Top readers’ choice winners through the years

#BestofCharleston

 Winning a Best of Charleston award has long been a stamp of excellence. After 25 years of naming readers’ Best of Charleston winners, we’re up to a whopping 400-plus categories. The competition is always fierce, but there is an incredible slate of Lowcountry businesses that rock the vote time and again. Here are some of the all-stars that have dominated a category for years.

Best of Charleston winners through the years

Winners for 25 years

Best Desserts – Kaminsky’s Dessert & Cafe

Best Surf Shop – McKevlin’s Surf Shop

Best Bike Shop – Mike’s Bikes

Winners for 24 years

Best Jewelry Store – Croghan’s Jewel Box 

Best West Ashley Bar – Gene’s Haufbrau

Best Weatherman – Rob Fowler 

Best Tire Store – Gerald’s Tires & Brakes

Best Bagels – Bagel Nation

Best Dive Shop – Charleston Scuba
(won 24 straight years until closed by fire)

Winners for 23 years

Best Place to Buy Local Seafood – Crosby’s 

Best Island – Sullivan’s Island

Best Florist – Tiger Lily

Winners for 22 years

Best Golf Course – The Ocean Course

Winners for 21 years

Best Neighborhood Bar – Moe’s Crosstown Tavern

Best Thrift Store – Goodwill 

Best Bookstore – Barnes & Noble

Best Realty Company – Carolina One

Best Pawn Shop – Money Man Pawn

Other top winners through the years

Best Caterer – Cru Catering (20 wins)

Best Insurance Agency – State Farm (20)

Best New York Style Pizza – Andolini’s Pizza (20)

Best IOP Restaurant – The Boathouse (20)

Best Seafood – Hank’s (19)

Best Rock Music Club – The Music Farm (19)

Best Hotel – Charleston Place (19)

Best Marina – Charleston City Marina (19)

Best Romantic Restaurant – Fulton Five (now closed) (19)

Best Local TV Station – WCBD  (18)

Best Wings – Wild Wing Cafe (17)

Best Charlestonian – Joe Riley (16)

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