‘Hour Detroit’ Readers on This Year’s Best of Detroit Winners

For this year’s Best of Detroit competition — our annual reader voted poll of the top things, places, and people in the metro area — we asked readers to share what they loved most about the individuals and businesses they were voting for. Below, find reader thoughts on some of this year’s first-place winners and see who else made the 2021 Best of Detroit list here.

1^st, Bridal Salon, The Wedding Shoppe

“The Wedding Shoppe has the best gown selection, the best customer service, and the best wedding dress shopping experience.” — Shawn Vilk, Warren

1^st, Sports Reporter, Brad Galli  

“Brad Galli is sports through and through. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. [He’s a] very true and honest reporter. He relates and connects well with the locals. I can see Brad doing this for a long time if given the chance. He could very well be one of those true Detroit sport icons.” — Scott Bolman, New Haven

1^st, Art Museum,  Detroit Institute of Arts 

“The DIA is a place you can visit a hundred-plus times and always discover something new. The world-class collection of art is nothing short of stunning, and the breadth of the collection never fails to impress.” — Amy Chronis, Ann Arbor

1^st, Meteorologist, Dave Rexroth

“Dave Rexroth is the best weatherman in the city, hands down!” — Justin Rose, Huntington Woods

1^st, Jewelry Store, Tapper’s

“Tapper’s inventory is amazing, and their service and integrity are unparalleled.” — Robert Feldstein, West Bloomfield

1^st, Local Author, Kristy Robinett

“Kristy Robinett! What can I say? When reading her books, you feel like you’re kicked back on the couch with a good friend enjoying their company while intrigued with deep conversations.” — Felicia Bowser, Redford

1^st, Wedding Photographer,  Athornsphoto   

“My favorite is Athornsphoto. Not only is Autumn Thornsberry incredibly talented, but she’s also the sweetest person. She pours her heart into her work, and it shows!” — Alex Greene, Belleville

1^st, Steakhouse,  Prime and Proper  

“Prime and Proper is the No. 1 steakhouse, hands down! Service is fantastic and the food is outstanding.” — Daniela Fortuna, Commerce Township

1^st, Day Spa, Massage, Rivage Day Spa

“Rivage Day Spa is the whole package. [It’s] clean, welcoming, friendly, thorough, pleasant, [with] great talent for any service. It’s my go-to for services, and first suggestion to anyone who asks.” — Stefanie Foumia, Milford

1^st, Neighborhood Bar, Kennedy’s Irish Pub

“I voted for Kennedy’s because of their great spirits and family-friendly environment, and I love the traditional-style foods. The staff is always polite and well-mannered to their customers. Their Reubens are the best in town.” — Melissa Gallagher, Pontiac

1^st, Men’s Grooming, Detroit Barbers

“I’ve taken my son to Detroit Barber multiple times, and each cut/style has been exceptional. There is an obvious difference in the quality of the styling services compared to the average barber shop.” — Donni Murphy, Royal Oak

1^st, Yoga Studio, Citizen Yoga Studio

“The Citizen Yoga Studio in Bloomfield is the best yoga studio I have ever practiced at. They have the perfect mix between meditative and intense, fire-building practice, and my practice in that studio definitely saved my life.” — Adrianna Lee, Bloomfield

1^st, Traffic Reporter, Kim DeGiulio

“Kim DeGiulio’s energy in the morning is contagious! I love waking up to her.” — Paige Luster, Milford

1^st, Swanky Bar, The Candy Bar

“The Candy Bar is so swanky! A great place to take visitors and just chill to some music and greatly crafted cocktails.” — Deleana Hill, Detroit

1^st, Auto Dealership, LaFontaine Automotive Group

“LaFontaine Automotive Group cares about their customers and the surroundings of where their stores are located — in other words, not only do they take care of their customers, they take care of their communities around their locations and so much more!” — Ken Holleman, Grand Blanc

1^st, Pet Groomer, Peticured 

“They are amazing with pets [at Peticured] — they know how to deal with even the most hyper animals. They know how to soothe, calm, and relax them as well as do an excellent job on their nails. Coming to them has both improved my dog’s hygiene and his health.” — Stacey Roberson, Troy

1^st, Coffee Shop, Sabbath Coffee Roasters 

“Sabbath Coffee Roasters — just great people making great coffee. Nothing else needs to be said.” — Chris Kozlowski, Clawson

1^st, Men’s Clothing Store, The Suit Depot 

“The Suit Depot provides amazing service, the absolutely best prices, and a fantastic selection of all types of menswear. Roman the Tailor, who provides his services in-store, is prompt, professional, and extremely helpful. He does great work!” — Janice Brea, Oak Park

1^st, Italian Restaurant, Da Francesco’s Ristorante and Bar  

“We have been going to Da Francesco’s for all of our family events for the past 25 years. Their food is delicious, the wait staff is wonderful, and the owners are very inviting. We have never been disappointed.” — Mary Amaradio, Washington

1^st, Wedding Planner,  A June Event 

“A June Event helped plan my wedding. I truly felt that I was in good hands from the moment I hired this company. Even as COVID all but changed my wedding day, A June Event rolled with the punches and managed to make my day special.” — Jill Leitheiser, Royal Oak

1^st, Hair Salon, Salon for a Blowout, Antonino Salon & Spa

“Antonino Salon & Spa … renewed the salon’s interior due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The atmosphere at the salon is pleasant and efficient. After 27 years, my hairdresser Jacqueline, pedicurist Carrie, manicurist Leila, and makeup artist Jackie have been my regulars. The personnel are pleasant and efficient.” — Mary Lou Rinsky, Bloomfield Township

1^st, Jazz Club, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe   

“Dirty Dog has the best variety of local and international musicians. The elegant setting just adds to the atmosphere.”— Michelle Martin, Detroit

1^st, Bartender, Carrie Floyd of Great Lakes Culinary Center 

“Carrie Floyd of Great Lakes Culinary Center has an amazing way of fusing different flavors to make the most fantastic drinks. Her attention to detail and her creativity make for an interesting night full of wonderful flavors and scents.” — Shannon Berndt, Keego Harbor