Once again, we asked and you answered.
We wanted to know what are the best things gay (and gay-adjacent) in town, and the enthusiasm could not be contained as PGN readers flooded us with both paper and online ballots letting us know their favorites among local businesses, people and institutions.
We then locked ourselves in our offices pouring through piles of paper and digital files, tabulating our fingers into numbness, until finally we quantified your voices into a neat pile of winners for this year’s Best of Gay Philly. And the winners were tickled pink to find out just how much you love and appreciate their efforts.
Community
LGBT Event Outfest www.phillypride.org
Philly Pride Presents’ OutFest is the largest National Coming Out Day event in the world. The idea for NCOD celebrations grew from the second March on Washington D.C., for gay and lesbian equality on Oct. 11, 1987, and took hold in the LGBT community, spawning celebrations in numerous cities around the country.
Philadelphia was one of the first cities to organize around NCOD on a large scale by creating a block party in 1990 to showcase the many facets of our community, which quickly grew into OutFest.
Held the Sunday prior to Columbus Day every October, OutFest attracts tens of thousands of people. With the feel of an old-fashioned block party, OutFest involves an array of local bars, restaurants, businesses and community nonprofits; showcases local talent; and offers a day of free and fun networking, entertainment and celebration.
LGBT Fundraiser TOY www.dvlf.org
The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund is celebrating 20 years of meeting the emerging needs of the LGBT community. The organization was created in 1993 to benefit the Philadelphia region’s LGBT community by raising money for a permanent endowment. DVLF fosters positive change every year through advocacy, grantmaking, scholarships, programming and education.
Now in its seventh year, TOY is DVLF’s annual holiday fundraising event and raises money for DVLF’s mission while collecting toys for children in need. TOY is the premiere party of the season, and this year’s event will be held Dec. 7 at Reading Terminal Market, where guests will enjoy a memorable evening of friends, music, food and fun while helping to support DVLF and make a difference in the lives of some special children.
LGBT Nonprofit William Way LGBT Community Center 1315 Spruce St. 215-732-2220 www.waygay.org
The William Way LGBT Community Center is the hub of activity for the Delaware Valley’s LGBT population. Every year, more than 60,000 LGBT friends and allies seek out the center to connect with other people, build community and access support services and programs that meet their most pressing needs. The center is open 365 days a year. During the holidays when everywhere else is closed, and when our senior friends without families or who have been abandoned by their families feel most alone, most isolated, most at risk for depression, the center is open. The center is welcoming. The center is home. Everyone at the center — staff, board and volunteers — is profoundly committed to addressing the unique needs of the community. And the community looks to the center for life-saving and life-affirming social, emotional and educational support, as well as arts and cultural programming that is accessible to everyone.
LGBT Sports Organization City of Brotherly Love Softball League www.cblsl.org
The City of Brotherly Love Softball League is a slow-pitch club that just celebrated its 30th season. CBLSL has come a long way from one field and five teams 30 years ago to six fields, approximately 700 members and more than 35 teams in its women’s and open co-ed divisions.
CBLSL seeks to support the overall community, having donated this year to William Way, The Attic and One Fund Boston, while providing social alternatives to its members. The league has been tearing down stereotypes while providing a safe, comfortable environment for all. It welcomes players of all skill levels.
Most CBLSL members have developed bonds that will last a lifetime; players are not only teammates but family, and find camaraderie both on and off the field. CBLSL has established its name in Philadelphia and abroad, as many teams travel to — and have come out on top in — national tournaments.
CBLSL maintains its humble roots and close-knit family feel while continuing to expand its dimensions.
People
Activist Dan Mangini
Dan Mangini brings a unique sensitivity, respect and concern for the men and trans women he serves as an HIV counselor and tester for the University of Pennsylvania’s Men’s Testing Initiative.
Mangini brings to this position a wealth of personal experience and knowledge about HIV prevention, the importance of knowing your status and making healthy choices. He will openly share his story, not to take center stage, but to normalize the clients’ feelings, explaining they are not alone.
Mangini shines as a mentor to the young men and women negotiating the world of love, romance and HIV. He is consistently advocating to revise the cumbersome processes to become more user-friendly, especially for teens and young adults. Advocacy is Mangini’s middle name, both at work and in his personal life.
He is honored and humbled to receive this award once again, and thanks all who voted for him.
Bartender Kenny K. at Tabu 200 S. 12th St. 215-964-9675 www.tabuphilly.com
It’s a hat trick for Kenny K., who picked up his third consecutive Best of Gay Philly award in the bartending category.
