OutSmart’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards Winners (2024)

OutSmart magazine’s Gayest and Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards once again recognize outstanding individuals and businesses that readers have chosen as their favorites with nearly 100,000 votes. Read on for the complete awards list, as well as profiles on 12 of this year’s winning individuals and businesses.

(Editor’s note: We work hard to ensure accuracy of names and titles, but if you notice any errors that need correction, please send us an email at [emailprotected])

CATEGORIES:

•

• PEOPLE

• REAL ESTATE

• COMMUNITY

• DINNING OUT

• PETS

• ARTS

• AUTO

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Best Bar Food
Rich’s
Finalists: JR’s Bar & Grill, Eagle Eats, Los Robles

Best Dance Party
South Beach
Finalists: DNVRMX, Club Shugga, Evolution

Best Drag Show Bar
South Beach
Finalists: Michael’s Outpost, Barcode, Rich’s Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill

Best Drag Show in Town
Millennial Dolls
Finalists: Laugh Track, Drag Brunch at Winnies, Press Play, Eyecons

Best Local Live Music Venue
Michael’s Outpost
Finalists: Stereo Live, Rudyards

Best New Drag King
Casper Cain
Finalists: Kian Kismet, Juice Kota, Zestial Celestial

Best New Drag Queen
Barbie Monroe
Finalists: Artemis Hunter, Kristy Kremes, Gltter Lxve, Jackie All Trades

Best Pageant King
Ladarius Mirage Jackson
Finalists: Ángel OXL, Ian Syder Blake

Best Pageant Queen
Chloe Knox
Finalists: Sinema LaRue, Dessie Love Blake, Alexis Nicole Whitney

Best Promoter
Barbie Monroe
Finalists: Anthony Uncensored, DNVRMX, Mike Vargas-Evolution

Favorite Adult Film Performer
Silver Steele
Finalists: John Thomas, Dominique Zhee

Favorite Ally Bar
Piggy’s HTX
Finalists: Numbers, 8 Row Flint East, Boheme

Favorite Bar for a Happy Hour
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Michael’s Outpost, Ripcord, Houston Eagle, Barcode

Favorite Bar to Shoot Pool
George Country Sports Bar
Finalists: JR’s Bar & Grill, Ripcord, Barcode, Neon Boots

Favorite Bar to Two Step
Neon Boots
Finalists: Los Robles, George Country Sports Bar, Catbirds

Favorite Club for Dancing
South Beach Houston
Finalists: Numbers, Club 2.0, Pearl Bar

Favorite Drag King
Barry Mii Dandy
Finalists: Kian Kismet, Casper Cain, Preston Steamed, Hugh Dandy

Favorite Drag Queen
Adriana LaRue
Finalists: Queen Persephone, Rachel Bitchface, Carmina Vavra, Blackberri, Hanna Santanna, Reign LaRue, Lana Blake, Violet S’Arbleu

Favorite Drag Show Host/Emcee
Queen Persephone
Finalists: Reign LaRue, Carmina Vavra, Rachel Bitchface, Blackberri

Favorite Karaoke Night at a Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Michael’s Outpost, Barcode, Koryoke, Tony’s Corner Pocket Manic Mondays

Favorite LGBTQ Bar
Ripcord
Finalists: JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, Pearl Bar, South Beach Houston

Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Female Entertainer
Rosie the Riveting
Finalists: Angie Moon Mercy, Belle Be Damned, JustacurvyNerdYaya

Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Male Entertainer
Eddie Divas
Finalists: Ángel OXL, L’darius Mirage Jackson,Jerry Atwood, Dustin Rouge Whitney

Favorite Local (Non-Drag) Nonbinary Entertainer
Miss Majors
Finalists: DJ Aracely Manterola, Mak Fontina, Jay Atari

Favorite Local Musician/Band
Houston Pride Band
Finalists: Ben Chavez, Isaac Niaz, Jerry Atwood, Uncle Tino

Favorite Female DJ
DJ Rosez
Finalists: DJ Athenz, DJ Amarji King, DJ Crazy V, DJ London

Favorite Male DJ
DJ Atreyu Frausto
Finalists: DJ Joe Ross, DJ Panda, DJ GNDRBNDR

Favorite Nonbinary DJ
DJ Aracely Manterola
Finalist: DJ Kitty Purrie

Favorite Music Producer
DirtSoul
Finalists: Athenz, Dirty Disco, DJ Stephen Jusko

Favorite Men’s Bar
Ripcord
Finalists: JR’s Bar & Grill, Michaels Outpost, Eagle Houston, Crocker Bar, Tony’s Corner Pocket, South Beach Houston, Blur Bar, Barcode, George, Los Robles de La Granja

Favorite Women’s Bar
Pearl Bar
Finalists: JR’s Bar & Grill, Ripcord, Eagle Houston, Side Peace

Favorite Nonbinary Drag Entertainer
Malevolent The Psycho Ghoul
Finalists: Ophelia Terran Flesh, Allure Gic, Tera Bytz J. Love-La’Sha

Favorite Place to Show Off Your Leather
Ripcord
Finalists: Houston Eagle, JR’s Bar & Grill

Favorite Place to Watch Drag
South Beach Houston
Finalists: Michael’s Outpost, Rich’s, Barcode, Katy Vibes

Favorite Place to Watch Male Dancers
Tony’s Corner Pocket
Finalists: South Beach Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, Eagle Houston, Room Bar

Favorite Trivia Night at a Bar
Ripcord
Finalists: Tiny Champions, JR’s Bar & Grill, Michael’s Outpost, Frost Town Brewing

Favorite Veteran Drag King
Hugh Dandy
Finalists: Preston Steamed, Ian Syder-Blake

