Since 2013, the Best of the East has celebrated all that Cincinnati’s eastern communities have to offer. From doughnuts to bike shops, we love celebrating the businesses of this community. Thousands of people voted in the 2021 Best of the East competition. Cincy Magazine readers voted for their favorites in 113 categories, and we are excited to bring you this year’s winners. We asked all of our winners why they thought they won their category, and we included a selection of their responses in the following pages. The community partner was the Clermont Chamber of Commerce, and the sponsor was Southern State Community College.
Food/Drink
Best Bakery
Inspiring Kind Bakery
7757 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati
Best BBQ
Pickles & Bones Barbecue
1149 OH-131, Milford
“Pickles and Bones is a scratch kitchen; we buy high-quality ingredients and honor the craft of authentic BBQ by cooking outside on all-wood smokers. Everything you eat here has been made by us: from the buns baked fresh every morning all the way to dessert at the end.” – Nicole House
Best Breakfast/Brunch
Poochie’s Place
1375 W Ohio Pike, Amelia
“We work hard, do good things, make mistakes, learn from them, stay positive and always keep the customer at the center of the picture. There is no ‘corporate,’ we have only one location and Poochie herself can even be found moving and shaking in the restaurant all week long. We’re just happy to be here and happy to be acknowledged for the work we do.”
Best Brewery & Patio Dining
Mt. Carmel Brewing Company
4362 Mt Carmel-Tobasco Rd, Cincinnati
Best Burger
BrewRiver Creole Kitchen
4632 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati
Best Butcher
Summit Fine Meats & Catering
1965 Eight Mile Rd, Cincinnati
“We focus on supplying a high level of customer service and appreciate each and every one of our customers. We have also opened up our variety of product with introducing wagyu and dry aged steaks to our store, while maintaining our core of high-quality everyday products with our fresh ground beef, our Amish chicken or any of our prepared foods.” – Andrew C. Lange, owner
Best Catering
Golden Rule Catering
38 E Main St, Amelia
Best Chef
Christopher Ropp, Garnish Catering
9648 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash
“Food brings people together; a great dinner with friends is a gateway to conversation and memory making. Having a relationship with a chef who can facilitate that is something I take to heart.” – Christopher Ropp, chef & owner
Best Chinese Cuisine
Ban Thai
792 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati
Best Cupcakes
Sweeterie
6820 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati
Best Dessert
Oliver’s Desserts
834 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati
“Oliver’s Desserts bakes from scratch using premium ingredients and employs pastry chefs and artists to make sure everything from our bakery tastes as good as it looks. We always go the extra mile to help make any celebration special.” – Ashley Rapp, founder & cake artist
Best Donuts
Marcella’s Doughnuts & Bakery
29 W Main St, Amelia
Best Family Dining & Steak
Urban Grill on Main
6623 Main St, Newtown
Best Fast Casual
CityBird Tenders
Multiple locations including Anderson
(7893 Beechmont Ave)
Best Fine Dining
Quarter Bistro
6904 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati
Best Food Truck
Tin Man Grill Food Truck
“We are the best food truck because we give our best. We use the best ingredients, the best costumer service, best style and most of all the best costumers.” – Evan & Nicolle Searcy
Best Fresh Catch
Pelican’s Reef
7261 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Fried Chicken
The Schoolhouse Restaurant
8031 Glendale-Milford Rd, Camp Dennison
“It takes a longtime, loyal customer base with their word-of-mouth recommendations for our delicious fried chicken. We are fortunate that many families visit our Schoolhouse to share the experience of good food and hospitality with a dose of history!” – Beth Miller
Best Ice Cream
Graeter’s
Multiple locations including Cherry Grove (8533 Beechmont Ave)
Best Italian Cuisine
Forno Osteria+Bar
3514 Erie Ave, Hyde Park
Best Mexican Cuisine
Mazunte Oakley
5207 Madison Rd, Oakley
“Perhaps it’s our willingness and ability to adapt. We focus on curiosity, humility, empathy and effort. Mazunte is about one thing: people. Our services and products are a genuine reflection of what we value at our core.”
Best Pizza
Joe’s Pizza Napoli
507 Chamber Dr, Cincinnati
Owner Joe Nunner credits the restaurant’s success to his team, from Kerri, Wilma and Julie to Rachel, Sami, Shannon and Steph.
