Yoga ....................................

Best Off-Campus Housing ...

Best Grocery Store ................

Best Golf Course ...................

Best Urgent Care ..................

Best Gym ....................................

Best Dentist ...............................

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Overall Bar .......................

Sports Bar ........................

Local DJ ............................

Live Music .......................

Party Bar ...........................

Wine Bar ........................

Liquor Store ..................

Weekly Specials ..........

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Best Boutique ............................ 23 Best Women’s Store .............. 24 Best Men’s Store ...................... 24 Best Thrift Store ....................... 25

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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CAMPUS

February 28, 2019

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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READER POLL: BEST STUDENT ORGANIZATION

AUDM

AU Dance Marathon won an online reader’s poll, receiving 33 percent of the vote.

By ELIZABETH HURLEY Community Editor

Auburn University Dance Marathon was voted best student organization with 33 percent of the vote in an online poll.

The organization raises funds throughout the year, culminating in one final 14-hour main fundraising event held during the spring semester, said Hannah Crosby, president of AUDM. “Winning the best organization I think is a really big honor for us just because my exec team, our entire staff and myself works crazy hard throughout the year to fundraise for our hospital and put on a huge event in the spring,” Crosby said.

At this year’s main event, AUDM raised $502,195 for Children’s Hospital at Piedmont Columbus Regional. The event featured local bands, a silent disco and other activities to fill the day as participants campaigned online to raise funds for the hospital.

The organization also hosts two smaller fundraising campaigns, one in the spring and one in the fall semesters, as well as open fundraising throughout the year.

This past year, the spring fundraising event, Fundraise the Roof, raised $87,000 in one day.

Other nominees:

CONTRIBUTED BY TATOM MOORE, AUDM VP OF FINANCE

• Spectrum • Student Government • ISO • Emerge

AUDM raised $568,417.07 for the 2018-2019 fundraising year.

“We just really encourage each other and our staff members and our participants to fundraise as much as possible,” Crosby said. “We say every penny really makes a difference in the lives of the kids in our hospital.”

Since AUDM’s first color run, a race in which powdered pigment is thrown, was such a success last year, the organization has decided to host its second annual color run during the fall semester of 2019. “[It] was a really big success,” Crosby said. “This was our first time doing a color run this year. I really highly encourage everybody around Auburn’s campus to come out.”

Staff applications for AUDM will open in March, with committee applications following at the beginning of the fall semester to allow incoming freshman to apply to be apart of the organization.

Registration for the main event will open in May, Crosby said. Every student is encouraged to apply, as the event is for everyone.

“We really just highly encourage everybody to register because you can really make a difference as a participant and really see what our program is like and decide if next year, they want to apply for staff,” Crosby said.

READER POLL: BEST INVOLVEMENT EVENT

Hey Day

By LOGAN GLOVER Sports Writer

KATHERINE MILLER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Auburn students carry on the Hey Day tradition on Oct. 3, 2018, in Auburn, Ala.

Hey Day won an online reader’s poll, receiving 52 percent of the vote.

Other nominees: • IMPACT • Dance Marathon • Homecoming Concert

Hey Day is an event that dates all the way back to World War II. Members of Auburn University’s student body and Student Government Association wanted a day to unite the Auburn Family and create a friendly atmosphere.

Each year, the tradition of handing out name tags and encouraging students, faculty and the whole Auburn Family to greet one another shows the Auburn spirit while bringing those whose who are part of Auburn closer togeth-

er. Hey Day is one of Auburn University’s longest-running traditions and is a day that everyone can look forward to each year.

“Our team of directors put in countless hours to make sure that this year’s event unified all that is Auburn, and we believe that is why it was successful,” said Director of Hey Day Cassie Atchley. “Thanks to our incredible volunteers, we had a record number of name tags distributed.”

The most recent Hey Day was on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018. As with every Hey Day that happens, this one had a special theme to go along with

it.

“This year was all about ‘Saying Hey the Auburn Way,’ and it made for a great day on The Plains,” Atchley said.

This most recent Hey Day had a goal to connect alumni, students and community together as one Auburn Family. Not only does it connect the Auburn Family but it also allows all who participate to get their hands on free food, games and entertainment on the campus Green Space.

Soon enough another Hey Day will come to Auburn in the fall, and 72 years later, the Auburn Family will still be saying, “Hey.”

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

February 28, 2019

READER POLL: FAVORITE PROFESSOR

History professor Sarah Hamilton

By OLIVIA HUSKY Sports Writer

Sarah Hamilton,Plainsman’s Choice for best professor, has found a way to incorporate both her love of history and environmental studies in her career.

The professor teaches classes focused on both world history and environmental history. In an effort to focus more on concepts and make students more engaged in learning about histo-

ry, she uses games from the “Reacting to the Past” series. The “Reacting to the Past” series includes different role-playing games and skits that are influenced by classical texts and set in the past.

“I’m not as interested in whether they can memorize lists of names and dates and facts,” Hamilton said. “I’m really interested in whether they can work out compromises and debate in public or conduct independent research or think kind of creatively about how to solve a problem. And I think that’s

what these games really, really teach.

There’s the depth of the history that they’re learning, but it’s also all of these skills that I think are incredibly applicable in any field.”

In her free time, she gardens and travels often. She goes to Spain about once a year to visit with friends and do more research. Hamilton also had a baby last year, so she spends a lot of her time with her child. She is working on a project that is focused on groundwater use in Spain.

Sarah Hamilton won an online reader’s poll, receiving 40 percent of the vote.

Other nominees: • Alyssa Ross •Ken Noe • Kathy King • Josh Shiver •Matthew Kearly

CONTRIBUTED BY SARAH HAMILTON

READER POLL: BEST AUBURN TRADITION

Rolling Toomer’s

By BEN KEY Sports Writer

Toomer’s Corner is a landmark to all members of the Auburn Family, and rolling Toomer’s is a hallmark of Auburn tradition. Toomer’s Corner refers to the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue and is named for the legendary Toomer’s Drugs. Toomer’s Drugs was named for its founder, former state Sen. Sheldon Toomer, who played fullback on Auburn’s first-ever football team in 1892.

As the story goes, the rolling of Toomer’s Corner began when the store was in possession of the only telegraph in Auburn.

Rolling Toomer’s Corner won an online reader’s poll, receiving 57 percent of the vote.

Other contenders: • Hey Day • Eagle Flight • Callouts ENIJA BIDZANE/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

When the Tigers played an away game, if the employees got news of a win, they would throw the ticker paper on the power lines.

The true origin of the tradition is highly debated, however.

One popular story says the first recorded rolling of Toomer’s Corner came in 1972, after Auburn defeated Alabama 17-16 in the famous Iron Bowl known as the “Punt Bama Punt” game.

The use of toilet paper is also said to be linked to this game, relayed to a quote from former Auburn running back Terry Henley who said, “We’re going to beat the No. 2 out of Alabama.”

Henley was not simply referring to Alabama’s No. 2 ranking at the time, and after the game was won, came the victory throws of toilet paper.

No one truly knows when it began, but the banners of white began gracing the trees of Toomer’s before 1972.

The first evidence is found in a November 1971 print of The Plainsman. The paper contains a story on the victory celebration

after Auburn defeated Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

“They had a good pep rally at Toomer’s Corner — and all up and down Magnolia Avenue and all over Auburn. Toilet paper — the long, fragile banners of victory — were wrapped around telephone poles, stoplights and overhanging trees,” the November 1971 issue of The Plainsman said.

But this issue came one year before the “Punt Bama Punt” game that is said to be the start of the tradition.

While no one knows when it started, a Plainsman article for the Nov. 14, 1985, edition traces the origins to the 1960s.

“That was not until the 1960s,” Neil O. Davis is quoted saying in the article. “There were always pep rallies and celebrations there, but the throwing of the toilet paper came later.”

Much like the War Eagle slogan, the true history of rolling Toomer’s is different depending on who is telling it, but nevertheless, it is a timeless tradition and gameday necessity after every Auburn win.

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

READER POLL: FAVORITE ADMINISTRATOR

CONTRIBUTED BY LADY COX

Lady Cox, AVP for student engagement

Lady Cox won an online reader’s poll, receiving 41 percent of the vote.

