This issue celebrates the best of Silicon Valley—a product of American ingenuity, California sunshine and the world’s most optimally diversified genome stew. Some of the world’s smartest people live and work here, with the possible exception of the ones who oversee spillways at Anderson Dam.

Immigrants got a bad rap last year when they were cast as job stealers and sex offenders, but evidence indicates otherwise. With 37 percent of the population here foreign-born, we have nearly treble the national rate, yet both our unemployment and crime rates are ridiculously low. (The Stanford trash dumpster rapist came from Oakwood, Ohio, not Sinaloa—on an athletic scholarship no less.)

So give us your hired, your offshored, your graduate classes, yearning to drink employer-supplied, fruit flavored iced tea. The wretched refuse for our team-building exercises. Our prosperity depends on on foreign brain and brawn.

Despite declining birth rates (OK, laptops in bed may not be such a good thing after all), out-migration to cheaper places and the inevitability of death, our county’s population grows by more than 20,000 people a year. That’s because of the “I” word. We’re talking about immigration.

This issue is dedicated to immigrants, from Mexico, China and Vietnam. From Ethiopia, Israel and Ireland. Even Canada, where Ash Kalra, who represents part of Silicon Valley in the California Assembly, is from. Apple was started by the son of a Syrian immigrant, Tesla by a South African. Founders of Yahoo and YouTube were born in Taipei. France not only gave us the Statue of Liberty, but eBay and the camera phone, the latter by way of a CEO who unlawfully overstayed his visa. Merci!

Immigrants watch our kids, weed our gardens, code our apps, build our homes, run convenience stores, open boutiques and restaurants, start and run companies. It’s also one of the reasons why we have a rich selection of global cuisines and fusions thereof. Each year we survey, select and recommend many of the best places, and this year continues that tradition.

We’re not in favor of building walls, let’s get that straight. Unless, of course, someone wants to fix that damn dam before the next flood. —Dan Pulcrano

Introduction |
Bites & Sips |
Goods & Services |
Art & Culture |
Nightlife

Best Chinese-American Shredder on the Cusp of a Record Deal

Yvette Young
The child of Chinese immigrants who moved to Silicon Valley from Beijing, Saratoga native Yvette Young had a musically rigorous childhood. Classically trained from a very young age, her parents onced pushed her to continue playing the piano through the pain of a broken pinkie finger. She’s still great on 88 keys, but Young’s real passion is six strings. She absolutely shreds on guitar and now leads the local instrumental rock trio Covet. When the band last spoke with Metro for a cover story in January, they were about to embark on a nationwide tour and record labels were in hot pursuit to have them sign. Believe it—they’ve got what it takes.

Best Art Gallery

San Jose Museum of Art
110 S Market St, San Jose
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
560 S 1st St, San Jose
Studio Bongiorno
500 Lincoln St, Santa Clara

Best Holiday Celebration

Christmas in the Park
Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, Downtown San Jose
Fantasy of Lights
333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos
Oktoberfest, Campbell
Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Film Festival

Cinequest
cinequest.org
San Jose Short Film Festival
Sjsff.com
Latino Film Festival
www.sflatinofilmfestival.com

Best Small/Quirky Museum

Rosicrucian Museum
1660 Park Ave, San Jose
Computer History Museum
1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View
San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
520 S 1st St, San Jose

Best Slice Of New York’s International Art Scene

PACE Art + Technology
Immigrants from all over the world come to Silicon Valley to tell their story. But now that New York’s high-minded Pace Gallery has opened extensions in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, the Peninsula is also drawing some of the best modern artists from around the world. Last summer PACE Art + Technology in Menlo Park showed “Living Digital Space and Future Parks” by the Tokyo-based art collective teamLab. The exhibit imagined what technologically enhanced interactive public spaces might look like in the near future.

Best Dance Company

San Jose Dance Theatre
1756 Junction Ave, San Jose
Los Gatos Ballet
630 University Ave, Los Gatos
Dance Attack
Multiple locations

Best Small Theater Company

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose
1401 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose
City Lights
529 S 2nd St, San Jose
California Theatre Center
753 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Best Theater Company

Broadway San Jose
100 W San Fernando St #465, San Jose
San Jose Stage Company
490 S 1st St, San Jose
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose
1401 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose

Best Promise Kept

The Weeknd Returns to SAP
Born to Ethiopian immigrants living in Ontario, Canada, Abel Tesfaye would grow up to lead an alt-R&B revolution as The Weeknd. After a crucial plug in 2011 from Drake, a fellow Canadian, The Weeknd’s dark and deviant lyrical style and affinity for slow-churning, benzodiazepine-blurred beats caught fire—and the industry took notice. Now the sound that Tesfaye helped pioneer is all over the Top 40. The Weeknd made a stop at SAP Center last year and, apparently, he dug the vibe. “I never been here before,” he told the crowd. “But you guys are showing so much love. I don’t think I’m gonna skip this city ever.” A man of his word, The Weeknd returns to The Tank on April 28.

PENINSULA

Best Local Festival

Los Altos Art & Wine Festival
Los Altos
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
Mountain View
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

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Local Festival

Santa Clara Art and Wine
Santa Clara
Cherry Blossom Festival
Cupertino
Sunnyvale Art and Wine
Sunnyvale

Best ‘Spanglish’ to Spark Change

Angel Luna, of Sonido Clash
Growing up in the East Side of San Jose, Angel Luna has channeled his parents’ immigrant story into art and advocacy. At 32 years old, the Mexican-American artist uses his musical talents to advocate for immigrants of all origin. Raised for a time in Oaxaca, Luna contributes his “Spanglish” lyrics to touch on Mexican and San Jose traditions with music collective Sonido Clash. Off stage, Luna works with the Transnational Institute for Grassroots Research and Action (TIGRA), an organization dedicated to helping immigrant workers, and Silicon Valley De Bug, a media and activist organization that creates campaigns in support of economic and social justice, housing and immigrant rights. Luna also started his own cultural program, Cultura En Tu Idioma, where he blends contemporary music with roots music. He’s even made a documentary about the migra punk scene and Spanish hip hop in San Jose.

Best Multicultural Marketers Fighting the Good Fight

BAMN Squad
Scroll through videos on the BAMN Squad web page and you’ll find the turnt clip for San Jose rapper Flammy Marciano’s “Mood RN,” set at a debaucherous house party in the hills overlooking Silicon Valley. You’ll also find sketch comedy bits with socially progressive themes, like “Alt History: Make Thanksgiving Great Again,” which documents a satirical Turkey Day dinner ruined by Christopher Columbus and his conquistador entitlement. The local marketing agency, whose acronym name stands for “By Any Media Necessary,” is currently working on a music video with Rey Res.

