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Best of the Best, People’s Choice FINALISTS for 2015
Polls to decide winners are now open
Below is a list of FINALISTS for 2015. Please note that there were several categories
where we were unable to narrow the finalists down to just 5, due to TIES in the number
of votes. So if 6 — or in a couple of instances even 7— category finalists appear, this is
due to ties.
Tallies have been re-set to zero for all finalists, so that everyone begins on equal
footing. One vote daily in any or all categories can be cast during the month of December by registered members at bestoflakechapala.com. Polls close at midnight (CST),
Dec. 31.
Winners will receive a certificate suitable for framing, authorization to use the People’s Choice Award emblem in all
print or web publicity. Please read the Contest Rules on our site for more details.
SECTION 1 - QUALITY OF LIFE / CALIDAD DE VIDA
Best Retirement Home / Casa de Retiro
Abbeyfield, Ajijic
Alicia’s Retirement, La Canacinta
La Casa Nostra, Riberas del Pilar
La Valentina, Ajijic West
Nursing Home Lake Chapala
Shangri-La
Best Private School / Escuela Privada
Loyola, San Antonio Tlay.
Octavio Paz , Riberas del Pilar
Instituto International, Libramiento
Terranova, Ajijic
Tohui Mocel, Chapala
Best Medical Facility / Servicios y Facilidades
Chapala Med, Chapala
Hospital Ajijic, Ajijic
Lakeside Medical Group, Riberas del Pilar
Maskaras Clinic, Riberas del Pilar
Real León Medical Group, Ajijic
Best Emergency Care / Emergencias
Clinica Maria Auxiliadora, Jocotepec
Community Hospital, Jocotepec
Cruz Roja (Red Cross), Ajijic & Chapala
Hospital Ajijic, Ajijic
Maskaras Clinic, Riberas del Pilar
Best Healthcare Plan / Progama de Salud
Best Doctors
Bupa
IMSS
Metlife
Seguro Popular
Most valuable web board or online forum
accesslakechapala.com
Beg, Barter, Buy & Sell
chapala.com
chapalaclub.com
focusonmexico.com
insidelakeside.com
Most valuable News Media
AjijicNews.com (online)
El Ojo del Lago (online & print)
LakeChapalaReporter.com (online)
Guadalajara Reporter newspaper (online & print)
Mexico News Daily (online & print)
Best Advice for Adapting Easily Here
Accept it for what it is, warts & all.
Learn Spanish
Look at it as an adventure.
Slow down and enjoy!
If you love it here, stay. If not, leave.
Best Animal Assistance Organization
Anita’s Animals
Lakeside Friends of the Animals
Lakeside Spay & Neuter Ranch
Lakeside Wildlife Rescue & Rehab
Lucky Dog, San Nicolas
Best Thing About Living Lakeside
Climate
Cost of Living
Modern Conveniences
Scenery / Views
Sense of Community
Best Deterrent to Crime
Exercise caution & common sense
Guard Dog
High wall or fence
Live in Gated Community
Live in typical Mexican Community
Best Place to Meet People
Bars or Restaurants
Clubs or organizations
Town Plaza
Volunteering
Walking around town
SECTION 2 - DINING / RESTAURANTS
Best Restaurant Overall / En General
Ajijic Tango, Ajijic
Bruno’s, Ajijic
La Misión, Ajijic
St. Remy du Lac, Ajijic
Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá
Best Mexican Food / Comida Mexicana
Chile Verde, Ajijic
El Sarape, Ajijic
Fonda Doña Lola, Ajijic
Los Cinco Potrillos, Ixtlahuacan dlm
Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá
Best Steaks / Cortes
Ajijic Tango, Ajijic
Arileo Steakhouse, West of Ajijic
Bruno’s Restaurant, Ajijic
Il Giardino, Chapala
La Misión, Ajijic
Best Seafood / Mariscos
Ajijic Tango, Ajijic
Cozumel, Chapala
Mariscos Guicho, Chapala
Mariscos Lety, San Antonio Tlay.