Other nominees: • Bobby Woodard • Glenn Loughridge • Steven Leath • Vini Nathan

By WILLIAM FINNEY Sports Writer

Give a round of applause for Auburn University’s Lady Cox, the assistant vice president for student engagement, as she has won the Plainsman’s Choice award for best administrator. This an award presented by The Auburn Plainsman, but it was voted on by readers of the publication.

“I was surprised,” said Cox. “I try to be the unsung hero behind the scenes. A lot of what I do is to make sure others have a stage to shine on.”

Even unsung heroes are recognized at Auburn, and many would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated savior. Cox’s focus is outside the class room. Whether it be student media or student government, her goal remains the same.

“My goal is to help students have a more meaningful college experience,” said Cox. The most rewarding part of Cox’s job has been working with the students and staff. Cox enjoys the opportunity to see the students and the University grow.

Cox came to Auburn in 2010 to obtain her master’s degree in higher education and student affairs.

While studying, Cox also worked as Auburn’s chief of staff. She fell in love with Auburn the second she saw Samford during a sunset.

“My favorite thing to do on Friday nights is go to Little Italy’s and eat pizza,” said Cox. “Then, we go to Toomer’s, get ice cream and eat it on Samford Lawn.”

When not in the office, Cox can be found jet setting around the world. She and her husband, Matt Cox, have been to over 40 countries. One day, her husband came home from work and said he wanted to quit his job and travel around the world.

“I was like ‘okay’ — not what I planned, but it sounded amazing,” said Cox. “We sold the cars and the house, put our stuff in storage and took off.”

With the additions of their two daughters, Linea Cox, 11, and Maggie Shaws Cox, 9, in tow, the family set off.

“We pride ourselves in packing light,” said Cox. “Last summer we took a trip to Portugal, and we only packed one duffel bag and a back pack for the four of us.”

Cox’s goal is to visit more countries than years she’s been alive. With an upcoming vacation to the Czech Republic, the 41-year-old is closing in on that goal.

It’s undeniable that Cox is one of Auburn’s gems, but her path to The Plains was unconventional.

The Starkville, Mississippi, native started her higher education journey at Mississippi State University in 1998 at the age of 16.

“There was an old rule that if you scored a certain point on your ACT and you were at a certain level in your classes, you could go straight to college,” said Cox. Once on State’s campus, Cox studied communications and decided to go Greek. She went through rush and joined the Phi Delta chapter of the Chi Omega sorority.

Cox sighted the importance of her new-found network as an invaluable resource that helped her navigate college. To stay in her sorority, Cox had to maintain good grades, stay out of trouble and perform in the public. This is where Cox ignited her passion for helping people. Her freshman year she began serving in the student government administration as a cabinet member.

“I found that I was constantly enjoying these outside of the class room experiences,” said Cox. Her favorite memory from college was when she and her friends snuck onto the baseball field

during a rain storm. The field was covered with a tarp, and the rain turned Dudy Noble Field made Mississippi’s largest slip-and-slide. They spent the afternoon sloshing around with the baseball team.

“I got to slide into home,” said Cox. “I’m sure I would be horrified if I heard about students doing that today — Coach (Butch) Thompson would kill me.”

Cox would face adversity during her sophomore year — adversity in the form of handwritten death threats, the kind that are chopped out letter by letter from the magazine headlines.

“The letters said how they wanted to kill me, and they gave very specific details of the Chi-O house and my apartment,” said Cox. Initially she brushed the letters off until her father found one. Out of concern for his daughter, he called the police, and eventually, the FBI got involved.

“They took handwriting samples of all the suspects, and nothing matched,” said Cox “Then 10 months later, the letters stopped.”

She would later find out the letters were written by her high school boyfriends’ ex-girlfriend. Afterward, she found out she was the first reported case of stalking on Mississippi State’s campus.

Cox’s life would be forever changed when she met with the Director of Students Mike White.

White sat down with Cox and assured her that everything was going to be okay and that her well-being had become one of the university’s top priorities.

“I really think that is why I’ve gotten into student affairs,” said Cox. “I’ve had all these good experiences, and during the trying times, it was their support that helped me.”

She is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Georgia.

“I believe in being a lifelong learner,” said Cox. Cox finds the material challenging and inspiring.

“I guess it goes to show that my first choice of going to Mississippi State is because it was easy — this choice is about doing what’s hard,” said Cox. With three separate schools, Cox boasts an extensive SEC resume. However, Auburn is her home and it’s where she sees herself staying. For her, it’s about more than the accolades. She just wants to increase her interaction with the students.

“My job is a pleasure,” said Cox. “I get to serve the students of Auburn, and I’m really thankful for that.”

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February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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BEST ON-CAMPUS FOOD TRUCK

The ’Dam Food Truck

By BRYTNI EMISON Opinions Editor

Parked in a variety of locations, from the Haley Concourse to a spot tucked behind RBD, food trucks litter Auburn’s campus.

Shining bright white in the Alabama sunshine is perhaps the most striking food truck on campus, the Amsterdam Cafe Food Truck, lovingly nicknamed The ’Dam Food Truck. The truck, with its only splash of color being the exuberant red and green Amsterdam Cafe logo, is impossible to miss no matter what corner of campus it’s parked.

The Amsterdam Cafe Food Truck always has a line of eager students waiting to order an item off of the truck’s diverse menu. It brings some of Auburn’s highest quality eats to campus, including one of Alabama’s 100 things to eat before you die, the Amsterdam crab cake — one of the favorite dishes served from the truck.

Owner of the Amsterdam Cafe and the dam food truck, Blake Cleveland, said the appeal of the truck comes from the truck’s wide variety.

“You can get a deli sandwich or a seafood sandwich or a burger or some fried chicken,” Cleveland said. “We try to do some weekly specials. We try to mix it up.”

Even considering its variety, students seem to flock to the truck for its higher-end menu. Julia Burke, senior in marketing, said what makes the dam food truck stand out in the University’s sea of other food trucks is that it has the highest-quality food compared to others.

CAMERON BRASHER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Amsterdam Food Truck on Mon, Feb 26. , 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

Serving American-style eats that mimic menu items of its brick-and-mortar restaurant, Amsterdam Cafe, The ’Dam Food Truck brings an eloquence to food truck dining not found anywhere else on campus.

The menu is beautiful in its simplicity, with only five entrees and one dessert. Seemingly, there is still something on

CAM BRASHER/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Amsterdam Food Truck on campus on Feb. 26. 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

the menu for everyone, whether its a mouth-watering griddle burger or a pescatarian-friendly crab cake.

The most popular item on the menu, however, is the turkey wrap, which supplies on-the-go students with a fast, delicious meal they can eat on their way to and from class.

Each menu item was carefully selected for its ability to serve as a quick meal for a busy student — four of the entrees are some variety of sandwich, and the last item is fried chicken fingers.

However, this small menu is usually supplemented with a weekly special, which is more often than not the fan-favorite chicken tacos.

At its outset, however, the truck only offered three entrees plus a weekly special. The menu quickly grew when students kept requesting the buffalo chicken sandwich as the weekly special. Since the truck began frying chicken tenders, the chicken tenders plate was also added to the menu. As the menu and the customer base of the truck continue to grow so must the dam food truck.

This spring, the truck is getting an overhaul as the Amsterdam Cafe is having a new, bigger truck built to serve the growing needs of the students.

“The old truck will go away in the spring, and students will see a new truck,” Cleveland said.

Although Cleveland said they are changing some aspects of the truck and will soon run a larger operation with the new truck he’s not changing too much. After all, Cleveland said, “Why fix something if it isn’t broken?”

The Amsterdam Food Truck is hands down one of the best ’dam places to eat on campus, and it continues to cater to the hungry appetites of students. The ‘dam food truck can only become better as it grows and continues to serve hungry students.

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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CAMERON BRASHER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

BEST ON-CAMPUS DINING

Chicken Salad Chick

By SCOTT BERSON Assistant Community Editor

“They all work hard and deserve this honor” Chicken Salad Chick is an Auburn institution. It began when company founder Stacy Brown began selling chicken salad dishes from her home, according to company history. When Lee County said her home business was illegal, she and her husband opened up the first restaurant in 2008.

Now, Chicken Salad Chick has more than 100 locations scattered across 12 states, spreading the home-cooking of The Plains across the whole South.

