Our annual Best of Winnipeg survey is a group effort.

This year, things got rolling way back in December, when Uptown editor John Kendle and several other high-level officials locked themselves in a room to hammer out the 90 categories for Best of Winnipeg 2008. It got ugly for a while, but no one was seriously injured.

Then it was your turn. For two-and-a-half months, any Winnipegger with a pen and some basic literacy skills - or access to a computer - had the opportunity to sound off about the people and places that make our city cool.

In April, Mike Sherby, Uptown's delightful intern-turned-contributor, began tabulating the votes - because mindless grunt work is what interns do. It was an extremely time-consuming and meticulous task, which is why we made Jared Story (who's used to long hours of tedium as our What's Up co-ordinator) help him.

For days they sat at their desks, painstakingly sifting through stacks of barely legible handwritten entries, trying to decide if "'80s Night" was in reference to a particular club, or just in general. Occasionally, there were a few laughs in response to your, um, creative license, demonstrated by the vote for Blockbuster as Best Indie CD Store.

When the official count was finished, it was time for more busywork. Top finishers were contacted, congratulated and photographed by Uptown's Natasha Peterson, who was happy to take a break from her usual gig snapping pictures of aging musicians breaking out the rock stance.

Next, addresses and phone numbers were confirmed - but we still weren't finished.

Rather than force Uptown staff writer Jen Zoratti to write 90 informative and insightful blurbs about your top picks (she was an intern too, once, and wrote 80 of 'em for Best of Winnipeg 2006), the job was divvyed up almost equitably amongst the staff (thanks again, Mike!). This proved to be a particularly gruelling ordeal for Marlo Campbell, Uptown's other staff writer and a woman who has trouble writing less than 700 words on any given topic at the best of times.

The finish line was near. Most spelling and grammatical errors were corrected (we hope), Marlo's blurbs were cut in half and our collective literary genius was handed over to Uptown art director Karl Thomsen for the final leg of the journey.

Using his Jedi-like mastery of the visual arts, Karl laid everything out in a way that not only made sense but also looked good.

At last, our job is over. You now hold 2008's finished product in your hands (unless, of course, you're reading this online, in which case you might want to thank Mike Goreski, our elusive web master and onetime rock star in charge of all things cyber-related).

We know the results of this year's Best of Winnipeg readers' poll will generate lively debate and possibly some anger, but hey, don't blame us - this is as much yours as ours.

Whether you agree or disagree, this survey reflects your opinions about the city we all call home. And this year there were a few surprises, particularly in the never-ending battle between non-Winnipeg corporate chains and local independents for coveted first-place spots - as evidenced by the Royal Albert taking top honours as best live music venue and The Fyxx finally beating out Tim Hortons for local coffee shop supremacy.

Until next year's poll, thanks for taking the time to be a part of the experience.

Contributors: Marlo Campbell, John Kendle, Mike Sherby and Jen Zoratti

1. Best Service
1) The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Several Winnipeg locations
The servers at The Keg are responsible for escorting that delicious hunk of meat from the grill to your table (done just the way you like it, of course). But it takes more than just speed, balance and above-average listening skills to be the best. The Keg's servers are also friendly and attentive, and can explain the difference between a strip loin and a sirloin without making you feel like an idiot. And with those extra-long aprons, they're ready for anything you can throw at them - literally.
2) Maxime's Restaurant & Lounge
1131 St. Mary's Rd., 257-1521
3) Moxie's Classic Grill
Several Winnipeg locations

2. Best Ethnic Restaurant
1) East India Company
349 York Ave., 947-3097
Fresh-baked nan bread. Lamb curry. Butter chicken. Veggie korma. Tandoori chicken. Chickpea salad. The list of items on the daily buffet at East India Company is mouthwatering in and of itself, which is why this restaurant is always packed with downtown office workers at lunchtime, and why it's useful to make a reservation on weekends. It's that good.
2) Lao Thai
763 Selkirk Ave., 589-0065
3) Massawa
200-121 Osborne St., 284-3194

