HQ‘s first and only “Best of Huntington” list was published in the winter of 2003. We had so much fun working on the list back then that 10 years later we decided to do it again. This time around some of the categories are the same, but many are not. Ditto for the winners. As for how we arrived at our picks there was, in fact, a method to our madness. Instead of solely asking our readers to vote on each category, we chose to go a different route to ensure that no one person or business stuffed the ballot box. Our winners were selected based on votes from the editors at HQ combined with votes from our readers gathered on Facebook. It was as simple as that. And so, without further ado, we give you HQ’s new and improved and updated list of the “Best of Huntington.” Enjoy.
Best Annual Event – Chilifest
There are few things Huntingtonians look forward to more than the charity chili cook-off that supports the Ronald McDonald House. Chilifest is held every September in downtown Huntington.
Best Burrito – Black Sheep
Black Sheep Burrito & Brews serves up specialty burritos, such as General Tso and Texas-Style Smoked Brisket, from its prime location on Third Avenue and 16th Street next to Marshall’s campus.
Best Seafood – Jewel City Seafood
Named for one of Huntington’s most beautiful monikers, Jewel City serves the freshest seafood from around the world on Fourth Avenue. If you aren’t able to take a beach vacation, enjoy coastal food, such as gulf oysters, soft shell crab and calamari, at Jewel City.
Best Florist – Perry & Jaymes
Owned by designer Dennis Daugherty, Perry & Jaymes prides itself on being “distinctive by design.” Visit Daugherty’s store on 14th Street West in Old Central City.
Best Burger – Fat Patty’s
Loaded high with cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and pickles, it’s easy to see why our readers say Fat Patty’s burgers are the best in town!
Best Sledding Hill – Ritter Park
There’s no better place for the kid in all of us to go sledding or tubing. For the brave of heart, try the steep hill behind the tennis courts.
Best Bakery – Paula Vega Cakes
With flavors like vanilla bean, snickerdoodle and red velvet, who can resist a Paula Vega cupcake?
Best New Restaurant – Le Bistro
The former “Third & Ninth” lunch locale has been upgraded to a high-end dining destination.
Best Antiques – Central City Antique Mall
Owner Loretta Baker’s passion for her business makes shopping at her store a must for antiques enthusiasts.
Best French Fries – GD Ritzy’s
Ritzy’s shoestring fries have won the hearts of Huntingtonians.
Best Yoga Studio – Brown Dog Yoga
The latest addition to Heritage Station has tails and tongues wagging.
Best Garden – Huntington Community Gardens
This nonprofit organization uses gardening to improve Huntington through education, beautification and community service.
Best News Anchor – Tim Irr
For years Tri-State residents have invited Tim Irr into their homes every evening and depended on him to provide their daily news.
Best Season – Fall
Cooler temperatures, the return of football and trees ablaze with color. What could be better?
Best Sushi – Taste of Asia
The freshest and most creative sushi in town.
Best Bike Shop – Jeff’s Bike Shop
Established in 1989, Jeff’s Bike Shop is the most experienced shop in Huntington.
Best Gym – Huntington YMCA
Huntington’s YMCA is regarded as one of the finest in America.
Best Bowling – Strike Zone
The best lanes in town combined with “Galactic Bowling” make this the obvious choice.
Best Par 3 – Riviera #16
This long par 3 along the banks of the Ohio River is both bold and beautiful.
Best Milkshake – Midway
Our readers spoke and the resounding choice was Smith’s Midway. Mmmmm.
Best Men’s Clothing – Wright’s
This staple in downtown Huntington has been serving the region’s best-dressed men for 105 years. Enough said.
Best Barber Shop – Frank’s
Owner Frank Fuscardo and his traditional barber shop have been a Fourth Avenue fixture for decades.
Best Hot Dog – You Decide…
Hot dog supremacy is in the eye of the beholder. Take your pick of Stewart’s, Frostop, Midway, Hillbilly or Sam’s. Huntington is a hot dog heaven.
Best Sports Legend – Hal Greer
Hurryin’ Hal not only broke the color barrier in West Virginia when he played for Marshall in the 1950s, but he also went on to become a 10-time NBA All-Star. In 1996, the NBA named Greer one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time.
Best Onion Rings – Cam’s Ham
The perfect lunch is Cam’s original sugar flaked ham sandwich with a side of the famous hand-cut and battered onion rings.
Best Dry Cleaner – Victor’s
Operated by the Svingos family for more than 100 years, the Victor’s staff really knows the meaning of service and style.
Best Man Cave – Gibson Cave
Jim Gibson’s Man Cave is in a separate building from the main house, making it that much more secluded. It’s stocked with a big screen TV, bar and pool table and is clad in Thundering Herd memorabilia.
Best Romantic Restaurant – Penthouse at Prime
With stunning views of downtown Huntington, there is nowhere more special to take your sweetheart than the Penthouse at Prime.
Best Women’s Clothing – Village Collection
Village Collection offers the most unique and contemporary clothing, accessories and shoes for women. If you want a one-of-a-kind item, this store is where you’ll find it!
