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:
- Auto Dealer: First City Motors
- Automotive Service Center: Country Tire
- Bank or Credit Union: HRCU
- Hair Salon or Barber Shop: Hair Studio 71
- Contractor: Vetter Foundations
- Cultural Event or Activity: PorchFest
- Dance Studio: Studio 109
- Fast Food Restaurant: McDonald’s
- Garden Store or Landscaping: Studley’s Flower Gardens
- Grocery Store: Market Basket
- Insurance Company: Bernier Insurance
- Legal Firm: Dan Harkinson
- Live Entertainment Venue: Rochester Opera House
- Local News Source: Foster’s Daily Democrat
- Medical or Dental Office: East Rochester Family Dentistry
- Nonprofit Organization or Charity: Cornerstone VNA
- Real Estate Agent: Hourihane, Cormier & Associates
- Restaurant: Lilac City Grille
- Retail Shop: Skeletone Records
- 20.Skincare, Nails, and Beauty (Not Salon): Progressive Esthetics
- Second-hand Shop: Collectiques
- Specialty Shop: Sweet Peaches Candy and Confections
- Tattoo Shop: Hobos
- Visual Art Venue: Rochester Museum of Fine Arts
- Best Appetizer: Lilac City Grille
- Best Beer Selection: Revolution Taproom & Grille
- Best Breakfast or Brunch: Fallen Leaf Bistro
- Best Coffee: Aroma Joe’s
- Best Dessert: Potter’s House Bakery
- Best Hamburger: Wild Willy’s
- Best Happy Hour: Revolution Taproom & Grille
- Best Ice Cream: Lago’s Lone Oak
- Best Lobster Roll: Lago’s Lone Oak
- Best Pizza: Clemento’s Pizzeria and Brew
- Best Sandwich: Moe’s Italian Sandwiches
- Best Wings: Lilac City Grille
- 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.