Photos by L.G. Patterson

Hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since Inside Columbia magazine staff began our first annual Best of Columbia contest. Over two decades, Best of Columbia has amassed millions of votes and awarded over a thousand local businesses and people with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. None of this would be possible without our voracious Inside Columbia readers, who submitted over 86,000 nominations and 150,000 votes this year on their favorite places and people of their hometown. While the competition was razor-thin in several categories, we’re happy to award newcomers and perennial favorites alike.  

Here are your long-awaited results, readers — alongside some special picks chosen directly by the Inside Columbia staff. Thank you for continuing to voice exactly what makes Columbia such a great town to live, work and have fun in. Here’s to 20 more years!  

Food + Drink  

Best BBQ: Como Smoke & Fire 
No smoking indoors — except for the smokiest barbecue joint around. As the Best Barbecue winner since 2017, Como Smoke & Fire dishes out ribs, brisket, pulled pork and more that’ll have you licking the plate clean every time.  
Silver: Big Daddy’s BBQ & Soul Food; Bronze: D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar 

Best Pizza: Shakespeare’s Pizza 
In any other city, “Shakespeare” might elicit talk of Montagues and Capulets. But in Columbia, Shakespeare’s is synonymous with undefeated slices of the Best Pizza in town.  
Silver: G & D Pizzaria; Bronze: Pizza Tree 

Best Burger: Just Jeff’s Burgers & Dogs 
What began as a meek hot dog cart on campus is now a bustling lunch haunt, known for repeat Gold-winning burgers. As one online reviewer enthused, “All I can say is, DELICIOUS.”  
Silver: Billiards on Broadway; Bronze: Booches 

Best French Fries: Murry’s 
Don’t let the fries at Murry’s hide behind their renowned appetizer menu. Even the humble French fry at one of Columbia’s long-time favorites knocks it out of the park — especially when they’re jazzed up with melted brie cheese.   
Silver: Billiards on Broadway; Bronze: Mugs-Up Drive In 

Best Brunch Menu: Cafe Berlin  
After a few years on the sidelines, we brought back the Best Brunch Menu category … and Cafe Berlin fanatics brought the votes. Herzlichen Glückwunsch to the quirky, eclectic and definitely delightful brunch spot and bar in the Arts District.  
Silver: Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar; Bronze: JoJo’s Biscuit Company 

Best Brewery: Logboat Brewing Company 
Choose your brew: Snapper? Bobber? Logger? Dark Matter? Logboat takes the crown for Best Brewery, celebrating 12 years of keeping CoMo hoppy.  
Silver: Flat Branch Brewery; Bronze: Bur Oak Brewery 

Best Mexican Restaurant: Delia’s Mexican Grill 
Delia’s, both downtown and on Stadium, was a new Gold winner this year! Their sizzling fajitas, cheesy quesadillas and some of the best lunch deals out there are the “taco” the town.  
Silver: Las Margaritas; Bronze: Jose Jalapeno’s 

Best Sweet Treat: The Candy Factory 
While it’s the bustling spot for chocolate-covered strawberries in February, The Candy Factory remained top of mind for Best Sweet Treat voters last winter. Chocolates, truffles, caramels, jelly beans, pretzels, popcorn — maybe it’s best for you to see for yourself on Cherry Street. 
Silver: Peggy Jean’s Pies; Bronze: Andy’s Frozen Custard 

Best Coffee: Love Coffee 
Brand new to the Best of Columbia scene, Love Coffee takes the gold for Best Coffee. At Love Coffee, you’ll be met with a whole latte of kindness and help their mission of offering job skills and employment to individuals with disabilities. 
Silver: The Grind Coffee House; Bronze: Lakota Coffee 

Best Margarita: Las Margaritas 
Frozen or on the rocks, rimmed with salt or sugar — it don’t matter! The staff at any Las Margs location is ready to serve you a delicious, repeat-gold-winning margarita to quench any craving. 
Silver: Irene’s; Bronze: Delia’s Mexican Grill  