Tabarka, Ajijic
Best Pizza
Domino’s, La Floresta Ajijic
Focaccia, San Nicolas
Perry’s, Ajijic
Valenciana’s, Chapala & Ajijic
Victor’s Pizza, Ixtlahuacan dlm
Best Hamburger / Hamburguesa
Adelita’s, San Antonio Tlay.
Bar K, San Antonio Tlay.
Bruno’s Restaurant, Ajijic
El Nene, Ajijic
Just Chillin’, Ajijic
Best International Cuisine / Cocina Internacional
Go Le Club, Ajijic
La Misión, Ajijic
La Nueva Posada, Ajijic
Roberto’s, Ajijic
St. Remy du Lac, Ajijic
Best Italian Restaurant / Italiano
Alex’s Pasta Bar, Ajijic
Angelica’s Bistro, San Antonio Tlay.
Focaccia, San Nicolas
La Taverna del Quattro Mori, Ajijic & Sn Ant
Pranzo Bistro, La Floresta Ajijic
Best Asian/Oriental Food / Comida China
Chopsticks, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Min Wah, Ajijic
Red Dragon, Jocotepec
Ricki’s, Ajjic
Simply Thai, Ajjic
Yue Lai, Centro Laguna Libramiento
Best Misc. Ethnic / Étnico
Cocinart (varied), Ajijic
Go Le Club (varied), Ajijic
Gossip’s (Cajun), Ajijic
Johanna’s (German-Austrian), Ajijic
St. Rémy Du Lac (French), Ajijic
Best Barbecue / Parilladas
Bruno’s, Ajijic
Huerto Cafe, Riberas del Pilar
José’s Place, Chapala Plaza
Los Cinco Potrillos (Parillada), Ixtlahuacan dlm
Tony’s, San Antonio Tlay.
Best Breakfast or Brunch
Delicias, Chapala
La Misión, Ajijic
Salvador’s, Ajijic
St. Rémy Du Lac (French), Ajijic
Sunrise Cafe, San Antonio Tlay.
Best Vegetarian Dishes / Vegetariano
Ajijic Tango, Ajijic
Huerto Cafe, Riberas del Pilar
Simply Thai, Ajijic
Tabarka, Ajijic
Yves, Ajijic
Best Home Delivery Service
Dominos Pizza, La Floresta Ajijic
Hot Rod Burrito, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Il Giardino, Chapala
Pollito Deli 8, Chapala
Valenciana Pizza, Chapala & Ajijic
Best Baguette Sandwiches
El Merendero, Ajijic
Panaderia Scandinavia, Centro Laguna Libramiento
Panino’s, San Antonio Tlay
Pranzo Bistro, La Floresta Ajijic
Subway, Centro Laguna San Antonio
Best Coffee
Black & White Coffee, Ajijic
Cafe Grano, Ajijic
Cafe Paris, Chapala
Coffee Tree, Chapala
Rochata’s Pastry Shop, Chapala
Salvador’s, Ajijic
Best Buffalo / Hot Wings
Adelita’s, San Antonio Tlay.
Cheers, Ajijic
Dominoes Pizza, La Floresta Ajijic
Il Giardino, Chapala
Wing’s Army, Centro Laguna Libramiento
Most Romantic Atmosphere
Chac-Lan, San Juan Cosalá
La Misión, Ajijic
La Nueva Posada, Ajijic
St. Remy du Lac, Ajijic
Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá
Best Place to Take Out-of-Town Guests
Ajijic Tango, Ajijic
El Cozumel, Chapala Malecón
La Misión, Ajijic
La Nueva Posada, Ajijic
St. Remy du Lac, Ajijic
Best Street Food
Carnitas & Tacos Lupe, Sunday Ixt. tianguis
Dusty Chicken, by Coca Cola plant San Antonio
La Hormiga stand, Chapala
Mariscos El Tio, by Coca Cola plant San Antonio
Rico Taco, Ajijic Plaza
Best Desserts
American Legion, Chapala
La Una, Ajijic
La Misión, Ajijic
Mel’s Steakhouse, Ajijic
St. Rémy Du Lac, Ajijic
Best Buffet
Maria Isabela (Old Posada), Ajijic
Mel’s Steakhouse, Ajijic
Min Wah, Ajijic
Marco's “ReyTaco”, Chapala
Best Economical Restaurant
Alfredo’s California Rest., Riberas del Pilar
El Zapote, Chapala
Hot Rod Burrito, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
José’s Place, Chapala
Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá
Best Mixed Drinks / Cocktails
Hacienda del Lago, Ajijic
Just Chillin’, Ajijic
Los Cinco Potrillos, Ixtlahuacan dlm
St. Remy du Lac, Ajijic
Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá
Best Wine or Beer Selection
Adelita’s, San Antonio Tlay.
