The votes are in, and the winners have been selected for OnMilwaukee's Best Dining 2008. 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.

October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, special features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food. Bon appetit!

Roots, in a word, is cool.

Not in a turn-of-the-century historic sort of way, either. Rather, this Brewers Hill stand out exemplifies modern Milwaukee dining. Spacious and airy with lots of natural wood and beautiful ironwork, it's easy to see why OnMilwaukee.com readers voted it the city's best atmosphere / vibe.

Arguably, the best feature of Roots' decor is all of the windows, which allow ample natural light to seep into the warmly painted space -- as well as to provide a breathtaking view of Downtown. Fresh flowers and healthy plants, along with high ceilings and attractive ironwork formed into vines, complete the beautiful and serene scenery.

During the summer, the patio offers a quietly cool spot for a drink. Its location is hardly a secret, but Roots is just secluded enough that it's one of the places you can count on for a vibe free of the omnipresent Packers sweatshirts you tend to find around this town.

Opened in 2003, Roots is a two-tiered concept, with the upper level serving organic fine dining, and the lower level, called the Roots Cellar, offers organic fare in a slightly more casual setting.

Whether dining inside one of the restaurants or lounging on the patio, Roots' environment is simple and classy without being pretentious.

OnMilwaukee.com editor's choice: Maxie's Southern Comfort

Runners-up:

2. Bacchus
3. Nessun Dorma
4. Maxie's Southern Comfort
5. Palomino
6. Mason Street Grill
7. Hotel Metro
8. Buca di Beppo
9. Conejito's
10. Mader's
11. Nanakusa
12. Kegel's Inn
13. Edgar's Calypso
14. Bavarian Inn
15. Quimera