Favorite Veteran Drag Queen
Kofi
Finalists: Blackberri, Lana Blake, Laisha LaRue, Marsha Mellow

People

Best Female LGBTQ Business Person
Tammi Wallace
Finalists: Meg Ellis, Marlen Mendoza, Alexandria Gomez-Maxey, Sarah Thompson

Best Local LGBTQ Social Media Presence
Jay Michaels
Finalists: JD Doyle, First Christian Church Katy, Legacy Community Health

Best Male LGBTQ Business Person
Charles Armstrong
Finalists: John Donato, Christopher Cerda, Mark DeLange

Best Nonbinary LGBTQ Business Person
Han Schaible
Finalist: Filan Jaboudi

Favorite Female Commercial-Radio Personality
Jessie Watt 96.5
Finalists: Roula, Karah Leigh

Favorite Female Community-Radio Personality
Deborah Moncrief Bell

Favorite Male Commercial-Radio Personality
Jay Michaels, 96.5 (tie)
Special K, 104 (tie)
Finalist: Ahmad-The Roula and Ryan Show, 104

Favorite Male Community-Radio Personality
Bryan Hlavinka
Finalists: Brett Cullum, Eddie Robinson, Easton Santos

Favorite Male Community-TV Personality
Ernie Manouse

Favorite Female Community Photographer
Nora Dayton
Finalists: Wendy Taylor, Chandrayee Soneja,Nikki Darby, Yvonne Arizpe

Favorite Female LGBTQ Community Hero
Tammi Wallace
Finalists: Rev. Heather Tolleson, Ana Sanchez, Atlantis Narcisse, Joelle Espeut

Favorite Female Local Politician
Molly Cook
Finalists: Fransheneka “Fran” Watson, Lauren Ashley Simmons, Lesley Briones, Abbie Kamin, Lina Hidalgo, Lizzie Fletcher

Favorite Male Local Politician
Mario Castillo
Finalists: John Whitmire, Brandon Mack, Jon Rosenthal

Favorite Female TV Personality
Pooja Lodhia
Finalists: Caroline Collins Fox, Lauren Kelly, Cathy Hernandez

Favorite Local LGBTQ Facebook Page
First Christian Church Katy
Finalists: JD Doyle, AmistadesHTX by Legacy, Jose Vazquez, Jay Michaels

Favorite Local LGBTQ Influencer
Brian Duhon
Finalists: Jay Michaels, Miguel Jacquez, Rev. David Greene, Connor Dunwoodie

Favorite Local LGBTQ Instagram Account
Brian Duhon
Finalists: Jay Michaels, AmistadesHTX by Legacy, Parents of Trans Youth, JD Doyle

Favorite Local LGBTQ Journalist/Producer
Stuart Boslow

Favorite Local LGBTQ Journalist
Sam Byrd
Finalists: Zach McKenzie, Patrick McGee, Scott Damon, Gwen Howerton, Brandon Wolf

Favorite Local LGBTQ Twitter/X Account
@HairyTrouble
Finalists: @pupharlow, @SimonJamesIII

Favorite Local LGBTQ Podcast
Queer Voices
Finalists: Create Your Fate by Meg Ellis, Everyday Trans Activism, Life beyond HIV by Legacy Community Health, BFU with Monèt JLove

Favorite Local LGBTQ TikToker
First Christian Church Katy
Finalists: Paris London, Matthew Tharp, Jason Johnson, beejay TV, @timothytexas

Favorite Local LGBTQ Writer
Scott Damon
Finalists: JD Doyle, Sam Byrd, Zach McKenzie, Ian L. Haddock, Lee Ingalls, David Clarke

Favorite Male Community Photographer
Dalton DeHart
Finalists: Miguel Jacquez, Connor Hart, Daniel Hernandez, Takoda, James Drake

Favorite Male LGBTQ Elementary School Educator/Teacher
Hazael Sanchez
Finalists: Matthew Tharp, Wayne Lopes, Adrian Santos, Dusty DeRoche, Alex Penno, Jimmy Perdon

Favorite Male LGBTQ High School Educator/Teacher
Joan Cotton
Finalists: David Wallace, Ryan Fountain, Roger Woest, Toby Drake, Jeff Jacobitz, Jay Gracia, Clint Harwell, Ej Gates, Marcus Jauregui

Favorite Male LGBTQ Post-secondary Educator/Teacher
Brian Riedel
Finalists: Ej Gates, Trevor Boffone

Favorite Female LGBTQ Elementary School Educator/Teacher
Samantha Pisarski-May
Finalists: Kay Crayton, Hazael Sanchez

Favorite Female LGBTQ High School Educator/Teacher
Brandi Lira
Finalists: Michelle Palmer, Lauren Gustartis, Rachel Whatley

Favorite Female LGBTQ Post-secondary Educator/Teacher
Laura Shelton

Favorite Male TV Personality
Frank Billingsley
Finalists: Derrick Shore, T.J. Parker, Deevon Rahming, Zach Lashway, Bryce Newberry, Matt Horn

Favorite Nonbinary Community Photographer
Antemortem Photography
Finalist: Unies Gonzalez

Favorite Male LGBTQ Community Hero
Kennedy Loftin
Finalists: Brad Pritchett, Justin Bustamante, Miguel Jacquez, Jacques Bourgeois, Ian Haddock, Mykey Whitney

Favorite Nonbinary Community Hero
Kevin Nguyen
Finalists: Amanda Rose, Ethan Michelle Ganz, Pup Naranja, Mirinda Rose, Sarah Moessner, Juliann Losey, Nibbles Zon Bits