Kenny has been part of the Tabu team since “day one,” he said, when the establishment opened its doors in March 2010.
Kenny, a native of New Jersey who lives in Queen Village, brought to Tabu a wealth of experience in the restaurant/bar industry, specifically a dedication to establishing individual relationships with his guests.
“I love my guests,” he said. “I chat with my guests and want to make them feel like they’re at home. If a customer is sitting there next to a customer they don’t know, I make sure they get to know each other. That’s what keeps the bar crowded and keeps people having fun.”
Kenny sends about 500 texts a week to let patrons personally know when they can stop in to find him behind the bar — 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Saturday, as well as 4-9 p.m. Fridays for happy hour.
And when they do come in, he said, he always tries to be friendly and outgoing, keeping the conversation flowing and even making up witty nicknames for patrons.
“I have a great rapport with our guests,” he said.
Kenny expressed gratitude for the readers and patrons who backed him for the award.
“Thank you for three years in a row,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without them and their love and continued support.”
Hair Stylist Kay Shrader @ Salon K 1216 Locust St. 215-545-1880 www.salonkphiladelphia.com
Kay Shrader has been a stylist for 24 years. She fulfilled her dream four years ago when she opened her own space, Salon K, in in the Gayborhood.
Early on, she made a commitment to provide superior salon services. The LGBT community has welcomed her with open arms, and she has been just as supportive. Her commitment to the community has included home visits to people suffering from AIDS when they were too ill to leave.
Shrader and her staff at Salon K, including Brent Chelkonas and Tiffany Rappe, have also attended events to support many LGBT charities including Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, Human Rights Campaign, William Way LGBT Community Center, Action AIDS and Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus.
“We at Salon K will continue to perfect our craft and look forward to a long and happy relationship in Midtown Village,” she said. “Thanks to all for voting for me.”
Personal Trainer Charlie Biggs
Charlie Biggs is a top fitness and nutrition expert. From the City of Brotherly Love, he set out on a journey to deliver client results, practice innovative nutrition and training and spread the word of fitness and wellness.
Biggs began studying kinesiology and exercise science at West Chester University and went on to work as a manager at supplement and nutrition store The Vitamin Shoppe. He broke into the training scene eight years ago and works with clients of all ages, sizes, shapes and goals with his brand, biggsBUILT. His background with CrossFIT and his studies in nutrition, functional training and bodybuilding have allowed him to find his own methods that work.
Politician Brian Sims www.pahouse.com/sims
State Rep. Brian Sims represents the 182nd Legislative District.
He is dedicated to making Philadelphia safer, strengthening and protecting public education, preserving services for seniors and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians, making affordable health care more available, expanding civil rights and preserving the environment while investing in alternative energy, creating jobs and cleaning up Harrisburg.
In 2000, Sims came out to his football team after helping to lead it to the Division II national championship game as its captain. He remains the only former NCAA football captain to have ever come out, and is one of the most notable collegiate athletes to do so in any sport.
As a state legislator, he said he is honored to represent the neighborhoods of Pennsylvania’s 182nd District: Rittenhouse, Fitler and Logan Squares, the Gayborhood, and parts of Washington Square West, Bella Vista, Graduate Hospital and Grays Ferry.
Nightlife
LGBT Party Stimulus www.stimulusphilly.com
In 2009, Stimulus founders Morgan Levine and Amber Hikes were disappointed by queer women’s nightlife options in Philly and decided to create their own events. That May, Stimulus Philly hosted its first party at Stir Lounge and welcomed 150 diverse attendees.
Almost five years and many venues later, Stimulus parties are bigger than ever, averaging more than 500 attendees at each monthly event. The Stimulus ladies attribute the success to the welcoming atmosphere, exciting themes and refreshing diversity at each event. Hundreds of LGBTQ people of different races, gender presentations and backgrounds come together each month for one purpose: to have an amazing time.Levine and Hikes said they thank the Stimulus staff, Stimulus family and PGN for this recognition.
Join them at the Black & White Party, 10 p.m.-3:30 a.m. Nov. 22 at Voyeur Nightclub.
Wine Bar Tria 1137 Spruce St. 215-629-9200 www.triacafe.com
Tria’s staff works hard to make the venue the neighborhood’s destination to relax, hang out and enjoy world-class wine, cheese and beer.
