Best of Restaurants

Choice Eats: Our readers-1,500 of whom voted in our November balloting-tell you where to get the best dessert, burgers, nachos, mixed drinks, hot dogs, bar popcorn, barbecue ribs, and ice cream. Then, after a week or so of that, you should probably try their suggestions for the city's best salad and best vegetarian selection.

Best Chef: Eric Pater: "I try to contrast textures and temperatures and flavors on the plate...food is a lot about balance."

Best Bartender: Brian O'Neil: "We were having trouble getting a bartender here, so I just started filling in. I'm kind of stuck here. They have that chain and they just won't let me get out the front door."

Best Waiter/Waitress: Rebecca Tesch: "It's not the squatting at the table, talking about yourself and cracking jokes that makes a good waitress. It's about reading your customer and not making yourself the highlight of the night."