We’re excited to reveal the winners of the AZ Foothills Best of Our Valley 2025 contest. Many of these outstanding individuals, businesses, and destinations will be featured in the 2025 annual Best of Our Valley issue of Arizona Foothills Magazine—your definitive guide to the Valley’s best, as voted by the residents who know it best.
Arts & Entertainment
| Best Annual Charity Event | Crisco Kidd’s Ton of Toys & Food Drive + Distribution |
| Best Annual Fashion Event | TIE: Scottsdale Fashion Week, Atlas Handcrafted Fashion Show |
| Best Annual Gala | Ava’s Tree House Gala, Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children |
| Best Annual Valley Event | Country Thunder Music Festival |
| Best Annual Valley Music Event | Decadence AZ |
| Best Children’s Theatre | Valley Youth Theatre |
| Best Civic Organization | The Phoenix Thunderbirds |
| Best Comedian | Eric Bernal |
| Best Concert Venue | TIE: The Ravenscroft, The Van Buren |
| Best Dance Studio | Tap’d Out |
| Best Local Art Studio | Blues, Desert & Soul |
| Best Local Artist | Raquel Antoinette, Art by Raquel Antoinette |
| Best Local Band/Musician | Elvis Before Noon |
| Best Local Filmmaker/Videographer | Good Vibe Media |
| Best Museum | Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West |
| Best Record Store | TIE: Stinkweeds, Zia |
| Best Special Event Venue | Heritage at Sportsman’s Park |
| Best Theatre | Arizona Theatre Company |
Winners, as we begin planning the magazine and event in April/May, we will make best effort to reach out to you. If you have any questions reach out to us at bestof@azfoothills.com for information about the magazine and the Best of Our Valley winners event. Download your 2025 Winners logo here. Official plaques can be ordered here. Were you a nominee who didn’t win this year? Ask us about reduced advertising rates in the Best of Our Valley print issue.
Companies & Professionals
| Best Advertising / Digital Agency: Boutique | E Squared |
| Best Advertising / Digital Agency: Large | O.H. Partners |
| Best Auctioneer | Bobby D. Ehlert, Calltoauction.com |
| Best Auto Detailing | Jacksons Car Wash |
| Best Bankruptcy Law Firm | Lerner & Rowe Law Group |
| Best Car Wash | Jacksons Car Wash |
| Best Carpet Cleaning | EnerGreen Carpet Cleaning |
| Best CEO | Shantelle Girard, Rancher Hat Bar |
| Best Corporate Law Firm | Sacks Tierney |
| Best Criminal Defense Law Firm or Lawyer | Lerner & Rowe Law Group |
| Best Divorce Attorney | Robbie Hendricks, State 48 Law Firm |
| Best Dog Training | Paddock’s Paws Pet Care & Training |
| Best Electrician Company | AZ Tech Electric Services LLC |
| Best Estate Planning & Trust Administration Law Firm | Allison L. Kierman, Kierman Law, PLC |
| Best Event Design & Decorations | Creative Occasions |
| Best Family Law | Spencer Fane |
| Best Florist | Boite De Fleurs |
| Best Graphic Design | O.H. Partners |
| Best HVAC Company | Reeis Air Conditioning |
| Best Investment Firm | Miller Capital |
| Best Large Law Firm (23 +) | Fennemore Craig |
| Best Moving Company | Camelback Movers |
| Best Personal Injury Law Firm | Lerner & Rowe Injury Attorneys |
| Best Photographer- Events | James Larcher |
| Best Photographer- Family & Portraits | Rachel Richards Photo + Film |
| Best Photographer- Fashion & Beauty | Michael Franco, Michael Franco Photography |
| Best Plumber | Rooter Ranger |
| Best Private Jet Company | Jackson Jet Center |
| Best Public Relations or Marketing Firm: Boutique | Mack Media Relations |
| Best Public Relations or Marketing Firm: Large | Fieldwork Phoenix |
| Best Real Estate Agency/Brokerage | Local Luxury Christie’s International Real Estate |
| Best Real Estate Law Firm | Medalist Legal |
| Best Real Estate Team | The Katrina Barrett Team at Local Luxury |
