Santa Monica’s favorite businesses have been revealed with the delayed, but not diminished, publication of the annual Most Loved guide.
The contest began in 2014 as a partnership between Santa Monica’s Buy Local Committee, the Daily Press, the City of Santa Monica and several business districts to recognize businesses that build community. During February, businesses competed in 34 categories as part of the seventh iteration of the contest.
Winners are traditionally announced in May with an awards ceremony and public recognition of the winning businesses. However, the broader problems of 2020 put a damper on the event but officials said it’s more important than ever to keep the tradition alive.
“We are delighted to be able to, at long last, announce the winners of this year’s Most Loved Santa Monica Businesses of 2020 contest,” said Santa Monica’s Economic Development Manager Jennifer Taylor. “We thank everyone for their patience due to this unprecedented time period. On behalf of the City of Santa Monica and the Buy Local Santa Monica Committee, I would like to congratulate all of our 2020 winners and finalists. This is a highly competitive contest and our voters each have their particular most loved businesses that they cherish, so winning a coveted “Most Loved” title is no easy feat. Also a call to action for everyone - now more so than ever, please support your most loved businesses. Buy local, eat local, shop local. We need to ensure they survive. Thank you to everyone who voted and for buying local year-round. Congrats to our #MostLovedSM2020 winners!”
Most Loved Finalists (Winners in bold)
Auto-Related Business — Joy Automotive, Startronics, Stokes Tire Service, Kondo Motors.
Bakery — Bezian Bakery (not currently open), Sweet Lady Jane, Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe.
Bar or Lounge — West 4th + Jane, The Craftsman, The Misfit.
Breakfast/Brunch Spot — Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe, Back on the Beach, Rae’s Restaurant.
Catering Business — Thyme Café & Market, Broadway Baker, Lunetta All Day.
Clothing Boutique — JANE, Planet Blue, Suji, Brooke Rodd.
Coffee Shop — Dogtown Coffee, Caffe Luxxe, Groundworks.
Doctor/ Dentist/Health Care Professional — John Dravillas, PT OCS (Physical Therapyworks), Dr Donna Cooper (Cooper Optometry), Dr Laurie Binder (SM Acupuncture + Wellness).
Event Space/Party Venue — Annenberg Community Beach House (not currently open), Enterprise Fish Co. (not currently open), Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows.
Farmer — Murray Family Farms, Weiser Family Farms, Tamai Family Farms
Fitness Studio/Gym — Tri-Fit, PilateSmith, Santa Monica Family YMCA
Frozen Desserts Shop — Dolcenero Gelato, TREATS Frozen Yogurt Bar, Sweet Rose Creamery, Rori’s Artisan Creamery.
Grocery/Food Shop — Co-Opportunity, Trader Joe’s, Bob’s Market.
Happy Hour — FIG, Upper West, The Craftsman.
Hair Salon/Barber Shop — Salon Tru, Lash Pilot, Framed Salon.
Hotel — Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows, Shutter’s on the Beach, The Proper Hotel.
Independent Business — Sewing Arts Center (not currently open), Dagwood’s, PilateSmith.
Jewelry/Home Accessories/Gift Shop — Heist Jewelry, Ten Women Gallery, Brentwood General Store.
Kid-Friendly Attraction/Store — Cayton Children’s Museum (not currently open), Morgan-Wixson Theatre, Puzzle Zoo.
Legacy Business — Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy, Number One Beauty Center, Gilbert’s El Indio.
New Business — Tribe Pilates, Broadway Baker, Socalo.
Non-Profit — Swim With Heart, Assistance League of SM, SM Education Foundation, SM Conservancy.
Outdoor Dining Spot — Back on the Beach, Lunetta, Blue Plate Taco.
Business for Pampering — Burke Williams (not currently open), Radiance Wellness Spa, Nancy’s Nails.
Pet Business — Paws + Effect, Green Dog Dental & Wellness Center, Healthy Spot.
Restaurant — Dagwoods, Upper West, R + D Kitchen.
Surf/Skate/Bike Shop — Helen’s Cycles, Rip City, The Bike Shop.
Theater/Art/Entertainment Venue — The Braid -Jewish Women’s Theatre (not currently open), Aero Theater, Morgan-Wixson Theatre.
Vintage/Thrift/Resale Shop — Assistance League of Santa Monica, Buffalo Exchange, Salvation Army.
Downtown SM Business — Radiance Wellness Spa, Exotics Racing, Salon Tru, Santa Monica Homeopathic.
Main St Business — Pilatesmith, Dolcenero Gelato, Green Dog Dental.
Montana Ave Business — Number One Beauty Center, JANE, Aero Theatre.
Pico Blvd Business — Gilbert’s El Indio, Sewing Arts Center, Trader Joe’s.
SM Pier Business — The Lobster, The Albright, Pacific Park (not currently open).