Tria serves wines, cheeses and beers crafted by passionate people and seeks out the best products, both locally and from around the world. Ever-changing fermentation menus are complemented by café fare served from opening to late night. Tria, above all, is a place to chill and connect with others. There are no distractions — no televisions, no karaoke, no live music, no games and no gimmicks. It’s an ancient, non-trendy — people enjoying conversationsover wine and beer.
Dance Floor Woody’s 202 S. 13th St. 215-545-1893 www.woodysbar.com
Woody’s was established in the 1980s as one of just a few gay bars in Philadelphia. Since then, Woody’s has grown to become gay Philadelphia’s landmark bar.
It boasts a huge main pub bar that spills out onto 13th Street and a very popular dance area on the second floor. Its most recent makeover/additions gave us the Suite, a glamorous salon-style dance floor, and Rosewood, a sexy cocktail bar and lounge that connects Woody’s to busy Walnut Street.
Woody’s hosts theme nights and specials throughout the week and its dance floor is always packed with a diverse crowd of LGBTs and allies.
Casino Resorts Atlantic City 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J. 800-334-6378 www.resortsac.com
Resorts Casino Hotel was the world’s first casino to offer a full-time LGBT nightclub dedicated to bringing the community a fun, one-of-a-kind venue. Located on the beach and boardwalk, Resorts features non-stop action on the casino floor and in Pro Bar, A.C.’s only LGBT nightclub.
Featuring the Zagat Award-winning Italian gourmet restaurant Capriccio, and mouth-watering steaks at Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Resorts has a seat at our table for the most discerning taste buds. Resorts recently opened Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville entertainment complex, featuring the city’s first and only year-round beach bar and restaurant.
Nightly live entertainment in the lounges, a piano bar and high-quality shows keep the energy high and the laughs coming seven days a week at Resorts.
Theme Night The Nitty Gritty 255 S. Camac St. 215-545-8731 www.facebook.com/NittyGrittyTwistParty
The Nitty Gritty is Philadelphia’s only authentic monthly record hop.
Local disc jockey David Amodei, aka DJ Scopitone, spins a frantic mix of raw monophonic rock ’n’ roll, pop sounds, Motown favorites and forgotten garage records from the 1950s and ’60s. Two turntables and an endless stack of old 45s are resurrected each month for a rowdy roomful of vintage-clad twisters and sophisticated swingers at the Venture Inn.
Dance contests spotlight some of the favorite novelty dances: the Fly, Mashed Potatoes, the Pony and the Roach, just to name a few. And every two minutes a new dusty groove cuts in.
No computers, no cover and no judgment just a wild old rock-’n’ roll dancin’ party. In the words of songstress Shirley Ellis, “That’s what the real Nitty Gritty is!”
Information about upcoming dance parties can be found at www.facebook.com/NittyGrittyTwistParty.
Overall Bar Tabu 200 S 12th St. 215-964-9675 www.tabuphilly.com
Tabu has proven that you can be all things to all people on the bar scene.
In addition to winning in the Overall Bar category, Tabu also was named best of the best for Neighborhood Bar, Sports Bar, Performance Space (Drag/Cabaret/Piano), Bar Food, Place to Grab a Beer and Happy Hour. That’s a staggering seven (!) awards this year. The staff’s approach has obviously made the bar a favorite among the gay community and straight allies.
When Tabu first opened in 2010, its chalkboard wall was emblazoned with the words, “Whoever you are, you belong here.” The reason was simple: The owners knew what it was like to be the lone gay person in a straight bar and how awkward that can sometimes feel. They wanted to create a place where anyone — gay, straight, black, white, man, woman, trans, etc. — could feel right at home. And they have delivered.
Tabu’s drink menu runs the gamut, with 12 draft beers and a sea of happy-hour specials, while its food menu features everything from wings to burgers to fried pickles to nosh on during a game.
No matter what the sporting season, Tabu likes putting the sound of the game on so everyone can hear the announcer and get excited at every homerun, goal or touchdown. The basement level is also very popular with out-of-towners who want to watch their teams without facing the wrath of our passionate Philly fans.
Patrons can also head upstairs to check out a bar with its own unique vibe and catch a show in the performance space which has hosted everything from comedy shows to music and drag performances.
Apart from offering a diverse lineup of food, drinks and entertainment, the bar also boasts a deep commitment to the LGBT community. In its three years in operation, Tabu has hosted hundreds of fundraisers for LGBT and allied nonprofits, exemplifying its reputation as a true community venue.
