It’s that time of year again – time to reveal the winners of our Best of Owensboro Living contest. 2019 marks the fifth annual Best of Owensboro Living, where you, our readers, have the opportunity to make your voices heard. This year, over 2,000 of you cast your votes for your favorite Mexican food, nail salon, and place to go on a first date (among many others). While a few of our inaugural winners have yet to concede their spot at the top, some new names and faces also make an appearance. So take a look and find out if your favorites made the cut.
Best Barbecue
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q
Since 1918, Old Hickory has been a local favorite with a reputation built on six generations of award-winning Owensboro barbecue. Their restaurant offers a full menu for dining in, a drive-thru for take out, and catering options.
Best Pizza
Fetta Specialty Pizza
Fetta has become a staple in the downtown restaurant scene. Grab a slice of their Smothers Park Meat Special and take a seat on their outdoor patio which has a great view of the fountains and Ohio River.
Best Mexican Food
Real Hacienda
The Ortiz family serves up favorite family recipes carried on through generations in two Owensboro locations: Frederica & Southtown, and Highland Pointe on 54. Chimichangas, Armando’s pizza, and arroz con pollo are just a few of their tasty dishes.
Best Burger
Big Dipper
Since 1954, the Dipper, still in its original location on Parrish Avenue, has been known for old-fashioned burgers and shakes. If you like a loaded burger, try it “thru the garden.”
Best Sandwich & Best Place for a Quick Lunch
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Great Harvest Bread Co. offers made-from-scratch bread and goodies made from fresh, stone-ground flour in two Owensboro locations: 3211 Frederica, and 4431 Spring Hill Drive in Lake Forest Town Center on 54. In addition to your favorite sandwiches, Great Harvest offers made-to-order salads, cookies, and a variety of coffees and teas.
Best Coffee
The Creme Coffee House
Locally owned and operated in downtown Owensboro, the Creme Coffee House has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Stop by and enjoy their variety of specialty drinks, delicious treats and sandwiches.
Best Steak
Texas Roadhouse
Legendary food and legendary service make Texas Roadhouse Owensboro’s favorite place for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made from scratch sides…and those rolls!
Best Cake
Dalishas Bakery & Café
Dalishas cakes are simply delicious. They were also the 2017 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year!
Best Salad
Briarpatch
Briarpatch has been serving excellent steaks, burgers, and more since 1971, but their soup and salad bar can’t be beat. Start with a cup of homemade Hoppin’ John or bean soup, and fresh bread brought right to your table. Then pile your favorite toppings on a bed of crisp, mixed greens at the bar, which is prepared fresh daily.
Best Breakfast
Dee’s Diner
Bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and the biggest pancakes in Owensboro! Dee’s mom and pop atmosphere makes their breakfast that much better, with friendly service and affordable prices.
Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
Orange Leaf
Orange Leaf is all about making life sweeter, offering freedom from average everyday options. From flavors, cups, and cones, to smoothies, shakes, and cakes, they give their guests the freedom to create whatever sweet treat they can imagine.
Best Donuts
Rolling Pin Pastry Shop
Since 1947, Rolling Pin Pastry Shop has been making those famous chocolate long johns. They make over 25 kinds of donuts fresh for you daily. At the Rolling Pin, “It’s all about the donuts.”
Best Brunch
The Famous Bistro
The staff at The Famous Bistro strives to produce amazing, scratch-made food and provide the best service in town. Stop by their downtown location for fine dining in a casual atmosphere.
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Hand-spun in a signature sauce or seasoning, Buffalo Wild Wings is a game day favorite. If you love wings and sports, then Buffalo Wild Wings is the place for you.
Best Veggie Burger & Best Food Truck
Gene’s Health Food
The folks at Gene’s Health Food are on a mission to promote and educate on our most important asset – our health! They have recently expanded the business by adding a wellness center and a food truck. The store also includes supplements, groceries with allergy-friendly options, international and organic selections, organic produce and a juice bar. Everything is made fresh and in-house.
Best Hair Salon
All About You Salon & Spa
All About You is Owensboro’s premier full-service salon. The staff is continuously undergoing training in all the latest techniques to offer their clients the most cutting-edge designs and trends to create their total look.
Best Florist
Welborn Floral
Welborn Floral is a full-service florist and gift shop providing floral arrangements, delivery, and rentals for weddings and corporate events. They have been providing service to Owensboro since 1958 and stand by their work with a 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.
