Best of West Sound Results 2021

April 19, 2021 - Best of West Sound Results, Featured - Comments: 

WestSound Magazine presents the annual Best of West Sound results for 2021! Entries have been submitted from Bainbridge Island all the way to Gig Harbor. On this page we’ve listed the businesses and places you love the most. Enjoy!

Best Restaurant

Crabtree Kitchen+Bar

Crabtree Kitchen+Bar is both a casual and fine-dining restaurant. The rotating menu includes high-quality ingredients from local farmers, as well as angus beef from the family’s Kingston cattle farm. For special events, the Garden Room opens into a patio overlooking a park.

  • Runners-up: The Loft (Poulsbo), La Fermata (Manette)

Best Seafood Restaurant

Boat Shed

Serving seasonal and local favorites along with all-time classics for 30-plus years on the Manette waterfront, the Boat Shed is accessible by car or boat. Whether it’s dinner in the summer on the huge deck, or a cozy fall lunch inside when the wind is blowing and waves are crashing, there’s always something good in store at the Boat Shed.

  • Runner-up: The Clearwater Restaurant (Suquamish)

Best Mexican Restaurant

Taqueria El Huarache

Award-winning food in two Kitsap locations, offering the great taste from south of the border that you expect from a terrific Mexican restaurant. The family-owned eatery is known for friendly service and its comfortable atmosphere, making it West Sound’s place to go for Mexican.

  • Runner-up: Moctezuma’s (Gig Harbor, Silverdale)

Best Italian Restaurant

Sogno Di Vino

Sogno di Vino brings a taste of Tuscany to downtown Poulsbo. Incredibly delicious pizza — made in a wood-fired oven with seasoned apple wood — is the star of the menu, but you’ll also find pasta, paninis and dinner entrees such as chicken marsala and free-range natural pork ossobucco made from fresh and often organic ingredients. There are also a wine bar and a retail wine shop.

  • Runners-up: Burrata Bistro & Paella Bar (Poulsbo)

Best Asian Restaurant

Pho T&N

Now operated by the second generation of the Nguyen family, this fabulous restaurant started out as the owners’ dream and desire to not only create a better life for their family, but to bring forth the best authentic Vietnamese food to a foreign land. Pho T&N is known for satisfying guests with tantalizing, authentic cuisine and beautifully presented menu items.

  • Runner-up: Kachai Thai Kitchen (Poulsbo)

Best Breakfast

Oak Table

With authentic recipes using fresh, high-quality ingredients and breakfast served all day, Oak Table has an extensive, made-from-scratch menu. You’ll find everything from pancakes and waffles to crepes and omelets — and a lunch menu available on weekdays.

  • Runner-up: Beach Glass Café (Suquamish)

Best Brunch

Oak Table

With authentic recipes using fresh, high-quality ingredients and breakfast served all day, Oak Table has an extensive, made-from-scratch menu. You’ll find everything from pancakes and waffles to crepes and omelets — and a lunch menu available on weekdays.

  • Runner-up: Crabtree Kitchen+Bar (Poulsbo)

Best Lunch

Beach Glass Café

Located at the Suquamish Casino Resort, Beach Glass Café serves traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Artisan glass décor is incorporated throughout the theme, including a glass waterfall, jelly fish lamps, glass columns and glass tiled walls — all made from recycled glass found at local beaches. The menu ranges from omelets to burgers and steaks, and also has a “breakfast all day” option.

  • Runner-up: The Loft (Poulsbo), Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta (multiple locations)

Best Wine Shop/Bar

State 42 Wines

This family-owned, small-production winery uses sustainably grown grapes from small growers in the ideal region for each varietal. The winery is known for cool-climate wines and reds aged in French oak. The refreshingly modern tasting room reflects the local community and is child-friendly.

  • Runner-up: The Weekender (Bremerton)

Best Brewery

Silver City Brewery

Started in 1996 by two brothers, Silver City Brewery is an unabashed local success story. Now brewing 10 year-round ales, as well as various seasonal lagers, limited series lagers, barrel-aged beers and rotating “rarities,” Silver City offers a brew for every taste bud and occasion. The Silver City Taproom features an extensive selection of draft beer.

  • Runner-up: Western Red Brewing (Poulsbo)

Best Deli Sandwiches

Jersey Mike’s Subs

  • 11065 Pacific Crest Place NW, Suite B109, Silverdale
  • 19045 Highway 305, Suite 210, Poulsbo
  • 4819 Point Fosdick Drive NW, Gig Harbor

Authentic Northeast-American deli sandwiches, as well as wraps and other lunch fare, served in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Founded in 1956 in New Jersey, the sandwich shop is well-known for its subs made from high-quality ingredients.

