To find the best of the best in Tigertown, The Tiger hosts the annual Best of Clemson contest, where members of the Clemson community vote on their favorite local restaurants, businesses, people, activities and so much more. While The Tiger determines the categories and nominees, it is up to Clemson students, faculty and residents to pick the winners.

To introduce incoming students to Clemson’s favorites, The Tiger has compiled the top 10 Best of Clemson winners from this year to give you an idea of what’s in store come this fall.

Below, you will find each winner, along with the category they won and a brief description. For the complete articles and more information on each winner, visit The Tiger’s website.

Best Coffee: All In Coffee

For the eighth consecutive year, All In Coffee was voted Clemson’s top spot for coffee, besting the various shops in the heart of downtown once again. The coffee shop’s name pays homage to Dabo Swinney’s famous saying, but goes beyond just its name by providing some of the best coffee and service you will find in Clemson. With a wide variety of beverage options, All In is sure to offer something to suit whatever you’re craving.

Best Campus ‘Celebrity’: Dave and Buddy

There will be a day when you’re walking across Library Bridge before or after a difficult exam and just need something to lift your spirits. That’s when you come across Dave and Buddy, Clemson’s best “celebrity” duo. Buddy is Dave Eckstein’s English Labrador, and the pair are often seen walking across campus as Dave holds a leash that reads “OK 2 PET BUDDY.” As the unofficial therapy dog of Clemson, Buddy brings smiles and joy to students across campus — one pet at a time.

Best Place to Bring Your Parents: Evolve Kitchen + Table

With its modern look and family-friendly environment, Evolve Kitchen + Table is the perfect spot for students to bring their parents whenever they are in town. Evolve’s homey atmosphere and interior make it among the most comfortable places to eat in Clemson. The restaurant’s menu offers a wide variety of items to suit any preferences, including numerous appetizers, salads, burgers, tacos, sandwiches and more.

Best Study Spot: Cooper Library

If you need an escape from your residence hall to lock in and study for an exam, look no further than Cooper Library. With six floors to choose from, students can find private study booths, rooms, tables and more. When you need a sweet treat or a boost of energy, you can find the P.O.D. Market on the fourth floor and Starbucks on the fifth floor. The library’s quiet, serene atmosphere makes it the perfect place for any student looking for a spot to study on campus.

Best Frozen Treat: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

As one of the newer locations in the heart of downtown, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has earned the distinction of Best Frozen Treat in the two years since its opening. With over 45 handmade ice cream flavors — including vegan and sorbet options — and a welcoming atmosphere, Handel’s has quickly become a favorite social spot for students to frequent.

Best Dining Hall: Douthit Hills Community Hub

Located on Clemson’s east campus in the heart of Douthit Hills, the Douthit Hills Community Hub provides a variety of lunch and dinner options for students. Notable stations include the fusion station, which rotates international dishes daily and the grill station, which offers options such as burgers and chicken sandwiches. The Hub also offers two separate beverage stations with various drink options, along with a salad and yogurt bar.

Best Mexican Place: El Jimador

If you ever find yourself craving Mexican food, look no further than El Jimador on Tiger Boulevard. El Jimador has long been a staple in the Clemson community for students and residents alike. Among the restaurant’s many menu items, the arroz con pollo is a customer favorite, featuring grilled chicken served over rice and topped with melted queso. Beyond the ACP, the menu also features a wide selection of tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and other classic Mexican cuisine.

Best Outdoor Spot: The Dikes

Located only a few minutes off campus and right off the coast of Lake Hartwell, you will find the Dikes, a staple of Clemson’s outdoor scene. The trail is a perfect spot for runners and cyclists, as well as anyone looking to enjoy the lake view. At sunset, the sky often showcases a gorgeous orange and pink backdrop with the distant mountains outlined in purple. Beyond the water and views, the Dikes also provide the perfect sledding spot in the rare event of snowfall in Clemson.

Best Clemson Store: Tiger Sports Shop

Ready to fill your closet with orange and purple, but aren’t sure where to look? Then head to Tiger Sports Shop, which has two locations: one in the heart of downtown, off College Avenue, and the other right off Tiger Boulevard. Tiger Sports Shop has been a mainstay in the Clemson community for over 50 years and offers a variety of items online alongside its two storefronts. Whether you’re looking for a hat, jacket, polo or any other form of Clemson gear, Tiger Sports Shop is sure to have exactly what you need.

Best Workout Class on Campus: Cycle

Wanting to avoid the freshman 15 and stay in shape? Look no further than the cycling classes offered at Douthit Hills Fitness Center and Fike Recreation Center. Each week, nearly 30 cycling classes are offered between the two locations. However, those classes are in high demand, often filling up within seconds as students rush to register as soon as online sign-ups open, meaning you’ll have to be quick to secure your spot in a class. Included in tuition, these classes are free for all students and welcome beginners and experienced riders alike. So, if you’re looking for a workout class this year, cycling just might be the right fit for you.