| Best Roofing | Arcadia Roofing |
| Best Tattoo Artist / Studio | Kevin Bradley Jr., Sea of Ink Tattoo Studio |
| Best Travel Advisory Firm | Boutique Travel Advisors |
| Favorite Realtor | Austin Zaback – SPACE Powered By LPT |
| Most Philanthropic Company | Lerner & Rowe Gives Back |
Escapes
| Best Arizona Lake Escape | Lake Pleasant |
| Best Arizona Ski Resort | Arizona Snowbowl |
| Best Northern Arizona Adventure | Taadidiin Tours |
| Best Northern Arizona Winery | Page Spring Cellars, Alcantara Vineyards |
| Best Sedona Resort or Hotel | Enchantment Resort |
| Best Sedona Spa | Mii amo Spa |
| Best Southern Arizona Adventure | Kartchner Caverns |
| Best Southern Arizona Winery | The Village Of Elgin Winery |
| Best Tucson Resort or Hotel | Westin La Paloma |
Food & Restaurants
| Best Asian Cuisine | Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey |
| Best Baked Goods or Sweets | Bada Bling Cupcakes |
| Best Barbecue | Bobby Q |
| Best Breakfast | Over Easy |
| Best Brunch | SugarJam The Southern Kitchen |
| Best Burger | BluBurger Grille |
| Best Catering | The Sicilian Butcher |
| Best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza | Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria |
| Best Comfort Food | Eat Up Drive In |
| Best Culinary Event | Arizona Taco Festival |
| Best Cup of Coffee | Heavenly Coffee House |
| Best Date Spot | Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey |
| Best Dining with a View | Spire Bar at Arizona Biltmore |
| Best Dining with Live Music | The Montauk |
| Best Doughnut | BoSa Donuts |
| Best Farmers Market | Uptown Farmers Market |
| Best Food Photography | Joanie Simon |
| Best Frozen Treat | Sicilian Baker – Gelato |
| Best Gluten-Free Menu | Eat Up Drive In |
| Best Health Food or Vegetarian Food | Koibito Poke |
| Best Health Food Store | Sprouts |
| Best Italian | Andreoli Italian Grocer |
| Best Juice Bar | Kaleidoscope Juice |
| Best Mexican Food | Diego Pops |
| Best New Restaurant | Oliver’s Modern American |
| Best Outdoor Dining | Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey |
| Best Pet-Friendly Restaurant | Montauk |
| Best Pizza | Ciao Grazie |
| Best Place to Watch the Big Game | K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill |
| Best Poke Bowl | Koibito Poke |
| Best Private Dining Room | Carcara |
| Best Resort Restaurant | Renata’s Hearth at Arizona Biltmore |
| Best Restaurant Group | Jocque Concepts – Diego Pops, The Montauk, The Hot Chick, Eat Up Drive In, Pretty Please |
| Best Restaurant Interior | Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey |
| Best Seafood | Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey |
| Best Steakhouse | Mastro’s Steakhouse |
| Best Sushi | Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey |
| Best Taco | Diego Pops |
| Best Tea Spot | Drink Me! Tea Room |
| Best Valley Food Truck | Morning Kick Food Truck |
| Favorite Local Food Blog or Website | Write on Rubee |
Health & Self
| Best Alternative Medicine | The Hormone Zone |
| Best Barbershop | V’s Barbershop |
| Best Barre Studio | Pure Barre |
| Best Blow Dry Bar | Drybar |
| Best Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | Dr. Aldo Guerra, Guerra Plastic Surgery Center |
| Best CBD | Nature’s Bloom CBD |
| Best Chiropractor | Dr. Jeff Robinson, AZ Multicare |
| Best Cosmetic Dentist | Brian Harris |
| Best Day Spa or Nail Salon | BALUNSD |
| Best Dental Hygienist | Melanie Johnson, RDH |
| Best Dentist or Dental Team | Harris Dental |
| Best Dermatologist | Dr. Adriana Holy |
| Best Dispensary | Sol Flower |
| Best Eyelash Extensions | Lets Lash |
| Best Facial | The Tox |
| Best Family Doctor | Leila King Peterson, MD |
| Best Fertility Doctor | Dr John Couvaras MD, FACOG |
| Best Gym | BODI |
