Best Progressive
Joseph P. Riley Jr.
Readers Pick
While some would argue he's a stooge of the cruise industry and a scourge of the Occupy movement, Riley has made plenty of progressive moves in office, whether overseeing the racial integration of the city or working toward a more bikeable streetscape.
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Attractions & City Living
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- Attractions & City Living
- Best Neighborhood
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- Best Playground Accessory
- Best Way to Monkey Around
- Best Non-Native Species to Participate in a Public Celebration
- Best Pitch
- Best Nickname for the Don Holt Bridge
- Best Location for a Celeb Wedding
- Best Example of Giving Back
- Most Uplifting Sunday Morning Turnaround
- Best Use for the Old IMAX Theater
- Best Rehab of an Eyesore Thanks to a "Silicon Harbor" Company
- Best Building to Rehab on Upper King Street
- Best Historic Restoration
- Best Use for an Old Bank
- Best Happy Ending for a Vacant House
- Best Place to Get Chills About History
- Best Now-Defunct Secret Parking Lot
- Best Sunday Morning Stroll
- Best New Hotel Hot Spots
- Best Destination Name Change
- Best Sign That the Economy Is On the Upswing
- Best Nickname for the Ravenel Bridge Ever
- Best Philanthropic Competition
- Best Resurrection of an Attraction
- Best Street to Dodge Skateboarding Bros in Flip-Flops Talking on Cell Phones
- Best Charlestonian to Defriend
- Best County Council Member
- Best Misuse of Taxpayer Funds
Politics, News, & the Media
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- Politics, Public Affairs & Personalities
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- Best News for Kids
- Best Sayonara
- Best Reason to Participate Next Time in Small-Town Politics
- Best Compromise
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- Best Reason to Thank the AARP
- Best Local Legislator
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- Best Relentless Campaigner
- Best “Will He or Won’t He?”
- Best Way to Stop Traffic and Piss Off Everyone
- Best Clown Show
- Best School Board Member
- Best Political Ad
- Best Community Activist
- Best Political Comeback for Late-Night Comedy Writers
- Best Candidate Whose Brother is a Superstar Comedian
- Best Philanthropist
- Best Hail Mary (Political Division)
- Best Progressive
- Best Conservative
- Best Use of a Biblical Metaphor
- Best Local Cause
- Best Sign That Joe Riley Has Become an African-Style Tyrant and May Be Going Insane
- Best Political Gaffe
- Best Reason to Fear for the Future of Johns Island
- Best Protest Flag
Culture, Arts & Entertainment
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- Culture, Arts & Entertainment
- Best Movie Theater
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- Best Piccolo or Spoleto Show
- Best Non-Piccolo or Spoleto Play of 2012
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- Best Party of 2012
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- Best Local Visual Artist
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- Best Music Concert of 2012
- Best Jazz & Blues Club
- Best Local Band
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- Best Musician
- Best Female Vocalist
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- Best Karaoke Night
- Best Club DJ
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- Best Fake Military Base
- Best Mt. Pleasant Theatrical Transplant
- Best Programming
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- Best Artistic Use of a Seasoning
- Best Oral History
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- Best Larger-Than-Life Portrait
- Best Whitman's Sampler of Amateur Music
- Best Whole Lotta Love Affair
- Best Bee’s Knees
- Best Old-Timey Raconteur Revival
- Best Gathering of Hipsters
- Best Muralist to Tag Charleston
- Best Hip-Hop Strings Player
- Best Back Alley Art