SAN JOSE & SOUTH VALLEY

Best Local Festival

Gilroy Garlic Fest
Gilroy
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
San Jose
San Jose Obon Festival
San Jose

FREMONT & MILPITAS

Fremont Festival of the Arts
Fremont
Milpitas Backyard Boogie
Milpitas
Celebrate Milpitas
Milpitas

Best (and Only) Michelin Star Restaurant in San Jose

Adega
Portuguese restaurant Adega opened in late 2015 as a simple café in Alum Rock, a district known to smart locals as a place to eat well but not exactly a regional culinary destination. Within a year, Adega became a surprise phenomenon as the first restaurant in America’s 10th biggest city to garner a Michelin star. Now, regulars who used to saunter in for lunch book dinner six weeks out and order a multi-course tasting menu. The young team of Jessica Carreira, 23, and fiancé-chef David Costa, 30, hold down the kitchen while the front of the house is parentally supervised by Carlos and Fernanda Carreira. Lisbon-born Carlos came here as a San Jose State student, Fernanda was born in the Azores and David hails from a Lisbon suburb. First-gen Jessica is the only native in the pack but learned culinary chops in the mother country.

OVERALL

Best New Restaurant

Sushi Confidential
31 N. Market St, San Jose
The Bywaterx
532 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
The Halal Guys
81 Curtner Ave #20, San Jose

Best Restaurant (Culinary Excellence)

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave #190, Campbell
Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos

Best Chef

Jeffrey Stout, Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave #190, Campbell
Nick Difu, Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos
Jim Stump, The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose

Best Dining Value

Aqui
Multiple locations
Bill’s Café
Multiple locations
Blue Rock BBQ
3001 Meridian Ave, San Jose

Best Small Restaurant

Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose
Los Gatos Cafe
Multiple locations
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
397 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Family Restaurant

Old Spaghetti Factory
51 N San Pedro St, San Jose
Bill’s Cafe
Multiple locations
Aqui
Multiple locations

Best Romantic Restaurant

La Fondue
14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos

Best Restaurant Patio

Aqui Willow Glen
1145 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
San Pedro Square Market
87 N San Pedro St, San Jose
Jack Rose
La Hacienda Inn, 18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos

Best Late-Night Eats

La Victoria
Multiple locations
Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose
A Slice of New York
3443 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose

Best French Restaurant

Le Papillon
410 Saratoga Ave, San Jose
Black Sheep Brasserie
1202 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Left Bank
377 Santana Row #1100, San Jose

Best German Restaurant

Harry’s Hofbrau
San Jose
Teske’s Germania
San Jose
Naschmarkt Restaurant
Campbell

Best Latin American Restaurant

El Burro
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Case Lupe
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Andalé
6 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

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
Boiling Crab
Multiple locations
The Bywater
532 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Place to Get Souped Up and sing

Mi Quang Co Thao
Despite its newcomer status, in less than a year Mi Quang Co Thao has deservedly earned a reputation for having one of the South Bay’s best renditions of Bun bo Hue in the South Bay. Their version of the beef-based soup covers all the bases: sweet, salty, spicy and sour—all blended into one cohesive dish. Generous helpings of meat and rice noodles in each bowl are just a bonus, really. The north San Jose restaurant’s yellow Turmeric Noodle dish is also a tasty treat worth trying. A modern Vietnamese-style interior and friendly and courteous service gives them a leg-up on similar establishments. As a bonus, they also have a sweet stage for live karaoke performances at night.

Best Italian Restaurant

Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose
Maggiano’s
3055 Olin Ave, San Jose
Il Fornaio
Multiple locations

Best Greek/Mediterranean Restaurant

Dio Deka
Hotel Los Gatos, 210 E Main St, Los Gatos
Falafel’s Drive-In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose
Athena Grill
1505 Space Park Dr, Santa Clara

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Falafel Drive-In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose
Dishdash
Multiple locations
Falafel Stop
1325 Sunnyvale Saratoga Rd, Sunnyvale

Best Steakhouse

Alexander’s Steakhouse
10330 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino
Forbes Mill Steakhouse
206 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose

Best Barbecue

Smoking Pig
Multiple locations
Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W St John St, San Jose
Armadillo Willy’s
Multiple locations

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Falafel Drive-In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose
Good Karma
37 S 1st St, San Jose
Veggie Grill
Multiple locations

Best Hawaiian

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Multiple locations
Hukilau
230 Jackson St, San Jose
Hawaiian BBQ
6233 Santa Teresa Blvd San Jose

Best Ramen

Orenchi Ramen
3540 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara
Kumako Ramen
211 Jackson St, San Jose
Kahoo Ramen
4330 Moorpark Ave, San Jose

Best Pho

House of Pho
Multiple locations
Pho Wagon
1712 Meridian Ave, San Jose
Pho 69
321 S 1st St, San Jose

Best Hope to Break the Curse of Casa Castillo

Social Policy
“The Curse of Casa Castillo” is well known among downtown restaurateurs and San Jose culture writers—Hi, Sal! But for the uninitiated, here’s a primer: back in 2001, Casa Castillo was doing just fine in its digs at 200 S. 1st Street on the Paseo de San Antonio pedestrian corridor. Then the city’s redevelopment agency forced the Mexican joint to vamoose. Since then, many have tried to make something work there, but none have lasted long. We think Social Policy, or “SoPo” as it’s known, has what it takes. It’s the third brick and mortar location by Bellano Coffee. They serve excellent coffee under their own brand, Kickback, which they roast themselves just south of downtown. The coffee is sourced mostly from Central and South American growers, which contributes to its bright flavor and smooth finish. They also have an excellent menu, courtesy of Executive Chef Marshal Reid, plus beer and wine on the way.

Best Poke Restaurant

Hawaiian Poke Bowl
387 S 1st St, San Jose
Poki Bowl
Multiple locations
Poke House
Pacific Rim Plaza, 1698 Hostetter Rd H, San Jose

Best Pearl Teas

Boba Bar
310 S 3rd St, San Jose
Boba Pub
1576 Branham Ln, San Jose
Ocha Tea Cafe
1350 Grant Rd, Mountain View

Best Vietnamese Restaurant

Vung Tau
535 E Santa Clara St, San Jose
Khanh’s Restaurant
335 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose
House of Pho
5353 Almaden Expressway, San Jose

Best Korean Restaurant

Burnt Rice
121 Curtner Ave #20, San Jose
Jang Su Jang
3561 El Camino Real #10, Santa Clara
Korean Palace
2297 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose

Best Thai Restaurant

KrungThai
642 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose
Blue Mango
635 Coleman Ave, San Jose
Banana Leaf
182 Ranch Dr, Milpitas

Best Seafood Restaurant

Fish Market
Multiple locations
Scott’s Seafood
185 Park Ave, San Jose
Boiling Crab
Multiple locations

Best Sushi

Sushi Confidential
Multiple locations
Yuki Sushi
Multiple locations
Cha Cha Sushi
547 W Capitol Expy, San Jose
AND
Mizu Sushi
1035 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

Best Around the Horn Entree

Jubba
Jubba serves one the more difficult cuisines to find in the South Bay, as East African/Somali doesn’t turn up many search results. We’ve heard it described as almost a fusion of Mexican and Caribbean foods, but not really. Customers can’t go wrong in ordering a Sambusa appetizer and the Kay Kay. The Sambusa is a deep-fried pastry dough, filled with a spicy blend of meat and veggies—one is never enough. The Kay Kay is a stir-fry mix of beef (or chicken), vegetables, bananas and chopped chapatti (imagine naan on steroids). Each bite is savory and sweet with just the right amount of kick.

