The results are in for the Collegiate Times’s Best of Blacksburg survey. With 42 different categories, this year’s class includes the greatest restaurants, shops, activities and amenities of Blacksburg, chosen by Hokies and locals.
Members of the lifestyles section share why their favorite 2025 winners deserve their titles.
Best Coffee: Coffeeholics
John Garlow, lifestyles staff writer —“Coffeeholics is my go-to purveyor of caffeine. I’m not a morning person, but a cappuccino with a danish is still a terrific way to begin my morning. Great atmosphere and even better coffee makes for a top-tier place to start a productive day. Coffeeholics is absolutely worth visiting if you’re looking for breakfast or a mid-afternoon boost.”
Best Bakery: Carol Lee Donuts
Benjamin Gozzi, lifestyles staff writer — “I can’t say enough good things about . Each and every one of the flavors is outstanding and worth a try if you ever find yourself on North Main Street. The employees are friendly, kind, and always go out of their way to help customers — be sure to try the blueberry glazed donut!”
Best Mexican Fare: El Rodeo
Michaela Scott, lifestyles editor – “Since opening its doors in 1992, El Rodeo, also known as El Rods, has become a staple of the Blacksburg community. Its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant decor and packed menu options make El Rods the perfect stop for flavorful Mexican cuisine. Their food is reliable and affordable, with meals ranging from as little as $5 to $20. If you’re looking to enjoy a meal with family, go out with friends or have a casual meal, El Rods is located at 623 North Main St. and 1540 South Main St.”
Best Pizza and Best Late Night Food: Benny Marzano’s
Shreya Munjeti, lifestyles contributor — “An absolute staple of Blacksburg! I’m not sure I know of a Hokie who has gone without a slice during their time at Tech. Open until 2 AM on the weekends, knows their crowd.“
Emma Duncan, lifestyles editor — “Whether it’s a classic cheese or pepperoni slice to seasonal pies such as Fortnite Battle Royale, Benny’s is the ultimate college kid comfort food. The atmosphere is also welcoming and has become the lifestyle section’s preferred place for a group social.“
Best Sweets: Sugar Magnolia
Gozzi — “Sugar Magnolia has everything a sweet tooth and a savvy shopper would want combined into one storefront. The ice cream is rich, creamy and scooped fresh on request, and the connecting shops are perfect for a new piece of Hokie merchandise. With a ranging variety of flavors and a selection of gourmet fudges/popcorn, you can’t go wrong at Sugar Mags.“
Best Dining on Campus: West End Market
Riley Thompson, lifestyles staff writer — “I love t, and even though it’s a fair distance for me compared to Dietrick or Owen’s, I still find myself going constantly to try their extensive variety of options. Fighting Gobbler has one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had, and Leaf & Ladle’s salads always hit the spot. It gets even better in the morning when some of the restaurants at West End open for breakfast, which includes the amazing Rosso West End Waffle.”
Best Overall Restaurant: Cabo Fish Taco
Delaporte, lifestyles editor — “Any restaurant that has good maduros (sweet plantains) is a great place to go in my book. The building saw some amazing musicians come through before becoming Cabo, so the vibes are excellent as well.”
To read more about Cabo Fish Taco, read lifestyles editor Michaela Scott’s article from April 2024, when Cabo was also named Best Overall Restaurant.
Best Festival: Steppin’ Out
Delaporte—“I had the pleasure of experiencing my first n’ Out in summer 2024. This event has such a rich history and an epic variety of wares. It’s a great chance for local businesses and small artisans to interact with the community and sell their unique products.”
To read more about the Steppin’ Out festival, read lifestyles staff writer Anna Payne’s article discussing the 2025 win.
Best Hiking Trails: Cascades
Cat Pizzarello, lifestyles staff writer — “One of the reasons I chose VT was because of all the amazing hiking opportunities around campus. Cascades was the first hike I ever did, and it did not disappoint. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or have never stepped foot in the woods, this 4-mile loop with a beautiful waterfall at the end is perfect for every hiker.”
Best Date Spot: 622 North Restaurant, Bar & Wine Lounge
Best Live Music: The Milk Parlor
Aidan Mason, lifestyles staff writer — “Can’t go wrong with a good E Night! ‘s had some great live music, and I have quite a few fond memories of CreativiTea and Silhouette open mics.”
Best Place to See a Movie: B&B Theatres Blacksburg 11 with B-Roll Bowling
Gozzi — “B&B Theatres is the ultimate spot for weekend entertainment. Movies are made that much better with premium concessions and reclining seats inalmost every theater. The bowling experience is also a blast — this is the perfect spot for a large-group hangout!”
Best Radio Station: WUVT-FM 90.7
Delaporte — “If we’re sharing opinions, I have to plug my station! WUVT is a sibling organization of the Collegiate Times under the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech and I’m a deejay on Tuesday afternoons. The staff are passionate about music and making sure that everyone in the area gets to hear good music, whether at a show or over the airwaves.”
Best Place to Get Tattooed: Live Wire Tattoo & Piercing
Bailey Miller, lifestyles staff writer — “I have gotten six individual piercings done at Live Wire, and each experience has been phenomenal. The staff are all incredibly kind, talented and knowledgeable.”
Best Grocery Store: Kroger
Duncan — “Whether you prefer University Mall or Gables, Kroger is a classic. The University Mall Kroger is my go-to. With orange walls and HokieBirds all around, it’s as if I never left campus. Overall, I find it’s easier to navigate and less crowded.”
Best Bookstore: Blacksburg Books
Gozzi — “I’ve never had a more pleasant experience in a bookstore than at Blacksburg Books. Take a stroll downtown and you’ll find shelves upon shelves of exciting reads, ranging from science fiction to romance to everything in between. The bookstore’s employees are so knowledgeable about different books and will give excellent recommendations.“
To read more about Blacksburg Books, read lifestyles staff writer Mollie Coogan’s article from April 2024, when Blacksburg Books was also named Best Bookstore.
To experience why the lifestyles section loves this year’s BOB winners, make plans to visit them during the remaining weeks of the semester.