“Best of” is a nice title to celebrate after years of dedication to your craft. Here is another look at a few of the 2024 Best of Toledo Award Winners.
Mexican Restaurant
Winner: Ventura’s
venturasmexicanrestaurant.com
Runner Up: Cinco de Mayo
Ventura’s Mexican Restaurant, a Toledo staple since 1984, offers a vibrant dining experience at 7742 W. Bancroft St. Known for its Tex-Mex fusion cuisine and award-winning margaritas, the menu features favorites like Cajun Chicken Nachos, seafood enchiladas and the popular Loma Linda appetizer . The restaurant provides a cozy
atmosphere suitable for families and groups, with options for dine-in, take-out and catering. Ventura’s commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors has earned it a loyal local following. Regular specials and friendly service make every visit memorable, perfect for casual dinners or festive celebrations.
Furniture Store
Winner: Appliance Center
shopac.com
Runner Up: La-Z-Boy
Appliance Center (shopac.com) is a trusted, family‐owned appliance, furniture, and mattress retailer based in Maumee, Ohio, serving the Toledo area since 1963. With three convenient locations, they offer an extensive selection—from kitchen and laundry suites to air conditioners, refrigerators, vacuums, outdoor firepits, and home decor. Known for exceptional customer service, they provide next‐day and same‐day delivery options within a 30‐mile radius, backed by a price‐match guarantee and flexible financing. Multiple customer reviews praise their friendly staff and speedy, professional delivery.
Cleaning Service
Winner: Carissa’s Green Cleaning Service
facebook.com/carissasgreen
Runner Up: CMS Cleaning Services
Carissa’s Green Cleaning LLC is a locally‐owned eco‐friendly cleaning service based in Toledo, Ohio, proudly providing commercial and residential services throughout the region. Voted “Best of Toledo” multiple years in a row, they use handcrafted, all‐natural cleaning products and serve a 30‐mile radius with no hidden fees. With a 4.6‐star rating from around 60 reviews, customers consistently praise their reli‐ ability, attention to detail, and gentle, non‐toxic solutions. Carissa and her team bring care, consistency, and green values to every clean.
Candy Store
Winner: Boyd’s Retro Candy Store
boydsretrocandy.com
Runner Up: Maumee Valley Chocolate and Candy
Boyd’s Retro Candy Store in Toledo is a sugary time capsule, delighting customers since its opening with nostalgic favorites from the 1950s‐70s alongside rare throwbacks and quirky modern treats.The bright pink, castle‐like storefront welcomes walk‐ins Mon–Sat noon–6 pm, offering over 1,000 candy varieties—from Curly Wurly and Gold Mine Gum to Scorpion Suckers and Cricket Lick‐its. Inside, the air hums with sweetness and smiles; customers rave about the friendly, personal service (even including handwritten notes with shipped orders). Whether browsing retro sodas in glass bottles or creating a custom gift bag, it’s a joyful celebration of candy culture for all ages.
Cigar Shop
Winner: The Cigar Affair
thecigaraffair.com
Runner Up: Third St. Cigars
The Cigar Affair in Uptown Maumee has been Toledo’s premier cigar lounge and boutique since 1996. Praised as “Toledo’s favorite cigar lounge and store,” it boasts Ohio’s largest walk‐in humidor—featuring over 1,000 open boxes of premium cigars, pipes, humidors and accessories. With five CRT‐certified tobacconists, the expert staff provides knowledgeable, friendly service in a welcoming lounge—indoors or out in “The Cigarden”—a heated patio space perfect for social gatherings. They even launched the Havana & Rye mobile cigar lounge in partnership with Dennis Hopson, offering luxurious cigar-friendly travel. Whether shopping or relaxing, this spot is a haven for cigar lovers.
Naturopath
Winner: Diana Spiess, Essence Mind Body Studio
dianaspiess.com
Runner Up: Dr. Maleigha Watts, Toledo Naturopathic
Diana Spiess is the passionate founder and lead instructor behind Essence Mind*Body Studio in Maumee, Ohio. With over 35 years in fitness, wellness, and holistic healing—and dozens of certifications spanning yoga, Pilates, Reiki, sound/vibrational therapy, aromatherapy and health coaching—her experience is vast and deep. The studio offers private sessions, group classes, workshops, yoga and Pilates teacher trainings (200–500 hr), retreats and certifications—plus a wellness app and monthly newsletter. Diana’s approach centers mind, body, and spirit, helping clients leave stronger, clearer and more joyful. Her personalized care creates a space for lasting transformation and self‐empowerment.
