Michigan's Best 2008

Best of the Best: 2008

The results are in, and today The Detroit News reveals the best that Michigan has to offer.

From the sandy beaches that line the state's coast to the excitement driving the Motor City, readers have enthusiastically shared with us their favorite spots in Michigan.

Jonathan Wolman
Editor and Publisher
The Detroit News

During one week in March, more than 40,000 people submitted ballots and voted at detnews.com for their favorites in categories as disparate as "Party Hearty," "Out & About," "Consumer Heaven" and "National & Michigan."

This section, Michigan's Best, boasts a variety of services and places to dine, shop -- and simply have fun throughout the state. Word to the wise, readers tell us some of the greatest shakes and burgers can be found in Cheboygan; the best place to throw darts is in Mount Pleasant; and New Baltimore offers the very best breakfast.

If a favorite isn't in this section, let us know. We'll fine-tune the categories before next year's edition of Michigan's Best.

PARTY HEARTY

Best brewpub

Best casino

Best casino food

Best casino hotel

Best casino slots

Best happy hour

Best Live Music, less than 500-seat capacity

Best Live Music, more than 500-seat capacity

Best place for stand-up comedy

Best place to throw darts

Best sports bar

CONSUMER HEAVEN

Best bakery

Best barbershop

Best beauty salon

Best beer/liquor selection

Best brake shop

Best car wash/detailing

Best comic book store

Best dry cleaner

Best florist

Best fudge shop

Best jewelry store

Best oil change

Best pet store

Best place to buy cheesecake

Best place to buy tires

Best shoe store

Best specialty market

Best store for appliances/electronics

Best supermarket

Best vehicle dealership

Best vintage clothing store

Best wine selection

OUT & ABOUT

Best art gallery

Best bed and breakfast

Best Chinese restaurant

Best community recreation center

Best day spa

Best ferry to Mackinac Island

Best Greek restaurant

Best Italian restaurant

Best Mexican restaurant

Best Michigan winery

Best Middle-Eastern restaurant

Best movie theater

Best movie theater ambience

Best movie theater concessions

Best movie theater seats

Best other ethnic restaurant

Best pita

Best place for yoga

Best public golf course

Best small-town parade

Best special occasion restaurant

Best summer festival

Best Thai restaurant

Best water park in Michigan

Best workout spot

NATIONAL & MICHIGAN

Best all-around American menu (Michigan)

Best all-around American menu (national)

Best breakfast (Michigan)

Best breakfast (national)

Best buffet (Michigan)

Best buffet (national)

Best burger (Michigan)

Best burger (national)

Best coffeehouse (Michigan)

Best coffeehouse (national)

Best delicatessen (Michigan)

Best delicatessen (national)

Best doughnut shop (Michigan)

Best doughnut shop (national)

Best drugstore (Michigan)

Best drugstore (national)

Best fried or broasted chicken (Michigan)

Best fried or broasted chicken (national)

Best garden store (Michigan)

Best garden store (national)

Best hardware store (Michigan)

Best hardware store (national)

Best home-furnishings store (Michigan)

Best home-furnishings store (national)

Best ice cream (Michigan)

Best ice cream (national)

Best men's clothing store (Michigan)

Best men's clothing store (national)

Best milkshake (Michigan)

Best milkshake (national)

Best pizza (Michigan)

Best pizza (national)

Best place for a coney (Michigan)

Best place for a coney (national)

Best place for subs (Michigan)

Best place for subs (national)

Best seafood (Michigan)

Best seafood (national)

Best Sunday brunch (Michigan)

Best Sunday brunch (national)

Best travel agency (Michigan)

Best travel agency (national)

Best women's clothing store (Michigan)

Best women's clothing store (national)