Define 'best'.
If it will be a home defense or CCW gun, you want reliability and features (in that order). Rock Island Armory has several models in (and even well under) that price range.
If it is a range gun, reliability isn't as important. Kimber has some of the best workmanship and looks in their price point IMO, and you may be able to find their lower end models around $650ish.
If you can bump your range up 10-20% I'd say to go for a Ruger or Springfield Armory and you can have reliability, looks, features, and workmanship.
If it will be a home defense or CCW gun, you want reliability and features (in that order). Rock Island Armory has several models in (and even well under) that price range.
If it is a range gun, reliability isn't as important. Kimber has some of the best workmanship and looks in their price point IMO, and you may be able to find their lower end models around $650ish.
If you can bump your range up 10-20% I'd say to go for a Ruger or Springfield Armory and you can have reliability, looks, features, and workmanship.