| Best Hair Stylist | Cindy Wade of Millenium Day Spa and Salon |
| Best Hospital Group | HonorHealth |
| Best IV Drip | Hydrate IV Bar |
| Best Laser Hair Removal | Noelle Cesario, LME, CLT, LifeScape Premier |
| Best Massage | Movement Restoration |
| Best Med Spa | Moderne Medical Aesthetics |
| Best Microblading | Bladed by Britt |
| Best New Gym/Fitness Studio | The Athletic Club |
| Best OB/GYN | Dr. Russell Bartels – Vitality MDs |
| Best Orthodontist | Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics |
| Best Physical Therapist | Streamline Performance Physical Therapy |
| Best Pilates Studio | Firm Body Pilates |
| Best Psychiatrist/Psychologist | Brook Choulet, MD |
| Best Resort Spa | LeMonds Aveda Salon + Spa, Wigwam |
| Best Salon | Ryan M Scottsdale |
| Best Spin Class | TIE: The Village Healthclub and Spa, CycleBar, Studio 360 |
| Best Spray Tan | Bronze Buddha Glow |
| Best Trainer | Ben Brown, Body Systems |
| Best Veterinarian | Dr. Ryan Dunning – Countryside Animal Hospital |
| Best Waxing | Honeypot Wax Spot |
| Best Yoga Studio | radi8 HOT YOGA |
Home & Design
| Best Architect/Architecture Firm | ALINE Architecture |
| Best Arizona-Based Homebuilding Company | Forté Homes |
| Best Custom Wine Cellars | Heritage Vine Custom Wine Cellars |
| Best Furniture/Home Store | Buffalo Collection |
| Best Home Accessories | Buffalo Collection |
| Best Home Automation | Automated Environments |
| Best Home Organizer | O.C.D |
| Best Home Painters | TIE: Arizona Painting Company, Crash of Rhinos Painting |
| Best Home Theater | Oasis Luxury Smart Homes |
| Best Interior Designer/Firm | Guided Home Design |
| Best Landscaping | Refined Gardens |
| Best Luxury Rentals | Noria Robson Luxury Apartments |
| Best Pool Company | Living Stone Pools |
Kids
| Best Academic Tutoring Service | Pimentel Academic Services |
| Best Birthday Party Spot | Mirror & Laser Maze |
| Best Children’s Hospital | Phoenix Children’s Hospital |
| Best Day Camp | OdySea Aquarium |
| Best Holiday Experience for Children | North Pole Experience |
| Best Kid’s Clothing Store | The Garage Boutique |
| Best Kid’s Entertainment | Leo & Luca |
| Best Kid’s Restaurant | Joe’s Farm Grill |
| Best Kid-Friendly Hotel | The Wigwam |
| Best Nanny Agency | The Nanny Concierge |
| Best Pediatric Dentist Office | Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics |
| Best Pediatrician | Dr. Kristin Struble, Camelback Pediatrics |
| Best Private High School | Brophy College Preparatory |
| Best Private or Charter School | Chandler Preparatory Academy |
| Best Water Park | Great Wolf Lodge |
Media
| Best Anchor/Team | Kaley O’Kelley, ABC 15 |
| Best Local Radio Personality/Team | Johnjay & Rich, 104.7 KISS |
| Best News Station | 3TV |
| Best Radio Station | 101.1 The Bounce |
| Favorite Local Morning Show | ABC15 Mornings, ABC15 |
| Favorite Meteorologist or Weather Personality | Jorge Torres, ABC15 |
| Favorite Sportscaster | Patrick Lagreid, PA Announcer |
| Most Fashionable News Anchor | Yetta Gibson, CBS 5 / 3TV |
Nightlife
| Best Arizona Brewery | The Shop Beer Co. |
| Best Bar for Fun & Games | The Hot Chick |
| Best Bloody Mary | Hash Kitchen |
| Best Comedy Club | Tempe Improv |
| Best Country Music Bar | Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row |
| Best Craft Cocktails | Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey |
| Best Dance Floor | Pattie’s 1st Ave Lounge |
| Best Day Drinking Spot | The Montauk |
| Best Dive Bar | Boondocks |
| Best Happy Hour | Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey |
| Best Karaoke Night | The Grapevine |
| Best Local DJ | DJ Iceman |
| Best Lounge | Wright Bar at Arizona Biltmore |
| Best Margarita | Diego Pops |
| Best Nightclub | Pretty Please Lounge |