Best Burger

The Counter
Multiple locations
Five Guys
Multiple locations
The Habit Burger Grill
Multiple locations

Best Pizza (Independent)

Blue Line Pizza
Multiple locations
Pizza My Heart
Multiple locations
A Slice of New York
3443 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose

Best Deli/Sandwich Shop

Ike’s
Multiple locations
Erik’s Deli
Multiple locations
La Villa
1319 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Microbrewery Food

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Pruneyard Shopping Center, 1875 S Bascom Ave #700, Campbell
Gordon Biersch
33 E San Fernando St, San Jose
Firehouse Brewery & Grill
111 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Desserts

Icing On the Cake
50 W Main St, Los Gatos
CREAM
Multiple locations
Bijan Bakery
Multiple locations

Best Donuts

Psycho Donuts
Multiple locations
Stan’s Donut Shop
1080 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Manley’s Donut Shop
1080 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Ice Cream/Gelato

Willow Glen Creamery
1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Dolce Spazio
221 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
CREAM
Multiple locations

Best Frozen Yogurt

Yogurtland
Multiple locations
Willow Glen Creamery
1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Pinkberry
Multiple locations

Best Food Truck

Grilled Cheese Bandits
@CheeseBandits
Sam’s Chowdermobile
@chowdermobile
Chairman Bao
@charimantruck

Best Caterer

Blue Rock BBQ
3001 Meridian Ave, San Jose
Smoking Pig BBQ
Multiple locations
Gunther’s Restaurant & Catering
1601 Meridian Ave, San Jose

Best Place to Shut Up and Order What’s on the Menu

Aloha Fresh
Build-Your-Own-Poke places proliferate the South Bay, but Cupertino’s Aloha Fresh offers a sorely needed change of pace that features pre-set legit Poke recipes by native Hawaiians. With fish that’s flown in daily from Hawai’i and ingredients sourced from surrounding farms, Aloha makes it easy to eat healthy and delicious. Their toothsome black rice base and “Surf and Turf” combo, featuring one poke mix and Kahlua pork, is da real kine.

Best Tea Room

Lisa’s Tea Treasures
Moving location.
Satori Tea Company
14482 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
Steepers
346 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
TIED WITH
Fairmont Lobby Lounge
170 S Market St, San Jose

Best Ethnic Market

Chavez Market
Multiple locations
Mitsuwa Marketplace
675 Saratoga Ave, San Jose
Mi Pueblo Food Center
Multiple locations

Best Microbrewery Food

Rock Bottom Brewery
1875 S Bascom Ave #700, Campbell
Gordon Biersch
33 E San Fernando St, San Jose
Campbell Brewing Company
200 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Desserts

Icing On the Cake
50 W Main St, Los Gatos
CREAM
Multiple locations
Bijan Bakery
Multiple locations

Best Donuts

Psycho Donuts
Multiple locations
Stan’s Donut Shop
1080 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Manley’s Donut Shop
1080 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Ice Cream/Gelato

Willow Glen Creamery
1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Dolce Spazio
221 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
CREAM
Multiple locations

Best Frozen Yogurt

Yogurtland
Multiple locations
Willow Glen Creamery
1100 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Pinkberry
Multiple locations

Best Food Truck

Grilled Cheese Bandits
@CheeseBandits
Sam’s Chowdermobile
@chowdermobile
Chairman Bao
@charimantruck

Best Caterer

Blue Rock BBQ
3001 Meridian Ave, San Jose
Smoking Pig BBQ
Multiple locations
Gunther’s Restaurant & Catering
1601 Meridian Ave, San Jose

Best Tea Room

Lisa’s Tea Treasures
Moving location.
Satori Tea Company
14482 Big Basin Way, Saratoga
Steepers
346 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
TIED WITH
Fairmont Lobby Lounge
170 S Market St, San Jose

Best Ethnic Market

Chavez Market
Multiple locations
Mitsuwa Marketplace
675 Saratoga Ave, San Jose
Mi Pueblo Food Center
Multiple locations

Best Microbrewery Food

Rock Bottom Brewery
1875 S Bascom Ave #700, Campbell
Gordon Biersch
33 E San Fernando St, San Jose
Campbell Brewing Company
200 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Brusque Fishmonger

K&C Wholesale
When feeling a powerful lust for red salmon, some head straight for the nearest supermarket. But for the serious seafood aficionado, there’s simply no substitute for a trustworthy fishmonger. K&C Wholesale, located in the Luna Park neighborhood of San Jose, is the real deal. With no street-facing entrance, customers must pull around the back of the unassuming warehouse building. Check the whiteboard for the day’s prices and be prepared: bring cash and brace for a no-nonsense transaction. It’s doubtful that the folks at K&C have ever perused a corporate grocer’s customer service manual, but when you’re getting fish this fresh, who cares?

PENINSULA

Best Business Lunch

MacArthur Park
27 University Ave, Palo Alto
Quattro
2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto
Mixx Restaurant
20 Castro St, Mountain View

Best American Restaurant

Los Altos Grill
233 3rd St, Los Altos
MacArthur Park
27 University Ave, Palo Alto
Soleil Restaurant
675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Best Chinese Restaurant

Chef Chu’s
1067 N San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Hunan Home’s Restaurant
San Antonio Center, Showers Drive, Mountain View
Peking Duck
4151 California Ave, Palo Alto

Best Japanese Restaurant

Fuki Sushi
4199 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
Sushi Tomi
635 W Dana St, Mountain View
Higumi
540 El Camino Real, Redwood City

Best Mexican Restaurant

Joya
339 University Ave, Palo Alto
Palo Alto Sol
408 N California Ave, Palo Alto
Reposado
236 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto

Best Indian Restaurant

Darbar
129 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto
Janta Indian Cuisine
369 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto
Passage to India
1991 W El Camino Real Mountain View

Best Reason to Wait 20-30 minutes

Tayibaat Meat and Grill
Tayibaat Meat and Grill is an unassuming halal butcher shop in Milpitas that turns into a foodie haven around noon. The wait to get a seat in this quaint eatery can be anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Tayibaat has a small, curated menu that features mostly kabobs, rotisserie chicken and hamburgers—now featuring halal bacon! The rotisserie chicken is quite good, but we usually stick with the kabobs. They have either “Chili” or “Tikka” kabobs, with the former being cubed and the latter consisting of ground meat. Our personal favorite, though, is the Lamb Chili. Dishes come out with a nice helping of fluffy basmati rice and Afghan bread.

