Each year beginning in September we ask our readers to give us their choices for the best from each of the communities we cover, to find all the best Baja and Sonora has to offer—from upstarts to hangouts, bars to bakers, fishing to fine art. Each year our readers battle it out for their favorites, and after counting thousands of votes, we have the results. Here's the way it works: Each category is broken down by the city. To be included in the results, the nominees need to have at least five votes; we make no suggestions, and voters can not see other votes, so the winners are completely selected by the readers. The top 15 category winners with the most votes overall are featured. Congratulations to all the winners for being the best at what they do. M. Dean Jones Architecture and Planning, San Jose del Cabo Dean Jones has an award-winning architectural firm. He designs custom homes, thoughtful renovations and planned communities. The firm works with their clients to give them environments that express their needs, while creating interest through the sculptural use of form and materials. For over 30 years the firm's efforts have been to create designs that are earth friendly, incorporating passive heating and cooling whenever possible. The firm's designs use recycled materials and incorporate the principles of harmony, balance and the positive flow of energy. By integrating the interior spaces with the exterior site amenities, the firm's designs enrich their client's lives. Architect Winners Roberto Moreno, Rosarito Beach Rosaline Ramos Lazcano, San Felipe Sylvia St. Clair, MAR Architect, Todos Santos Arq. Arturo Canseco, San Carlos Art Gallery Baja Nueva is San Felipe’s premiere furniture, home decorating and gift store that is a "must visit" when in San Felipe. Located on Mar de Cortez in the Plazita, it is chock full of exciting and colorful items for the home. Original artwork, glass vases and plates, heirloom boxes, wall clocks, candles and holders, decorator shadow boxes and authentic local Indian pottery is just a small amount of the eye candy that keeps you looking from place to place in this wonderfully colorful and well laid out store. Art Gallery Winners CEARTE, Ensenada Artesanias La Antigua California, La Paz Jill Logan Galería, Todos Santos Pez Gordo Gallery, San Jose del CaboGaleria La Grande, Cabo San Lucas Bakery Diego's Deli & Pie Shop, Rosarito Beach Panaderia Especial, San Felipe Pan D'Les, La Paz Bar Augie's Bar & Bait, Loreto This ain't your average bait shop, because here the bait is either smiling and handing you a cold one from behind the bar or it's served with a side of wisabi. Located on the Malecón in Loreto, this is the preeminent hotspot for the gringo community. Whether you're an Augie's virgin or veteran, it's a warm and welcoming place; a Mexican version of Cheers. Augie's is a daily celebration of old friends and new friends, and a genuine happy hangout with great food and good times. They're open to serve excellent food and drinks from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, and it is the perfect place to make great friends, and eat and drink well. Bar Winners Bobby's by the Sea, Rosarito Beach Beach The Whale's Tail, Ensenada Fandangos, San Felipe Thirsty Parrot, Puerto Peñasco Bartender Nicholas, Bahia Cantilles, Rosarito Beach Cuco (Pete's Camp), San Felipe Louie (Al Capones), Puerto Peñasco Breakfast Mamas Royal Cafe, Cabo San Lucas Mama's Royal Cafe is said to have the "best breakfast in the whole country" and one of the oldest Gringo restaurants in Cabo San Lucas. If you're looking for a big breakfast like your mom would make at home, this is the place. Mama’s Royal Cafe has it all, from fruit plates to more omelets than you can imagine and all the traditional Mexican dishes, along with a full bar to kick your morning. If you're a fan of breakfast, there is no better place, possibly in the whole country! La Bamba, Rosarito Beach Juanito's in Ejido, San Felipe Restaurant Sagitario, Loreto Gorilla's Grill, La Paz La Maria Bistro, Puerto Peñasco Cheap Eats Mongolin Grill, Rosarito Beach Jaunito's in Ejido, San Felipe El Super Burro, Loreto Rancho Viejo, La Paz Coffeehouse Cha Cha's, Rosarito Beach Baja Java, San Felipe Cafe de Lolita, Loreto Guiseppi's, Puerto Peñasco Barracuda Bob's, San Carlos Contruction Manager BJ Sweitzer Construction, San Felipe Loreto Inspections, Loreto NewTek Construction Services, La Paz Cabo Tech Constructores, Cabo San Lucas Dentist Dr. Melina California, San Felipe Dr. Melina California Fierros Zatarain, or Melina, as her friends and patients refer to her, is a dentist and the owner of California Dental Spa on Mar Caribe Sur, across