Take one of the world’s greatest concentrations of wealth and brainpower, add in a few hundred ethnic traditions, mix well, bake in 300 days of sunshine a year and you’re bound to get something interesting. With some of the country’s highest incomes—second only to the nation’s capital, thanks to recession-proof Beltway lawyers’ salaries—Silicon Valley has bragging rights to great fortunes. But the real riches lie in the astonishing diversity of treasures found in the strip malls and human-scale downtowns of the valley’s baker’s dozen of cities.

Our specialty retailers, ethnic markets, small restaurants, cultural institutions and recreational amenities make living here a constant adventure of exploration and discovery.

Other regions have a central destination that makes it easier to find everything in one place. There’s no center to the valley, though. Is it Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Santana Row or downtown San Jose? If you draw a 50-mile line between Santa Clara County’s de facto bookends—the Garlic Shoppe off 101 in Gilroy and the Apple Store on University Avenue in Palo Alto—the midpoint would drop you in the middle of the Almaden Quicksilver Park, which is one of our favorite places to hike.

So whether you’re looking for a 25-count garlic braid, a 30-pin cable or 5-mile trail, the valley pretty much has everything—you just pretty much have to know where you’re going to find it.

So, back in 1986, we invented this app called the Best of Silicon Valley (actually back then it was known by its low-tech name, Best of Santa Clara Valley). We walk the streets and drive our expressways looking for new finds. We comb our collective memories and experiences and crowdsource our readers, who are the smartest ones anywhere.

In each category (with a few exceptions), we have shown the winner plus two runners-up—and even a few tie votes.

Did we miss somebody, some place or some business worthy of note? Of course. That’s why we hope you will add your suggestions by posting a comment to our Facebook page.

Best Multi-Talented Palo Alto Born and Bred

James Franco

Palo Alto born/Lockheed-Martin intern/PA High School alum/actor/director/short-story writer/adjunct professor of literature at USC/freak/TV geek/juvenile delinquent/Selena Gomez and Kenneth Anger co-star/self-inflicted amputee/SNL host/Spider-Man villain/wizard/serial killer/Oscar host/Columbia MFA holder/Gucci model. (RvB)

Best Community Art-Boxer

Tina Morrill

Thanks to the leadership of Tina Morrill, dozens of artists have now painted those hideous utility boxes on street corners all over San Jose. Thanks to Tina Morrill, San Jose is a less boring and a less embarrassing place. Even the politicians understand this signal fact. Now, some background: A few years ago, Tina took the initiative and spearheaded what’s now known as the Art Box Project, beautifying neighborhoods from downtown and out into the neighborhoods. Another muse, Cherri Lakey of Phantom Galleries, functions as the connection-machine to a large pool of creative talent throughout San Jose, resulting in artists of all shapes, ages and sizes taking their brushes to these repulsive boxes. As a result, communities are bonding with artists in ways they never have before, sponsors are emerging left, right and sideways, and even city council members are kicking in some pocket change. (GS)

Best Local Vintage Character Actor

Hank Worden

Once just another engineering student at Stanford, Hank Worden (1901Ð92) was discovered by Cecil B. DeMille, and went on a 60-year acting spree that encompassed 100 films. Pretty much the most prestigious Western ever made co-stars this former area-man: in The Searchers, Worden plays Mose, a touched-in-the-head sidekick with a gift for uncanniness (as when he merrily pantomimes the way John Wayne’s character mutilated an Indian corpse). Capable of likable Western warmth and oddness, Worden was featured in the second season of Twin Peaks. He was one of David Lynch’s walkers between worlds, a slow, towering, elderly and cryptic waiter at the Great Northern, who brought clues along with the room service. (RvB)

Best Place for a Budding Balenciaga

Camp Fashionista

1702 Meridian Ave., Unit K, San Jose. There is a world of difference between casually picking up a book on sewing and actually enrolling in a fashion school. Fortunately for South Bay residents, there is Camp Fashionista, a viable middle ground available to both adults and to kids (as young as 6). Dori Duncan, who founded Camp Fashionista in 2010, teaches classes covering everything from design to actually working with a sewing machine. People can take as many or as few classes as their interests dictate. It’s perfect for kids wanting to dip their feet into fashion design to see if it’s a good career fit, or for moms just looking to make their own Halloween costumes for their kids next year. Duncan, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry, studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and ESMOD in Paris, France. (AC)