“We’re growing organically, and we’re letting each community pull us to the next one so there’s a desire, and they are screaming for us before we can get there. The future is as bright as it has ever been for ‘Chicken Salad Chick,’” Brown told Inc. in January 2019.

At Auburn, Cox said his location’s goal was to function as a full restaurant and not to take the ready-made audience of hungry students for granted.

“It’s a combination ... we’ve got a great product, its a local product, it started here in Auburn. The employees are great, we give great service,” he said. “Give us a try, check out all the chicken salad flavors. There’s definitely going to be a flavor for everyone.”

SCOTT BERSON/ASSISTANT COMMUNITY EDITOR

With its tasty ingredients, wide menu of flavors and top-notch customer service, Auburn’s homegrown chicken-salad sensation snagged the top pick for on-campus dining.

Chicken Salad Chick, located in James E. Foy Hall, offers a dozen different flavors of chicken salad — everything from the spicy “Buffalo Barclay” to the tangy “Olivia’s Old South” to the cheesy “Sassy Scotty.”

Sandwiches, pimento cheese, soups, salads and sides are also on the menu, and each meal comes with a pickle and a sweet buttercream cookie — perfect for rounding out the savoriness of the main course.

“We are very proud to have won the best on-campus dining award,” said Nick Cox, general manager of Chicken Salad Chick. “We try every day to serve our guests with great customer service and great food.”

Employees at the restaurant shouted with joy when they heard they had won the award.

“I love my job,” said employee Krystle Jones. “Best job ever.”

Cox said the employees deserved SCHOOL credit for providing the high-quality service that earned them the distinction. “(Students) know they can come in here, get great food, get it quick, and I am real proud of all my employee,” he said.

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BEST ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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February 28, 2019

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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READER POLL: BEST

Acre won an online reader’s poll, receiving 59 percent of the vote.

Acre

Other nominees: • Lucy’s • The Hound • Hamilton’s

By JORDAN WINDHAM Campus Writer

Acre serves up classic Southern cuisine with an elegant twist, celebrating the South’s agricultural heritage by growing and locally sourcing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs.

“We are all about trying to represent the Southern Heritage through the food, through the storytelling,” said J.D. Hammond, general manager. “Our executive chef and owner, David Bancroft, was raised with being a good steward of the land, so this is kind of his representation of what that means to be a southern chef — so representing the local food, vegetables and fruit production and them being good stewards of the animals that we bring in as well.”

Located on East Glenn Avenue, Acre is a popular choice for students and Alumni looking for a taste of Auburn.

“We’re called farm to table,” Hammond said.

“We do have a plot of land where we do our own farming. So Acre was named after the parcel of

FILE PHOTO

land. We couldn’t decide on the name before we bought this land. It was an actual acre of land so it was named after that.”

From peach and olive trees to Meyer lemon bushes, Acre grows their own produce, which lends itself to their menu, which changes depending on what is in season to best represent each season. In the spring, the menu contains fruitheavy options. For summer, there are hardy vegetables like corn and okra.

“The menu is all about what is growing at that time,” Hammond said. “We try not to have anything on the menu that is out of season, for the

most part.”

Hammond’s favorite menu item is the duck entree, which is a seared skin-on duck breast served with a goat cheese risotto and an ancho chili honey sauce garnished with micro greens.

“So it’s sweet, it’s sour, it’s spicy. It’s a little bit of everything,” Hammond said.

The menu is also created to reflect the ingredients that Acre can source locally. From Lee County to Birmingham area farms, Acre displays its local sources proudly on a chalkboard in its entry.

Hammond is an Auburn graduate in hospitality management who returned to Auburn to help

open Acre, which he describes as an eye-opening experience.

“I have learned a ton about food and wine, but I have just learned about what it is like to be part of a restaurant that is more concerned about being a part of the community trying to represent the community and ourselves well, as opposed to just cooking food and selling food,” Hammond said.

Hammond considers Acre to be more involved in the community than any restaurant he has seen.

“My favorite part about it is just the support that we get from the community, the love and the outpour of people backing us for what we’re trying to do, the stances that we try to take on being ‘fair kitchen,’ a different type of kitchen culture and a different type of restaurant culture and just the support and feedback that we get,” Hammond said.

BEST TREAT YOURSELF SPOT

The Hound

By TRICE BROWN Campus Reporter

Some days, you just feel like treating yourself. For almost seven years, The Hound has been a spot for Auburn students and residents to find something to satisfy their craving.

Kasha Davied, general manager for The Hound, said the restaurant offers many things that different people consider a delicacy — and maybe even an indulgence.

“People come to The Hound because of the combination of our Southern food, hand-crafted libations, cozy atmosphere and attentive service,” Davied said.

For The Hound, it’s all about the entire experience that creates loyal customers.

She said one of her personal favorite treats is Mama Sue’s Pepper Jelly, a homemade jalapeno pepper jelly that is served with cream cheese and crackers.

The chicken-fried steak entree, another one of Davied’s favorites, consists of tender fried beef cheeks,

grits, mushrooms, sauteed broccolini and bone gravy.

“Our customers seem to really be enjoying our bacon flights,” Davied said. “I mean, how often do you get to go somewhere and order a flight of four different bacons?”

For those above the age of 21, Davied recommended customers try one of their whiskey cocktails.

She said there’s something for everyone, even if you aren’t a whiskey or bourbon drinker.

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

February 28, 2019

BEST SUSHI

Arigato Sushi Boutique

By ELLIE FALCONER Community Writer

Arigato Sushi Boutique is a locally owned restaurant located in downtown Auburn that features a wide variety of Asian cuisine with drink and sushi specials offered almost every day.

The restaurant is a local favorite because of the wide variety and creativity of its sushi rolls. Arigato offers about 80 different variations, including beginner rolls, vegetable rolls, deep-fried rolls and elaborate Maki rolls.

Arigato caters to college students by offering several sushi specials during the week and at least one drink special every day, such as one dollar sake bombs.

“I love Arigato because of all the great specials,” said Maris Barden, freshman in biomedical sciences. “Every time I come here there’s a way to save money and the sushi is amazing.”

Owner of Arigato Sushi Boutique Peter Baek said their su-

shi chefs are flexible and allow in-house customers to add ingredients to their roll, and they can even choose to have their sushi roll fried.

“We are providers of the student,” Baek said. “Most of our customers are students. I don’t think they have enough money to spend. We want to provide them enough sushi with allyou-can-eat unlimited sushi [specials].”

The specials include all-you-can-eat sushi on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $1 sushi night on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 50 percent off all Maki rolls every day.

The Maki rolls are the elaborate rolls which feature more ingredients, and some are fried.

“Young people need a lot more energy and more food, so we are proud to provide unlimited sushi special [for a low price],” Baek said.

He said Arigato offers the $1 sushi special so customers can try multiple rolls for a low price. Customers can choose

BEST DATE NIGHT SPOT

from about 16 different rolls, and they receive two pieces for a dollar.

For example, a customer may order JOSIE WITEK / ILLUSTRATOR two pieces of an avocado roll, two pieces of a golden California roll and two pieces of a spicy tuna roll for only three dollars.

Baek said out of the sushi spots in Auburn he believes they have the most reasonable prices.

“Very, very reasonable price,” Baek said. “I’m very proud of that.”

Co-owner of Arigato Sushi Boutique Grace Bae said her favorite part of owning the restaurant is feeding the younger generation. “It’s really powerful,” she said.

BEST SEAFOOD

Stinky’s Fish Camp

By STEPHANIE TUNNELL Lifestyle Writer

TACO MAMA FILE PHOTO

Opening in Auburn a little over a year and a half ago, Stinky’s Fish Camp: Seafood and Wine Bar is the best place in Auburn for seafood.

Begin your meal with the “oysters all day all ways” appetizer, served eight different ways. General manager David Weiss, said no one else in Auburn serves fresh raw oysters, which adds to the oysters’ popularity and exclusivity.

Spice-boiled snow crab legs, shrimp and grits and smokey braised short ribs are a few of the entrees found on the dinner menu served up by Chef Antwaun Robinson. The most popular entree on the menu is the grilled shrimp and angel hair pasta served with summer squash, tomato, spinach and pesto.

At lunch, grilled Gulf fish tacos and specialty po’boys are a crowd favorite. Stinky’s has a kids’ menu for those with little ones in the community and a thorough brunch menu including French market beignets,

oysters, eggs benedict and omelettes.

