Best Supermarket

Cosentino’s Markets
2666 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.377.6661. “The place to break a food budget unless discipline and restraint are exercised.” (1986) Other past wins: Best Independent Grocer

Best Jazz/Blues Club

JJ’s Blues
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.243.6441. “The kind of club you wouldn’t take your mom to, unless your mom was Etta James.” (2009) Other past wins: Best R&B and Blues Club, Best Bar for Live Music

Best Scotch Selection

CB Hannegan’s
208 Bachman Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.1233. “A remarkable collection of 83 outstandingly diverse single-malt Scotch whiskies (representing 59 different distilleries).” (1989) Other past wins: Best Neighborhood Bar

Best Hotel

Fairmont Hotel
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900. “The high life in the South Bay.” (1990) Other past wins: Best Hotel, Best Brunch, Best Hotel Powder Room, Best Late-Night Sugar Fix, Best Place for an Illicit Tryst

Best Kamikaze

The Black Watch
141 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.2200. “They may not have invented the Kamikaze, but they sure perfected it.” (1986) Other past wins: Best Dive Bar, Metro’s 1999 Hall of Fame, Best Bar—West Valley, Best Shots

Best Coffee Beans

Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Co.
101 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.3263. “Look for the exotic rare blends as well, including the legendary Jamaican Blue Mountain, the Rolls Royce of javas.” (1987) Other past wins: Best Coffee, Best Coffee Bar, Best Yupscale Coffeehouse, Best Coffeehouse Ambience, Best Local Coffeehouse

Best Used Paperback Bookstore

Recycle Bookstore
275 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.370.3514; 1066 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.286.6275. “A comfortably shabby store in a seedy downtown neighborhood, staffed by comfortably shabby, friendly clerks.” (1989) Other past wins: Best Used-Book Store, Best Store for Used Books, Best Bookstore—Used, Best Local Bookstore

Best Car Wash

Lozano Brushless
2690 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, 650.941.0590; 610 Grape Ave., Sunnyvale, 408.245.7737. “Signs at the wash use words like ‘massaged’ and ‘ultra modern,’ and we like the functional perforated I-beam authentic 1950s motif.” (1986)

Best Used Record Store

Streetlight Records
980 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.292.1404. “The nondescript storefront appearance doesn’t prepare the casual shopper for what awaits inside: record heaven.” (1989) Other past wins: Best Place to Rock and Shop, Best Independent CD Store, Best Used CDs and Records, Best Place to Buy Vinyl, Best Place for a Soundtrack, Metro’s 1999 Hall of Fame

Best Oyster Bar

Steamer’s Grillhouse
31 University Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.2722. “The oysters at Steamer’s are served up fresh, or they aren’t served at all.” (1987) Other past wins: Best Fish House, Best Margarita

Best Local Made Beer- Amber Ale

Tied House Cafe and Brewery
954 Villa St., Mountain View; 650.965.2739. “This ale hits an spot with a crisp, zingy finish.” (1989) Other past wins: Best Micro-brewery, Best Place to Pick Up an Engineer, Best Beer on Tap, Best Beer Selection

Best Computer Store

Fry’s Electronics
Multiple locations. “Among the glut of computer and electronic gizmos, the store also sells fuel for computer nerds and hackers: magazines, sodas, cookies.” (1990) Other past wins: Place to Buy a Computer

Best Use of a Banana

Falafel’s Drive In
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.294.7886. “Smoothie joints may be all the rage, but for over 30 years fans have flocked to this unassuming roadside drive-in for delicious Middle Eastern and American specialties, salty fries and his timeless banana shakes.” (1998) Other past wins: Best Falafel, Best Middle Eastern, Best Takeout/Quick Grab, Best Perennial ‘Best Of’ Falafel Winner, Best Place to Eat Up When Stocks Drop, Best Vegetarian Overall

Best Mom ‘n’ Pop Italian Deli

Paradiso Delicatessen
791 Auzerais Ave., San Jose; 408.295.6459. “Sweet grandmotherly ladies serve up steaming trays of ravioli, quiche, lasagna, sausages, spaghetti and meatballs, sandwiches on Italian bread.” (1988)

