A decade ago the Great Recession hit the U.S. economy. The massive downturn put local merchants out of business and employees out of work. It was a rough time—even for Silicon Valley. But we’re back!

In the 10 years since dark days of 2008, the world’s technological engine has chugged along. The iPhone—not even a year old when the housing bubble burst—would spur a tech renaissance, as entrepreneurs churned out apps that would change the way we interact with the world.

For us, however, Silicon Valley is not Uber and Facebook and Tesla, the way the world views us. It’s the place where we live. And prosperity has brought a new set of problems as rents soar and local businesses can’t find people to hire. When we went to visit prospective Best of Silicon Valley nominee A & K Flowers on the valley’s east side, it had closed up shop. We headed west to write up Los Gatos’ amazing Amour Patisserie, and brown paper had been taped to its windows. In Japantown, we peered into 71-year institution San Jose Tofu Co. and noticed that the concrete baths where soy cakes were pressed had been removed.

Luckily, Silicon Valley is still a place where human hands drive cars, play musical instruments, paint murals and wield chef’s knives. We still shop and listen to jazz in brick and mortar buildings. The craft food, brewing, roasting and maker movements continue to populate busy retail areas and bring quality consumables to hardworking valleyites. Thankfully, we even read newspapers.

In this year’s Best of Silicon Valley issue, we celebrate the entrepreneurs, artists and do-gooders who leverage the economic and technical strengths of the tech industry’s job machine so that we not only have the most advanced tools and toys—we also have choices. There’s plenty to offer here, as always, and we hope you enjoy the recommendations of our writers, editors and very smart readers.

Introduction | Food & Drink | Goods & Services | Art & Culture | Nightlife | Short List

OVERALL

Best New Restaurant

 Flights
368 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Luna Mexican Grill
1495 The Alameda, San Jose

 Enoteca La Storia
Multiple Locations

Best Restaurant (Culinary Excellence)

 Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Adega
1614 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose

Best Chef

 Andrew Welch, The Basin
14572 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

 Jeffrey Stout, Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Jim Stump
The Table and Forthright Oyster Bar

Best Dining Value

 Harry’s Hofbrau
390 Saratoga Ave, San Jose

 Angelou’s Mexican Grill
21 N Second St, San Jose

 Adamsons French Dip
806 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Best Family Restaurant

 Aqui
Multiple locations

 Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

 Blue Line Pizza
Multiple locations

Best Romantic Restaurant

 La Fondue
14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

 71 Saint Peter
71 N San Pedro St, San Jose

 Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

POKE TO THE PEOPLE
Who would’ve thought when the first Poki Bowl opened up on Almaden Expressway in 2015 that it would set off an explosion of fish in Silicon Valley? Well, here it is less than three years later and there are now more than 40 poke restaurants scattered throughout the South Bay. For Cali-style poke, the OG Poki Bowl still does a good job, but try Go Fish Poke Bar for the chilled yam noodles (aka shirataki noodles) base that goes great with raw fish. If one’s looking for a more traditional, Hawaiian-style poke try Santo Market in Japantown and Aloha Fresh in Cupertino. The latter has a black rice base that’s terrific.

Best Restaurant Patio

 Andale
21 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Jack Rose Libation House
18840 Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd, Los Gato

 Aqui Willow Glen
1145 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Late-Night Eats

 4th St. Pizza Co.
150 E Santa Clara St, San Jose

 Original Joe’s
301 S First St, San Jose

 A Slice of New York
3443 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose

Best French Restaurant

 La Fondue
14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

 Black Sheep Brasserie
1202 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Baumé
201 California Ave, Palo Alto

Best German Restaurant

 Naschmarkt Restaurant
384 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Teske’s Germania
255 N First St, San Jose

 Ludwig’s German Table
261 N Second St, San Jose

Best Latin Restaurant

 Cascal
400 Castro St, Mountain View

 Pampas
529 Alma St, Palo Alto

 Isabella’s Restaurant
700 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

Best Cuban/Caribbean Restaurant

 Habana Cuba
                      238 Race St, San Jose

 Back A Yard
  80 N Market St, San Jose

 La Bodeguita del Medio
463 California Ave, Palo Alto

Best Cajun Restaurant

 Poor House Bistro
91 S Autumn St, San Jose

 The Boiling Crab
71 Curtner Ave, San Jose
1631 E Capitol Expy, San Jose

 The Bywater
  532 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Italian Restaurant

 A Bellagio
    33 S Central Ave, Campbell

 Aldo’s Ristorante & Bar
    14109 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos

 Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizza
    1445 Foxworthy Ave, San Jose
643 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas

POKE TO THE PEOPLE
Who would’ve thought when the first Poki Bowl opened up on Almaden Expressway in 2015 that it would set off an explosion of fish in Silicon Valley? Well, here it is less than three years later and there are now more than 40 poke restaurants scattered throughout the South Bay. For Cali-style poke, the OG Poki Bowl still does a good job, but try Go Fish Poke Bar for the chilled yam noodles (aka shirataki noodles) base that goes great with raw fish. If one’s looking for a more traditional, Hawaiian-style poke try Santo Market in Japantown and Aloha Fresh in Cupertino. The latter has a black rice base that’s terrific.

Best Mediterranean/Greek Restaurant

 Agape Grill
845 Stewart Dr, Sunnyvale

 Dio Deka
210 E Main St, Los Gatos

 Dishdash
190 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

 Dishdash
190 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

 Arya Global Cuisine
                    19930 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Faz
Multiple locations

Best Steakhouse

 Alexander’s Steakhouse
                      19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Forbes Mill Steakhouse
  206 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Dry Creek Grill
      1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose

Best Barbecue

 Smoking Pig BBQ
          Multiple locations

 Andy’s Bar-B-Que
2367 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

 Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

 Amaravathi Pure Veg
673 Grape Ave, Sunnyvale

 Good Karma
37 S 1st St, San Jose

 Veggie Grill
Multiple locations

Best Hawaiian

 Banana Crepe
248 Jackson St, San Jose

 Hukilau
230 Jackson St, San Jose

 Hawaiian Barbecue
6233 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose

Best Ramen

 Orenchi
3450 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara

 Kumako
211 Jackson St, San Jose

 Maru Ichi
368 Castro St, Mountain View

Best Pho

 House of Pho
  Multiple locations

 Dac Phuc
198 W Santa Clara St, San Jose

 Pho Wagon
1712 Meridian Ave, San Jose

QUEING UP
The NorCal barbecue scene is pretty mediocre overall, but the South Bay has stepped up its game in spades as of late. Within the last few years TAOB (The Art Of BBQ) Pit Stop, QBB (Quality Bourbons & BBQ) and Mesquite & Oak have opened their doors and really taken Q to a new level. And let’s not forget that The Smoking Pig has continued to hold it down, opening up a second location in Fremont. TAOB is fronted by pitmaster Art Munoz, whose years of catering and competition have led him to open his own restaurant that serves Flintstone-like ribs and killer tri-tip, while QBB’s CIA-trained executive pitmaster, Ryan Pang, has dozens of awards in competition barbecue—and one can taste the results. Mesquite & Oak might have the best beef brisket in the South Bay, and they’re a great option for a Sunday brunch.