To end your coastal meal, try the bready pudding sundae.

Not only serving seafood, each home Auburn basketball game, Stinky’s Fish Camp cooks and serves a whole pig, buffet style, which they call “Pig Pickin’.”

Diet-friendly, Stinky’s offers a twocourse vegetarian meal that includes fried green tomatoes and cauliflower steak and angel hair pasta, with salads also on the menu.

Stinky’s Fish Camp is open six days a week, opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 9 p.m. on Sundays and closing at 10 p.m Tuesday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, Stinky’s has a happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. everyday.

Stinky’s Fish Camp is located off of Shug Jordan Parkway. Great food, reasonable prices and a lively atmosphere are the reasons why Stinky’s Fish Camp: Seafood and Wine Bar is Plainsman’s Choice for best seafood.

You just may forget that you’re in Auburn and think you’re at the beach.

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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BEST NEW RESTAURANT

LUCY’S

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

BEST PUB FOOD

READER POLL: BEST BRUNCH

The Hound

By SAMANTHA STRUNK Campus Writer

This year, Plainsman’s Choice for best brunch in Auburn is The Hound, a Southern-style restaurant nestled in downtown.

“We’re super proud of this honor,” said The Hound manager Stephen Spencer.

Spencer believes the restaurant’s desire to simultaneously produce quality food and service plays a role in setting The Hound’s brunch experience apart from the rest.

“It’s the atmosphere,” Spencer said.

“It’s almost like you’re coming into a log cabin, somewhere in the South where you’re going to just enjoy yourself and hang out.”

Spencer said the restaurant looks to welcome anyone through the doors and make sure everyone’s enjoying both what they’re eating and the conversations they’re having. The Hound wants people to feel like they belong.

“It’s not just about being successful or anything like that,” Spencer said.

“We take pride in the fact that you leave here happier every time when you come in.”

Spencer said the food quality also makes The Hound a special experi-

ence.

“Everything we do is in-house,” Spencer said.

Spencer said The Hound makes its own blends of seasonings, mixes its own granola, cures its own bacon and more.

Spencer cited Head Chef Robbie Nicolaisen’s attention to detail as a major contributor to the food’s taste.

“Chef Robbie’s awesome,” Spencer said. “He looks over everything that comes in. Whatever ingredient it may be — any meat, the produce and so forth.”

Spencer said Nicolaisen holds a certain standard. The chef considers what he would serve himself and his family.

“Nothing below that is served here,” Spencer said.

The Hound’s brunch options include steak and eggs, omletes, pancakes, French toast, a chorizo hash and eggs dish and a benedict made with biscuits, among others.

Spencer said brunch is typically served from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with an earlier opening time on graduation days or days of a home football game with an 11 a.m. kickoff.

Spencer said the Auburn community has been supportive of The Hound and given the restaurant the opportunity to grow. He said many patrons find the restaurant through word of mouth.

“I do think it’s a testament to what we try to accomplish here,” Spencer said. “And it says something about the support and love that the community has shown us.”

WINGS, ETC

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

BEST HANGOVER FOOD

WAFFLE HOUSE MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

The Hound on Feb. 25, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

February 28, 2019

READER POLL: BEST MARGARITA

Taco Mama

By STEPHEN LANZI Campus Editor

From seasonal options to the regular wide variety, Taco Mama has the best margaritas in Auburn.

Located in downtown Auburn for the past few years, Taco Mama has an endless amount of options, but Eric Kaudle, general manager of the restaurant, said the house margarita, the Mi Casa, is far and away the best deal.

“I think we’re number one, hands down,” Kaudle said.

The Cucumber and Pomegranate are also great choices that never fail to please, frozen or otherwise.

And every Tuesday is half-price mar-

garita night. Customers don’t have to spend but a couple dollars to get cups or pitchers of the Skinny and the Mi Casa.

For those with more extravagant taste buds, Taco Mama’s top-shelf Mercedes does just the trick. Made with Petrone, it is the best high-dollar choice around.

The Skinny, made with Splenda water instead of the simple syrup, is a huge seller and is just as tasty for people counting calories but not wanting to compromise taste.

“It’s a little less filling,” Kaudle said.

“The ladies like that.”

In addition to the regular popular choices, Taco Mama also offers a seasonal Blood Orange marg. And during the summer they sell a Watermelon-flavored

MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

treat.

“We really take a lot of pleasure in serving this community,” Kaudle said.

Made fresh daily, Taco Mama makes sure to thoroughly shake each marg, releasing a flavor profile that can’t be beat anwhere in town.

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Taco Mama won an online reader’s poll, receiving 48 percent of the vote.

Other nominees: • El Dorado • Tacorita • Cancun

BEST PASTA

Pannie-George’s Kitchen

By JAKE WEESE Sports Writer

Auburn has no shortage of fried chicken restaurants, and fried chicken is a southern delicacy.

This year’s Plainsman’s Choice winner for best fried chicken is Pannie-George’s Kitchen.

Pannie-George’s is a family-owned restaurant that has operated in Auburn since 2005.

The name Pannie-George is derived from combining the family’s grandparents’ names, Mary “Pannie” Taylor and George Taylor.

The restaurant is not just fried chicken; instead, it’s more of an overall Southern soul food experience.

The menu at Pannie-George’s varies from day-to-day with fried chicken as the staple item, which is available every day, Monday to Friday and Sunday.

The menu which is posted to Facebook and can also be found by calling their phone number consists of different Southern entrees, sides and desserts.

For example, on Sunday, the entrees were fried chicken, baked pork chops and beef tips

while the side dishes were mac and cheese, okra, lima beans, yams, green beans and gravy on rice.

The food is reasonably priced and tasty; ordering your meal is similar to restaurants like Chipotle and Pieology.

You go step-by-step in creating your plate of a meat and two sides, but you can add more meat and sides if you wish to do so.

I had the fried chicken with mac and cheese and green beans while the friend that I went with had the baked pork chops with mac and cheese, creamed corn and green beans. All of this food brought our total to about $20.

The food was quite delicious and will remind anyone from the South of a homecooked meal. It also provides international students and students not from the South a chance to experience Southern cuisine.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant is friendly, not only from the staff, but from the fellow patrons as well.

This restaurant with its friendly atmosphere, delicious Southern food and reasonable pricing make this a natural winner of Plainsman’s Choice for best fried chicken.

VENDITORI’S MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

BEST VEGETARIAN MEAL

TACO MAMA JOSHUA FISHER / PHOTOGRAPHER

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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BEST VEGAN MEAL

F U S I O N

By EDUARDO MEDINA Enterprise Editor

Vegans in Auburn can skip the standard rice and beans on their next meal for a tastier mixture of Thai and Vietnamese food at the newly opened Fusion.

Located in downtown Auburn right by Toomer’s Corner, the tofu-friendly locale is quickly becoming a beacon for those in search of a vegan meal.

An appetizer like the spring rolls, which are stuffed with vegetables and healthy servings of tofu, comes with a thick serving of butter-peanut sauce.

Vegans are usually restricted to bland salads when ordering an entrée.

But at Fusion, they can skip the small, oily side order of fries for a vast selection of filling, cruelty-free selections.

It’s what a vegan wants when eating out — options.

To start, there’s the classic pho-rice noodle soups — served with onion, scallion and cilantro in house broth and a side of bean sprouts. The Vietnamese dish is enhanced by the plentiful servings of tofu, broccoli, carrot and snow peas.

Then there’s the college staple turned into a vegan’s dream — veggie ramen.

The veggies served in the ramen are the same as those in the pho, and it comes with tofu.

If soups won’t do that day, switch the broth in the bowls

BEST CALZONE

with rice and noodles. Fusion offers poke bowls served over brown or white rice with mixed greens, seaweed, cucumber, mango, avocado, carrot, sesame seeds and a side of yum yum, spicy or teriyaki sauce.

Or if rice was a vegan’s only option for six of the last seven days, they can order a vermicelli noodle bowl.

And yes, to answer the umpteenth person who can’t comprehend how vegans get their protein, both dishes come with one of many macromolecule-filled foods — tofu.

House specials like the coconut milk-infused curry and the spicy basil will give vegans something surprising and new to try.