Best Place to Express Your Inner Geek

After Hours at the Tech

The Tech Museum of Innovation, 201 S. Market St., San Jose. Love science? Love partying? Surely, there must be one place to indulge both interests at once. And so there is. Once a month, on the first Thursday, 7pmÐmidnight, the Tech Museum of Innovation hosts a special “after hours” party. The events boast booze, music, dancing, moody lighting and science, as in, you can still look at all the displays in the museum, only while getting a buzz on and listening to house music. Each month features a slightly different theme. Just recently, After Hours was devoted to the “science of suds.” There was a “create your own foam explosion” display as well as a lively game of beer-related trivial pursuit. Admit it: This is exactly the kind of thing you’ve been dreaming of. (AC)

Best Economist

Alvin Roth

In the microeconomic theory of matching markets, there’s an algorithm, invented in the 1950s, which calculates the best match among, say, 10 husbands and 10 wives based on their individual preferences. The formula ensures that no two people would prefer anyone else besides their given partner. For decades, it remained an interesting idea at most. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Stanford University professor Alvin Roth figured out how to apply the algorithm to real life, revolutionizing the way colleges find students, hospitals find doctors and organ donors find matches.

The 60-year-old academic got a call last year from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences telling him that he and 89-year-old colleague Lloyd Shapley, professor emeritus at UCLA, had won the 2012 Nobel Prize in economics. Roth’s work, they said, spawned a “flourishing field of research” that’s literally saved lives while illuminating the importance of microeconomics outside of academia.

In talking to the media after the Nobel win last year, Roth said he also hopes the notoriety makes his students listen more intently in class, realizing that theories could hold powerful sway on the world around us and that economics can not only be studied but also altered and engineered to work better. (JW)

Best Small/Quirky Museum

Rosicrucian Museum

San Jose Museum of Quilts &
Textiles

Hiller Aviation Museum

Best Art Gallery

ICA San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

Anno Domini

KALEID Gallery

Best Holiday Celebration

Christmas in the Park

Fantasy of Lights

Oktoberfest

Best Film Festival

CINEQUEST

Classic Films at Stanford Theatre

San Jose Short Film Festival

Best Open-Mic Night

Rooster T. Feather’s

JJ’s Blues, Pro Jam, Monday and Tuesday

Poor House Bistro, Tuesday

Best Theater Company

San Jose Repertory Theatre

City Lights Theater Company

TheatreWorks

Best Small Theatre Company

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose, Montgomery Theater

San Jose Youth Shakespeare

Retro Dome

Best Dance Company

Ballet San Jose

Los Gatos Ballet

Studio 10 Dance

Best Concert Venue

Mountain Winery

Shoreline Amphitheatre

HP Pavilion

Best Comedy Venue

Improv Comedy Club

Rooster T. Feather’s

ComedySportz

Best Brunch Skewer

55 South

55 S. First St., San Jose. The nicest new bar and lounge in downtown San Jose might not be known for just its cocktails if it keeps up the weekend soirees. What started as a Sunday-morning drink fest for industry folk has morphed into a brunch that features bottomless mimosas and a revolving menu that at times boasts French toast kabobs. A-mazing. (JK)

Best Food Challenge

Pho Challenge at Pho Garden

246 Castro St., Mountain View. Sure, the 5-pound Burritozilla at Iguanas has been featured on the Food Network—and even launched the career of competitive eater extraordinaire Joey Chestnut—but what could be a more truly authentic South Bay food challenge than eating a great big bowl of pho? The rules at Pho Garden in Mountain View are simple. Contestants have 60 minutes to eat 2 pounds of noodles and 2 pounds of beef. Drinking the broth is optional. Winners take home the giant bowl and forgo paying the bill. Losers have to shell out $22. So far, in three years, approximately 400 people have succeeded, and that is including people at the San Francisco and the Daly City locations. Many have tried and failed. It is a lot of pho to get down. (AC)

Best Place to Enjoy a Good Gluten-Free Lunch

City Lights Espresso

1171 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. City Lights Espresso is a mom-and-pop cafe tucked away in Santa Clara. It offers fresh-roasted coffee, homemade gluten-free goodies, soups, salads, piping hot paninis, and more. The warm, nutty scent of house-baked bread fills the air, awakening hunger pangs. Daylight streams through large, plentiful windows. Landscape paintings by local artists adorn the walls. Old professors mull over thick textbooks. People chatter softly. The rolling sound of coffee grinding soothes the mind.