Best Poke Restaurant

 Downtown Poki
  96 E San Salvador St, San Jose

 Poki Bowl
  4750 Almaden Expy, San Jose

 Poke House
  1698 Hostetter Rd, San Jose

Best Pearl Teas

 Black Pearl
Multiple locations

 Gong Cha
Multiple locations

 Fantasia Coffee & Tea
378 Santana Row, San Jose

Best Vietnamese Restaurant

 Anh Hong
  1818 Tully Rd, San Jose
233 W Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas

 Hanna
133 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Vung Tau
535 E Santa Clara St, San Jose

Best Korean Restaurant

 Bibimbowl
415 N Mary Ave, Suite 107, Sunnyvale

 Burnt Rice
The Plant, 121 Curtner Ave, San Jose

 Gooyi Gooyi
2331 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Best Thai Restaurant

 Amarin Thai
        Multiple locations

 Krungthai
642 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

 Blue Mango
635 Coleman Ave, San Jose

Best Seafood Restaurant

 Fish Market
3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
3775 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
1007 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose

 The Bay Fish and Chips
826 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

 Scott’s Seafood
185 Park Ave, San Jose

Best Sushi

 Yuki Sushi
1827 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara
1140 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Mizu Sushi
     1035 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

 Cha Cha Sushi
547 W Capitol Expy, San Jose

Best Burger

 Brown Chicken Brown Cow
    397 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Arcadia
100 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 Main Street Burgers
1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

COLD AND ROLLED
The rolled ice cream dessert phenomenon originates on the streets of Thailand. This fully customizable treat can include such wild ingredients as breakfast cereal, cookies and even fresh fruit. Those who like things “just so” will love the variety of flavors and toppings to choose from. Icicles in downtown Willow Glen is the premier spot, but newly opened Ice Cubed in Almaden is showing great promise. There’s even a newly opened place, Icey Poki, which combines two of the items on our list: poke and ice cream.

Best Pizza – Independent

 212 New York Pizza
19998 Homestead Rd, Cupertino

 Bibo’s NY Pizza
1431 Bird Ave, San Jose

 4th St. Pizza Co.
150 E Santa Clara St, San Jose

Best Pizza – Regional

 Blue Line Pizza
Multiple Locations

 A Slice of New York
Multiple Locations

 Bibo’s NY Pizza
1431 Bird Ave, San Jose

Best Deli/Sandwich Shop

 Antipasto’s
3454 McKee Rd, San Jose

 La Villa
1319 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Erik’s DeliCafé
   Multiple locations

Best Microbrewery Food

 Rock Bottom
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Campbell Brewing Co.
200 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Firehouse Grill & Brewery
111 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Desserts

 Icing on the Cake
50 W Main St, Los Gatos

 Alexander’s Patisserie
Multiple locations

 Frost Cupcake Factory
  199 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Doughnuts

 Stan’s Donut Shop
2628 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara

 Psycho Donuts
Multiple locations

 Manley’s Donut Shop
Multiple locations

Best Ice Cream/Gelato

 Dolce Spazio Gelato
221 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Sweet Retreat
846 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose

 Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill
566 Emerson St, Palo Alto

Best Frozen Yogurt

 Willow Glen Creamery
1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Yumi Yogurt
        3787 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara

 Frozo’s Frozen Yogurt
1000 Lafayette St, Santa Clara

RAMEN RULES
A ramen craving back in the day usually meant a schlep over to the west side, as Orenchi and Santouka were the only real options. Now, regardless of which side of town diners are in, there’s a legit ramen spot nearby. In the north side, there’s Kokoro; in the East Side, there’s Pot Belly Ramen; in the South, there’s Jinya, and in downtown, Ramen Taka is the spot. If diners are looking for something a little different, try Maruten Ramen in Japantown with its chicken-centric menu and clean, light but tasty broth.

Best Food Truck

 Grilled Cheese Bandits
@CheeseBandits

 Sam’s Chowdermobile
@chowdermobile

 Tacomania
@tacomaniainc

Best Caterer

 A Catered Affair
1680 Martin Ave, Santa Clara

 Purple Onion
1167 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Sam’s Bar-B-Que
1110 S Bascom Ave, San Jose

Best Tea Room

 Lisa’s Tea Treasures
             167 Main St, Los Altos

 Fairmont Lobby Lounge
170 S Market St, San Jose

 Teatime
1003 El Camino Real, Redwood City

Best Ethnic Market

 International Gourmet Foods
The Plant, 2052 Curtner Ave, San Jose

 Mitsuwa Marketplace
675 Saratoga Ave, San Jose

 Santo Market
245 E Taylor St, San Jose

Best Microbrewery

 Rock Bottom
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Rabbit’s Foot Meadery
1246 Birchwood Dr, Sunnyvale

 Santa Clara Valley Brewing
101 E Alma Ave, San Jose

PENINSULA

Best Business Lunch

 MacArthur Park
27 University Ave, Palo Alto

 Il Fornaio
520 Cowper St, Palo Alto

 Opa!
325 Main St, Los Altos

Best American Restaurant

 Los Altos Grill
233 Third St, Los Altos

 MacArthur Park
27 University Ave, Palo Alto

 Saint Michael’s Alley
140 Homer Ave, Palo Alto

Best Chinese Restaurant

 Garden Fresh Chinese Vegan Cuisine
460 Ramona St, Palo Alto

 Chef Chu’s
1067 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos

 Hunan Home’s Express
530 Showers Dr, Mountain View

Best Japanese Restaurant

 Jin Sho
454 California Ave, Palo Alto

 Higuma
540 El Camino Real, Redwood City

 Gombei
1438 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Best Mexican Restaurant

 La Fiesta
240 Villa St, Mountain View

 Fiesta Del Mar Too
735 Villa St, Mountain View

 Joya
339 University Ave, Palo Alto

Best Indian Restaurant

 Darbar
129 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto

 Janta
369 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto

 Passage to India
1991 W El Camino Real Mountain View

Best Thai Restaurant

 Krungthai
590 Showers Dr, Mountain View

 Amarin Thai
174 Castro St, Mountain View

 Shana Thai
311 Moffett Blvd, Mountain View

Best Taqueria

 Taqueria La Espuela
854 W Dana St, Mountain View

 Los Altos Taqueria
2105 Old Middlefield Way E, Mountain View

 Taqueria El Grullense
3636 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Best Breakfast

 Joanie’s Cafe
405 California Ave, Palo Alto

 Palo Alto Creamery
566 Emerson St, Palo Alto

 Stacks
314 El Camino Real, Redwood City

Best Independent Coffeehouse

 Clocktower Coffee Roasting Co.
205 E Middlefield Rd, Mountain View

 Connoisseur Coffee Co.
2801 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City

 Cafe Zoe
1929 Menalto Ave, Menlo Park

Best Bakery

 The Prolific Oven
550 Waverley St, Palo Alto

 Satura Cakes
200 Main St, Los Altos

 Palo Alto Baking Co.
381 California Ave, Palo Alto

Best Burrito

 Sancho’s Taqueria
2723 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto
3205 Oak Knoll Dr, Redwood City

 Rincon Sabroso
122 N Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View

 Taqueria La Bamba
580 N Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View

WEST VALLEY

Best Business Lunch

 Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos

 Steamer’s Grillhouse
31 University Ave, Los Gatos

 Aqui
   201 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best American Restaurant

 Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos

 Forbes Mill Steakhouse
206 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Chinese Restaurant

 Blue Sky
2028 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

 Tsing Tao
104 San Tomas Aquino Rd, Campbell
Tie

 Yeung Shing
14107 S Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos

 Shangri-La
784 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos

Best Japanese Restaurant

 Sushi Confidential
247 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Kyoto Palace
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Kamakura
135 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

A TOAST TO AVOCADO TOAST
OK, this is a weird one, but it’s true. Entire restaurants are now built upon the practice of schmearing a bit of avocado on some toasted bread. The Source‘s version of avocado toast is pretty popular and comes served on levain bread, and Vitamina in SoFA has gives its offering a Mexican lemony cilantro twist. Philz, another favorite, has a tasty za’atar spread topped with sliced, hard-boiled eggs. iJava Café‘s version is pretty spectacular, as it’s capped off with a perfectly fried egg, cilantro and red onions.