Best New Restaurant: JoJo’s Biscuit Company  
As a restaurant that’s been anticipated from the second the sign went up, the biscuit business is booming. A second South location is set to open soon … and we’re hoping that gives JoJo’s Biscuit Company jam-packed parking lot a break.  
Silver: Curry-osity; Bronze: Old Plank Tavern  

Best Food Truck: Mr. Murphy’s Stuffed Potatoes 
Mr. Murphy’s has curb appeal. This year’s Best Food Truck brings stuffed spuds, nachos and salads all across mid-Missouri.  
Silver: Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co.; Bronze: The Big Cheeze 

Best Bar: Dive Bar 
Who else than the aptly-named Dive Bar? Find a selection of beers on tap, wines, whiskeys, cocktails, and a place to sit back with a cold glass on the Business Loop. 
Silver: Son of a Gun; Bronze: Booches 

Best Steak: CC’s City Broiler 
Year after year, Inside Columbia readers agree that CC’s steaks are a cut above the rest. Between the mouth-watering Steak Sinatra, the Steak Scott, the perfectly prepared filet mignons… CC’s has all the cuts and elegance of a big city-style steakhouse, right here in Columbia.   
Silver: G&D Steakhouse; Bronze: Murry’s 

Best Sushi: Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro 
After consistently taking gold in our former “Best Asian Restaurant” category, voters decided that Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro was still on a roll with their authentic, handcrafted sushi menu.  
Silver: Kampai; Bronze: Love Sushi 

Local Favorites 

Best Local Radio Show: Liz & Scotty in the Morning – Clear 99  
It might be a pain to get out of bed some mornings, but 99.3 FM’s Liz & Scotty in the Morning makes your commute a little funnier and friendlier. These repeat Gold winners pair all the best country hits with plenty of anecdotal charm, earning them constant back-to-back Gold wins.  
Silver: The Morning Shag with Shags & Trevor – 96.7 KCMQ; Bronze: The Cosmo & Kat Show – Y107 

Best Live Music Venue: Cooper’s Landing Riverside Resort & Marina 
This repeat winner is kicking off concert season with a fresh face and a shiny gold medal. Recently renovated, check out the facelift at Cooper’s Landing this summer while scoping out the food trucks, jam sessions and local concerts.  
Silver: The Blue Note; Bronze: Pierpont General Store 

Best Place to Buy Shoes: Dryer’s Shoe Store 
Save your sole! The Best Place to Buy Shoes for the past four years, Dryer’s remains one of the oldest downtown retailers, but their inventory is anything but. Find the newest, trending kicks at your footwear fix since ‘56.  
Silver: Fleet Feet; Bronze: American Shoe 

Best Place to Buy Jewelry: Buchroeders Jewelers 
Buchroeders is certainly no stranger to gold. This year, Columbians once again said “I do” to this repeat winner. With an elevated shopping experience, guaranteed customer satisfaction and a diamond selection so wide it glitters from miles away, Buchroeders solidifies its rock-solid reputation as the best around.  
Silver: Betz Jewelers; Bronze: Tucker’s the Jewelry Architects  

Best Place to Buy a Car: Rusty Drewing Automotive 
Shopping for a newly licensed teenager? Replacing a beloved minivan that holds years of memories and snack crumbs between the seats? Let Rusty Drewing Automotive guide you behind the wheel of your next vehicle. 
Silver: Bob McCosh Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac; Bronze: Subaru of Columbia 

Best Nonprofit: Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue 
Who let the dogs in? This year’s Best Nonprofit is Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue. This win comes just after celebrating 10 years of rescue work: rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for each four-legged friend.  
Silver: Central Missouri Humane Society; Bronze: Love Columbia 

Best Annual Event/Festival: Art in the Park  
Where art thou? Stephens Lake Park, that is. Gold for Best Annual Event/Festival is once again Art in the Park, the oldest and largest fine arts festival in mid-Missouri. Meet artisans and shop local art at Stephens Lake Park June 6 and 7 this summer.  
Silver: True/False Film Festival; Bronze: COMO Restaurant Week  