from the ABC terminal in San Felipe. California Dental Spa’s services include everything your mouth could need. When you enter the California Dental Spa, the atmosphere and warm greeting immediately make you feel at ease. The word has spread so rapidly that in just one year California Dental Spa has fast become the most popular dental clinic in the region. Dentist Winners Dr. Ochoa Medina, Rosarito Beach Angels Touch Dental Clinic, San Jose del Cabo Cabo Cosmetic Dental, Cabo San Lucas Dr. Lbarra, Puerto Peñasco Development Club Marena, Rosarito Beach Baja real estate has now reached a new level in style and exclusivity. A prestigeous yet affordable lifestyle awaits you in Club Marena. This is a superb beachfront condominium with spectacular, panoramic ocean views and lush grounds in the most exclusive Baja real estate development in the region. Built to exacting American standards, with exceptional workmanship, these oceanfront homes offer modern day conveniences in a romantic setting, which is why our readers voted it as Baja's Best Development. Development Winners Playa de Oro, San Felipe Bobby's by the Sea, Ensenada Bella Sirena, Puerto Peñasco Entertainment Denny Flannigan, San Felipe Denny "Moondogg" Flannigan has appeared onstage and in concert with over 250 major acts including the Doobie Brothers, the Beach Boys, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, The BeeGee's, Tommy James and the Shondells, B.B. King, and many more. He has performed in every state in the continental U.S. The first song written by Denny in 1964, "You'll Come Back," became an instantaneous number one hit for five weeks running on Colorado's giant, KIMN Radio. Denny was a writer, comedian and musician on many television shows including The Midnight Special, ABC's In Concert, The John Byner Comedy Hour, David Frost's Madhouse 90, The Merv Griffin Show and a host of others. Denny currently resides in San Felipe and enjoys performing and living "La Vida Loca" en Mexico. Winner Deja-Vu, Cabo San Lucas Mark Mulligan, San Carlos Fishing Minerva's Baja Tackle, Cabo San Lucas Minerva's Baja Tackle is a Cabo fishing legend. Minerva's started back in the days when Cabo was just a sleepy fishing village with dirt roads and a couple of hotels. Now, fishing is what Cabo San Lucas is famous for and they're proud to say that they have played a big part in not only starting the sport fishing industry in Cabo San Lucas, but also in preserving the resource by promoting conservation and responsible fisheries management. Minerva's Baja Tackle has over 32 years of experience fishing Los Cabos and are ready to provide you with the ultimate fishing vacation. Fishing Winners Azteca Sportfishing, San Felipe Sergios Sportfishing, Ensenada The Baja Big Fish Company, Loreto Pancho Villa, Puerto Peñasco Haircut/Salon Douglas Day Hair, Rosarito Beach Lilyanna's Estetica, San Felipe Berenice Pozo, La Paz Happy Hour Jolly Mon Bar, San Felipe Happy Hour Winners Augie's Bar & Bait, Loreto Baja Cantina, Cabo San Lucas Al Capones Pizza, Puerto Peñasco Home Builder San Felipe Home Builders, San Felipe Baraka en Todos, Todos SantosZoe Custom Home Builders, Cabo San Lucas Home Furnishings The Cabo Furniture Company provides top-notch customer service throughout the execution of all phases of the design process. Each of their dedicated and passionate staff strive to create unique interiors based on client's individual needs at the best prices. Their suppliers have proven track records delivering quality products for over 12 years. Listening to their clients, this results in a home environment that is beautiful and functional by incorporating their lifestyle into their residence. Their integrity is based on their desire to deliver what they promise. Home Furnishings Winners Baja Nueva, San Felipe Mueblería San Diego, La Paz Casa Bonita, San Carlos Landscaping Versoleil, San Felipe La Paz Landscaping, La Paz Vivero Los Cabos, San Jose del CaboLiquor Store Marcado del Mar, Rosarito Beach Rivera Liquor, San Felipe Cactus Liquor, Loreto Cabo Duty Free, Cabo San Lucas Lodging Poco Cielo, Rosarito Beach Poco Cielo, loosely translated, means "little heaven." This small, private hotel has nine intimate guest rooms, an on-site restaurant and cantina, and the most friendly staff on the coast. Located halfway between Rosarito and Ensenada in the La Misión area, on the coastline of beautiful Baja California, Mexico, guests will find themselves relaxed and at home within minutes. Adding to your entertainment are their themed rooms dressed in high quality bed and bath linens, one-of-a-kind furnishings intertwined in a setting of inviting styles, rich textures and vibrant