1st Place: Chaos Gaming Center
2nd Place: Nelson Cheese Factory
3rd Place: Pad Thai

As gaming becomes an ever more popular avenue of entertainment, it seems only natural that Eau Claire’s best kept secret would be the Chaos Gaming Center. Taking the hobby out of the house and into the community allows gamers a chance to meet new friends, play their favorite games socially, and turn something commonly mistaken for a loner’s pastime into relaxed, enjoyable, community event. Moving to food, Nelson Cheese Factory sits in a little building on a hill, but pumps out some of the tastiest local sandwiches and cheese curds you can find. While you’re there pick up an “Eat Cheese or Die” pin, just to represent. Pad Thai on Barstow has quietly been one of the most satisfying and unique places to eat in the valley, with a patronage and reputation that grows on a daily basis. – Aryn Widule

Up-and-Comer: Eau Claire river trails