Best Mexican Restaurant

 El Burro
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Andale
6 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Casa Lupe
2169 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Indian Restaurant

 Royal Taj
1350 Camden Ave, Campbell

 The Mynt
5210 Prospect Rd, San Jose

Best Thai Restaurant

 Thai Orchid
866 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Thai Spice
337 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Mint Leaf Cuisine
14420 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

Best Taqueria

 Andale
6 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Adelita’s
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose

 Jalisco
525 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Breakfast

 Los Gatos Cafe
340 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
15662 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos

 Stacks
139 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Hash House
851 W Hamilton Ave, Campbell

Best Independent Coffeehouse

 Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co.
101 W Main St, Los Gatos

 Great Bear Coffee
19 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Orchard Valley Coffee
349 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Bakery

 Icing on the Cake
50 W Main St, Los Gatos

 Manresa Bread
276 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Frosting Cupcake Factory
199 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Burrito

 Andale
6 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 El Burro
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Adelita’s
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Business Lunch

 Birk’s
3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

 Faultline Brewing Co
1235 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale

 Faz
181 E Tasman Dr, San Jose
1108 N Mathilda Ave, Sunnyvale

GET WOKE WITH COFFEE 3.0
There was a time that every diner in America had essentially one kind of coffee. Then Starbucks and Peet’s saved the day. But that was then. Now even McDonald’s can serve up a cappuccino. New age coffee shops are taking care and precision with every step of the brewing process—from checking the pH of the water to grinding the beans just moments before brewing—and almost everyone claims to have the best method for producing the perfect cup. Voyager Craft Coffee, which started out as a mobile coffee bar and expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop got, famous with their Valencia coffee that includes coconut and orange blossom water. Chromatic Coffee specializes in taking their signature cold brew and doing inventive things like creating Fruity Pebbles latte and soda-coffee drinks. At Vero’s Coffee Bar, the Mexican mocha is the thing to get—a with its symphony of coffee, cinnamon and Mexican chocolate that keeps patrons coming back. Academic Coffee has helped to transform a once dicey corner with its clean design and excellent food and java options. And we can’t forget the trio of Bellano, B2 and SoPo, who make a cold brew so delicious that there’s no need for cream or sugar.

Best American Restaurant

 St. John’s Bar & Grill
510 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale

 Parcel 104
2700 Mission College Blvd, Santa Clara

 Park Place
10030 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

Best Chinese Restaurant

 China Stix
2110 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

 Hong Fu
20588 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant
1135 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale

Best Japanese Restaurant

 Yuki Sushi
1827 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara

 Gombei
193 S Jackson St, San Jose

 Izaka-Ya
  1335 N First St, San Jose

Best Mexican Restaurant

 La Paloma
2280 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

 Casa Lupe
2169 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

 Pedro’s
3935 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

Best Indian Restaurant

 Kabab and Curry’s
1498 Isabella St, Santa Clara

 Bombay Garden
3701 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

 Peacock Indian Cuisine
2798 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Best Thai Restaurant

 Jasmine Fine Thai
1211 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara

 Thai Chili Cuisine
1550 Halford Ave, Santa Clara

 The Old Siam
1111 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Best Taqueria

 Chavez Supermarket
666 N Fair Oaks Ave, Sunnyvale

 Ruby’s Taqueria
821 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale

 Taqueria La Veracruzana
1510 Jackson St, Santa Clara

Best Breakfast

 Hobee’s
21267 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
800 W. Ahwanee Ave, Sunnyvale

 Sara’s Kitchen
1595 Franklin St, Santa Clara

 Old Ironsides Cafe
4655 Old Ironsides Dr #150, Santa Clara

Best Independent Coffeehouse

 Coffee Society
21265 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino

 Bitter + Sweet
20560 Town Center Lane, Cupertino

 Roasted Coffee Bean
19110 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

Best Bakery

 La Patisserie
19758 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Sugar Butter Flour
669 S Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale

 Nothing Bundt Cakes
939 El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Best Burrito

 Viva Taqueria
444 N Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara

 Ruby’s
821 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale

 Aqui
10630 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

SAN JOSE / SOUTH VALLEY

Best Business Lunch

 Grill on the Alley
172 S Market St, San Jose

 Original Joe’s
301 S First St, San Jose

 Il Fornaio
302 S Market St, San Jose

TAPAS TO THE RESCUE
What started out in Spain as (usually) free small, simple plates that were meant to be shared by patrons to help soak up the excess alcohol has sprouted into a whole new generation of restaurants that serve high-end cuisine that is most certainly not free. OCK (Orchard City Kitchen) might be the most popular example of this with its lobster dumplings, Korean fried chicken and tater tot poutine-ish rounding out a well-balanced meal. Flights, which recently opened a second location, puts a creative spin on their small plates by giving patrons three versions of the same dish—such as chicken and waffles. Their bacon and beer flight is also not to be missed. Relative newcomer Braise is turning heads in downtown Willow Glen with their amazing cocktail and small plates menu that’s highlighted with their 20-day dry-aged New York strip served with uni butter, as well as their oddly delightful PB&J bone marrow sandwich—try it and become a believer.

Best American Restaurant

 Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose

 Farmers Union
151 W Santa Clara St, San Jose

 The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose

Best Chinese Restaurant

 Mandarin Gourmet
5560 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose

 Taiwan Restaurant
1306 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Golden Buddha
2768 Aborn Rd, San Jose

Best Japanese Restaurant

 House of Genji
1335 N First St, San Jose

 Gombei
193 Jackson St, San Jose

 Kenzo Sushi
5465 Snell Ave, San Jose

Best Mexican Restaurant

 Zona Rosa
1411 The Alameda, San Jose

 Casa Vicky
792 E Julian St, San Jose

 Mezcal
25 W San Fernando St, San Jose

Best Indian Restaurant

 Amber India
377 Santana Row, San Jose

 Tandoori Oven
150 S First St, San Jose

 Rangoli India Restaurant
3695 Union Ave, San Jose

Best Thai Restaurant

 Krungthai
642 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose
580 N Winchester Blvd

 Blue Mango
635 Coleman Ave, San Jose

 Thai Orchid
2591 N First St, San Jose

Best Taqueria

 Adelita’s
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose
55 N Bascom Ave, San Jose

 Taqueria Tlaquepaque
2222 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Iguana’s
330 S Third St, San Jose

