Best of Middletown 2013 from ThinkMiddletown.com

The results are in and these are the Best Of 2013 peoples choice winners.

When we began our quest to find some of your local faves we had no idea just how passionate the debate would be. Exploring everything from food and music to artists and haunts Think Middletown asked you to cast your ballots. Now after nine months, more than 100,000 unique views, 1,000′s of votes and a good healthy heaping of Middletown pride we have finished our tally and the verdict is in. Below you will find the people’s choices for 2013. We also want to congratulate each and every nominee and all of you that voted and helped us to spread the word about some of the amazing assets in our community.

Best Of Middletown 2013

Favorite Local Band – The Magnums

If you like your music loud or crave the romp and roll that only a great rock band can deliver The Magnums are for you. From the funk of Bowie to the stoic rhythms of The Who this group of talented rockers plows through an evening of musical flashbacks with the prowess of a Sherman tank. Raw power and incredible musicianship have made this act who they are and the fanbase has delivered the affirmation. If you get the chance to see these guys live we highly recommend it. Two horns up to The Magnums – Middletown’s Favorite Local Band 2013.

Favorite Middletown Event – Broad St. Bash

Each year Middletonians flock to Governors Square to enjoy a diverse variety of musical talent. It has become an annual rite of Spring and Summer and thousands gather every other Wednesday evening throughout the fests season. The Bash, as it’s so lovingly referred, has become a Middletown staple and though great events like Middfest and the Ohio Challenge put up the good fight it would be the Broad St. Bash that emerged victorious. Kudos to organizers and a salute to all of the volunteers. Thank you Broad St. Bash and congratulations.

Website

Favorite Middletown Restaurant – Grecian Delight

It may have been their near legendary Gyro or perhaps the bounty of delectable dessert treats that await you in the tiny strip mall on Cincinnati-Dayton Road. Whatever the case may be Middletonians spoke loud and clear and family-owned Grecian Delight was indeed the fave. A frontrunner from the start their passionate customer base organized their own push to reach the pinnacle. If you’ve experienced the savory goodness of Grecian Delight you understand why. A hardy “Opa” to Grecian Delight and congratulations.

Grecian Delight
1300 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd.
Middletown, Oh
(513)424-5411
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Favorite Local Dish – Mockingbird’s Meatloaf

When one speaks of such goodness it is often with ethereal adjectives. It was commented on by more people than any other single category. A meatloaf worthy of its own reward and as they continue working on their new location we impatiently wring our hands and wait. Those who’ve been fortunate enough to experience it have proclaimed its divinity. Those who have not truly have no idea what they are missing. Mockingbirds we await your return in 2014 and congratulations.

Mockingbird’s
Tenho building Central Ave.
Middletown, Oh
(513)465-5038
Facebook

Favorite Hamburger – The Jug

It has become as much a part of our history as steel and paper. A culinary legend of no equal. The mere mention of the name sets the salivary gland into overdrive. Of course we’re speaking of the iconic Jugburger and Middletonians old and young affirmed that after nearly a century it is still the king of burgers. The quaint diner and drive-in just off Central Avenue has served generations from its tiny storefront counter and in the era of the fast food giant has stood its ground as a solid contender. A tip of the hat to The Jug.

The Jug
3610 Central Ave
Middletown, Oh
(513)424-1677
Website

Favorite Local Artist – Ken Streiff

It was a duel to the end for artist David Bignell and friend Ken Streiff. The two had a bit of goodhearted fun and some intense competition but it would be Streiff who emerged the victor. Ken’s works, primarily in pastel, are intricate pieces that explore form and contrast. His portraiture and landscapes are filled with vibrant colors and vivid realism. Snapshots that beckon the viewer to explore the nuance of the mundane – the ordinary. His works have been featured throughout the region as well as right here in Middletown. Congratulations Ken.

Website

Favorite Local Art Gallery – Visceral Gallery

Located at the Pendelton Art Center in downtown Middletown Visceral Gallery has featured a broad collection of amazing works from local artisans. Representing a variety of mediums a trip through the small gallery intrigues and enlightens as you explore. Awash in brilliant colors and offering patrons some of the finest art in the region has put Visceral on the top of the Best Of list and made them one of our personal faves as well. Take a moment and stop by this gem to experience it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did. Way to go Visceral Gallery.

Visceral Gallery
1105 Central Ave PAC Building
Middletown, Oh
(937)409-0069
Website

Best Beer Selection – @The Square

When it comes to beer Middletonians are passionate and variety is the preference it would seem. As craft and micro brews continue to gain ground on the diehard traditional brands it means making room in your cooler for the latest offerings. @The Square in downtown Middletown got an A+ for effort from voters when it comes to keeping pace with the ever-changing marketplace. Cool ambiance and ice cold ales make it a favorite watering hole for those with distinguished tastes. A toast to @The Square.

@The Square
1045 Central Ave.
Middletown, Oh
(513)422-4200
Facebook

Best Wine Selection – Stefano’s Italian Cafe

The perfect accompaniment to any Italian-style dinner it was no real surprise when local fave Stefano’s came out on top in this category. Located on Central Avenue this cafe and restaurant has made quite a name for itself serving amazing dishes and delightful desserts all perfect with a nice glass of your favorite wine. The voters have decreed that Stefano’s is number one when it comes to sampling the grape and with a variety of choices to accommodate even the most discerning tastes it’s not hard to see why. Congratulations!

Stefano’s Italian Cafe
2200 Central Ave.
Middletown, Oh
(513)422-9922
Facebook

Favorite Local Bar/Nightclub – Old Crow Bar

Moving into one of Middletown’s most infamous addresses was no easy task for the Old Crow Bar on Jackson Lane. After new owners added a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, began implementing new policies and bringing in some of the areas brightest talents it would seem the proverbial new kid on the block has rounded the corner and deservedly so. It has been hard work for team Crow and a dedication to making the dream a reality that has made this watering hole #1 with fans. Congratulations for a job well done OCB.

Old Crow Bar
1217 Jackson Ln.
Middletown, Oh
(513)422-1905
Facebook

Favorite Haunted House – Land Of Illusion

With an estimated draw each year of more than 60,000 patrons Land Of Illusion is more of a theme park than a haunted house. With five haunted attractions ranging from Killer Klownz to deranged hillbillies or assorted ghouls it would seem that the scream park has a little of something for everyone. An adrenaline-filled evening of screams and torments await those who pass through its gates on Thomas Road each Halloween season. For those that enjoy a good scare Land Of Illusion is at the top of our 2013 list.

Land Of Illusion
8762 Thomas Rd.
Middletown, Oh
(513)423-9960
Website

How we did it.

Think Middletown went to our website as well as our social media sites and asked fans to nominate their favorites in each category. Once nominated visitors were asked to vote for their favorites. Top winners then went to the finals and again visitors were asked to select a single favorite in the category. These are the peoples choice winners according to votes on our website tallied in the finals.

Why we did it.

We know that it can be a tough call selecting a favorite anything. Our simple objective was to help raise awareness about the amazing, diverse, and rich abundance available to us as Middletonians. Are there things to do? Assuredly. Are there talented and passionate visionaries? Without question. What we’ve done is to quite simply take an inventory and help more than 100,000 people across the globe to understand that.