The ballots are in...

You never cease to amaze us this time of year, readers.

Each year we do our Readers’ Choice poll, we learn even more about you: Where you eat. Where you shop. Where you buy your cars and motorcycles. Who does your hair. Who tattoos you. Where you love the nightlife. And that you look forward to summer concert season and Scranton Parade Day most of all.

Basically, we find out who — and what — you love most about Northeastern Pennsylvania.

We learned long ago that you love stuffing the ballot boxes — and hey, we’re not going to lie: We love that winning our plaque means that much to you. (But you really should know that over the years we’ve become extremely adept at recognizing the same handwriting, thus making lots of your ballots null.)

With the state of the economy — and what seems like daily tales of corruption in Luzerne County — it’s no surprise that “more jobs” and “honest politicians” are what you think NEPA needs most. And speaking of politicians, this year, to keep up with the times, we asked you who you thought the worst politician in the area was. You answered Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak, followed very closely by “all of them.” The people have spoken — America’s changed, seems it’s time for NEPA.

UNDER THE SEA

Cooper’s Seafood House in Scranton isn’t just the place to get free lobster on your birthday. It’s 61 years of history — and it’s this year’s Best Seafood winner.

“We are known for our lobster,” says Jack Cooper, who runs the ship with his brother Paul. “We sell a ton of it every which way.”

Though birthday boys and girls no longer get the infamous crab hat along with their free lobster, Cooper assures the Weekender that they’re available in the gift shop. Sweet!

SMILING IRISH EYES

In just three years, Liam’s has become a popular night spot. This year, the bar once again took top billing in the Best Corner Bar and Best Irish Bar categories. Plus, Liam’s very own Tina Masi was named Best Female Bartender runner-up.

Why Liam’s?

“It’s a good place to go,” owner Danny Loughnane explains. “People always have a good time here.”

And having a bartender who knows, and most importantly, remembers her customers sure doesn’t hurt either.

“She never forgets what people are drinking,” Loughnane says of Masi. “She usually has [the drink] there for them before they even sit down.”

POSITIVE INK

In this year’s poll, 5-7-0 Tattooing Co. in Wilkes-Barre took Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlor, Tattoo Artist (owner Ron Russo) and Piercer (Derek Zielinski).

In the span of five years, 5-7-0, owned by Ron and Geena Russo, has gone on to open an additional location in Kingston. The shop does only custom work, meaning a client will come in with an idea and one of the artists translates that to a drawing that will eventually be put to flesh.

Geena chalks the shop’s wins up to two simple reasons.

“We have the most phenomenal artists in the area, and we treat our clients like family,” she says, adding “We love what we do.”

PLANETARY POWER

So Long, Pluto, this year’s Best Original Band according to Weekender readers, has been together for less than two years. But that hasn’t stopped the Scranton indie pop band from gaining a loyal following.

“We’re overjoyed,” says Chet Williams, So Long, Pluto guitarist, bassist and vocalist. “When I found out, I was really, really happy, and I’m kind of actually surprised because we’re kind of a new band.”

Williams is only 17, and bandmates Matt Murphy, Joe Kincel, Dan Dalyrmple and Matt Belfanti are all 20-year-olds.

The band, which released its debut, “Come Revisit El Paso!” in January, has a two-week East Coast tour planned for June and July, Williams says.

FINE FOOD AND DRINK

One reason Cork Bar & Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre’s North End has earned a strong reputation since it opened in September of 2007 is its insistence on staying fresh.

“We revise our menu two times a year,” says owner Ruth Corcoran, whose destination won Best Overall Restaurant and Best Wines List as well as runner-up honors in Best Martinis/Cocktails.

“I’m very proud to be receiving this honor; I think it’s great,” Corcoran says. “We’ve only been around about a year and a half, and we’ve built a very loyal customer base.”

Cork also changes its Readers’ Choice-approved Wine List four times a year. The bar/restaurant also hosts interactive, educational events, like a Wine School, which is put together by Corcoran and Tom Holton of The Wine Merchant.