Best Lawn – Bob & Sue Beymer
The Beymers’ lawn proves sometimes the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.
Best Spa – El Haijj
Whether you’re looking for a haircut, manicure, massage or makeover, El Haijj offers it all, as the Tri-State’s first full-service spa for men and women.
Best Car – 1930 Ford Sedan
What better way to see the best cars in Huntington than at the 33rd Annual World of Wheels at Big Sandy Superstore Arena. We were won over by this classic bright yellow 1930 Ford Sedan owned by Phillip Lewis.
Best Pet Rescue – Little Victories Animal Rescue
A no-kill shelter, Little Victories has the biggest heart when it comes to the abandoned dogs and cats of our region.
Best Pizza – Monty’s
Comedian Billy Crystal said Monty’s square cut pizza was “Maaarvelous!”
Best Dinner & Movie – Max & Erma’s & Marquee Cinemas
There is nowhere in Huntington more perfect for dinner and a movie than Pullman Square. Enjoy dinner at Max & Erma’s, followed by its famous all-you-can-eat sundae bar, then head over to see a movie at Marquee Cinemas.
Best Landmark – Memorial Arch
This well-known Huntington landmark is dedicated to those who lost their lives defending the nation in World War I.
Best Dessert – Jim’s Strawberry Pie
This rare treat is only available for one week in May when some 6,360 slices are sold. It’s even been featured in Gardens & Gun magazine in its list of “The 50 Best Southern Foods.”
Best Teacher – Dan Hollis
Recently named the West Virginia Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation, it’s clear we’re not the only ones who think Dan Hollis is the best teacher in Huntington!
Best Home – Sakhai Home
This Italian Revival-inspired house featuring a pool and sprawling grounds overlooking the Ohio River reminds us of a Newport, R.I., mansion.
Best Par 4 – Guyan #2
At 444 yards uphill, this is easily the most challenging hole in the region. It’s both a beauty and a beast.
Best Sports-Themed Bar – Marshall Hall of Fame Café
Numerous TVs, Thundering Herd memorabilia and even a mini-Marshall sports museum make this the place to be for sporting events.
Best Heroes – Woody Williams & Paul Ambrose
Williams is a Congressional Medal of Honor winner while Ambrose, who died in the attacks of 9/11, was a renowned champion for public health destined to become the youngest Surgeon General in history.
Best Italian – Rocco’s
Our readers assert that Rocco’s is not only the best Italian restaurant in the state, but the best in the entire country. Mamma Mia!
Best Frozen Yogurt – Tropical Moon
Locally owned by Ed and Kim Lake, Tropical Moon is a make-your-own frozen yogurt destination in downtown Huntington. With 50 toppings and dozens of flavors that rotate constantly, Tropical Moon is delicious anytime of year!
Best Place for a First Date – Sip Wine Bar
The quaint wine bar at Heritage Station is ideal for a casual and relaxing romantic rendezvous.
Best Marshall Fan – Jill Francisco
When Jill, her husband Shawn and her son J.D. roll into a Marshall football game, they literally roll – in their 26-foot-long motorhome decked out from top to bottom in Marshall décor. The Franciscos never miss a football or basketball game, and J.D. even attended his first game at only 21 days old.
Best Par 5 – Sugarwood #18
This challenging par 5 that stretches 520 yards begins with a daunting tee shot over Twelve Pole Creek before climbing uphill. It takes two big swings to reach this green in two. Good luck.
Best Running Route – Ritter Park
Featuring a wide trail system, it’s no surprise that everyone’s favorite park is the best place for a walk or run.
Best Dog – Miss O’Leary
A certified law enforcement dog, Miss O’Leary assists the fire department by detecting accelerants. Her best friend is Captain Steve Ellis.
Best Ethnic Restaurant – Nawab
This Indian restaurant has been a big hit with Huntingtonians since it opened in 1997. The food is not only delectable, but healthy as well.
Best Street – North Boulevard
Stately homes on a quiet street overlooking Ritter Park and Four Pole Creek make this the best address.
Best Building – Keith-Albee
Since 1928, the Keith-Albee Theater has been a mainstay of Huntington’s downtown. A resurgence of love for the old building occurred in 2011 when Friends of the Keith launched the “Save Our Sign” campaign.
Best Recipe – Meatloaf Slider
Cooking icon Katie Lee said this is her favorite, and that’s good enough for us. See the recipe on page 26.
Best Vintage Store – Finds & Designs
Heritage Station is home to Finds & Designs, a vintage clothing and furniture shop, focused on the idea of repurposing, recycling and reusing. If you long for fashions of the past, Finds & Designs is the place for you.
Best Steak – 21 at the Frederick
Our readers concur that the Ancho-rubbed prime cut of New York strip is uniquely delicious.
Best Coffee – Espresso Mojo
Locally owned and operated, Espresso Mojo shares space with Paula Vega Cakes – perfect for when you want a cupcake and a latte! Espresso Mojo is committed not only to great coffee, but great service as well.
Best Radio Personality – Clint McElroy
He’s been cracking us up for years with his quick wit and long list of characters.