  • Runner-up: Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café (Silverdale)

Best Steaks/Prime Rib

Crabtree Kitchen+Bar

Crabtree Kitchen+Bar is both a casual and fine-dining restaurant. The rotating menu includes high-quality ingredients from local farmers, as well as angus beef from the family’s Kingston cattle farm. For special events, the Garden Room opens into a patio overlooking a park.

  • Runners-up: Yacht Club Broiler (Silverdale), Sully’s Bistro and Bar (Suquamish)

Best Desserts

Butcher & Baker Provisions

Butcher & Baker Provisions is a locally sourced farmhouse restaurant, butcher shop and bakery that offers small-batch provisions and dining. The pastries and baked goods range from pecan sticky buns and eclairs to cookies and cheesecakes. Plus, you can order all sorts of cakes for weddings and special events.

  • Runner-up: ChocMo (Poulsbo)

Best Burgers

Grub Hut

The Grub Hut is a laid-back and unpretentious gathering place specializing in classic American eats such as burgers, sandwiches, shakes, salads and, of course, tons of fried goodies. There’s a kids’ menu, fresh homemade soups and veggie chili, as well as homemade veggie patties to substitute on any burger, gyro or sandwich. Plus, almost 30 flavors of milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream.

  • Runner-up: The Habit Burger Grill (Silverdale)

Best Pizza

Westside Pizza

  • Multiple locations

Eat it. Love it. That’s the motto of Westside Pizza, which serves hand-crafted pizzas made from freshly made dough, sauce made from vine-ripened California tomatoes, savory authentic meats and freshly grated mozzarella. The service is excellent and some locations even have live music.

  • Runner-up: Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta (multiple locations)

Best Barbecue

Danny’s BBQ & Catering

With a tagline of “Texas-style barbecue done right,” Danny’s serves authentic “Texas Hill Country” barbecue. Using highest quality meat and hardwood, the barbecue is smoked for 12-18 hours — no sauce required. Melt-in-your mouth brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, cornbread and Texas toast are some of the other options — not to mention the beer.

  • Runner-up: The Smokin’ Robinsons Café (Silverdale)

Best Restaurant (when someone else is paying)

La Fermata

  • 2204 East 11th Street, Bremerton

La Fermata offers “Northern Italian dining with a Northwest twist.” With a menu that’s more sophisticated than many locals may be accustomed to, it’s clear why the place is so busy on many nights. The menu is quite diverse — and features more than just Italian fare. It’s food made with passion and a dedication to excellence.

  • Runner-up: Crabtree Kitchen+Bar (Poulsbo)

Best Coffee Shop

Hot Shots Java

This family-owned and operated coffeehouse has been a downtown Poulsbo fixture since 2003. Serving organic, fair trade and custom-roasted coffee from a local roaster, Hot Shots Java uses local vendors and suppliers as much as possible.

  • Runner-up: Coffee Oasis (multiple locations)

Best Out-of-the-Way Restaurant

Molly Ward Gardens

Located off the beaten path, Molly Ward Gardens is a family-owned restaurant worth the trip for its exquisite epicurean cuisine, the romantically eclectic dining room and the lush gardens surrounding the property. The menu includes garden-fresh, organic soups and salads; in-house sauces made from in-season produce; and homemade-style desserts; plus there’s a full bar.

  • Runners-up: Massimo’s Italian Bar & Grill (Gig Harbor), Butcher & Baker Provisions (Port Gamble)

Best Restaurant to Take the Kids

Silver City Restaurant & Ale House

A very popular local hangout, Silver City offers both great food and beer, and features an atmosphere that’s a notch (or two) above your typical brewpub. Top that with the friendly service, and it’s clear why the place gets quite busy on many nights. The menu is diverse — from pizza and sandwiches, to baby back ribs and fresh-sheet offerings like crab-stuffed salmon.

  • Runners-up: The Kingston Ale House (Kingston), Red Robin (Silverdale), Puerta Vallarta (multiple locations), Oak Table (Silverdale)

Best Bakery

Sluys Poulsbo Bakery

West Sound’s must-visit bakery, Sluys is famous for its breads and scrumptious sweet treats. This small, family-owned bakery offers a variety of breads, cookies, pastries and specialty desserts, all made from scratch. The donuts and cookies are hand-cut and individually glazes or iced — you won’t find a conveyor belt or assembly line here. Even the pie dough and lefse are rolled by hand.

