Readers' Choice Winner: Bagel Bin & Deli

The votes are in and Columbia has selected its favorite breakfast place.

Or at least 89 of you fine and proud Columbians did by casting your votes in Patch's inaugural "Best Of" installment that focused on eateries known for serving the day's most important meal.

Columbia is fortunate in that it's a large and bustling city unto itself, with many dining choices from mom-and-pop, one-of-a-kind places to corporate chains.

Just a small sampling of breakfast places were included in the poll, and write-in votes were welcome.

When the dust settled at 9 a.m. March 2, on Guilford Road edged out two other restaurants that ran a tight race for the top three spots.

Bagel Bin garnered 27 votes (30 percent), squeaking by Bob Evans (23 votes) and Lakeside Cafe (20 votes).

In addition to the eateries listed on the poll, readers cast write-in votes for the Waterside Sheraton, Panera, Clyde's and Anna's Coffee Roastery.

Emily Park, owner of the Kings Contrivance Bagel Bin, on Friday said, "Thank you" to her customers who voted for her business.

Because the contest is not scientific, Patch editors choose the winner based upon a combination of votes, comments and reviews written at Patch Places.

This week — the first week in the "Best Of" series — comments were slim and often just included the name of a business.

In future competitions, please feel free to write about why you like a particular business.

Are the owners super friendly and greet everyone by name, a la Cheers?

Are the meals great and the service good?

Is your hairstylist the best one on the planet? Why?

Is the gym equipment new and always clean?

You get the picture — don't be shy when voting and take an extra minute or two to personalize your vote!

Next week, you'll be asked to choose Columbia's best gym/fitness center.