People 

Best Esthetician: Alex Johnston – Riversong Salon & Spa 
Wake up each morning feeling refreshed when you book with the Best Esthetician in town, Alex Johnston. For dermaplaning, facials, lash lifts, brow tinting, waxing and more, she’ll elevate your natural beauty at Riversong Salon & Spa, where she’s worked for over 10 years. 
Silver: Kim Chappell – Aurora Med Spa; Bronze: Kelly Krivesti – Skin Deep Esthetics 

Best Primary Care Provider: Dr. Bridget Gruender – Liberty Family Medicine 
Part of the first direct primary care clinic in Columbia, Dr. Bridget Gruender stood out from the crowd as the Best Primary Care Provider. Gruender puts patients first, offering flexible and affordable care for any and everything you and your family may need. 
Silver: Dr. Kevin Frazer – MU Health Care; Bronze: Dr. Carolle Silney – Boone Health 

Best Pediatrician: Dr. Adam Wheeler – Big Tree Medical  
An apple a day keeps this winner away — Dr. Adam Wheeler has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. He cares for Columbia’s kiddos and families at Big Tree Medical, where same-day sick appointments, unlimited visits and compassionate attentiveness are the norm.  
Silver: Dr. Paula Stuebben – Tiger Pediatrics; Bronze: Dr. Holly Bondurant – Tiger Pediatrics 

Best Radio Personality: Shags – 96.7 KCMQ 
Congratulations to Columbia’s favorite cult leader, as well as the DJ behind your classic rock favorites, on being crowned this year’s Best Radio Personality. Shags from 96.7 KCMQ and his sarcasm, irreverence and comedic back-and-forth with his partner in crime, Trevor, deters any station-surfing.  
Silver: Scotty – Clear 99; Bronze: Cosmo – Y107 

Best Local TV Personality: Matt Beckwith – KOMU 8  
For coverage you can count on, rain or shine, rely on the KOMU chief meteorologist (and repeat Gold winner) Matt Beckwith. In fact, this category was swept by the KOMU 8 crew, your bearers of both good and bad news.  
Silver: Beth Finello – KOMU 8; Bronze: Taylor Freeman – KOMU 8  

Best Bartender: Katie Gray – Jake’s Bar & Grill 
In the hustle and bustle of pouring beers, mixing cocktails and slicing limes, Katie Gray stands out from the crowd as the Best Bartender in town. Find her for good drinks and better conversation behind the bar at Jake’s Bar & Grill. 
Silver: Mark Alexiou – Logboat Brewing Company; Bronze: Allie Crow – Glenn’s Cafe/The Tiger Hotel  

Best CEO: Brian Wear – Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration 
Your bathroom pipes might be clogged, but business at Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration is running smoothly with Columbia’s Best CEO at the helm.  
Silver: Giulia Hall – Columbia Second Chance; Bronze: Adam Kinser – ServiceMaster 

Best Photographer: Trischa Splitter – Junebug Photography 
A first-time winner, Trischa Splitter has taken over the top spot for Best Photographer. She captures some of the sweetest smiles… often with tongues dangling. Your dogs and cats will always have a shining moment with Junebug Photography. 
Silver: Casey Buckman – Casey Buckman Photography; Bronze: Scott & Shannon Schaefer – Schaefer Photography  

Best Realtor: Jenny Lorenz-Rudkin – RE/MAX 
Keys, please! For over 13 years, Jenny Lorenz-Rudkin has been led by her two biggest passions: helping people find new homes and giving back to those who served. In addition to handing out keys to forever homes, she donates 10% of her commissions to a local non-profit dedicated to supporting veterans. 
Silver: Michelle Schnake Wittenborn – Century 21; Bronze: Dean & Amber Klempke – Iron Gate Real Estate 

Best Attorney: Andrew Popplewell – Eng & Woods 
Our jury of voters found Andrew Popplewell guilty of gold. This year’s Best Attorney defends countless clients in the Columbia area, contesting cases and tirelessly fighting for justice.  
Silver: Jeff Hilbrenner – Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer; Bronze: Tyson Mutrux – Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers 

Best Insurance Agent: Bradley Young – Allstate  
Insurance, policies, paperwork — it might be a little headache-inducing with the wrong insurance agent. Luckily, Bradley Young and his team make coverage easy, protecting clients and keeping you informed through the process.  
Silver: Phyllis Nichols – State Farm; Bronze: Justin Hahn – State Farm  