Favorite Nonbinary LGBTQ Elementary SchoolEducator/Teacher
Damon Whitley
Finalists: LJ Wysingle, Alex Holdford

Favorite Nonbinary LGBTQ High School Educator/Teacher
Tera-Kaye Green
Finalists: Sarah Moessner, Isabelle Yost

Favorite Nonbinary LGBTQ Post-secondary Educator/Teacher
Juliann Losey
Finalist: Sarah Moessner

Favorite Female Trans Community Hero
Meghan Fairbanks
Finalists: Alexis Nicole Whitney, Avery Belyeu, Atlantis Narcisse, Tessa Gaines, Joelle Espeut, Shayla Edwards

Favorite Male Trans Community Hero
Lou Weaver
Finalists: Dylan Forbis, Daron Yanes Perez, Kai Jones, Andrew Whit, Atreyu Frausto, Emmett Schelling, Ian Syder Blake, Landon Richie

Favorite Nonbinary Trans Community Hero
Ethan Michelle Ganz
Finalists: Juliann Losey, Marcus Pontello, Amanda Rose,Yvonne Arizpe

Leading Female Entertainer Fundraiser
Marcia Mink Anne Gill
Finalists: Angela Mercy, Anastacia Kelly Ann Fontaine Whitney, Dawn Whitney, Alexa Bouvier, Angel Galvan, Angie Moon Mercy, Ivana Cupcake

REAL ESTATE

Best Female Real Estate Agent
Monica Branch
Finalists: Wynden Tess Lester, Karen Derr, Aubrie Layne, Sabrina Calvillo, Shelley Einarsson

Best Male Real Estate Agent
Christopher Cerda (tie)
Richard Ray (tie)
Finalists: Victor Sanabria, David Batagower,Gregg Lindsay, Brian Ortiz

Best Galveston Realtor
Hudson Holmes
Finalists: David Bowers, Travis Player, Cary White, Tom Schwenk

Best Home Builder
Noble Contractor Solutions
Finalists: Heels 2 Hammers, Ava Home Builders, Blue Vintage Construction, Loyd Russel Homes, Vencino Homes

Best Home Remodeling Company
Heels 2 Hammers
Finalists: Noble Contractor Solutions, Blue Vintage Construction

Best Mortgage Professional
Cody Grizzoffi
Finalists: Riaz Pooran, Paul Vincent

Best Houston Real Estate Website
HAR.com
Finalists: Sothebysrealty.com, Greenwood King Properties

Best Galveston Real Estate Website
Joe Tramonte Realty
Finalists: davidbowers.garygreene.com, Toms Galveston Real Estate

Best Title Company
Alamo Title Compay
Finalists: Old Republic Title, First American Title Company, Truly Title, Patten Title, Chicago Title

Favorite Rental Community
299 West Gray

COMMUNITY

Best College or University
University of Houston
Finalists: Rice University, Lone Star College-Houston North, Sam Houston State University

Best Houston Corporate LGBTQ Diversity Group
Chevron Diversity Group
Finalists: Amegy Bank LGBTQ+ BRG & Allies,HP Houston Pride BIN

Best Local LGBTQ News Source
OutSmart
Finalists: Simon Houston, Houston Landing

Best Local LGBTQ Online Resource
OutSmart
Finalists: First Christian Church Katy, JD Doyle Archives

Best National LGBTQ News Source
The Advocate
Finalists: OUT Magazine, Queerty

Best National LGBTQ Online Resource
Lambda Legal
Finalist: ONE

Best Political Advocacy Group
Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus
Finalists: Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Equality Texas

Best Senior Advocacy Group
Texas Senior Medicare Patrol
Finalist: Fort Bend County West Lions Club

Favorite HIV/AIDS Support Organization
Legacy Community Health
Finalists: Somos LOUD, PWA Holiday Charities, Allies in Hope, Avenue 360, The Normal Anomaly

Favorite LGBTQ Benefit Event of the Year
Krewe of Olympus Ball
Finalists: Bunnies on the Bayou, FCC Katy Drag Bingo, Mint Julep, Montrose Center Out For Good

Favorite LGBTQ Philanthropic Organization
The Diana Foundation
Finalists: Katy Pride, Human Rights Campaign,Houston’s New Faces of Pride, Legacy Community Health

Favorite LGBTQ Social Group
Krewe of Olympus
Finalists: First Christian Church Katy, Bliss Sundays, NLA, AmistadesHTX by Legacy

Favorite LGBTQ Sports Club or League
Montrose Softball League Association
Finalists: Pride Sports Houston, Pride Bike Ride Houston

Favorite Local LGBTQ Community Organization
Krewe of Olympus
inalists: First Christian Church Katy, The Montrose Center, Tony’s Place, Legacy Community Health

Favorite National LGBTQ Organization
NLA
Finalists: Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, GLAAD

Favorite Place to Worship
First Christian Church Katy
Finalists: Bering Memorial United Church of Christ, Westbury United Methodist Church, St. Peter United, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, Unity of Houston

Favorite Professional Sports Team
Houston Astros
Finalists: Houston Dash, Savannah Bananas

Favorite Trans Support Organization
Transparent Closet-First Christian Church Katy
Finalists: Trans Men Empowerment, Parents of Trans Youth, Trans Legal Aid Clinic, Save Our Sisters United, TENT

Local Business Most Supportive of the LGBTQ Community
Pearl
Finalists: Ripcord, Star Sailor

National Business Most Supportive of the LGBTQ Community
Silver Eagle Distributors

DINNING OUT

Best New Restaurant
Ema HTX (tie)
Rich’s Houston (tie)
Finalists: Salt & Sugar, Fusion Eats

Best 24-Hour Restaurant
Katz’s Deli
Finalists: House of Pies, Bellaire Coffee Shop

