Best of West Sound Results 2025

April 25, 2025 - Best of West Sound Results, Featured - Comments: 

WestSound Magazine presents the annual Best of West Sound results for 2025! 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

Two-way tie
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. The extensive brunch menu ranges from pancakes and eggs benedict to chicken fried steak.
Maynard’s

With the tagline “Kitsap’s culinary destination,” Maynard’s offers locally sourced menus with bold flavors in a spacious, modern atmosphere. You’ll also find a bar with about 20 beers on tap and specialty cocktails; an educational kitchen that offers classes;Closure and an adjacent market that serves coffee, pastries and grab-and-go selections.

  • Runners-up: Yacht Club, Molly Ward Gardens, Kachai Thai Kitchen

Best Seafood Restaurant

Two-way tie
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.
Yacht Club Broiler

Enjoy lovely views of Dyes Inlet as you visit this friendly waterfront establishment that offers outdoor seating during summer. Besides the popularsteaks and prime rib, the menu’s selections include salads, seafood (from salmon to oysters), burgers and pasta. A private room is available for parties.

  • Runners-up: Blue Ocean, Proper Fish

Best Mexican Restaurant

Mandiles Mexican Grill

Mandiles Mexican Grill and Mezcal Bar offers authentic Mexican cuisine — mouth-watering dishes that transport you straight to the heart of Mexico — in a warm and inviting atmoshpere. The menu features fan favorites like traditional street tacos, burritos, enchiladas and much more. And the margaritas are handcrafted from scratch.

  • Runners-up: Moctezuma’s, El Sombrero, Casa Luna, Puerto Vallarta

Best Italian Restaurant

Two-way tie
Dalla Baia Italian Bistro

Located in the heart of downtown Poulsbo, Dalla Baia offers authentic Italian cuisine along with panoramic views of Liberty Bay. The bistro is a populardestination for special occasions, lunch with friends and a family night out.
Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta

  • Multiple Locations

Spiro’s is always a reliable spot for pizza, no matter which location you land at. The menu varies for each location but typically includes other Italian-inspired offerings besides pizza, such as pasta or subs, as well as beer and wine.

  • Runners-up: Massimo’s, Venetos, Burrata Bistro, Il Lucano

Best Asian Restaurant

Two-way tie
Golden Star Chinese American Restaurant

At Golden Star, culinary traditions meet modern flair in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a family celebration or a casual night out with friends, the restaurant is the perfect destination where you can discover the fusion of flavors that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
Kachai Thai Kitchen

Kachai Thai Kitchen continues a family tradition that started originally with San and Lani Tran’s Sawatdy on Bainbridge Island in the 1990s. Chef Binh Tu Tran of Kachai Kitchen is one of the Tran children who grew up in the restaurant business and laterlearned from renowned Northwest chefs before creating his own menu in Poulsbo,
including organic soups, curries and extensive entrees.

  • Runners-up: Mana Sushi, Gig Harbor Thai Cuisine

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: Family Pancake House

Best Brunch

Maynard’s

With the tagline “Kitsap’s culinary destination,” Maynard’s offers locally sourced menus with bold flavors in a spacious, modern atmosphere. You’ll also find a bar with about 20 beers on tap and specialty cocktails; an educational kitchen that offers classes; and an adjacent market that serves coffee, pastries and grab-and-go selections.

  • Runners-up: Oak Table, Crabtree Kitchen + Bar

Best Wine Shop or Bar

Details Wine Bar

Located in downtown Poulsbo, Details Wine Bar offers carefully curated,
lesser-known wines from wineries around the state. Enjoy wine tastings in a beautifully decorated and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Runners-up: Whiskey Gulch, Tessio, Sogno di Vino, Morso

Best Brewery

Silver City Brewery

Started in 1996 by two brothers, Silver City Brewery is an unabashed local success story. Brewing several year-round ales as well as various seasonal lagers and limited series lagers, Silver City offers a brew for every taste bud and occasion. The Silver City Taproom features an extensive selection of draft beer.