Best Restaurant
Padrino
111 Main St, Milford
Best Sandwich Shop & Soup/Salad
Everything Bagels
792 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati
Best Sushi
Mango Tree Thai & Sushi
7229 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati
Best View from a Restaurant
Little Miami Brewing Company
208 Mill St, Milford
“We are so lucky to be located on the banks of the scenic Little Miami River. We have made it our priority to protect and preserve its beauty while highlighting it on our social media almost daily. Our patio offers heaters, a fire pit and plenty of Adirondack chairs to enjoy the view year round!” – Libby Rose, events & social media manager
Best Wings
The Hi-Mark Bar & Restaurant
3229 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati
“Our wings are special because we strive to make the crispiest wings without a batter and all of our sauces are made in house. Our chicken is also all natural and raised without antibiotics.” – Duy Nguyen, partner
Best Bar
Latitudes Bar & Bistro
7454 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Bourbon Selection
RJ Cinema Distillery & Taproom
4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati
Best Happy Hour
Valley View Lounge
102 W Main St, Williamsburg
Best Independent Coffeehouse
Luckman Coffee
Multiple locations including Anderson
(5200 Beechmont Ave)
Best Sports Bar
Greenies Sports Bar and Grill
1148 OH-28, Milford
Entertainment/Shopping
Best Bowling Alley
The Pin Deck
876 OH-28, Milford
Best Festival
Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance
Best Golf Course
The Vineyard Golf Course of Great Parks of Hamilton County
600 Nordyke Rd, Cincinnati
Best Live Music
Jimmy B’s Bar and Grill
606 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati
Best Museum
Tri-State Warbird Museum
4021 Borman Ave, Batavia
Best Antiques
That Shop In Milford
217 Main St, Milford
Best Bike Shop
Bishop’s Bicycles
313 Main St, Milford
Best Bookstore
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
2692 Madison Rd, Cincinnati
Best Clothing Store
Golden Grace Boutique
Multiple locations including Batavia (210 E Main St)
Best Consignment Shop
Peppermint Pig Thrift & Gift
8454 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Farm Equipment
Carney’s Feed Mill
5284 Edman Rd, Batavia
Best Farmer’s Market
Newtown Farm Market
3950 Round Bottom Rd, Cincinnati
Best Grocery Store
Jungle Jim’s International Market Eastgate
4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati
Best Jeweler
Kirk & Company Jewelers
117 Main St, Milford
“We are a jewelry store with actual goldsmiths and diamond setters who understand quality and share a passion for creating unique pieces of jewelry as a family of craftsmen. We specialize in redesigning jewelry using customers diamonds from old/jewelry items that have been passed down to them by their family.” – Joe Kirk
Best Place for Home Accessories
Scintilla on Main
127 Main St, Milford
“Scintilla’s focus is on unique, high-quality items that make it the perfect destination for wedding, shower or gifts for anyone on your list. We carry distinctive décor and items that appeal to a wide variety of people.” – Cathy Daniels, owner
Best Special Gift Shop
Bizarre Bazaar
7767 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati
Everything is handpicked by the owners, guaranteeing a unique selection throughout the year.
Family
Best Birthday Party Location & Place for a Family Day
Scene75 Entertainment Center Cincinnati
876 OH-28, Milford
“Scene75 is the No. 1 location for indoor fun for the entire family! Whether the little ones are bouncing the day away, the older kids are racing around the go-kart track, or the parents are grabbing a drink, Scene75 makes sure to have something for everyone! “ – Maggie McCartney, director of marketing & creative
Best Dance/Theatre Instruction
Dance Etc.
