If Warren is the smallest town in the smallest county in the smallest state in the nation, then it has some of the most talented people, beloved businesses and sought after products per capita anywhere in the world.

The town of just over 11,000 people earned more than 20 victories and mentions in Rhode Island Monthly’s annual “Best of Rhode Island” — a part-public, part-editorial award series which strives to find the most popular and worthwhile spots throughout the Ocean State for everything from where to get the best burger to the best place to train your new puppy.

Among topics where readers voted, spots from Warren earned 17 awards for the East Bay regional category, and three spots earned statewide recognition.

“The pandemic kind of helped to force people to slow down and notice all these things we have going on here,” said Katie Dickson, owner of Bywater and co-founder of the local merchants group Discover Warren. “We’ve always known, living and doing business in Warren, that it’s among the best in Rhode Island, but it’s certainly exciting to see it recognized on the state level.”

Two Warren locations won multiple awards, as The Wharf took home Best Restaurant in the East Bay and the Best Outdoor Dining category for the East Bay. Chomp Kitchen and Drinks earned its third consecutive nod for Best Burger, not only in the East Bay, but in the whole state.

“I’ve noticed a difference in the foot traffic, whether day time in the coffee shop or night time at the restaurant,” Dickson, who owns Bywater, continued. “It’s enough of a destination and there’s enough buzz that it’s not an obstacle to drive 20 minutes from Providence anymore.”

Winners, Reader’s Choice - East Bay

• Restaurant - The Wharf
• Asian Restaurant - Luke’s Inn
• Latin Restaurant - La Piñata
• Outdoor Dining - The Wharf
• Diner - Rod’s Grille
• Burger - Chomp Kitchen and Drinks
• Pizza - Federal Hill Pizza
• Coffee Shop - The Coffee Depot
• Vintage Store - The Lady Next Door
• Gift Store - Imagine Gift Store
• Local Market - Tom’s Market
• Garden Store/Nursery - Frerich’s Farm
• Florist - The Greenery & Victoria’s Flowers
• Spa - The Wax Pot

Winners, Reader’s Choice - Statewide

• Burger - Chomp Kitchen and Drinks
• Locally Owned Kids Store - Luca
• Locally owned Music Store - Rob Coyne School of Music Education

RI Monthly Choices

• Thoughtful Gift Shop - Nest on Water
• Old Favorite, New Look - Cerulean
• Heirloom-Worthy Jewelry - Muse
• Record Store - In Your Ear
• Urban Outdoor Oasis - Hunky Dory