Best-Tasting Time Warp

Peninsula Fountain & Grill
566 Emerson Ave., Palo Alto; 650.323.3131. “Where the clock stopped somewhere in the early ’50s.” (1999) Other past wins: Best Lunch Counter, Best Old-Fashioned Milk Shake

Best Handmade Burritos

Guadalajara Market No.2
452 E. Empire St., San Jose; 408.294.0545. “Inexpensive, portable and delicioso.” (1986)

Best Gallery for Weird Art

WORKS/San Jose
451 S. First St., San Jose; 408.286.6800. “Most galleries have art work just framed and on the wall. WORKS will have things coming out of the wall, out of the floor, out of the ceiling.” (1986) Other past wins: Best Place to Crash a Wedding Reception and Never Know It

Best Name for a Downtown Store

Hammer & Lewis Fashions
19 S. First St., San Jose, 408.295.5808; 1040 S. White Road, San Jose, 408.259.7656. “The store has been around since 1921, long before Susan Hammer and Shirley Lewis decided to run against each other for mayor of San Jose.” (1990) Other past wins: Best Bolo Ties

Best Sports Shop

Charlie Rose Baseball
161 Curtner Ave., Campbell; 408.559.7673. “Owner Charlie Rose says, ‘We have people that stop in to browse from all over. They just can’t believe that one store can have so much variety in any one item.'” (1987) (Note: Charlie Rose passed away in 1988, and Pat McCann purchased the shop from Rose’s family.)

Best Fish Market

Race Street Fish and Poultry
253 Race St., San Jose; 408.294.4857. “If caught this morning, it’s at Race Street today.” (1986) Other past wins: Best Seafood, Best Place to Flex Your Mussels

Best Tacos

Tacos Al Pastor
400 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 408.275.1619; 1629 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 408.265.1198; 6469 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408.997.3548, “Word is spreading about this unpretentious, reasonably priced Mexican kitchen.” (1987) Other past wins: Best Place to “Q” Up for Barbecue

Best Newsstand

Mac’s Smoke Shop
534 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650.323.3724. “Besides being the ‘Headquarters for Imported and Domestic Cigars and Pipes,’ Mac’s is also a great local newsstand.” (1987)

Best Dry Cleaner

Diamond Laundry and Cleaners
398 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.295.3223. “This establishment has been operated by the same owner for more than a half-century and prides itself in offering customers old-fashioned service.” (1988) Other past wins: Best Old-Fashioned Dry Cleaner

Best Vietnamese Market

Dai-Thanh Market
420 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.287.3744. “The store is always full of locals pinching and squeezing the fruits and vegetables in the large produce section.” (1989)

Best Place to Eat Ostrich in Style

California Cafe
Multiple locations. “Amazing grilled ostrich.” (2000) Other past wins: Best California Cuisine, Best Regional Restaurant

Best Budget Gourmet Selection

Trader Joe’s
Multiple locations. “After 35 years in Southern California, the Trader Joe’s phenomenon has finally expanded into our neck of the woods.” (1990) Other past wins: Best Place to Buy Organic Groceries, Best Thing to Happen to Downtown, Ever, Metro’s 1994 Lifetime Achievement Award

Best Chocolate Shop

Schurra’s
840 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.289.1562. “A wide variety of candy molds and exquisite craftsmanship.” (1990)

Best Omelets

Hobee’s
Multiple locations. “Just seven varieties are listed on the menu, but Hobee’s captured your omelet-loving hearts by using only fresh ingredients.” (1990) Other past wins: Best Breakfast, Best Brunch Spot, Best Place to Catch Venture Capitalists Sunny Side Up

Best Local Jazz Group

Spang-a-Lang
“The band’s fine musicianship and funky rhythms satisfy both jazz aficionados and dancing fools; the happy crowds make nightclub owners ecstatic.” (1990)

Best Beachwear/Swimwear Shop

Ujena Swimwear
1931-A Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View; 800.448.5362 “Suede bathing suits, screaming neon bikinis, matching suit-dress-pantsets.” (1990) Other past wins: Best Party in Mexico (by a Mountain View Company)

Best Margarita

Pedro’s
316 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.7570 “Other versions exist, but these are worth fighting the parking situation in Los Gatos for.” (2005) Other past wins: Best Mexican Food, Best Happy Hour

Best Old-School Omelet House

Bill of Fare
1005 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.446.4050. A throwback to 1960s roadside architecture, with a high red roof and checkered wallpaper, let’s just say customers don’t come here for inspired design. Bill of Fare’s Midwestern charm is appealing, and the omelets are quite good, which keeps its salmon-colored Formica tables filled with breakfast lovers.