3. Best New Restaurant
1) Fresh Café
775 Corydon Ave., 221-5775
Corydon may be known for its dinnertime hotspots, but this fresh face offers up a good reason to visit Little Italy during the day. As its name suggests, Fresh Café is all about freshness - from the bright, juicy décor, to the yummy juices, smoothies and fruit shakes you'll find there. Boasting a wide range of dishes made with fresh, organic ingredients, this spot is perfect for grabbing a healthy breakfast or lunch - or, for refuelling after a long day of shopping on the Corydon strip.
2) Tomato Pie Company
167 Osborne St., 477-6609
3) Joey's
Several Winnipeg locations

4. Best Restaurant Atmosphere
1) Earls Restaurant
Several Winnipeg locations
Here's hoping you Uptown readers weren't just thinking about the famous Earls Girls when you voted for this one. Earl's has renovated and come up with a décor worthy of this award. The restaurant and lounge have gone classy and upscale. If you're looking for somewhere nice to chill out and have a drink, and maybe some food, Earls is it.
2) Ichiban
189 Carlton Street, 925-7400
3) Tie: The Keg Steakhouse & Bar/Moxie's Classic Grill
Several Winnipeg locations

5. Best Place to Take a Date
1) Wasabi
105-131 Osborne St., 474-2332
If you're looking to spice things up with your prospective mate, according to Uptown readers, your best bet is to take them to Wasabi. Nothing will get your date more in the mood than a spicy Prairie Fire roll. Seriously though, this sushi kingpin of the city has the atmosphere that will have your date begging to go back to your place for some sake. And with Wasabi's extensive menu, you won't have to work very hard to impress him or her - unless you ask for a fork instead of chopsticks. You're own your own there.
2) Step N Out
157 Provencher Blvd. 956-STEP
3) Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
1 Lombard Place, 942-1000

6. Best Menu
1) Tie: Joey's/Maxime's Restaurant & Lounge/Santa Lucia Family Restaurant
635 St. James St., 339-5639/1131 St. Mary's Rd., 257-1521/4 St. Mary's Rd., 237-4134
From the innovative world cuisine of Joey's (is it the "drunken ginger dressing" that gives the Evil Jungle Noodle Salad its name?) to the classic American continental dishes of Maxime's - made even classier by the elegant decor - to the made-from-scratch, homestyle Greek and Italian fare of Santa Lucia's (pizza, anyone?), Winnipeggers were split on which restaurant's menu deserved top honours. There's only one way to settle this three-way tie: Visit each one and sample as many of their succulent offerings as possible.
2) Tie: Moxie's Classic Grill/Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
Several Winnipeg locations/One Lombard Pl., 942-1000
3) Fusion Grill
550 Academy Rd., 489-6963

7. Best Appetizer Menu
1) Earls Restaurant
Several Winnipeg locations
As any faithful Earls-goer will tell you, the restaurant's appetizer menu is top-notch, boasting a whole host of drool-worthy dishes to suit almost every culinary taste. Like your starters on the traditional side? Get the wings. Spicy? Chili Chicken is for you. Savoury? You'll want to try the Baby Calamari. There's literally something for everyone - unless your appetizer tastes lean towards 'fried and unidentifiable.'
2) Moxie's Classic Grill
Several Winnipeg locations
3) Basil's
137 Osborne St., 284-3000

8. Best Burger
1) VJs Drive Inn
170 Main St. 943-2655
There is truly nothing like chomping down on a double VJs special with fries. Sure, it's greasier than a night in Transcona, but like so many things that are bad for you, it feels so good. Apparently Winnipeggers agree, since this is the seventh year in a row VJs has won top honours for Best Burger. The fries are cooked perfectly, the burgers are phenomenal, and VJs only accepts cash, so you don't have to wait behind the dude who takes six tries to remember his PIN.
2) Daly Burger
619 Corydon Avenue, 284-4944
3) Tie: Burger Factory/Johnny G's
Several Winnipeg Locations