| Best Nightlife Photographer | Peter Speyer |
| Best Place to Spend a 21st Birthday | The Hot Chick |
| Best Pub | George & Dragon |
| Best Rooftop Bar | Cottontail Lounge |
| Best Saloon | TIE: Harold’s Corral, The Hideaway Grill |
| Best Wine Bar | Wine Girl |
People
| Best Entrepreneur | Risa Kostis – The Wedding Emergency Stylist |
| Best Marketing Professional | Scott Harkey |
| Best Matchmaker | Roseann Higgins, SPIES |
| Best PR | Robyn Patterson, Mack Media Relations |
| Most Fashionable Valley Man | Samuel Anthony Harwit |
| Most Fashionable Valley Woman | Julie Xander |
| Most Influential in Valley Business | Shantelle Girard, Rancher Hat Bar |
| Most Influential in Valley Education | Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University |
| Most Influential in Valley Food | Christina Barrueta, Write on Rubee and award-winning food writer |
| Most Influential in Valley Nonprofit | Carrie Masters, CEO, St. Joseph the Worker |
| Most Influential in Valley Politics | Kate Gallego, Mayor of Phoenix |
| Most Influential in Valley Tourism | Shantelle Girard, Rancher Hat Bar |
Shopping
| Best Antique, Vintage or Resale/Consignment Boutique | Luv Luxe |
| Best Cosmetics and Skincare | Olivespa |
| Best Eyewear | Tatum Eyecare |
| Best Gift Shop | Truly Blessed Jewels |
| Best Handbags and Accessories | Truly Blessed Jewels |
| Best Local Boutique | Truly Blessed Jewels |
| Best Local Fashion Designer | Julliana Garten, J.Garten |
| Best Local Jewelry Designer | Truly Blessed Jewels |
| Best Local Jewelry Store | Truly Blessed Jewels |
| Best Local Watch Selection | Estate Watch & Jewelry Co. |
| Best Outlets or Discount Shopping Center | The Outlets at Anthem |
| Best Pop-Up Shopping Market | Junk in the Trunk |
| Best Shopping Center | Desert Ridge Marketplace |
Social Media
| Best Fashion Feed on Instagram | Nicole Tanneberg |
| Best Fitness Instagram | Ben Brown, @BodySystemsCoaching |
| Best Food Feed on Instagram | Christina Barrueta, @writeonrubee |
| Best Home/Design Instagram | Lexi Westergard Design, @lexiwestergarddesign |
| Best Makeup Feed on Instagram | Charlie Green |
| Best Pet Instagram | Coco, @cocothemaltesedog |
| Best Podcast | Abby Zufelt, Working Girl Talk |
| Best Social Media Marketing | E Squared Marketing |
| Best Travel/Adventure Instagram | Taadidiin Tours |
| Best YouTube Channel | Nicole Tanneberg |
| Most Motivational Instagram | Truly Blessed Jewels |
Stay & Play
| Best Casino | Gila River Casinos |
| Best Downtown Phoenix Hotel | The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel |
| Best Golf Course | We-Ko-Pa Golf Club |
| Best Lobby Bar | Wright Bar at Arizona Biltmore |
| Best Luxury Vacation Rentals | HolidayRental.com |
| Best Movie Theatre | Harkins |
| Best Resort | Arizona Biltmore |
| Best Valley Adventure Experience | Hot Air Expeditions |
| Most Relaxing Resort Pool | Saguaro Pool at Arizona Biltmore |
Weddings
| Best Bridal Show | Arizona Bridal Show |
| Best Engagement Ring Store | Robbins Brothers |
| Best Menswear Shop | Celebrity Tux and Tails |
| Best Music Entertainment | Elite Mobile Entertainment |
| Best Rehearsal Dinner Restaurant | El Chorro |
| Best Wedding Bar Services | Pour Masters |
| Best Wedding Cakes & Desserts | a Bakeshop |
| Best Wedding Catering Company | Fresh from the Kitchen LLC |
| Best Wedding Dress Shop | Laurie’s Bridal |
| Best Wedding Florist | The Wildflower AZ |
| Best Wedding Hair & Makeup | Dolled Up Luxe Beauty Lounge |
| Best Wedding Invitation Design | Lauren Yvonne Design |
| Best Wedding Photographer | Justine Grace Photo & Video |
| Best Wedding Planner | Your Jubilee |
| Best Wedding Rentals | The Confetti Studio |
| Best Wedding Venue | Arizona Biltmore |
| Best Wedding Videographer | Justine Grace Photo & Video |
