Best of the Heights

Best of the Heights Awards is an annual public opinion survey and awards ceremony honoring local independent businesses and their contribution to the quality of life in Cleveland Heights and University Heights.

Cleveland Heights and University Heights are home to hundreds of independently owned businesses.

We seek to honor the give-back that small businesses in Cleveland Heights and University Heights contribute to the economic stability of the community. It’s also a great way to highlight the best of the best, those merchants and services that go above and beyond to provide excellent service, value to their customers, and are great community partners.

Vote for Best of the Heights 2022

Show your appreciation for our locally owned, independent businesses by voting for your favorites in the annual FutureHeights Best of the Heights Awards contest!

Since 2005, FutureHeights—a nonprofit community development corporation—has conducted the Best of the Heights Awards to recognize the unique attributes of Heights businesses, and their contributions to the local economy. Each year, residents cast their votes for their favorite businesses by nominating them for an award in a variety of categories.

Voting begins Jan. 1 and concludes on Feb. 16. Winners will be announced in the April print issue of the Heights Observer.

FutureHeights supports local businesses!

Each person who submits a valid ballot qualifies for a chance to win one of four packages of gift certificates to local businesses (worth a minimum of $250). Additional chances to win can be obtained with a donation to FutureHeights: two chances for $10 and six for $25.

Proceeds will help cover the costs of the program and support the work of FutureHeights to create a vibrant and sustainable future for our community!

Vote now!

Donate $10 and receive 2 additional chances

Donate $25 and receive 6 additional chances

Voting for the 2019 Best of the Heights Awards concluded on Feb. 15, 2019. Winners were announced in the March print issue of the Heights Observer.

Best New Restaurant or Bar
Winner
Lox, Stock and Brisket
Finalists
Boss Dog Brewing Company
Fishstix

Best New Business
Winner
Paws CLE
Finalists
Studio How-To
Stems Fleur

Best Cleveland Heights Business
Winner
CLE Urban Winery
Finalists
Sits ‘n Wiggles Pet Sitting
Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa

Best Place-to Take an Out-of-Towner
Winner
Tommy’s restaurant
Finalists
CLE Urban Winery
Marotta’s

Best Bang for Your Buck
Winner
Barrio
Finalists
Aladdin’s

Best Interior Style
Winner
Gigi’s on Fairmount
Finalists
CLE Urban Winery
Marotta’s
Best Place to Find Unique Gifts
Winner
S’Wonderful Gifts
Finalists
Heights Arts
In the 216

Best Exterior Style
Winner
Marotta’s
Finalist
Gigi’s on Fairmount

Best Place to Work
Winner
Marotta’s
Finalists
Heights Libraries
Quintana’s Barber & Dream Spa

Best Heights Vibe
Winner
CLE Urban Winery
Finalists
Tommy’s restaurant
The Wine Spot

Best Customer Bathroom
Winner
Gigi’s on Fairmount
Finalists
Boss Dog Brewing Company
CLE Urban Winery

Best University Heights Business
Winner
Fairmount Cleaners
Finalists
Bialy’s Bagels
Lox, Stock & Brisket

Shop Local

Shop Local brings public awareness to the economic and livability benefits of spending a dollar at a local independent business v. a chain store.Locally owned businesses are good for community. They create jobs, promote economic stability, offer diverse goods and services, and retain our community’s identity. Over 90% of  businesses in Cleveland Heights are locally owned.  FutureHeights provides educational workshops to small business owners.  Additionally, local advertising opportunities and business spotlights in the Heights Observer newspaper offer local businesses an important way to reach their customer base.

Keep the Heights independent. Help FutureHeights promote the shop local message. Support this program.