Olé Olá, Ajijic
St. Rémy Du Lac (French), Ajijic
Viva Mexico, San Juan Cosalá
Wing’s Army, Centro Laguna Libramiento
SECTION 3 - LEISURE / ACTIVIDADES
Best Fitness Center / Gimnasio
Fit for Life, Mirasol
Health House Fitness Center, Chapala
Mundo Acuatica, Riberas del Pilar
Pacha Mama Climbing Gym, Ajijic
Parque Cristiania Pool/Tennis, Chapala
Zona Fitness, Riberas del Pilar
Best Diversion Overall / Diversión
Adelita’s for Dancing, San Antonio Tlay.
Balneario San Juan Cosalá
Beer Garden for Dancing, Chapala
Foliatti Casino, Centro Laguna
Lakeside Little Theatre (seasonal)
Best Family Activity / Actividad de la Familia
Balneario San Juan Cosalá
Cinemas del Lago, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Cristiania Park, Chapala
Diversiones Beboy’s, Chapala
Movie Space Cinemas, Centro Laguna
Tobolandia Water Park, Ajijic
Best Bar Overall / Bar
Bar K, San Antonio Tlay.
El Barco, Ajijic
El Camaleón, Ajijic
Mama’s Bar, San Antonio Tlay.
Tom’s Bar, Ajijic
Best Annual Event / Evento Anual
Carnaval Chapala
Chili Cookoff
Christmas Posadas
Feria Maestros del Arte
Regata de Globos
Best Active Sport Available Locally
Basketball
Bicycling
Boxing
Hiking or Running
Motorcycling
Soccer
Most Relaxing Pasttime
Cooking
Reading
Siesta Time
Social Time with Friends
Spa day
Best TV Service / Servicio de Televisión
Dish
Megacable
Shaw Direct
Sky
Telecable
Best Place to Volunteer
Cruz Roja (Red Cross), Ajijic & Chapala
Graffiti Busters of Lakeside
Los Niños de Chapala y Ajijic Bazaar, Riberas
Lucky Dog Rescue, San Nicolas
Operation Feed Clothing Drive, Sn Juan Cosalá
Wilkes Education Center (LCS), Ajijic
SECTION 4 - SHOPPING AROUND / DE COMPRAS
Best Supermarket / Supermercado
El Surtidor (various)
El Torito, Ajijic
Soriana, Chapala
Super Lake, San Antonio
Walmart, San Antonio
Best Pharmacy / Farmacía
Benevides, Chapala
Cristina, Ajijic
Farmacia Guadalajara, (various)
Soriana, Chapala
Walmart, San Antonio
Best Clothing Boutique (New or Used)
Arati, Ajijic
Cugini’s Boutique, Ajijic
La Sala de Smokee, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Mia’s Boutique, Ajijic
Terry’s Tianguis, Chapala
Best Bazaar, Thrift Shop or Consignment / Bazar
Barbara’s Bazaar, Ajijic
Beg Barter Buy & Sell - Chapala (facebook page)
Casi Nuevo Thrift Shop, Riberas del Pilar
Kisch Bazar y Boutique, Ajijic
Mia’s Boutique, Ajijic
La Sala de Smokee, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Tom’s Bazaar, Chapala
Best Gallery-Gift Shop / Galería y Regalos
Cugini’s Boutique, Ajijic
Diane Pearl Colecciones, Ajijic
Galería Lakshmi, Ajijic
Mi Mexico, Ajijic
Sedentario, Chapala, Chapala
Best Furniture Source (New or Used) / Muebles
Arden Muebleria, Riberas del Pilar
Arte Amanecer, Riberas del Pilar
Beg Barter Buy & Sell - Chapala (Facebook page)
Chapala’s Consignment Shoppe, Chapala
Muebles America, Chapala
Mueblería San Francisco, Chapala
Best Meats / Carnicería
Carnes Selectas, Ajijic
Carniceria Dona Kary, West of Plaza San Juan Cosala
El Torito, Ajijic
Mr. Bull, Ajijic & Chapala
Sonora Carnes Fines, Ajijic
Tony’s Carnicería, San Antonio Tlay.
