Over the past two months, you, our critically minded readers, have made the only tough decision this election year -- voting for your favorite restaurants, community organizations, and nightlife hotspots.

We had hundreds of votes come into Salem Monthly's "Best Of" headquarters. Some businesses pandered, other flat-out begged, but you maintain your integrity and turned out to perform your civic duty.

On a few accounts you decided that you didn't want to share your personal connections with us, such as hair stylists and massage therapists. Can't say that we blame you, but the lack of trust hurts. What do you think we're going to do? Publish them in the paper and drum up so much business that you have to make appointments a year ahead of time? Yeah, we don't blame you for keeping mum.

Massage therapists and hairdresses aside, the sheer number of results was mind-boggling. So many businesses were voted for that we couldn't possibly mention them all. But it's clear from your votes that Salem has a lot of great places to get some grub, steal some culture, and party like it's 1999.

Best Burger

Rock-N-Rogers 3235 Market St NE (503) 362-5517 fujiricetime.com It's no wonder Rock-N-Rogers is Salem's favorite place to get a burger. They boast only the freshest of ingredients. And oh boy do they have ingredients. Pictured here is the Rock-N-Rogers Favorite. This baby comes with a fresh, handmade patty, melted cheese, thick piles of ham, smoky bacon, a crispy fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a pickle, on top of the bun, because honestly nothing else would fit on this burger. Burgers can be ordered with a side of homemade fries.

Best Thai

Thai Orchid 285 Liberty St NE (503) 391-2930 thaiorchidrestaurant.com With sweeping views of downtown Salem from Liberty Plaza, Thai Orchid offers a large selection of authentic Thai treats. Pictured here is an appetizer platter with four dipping sauces, shrimp, chicken and tofu pad thai, yellow curry, and rice. They offer extensive vegetarian options and you can choose your own level of spiciness.

Best Mexican

La Hacienda Real 3690 Commercial St SE (503) 540-5537 Salem is home to many options for delicious Mexican eats, but in a landslide vote, you picked La Hacienda Real as your favorite. It.s no wonder, considering they make their tortillas fresh and their menu includes such savory delights as the Hacienda Mix and Shrimp Mariscada (pictured above). The Hacienda Mix offers hungry patrons a hearty portion of steak cutlets, pork carnitas, fried trout, beans, rice and shrimp sauté. Shrimp Mariscada offers three different shrimp dishes . garlic shrimp, shrimp sauté, and shrimp, octopus and scallops in a spicy red sauce as well as beans and rice. La Hacienda Real also serves up all the usual suspects, enchiladas, tacos, burritos at better than expected quality.

Best Chinese

Kwan's 835 Commercial St SE (503) 362-7711 kwanscuisine.com Salem's culinary claim to fame, Kwan's has quite a following both locally and nationally. While we were there we met a couple who lived in Monterey, Calif., who had heard about it down there and were encouraged to stop on their way through Oregon to visit relatives in Washington. "We were told we had to stop in Salem and try Chef Kwan.s Strawberry Chicken," said the couple. They also ordered Garlic Emu and pot stickers and reportedly enjoyed every bite. Kwan's boasts fresh veggies, organic meat and some of the most innovative recipes you'll find anywhere. Meat selections include the usual suspects such as chicken and beef along with emu, ostrich, buffalo and halibut. Pictured here, Chef Kwan shows off his Sizzling Buffalo Mushroom Flambé. Kwan's offers complete banquet services for 10 to 175 people.

Best Indian

India Palace 377 Court St NE (503) 371-4807 True, there aren't many options when it comes to Mideast fare in Salem. But India Palace would stand out even if there were a plethora. Their delicious lunch buffet is offered seven days a week and consists of a salad and fruit bar as well as all you can eat of your Indian favorites -- tandoori chicken, spinach saag and curry lamb to name a few of the usual suspects. They also have a full menu for those looking to try some lesser known dishes.

Best Italian
	Da Vinci's 180 High St SE (503) 399-1413 davincisofsalem.com Mamma mia! Salemites know good Italian food and so does Da Vinci's, Salem's favorite spot to Mangia Tutto (eat up!). Rustic brick and hardwood floors give this little ristorante cozy, old-world charm. They offer a dinner menu and full bar.

Best Vegetarian

Marco Polo Marco Polo Most restaurants offer a vegetarian section of their menu. But Marco Polo hopes to take it one step further and open a vegetarian restaurant. Jackey and Cathay Cheung moved Marco Polo Global Restaurant up the street to 300 Liberty at the end of July. Here they will continue to serve their current menu, which includes Italian, Chinese and Vegetarian options. In early August they will turn the old Marco Polo location into a vegetarian restaurant, which will focus on healthy alternatives, vegan meals, gluten-free options and other vegetarian fare. Pictured here is one of their specialty vegetarian dishes . North Atlantic Tofu.

