BEST OF THE BEST
2017____________________________________
Who’s the best? We asked, and you answered. Thousands of votes were cast in Shelby Living’s annual Best of the Best contest. Read on to find out our readers’ favorite businesses, restaurants and venues in Shelby County.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
BEST COFFEE
Kai’s Coffee
2953 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
205-352-2290
Finalists: Chelsea Coffee House, Starbucks on Alabama 119 (Alabaster), The Neighborhood Brew, Donut Joe’s (Pelham)
BEST BAKERY
K&J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery
236 1st St. S, Alabaster
205-663-4827
Finalists: Delicious Bakery, Edgar’s Bakery (Pelham), Tee’s Cakes and Pastries, Edgar’s Bakery (Alabama 119), Donut Joe’s (Pelham)
BEST BURGER
The Depot Deli & Grill
29 Lake Davidson Lane, Helena
205-620-1426
Finalists: Davis Drug (Columbiana), Chubbfather’s (Alabaster), Tony’s Hot Dogs (Pelham), Rio’s Bar & Grill (Helena), Mugshots (Inverness)
BEST BBQ
Jim ‘N Nick’s
295 Alabaster Boulevard, Alabaster
205-605-0170
Finalists: Lazy Boy BBQ (Alabaster), Tin Top BBQ 2 (Columbiana)
BEST PIZZA
Buck Creek Pizza
251 Buck Creek Plaza, Alabaster
205-624-2040
Finalists: Marco’s Pizza (Helena), Nino’s Italian Restaurant (Pelham), Area 41 Pizza Co., The Pizza Star (Columbiana), Sanpeggio’s Pizza
BEST MILKSHAKE
K&J’s Elegant Pastries and Creamery
236 1st St. S, Alabaster
205-663-4827
Finalists: Davis Drug (Columbiana), Chick-fil-A (Alabaster), Steak ‘n Shake (Alabaster), Dairy Queen (Alabaster)
BEST MARGARITA
Margarita Grill
234 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham
205-982-7281
Finalists: Zapopan (Calera), Cozumel Grill (Pelham), Superior Grill (U.S. 280), El Patron (Helena), Champy’s (Alabaster).
BEST BAR
Rio’s Bar & Grill
2693 County Road 58, Helena
205-664-0366
Finalists: The Beer Hog (Pelham), Main Street Tavern (Montevallo), Courtyard Oyster Bar & Grill, Margarita Grill (Pelham), Grey Bar (Greystone)
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Joe’s Italian
21 Weatherly Club Drive, Alabaster
205-663-4111
Finalists: Nino’s (Pelham), Olive Garden (Alabaster), Amoré Ristorante Italiano (U.S. 280), Bellinis (Cahaba Valley Road), Café Trentuno (Pelham)
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Zapopan Mexican Restaurant
4416 U.S. 31, Calera
205-668-4008
Finalists: Cozumel Grill (Pelham), Margarita Grill (Pelham), El Patron (Helena), Del Toro (Alabaster), Habaneros (Alabaster)
BEST CATERER
Home Plate Cooking
5129 Highway 17, Helena
205-621-6502
Finalists: Jim ‘N Nick’s (Alabaster), Joe’s Italian (Alabaster), Lazy Boy BBQ (Alabaster), Southern Sweets (Montevallo), Bellinis (Cahaba Valley Road)
HEALTH & BEAUTY
BEST FAMILY MEDICINE PRACTICE
Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates
7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham
205-995-9909
Finalists: Cahaba Family Medicine, Columbiana Clinic, Helena Family Medicine, Greenvale Pediatrics, UAB Inverness
BEST DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
Cahaba Dermatology Skin Health Center
2290 Valleydale Road, Hoover
205-214-7546
Finalists: Shelby Dermatology (Alabaster), Inverness Dermatology, True Dermatology (Alabaster), Skin Wellness Center of Alabama, Village Dermatology
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE
Columbiana Family Dentistry
21591 Alabama 25, Columbiana
205-669-6778
Finalists: Andrews Family Dental, Calera Dental Center, Shelby Pediatric Dentistry, Honea Family Dentistry, Premier Dentistry
BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE
Calera Orthodontics
101 County Road 87, Calera
205-620-4611