Best Way to Avoid a DMV Line

CMV & Associates
456 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.275.9549. Why wait in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew your registration? These guys will wait in line for you and bring back the paperwork.

Best Electronic Wine List

The Plumed Horse
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.4711. Having the coolest see-through cracked-glass-floored wine room at a restaurant that garnered a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence when its inventory clocked in with 1,800 labels just wasn’t enough. Restaurateur Josh Weeks has taken transparency to a new level, presenting oenophiles with an iPad to page through his entire collection. Shortly, he promises, the winepad app will be downloadable for mobile users to browse in the privacy of their own cellars.

Best Collaboration

San Jose Taiko and the Bangerz
SoFA District, San Jose. The odd marriage of electronic hip-hop and traditional drumming on an outdoor stage could have gone wrong any number of ways. But the June 4 performance at the SubZERO festival was a masterful stroke of Silicon Valley innovation and the kind of ethnic boundary-hopping that defines authentic San Jose culture.

Best Place to Buy the Sunglasses the Movie Stars Wear

Optical Illusions
378 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.261.1010. Let’s say you just have to have the lime-green tortoise-shell Chrome Hearts sunglasses that Paris Hilton was photographed in, or the rimless Oliver Peoples aviator that Angelina Jolie sports. Pretty much your best bet is Optical Illusions over at Santana Row, which has the added benefit of being a high tech optician as well.

Best Place to Buy Sporty Sunglasses

Mel Cotton’s
1266 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.5994. For popular brands like Spy, Maui Jim, Oakley and Ray Ban, homegrown sporting goods retailer Mel Cotton’s is our top choice.

Best Dressed DJ Party

Donovan’s ‘Silicon Valley Sophistication’
Donovansf.com. Dress codes have never been popular in Santa Clara Valley, an area where farmers and engineers commanded much of the disposable income. Even the members-only Capital Club enforces its no-jeans policy only in its main dining room. Donovan’s “Sophistication” has raised the bar, fading the proud owners of $400 jeans to keep his champagne-sipping house music crowd properly attired.

Best Undressed DJ Party

Detox Sundays
1355 N. Fourth St., San Jose. Tattoos, high heels, bikinis, sunglasses and a beach ball define the look at San Jose’s homegrown pool party at the Doubletree Hotel.

Best New Chocolatier

Monique’s Chocolate
539 Bryant St., Palo Alto; 650.323.9669. In 2010 everything is sourced right up the food chain, and Monique’s provides a pedigree to each of its elegantly decorated chocolate creations. Dark, earthy cocoa bean flavors from Madagascar and other exotic locations are what customers can expect here, including many single source and dairy-free varieties.

Best Hard Disk Recovery

The Data Rescue Center
307 Ray St., Pleasanton; 877.501.4949. Data recovery services are like mortuaries: places that profit from your misery. They range from expensive established firms to brokers with phone rooms who ship your treasured data to who-knows-where. Luckily, we found one place that does its own work, fast and competently, and doesn’t gouge its customers in a time of crisis. In fact they successfully recovered files we needed for this issue, on deadline, for which we’re grateful.

Best Salad

Manresa Restaurant
320 Village Lane, Los Gatos; 408.354.4330. It’s a rare meal when the salad is the most memorable course, but then again David Kinch is no ordinary chef. A sumptuous mix of flowers and flavors from Manresa’s captive vegetable hatchery, ornamented with a splash of “edible dirt” (actually burnt nuts and chicory pulverized to look like schmutz), Kinch produces a salad course that has East Coast food writers begging their editors for a plane ticket to California. Thankfully, it’s bicycling distance from most parts of the valley.

Best Way to Get Fired

Clay Planet
1775 Russell Ave., Santa Clara; 408.295.3352. Our eyes glaze over just thinking of the possibilities. Pretty much anything that can be done with ceramics can be sourced here. Make your own dinnerware, vases, house numbers, tiles, whatever… and we’re not talking about some storefront social club for the craft crowd. Clay Planet carries a ridiculous variety of bulk-bagged clays, glazes, kilns, wheels and tools and offers authoritative advice on any related subject. Pretty much, for those serious about fired clay, Clay Planet is the only game in town.