All the baked goods behind the glass are gluten-free. Selections vary daily; everything is baked from scratch every morning. Customers struggle to decide between quiches, cookies, a 4-inch thick slice of raspberry mango cake and a whole world of tarts, including chocolate pecan, mixed berry and key lime. True, eating out with dietary restrictions presents challenges, but with places like City Lights Espresso, who needs gluten? (SB)

Best Biscotti

La Biscotteria

2747 El Camino Real. Redwood City’s Five Points neighborhood, near where 92 crosses El Camino Real, is an area that realtors would describe as “in transition”: gas stations, shuttered massage parlors and peeling signage. It’s startling to see here a spruce, renovated building, bright with new paint: La Biscotteria. With its paintings and wooden shelves of bright majolica, it’s as pretty as anything Rick Steves ever aimed a camera at. I’d consider myself a fair-weather friend of biscotti, usually served toast-dry and molar-crackingly tough, but the $12 bags of these fresh pastries in orange, hazelnut, anise and other flavors were, plainly, delicacies you wouldn’t have to dunk in coffee to refresh. Chocolate covered amaretto cookies ($5) are also recommended. On weekends, they take orders for fresh focaccia for dinner. It’s possible they get regular trade from the business across the street: homesick Italians stationed at the Ferrari/Maserati dealership. (RvB)

Best Way to Visit Paris Without Leaving Home

La Lune Sucree

116 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Anyone who has ever visited Paris understands the daydream of sitting in a quaint corner bistro, sipping a strong espresso, nibbling on a toasted croissant and watching the world slowly pass by. While visiting Paris just for a cafe au lait fix is unfortunately rather expensive, La Lune Sucree along Paseo de San Antonio stands in as a quick escape away to Europe. Husband-and-wife team Mark and Bettina Pope take great pride in Bettina’s skillful European baking techniques. For the full cafe effect, grab a spot on the patio and slowly sip an espresso and enjoy one of chef Bettina’s freshly made crepes, tarts or pastries while indulging in another Parisian reverie. (JC)

Best Late-Night Pick-Me-Up

Pho Viet

1751 N. First St., San Jose. Everyone has a go-to spot for pho, so I understand I will not convince you otherwise if you’ve sworn your noodle allegiance elsewhere. Yet, if you’re finishing a late night at Casino M8trix or you find yourself craving Vietnamese in the bewitching hours, Pho Viet on North First Street may be your new indispensable insomnia respite. Quick service and a menu of classic Vietnamese dishes one would expect are pluses, but the real kicker is that Pho Viet stays open Monday through Saturday until 4am and on Sundays until 2am. (JC)

Best Place to Get a Hot Dog That Is So Much More Than a Hot Dog

Original Gravity Public House

66 S. First St., San Jose. The next time a hankering for craft brew rears its thirsty head, make sure to pair a Sea Monster or Idiot IPA with a gourmet sausage. There are nearly 20 types to choose from at Original Gravity Public House, including cheesy Andouille and Texas bratwurst—not to mention duck fat fries with truffle salt. The sauces also offer a bit of flair, with Sriracha ketchup and wasabi mayo. (JK)

Best Place to Eat a Celebrity

Ike’s Place

2235 The Alameda, Santa Clara; 2100 Steven’s Creek Blvd., Cupertino; 475 Via Ortega, Stanford. Tom Brady is so delicious. So is Jessica Rabbit. But what about sports-radio host Damon Bruce? Ike’s Place dubs its sandwiches with a wealth of random names, including a few that are keyed to the World Series champion San Francisco Giants. Whatever they are called, the sandwiches are the size of a forearm and taste divine. If you’re in the holiday spirit, make sure to try the “Going Home for Thanksgiving,” made with cranberry sauce, Havarti cheese, turkey and … Sriracha. (JK)

