THE READERS HAVE SPOKEN!

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 Pizza
Straight from NY
233 Liberty St NE
(503) 581-5863

Salem streets might be a lot calmer than the streets of New York, but one thing is similar: On both you can buy an excellent slice of pizza. Straight from NY offers whole pies or pizza by the slice; either way you'll enjoy hot dripping cheese, tangy sauce, crispy-chewy dough and your favorite toppings.

Best Sushi
Fuji Ricetime
159 High St SE
(503) 364-5512
fujiricetime.com

Fresh mango, crunchy cucumber, tempura shrimp and zesty fruit salsa put Ricetime's Tropical Roll (pictured above) into a class of its own. The restaurant, which also serves teriyaki rice bowls and other Japanese treats, offers a diverse sushi menu that changes with the season. "The Tropical Roll is very summery," said one of the workers. And summery it is. Not to mention flavorful and just plain scrumptious. Another summer specialty is the Submarine Roll. It boasts breaded shrimp and wasabi mayonnaise.

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 Live Theater
Pentacle Theatre
324 52nd Ave NW
(503) 364-7200
pentacletheatre.org

Live theatre is an exciting endeavor. What makes it even better? How about a theater in a lovely wooded setting with 50 years of high-quality shows under its belt. The folks at Pentacle continue to offer fresh new plays, showcase locally written, original scripts and display highly talented actors and directors. No wonder Salem keeps going back.

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 Picnic Spot
Riverfront Park

Although not shady, Salem.s favorite place to eat lunch alfresco is located between downtown and the rushing waters of the Willamette River. Whether you're looking for a romantic sunset dinner on the waterfront or lunch with the kids at the playground, Riverfront Park is versatile enough to work for just about anyone. The park can also host a large group in its new pavilion.

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.