9. Best Local Pizza Restaurant
1) Santa Lucia Pizza
Several Winnipeg locations
Delicious and affordable, this family-owned and operated establishment (now with six convenient locations across town) has been pumping out the pies since 1971. According to the menu, the Santa Lucia Special - that's pepperoni, bacon, mushroom, onion and green pepper for the uninitiated - is "everyone's favourite" pizza, but clearly, when it comes to serving up mouth-watering pizza in a more general sense, Santa Lucia is everyone's favourite pizza, period.
2) Gondola Pizza
Several Winnipeg locations
3) Tie: Pizza Hotline/Gorilla Pizza
Several Winnipeg locations/300 St. Anne's, 777-6363

10. Best Steak House
1) The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Several Winnipeg locations
National restaurant chains are popular because they're easy and reliable, right? The Keg is no different. What does make this steakhouse chain unique is that, at this price point, it's important to know you're going to get excellent service and precisely cooked meals in an environment that can accommodate both suit-and-tie lunches and jeans-and-kids family dining. Keg-sized Caesars are fun, too.
2) Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
One Lombard Place, 942-1000
3) 529 Wellington
529 Wellington Cres., 487-8325

11. Best Fine Dining
1) 529 Wellington
529 Wellington Cres., 487-8325
A beautifully restored 1912 mansion overlooking the Assiniboine River is the setting for what has, in just seven years, become known as the city's finest restaurant. It's primarily a steakhouse, serving fine, perfectly aged cuts of meat, but there's plenty of fine fare for the less carnivorous in your party. Even if you're on a budget it's worth stopping into 529's cozy little lounge, just off the main entrance, for a cocktail and an appetizer, just to get a feel for the place.
2) Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
One Lombard Place, 942-1000
3) Hotel Fort Garry
222 Broadway, 942-8251

12. Best Late Night Dinning
1) Papa George's
93 Osborne St., 452-6044
It's 2 a.m., your favourite pub has just closed, and you're hungry. You need food in your stomach to help curb the oncoming hangover. What are you going to do? Sure, you could go to McDonald's, but why? Winnipeg institution Papa George's has been curing your late-night munchies until 4 a.m. on weekends for years now. With a full menu of Greek and local favourites to choose from, and understanding servers, Papa George's can't be beat, even if you don't remember it the next morning.
2) Johnny G's
172 Main St., 943-1072; 177 McDermot Ave., 942-6656
3) Boston Pizza
Several Winnipeg Locations

13. Best Ice Cream/Gelato
1) Nucci's Gelati
643 Corydon Ave., 475-8765
On warm summer evenings, Winnipeg's Little Italy literally teems with people. So much so on weekends that traffic slows to a crawl as drivers people-watch and sidewalk crowds spill onto the streets. One of the most happening spots on the Corydon strip is Nucci's - most Winnipeggers' favourite after-dinner stop for fresh ices and gelati.
2) Bridge Drive-In
766 Jubilee Ave., 475-6850
3) G.G. Gelati
705 Corydon Ave., 453-5710

14. Best Food Vendor
1) Smoke'n Bob's Hot Dogs
Street meat - the phrase can conjure up so many negative connotations. But really, who doesn't get the craving for a hot dog covered in sauerkraut every now and then? Much like Superman, there's a good chance Smoke'n Bob's will be there in your time of need. And it's not just hot dogs - if you can BBQ it, there's a chance he's got it. Plus, he's always there with a friendly smile when you need him, unlike your roommate when rent is due.
2) Santa Lucia/Goldie's
3) Taste of Sri Lanka

15. Best Patio
1) Saffron's
681 Corydon Ave., 284-2602
Snagging the title from serial winner Bar Italia, Uptown readers are giving a little love to the patio up the street. Sure, this may have something to do with the nubile young hostesses strategically stationed outside the front doors, but Saffron's spacious, sunny patio is great place to sit, have a drink and see and be seen.
2) Bar Italia
737 Corydon Ave., 452-1929
3) Tavern United Powerhouse
260 Hargrave Street, 944-0022