5985 Meijer Dr, Milford
Best Daycare Center
A Million Dreams Learning Center
541 Main St, Milford
Best Equestrian Center
Bridle Path Stables
2633 Williamsburg-Bantam Rd, Bethel
Best Family Fun Entertainment
Recreations Outlet
885 OH-28, Milford
Best Gymnastics Center
Midwest Elite Dance Center
1329 Ohio Pike, Amelia
Best Music Instruction
Angel’s House of Music
726 Lila Ave, Milford
Best Photographer
Kandice Smith Photography
“The connection and bond I have built with my clients continues to be a blessing to my career and to clients’ lives. It’s not just about capturing a moment in time, but for me, it’s about creating moments in their lives.” – Kandice Smith
Best School Spirit (K-12)
West Clermont Local School District
4350 Aicholtz Rd, Cincinnati
Best Summer Camp
Miami Township Civic Center
6101 Meijer Dr, Miami Township
“Miami Township Recreation puts a lot of emphasis on finding Camp Leaders and assistants who are passionate about creating a camp theme and work hard to provide hands-on activities and enrichments that go along with the theme.” – Krystin Thibodeau, recreation director
Best Swim Lessons
Goldfish Swim School
Multiple locations including Anderson (8253 Beechmont Ave)
Services
Best Accounting/CPA
Donohoo Accounting Services
1080 Nimitzview Dr, Cincinnati
“We operate by thinking outside the box! We know there are hundreds of accounting firms that can simply get the job done, but we pride ourselves on asking questions and really learning about our clients. We work for the taxpayer, not the IRS.” – Duane Donohoo
Best Bank Credit
Sharefax Credit Union
Multiple locations including Batavia
(1147 Old State Route 74)
Best Barber Shop
Olde Milford Barber Shoppe
746 Lila Ave, Milford
Best Car Wash
Mike’s Carwash
Multiple locations including Beechmont
(507 Ohio Pike)
Best Carpet Cleaner
Steam Clean Cincy LLC
333 S Charity St, Bethel
“At Steam Clean Cincy we value relationships. Our goal is customer retention! We make sure each van does no more then three jobs a day so they are always fresh when they show up.” – Nick Newman
Best Dry Cleaner
Tide Cleaners
Multiple locations including Anderson
(8040 Beechmont Ave)
Best Financial Planner
Mike Tolle, Huntington Financial Advisors
2692 Madison Rd, Cincinnati
800-322-4600
Best Florist
Amelia Florist Wine & Gift Shop
1406 Ohio Pike, Amelia
Best Funeral Home
E.C. Nurre Funeral Homes
Multiple locations including New Richmond (200 Western Ave)
Best Heating Cooling
Adams Heating & Cooling
8185 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Home Builder
Zicka Homes
7861 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati
Best Home Remodeler
GPT Enterprises
1251 Ten Mile Rd, New Richmond
513-289-9473
Best House Cleaning
Moppin’ Mommies, LLC
Best Insurance Agent
Bruce O’Dell, State Farm Insurance
7736 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Landscaper
Paramount Lawn + Landscape
8900 Glendale Milford Rd, Loveland
Best Mortgage
USA Mortgage
11590 Century Blvd, Cincinnati
Best Plumber
Anderson Hills Plumbing & Supply
6229 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Preschool
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
7800 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Best Real Estate Agency
InFocus Real Estate Group
4440 Glen Este Withamsville Rd, Cincinnati
Best Real Estate Agent
Tina Mulvany, HUFF Realty
7454 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
“I have extensive knowledge of assisting both buyers and sellers in the Greater Cincinnati market and Northern Kentucky market. I have found a passion in real estate and I enjoy helping my clients find not only a house, but a place to call ‘home.’” – Tina Mulvany
Best Retirement Community (Independent Living)
SEM Retirement Communities
Best Roofing
Curant Construction
4325 Mt Carmel Tobasco Rd, Cincinnati
Best Tire Center
Tire Discounters
Multiple locations including Cincinnati
(4031 Red Bank Rd)
Health
Best Charitable Race
Amazing Charity Race
Best Chiro
Fisher Chiropractic and Massage Therapy
331 S Fifth St, Williamsburg
Best Dentist
Dr. Jan S. & Dr. Bartosz Labeda, DDS, Eastgate Dental Care and Family Dental Care
Multiple locations including Eastgate
(4553 Elmont Dr)
Best Fitness Center
Beechmont Racquet & Fitness
435 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati
Best Fitness Class Instructor
Will Shoemaker, Beechmont Racquet & Fitness
435 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati
