Saturday, May 25, 2013
By Ray Routhier rrouthier@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
(Continued from page 3)
Nemo Burian hoists a freshly baked potato, bacon and scallion pizza at Otto Pizza on Congress Street in Portland, the Readers Choice winner for best pizza.
Photos by John Patriquin/Staff Photographer
Stylist Jessica Parzych, right, takes care of Krista Wood of South Portland at Head Games Salon for Hair & Body in Portland, the readers favorite for best hair and nail salon.
All karaoke, all the time. Well, not all the time, but Sunday through Thursday anyway. With DJ Don Corman and DJ Mike Mahoney.
Sea Dog Brewing Company
Various locations
A wide assortment of beer selections might make the karaoke sound even better. It couldn't hurt.
Second Place: Asylum, Portland
Honorable Mention: None
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Nickelodeon
1 Temple St., Portland
772-9751; patriotcinemas.com/nickelodeon.html
In this day and age, there's something very cool about being able to see first-run films right downtown. They have a good selection of art-house films as well.
Second Place: Cinemagic, Westbrook
Honorable Mention: Cinemagic, Saco
BEST DRIVE-IN
Saco Drive-In
969 Portland Road, Saco
284-1016
This venerable drive-in on Route 1 is run by a group of University of Southern Maine business students. Talk about a "reel" world education.
Second Place: Prides Corner Drive-In, Westbrook
Honorable Mention: Bridgton Twin Drive-In, Bridgton
BEST PERFORMANCE ARTS THEATER
Maine State Music Theatre
Pickard Theatre, 1 Bath Road, Brunswick
725-8769; msmt.org
This theater traces its roots to the 1950s and the Brunswick Summer Playhouse. As Maine State Music Theatre, it puts on some of the greatest musicals of all time every year.
Second Place: Portland Stage, Portland
Honorable Mention: Merrill Auditorium, Portland
BEST LIGHTHOUSE
Portland Head Light
1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth
799-2661; portlandheadlight.com
The first time you see Portland Head Light, you say, "Oh yeah, I've seen this before." Its image is on postcards, calendars and all manner of trinkets. Basically, when photographers want a picture of the perfect lighthouse, this is where they go.
Second Place: Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth
Honorable Mention: Bug Light, South Portland
BEST SUMMER FESTIVAL
Yarmouth Clam Festival
Over the past 46 years, this event has grown into one of Maine's signature summer moments. There's the parade, the clam shucking contest and the Diaper Derby. Oh yeah, and of course, boat-loads of clams to eat.
Second Place: Old Port Festival, Portland
Honorable Mention: Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
Bayside Bowl
58 Alder St., Portland
791-2695; baysidebowl.com
This bowling alley has become the hip place in Portland during the past couple of years. Yes, there's bowling, but there's also a bar, pub food and a live music space. So you really never have to leave.
Second Place: Yankee Lanes, Portland
Honorable Mention: Big 20 Bowling Center, Scarborough
BEST AMUSEMENT PARK
Funtown Splashtown USA
774 Portland Road (U.S. Route 1), Saco
284-5139; funtownusa.com
Two parks in one -- a traditional amusement park and a water park. Hard to beat that combo. Plus, it has one of the best radio jingles ever.
Second Place: Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach
Honorable Mention: Aquaboggan, Saco
BEST MUSEUM
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Square, Portland
775-6148; portlandmuseum.org
The Portland Museum of Art is consistently rated one of the best art museums around, and it's a big tourist draw as well. Check out the John Marin show on display through Oct. 10.
Second Place: Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland
Honorable Mention: Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland
BEST ART GALLERY
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Square, Portland
775-6148; portlandmuseum.org
A great place to see art is a great place to see art. No matter what you call it.
Second Place (TIE): Greenhut Galleries, Portland; Space Gallery, Portland
Honorable Mention: None
BEST BOOKSTORE
Borders
430 Gorham Road, South Portland
If you like Borders, you'd better hurry -- it's going out of business. For years, Borders was the "go-to" store for people looking for books and music. Lucky for Maine, there are great independent bookstores around to fill the void.
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Bayside Bowl in Portland is the Readers Choice winner for best bowling alley. It also has a bar, pub food and a performance space. |
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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth wins the most votes from readers for the best lobster roll and for best outdoor dining. |
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Novare Res Bier Cafe in Portland is the top vote-getter for best bar. Staff file photo |
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University of Southern Maine students Ry Russell, left, Tyler Wells and Patric Brophy run the Saco Drive-In, awinner with readers. Staff file photo |
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