(201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards
Celebrate the best businesses and organizations in the area with the (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards! We put the power in your hands, the local community, to nominate and vote for your favorite companies in more than 140 categories. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, this awards program is your chance to shine a spotlight on the establishments that make the Bergen area stand out.
Winners are revealed at our exclusive awards gala and to the public following the event in a printed winners edition and online. So, rally your friends, family and community, and let’s make this year’s program the best ever!
THE LATEST: The (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards are back for 2025! Join us in celebrating your favorite local businesses and organizations. Nominations open October 7, 2024.
How it Works
Each year, the (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards recognizes more than 420 businesses and organizations, and we couldn’t do it without community members like you! The awards program starts with public nominations, and from the top seven nominees in each category, the voting round selects the finalists and winners.
Nomination Round
- It all begins with nominations. In this round, the public can submit area businesses and organizations for consideration in each category. Users who nominate their favorites in 25 or more categories will be entered to win a $250 gift card!
Voting Round
- After nominations, the top seven in each category move on to the voting round. Here, users vote for their favorites among the seven to determine winners! Another $250 gift card is up for grabs for those who vote in 25 or more categories.
Winners Announced
- Once voting ends, excitement builds as we prepare to reveal the winners! At the awards gala, we announce the businesses and organizations that have earned the most votes in each category. Results are shared with the public after the event.
The Categories
There are more than 140 categories in the (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards! This list has been curated to best represent the Bergen area. Nominate or vote in any or all of these categories during their respective period. Have a category suggestion? Complete the form at the bottom of this section.
Dining
Best Alfresco Dining
Best Bagels
Best Bakery
Best Barbecue
Best Bartender
Best Breakfast
Best Brewery
Best Brunch
Best Burgers
Best Butcher Shop
Best Carry Out
Best Caterer
Best Cheese Shop
Best Chef
Best Chinese Restaurant
Best Cocktails
Best Craft Beer Bar
Best Deli
Best Dessert Menu
Best Diner
Best Dive Bar
Best Doughnuts
Best Fast Casual
Best Fine Dining
Best Food Truck
Best French Fries
Best Greek/Mediterranean
Best Happy Hour
Best Hot Dog
Best Ice Cream
Best Indian Restaurant
Best Italian Restaurant
Best Japanese Restaurant
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Best Korean Restaurant
Best Local Coffee
Best Lunch
Best Meal for the Money
Best Mexican Restaurant
Best New Restaurant (since Oct. 2022)
Best Pizza
Best Place for a Sweet Treat
Best Pub
Best Romantic Restaurant
Best Seafood Restaurant
Best Seafood Shop
Best Server
Best Signature Sandwich
Best Sports Bar
Best Steakhouse
Best Sushi Restaurant
Best Thai Restaurant
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Options
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
Best Wine List
Best Wine Store
Best Wings
Health & Beauty
Best Alternative/Complementary Medicine Service
Best Barber Shop
Best Blowout
Best CBD Store
Best Colorist
Best Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery Center
Best Dental Services
Best Facials
Best Fitness Center/Gym
Best Fitness Studio (Yoga, Barre, Pilates, etc.)
Best Hair Salon
Best Hearing Center
Best Local Pharmacy
Best Makeup Artist
Best Massage
Best Medical Services
Best Men’s Hair Stylist
Best Nail Salon
Best Personal Trainer
Best Spa Services
Best Spin/Cycle/Treadmill Studio
Best Tanning
Best Tattoo Studio
Best Waxing Services
Best Women’s Hair Stylist
Places to Go & Things to Do
Best Art Gallery/Museum
Best Athletic Instruction
Best Craft or Paint Activity Place
Best Dance School
Best Downtown Destination
Best Extracurricular/Hobby Instruction
Best Family Attraction
Best Golf Course
Best Kid Party Venue
Best Library
Best Live Music/Theater Venue
Best Movie Theater
Best Place to Work (more than 50 employees)
Best Place to Work (under 50 employees)
Best Special Town Event
Favorite Bergen Pro Athlete
Favorite Bergen TV/ Radio Personality
Favorite Bergen TV/Movie Celebrity
Shopping & Services
Best Auto Mechanic/Service
Best Bookstore
Best Car Dealership
Best Car Wash/Detail Shop
Best Car/Limo Service
Best Children’s Clothing Store
Best Dry Cleaners
Best Event/Party Planners
Best Fashion Accessories Store
Best Financial Planner
Best Florist
Best Furniture/Home Decor Store
Best Grocery Store/Supermarket
Best Home Decorator/Interior Designer
Best Home Improvement Service
Best Home Maintenance Service
Best Insurance Agency/Agent
Best Jewelry/Watch Store
Best Law Firm
Best Men’s Fashion Store
Best Nonprofit Organization
Best Nursery/Garden Store
Best Party Entertainment
Best Pet Store/Service
Best Photographer/Videographer
Best Real Estate Agent
Best Real Estate Company
Best Shopping Center/Mall
Best Sporting Goods/Outdoor Store
Best Tailor
Best Tech Services
Best Travel Agency
Best Veterinarian/Animal Hospital
Best Wedding Venue
Best Women’s Fashion Store
Suggest a Category
We love your category suggestions! Submit yours using the form below and it will be considered for next year’s awards program. By submitting you agree to our privacy policy. *Indicates required field.