The owner of Fusion, Nan Eham, is also the owner of Pho Lee. Eham attributes the greater variety of dishes, including vegan ones, to having a larger kitchen.

“Our customers have lots of options with tofu,” Eham said.

“At the same time, we also have lots of choices with vegetables.”

Eham said he’s not a vegan, but that his love of tofu and healthy foods has always inspired him to make meals that happen to be perfect for vegans.

Those meals, Eham said, have been missing from downtown.

“In Auburn downtown, we don’t really have any Asian cuisine restaurants,” Eham said.

“We would really like to help bring that here.”

BEST ICE CREAM

O-TOWN ICE CREAM

EDDIE’S CALZONES JOHUA FISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

BEST COFFEE

BEST BURGER

Coffee Cat

By NATALIE BECKERINK Campus Writer

A common pastime for many college students in Auburn includes exploring the local coffee scene.

While there are several great options just within a small radius of campus, Coffee Cat pushed ahead of the rest and claimed the title of best coffee shop for 2019.

Coffee Cat was established in 2014, and since then has been devoted to serving the Auburn community in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There are several large tables inside, usually filled with

students finishing up assignments and studying.

The menu at Coffee Cat has a wide variety of drink options, ranging from sweet mochas to herbal teas and energizing americanos. There’s even a drink called “the jittery cow” that consists of cold brew and chocolate milk, a favorite amongst Plainsman staffers.

Madeline Corbeau is the owner of Coffee Cat. After hearing of their Plainsman’s Choice nomination, she commented on what receiving this news meant to her and expressed how highly she thinks of her customers.

“It’s always exciting to receive a pat on the back, but the real honor and privilege is being able to serve the Auburn community to the best of our ability day in and day out,” Corbeau said. “Our customers are true treasures, and the relationships between them and the staff can be magical to watch.”

BEST PIZZA

Little Italy Pizzeria

By JACK WEST Community Writer

In a pizza industry that is too often dominated by brand names and mechanization, Little Italy brings a much-needed authenticity to downtown Auburn.

Squeezed between Fusion and The Locker Room, Auburn’s fa-

vorite pizza place proudly sports a Tricolor awning and serves warm, cheesy pizza late into the night.

In fact, one of the best things about Little Italy is that they are open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, which means that you will have a place to grab some food after those late-night study

sessions at Quixote’s.

Little Italy is also known for serving massive pizza slices, often requiring two grease-soaked paper-plates to hold a single one.

While this party-pleasing, pie parlor may have been chosen as the best place to get pizza, their menu is certainly not limited to just that. .

When it comes to tasty snacks, cookies, shaved ice and even gourmet popcorn are all fantastic choices that Auburn has to offer, but the Plainsman’s Choice would have to go to Steel City Pops.

Fruit pops, which are made ABBY SCHMIDT/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

from fresh fruit harvested locally in Auburn, creamy pops, for a more traditional ice cream flavor, and cookie pops, which incorporate chunks of cookies and brownies into the pop.

The last and newest type of pop is the paleo pop, which is made 100 percent paleo friendly. Customers can also have their pops

By OLIVIA WILKES Videographer

The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a relaxed, sporty atmosphere is what set BurgerFi apart as our Plainsman’s Choice as the best burger winner. The restaurant’s focus on quality is built from the foundation up starting with their beef patty.

“We’re recognized as one of the restaurants in the country that uses the top 1 percent of natural Angus beef,” said Auburn BurgerFi manager Trent Hamil.

This means that the restaurant’s beef is always sourced from the best ranches around the country and is free of hormones, steroids and antibiotics.

“There are not very many restaurants in the country that can say that, especially fast-casual concepts like ourself,” Hamil said.

dipped in chocolate, dredged with different nuts and candies or dusted with cinnamon or espresso to add a little extra to their treat.

The great flavors paired with healthy ingredients are sure to make you love the pops, but if you happen to get a flavor you don’t like they will replace it free of charge.

JOSIE WITEK/ILLUSTRATOR

Not only BurgerFi’s high-quality beef, but also their fresh sides and ingredients draw customers to the restaurant.

“Our lettuce, our tomatoes, our veggies, everything is always fresh,” Hamil said. “We hand-cut our french fries in the store daily. It’s not a frozen product.

It’s cut by somebody in-house every single day.”

Hamil said they prepare their fries with a special process that ensures they are crisp with a soft center and free of excess starch.

Customers can also order fresh veggie burgers made in-house daily.

BurgerFi also sets themselves apart not only with their fare, but through their dining atmosphere as well.

BEST WINGS

Wing Town Campus Writer

Steel City Pops Community Reporter

BurgerFi

By HANNAH LESTER

BEST SWEET SPOT

By CORY BLACKMON

February 28, 2019

With bright yellow letters and a neon chicken, Wing Town is sure to draw hungry wing eaters in.

For some of Auburn’s best wings, the shop hidden next to the Walmart on South College is a must.

Wings are an Auburn necessity as a gameday snack or study fuel. Wing Town, however, has won Plainsman’s Choice two years in a row.

When walking into the restaurant, patrons may notice the black menu with colorful lettering that makes the choices pop.

When choosing, the wing amount can vary by groups of 10 up to 50. There are

flavors offered other than mild, medium or hot.

Flavors such as honey BBQ, teriyaki, garlic parmesan or sweet and sour will keep things mixed up, though plain is always an option, too.

The kids’ menu will cater to picky eaters, and sides include not only the staple celery, which always accompanies wings, but onion rings, french fries, pot stickers and cheese sticks.

Finally, Wing Town has stepped into the fried rice game with options of veggie, chicken, shrimp or house – a rare menu offer for a wing joint.

Despite being closed on Sundays, Wing Town still hits home and provides tasty wings to Auburn.

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

17

READER POLL: BEST MEXICAN RESTUARANT

El Dorado

By STEPHEN LANZI Campus Editor

With a menu that is almost a mile long and doesn’t seem to stop growing, El Dorado provides Auburn with the best Mexican food.

Located on South College Street, its customers are consumed by the smell of fajitas, tacos and other dishes from the more than 70 different combinations on the menu.

Jose Barragan, manager and co-owner of El Dorado, has been in the restaurant business since he was 14 years old. Barragan, his brother and another partner opened the restaurant in 2010.

Since then, the restaurant has deservedly gotten more and more popular, and Barragan said they do three times as much business as they did early on.

The key to this success — other than the

mouth-watering food — is never keeping things the same. Barragan is always open to incorporating new dishes and giving customers more options.

Barragan, who travels quite a bit to Mexico, always has an eye out for different dishes that he likes. If he finds a new dish, he simply asks to learn how to make it and brings the recipe back to Auburn to try out.

“Some people do not like to change things around,” he said. “If it’s good, why should you fix it, right? But that is not the case with me. I’m always open minded to whatever. If it’s a good a thing for the restaurant, I put it in front of people, and if they like it, I keep it. If they don’t like it, I don’t.”

About 45 percent of the dishes currently on the menu were not on it when the restaurant first opened.

He does the same for margarita recipes,

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

El Dorado on Feb. 26, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

which are huge sellers for the restaurant. On a typical weekend, the restaurant will go through 15 cases of tequila.

And any flavor you can think of, you can get there. One of the widest varieties in Auburn includes lime, mango, passion fruit, strawberry and many more.

BEST DESSERT

El Dorado won an online reader’s poll, receiving 40 percent of the vote.

Other nominees: • Acapulco’s • Agave Loco • La Plaza

BEST LATE NIGHT GRUB

HAMILTON’S BREAD PUDDING

Insomnia Cafe

By NATALIE BECKERINK Campus Writer

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

Nights in college can last long into the early hours of the morning, but luckily, there are a few locations that stay open to keep students and residents of the Auburn community fed at these odd hours.

Insomnia is a small restaurant located on North Donahue Road. Known as a “hole in the wall,” people have heard of this establishment mainly for its Mediterranean cuisine, but they also offer a selection of guilty pleasure foods, including hamburgers, chicken fingers and fries. The multitude of choices gives customers a wide variety of meals to try and a reason to continue coming back.

As the name implies, Insomnia and its staff spend a good portion of the night awake with its customers. The establishment opens at 11 a.m. and doesn’t shut its doors until 11 p.m. and midnight on

the weekends — long enough for a quick meal during the day or a snack in the middle of the night.