  • Runners-up: Western Red Brewing
  • Best Lunch

Three-way tie
Noah’s Ark Restaurant

Operated by the second generation of the Garguile family, Noah’s Ark has been a landmark and icon for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches since 1972.
Originally a drive-in, the restaurant has a relaxed, charming dine-in atmosphere, with the menu offering everything from burgers and gyros to malts and milkshakes.
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.
Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta

  • Multiple Locations

Spiro’s is always a reliable spot for pizza, no matter which location you land at. The menu varies for each location but typically includes other offerings besides pizza, such as pasta or subs, as well as beer and wine.

  • Runners-up: Cafe Alara

Best Liquor Store

High Spirits

A huge wine cellar with just about every varietal of wine, a 1,000-square-foot walk-in beer cooler and a large selection of liquor — you’ll find this and a lot more at High Spirits. Much more than your typical liquorstore, this shop is a destination for anyone looking for a unique collection of curated wine, beer and spirits.

  • Runner-up: Total Wine

Best Deli Sandwiches

Big Joe’s Sandwich Shop

  • Runner-up: Noah’s Ark

Best Steaks/Prime Rib

McCloud’s Grill House

McCloud’s caters to those looking for a great family-friendly setting featuring “down-home” food with an emphasis on prime rib, steaks, applewood-smoked St. Louis ribs and great burgers. The restaurant features ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more from Smokin’ Robinson’s BBQ. The steaks come from the Midwest, and only corn-fed beef is used. And prime rib is always on the menu.

  • Runners-up: Maynard’s, Crabtree Kitchen + Bar

Best Burgers

Three-way tie
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.
Noah’s Ark Restaurant

Operated by the second generation of the Garguile family, Noah’s Ark has been a landmark and icon for Philly cheesesteak sandwiches since 1972.
Originally a drive-in, the restaurant has a relaxed, charming dine-in atmosphere, with the menu offering everything from burgers and gyros to malts and milkshakes.
Whiskey Gulch Coffee Co.

Located on the waterfront in Annapolis, this cozy café is a favorite lunch destination. Creative paninis, salads and “sammies” are a nod to all things Kitsap, with burger names like The Happy Cow and Dude’s Loaded Wild Mushroom. Espresso and tempting pastries complete the menu. Enjoy the outdoor seating and a great place to hang out with coffee and friends.

  • Runners-up: Red Robin, Habit Burger

Best Coffee

Two-way tie
Café Corvo

Located in Bremerton’s Charleston neighborhood, Café Corvo has the tagline “Coffee. Kindness. Community.” The café strives to work with local vendors located within a 25-mile radius, includingroasters like Pegasus on Bainbridge Island and Cab Coffee Roasters in Bremerton, as well as source pastries from neighbor McGavin’s Bakery and Port Orchard’s Dude Donuts.
Hollydays Coffee House

Hollydays Coffee House is a cozy, charming and welcoming little restaurant.
While specializing in coffee and an array of beverages, the menu also boasts delectable sandwiches, salads and soups to please every palate.

  • Runner-up: Caffe Cocina
  • 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 for12-18 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: McCloud’s

Best Pizza

Sourdough Willy’s

Sourdough Willy’s serves Sicilian, New York and Detroit style pizza using a sourdough starterrecipe that’s more than a hundred years old. Enjoy an elevated experience and a menu that also includes a variety of appetizers, salads and sandwiches.

  • Runner-up: Spiro’s Pizza & Pasta

Best Desserts

Maynard’s

With the tagline “Kitsap’s culinary destination,” Maynard’s offers locally sourced menus with bold flavors in a spacious, modern atmosphere. You’ll also find a bar with about 20 beers on tap and specialty cocktails; an educational kitchen that offers classes; and an adjacent market that serves coffee, pastries and grab-and-go selections.

