What is “Best of PGH?”
Pittsburgh City Paper's "Best of PGH" issue aims to celebrate the most influential, most underrated, most dynamic, and all-around best businesses, creators, events, and leaders in our community. We team up with our readers to unearth hidden gems and reward old faithfuls, bringing you a jam-packed issue that serves as your key to the city all year round.
Who can enter?
Any Allegheny County person or business can enter for any category. We do fact-check your nominations — and we don’t just check them for spelling errors or to make sure you actually nominated Pittsburgh folks. We check each entry and eliminate any nomination we find to have posted anything racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or hateful to others. We also limit nominees to only four categories.
How do I vote?
You can nominate your favorites in the county at this link from June 5 to June 25. Then from July 10 to July 30, you can vote amongst the top 5 nominees.
How are winners selected?
You choose them! Not only do you get to send in as many nominations as you want, but your votes determine the top 5 nominees that make it to the voting round and ultimately our winners! We use an online voting platform called Second Street to automatically tabulate the results.
How do I find who's a winner?
Winners and the Top 2 Runner-Ups will be announced at our Best Of Party at Stage AE on Wednesday, September 13th. The Top 3 winners will be listed in our Best Of issue on Wednesday, September 20th.
Can I come to the Best of PGH Party?
Of course! We welcome everyone to come celebrate your chosen Best of PGH winners! There’ll be food, drinks, and, of course, music and entertainment from our winners. Are you a Best of PGH winner? Make sure to check your emails to get tickets. This is your party and we want to celebrate you!
I’d like to buy an ad in the poll or sponsor the Best of PGH Party.
Thanks for supporting local journalism! You can advertise by contacting our Marketing Director Rachel Winner.
I’d like to suggest a category or change for next year.
We read all your suggestions for new categories or changes. Please email Marketing Coordinator Lee Hood to suggest a change.
I’m having issues voting, or another question about the Best of PGH poll!
Please email Marketing Coordinator Lee Hood for assistance.
I heard the poll is rigged towards people who buy ads.
No, despite rumors which have existed since the poll first launched 30 years ago, no one can win a category by buying an ad. (But yes, winners are notified before this issue hits the stands and our sales team does sell them ads, which help support City Paper throughout the rest of the year.) And no, City Paper staff members aren’t allowed to vote.
Participate in Best of PGH
Best of PGH Frequently Asked Questions