  • Runners-up: Saboteur Bakery (Bremerton), Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café (Silverdale)

Best Doctor

Ingela PezZolesi, The Doctors Clinic

Voted Best of West Sound’s best doctor multiple times, Dr. Ingela Pezzolesi specializes in family medicine. A graduate of the University of Washington Medical School, she joined The Doctors Clinic in 1998, after serving her residency at Valley Medical Center in Renton.

  • Runners-up: Robert Caulkins (Bremerton), Peter Lehmann (Poulsbo), Jillian Worth (Bainbridge Island)

Best Dentist

Rose Holdren

A Pacific Northwest native and University of Washington grad, Dr. Rose Holdren has been practicing dentistry for over 30 years. She is also a Certified Bioclear Clinician and has loved bringing more cosmetic artistry into her practice. In her free time, she volunteers on the Admiral Theatre board and with Bremerton’s AVID program, and travels as much as possible with her family.

  • Runner-up: Scott Olson (Poulsbo)

Best Hospital

St. Michael Medical Center

As part of the CHI Franciscan Health, St. Michael Medical Center builds on the rich legacy of care that began with the Harrison family more than 100 years ago. The premier medical center in Silverdale puts patients and families first, offering everything you need for your best health and wellness — without a trip across the water.

  • Runner-up: St. Anthony Hospital, Gig Harbor

Best Physical Therapy

Kitsap Physical Therapy

Kitsap Physical Therapy is a group practice that’s owned and operated by a majority of its physical therapists. KPT specializes in orthopedic, work- and sports-related injuries. It also offers various specialty and preventative programs, including senior fitness, Strength After Cancer and cardiac conditioning. Founded in 1979, KPT now has about 20 partners/physical therapists and six clinics.

  • Runners-up: NW Sports Physical Therapy (multiple locations), Bainbridge Island Physical Therapy

Best Gym

YMCA

  • 3909 NW Randall Way, Silverdale
  • 10550 Harbor Hills Drive, Gig Harbor
  • 2261 Homer Jones Drive, Bremerton
  • ymcapkc.org

The YMCA offers programs for people of all ages, interests and abilities. Whether it’s a fitness class, childcare program, day or resident camp, teen or family activities, small group support, volunteer opportunities or special events, you’ll find it all the “The Y.”

  • Runners-up: Kitsap CrossFit (Poulsbo), Island Fitness (Bainbridge Island)

Best Spa

Angeline Spa

Located at the Suquamish Casino Resort, Angeline Spa is an oasis of relaxation where you can unwind, destress and detoxify. Its treatment rooms (including some with views of the water) provide a peaceful and tranquil environment where you can get a mani/pedi, aromatherapy, various types of massages, full-body treatments and more.

  • Runner-up: Poulsbo Day Spa

Best Eyecare

Janice Ngan, Woodridge Vision Clinic

With an office in a private, serene setting, Dr. Janice Ngan uses state-of-the-art equipment for extended visual testing for eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. The large optical boutique has a vast selection of designer frames.

  • Runner-up: Ray Hedahl (Poulsbo)

Best Hearing Professional

Peninsula Hearing

Peninsula Hearing prides itself in offering excellent hearing help and service. Its audiologists will help you hear your best utilizing the appropriate hearing instruments and treatment plan for your specific hearing issue.

  • Runners-up: Hearing Advantage (Poulsbo), Costco (Silverdale and Gig Harbor)

Best Senior Care

Martha & Mary

Serving seniors as well as children since 1891, Martha & Mary provides services across numerous locations including offices and campuses throughout the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. Its diverse list of services includes home care and geriatric care management, senior independent living and assisted living, and rehab and skilled nursing care.

Best Assisted Living Facility

Martha & Mary

Serving seniors as well as children since 1891, Martha & Mary provides services across numerous locations including offices and campuses throughout the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas. Its diverse list of services includes home care and geriatric care management, senior independent living and assisted living, and rehab and skilled nursing care.

  • Runner-up: Bay Vista Commons (Bremerton)

Best Car Wash/Detailer

Brown Bear

Started in Seattle in 1957, Brown Bear has expanded to numerous locations around the region, including six in Kitsap County. The car wash uses eco-friendly techniques and equipment and strives for customer-driven service.

  • Runner-up: SudStar (Poulsbo and Port Orchard)

Best Used Car Dealership

Liberty Bay Auto

Liberty Bay Auto has built a reputation for expertise, service and dependability since 1989. It’s a second-generation local business with a culture of honesty and is known for selling only high-quality, reliable used cars that are backed up with great service.

