exploreThe best of Dayton starts soon! How to enter this year’s contest
“It’s always a great feeling to be recognized as one of the best at anything in our community,” said Tara Spoores, director of marketing for Warped Wing Brewing Co. “Dayton is filled with so many amazing companies and great people, so for our team to be recognized in this way is pretty awesome!”
Warped Wing Brewing Co. was recognized as Best Craft Beer Bar and Best Local Brewery in our 2021 competition.
“It’s just ‘us’ and it’s great that the Dayton community likes us for who we are,” Spoores said.
Warped Wing’s growth over the past few years likely contributed to its victory. Spoores explained that they have expanded their product line and food offerings on their mats.
Warped Wing Brewing Co. was recognized as Best Craft Beer Bar and Best Local Brewery in the 2021 Best of Dayton competition. TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTORY PHOTOGRAPHER
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Warped Wing Brewing Co. was recognized as Best Craft Beer Bar and Best Local Brewery in the 2021 Best of Dayton competition. TOM GILLIAM/CONTRIBUTORY PHOTOGRAPHER
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
“Each venue has something unique and special to offer our guests and our team always goes above and beyond to create a memorable experience for those who visit,” he added. “We have to attribute a lot of our success to our team members because they are really the ones that keep people coming back to our mats again and again.”
Roger Glass, president and CEO of Marion’s Piazza, said his employees are very proud to be nominated as the best pizza restaurant in the Dayton area.
“I know our employees look forward to it every year and are very proud to win,” Glass said. “These kids work hard and without our loyal employees we wouldn’t be where we are. I think a lot of people know about this (competition) and are looking forward to it. I know I do.”
Marion’s Piazza won Best Pizza Restaurant, Best Large Group Restaurant and Best Square Cut Pizza in last year’s competition.
Marion’s Piazza won Best Pizza Restaurant, Best Large Group Restaurant and Best Square Cut Pizza in last year’s Best of Dayton contest. Staff file photo by Lisa Powell
Marion’s Piazza won Best Pizza Restaurant, Best Large Group Restaurant and Best Square Cut Pizza in last year’s Best of Dayton contest. Staff file photo by Lisa Powell
Glass credits their consistency as one of the reasons they’ve won year after year.
“It’s always an honor and we feel very privileged to win the way we do,” he said. “We have been in business for 57 years and have many loyal customers. We are very grateful to them because without them we would not be close.”
Justin Barbarino, who specializes in American Traditional, Neo-Traditional/Illustrative, and Traditional Black and Gray tattoos at Black Cloud Tattoo, was recognized as the Best Tattoo Artist of 2021, after being nominated in previous years.
“It was a shock to be honest,” Barbarino admitted. “I didn’t promote it to my social media followers once I heard it was nominated. After the shock, I was so honored and grateful for my fans and customers. I really am nothing without them.”
said Barbarino Dayton.com the Best of Dayton contest encouraged people to contact him or at least research him.
Justin Barbarino, who specializes in American Traditional, Neo-Traditional/Illustrative, and Traditional Black and Gray tattoos at Black Cloud Tattoo, was recognized as the Best Tattoo Artist in the Best of Dayton 2021 contest.
Credit: Submitted photo
Credit: Submitted photo
Justin Barbarino, who specializes in American Traditional, Neo-Traditional/Illustrative, and Traditional Black and Gray tattoos at Black Cloud Tattoo, was recognized as the Best Tattoo Artist in the Best of Dayton 2021 contest.
Credit: Submitted photo
Credit: Submitted photo
“I honestly believe that artists (of all kinds) evolve if they want to stay creative and improve their output,” he said. “I hope my dedication to improving my skills and my work was the deciding factor.”
Jay Peterson, director of marketing and special events for Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC), said the renowned company was thrilled to be recognized as the top dance group in 2021.
“Coming out of COVID, where entertainment venues, theaters, etc. were closed, it was a welcome recognition that those who voted still recognized the excellence of DCDC,” Peterson said.
He explained whether DCDC performs locally, nationally or internationally, people recognize Dayton for its richness and excellence in artistic entertainment.
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was recognized as the best dance group in the Best of Dayton 2021 competition. CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE
Credit: CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE
Credit: CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE
The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company was recognized as the best dance group in the Best of Dayton 2021 competition. CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE
Credit: CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE
Credit: CONTRIBUTED/DAVID A. MOODIE
“We are proud to have Dayton in our name,” Peterson said. “A DCDC audience is incredibly diverse—people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. This diversity adds to the richness of the dance experience.”
Nominations for this year’s Best of Dayton contest begin Monday, August 8th and will run through Monday, August 22nd. The number of nominations an individual, company or organization receives will largely determine the list of finalists. After a shortlist is selected in each category, there will be a voting period beginning Tuesday, September 6.
Barbarino told Dayton.com he is excited for this year’s contest.
“Not necessarily because I need to win again, but because I’m always excited to see friends and colleagues recognized for their hard work and dedication to this ancient art form,” he said.
exploreBest of Dayton Contest Guidelines
“We look forward to the contest every year, nothing like a fun and friendly competition among our community,” Spoores said. “It’s a lot of fun though — we want everyone to succeed and be the best in Dayton.”
“It’s always great to see all the ‘best of…winners,'” Peterson added. “Dayton has so much to offer and so many entities that make it a great place to live.”
To learn more about the Best of Dayton contest, see our contest guidelines or find out how you can enter.
