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Thursday, September 18, 2025

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2018 Best of the Bay

48hills is proud to host the SF Bay Guardian Best of the Bay 2018! View the winners below, and sign up for our newsletter for more great local arts + culture. 

Dear Readers,

Welcome back to the SF Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay! This is our 43nd edition of Best of the Bay, and it comes out on the Bay Guardian’s 52nd anniversary. That’s a lot of Bests of the Bay, and we can’t thank you enough for your support as we keep this cherished Bay Area tradition alive. (Please consider donating or becoming a member to help us continue, or advertise to our 35,000 weekly readers eager to support local businesses and events.)

This year, thousands and thousands of you voted for what you loved in more than 150 categories. We know that was a lot to get through, but we want to shower attention on as many local people, places, and things as we can, especially in the rapidly changing city. This year, we’re also announcing the two runners up in each category, because why not? So many people voted for so many great things (including some new to us), that it made us hopeful for the city’s vibrant culture. Enjoy the results of this year’s readers’ poll, and thank you for making the Bay the Best.

— Marke B, Best of the Bay 2018 Editor

Designer Aaron Joseph Bay Guardian Editor Tim Redmond Web Developer Matt Fisher Bay Guardian Publishers Emeritus Bruce B. Brugmann and Jean Dibble Special Thanks Hunky Beau

Best of the Bay 2018: City Living Winners

Best Street Fair, Best Yoga Studio, Best Bicycle Repair, Best Plumber, Best Pet Grooming, and more

Best of the Bay 2018: Arts & Entertainment Winners

Your picks for Best DJ, Best Live Music Venue, Best Film Festival, Best Drag Show, Best Dance Company, and more

Best of the Bay 2018: Food & Drink Winners

Your picks for Best Burrito, Best Sushi, Best Breakfast, Best Happy Hour, Best Bartender, and more

Best of the Bay 2018: Shopping Winners

Your picks for Best Book Store, Best Grocery Store, Best Shoe Store, Best Bike Shop, Best Flea Market, Best Dispensary, and more

More Best of the Bay stories

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Corgi Con

The beloved celebration of the sturdy little spuds waddles into a blessedly bigger venue this year.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: 540 Bar

This retro Inner Richmond watering hole attracts gleeful happy hour goers and tight-knit creative community.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Compton’s Cafeteria Riot

The city thought it would never see itself done right onstage after 'Beach Blanket Babylon.' Then this long-running show came along.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Kina Kantor

Extolling the virtues of an in-demand theater talent, from turns in Berkeley Rep's 'Uncle Vanya' to Bindlestiff's 'The Love Edition.'

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Bones Bagels

Connoisseurs of the chewy and circular flock to this Noe Valley bakery's streamlined and seasonal sourdough offerings.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Boardroom’s Tequila Trivia Tuesdays

Forget the pop-quiz conglomerates—this North Beach bar and host Oliver 'The Baron' Chang double down on trivial tradition.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: 450 Architects

Designs for a more regenerative, uplifting built environment, from SF Waldorf School to Russian Hill's Francisco Park.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Wendy Reid and Lulu

A woman and bird who make sweet, symphonic music, perfect for creekside listening in your favorite park.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Terror Vault

We come for the jump scares, but stay for the world-building—and vampire cocktails—at the annual SF Mint fright fest.

Best of the Bay 2025 Editors’ Pick: Sisterita

Downtown French fare with a Thai twist and bookish ambiance, the perfect sustenance for your brunch bunch.

VOTE NOW in the 2025 Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll!

Our 51st installment of the Bay Area classic is 'new and improved' for 2025—and still full of local love.

Best of the Bay 2024 Editors’ Pick: Shawna Virago

The groundbreaking 'fairy godmother' of trans country music is an outspoken voice for queer rights and local independent arts.

Best of the Bay 2024 Editors’ Pick: Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

This world-class treasure trove of film and other creative forms is the true work of art.

Best of the Bay 2024 Editors’ Pick: Blandina Farley

A most colorful tour guide acquaints all comers with the neighborhood she's made home since the '70s.

Welcome to Best of the Bay 2024: The New Classics!

Our 50th annual Readers' Poll celebrates everything that's Best about the Bay Area—from the people who live here.

Best of the Bay 2024: City Living Winners

READERS' POLL: Best Salon, Best Bike Repair, Best Podcast, Best Politician, Best Hotel, Best Tour, Best Gym, more