Tattoo Shop/Studio
Winner: Needle Masters Tattoo Studios
facebook.com/NeedleMasters
Runner Up: Brick House Tattoo & Co.
Needle Masters Tattoo Studios is one of Toledo’s longest-running tattoo and piercing shops, proudly serving the community since 1999. With two locations—South on S Reynolds Rd and North on Telegraph Rd—they’re celebrated for professional, walk-in-friendly service and clean, private booths. Tattoos start at $60 and piercings at $30, using titanium and surgical‐grade jewelry. Customers praise the talented artists, noting fast, gentle piercings and custom tattoo work done with care. With a stellar 4.6–4.7 star rating across platforms this shop delivers quality, comfort and creativity.
Credit Union
Winner: Glass City Federal Credit Union
glasscityfcu.com
Runner Up: Directions Credit Union
Glass City Federal Credit Union, established in 1947, is a member-owned cooperative based in Northwest Ohio, serving residents of Lucas, Wood, Fulton and Ottawa counties. With five branches—including main offices in Maumee and Toledo (East Broadway, Secor, Alexis) and one in Bowling Green—it offers 24/7 mobile and online banking, free bill pay and nationwide shared-branch access. They provide a wide range of services, from high-yield Optimum Checking (3 % APY on balances up to $25K) and savings options to mortgages, auto, RV and personal loans. Membership requires just a $5 share deposit and is open to local residents, workers, students, or worshippers.
Doctor
Winner: Dr. Maggi Smith, Toledo Clinic Department of Podiatry/Foot and Ankle Surgery
toledoclinic.com/doctor/maggi-smith
Runner Up: Dr. Murthy Gokula, Concierge Connected Care
Dr. Maggi Smith is a highly skilled podiatric surgeon at The Toledo Clinic’s Department of Podiatry, Foot and Ankle Surgery. With over 25 years of experience, she holds dual board certifications in foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, placing her among an elite group of specialists. Dr. Smith treats a variety of conditions, including bunions, plantar fasciitis, ankle fractures and diabetic foot care. Patients praise her compassionate, thorough approach and clear communication. She practices at The Toledo Clinic’s Secor Road location and is affiliated with top local hospitals, providing expert care for complex foot and ankle issues in the Toledo area.
Attorney
Winner: Charles Boyk Law Offices
charlesboyk-law.com
Runner Up: Allison Groth, Groth & Assoc.
Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC is a well-established Toledo-based personal injury firm serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan since 1981. Led by Charles “Chuck” Boyk—an Ohio-licensed attorney since 1983 and “Superb” Avvo‐rated—this team handles motor vehicle crashes, medical malpractice, wrongful death, dog bites and more. With six convenient offices (including downtown Toledo at 405 Madison Ave, Suite 1200), they offer free consultations and operate on a contingency-fee- fee basis—no legal fees unless they win. Boasting a stellar 4.8‐star rating from hundreds of reviews, clients praise their personalized, compassionate service and courtroom expertise.
Junk Removal Service
Winner: Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup
facebook.com/p/Jeffs-Hauling-Cleanup
Runner Up: Budget Dumpsters of Toledo
Jeff’s Hauling & Cleanup is a family‐owned, A+ BBB‐accredited junk removal and clean‐out service based in Perrysburg, Ohio, serving Toledo and the surrounding area since 1999. With over 20 years of experience, owner Jeff Hoffmann leads efficient clean‐ups—from single‐item pickups to full garage, basement, foreclosure, eviction and construction debris clear‐outs . Licensed and insured, they boast a stellar 4.9 rating from 150+ local reviews, praised for fast, budget‐friendly service and great communication. Whether you need an estate clean‐out, shed demolition, appliance removal or bulk trash pick‐up, Jeff’s reliable team has you covered.