Awards Gala
The (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards culminates in the announcement of the winners! This takes place at an exclusive awards gala open only to finalists and their guests, the local business leaders and residents of the community. The event starts with a cocktail hour with entertainment, followed by dinner and the awards presentation. The gala serves as not only a platform to celebrate the achievements of the winners, but also as an excellent opportunity for networking and recognition. Attire for the event is business/cocktail.
Awards gala is open to program finalists and guests only.
Join us March 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Venue to be announced at a later date.
Winners Edition
Winners of the (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards are revealed to the public in a winners edition. This commemorative, printed section will publish in the March issue of (201) Magazine and will include all of the finalists and winners, along with their details. This guide is an excellent resource to keep on hand throughout the year for discovering the best businesses and organizations in the Bergen area. After the winners edition publishes, the winners are published for free online.
Publishes in the March issue of (201) Magazine.
Winners and finalists can be viewed online for free after the section publishes.
Business Resources
The (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards provides a one-of-a-kind platform for businesses and organizations to showcase their brand. By leveraging targeted digital ads, email marketing, DIY templates, and other marketing tools, companies can elevate their visibility during the nomination and voting phases, and beyond. It’s important to note that while these advertising opportunities can help boost a company’s chances, the decision ultimately rests with the public, as winners and finalists are determined through their votes.
Unique opportunities to promote your business or organization.
Leverage our program to gain exposure and attract new customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I go to nominate a company and what are the guidelines?
You can nominate a company once a day per category when the nomination round is active. To do so, navigate to the appropriate section and category on the ballot and type the complete company name. Once your choice has been input, complete the registration form (on your first visit) with your information and click the “Nominate” button. You can then continue nominating in other categories. There is no “Submit” button. If you nominate in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. To nominate again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function that sends you an easy login email to sign back into the ballot.
I do not see a category that fits the company I would like to nominate. Can it be added?
Our categories are curated to best fit the area. However, each year we add and remove categories to drive innovation and rejuvenate the program. Once nominations have begun for that year’s program, categories cannot be changed. If you would like us to suggest a category for future programs, please submit it here. When considering categories, we take several factors into account including popularity, community participation and the number of eligible companies in the area in that category.
My company made the top seven in the nomination round. What happens next?
Congratulations on your company making the top seven! This means you were in the top seven by nominations in your category of all companies submitted during the nomination round. Your company moves on to voting where the winners are selected. Improve your chances by encouraging your fans to vote for you and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help!
How do I vote in the program and can I "write in" a company during this round?
The nominees in the voting round consist of the top five companies from the nomination round. New companies cannot be added at this stage. To vote for a company, go to its category on the ballot and select “Vote” near its name. You can vote once a day per category when the voting round is active. After selecting the nominee, complete the registration form (on your first visit) and click the “Vote” button. You can then continue voting in other categories. If you input a company, your vote has been recorded. There is no “Submit” button. If you vote in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. If you participated in nominations, you must re-register, but your information will be carried over. To vote again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function to sign back in.
My company made the top four in the voting round. What happens next?
Congratulations on your company making the top four! This means you were in the top four by votes in your category of all companies submitted during the voting round. You may even have won! Stay tuned to the big reveal when winners are announced and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help you spread the word about your accomplishment!