Best Breakfast

 Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations

 Scrambl’z
5055 Almaden Expy, San Jose

 The Breakfast Club at Midtown
1432 W San Carlos St, San Jose

Best Independent Coffeehouse

 Chromatic #DTSJ
17 N Second St, San Jose

 B2 Coffee
87 N San Pedro St, San Jose

 Roy’s
197 Jackson St, San Jose

Best Bakery

 Dick’s Bakery
1593 Meridian Ave, San Jose

 Peter’s Bakery
3108 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose

 Greenlee’s
1081 The Alameda, San Jose

Best Burrito

 Iguana’s
Multiple locations

 La Victoria
Multiple locations

 Super Taqueria
Multiple locations

FREMONT / MILPITAS

Best Business Lunch

 Zahir’s Bistro
579 S Main St, Milpitas

 Sen Dai Sushi
224 N Abel St, Milpitas

 Brandon’s Restaurant
   1820 Barber Lane, Milpitas

Best American Restaurant

 Country Way
5325 Mowry Ave, Fremont

 Jack’s Brewing Co.
39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont

 Mil’s Diner
36 S Abbott Ave, Milpitas

Best Chinese Restaurant

 Shanghai Family Cuisine
1470 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

 South Legend Sichuan Cuisine
            1720 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

 Nutrition House
496 Barber Lane, Milpitas

Best Japanese Restaurant

 Satomi Sushi
3655 Thornton Ave, Fremont

 Mioki Sushi
            3924 Decoto Rd, Fremont

 Sen Dai Sushi
224 N Abel St, Milpitas

Best Mexican Restaurant

 La Pi—ata
39136 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont

 La Milpa
           107 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

 Casa Azteca
20 N Abel St, Milpitas

FARM-TO-TABLE—LITERALLY
The term farm-to-table typically means a restaurant that serves only in-season produce that’s grown locally and acquired directly from the producer(s). But some Silicon Valley restaurants have taken this concept to a whole new level, such as the Mount Hamilton Grandview restaurant that opened up their Grandview farms literally just a few steps from the restaurant itself. They even raise their own herd of black Angus cattle at the farm and dry-age the beef in the restaurant. That steak is so fresh that diners probably heard it mooing as they drove up. Morsey’s Farmhouse in Los Altos also takes fresh meat to a new level with their privately owned heard of over 400 water buffaloes that they serve in their restaurant. They also serve water buffalo milk—which has twice the fat content of regular cow’s milk—as make decadent cheese, gelato and frozen yogurt.

Best Indian Restaurant

 Chaat Bhavan
5355 Mowry Ave, Fremont

 Shalimar Restaurant
Walnut Ave, Fremont

 Peacock Indian Cuisine
39447 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

Best Thai Restaurant

 Banana Leaf Restaurant
182 Ranch Drive, Milpitas

 Sala Thai
          3241 Walnut Ave, Fremont
44800 S Grimmer Blvd, Fremont

 Banh Thai Restaurant
39060 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

Best Taqueria

 Los Dos Gallos
Taqueria 50 Whitney Place, Fremont

 El Mex-Cal Taqueria
34169 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

 Taqueria Las Vegas
1417 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

Best Breakfast

 Country Way
5325 Mowry Ave, Fremont

 Minerva’s
37463 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

 Mil’s Diner
36 S Abbott Ave, Milpitas

Best Independent Coffeehouse

 Fremont Coffee Roasting
151 Washington Blvd, Fremont

 Community Coffee
1000 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas

 Suju’s Coffee
3602 Thornton Ave, Fremont
4949 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont

Best Bakery

 Sogo Bakery
37600 Filbert St, Newark

 Cakes to Cakes
Fremont

 Amia Bakery
39095 Fremont Hub, Fremont

Best Burrito

 Los Cabos
3283 Walnut Ave, Fremont

 Super Taco Taqueria
40798 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

 El Taco de Oro
5220 N First St, Alviso, San Jose

BEST BEACON OF BIKE JUSTICE
In 2008, Palo Alto engineer Jim Gardner realized his new calling while dropping off charitable donations at a shelter, where he saw a homeless man riding around on a dangerously dilapidated bicycle. Knowing that a simple fix would go a long way, he earned his mechanic’s certificate and began tooling bikes for homeless people—free of charge. A year later, he channeled his efforts into a nonprofit: Good Karma Bikes. Today, the service shop still offers free bike repairs and teaches people how to fix their own in free repair clinics each Saturday. But it has since expanded to include programs for young adults aging out of the foster care system.

SHOPPING & SERVICES

Best Bicycle Shop

 Good Karma Bikes
460 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
  

 Hyland Family Bicycles
1515 Meridian Ave, San Jose

 Bicycle Express
131 E William St, San Jose

Best Antique Shop

 Not Too Shabby
481 S Bascom Ave, San Jose

 Antiques Colony
1881 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 Willow Glen Collective
3022, 1349 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Motorcycle Shop

 Lane Splitter Harley-Davidson
                  1551 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose

 San Jose BMW Motorcycles
1990 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 San Jose Powersports
5891 Winfield Blvd, San Jose

Best Car Wash/Detailing

 Pacific Hand Car Wash
1667 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Classic Car Wash
16500 Lark Ave, Los Gatos

 AJ Professional Detailing
702 Coleman Ave, San Jose

Best Clothing Boutique

 Black & Brown
751 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 Bombshell Boutique
295 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Details
1322 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Thrift Shop

 Crossroads Trading Co
1959 W San Carlos St, San Jose
1008 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose

 Goodwill
Multiple Locations

 Happy Dragon
   Multiple locations

Best Vintage Clothing Shop

 Moon Zooom
1630 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 Black and Brown
751 W San Carlos St, San Jose
TIE

 Park Place Vintage
1318 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Crossroads Trading Co
Multiple locations

Best Outdoor Gear – Independent

 Mountain View Surplus
1299 W El Camino Real, Mountain View

 Redwood Trading Post
1455 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City

  Stevens Creek Surplus
3449 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose

Best Lingerie Store

 Cupid’s Corner
408 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose

 Pleasures From the Heart
1565 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

 Romantiques
51 University Ave, Los Gatos

Best Jewelry Store

 Joe Escobar Diamonds
450 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell
   

 Shane Co.
21255 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Davidson & Licht Jewelers
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara

BEST WAY TO LEARN THE LAY OF THE LAND
The late Jane Jacobs, whose book The Death and Life of Great American Cities made her one of the most influential urban thinkers of all time, once argued that to truly understand the appeal of cities, “You’ve got to get out and walk.” Thus, upon her death in 2007, her friends memorialized her in a living, breathing homage called Jane’s Walk, a festival of free walking tours that has since spread to cities around the world, including the self-described Capital of Silicon Valley: San Jose. Last year, participants led eight walks and one bicycle ride with 88 participants, who strolled through downtown as their guides showed them new murals, emerging development and historic alleys in the city center. The next Jane’s Walk takes place May 4 through 6 at several locations in San Jose.