Best Fish Market / Pescadería
Indoor Market, Chapala
Las Playas, Ajijic West
Pacifico, Ajijic West
Tabarka, Ajijic
Walmart, San Antonio
Best Appliance Outlet
Coppell, Chapala
Electro Venta, Riberas del Pilar
El Tio Sam, Libramiento, Plaza Interlago
Muebles America, Chapala
Walmart, San Antonio Tlay.
Best Outlet for Books (New or Used)
American Legion, Chapala
Anita’s (Ajijic Tianguis)
Diane Pearl gallery, Ajijic.
Galerí Di Paola, Ajijic
Lake Chapala Society, Ajijic
Best Computer Supplies & Electronics
Audio y Video Mendoza, Chapala
Benno’s, Ajijic
Computerland, Riberas del Pilar
Steren, Centro Laguna
Walmart, San Antonio Tlay.
Best Hardware, Construction Supplies
Aceros Murillo, Riberas del Pilar
Amutio, Ajijic
Ferreteria Calzada (formerly Ace), Chapala
Ferremateriales Económicos, Ajijic
Jara Hardware, Ajijic
Truper, San Antonio Tlay. and Chapala
Best Auto Parts
Auto Zone, San Antonio Tlay.
Orma Autopartes Chapala, Riberas del Pilar
Refaccionaria Danny’s, Chapala
Refaccionaria Pro One “Don Pepe, Chula Vista
Rolcar, Chapala
Best Paint Store & Paint Supplies
Comex, Chapala
Dupont Color Center (San Antonio)
Pinturas Berel Ajijic
Pinturas Casther (San Nicolas)
Prisa (4 locations)
Sherwin Williams (Ajijic West)
Best Pet Supplies Store
Furry Friends, Mirasol
Lakeside Friends of the Animals (formerly Animal
Shelter), Riberas del Pilar
Maskotas Lake, Ajijic
Maskottchen, Plaza Soriana Chapala
Memo’s Vet & Pet Shop, Ajijic
Pet Care, Riberas del Pilar
Best Plants & Landscaping Supplies
Flora Exotica, Libramiento, San Antonio Tlay.
Garden Store, Ajijic West
Vivero Azucena, Ajijic
Vivero La Paz, Ajijic West
Vivero San Antonio, San Antonio Tlay.
Best Sporting Goods
Coppell, Chapala
Martí, Centro Laguna, Libramiento
Soriana, Chapala
Walmart, San Antonio Tlay.
SECTION 5 - PRODUCTS & SERVICES / PRODUCTOS Y SERVICIOS
Best Ophthalmologist/Optometrist
Best Hair Salon / Estetica
Claudia Camacho, Mirasol
D’Arrio, Ajijic
Humberto Ruiz Garcia, Libramiento San Antonio
Hair by Sasha, Chapala
Luz Zepeda, Lake Chapala Society Ajijic
New Look Studio, San Antonio Tlay.
Maria de Jesus Quintero, Chapala
Gloriosa, Plaza Interlago Libramiento
Rigoberto Rios, Plaza Montaña Ajijic
Yoly’s Unisex Salon, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Best Gynecologist (Ob/Gyn)
Best Massage / Spa
Dra. Elodia Noemí Ruvalcaba, Integrity Clinic, Plaza
Afrodita, San Antonio Tlay
Interlago
Barbara Rotthaler, San Antonio Tlay.
Dra. Iliana Ramos, Integrity Clinic, Plaza Interlago
Dana Knight, Ajijic
& Jocotepec
El Chante Spa, El Chante
Dra. Marcela Medina Castellanos, Quality Care,
Erin Dixon, Four Aspects, San Antonio Tlay.
