Welcome to the 2026 Best of Rhode Island® Reader’s Poll!
You’ve been patiently waiting. And the time is finally here! Our Best of Rhode Island online readers’ poll is now open and runs March 1 to 31. You may write in your choice of business for each category. There is only one vote per valid email address. Please note that we are only allowing 3 votes per IP addresses to ensure there is no ballot stuffing. Businesses should encourage patrons at their establishment to vote on their own devices using their own data plan. Voters will be able to return to the ballot throughout the month to change or complete their votes. The ballot continuously saves your write-ins, there is no save or submit button.
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.
Are you a business campaigning for votes? We’ve got some great promotional materials and tips for you to utilize!
Save the date for the best party of the year: July 23, 2026 at the WaterFire Arts Center.
Providence
Newport County: Jamestown, L. Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport
South County: Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, N. Kingstown, S. Kingstown, Westerly, Wickford, Richmond, Block Island
East Bay: Barrington, E. Providence, Bristol, Warren
West Bay: Foster, Cranston, Warwick, W. Warwick, E. Greenwich, W. Greenwich, Coventry, Scituate
Blackstone Valley: Pawtucket, Smithfield, N. Providence, N. Smithfield, Lincoln, Cumberland, Woonsocket, Central Falls, Burrillville, Glocester, Johnston
