2012 Best of 225 Awards

BEST BAR TO MEET SINGLES

The Bulldog (23.5%)

Tucked away in the Southdowns Shopping Center, The Bulldog offers not only more than 80 offerings of beer, but a great opportunity to meet someone new in a relaxed, fun environment. Whether visiting on the outdoor patio or front and center near the bar area, this Uptown New Orleans transplant offers a great environment for mingling with singles. Tongue-tied? Try some of the resident “grub” and strike up a conversation. bulldog-batonrouge.draftfreak.com

Runners-up: Sullivan's Steakhouse (15%), Superior Grill (12.9%), The Radio Bar (9.7%), The Loft (8.9%)

BEST BAR TO WATCH SPORTS

Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar (34.4%)

Early arrival is a must. Wait too close to tip-off or kick-off, and it's standing room only at both locations of Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar. Excited fans add to the great atmosphere and fun environment. Whether you are on the patio or enjoying the game on a bank of indoor TVs, each visit will provide game-day thrills. walk-ons.com

Runners-up: Buffalo Wild Wings (11.8%), Ivar's Sports Bar & Grill (9.3%), The Bulldog (8.9%), The Chimes (8.7%)

BEST BLOODY MARYS

Mason's Grill (27.1%)

Some like it hot. Some like it mild. Brunch customers enjoy the unique experience of customizing their own Bloody “Mason” at Mason's Grill, this year's Best Bloody Marys category winner. Servers sport t-shirts with selection choices, while customers receive a menu card to select their favorite vodka, spices and garnishes. masonsgrill.com

Runners-up: The Chimes (21.5%), City Club of Baton Rouge (11.5%)

BEST BREC PARK/FACILITY

Baton Rouge Zoo (17.8)

Only a hop, dash and scurry away, BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is one of the city's greatest attractions. With nearly a quarter million visitors each year, the BR Zoo provides fun for families, couples and students all year long. You think your grocery list is long? Zoo animals consume 3,120 cases of produce, 4,160 bales of hay, 78,000 lbs. of dry feed, 156,000 crickets and 520,000 mealworms annually. brzoo.org

Runners-up: Burbank Dog Park, Park “Complex,” Soccer Park (17.3%), Perkins Road Park at Kenilworth (16.4%), Highland Road Community Park (15.4%), Independence Community Park (10%)

BEST DRAFT BEER SELECTION

The Chimes (46%)

For the beer lover, nothing is ever better than cold beer on tap. Tapped again as this year's winner, The Chimes offers an impressive lineup of nearly 50 draft beers (even more options for bottled brews) and consistent, delicious food to pair it with if you wish. Beer lovers can happily visit one of two great locations. thechimes.com

Runners-up: The Bulldog (31.4%), BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (8.7%)

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Superior Grill (21.5%)

We admit—the fun, festive and lively atmosphere at Superior Grill is hard to duplicate. We also admit that the famous Superior margaritas, made with freshly squeezed lime juice, can be a little addictive. Happy customers demand more than 400 gallons of this concoction weekly. Join them in the fun at 5 p.m. batonrouge.superiorgrill.com

Runners-up: Kona Grill (12.8%), The Chimes (10.3%), The Bulldog (9.3%), Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (7.8%)

BEST LIVE MUSIC CLUB

Varsity Theatre (30%)

Many agree that every seat in The Varsity Theatre is a good one. Converted from a two-screen movie theater, this club near LSU's campus offers incredible sightlines, one of the greatest perks of catching your favorite music act. The owners work hard to keep concert (and drink) prices affordable to cater to students. varsitytheatre.com

Runners-up: Chelsea's Café (14.9%), Sullivan's Ringside (13.2%), The Roux House (8.9%), Superior Grill (8.1%)

BEST MARTINIS

Sullivan's Steakhouse (23.1%)

Whether you're knocking back a Knockout at one of their legendary Thursday $6 happy hours, or simply chilling in the cocktail lounge with a Perfect Manhattan on any given night, Sullivan's aims to deliver truly top-shelf martinis in every glass. From the sweet and tangy Blueberry Lemon Drop to the classic-with-a-twist CEO, or the ladies' choice Sparkling Cosmo all the way to the eclectic Elderflower & Cucumber, you're sure to find something to savor at Sullivan's. sullivanssteakhouse.com

Runners-up: Duvic's (17%), Tsunami (9.1%), Bonefish Grill (8.6%), Ruffino's (8.3%)

BEST PLACE TO EXPERIENCE/VIEW ART

LSU Museum of Art (26.3%)

Located on the fifth floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts in downtown Baton Rouge, the LSU Museum of Art is a dynamic venue with a diverse range of artistic styles and periods, including regional, American and European paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, works on paper and photography. The museum is proud to offer one of the largest university-affiliated art collections in the South, with a 5,000-work collection. Feeling inspired with a small budget? Enjoy free admission to the museum every first Sunday and second Saturday monthly. lsumoa.com

Runners-up: White Light Night (20%), Circa 1857 (11.8%)

BEST PLACE FOR WINE BY THE GLASS

The Loft (23.9%)

Happy to offer an experience “unlike any other” in Baton Rouge, The Loft has become a premier hangout spot for many seeking a large selection of great wine and a fun atmosphere. On Tuesday nights, generally a slow night for most, The Loft proudly sells nearly 60 bottles of wine—it's their biggest night of the week. theloftbars.com

Runners-up: The Grape (21.4%), Enoteca Marcello's (17.9%), Ruffino's (6.2%), The Little Village (6.1%)

BEST LOCAL THEATER/PERFORMING ARTS GROUP

Baton Rouge Little Theater (40.8%)

The long-running Baton Rouge Little Theater boasts of being one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the nation. One look at the 2011-2012 season reveals why. The Main Stage saw popular productions of A Streetcar Named Desire and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, among others. The Second Stage season saw BRLT continuing its mission of innovative and intimate works with Speed the Plow and The Underpants. With educational programs, summer camps and the Readers' Theatre Series, BRLT uses every avenue to bring theatre and cultural enrichment to the area, and Baton Rouge residents pack the seats each time to say thank you. brlt.org

Runners-up: Swine Palace (21%), Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra (19.9%)

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