THRIVING METROPOLIS

We sense a youth movement in this year’s Readers’ Choice results, with So Long, Pluto voted Best Original Band and Best All-ages Venue — a category launched just last year — filled in on a lot of ballots. This year’s winner is Wilkes-Barre’s Caf� Metropolis, which has been the home to national and local punk, hardcore, emo and indie bands — and their fans — for a decade.

Fall Out Boy, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, The Ataris and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are just a few of the major acts that have passed through Metro over the years.

NIGHTLIFE

Best place to see a local band

Nightcaps

Runner-up: Tink’s

Best place to see a national act

Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain

Runner-up: Wachovia Arena

Best all-ages venue

Caf� Metropolis

Runner-up: The Mines

Best corner bar

Liam’s

Runner-up: Senunas’

Best college bar

Senunas’

Runner-up: Wilkes-Barre Hardware Bar

Best dance club

Woodlands Inn & Resort

Runner-up: Colosseum Nightclub & Lounge

Best DJ

DJ Bounce

Runner-up: DJ King B

Best female bartender/server

Amy Moore of Nightcaps

Runner-up: Tina Masi of Liam’s

Best male bartender/server

Mark Mason of Hops & Barleys

Runner-up: Al Lyons of The Bar

Best karaoke night

Ole Tyme Charley’s

Runner-up: Whistles Pub & Eatery

Best Irish bar

Liam’s

Runner-up: Flaherty’s Drinking Establishment

Best sports bar

Lucky’s Sporthouse

Runner-up: Grotto Pizza

Best alternative lifestyle bar

Twist

Runner-up: 12 Penny Saloon

Best martinis/cocktails

Luna Lounge & Nightclub

Runner-up: Cork Bar & Restaurant

Best country bar

Spurs

Runner-up: Honky Tonk

Best jukebox

Gonda’s

Runner-up: The Bog

Best happy hour

Woodlands Inn & Resort

Runner-up: Arena Bar & Grill

Best wine list

Cork Bar & Restaurant

Runner-up: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Best beer selection

Arena Bar & Grill

Runner-up: River Street Ale House

Best bouncer

Brian “Big Sexy” of Nightcaps

Runner-up: Matt of Colosseum Nightclub & Lounge

Best smoke-free establishment

Flaherty’s Drinking Establishment

Runner-up: The Bog

Best place to go after hours

Gentleman’s Club 10

Runner-up: Eddie’s Diner

SHOPS & SERVICES

Best auto sales

Jaden’s Auto Works

Runner-up: Motorworld Auto Group

Best place to buy a motorcycle

Two Jacks Cycle

Runner-up: North American Warhorse

Best jeweler

Rainbow Jewelers

Runner-up: Kay Jewelers

Best place to buy a CD

Joe Nardone’s Gallery of Sound

Runner-up: Wayne’s World of Music

Best gaming store

GameStop

Runner-up: EB Games

Best place to buy musical instruments

Guitar Center

Runner-up: Gallucci Music

Best place to shop for a new pipe

Utopia Wilkes-Barre

Runner-up: Magikal Garden

Best day spa

The Woodhouse Day Spa

Runner-up: The Sapphire Salon & Destination Spa

Best masseuse

Marie at Sapphire Salon & Destination Spa

Runner-up: Jackie at Woodhouse Day Spa

Best hair salon

Sapphire Salon & Destination Spa

Runner-up: Allure Salon and Gallery

Best nail salon

Get Nailed

Runner-up: Nails Etc

Best tanning salon

Hollywood Tans

Runner-up: Tanfastic Sun Tan Center

Best tattoo/piercing parlor

5-7-0 Tattooing Co.

Runner-up: Marc’s Tattooing and Body Piercing

Best tattoo artist

Ron Russo of 5-7-0 Tattooing Co.

Runner-up: Jo Santos of Art Rage Ink Tattoo Studio

Best piercer

Derek of 570 5-7-0 Tattooing Co.