Food & Drink Overall Restaurant (tie) Dinner Venture Inn 255 S. Camac St. 215-545-8731 www.viphilly.com
Venture Inn’s owner is proud and humbled to have tied in the Best Overall Restaurant category.
Since 1973, Venture Inn has brought cuisine and cocktails with a fabulous happy hour and a, now, new bar menu. Some of the specialties are filet mignon, chicken livermore, classic soups, salads and tradition fare. The restaurant also offers a Sunday brunch featuring French toast and eggs Benedict, mimosas and more. Once a month, “The Venture Inn Drag Brunch” is offered.
Bob Berkowitz has owned Venture Inn since 2007 and has made many updates to the restaurant, bar and menu.
Since there are many wonderful restaurants in the Gayborhood, to stand out with this honor is a real achievement for the staff at Venture Inn, as they take great pride in bringing the best American cuisine that they can to their customers said Berkowitz Venture Inn thanks all of their customers for voting.
Overall Restaurant (tie) Non-LGBT Hangout Date Restaurant Valanni 1229 Spruce St. 215-790-9494 www.valanni.com
Nabbing three awards this year, Valanni is a Center City favorite, offering distinctive Mediterranean and Latin tapas and alluring cocktails in a sensual, hip and inviting setting.
The dinner menu offers something to satisfy every palate, from vegetarian to seafood to classic filet. Accompaniments and starters include artisan cheeses, flatbreads and a delectable lobster and crab mac and cheese. The brunch menu also impresses with build-your-own mimosas and brunch staples from sweet to savory, as well as the famed Valanni Hangover dish.
The relaxed ambiance at Valanni is perfectly suited for that first night out with your special someone, a late-night catch-up with friends or a leisurely Sunday brunch.
Ethnic Food Mixto 1141 Pine St. 215-592-0363 www.mixtorestaurante.com
For the last 12 years, Mixto has been bringing Cuban, Latin-American and Caribbean cuisine to the city’s historic Antique Row.
Its South Beach Miami ambiance is always popular with patrons, who flock to the sidewalk seating during the spring and summer.
Place to Indulge One’s Sweet Tooth More Than Just Ice Cream 1119 Locust St. 215-574-0586 morethanjusticecream.com
More Than Just Ice Cream is an iconic restaurant/ice-cream bar in the heart of the Gayborhood.
More Than Just has been open since 1975, and current owners Dalton and Rachelle just celebrated their five-year anniversary.
More Than Just specializes in comfort food, especially home style desserts and, of course, ice cream. All desserts are made from scratch, with the most popular being mile high apple pie, deep dish pumpkin pie and red velvet cupcakes, which won twice at the Gayborhood Games.
Coffee Shop Café Twelve 212 S. 12th St. 215-893-5680 www.facebook.com/cafetwelve
Café Twelve is a locally based café and espresso bar serving varieties of organic and fair-traded coffee, chai and teas. It also provides great handmade, customized breakfast and lunch sandwiches on artisan breads, as well as house-baked cookies, scones and muffins.
Café Twelve has earned a reputation as a premier Italian-style coffee bar that makes customers happy by providing a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of comfy couches, friendly staff and free wi-fi.
In a nutshell, Café Twelve is a neighborhood café that invites diverse people from the area to meet, study or just relax sipping coffee and enjoying the calm music in the background — all at a fair price.
Breakfast/Brunch Drag Yourself to Brunch at Fire & Ice 312 Market St. 267-273-1003 www.fireandicephilly.com
“Drag Yourself to Brunch,” the brainchild of Rex Rogosch, with the help of Fire & Ice Restaurant, Bar and Lounge in Old City, has been drawing a crowd for both top-notch food and entertainment.
The concept is to provide great food and even better entertainment. With nearly 10,000 square feet of floor space available, the performances are larger than life. Live singing, stage-worthy props and bar-hopping dance moves have graced the floor at “Drag Yourself to Brunch” every third Sunday of the month.
Four-star chef Christopher Nguyen serves up mouthwatering food while diners are dazzled — by the talents — and sometimes rhinestones of the all-star cast of Mercedes Monroe Casidine, Cleo Phatra and Anna Rexia.
Lunch Knock 225 S. 12th St. 215-925-1166 www.knockphilly.com
Knock’s kitchen and service staff work hard every day to ensure a lunch, dinner and brunch experience worth returning to. Jeb Rehman and Zach Zebrowski are at the ready to welcome all for lunch and serve up the “home” experience that is Knock.