Best Sake Sipping

Koji Sake Lounge

48 S. First St., San Jose. There are a few sushi restaurants in the area that have some version of a sake lounge as part of their establishment, but Koji is the only dedicated sake lounge in the South Bay that is a bar first and foremost. Koji sells more than 25 different brands of sake, ranging from premium high-end stuff to more moderately priced brands. They also offer an assortment of cocktails with sake or shochu (another popular Japanese spirit) as their base, but the premium sake brands (Junmai, Ginjo and Daiginjo) are only sold straight, and chilled, so that their flavors can be properly enjoyed and not watered down with other ingredients. To go with the sake, the Koji menu features Asian-fusion finger foods: a Kimcheese dog (kim chee and nacho cheese served on a baguette), Nori fries (fries topped with special seasoning and seaweed) and Spam musubi (Spam, rice and seaweed). (AC)

Best Underwater Bar

Tanq

301 S. Market St., San Jose. At one point, this little corner of the Marriott Hotel was known as the “fishbowl” because it was surrounded in glass. When they made it into a bar, they decided to keep the underwater theme and gave it blue overtones, bubble lighting and coral at the bar, and called it “Tanq.” The bar really does make you feel like you’re inside an aquarium. Tanq serves an eclectic variety of cocktails, but be sure to try the popular “Kiss the Fish” for $25, which is served in a fish glass big enough for two people. It is made with vodka, rum, curacao, pineapple juice and homemade sweet and sour. As far as finger foods go, the Ahi tuna poppers are an appropriate choice. (AC)

Best Place to Forget About Finals at SCU

The Hut

3200 The Alameda, Santa Clara. Just across the street from the new business building at Santa Clara University, the Hut is an enduring constant for decades of students looking for a night’s relief from studying. The bronco on the sign out front pays homage to the school’s mascot. Inside, comfy booth seats can be found adjacent to the generous bar. A dance floor in usually packed with undergrads and grads several nights of the week. Off to the side, a large patio hosts the spillover from indoors.

The ceiling of the Hut is plastered with signed dollar bills and business cards. School lore says that when you make your first dollar in your first job after graduation, you can come back, sign it and pin it on the wall along with a business card. Drinks are inexpensive ($4-$7), and there are drink specials offered most weeknights. Whether you are a student or just want to feel like one again, the Hut provides a collegial respite. (LW)

Best Comedian

Butch Escobar

Butch Escobar started producing comedy shows for purely selfish reasons. When he started hitting up open-mics eight years ago, he’d have to trek to Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento—anywhere but here. The South Bay offered the San Jose Improv and Sunnyvale’s Rooster T. Feathers—both showcase venues, not exactly conducive to still-experimenting up-and-comers like Escobar, whose blunt unaffected brand of comedy quickly distinguished him in the Bay Area stand-up scene.

“So I said, ‘Fuck that,’ and started opening up rooms … for just regular comics who were not trying to be flashy and do comedy cause it might get them laid,” says 36-year-old Escobar, whose biker-gang-bearded visage you might recognize from a Citibank commercial a few years back.

The Morgan Hill-born, San Jose-bred funnyman began putting on his own shows and open-mics at literally dozens of venues over the years. In trying to get enough of his own practice, he gave his comedic peers more chances to get onstage. That behind-the-scenes role made Escobar one of the most influential figures in South Bay comedy. More than a few local jokesters call the guy their “big brother in comedy.” What started as self-serving turned into something more altruistic and left a lasting imprint on South Bay comedy, which now enjoys a reputation as down-to-earth and welcoming compared to the cliquey alt scene in San Francisco. Escobar’s monthly show, “Unfiltered Underground,” consistently draws hundreds to the Improv at 8pm every second Wednesday of the month to watch the eclectic mix of top talent and newcomers. (JW)

Best Place to Eavesdrop on Local Politicians

Flames

88 S. Fourth St., San Jose. Every politician has his or her favorite haunt, but there’s no place in Silicon Valley that offers as many opportunities to watch electeds hold court than Flames Eatery, located just next door to San Jose’s City Hall. George Shirakawa Jr. used to frequent the joint, sometimes charging more than one tab in a single day. Of course, Shirakawa’s meals are part of the reason he’s now spending all of his days in The Joint. (JK)

Best Drag Show

Tinker’s Damn Divas

Sunday-Monday, 10:30pm-1:30am

Tinker’s Damn, 46 N. Saratoga Ave., Santa Clara. Seventeen years running and with no signs of slowing down, the drag show at Tinker’s Damn never fails to be a fun, strange experience. The entertainment starts at 10:30pm and ends sometime before last call (depending on how many performers show up that night). This intimate, no-frills affair takes place in the back of Tinker’s Damn with only a white curtain for decoration. The drag queens take turns lip-synching popular songs. (I saw a very passionate rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” by a drag queen in a Wonder Woman outfit.) The audience of about 25-50 doesn’t hold back, and the mostly male crowd will take turns spontaneously dancing with the singers, and even shove some money in their shirts. Everyone just has a blast. (AC)