- Best Chance for Another Cary Ann Hearst
- Best Downtown Music Venue That Serves a Killer Muffuleta
- Best Fan Base
- Best Unexpected Potential Hit Song From a Random Charleston Band
- Best Local Visual Artist
- Best Board Game
- Best Impromptu Stage Performance by a Hot Bartender
- Best Family-Oriented Punk Rock
- Best Catalog Queen
- Best Recovery
- Best Chance Encounter with Royalty
- Best Downtown Music Venue Reboot
- Best Concept Album About The Zombie Apocalypse
- Best Private Concert
- Best Mystery Man
- Best Way to Kill Time During the Workday
- Best Collection of Lion Art
- Best Bostonian Bluegrassers
- Best Film Fest Award Winner
- Best Local Boy at Spoleto
- Best Liar
- Best Night of Japanese Punk Rock
- Best Grand Ole Blowfish
- Best Creepy Candy Giveaway
- Best Dog-Loving Electronica Act
- Best Proof that Art Matters
- Best Local Comic Who’s Ready to Go National
- Best West Ashley Restaurant
News & The Media
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- News & The Media
- Best YouTube Celeb
- Best Viral Flood Photo
- Best Hottie on Reddit
- Best News for Fire-Bug-Fearing Residents
- Best Local Interest Blog
- Best Small-Town Magazine
- Best One-Stop Blog
- Best Person to Instigate and/or Moderate a Comment Flame War
- Best Reason to Visit Charlestoncitypaper.com Every Day
- Best Investigative Piece
- Best Exit
- Best Left-Wing Champion to Give Up the Good Fight
- Best New-Media Political Coverage
- Best New Site for Craft Beer Lovers
- Best New Music Website from a Fairy God Mutha
- Best Source for Right-Wing Conspiracy Theories
- Best Drunk Twitter Feed
- Best Drunk Twitter Feed
- Best Local Case to Make It on Dr. Phil
- Best Local Music Show
- Best New Addition to the Morning Airwaves
- Best DJ to Head to the Midlands
- Best No Brainer
- Best Local Investigative Reporter
- Best Local Radio Personality
- Best News Story of 2012
- Best Local TV Anchor
- Best Local TV Weather Forecaster
- Best Local TV Sports Anchor
- Best Local TV Station
- Best Newspaper Columnist
- Best Radio Station
- Best City Paper Cover Story
- Best Local Website
- Best Talk/News Radio Station
- Best Local Radio Show
- Best Local Talk Show Host
- Best Locally Produced Video
- Best Local Twitter Feed
Recreation, Health, & Beauty
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- Recreation, Health, & Beauty
- Best Local Sports Team
- Best Local Athlete
- Best Marina
- Best Island
- Best Place for Family Fun
- Best Bowling Alley
- Best Park
- Best Surf Shop
- Best Watersports Company
- Best Stand Up Paddleboard Company
- Best Bike Shop
- Best Sporting Goods Store
- Best Local Sporting Goods Store
- Best Shooting Range
- Best Dive Shop
- Best Outdoor Outfitters
- Best Store for Beach Gear
- Best Local Store for Beach Gear
- Best Place to Buy a Boat
- Best Fishing and Tackle Shop
- Best Fishing Charter
- Best Golf Course
- Best Health Club
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- Best Plastic Surgeon
- Best Dermatologist
- Best Tanning Salon
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- Best Orthodonist
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- Best Pilates Studio
- Best Yoga Studio
- Best Acupuncturist
- Best Medical Spa
- Best Hospital
- Best Pharmacy
- Best Local Pharmacy
- Best Place to Give Birth
- Best Piercing Studio
- Best Tattoo Studio
- Best Adult Toy Store
- Best Day Spa
- Best Nail Salon
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- Best Hair Salon
- Best Barber Shop
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- Best Hotel
- Best Bed & Breakfast
- Best Veterinarian
- Best Place to "Blow" 35 Bucks
- Best New Place to Get a Fresh Cut In the 'Hood
- Best Place to Get an Old-School Fade
- Best Place to Bring Your Classy Pooch
- Best Dog Swimming Pool
- Best Playground Under the Bridge
- Best Way to Get a Case of Whiplash
- Best Tentative Pool Club
- Best Reason to Stay Inside
