2007 Winners

The results of the 2nd annual edition of “The Best of Scott County” are in.  Over the past few weeks, visitors to the Scott County Web site (www.scottcountymo.com) have been asked to vote for their favorites in several categories ranging from best customer service in the county to the county’s best burger.  The unscientific survey gave web site users the opportunity to give recognition to those who truly deserve it.  And the winners are…

Scott County’s Best Burger - Kirby’s Sandwich Shop (109 N. Kingshighway, Sikeston)

For the second consecutive year, Kirby's is named Scott County's best burger.  In 1907, Jim Kirby started selling 5¢ burgers on East Front Street in Sikeston.  Almost a century later, you can still buy a Kirby Burger in downtown Sikeston.  Today owned by Don and Bonnie Newton the shop is located around the corner at 109 N. Kingshighway.  Kirby’s Sandwich Shop is an important part of the culture of Sikeston. Phillip St. Onge, a native Sikestonian who has lived in Gulf Shores Alabama for 9 years, stated “I can’t say I’ve been home until I’ve had a Kirby Burger.”

Visit Kirby's Online

2007 Runner Up - Cream Castle (801 W. Malone, Sikeston)

Best Place to Take a First Date  - Ray's of Kelso (151 S. Messmer, Kelso)

Ray's nudged out 2006 winner RiverRidge Winery for the Best place to take a first date in Scott County.  For a tablecloth and candlelight dining experience in Scott County, try Ray’s in Kelso.  Offering American and Italian cuisine, Ray’s is famous for their gourmet pizza and their USDA Prime Angus steaks.  Located in the 1920’s era former Farmers and Merchants Bank building, Ray’s offers a gallery dining room experience.

Visit Ray's

2007 Runner Up  - River Ridge Winery (Commerce)

Visit RiverRidge

Scott County’s Best Place for Family Fun  - Begg's Family Farm (Highway U near Blodgett)

The Begg's Family Farm is offers family fun during its Fall Harvest Festival, Easter Festival, and Strawberry Festival.  The activities include games and activities for kids of all ages, a huge corn maze, gift shop, great food, and as it is a working farm, produce!  An operating farm since 1895, the Begg's Farm was instrumental in helping Blodgett attain the title of "Watermelon Capital of the World", a title awarded at the 1904 World's Fair.  The farm is open to the public on weekends during the festivals and during the week for school field trips. 

Visit Beggs Family Farm online

2007 Runner Up - Sikeston Sports Complex

Best Location to Pick up a Gift  - Personal Expression (Sikeston)

Holding on for a second year as Best Location to Pick Up a Gift, Personal Expression.  Theresa and Charlie McGill’s Personal Expressions offers a great selection of high quality gift ideas.  Located on Front Street in Historic Downtown Sikeston, the store features bridal registry, seasonal gifts, and an extensive selection of china.  The personal service will help you select the perfect gift for any occasion.

2007 Runner Up - Purse'N'ality (Center St., Sikeston)

Best Barbeque in Scott County - Dexter Barbeque (Sikeston)

Don’t let the name fool you.  Although native to Dexter, barbeque from the Sikeston location is a favorite in Scott County.  Customers can choose to dine-in at the newly expanded dining room or carry out.  Many picnics, social events, and family dinners feature ribs, barbeque pork, and side dishes from Dexter Barbeque located at 124 N. Main in Sikeston.  Dexter BBQ was selected by an overwhelming majority to hold its title.

2007 Runner Up - Vaughan's Fish and Bar-B-Que (105 W. Malone, Sikeston)

Scott County Best Pizza  - Ray’s (Kelso)

For a tablecloth and candlelight dining experience in Scott County, try Ray’s in Kelso.  Offering American and Italian cuisine, Ray’s is famous for their gourmet pizza and their USDA Prime Angus steaks.  Located in the 1920’s era former Farmers and Merchants Bank building, Ray’s offers a gallery dining room experience.  Ray's gourmet pizzas include Ray's Special, The Monster, The California Pizza, The Hawaiian, The Roman, The Bacon Cheesburger Pizza or create your own from Ray's selection of the freshest premium ingredients.

Visit Ray's

2007 Runner Up - Pizza Inn (1905 E. Malone, Sikeston)

Best Ethnic Restaurant- El Tapatio (2113 E. Malone, Sikeston)

Winner of the new category for 2007, El Tapatio of Sikeston beat out stiff competition in the category of Best Ethnic Restaurant.  Offering quality authentic Mexican food in a family friendly environment, El Tapitio has quickly become a favorite among Scott County’s restaurants.  El Tapitios offers dine in and carry out.

2007 Honorable Mention - El Bracero and China Buffet both of Sikeston received a large number of votes although both are located just south of the county line. Give these fine restaurants a try as well!