Best Bridal Shop

 Trudys Brides
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
  

 Haute Bride
40 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Elegant Lace Bridal
1061 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose

Best Place to Hold a Wedding Reception

 Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
23600 McKean Rd, San Jose

 Corinthian Grand Ballroom
196 N Third St, San Jose

 Clos La Chance Winery
1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin

Best Pet Store

 Sam’s Downtown Feed & Pet Supply
              759 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 An-Jan Feed & Pet Supply
Multiple locations

 Gussied Up Dog Boutique
1310 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Pet Trainer

 California K9 Solutions
         2123 S 10th St, San Jose

 Bay Area K9 Association
1089 Memorex Dr, Santa Clara

 A Dog’s Life
  885 Commercial St, Palo Alto

Best Art Supply Store

 University Art
456 Meridian Ave, San Jose
2550 El Camino Real, Redwood City

 The Arsenal
208 Jackson St, San Jose

 Accent Arts
  421 Jacaranda Ln, Palo Alto

Best Record Store

 The Record Man
1322 El Camino Real, Redwood City

 On The Corner
530 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 The Analog Room
3185 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

BEST URBAN OASIS
A trash-covered, weed-choked plot that sat empty for decades has transformed into a verdant garden thanks to a partnership struck between a powerful landowner and an aspiring urban farmer. Developer Barry Swenson donated a lease for the one-acre parcel by Citibank and a freeway off-ramp to Zach Lewis in 2013, which laid the foundation for a nonprofit called Garden to Table and gave the Taylor Street Farm the space to harvest locally grown, sustainable food for the community. The nonprofit’s advocacy also contributed to Santa Clara County’s decision last year to offer a tax break to landowners who take a cue from Swenson by letting people plant urban gardens on vacant land.

Best Toy Store

 The Wooden Horse
796 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos

 Children’s Discovery Museum Store
180 Woz Way, San Jose

 Lakeshore Learning Store
1099 S Bascom Ave, San Jose

Best Skate Shop

 NC Boardshop
16203 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos

 Skateworks
379 State St, Los Altos

 Circle A
    108 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose

Best Independent Bookstore

 Recycle Bookstore
1066 The Alameda, San Jose

 Hicklebee’s
1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Kepler’s Books
   1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Best Comics Store

 Heroes Comic Books
  24 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Illusive Comics & Games
1270 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara

 Hijinx Comics
2050 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

BEST WOMAN WARRIOR
When an assailant yanked San Jose State student Esra Altun’s hijab in the wake of the divisive 2016 presidential election, it was a reminder of the discrimination faced by women who wear visible signs of their Muslim faith. It’s the kind of hate crime that has been on the rise since 9/11 and saw another surge in the past two years. It’s also the reason why Palo Alto resident Rana Adbelhamid wants to teach self-defense through her nonprofit Muslim Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment. The organization, which has trained more than 2,500 people since 2010, has expanded throughout the globe and offers classes in social activism and leadership.

Best Independent Hardware Store

 Hassett Hardware
2253 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Rural Supply Hardware
110 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Dale Hardware
  3700 Thornton Ave, Fremont

Best Garden Store

 Yamagami’s Nursery
1361 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

 Almaden Valley Nursery
15800 Almaden Expy, San Jose

 Summer Winds Nursery
Multiple Locations

Best Flower Shop

 Bunches
   14 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Bloomster’s
   5945 Almaden Expy, San Jose

 Rosies & Posies
98 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose

Best Hydroponic Store

 San Jose Hydroponics
1999 Monterey Hwy, San Jose

 Rasa Hydroponics & Organics
5725 Winfield Blvd, San Jose

 The GrowBiz
1185 S Bascom Ave, San Jose

Best Pilates Studio

 Los Gatos Ballet and Pilates
630 University Ave, Los Gatos

 Misha Patel Studio
750 Miller St, San Jose

 YogaSource
16185 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos

Best Yoga Studio

 Breathe Together Yoga
14107-H Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos

 Bikram Yoga San Jose
Westgate West, 5289 Prospect Rd, San Jose

 Be The Change Yoga & Wellness
52 S First St, San Jose

Best Martial Arts Studio

 Academy of Self Defense
3475 Woodward Ave, Santa Clara

 American Kickboxing Academy
              7012 Realm Dr, San Jose

 America’s Best Karate
564 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Health Club

 FNS Training Center
2342 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara

 Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center
14855 Oka Rd, Los Gatos

 Bay Club
Multiple locations

BEST TRANS TRAILBLAZER
Anthony Ross spent 15 years counseling queer youth before coming to Santa Clara County this spring to help open the region’s first-ever transgender health clinic. The county’s hiring Ross, a queer trans man, reportedly makes it only the second government entity in the nation—the other being San Francisco—with an employee focused exclusively on transgender services. Ross will work under the county’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, which itself was created as part of a push by the county to connect underserved communities with vital social services.

Best Massage

 Burke Williams Day Spa
355 Santana Row, San Jose

 The Spa – Los Gatos
100 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Happy Feet Foot Spa
1045 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose

Best Day Spa

 Burke Williams Day Spa, Santana Row
                  355 Santana Row, San Jose

 Los Gatos Spa
100 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Watercourse Way
165 Channing Ave, Palo Alto

Best Dentist

 Willow Glen Dentistry
1245 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Donald Pepper, DDS
6501 Crown Blvd, San Jose

 Kimberly Loos, DDS
4110 Moorpark Ave, Ste F, San Jose

Best Organization Making a Difference

 Humane Society Silicon Valley
Multiple Locations

 Second Harvest Food Bank
Multiple Locations

 Bill Wilson Center
  3490 The Alameda, Santa Clara

Best Luxury or Boutique Hotel

 Hotel De Anza
233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose

 Hotel Los Gatos
210 E Main St, Los Gatos

 Hotel Valencia
     355 Santana Row, San Jose

Best Plastic Surgeon/Beautification

 Jenesis Lipoplasty & Laser
1471 Saratoga Ave, San Jose
  

 Daryl K. Hoffman, MD
3425 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

 Laurence Berkowitz, MD
3803 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

Best Barber/Men’s Salon

 Frank De Barber
11 S Third St, San Jose

 Studio Glam
311 Stockton Ave, San Jose

 Bedlam Beauty & Barber
200 S First St, San Jose

BEST PSYCHEDELIC PSCIENTISTS
MAPS proves that Silicon Valley is on the cutting edge of more than just technology. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies explores the potential for psychedelic drugs to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, among other mental maladies. The nonprofit runs research centers in Palo Alto and Santa Cruz and teamed up with Stanford University researchers in a bid to permit MDMA as an FDA-approved prescription for adults with autism or social anxiety.

Best Gentlemen’s Club

 Sporty’s Bikini Bar
1053 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

 Brass Rail
160 Persian Dr, Sunnyvale

Best Tattoo Parlor

  Black Lagoon Tattoo
118 E Santa Clara St, San Jose

 Da Wei Tattoo
1053 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

 Marks of Art Tattoo
3014 Union Ave, San Jose

Best Piercing Place

 Body Exotic
  957 W San Carlos St, San Jose

 Pierced Out
3014 Union Ave, San Jose

 Paisley Haus Pro Body Piercing
950 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

BEST HOMELESS HOUSING INITIATIVE
Santa Clara County kicked off its All the Way Home campaign in 2015 to house unsheltered military veterans, who made up 10 percent of Santa Clara County’s homeless population. Since then, the public-private coalition has taken almost 900 men and women off the streets and placed them in permanent supportive housing. While the region’s homeless population has increased overall, the joint effort by the county, cities and nonprofits can become a model for how to help other vulnerable people.