- Best Place to See Futuristic Seacraft While Making a Fool of Yourself on a Paddleboard
- Best Hope for Future Outdoor Activities
- Best Old-School Video Game Collection
- Best 1970s Time Machine
- Best Bowling Alley Couches
- Best Failed Attempt at Parkour
- Best News for Asses
- Best Place to Rolf
- Best News for Park Circle Cyclists
- Best New Paint Job
- Best Wheels
- Best Opportunity to Tailgate Locally
- Best Leap of Faith
- Best Day to Pray to be Healed
- Best Slide Into Home
- Best Place to Send Your Future Gabby Douglas
- Best New Kids' Sport In the Lowcountry
- Best Place to Get Your Ultimate Jersey Made
- Best First-Year Basketball Coaches
- Best Collegiate Sailing Team
- Best Olympians
- Best New Way to Get Bruised and Battered
- Best MMA Madman
Shops, Wares & Services
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- Shops, Wares & Services
- Best Local Clothing Designer
- Best Florist
- Best Local Farm / Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Best Mall / Shopping Center
- Best Shopping District
- Best Department Store
- Best Women's Clothing Store
- Best Men's Clothing Store
- Best Children's Clothing Store
- Best Baby Store
- Best Local Baby Store
- Best Toy Store
- Best Boutique
- Best Accessories Store
- Best Local Accessories Store
- Best Bead Store
- Best Jewelry Store
- Best Local Jewelry Designer
- Best Shoe Store
- Best Shoe Repair
- Best Consignment Store
- Best Vintage Clothing Store
- Best Gift Store
- Best Thrift Store
- Best Collegiate Store
- Best Eyewear Boutique
- Best Local Eyewear Boutique
- Best Antique Store
- Best Furniture Store
- Best Home Accessories Store
- Best Stationery Store
- Best Garden Store / Nursery
- Best Landscaper
- Best Pet Store
- Best Local Pet Store
- Best Pet Groomer
- Best Doggie Day Care
- Best Costume Shop / Party Store
- Best Art Supply Store
- Best Paint Store
- Best Local Paint Store
- Best Frame Shop
- Best Grocery Store
- Best Local Grocery Store
- Best Gourmet Grocery Store
- Best Local Gourmet Grocery Store
- Best Corner Store
- Best Health Food Store
- Best Local Health Food Store
- Best Local Farm
- Best Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Best Wine Shop
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- Best Cheese Shop
- Best Tobacco Shop
- Best Cigar Store
- Best Liquor Store
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- Best Hardware Store
- Best Cell Phone Provider
- Best Lighting Store
- Best Dry Cleaner
- Best Florist
- Best Pawn Shop
- Best Music Store
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- Best Comic Book Shop
- Best Used Bookstore
- Best Musical Instrument Store
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- Best Place To Buy A Used Car
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- Best Place To Buy A New Car
- Best Local Place To Buy A New Car
- Best Car Wash
- Best Tire Store
- Best Mechanic
- Best Motorcycle Shop
- Best Cab Company
- Best Limo Company
- Best Law Firm / Lawyer
- Best Realty Company
- Best Realtor
- Best Insurance Agency
- Best Financial Institution
- Best Jewelry Store
- Best Indoor Carousel
- Best Store Opening Rumor
- Best Tiny Expansion
- Best T-Shirts for Nature Lovers
- Best News for King Street Shoppers with an Acute Sense of Smell
- Best Place to Buy Yoga Pants to Serve a Multitude of Purposes
- Best Store With a New Name
- Best Place to Find a Mink Stole
- Best News for Polka Dot Lovers
- Best Place to Buy Reversible Skinny Jeans
- Best Place to Buy a Jadeveon Clowney Jersey
- Best Place to Buy a Vintage Clemson T-Shirt
- Best Loca Store in a Sea of Chains
- Best Place to Find Vintage Spoleto Posters
- Best Place to Try On Warby Parkers
- Best Milliner to Start a Clothing Line
- Best Fashion Success Story
- Best Place toFind Custom Blazer Buttons
- Best Place to Get Your Kicks
- Best Place to Buy a Mardis Gras Mask
- Best Place to Buy Italian Leather Anything
- Best Plae to Get Crafty
- Best Place to Buy Creative Christmas Presents