My company's basic information is incorrect on the ballot. What can I do and how do I get my company details added to my listing?
We do our best to ensure company information is correct but acknowledge that errors can occur. If you notice any inaccuracies in your company’s basic information, contact us through the Additional Questions form below and let us know what is wrong and we will correct the issue. Maximize your company’s visibility with our enhanced listings and advertising packages. Enhanced listings offer a comprehensive display of your company’s information, including your company logo. Additionally, our advertising packages enable you to actively promote your company and encourage the community to nominate or vote for you. contact us through the Business Resources section of this website now to get started!
How are companies alerted that they made the top seven after nominations or top four after voting?
We diligently reach out by phone or email to each company to notify them of their top seven or topfour status, utilizing information collected from their websites, social media, or map listings. You should expect to hear from someone representing your local newspaper, USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, or Gannett. Be cautious of inbound calls from individuals not affiliated with these companies. You can always verify communications by contacting us through the Additional Questions form below. The top four list is also posted on this website after the ballot has been reviewed. If you haven’t heard from us and want to know if your company made it to the top seven or top four, please contact us through the Business Resources section of this website so that we can provide you with important program details and information on how our advertising products can help you promote your company!
How many times can I nominate or vote in the program and how do you prevent fraud?
You can nominate or vote in the program during their respective periods once a day per category using one individual email address. Our platform employs CAPTCHA technology to prevent bots and tracks IP addresses to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure accurate results. For more information, see our complete participation rules on our ballot pages.
How can my company increase its chances of being nominated or voted for in the program?
What comes with being named a finalist or winner in the program?
Winning or placing among the top three finalists in the Community’s Choice Awards is a prestigious achievement that reflects a company’s excellence in its respective industry. The winners and finalists are published online and publicized to the community, serving as a trusted resource for people searching for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. Companies can also showcase their accomplishments by using our free winner and finalist logos and purchasing winner plaques, finalist certificates and window clings that proudly display their achievement. Contact us through the Additional Questions form below to learn more about these opportunities.
Does this program require payment in exchange for participation, or is it solely based on the community’s nominations and votes?
Participation in the Community’s Choice Awards is completely free of charge! We believe that every eligible company should have the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding products, services and contributions to the community without any financial barriers. While we do offer advertising opportunities that can help boost a company’s chances, the decision ultimately rests with the public, as winners and finalists are determined through their votes. Company self-promotion with owned marketing channels to solicit nominations and votes are encouraged!
How do I find out the finalists and winners of this year's program?
After the program ends and we contact the finalists, we announce the winners and finalists online. Our online Winners Guide includes company details, making it a trusted resource for those looking for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. So, the next time you are searching for a new pizza place, need a reliable plumber, or are shopping for clothing, make sure to check out our guide for some top-notch recommendations!
What happens at the awards gala and where and when will it be held?
The awards gala is a special night where local business leaders and community residents gather to find out the winners of the awards program! It serves as a platform to celebrate the winners’ achievements and an excellent opportunity for networking and recognition. The event features a hosted cocktail hour, a complete sit-down dinner with entertainment and the awards presentation. The attire for the event is business/cocktail and parking is available at the venue. Please refer to the Awards Gala section on this page for this year’s event date and venue information. Below is the evening’s timeline. contact us through the Additional Questions form below for additional event information. Join us for the business event of the year!
- 6:00 p.m. – Doors Open
- 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Cocktail Hour
- 6:45 p.m. – Dinner is Served
- 7:30 p.m. – Awards Program Begins
- 8:30 p.m. – Awards Program Concludes
Who is invited to the awards gala and who can they bring? How can I get tickets or RSVP?
The awards gala is restricted to the top three program finalists only and their invited guests, typically including business partners, employees, family, and supporters. Children may attend, but it is not recommended, as alcohol is served and there is no child-priced ticket or meal option available. Our advertising packages include event tickets at different amounts, depending on the package. If you are interested in tickets to the awards gala only, please contact us through the Business Resources section of this website at least four weeks prior to the event. Ticket holders will receive an RSVP request to the email address provided to us to confirm attendance and select meal preferences for their party. If you do not receive an RSVP email, contact us through the Additional Questions form below. Space is limited, so we recommend getting your tickets as soon as they become available.
Will everyone in our party attending the awards gala be seated together?