  • Runners-up: Silver City Restaurant, ChocMo, Amy’s Decadent Chocolates

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: Dockside Grill Sequim, Alcohol Plant

Best Restaurant to Take the Kids

Red Robin

Red Robin’s gourmet burgers don’t disappoint. The kids’ menu has everything from pizza and mac-and-cheese to meatballs and grilled cheese sandwiches. Adults, of course, will find their own dining pleasure, with a bevy of appetizers, gourmet burgers, salads and more, plus all kinds of beers and cocktails.

  • Runners-up: Noah’s Ark, McCloud’s, Family Pancake House

Best Bakery

Sluys 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 arerolled by hand. Don’t be surprised to see the line stretch to the street.

  • Runners-up: Saboteur Bakery, McGavin’s Bakery

Best Restaurant (When Someone Else Is Paying)

Three-way tie
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. The extensive brunch menu ranges from pancakes and eggs benedict to chicken fried steak.
The Loft at Latitude Forty Seven Seven

The Loft has been serving a unique menu of fresh, homemade dishes on the Poulsbo waterfront for more than a decade. The food is prepared fresh from scratch using the finest ingredients, with choices ranging from tacos and burgers to steak.
Restaurant Lola

Restaurant Lola is a culinary destination that offers an intimate space and unique dining experiences. On the menu, you’ll find diverse, beautifully plated choices like oysters Rockefeller,
herb-crusted cod and potato gnocchi.

  • Runner-up: Sogno di Vino

Best Medical Doctor

Dr. Mark Hoffman

Dr. Mark Hoffman launched Sound Family Health with three other providers in 2009 after practicing at another Poulsbo clinic for nine years. The goal of Sound Family Health is to create an environment where the patient comes first, and the practice uses a subscription model. Hoffman lives in Poulsbo with his family and enjoys snow- and water-skiing.

  • Runners-up: William Mike Hall, Robert Sudduth, Marie Maddy, Kristy Kara Skanlin

Best Dentist

Dr. David Houpt

Dr. David Houpt believes in providing painless dental care that improves the lives of each of his patients. He is committed to ongoing education with advanced training, as well as to giving back to the community.

  • Runner-up: Melanie Bloomquist

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, aquatic therapy and cardiac conditioning.
Founded in 1979, KPT now has six clinics and two satellite locations.

  • Runners-up: Pacific Physical Therapy

Best Spa

Admire Medical Aesthetics

The team at Admire Medical Aesthetics is focused on their clients’ health, beauty and quality of life. Their mission is to provide both education and solutions to fit your lifestyle and improve your wellbeing.

  • Runners-up: Seaport Salon & Spa, Alderbrook Resort & Spa

Best Athletic Club

YMCA

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 at “The Y.”

  • Runner-up: Poulsbo Athletic Club

Best Hearing Professional

Two-way tie
Megan Nightingale, AUD, at Peninsula Hearing

Dr. Megan Nightingale has been serving the Kitsap and Jefferson areas since 1990. She treats her clients as family, striving to provide a home-like, easy atmosphere and helping clients with a range of hearing and tinnitus needs. An officer in several state and national professional organizations, she’s been working with hearing and tinnitus issues for more than 30 years.
Diane Raszler, AuD, CCC-A, at Hearing Advantage

Dr. Diane Raszler founded Hearing Advantage with her husband, Scott, in Sequim in 1985, expanding to Poulsbo in 1996. She strives to make a difference in herpatients’ lives by helping them communicate better.

  • Runner-up: Kitsap Audiology

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.

  • Runner-up: Art In-Home Care Services

Best Gym

YMCA

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 at “The Y.”

  • Runner-up: Factory Fitness

Best Optometrist

Janice Ngan, OD, at 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: Dennis Goodman

Best Assisted Living Facility

Martha & Mary

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

Best Used Car Dealership

Liberty Bay Auto Center

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 forselling only high-quality, reliable used cars that are backed up with great service.

  • Runner-up: Dick Vlist Motors

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: Advantage Nissan

Best Mechanic

B&B Auto Repair

Bremerton’s venerable B&B Auto Repair was founded in 1983 and has been growing ever since. The shop was one of the very first EnviroStars participants and recipients of the Governor’s Win Award. Today, B&B is one of the most experienced local shops when it comes to working on electric vehicles.

