225BatonRouge.com

THE BULLDOG

Best Bar

4385 Perkins Rd., 303-9400, bulldog-batonrouge.draftfreak.com

B.R. drinkers like to spread the love around – more than a dozen watering holes were nominated with none getting more than a quarter of the vote. Most (22.53%) named the Bulldog, a New Orleans import that has come into its own in Baton Rouge since opening in Southdowns two years ago. Upscale finishings, a leafy patio and (as befits its name) dog-friendliness set it apart from the pack. The Bulldog’s selection of beers rivals that of the Chimes, which placed second, and third place honors went to the Wine Loft, the favorite of young professionals looking for a place to relax downtown after work.

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE (RINGSIDE)

Best Cocktail Menu (Specialty Drinks)

5252 Corporate Blvd., 925-1161, sullivansteakhouse.com

Sullivan’s martini menu could pass for a dessert menu with its Chocolate Diva (a chocolate syrup-lined glass filled with Stoli Vanil vodka, Bailey’s and Godiva dark chocolate liqueur) and Key Lime Pie Martini (Vanil with lime and pineapple juice). These are two of 10 signature libations that keep Sullivan’s a favorite (22.03%) with 225 readers. Perkins overpass hotspot Duvic’s finished second, and if you’re feeling bad about our slicked-up coastline, try the Ocean Trust Mango Martini at tied-for-third Bonefish Grill: for every one you knock back, the restaurant will send a dollar to the Ocean Trust conservation foundation.

BATON ROUGE LITTLE THEATER

Best Performing Arts Group

7155 Florida Blvd., brlt.org

The play’s the thing, evidently — two of the top three here are theater organizations. Still entertaining after all these years (64 to be exact), the BRLT (38.80%), under the direction of Keith Dixon (center), has proven time and again that enjoying good-quality stagecraft doesn’t always require Baton Rougeans to buy plane tickets. This season’s performance of Evita was a prime example. The equally long-established Baton Rouge Symphony, whose January concert with trumpeter Chris Botti sold out, came in second. Playmakers’ performances and drama classes for children propelled them to the number three spot.

THE VARSITY THEATRE

Best Place for Dancing

3353 Highland Rd., 383-7018, varsitytheatre.com

Despite its proximity to LSU, you’ll find people of all ages on the floor at the Varsity, a favorite of 29.46% of voters for its retro and theme nights and all-around great late-night dancing. New bands make their debut here, but the Varsity’s also hosted some of the biggest names in alternative/rock music; dozens of Grammy winners have graced its stage. Sullivan’s ran a close second, and third place Boudreaux and Thibodeaux’s brings the Cajun/zydeco option to the downtown club scene.

THE MOLLY RINGWALDS

Best Local Band

Ask anybody. The Molly Ringwalds (27.54%) are not just another Eighties cover band; they’re an experience. And it’s not just nostalgia that keeps the crowds from here and clubs all over the South begging for more – most of the audience were children or not even born during the actual Eighties – it’s talent. Last year’s winner, gritty rocker Benjy Davis, finished second, while raspy blues crooner and past winner Chris LeBlanc rounded out the top three.

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