“In my opinion the Beechmont Racquet & Fitness offers a more family, at-home environment than most cookie-cutter gyms. This family aspect gets carried over into our fitness classes and my favorite part of group training there is my relationships that I have been able to form with the members!” – Will Shoemaker
Best Personal Trainer
Kellie Kallas, Beechmont Racquet & Fitness
435 Ohio Pike, Cincinnati
“It is a family-owned business that treats each employee like family. I started as a member myself and once getting certified as a Group Fitness Instructor began teaching classes. I love teaching and motivating people to get fit!” – Kellie Kallas
Best Medical Facility
Child Focus Community Mental Health
4629 Aicholtz Rd, Cincinnati
Best Pediatric Dentist
Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
1319 Nagel Rd, Cincinnati
“Sea of Smiles promotes a strong foundation of oral health, which will last a lifetime. Our mission is to help our pediatric dental patients become independently healthy. Our decisions are based on sound principles, respect clear judgement and a sense of treating your child as if they were our own.” – Becky Lubitz, marketing director
Best Pediatrician
Anderson Hills Pediatrics
Multiple locations including Anderson
(7400 Jager Ct)
Best Pharmacy
Fitzgerald’s Pharmacy
Multiple locations including Williamsburg (305 W Main St)
“Founded in 1962, we are a family-owned and operated full-service pharmacy, drug store and gift shop that focuses on great customer service and free delivery options. Our focus on customer service is top-notch. We spend a lot of time assisting patients with insurance coverage solutions.” – Stacey Sandfoss, pharmacy relationship manager
Best Physician
Susan B. Abbott, MD, The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Outpatient Center – Red Bank, 4440 Red Bank Expwy, Cincinnati
Best Yoga Studio
Embra
Multiple locations including Fort Mitchell (2428 High St)
Pets
Best Groomer
What-A-Dog!
511 W Main St, Mt Orab
“Our What-A-Dog groomers are the best for many reasons. We have a friendly staff with several years of combined experience and excellent service. which has led us to a loyal client base.” – Katy, Caytlyn and Audra
Best Pet Store
TailWaggers Doggy Daycare
4528 Summerside Rd, Cincinnati
“At Tailwaggers , we carry only the best treats, supplements, toys and dog food. We believe a happy dog begins with a healthy dog! Our staff is always happy to assist you in choosing what is right for your dog.”
Best Vet
Clermont Animal Hospital, Inc.
1404 Old State Route 74, Batavia
Places
Best Event Space
Holiday Inn & Suites Cincinnati-Eastgate
4501 Eastgate Blvd, Cincinnati
Best Fitness Trail
Loveland Bike Trail
Best Park
Cincinnati Nature Center
4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford
Best Place for a Picnic
East Fork State Park
3294 Elklick Rd, Bethel
“A combination of the natural beauty of the state park and our employees’ attention to detail have led to a great place to create memories.” – Lance Hopkins, park manager
Best Place to have a Wedding
Emmett Ridge Farm
1805 Lindlale Nicholsville Rd, Amelia
“We want people to feel comfortable and at home here. I think that is what sets us apart. This is a super fun place that people don’t want to leave. We create a whole experience for people.” – Lauren Boswell, owner
Auto
Best Auto New
Kings Toyota
4700 Fields Ertel Rd, Cincinnati
Best Auto Parts
Stricker Auto Parts and Service
4955 Benton Rd, Batavia
“I think that our experience and customer service makes us stand out.”
– Katie Gilbert
Best Auto Repair
Ulmer’s Auto Care Center
Multiple locations including Anderson (6389 Salem Rd)
Beauty
Best Hair Salon
Valenti Salon & Spa
Multiple locations including Mariemont
(7459 Wooster Pike)
Best Manicure/Pedicure
Ambiance Nail Spa
Multiple locations including Hyde Park (2709 Madison Rd)
“With the best nail technicians and customer-oriented management, Ambiance Nail Spa is committed to providing clients with the utmost beauty experience.” – Sean A. Nguyen
Best Master Stylist
Cassie Serraino-Beers, Coco Creative Wellness
4201 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati
Best Place for a Spa Day
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Multiple locations including Eastgate (690 Eastgate S Dr)
“Clients entering the spa are enveloped in soothing aromas and sounds while leaving behind the stress of deadlines and hectic schedules. We value exceptional customer service and strive to exceed our client’s expectations every visit.” – Sabina Hutchinson, owner