Finalists: Orthodontics South (Pelham), Edwards Orthodontics, Birmingham Orthodontics (Alabaster), Chelsea Orthodontics, Moore Orthodontics
BEST EYE CARE PRACTICE
Pelham Eye Care
2617 U.S. 31, Pelham
205-664-1575
Finalists: Calera Family Eyecare, VisionFirst Eye Center (Alabaster), Hayes Eye Center, Columbiana Eye Care, Dr. Jill K. Meyer (Pelham)
BEST CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Greystone Chiropractic
5426 U.S. 280, Birmingham
205-981-8090
Finalists: Shelby Family Chiropractic, Montevallo Chiropractic, Chelsea Chiropractic, The Farm, Roderick White Chiropractic
BEST PHARMACY
Davis Drug Company
111 S. Main St., Columbiana
205-669-6713
Finalists: Snider’s Pharmacy (Chelsea), Brooklere Pharmacy (Alabaster), Walgreens (Helena), Publix (Alabaster), CVS (Helena)
BEST HAIR SALON
Seventh Heaven
301 W. College St., Columbiana
205-669-4092
Finalists: Spa One80 (Alabaster), Salon 5 (Alabaster), Studio V Salon (Helena), Roots Salon (Helena), B’Stylin (Alabaster)
BEST NAIL SALON
Nail Star
9200 Alabama 119, Alabaster
205-664-5373
Finalists: Foxy Nails (Helena), Sun n’ Nails (Calera), Seventh Heaven Salon (Columbiana), Nova Nails (Pelham), Diva Nails (Alabaster)
BEST SPA
St. Vincent’s Spa One Nineteen
7191 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham
205-408-6600
Finalists: Spa One80 (Alabaster), Santa Fe Day Spa, Spa 22 (Calera), Ross Bridge, Spa Greystone
BEST FITNESS CENTER
Helena Health Club
4766 County Road 52, Helena
205-621-7007
Finalists: Gym Time (Alabaster), St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, YMCA Alabaster, YMCA Pelham, Fit 24 (Calera)
SHOPPING & SERVICES
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
Brass Bear Antiques
2652 Valleydale Road, Hoover
205-566-0601
Finalists: Dragonflies (Columbiana), Cedar Creek Nursery (Montevallo), Chelsea Antiques, Blue Building Antiques and Consignment (Alabaster), Greystone Antiques
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Southeastern Jewelers Inc.
5299 Valleydale Road, Birmingham
205-980-9030
Finalists: Paul’s Diamond Center, Gifted (Pelham), Kay Jewelers (Alabaster), Diamonds Direct, Anthony & Co. Jewelers
BEST GIFT STORE
Gifted
2643 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
205-624-3400
Finalists: Skull Girl Soaps, Cedar Creek Nursery (Montevallo), Davis Drug (Columbiana), Busy Hands (Columbiana), Chelsea Lane
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Alabama Furniture Market
10 Commercial Park Dr., Calera
205-668-9995
Finalists: Encore Resales (Pelham), Farmhouse + Family (Alabaster), Bobby Bowdon’s Discount Furniture, Easy Street Resale (Pelham)
BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE
Consigned Design
72 Fulton Springs Road, Alabaster
205-664-7540
Finalists: Encore Resales (Pelham), Faith Consignment (Alabaster), Me & Mom Consignment (Alabaster), Earthly Treasures (Columbiana), America’s Thrift Store (Alabaster)
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Gifted
2643 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
205-624-3400
Finalists: Belk (Alabaster), Tween Queens (Helena), Weepeats, Sew Precious, Two Girls and a Dog
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Gifted
2643 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
205-624-3400
Finalists: Oh My Sole (Helena), Belk (Alabaster), Ditsy Daisy (Chelsea), Frou Frou Boutique, Urban Barn Clothing Co. (Inverness)
BEST FLORIST
Main Street Florist
114 N. Main St., Columbiana
205-669-3331
Finalists: Pelham Flowers by Desiree, Flowerz N More (Alabaster), Main Street Florist (Mt Laurel), Gail’s Florist (Columbiana), Sarah’s Flowers (Pelham)
BEST MOVING SERVICES
Easy Moves Moving & Storage
1038 Commerce Boulevard, Pelham