  • Runner-up: Truck Town (Bremerton)

Best New Car Dealership

Haselwood Autoplex

Haselwood Auto Group is a family of dealerships that began in 1949, when Chuck Haselwood opened the first one in downtown Bremerton. The recipient of various awards, including top-performing dealerships, Haselwood Auto Group continues Chuck Haselwood’s tradition of excellent customer service and high-quality repairs.

  • Runner-up: Peninsula Subaru (Gorst)

Best Mechanic

Ken’s Northwest Automotive

  • 19470 Viking Avenue NW, Poulsbo

Ken’s is known for being friendly, fair and honest — with great mechanics you can trust. They won’t try to upsell you and will make recommendations like they would for their own cars.

  • Runners-up: Town & Country Auto Repair (Bremerton), L&R Automotive (Bremerton)

Best Auto Body

Kingston Collision

  • 6117 NE Minder Road, Poulsbo

Kingston Collision is a family-owned business that strives to take the best care of customers with punctual, quality auto repair and unprecedented customer service, restoring vehicles to factory-like condition.

  • Runner-up: Fix Auto (Poulsbo)

Best Tire Store

Les Schwab Tire Centers

In business since 1952, Les Schwab offers friendly and reliable service that includes more than tires, and is known for going above and beyond for its customers. It offers several locations throughout the West Sound region.

  • Runners-up: Discount Tire (Bremerton), Costco (Gig Harbor and Silverdale)

Best Remodeler

A Kitchen That Works

A Kitchen That Works LLC (AKTW) is a full-service design-build firm specializing in kitchens and baths. Passion for excellence is reflected in every project, and the holistic approach ensures the design and materials selected work well with the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget. Owned and operated by certified sustainable professionals, AKTW is dedicated to protecting natural resources while providing clients with beautiful, functional, low-maintenance homes.

  • Runner-up: WRK Construction (Poulsbo)

Best Roofing Company

Hanley Construction

Established in 1987, Hanley Construction Inc. grew out of a side business more than 30 years ago to become Kitsap Peninsula’s premier roofing company. It offers high-quality work at competitive prices, and thousands of homeowners and business owners have entrusted their roofs to Hanley. When you hire Hanley, you’re guaranteed to be working with some of the best professionals in the business.

  • Runner-up: Integrity Roofing & Construction (Poulsbo)

Best Plumber

Swift Plumbing & Heating

With 24-hour service, seven days a week, Swift Plumbing & Heating is a full-service plumbing company. Cal and Bev Swift founded the company in 1986 and built on the principle of providing the community with the highest level of craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.

  • Runners-up: West Sound Plumbing (Poulsbo), Kimco (Poulsbo)

Best Building Contractor

Four-way tie

Kitsap Trident Homes

Family-owned since 1978, Kitsap Trident Homes builds a variety of houses, from affordable single-family homes to multifamily complexes and high-end homes, as well as offering remodels. The company’s goal is to provide exceptional quality and customer service that exceeds your expectations.

FPH Construction

A full-service commercial builder and remodeler since 1983, FPH Construction has developed and built numerous local retail, office, restaurant, warehouse and other properties. You’ll recognize many of the buildings of new construction or remodel projects on the firm’s list, from Kitsap Way Family Pancake House, Roxy Theatre and Poulsbo Inn, to Boat Shed and Oak Table Café.

Fairbank Construction Co.

Fairbank Construction Company was founded on one man’s dream some 40 years ago to build timeless structures that emanate individuality and excellence in craftsmanship. Since then Fairbank Construction has earned the reputation of one of the Northwest’s finest builders.

A Kitchen That Works

A Kitchen That Works LLC (AKTW) is a full-service design-build firm specializing in kitchens and baths. Passion for excellence is reflected in every project, and the holistic approach ensures the design and materials selected work well with the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget. Owned and operated by certified sustainable professionals, AKTW is dedicated to protecting natural resources while providing clients with beautiful, functional, low-maintenance homes.

Best Architect

Wayne LaMont, LaMont Design

Wayne LaMont provides architectural services through LaMont Design, Inc., where his wife, Connie, also provides interior design. With many years of experience in commercial and residential building, he’s worked with different types of construction, from concrete to steel, masonry and wood.

  • Runner-up: Blue Architecture (Bremerton)

Best Interior Design

Connie LaMont, LaMont Design

An interior designer and colorist, Connie LaMont has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1993. She owns LaMont Design, Inc., with her architect husband, Wayne. Some of their joint projects include Austin Towers in Poulsbo and Elkhorn Place in Sequim. Specializing in residential and commercial work, she has won awards for her talents, including the Poulsbo Chamber Beautification Award twice for her work on Austin Towers and The Poulsbo Athletic Club.