Best Consignment Shop
Robin’s ReSale & Boutique
Robin’s Resale & Boutique offers consignment for the entire family, plus a trendy new boutique with clothes for women sizes small through 3X. You’ll find gently used clothing and home items, as well as bridal and formal wear.
Best Barber Shop
Klutch
Klutch Barbers offers custom tailored haircuts, unique designs, and a one-of-a-kind experience. Schedule your appointment today with the free Booksy app!
Best Home Builder
Jagoe Homes
Jagoe Homes is a third generation, family-owned new home builder and community developer based in Owensboro. Whether building on your land or choosing a beautiful Jagoe community, you’ll discover nationally-recognized, award-winning, eco-friendly, smartly-designed, energy-efficient homes.
Interior Designer
Ruth Interior Design
Ruth Interior Design has been helping clients design work and living spaces since 2008. They feel extremely thankful to have been named the Best Interior Design Firm and they vow to continue to create spaces that reflect the true character of Owensboro and all of its fine residents.
Best Lifestyle Boutique
Studio Slant
Studio Slant strives to be more than your average gift shop. When you visit their location at 624 Emory Drive, it’s all about the experience. From birthdays to thank you gifts to wedding registries, Studio Slant has you covered! Oh, and did we mention they also offer free gift registries, wrapping and delivery?
Best IT Company
Fastek
Fastek is a full service technology solutions company who sells and services computers, servers, routers, switches, VoIP phones, cameras, printers, and more. Fastek takes pride in providing great service and technical know-how to empower your business.
Best Bank
Independence Bank
Employees at Independence Bank work to exceed customer expectations while maintaining a strong relationship with the local community. They have three locations in Owensboro: 3228 KY-54, 2425 Frederica St, and 2465 W Parrish Ave.
Best Mortgage Company
U.S. Bank Home Mortgage
Customer service is a priority at U.S. Bank Home Mortgage. As a customer, you can access your account online, see current rates and learn more about the mortgage products they have to offer.
Best Veterinarian
Kentuckiana Animal Clinic
Kentuckiana Animal Clinic provides your furry family members with the best, compassionate and quality veterinary care. They are truly grateful for the trust the community places in their team, and look forward to continuing to serve you and your pets!
Best Pet Groomer
The Dapper Dog
The Dapper Dog is a unique grooming salon dedicated to meeting the unique needs of your special pet with modern trims, daycare, and more! Owner Ashley Coomes is a certified Master groomer, and all of their groomers are professionally educated and certified in CPR and pet safety.
Best Real Estate Agent
Ryan Rutman
Ryan Rutman is a top-producing Realtor in Owensboro, KY. Ryan works for RE/MAX Professional Realty Group, one of Owensboro’s largest and fastest-growing real estate firms. Ryan delivers to the Owensboro real estate market a unique and fresh blend of old school “business with a hand shake” and new era technology and marketing.
Best Realty Company
RE/MAX Professional Realty Group
RE/MAX Professional Realty Group is a locally-owned office with many agents to service your needs – from residential to commercial, from luxury to short sales. RE/MAX prides themselves on the relationships they build, and in being a good community servant.
Best Financial Advisor
Settle Wealth Advisors
You have plenty of things to worry about—your financial well-being should not be one of them. To assist in these decisions, you need the skill and experience of a financial professional who understands your concerns and shares your vision. Let Settle Wealth Advisors help you plan for the future!
Best Furniture Store
Mudd’s Furniture
Known for quality furniture and dependable service, Mudd’s Furniture has a wide variety of home furnishings. You can find whatever you need for living room, bedroom and dining room furniture in their 25,000 sq ft showroom.
Best Jeweler
Nick T. Arnold Jewelers
Family owned and operated since 1902, Nick T. Arnold Jewelers offers a wide variety of fine jewelry, including Pandora, Le Vian, and Fossil, as well as jewelry repair. They also stick to their watch-making roots by offering watch and clock repair along with an in-house clock shop.
Best Dry Cleaners
Swan Cleaners
Voted the best dry cleaner in Owensboro, Swan Cleaners is in the business of making you look your best. Locally owned since 1946, they offer professional dry cleaning, drapery cleaning, on-site wedding gown cleaning and preservation, leather/suede/fur cleaning, alterations, area rug cleaning, and city wide pick-up and delivery.
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Byron & Barclay
Located in downtown Owensboro, Byron & Barclay is a husband and wife team, hand-selecting each item they sell to provide only the finest quality goods. Their selections are constantly changing, so stop by their store and see what their top-notch customer service and attention to detail is all about!