Best Hookah Bar

 The Swinging Hookah
386 S First St, San Jose

 Smoke This Hookah Lounge
2271 The Alameda, Santa Clara

 Shisha SJ Hookah
84 N Market St, San Jose

Best Smoke Shop

 Up In Smoke
1711 Branham Ln, San Jose

 The Twilight Zone
414 W Capitol Expy, San Jose

 420 Lifestyles
2345 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Place to Get a Medical Cannabis Recommendation

 MMJ Doctor
36 S First St, San Jose

 San Jose 420 Evaluations
115 N Fourth St, San Jose

 Marijuana Medicine Evaluation Center
100 N Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara

Best Cannabis Delivery

 Elemental Wellness
985 Timothy Dr, San Jose

 Eaze
eaze.com

 Caliva
1695 S Seventh St, San Jose

Best Discount for MMJ Cardholders

 Elemental Wellness
985 Timothy Dr, San Jose

 Airfield Supply
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose

 Caliva
1695 S Seventh St, San Jose

BEST PLACE TO HOLD A TECH CONFERENCE
Even in the darkest days of the recession, Silicon Valley’s innovation engine was churning. And yet, that wasn’t entirely apparent down in the Capital of Silicon Valley. Although Apple, Google and Facebook keep their headquarters here in the South Bay, they held their largest events—Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, Google’s I/O and Facebook’s F8—in San Francisco. That’s changed in recent years as all three of the valley’s tech giants have opted to hold their respective parties at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in the heart of downtown.

Best Cannabis Dispensary

 Elemental Wellness
985 Timothy Dr, San Jose

 Airfield Supply Co.
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose

 Caliva
1695 S Seventh St, San Jose

Best Golf Course

 Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
                 23600 McKean Rd, San Jose

 La Rinconada Country Club
14595 Clearview Dr, Los Gatos

 Deep Cliff Golf Course
  10700 Club House Lane, Cupertino

PENINSULA

Best Wine Shop

 Artisan Wine Depot
2482 W El Camino Real, Mountain View

 Country Corner
3207 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park

 K&L Wine Merchants
3005 El Camino Real, Redwood City

Best Hair Salon

 Edward’s Salon
1040 Grant Rd, Mountain View

 Julie Q Hair & Nails
951 W Dana St, Mountain View

 Juut Salon Spa
240 University Ave, Palo Alto

WEST VALLEY

Best Wine Shop

 Enoteca La Storia
416 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Rootstock
217 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Tessora’s Barra di Vino
234 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Hair Salon

 Rage
565 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Faux
378 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Capelli
14 E Main St, Los Gatos

BEST SILICON VALLEY CITY TO BURN ONE
The Bay Area has no shortage of cannabis collectives that sell legal recreational pot. But when it comes to Silicon Valley, San Jose is the only city doling out that sticky icky on the up-and-up—and we’re getting very good at it. Caliva, a vertically integrated dispensary that grows, tests and sells pot, was identified as the “best marijuana shop in America” by Business Insider. But that’s not all San Jose has to offer when it comes to quality herbs. There’s also Airfield Supply, Haze, Theraleaf, Herbs Collective, Elemental Wellness, Lux, Connected, Buddy’s and many more.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Wine Shop

 The Wine Club
1200 Coleman Ave, Santa Clara

 Coach House Liquors & Deli
1655 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

 Bobby’s Liquor
2327 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Best Hair Salon

 Sunny Salon
149 E Washington Ave, Sunnyvale

 Sanctuary Salon
790 Lincoln St, Santa Clara

 Expert Hair Do
1111 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

SAN JOSE / SOUTH VALLEY

Best Wine Shop

 The Wine Club
1200 Coleman Ave, San Jose

 Wine Affairs
1435 The Alameda, Santa Clara

 Maplewood Market & Liquors
2620 Union Ave, San Jose

BEST WAY TO CLIMB YOUR WAY INTO YOUR FAVORITE JEANS
Nine out of 10 fixed-gear-riding, jorts-wearing, 30-something hipsters agree: rock climbing is a rad way to stay in shape. Regrettably, a gym stripped the insides out of a former deco movie house in downtown’s SoFA District, but it redeemed itself for that offense against history by contributing a worthwhile recreational amenity. The Studio—a Touchstone affiliate—really has it all. Weights, stationary bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, a bouldering wall, top-roping, lead climbing and all kinds of yoga. Plus it is a great workout, whether you’re on your own or with a group of friends.

Best Hair Salon

 Limon Salon
3410 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose

 Bedlam Beauty & Barber
200 S First St, San Jose

 Bigsby House
1070 Park Ave, San Jose

FREMONT / MILPITAS

Best Wine Shop

  The Bottle Shop
40919 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

 Cork n Bottle Liquors
5200 Mowry Ave, Fremont

 Milpitas Liquors
190 S Main St, Milpitas

Best Hair Salon

  Salon de Paris
1742 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

 Hair Plus
495 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas

 His ‘n Hers Hair
1215 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas

BEST FIESTA CURATORS
When it comes to throwing down the best Latin-flavored functions, nobody does it better than Sonido Clash. The collective is equally adept at promoting events, producing original music and spinning up awesome cumbia bass mixes to keep a dance floor lit for hours. Just drop into one of their parties—like the annual Selena birthday bash, pick up the excellent Vatos LP by TurboMex, the excellent collaboration between producer Sonido Clash members Turbo Sonidero and Mex Tape, or catch a DJ set by Chatos 1013.

OVERALL

Best Comedy Venue

 San Jose Improv
62 S Second St, San Jose

 Rooster T. Feathers
157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

 American Improv Theatre
260 McEvoy St, San Jose

Best Large Concert Venue

 Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga

 Shoreline Amphitheatre
1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View

 SAP Center
525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose

Best Small Music Venue

 Cafe Stritch
374 S First St, San Jose

 The Ritz
400 S First St, San Jose

 Poor House Bistro
91 S Autumn St, San Jose

Best Dance Club

 Los Gatos Bar & Grill
15-1/2 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Loft Bar & Bistro
90 S Second St, San Jose

 Club Rodeo
610 Coleman Ave, San Jose

BEST PLACE TO ROCK THE MIC FREESTYLE
Anyone who knows even a little bit about battle rap can make a bad “mom’s spaghetti” joke. Locals who know more may wax poetic about Dirtbag Dan’s ongoing Battle of the Zae contest, which just marked its ninth installment in January. But for hip-hop heads—folks who understand that an emcee’s true merit is measured in off-top flow and dedication to the craft—San Jose’s weekly hip-hop Cypher open mic is something akin to church. Held every Wednesday at BackBar SoFa, it’s been helping aspiring rhymesayers sharpen their tongues for more than 11 years now. It’s the place where underground hip-hop icons and aspiring rappers rub elbows and trade bars.

Best Jazz/Blues Club

 Cafe Stritch
374 S First St, San Jose

 Club Fox
2209 Broadway, Redwood City

 Little Lou’s BBQ
2455 S Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Latin Music Club

 Miami Beach Club/Beso
417 S First St, San Jose

 Monte Carlo
228 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041

 Lido Nightclub
30 S First St, San Jose

Best Wine Bar

 Enoteca La Storia
416 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Cin-Cin
368 Village Lane, Los Gatos

 Rootstock Wine Bar
217 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Local Winery

 Testarossa Winery
300 College Ave, Los Gatos

 Clos LaChance Winery
1 Hummingbird Lane, San Martin

 Cinnabar Winery
14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

BEST GENDER BENDING, PARTY ROCKING, WOULD-BE WRESTLER
There’s a lot to be said about King Patrick Eugenio, including that his first name truly is King. As the face of San Jose’s pro wrestling league—the Underground Wrestling Alliance, or UGWA—his special move involves pummeling his opponents with a massive dildo. In addition to getting body slammed through flaming tables covered in broken glass, Eugenio, who goes by KP, also spends his time organizing and emceeing a very boozy variety show. Held regularly at The Caravan Lounge in San Jose, The Circus of Sin is a place where stand-up comics, sideshow acts and burlesque dancers come together to perform wildly entertaining acts.

