At long last, the results are in! In October we gave our readers a very important task – to nominate their favorite businesses in the Bridgewater area. From there were tallied the top 3-5 businesses in each category and gave our next call to action. It was time to vote for the best! With over 11,000 votes cast in our Inaugural Readers’ Choice Awards, we were astounded by the community support. Bridgewater businesses, your friends and neighbors have shown up to support you. Our 62 winners should be very proud of themselves. They’ve earned the community’s trust through good business practices, consistent service, great communication and high-quality results in their respective fields, and this month we celebrate them. Read on to learn more and find a few new businesses to support this year.
Best Home Health Specialist
Visiting Angels
(908) 262-7374
Visiting Angels has been taking care of seniors in the Somerset County area for over nine years. They are a State of New Jersey Accredited Agency and their caregivers are all Certified Home Health Aides. They take care of all their clients the way they would want their own parents’ taken care of. In-home consultations are free and the experience is priceless!
Best Day Care
The Learning Experience Bridgewater
(732) 893-8406
With a child-focused approach to childhood learning, their proprietary L.E.A.P curriculum encourages children to learn in their favorite way – by exploring and doing. Students achieve success independently while developing intellectually, socially and cognitively through varied early educational materials, activities and social interactions. TLE Bridgewater is a family run business and their mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of their children, families and the community.
Best Physical Therapist
Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation
(908) 252-0242
Founded as a holistic healthcare center that provides services to address the body’s nutritional needs, mental outlook, and physical state, when Dr. Sferra opened NMR in 1998, he envisioned a society that acted on their responsibilities toward greater health. His passion for helping others is evidenced by the many outreach efforts he provides to his community, which has earned him the Spirit of Somerset Award for outstanding contributions to health and wellness in Somerset County.
Best Swim Club
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center
(908) 443-9018
The JCC welcomes all with a state-of-the art fitness facility including: outdoor FitGround, in-person and virtual group fitness classes and personal training; indoor pool; summer swim club with outdoor pools, ADA compliant splash pad; Blaustein Early Childhood Center (6 months - Kindergarten); JCC Camp Ruach (2 years – 9th grade); Club J All Day; special needs programs; swim lessons and team; basketball, gymnasium, pickle ball, tennis; cultural arts, educational programs; Holocaust education; holiday celebrations.
Best Philanthropic Organization
Hugs for Brady Foundation
(908) 334-7740
The Hugs for Brady Foundation serves children with cancer by supporting cutting-edge scientific oncology research designed to cure numerous types of pediatric cancers in order to end pediatric cancer forever, as well as directly assisting oncology families with financial challenges, and creating a more humane hospital environment for children in cancer treatment.
Best Senior Living Community
Bridgeway Senior Healthcare: Bridgeway Care and Rehab Centers and Avalon Assisted Living Residences
(908) 722-7022
A family-owned and operated senior living and care provider with more than 39 years of experience in the healthcare community, Bridgeway Care and Rehabilitation Centers at Bridgewater and Hillsborough offer post acute, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The Avalon Assisted Living Residences at Bridgewater and Hillsborough offer assisted living and memory care services.
Best Speech Therapist
The Bayles Family Speech Center, LLC
(908) 578-0825
In 2006 Denise Bayles decided to branch out on her own and provide the kind of services she would want to receive if she had a child in need of communication assistance. Located at the “Hope House” office on the campus of the North Branch Reformed Church, she provides screenings, evaluations and therapy to children and adults. All areas of speech and language are addressed, as well as feeding and swallowing needs. Staff development inservices are available.
Best Realtor
The Michele Klug Team - Keller Williams Towne Square Realty
(908) 672-2055
For more than 17 years The Michele Klug Team has been providing clients with exceptional, personalized service, real time industry insights and sound advice. They offer state of the art technologies, synergized team work and the expertise of seasoned specialists in sales, marketing, and operations. The results speak for themselves with more than $110 million in transactions in 2020 and 90% of their business comes from repeat clients and referrals.
Best Bank/Credit Union
Affinity Federal Credit Union
(908) 341-3802
Affinity is a full service, not-for-profit financial institution. They are member owned and operated so the profits go back to their members in the form of fewer fees and competitive rates. They care about the financial wellbeing of their members and are dedicated to providing excellent member service.
Best Photographer
Rachel Gallic Photography
(908) 605-0450
Rachel started the business six years ago in the hopes of pursuing a career in capturing beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. She specializes in photographing portraits, special occasions, and has even photographed weddings overseas. Rachel enjoys connecting with the community and building lasting relationships with her clients.
Best Country Club
Raritan Valley Country Club
(908) 722-2000
The Raritan Valley Country Club provides a member experience that goes beyond golf. They continue to see an influx of new members who are eager to experience the family culture and atmosphere. In addition to the club’s Herbert H. Barker-designed golf course, they offer a wide array of amenities, including a resort-style pool, four Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor squash courts, and an assortment of fine and casual dining options as well as a rich social calendar, youth programs, competitive golf, swimming and tennis programs.