Executive Chef Kyle Johnston is ever-accommodating in the kitchen and always satisfies special orders. Crisp salads, hot soups, hearty sandwiches, a smile and a warm welcome are always on the menu for lunch at Knock.
And if you think the lunch is something, wait until you try dinner and Sunday brunch!
Arts
Drag King Travis Luvermore www.facebook.com/travis.luvermore
Travis Luvermore, a two-time winner in this category, began performing the art of drag king/male illusion in 2008 in the Carolinas, and brought that talent to the Philadelphia area in 2011.
Since then, Luvermore has broken the barriers to be the first drag king to perform at such venues as Picasso’s, Beagle Tavern, Venture Inn and New Hope.
Luvermore performs classic drag and celebrity impersonations, such as Tim McGraw, Larry the Cable Guy, Garth Brooks, Sir Elton John and Neil Diamond. He has also been advocating to garner the attention of several national MI systems to the drag-king talent abounding in the Philly area. This past year, Luvermore has focused on several benefits and was a judge and performer at the 2013 East Coast All-American Goddess System pageant.
“I am honored and touched to have been voted your Best of Gay Philly Drag King again this year,” Luvermore said. “The support of the community is overwhelming, and the community has welcomed me with open arms.”
Drag Queen The Goddess Isis www.facebook.com/isis.dshey
The Goddess Isis is a 20-year veteran of the drag scene.
After an extensive career hosting shows in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky, this country queen brought her Southern charm to Philadelphia. After only three years in Philly, she has been featured in most major newspapers and magazines in the city, including PGN, Philadelphia Magazine and G Philly.
The Goddess Isis, who won Miss Philadelphia Gay Pride 2012, is an original cast member and recurring guest at the Dollhouse Revue at Voyeur Nightclub, which is presented by Mimi Imfurst of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame. Isis also hosts the second-biggest drag show in Philadelphia, Sinful Sundays at Tabu.
She is also an ordained minister and working on her first major recording project, featuring her first single, “Face*Hair*Body*Work.”
Local DJ DJ NiiLO www.facebook.com/DJNiiLO
Boricua-born, Florida-raised and now calling Philly home, DJ NiiLO’s live sets are a magnetic versatile mixture of world rhythms, Latin, hip hop, house, reggae and Top 40. Those hips will be moving! She mixes movements, communities and people together like records.
As an activist, she works deeply with her community, working full-time at GALAEI as a counselor for LGBT youth and, as a lover of words, she’s quite the poet by craft. This has lead to her unique craft of beatmaking and mixing of sounds with poetry in the spoken word.
Her range doesn’t stop there! Aside from catching her all over the city, she’s also the resident DJ of Liberty City Kings Drag and Burlesque and Maha Yoga Studios and is the DJ and host of her own Latin radio show called “Conexiones Sabados” at phillyhottradio.com.
Mi gente, this woman puts in work!
Local Musician Tony Enos www.tonyenos.com
Maybe it’s that hometown-boy appeal? Maybe it’s because Philly loves an underdog? Or maybe it’s because he makes awesome music?
Whatever the reason, Philadelphians continue to love them some Tony Enos, as they again voted him Best Musician in PGN’s Best Of Gay Philly! Hailed as “the most exciting performer to come out of Philadelphia since Patti LaBelle” by gbmnews.com, and dubbed “the King of Queens” by Amsterdam News NYC, the 29-year-old powerhouse entertainer (whose new remix album “Twisted” is available on iTunes Nov. 12) has sold records around the world while maintaining a tangible community appeal. “I’m the love artist. That’s my job, to encourage love wherever I go,” Enos said. “My fans know I love them with all my heart.”
And Enos knows we love him right back!
Theater Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque www.libertycitykings.com
What started as a couple of queers in a basement who wanted to play with gender has, in seven years, turned into Philly’s only multi-award winning queer drag and burlesque performance troupe.
Liberty City Kings, aka LiCK, has an incredibly diverse cast of 15 seasoned performers, and each standing-room-only show includes not only drag kings and burlesque beauties, but also drag queens, boylesque and genderfuck royalty at their performance home Tabu! At each show, they partner with a local organization to fundraise. For 2013, LiCK doubled the number of regular performances by going monthly, and for the new year they are adding again to their schedule with one of the city’s only monthly burlesque brunches, “Glitter ’n’ Grits” every fourth Sunday at Tabu. Make sure you “LiCK” them on Facebook to keep up to date will all their antics. They might just LiCK you back! .