Best Bakery
Dessert Gallery
Finalists: Common Bond, Fluff Bake Bar Heights, Leona’s Bakeshop, La Sicilia, Three Brothers Bakery

Best Barbecue
Goode Company BBQ
Finalists: The Pit Room, Demeris Bar-B-Q, Pinkerton’s

Best Breakfast
Baby Barnaby’s
Finalists: Ema HTX, Harry’s, Avalon Diner

Best British
Red Lion British Pub

Best Brunch
The Phoenix (tie)
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine (tie)
Finalists: Rich’s Houston, Ema HTX

Best Cajun
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Finalists: The Boot, Crawfish Cafe

Best Central/South American
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Finalist: Churrascos

Best Chinese
Rice Box
Finalists: Cafe Ginger, Auntie Chang’s Dumpling House

Best Cooking Class
Cooking with Chef Tae
Finalist: Sur La Table

Best Cuban
El Rey
Finalist: Cafe Piquet

Best Deli
Kenny & Ziggy’s
Finalists: Nielsen’s Deli, Antones

Best Dessert
Dessert Gallery
Finalists: Fluff Bake Bar, Leona’s Bakeshop, The Bake Happening, Nobie’s

Best Dumplings
Dumpling Dudez
Finalists: The Dumpling House, Wanna Bao, Dough Zone

Best Food Truck
Eagle Eats
Finalist: Best Street Tacos

Best Greek
Niko Niko’s
Finalist: The Olive Oil Restaurant

Best Hamburger
Burger Joint Montrose
Finalists: Barnaby’s, Burger Bodega, Lankford Grocery

Best Hot Dog
Burger Joint
Finalists: Umbrella Fellas, Yoyo’s, Good Dog

Best Indian
Kiran’s
Finalists: Tarka Indian Kitchen, Aga’s, Govinda’s

Best Italian
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Finalists: Riva’s Italian Restaurant

Best Japanese
Osaka
Finalists: Kata Robata, Oishii

Best LGBTQ Caterer
210 Fusion Cuisine
Finalists: Chef Adam Travis, Legacy Events Catering

Best Local LGBTQ Chef
Natosha Barber
Finalists: Chef Adam Travis, Chef Michele Free, Miranda Quintanilla

Best Lunch Spot
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Ema HTX, Alma Latina Heights

Best Mexican
Chapultepec
Finalists: Tacos Doña Lena, El Tiempo, Alma Latina Heights, Ema HTX

Best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean
Aladdin
Finalists: Niko Niko’s, AL Quick Stop

Best Pizza
Bambolino’s
Finalists: Star Pizza, Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana, Southern Yankee Crafthouse, Pizza Birra Vino

Best Place for a Romantic Date
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino
Finalists: The Post, Southern Yankee Crafthouse

Best Restaurant for a Food Happy Hour
Rich’s
Finalists: McCormick & Schmicks, Empire Cafe, Bar Boheme, Gristworkz

Best Restaurant for Affordable Eats
Riva’s (tie)
Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino (tie)
Finalists: Barnaby’s, Southern Yankee Crafthouse,McHugh Tea Room

Best Restaurant for Elegant Dining
MAD
Finalists: BCN, Bludorn

Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining
Piggy’s
Finalists: Giacomo’s Cibo e Vino, Southern Yankee Crafthouse

Best Seafood
Christie’s Seafood
Finalists: Clark’s Oyster Bar, Mambos, Eugene’s

Best Steak House
B&B Butchers
Finalists: Saltgrass Steak House, Steak 48

Best Steak Night at a Bar
JR’s
Finalists: Free Grillin at George, Pearl Bar

Best Sushi
Uchi
Finalists: Oishii, Osaka

Best Tea
McHugh Tea Room
Finalist: Kung Fu Tea

Best Thai
Street to Kitchen
Finalists: Thai Bistro, Kin Dee, Rim Tanon, Niddha Thai

Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Korny Vibes
Finalists: Mo Better Brews, Doshi House

Best Vietnamese
Pho Saigon
Finalist: Pho 21

Favorite Local LGBTQ-Owned Restaurant
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Star Sailor, Ema HTX, Rich’s Houston, Bistro Menil, Salt & Sugar

Friendliest Restaurant Staff
Barnaby’s
Finalists: Star Sailor, Riva’s, Rich’s Houston, Southern Yankee Crafthouse

DRINKS & SPIRITS

Best Cocktail
South Beach
Finalists: Ripcord, Michael’s Outpost, Southern Yankee Crafthouse

Best Happy Hour
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Ripcord, Michael’s Outpost, South Beach

Best Margarita
Ripcord
Finalists: South Beach, El Tiempo, JR’s Bar & Grill, Alma Latina Heights, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine

Best Mocktails
JRs Bar & Grill
Finalists: South Beach, Pearl Bar, Ripcord, Rich’s Houston

Favorite Wine Bar
JR’s Bar & Grill
Finalists: Postino, Barcelona Wine Bar, 13 Celsius

Favorite Brand of Liquor
Tito’s
Finalists: Absolut, Jeppson’s Malört, Fireball

Favorite Local Brewery
Frost Town Brewing
Finalists: Bad Astronaut, Eureka Heights, Gristworkz

Favorite Local Craft Beer, Cider or Seltzer
Frost Town Brewing
Finalists: Cidercade Houston, Bad Astronaut,Eureka Heights

Favorite National Brand of Beer, Cider or Seltzer
NUTRL
Finalists: White Claw, Hoop Tea, Nectar, Gay Water

Favorite Female Bartender
Mary O’Neal
Finalists: Kayla Davidson, Estephania Perez, Kristina Prats

