The Crown Island is full of gems and jewels – your votes have been cast and here are the results for the best of the best on Coronado. We’ve also added some editors’ picks to share extra tidbits and favorites from around the island.
Best Overall Restaurant:
Breakfast: Clayton’s Coffee Shop
Brunch: Hotel del Coronado
Lunch: Tartine
Dinner: Primavera Ristorante
Best Hotel Restaurant: 1500 OCEAN, Hotel del Coronado
Bistro/Café: Tartine
Who serves the best…
American/Californian: Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge
Asian: Bistro d’Asia
Bagels: Bruegger’s Bagels
Barbecue: Lil’ Piggys
Burgers: Burger Lounge
Comfort Food: Clayton’s Coffee Shop
Cupcakes: Coronado Cupcakery
Deli: Boney’s Bayside Market
Dessert: Tartine
French: Chez Loma
Frozen Yogurt: Yogurt Escape
Gelato: Nado Gelato
Greek: Spiro’s Greek Cafe
Italian: Primavera Ristorante
Ice Cream: Mootime Creamery
Mexican: Miguel’s Cocina
Pastry: Tartine
Pizza: Fire + Fly Artisan Pizza
Seafood: The Brigantine
Steak: Stake Chophouse& Bar
Sushi: Saiko Sushi
Takeout: Clayton’s Mexican Take-out
Wine list: Wine a Bit
Who is the best…
Chef: Billy Gilchriest, Tartine
Caterer: Casey Aegerter, Southern Hospitality Catering
Where to lay your head…
Best Hotel (100+ rooms): Hotel del Coronado
Best Small/Boutique Hotel: Hotel Marisol
Best Bed and Breakfast: 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach
Keep the good times rolling!
Bar Scene: McP’s Irish Pub
Entertainment: McP’s Irish Pub
Hideaway: Danny’s Palm Bar
Live Music: McP’s Irish Pub
Theater (live): Lamb’s Players Theatre
Wine Bar: Wine a Bit
Most pet friendly restaurant: Tartine
Shop till you drop at the best…
Art Gallery: Art & Frames
Consignment Shop: Thrift Cottage (Christ Church)
Flowers: Root 75
Gifts: Babcock and Story, Hotel del Coronado
Hardware: Coronado Hardware
Home Furnishings: Cotier
Jewelry: Muhl Jewelers
Pet Supplies: Wag’n Tails
Office Supplies: Business Products Express
Women’s Clothing: La Mer
Where to go for a workout…
Gym: Coronado Fitness Club
Yoga Studio: Coronado Yoga & Wellness
Pilates Studio: Bamboo Pilates
Exercise Instructor: Alexis Marshall, Coronado Yoga & Wellness Center
Personal Trainer: Chris Foote, Coronado Fitness Club
Yoga Instructor: Linda Marques, Coronado Yoga & Wellness
Dance Studio: Coronado Academy of Dance
Look your best with a little help from your friends…
Barber: Island Barber
Beauty Salon: Salon de Ville
Esthetician: Penny King (Spa Nicos)
Hairdresser: Reese Mancillas, Coronado Beauty Salon
Hair Colorist: Ashley Gill, Salon de Ville
Manicurist: Denise Grimsley, Coronado Beauty Salon
Feel just marvelous when you turn to…
Acupuncturist: Char Self, Indigo Acupuncture
Chiropractor: Dr. Joe Snyder, Discover Wellness
Massage Therapist: Cheri Paquin, Bamboo Centers for Well-Being
Best Hotel Spa: Spa at the Del
Best Day Spa outside a hotel: Bellasima Sea Spa
Pros in the know…
Accountant: Hayes & Associates
Architect: Kevin Rugee
Attorney: Herring & Herring
Auto Repair: El Cordova Garage
Cosmetic Surgeon: Dr. William Shuffett
Dry Cleaner: Crown Cleaners
Financial Institution: Chase Bank
Financial Planner: Charles Hayes, Hayes & Associates
General Contractor: Nicolls Design Build
Insurance Broker: Mark Blumenthal
Interior Designer: Bungalow 56
Mortgage Professional: Kory Kavanewsky, CMG Financial
Pet Sitter: Carefree Pet Care
Pharmacy: Rite Aid
Photographer: Kristen Vincent Photography
Plumber: —TIE Bay & Shore Co. & Jimmy B Quick Plumbing
Property Manager: Carolyn Crane, Crestmont Property Management
Real Estate Agent: Ruth Ann Fisher, Del Coronado Realty
Tailor: Amier, Amier’s Tailor Shop
Travel Agent: Pat Flynn, Kahala Travel
Veterinarian: Dr. Jim Spier, Crown Veterinary
Wealth Manager: Dan Gensler, The Gensler Group
Wedding Planner: Amanda McPhail, Creative Affairs by Amanda
EDITORS’ PICK: Best drought-fighting freebies
Residents can stop by the offices of Cal-Am Water (1033 B Ave.) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up free water-smart devices like garden hose shut-off nozzles, shower timers, water efficient showerheads and moisture meters.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best Photography Gallery
Dan McGeorge began studying photography in the early 1970s, while serving with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. He honed his skills at the Naval School of Photography in Pensacola, Florida, among other institutions. His gallery, Dan McGeorge Gallery, at 1330 Orange Ave. (fronting R.H. Dana Place) showcases his photographic art from around the world. Additionally, he teaches group and private classes in photography, with field trips around Coronado.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best use of a sidewalk
Coronado High School’s annual Chalk Walk, which took place on May 28 this year, invites the public to get chalking all over the CHS sidewalks and walkways — creating an incredible mosaic of color and artwork for everyone to enjoy.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best way to grill out
Hop in a BBQ Donut Boat from Seaforth Boat Rentals. On a hot summer day, we can’t think of many things that will cool you off and chill you out more than lounging in this 10-person watercraft, complete with a barbecue and picnic table in the center.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best young entrepreneurs
Treg Miller, left, and Jerry Nutter are the owners of Hang 10 Shaved Ice, now open on the patio in front of High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen at 933 Orange Ave. The students were mentored through the Coronado Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy in developing and executing their business plan. Students interested in the program apply via an essay; classes meet on Wednesday afternoons, November–May, at Coronado High School. Miller, now an 8th grader at Coronado Middle School, is the company’s chief operating officer and Nutter, who heads to San Diego State University this fall, is chief executive officer. But beyond all their business savvy, their shaved ice is rad and refreshing.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best creative space
Emerald C Gallery. There’s always something going on at Emerald C Gallery, a former gym that owner Penny Rothschild converted to a colorful and lively space to showcase works by local artists. On the adjacent garden patio, she hosts painting and ceramic classes, children’s art workshops and monthly open houses with live music.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best place for a first date
Shima Japanese Steakhouse. There’ll be no dull moments or stalled conversation when a specialized chef prepares a gourmet meal for you tableside — and the food and ambience will surely impress your date.
EDITORS’ PICK: Best men’s wear
For 40 years, Rich Brady has been helping gents from all over the world (and all over the island) look their best at his Hotel del Coronado haberdashery, Brady’s. Brady is assisted by an experienced staff, including Joanne Collins, who has been with his shop for 30 years, which frees up Brady’s time to work with Coronado charities, including Coronado SAFE and Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA).
EDITORS’ PICK: Best treat for Concert in the Park
Jalapeno jelly from Scratch Gourmet. Pour it over a hunk of cream cheese and serve with crackers for a simple, delicious appetizer.