Runner-up: Steve of Marc’s Tattooing and Body Piercing

Best men’s clothing store

Royal Blu

Runner-up: Express

Best women’s clothing store

Rampel

Runner-up: Panache

PEOPLE & PLACES

Best local artist/painter/sculptor

Sue Hand

Runner-up: Jon Pacovsky

Best local photographer

Michael Straub

Runner-up: Anthony Fabrikant of AFC Media Photography Studios

Best local art gallery

The AFA Gallery

Runner-up: Marquis Art & Frame

Best local theater group

Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre

Runner-up: Music Box Dinner Playhouse

Best local columnist

Alan K. Stout, Weekender

Runner-up: Nikki M. Mascali, Weekender

Best local original band

So Long, Pluto

Runner-up: The SilenTreatment

Best local cover band

M80

Runner-up: 40lb Head

Best local solo musician

Robb Brown

Runner-up: John “Guido” Phillips

Best local TV personality

Joe Snedeker

Runner-up: Kristi Capel

Best local radio station

98.5 KRZ

Runner-up: 97.9X

Best local radio personality

Jumpin’ Jeff & Amanda of 98.5 KRZ

Runner-up: Jim Bone of 97.9X

Best local politician

Mayor Lou Barletta

Runner-up: Mayor Tom Leighton

Worst local politician

Luzerne County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak

Runner-up: All of them

Best local college

King’s College

Runner-up: Wilkes University

Best local annual event

Scranton Parade Day

Runner-up: Pittston Tomato Festival

Best local golf course

Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club

Runner-up: Hollenback Golf Course

Best local hotel

Woodlands Inn & Resort

Runner-up: Hilton Scranton & Conference Center

Best local gym

Planet Fitness

Runner-up: Danko’s All American Fitness Center

Best local trainer

Gina Boyle of Maximum Health & Fitness

Runner-up: John of Danko’s All American Fitness Center

Best movie theater

Cinemark

Runner-up: R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14

Best place to daytrip

New York City

Runner-up: Philadelphia

EATS

Best NEPA-made food or drink

Old Forge pizza

Runner-up: Pierogis

Favorite beer

Miller Lite

Runner-up: Coors Light

Best lunch

Circles on the Square

Runner-up: Rodano’s

Best deli

Pierce Street Deli

Runner-up: Goldstein’s Deli

Best ice cream

Hillside Farms

Runner-up: Dairy Queen, Kingston

Best bakery

Bakery Delite

Runner-up: Sanitary Bakery

Best sushi

Katana

Runner-up: Mirakyu

Best coffee bar

Starbucks

Runner-up: Northern Light Espresso Bar

Best hoagies

Philly Subs

Runner-up: Dagwood’s Deli & Subs

Best burgers

Red Robin

Runner-up: Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Best fries

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Runner-up: McDonald’s

Best diner

Eddie’s Diner

Runner-up: Chick’s Diner

Best formal dining

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Runner-up: Isabella Restaurant & Bar

Best hot dogs

Abe’s Hot Dogs South Main Street

Runner-up: Ranch Wagon

Best Chinese restaurant

Peking Chef

Runner-up: Asian Caf�

Best Italian restaurant

Olive Garden

Runner-up: Leggio’s

Best Japanese restaurant

Katana

Runner-up: Mirakyu

Best Mexican restaurant

La Tolteca

Runner-up: Taco Bell

Best ethnic restaurant

Thai Thai

Runner-up: Amber Indian Restaurant

Best pizza

Frank’s Pizza

Runner-up: Grotto Pizza

Best seafood

Cooper’s Seafood House, Scranton

Runner-up: Red Lobster

Best steak

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Runner-up: Logan’s Roadhouse

Best wings

Kelly’s Pub & Eatery

Runner-up: Bart & Urby’s

Best chain restaurant

TGI Friday’s

Runner-up: Olive Garden

Best overall restaurant

Cork Bar & Restaurant

Runner-up: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Best new restaurant

Lucky’s Sporthouse

Runner-up: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

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XXX

Best strip club

Gentlemen’s Club 10

Runner-up: The Grandview

Best exotic dancer/pole dancer

Paige of Gentlemen’s Club 10

Runner-up: Jen Smith of Gentlemen’s Club 10

Best place to buy porn

Adult World

Runner-up: Playtime Boutique

Best place to get sex toys/accessories

Mr. Fashions

Runner-up: Adult World

Best place to buy lingerie

Victoria’s Secret

Runner-up: Mr. Fashions

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