Last year we once again perused, dumbfounded, the Post’s Best Bets lists, lamenting the way in which they painted our town with the beige brushstrokes of national chain blandness. We fumed a bit, and then we listened to our commenters, who reminded us that the entries were nominated and voted on by Post readers, who tend to be old, suburban, and clueless. This made us feel better, but we still resolved not to forget when voting time came around next year. Which is, of course, this year, right now.

Readers, the nominations have been compiled, and our humble and carefully considered suggestions have been lost in a sea of Applebeesian craptitude. Still, a few worthy names made the ballots, and we ask you to give them your support. Early and often.

Once again, DC9 and the Velvet Lounge don’t even make the list of places to hear live music, but several decent options do, so vote and make sure that Nissan Pavilion doesn’t walk away with the hardware. And once again, Caribou and Starbucks sit prominently on the list of coffeeshops, waiting for soccer moms to vote, thinking “I do love those lite jazz compilations they play for their customers!” Don’t let them have the satisfaction. And look on in disgust as The District Line and Sherman Pickey sit lonely amid nine mind-numbingly omnipresent mall shops and department stores attempting to represent the best in men’s clothing for D.C. For shame, nominators.

Voting will remain open until July 28th. Stop by, and do your best to salvage the deserving candidates.