Indian River Magazine and its readers have chosen the following in the 2019 Best of the Treasure Coast Contest.
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION 2019
MANATEE OBSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER
“Ooooo, look!” That’s the sound of a visitor to the Manatee Observation and Education Center spotting a manatee in the waters of Moore’s Creek.
BEST ECO-ADVENTURE 2019
ST. LUCIE GUIDED NATURE PROGRAMS
The green woods and trails beckon. Sunlight slants down through the trees, lighting up a bush here and a palmetto there.
BEST SALON 2019
TALK OF THE TOWN HAIR STUDIO
Talk of the Town Hair Studio is not your typical hair salon — that’s obvious from the moment anyone steps in the door.
BEST NON-PROFIT 2019
FAMILY MEALS
When a holiday is coming, Family Meals in Fort Pierce buzzes into a beehive of activity. The non-profit founded by Martha Taylor and a group of friends gives families turkeys, chickens and other uncooked foods so that they may enjoy holiday meals cooked at home in their own special ways.
BEST PLACE TO WORK 2019
POST INSURANCE
People who work for Post Insurance say they love it. And the owners love their employees. It makes for a serendipitous situation, a happy coincidence where employees discover they’ve signed on to a workplace that values them not only as employees, but also as people.
BEST BREWERY 2019
AMERICAN ICON BREWERY
American Icon Brewery offers the best in handcrafted beer developed by a passionate brewmaster with an international diploma in brewing technology. From classics like Pilsner to new favorites like Milk Stout, guests can always expect an outstanding experience when they drop in to the Vero Beach brewery.
BEST RESTAURANT 2019
OCEAN GRILL
The Ocean Grill is an icon along the Vero Beach shoreline. Literally built right out over the beach sand, the 70-year-old building has a long and storied history recounted on its website. It has been operated since 1965 by the Replogle family, and a second generation of the family is now running the restaurant.
BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER 2019
SAILOR’S RETURN
Gazing out at an orange and purple sunset from a restaurant table with boats spread out below, watching as the fiery sun slips below the horizon is unquestionably an experience that lends itself to romantic thoughts.
BEST WATERFRONT VIEW AT A RESTAURANT 2019
KYLE G’S PRIME SEAFOOD AND STEAKS
If you’re looking for the best waterfront view as you drink or dine in a Treasure Coast restaurant, what could be better than hitting an outside bar with frothy blue waves breaking just feet away. Or sit inside and look through the huge windows for the same view.
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT 2019
12A BUOY
It stands to reason that a restaurant named 12A Buoy, located on Fisherman’s Wharf, would be named Best Seafood Restaurant on the Treasure Coast.
The eatery’s slogan is “when the fish won’t bite.”
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT 2019
SCAMPI GRILL
The enticing scent of a true Italian restaurant featuring beautifully prepared dishes is apparent from the moment you open the door to Scampi Grill in Vero Beach.
BEST PIZZA 2019
TAVOLA PIZZA
Rob Clark has something unique in Tavola Pizza — his secret pizza recipe from the parents of his childhood friends in Syracuse, New York. And, his restaurant features an unusual decor for a pizza place. It has a surfing theme.
BEST HAMBURGER 2019
THE ROOSTER IN THE GARDEN DINING ROOM
Relishing locally raised beef in a big juicy burger is an experience you won’t forget. Neither is the restaurant or its name.