Best Place to Rest a Moscow Mule on a Frozen Bar

Gardino Fresco

51 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. Gardino’s reinvented itself last year when owner Pete Jillo ripped up the restaurant and started from scratch. The cuisine is solid Italian, but the real hallmark of the restaurant/lounge is its wraparound bar lined with a solid sheet of ice. In addition to providing a perfect ice rink for small-scale curling, the bar ensures that the tastiest of ginger beer beverages stays nice and cool in its brass mug. (JK)

Best Gentlemen’s Club

Pink Poodle

Brass Rail

Cheetah’s Gentleman’s Club

Best Gay or Lesbian Bar

Splash

Brix

Tinker’s Dam

Best Hotel Bar or Restaurant

Hedley Club

V Bar

Bamboo Lounge at Pagoda

Best Hookah Bar

Smoke This Hookah Lounge

Shisha Hookah Lounge

Hookah Beats

Best Dance Club

Los Gatos Bar & Grill

Saddle Rack

Mountain Charley’s

Best Sports Bar

Double D’s Sports Grill

Britannia Arms San Jose/Downtown

Rookies

Best Pre-Sharks Game Spot

Henry’s Hi-Life

Poor House Bistro

San Pedro Square Market

Best Jazz/Blues Club

JJ’s Blues

Poor House Bistro

Hedley Club

Best Latin Music Club

Azucar

Miami Beach Club/Beso

Alberto’s

Best British Pub

Britannia Arms Almaden

Duke of Edinburgh

Britannia Arms San Jose/Downtown

Best Irish Pub

O’Flaherty’s

C.B. Hannegan’s

Katie Bloom’s

Best Underground Music Spot

Good Karma Vegan Cafe

San Jose Rock Shop

X-Bar

Best Martinis

Singlebarrel

Original Joe’s

The Grill on the Alley

Best Mojitos

Azucar

El Jardin Tequila Bar

Nola

Best Live Music Club

The Blank Club

Poor House Bistro

JJ’s Blues

Best Margarita

Aqui [multiple locations]

Pedro’s

Fiesta Del Mar

Best Place to Play Pool

South First Billiards

Santa Clara Billiards

California Billiard Club

Best Bowling Alley

300 San Jose

Fourth Street Bowl

Cambrian Bowl

Best Wine Shop

The Wine Club 1200 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara

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

Prestige Wine & Liquors, Sunnyvale 490 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale

Best Dry Cleaner

Shine Dry Cleaners 1260 Benton St., Santa Clara

Nature’s Best Cleaners 1281 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale

DryClean Pro 20379 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

Best Baby Store

Kid to Kid 2666 Homestead Road, Santa Clara

For Moms 1331 Coleman Ave., Santa Clara

Natural Mom Gear 3400 De la Cruz Blvd., Ste. H, Santa Clara

Best Bridal Shop

Bay Area Bridal/New Things West

Vallco Shopping Mall, 10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino

Jessica McClintock Westfield Valley Fair Mall, 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Ste. 1053, Santa Clara

Brides of California 681 Tasman Dr., Sunnyvale

Best American Restaurant

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

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

Country Inn Cafe 2008 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Best Chinese Restaurant

Tao Tao Cafe 175 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

China Stix 2110 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Mandarin Gourmet 10145 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino

Best Japanese Restaurant

Yuki Sushi 1827 Pruneridge Ave., Santa Clara

Kobe 2086 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Gombei 3533 Homestead Road, Santa Clara; 155 E. Maude Ave., Sunnyvale

Best Business Lunch

Alexander’s 10330 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino

Birk’s 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

Pedro’s 3935 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

Best Mexican Restaurant

La Paloma 2280 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Pedro’s 3935 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

Aqui Cal-Mex 10630 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino

Best Indian Restaurant

Bombay Garden 3701 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Turmeric 141 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

Kabab and Curry’s 1498 Isabella St., Santa Clara

Best Thai Restaurant

Thai Basil 101 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

Jasmine Fine Thai 1211 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara

Thai Pepper Cuisine 103 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale

Best Taqueria

Chavez Supermarket 666 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Sunnyvale