Best Paint Store

South Bay Paints
1749 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.286.3986. Since the demise of our prior favorite, we’ve gotten to know South Bay Paints. A much more serious operation than the boutique independents that have fallen victim to big box store paint departments, South Bay Paints doesn’t coddle residential customers looking for the proper shade to paint the new baby’s room while ladder-topped paint vans are fighting for parking spots. On a competence scale, its capabilities are unrivaled. Its knowledge, skill and inventory makes South Bay Paints the real deal.

Best Place to Resuscitate a Middle Eastern Rug

Martinous Professional Rug Cleaning
25 Union St., San Jose; 408.294.6644. That Pakistani rug in your living room is dirty. You overpaid for it years ago, and carpet shampooing machines are a risky proposition. Luckily there’s a place just south of downtown San Jose that hand scrubs and sun-dries precious silk and wool handwoven treasures. The fancy rug showrooms offer the same service too, though they just ship their rugs to Martinous and mark up the price. For a Middle East price and excellent service, go direct.

Best Indian Restaurant

Amber India
2290 El Camino Real #9, Mountain View, 650.968.7511; 600 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, 650.968.1751; 377 Santana Row #1140, San Jose; 408.248.5400. Amber India pretty much owns the Indian fine dining category in Silicon Valley. This area is awash in Indian restaurants, many of them are quite good, but Amber’s combination of white tablecloth elegance, swanky cocktails and first-rate regional and contemporary Indian food has made its restaurants in Mountain View and San Jose must-eats in Silicon Valley.

2. Tandoori Oven
Multiple locations

3. Royal Taj
1350 Camden Ave., Campbell; 408.559.6801

Best New Restaurant

Sonoma Chicken
1735 E. Capitol Expwy., San Jose; 408.223.2345
In fewer than 10 years, Sonoma Chicken Coop took over the South Bay with a total of six locations across San Jose and Campbell, and plans for the franchise to open outposts on the East Coast are also under way. This seemingly effortless speed of growth has been made possible by the chain’s popularity among those looking to get homey meals at near fast-food prices. Sonoma Chicken (which has since dropped the “Coop” from its name) opened its latest location in April on Capitol Expressway, much to the joy of locals, who voted the eatery as this year’s best new restaurant.

2. Adamson’s French Dip
806 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale; 408.830.9024

3. Bayonne
399 S. First St., San Jose; 408.287.4085

Best Restaurant (Culinary Excellence)

Le Papillon
410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.296.3730. Located off busy Saratoga Avenue next to a liquor store, the modest-looking Le Papillon gives little indication of the culinary riches found within. But make no mistake. Chef Scott Cooper is creating some of the most exciting food in Silicon Valley.

2. Manresa
320 Village Lane, Los Gatos; 408.354.4330

3. Alexander’s Steakhouse
10330 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.446.2222

Best Chef (Other Than David Kinch)

Scott Cooper, Le Papillon
410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.296.3730. Since Metro readers named Le Papillon their best restaurant, it only makes sense they pick Scott Cooper as best chef. Cooper weaves culinary magic as he draws from French, Japanese and various other world influences.

2. Nick Difu, Nick’s on Main
35 E. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.399.6457

3. Jeffrey Stout, Alexander’s Steakhouse
10330 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.446.2222

Best Tapas/Small Plates

Cascal
400 Castro St., Mountain View; 650.940.9500. A taste of this, a taste of that, and all of those tastes are good? It’s true at Cascal. The Spanish tapas sampler highlights everything Spain boasts of in its cuisine. The array includes eggplant piquillo tapenade, chicken liver mousse, stuffed dates, octopus salad, tuna escabeche and chorizo; and it pretty much takes up the entire table. But don’t neglect to order one of the awesome paellas or ceviches.