On the inside, Insomnia offers a classic dive look but contributes way more than the normal experience. There are several tables on the inside that are large enough for big groups of people to hang out. Outside, there are a few more seating options for the summer nights when customers want to enjoy the warm, calm atmosphere. Overall, the environment of Insomnia effortlessly encourages a social and friendly environment.

Another great perk of Insomnia is its location. Located within walking distance of Auburn’s campus and near many of the apartments downtown, it’s a happy middle that’s easily accessible for anyone.

The variety of flavors, friendly staff and overall feel-good setting has kept people coming back, and will continue to do so long into the future.

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

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PARTY LIFE

Thursday, April 12, 2018

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

19

SKYBAR CAFE

BEST OVERALL BAR

By BRYCE JOHNSON Sports Writer

On the corner of Magnolia and Wright sits another world, the mythical SkyBar Cafe. A three-story towering structure that shoots flames into the night sky and has been named the Best Overall Bar by The Plainsman staff.

It’s hard to measure SkyBar against any other bar because it feels like so much more.

Where else can you go that on five straight nights you can have five different experiences?

Going to Sky on a Friday night feels like a choose your own adventure book. If you’re trying to catch an intimate band experience, hit the front bar. If dancing your face off is more your speed, hit the “Boom Boom Room” and be immersed in the best rave experience in Auburn. Finally, if the typical bar scene isn’t up your alley then head upstairs or all the bars in between for a chill vibe inevitably leading to what feels like the

most profound conversations you’ll ever have.

There’s a good chance once the group you came with gets separated, you’ll go hours without ever seeing them again. That’s ok though because you’re practically in the middle of a community meetup. It seems like everyone you’ve ever met happened to end up at SkyBar in the night. Your crush was spotted on the sidebar earlier, your freshman year roommate just passed you on the stairs on your way to the bar behind the stage, and now, you’re on the roof talking to your Camp War Eagle counselor and the owner.

Have I mentioned that there’s an endless amount of bars?

Descriptions of Skybar to a freshman is on par to describing Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. It’s a college wonderland.

No matter the night, you’re going to have a fun time. Their specials can’t be beaten, and SkyBar is the only place where you can do karaoke.

SkyBar isn’t just a college bar. It’s everything you want a college bar to be.

BEST SPORTS BAR

Halftime Sports Bar & Grill

By ZACH TANTILLO Sports Reporter

Looking for the top sports bar in Auburn? Look no further than Halftime Sports Bar & Grill located at 154 N College St. For an area like Auburn that is encompassed by sports, having a top-notch sports bar is a must. Halftime fits all the needs one could need on any given gameday. That is why Halftime takes home the Plainsman’s Choice trophy for Best Sports Bar in Auburn.

Halftime offers an atmosphere suitable for all ages from a family eating dinner to a group of students getting together to watch a game. They also provide a smoking area outside on the front porch that is stocked with TV’s and a view of downtown Auburn.

The friendly and timely service of the bartenders and workers provides a pleasant experience for all that walk through the door.

The service and atmosphere alone give Halftime rave reviews but that is before the numerous amounts of TV’s and projectors, affordable menu options and weekly specials are

mentioned.

It would not be called a sports bar if it did not come stocked with TV’s at every available space and two large projectors for gameday viewings. Patrons can enjoy any game they request with no hesitation from the staff. On gamedays, Halftime handles the rush of people not attending the sporting event of that day with ease to maintain the overall happiness of the customers.

For people over the age of 21, Halftime offers alcohol options that range from beer towers to cocktails. Everyday, pitchers of Bud Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon are available for only $5.

Halftime’s front-and-back menu is stocked with tasty food options for all ages. Parents can rest easy as Halftime provides them with a kid’s menu for even the pickiest of eaters.

For everyone else, Halftime offers mouth-watering sandwiches that can be made with a flour wrap. Wraps or sandwiches vary from buffalo chicken to philly cheesesteak to their famous “Drunken Pig” that is stuffed with cherrywood smoked pulled pork, spicy southern slaw and sweet pickles. Halftime also offers a veggie wrap for those who want a healthier food option.

All sandwiches or wraps are served with a side of fries, southern slaw, kettle potato chips or tortilla chips.

The Halftime burgers are in a league of their own with five choices of Halftime’s own sports-themed specialty burgers. For ones who do not like the choices, Halftime offers a customizable “Gameday Burger” that is made to whatever the customer pleases.

Though last mentioned of the food options, it is certainly not least. Halftime’s appetizers might be the most sought-after part of the menu. Fried Pickles, tilted nachos, fried gouda mac and cheese bites, and Cajun boiled peanuts are just a few of the options on the appetizer section of the menu.

Customers would be remiss if they left without eating an order of Halftime’s loaded fries. The fries are drenched in warm, melted queso and topped with savory chunks of bacon. Eating alone and don’t want to order a whole appetizer? Halftime allows any customer the opportunity to substitute their regular side with loaded fries for just a few dollars more.

So for those looking for a sports bar that provides good service, exceptional food and drink options and a fun atmosphere for all ages, Halftime is the place to go.

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

February 28, 2019

Ben Bruud

BEST LOCAL DJ

By LAUREN PIEPER Lifestyle Writer

CONTRIBUTED BY DAVID MEALL

If you have ever been to SkyBar, a football or basketball game in Auburn, you have likely heard Ben Bruud DJing.

Bruud is a local DJ that frequently plays downtown and is the man in the sound booth playing all the music during home football and basketball games, as well as playing all other sorts of gigs.

“I’ve done pretty much any kind of event you can imagine,” Bruud said. “I’ve played at bars, clubs, weddings, corporate events, competitions and all the music for the football and basketball teams.”

Bruud got his DJ beginnings back in his high school years.

“I used to break dance and throw house parties,” he said. “I was in charge of the music and people told me I should be a DJ, so I bought some equipment and practiced in my bedroom for about two years before venturing out.”

In 2011, Bruud came to Auburn and wanted to try being a DJ in the area. He began to ask around for gigs.

“I kind of liked saying I was a DJ but I never had before,” he said.

A club called The Chameleon that is not open anymore and was owned by DJ Holleywood gave Bruud his first DJing gig.

Now, he frequently plays at downtown bars and Auburn sporting events multiple times a week along with the many other events that book him, and has turned his hobby into a career.

For Bruud, it is much more than just playing music

— he is telling a story.

“I like a diverse style of music, not totally different, but [DJs] each tell our stories different in our music,” he said. “In our head we each have an idea how you want the night to go. We all have our styles we like, and we are all different.”

He uses different techniques to portray the story that he is trying to tell each time he plays.

“It varies each night,” he said. “You look and see who you have in the crowd and what they react to. I pick certain words to play off of, I’m not sure everyone gets it, but it’s words I like, or songs that are contradictory in nature and in their message. It’s how I come up with some of the ideas and is a little deeper than me just playing song after song.”

Bruud said his favorite venue to DJ at is Jordan-Hare Stadium.

“When I can see the student section getting excited, and I can add to that, it’s a pretty good feeling,” he said.

“Friday and Saturday I’m at SkyBar, and I’ll do Wednesday and Thursday there sometimes. It just depends what’s going on,” he said. “I’m always at SkyBar pretty much every weekend, unless I’m doing a sporting event or doing a private event.”

Another common event Bruud DJs are Greek Life parties and socials. The themes of these parties help Bruud come up with and tell a story through his music.

“I like to see their themed events, then tailor the music for the theme to pull it all together,” he said. “I don’t know if the party goers get it, but it helps me and progresses the night.”

BEST LIVE MUSIC

SKYBAR CAFE CAMERSON BRASHER / PHOTO EDITOR

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

BEST PARTY BAR

21

BEST WINE BAR

SKYBAR CAFE

AMPERSAND

FILE PHOTO

BEST LIQUOR STORE

MADISON OGLTREE / PHOTO EDITOR

BEST SPECIALS

Quixote’s

By GABBY DANCE Assistant Campus Editor

ALABAMA BEVERAGE CONTROL

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

When you mention Quixote’s to an Auburn student, many will have fond memories of drinking and dancing with their friends without breaking the bank. The downtown bar has become a staple in Auburn party culture for its frequent, cheap drink specials.