  • Runner-up: Kristin Alvarado Art & Design (Bainbridge Island)

Best Kitchen and Bath

A Kitchen That Works

A Kitchen That Works LLC (AKTW) is a full-service design-build firm specializing in kitchens and baths. Passion for excellence is reflected in every project, and the holistic approach ensures the design and materials selected work well with the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget. Owned and operated by certified sustainable professionals, AKTW is dedicated to protecting natural resources while providing clients with beautiful, functional, low-maintenance homes.

  • Runner-up: Creekside Cabinet & Design (Silverdale)

Best Electrician

Sunset Electric NW

Sunset Electric Northwest, Inc. is a full-service electrical company that offers a variety of electrical services for new construction, remodeling and repairs. With over 100 years of combined experience, the Sunset Electric service team has extensive knowledge in all areas of troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades design and modifications, and has built a reputation for quality service.

  • Runner-up: Nova Electric (Suquamish)

Best Cabinetry Shop

Creekside Cabinet & Design

Creekside Cabinet & Design is a locally owned business that’s provided exceptional value to customers on the Kitsap Peninsula and in the Puget Sound region for more than 15 years. If you live on the Kitsap Peninsula, chances are the company has done work for someone you know.

Best Flooring

Floor Decorators/Carpet One

Locally owned and operated, Floor Decorators/Carpet One offers a complete selection of residential and commercial flooring options, including carpets, area rugs, ceramic tile, hardwood flooring, sheet and vinyl flooring, along with countertops and professional installation services.

  • Runner-up: Great Floors (Silverdale)

Best Paint Store

Peninsula Paint Centers

As an independently owned store, Peninsula Paint offers a level of service you thought no longer existed, along with an array of superior quality products, including premium Benjamin Moore paints and stains. The in-store professionals are specialists with experience and helpful advice to ensure the success of every project you have.

  • Runner-up: Sherwin Williams (multiple locations)

Best Heating and Air

Dana’s Heating & Cooling

Locally owned and operated, Dana’s Heating & Cooling offers a variety of HVAC services and electrical repairs. The company has grown from a one-person shop in 1997 to employ more than 40 people and serve the entire West Sound and even beyond.

  • Runner-up: Swift Plumbing & Heating (Kingston)

Best Hardware Store

Scott Mclendon’s Ace Hardware

Scott McLendon’s Ace Hardware has been serving Port Orchard since 1995 and Belfair since 2000. The two stores employ a total of nearly 70 people who pride themselves on their knowledge of hardware, lumber, electrical, plumbing and gardening supplies, along with a huge inventory of hardware related items, and always standing by the philosophy of “customer service first.”

  • Runner-up: Coast Do It Best Hardware (Poulsbo)

Best Furniture Store

Arnold’s Home Furnishings

Arnold’s can assist you with room arrangements, fabric and carpet selection, and tie it all together with accessories to create a unique look just for you. Arnold’s Home Furnishings has been serving the community since 1951 and is renowned for its excellent level of customer service, outstanding selection of home furnishings and accessories, along with a complete department devoted to mattresses.

  • Runner-up: Macy’s (Silverdale)

Best Countersurfaces

Creative Countertops

Creative Countertops specializes in custom quartz and granite countertops as well as being Kitsap Peninsula’s largest Corian fabricator. It also offers green alternatives like icestone, paperstone and bamboo, and is the place to go for the best selection of solid-surface counters and sinks, shower and bath surrounds, as well as tile.

  • Runner-up: Works Granite & Stone (Bremerton)

Best Landscaper

Brookside Landscape and Design

Brookside Landscape and Design strives to follow the mantra of people, process, product: employ the best people, maintain a well-founded process that meets clients’ needs and produce a product that is second to none. The team has 25 years of combined experience in landscaping, and they firmly believe in sustainability.

  • Runner-up: Chehade Landscaping (Poulsbo)

Best Rockery

Morrison Gravel

Morrison Gravel has provided quality landscape products for the professional and the do-it-yourselfer in Kitsap, Mason and Pierce counties for more than 60 years. Its products are available for pickup or delivery in the local area.

Favorite Business

Thistle Floral & Home

  • 25960 Central Avenue NE, Kingston
  • thistlefloralandhome.com

Thistle Floral & Home is a European-style flower shop with garden and contemporary floral design. The shop focuses on simplicity, preferring to offer well-curated gift options rather than a myriad of “trendy stuff.” The business is a firm believer in giving back, donating to local charities, groups and events.