Best Steak

Best Little Roadhouse 1145 Commercial St SE (503) 365-7225 bestlittleroadhouse.com Carnivores unite! Best Little Roadhouse serves up steak with the works. Pictured here BLR.s manager shows off the 12 oz sirloin with sweet potato and green bean garnish. But you can order bigger sizes and different cuts. The menu offers up rib eye, New York strip, filet mignon and porterhouse. Any of which can come drizzled with the sauce of your choice or mushrooms and onions for an additional charge.

Best Breakfast
	Busick Court 250 Court St NE (503) 370-8107 busickcourt.com There.s nothing quite as enjoyable as waking up on a lazy Sunday morning, rolling out of bed and going out to breakfast. Salemites definitely know where the good stuff is. Busick Court specializes in breakfast. Pictured here is a tasty order of Huevos Rancheros.

Best Winery

Honeywood Winery 1350 Hines St SE (503) 362-4111 honeywoodwinery.com Willamette Valley dwellers love their wine, especially from local wineries. Honeywood Winery stands out to Salemites because of its vast selection of fruity wines, friendly tasting room staff and laid back atmosphere. It also has a great wine-flavored gift shop. Pictured here is owner Paul Gallick, "Jack of all Trades" Lesley Gallick and Marketing Director Stanley Tobiason III.

Best Yoga Studio

Indigo Wellness 3276 Commercial St SE (503) 370-9090 indigowellnesscenter.com With calming colors, soothing music and a staff of health professionals, it.s no surprise Indigo Wellness is your favorite place to practice yoga. Dr. Zorah Campbell offers a wide schedule of yoga for all skill levels, as well as a variety of yoga styles. All classes are taught by trained professionals, so if you're new to yoga, don't worry, you won't get your leg stuck behind your head.

Best Fresh Produce
	Saturday Market (503) 585-8264 salemsaturdaymarket.com Fresh fruits and veggies abound at Salem.s Saturday and Wednesday Markets. It doesn.t get much fresher than straight from the farm, plus it.s fun to interact with the person who tended those tomatoes you're about to turn into pasta sauce.

Best Movie Theater

Salem Cinema 445 High St SE # 2 (503) 378-7676 salemcinema.com Sick of summer blockbusters? Tired of worn-out plotlines and the same old comedy routines? you're not the only one, which is why Salem Cinema won for Best Movie Theater. Not only are they the only movie house in town to offer art, foreign and independent films, they also offer a kick-ass snack bar with funky popcorn toppers such as parmesan cheese and brewer.s yeast. Proud theater owner Loretta Miles is pictured here.

Best Kid's Entertainment

A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village 116 Marion St NE (503) 371-3631 acgilbert.org The August sun is pounding, the flies are buzzing, and your kid is .boooooorrrred!.. What.s a parent to do? Salem parents head over to Gilbert House, a children.s museum with rotating exhibits, a huge playground and, of course, the bubble room. Marketing Director Stephanie Lenox says that.s one exhibit that probably will never leave the museum.

Best Downtown Shop
	Ten Thousand Villages 474 Court St NE (503) 585-1636 tenthousandvillages.com Downtown has so many cute little shops, it.s a wonder you were able to agree on just one. Ten Thousand Villages boasts fairly traded merchandise from around the world and good prices to boot. The store.s contents are constantly changing, so it.s fun to visit and browse often.

Best Downtown Shop
	Ten Thousand Villages 474 Court St NE (503) 585-1636 tenthousandvillages.com Downtown has so many cute little shops, it.s a wonder you were able to agree on just one. Ten Thousand Villages boasts fairly traded merchandise from around the world and good prices to boot. The store.s contents are constantly changing, so it.s fun to visit and browse often.

Best Art Gallery

Mary Lou Zeek 335 State St (503) 581-3229 zeekgallery.com Everyone knows about Mary Lou Zeek.s downtown gallery, which showcases local and national artists as well as a large selection of artsy trinkets and goodies. But you may not be aware that she has recently opened an additional gallery . Mary Lou Zeek Gallery 2. It.s open to the public, but by appointment only and is located on the 6th floor of Capitol Tower.

Best Bookstore

Book Bin 450 Court St NE (503) 361-1235 bookbin.com Borders Schmorders. Salem.s favorite bookstore is locally owned and a cornerstone of downtown. Book Bin is a comfy, casual shop that offers mostly used books. They are picky about what they take in, which means good things for you, the consumer. Expect quality used books at a fair price and an excellent selection. Book Bin also offers resources to home school families.

Best Tattoo / Best Piercing
	Addictions 176 Liberty St SE (503) 588-6688 Jori Zan.s 2376 State St (503) 399-9633 For as long as SM has given Best of Salem awards, Addictions has won for Best Tattoo Parlor. We welcome them back again this year, but in the spirit of diversity we split the category so that someone else could get a fair shake. Jori Zans is this year.s winner for best piercing parlor. Congratulations to both!