Plaza Interlago
Respiro Spa, Riberas del Pilar
Dra. Karla Orozco, Ajijic
Total Body Care, Ajijic
Dr. Felipe de Jesus Ochoa Hernandez, Chapala
Best Legal Service / Servicios Legales
Best Architect and/or Builder
ABC Legal (Azucena Bateman), Ajijic
Roberto Millan, Ajijic
Adriana Perez Flores, Ajijic
Jaime Hernandez, Ajijic
Chapala Legal (Spencer MacMullen), Chapala
Samuel Orozco Beltran, Guadalajara & Ajijic
España y Lopez, Ajijic
Steve Warwick Construction, Chapala
LCS/Becerra Immigration, Ajijic
Ricardo Zambrano, Ajijic
Best Insurance Provider / Agencia de Seguros
Best Bank or Financial Institution
Bellon, San Antonio Tlay.
Actinver, Ajijic & Chapala
Boomers in Paradise, Ajijic
BBVA Bancomer, Ajijic & Chapala
O&A (O’Roarke & Asociados), Centro Laguna
CI Bank, Centro Laguna, Libramiento San Antonio
Parker Insurance, Riberas del Pilar
Multiva Bank, Ajijic
TioCorp, Mirasol
Scotiabank Inverlat, Guadalajara (ATM only Ajijic)
Best Primary Care Doctor / Doctor
Best
Natural
or Alternative Care / Medicina Natural
Dr. Carlos Garcia, Clinica Maskaras, Riberas del Pilar
Barbara Rotthaler, Therapeutic Massage, San Ant.
Dr. Juan Lastra, Ajijic
Erin Dixon, 4 Aspects Massage & Holistic Care,
Dr. Juan Pablo Loza, Chapala
San Antonio Tlay.
Dr. Ricardo Heredia, Chapala
Gabriel Garcia, Integrative Medicine, Ajijic West
Dr. Santiago Hernández, Chapala Med
Georgina Mariscal, Holistic Therapist, Ajijic
Best Dermotologist
Mitchell Perey, Clinical Hypnotist, Chapala
Dra. Annamaria Palacios, Quality Care, Plaza Interlago
Best Diagnostic Lab / Laboratorio Diagnóstico
Dermika Dra. Tania Sanchez or Dra. Monica, Ajijic
CARE Analysis Lab, Plaza Maskaras, Riberas del Pilar
Dra. Martha Ballesteros, Integrity Clinic, Interlago
Go Lab, Plaza Maskaras, Riberas del Pilar
Dra. Martha Luz Talamontes, Riberas del Pilar
ISI Lab, Ajijic
Dr. Raul Chauhtémoc Reyes, Chapala & Ajijic
Laboratorio de Patología Chapala, Ajijic & Chapala
Best Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Counselor
Undima Diagnostic Imaging, Chapala
Dra. Adriana Haro Fernandez, Integrity Clinic
Best Dentist or Dental Clinic / Dentista
Dr. Eduardo Santoscoy, Mirasol
Candy Ugalde, Plaza Maskaras, Riberas del Pilar
Dr. Leslie Strong (posthumously)
Dental Express (Edgard Macias, Aldo Garcia, Elena
Jorge Velasco, Ajijic
Chavez) Ajijic West
Michele Boudreau, Clinica Maskaras
Eloy Barragan, Mirasol
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Francisco Contreras, Riberas del Pilar
Anne Dyer Team, Casita La Montaña, Ajijic
KR Dental (Dra. Rebeca Sandoval), Riberas del Pilar
Dr. Alejandro Enriquez de Rivera, Guadalajara
Martha Medina, Ajijic
Dr. Gabriel Hernandez Nuño, Guadalajara
Rosio Vidrio Galvez, Plaza San Juan, Ajijic
Dr. Hector Gonzalez Miramontes, Zapopan
Best Veterinarian or Vet Clinic
Dr. Sergio Aguilla Bimbeza, Dermika Ajijic
Dr. José “Pepe” Magaña, Riberas del Pilar
Dr. Rafael Arenas Quintana, Chapala Med
Drs. Ladron de Guevara, Riberas del Pilar
Best Cardiologist
The Little Doctor, Dr. Erik Sanabria, Chapala
Dr. Hector A. Briseño Garcia, Ajijic
Maskotas Lake, Dr. Luis Macial, Ajijic
Dr. José Pascual Salas, Integrity Clinic Libramiento
Pet Place, Dr. Berenice Martinez, Plaza Interlago
Dr. Luis Virgen, Ajijic
Vet San Antonio, Dr. Delfino Hernandez, San Ant.