Best Cabinet Shop
Phill’s Custom Cabinets
Phill’s Custom Cabinets sets the standard for quality craftsmanship with attention to detail. Their custom cabinetry is the result of expert design and modern production techniques. With Phill’s Custom Cabinets, you can get gorgeous cabinets, built locally to your exact specifications, for about the same price you’d pay at a big box store.
Best Home Accessories Boutique
The Glass Factory
With a new and larger location, The Glass Factory continues to send you on a journey of incredible and endless home decor possibilities. Whether you need a custom sofa and coffee table designed to your taste, or want to make a statement with one of their signature grand front entries, The Glass Factory has something for you.
Best Car Wash
Cheetah Clean Car Wash
Cheetah Clean Car Wash has enjoyed serving the Owensboro community since 2008. Their location at 3621 Ralph Ave on Hwy 54 offers several levels of express services, free vacuums, as well as monthly unlimited plans.
Best Shoe Store
Shoe Stop
Now in their 20th year, Shoe Stop has become the destination for the “must have” items of the season. “Serve with a servant’s heart” is the goal for the staff, along with providing an assortment that will meet and exceed the footwear wishes for the family.
Best Appliance Store
Green River
Green River is an appliance and furniture store providing service to the Owensboro area since 1964. They specialize in appliance repair with certified service technicians, along with complete kitchen appliance packages, laundry, outdoor grills, furniture and mattresses.
Best Place to Go on a First Date
Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits
Since opening in 1987, Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits has provided the highest quality seasonal dishes using aged meats and fresh produce with a first-class wine selection. Situated in the heart of downtown Owensboro, Colby’s is beautiful on the inside and out, and their dining atmosphere is pleasantly casual and intimate.
Best Place to Work
Owensboro Health
Every employee at Owensboro Health plays a vital role in fulfilling the goals of their mission and values, core commitments and dedication to the patient. Every employee contributes in placing Owensboro Health in the top 5 percent for quality in the nation. And every employee deserves recognition and applause for making Owensboro Health a great place to work.
Best Garden Center
Integrity Nursery & Outdoor Living
Family owned and operated, Integrity began landscaping and lawn maintenance in 1984. Since moving to Burlew Blvd in 2002, Integrity Nursery & Outdoor Living has become Owensboro’s premier outdoor living store, specializing in nursery plants, landscape supplies, greenhouse flowers, outdoor furniture, home accessories and garden décor.
Best Lawn Care Company
Evergreen Lawn Care
Whether you want a scenic backyard or need to spruce up your landscaping, the experienced team at Evergreen Lawn Care is ready to help. Evergreen will deliver the results you want, no matter how big or small the job may be.
Best Attorney
Travis L. Holtrey
Travis Holtrey is the managing partner of Foreman Watson Holtrey, LLP. Since 1995, he has assisted people across the state of Kentucky and throughout the United States who have been injured and need guidance because of a variety of unfortunate circumstances. His mission is to manage a law firm that genuinely desires to change lives one case at a time.
Best Photography Studio
Captured Moments
Captured Moments Photography is an international award-winning studio, specializing in family and senior portraits. You can always count on Captured Moments for beautiful, quality photos in the Owensboro area.
Best Funeral Home
Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory
Glenn Funeral Home has served Daviess County and the surrounding areas since 1903. Their genuine desire to care for families is centered around integrity, values, and a commitment to honoring your family’s wishes. Located on Old Hartford Rd, they are proud to be the hometown friends you can rely on.
Best Insurance Agent
Gavin Roberts
Always ready to serve Owensboro, Gavin Roberts at Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance can assist and advise whenever needed.
Best Nail Salon
Pro Nails & Spa
Pro Nails & Spa is a place where you can enjoy your day with full-service nail care, manicures, pedicures, and more. They have reasonable prices, clean and organized workplace, and a friendly staff!
Best Gym/Fitness Center
Owensboro Health Healthpark
The Owensboro Health Healthpark helps Owensboro/Daviess Countians live healthier and stronger by achieving wellness in mind, body, and spirit. More than a gym, it’s a comprehensive wellness center with nurses, dietitians, personal trainers, fitness instructors, therapists, counselors, massage therapists, fitness center, aquatics, gymnasium and racquetball courts, plus childcare and a café.
