I'm not a huge fan of Best Of contests where readers choose (and that's why you haven't seen one on Cowtown Eats).

It becomes more of a popularity contest rather than something based that a reasoned critic might select. It also tends to clog up my social media feeds with appeals for people to vote.

However, after perusing 2015 Sac Mag's winners based on the votes of their readers, I think the list gets it mostly right. None of the winners were blatantly wrong, though I might have selected a different winner if I took the time to vote.

Here's a short sample of the winners:

BEST OF THE BEST (MONEY NO OBJECT)

The Firehouse Restaurant

BEST OF THE BEST (INEXPENSIVE)

Paesanos

AMBIANCE

The Firehouse Restaurant

APPETIZERS

Land Ocean

BAKERY

Freeport Bakery

BAR WITH GAMES

Coin-op Game Room

BARBECUE

Fahrenheit 250 BBQ, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que (tie)

BREWPUB

Oak Park Brewing Company

BREAKFAST

Tower Cafe

BURGER, NON FAST FOOD

Burgers and Brew

CHARCUTERIE PLATE

Ten22

Read the entire list on SacMag.com.

More News:

Happy Hour Hound: Iron Horse Tavern - Sacramento has a new laid-back and mouthwatering place where happy hour dreams really do come true. Specialty cocktails, pint-sized brews, wings, wood-fired pizzas and fried goodies are only some of the options at Iron Horse Tavern. Being an unhappy and starving artist, I had a ripe $20 bill burning a hole in my pocket, so I decided that this had to be the place. Plus, I don’t think there’s anything better than drinking somewhere on a patio at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Derek Kaplan in Submerge Mag.

Blondie's Pizza in Davis - Work has begun on Blondies New York Pizza Co., after the City Council allowed a hardship exemption from the 45-day moratorium on larger bars. The owners agreed to a long list of restrictions on hours, security and alcohol-related promotions. Wendy Weitzel in the Davis Enterprise.

Midtown brewpub to open with bit of ‘Soul’ - A couple of Bay Area transplants are hoping to launch a craft beer success story in the midtown Sacramento building where the Old Soul coffee company got its start. Alex Larrabee and Larissa Meltz recently leased space at 1716 L St. fronting the alley-facing cafe that Old Soul opened a decade ago and retains as its flagship location. Bob Shallit in the Sac Bee.

Doughnuts of death - Just in time for Halloween, a business has started up with a focus on terror, carnage and gore. We’re talking doughnuts here. Donut Madness opened this month at 2648 Watt Ave. with what store manager Jake Smith calls a “horror film vibe." Bob Shallit in the Sac Bee. (Second item.)

Try It: Mikuni's James Roll - If you're one of those people who cringe at the thought of sushi, the James Roll from Mikuni will most likely change your mind. It's loaded with salmon, panko-crusted shrimp, crab, and even a little bit of eel to get you out of your comfort zone. Sara Stidham in Sac Mag.