Fall 2026

September 1, 2026/Chatham Magazine/Best of Chatham

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Every year, when we create the Best of Chatham issue, I’m reminded that this isn’t really about awards; it’s about people.

Tens of thousands of readers cast votes for the businesses, restaurants, makers, services and community favorites they love most in our ninth annual poll. Some of this year’s winners are longtime Chatham staples, like Allen & Son Bar-B-Que, while others are recent additions that have quickly become part of our everyday lives, like the new Radio PBO station. Together, they tell the story of a place that, while continuing to change, also retains the sense of connection that makes it special.

I experienced a little piece of that connection myself this past year at Pilates at the Core, a winner in the yoga/pilates/barre studio category. I’ll admit: Pilates was never something I thought I’d be interested in, but today, I can’t imagine my weekly routine without it. There’s the physical challenge, of course, but a big part of what keeps me coming back is the feeling of belonging to a community – of walking into a room where people have a shared goal of feeling stronger, healthier and more grounded, together.

That’s the thing I love most about Best of Chatham. Behind every winning business is a story like that: a favorite restaurant where you celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, a shop or gym where someone always remembers your name, a service provider you’ve trusted for years, a place where you’ve found friendship or simply a few minutes to yourself.

So, to everyone who voted, thank you for sharing your favorites with us. And to every business and organization recognized in these pages, thank you for giving Chatham County so many reasons to show up, shop local, gather and celebrate. – Morgan Cartier Weston, executive editor

BEST OF CHATHAM

26 13 Best Bars & Restaurants
These reader-voted favorites include global cuisine, comfort food, can’t-miss cocktails and Michelin recommendations

44 Taking the Cake
Shonda Tuck-Strickland’s Fancy & Frosted Cakery rises to the top in this year’s Best of Chatham desserts category

48 Made in Chatham
Local products that have earned a place in our readers’ hearts and homes

52 New Kids on the Block
Get to know this year’s best new businesses

64 Well Being
Clients share how beloved health and wellness businesses help them thrive

72 Ask an Expert
We asked four of Chatham’s top professionals in law, insurance, real estate and wealth management to answer the questions they hear most

76 A Day Out
Enjoy live music, make a new animal friend, create special memories and more at these family-favorite destinations

82 Best of Chatham 2026 Winners

96 Childhood Champions
Chatham County Partnership for Children receives Chatham Magazine’s second annual Social Impact Award

104 Artsy Abode
This couple reimagined their longtime Rocky River home for retirement – without losing the character that made it special

122 Bring Your Best Friend
Plenty of local favorites, from patios and breweries to retail shops and sprawling village paths, welcome dogs along for the adventure