Best Thai Restaurant

Krung Thai
590 Showers Dr, Mountain View
Indochine
2710 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Siam Royal
338 University Ave, Palo Alto

Best Taqueria

Los Altos Taqueria
2105 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View
Taqueria El Grullense
3636 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
1280 El Camino Real, Redwood City
Sancho’s Taqueria
2723 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto
3205 Oak Knoll Dr, Redwood City

Best Breakfast

Joanie’s Café
405 California Ave, Palo Alto
Hobee’s
2312 Central Expressway, Mountain View
4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
Stacks
314 El Camino Real, Redwood City

Best Place to Become a Believer

Rosita’s De Basilio Deli & Market
We should all be so lucky to have an abuelita cooking up something delicious and familiar, and this Alviso treasure provides just that vibe. A refreshing change of pace from the get-in-get-out dining experience, Rosita’s serves up traditional Mexican fare—but two highlights not to be missed are the Chicken Mole and Carnitas. The Mole has a nice, deep chocolate flavor that blends well with the tender chicken, and their Carnitas are prepared a little unusual, as they’re fried up chopped thin and crisp (almost like a Machaca) in the pan. One bite will make anyone a believer.

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Philz Coffee
101 Forest Ave, Palo Alto
3191 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Cafe Borrone
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
Clocktower Coffee Roasting
205 E Middlefield Rd, Mountain View

Best Bakery

Prolific Oven
550 Waverley Street, Palo Alto
Palo Alto Baking Company
381 N California Ave, Palo Alto
Mayfield Bakery
855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Best Burrito

Sancho’s Taqueria
2723 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto
3205 Oak Knoll Dr, Redwood City
Taqueria La Bamba
580 N Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View
La Costena
235 E Middlefield Rd

WEST VALLEY

Best Business Lunch

Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos
Steamer’s
31 University Ave, Los Gatos
Pacific Catch
1875 S Bascom Ave #550, Campbell

Best American Restaurant

Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave #190, Campbell
Nick’s On Main/Nick’s Next Door
11 College Ave, Los Gatos
Oak & Rye
303 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Chinese Restaurant

Blue Sky
2028 Winchester Blvd, Campbell
Yeung Shing
14107 S Winchester Blvd
Tsing Tao
104 San Tomas Aquino Rd, Campbell

Best Weekend Warriors

Weekend Coffee
Weekend Coffee Roasters, a family-owned startup that got its name from the fact that everyone has to keep their day jobs and work on building the company on the weekends. Like many a Silicon Valley startup, Weekend Coffee began in a garage. Five years later, it has its own HQ.

Best Japanese Restaurant

Kyoto Palace
1875 S Bascom Ave #2500, Campbell
Sushi Confidential
247 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
Kamakura
135 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Mexican Restaurant

El Burro
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Andale
6 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Aqui
201 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Indian Restaurant

Royal Taj
1350 Camden Ave, Campbell
Rangoli
3695 Union Ave, San Jose
Amber India
377 Santana Row #1140, San Jose

Best Thai Restaurant

Thai Spice
337 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Thai Orchid
866 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
Mint Leaf Cuisine
14420 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

Best Taqueria

Andale
N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Adelita’s
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose
Los Pericos
1581 W Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best place to make a new Indonesian Friend

Indo Cafe
Another cuisine that may be unfamiliar for many, Indo Cafe in Saratoga has offerings similar to Indian and Thai food. Fortunately, owner Maria Handayani is a charming and pleasant guide who is all too happy to talk customers through the menu—as well as inform about her culture, if you please. The go-to for first-timers has to be the Padang Rice Combo. It gives diners a little bit of everything to sample: from Chicken Satay to the wildly popular young Jackfruit Curry. The dining experience feels akin to eating at a friend’s house.

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 Company
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
N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
El Burro
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Aqui
201 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Business Lunch

Birk’s
3955 Freedom Cir, Santa Clara
Faultline
1235 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale
Faz Restaurant
81 E Tasman Dr, San Jose
1108 N Mathilda Ave, San Jose

Best Notorious XLB

Shanghai Dumpling
This polarizing dim sum joint specializes in Shanghai, or Hu, cuisine. While there are plenty of good options on the menu, it’s their Xiaolongbao (a.k.a. XLB) soup dumplings that make this Cupertino eatery a must-try. They have all the usual cast of characters—Salt and Pepper Fish, Smoke Duck and the Shanghai-style Stir Fried Noodles—but we’d be remiss in not suggesting (no, demanding) customers order at least two or three orders of the XLB. Maybe even try the pan-fried version. Shanghai Dumpling even has a little dinner theater, as two employees are stationed at a window near the front doing nothing but frantically preparing basket-after-basket of the XLBs.

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
Tao Tao Cafe
175 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
Mandarin Gourmet
10145 N De Anza Blvd, Cupertino

Best Japanese Restaurant

Yuki Sushi
1827 Pruneridge Ave, Santa Clara
Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas
19980 Homestead Rd, Cupertino
Kobe
2086 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Best Mexican Restaurant

La Paloma
2280 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Aqui Cal-Mex
10630 S De Anza Blvd
Casa Lupe
2169 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Indian Restaurant

Kabab and Curry’s
1498 Isabella St, Santa Clara
Peacock Indian Cuisine
2798 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Madras Cafe
1177 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

Best Thai Restaurant

Thai Chili Cuisine
1550 Halford Ave, Santa Clara
Pad Thai Cuisine
500 Lawrence Expy B, Sunnyvale
Jasmine Fine Thai
1211 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara

Best Taqueria

Viva Taqueria
444 N Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara
Chavez Market
666 N Fair Oaks Ave, Sunnyvale
Ruby’s Taqueria
821 Borregas Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Breakfast

Sara’s Kitchen
1595 Franklin St, Santa Clara
Old Ironsides
4655 Old Ironsides Dr, Santa Clara
Hobee’s
21267 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
800 W. Ahwanee Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Coffee Society
21265 Stevens Creek Blvd Ste 202. Cupertino
10800 Torre Ave Cupertino
Roasted Coffee Bean
19110 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
Bitter + Sweet
20560 Town Center Lane, Cupertino

Best new Mexico City-esque Cantina

Olla Cocina
Look. There’s nothing wrong with a quick gut bomb at the nearest taco truck or a late-night orange sauce explosion. We’ve had plenty of those in our time. But when it comes to refined Mexican cuisine at a price that won’t break the bank, Olla Cocina excels. With its great interior design, fantastic selection of tequila and mezcal, and Executive Chef Everardo Andrade dreaming up inventive yet authentic renditions of the food he grew up eating in his native Veracruz, this addition to San Pedro Square feels more like something you’d encounter in a hip nightlife district of de efe than an anglicismo eatery. Try the albondigas (lamb meatballs), the huarache vegetariano (a corn masa patty topped with shiitake, butternut squash and more delicious veggies), or the lenguado relleno de mariscos (a sort of turducken of the sea with plenty of delicious Latin spices). Wash it all down with a super michelada.