Favorite Male Bartender
Brian Duhon
Finalists: Daniel Banda, Thomas at Ripcord, Mauricio Wright

Favorite Nonbinary Bartender
Jay Kayvilay – JR’s
Finalists: Ulysses Money-Michael’s Outpost, Hayden Burger, Romeo Najera

Favorite Place for Drinks on a First Date
Ripcord
Finalists: Michael’s Outpost, JR’s Bar & Grill, South Beach

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Best Aesthetic Physician
Patrick McNamara
Finalists: George Washington, Francisco Bueso, Paul Fortes

Best Barber
Geno O’Quinn
Finalists: Electa Hazenstab, Marc Velasquez

Best Chiropractor
Fernando Franco
Finalists: Airrosti Washington Heights, Montgomery Stanley

Best Community Health Services Provider
Legacy Community Health
Finalists: Gordon Crofoot, Montrose Center,AHF Houston-Binz

Best Cosmetic Skin Care Center
The Skin Renewal Center
Finalists: BeYOUtiful Anti-Aging Studio, Skin Renaissance Laser Center, Montrose Med Spa

Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Paul Fortes
Finalists: George Washington, Sanaz Harirchian

Best Cycling Studio
RYDE
Finalists: Soul Cycle, Cycle Bar Houston Heights

Best Female Eye Doctor
Nancy Lo
Finalists: Sheena Garner, Juliette Farmer, Sheryl Pickering

Best Female Hair Stylist
Dana Wendell
Finalists: Hannah Grider @ The Upper Hand Salon, Lana Blake, Allison Reed

Best Female Massage Therapist
Kasie Tedrick
Finalists: Veronica Triplett of Core Body Lab, Kim Stacy of Integrated Massage, Toni Tyler

Best Female Mental Health Therapist
Angelica Ramos
Finalists: Jessica Eiseman, Rebecca Rosalez, Alyssa Mineo

Best Female Nurse Practitioner
Maggie White
Finalists: Hermeyone Bell, Mary Shepard, Chichy Nwachukwu, Molly Cook

Best Female Personal Trainer
Amanda Garza
Finalists: Kasie Tedrick, Shelby Summers

Best Female Physician’s Assistant (PA)
Arbelia Roman
Finalist: Nadia Asadi

Best Foot Doctor
Vanessa Barrow
Finalists: Robert Moore, Jared Shipp, Robert Leisten

Best Gym
Third Ward Jiu-Jitsu (tie)
Body3 Personal Fitness (tie)
Finalist: Tellepsen Downtown YMCA

Favorite Hair Salon
Hair by St. Rose
Finalists: Spectrum Studio, Hue Hair Lounge, Blue Mambo, Hare Parlour, Green Apple Salon

Best Makeup Artist
Melissa McKinney with Sorelle Atelier
Finalists: Thomas Anderson, Aubrie Layne Lucky Cat, Jason Palermo

Best Female Dentist
Cynthia Corral
Finalists: Cynthia Flanagan, Katherine Lynch

Best Male Dentist
Sam Carrell (tie)
Marcus De Guzman (tie)
Finalists: Tyler Henthorn, Austin Faulk, Jeff Tollett, Cory Logan, Robert Hines

Best Male Eye Doctor
Paul Lovero
Finalists: Stewart Zuckerbrod, Gary Nguyen

Best Male Hair Stylist
Geno O’Quinn (tie)
Timothy Silmon (tie)
Finalists: Glam by Servando, Marc Velasquez

Best Male Massage Therapist
Dean Daugherty (tie)
John Aaron Villarreal (tie)
Finalists: Dalton Holdge, Oscar Gutierrez, Sergio Sanchez

Best Male Mental Health Therapist
Ty David Lerman Counseling (TDLC)
Finalists: Justin Bustamante, ks Stanley, Jose G Romero, Matt Trietsch, Shane Hennesey

Best Female Nurse
Kay McCunis
Finalists: Erica Barnes, Joy Jasmin Piad, Nina Saltzman

Best Male Nurse
Bert Zumaya
Finalists: Aj Sarabia, Jumer Adalin, Keenan Williams, Quincy Jennings

Favorite Nonbinary Nurse
Adam Sirico

Best Male Nurse Practitioner
Derek Smith
Finalists: Paul Simmons, Kendrick Clack, Alec Lacey

Best Male Personal Trainer
Andrew Diaz
Finalists: Andrew Hayes, Apollo (Hisdragun), John Aaron Villarreal

Best Female Physician
Julia Kovacs
Finalists: Natalie Vanek, Sandra Scurria

Best Male Physician
Gordon Crofoot
Finalists: James Carroll, Rolando Maldonado, Owen McCormack, Abel Flores, Octavio Barrios

Best Male Physician’s Assistant (PA)
John Chapman
Finalist: Brian Seabolt

Best Men’s Health Clinic
Crofoot MD Clinic and Research Center
Finalists: Wellness Bar by Legacy, Ronald Buescher

Best Mental Health Practice
Southwest Psychotherapy Associates (SWPA)
Finalists: Legacy Community Health, Vada Counseling, Ajana Therapy and Clinical Services, Martin Counseling, Montrose Counseling Center

Best Mental Health Therapist/Psychiatrist
Daniel Garza
Finalists: Shetal Amin, Alyssa Mineo

Best Mental Health Therapist/Psychologist
Megan Mooney
Finalist: ks Stanley

Best Nail Salon
Milano Heights
Finalists: Hair by St. Rose, M. Vince-Regent Square, GiGi Nail Spa

Best Nail Technician
Chelsea Garcia
Finalist: Summerthenailtech

Best Pharmacist
Shane Goulas
Finalists: Gulnar Shahid, Reeka Hazenstab, Joey Garza