Best Optometrist
Dr. Steven Shake
Dr. Shake and the experienced doctors and staff of Owensboro Family Eye Care offer comprehensive vision examinations, and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems. Dr. Shake’s specialities include contact lenses and sports vision, and he co-manages LASIK and other refractive surgeries, along with cataract surgery.
Best Radio Personality
Chad Benefield
Catch Chad Monday through Friday from 6-10am as one half of WBKR’s Morning Drive with Chad and Angel. When he’s not in the studio, you can probably find him emceeing endless charity functions, beauty pageants, dance competitions, and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Rooster Booster.
Best Dentist
Perkins Dentistry
Dr. Perkins’ goal is to make your dental experience as easy and painless as possible. This starts with scheduling and helping you understand your insurance, and continues through dental procedures and convenient payment options.
Best Rideshare Driver
Barbie Korfhage
If you request a Lyft and you’re lucky enough for Barbie Korfhage to pick you up, be prepared for a fun ride full of southern hospitality, music of your choice, and the best food recommendations in town.
Best OB/GYN
Dr. Elizabeth Ottman
Elizabeth Ottman, MD, FACOG of Women’s Healthcare Partners has provided care to hundreds of women in the Western Kentucky area. She loves sharing that special experience with her patients and their families.
Best Dermatologist
Dr. Nicole Brey
Dr. Nicole Brey, a native of Owensboro and founder of Advanced Dermatology Associates, is dedicated to providing access to superior medical care by offering the latest technological advances in dermatology. Dr. Brey and her team are committed to providing you with the very best patient experience by striving to treat every patient with respect, value, and privacy.
Best Urgent Care
Gateway Urgent Care
Gateway Urgent Care is in business to provide three simple but important things: 1) Amazing Medical Care; 2) Treat Everyone as a Child of God and with Great Kindness; and 3) Get You In and Out As soon As Possible. They do this by hiring only the most qualified professionals in all positions, who also have the greatest attitudes. The staff at Gateway Urgent Care truly love what they do.
Best Charity Event
Owensboro’s Lip Sync Battle
Owensboro’s Lip Sync Battle presented by Kentucky Legend raised $74,000 to benefit Puzzle Pieces this year. Over 1,300 ticket holders attended this fun event, and crowned the Owensboro Fire Department as the overall Grand Champion.
Best Local College
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Kentucky Wesleyan College fosters a liberal arts education that nourishes, stimulates and prepares future leaders intellectually, spiritually and physically to achieve success in life. For more than 150 years, they have served students in the liberal arts tradition, and for the next 150 years at Kentucky Wesleyan, students will learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and live ethically in a complex, rapidly-changing world.
Best Radio Station
WBKR
92.5 WBKR became a country radio station way back in 1972. Today, they are a multi-media broadcast company with a booming frequency, a WBKR mobile app, a vibrant social media presence and a website (WBKR.com) that’s visited by approximately 1.5 million people annually! They love their listeners and the communities they serve.
Best Doctor
Dr. Kishor Vora
With over 25 years of cardiovascular expertise, Dr. Kishor Vora has brought some of the latest and most advanced technology and cardiovascular testing to Kentucky and the Tri-State area. In early 2000, Dr. Vora saw an opportunity for a new medical facility in Owensboro, and began exploring the possibilities of a new healthcare organization located on the corner of Parrish Avenue and Breckenridge Street, now known as Owensboro Medical Plaza.
Best Pharmacy
Nation’s Medicines
When David Nation opened his first pharmacy in 1972, he made a decision not to stock items that would take away from his main focus—medicines. Nation’s pharmacists are always available to talk with you about the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking.
Best Nurse Practitioner
Sylvia Sweatt, APRN
Sylvia Sweatt’s patients know they will be treated with respect and smiles, while also getting the best services in healthcare.
Best Annual Event
International Bar-B-Q Festival
First created in 1979 to celebrate the long-standing reputation and claim to fame for “Good Ole Daviess County Bar-B-Q,” the International Bar-B-Q Festival provides attendees with non-stop entertainment and good eats.
Best Running Race
Color Blast 5K
The Color Blast 5K is a fun family run/walk color celebration to recognize the positive impact individuals with special needs have on our lives, to acknowledge their abilities, and help spread awareness!
Best Yoga Studio
270 Power Yoga
270 Power Yoga is about being up to something bigger than ourselves by creating connection, inspiring community, and showing up for each other on and off the mat. Their mission is to inspire people to live bold, authentic lives through the practice of Baptiste-inspired power vinyasa yoga.