Best Bakery

Nothing Bundt Cakes
939 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale
Sugar Butter Flour
669 S Bernardo Ave, Sunnyvale
La Patisserie
19758 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino

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

Original Joe’s
301 S First St, San Jose
Grill on the Alley
172 S Market St, San Jose
Gordon Biersch
33 E San Fernando St, San Jose

Best American Restaurant

The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose
Farmers Union
151 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose

Best Chinese Restaurant

Mandarin Gourmet
5560 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose
Taiwan Restaurant
1306 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
King Eggroll
980 Lundy Ave San Jose
1221 Story Rd San Jose

Best Japanese Restaurant

Yuki Sushi
140 Lincoln Ave #8, San Jose
House of Genji
1335 N 1st St, San Jose
Mizu Sushi
1035 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose

Best Mexican Restaurant

Zona Rosa
1411 The Alameda, San Jose
Chacho’s
87 E San Fernando St, San Jose
Casa Vicky
792 E Julian St, San Jose

Best Indian Restaurant

Tandoori Oven
150 S First St #107, San Jose
Amber India
377 Santana Row #1140, San Jose
Rangoli India Restaurant
3695 Union Ave, San Jose

Best Sour of Spring

The Valley of the Heart’s Delight
It may seem like a homer pick to tab a beer called The Valley of the Heart’s Delight, but Almanac Brewing Company—based out of San Francisco—paid homage to Santa Clara Valley’s agricultural roots in killer fashion. We stumbled upon this beautiful bottle of 7-percent ABV suds at Spread in Campbell. While the price tag ($14.99) sent shockwaves through our digital wallet, we blissfully gave in to the extraordinary flavor combinations of a sour blonde ale aged in wine barrels with apricots and strawberries. We would drink this all the way to summer if our partners didn’t control the purse strings.

Best Thai Restaurant

Krung Thai
642 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose
580 N Winchester Blvd
House of Siam
151 S Second St, San Jose
Blue Mango
635 Coleman Ave, San Jose

Best Taqueria

Dia De Pesca
55 N Bascom Ave, San Jose
Jalisco Taqueria
401 S King Rd, San Jose
Adelita’s taqueria
1896 Curtner Ave, San Jose

Best Breakfast

Scrambl’z
775 E Dunne Ave, Morgan Hill
The Table
1110 Willow St, San Jose
Deluxe
71 E San Fernando St, San Jose

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Roy’s Station
197 Jackson St, San Jose
Chromatic Coffee
5237 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
Crema
950 The Alameda, San Jose

Best Bakery

Dick’s Bakery
1593 Meridian Ave, San Jose
Peter’s Bakery
3108 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose
Flower Flour
896 Willow St, San Jose

Best Burrito

Angelou’s Mexican Grill
21 N 2nd St, San Jose
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
Tirupathi Bhimas
1208 S Abel St, Milpitas

Best American Restaurant

Country Way
5325 Mowry Ave, Fremont
Jack’s Brewing Company
39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont
The Vine
37553 Niles Blvd, Fremont

Best Chinese Restaurant

Ho Chow
47966 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont
Chili Palace
177 W Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas
Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
428 Barber Ln, Milpitas

Best Place to Discover Honduran Gold

Maya’s Café
The very definition of a quaint, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Maya’s Café is located in a nondescript strip mall on the San Jose-Campbell border. The décor looks like a FIFA affiliate—absent the corruption, of course—and there’s always a fútbol game on the telly. The owner is an extremely affable man, who’s always making sure customers are happy. The menu leans primarily towards Honduran food, but also features Mexican and Salvadorian dishes, as well. The Sopa de Mariscos (seafood soup) features a Thai-like coconut base (sans the curry) and huge pieces of fresh fish—including a giant crab claw. Our go-to is the Camarones Aztecas: shrimp stuffed with cheese and jalaopeños and then wrapped in bacon. Pair these suckers with a side of rice, beans and handmade corn tortillas and its piggy time.

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 Piñata
39136 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont
Los Cabos
3283 Walnut Ave, Fremont
Casa Robles
3839 Washington Blvd, Fremont

Best Indian Restaurant

Chaat Bhavan
5355 Mowry Ave, Fremont
Shalimar Restaurant
3325 Walnut Ave, Fremont
Peacock Indian Cuisine
39447 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

Best Thai Restaurant

Banana Leaf Restaurant
182 Ranch Drive, Milpitas
Banh Thai Restaurant
39060 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Honey Thai
57 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas

Best Taqueria

Los Dos Gallos Taqueria
50 Whitney Pl, Fremont
Taqueria Las Vegas
1417 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas
Taqueria Los Cunados
196 Ranch Dr, Milpitas

Best Breakfast

Country Way
5325 Mowry Ave, Fremont
Original Pancake House
39222 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
Minerva’s
37463 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Mission/Fremont Coffee Roasting
151 Washington Blvd, Fremont
The Coffee Adventure Co.
1535 Landess Ave, Milpitas
The Prolific Oven
43337 Boscell Rd, Fremont

Best Kings of the Corner

Diridon Market
Johnny (left) and Marwan Akkary are the kings of one well-trafficked corner in San Jose. Taking a page out of Cheers, the brothers know the name of just about everyone who enters Diridon Market—a block from downtown San Jose’s train station—and they always have a smile at the ready. As Christians who experienced religious discrimination in Syria, the brothers immigrated to the U.S. in 2013 and bought the bodega a year later. Their devotion to customers is second to none, as they stay open most holidays and regularly update their food, beer and wine selection upon request. “We grew up in a tiny village,” says Johnny, who worked as a product manager for a global paint company before coming to the U.S. “Everybody knew us and everybody cared about us. So, when we came to this community, we also brought this part of our culture. We care about this community and they care for us. Some neighbors don’t even shop here and they just come by to say hi.” Marwan, who previously owned two furniture stores, has a boisterous laugh and speaks English, Arabic, French and “un pequito” Spanish, which has come from his frequent conversations with neighbors. “Americans are open to everybody,” Marwan says. “I put on the music I like and they accept me as I am.”

Best Bakery

Nothing Bundt Cakes
39052 Fremont Hub, Fremont
The Prolific Oven Bakery & Cafe
43337 Boscell Rd, Fremont
Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop
1535 Landess Ave, Milpitas

Best Burrito

Los Cabos
3283 Walnut Ave, Fremont
Taqueria Super Taco
40798 Fremont Blvd, Fremont
El Taco de Oro
5220 N 1st St, Alviso, San Jose

Best Welcome Committee

IRC Refugee
The backlash to Trump’s travel ban was swift, as an outpouring of support went out to those victimized by the draconian edict. Google promised to match up to $4 million in funds for various organizations, including the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which has helped refugess resettle for more than eight decades. The IRC’s San Jose hub helps about 200 refugees settle in Santa Clara County each year, according to Karen Ferguson, head of the nonprofit’s four NorCal offices. Donations help with living costs and tuition, so refugees can train themselves for a career instead of low-wage work. IRC also partners with employers to hire refugees, many of whom have degrees and were forced to leave good jobs in their native countries. “It’s about being open to those who no longer feel safe in their own country and who desperately want a chance to start over,” Ferguson says. “When I work with refugees, it makes me feel patriotic.”