Best Eco-Friendly Business

Lifesource 2649 Commercial St SE (503) 361-7973 lifesourcenaturalfoods.com Organic fruits and vegetables. Natural soda pop. Locally grown meat. Fairly traded coffee and chocolate. Sustainable business practices. An electric company car. These are just a few of the reasons why you voted Lifesource as your favorite eco-friendly business. And apparently you're not the only ones. Recently Lifesource was awarded the 2008 Socially Responsible Retailer Award by the Natural Products Association. Pretty prestigious considering it.s a national honor shared by only five other businesses.

Best Park
	Bush Park Home of Art Fair, Bush Barn, a playground, complete with a crooked house, a lovely rose garden and shady paths, there is always something to do among the trees of Bush Park. Located near downtown, it.s the perfect respite to a busy day or bored child.

Best Nonprofit

Salem Multicultural Institute 189 Liberty St NE (503) 581-2004 From the folks who brought you the World Beat Festival comes Salem Multicultural Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural harmony and understanding through activities. World Beat Festival is only one of the ways they do this. They also host exhibits in their Reed Opera House office. Pictured here, two volunteers prepare for their upcoming showcase of international marriage customs, which runs through September 30.

Best Nightclub

Six Ultra Lounge 888 Liberty St NE (503) 399-9062 Six Ultra Lounge is Salem.s little bit of nightlife heaven. Located right smack in the middle of downtown, this hotspot is hopping far into the night and offers a big-city scene for Salemites. 248 Liberty St NE (503) 588-2270 myspace.com/sixultralounge BEST BREWPUB Boon.s Treasury Burgers, beer and bands, oh my! Boon.s Treasury has everything a good brewpub needs. Salem loves live music and the only thing that makes it better is a tall, cold Terminator Stout, or one of Boon.s other specialty beers. The pub also offer a good selection of food.

Best Karaoke
	Gaslight (Now Chiam Bar and Restaurant) 2865 Liberty St. NE (503) 399-8282 For several years Gaslight delivered karaoke nights . the best karaoke nights, according to our readers. Now it.s changed its name to Chiam, but still plans to offer killer karaoke weekends. So warm up those chops and impress your friends with a rendition of .Bohemian Rhapsody..

Best Bar

Sapphire Lounge (now Club Crush) 3743 Commercial St SE (503) 485-2880 myspace.com/sapphirelive Sapphire Lounge, once pegged as a cop.s nightmare has recently changed names and is working on changing its image. Apparently Salem.s hip to this new look. Club Crush now offers house band Top Shelf every Thursday night and a Top 40 dance party throughout the weekend. The club.s goal is to provide a fun, safe place to party . and so far it seems to be working. Security staff.s been reduced and there hasn.t been police activity in several months.

Best Live Music
	The Space Only a few months old, The Space already appears to have a pretty decent following here in Salem. Offering live music throughout the weekend and a full bar, The Space is a great venue for local musicians to strut their stuff. The owners hope to keep the momentum going with shows playing throughout August.

Best Singles Bar
	The Brick 105 Liberty St NE (503) 375-0959 Looking for love in all the wrong places? Well here.s where to do it right. The Brick is always hopping and packed to the gills with singles. Just add a healthy dose of margarita and you're ready to meet Mister or Miss Right.

Best Brewpub
	Boon's Treasury 888 Liberty St NE (503) 399-9062 mcmenamins.com Burgers, beer and bands, oh my! Boon's Treasury has everything a good brewpub needs. Salem loves live music and the only thing that makes it better is a tall, cold Terminator Stout, or one of Boon's other specialty beers. The pub also offer a good selection of food.

Best Gay Friendly Bar

Southside Speakeasy 3529 Fairview Ind Dr SE (503) 362-1139 southsidespeakeasy.com Gay-friendly? Try people-friendly! Southside is one of the most well-loved Salem nightspots. People come here for the steak specials, the drinks, the music, the dancing, and yes, the accepting and friendly atmosphere that puts both gay and straight people at ease. The only problem? Folks who frequent the Speakeasy claim this is the ONLY gay-friendly club in Salem. Ouch.

Best College Bar
	The Ram 515 12 St SE (503) 363-1904 theram.com Maybe it.s the widescreen TVs. Maybe it.s the young, sporty atmosphere. Maybe it.s the cheerful wait staff. Most likely, it.s all of the above that makes this Salem.s favorite college hangout. Come in on a busy Saturday night (especially a game night) and it.s a who.s who of both WU and WOU.

Best Pool
	Sharky's 3985 Commercial St SE (503) 391-4912 This place has got balls . pool balls that is. Not to mention a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a fully stocked bar. No wonder when Salem gets a hankering to chalk up the ol. stick they come here.