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Voting is open for the Best of Hudson County 2026, our community awards for the local businesses and organizations that make Hudson County, NJ worth living in. Residents pick the winners across 12 categories, from the best pizza and coffee shop to the best downtown and favorite nonprofit, and voting closes November 30, 2026. Here is everything you need to know to cast your ballot.
How to Vote
Head to the Best of Hudson County 2026 ballot and tap Start Your Ballot. The whole thing takes about two minutes.
- Pick as many categories as you like. Even one pick counts.
- Start typing a business name and the ballot suggests local spots, or type in your own favorite.
- Choose your Hudson County town and add your email. First name is optional.
- Submit, and you are done.
Your email keeps the vote fair, with one ballot per person. Changed your mind? You can update your picks and submit again from the same device, and your newest ballot is the one that counts.
The 12 Categories
- Best Pizza: the slice you would cross the county for
- Best Restaurant: your go to for a real night out
- Best Breakfast Spot: diner, bagel counter or brunch, all fair game
- Best Coffee Shop: the independent cafe you actually sit down in
- Best Bar or Brewery: taproom, beer garden, rooftop or neighborhood bar
- Best Dessert Spot: ice cream, gelato, cookies and more
- Best Bakery or Bagel Shop: the pastry case or bagel counter worth the line
- Best Salon or Barber: whoever keeps you looking like yourself
- Best Gym or Fitness Studio: gym, yoga, pilates, martial arts or CrossFit
- Best Local Shop: independent retail, boutiques, antiques and bookstores
- Best Downtown: the main street you would send a visitor to
- Favorite Nonprofit: the local cause that shows up for Hudson County
Key Dates
- Voting closes: Monday, November 30, 2026
- Winners announced: December 2026
- Where winners appear: right here on ShopHudsonCounty.com
Voters who sign up hear about the winners first, straight to their inbox, before anyone else.
Need Ideas? Start With Our Guides
Not sure who gets your pizza vote? Our list of the best pizza in Hudson County is a good place to start, and our best brunch in Hoboken and Jersey City guide covers plenty of breakfast spot contenders. Weighing a Best Downtown pick? Our things to do in Hudson County this weekend page rounds up what is happening in every corner of the county.
Own a Hudson County Business or Nonprofit?
Your customers are your best campaign. Share the ballot link on your social accounts, at the register or in your next email so the people who love you can vote. The ballot page has one tap buttons to share on Facebook, X, text or email, or to copy the link.
Every winner gets featured on ShopHudsonCounty.com in December, and every ballot helps shine a light on the independent businesses that keep Hudson County’s main streets alive.
Cast Your Vote
It takes two minutes and makes a real difference for small businesses in all 12 Hudson County towns. Vote in the Best of Hudson County 2026 today, and subscribe to our free newsletter for local picks every week.
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