Best Bicycle Shop

Good Karma Bikes
460 Lincoln Ave #15, San Jose
Hyland Family Bicycles
1515 Meridian Ave, San Jose
Mike’s Bikes
Multiple Locations

Best Antique Shop

Not Too Shabby
481 S Bascom Ave, San Jose
Antiques Colony
1881 W San Carlos St, San Jose
Curious Things
2033 Broadway St, Redwood City, CA 94063

Best Motorcycle Shop

San Jose Harley-Davidson
1551 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose
San Jose BMW
1990 W San Carlos St, San Jose
House of Thunder
16175 Condit Rd, Morgan Hill

Best Car Wash/Detailing

Pacific Hand Car Wash
1667 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Classic Car Wash
16500 Lark Ave, Los Gatos
AJ Auto Detailing
702 Coleman Ave, San Jose

Best Clothing Boutique

Kitsch Couture
10 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Black and Brown
751 W San Carlos St, San Jose
Bella James
1151 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Thrift Shop

Crossroads Trading Company
1959 W San Carlos St, San Jose
Goodwill
Multiple Locations
Savers
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
Crossroad Trading
Multiple locations

Best Outdoor Gear

Best threads to Honor Indigenous People

Urban Native Era
Our special issue dedicated to the contributions of Silicon Valley immigrants would be remiss in omitting a company that celebrates the nation’s indigenous people. Standing up for people who first settled the land we now call home, San Jose State grad Joey Montoya created a business that celebrates and advocates for Native American tribes and culture. A descendant of the Lipan Apache of Texas, Montoya’s clothing, music and media brand, Urban Native Era, has raised awareness through positive messaging. The customized apparel is designed to raise awareness about Native American community issues while breaking down stereotypes that brands like Urban Outfitters appropriate. Montoya has worked alongside celebrities such as Shailene Woodley, Rosario Dawson and Mark Ruffalo, all of whom wear Urban Native Era apparel and support Montoya’s movement.

Best Lingerie Store

Curvy Girl
2990 Meridian Ave, San Jose
Cupid’s Corner
408 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose
Pleasures From the Heart
1565 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Jewelry Store

Joe Escobar
450 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell
Shane Co
21255 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
Davidson & Licht
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara

Best Bridal Shop

Trudys Brides
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Haute Bride
40 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Elegant Lace
1061 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose

Best Place to Hold a Wedding Reception

Adobe Lodge
5500 El Camino Real #108, Santa Clara
Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
23600 McKean Rd, San Jose
Corinthian Event Center
196 N 3rd St, San Jose

Best Pet Store

Andy’s Pet Shop
51 Notre Dame Ave, San Jose
Pet Food Express
Multiple locations
An-Jan
Multiple locations

Best Pet Trainer

California K9 Solutions
2123 S 10th St, San Jose
Primal Canine Dog Training
538 Earle Ave, San Jose
A Dog’s Life
885 Commercial St, Palo Alto

Best Record Store

Rasputin Music
1820 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Streetlight Records
980 S Bascom Ave, San Jose
Time Tunnel
1583 Meridian Ave, San Jose

Best Art Supply Store

University Art
456 Meridian Ave, San Jose
2550 El Camino Real, Redwood City
The Arsenal
1202 The Alameda, San Jose
Accent Arts
421 Jacaranda Ln, Palo Alto

Best Toy Store

Best Place to Plot the Resistance

San Jose Peace and Justice Center
Founded in 1957 by people concerned about the nuclear arms race, the San Jose Peace and Justice Center has become a hub for progressive organizing. It also hosts almost daily events, including workshops, film showings, book discussions, sign making and support groups.

Best Skate Shop

Skateworks
379 State St, Los Altos
Mojo’s Surf & Skate Shop
198 Great Mall Dr Milpitas
NC Boardshop
16203 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos

Best Comics Store

Heroes Comic Books
24 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
Hijinx Comics
2050 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Illusive Comics & Games
2725 El Camino Real #105, Santa Clara

Best Independent Bookstore

Hicklebee’s
1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Recycle Bookstore
1066 The Alameda, San Jose
Kepler’s
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Best Independent Hardware Store

Hassett Hardware
2253 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
875 Alma St, Palo Alto
Dale Hardware
3700 Thornton Ave, Fremont
The Olander Company
144 Commercial St, Sunnyvale’

Best Garden Store

Yamagami’s Nursery
1361 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino
Almaden Valley Nursery
15800 Almaden Expy, San Jose
Green Thumb Nursery
15796 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos

Best Flower Shop

Bunches
14 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Bloomster’s
Old Almaden Plaza, 5945 Almaden Expy #170, San Jose
Citti’s Florist
Multiple Locations

Best Pilates Studio

Los Gatos Ballet and Pilates
630 University Ave, Los Gatos
The Dailey Method
Multiple locations
Pilates Body Studio
2075 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Yoga Studio

Yoga Source
16185 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos
Bikram Yoga San Jose
Westgate West, 5289 Prospect Rd, San Jose
Breathe Together Yoga
14107-H Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos

Best Martial Arts Studio

Academy of Self-Defense
3475 Woodward Ave, Santa Clara
America’s Best Karate of Almaden
6940 Almaden Expy, San Jose
American Kickboxing Academy
7012 Realm Dr, San Jose

Best Health Club

Best Celebrity Sighting

Barron Park
In a small pasture tucked between a hospital and a suburb lives one of Palo Alto’s biggest celebrities: Pericles the miniature donkey. The mild-mannered denizen of Barron Park famously modeled for the fast-talking donkey in the 2001 movie Shrek. The movie went on to win the first Academy Award for animated feature, grossing $500 million and inspiring three sequels. Perry’s handlers pocketed just $75, but they get far more support from locals, who donate money to care for Perry and his new gal pal, Jenny. The pair are the latest in a long line of four-legged forebears at Barron Park, where generations of donkeys have lived since the 1930s.

Best Massage

Burke Williams Day Spa
355 Santana Row #2010, 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
355 Santana Row #2010, San Jose
Los Gatos Spa
100 S Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Watercourse Way
165 Channing Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Best Dentist

Dr. Cristina Herrera
700 W Parr Ave, Los Gatos
Willow Glen Dentistry
1245 Lincoln Ave #150, San Jose
Smiles Dental Care
100 W El Camino Real #63a, Mountain View, CA 94040

Best Occupational Health Services

Kaiser Permanente Occupational Health
250 Hospital Pkwy, San Jose
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Multiple Locations, Silicon Valley
U.S. Healthworks
893 Monterey Rd #200, San Jose

Best Organization Making a Difference

Planned Parenthood
Multiple Locations
Second Harvest Food Bank
Multiple Locations, Silicon Valley
Bill Wilson Center
3490 The Alameda, Santa Clara

Best Luxury or Boutique Hotel

Hotel Los Gatos
210 E Main St, Los Gatos
De Anza Hotel
233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
The Fairmont Hotel
170 S Market St, San Jose

Best Plastic Surgeon/Beautification

Jenesis Lipoplasty
1471 Saratoga Ave #200, San Jose
Dr. Laurence Berkowitz
3803 S Bascom Ave #100, Campbell
Dr. Daryl K. Hoffman
3425 S Bascom Ave #100, Campbell