- Best Place to Buy Craft's That Smell Like French Fries
- Best Way To Spoil Your Furry Best Friend
- Best Place to Wear Out Your Pup
- Best Excuse to Sleep In
- Best Mac Attack
- Best Shot in the Arm
- Best Music Store Owner / Bike Advocate / Biodeisel Fan
- Best Place to Buy a Copy of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Debut, the Bee Gee’s Odessa, and Alice Cooper’s Welcome to My Nightmare
- Best Gathering of Vinyl Nerds
- Best Comic Book Store in Summerville
- Best Place to Find Vintage Books About Charleston History and Culture
- Best James Island Wine Shop
- Best Delivery Service
- Best Little Market in a Faux-Village Neighborhood
- Best Corner Store Sausages
- Best Downtown Liquor Store Where You Can Get Your Check Cashed
- Best People to Call When Your HVAC Starts Blowing Carbon Monoxide in Your House
- Best Shop to Gear Up For The Apocalypse
- Best Late Night TV Performance
Eating & Drinking Out
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- Eating & Drinking Out
- Best (Albeit Excessive) Cook’s Tour
- Best Pasta Machine
- Best Sean Brock News Wire
- Most Unexpectedly Delicious Use of Sweet Potato
- Best French Restaurant
- Best Time of the Year for Pescetarians
- Best Sneaky Use of Squirrel in a Soup
- Best Day to Eat a Salad
- Best Use of Mountain Dew
- Best Newbie Grits
- Most Unlikely Beverage Pairings that Actually Worked
- Best Looking Wait Staff
- Best Twist on a Sandwich
- Best Use of Fish Hearts
- Best Thing to Do with a Skate Wing
- Best Onion Rings in Town
- Best Bowling Alley Chili
- Best Use of Rice Flour
- Best Cuisine that Is Suddenly Everywhere
- Tiresome Culinary Complaint of the Year
- Best Use of Cabbage
- Best Fireplace
- Best Use of Sriracha in the A.M.
- Best Downtown Breakfast Place
- Best Bar Snack Probably Ever
- Best Skillet of Grits
- Best Use of Ritz Crackers
- Best Decadent Bite
- Best Place to Go Lush
- Best Chicken Leg
- Best New Online Ordering
- Best Addition to an Ice Cream Shop
- Best Non-Local Barbecue Chain We Just Can’t Give Up
- Best Reason to Give up Mustard Sauce
- Best Asparagus Soup
- Best Plate of Veggies
- Best New Old Beans
- Best Thing to Smoke
- Best Way to Buy Local at a Chain
- Best Winter Warmer
- Best $2.99 Fried Chicken
- Best New Oyster on the Scene
- Best $5 Breakfast Sammy
- Best Time for Bacon
- Best SOB Picnic Stop
- Best New Must-Have Breakfast
- Best New Addition
- Best (Figurative) Turnover
- Best Way to Marsh Your Mallow
- Best Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Sweetest Culinary Comeback
- Best Insanely Creative Ice Cream Flavors
- Best Restaurant Rumor
- Best Sweet Tea
- Best Bakery
- Best Local Cocktail Mixer
- Best Authentic Pub
- Best Bottled Beer Selection
- Best Beer Selection (Retail)
- Best Bottled Beer Selection (Bar or Restaurant)
- Best Beer Selection on Tap
- Best Happy Hour
- Best New Bar
- Best Local Brewery
- Bes Local Spirit
- Best Local Cocktail Mixer
- Best Neighborhood Bar
- Best Upscale Bar
- Best Rooftop Bar
- Best Bar Staff
- Best Bouncers
- Best Downtown Bar
- Best Daniel Island Bar
- Best Mt. Pleasant Bar
- Best James Island Bar
- Best Folly Beach Bar
- Best IOP Bar
- Best Sullivan's Island Bar
- Best West Ashley Bar
- Best North Charleston Bar
- Best Summerville Bar
- Best Johns Island Bar
- Best Neighborhood Bar
- Best Upscale Bar
- Best Authentic Pub
- Best No-Frills Watering Hole
- Best Dance Club
- Best Pool Hall
- Best Pick Up Joint (TIE)
- Best Late Night Bar
- Best Bar for Late Night Eats
- Best Sports Bar
- Best Gay Club
- Best Lesbian Club
- Best Adult Establishment
- Best Local Artisanal Food Product
- Best Martini
- Best Cocktails
- Best Margarita
- Best Restaurant
- Best Cold Beer
- Best Cheap Beer Deal
- Best New Restaurant
- Best Restaurant When Someone Else is Paying
- Best Chef
- Best Waterfront Bar
- Best Local Brewery
- Best Wait Staff
- Best Margarita
- Best Sommelier
- Best Bar Napkins, and, Please, Stop Stealing Them, People!