  • Runners-up: Town & Country Auto Repair, Triangle Import Repair, Frontier Automotive

Best Auto Body

Two-way tie
Modern Collision Rebuild & Service

For more than four decades, Modern Collision Rebuild & Service has faithfully serviced the automotive collision and mechanical repairneeds of Kitsap County residents. Family owned and operated, it’s known for giving back to the community
Trew Auto Body

Established in Bremerton in 1984, the family-owned Trew Auto Body has since expanded to Olympia. The shop provides quality collision repair and personalized services and many of its employees have two or three decades of experience in the industry.

  • Runner-up: Uptown Auto Body Rebuild

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.

  • Runner-up: Discount Tire

Best Building Contractor

Two-way tie
Fairbank Construction Co.

Fairbank Construction Co. was founded on one man’s dream several decades 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.
Kitsap Trident Homes

Family-owned since 1978, Kitsap Trident Homes builds a variety of houses, from affordable single-family homes kitsaptridenthomes.com

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 yourexpectations.

  • Runner-up: Disney & Associates

Best Roofing Company

Hanley Construction

Established in 1987, Hanley Construction Inc. grew out of a side business 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.

  • Runner-up: Patriot Roofing

Best Remodeler

Two-way tie
Cedarwing Builders

Operated by four partners, Cedarwing Builders has a team with decades of experience in custom home building and remodeling on Bainbridge Island. The company also has an in-house cabinet shop. They focus on transparency, green building, attention to detail and positive client experiences.
Smallwood Design & Construction

Founded 40 years ago by Rob Smallwood, the company has grown into a family business with more than 20 employees. Smallwood Construction is renowned forits green building and high-quality work on new custom homes as well asremodels.

  • Runner-up: WRK Construction

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 to provide the highest level of craftsmanship and outstanding customer service — and these values remain at the core of the company.

  • Runner-up: Kimco Plumbing

Best Interior Design

Bethany Reilly Interior Design

Bethany Reilly started her career specializing in dental office design. She eventually moved to Kitsap County and founded Bethany Reilly Interior Design in 2003. She strongly believes in the importance of creating a space for herclients that is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

  • Runners-up: Connie Lamont (Lamont Design), Alinda Morris

Best Architect

Rice Fergus Miller

Named one of best 100 companies to work for in Washington state by Seattle Business magazine, Rice Fergus Miller encourages experimentation and innovation. Among its innovative projects is its own green-build headquarters in downtown Bremerton. Offering both new construction and renovation services,
the firm is a Certified B Corporation for its sustainable business practices.
Completed projects include Harrison’s Heart and Vascular Center, Kitsap 911 Memorial, Kitsap Bank’s East Bremerton Branch and Bremerton School District’s West Hills STEM Academy, to name a few.

  • Runner-up: Wayne Lamont (Lamont Design)

Best Illumination/Automation

Illumina LLC

Illumina’s Brian Scott brings more than 20 years of experience as a lighting designer and home automation integrator, transforming countless homes and businesses into comfortable, efficient and stunning spaces. The company offers a range of services, from audio and home theater to smart home automation.

  • Runner-up: Trimlight Kitsap

Best Kitchen & Bath

McCabe By Design

Molly McCabe, McCabe By Design principal designer, has a passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. She embraces a holistic design approach to transform rooms into harmonious and efficient living areas that seamlessly connect with their surroundings. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment with homeowners, contractors and other professionals to ensure an exceptional design and construction experience.

  • Runner-up: Cedarwing Builders

Best Landscaping

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: Black Lotus Landscaping

Best Electrician

Nexus Electric

The team at Nexus has over 83 years of experience combined between electricians and apprentices. They believe in fostering the talent of their specialized staff, and their licensed electricians are constantly seeking exposure to new types of projects that reflect the advancements in technology.