colors to make your visit distinctly memorable. Their restaurant prepares and serves authentic Mexican and American Cuisines and the bounty of our local fishers. Enjoy the ambiance of their beachfront terraces while the ocean provides a naturally tranquil backdrop to your meal. Lodging Winners El Rey Sol Posada, Ensenada El Cortez Hotel, San Felipe Los Milagros Hotel, Cabo San LucasHotel Luna, Loreto Hacienda Del Sol, La Paz El Delfin Blanco, San Jose del Cabo Mail Service Click-On, Rosarito Beach Sunrunner, San Felipe Mail Boxes Etc., Cabo San Lucas Mail Boxes Etc., San Jose del Cabo Market/Grocery Winners Hipon, San Felipe Dali's Deli, Loreto CCC, La Paz Costso, Cabo San Lucas New Business Sex City, Puerto Peñasco Lilian Vega proves that romance blossoms in tough economic times. It bears mentioning that there are some businesses that are doing so well that it’s time to open a second location. What business is that? Why, romance, of course! It makes sense that when fewer folks are able to go out on the town to wine and dine, there are some who will find ways to make staying home more fun than not. About a year ago, the lovely Lily Vega opened the first Sex City store in the strip mall (pun intended) across from SuperLey. Just this week, Lily cut the ribbon on her second location, located on the corner of Luis Encinas and Calle 13. New Business Winners Mongolian Grill, Rosarito Beach Red - Food, Wine and Martini Bar, San Jose del Cabo Jacks Bar & Grill, Cabo San Lucas Nightclub One of the wildest and craziest, most renowned places to party (and eat) in Cabo San Lucas is Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo. The menu includes Sammy's Drunken Shrimp, peppercorn crusted beef and many kinds of fresh seafood of the day. Nightly entertainment is provided by live bands and DJs (Sammy plays when he is in town). Look for the lighthouse jutting from atop the building, but don't be surprised if it is too packed to get in. Nightclub Winners Rosa & Rita, Rosarito Beach Jolly Mon Bar, San Felipe La Iguana, Todos SantosElixir, Puerto Peñasco Pizza Fatboy's Pizza, San Felipe 1697, LoretoToscana, La Paz IL Giardino Pizzeria Trattoria, Todos Santos Mamma Mia Pizza & Pasta, Cabo San Lucas Al Capones Pizzeria, Puerto Peñasco Real Estate Agent Larry French, Rosarito Beach Bill Maine, San FelipeEduardo Ramirez, La Paz Bill Barvitski, Puerto Peñasco Real Estate Broker Baja Real Estate Group, Rosarito Beach Amor Property, San Felipe Alexander Real Estate & Investments, Loreto Omni Real Estate Services, La Paz Leagan Realty, Puerto Peñasco Restaurant The Mongolian Grill, Rosarito Beach The Mongolian Grill has fast become Rosarito's favorite restaurant, having only been open a year it has already earned itself the "The Best Restaurant in Rosarito" title by our readers. If you enjoy good food, that's healthy and affordable, you'll love this place. They have several lunch items under $5 including Teriyaki Bowls, Korean Tacos, California Sushi rolls, large Asian Chicken Salads and, of course, the Mongolian BBQ (under $7). You will become addicted to a healthy way of eating. They are only two miles south of the Rosarito Beach Hotel, which is about 5–10 minutes from Diego's. Restaurant Winners Whales Tail Pub & Grill, Ensenada Baja Jimmy's, San Felipe Afrodita Grill, Mulegé Loreto Islas, Loreto Tailhunter Fubar Cantina, La Paz Tequila's Sunrise Bar & Grill, Todos Santos Manuel's Creative Cuisine, San Jose del CaboFelix's, Cabo San Lucas Al Capones Pizza, Puerto Peñasco Sweets & Desserts Winners In Rosarito, you can find the very best American classic dishes being served at La Bamba on Popotla Blvd., just two turnarounds south of the AM-PM. Look for the checkered wall and signage, and prepare yourself for some great homemade treats not available anywhere else in Baja. Your hosts, William and Susan, are always on hand, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The décor, reminiscent of '50s diners, provides the mood for the experience, in addition to the music background ranging from Elvis to Dean Martin and more. The menu is an array of dishes ranging from hamburgers to corned beef hash. Oh, did I mention that everything is homemade, from scratch! As you slip into the plush tuck-and-roll booths, the daily specials are before you on a your placemat, which change daily. And the desserts, to die for, as there are cakes, pies, muffins, cheesecakes and even sugarless pies for those of us curbing our sugar intake. Sweets & Desserts Winners Baja Chocolate Lovers, San Felipe Tre Galline Restaurant, Todos SantosTio Lupe's, Cabo San Lucas WiFi Location Fandango Bar, San Felipe Hangout Cafe, Cabo San Lucas Cafelix, Todos Santos |
