Best of Alameda 2025
🎉 The island's biggest community vote is here!
From your favorite coffee spot to the teacher who changed a kid's life — this is YOUR chance to celebrate the best of Alameda.
Winners earn the Certified Alameda Peeps Favorite award, recognized by over 20,000 of your neighbors. No corporate picks. No paid placements. Just real votes from real Alamedans.
Your vote. Your community. Your favorites.
Nominations close January 9, 2026
Categories
Browse this year's 102 categories
Arts + Culture
Best Art Gallery
Best Event Producer / Promoter
Puts on shows, markets, festivals
Best Local Artist
Visual arts
Best Museum
Best Musician / Band
Live performers
Best Performer
Theatre, dance, comedy
Best Writer / Storyteller
Local columnist, poet, historian, etc.
Automotive
Best Auto Body Shops
Best Auto Repair Shops
Best Car Wash
Community & Nonprofits
Best Nonprofit In Alameda
Best Places to Volunteer
Best Senior Services
Community & Recreation
Best Gym
Best fitness center or gym in Alameda
Best Nonprofit Organization
Best Outdoor Leader
Running clubs, paddling, hiking groups, cleanup leaders
Best Places For Kids
Best Recreation Spot
Community + Service
Best "Behind-the-Scenes" Hero
Logistics, event setup, mutual aid
Best Community Builder
Organizes, connects people, builds community
Best Local Advocate
Housing, environment, disability access, whatever lane
Best Mentor
Youth, career, arts, sports, etc.
Best Neighbor
The "everyone knows they help" award
Best Volunteer
Shows up consistently, not a one-off
Best Youth Champion
Adult who consistently supports kids and teens
Education + Youth
Best After-School Leader
Arts, STEM, enrichment
Best Coach
Youth sports, school teams, community leagues
Best School Staff Member
Counselor, librarian, office staff, paraeducator
Best Teacher / Educator
AUSD, private, tutoring, adult ed
Food & Drink
Best Bagels
Best Bakery
Best Bar
Best Barbecue
Alameda's favorite BBQ
Best Breakfast / Brunch
Best Burger Places
Best Burmese Restaurant
Best Charcuterie / Cheese Shop
Best Charcuterie in Alameda
Best Chinese Restaurant
Best Coffee Shop
Best Dim Sum
Best Donuts
Best Fried Chicken
Best Greek / Mediterranean Restaurant
Best Ice Cream
Best Italian Restaurants
Best Japanese Restaurant
Best Korean Restaurants
Best Mexican Restaurant
Best Outdoor Dining
Best Pizza
Best Place to Drink Beer
Best Place to Have Coffee
Best Restaurants
Best Sandwiches
Best Thai
Best Vietnamese Restaurant
Best Wine Bars
Health + Safety
Best Caregiver
Home care, elder support, disability support
Best Crossing Guard / Street Safety Hero
Best Emergency Responder
Firefighter, EMT, dispatch
Best Healthcare Professional
Doctor, nurse, therapist, PT, dentist
Home & Professional Services
Best Daycare
Best Dentists In Alameda
Best General Contractors
Best Handyman
Best Landscapers
Best Plumber
Best Roofing
Pets
Best Animal Advocate
Rescue, fostering, TNR
Best Animal Shelter or Rescue Groups
Best Dog Walker / Pet Sitter
Best Pet Groomer
Best Pet Store
Best Veterinarian
Retail & Shopping
Best Antique Shop
Best Bike Shop
Best Book Store
Best Clothing Store
Best Date Night In Alameda
Best Dispensary
Best Florist
Best Gift Shop
Best Grocery Store
Best Hardware Store
Best Health Food Stores
Best Jewelry Store
Best Plant Nursery
Best Thrift Store
Best Toy / Game Store
Services & Professionals
Best Accountant
Best Auto Shop
Best Contractor
Best Financial Advisor
Best Photographer
Best Real Estate Agent
Small Business People
Best Barber / Stylist
Best Barista
Individual, not "best coffee shop"
Best Bartender
Best Chef
Best Local Business Owner
Human, not brand
Best Server
Restaurant front-of-house MVP
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this event
How does voting work?
Vote for your favorite local businesses, organizations, and people in each category.
Who can vote?
Anyone with a verified email can participate. You must be logged in to cast votes.
How are winners determined?
Winners are determined by total vote count when voting closes. Results are announced publicly after the voting period ends.
Can I nominate someone not on the list?
Yes! During the nomination phase, you can suggest any local business, organization, or person. Nominations are reviewed before appearing on the ballot.
What do winners receive?
Winners receive recognition on our website, a digital certificate, and bragging rights as a certified Alameda Peeps Favorite!
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