16. Best Neighbourhood Pub
1) The Toad in The Hole Pub & Eatery
112 Osborne, 294-7201
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. It might not be Cheers, but The Toad sure does feel like home. Actually, it's better than home, since your place probably doesn't offer Guinness on tap. Plus, it's got cozy booths, dartboards, and a wide beer selection. Uptown went there to do some 'research' because we take this award very seriously. After a couple of hours we agreed with our loyal readers: The Toad is the best neighbourhood pub around. Now if only we could get the room to stop spinning...
2) The King's Head Pub
120 King Street, 957-7710
3) Dylan O'Connor's Irish Pub
2609 Portage Ave., 831-6730; 9-1875 Pembina, 275-1926

17. Best Beer Selection
1) The King's Head Pub
120 King St., 957-7710
Beer! The nectar of the Gods! Row upon row of shining taps ready to dispense the golden liquid. It's like a dream come true. If the King's Head doesn't have it, you probably can't find it anywhere in the city. They have 15 domestic and import beers on tap, from the deliciously dark Guinness, to a selection from locals Half Pints. Better start training your liver.
2) The Toad in The Hole Pub & Eatery
112 Osborne St, 294-7201
3) Tavern United
Several Winnipeg locations

18. Best Wine List
1) 529 Wellington
529 Wellington Cres., 487-8325
At least 600 selections grace the wine cellar at 529, and the sommeliers know what they're doing. This means that even if you only want to spend $25 on a domestic vintage, you're still getting the highest quality vino available. Should your tastes be more extravagant, then the cellar is your oyster. Chateau Lafitte, anyone?
2) Tie: The Keg Steakhouse & Bar/Fude Inspired Cuisine & Wine Bar
Several Winnipeg locations/303-99 Osborne St., 284-3833
3) Noir Wine Bar & Eatery
470-B River Ave., 477-6777

19. Best Wine Bar
1) Noir Wine Bar & Eatery
470-B River Ave., 477-6777
A relative newcomer to the Winnipeg scene, Noir sits in the sub-ground level of the block also occupied by Kustom Kulture. Decorated, as the name suggests, in a funky mix of black and green, the restaurant is set up as a Mediterranean/Iberian tapas-style eatery. Emphasis, however, is definitely placed on the beverages on offer. While the wine list isn't as extensive as 529's (storage is an issue), it is well-thought-out. When Noir's patio is open in the warmer months, it is a place to see and be seen.
2) Fude Inspired Cuisine & Wine Bar
303-99 Osborne St., 284-3833
3) Oui Bistro & Wine Bar
283 Bannatyne Ave., 989-7700

20. Best Sports Bar
1) Boston Pizza
Several Winnipeg locations
Team pitcher-and-pizza specials for soccer and baseball teams in uniform. Boston Bucks coupons that can be redeemed at the end of your rec slo-pitch season. Need we say more about Boston Pizza's rep for being the best sports bars in town? There are also large-screen televisions visible from just about every nook and cranny of each BP location., so even after your game, you can still catch the end of the playoff game - which is important at this time of year.
2) Tavern United
Several Winnipeg locations
3) Confusion Corner Bar & Grill
500 Corydon Ave., 284-6666

21. Best Bar to Spend the Day In
1) Bar Italia
737 Corydon Ave, 452-1929
What isn't there to like about this Winnipeg institution? It has one of the best patios for people-watching in the city, not to mention a fine selection of beverages, coffees and food. Head down to Bar I and you're sure to find a couple people you know - and if not, you'll make some new friends. This is a friendly little corner of the city to relax in on a hot summer day or a cold winter night.
2) The King's Head Pub
120 King St., 957-7710
3) The Toad in The Hole Pub & Eatery
112 Osborne St., 294-7201

22. Best Server
1) Quentin Towns (Royal Albert Arms)
For almost as long as many Uptown readers can remember, Quentin Towns has been the face behind the long wooden bar at the Royal Albert Arms Hotel, Winnipeg's home to all things punkarockarolla and also host, for years, to the rockingest Thursday draught night anywhere. With quiet efficiency, Q gets the job done, remembers faces and orders and, when he's actually got some time, he loves to rock out to the music onstage, too.
2) Karis (Second Cup, Kildonan Place)
3) Aleister (The Toad in the Hole Pub & Eatery)

