The votes are in, and the winners have been selected for OnMilwaukee's Best Dining 2009. The results of this readers' poll, including an editors' pick, are available in this series of articles that run all October long during Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com.

We can't remember a readers' poll in which Alterra didn't take the top prize as best coffee shop / café, but this year was even more lopsided than most. In 2009, Alterra received 52.5 percent of the votes; second place, Stone Creek got 7.5 percent.

It makes sense, really. Not only does the Milwaukee operation brew delicious coffee, but it also provides java for some of the other shops on our list. Stylistically, Alterra remains classy, edgy and still sophisticated, from its gorgeous facility on the Lake to its flagship store on Prospect to the Foundry to its mall locations throughout the area.

With an obsessive attention to quality and detail, the Fowler brothers and Paul Miller have brewed a Milwaukee tradition. In this case, our editors agree with our readers: Alterra is the best of the best.

Editors' choice: Alterra

Runners-up:
2. Stone Creek
3. Comet Café
4. Rochambo
5. Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
6. Fuel
7. Cedarburg Coffee Roastery
8. Hi-Fi
9. Brewed Café
10. Bella Café
11. Roast
12. Mocha
13. Art Bar & Café
14. Sven's
15. Sherman Perk