We make every effort to seat parties together at our awards gala. Typically, seating is arranged at tables of ten. If your party has fewer than ten guests, we will seat you with other companies. If your party has more than ten guests, we will seat you at nearby tables with other companies to fill the remaining space. If you would like to be seated with a specific company or group of friends, please note it on your RSVP or contact us through the Additional Questions form below.
What is served at the awards gala and how do I provide my meal selections?
The awards gala begins with a champagne welcome and hosted bar. A complete dinner is served prior to the award ceremony, consisting of a salad, entrée, and dessert. Meat and vegan/vegetarian options are available for dinner. If you are attending the awards gala, you will select your meal preferences for your party when you RSVP. If you need more details about the dinner options, please contact us through the Additional Questions form below.
If my company wins our category at the awards gala, will I need to give a speech?
No speech is given if your company wins in your category. Winners will be asked to walk across the stage to accept their award, have their photo taken and confirm their information. Enjoy your time in the spotlight!
When will photos from the awards gala red carpet and event be posted?
Photos from the award gala’s red carpet and event will be published on this website within approximately one week of the event. They are available to download at no charge. To download on desktop, right-click on the desired image and select “save image as” to save it to your computer. On mobile or tablet, press and hold the desired image and select “save image.” Feel free to share your photos on social media to celebrate your accomplishment!
My company was selected as a finalist or winner. How can I get a plaque or certificate and window cling and when do they arrive?
If you purchased an advertising package, you will receive your window cling and certificate at the awards gala. Your plaque will be shipped after the event and arrive in six to eight weeks. If you did not purchase an advertising package or did not attend the event, please contact us through the Additional Questions form below for information on their status or how to purchase them. Use caution with inbound communications to your business soliciting plaques. Unless they are associated with your local newspaper, USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, or Gannett, they do not have permission to use the logo and are likely fraudulent. Don‘t forget, you can also showcase your accomplishment by using our free winner and finalist logos.
When is next year's program and what can my company do until then to improve my chances?
Stay tuned to the How it Works section on this website to find out when next year’s awards program will take place. Typically, the program follows a similar timeline each year. In the meantime, we encourage you to motivate your company’s employees to deliver outstanding experiences to your customers. When customers are impressed by your service or product, they are more likely to recommend you and keep you in mind during the awards program. Thank you for your participation and support, and good luck next year!
Where do I go to nominate a company and what are the guidelines?
You can nominate a company once a day per category when the nomination round is active. To do so, navigate to the appropriate section and category on the ballot and type the complete company name. Once your choice has been input, complete the registration form (on your first visit) with your information and click the “Nominate” button. You can then continue nominating in other categories. There is no “Submit” button. If you nominate in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. To nominate again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function that sends you an easy login email to sign back into the ballot.
I do not see a category that fits the company I would like to nominate. Can it be added?
Our categories are curated to best fit the area. However, each year we add and remove categories to drive innovation and rejuvenate the program. Once nominations have begun for that year’s program, categories cannot be changed. If you would like us to suggest a category for future programs, please submit it here. When considering categories, we take several factors into account including popularity, community participation and the number of eligible companies in the area in that category.
My company made the top five in the nomination round. What happens next?
Congratulations on your company making the top five! This means you were in the top five by nominations in your category of all companies submitted during the nomination round. Your company moves on to voting where the winners are selected. Improve your chances by encouraging your fans to vote for you and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help!
How do I vote in the program and can I "write in" a company during this round?
The nominees in the voting round consist of the top five companies from the nomination round. New companies cannot be added at this stage. To vote for a company, go to its category on the ballot and select “Vote” near its name. You can vote once a day per category when the voting round is active. After selecting the nominee, complete the registration form (on your first visit) and click the “Vote” button. You can then continue voting in other categories. If you input a company, your vote has been recorded. There is no “Submit” button. If you vote in 25 or more categories, you will be eligible to win the sweepstakes. If you participated in nominations, you must re-register, but your information will be carried over. To vote again on future visits, you can use the “magic link” function to sign back in.
My company made the top three in the voting round. What happens next?
Congratulations on your company making the top three! This means you were in the top three by votes in your category of all companies submitted during the voting round. You may even have won! Stay tuned to the big reveal when winners are announced and contact us through the Business Resources section of this website to see how our advertising packages can help you spread the word about your accomplishment!
My company's basic information is incorrect on the ballot. What can I do and how do I get my company details added to my listing?
