Top 16 Businesses In Ellicott City As Nominated By Patch Readers

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Patch asked and readers answered: what are your favorite businesses in the District? We put out a call for nominations for local businesses of the year.

Here they are, according to Patch readers:

My Petstore and More
"Their customer service is stellar. Their prices and quality of products are top notch. Chris, the owner goes out of his way to make me feel as though my pet is special. His advice and knowledge is amazing. He looks past the hype and advertising of products and gives you what your pet needs."

HoCo Brew Hive
"Excellent food and service. Newly opened and working hard during this pandemic. Always offering new and interesting menu items."

Revive Physical Therapy
"Customer service, cleanliness, highly professional, convenient timings, 2 locations in Ellicott City."

Squisito
"Great service and food is always good and consistent."

Little Market Cafe
"Great food and service."

Discoveries
"This business has survived several moves and the owner continues to want to be in Old EC. The items for sale are beautiful."

Gamers Corps
"Gamers Corps has been a pillar of the community in Ellicott City since they opened in 2019. They've brought people of all ages to the town, not only to visit and shop, but linger around. By providing a central place for everybody to hang out, their customers bring life to the surrounding businesses. Storeowners Tim and Julio are amazing people who are friendly, helpful, and supportive. As military, they serve the community like they serve their country, donating to charities and trying to create an opening, welcome place for everyone to have fun. Outside the store, Gamers Corps also was the backbone of the popular Wizarding Weekend event in 2019, and has more events planned once the pandemic is over. They really have Old Ellicott's best interests in heart, not just for them but for the entire town. I can't think of a better addition to Main Street that's done so much in so little time. They truly live up to the acronym FLGS - Friendly Local Gaming Store."

My Fluppy
"When we moved to the area, last year, we saw the sign, on the building, and thought we would take our dog there, when he needed a haircut. Well, we forgot where the shop was, so back to our usual place. And once again brought home a dog that looked like a 5-year-old found the scissors. Thankfully we found My Fluppy, again! I filled out the online request for services, which is a nice feature, especially when you remember, to call, at 10:00 pm. Yoon emailed me back, first thing the next morning, I was given, a few, choices of available appointments. When we walked in the door Yoon greeted us with warm hellos and smiles. Gatsby was, of course, very nervous and didn’t want to leave my side. Unlike other grooming salons, that just drag the dog to the back, she took time to let him look around and sniff things. While he was doing that, we talked about what I wanted done. She took him back and said it would probably take an hour to two hours. It took a little over an hour, which was awesome, he looked great! Just like we talked about! One of the best things about Yoon is she doesn’t just stick your pet in a kennel, for hours. She and her family are just the nicest people. If you, ever, need to have your pet groomed, definitely go see Yoon at My Fluppy!"

Facci's
"Throughout the pandemic the employees there have been upbeat, professional while sporting a great sense of humor, and expeditious as possible under the circumstances. Management has set up effective and useful arrangements within and without the building. Food is great also."

Starbucks
"Employees are absolutely the best when it comes to making drinks of all shapes, styles, and sizes. Although there is a fair amount of turnover, the newbies are trained by the best within days to make the best drinks. Great sense of humor by the baristas. There is not a Starbucks in the world as I know it (OK, besides throughout the U.S. just England and the Middle East) that can create a gourmet drink as expeditiously as these employees. Management selects newbies based on their own criteria and that produces the aforementioned experts."

Sweet Elizabeth Jane
"This shop has seen 2 floods, devastating their store. They are resilient. The owner, Tammy and her staff, go above and beyond for their customers. This shop is the heart of Old Ellicott City."

Clark's Hardware
"Customer service is exceptional and did whatever they could to keep essential needs in stock this year. They seem to really care about the safety of their staff and customers. Their curbside staff is exceptionally friendly and appreciative."

North Ridge Liquors
"This store has kept up good humor and exceptional customer service during the pandemic. Their curbside pickup last winter kept me sane."

The Wine Bin
"I have loved their FB posts throughout the pandemic. Their curbside pickup and delivery service just shows how driven they are to keep their customers happy and safe. I have enjoyed their cocktail kits throughout Covid. We all need something to look forward, and their new cocktail concoctions are it for me. This is truly a fantastic business with a fantastic sense of humor that keeps us all sane."

Play It Again Sports
"This store has always given to our community and its many requests for donations. There probably isn't a silent auction or school in the county that has not benefitted from this generous store. When the county was closed unless "essential", this store remained closed despite people BEGGING for at-home fitness equipment. The owner did as the government requested for the safety of our residents. Once allowed to open, they have still not raised prices or taken advantage of the great need for fitness equipment. If you visit this store, it is apparent that the safety and well being of the customers is still their ultimate goal."

Antique Depot
"Love the Antique booths; great memories of old times. Always find a gift for someone or myself. Everyone is so friendly and enjoy just to browse. Completes the sayin of Old Ellicott City!"