Dr. Peralta, Quality Care, Plaza Interlago
Ramón García García, La Floresta Ajijic
Best Mailing & Shipping Service / Paquetería
Correos de Mexico/Mexican Postal Service
Handy Mail, San Antonio Tlay.
iShop Mail, San Antonio Tlay.
LCS Mail Service (members only) Ajijic
Sol y Luna Logistics, Plaza Bugambilias Ajijic
Best Real Estate Office / Inmobiliaria
All-in-1-Services, San Antonio Tlay.
Century 21 AccessMex, Chula Vista
Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty, Ajijic & Chapala
Eager & Asociados, Ajijic
Fenix Real Estate, San Antonio Tlay.
Hernandez Realty, Ajijic
Best House Rental Source/ Alquiler de Casas
Ajijic Rentals, Ajijic
Century 21 AccessMex, Chula Vista
Chapala Property Management & Consierge, Ajijic
Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty, Ajijic & Chapala
Hacienda Property Mgmt & Rentals, Ajijic
Best Auto Repair / Taller Mecánico
Automotriz Francisco, Riberas del Pilar
Autoservicio Martinez (Techmart), Los Cedros
Auto Repair by Ron Young, Chapala
Beto Hernandez, San Antonio Tlay.
Pablo’s Garage, Ajijic West
Salvador’s, Jocotepec
Best Computer Services
Axixic Net, Adrian Ramos, Ajijic
Benno Computer Solutions, Ajijic
Fix My PC
Juan Barbosa, PC Fix Lakeside
Mike the Computer Guy
Best Chiropractic/Spinal Manipulation
Dra. Gabriela Flores Teón, Ajijic
Eric Phariss, D.C., San Juan Cosala
Jorge Ulloa, P.T., Riberas del Pilar
Lowell Stephen Birch, D.C. Plaza Interlago
Dr. Ricardo Heredia, M.D., Chapala
Dr. Saul René Jaramillo R., San Antonio Tlay.
Victor J. Youcha, D.C., Ajijic
Best Auto Body & Paint / Laminado y Pintura
Lakeside Auto (formerly Fernando’s), Ajijic
Grand Prix Customs, Ajijic
Junior’s, Riberas del Pilar
Monkey’s Paint, Riberas del Pilar
Salazar Auto Body Shop, Chapala
Best Appliance Repair
Electrodomesticos Perales, Riberas del Pilar
Multiservicios Guzman, Libramiento
Refrigeración Camarena, Ajijic, Chapala, Joco
Tecnicos en Servicio, Chapala
Best Mani-Pedi Nail Salon
Gloss Nail Salon, San Antonio Tlay.
New Look Studio, San Antonio Tlay.
Panache, Ajijic
Total Body Care, Ajijic
SECTION 6 - TRAVEL & LODGING / VIAJES Y HOSPEDAJE
Best Travel / Agencia de Viajes
Ajijic Travel Agency, Ajijic
Charter Club, Ajijic
Julie Ray Travel, Ajijic
Viajes Vikingo, Chapala
Viajes Ajijic
Best Tours / Turismo
Amigo Tours
Charter Club Tours, Ajijic
City Discovery, Lake Chapala
Go Mexico Way, Ajijic
Noe Raygoza Villar
Best Hotel
Hacienda del Lago Boutique Hotel, Ajijic
La Nueva Posada, Ajijic
Mis Amores, Ajijic
Real de Chapala, La Floresta, Ajijic
Villa San Francisco, Chapala
Best Bed & Breakfast (B&B)
Adobe Walls, Ajijic
Ajijic Suites, Ajijic
Casa del Sol Inn, Ajijic
Casa Flores, Ajijic
Casa Tres Leones, Ajijic
END