Best Primary Care Doctor
Martinsville Family Practice (Atlantic Health System)
martinsvillefamilypractice.com
(732) 560-9225
Martinsville Family Practice joined Atlantic Medical Group in 2013. They strive to provide the highest quality of medical care with a keen awareness of the patient’s need for privacy, dignity and respect regardless of race, religion or financial status. They practice the art of medicine ever mindful of their responsibility to preserve and protect the human spirit in their quest to maintain health and cure disease.
Best Financial Planner
Edward Jones – Jim Swanton
(908) 236-0495
As a financial advisor since 2015, Jim Swanton believes it’s important to invest his time in understanding what matters most to his clients before investing their money. The team specializes in intergenerational planning for families and 401(k) plan management for business owners.
Best Fitness Studio
Orangetheory Fitness
Bedminster (908) 698-4600 Somerville (908) 526-1400
Orangetheory is a heart-rate based HITT total-body group workout that combines science, coaching and technology to guarantee maximum results from the inside out. It’s designed to charge your metabolism for MORE caloric afterburn, MORE results, and MORE confidence, all to deliver you MORE LIFE.
Best Kids Entertainment
The Magic Of Conrad
(908) 991-6189
Having performed over 1000 shows it’s easy to understand why ExpertTV calls Conrad Cologne, “New Jersey’s Favorite Family Entertainer”. By combining magic, balloon twisting and the variety arts, Conrad helps families make lasting memories. Performances are available in-person and virtually as live interactive experiences.
Best Florist
House of Blooms
(908) 652-6552
House of Blooms is a boutique floral design studio located in the heart of Raritan. In business the past five years, they specialize in creating uniquely beautiful flower arrangements. Every design is made to order from the freshest and most sustainably sourced flowers available. They offer delivery and curbside pick up for all occasions, offer a floral subscription program called Blooms for the Home, and design wedding and event flowers.
Best Cleaning Service
NCS – Nidia’s Cleaning Services LLC
(848) 702-0153
As a child, cleaning was Nidia Cordero’s favorite pastime. When she moved to the USA she had the opportunity to open NCS. Nidia grew NCS and she now has five active crews and 15 employees that service over 150 houses. The key to their success is their attention to detail.
Best Spa
TRU salon + spa
Branchburg: (908) 218-9878 & Warren (908) 753-9878
TRU salon + spa is a business that has established an outstanding reputation for quality services and products. It is not a “one size fits all” experience, but a mirror of each person’s needs. TRU’s point of difference is the passion each member of Team TRU has for providing guests with a memorable experience.
Best Tutoring Center
Huntington Learning Center
huntingtonhelps.com/center/bridgewater
(908) 725 9065
For over 40 years they’ve treated students as individuals, and tailored tutoring programs to fit their unique needs, academic goals and schedules. They offer accredited and individualized tutoring and test prep programs in-center and online with certified teachers. Their tutoring centers are proven to accelerate academic results, so you can trust them to help your child succeed.
Best Lash Studio
The Lash Lounge Bound Brook – Chimney Rock
thelashlounge.com/nj-bound-brook-chimney-rock
(908) 332-5274
The Lash Lounge has been located in Chimney Rock Plaza since 2018, but has been under new ownership since November of 2019. It is a delight for them to provide a relaxing environment for their guests that leaves them feeling pampered. Their lash extensions are customized to every guest based on their desires while still supporting the integrity of their natural lashes.
Best Summer Camp
Oak Crest Day Camp
(732) 297-2000
For the past 50 years they have seen their campers’ summer experiences guide them towards a successful future. Everything they do at Oak Crest is an extension of both their mission – to create a summer experience for their families so exceptional that it makes campers for life – and their core philosophy – to ensure that every Oak Crest camper experiences growth and success in a fun-filled, safe and well-supervised environment.
Best Preschool
The Preschool Place & Kindergarten
(908) 722-0101
Winner of the Parent’s Pick Award for the of the “Most Loved” preschool, they are dedicated to providing a safe, developmentally appropriate, nurturing environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth, as well as a positive self-image and a love of learning. They’ve been recognized as a leader in the community for over 40 years. It’s where quality and caring meet!
Best Veterinary Practice
Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital
(908) 704-6700
They are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care to each of their patients and unsurpassed support to each client. They are proud to offer a variety of progressive services and unique care options at their state-of-the-art facility and they aim to practice medicine that is both educational and approachable.
Best Hair Salon
Salon Dare
(908) 281-1233
Salon Dare is a full service, down to earth salon that services the entire family. Their stylists have fun making their clients look and feel fabulous. They love what they do and it definitely shows in their work. You will feel their welcoming vibe the second you walk through the door.
Best Landscaper
Spana Contractors
(908) 725-7689
Spana Contractors is a family owned and operated business that has been serving Bridgewater and surrounding towns since 1995. As TrexPro builders they specialize in building custom decks as well as hardscaping and landscaping, bathroom and kitchen remodeling and so much more. They take pride in building lifelong friendships with their customers.