Best New Bar/Club

 Labyrinth Bar & Kitchen
45 Post St, San Jose

 San Patricios
81 E San Fernando St, San Jose

 Fuz Bar & Grill
58 S First St, San Jose

Best Sports Bar

 Britannia Arms Almaden
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose

 Rookies Sports Lodge
1535 Meridian Ave, San Jose

 4th St. Pizza Co.
150 E Santa Clara St, San Jose

Best British Pub

 Britannia Arms
Multiple locations

 Duke of Edinburgh
10801 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino

 The Rose & Crown
547 Emerson St, Palo Alto

Best Irish Pub

 O’Flaherty’s
25 N San Pedro St, San Jose

 Katie Bloom’s
369 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

 Rosie McCann’s
355 Santana Row, San Jose

ALL HOPPED UP
While Gordon Biersch is still the king of breweries here in the South Bay, a bunch of plucky upstarts have begun stirring up their own mashes of late. Many reside in the Spartan-Keyes neighborhood of San Jose, but a few have set up shop even closer to downtown. Hermitage was the OG for the area. starting back in 2008. But they were soon followed by Strike Brewing in 2014 and Santa Clara Valley Brewing in 2015. Uproar, Hapa’s and Clandestine joined the party in 2017, and Camino Brewing is set to celebrate its grand opening in April. Some serve food, and all have taprooms where flights of their brews are available to sample. So grab your growler and raise a pint to Silicon Valley’s burgeoning craft brew scene.

Best Gay or Lesbian Bar

 Splash
65 Post St, San Jose

 Renegades
501 W Taylor St, San Jose

 Mac’s Club
39 Post St, San Jose

Best Craft Cocktails

 Jack Rose Libation House
La Hacienda Inn, 18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos
TIE

 Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose

 Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose

 Orchard City
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

Best Martinis

 Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose

 The Grill on the Alley
172 S Market St, San Jose

 The Continental
349 S First St, San Jose

Best Mojitos

 Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose

 El Jardin Tequila Bar
368 Santana Row, San Jose

 La Bodeguita del Medio
463 California Ave, Palo Alto

CRAFT COCKTAILS
It wasn’t that long ago that the only real choice Silicon Valley imbibers had was domestic brew and standard mixed drinks. Then the craft beer movement began changing the local suds selection. More recently, the South Bay has seen serious growth in its craft cocktail scene. First came Single Barrel (now Haberdasher); then, 55 South and Paper Plane came to downtown. Jack Rose Libation House opened up in Los Gatos and restaurants such as The Catamount began developing extensive craft cocktail programs. It’s a great time to be sipping.

Best Margarita

 Aqui
Multiple locations

 El Jardin Tequila Bar
368 Santana Row, San Jose

 Casa Lupe
2169 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Bowling Alley

 4th Street Bowl
1441 N Fourth St, San Jose

 Bowlmor Lanes
Vallco Shopping Mall, 10123 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino

 Bowlero
5420 Thornwood Dr, San Jose

Best Pre-Sharks Game Spot

 Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose

 San Pedro Square Market
87 N San Pedro St, San Jose

 Poor House Bistro
91 S Autumn St, San Jose

PENINSULA

Best Happy Hour

 The Old Pro
541 Ramona St, Palo Alto

 St. Stephen’s Green
223 Castro St, Mountain View

 Scotty’s Palo Alto
548 Emerson, Palo Alto

Best Dive Bar

 Mervyn’s Lounge
236 Castro St, Mountain View

 The Rose and Crown
547 Emerson St, Palo Alto

 Dutch Goose
3567 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park

WEST VALLEY

Best Happy Hour

 Jack Rose Libation House
18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos

 Cin-Cin
368 Village Lane, Los Gatos

 Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell

Best Karaoke

 Effie’s Restaurant
331 Hacienda Ave, Campbell

 Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell

 Katie Bloom’s
369 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Dive Bar

 Black Watch
141 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

 Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell

 Boulevard Tavern
15043 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos

BEST BOOKING AGENT BROS
Look. We know we’re biased, since the club is right down the street. And it’s no surprise that the editorial staff of an alternative weekly listens to alternative music. But in the past year The Ritz has really been killing it. That’s obviously thanks to the ownership’s dedication. But the club definitely saw a boost after joining forces with Spaceland Presents. The talent-buying and promotional outfit, which got its start in Los Angeles, officially linked with The Ritz last fall, and ever since, the marquee at 400 S. First St. has been populated with some big, contemporary names—including The Growlers, Japanese Breakfast, Giraffage and Nosaj Thing.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Happy Hour

 Duke of Edinburgh
10801 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino

 FireHouse Grill
111 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

 Paul & Eddie’s Monta Vista Inn
21619 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

Best Karaoke

 Blue Pheasant
22100 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

 Bogart’s Lounge & Tech Pub
1209 Wildwood Ave, Sunnyvale

 Blue Max
828 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Best Dive Bar

 Woodham’s Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara

 Normandy House
30 Washington St, Santa Clara

 Bogart’s Lounge
1209 Wildwood Ave, Sunnyvale

SAN JOSE / SOUTH VALLEY

Best Happy Hour

 Chacho’s
87 E San Fernando St, San Jose

 SP2
72 Almaden Ave, San Jose

 The Continental
349 S First St, San Jose

Best Karaoke

 7 Bamboo
162 Jackson St, San Jose

 Goosetown Lounge
1072 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

 Red Stag
1711 W San Carlos St, San Jose

Best Dive Bar

 Cinebar
69 E San Fernando St, San Jose

 The Branham Lounge
1116 Branham Ln, San Jose

 Willow Den
803 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

FREMONT / MILPITAS

Best Happy Hour

 Jack’s Brewing
39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont

 The Mojo Lounge
3714 Peralta Blvd, Fremont

 Coach’s Sports Bar
40968 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

Best Dive Bar

 The Back Door Lounge
37422 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

 Kirby’s Sports Bar
42312 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

 The Florence
37349 Niles Blvd, Fremont

Best Way to Get Really High

Mount Umunhum, Sierra Azul
The new Mt. Umunhum trail and summit is open to the public. A well-executed, inspired design with stunning views and a Native American ceremonial ring make it a trek worth taking.

Best New Restaurant

Braise
Willow Glen
Anthony “AJ” Jimenez and Josh Hanoka are culinary veterans of some of the South Bay’s best kitchens and have teamed up to occupy the former Haymarket location in Willow Glen. The small plate dishes are innovative and designed for sharing, and while trendy millennial food seems to be everywhere these days, this duo has really nailed it.