23. Best Bartender
1) Dave Giroux, The King's Head Pub
Dave is the kind of bartender that'll actually have a beer poured and waiting for you before you even get to your table. He's always in a good mood. Seriously, there are lineups at The King's Head sometimes that would make a less seasoned bartender break down and cry, but Dave just goes about with a smile on his face getting everything done. Like any good bartender, he's friendly, but won't hesitate to put in a little jab at your expense if necessary. Whether you're a regular or a newbie, he's the most cheerful bartender you'll ever have.
2) Francis, The King's Head Pub
3) Aleister, The Toad In The Hole Pub & Eatery

24. Best Local Coffee Shop
1) The Fyxx Espresso Bar
Several Winnipeg locations
There's always at least two ground brews going at every Fyxx location, one dark, one light. And then there's every possible espresso concoction you can think of. Add cool staff, funky atmosphere and to that, a list of unique salad and sandwich choices that can't be beaten, and it's pretty obvious why The Fyxx is considered the best local java shop. Try the one on Albert Street for that authentic feel.
2) Le Garage Café
166 Provencher Blvd., 237-0737
3) Tie: Neighbourhood Bookstore and Café/Bar Italia
898 Westminster Ave., 772-0509/737 Corydon Ave., 452-1929

25. Best Sushi Restaurant
1) Wasabi
588 Broadway Ave., 774-4328; 105-121 Osborne St., 474-2332
They say you eat with your eyes as much as with your mouth, which could explain why Wasabi's sushi tastes so good: its beautiful rolls are nothing less than edible art pieces, and its primary location - an old house that's been converted into a cool-yet-intimate hipster hang-out - turns dining into a distinctly unique experience. As an added bonus, Wasabi On Broadway is quickly developing a reputation for being the place where out-of-town celebrities go to eat after the shoot, which means you never know who you might be sharing a room with...
2) Sushi Train
Several Winnipeg locations
3) Meiji Sushi Japanese Restaurant & Martini Bar
454 River Ave., 284-3996; 10-1875 Pembina Hwy, 453-1120

26. Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant
1) Mondragon Bookstore and Coffee House
91 Albert St., 946-5241
We know it's probably not the best way to judge a vegan restaurant, but this food is so good that even the most voracious carnivores will be able to find something on the menu they like. Everything is made fresh at Mondragon, it's as local as you can get, and it's all cruelty-free, so those recurring nightmares of being attacked by dead cows might go away.
2) Delicious Vegetarian Restaurant
1467 Pembina, 477-1530
3) Dandelion Eatery
2-230 Osborne St., 453-5755

27. Best Dance Club
1) Blush Ultraclub
323 Portage Ave.
Sexy and sophisticated, the new Blush Ultraclub is one of the 'Peg's biggest and busiest night clubs. At 19,000 square feet, this chic new joint boasts four bars and plenty of room to shake it on the dance floor. Speaking of shaking, resident DJ Miss M works her magic at the decks every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, mixing up the usual Top 40 fare with mash-ups, house, and electronica. Our advice? Go early if you want to get in. Navigating monster lines in stilettos is never fun - especially in January.
2) Club Desire
441 Main St., 956-5544
3) Tie: Alive in the District/ Tijuana Yacht Club
140 Bannatyne Ave., 989-8080/1405 St. Matthews Ave., 775-8791

28. Hottest Club Clientele
1) Blush Ultraclub
323 Portage Ave.
It makes sense that the best dance club in town has the hottest clientele. You'll fit right in at this upscale downtown dance club if you're among Winnipeg's beautiful people - and even if you're not, Blush has that forgiving club lighting and alcohol aplenty. After a few Red Bull-and-vodkas, you'll find the clientele gets even hotter.
2) Alive in the District
140 Bannatyne Ave., 989-8080
3) Tijuana Yacht Club
1405 St. Matthews Ave., 775-8791