  • Runner-up: Koivu Electric

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 20 years. If you live on the Kitsap Peninsula,
chances are the company has done work for someone you know.

  • Runner-up: Phenom Woodworks

Best Flooring

Floor & Décor

Floor & Décor offers a range of flooring, countertops and installation materials as well as design services. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional contractor, the broad selection of products at everyday low prices can help you keep your projects on schedule and in budget.

  • Runner-up: Allen Feathers Tile & Stone

Best Furniture Store

Arnold’s Home Furnishings

Arnold’s Home Furnishings has been serving the community since 1951. The store isrenowned for its excellent level of customer service, outstanding selection of home furnishings and accessories, along with a complete department devoted to mattresses.

  • Runner-up: Garden Room

Best Hardware Store

Scott McLendon’s Ace Hardware

Scott McLendon’s Ace Hardware has been serving Port Orchard since 1995 and Belfair since 2000.
Thanks to their knowledgeable staff and a huge inventory of hardware andrelated items, the two stores attract customers from across West Sound.

  • Runners-up: Henery Hardware, Arrow Lumber
  • Best Paint Store

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin-Williams Paint Store has exceptional quality paint, paint supplies and stains to bring your ideas to life.

  • Runners-up: Malory Paint

Best Heating & 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 a team of professionals who serve the entire West Sound and beyond.

  • Runners-up: Port Orchard Plumbing & Heating, Derr Heating & Cooling

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 products and is the place to go for the best selection of solid-surface counters and sinks, shower and bath surrounds, and tile.

  • Runner-up: Works Granite & Stone

Favorite Business

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.

  • Runners-up: Admire Medical Aesthetics

Best Antique Shop

Josephine’s Mercantile

Josephine’s Mercantile is a vintage market located in the heart of downtown Port Orchard.
The store features one-of-a-kind vintage décor, reclaimed goods, repurposed furniture, curated local artisan gifts and a casual eatery.

  • Runners-up: Olde Central Antique Mall, Manette Antiques

Best Candy Shop

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: Poulsbo Candy Shoppe, Boehm’s Chocolates

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.

  • Runners-up: Ballast Book Company, Barnes & Noble

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: Top Notch Detail

Best Gifts/Specialty Store

Lisa Stirrett Creative Warrior Studio

Since 1988, Lisa Stirrett’s work has evolved as she has explored and mastered many different mediums. Herwork lends itself to beautiful interior and exterior art for personal orcommercial use. In addition to selling art, the studio hosts frequent events and offers various classes.

  • Runners-up: Nordiska, Tiny Mushroom Sign Shop, Port Gamble General Store,revival, Frog Soap

Best Real Estate Office

John L Scott

With multiple offices across West Sound, John L Scott’s broker associates live in the local community and make their mission to provide first-rate experiences for their clients.

  • Runners-up: Windermere, Washington Realty, Kimmel & Young

Best Mortgage Company

Two-way tie
Evergreen Home Loans

Founded in Seattle in 1987, Evergreen Home Loans is a leading full-service direct lender with branch offices in 71 locations throughout the western USA,
including three in West Sound. It offers an extensive menu of affordable home loan products, including solutions that are especially helpful for first-time homebuyers.
Fairway Independent Mortgage

At Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, customer service is a way of life.
Since opening doors 26 years ago, the team has help thousands of Americans achieve their dream of homeownership. Their goal is to act as your trusted adviser, providing a highly personalized service through every step of the loan process.

  • Runners-up: Vantage Mortgage Brokers, Summit Lending, Cross Country Mortgage

Best Financial Adviser

Two-way tie
Jennifer Zuver, WileyInvest

Jennifer Zuver, formerly with Edward Jones, is dedicated to helping individuals understand their finances and achieve their goals. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and is active with several local organizations.
Jason Wright, Edward Jones

Jason Wright believes it’s important to invest his time into understanding what his clients are working toward before they invest their money. He uses an established process to determine the most appropriate financial strategy for the clients, their family and their business, ensuring they have more options in retirement.