Best Pharmacy
Legacy Community Health
Finalists: Walgreens at Crofoot MD, HEB Montrose, Avita Pharmacy, Scott Reid Pharmacy

Best Nonbinary Hair Stylist
Katie Roome
Finalists: J. Bookie, Alecia Farrar

Best Nonbinary Massage Therapist
Cameron Stodghill
Finalist: Cameron Page

Best Nonbinary Mental Health Therapist
ks Stanley
Finalist: Candice Holloway

Best Nonbinary Personal Trainer
Exy-Fable Mars

Best OB/GYN
Olga Swanson
Finalists: Legacy Community Health, Rachel Robinson-Scott

Best Physical Therapist
Huzefa Tayabali (tie)
Roy Rivera (tie)
Finalist: Patrick Lucas

Best Urgent or Emergency Care Center
HCA Montrose

Best Women’s Health Clinic
Legacy Community Health

Best Yoga Studio
Black Swan
Finalist: BIG Power Yoga-Montrose

Best Tattoo Artist
Art by Megs
Finalists: Julian Solis, Wesche Tattoo, Chino Feliciano

Favorite Female Dental Hygienist
Jacqueline Clemmer
Finalists: Chriselda Luna, Magda Valeriano, Kate McGraw, Melissa Baez

Favorite Male Dental Hygienist
Tu Tuu

HOUSE & HOME

Best Female Insurance Agent
Amy Powell

Best Floor Covering Company
Floor Coverings International (tie)
Shane Frederick (tie)
Finalist: Floor & Granite Zone (Moe)

Best Florist
In Bloom
Finalists: Andrew Liebig Designs, Robert Shipman Florist

Best Furniture Store
Alabama Furniture (tie)
Crate and Barrel (tie)
inalist: Hilton Furniture

Best Furniture Store on a Budget
IKEA
Finalist: Hilton Furniture

Best Gardening/Nursery Supply
Joshua’s Native Plants & Garden Antiques
Finalists: Buchanans, Another Place in Time, Fountains & Statuary

Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company
Gaitz HVAC & Refrigeration
Finalist: Maxela

Best Home Furnishings Store
Eclectic Home (tie)
Eklektik Interiors (tie)

Best Home Security Company
Smith Thompson

Best House Cleaning Company
Maid For It
Finalist: Y & L Cleaning

Best Male Interior Designer
Joel Kalmin
Finalists: Christopher Ainsworth-Ainscourt Designs, Dax Design Studio, Emmanuel Leventis Design

Best Female Interior Designer
Eklektik Interiors-Kathy Anderson
Finalist: Danielle Montgomery

Best Landscaping Company/Landscaper
Fire + Flora Landscape Design (Will Skinner)
Finalists: Houston Green Landscaping, AJ’s, David Morello

Best Male Insurance Agent
Lane Lewis
Finalists: Jason Palermo, Jeremy Henry, Modern Risk Management

Best Plumber
Metro Plumbing and Backflow
Finalist: In The Loop Plumbing

Best Pool Company
Hidden Cove Outdoors (tie)
Venture Pool Company (tie)

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Best Bank
Truist
Finalists: Bank of America, Amegy Bank, Frost Bank

Best Business Attorney
Julie M. Maxey
Finalist: Cameron Rivers

Best Credit Union
Houston Federal Credit Union
Finalists: PrimeWay Federal Credit Union, Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union, US Employees CU

Best Male Estate Planning Attorney
John Suarez

Best Female Estate Planning Attorney
deborah lawson

Best Male Family Attorney
John Suarez

Best Female Family Attorney
deborah lawson

Best Female Bookkeeper
BKBY-Bookkeeping & Beyond
Finalist: Annette Clarabut-Tidy Bookkeeper

Best Female Financial Planner/Advisor
Grace Yung
Finalists: Britt Kornmann, Christyna Lewis

Best Human Rights Attorney
Brian Klosterboer
Finalists: Mitchell Katine, Luis Ruiz

Best Female Immigration Attorney
Schwartz Immigration Law

Best Male Immigration Attorney
Luis Ruiz
Finalists: Gonzalez Olivieri, Michael Roman

Best Immigration Attorney
Brenner Legal
Finalist: Galveston Houston Immigrant Representation Project

Best Male Bookkeeper
Joseph Werle-Crunch Consulting

Best Male Accountant
Gary Gritz

Best Male Financial Planner/Advisor
Richard Dickson-Galene Financial
Finalists: Fo Garcia, Oscar Roa

Best Female Personal Injury Attorney
Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist

Best Male Personal Injury Attorney
Lionel Sims (tie)
Eric Kirkpatrick (tie)
Finalists: David Miller, Jim Walker

Best Personal Injury Practice
Pusch & Nguyen

Best Female Probate Attorney
deborah lawson

Best Male Probate Attorney
Jeff Watters
Finalists: John Suarez, Coleton W. Mayo

PETS

Best Pet Park
Johnny Steele Dog Park
Finalist: Trebly Park

Best Doggie Day Care
Dogtopia
Finalists: Wag N World, Houndstown Houston Heights, Best Little Doghouse in Texas, Molly’s Mutt House, Demi’s Dog House, Rover Oaks

Best Female Veterinarian
Susan Dugat
Finalists: Kristen Olson, Leslie Jenkins, Danielle Rosser, Caroline Oeben, Sarah Lane

Best Male Veterinarian
Richard Clive
Finalist: Eric Cagle

Best Pet Emergency Care Center
Vergi
Finalist: Veterinary Emergency Group-Lower Heights

