The Rochester Post is proud to present the winners of the inaugural Best of the Lilac City, a contest recognizing popular businesses, nonprofits, services, and cultural events in Rochester, New Hampshire. 

Categories included Best Restaurant, Best Retail Shop, Best Automotive Repair, etc. There were also categories for Best Hamburger, Best Ice Cream, Best Happy Hour, and more. 

“It’s great to see so many businesses and organizations recognized for their hard work,” said Laura Ring, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to all the winners!”

The Rochester Post published a survey in early February encouraging the community to nominate their favorite Rochester businesses and organizations. Voting ended on March 26th and the winners were announced on the Choose Rochester podcast on March 31st.

2021 Honorees:

1. Auto Dealer: First City Motors
2. Automotive Service Center: Country Tire
3. Bank or Credit Union: HRCU
4. Hair Salon or Barber Shop: Hair Studio 71
5. Contractor: Vetter Foundations
6. Cultural Event or Activity: PorchFest
7. Dance Studio: Studio 109
8. Fast Food Restaurant: McDonald’s
9. Garden Store or Landscaping: Studley’s Flower Gardens
10. Grocery Store: Market Basket
11. Insurance Company: Bernier Insurance
12. Legal Firm: Dan Harkinson 
13. Live Entertainment Venue: Rochester Opera House
14. Local News Source: Foster’s Daily Democrat
15. Medical or Dental Office: East Rochester Family Dentistry
16. Nonprofit Organization or Charity: Cornerstone VNA
17. Real Estate Agent: Hourihane, Cormier & Associates
18. Restaurant: Lilac City Grille
19. Retail Shop: Skeletone Records
20. 20.Skincare, Nails, and Beauty (Not Salon): Progressive Esthetics
21. Second-hand Shop: Collectiques
22. Specialty Shop: Sweet Peaches Candy and Confections
23. Tattoo Shop: Hobos
24. Visual Art Venue: Rochester Museum of Fine Arts
25. Best Appetizer: Lilac City Grille
26. Best Beer Selection: Revolution Taproom & Grille
27. Best Breakfast or Brunch: Fallen Leaf Bistro
28. Best Coffee: Aroma Joe’s
29. Best Dessert: Potter’s House Bakery
30. Best Hamburger: Wild Willy’s
31. Best Happy Hour: Revolution Taproom & Grille
32. Best Ice Cream: Lago’s Lone Oak
33. Best Lobster Roll: Lago’s Lone Oak
34. Best Pizza: Clemento’s Pizzeria and Brew
35. Best Sandwich: Moe’s Italian Sandwiches
36. Best Wings: Lilac City Grille
37. Best Vegetarian Options: 110 Grill

Best of honorees are decided entirely by the public. Winners receive city-wide bragging rights and a graphic to share on their websites and social media pages. There is no cost associated with this contest. Best of the Lilac City is not associated with or sponsored by any business or private organization.