The best drink specials awards recipient is most known for their Tuesday Ladies’ Night and Wednesday Wells specials but hosts specials almost every night of the week.

According to general manager Dade Nunnally, the bar prides themselves on

creating new theme ideas for specials.

Some standouts include Dog Days on Mondays, where the bar hosts discounts on beer and allows dogs on the outside porch, Fortnite challenges and Bar Olympics.

They are also happy to be the only bar in Auburn that has specials on liquor pitchers.

“Nobody else in town does liquor pitchers,” Nunnally said. “It’s kind of difficult for us to keep up with, but people like it, so we’ll keep doing it.”

Quixote’s drink specials draw in an earlier crowd to the bar, usually starting at 5 p.m.

“We like to get people in early to really get the night started,” Nunnally said.

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CLOTHES& STYLE

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

23

BEST BOUTIQUE

Charming Oaks Clothing Co.

By MIRANDA SHAFFER Lifestyle Writer

The Plainsman’s pick for the best boutique in the Auburn area is Charming Oaks. It is located in downtown Auburn next to Five Guys and has been open since August 2016.

There is a wide variety of merchandise available in store, with the shop holding a good number of different brands and styles. This boutique also has trendy shoes, jewelry and other stylish miscellaneous items for sale alongside their clothing.

The clothing ranges from comfy T-shirts to the perfect gameday outfit, but all items are hand picked by the manager Shelby Cohan and are sure to be chic and trendsetting.

Cohan said that she really does her homework before buying pieces to go in the store.

“I read forecasting reports, follow NYC fashion week and keep up with social media influencers,” Cohan said.

There seems to be something for every girl no matter their style, living up to their motto on Instagram saying, “forget the rules, if you like it, wear it.”

“Helping customers find something that makes them shine makes my day,” Cohan said.

She said they would rather a customer leave empty handed than buy a piece that will just sit in a closet.

The interior of the store is rustic in design yet homey and the clothes are definitely affordable for college students depending on what pieces they buy. Prices for clothes range from around $15 to $75, and there are sizes for all body types.

The store’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Students can also check out their merchandise on Charming Oaks Instagram or Facebook page.

MARIE LIPSKI / PHOTOGRAPHER

ADVERTISE WITH US The Auburn Plainsman

admanager@theplainsman.com

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

February 28, 2019

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING

AMERICAN EAGLE

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING

Kinnucan’s

By TYLER ROUSH Assistant Sports Editor

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

The best local option for men’s wear comes from a locally headquartered shop.

At its 1199 S. Donahue Drive location, Kinnucan’s offers a variety of clothing from everyday casual wear to active, outdoor wear.

Originally founded in Auburn in 1960 by Charles Kinnucan as a shoe store named “On Your Feet,” Kinnucan’s has grown its brand as an adventurer’s supply store while offering selections of camping gear, kayaks and other accessories.

The store continues with the tradition of its founding name by also offering active footwear options from brands like Chaco, Hunter Boot and Birkenstock.

Now branded as an outdoor and lifestyle inspired store, clothing brands offered at the store include Patagonia, Columbia, The North Face and Southern Marsh.

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

25

BEST THRIFT STORE

Lifesavers Mission Thrift

By HANNAH LESTER Campus Writer

Lifesavers Mission Thrift isn’t your average thrift store.

When you walk in the front door you’re greeted by “Mission” in bright blue neon letters, a lit traffic light and an abundance of items other than clothing.

You can sift through DVDs, books and CDs as well as more eclectic items.

There is are purses hanging from the ceiling, a box of small New Testament Bibles and vintage

toys.

The shop is full of vintage and antique items from the bike attached to the ceiling to the typewriters and luggage.

While patrons can find regular thrift store items, like T-shirts, jackets, pants, shoes and household items, there is a lot more.

“The Lifesavers Mission Thrift Store not only provides an organized pleasant place for families to shop for clothes, furniture, household goods and much more; it also allows Life-Savers Ministries to impact more children, influence more families consequently having an effect on the whole

city and possibly the world,” lifesaversmministries. org said.

Mission Thrift is an organization that uses 100 percent of its profits to fund missions within the Lifesavers corporation.

“We also sense it is a very privileged duty to be generous with other Ministries serving on the front lines both here, locally and abroad,” lifesaversministries.org said. “It is all about the Kingdom of God and not the kingdom of man.”

The Southern charm seeps through as you leave with a sign hanging over the door that reads “Thanks and come back soon.”

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

f o t s e B e h T

LIFE& HEALTH

February 28, 2019

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

27

BEST VETERINARIAN

South College Veterinary Clinic

By JORDAN WINDHAM Campus Writer

The bark of dogs and the murmur of their owners float through the doorway of South College Veterinary Clinic, which has been a staple of Auburn’s pet owners for many years.

The practice mainly treats cats and dogs but also works with exotic pets and small animals.

After earning his degree in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Roosevelt R. Albert III founded the practice, which has served Auburn and the surrounding area for 23 years.

“We’re just flattered that anyone would come all across town to visit us,” said Albert. “That’s a huge compliment to us, and we certainly don’t take that for granted.”

As Auburn and their clientele base grow, the clinic is growing to meet the needs of their clients.

“I love my building here,” said Albert. “I love my practice, but it’s just too small for what we do.”

They are currently building a new clinic with special features, including a separate door for cats and their owners so that they will not be stressed from interactions with dogs.

“I’d say we’re a pretty high-pace clinic,” said Caroline Cain, Associate Veterinarian. “We have a big caseload so it’s always interesting. You never know what to expect.”

Cain joined the practice in 2017. She loves the opportunity to serve the community through healing animals.

Recently, a young dog came in who

had broken her shoulder, and the owners didn’t know how.

The shoulder required surgery, but Cain was not sure whether she would regain proper nerve function in that leg.

When the dog left, she was not using the hurt leg.

“She came in to get her sutures out this week, and she’s using that leg perfectly, so it’s just happy endings like that definitely make it worth it,” Cain said.

They are seeing patients who travel from places as far as Montgomery to see them.

“A lot of people think that medicine is just puppies and kittens all day, but I would say it is 50 percent working on the animal, and a lot of it is working with people too and communicating with them,” Cain said. “I’m sure you can imagine if

your dog was really sick, you would be distraught too, so a lot of it is treating the client too.”

“We have several whose cats are everything to them, and so we thought we could go just a step further for them, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Albert.

South College often goes beyond a step further for their clients, often doing pro bono work for members of the community who can’t afford veterinary care.

This part of their business is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of their jobs at the veterinary clinic.

“That’s one thing that not everybody understands,” said Albert. “Not everybody can afford their pet, but I feel like everybody needs a pet because they enrich your lives and make you live healthier and longer and in today’s world, that’s important.”

MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

Two dogs at South College Veterinary Clinic on Feb. 26, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

February 28, 2019

BEST NEW BUSINESS

10,000 Hz Records

By TIM NAIL Community Writer

It was the spark of an idea ignited seventeen years ago. Russell Baggett was fresh out of college, tuned in to the radio while driving through his hometown of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, when a song caught his ear part of French duo Air’s recent album “10 000 Hz Legend.” From that memory, Baggett would be inspired to borrow the album’s name for a vinyl record shop he would launch in another town at another time.

10,000 Hz Records opened in Opelika on 1st Avenue last July.

With a cozy lounge and comfy jazz, 10,000 Hz has become a quiet hangout for residents of the area as well as an opportunity for locals looking to expand their vinyl collections.

When Baggett and his wife moved to Auburn in 2015 for a professor position at the University, he was surprised to see a near absence of outlets that offered vinyls in a region that boasted a college town atmosphere.

“I went to school in Chapel Hill in North Carolina and there were several [record shops]. There’s a much bigger music community up there: a lot more bands, a lot more places for bands to play, a lot more touring bands coming through,” he said.

At the time, a small attempt at such a store, as well as the Hastings on East Glenn Avenue, had records for sale, but both would, close a year later.

He felt “someone had to do something.” That feeling led Baggett to launch a pop-up store at Coffee Cat

in Auburn and Side Track Coffee in Opelika every other Friday, starting with an inventory of 100 to 150 records.

When his stock began to fill multiple carloads, however, he considered the thought of a more permanent fixture and consulted with others in his home state who had operated record shops for business advice.