Mondo Burrito 3300 The Alameda, Santa Clara

Viva Taqueria 444 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara

Best Breakfast

Country Inn Cafe 2008 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

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

Sara’s Kitchen 1595 Franklin St., Santa Clara

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Bean Scene Cafe 186 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

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

Bellano Coffee 3985 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara

Best Bakery

Sugar Butter Flour 669 S. Bernardo Ave., Sunnyvale

La Patisserie 19758 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

Copenhagen and Crown Bakery 2079 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Best Burrito

Mondo Burrito 3300 The Alameda, Santa Clara

Aqui Cal-Mex 10630 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino

Viva 444 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara

Best Local Festival

Santa Clara Art and Wine

Sunnyvale Art and Wine

Cherry Blossom Festival Cupertino

Best Happy Hour

Pedro’s 3935 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara

Elephant Bar & Restaurant 19780 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

Firehouse Grill 111 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

Best Karaoke

Woodham’s Lounge 4475 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara

Blinky’s Can’t Say 1031 Monroe St., Santa Clara

Blue Pheasant 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

Best Dive Bar

The Hut 3200 The Alameda, Santa Clara

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

Peacock Lounge 102 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale

Best Hair Salon

Sanctuary 790 Lincoln St., Santa Clara

Salon Blu 2251 The Alameda, Santa Clara

Wilson’s 198 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale

Best Furniture Store

Russell’s Furniture 2645 El Camino Real, Santa Clara

Scandinavian Designs 19900 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

Best Happy Hour

The Mojo Lounge 3714 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

Jack’s Brewing Company 39176 Argonaut Way, Fremont

Coach’s Sports Bar 40968 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Best Dive Bar

The Mojo Lounge 3714 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

The Florence Bar 37349 Niles Blvd., Fremont

Kirby’s Sports Bar 42312 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Best Dry Cleaner

Walnut Cleaners 3367 Walnut Ave., Fremont

Kathy’s Cleaner 526 Barber Lane, Milpitas

888 Cleaners 1773 Landess Ave., Milpitas

Best Baby Store

Kate’s Caring Gift 36094 Asquith Place, Fremont

Best Bridal Shop

Alterations by Alice 4552 Central Ave., Fremont

Elegant Tailoring and Bridal 103 Serra Way, Milpitas

Best Japanese Restaurant

Satomi Sushi 3655 Thornton Ave., Fremont

Sen Dai Sushi 224 N. Abel St., Milpitas

Mioki Sushi 3924 Decoto Road, Fremont

Best American Restaurant

Country Way 5325 Mowry Ave., Fremont

The Vine 37533 Niles Blvd., Fremont

Elephant Bar 39233 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Best Chinese Restaurant

China Chili Restaurant 39116 State St., Fremont

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant 428 Barber Lane, Milpitas

Ho Chow 47966 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont

Best Business Lunch

Joe the Greek Cafe 1830 Milmont Dr., Milpitas

Sen Dai Sushi 224 N. Abel St., Milpitas

Zahir’s Bistro 579 S. Main St., Milpitas

Best Mexican Restaurant

La Pinata 39136 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont; 7383 Thornton Ave., Newark

La Milpa 107 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas

Casa Azteca 20 N. Abel St., Milpitas

Best Indian Restaurant

Peacock Indian Cuisine 39447 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Dosa Place 41043 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Vedas 560 N. Abel St., Milpitas

Best Thai Restaurant

Sala Thai 39170 State St., Fremont; 44800 S. Grimmer Blvd., Fremont

Layang Layang 181 W. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

Honey Thai Restaurant 57 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas

Best Taqueria

Taqueria Las Vegas 1417 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas; 45401 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Casa Azteca 20 N. Abel St., Milpitas

El Taco de Oro 5220 N. First St., Alviso

Best Breakfast

Original Pancake House 39222 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Omega 90 S. Park Victoria Dr., Milpitas

Minerva’s 37463 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

Best Independent Coffeehouse

The Prolific Oven 43337 Boscell Road, Fremont

Caffino 315 W. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas

Your Coffee Cups 46685 Mission Blvd., Fremont

Best Bakery

The Prolific Oven 43337 Boscell Road, Fremont

Sogo Bakery 338 Barber Lane, Milpitas; 46196 Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont

Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop 1535 Landess Ave., Milpitas

Best Burrito

Casa Azteca 20 N. Abel St., Milpitas

El Taco de Oro 5220 N. First St., Alviso

Best Local Festival

Fremont Festival of the Arts

Milpitas Backyard Boogie

Celebrate Milpitas

Best Hair Salon

Savvy Hair 37263 Fremont Blvd., Fremont

M Salon 39185 Farwell Dr., Fremont

Excellent Hair 3864 Mowry Ave., Fremont

Best Furniture Store

Elegant Decor Furniture 40495-A Albrae St., Fremont

La Bros Home Furnishings 4640 Auto Mall Pkwy., Fremont

Krazy Pat’s Furniture 5555 Auto Mall Pkwy., Fremont

Best Chinese Restaurant

Chef Chu’s 1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos

Mandarin Gourmet 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto

Hunan Garden 3345 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Best Japanese Restaurant

Fuki Sushi 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Sushi Tomi 635 W. Dana St., Mountain View

Akane 250 Third St., Los Altos

Best American Restaurant

Peninsula Creamery 900 High St., Palo Alto

St. Michael’s Alley 140 Homer Ave., Palo Alto; 806 Emerson St., Palo Alto

Los Altos Grill 233 Third St., Los Altos

Best Business Lunch

Il Fornaio 520 Cowper St., Palo Alto

Buck’s 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside

Cascal 400 Castro St., Mountain View

Best Mexican Restaurant

La Fiesta 240 Villa St., Mountain View

Reposado 236 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Fiesta Del Mar 1005 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View; 735 Villa St., Mountain View

Best Indian Restaurant

Amber India 2290 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View

Shiva’s 800 California St., Mountain View

Passage to India 1991 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View; 1100 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View

Best Thai Restaurant

Amarin Thai Cuisine 174 Castro St., Mountain View

Siam Royal 338 University Ave., Palo Alto

Bangkok Bay Thai Cuisine

825 El Camino Real, Redwood City

Best Taqueria

Los Charros 854 W. Dana St., Mountain View

Taqueria la Bamba 2058 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View; 152 Castro St., Mountain View; 580 N. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View

Taqueria el Grullense Multiple locations

Best Breakfast

Hobee’s 2312 Central Expwy., Mountain View; 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 1101 Shoreway Road, Belmont

Buck’s 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside

Stacks’ 314 El Camino Real, Redwood City; 600 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Cafe Borrone 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Red Rock Coffee 201 Castro St., Mountain View

Dana Street Coffee Roasting 744 W. Dana St., Mountain View

Best Bakery

The Prolific Oven 550 Waverley St., Palo Alto

Woodside Bakery 3052 Woodside Road, Woodside

Mayfield Bakery Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Best Burrito

Taqueria la Bamba 2058 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View; 152 Castro St., Mountain View; 580 N. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View

La Coste 2078 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View

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

Best Local Festival

Mountain View Art and Wine Festival

Los Altos Art and Wine Festival

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts

Best Happy Hour

Tied House 954 Villa St., Mountain View

The Old Pro 541 Ramona St., Palo Alto

Rudy’s Pub 117 University Ave., Palo Alto

Best Karaoke

King of Clubs 893 Leong Dr., Mountain View

Rudy’s Pub 117 University Ave., Palo Alto

Pioneer Saloon 2925 Woodside Road, Woodside

Best Dive Bar

Antonio’s Nut House 321 S. California Ave., Palo Alto

Dutch Goose 3567 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park

Mervyn’s Lounge 236 Castro St., Mountain View

Best Wine Shop

Beltramo’s Wine & Spirits 1540 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

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

Artisan Wine Depot 2482 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View

Best Dry Cleaner

Green and Fresh Cleaners 580 N. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View

PurpleTie 500 Howland St., Redwood City

Atherton Dry Cleaning and Quality Alterations 840 Woodside Road, Redwood City

Best Baby Store

DayOne Town & Country Shopping Center, 855 El Camino Real #127, Palo Alto

The Children’s Shoppe 325 Sharon Park Dr., Menlo Park

Bubble 728 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park

Best Hair Salon

diPietro Todd 2307 Birch St., Palo Alto

Allure 888 Villa St., Mountain View

LaBelle Day Spa 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto; 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Best Furniture Store

