Each year, The Tiger hosts a contest — Best of Clemson — for the Clemson community to vote on their favorite stores, organizations, local businesses, people, restaurants, activities and much more. While The Tiger determines each category and nominees, Clemson’s students, faculty and residents ultimately choose the winners.

Below you’ll find the top 10 Best of Clemson winners from this year, as well as the category they won and a short description. I hope this gives you an introductory guide on things to do, where to eat, what to join and more as you begin your life in Tigertown come August! We are so excited to have you. Visit thetigercu.com for the complete articles and more information on each category winner.

Best Place to Bring Your Parents: Evolve Kitchen + Table

With its modernized interior and hospitable, family-friendly atmosphere, Evolve Kitchen + Table is the perfect place for students to bring their parents. The restaurant maintains a homey and warm environment with an elevated cuisine, offering a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and more.

Best On-Campus Housing: Douthit Hills

Douthit Hills offers dorms and apartments for students of all years in a fantastic location across the street from Bowman Field. Residents have close access to a fitness center, dining hall and campus bookstore. The living quarters provide a spacious and comfortable living space for college students with various layout options for apartment-style living, all with a kitchen, living area and in-unit laundry.

Best Workout Spot: Fike Recreation Center

Located in the heart of campus, Fike Recreation Center offers many options for working out, such as strength equipment, treadmills, basketball courts, a swimming pool, an indoor track and a climbing wall. The recreation center not only provides an environment for all types of people, but also for all types of workouts. Whether you’re looking to improve your endurance, blow off some steam by lifting weights or just play a pickup game with your friends, Fike has everything you need. If you’re looking to play volleyball, basketball, badminton or racquetball, you can request equipment from the front desk.

The gym was initially built as a place for Clemson Athletics teams to train during inclement weather. During this era, Fike was known as the “field house,” and also served as the locker rooms for Clemson football. Then, after serving as the home of Clemson’s basketball team for 39 seasons, Fike was repurposed into the gym we all know and love today.

Best Student Organization: Fellowship of Christian Athletes

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a nonprofit, nondenominational and student-led ministry that encourages students to have encounters with God through weekly meetings on Thursday nights at 9:19 p.m. This correlates with the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 9:19. The organization was founded in 1980 by a group of football players and strives to promote community, serve Clemson’s campus and glorify God.

FCA works to help students grow in their faith and make connections with others outside of Thursday meetings through events like small groups, ‘serve’ teams, the spring shag dance, a service day and a spring break mission trip. FCA meets at NewSpring Church and occasionally in the amphitheater for its Thursday night meetings.

Best Library Floor: Third Floor

Located one level below the main entrance of Cooper Library, the third floor offers a balance between quiet study areas and collaborative workspaces. While not entirely silent like the first or second floors, students are encouraged to keep their voices down. The floor remains a top choice for students looking for somewhere to study with its variety of seating options, private study rooms, a classroom and the Clemson University Writing Lab.

Best International Cuisine: El Jimador

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a quick lunch, late-night snack, Taco Tuesday meal or a spontaneous bite to eat after a long day of classes, El Jimador is the perfect place. The restaurant offers delicious Mexican cuisine, including sizzling fajitas, loaded nachos, tacos, refreshing margaritas and more. With its fun decor and welcoming atmosphere, El Jimador is a favorite among both students and locals.

Best Dining Hall: The Dish at McAlister

Located in Clemson’s west campus, the Dish at McAlister provides students with various breakfast, lunch and dinner meals while featuring an all-day salad, sandwich and dessert bar. For breakfast, the dining hall specializes in its omelet station and offers healthy meals at the Naked food station. For lunch and dinner, the Trattoria station offers Italian-style meals, Umami provides sushi and multiple Under the Hood stations offer home-style meals. McAlister also has three drink stations with a variety of beverage options, as well as a coffee station.

Best Club Sport: Clemson Sailing Club

Clemson’s Sailing Club provides students with an opportunity to make memories and become part of a close-knit community while experiencing a fun watersport. As both a competitive racing team and a recreational club, the student-led organization has grown tremendously since its establishment in 1968. As the club grew, its members sold the original three boats and gained six 420 dinghies that took the organization to the next level. Joining Clemson Sailing Club is a great way for students to grow their sailing skills and foster friendships.

Best Coffee: All In Coffee

For the seventh year, Clemson’s All In Coffee won the title of Best Coffee. Complete with a beautiful ceiling mural, unique and delicious coffee roasts, cozy setting, famous cinnamon rolls and more, All In has served the Clemson community for over 10 years. Owner Vernon Bacher founded the coffee shop to provide locals with friendly service and great coffee, and chose the name “All In” to pay homage to Dabo Swinney’s famous catchphrase. The name also signals that the coffee shop provides a welcoming environment for all who choose to grab a cup of joe there.

Best Ice Cream: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has become a staple within Clemson’s community despite being open for less than a year. The shop offers a variety of over 45 handmade ice cream flavors, which are handcrafted with numerous toppings each morning to satisfy any taste palate. With its welcoming atmosphere, high-quality ingredients and seasonal flavors — including vegan and sorbet options — Handel’s is a go-to social spot for both students and residents.