“I figured that if we could do as well as our friends in North Carolina do in their worst week, if that could be our average we’d probably do alright,” Baggett said.

Baggett and his wife surveyed spaces in Auburn for setting the plan in motion but discovered prices to be three times as much as choices in Opelika for half as much space. Although he’s not as close to the University there, he feels he’s still been able to strongly serve its community of vinyl collectors.

“Now that we have a location and people see

it it’s not like something you have to know a specific day,” he said, referring to the limited availability of the pop-up. “We’re just here, here everyday, so that’s been pretty invaluable because we’ve been able to reach a lot of people that wouldn’t have heard about us.”

According to Baggett, his store is the only exclusively vinyl seller between Montgomery, Alabama, and Newnan, Georgia, both of which are around an hour’s driving distance away.

Apart from proximity to the University, Baggett also says he has an edge on other record shops he’s seen due to the current nature of the vinyls on shelves. It was an aspect that began with the pop-up version due to being more cost-effective but has brought him profits.

“For the most part it was stuff you literally couldn’t find anywhere because there was nobody who sold records for new and current bands,” he said.

Most of the bands represented in 10,000 Hz are from indie labels that Baggett buys supply from directly, such as Secretly Canadian, rath-

JESSICA BALLARD/ STANDARDS EDITOR

Records line the walls at 10,000 Hz Record store in Opelika, Ala. on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2019.

MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

10,000 Hz Records on Feb. 25, 2019, in Auburn, Ala.

er than albums published under the three major labels (Sony, Universal Music Group, and Warner Bros.).

The latter are sold to small businesses like Baggett’s through one-stop distributors, essentially middlemen, but come with a larger price.

Vinyls flood the shop from wall to wall, but ensuring he had enough to get the initial concept off the ground took Baggett some serious searching.

In 2002, after hearing the Air track over the radio, he ran to a nearby music shop that had sold out of CDs but still had records on hand.

It was with that initial buy that he began his personal hoard, though he considers the process for filling his own store a different tune entirely.

“I bought a bunch of collections before we opened. I spent several months finding stuff on Craigslist and flea malls,” he said. “I bought out a guy’s stall in a flea mall in the middle of North Carolina.”

These days, customers are invited to exchange their unwanted vinyls for cash or in-store credit, which allows him to keep older albums available.

All discs are put through a record cleaning machine which removes dust and dirt without causing damage. This ensures they retain a pure sound to put buyers at ease before taking a record home.

Looking at long-term aspirations for 10,000 Hz Records, Baggett may hire someone to assist in looking over the shop while he’s away. As it stands, he’s its single staff member, spending long hours each day passing on new and old records to guests of all ages and music tastes.

He emphasized he’s never thought of it much as a job, having no background in business, but as a project of passion in a hobby he loves.

“I just hope to keep the damn doors open, that’s the main thing,” he said, chuckling.

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

BEST FITNESS CLASS

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BEST YOGA

Yogafly

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Lifestyle Writer

VIA ORANGETHEORY AUBURN FACEBOOK

Orangetheory

By LAUREN PIEPER Lifestyle Writer

After being open for two-and-a-half years, Orangetheory has become a well-known workout community in the Auburn area.

The head studio manager is Claire Langhout, who has a passion for fitness and loves working at the company.

Langhout said that there are 78 classes a week offered at Orangetheory.

“We offer a one-hour, full-body workout that is heart-rate based,” said Langhout. “They are led by a coach so you aren’t over or under training, and you can see heart rate on a TV screen as you are working out.”

Something unique about Orangetheory is that the same classes are taught at the same time all over the nation.

“Everyday the workout is different, but the same all day and same everywhere. You could be in Nashville and I could be in Auburn and doing the same exact same thing,” Langhout said.

She said every day offers a different workout, and members will never do the same workout twice.

Also, each day is either titled endurance, speed or power.

“My favorite is a power day,” she said. “It’s fast pace and the blocks are short.”

Not only does Langhout love the workouts, but she also loves Orangetheory for the community.

She described the community of people who work out there to be like a team.

“This studio is electric,” she said, “If you are looking for community in a fitness studio come to Orangetheory. We have over 900 members. I see people meet and become friends, and do things outside of working out.”

This is not the first time this studio has been awarded an honor, as The New York Times awarded Orangetheory with Best One-Hour Workout.

For those interested, there are different packages that can be purchased to work out at the studio.

“All memberships are month-to-month options. It depends on how much you plan to come in,” she said.

There is a consultation new members can use to see which package is right for them.

The range of prices per session is $9 to $15.

“I definitely would say the value of the workout is amazing because of the personal trainer and heart rate monitor,” Langhout said.

Now in its third location, walkable from campus, Yogafly offers many different yoga styles and levels for anyone interested in yoga.

They offer a flow style called vinyasa, alignment-based called Hatha, a more stretching-based called Yin and restorative. They offer a variety of rates and packages including an unlimited 30 days pass for $30 to help new members find their fit.

They also offer a student discount for their monthly pass.

Yoga can be beneficial not only as a form of exercise, but also with injury rehabilitation and prevention, with anxiety and with chronic headaches.

FILE PHOTO

They plan to offer another teacher training course in the next couple of months and hope to do more workshops and bring in more guest instructors to the studio.

Overall, Yogafly wants to be a place of community and for all to feel welcome no matter the experience level.

BEST OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

AUBURN REALTY MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

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The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

BEST BESTGROCERY GOLF COURSE STORE

February 28, 2019

Kroger

By JACK WEST Community Writer

FILE PHOTO

Are you too poor to go to Publix, but too bouji to be seen in a Walmart? Try Kroger.

For a lot of students, college is a weird limbo between having a kitchen and eating $5 pizza every night.

This means that getting groceries can range from buying snacks to planning every meal of the week.

Wherever you fall on this spectrum, Kroger has you covered, making it Auburn’s favorite grocery store.

While most grocery stores only stock aisles and scan barcodes, Kroger adds a bit of razzle-dazzle with a made-to-order deli and a freshly stocked meat and seafood section.

This also presents shoppers with the unbelievably satisfying option to eat food while buying food which they will eat later.

An in-store Starbucks means you can also caffeinate while shopping.

There is also a Live Naturally section which caters to those looking for vegetarian, gluten-free and organic products.

For two years in a row Auburn students have chosen Kroger as their favorite grocery store.

And for two years, Kroger has deserved to be the best.

BEST BESTGOLF GOLFCOURSE COURSE

THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY CLUB ENIJA BIDZANE/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

February 28, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Plainsman’s Choice

BEST URGENT CARE

31

BEST GYM

TIGER IRON

American Family Care ABBY SCHMIDT/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

VIA TIGER IRON GYM FACEBOOK

ENIJA BIDZANE/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

BEST BEST GOLF DENTIST COURSE

Moore’s Mill Dental Care

By SCOTT BERSON Assistant Community Editor

“Family” is the golden word at Moore’s Mill Dental, according to practice manager Emily Gentry.

Even if students will only be passing through their office a few times in their college career, staff at Moore’s Mill make sure each patient coming into the office feels like they’re coming home.

“We really do try to take care of everybody like they’ve been here forever,” Gentry said. “We try to call people by name, and we try to be prepared ahead of time to know who’s coming in and what they’re coming for, so we can be mindful of their needs.”

The practice, located at 2164 Moore’s Mill Road, offers a full suite of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, whitening, x-rays and more.

“There are some things we can take care of in-house, but if something does have to be sent off to another provider, we try to find somebody in-network so they won’t wind up paying extra,” Gentry said.

Dentists E. Jason Washburn and Andrew E. Donaldson have been working in dentistry for nearly two decades, and both earned their undergraduate degrees at Au-

SCOTT BERSON/ASSISTANT COMMUNITY EDITOR

burn and attended dentistry school at UAB. Washburn grew up in Alexander City, Alabama, before coming to Auburn in 2002.

Donaldson grew up in Auburn and has been practicing in town since 2003.

“They’re from here, they love Auburn,

they love students, they love what they do,” Gendry said. “They are honored and humbled, but the whole reason they are here is they love what they do.”

It all came back to family, Gendry said — the “Auburn Family” in particular.

“To anybody that’s not an Auburn person, that probably sounds a little trite,” Gendry said. “But it still acts and feels like a small town. We try to treat everybody like family. We want people that to be what it feels like when you walk in here.”