Best Barber/Men’s Salon

Best Literacy Evangelists

Bookmobile
Bookmobiles have been around for as long as people could attach a cart to a horse. But as public libraries adapt to the digital age and an increasingly diverse array of cultures, the vehicles are as much a part of the future as of the richly storied past. The Santa Clara County Library District sent its second bookmobile on its maiden voyage just last week. Amytha Willard, the pink-haired librarian in charge of the fleet, says she never imagined that penchant for books would put her behind the wheel of a big-rig. “Bookmobiles a re the best-kept secret in library school,” she says from the driver’s seat. “For anyone who can’t make it to the library, the bookmobile brings the library to them.” That means driving out to the farthest reaches of the county—from migrant farmworker camps in Gilroy, to off-the-grid forest-dwellers in the Santa Cruz Mountains, to cloistered tech campuses in every city but San Jose, which runs its own library system. “It’s all about reflecting people’s needs and reaching out to diverse populations,” Willard says. “We want to stay in people’s lives.”

Best Gentlemen’s Club

Pink Poodle
328 S Bascom Ave, San Jose
Brass Rail
160 Persian Dr, Sunnyvale
Cheetah’s
907 E Arques Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Tattoo Parlor

Marks of Art
3014 Union Ave, San Jose
Death Before Dishonor
306 S Third St, San Jose
El Toro Body Shop
17400 Monterey Rd #2D, Morgan Hill

Best Piercing Place

Pierced Out
3014 Union Ave, San Jose
Body Exotic
957 W San Carlos St, San Jose
Paisley Haus Pro Body Piercing
950 S Winchester, San Jose

Best Hookah Bar

The Swinging Hookah
386 S First St, San Jose
Smoke This Hookah Lounge
2271 The Alameda, Santa Clara
Tangerine Hookah Bar
30 Fountain Alley #150, San Jose

Best Smoke Shop

San Jose Vape
112 Paseo de San Antonio San Jose
Fatty Zone
1398 W El Camino Real, Mountain View
Cool Vape
1699 N Capitol Ave #50, San Jose

Best Place to Get a Medical Cannabis Recommendation

MMJ Doctor
36 S First St, San Jose
San Jose 420 Evaluations
115 N Fourth St #106, San Jose
Marijuana Medicine Evaluation Center
100 N Winchester Blvd #230, Santa Clara

Best Alternative Medicine Collective

Airfield Supply Co.
1190 Coleman Ave, San Jose
Caliva
1695 S 7th St, San Jose
Elemental Wellness
985 Timothy Dr, San Jose

Best Golf Course

Best Office Admin by Day, Romance Novel Stud by Night

Jason Aaron Baca
He started modeling for romance novels on a whim, but Jason Aaron Baca has now beaten Fabio at his own game. The Los Gatos resident, who dabbled in acting and fitness modeling, came across a book cover in Barnes & Noble featuring a studly hero in medieval garb when inspiration struck. He pulled out a pen and paper, wrote down the names of some authors and began reaching out. It took a decade, but as of August last year the 43-year-old Baca has modeled for more romance covers than the long-locked godfather of the genre. “It’s been an amazing journey,” says Baca, who has kept his job as an admin at the county Housing Authority. “I’m shy by nature, and this has given me a way to express myself in a way that I couldn’t with acting.” Baca keeps a strict diet and exercise routine, and his side hustle as romance novel eye candy has forced him to kick it up a notch. “After I beat Fabio’s record, people were asking me how long I planned to keep doing this,” Baca says. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll keep going until they name a sandwich after me.”

PENINSULA

Best Wine Shop

Vin, Vino, Wine
437 California Ave, Palo Alto
Country Corner
3207 Alameda de las Pulgas
Artisan Wine Depot
2482 W El Camino Real, Mountain View

Best Hair Salon

Di Pietro Todd
2307 Birch St, Palo Alto
Allure
888 Villa St, Mountain View
Edge
250 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 Rootstock
234 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Hair Salon

Rage
565 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
Faux
78 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
Salon Mona Lisa
151 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Wine Shop

Coach House Liquors
1655 S De Anza Blvd, Cupertino
Bobby’s Liquor
2327 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
The Wine Club
1200 Coleman Ave, Santa Clara

Best Hair Salon

Sanctuary Salon
790 Lincoln St, Santa Clara
Salon Blu
489 S Market St, San Jose
Wilson’s
198 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

SAN JOSE & SOUTH VALLEY

Best Wine Shop

Wine Affairs
1435 The Alameda, San Jose
The Wine Club
1200 Coleman Ave, Santa Clara
Maplewood Market & Liquors
2620 Union Ave, San Jose

Best Hair Salon

Limón Salon
3410 Stevens Creek Blvd #101, San Jose
Bigsby House
1070 Park Ave, San Jose
Bedlam Beauty & Barber
200 S 1st St, San Jose

FREMONT & MILPITAS

Best Wine Shop

The Bottle Shop
40919 Fremont Blvd #4, Fremont
WineGlobe
1639 S Main St, Milpitas
Milpitas Liquors
190 S Main St, Milpitas

Best Hair Salon

Ma Belle Hair
6449 Thornton Ave, Newark
Excellent Hair Salon
3864 Mowry Ave, Fremont
M Salon
39185 Farwell Dr, Fremont

Best Redux of Classic ’70s Daytime TV

The Go Go Gong Show
Local poet, writer and host extraordinaire “Mighty” Mike McGee has been organizing open mic nights for years. These days he’s really caught on to a winning formula by recognizing and recreating the schlocky genius of The Gong Show, an amateur talent show created by the late, great Chuck Barris, which ran in syndication for a decade into the ’80s. Deploying his charm and quick wit, McGee is the ideal host for the show, which gives contestants control of the stage as long as they can hold the crowd’s attention, or until one of the local “celebrity” judges decides enough is enough and clangs the massive gong, which serves as a sonic vaudeville hook.