Best Typewriters

Los Altos Typewriter & Business Machines
Los Altos
Like many classics displaced by the computer revolution, typewriters are experiencing a renaissance. In the heart of Silicon Valley lies one of the few remaining shops keeping the tradition alive. They have lovingly restored antiques for sale and can repair and renovate ones found in attics or at flea markets.

Best Korean Comfort Food

HoM Korean Kitchen
San Jose
With vegan and carnivore-friendly options, locally-sourced produce and a powerful homemade ginger ale, HoM Korean Kitchen has been drawing long lunchtime lines. The lines move quickly, give time to fry a fresh egg to top a dish off and it’s worth a short wait.

Best Sunset Cocktail Spot

Rosewood Sand Hill
Menlo Park
The outside lounge-style seating area at Rosewood’s Madera restaurant is a relaxing place for craft cocktails and small plates. As the spring and summer nights grow long, it’s a perfect place to enjoy views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Best New Coffee House

Academic Coffee
San Jose
We’re delighted that the sketchy laundromat behind our former office is finally gone but even more pleased that a true coffee artisan now occupies the corner location at Williams and S. 2nd Street. Its sparse, modern decor and friendly service gives coffee snobbery new social acceptability.

Best New Kids Park

Railroad Park
Morgan Hill
It took two hours to pull our little review team out of this colorful and imaginatively designed playground next to downtown Morgan Hill’s Caltrain depot. With railroad themed climbing structures and slides, the newly opened family play venue has public art, kinetic and musical features, and restaurants nearby.

Best Exotic Lumber Source

Aura Hardwood Lumber
San Jose
Since Southern Lumber’s demise, many DIYers have been pining (okay, that was bad) for their bubinga, cocobolo and purpleheart lumber fix. Tucked away in an industrial area in a no-frills warehouse is the region’s best source of exotic boards, veneers and cabinet grade plywoods.

Best Big Printers

Plotter Pros
San Jose
Large format digital printing has been embraced by sign makers, artists and event promoters, and Plotter Pros has been a leader in this revolution. They stock a selection of new and used printing equipment, paper and inks, and liberally dispense high quality free advice.

Best Restaurant Revival

La Foret
New Almaden
We’ve seen the Grandview restaurant blossom and the legendary Palermo return in recent months, but the most outstanding reboot is the Carrubba brothers’ purchase and renovation of La Foret. This gem of a fine dining restaurant tucked away in the New Almaden wilderness has been immaculately restored and reimagined. It offers a welcome escape from the valley’s bustle.

BEST ARTISTS TAKING BACK THE TOWN
Haters insisting on insulting San Jose’s tendency toward bland architectural choices and beige-on-beige building palates have less to gripe about than they did back in 2008. A number of initiatives spearheaded by local artists have helped to brighten up the town sometimes referred to as Tan Jose. The Exhibition District has focused on raising money through grants to paint murals all over the city, while the Ex-D’s affiliated Local Color artist cooperative has reactivated the shuttered Ross Dress for Less space—turning it into a space for creatives and makers of all stripes. And last fall, Empire Seven teamed with Universal Grammar, the city of San Jose and other local organizations to put on POW! WOW! San Jose, which recruited local artists to create more than 10 murals over the course of a single week.

OVERALL

Best Art Gallery

 San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
560 S First St, San Jose

 Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd, Menlo Park

 MACLA
510 S First St, San Jose

Best Holiday Celebration

 Christmas in the Park
Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, San Jose

 Fantasy of Lights, Vasona Lake County Park
333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos

 Oktoberfest, Campbell
Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Film Festival

 San Jose Short Film Festival
sjsff.com

 Palo Alto International Film Festival
Palo Alto

 Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival
svjff.org

BEST RESURRECTED THEATER
Back in 2014, the South BayÕs performing arts community took a major hit, as the San Jose Repertory Theatre went belly up and pulled out of the Hammer Theatre. For a few years, the big blue building remained vacant. But in 2016, San Jose State University worked out a deal with the city of San Jose to take over the complex and the era of Hammer 2.0 was born. Now the theater center is home to a variety of productions—including SJSU programs, National Theatre Live screenings, live music and touring productions. The Hammer Theatre Center is no longer a symbol of a flailing Silicon Valley arts community but the centerpiece of a lively scene.

Best Small/Quirky Museum

 Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
1660 Park Ave, San Jose

 Campbell Historical Museum
51 N Central Ave, Campbell

 Computer History Museum
1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View

Best Dance Company

 Los Gatos Ballet
630 University Ave, Los Gatos

 Dance Attack
Multiple locations

 San Jose Dance Theatre
1756 Junction Ave, San Jose

Best Small Theater Company

 City Lights
529 S Second St, San Jose

 San Jose Youth Shakespeare
youthshakes.org

 El Teatro Campesino
705 Fourth St, San Juan Bautista

BEST HEORES SAVING THE DAY
After a long absence, Silicon Valley, a mecca for nerd culture, has not one, but two, comic book and sci-fi oriented conventions. In 2014, Dan Vado of Slave Labor Graphics and the Art Boutiki, regained control of the Alternative Press Expo, which he founded in 1994. The celebration of alt-comics produced by the likes of Derf Backderf and Jhonen Vasquez returned to its city of origin, San Jose, in 2014. Then, in 2015, prototypical nerd and Silicon Valley booster Steve Wozniak took over the Big Wow! Comic Fest, rebranding it Silicon Valley Comic Con. It returns for its third year this March.

Best Theater Company

 Broadway San Jose
100 W San Fernando St, San Jose

 San Jose Stage Company
490 S First St, San Jose

 CMT San Jose
1401 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose

PENINSULA

Best Local Festival

 Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
Mountain View

 Los Altos Art & Wine Festival
Los Altos

 Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Palo Alto

WEST VALLEY

Best Local Festival

 Music In The Park
Los Gatos

 Boogie on the Bayou
Campbell

 Oktoberfest
Campbell

BEST CINEMATIC STEWARDS
For a period in late 2017, downtown San Jose was without a single dedicated movie theater. This was not OK. Thankfully, Guggenheim Entertainment has taken over what was once the Camera 3 and is trying a new concept—mixing live stage performance, the longtime San Jose staple Comedy Sportz and revivals of classic movies, as well as singalongs. The new space, rebranded as 3Below, recently held one such audience participation night, inviting Monty Python fans to a screening of The Holy Grail.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Local Festival

 Cherry Blossom Festival
Cupertino

 Santa Clara Art and Wine
Santa Clara

 Sunnyvale Summer Music Series
Sunnyvale

SAN JOSE / SOUTH VALLEY

Best Local Festival

 Gilroy Garlic Festival
Gilroy

 Dancin’ on the Avenue
San Jose

 San Jose Obon Festival
San Jose

FREMONT / MILPITAS

BEST SILICON VALLEY SCI-FI WRITER
Longtime Bay Area resident and current Mountain View denizen Andy Weir was always into science and space travel. He also, apparently, has a penchant for writing. Back in 2011, he published a serial story about a man marooned on Mars on his personal blog. The posts eventually became The Martian, published in 2014 to critical acclaim. The sci-fi smash became a blockbuster film starring Matt Damon. In late 2017, Weir published his follow-up, Artemis, about a low-gravity heist on the moon. The work has already been optioned for a movie, which may star Rosario Dawson in the leading role.

Best Local Festival

 Fremont Festival of the Arts
Fremont

 Milpitas Backyard Boogie
Milpitas

 Celebrate Milpitas
Milpitas