Scott County Best Fine Dining - Ray’s (Kelso)

For a tablecloth and candlelight dining experience in Scott County, try Ray’s in Kelso.  Offering American and Italian cuisine, Ray’s is famous for their gourmet pizza and their USDA Prime Angus steaks.  Located in the 1920’s era former Farmers and Merchants Bank building, Ray’s offers a gallery dining room experience.

Visit Ray's

2007 Runner Up - Gaslight Square (E. Malone, Sikeston)

Scott County’s Most Family Friendly Dining  - Lambert’s Café (Sikeston)

The 2006 winner retains their title.  Lamberts is named 2007 Most Family Friendly Dining.  While traveling in England, I struck up a conversation with a gentlemen waiting for a train.  I told him I was from Sikeston Missouri and started to do my best to explain where Sikeston was located.  He stopped me before I really started and said, “Oh yes, Lambert’s Cafe:  Home of the Thowed Rolls”.  Obviously world-famous, Lambert’s started in the early 40’s offering family-oriented dining on South Main in Sikeston.  Today, located on E. Malone in Sikeston, Lamberts brings out the kid in everyone.  The tales of flying rolls brings people in by the thousands and Lambert’s motto, “Treat every person who enters this building just as you would like to be treated…” keeps them coming back.

Visit Lambert's Cafe online

2007 Runner Up - Rodchester's Deli (400 N. Main, Sikeston)

Best Annual Event  - Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo

The Sikeston Jaycees Bootheel rodeo is one of the nation’s favorite rodeos. For 53 years, the Jaycees have produced a top quality rodeo with spectacular musical performances.  Entertainment has ranged from Matt Dillion and Festus from the 50’s series Gun Smoke to today’s top county music performers like Garth Brooks, Clint Black, and Alabama.  In addition to providing a great event for southeast Missouri, the rodeo makes it possible for the Jaycees to gives generously to dozens of charitable organizations throughout the area.

Visit the Rodeo

2007 Runner Up - Sikeston Cotton Carnival

Best Breakfast Location - Jay’s Krispy Fried Chicken (218 N. Main, Sikeston)

The reining Best Breakfast winner holds on for another year.

Famous for their fried chicken, Jay’s is also loved for their breakfast options.  If you’re in a rush, order your home-style breakfast at the window but if time allows join the crowd inside for the breakfast buffet.

2007 Runner Up - Tami's Barbeque and Restaurant (1609 E. Malone)

Best Grocery Store   - Food Giant (700 N. Main, Sikeston)

A new category for 2007, Best Grocery Store in Scott County goes to Food Giant of Sikeston.  The great selection and competitive prices are only a part of what draws customers to Food Giant.  Food Giant's produce section is second to none and its full service meat department attracts shoppers from all of Scott County and beyond.  Customer service is obviously important to the Food Giant teams.  Associates are glad to answer your questions and help you to your car with your purchases. 

2007 Runner Up - McKinnie Bestway (1056 N. Kingshighway)

County's Best Florist   - Helen's Florist (701 York Ave., Sikeston)

A new category for 2007, Best Florist is awarded to Helen's Florist of Sikeston located at corner of Helen and York.  Quality and customer service are the traits that set Helen's above the others.  In addition to floral services, Helen's offers a great selection of gifts. Arrangements are available for any occassion and you never have to worry when Helen's prepares your order.  The staff helps you make your selection and if the flowers you want aren't in stock, they will find them for you.  Helen's also recieved a large number of votes in the Best Customer Service category.

2007 Runner Up - North Main Florist (1126 N. Main, Sikeston)

Best Lunch in the County   - Rodchester's Deli (400 N. Main., Sikeston)

Completing the "meals" categories, Lunch was added to dinner and breakfast in this years poll. The winner based on quality, value, and customer service is Rodchester's Deli.  Famous for its sandwiches, Rodchester's also offer a great selection of baskets, soups & salads, and deserts.  Rodchester's is the perfect choice for lunch offering great prices, quick service, and exceptional quality.  Rodchester's offers dine in and carryout service with a drive through for your convenience.

Visit Rodchester's Online

2007 Runner Up - Cheers (1212 Linn, Sikeston)

Best Customer Service   - Food Giant (700 N. Main, Sikeston)

A new catagory for 2007, Best Customer Service in Scott County goes to Food Giant of Sikeston.  The team at Food Giant offer the convenience and selection of  larger supermarkets will retaining the customer service of a small neighborhood market.  Skilled and knowlegable employees gladly assist shoppers in every department and aisle.  Special requests are gladly filled and your selection is carried to your car with care.

2007 Runner Up - Falkoff's Men's Shop (118 E. Front St. Sikeston)