  • Runner-up: Clearwater Casino Resort (Suquamish)

Best Bookstore

Liberty Bay Books

Liberty Bay Books is a locally owned, independent bookstore that offers books, ebooks, cards, gifts, games, book clubs and events with favorite authors. The friendly staff loves helping clients find that perfect book, offering staff picks shelves throughout the store — or simply tell them what books you’ve loved in the past and they’ll suggest similar authors and titles.

  • Runner-up: Eagle Harbor Book Co. (Bainbridge Island)

Best Antique Shop

Olde Central Antique Mall

  • 801 Bay Street, Port Orchard

Larger than most antique stores, this unique shop located on the downtown Port Orchard waterfront offers an eclectic blend of antiques, curiosities and collectibles. Plus, the knowledgeable and friendly staff add to a great treasure-hunting atmosphere.

  • Runners-up: Silverdale Antiques (Silverdale), Red Plantation Marketplace (Poulsbo)

Best Candy Store

Amy’s Decadent Chocolates

Perfect place for that chocolate fix — mouthwatering, handcrafted confections like truffles, barks, caramels and creams. And the caramel apples are simply to die for (and a bit difficult to choose, considering all the tempting selections).

  • Runners-up: Boehm’s Chocolates (Poulsbo)

Best Gifts/Specialty Store

Thistle Floral and Home

Thistle Floral & Home is a European-style flower shop with garden and contemporary floral design. The shop focuses on simplicity, preferring to offer well-curated gift options rather than a myriad of “trendy stuff.” The business is a firm believer in giving back, donating to local charities, groups and events.

  • Runner-up: The Verksted Gallery (Poulsbo)

Best Realtor

Penny McLaughlin, Penny & Team

Penny McLaughlin has been serving Kitsap and Bainbridge Island residents for more than a quarter century. Her team has the strength, the integrity and the experience to make buying or selling property highly rewarding for clients. She is a visible part of Kitsap Peninsula as well as an ardent community supporter.

  • Runner-up: Joni Kimmel (Poulsbo)

Best Real Estate Office

John L Scott

John L. Scott has many offices across West Sound. The broker associates live in the local community and make their mission to provide first-rate experiences for their clients.

  • Runner-up: Windermere (multiple locations)

Best Mortgage Company

Fairway Mortgage

  • Multiple locations

An independent mortgage corporation, Fairway Mortgage opened doors 25 years ago and has helped thousands of Americans achieve their dream of homeownership. The company’s goal is to be your trusted adviser in your loan process.

  • Runner-up: Evergreen Home Loans (multiple locations)

Best Financial Adviser

Tom Deichert

  • 18697 State Highway 305 NE, Poulsbo

Tom Deichert has been a local Certified Financial Planner for 27 years and has more than 35 years of experience in the finance industry. He’s currently an investment adviser representative with the Commonwealth Financial Network.

  • Runners-up: Jessica Nino (Poulsbo), Jason Parker (Silverdale)

Best Horticulturist

Dan Hinkley

A nurseryman, naturalist, lecturer, and much more, Dan Hinkley co-founded Heronswood (now owned by Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe), helping build it into a destination garden and a robust nursery sending plants to fans throughout the United States and internationally. Renowned for his plant knowledge and enthusiasm, he is committed to solid and sustainable horticultural practices and distinct landscapes.

Best Insurance Agency

State Farm Insurance

  • Multiple locations

State Farm has insurance agents throughout West Sound, offering services both to individuals and small businesses. The company is nearly 100 years old. Auto, life, renters, homeowners, health insurance and pet insurance — you name it and State Farm likely has it.

  • Runner-up: EHL Insurance (Poulsbo)

Best Nursery

Valley Nursery

With certified professional horticulturists on staff, Valley Nursery offers a wide variety of products and services. Started in the early 1970s as a hobby farm, it includes a house and barn built before the 1920s. The nursery offers 6 acres of plants, along with professionals who can help your garden dream come to life.

  • Runner-up: Bremerton City Nursery (Bremerton)

Best Veterinarian

Three-way tie

Woodside Animal Hospital

Woodside Animal Hospital is a full-service companion animal hospital that treats dogs and cats. It has been serving Port Orchard and the South Kitsap community for over 30 years, and its services range from routine preventive care and treatment of disease to surgical care.

Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic

Poulsbo Marina Veterinary Clinic is a-full service veterinary hospital devoted to the prevention and treatment of diseases in household pets. The clinic’s mission is to provide veterinary care services that are both thoughtful and informed.

Companion Animal Wellness

In business since 2003, Companion Animal Wellness provides veterinary care that helps maximize the number of healthy and happy years that dog and cat owners spend with their pets. It offers services that range from preventative to advanced medical procedures.