205-434-1615
Finalists: Motivated Movers (Pelham), Two Men and a Truck (Pelham), Earl’s Moving Co., Changing Spaces, American Eagle (Chelsea)
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
Alabama Turf Works
5657 Helena Road, Helena
205-624-2010
Finalists: Helena Landscape Supply & Nursery, The Grounds Guys (Alabaster), Doug’s Lawn Care (Pelham), Sophisticated Lawns, Horticulture Solutions
BEST ANIMAL CLINIC
Oak View Animal Hospital
2127 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham
205-988-3559
Finalists: Oak View Animal Hospital, Valleydale Animal Clinic, Montevallo Animal Clinic, Countryside Animal Hospital, Caldwell Mill Animal Hospital, Chelsea Animal Hospital
PLACES & EVENTS
BEST LOCAL MUSEUM
Shelby County Museum & Archives
1854 Old Courthouse Circle, Columbiana
205-669-3912
Finalists: Kenneth R. Penhale Museum (Helena), Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington (Columbiana), American Village (Montevallo), Aldrich Coal Mine Museum (Montevallo)
BEST LOCAL FESTIVAL
Alabaster CityFest
P.O. Box 2069, Alabaster
cityfest@alabastercityfest.com
Finalists: Buck Creek Festival (Helena), Liberty Day (Columbiana), Mt Laurel Fall Festival, Shelby County Shindig (Columbiana), Calera Strawberry Festival
BEST WEDDING VENUE
Douglas Manor
545 Chelsea Springs Dr., Columbiana
205-369-8714
Finalists: Griffin Farms (Helena), The Sterling Castle (Shelby), American Village (Montevallo), ShellB Acres (Helena), Magnolia Springs Manor (Helena)
BEST FARMERS MARKET
Helena Market Days
Helena Amphitheatre
helenamarketday@gmail.com
Finalists: Burnette Farms Market, Calera Farmers Market, Lee Branch Farmers Market, Alabaster Farmers Market, Montevallo Farmers Market
BEST GARDEN CENTER
Cedar Creek Nursery
2979 Alabama 119, Montevallo
205-665-5237
Finalists: Myer’s Plants and Pottery (Pelham), Hanna’s Garden Shop, Lowe’s (Alabaster), Home Depot (Pelham), Helena Landscape Supply
BEST HARDWARE STORE
Brown Lumber & Building Supply
21891 Alabama 25, Columbiana
205-669-6715
Finalists: Lowe’s (Alabaster), Helena True Value Hardware, Home Depot (Pelham), Marvin’s (Calera), Tractor Supply (Montevallo)
BEST COMMUNITY CENTER
Chelsea Community Center
11101 Highway 47, Chelsea
205-677-2052
Finalists: Alabaster Senior Center, Helena Community Center, Columbiana Senior Center, Pelham Civic Complex, Saginaw Community Center
BEST PUBLIC LIBRARY
North Shelby Library
5521 Cahaba Valley Road, Birmingham
205-439-5500
Finalists: Pelham Public Library, Jane B. Holmes Public Library (Helena), Albert L. Scott Library (Alabaster), Columbiana Public Library, Roy Downs Memorial Calera Library
BEST CITY PARK
Veterans Park
7305 Alabama 119, Alabaster
205-664-6840
Finalists: Orr Park (Montevallo), Joe Tucker Park (Helena), Heardmont Park (Hoover), Oliver Park (Calera), Pelham City Park
BEST GOLF COURSE
Ballantrae Golf Club
1300 Ballantrae Club Dr., Pelham
205-620-4653
Finalists: Timberline Golf Club (Calera), Magnolia Meadows (Columbiana), Greystone Golf & Country Club, Montevallo Golf Club, Inverness Country Club
BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY
Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
200 One Nineteen Boulevard, Birmingham
205-745-4600
Finalists: Gardens of Pelham, Columbiana Health & Rehab, Shelby Ridge (Alabaster), Danberry At Inverness, Maplewood Assisted Living (Helena)
EDUCATION & KIDS’ ACTIVITIES
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL
Elvin Hill Elementary School
201 Washington St., Columbiana
205-682-6620
Finalists: Chelsea Park Elementary School, Meadow View Elementary School, Creek View Elementary School, Shelby Elementary School, Helena Elementary School
BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
Kingwood Christian School
1351 Royalty Drive, Alabaster
205-663-3973
Finalists: Evangel Classical Christian School, Cornerstone Christian School, Briarwood Christian School, Westminster School at Oak Mountain, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School
BEST CHILDCARE
Kingwood Christian Child Development Center
200 Harvest Way, Alabaster
205-620-6720
Finalists: Covenant Classical School (Valleydale), Covenant Classical School (Pelham), School for Amazing Kids (Pelham), CASA at Asbury Methodist Church, Chase Learning Center (Pelham)
BEST TUTORING CENTER
GradePower Learning
349 Huntley Parkway, Pelham
205-620-2373
Finalists: Mathnasium The Math Learning Center
BEST KIDS’ GYMNASTICS CLASS
NXS Cheer, Gymnastics, & Tumbling
5262 Highway 70, Calera
205-668-2003
Finalists: Legacy Gymnastics (Pelham), Head Over Heels, Joy’s Dance Company (Alabaster), Dance Etcetera (Helena), Loud n’ Proud Gymnastics (Chelsea)
BEST KIDS’ DANCE CLASS
Dance South
316 Foothills Place, Chelsea
205-678-4414
Finalists: Joy’s Dance Company (Alabaster), Dream Makers Dance (Columbiana), Dance Etcetera (Helena), Corky Bell School of Dance (Alabaster), Calera Dance Academy
BEST KIDS’ MUSIC CLASS
Stickandstrum Academy
106 A David Green Road, Birmingham
205-690-1521
Finalists: Old Towne Music Helena, Duke School of Music (Pelham), Shelby County Arts Council, Columbiana First Baptist Church of Columbiana Children’s Choir, Kingwood Christian School
FINANCE, HOME & AUTO
BEST INSURANCE AGENT
Brittani Morris
State Farm Insurance Agent, Alabaster
205-988-4526
Finalists: Torie Rinehart (Columbiana), Rux Bentley (Columbiana), Karen Miller (Helena), Jon Falkner (Columbiana), Scott Morris (Columbiana)
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Andrea Hunter
RE/MAX Southern Homes
110 Inverness Corners, Birmingham
205-440-6398
Finalists: Brandi Edwards, Danielle Turner, Melanie Siow, Kevin Jones, Mary Dunnaway
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Keller Williams Metro South
750 Colonial Promenade Parkway, Alabaster
205-245-5202
Finalists: Lucas & Associates, Down South Realty (Wilsonville), Bradford Real Estate (Montevallo), Arc Realty, RE/MAX Southern Homes
BEST BANK
Central State Bank
11025 Highway 25, Calera
205-668-0711
Finalists: America’s First Federal Credit Union (Pelham), Bryant Bank (Columbiana), Regions Bank (Alabaster), eCO Credit Union (Alabaster), Regions Bank (Helena)
BEST ACCOUNTANT
Denise Graham
Graham & Associates, CPAs
5 Brown Circle, Alabaster
205-663-6673
Finalists: Vic Smith (Alabaster), Bryan Parker (Pelham), Cris Nelson (Alabaster), Mike Hamner (Pelham), Bonnie Dawson (Alabaster)
BEST MORTGAGE LENDER
Central State Bank Mortgage Office
2815 Greystone Commercial Boulevard, Birmingham
205-981-6555
Finalists: FirstBank Mortgage, Mortgage Banc, Regions Bank (Pelham), InterLinc Mortgage, Benchmark
BEST NEW CAR DEALER
Ernest McCarty Ford
1471 1st St. N., Alabaster
205-663-3831
Finalists: Edwards Chevrolet (Inverness), Hoover Toyota, Susan Schein Automotive (Pelham), Tameron Honda
BEST USED CAR DEALER
Driver’s Way
100 Drivers Mart Way, Pelham
205-982-1998
Finalists: Donohoo Auto (Pelham), Ernest McCarty Ford (Alabaster), Oskar Motors, Mundy Motors, CarMax (Hoover)
BEST CAR WASH
Marc-1 Car Wash
40 Kent Stone Way, Alabaster
205-358-7246
Finalists: Anthony’s Car Wash (Pelham), Blue Rain Express Car Wash (Pelham), Marc-1 Car Wash (Pelham), Wash It Off (Helena), Goo-Goo Express Wash (Inverness)
BEST AUTO SERVICE
CarCare Inc.
2048 Valleydale Terrace
205-733-8863
Finalists: Express Oil (Helena), Howard Tire Service (Columbiana), The Garage (Pelham), Chelsea Tire Pros, Brown Auto & Alignment