Best Hair Stylist: Jenna Sutton – Clip Joint 
The Clip Joint’s Jenna Sutton does it all in her chair: balayage, color, extensions and haircuts. Simple trim or chop it all? No problem. With 20 years of styling experience under her belt, Jenna is chosen again and again by clients who leave her chair looking their best.  
Silver: Tessa Glenn – Curl Whisperer; Bronze: Angela Mechlin – Hair Therapy  

Best Tattoo Artist: Colby Morton – True Heart Tattoo  
A true artist at heart, Colby Morton adds the title of Best Tattoo Artist to his repertoire after nearly two decades of tattooing. From traditional to color illustrations, Morton has the skill and experience to give you some quality ink. 
Silver: Corey Harness – Living Canvas; Bronze: Melissa Kinkade – OneSeven Hair & Permanent Cosmetics 

Best Wait Staff: CC’s City Broiler 
Sure, the meal makes the restaurant worth coming back to, but the folks behind the scenes at CC’s City Broiler make the experience. This staff raises the “steaks” with each service, making every dinner worth your dime.  
Silver: Murry’s; Bronze: D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar 

Services 

Best Towing Company: Doug Perry Towing 
A flat tire or blown engine doesn’t have to be the end of the world. When you’re stalled on the side of the road, let the Gold-winning crew at Doug Perry Towing come to the rescue.  
Silver: Tiger Towing; Bronze: I-70 Towing  

Best Lawn Care: Columbia Lawn Guys  
If your lawn needs lovin’, Columbia Lawn Guys is your first call. The Guys took back the crown for Best Lawn Care after winning it five years in a row. No need for a green thumb, they’ve got that covered.  
Silver: Kretch’s Custom Exteriors; Bronze: Taylor’s Commercial Grounds Maintenance 

Best Auto Repair: Lee’s Tire Company 
Flat tire? Dashboard lighting up like a Christmas tree? Engine making a noise that sounds … concerning? Don’t panic. And don’t pretend you didn’t see it, either. Instead, let Lee’s tune up your vehicle with the Best Auto Repair around. 
Silver: All-Star Automotive; Bronze: Riddles Automotive Solutions 

Best Construction Company: Hemme Construction 
Since 2000, Hemme Construction has been helping mid-Missouri residents build the perfect home: from lot to custom luxury or through renovations and additions.  
Silver: Heartland Homes; Bronze: Alpha Elite Contracting 

Best Customer Service: Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration 
The people have spoken — and the people are best served when they work with Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration. Whoever you get on the phone, Brian and his exceptional team are there for you on your worst days. 
Silver: Fleet Feet; Bronze: Hair Therapy Salon & Day Spa 

Best Pet Care: Lizzi & Rocco’s Pet Market  
Grooming, training, treats and toys, oh my! Pamper your pet with the best at Lizzi & Rocco’s, Columbia’s favorite all-natural pet market since 2009.  
Silver: Creekside Pet Center; Bronze: Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters 

Best Assisted Living Care: EverTrue Lenoir Woods 
The first winner in this new category, EverTrue Lenoir Woods is making strides as the premiere senior living community in Columbia.  
Silver: Mill Creek Village Senior Living; Bronze: Cedarhurst Senior Living of Columbia 

Best Home Repair/Remodeling: Titan Ridge Roofing & Solar 
Titan Ridge Roofing & Solar’s high-quality materials and precise installation process, backed by a commitment to long-term protection, brought them a Gold win in their first year of business.  
Silver: Heartland Homes; Bronze: Ridgeway Construction Group 

Best Pest Control: Steve’s Pest Control 
Bugs, be gone! Your friend in the pest-control business takes gold once again. The family-owned and operated, full-service business has kept the creepy crawlies out of Columbia homes since 1988.  
Silver: Wingate Pest and Lawn; Bronze: Atkins Pest Control 

Best Car Wash: Club Car Wash 
Another company that consistently sees gold is Club Car Wash, keeping your vehicle clean for 20 years. Join the club, and see why Club Car Wash is the go-to for shiny hoods, wheels and windows. 
Silver: Legends Auto Spa; Bronze: Lighthouse Car Wash 

