No one ever said it’s easy being picky, especially when you’re mulling over the best our lake region has to offer. For those who dared take our annual readers’ survey, it was apparent there’s some serious competition for your affection around town. From the best-kept outdoor-dining secret to the area’s best landscape designer, the tallies came in two sizes—the oh-so-closes and the not-so-closes. And now, the wait is finally over. You voted. We counted. Here’s the who’s who of who you love.

By Krysta Legeros, Pat O’Brien and Erin Madsen

Best Burger: Maynard’s
The half-pound house burger is served on a delicious grilled onion bun, with enough choices to keep things interesting—but not so many you can’t make up your mind (the Tillamook cheddar burger comes highly recommended). One thing is certain: you won’t suffer from buyer’s remorse. None of the combos are waistline-friendly, but you certainly wouldn’t be ordering a burger if you were counting calories, now, would you? 685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior; 952.470.1800

Runners up: Red Rooster, Jake O’Connor’s

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Best Brunch (TIE): Lord Fletcher’s and Sunsets
Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition. It begins the slow comedown from a long weekend or shines as a bright spot in the rainy days that kept you off the lake. Lord Fletcher’s and Sunsets’ brunches both feature all the usual standbys like eggs Benedict, French toast and made-to-order omelets, but Fletcher’s also serves standout seasonal fish including swordfish and halibut, while Sunsets offers shrimp Creole and can’t-miss blackened pork loin. Drive-thru meals these aren’t. Lord Fletcher’s, 3746 Sunset Dr., Spring Park; 952. 471.8513 // Sunsets, 700 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.473.5253.

Runner-up: Hazellewood Tap Room

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Best New Shop: Omorphia
Fresh out of ideas for a unique gift for the person who seemingly has everything? Omorphia offers a wide array of goodies that person definitely doesn’t have … yet. The shop’s mainstay is a large selection of Greek jewelry from designer Konstantino but is also chock-full of hip accessories, handmade sandals and a small selection of clothing. If it’s not Greek in origin, it was most likely created by a local designer. 206 Water St., Excelsior; 952.401.3311

Runners-up: Dolce, Lady Jane Boutique

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Best Secondhand/Thrift Store: Cherie Consignment Boutique
Even upscale neighborhoods need a great consignment shop. But don’t confuse Cherie with larger, run-of-the-mill secondhand stores: This is for people looking to hip up their wardrobe without breaking the bank (too much). Cherie carries mid-range (BeBe, Banana Republic) to high-end (Eileen Fisher, Coach) brands at a fraction of the retail price. 278 Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.7775

Runners-up (tie): Corner Door, Second Debut

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Best Salon: Salon Lili
With an open floor plan and a friendly staff, Lili is the new hot spot to score a fabulous cut, color, makeup application, mani/pedi—the works. Services are reasonably priced, but don’t miss the printable $10 new-client gift certificate available on Lili’s website. Almost everyone has a horror story about trying a new salon and ending up like the Bride of Frankenstein, but rest assured that after and afternoon at Salon Lili, your tale will be of the “happily ever after” variety. 5757 Sanibel Dr., Hopkins; 952.935.5000.

Runner up: Sanctuary Salon Spa; 3rd place: Bella on the Bay

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Best Daycare: Step by Step Montessori School
Forget paste projects. At Step by Step, an extremely knowledgeable staff teaches reading, math, geography, zoology, enrichment programs in music and foreign language and other important skills. There are even programs in dance, gymnastics, computer and swimming. Part of the school’s philosophy is to make sure every student is being prepared for a lifetime of learning, and magazine readers/voters clearly agree it’s doing just that. 15300 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; 952.476.0240

Runner up: La Petite Academy; 3rd place: Carla’s Care

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