29. Best Club Theme Night
1) Ready Mix at Ozzie's
160 Osborne St., 452-9824
With the transformation of the Die Maschine into a clothing store, and The Pyramid no longer putting on Mod Night, someone needed to step up to the plate in this city. Enter Ready Mix, a weekly dance party full of enough indie, dance, new wave, Brit-pop, and anything else you can think of. Cheap beer and good tunes: What else do you want? Plus there's enough music to keep even the most discerning hipster happy. You might even see one crack a smile, but only briefly.
2) '80s Night
3) Desire
441 Main St., 956-5544

30. Best Live Music Venue
1) The Royal Albert Arms
48 Albert St., 943-8433
What's the one thing that punk, metal, and indie fans can agree on? Apparently, it's that the Albert is the place to go to see live music in this city. The music is deafening and the place has plenty of character - you gotta love The Pole. Part of the charm of the Albert is the eclectic lineups it hosts, as you never know what you're going to see there. The Exchange District linchpin has new owners, but so far, they're not messing with what works.
2) The Pyramid Cabaret
176 Fort St., 957-7777
3) The West End Cultural Centre
586 Ellice Ave., 783-6918

31. Best Local Band
1) The Weakerthans
A new album, 2007's Reunion Tour, and almost constant touring have brought The Weakerthans squarely back into the national and international music spotlight in the past year. Couple the band's obvious musical ability with John K. Samson's lyrics about the Golden Boy, Winnipeg Transit drivers and curling, and it's not hard to see why they're so well-loved. Plus they've been on our cover approximately 72 times.
2) Inward Eye
3) The Angry Dragons

32. Best New Local Band
1) Mad Young Darlings
Mad Young Darlings isn't exactly a new band - it cut its first demo in 2006 and has been gigging around town since then - but the goth-tinged art-rock outfit has such an awesome live show that we'll let this one slide. Fronted by the striking and enigmatic Natasha, the band is known for its ethereal and impossibly energetic stage presence - something we haven't seen too much of lately. Natasha and guitarist Brad Donahue recently parted ways with bandmates Chad Thompson and Antony Brouwer and are currently in the process of recruiting new members. Hopefully, the Darlings will rock it out on a stage near you soon.
2) The Angry Dragons
3) Boats

33. Best New Local CD
1) Tie: American Flamewhip - Fingertight/ The Weakerthans - Reunion Tour
Two very different releases from two of the 'Peg's best bands snagged top honours in this category - but it's easy to see why Uptown readers were divided. American Flamewhip's Fingertight is a feral, rock 'n' roll punch to the gut while The Weakerthans' Reunion Tour is a stunning series of poetic vignettes about wronged house cats, Winnipeg bus drivers and Bigfoot. Tough call - but we think this particular tie is a nod to the diversity and breadth of our music scene.
2) Boats - Intercontinental Champion
3) Asado - Asado

34. Best Exotic Dance Venue
1) Teaser's Burlesque Cabaret
611 Archibald Ave., 237-8901
Have you ever fantasized about a woman disrobing to Who Let The Dogs Out? Well, unless your girlfriend is super cool, the only place you're going to get to see that is at Teaser's. This St. Boniface club has all the nudity your heart - and loins - desire, and is open seven days a week. The erection section has a seat waiting for you.
2) The Gentleman's Club
216 Notre Dame St., 942-6712
3) Sin City

35. Best Gym/Fitness Studio
1) YMCA
Several Winnipeg locations
For some, working out is energizing and fun. For others, it's more like a necessary evil. Either way, the Y has got you covered. Aside from the great people-watching opportunities, its four Winnipeg locations offer an assortment of fitness equipment and recreational activities that will whip you into shape - everything from tai chi and step classes to basketball and wall climbing. And, with reasonable monthly rates, you'll be able to afford to reward yourself with ice cream after a particularly gruelling session.
2) Shapes Fitness Centre
Several Winnipeg locations
3) Wellness Institute
1075 Leila, 632-3900