Best Veterinary Practice: Horton Animal Hospital 
Choosing a vet is serious work. We’re talking about your best companion here, whether that’s a dog, cat, bird or an obscurely interesting reptile … whoever your pet may be, the care at Horton’s will keep them comfortable, happy and healthy.  
Silver: Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital; Bronze: Forum Animal Hospital  

Best Plumbing Company: Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration  
Something’s in the water at Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration as we reach his THIRD gold-winning category this year. This fifth-time Gold winner, Brian Wear, to Columbians, is a much more famous plumber than Mario or Luigi.   
Silver: Chapman Heating, Cooling and Plumbing; Bronze: MasterTech Plumbing, Heating and Cooling 

Best Disaster Response: ServiceMaster of Columbia 
Water damage? Fire? Mold? The homeowner’s nightmare. When disaster strikes, put your property in good hands with ServiceMaster’s 70 years of restoration expertise.  
Silver: Boone County Fire District; Bronze: Brian Wear Plumbing & Restoration 

Best Hotel/Bed and Breakfast: voco The Tiger Hotel 
Want to get away without going far? Voters decided voco The Tiger Hotel has the luxury, the comfort and the hospitality worth a Gold medal. Just take a look at that red sign glowing across our downtown skyline and tell us you’re not in the mood for a stay-cation.   
Silver: School House Bed & Breakfast; Bronze: The Broadway, A DoubleTree by Hilton  

Best Cleaning Service: RW Cleaning Services 
For all of the cleaning tasks you dread, give RW Cleaning Services a call to put your worries at ease. Expect shining floors and windows you can see your reflection in, whether that’s your home or commercial property. 
Silver: The Cleanest, LLC; Bronze: 25th Hour Cleaning 

Wellness 

Best Chiropractic Office: Restoration Chiropractic  
With the five-peat, Restoration Chiropractic once again takes the number-one slot for Best Chiropractic Office, transforming health with their precise, nervous-system-focused care.  
Silver: Compass Chiropractic & Wellness; Bronze: Advanced Physical Health  

Best Local Gym/Fitness Center: Wilson’s Fitness 
Though categories related to Best Gym took a brief hiatus, the results remained unchanged. Wilson’s Fitness remains on top as the place to help you move better, feel better and live better. 
Silver: Vigor MVMNT; Bronze: Pure Barre 

Best Place to Get Eyecare: Missouri Eye Consultants 
It’s clear why Missouri Eye Consultants has taken yet another gold… Columbia’s local eye experts keep things 20/20 over at their Keene and Nifong locations.  
Silver: Andrew Stone Optometry; Bronze: Becvar Optometry 

Best Dispensary/CBD: Shangri-La 
Columbia, your Gold dispensary and CBD stop is Shangri-La Dispensaries. Founded locally and run locally, this is the one-stop shop for stress-free cannabis shopping.  
Silver: Good Day Farm; Bronze: Greenlight Dispensary 

Best Dental Practice: Dentistry by Design 
Open wide for the husband-and-wife duo at Dentistry by Design. As the Best Dental Practice, they offer services from general and preventive dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, crowns, veneers and more.  
Silver: Willett Dental Associates; Bronze: Bear Creek Family Dental 

Best Dermatology Practice: Central Missouri Dermatology Associates 
From acne that just won’t go away — even though your teenage years are well behind you — to concerning moles and more, Central Missouri Dermatology Associates has your back (or legs, forehead, hands…). 
Silver: Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center – MU Health Care; Bronze: Dermatology Center of Columbia 

Best Salon: The Clip Joint 
Need a summer trim? Cut and color? Manicure? Pedicure? Even the most impulsive bangs and bob-cuts are in good hands at the repeat Best Salon, The Clip Joint.  
Silver: Hair Therapy Salon & Day Spa; Bronze: The Trove Salon 

Best Spa: Riversong Spa & Salon 
Rest, relax and refresh with Gold-winning facials and massages at Riversong — also home to Best Esthetician Alex Johnston!  
Silver: Aurora Medical Spa; Bronze: Shock Plastic Surgery & Spa