Best Entertainment Venue
Somerset Patriots
(908) 252-0700
After receiving the call to join the most successful sports brand in the world, the Somerset Patriots are the new Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees. The team originated in 1998 and moved into TD Bank Ballpark in June of 1999 and has welcomed over 7,500,000 fans! In 2020, the Somerset Patriots safely provided baseball and family events for the community, while supporting those in need, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Best Private School
Immaculate Conception School
(908) 725-6516
Rooted in Catholic values, the school integrates academic excellence with the spiritual and moral formation of each of its students. This dedication results in an education that challenges each student to develop his or her full potential in an atmosphere where children care for and respect each other. Located in Somerville they offer a full-day curriculum for prekindergarten through grade eight.
Best Weight Loss Center
Medi-Weightloss
mediweightloss.com/locations/greenbrook
(732) 624-9797
The Medi-Weightloss® Program is not just another diet – it’s a physician-supervised and clinically-proven approach that helps patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. After medical tests and in-depth consultation with each patient, their medical staff creates an individualized and comprehensive plan. They offer a specially formulated line of MediLiving®Vitamin and Nutrient Injections designed to support overall health and wellbeing. Insurance is accepted!
Best Bar
22 West Tap and Grill
(732) 627-5012
22 West Tap and grill is perfect for family dinners, parties or friends looking to meet for Happy Hour. Join them as they open their doors on nice days to bring airflow inside and enjoy a meal on their covered porch. This industrial style restaurant includes several bars, televisions, fans, high ceilings and gas fireplaces. Their upgraded twist on pub food is exciting to the palate.
Best Law Firm
Lawrence Law Group
(908) 645-1000
Lawrence Law focuses on helping clients with all their family law needs. Whether through litigation, mediation, arbitration or the collaborative law process, they work tirelessly on behalf of the client. Their team of lawyers, paralegals and professional support staff have worked together for many years, building camaraderie and trust. The result is the client experience – a tailored plan based upon the strategic goals of the client – one that never loses focus of the emotional journey the client is going through.
Best Nail Salon
Flemington Nails II
(908) 575-7676
The owners of Flemington Nails II understand the need for a great set of nails, as well as some quiet pampering time. They fully embrace modern and exotic trends to provide a unique customer experience in a safe, clean and friendly environment. With an incredible website, they also make booking appointments fast and easy.
Best Gym
Gold’s Gym Bridgewater, NJ
(908) 595-1111
Rob and Mary Zampetti go above and beyond to give their members, who they consider family, the best health club around. They personally ensure that the gym is cleaner than any other public space with the installation of Air Scrubber units, UV lighting, and closing from 2-3 PM daily to sanitize.
Best Home Remodeler
Bellari Home Remodeling
(908) 464-2653
Best Mental Health Specialist
Blueprint Mental Health
(908) 256-6965
Best Casual Restaurant
Boulevard Seafood
(908) 722-3300
Best Hotel
Bridgewater Marriot
(908) 927-9300
marriott.com/hotels/travel/sosbw-bridgewater-marriott
Best Pet Service
Camp Bow Wow
(732) 805-0888
Best Dental Practice
Dental Care Bridgewater
(908) 698-0268
Best Interior Designer
Design Studio of Somerville
(908) 685-1921
Best Heating & Cooling Company
Fras-Air/General Service Experts
(908) 448-2154
Best Fine Dining
Girasole
(732) 469-1080
Best Paving Company
Hicks Paving
(908) 707-4414
Best Plumber
Izzy's Plumbing
(732) 452-9600
Best Painter
John's Painting
(908) 604-8759
Best Chiropractor
McAdam Chiropractic
(908) 218-0800
Best Farm
Norz Hill Farm & Market
(908) 371-2697
Best Horseback Riding Lessons
Palermo Show Stable
(908) 719-7500
Best Specialty Shop
Pelican Pool & Ski
(908) 534-2534
Best Bakery
Randazzo's Pastry Shop
(908) 595-0322
Best Orthodontic Practice
Raritan Valley Orthodontics
(908) 231-1860
Best Car Dealership
Ray Catena INFINITI of Bridgewater
(908) 895-2300
Best Plastic Surgeon
Reflections Center for Skin & Body- Martinsville
(908) 373-8167
Best Electrician
Rhodes & Sons Electrical Contracting, Inc.
(732) 424-0600
Best Jeweler
Roman Jewelers
(908) 575-1242
Best Pediatritrician
Somerset Pediatric Group
(908) 725-1802
Best Flooring Specialist
Sparkle Floors & Carpet
(908) 464-2653
Best Eye Center
The Eye Specialists
(908) 231-1110
Best Roofer
Thomas S Belardo Roofing
(732) 560-8311
Best Insurance Agent
Todd Baumann - All State
(908) 429-8700
Best Grocery Store
Wegman's Supermarket
(908) 243-9600
wegmans.com/stores/bridgewater-nj/
Best Sports Complex
Zoned Sports Academy
(732) 537-1770