Best of Germany 2026: Kaiserslautern (Stripes Staff)
The Best of Germany 2026 results are calculated by polling military community members living in Germany via the www.StripesEurope.com website. There are two phases:
Phase One: Nominations
Voters had the opportunity to write in nominations for their favorite local business in each category. The nomination survey was open for two weeks in June 2025.
Phase Two: Voting
All nominated businesses were compiled into a survey, which was available for public voting for two months, July and August 2025.
WINNER: The Ministry of Ink
The Ministry of Ink studio in Mannheim was selected by voters in Kaiserslautern as the best place to get a tattoo. It’s no wonder, either, with three artists and an impressive portfolio of works. Ministry of Ink experts have experience in numerous styles and offer advise and consultations. The professional atmosphere and artistic quality earned this tattoo shop your top votes.
WINNER: Fressnapf
For the first time, the Best of Germany nominations asked you to tell us about your favorite pet store and voters in both Bavaria and Kaiserslautern chose Fressnapf. With nearly 1,000 stores in Germany, this franchise provides food and supplies for pet owners of all kinds, from cats and dogs to horses and tortoises. Other convenient services like pet scales, water quality testing, and ID engravers make Fressnapf stores a top choice.
Winners are determined by having the highest total number of votes within their category for a single region. In the case of a tie, both businesses are declared winners.
Best American Restaurant: Smash and Dash
Best Asian Restaurant: Mr. Lian
Best Mexican Restaurant: Benji’s Burrito Bistro
Best Italian Restaurant: Trulli
Best German Restaurant: Big Emma
Best Bar, Pub or Brewery: Oscar’s Irish Bar
Best Special Occasion Restaurant: Mr. Lian
Best Beakfast: The Alamo Eggcited
Best Vegan Restaurant: Café Selen (formerly Susann)
Best Döner Kebab: Döner Time
Best Winery/Wine Tasting: Konrads Vinothek
Best Medical Practice: Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
Best Dental Practice: Ramstein Dental Care
Best Mental Health Practice: American Medical Center
Best Boarding Facility: Tanja’s Pet Hotel
Best Grooming Facility: Benny’s Dog Depot
Best Pet Shipper: Lufthansa Pet Transport
Best Veterinarian: Dr. DeLima
Best Pet Store: Fressnapf
Best Auto Repair Shop: Ramstein Used Cars
Best New Car Dealership: Military AutoSource
Best Used Car Dealership: Ramstein Used Cars
Best Bank: Service Credit Union
Best Electronics Store: MediaMarkt
Best Furniture Store: IKEA
Best German Grocery Store: Globus
Best Gym or Fitness Center: Ramstein Northside
Best Home Improvement Store: OBI
Best Hair Salon: Lorraine’s Beauty & Barbershop
Best Nail Salon: Luxury Nails & Spa
Best Tattoo Shop: Ministry of Ink
Best for Kids: Gartenschau Dinopark
Best Pool or Therme: Thermen & Badewelt Sinsheim
Best Amusement Park: Europa-Park
Best Castle: Schloss Heidelberg
Best Local Christmas Market: Heidelberger Weihnachtsmarkt
Best Festival: Bad Durkheim Wurstmarkt
Best Zoo: Frankfurt Zoo
Best Travel Agency: RTT Travel