We do our best to ensure company information is correct but acknowledge that errors can occur. If you notice any inaccuracies in your company’s basic information, contact us through the Additional Questions form below and let us know what is wrong and we will correct the issue. Maximize your company’s visibility with our enhanced listings and advertising packages. Enhanced listings offer a comprehensive display of your company’s information, including your company logo. Additionally, our advertising packages enable you to actively promote your company and encourage the community to nominate or vote for you. contact us through the Business Resources section of this website now to get started!
How are companies alerted that they made the top five after nominations or top three after voting?
We diligently reach out by phone or email to each company to notify them of their top five or top three status, utilizing information collected from their websites, social media, or map listings. You should expect to hear from someone representing your local newspaper, USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, or Gannett. Be cautious of inbound calls from individuals not affiliated with these companies. You can always verify communications by contacting us through the Additional Questions form below. The top three list is also posted on this website after the ballot has been reviewed. If you haven’t heard from us and want to know if your company made it to the top five or top three, please contact us through the Business Resources section of this website so that we can provide you with important program details and information on how our advertising products can help you promote your company!
How many times can I nominate or vote in the program and how do you prevent fraud?
You can nominate or vote in the program during their respective periods once a day per category using one individual email address. Our platform employs CAPTCHA technology to prevent bots and tracks IP addresses to prevent fraudulent voting and ensure accurate results. For more information, see our complete participation rules on our ballot pages.
How can my company increase its chances of being nominated or voted for in the program?
What comes with being named a finalist or winner in the program?
Winning or placing among the top three finalists in the Community’s Choice Awards is a prestigious achievement that reflects a company’s excellence in its respective industry. The winners and finalists are published online and publicized to the community, serving as a trusted resource for people searching for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. Companies can also showcase their accomplishments by using our free winner and finalist logos and purchasing winner plaques, finalist certificates and window clings that proudly display their achievement. Contact us through the Additional Questions form below to learn more about these opportunities.
Does this program require payment in exchange for participation, or is it solely based on the community’s nominations and votes?
Participation in the Community’s Choice Awards is completely free of charge! We believe that every eligible company should have the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding products, services and contributions to the community without any financial barriers. While we do offer advertising opportunities that can help boost a company’s chances, the decision ultimately rests with the public, as winners and finalists are determined through their votes. Company self-promotion with owned marketing channels to solicit nominations and votes are encouraged!
How do I find out the finalists and winners of this year's program?
After the program ends and we contact the finalists, we announce the winners and finalists online. Our online Winners Guide includes company details, making it a trusted resource for those looking for the best places to eat, shop, receive services and more. So, the next time you are searching for a new pizza place, need a reliable plumber, or are shopping for clothing, make sure to check out our guide for some top-notch recommendations!
Is there an awards ceremony or event for the program?
Currently, there is no formal awards ceremony for this program, but we do recognize and celebrate the achievements of participants by announcing the winners online after the completion of the program. As the program continues to grow and attract more participants, we may consider organizing an event to further enhance its prestige!
My company was selected as a finalist or winner. How can I get a plaque or certificate and window cling and when do they arrive?
If you purchased an advertising package, you should receive your window cling, certificate, or plaque within six to eight weeks of the winners being announced. If you did not purchase an advertising package, please contact us through the Additional Questions form below for information on their availability or how to purchase them. Don’t forget, you can also showcase your accomplishment by using our free winner and finalist logos.
When is next year's program and what can my company do until then to improve my chances?
Stay tuned to the How it Works section on this website to find out when next year’s awards program will take place. Typically, the program follows a similar timeline each year. In the meantime, we encourage you to motivate your company’s employees to deliver outstanding experiences to your customers. When customers are impressed by your service or product, they are more likely to recommend you and keep you in mind during the awards program. Thank you for your participation and support, and good luck next year!
Additional Questions?
Have a question not answered above or just want to say hello? Email us your questions using the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible! By submitting you agree to our privacy policy. *Indicates required field.
2024 Program Results
Here they are, the winners and finalists of the 2024 (201) Best of Bergen Community’s Choice Awards. These companies were chosen by the community as the best in your area. We encourage you to support these local businesses and organizations by shopping, dining and using their services for a great experience. Keep an eye out for the program’s window clings, plaques or certificates displayed in their establishments.