Hoot Judkins Furniture 1269 Veterans Blvd., Redwood City

Danish Concepts International 1379 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View

Brick Monkey 2400 Broadway St., Redwood City

Best Independent Coffeehouse

Philz Coffee 118 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Roy’s Station 197 Jackson St., San Jose

Crema 950 The Alameda, San Jose; 50 W. San Fernando St., San Jose

Best Dry Cleaner

Rex Cleaners 60 Race St., San Jose

Diamond Laundry & Cleaners 398 W. San Carlos St., San Jose

Royal Cleaners Multiple locations

Best Baby Store

Kool Kids Couture 1366 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Baby Hugs 1109 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Mango Street Kids 7579 Monterey St., Gilroy

Best Bridal Shop

Elegant Lace Bridals 1061 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose

Dalena’s Bridal 621 Tully Road, San Jose

Lucy’s Fashions 2682 Million Court, San Jose

Best American Restaurant

Original Joe’s 301 S. First St., San Jose

Flames Eatery & Bar 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose

Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza 1072 Willow St., San Jose; 1554 Saratoga Ave., San Jose

Best Chinese Restaurant

Taiwan 1306 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Mandarin Gourmet 5560 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose

King Eggroll 1221 Story Road, San Jose; 8610 San Ysidro Ave., Gilroy

Best Japanese Restaurant

House of Genji 1335 N. First St., San Jose

Kazoo 250 E. Jackson St., San Jose; 1165 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Yuki Sushi 1140 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Best Business Lunch

Original Joe’s 301 S. First St., San Jose

Il Fornaio 302 S. Market St., San Jose

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

Best Mexican Restaurant

Taqueria Tlaquepaque 699 Curtner Ave., San Jose; 2222 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 721 Willow St., San Jose

Aqui Cal-Mex 5679 Snell Ave., San Jose; 1145 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

La Victoria 140 E. San Carlos St., San Jose; 131 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 5015 Almaden Expwy., San Jose

Best Indian Restaurant

Amber India 377 Santana Row #1140, San Jose

Tandoori Oven 150 S. First St., San Jose

New Indian Cuisine 895 Willow St., San Jose

Best Thai Restaurant

House of Siam 151 S. Second St., San Jose

Blue Mango 635 Coleman Ave., San Jose

Krung Thai 642 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose; 580 N. Winchester Blvd., San Jose

Best Taqueria

La Victoria 140 E. San Carlos St., San Jose; 131 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 5015 Almaden Expwy., San Jose

Super Taqueria Multiple locations

Taqueria Tlaquepaque 699 Curtner Ave., San Jose; 2222 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 721 Willow St., San Jose

Best Breakfast

Scrambl’z 5055 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 775 E. Dunne Ave., Morgan Hill

Bill’s Cafe Multiple locations

Flames Multiple locations

Best Bakery

Dick’s Bakery 1593 Meridian Ave., San Jose

Peters’ Bakery 3108 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose

Aki’s Bakery 355 Meridian Ave., San Jose

Best Burrito

La Victoria 140 E. San Carlos St., San Jose; 131 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 5015 Almaden Expwy., San Jose

Super Taqueria Multiple locations

Burrito Factory Multiple locations

Best Local Festival

Gilroy Garlic Festival

San Jose Jazz Summerfest

Dancin’ on the Avenue Willow Glen

Best Happy Hour

Flames Eatery and Bar 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose

Britannia Arms Almaden 5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose

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

Best Karaoke

7 Bamboo 162 Jackson St., San Jose

Goosetown Lounge 1072 Lincoln Ave., San Jose

Britannia Arms Almaden 5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose

Best Dive Bar

Cinebar 69 E. San Fernando St., San Jose

Dive Bar 78 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose

The Branham Lounge 1116 Branham Lane, San Jose

Best Wine Shop

Wine Affairs 1435 The Alameda, San Jose

Joseph George 1559 Meridian Ave., San Jose

The Wine Club 1200 Coleman Ave., San Jose

Best Hair Salon

Limon Salon 3410 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose

Bigsby House 1070 Park Ave., San Jose

Sailors and Saints 1749 Park Ave., San Jose

Best Furniture Store

Scandinavian Designs 1115 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose

Pueblo Viejo Imports 1076 Park Ave., San Jose

What a Room! 115 Murphy Ave., Unit C, San Jose