Muletown Mail Readers' Picks 2026
The best of Columbia, picked by the people who live here.
You name your favorites, the most-nominated make the ballot, and readers vote. There are no judges, and nobody can pay to win. It covers Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Culleoka and Santa Fe.
Coming Soon
Nominations open in Monday, Nov. 2
How It Works
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Nominate
Nov. 2 - 15, 2026
Name your favorites in as many categories as you like.
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Vote
Nov. 23 - Dec. 13, 2026
The most-nominated make the ballot. Pick one in each category.
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Winners
Jan. 7, 2027
We announce the winners and finalists here and in the newsletter.
The Categories
Restaurants, places to go, shops, the people who fix things, and the neighbors who make this place better.
Food and Drink
- Best Restaurant Overall
- Best Breakfast
- Best Coffee Shop
- Best BBQ
- Best Burger
- Best Pizza
- Best Mexican
- Best Meat and Three
- Best Bakery or Dessert
- Best Date Night
- Best Brewery or Bar
- Best Food Truck
Things to Do
- Best Live Music Venue
- Best Local Event or Festival
- Best Family Outing
- Best Park or Outdoor Spot
Shopping
- Best Boutique
- Best Gift Shop
- Best Antiques
Services
- Best Mechanic
- Best Salon or Barber
- Best Realtor
- Best Home Services
People
- Neighbor of the Year
- Teacher of the Year
- Coach of the Year
One Ballot per Person
Every ballot is tied to an email address, and votes only count after the voter clicks the link we send. One vote per category per email. Votes that look like one person voting many times get checked and thrown out.
For Businesses
Winners and finalists get a badge to post, print for the window and share with customers. Want your name on a category?
Get Notified
Sign up for Muletown Mail and you'll hear the day nominations open, the day the ballot goes up and the day we announce the winners. It's free, one email a week.