The Rochester Post is pleased to present the second annual Best of the Lilac City, a contest recognizing popular businesses, nonprofits, services, and cultural events in Rochester, New Hampshire.
There are a wide variety of categories, including Best Restaurant, Retail Shop, Automotive Repair, Nonprofit, etc. There are also several fun categories to recognize Rochester’s Best Hamburger, Ice Cream, Happy Hour, and so on.
Mayor Paul Callaghan is encouraging residents and business owners to make their voices heard by submitting their nominations online. Callaghan describes the contest as a fun and easy way for people to support their favorite local establishments.
“We have so many great businesses and nonprofit groups in Rochester,” said Callaghan. “We want to give everyone a chance to shine a light on the people that are working hard to make Rochester a great place to live, work, and visit.”
Click here to submit your nominations. Voting ends Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Winners will be announced on the Choose Rochester podcast on March 2. Award Honorees 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.
Past Honorees (2021)
- 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
- 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