In the Las Vegas Review-Journal's annual "Best of Las Vegas" poll, many downtown businesses joined the ranks of those throughout the Las Vegas Valley that have made a favorable impression on locals - no small feat in the Entertainment Capital of the World. Downtown businesses and events were voted "The Best" in 34 categories spanning Eat and Drink, Locations, Shopping, Hotels, Entertainment, and People - winning the favor of LVRJ staff and readers alike. The 17,548 ballots cast for the 2011 competition marked a record high in reader participation.

The Beat Coffeehouse and Records, which opened last year, received Best Coffee/Cappuccino from LVRJ staff as well as a guest pick for the same category from Zappos.com CEO, Tony Hsieh. Other winners in the Eat and Drink category are Triple George Grill, Lola's Louisiana Kitchen, Luv-It Frozen Custard and Mundo.

Wins for Best Place to People Watch (First Friday) and Best Place to Take Out of Town Visitors (Fremont East District) indicate that the colorful character of downtown is one reason the area is winning the hearts and preferences of locals. It is fitting that Mayor Oscar Goodman, champion of downtown revitalization, was also named Most Colorful Character, Favorite Male Las Vegan and Best Local Politician - garnering more wins than any other single individual in the poll. Cindy Funkhouser, owner of eclectic antique shop The Funk House, was named Favorite Female Las Vegan.

Other notable downtown winners included Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (Nonhotel Architecture), Springs Preserve (Family Attraction), Coach and David Yurman stores at Las Vegas Premium Outlets (Outlet Store), Dino's Lounge (Karaoke), Flockflockflock (Vintage Store), El Cortez (Blackjack; Keno) Four Queens (Video Poker), Golden Gate (Shrimp Cocktail), Golden Nugget (Downtown Hotel, reader pick) and Main Street Station (Downtown Hotel, LVRJ staff pick).    

Photo courtesy of Triple George