Best Pet Food or Treats
Patsy’s Pet Market
Finalists: Cesar, Blue Buffalo

Best Pet Grooming Service
Pet Bar Heights
Finalists: Patsy’s Pet Market, Demi’s, Heights Pet Grooming, Aussie Mobile Pet

Best Pet Walking and Pet Sitting Service
Pawsome Adventures-Heights
Finalists: WAGS Dog Walking + Pet Sitting, Pet Nanny’s Pet Sitting

Best Place to Adopt a Pet
C.A.P.
Finalists: Friends For Life, Harris County Pets, Houston SPCA

Best Place to Board Your Pet
Dogtopia
Finalists: Houndstown Houston Heights, The Fritz Kennel, Yale Street Dog House, You Lucky Dog

Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies
Patsy’s Pet Market
Finalists: PetSmart, Costco, B.O.M. Reptiles, Hollywood Feed

Best Veterinary Clinic
The Montrose Vet Clinic
Finalists: The Cat Doctor, Rockin Pets Rollin Vets, West Alabama Animal Clinic, The Urban Vet, Greenway Animal Clinic, Central Houston Animal Hospital, Bayou City Veterinary Hospital, Creature Comfort Animal Hospital, Midtown Animal Hospital

Favorite Pet-Friendly Restaurant/Bar
Barnaby’s Cafe
Finalists: Axelrad Beer Garden, Southern Yankee Crafthouse

ARTS

Best Art Center
MATCH
Finalists: RobinWood Art Studio, Sawyer Yards

Best Art Gallery
RobinWood Art Studio
Finalists: Erick Sandlin Art, Archway Gallery, Hardy and Nance

Best Community Theater
Catastrophic Theatre
Finalists: Stages, The DeLuxe Theater,Theatre Suburbia, Pronoia

Best Dance Company
Project 3 Dance Productions
Finalists: Frame Dance, Houston Contemporary Dance Company, Tribble School for the Performing Arts, Open Dance Project

Best Local Equity Theater Company
Stages
Finalists: Alley Theatre, Queensbury Theatre, Mildred’s Umbrella, Houston Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)

Best Community Performing Arts Organization
Pride Chorus Houston
Finalist: Houston Pride Band

Best Performing Arts Organization
Catastrophic Theatre
Finalists: Alley Theatre, Stages, The Garden Theatre, DACAMERA

Favorite Local Dancer
Gavin LeMaire
Finalists: Austin Colburn, Adam Castaneda, Gilbert Saldivar

Favorite Local Female Actor
Mai Le
Finalists: Tamarie Cooper, Sarah Sachi, Deborah Hope

Favorite Local Female Comedian
Timely Rain

Favorite Local Female Fine Artist
Afsaneh Aayani
Finalists: Katharine Ligon, Stephanie Gonzalez,
Lola Stardust

Favorite Local LGBTQ Musician
Kenny Herrera
Finalists: Jonathan Craft, Ben Chavez, Jerry Atwood, Isaac Niaz

Favorite Local Male Actor
Abraham Zapata
Finalists: Austin Colburn, Mark Ivy, Kyle Sturdivant

Favorite Local Male Comedian
Michael Paras
Finalist: Dayton Faulker Vavra

Favorite Local Male Fine Artist
Robin Baker
Finalists: Christian Navarette, Steven Tilotta

Favorite Local Museum
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
Finalists: The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Holocaust Museum Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Favorite Local Nobinary Actor
Clarity Welch
Finalists: Ricardo Pérez Dávila, T Lavois Thiebaud

Favorite Local Nonbinary Comedian
Allure Gic

Favorite Local Nonbinary Fine Artist
T Lavois Thiebaud
Finalist: Crystal Murley

Favorite Local Female Painter
Katharine Ligon
Finalist: Stephanie Gonzales

Favorite Local Male Painter
Wood Anthony
Finalist: Joseph Culotta

Favorite Local Poet
Stephen Schwei
Finalists: T Lavois Thiebaud, Ebony Stewart, Lola Stardust

Favorite Local Sculptor
Sunday Scott

Favorite Local Visual Artist
Jeremy A. Teel
Finalists: Moon Papas, Robin Baker, Stephanie Gonzalez

Favorite Regional Equity Theater
Alley Theatre
Finalists: Stages, Queensbury Theatre

Favorite Regional Musical Theater Company
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS)

AUTO

Best Auto Body Shop
Manriquez Collision & Mechanic Shop (tie)
Ryan Automotive (tie)
Finalist: Planet Lincoln

Best Auto Mechanic
Active Auto
Finalist: Ronnie Jackson

Best Car Salesperson
Tony McClelland/Central Houston Cadillac

Finalists: John Dvorak, Eddie Fullen

Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing
Mister Car Wash
Finalist: Aqua

Best Domestic Auto Dealership
Central Houston Cadillac (tie)
Planet Lincoln (tie)

Best Import Auto Dealership
Fred Haas Toyota World
Finalists: Audi Central, Gillman Subaru-North

Best Mobile Auto-Repair Service
POZ Impact
Finalist: Planet Lincoln

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Best Astrologer
Lilly Roddy
Finalist: Kevin Casey

Best Commercial Photographer
Dalton DeHart
Finalist: Victor Contreras/Close Your Eyes Photo

Best Commercial Videographer
Davis Mendoza Darusman
Finalist: Los Graphics

Best Copy/Print Shop
Copy.com
Finalist: Virtuoso

Best Creative Agency
RadHype Creative Consulting (tie)
Mad Hat Maven (tie)
Finalists: Gentleman Graphics Studio,REFUGE Marketing & Consulting, Vast Marketing Group

Best Funeral Services
Bradshaw Carter (tie)
Dignity (tie)
Finalists: Neptune Society, Legacy