Best Comedy Venue

San Jose Improv
62 S Second St, San Jose
Rooster T. Feathers
157 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale
Comedy Sports
288 S Second St, San Jose

Best Concert Venue

Mountain Winery
14831 Pierce Rd, Saratoga
Shoreline Amphitheatre
1 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View
SAP Center (formerly HP Pavilion)
525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose

Best Small Music Venue

Cafe Stritch
374 S First St, San Jose
The Ritz
400 S 1st 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
The Saddle Rack
42011 Boscell Rd, Fremont
Loft Bar and Bistro
90 S 2nd St, San Jose

Best Jazz/ Blues Club

Cafe Stritch
374 S 1st St, San Jose
JJ’s Blues
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose
Fairmont Lobby Lounge
170 S Market St, San Jose

Best Latin Music Club

Miami Beach Club/Beso
417 S 1st St, San Jose
Monte Carlo
228 Castro St, Mountain View
Lido Nightclub
30 S 1st St, San Jose

Best Wine Bar

Cin-Cin
368 Village Ln, Los Gatos
Enoteca la Storia
416 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Rootstock Wine Bar
217 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos

Best Local Winery

Testarossa Winery
300 College Ave, Los Gato
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
1000 Lenzen Ave, San Jose
Clos LaChance Winery
1 Hummingbird Ln, San Martin

Best New Bar/Club

The Vesper
394 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
LVL 44
44 S Almaden Ave, San Jose
Avery Lounge
399 S 1st St, San Jose

Best Sports Bar

Best Monthly Fix For Fancy Island Drinks

55 South’s Tiki Night
The beaches of Santa Cruz aren’t too far away, but they are chilly. Fortunately, 55 South hosts a totally bodacious tiki night on the last Tuesday of every month. Grab seriously sugary, fruit-flavored rum drinks fashioned by the craft cocktail lounge’s talented mixologists. A few examples from March’s tropical festivities include the Zombie, Castaway, Big Bamboo and Lady of Singapore. All libations are served in novelty ceramic mugs-some are fashioned into the likeness of parrots, plenty have little umbrellas and all pack a Hawaiian punch.

Best British Pub

Britannia Arms
Multiple locations
Duke of Edinburgh
10801 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino
Rose & Crown
547 Emerson St, Palo Alto

Best Irish Pub

O’Flaherty’s
25 N San Pedro St, San Jose
Rosie McCann’s
355 Santana Row #1060, San Jose
Katie Blooms
369 E Campbell Ave, Campbell

Best Gay or Lesbian Bar

Splash
65 Post St, San Jose
Renegades
501 W Taylor St, San Jose
Mac’s
39 Post St, San Jose

Best Hotel or Restaurant Bar

Fairmont Lobby Lounge
170 S Market St, San Jose
Hedley Club Lounge (Hotel De Anza)
233 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
Dio Deka (Hotel Los Gatos)
210 E Main St, Los Gatos

Best Craft Cocktails

Paper Plane
72 S First St, San Jose
TIE
Jack Rose Libation House
18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos
Orchard City Kitchen
Pruneyard Shopping Center, 1875 S Bascom Ave #190, Campbell
Haberdasher
43 W San Salvador St, San Jose

Best Martinis

Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose
The Grill on the Alley
172 S Market St, San Jose
Original Joe’s
301 S 1st St, San Jose

Best Mojitos

Dry Creek Grill
1580 Hamilton Ave, San Jose
El Jardin Tequila Bar
368 Santana Row, San Jose
Nola’s
535 Ramona St, Palo Alto

Best Margarita

Aqui
Multiple locations
El Burro
1875 S Bascom Ave, Campbell
Casa Lupe
2169 Winchester Blvd, Campbell

Best Bowling Alley

4th Street Bowl
1441 N Fourth St, San Jose
Bowlmor Lanes
10123 N Wolfe Rd, Cupertino
Homestead Bowl & The X Bar
20990 Homestead Rd, Cupertino

Best Pre-Sharks Game Spot

Best All-Ages Music Venue Where You Can Still Buy A Drink

Art Boutiki
Outside of privately-and often covertly-organized shows at houses and in industrial spaces, there aren’t many places where the under-21, and especially the under-18, can catch live music in the South Bay. That’s what makes the SLG Art Boutiki such a gem. A comic book store and digital shirt-printing shop by day, by night it often hosts live music. Many of the region’s best young bands regularly rock the SLG stage and the venue also brings through many touring acts. But just because the venue is open to those not allowed in bars doesn’t mean it’s dry. During certain shows, beer and wine is available for the 21-plus crowd.

PENINSULA

Best Happy Hour

The Old Pro
541 Ramona St, Palo Alto
Scotty’s Bar
548 Emerson, Palo Alto
St Stephen’s Green
223 Castro St, Mountain View

Best Karaoke

Pioneer Saloon
2925 Woodside Rd, Woodside
King of Clubs
893 Leong Dr, Mountain View
Firehouse Grill
1765 E Bayshore Rd, East Palo Alto

Best Dive Bar

Mervyn’s Lounge
236 Castro St, Mountain View
Rose and Crown
547 Emerson St, Palo Alto
Dutch Goose
3567 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park

WEST VALLEY

Best Happy Hour

Jack Rose
18840 Saratoga Los Gatos Rd, Los Gatos
Cin-Cin
368 Village Ln, Los Gatos
Orchard City Kitchen
1875 S Bascom Ave #190, Campbell

Best Karaoke

Effie’s Restaurant
331 Hacienda Ave, Campbell
Boulevard Tavern
15043 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos
Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell

Best Dive Bar

Black Watch
141 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos
Khartoum
300 Orchard City Dr, Campbell
The Bank
14421 Big Basin Way, Saratoga

CENTRAL VALLEY

Best Happy Hour

Firehouse Grill
111 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale
Elephant Bar & Restaurant
19780 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
St. John’s
510 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale

Best Karaoke

Woodham’s Lounge
4475 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
Blue Pheasant
22100 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
Bogart’s Lounge & Tech Pub
1209 Wildwood Ave, Sunnyvale

Best Dive Bar

Best Caffeinated Comedy Fix

Kevin Wong
South Bay comedy veteran Kevin Wong began hosting monthly comedy shows at Red Rock Coffee in Mountain View because of the cafe’s history of supporting local arts. Proprietors were kind enough to give Wong and co-producer Wendy Bartholomew the coveted Saturday night slot. Wong’s affinity for the offbeat lends itself well to his lineups, which usually feature four to five comics who represent various cross-sections of humanity. “First question I ask is, “Do they add to the show?'” Wong says. “I like left turns out of people that are slightly different.” His knack for assembling a solid lineup has earned him a following. “It’s beginning to feel like family,” he says. Headlining the next show is Zack Chapaloni, a regular at the San Francisco Punchline, as well as star and co-writer of Metacafe’s PausePlay. Unlike many a comedy venue, Red Rock’s a booze-free affair, but there’s a bar next door.

SAN JOSE & SOUTH VALLEY

Best Happy Hour

4th Street Pizza Co.
150 E Santa Clara St, San Jose Britannia Arms Almaden
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose
Chacho’s
87 E San Fernando St, San Jose

Best Karaoke

7 Bamboo
162 Jackson St, San Jose
Britannia Arms Almaden
5027 Almaden Expy, San Jose
Goosetown Lounge
1072 Lincoln Ave, San Jose

Best Dive Bar

Cinebar
69 E San Fernando St, San Jose
The Caravan Lounge
98 S Almaden Ave, San Jose
The Branham Lounge
1116 Branham Ln, San Jose

FREMONT & MILPITAS

Best Happy Hour

Jack’s Brewing
39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont
The Mojo Lounge
3714 Peralta Blvd, Fremont
Tequila Shots Bar & Grill
38 N Main St, Milpitas

Best Dive Bar

The Florence
37349 Niles Blvd, Fremont
Mojo Lounge
3714 Peralta Blvd, Fremont
The Back Door Lounge
37422 Fremont Blvd B, Fremont