How to Vote in the 2026 Best of Rhode Island Readers’ Poll

It's time to cast your vote!

February 20, 2026

the Editors,

You’ve been patiently waiting. And it’s finally here! Our Best of Rhode Island online readers’ poll, which this year runs through the month of March, is now live.

The annual contest, now in its thirty-third year, touches every corner of the state and, more importantly, it gives the reins to the locals. Whether you love a tiny salon in Burrillville or specialty food shop in Providence, we’re asking you to shout it from the rooftops (or, er, thoughtfully type it into the voting form here).

As usual, we’ve assembled a beast of a ballot with scores of categories — restaurant, salon, clam shack, fitness studio — in statewide and regional sections. We’re leaning on you, reader, to name the best of the best, but it needn’t be a big time commitment. You can scroll through and only fill in the categories that spark joy in your heart or fill your belly. For folks with opinions about everything: Welcome home. We can’t wait to see what you choose.

This year’s poll also includes some changes, as it does every year.

This year, local Tattoo Shops, Dive Bars and Event Spaces are getting the chance to throw their hats in the ring. Likewise, Locally Owned Women’s Boutiques and Locally Owned Men’s Boutiques can now each take home a Statewide title, and Locally Owned Clothing Boutiques of any specialty can duke it out in the Regional sections. Meanwhile, we selfishly want to know who makes the best Breakfast Sandwiches in the state.

We also updated wording on several categories to be more specific or inclusive. We dropped “non-hair” from the Beauty Services award, added space for solo acts to the Local Band/Musician category, and reworded “Rhody Maker” to Local Artisan (see last year’s funny entries for clarity there).

We likewise eliminated a few categories because they didn’t achieve enough votes from year to year (RIP Wedding Jewelry and BYOB Restaurant). In that vein, Doggie Day Care and Pet Salon/Boutique has been combined to form a broader Pet Services (non veterinary) category on the Regional ballots.

So give us a little of your time next month and we’ll hand back a big, juicy Best of Rhode Island issue in August. The team at Rhode Island Monthly, and the state’s small business owners, thank you for your votes.

The official ballot is live through March 31 — fill it in here!

If you operate a local business and want to rally your fans for the vote, download our free voting widgets for your website or social channels. Plus, consult this tips sheet for answers to your most pressing Best of Rhode Island questions.

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