Best Marina

Port Orchard Marina

A favorite among boaters, Port Orchard Marina provides easy access to boating locations from Olympia, to the San Juan Islands and beyond. Port Orchard’s walkable, friendly, small-town charm makes the marina a great place to relax and enjoy.

  • Runners-up: Poulsbo Marina, Bremerton Marina

Best Florist

Thistle Floral & Home

Thistle Floral & Home is a European-style flower shop with garden and contemporary floral design. The shop focuses on simplicity, preferring to offer well-curated gift options rather than a myriad of “trendy stuff.” The business is a firm believer in giving back, donating to local charities, groups and events.

  • Runner-up: Paul’s Flowers (Bremerton)

Best Attorney

Heather E. Forrler, Compass Legal Services

Heather E. Forrler began practicing law in 2002 after working as a legal assistant in Kitsap County for six years. She launched Compass Legal Services, P.S. in 2014 to serve as an accessible, client-focused resource for family law, divorce, estate planning and business incorporation. She has helped thousands of local residents and military service members successfully navigate the legal system.

  • Runner-up: Isaac Anderson (Kingston)

Best Bank

Kitsap Bank

Headquartered in Port Orchard and with branches throughout Kitsap, Pierce, King, Jefferson and Clallam counties, Kitsap Bank has been serving the local community’s banking needs for more than 100 years and is one of the oldest and largest locally owned and operated community banks in the state.

  • Runner-up: Columbia Bank

Best Accounting Firm

Parker Mooers & Cena PS

Established in 1979, Parker Mooers & Cena has a team of experienced professionals who understand the full spectrum of accounting needs and provide prompt, efficient and cost-effective services not only locally but also throughout the United States and around the world.

  • Runner-up: Southard Beckham Atwater & Berry (Port Orchard)

Best Computer/Network Servicing

Help Desk Cavalry

Based in Bremerton and serving the entire Kitsap Peninsula, Help Desk Cavalry specializes in IT services for small businesses. The team provides friendly, patient and knowledgeable service to help businesses succeed.

  • Runners-up: Pro Group Networks (Gig Harbor)

Best Credit Union

Kitsap Credit Union

  • 155 Washington Avenue (main branch), Bremerton
  • kitsapcu.org

KCU is a member-owned cooperative with more than a dozen branches throughout Kitsap County and more than 300 employees. It was chartered in Bremerton in 1934, originally opening doors at the naval shipyard under the name of Navy Yard Metal Trades Credit Union.

  • Runner-up: BECU

Best Mall/Strip Mall

The Trails

Located just north of the Kitsap Mall, The Trails at Silverdale is a 30-acre shopping and dining destination. The Trails, which opened in 2015, includes a mix of locally owned and national stores and eateries.

  • Runner-up: Uptown Gig Harbor

Best Jewelry Store

Blue Heron Jewelry

Founded by Leo Fried more than 40 years ago, Blue Heron Jewelers is a destination for unique, high-quality, custom-made jewelry for all occasions. The store makes its own jewelry and also curates a complementary selection of jewelry designers to reflect the beauty of our region and appeal to clients who appreciate well crafted, thoughtfully designed jewelry.

  • Runner-up: Two Sisters Fine Jewelry (Bremerton)

Best Print Shop

Blue Sky Printing

In business for more than 25 years, Blue Sky Printing offers a full range of printing services, including business papers, brochures, presentation folders, flyers, labels and raffle tickets, as well as excellent quality and pricing.

  • Runner-up: Sound Reprographics (Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo)

Best Salon

Alainn Salon

  • 3547 NW Lowell Street, Silverdale

With stylists who boast years of experience and continuing education, the salon has dedicated staff who will help you find your best look and achieve it. The comfortable, relaxed atmosphere is designed to make you feel great.

  • Runner-up: Luxe Hair + Skin Studio (Poulsbo)

Best Daycare

Martha & Mary

Martha & Mary KIDS offers a variety of children’s programs, including the Child Care Center in Poulsbo, which has been serving families since 1989; the Early Learning Center in Silverdale; and before-and-after school care at local schools; as well as summer programs. The longtime teachers and staff are dedicated to helping each child discover his or her unique potential by nurturing the growth of the whole child — emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually.

Best Mani/Pedi

Apollo Nails

From mani/pedi to spa services, Apollo offers quality, thorough and consistent services. The staff strives to make clients feel comfortable, satisfied — and in a state of pleasure and bliss.

  • Runner-up: Avalon Nail Bar (Poulsbo)

Best Nonprofit

North Kitsap Fishline

Serving the North Kitsap community since 1967, Fishline has the vision of a community where a safety net exists for all people, which includes adequate food, shelter, healthcare and employment. One of the oldest food banks in the country, Fishline also operates a thrift store. The organization received two Food Lifeline Excellence in Client Services awards, which recognizes most innovative and impactful food banks in the state.