  • Runners-up: Tracy White, Tom Deichert

Best Insurance Agency

Two-way tie
Tim Lopez (American Family Insurance)

  • Gig Harbor

Tim Lopez has been an insurance professional since 2007 and offers auto, home,
life, business, farm/ranch and other types of insurance tailored to fit customers’ needs.
Ken Uddenberg (State Farm)

  • Gig Harbor

A fourth-generation Gig Harbor resident, Ken Uddenberg has been serving as a State Farm agent since 1991. He is also actively involved in the community as arotarian, a supporter of the Winthrop Kiwanis and formed board member for the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

  • Runner-up: Doll Insurance

Best Marina

Port of Bremerton

Port of Bremerton’s marinas in Bremerton and Port Orchard provide boaters with first-rate moorage,
state-of-the-art facilities and professional service. The goal of the staff is to offer accommodations and services that will make these two destinations boaters’ favorite ports of call in Puget Sound.

  • Runners-up: Port Orchard Marina, Port of Silverdale

Best Veterinarian

Two-way tie
Bayview Veterinary Hospital

A privately owned business, Bayview Veterinary Hospital has been serving the local community for more than 70 years and has gone through a big remodel in 2023. The team strives to provide cutting-edge care for cats and dogs, from wellness exams to routine surgical procedures.
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.

  • Runners-up: Winslow Animal Clinic, Willow Tree Veterinary, Purdy Veterinary

Best Garden Center

Two-way tie
Bremerton City Nursery

The family-owned Bremerton City Nursery promotes sustainable and organic gardening practices, offering a vast array of plants and gardening supplies.
The nursery’s experts like to share their love of all things garden through classes and workshops.
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: Brothers Greenhouse

Best Florist

Paul’s Flowers

In business for 80 years, Paul’s Flowers offers artfully designed arrangements for all occasions. You’ll also find special gifts like candles and chocolates.

  • Runner-up: Gazebo Florist

Best Jewelry Store

Blue Heron Jewelry

Blue Heron Jewelry 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 talented jewelry designers to reflect the beauty of our region.

  • Runner-up: Two Sisters Jewelry

Best Attorney

David LaCross, LaCross & Murphy

David LaCross has decades of experience as a trial attorney and has a trackrecord of winning seemingly impossible cases in Kitsap County. He has always wanted to be a lawyer and has made it his mission to be an authority on DUI defense.

  • Runners-up: Kitsap Law Group, Kevin Cure

Best Accounting Firm

Whitlock & Forster

Whitlock & Forster provides seasoned expertise and a full range of professional services tailored to clients’ unique needs. The firm is big enough to offer a range of services and consulting at a fair price, but small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve.

  • Runners-up: Sabra Davis (Davis Financial), Clarke Whitney, Brad Orser

Best Photography

George Stenberg Photography

For years, George Stenberg has made Hood Canal his home, as well as his premiersubject for photography. He captures the people, scenes and splendor of Hood Canal, the deep saltwater fjord on the edge of the Olympics, in vibrant photography and art.

  • Runners-up: Robbi Perez, Debbie Gilman Photography

Network Servicing

PC Networks

Founded in 2002, PC Networks offers a wide range of services and support to consumers and small and medium businesses. In addition to computer networking,
the company offers digital signage and audio-visual services.

  • Runners-up: Olympic IT, Microlynx, Help Desk Calvary, Denali IT

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: Timberland Bank

Best Credit Union

Kitsap Credit Union

KCU is a member-owned cooperative with more than a dozen branches throughout Kitsap County and more than 300 employees. KCU is committed to its members’ financial wellbeing and the prosperity and quality of life in the communities that the credit union serves.

  • Runners-up: Peninsula Credit Union

Best Salon

Ride Or Dye Salon

Owner Sarah Borden and her team of two barbers and two stylists craft bold cuts,
vibrant colors and unique styles, offering clients personalized hairtransformations that boost confidence in a creative, welcoming environment.

  • Runners-up: Seaport Salon & Spa,