HotList 2026

The 2026 Hagerstown Hot List Winners

The only thing constant, or so “they” say, is change. And like everything else, our annual readers’ poll has evolved. New categories, new winners—for a small city like Hagerstown and a rural county like Washington, the favorite things about our area is in a constant state of flux.

This year’s “Hot List” includes new names, including the Brick House Tavern (winner for best new restaurant), Tara Cluck of Tara’s Table (winning both best caterer and best chef), F. Christian Wright of Wright-Gardner (best insurance agent), and the complete turnover of the financial planners category. 

Of course, the mainstays of Hagerstown remain our readers’ favorites—Schula’s Grill & Crab House, Bistro 11, Rik’s Cafe, and J’s Diner among the eateries; and businesses like Valley Mall, Slow Down Barbershop, and BodyWorks Massage Center. Keeping up with the times, we’ve even added new categories, including best dispensary (won by RISE Medical and Adult Use Marijuana Dispensary). 

The questions and disagreements will never end, which has been the case for as long as we’ve been putting together the Hot List. Whenever you ask a group of people to name their favorite restaurant, fitness center, or coffee shop, there is a decent chance a debate will flare up. It only makes sense, then, that a readers’ poll attracts a strong response.  

So, look on the following pages and see for yourself. What are your opinions about this year’s winners?

Click here to view the winners!