Best of Mount Dora

congratulations to the
winners!

Thousands of Mount Dora Buzz readers cast their ballots in the annual "Best of Mount Dora" awards to show local businesses some much-deserved love. Below are the big winners who earned the bragging rights. The runners-up are also featured. If a category's third-place finisher narrowly missed second place by 1% or less, it's listed after the runner-up.
Congratulations to all of the winners!

2023 WINNERS

DINING

Best Burgers & Fries
Winner:  Frog & Monkey Restaurant & Pub
Runner-up tie: Goblin Market

Best Pizza
Winner:  Mount Dora Pizza & Subs
Runner-up: Shadrach's Fiery Furnace

Best Breakfast or Brunch
Winner:  Peach Valley Cafe
Runner-up: Highland Cafe

Best Lunch Spot
Winner: Goblin Market
Runner-up: Frog & Monkey Restaurant & Pub

Best Ethnic Restaurant
Winner:  Fiesta Grande
Runner-up: El Mezcal

Best Wings
Winner:  Frogger's
Runner-up: Frog & Monkey Pub

Best Tacos
WInner: Fiesta Grande
Runner-up: El Mezcal

Best Salads
Winner: Goblin Market
Runner-up: Pisces Rising

Best Seafood
Winner:  Pisces Rising
Runner-up: Tony's Chowder House

Best Date Night
Winner:  Goblin Market
Runner-up: Pisces Rising

Best Smoothies or Blended Drinks (non-alcoholic:
Winner:  Tropical Smoothie
Runner-up: The Juice Box

Best Cup of Joe:
Winner: Serendipity Brews
Runner-up: Foxtail Coffee

Best Baked Goods
Winner:  Allyson A. Bakeshop
Runner-up: Scoops on 5th

Best Desserts
Winner: Allyson A. Bakeshop
Runner-up: Claire's Creperie

Best Take-out
Winner: Mount Dora Pizza & Subs
Runner-up: PizzAmore

Best Deals on Meals
Winner:  Mount Dora Pizza & Subs
Runner-up:  Jeremiah's

WATERING HOLES

Best Happy Hour
WInner: Pisces RIsing
Runner-up: Handle Bar

Best Wine Spot
Winner:  Maggie’s Attic
Runner-up: Goblin Market, 1921

Best Place to Grab a Beer
Winner:  Wolf Branch Brewing
Runner-up: Eden Abbey Brewing Community

Best Margaritas:
Winner: Fiesta Grande
Runner-up: El Mezcal

Best Cocktail Bar
Winner:  Handle Bar
Runner-up: The Goblin Market

Best Live Music
Winner:  Pisces Rising
Runner-up: Maggie's Attic

RETAIL THERAPY

Best Women's Apparel Store
Winner:  Emz on 5th
Runner-up: Walk in the Woods, Salty Mare, Ivy Boutique

Best Women's Accessories:
Winner:  Papilio
Runner-up: Becker's Best Shoes, Emz on 5th

Best Humorous Gifts
Winner:  The Wow Factory
Runner-up: Checkered Moon

Best Home Decor Store
Winner:  Cozy Nest
Runner-up: Love Home Harmony

Best Garden Store
Winner:  The Yard Stop
Runner-up: Papilio

Best Edible Gifts
Winner: Mount Dora Olive Oil Company
Runner-up: The Spice & Tea Exchange, Mount Dora Confectionery

Best Place to Buy Art
Winner:  Renningers Twin Markets
Runner up: Artisans

Best Jewelry
Winner:  Gold in Art
Runner-up: Papilio, Jewelry by TFC

ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & MUSIC

Best Festival
Winner:  Mount Dora Arts Festival (Feb.)
Runner-up: Mount Dora Craft Festival (Oct.)

Favorite Local Musician
Winner:  David Oliver Willis
Runner-up: Sal & Izy

Best Live Music
Winner:  Pisces RIsing
Runner-up: Maggie's Attic

Best Attraction
Winner: Lake Dora
Runner-up: Palm Island Boardwalk, Dora Queen

Best Accommodations
Winner: Lakeside Inn
Runner-up: Grandview B & B

Best Place to Watch the Sunset
Winner:  Deck at Pisces Rising
Runner-up: Lighthouse Point

Best Picnic Spot
Winner: Gilbert Park
Runner-up: LIghthouse Point

STELLAR SERVICES

Best Stylist
Winner:  Randy Young
Runner-up: Bailey Hicks, Tanya Balyeat

Best Barber Shop
Winner:  A & J Barber Lounge
Runner-up: Highland Barber Company,

Best Esthetician & Facials
Winner:  Jessica Burkart
Runner-up: Whitney Villafana

Best Mani-pedis
Winner:  Mount Dora Nails & Spa
Runner-up: Star Nails

Best Massage Therapist
Winner:  Trista Hobbs
Runner-up: Kari Caulk

Best Gym or Workout
Winner: Fitness CF
Runner-up: Anytime Fitness