Best Grocery Store
HEB
Finalist: Kroger

Best Jewelry Store
Tenenbaum Jewelers
Finalists: Jewelry Depot Houston, Zadok, Deutsch Fine Jewelry, Silverlust

Best Leather Store
Sir Rat Leather & Gear
Finalists: EROS1207, Amazon

Best Life Coach
Meg Ellis
Finalists: Natali Uribe, Lana Blake

Best Liquor Store
Spec’s
Finalists: Total Wine, Spec’s Galveston

Best Local Clothing Designer
Pride Threads – Mell Gamboa
Finalists: ManBuns, Julius Lacour, Stylesbear, Burly Bottom Designs, Gin Martini, Offensive But Cute

Best Local Resale or Thrift Store
Out of the Closet
Finalists: Bering Second Blessings, Houston Junior Forum Resale, Memorial Area Ministries, The Guild Shop

Best Men’s Clothing Store
King Underwear
Finalists: Pride Threads-Mell Gamboa, ManBuns, Stylesbear, Hollywood Super Center, Burly Bottom Designs

Best Online Clothing Store
Pride Threads-Mell Gamboa
Finalists: King Underwear, ManBuns, Stylesbear, Hollywood Super Center, Burly Bottom Designs

Best Place to Buy Cellular Phones
T-Mobile
Finalists: Verizon, Apple Store

Best Place to Buy Erotic Playthings
Hollywood Super Center
Finalists: Electric Love, Sir Rat Leather & Gear, Adam & Eve

Best Place to Buy Eyewear
Montrose Eye Care (tie)
The Eye Gallery (tie)
Finalists: Eye Elegance, Eyebar

Best Place to Buy/Rent a Costume
Electric Love/ Erotic Caberet (tie)
CostumeWorx (tie)
Finalists: Arne’s Warehouse & Party Store,Danny’s Trix and Kix

Best Specialty Food Store
Phoenicia (tie)
Salt & Sugar (tie)
Finalist: Whole Foods Market

Best Women’s Clothing Store
Pride Threads-Mell Gamboa
Finalist: Electric Love

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Best Place to Pop the Question
Houston Botanic Garden
Finalist: The Bishop’s Palace (Galveston)

Best Place to Rent/Buy Formal Wear
Suitsupply
Finalists: Bravo Suit & Tux, Men’s Warehouse, Rent the Runway

Best Wedding Officiant
Rev. Heather Tolleson
Finalists: Rev. Diane McGehee, Johnny Peden, Marry Me Tiffany-Tiffany Scales

Best Wedding/Event Cake Bakery
Leona’s Bakeshop
Finalists: The Bake Happening, Cakes By Gina,Angel_TheCakeChef, The Chocolate Llama, Who Made the Cake!

Best Wedding/Event Catering Firm
Leona’s Bakeshop
Finalists: City View Catering,Legacy Events Catering, Event Elementz, 210 Fusion Cuisine

Best Wedding/Event DJ
DJ Crazy V
Finalists: DJ London, DJ Krazzy Kris, Val, Patrick Ukemi

Best Wedding/Event Florist
Andrew Liebig Designs
Finalists: Robert Shipman Florist, In Bloom, Alex T

Best Wedding/Event Live Musician/Band
Teacake & Rock Steady
Finalists: DJ Crazy V, Jukebox Trainwreck

Best Wedding/Event Photographer
Jamie Hardin Photography
Finalists: Protography Studios, Dalton DeHart Photography, Davis Mendoza Darusman, Manuel Ayala Photography

Best Wedding/Event Planner
Shaun Gray Events
Finalists: Alexander Wyatt, Lee Capetillo, Thistle Wynd Productions

Best Wedding/Event Venue
First Christian Church Katy
Finalists: Magnolia Hotel, Bering Memorial United Church of Christ, Forever 5 Events

Best Wedding/Event Videographer
Houston Unscripted Productions

TRAVEL & VACATIONS

Best Airline
United
Finalists: Southwest, Spirit, Qatar, Delta

Best Honeymoon Destination
Bangkok
Finalists: London, Sydney, New York City, Dubai

Best LGBTQ Cruise Company
Atlantis
Finalists: VACAYA, Arno’s Bear Cruises, Brand g

Best LGBTQ Land Tour Company
Camiba Cultural Tours

Best Local Hotel
JW Marriott
Finalists: Le Meridien Houston Downtown, Wanderstay Boutique Hotel

Best Local Hotel Bar
Hilton Americas Houston
Finalist: Z on 23

Best Local Hotel Pool
Marriott Marquis Houston
Finalists: Heights House, South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center

Best Local Hotel Restaurant
Bloom & Bee

Best Local Hotel Spa
Trellis

Best Local LGBTQ Travel Agency
Concierge Travel

Best Place for a Staycation
Marriott Marquis Houston
Finalists: JW Marriott, Hilton Americas Houston, Houstonian, South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center

Best Travel Insurance Services
Travel Guard

Favorite Flight Attendant
Patrick at Spirit
Finalists: Troy Vuillemot, Diamond Deveraux Yaki

Favorite LGBTQ Travel Destination
New York City
Finalists: New Orleans, Puerto Vallarta, Italy

Favorite LGBTQ-Friendly Campgrounds
TCC
Finalists: Grizzly Pines, Circle J, TVC

Favorite Place to Take Out-of-Town Visitors
Boheme Drag Brunch
Finalists: 100% Taquito, Color Factory

Thank you to all of our readers, advertisers, and sponsors—as well as everyone who voted—for making our 27th annual Readers’ Choice Awards possible!

This list appears in the October 2024 edition of OutSmart magazine.

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