- Best Caterer
- Best Copper Mugs, and, Please, Stop Stealing Them, People!
- Most Addictively Fragrant Beverage
- Best Food Truck
- Best Soup Slurpee
- Best Pop
- Best Daniel Island Restaurant
- Best Thing You Can Do For Your Liver
- Best Non-Alcoholic Julep
- Best Soda Fountain
- Best Blend of Fire and Ice
- Best Downtown Restaurant
- Most Effective Use of a 300 lb. Block of Ice
- Best Cocktail Menu Upgrade
- Best BOGO
- Best James Island Restaurant
- Best Old-Fashioned Old Fashioned
- Best Place to Day-Drink
- Best Reason to Drink on James Island
- Best Cava Sangria
- Best Folly Beach Restaurant
- Best Liquor Store to Bankrupt a Susceptible Cocktail Geek
- Best Ark of the Covenant Warehouse Wonderland of Booze
- Best New Key Club
- Best Place to Get Your Shine On
- Best Cozy Corner
- Best Etch-A-Sketch Art
- Best Mt. Pleasant Restaurant
- Best Place to Get Bubbly on the Cheap
- Best Sullivan's Island Restaurant
- Best Cocktail Spot With A View
- Best Communal Cocktail
- Best IOP Restaurant
- Best Place to Sip on Rare Italian Craft Beer
- Best Way to Load Up on Free Cups
- Best Happy Hour in Hiding
- Best Place to Show Off Your Spelling Skillz
- Best Latrinalia
- Best New Liquor License
- Best Party Hosts
- Best Excuse to Drink on a Rainy Day
- Best North Charleston Restaurant
- Best Place to Study While Drinking Beer
- Best Summerville Restaurant
- Best Way to Get Drunk and a Sugar High at the Same Time
- Best Johns Island Restaurant
- Best Place to Order a White Russian
- Best Bar Seat
- Best News for Lungs
- Best Romantic Restaurant
- Best News for Gin Lovers and Dirty Shirley Fans
- Best Waterfront Dining
- Best Love-It-or-Leave-It Local Liquor
- Best Outdoor Patio
- Best Sanitary Growler Filler
- Best Go for the Gold
- Best Drinking Failure
- Best Beverage You Missed Out On
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
- Best Japanese
- Best Indian
- Best Chinese
- Best Thai/Vietnamese
- Best Asian Fusion
- Best Italian
- Best Greek Restaurant
- Best Tapas
- Best Cheap Meal
- Best E-Mail Phishing Scam
- Best Restaurant for Vegetarians
- Best Charcuterie
- Best Example of Why Every Elected Official Needs a Refresher Course in Ethics
- Food Product
- Best Pub Food
- Best Bakery
- Best Sunday Brunch
- Best Breakfast
- Best Ribs
- Best Hot Dogs
- Best Late Night Menu
- Best Desserts
- Best Meat & 3 Veggies
- Best She-Crab Soup
- Best Bagels
- Best Coffee House
- Best Soul Food
- Best Burger
- Best Deli
- Best Wine Selection (Retail
- Best Cheesesteak
- Best Wine Selection (Local Retail)
- Best French Fries
- Best Wine Selection (Bar or Restaurant)
- Best Fried Chicken
- Best NY Style Pizza
- Best Gourmet Pizza
- Best Gourmet Sandwich
- Best Wings
- Best Seafood
- Best Place to Buy Local Seafood
- Best Oysters
- Best Sushi
- Best Sushi
- Best Raw Bar
- Best Buffet
- Best Local Buffet
- Best Salad
- Best Local Salad
- Best Steak
- Best Shrimp & Grits
- Best Ice Cream
- Best Frozen Yogurt
- Best Barbecue
- Best Ribs
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