  • Runner-up: Martha & Mary

Best Customer Service

Amy’s Decadent Chocolates

Perfect place for that chocolate fix — mouthwatering, handcrafted confections like truffles, barks, caramels and creams. And the caramel apples are simply to die for (and a bit difficult to choose, considering all the tempting selections).

  • Runner-up: Kitsap Bank

Best Hotel

Clearwater Casino Resort

Clearwater Casino Resort is nestled on the shores of Agate Passage. Indoors and out, this breathtaking property captures the rustic, natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It features guest rooms with spectacular waterfront views, as well as several dining options.

  • Runner-up: Alderbrook Resort (Union)

Best Casino

Clearwater Casino Resort

Clearwater Casino Resort is nestled on the shores of Agate Passage. Indoors and out, this breathtaking property captures the rustic, natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It also features guest rooms with spectacular waterfront views as well as several dining options.

  • Runner-up: The Point Casino (Kingston)

Best Live Music

Admiral Theatre

Bremerton’s historic Admiral Theatre is a 1942 movie house that was renovated in 1997 into Kitsap County’s premier live entertainment and events venue. The Admiral has hosted numerous high-caliber performances and renowned entertainers, and is known far beyond West Sound.

  • Runner-up: Clearwater Casino Resort (Suquamish)

Best Karaoke

The Kingston Ale House

  • 11225 NE State Highway 104, Kingston

The Kingston Ale House offers excellent beer, food and service — along with karaoke on a regular schedule. Its catalog of available songs is almost 500 pages long, so you should be able to find just the perfect song to belt out and showcase your talent.

Best Summer Camp

Crista Camps

Crista Camps at Island Lake and Miracle Ranch offer scores of unique activities in addition to traditional camp fun like boating, swimming and fireside bonding. At Miracle Ranch, wranglers teach horsemanship classes that span a wide spectrum of skills. Island Lake specializes in extreme adventures like dirt bikes and high ropes. The consistent goal at both camps is to offer experiences that result in personal growth, authentic relationship development, high-level customer service and massive fun.

Best Gallery

Verksted Gallery

Founded in 1987 by two artists, Verksted is the third-oldest co-op gallery in the state. The gallery represents more than 30 artists who work in a variety of mediums — ranging from watercolor and jewelry to pottery, woven wheat and quilting.

  • Runners-up: Front Street Gallery (Poulsbo), Collective Visions (Bremerton)

Best Place to Take a Family

Fay Bainbridge Park

  • Bainbridge Island

The 17-acre marine camping park has 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline and offers sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Cascades. On clear days, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker are visible from a sandy beach at the park.

  • Runner-up: Downtown Poulsbo

Most Fun Resort for Children

Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Located on the southern shores of Hood Canal, Alderbrook Resort & Spa offers both hotel rooms and cottages. Enjoy paddling, s’more making and more.

  • Runner-up: Clearwater Casino Resort (Suquamish)

Best Park

Battle Point Park

  • 11299 Arrow Point Drive NE, Bainbridge Island

Owned by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, the 90.3-acre Battle Point Park includes lots of open space, two ponds, a jogging trail, athletic fields, a kids’ playground, a former naval radio station and much more.

  • Runners-up: Silverdale Waterfront Park, Faye Bainbridge Park, Evergreen Rotary Park (Bremerton)

Best Sports Field

Strawberry Fields

  • Poulsbo

A Poulsbo Parks & Recreation facility, Strawberry Fields hosts a variety of athletic games and other activities.

  • Runner-up: Integrity Stadium-Olympic High School (Bremerton)

Best Golf Course

White Horse Golf Club

The golf course is set in a peaceful surrounding that includes frequent wildlife visits. Nestled among old-growth trees, each hole is playable for all skill levels. It’s also home to Cedar Ridge Grill, which includes summer dining on the outdoor patio.

  • Runners-up: McCormick Woods Golf Club (Port Orchard), Gold Mountain Golf Club (Bremerton)

Best Town/City

Poulsbo

Known affectionately as Little Norway, historic downtown Poulsbo is just one destination in this Viking city. A stroll through downtown will take you all day, as you explore the many local shops, studios and restaurants. A beautiful waterfront, water recreation, live theater, festivals galore and regular events make Poulsbo a year-round attraction. Beyond downtown, you’ll find breweries, parks, more shopping and dining, and even an alpaca farm.

  • Runner-up: Bremerton