What Does It Mean to Be a ‘Best of the ‘Burgh’ Winner?

For decades, readers have cast their votes for their favorite local restaurants, retail stores, events and other businesses in Pittsburgh Magazine’s annual “Best of the ‘Burgh” poll. 

Since Bistro to Go opened on the North Side in 2007, it has twice been named a “Best of the ‘Burgh” winner. The first time was in 2011, when Bistro won the category for Best Soul Food.  

“Pittsburgh Magazine is the gold standard and this award said volumes to our staff, our customers and me,” says Bistro to Go founder Nikki Heckman. “All the hard work had culminated into something great!”  

Since that time, the contest, and Bistro to Go, have grown exponentially. In 2025, more than 230,000 votes were cast in 150 categories to determine the very best of Pittsburgh, according to the people who live here. 

Once again, Bistro to Go came up a winner, this time taking the title of Best Caterer.  We appreciate everyone’s vote of confidence in awarding us this honor.

“Today, the feeling is the same as we receive ‘Best Caterer’ in the ‘Burgh for 2025,” says Nikki. “This moment, it’s even grander!”