The Best of Detroit Prize Package: One entry will be selected at random for a package of gift certificates from this year’s best restaurants and retailers.
Rules: Vote on this paper ballot or at metrotimes.com. One ballot per envelope; no photocopies; only Metro Times original ballots will be accepted. One entry per person or e-mail account for online ballots. Paper ballots must be received by Sept. 8; online balloting continues until Sept. 12. Voters must select favorites in at least 20 categories for ballots to be counted. Full identification and phone numbers must be included with ballots to be accepted. A random sample of contestants — not to mention any ballots deemed suspicious — will be called for verification. (You don’t want your name, business or pet cause in an item titled "Best attempt to steal an election.")
Community Values
Best museum
Best museum to entertain kids
Best (non-museum) art gallery
Best place to see a blockbuster film
Best place to see an independent film
Best place to see live theater
Best place to hear poetry
Best Belle Isle attraction
Best suburban park
Best place to fish
Best place to hike
Best sledding hill
Best place to skateboard
Best beach for swimming
Best beach for people-watching
Best place to bicycle
Best place for a first date
Best pick-up spot
Best way to promote safe sex
Best place to cruise
Best place to spot a celebrity
Best place to see bling-bling
Best local TV newscast
Best local TV newscaster
Best local TV show other than a newscast
Best local radio music show
Best local radio talk show
Best local radio news
Best local rocker who should play with DSO
Best local rapper who should play with Michigan Opera Theater
Best politician
Best local non-politician to seek office
Best local character/public personality
Best Detroit City Council (rock group or pols)
Best reason to vote
Best pro sports team
Best pro athlete
Best next-big-thing
Best trend to avoid
Best pre-’90s trend to revive
Best Michigan vacation spot
Best Ontario vacation spot
Best building erected since 1990
Best historical building to save
Best building to blow up
Best reason to read Metro Times
Best reason not to read Metro Times
Department of Commerce
Best dollar store
Best thrift store
Best big-box store
Best flea market
Best pawn shop
Best antique store
Best vintage clothing store
Best hip-hop clothing store
Best independent clothier for men
Best independent clothier for women
Best independent shoe store
Best place to buy lingerie
Best adult novelty store
Best tattoo parlor
Best body part to pierce
Best plastic surgery procedure
Best smoke shop
Best head shop
Best health food store
Best place to buy organic food
Best independent bookstore
Best adult bookstore
Best skate/bike shop
Best health club
Best record store
Best record store for vinyl
Best non-mall shopping area
Search for Mirth
Best new night spot (since 9/03)
Best oldies-heavy jukebox
Best contemporary jukebox
Best after-hours spot
Best gay bar
Best dive bar
Best bar for conversation
Best-looking bar staff
Best dance club
Best intimate live-music venue
Best mega-sized live-music venue
Best club to hear hip-hop
Best club to hear local folk artists
Best club to hear blues
Best club to hear rock
Best club to hear jazz
Best comedy club
Best strip club
Best pool hall
Best happy hour for food spread
Best happy hour for drinks
Best martini
Best beer selection in a bar
Best wine selection in a bar
Best beer selection in a store
Best wine selection in a store
Nutritional Content (non-chain)
Best new restaurant (since 9/03)
Best restaurant to break the bank
Best bargain restaurant
Best Coney Island
Best after-hours eatery (non-Coney)
Best seafood
Best Mexican cuisine
Best Italian cuisine
Best Greek cuisine
Best African cuisine
Best Chinese cuisine
Best Thai cuisine
Best Indian cuisine
Best Middle Eastern cuisine
Best sushi
Best breakfast
Best brunch buffet
Best all-around buffet
Best steakhouse
Best soul food
Best barbecue
Best burger
Best vegetarian cuisine
Best cheap pizza
Best gourmet pizza
Best deli
Best bakery
Best desserts
Best ice cream/yogurt shop
Best juice bar
Best independent coffeehouse