2. Consuelo’s Mexican Bistro
337 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.260.7082

3. Picasso’s
62 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.298.4400

Best American Restaurant

Blue Rock BBQ
3001 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.978.2583. On the outskirts of Willow Glen sits a grand central station of meat, each cut beautifully graced with barbecue sauces and marinades. Blue Rock BBQ treats meat right and serves it up with authentically American sides like mac ‘n’ cheese and baked beans. It isn’t all about the heavy hitters; there’s one dinner side salad available for order, too. But appropriately, the main draw for this barbecue institution is meat. Sorry, vegetarians.

2. Los Gatos Brewing Co.
130 N. Santa Cruz Ave. #G, Los Gatos; 408.395.9929

3. Hobee’s
Multiple locations

Best Cajun Restaurant

Poor House Bistro
91 S. Autumn St., San Jose; 408.292.5837. California is about as far from the South as possible in this country, but that doesn’t mean authentic Cajun food is nowhere to be found in the South Bay. Poor House Bistro packs in the flavor in traditional dishes including jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbo and fried oysters. The downtown San Jose restaurant also hosts live music most nights of the week and draws Sharks fans during the hockey season with a wide array of beers direct from New Orleans.

2. NOLA
535 Ramona St., Palo Alto; 650.328.2722

3. Roux
3055 Olin Ave., San Jose; 408.249.8000

Best Seafood Restaurant

Fish Market
1007 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, 408.269.3474; 3775 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.246.3474; 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650.493.8862. At the Fish Market, it’s all about the fish. There are fancier seafood restaurants, but Metro readers know that if you want a wide variety of fresh fish the Fish Market is the place. It’s hard to compete with a seafood restaurant that has its own fleet of fishing vessels.

2. McCormick and Schmick’s
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.283.7200

3. Hawgs Seafood Bar
1700 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.379.9555

Best Chinese Restaurant

Mandarin Gourmet
10145 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408.725.8168; 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650.328.8898; 5560 Santa Teresa Blvd., San Jose, 408.281.8898. Too many Chinese restaurants traffic in the basics, but Mandarin Gourmet is one of the few that rise above the rest. The dishes aren’t dumbed down for American tastes here; they are made with flavors true to Chinese cuisine. Stand-outs include moo shu pork, Peking duck and Mongolian beef.

2. Taiwan Restaurant
1306 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.289.8800

3. Chef Chu’s
1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos; 650.948.2696

Best Japanese Restaurant

Yuki Sushi
1140 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.287.9854; 1827 Pruneridge Ave., Santa Clara, 408.248.9144. Yuki Sushi treats sushi like a thing of beauty, turning ordinary thin-sliced meats, vegetables and rice into culinary works of art that taste just as creative as they look. Plates of colorful makimono-, sashimi- and nigiri-style sushi quickly stream out of the kitchen to eager diners. Among the innovative creations served at Yuki Sushi’s Willow Glen location is the Double Rainbow eight-piece roll (which fully lives up to its name in spectacle as well as in flavor, featuring avocado and kani topped with maguro, hamachi, fresh salmon, ebi, saba and tai).

2. Kazoo
250 Jackson St., San Jose, 408.288.9611; 1165 Lincoln Ave. #110, San Jose, 408.971.7755

3. Kyoto Palace
1875 S. Bascom Ave. #2500, Campbell; 408.377.6456

Best Business Lunch

Blue Rock BBQ
3001 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.978.2583. For those wanting to fill up on just a few bucks but still get quality food and impress a client or co-worker, Blue Rock BBQ comes to the rescue. Meals are served picnic style, and the restaurant is in a small shopping center, so it’s more business casual than fine dining. But if the food is good, who’s going to be talking anyway? Blue Rock BBQ was also voted Best American Restaurant this year.

2. Opa!
27 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.399.7417; 1384 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.998.8704

3. Birk’s
3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara; 408.980.6400

Best Korean Restaurant

Korean Palace
2297 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.947.8600. Banchan (traditional side dishes, including kimchi) are not only plentiful here at Korean Palace, they’re also filling and masterfully executed. It’s like getting a generous helping of goodies before dinner even begins. And the main dishes are just as wonderful, especially the restaurant’s take on kalbi (barbecued short ribs) and jap chae (sweet potato noodles sautéed with vegetables and beef).

2. Palace BBQ Buffet
1092 E. El Camino Real #1, Sunnyvale; 408.554.9292

3. Omogari
154 Jackson St., San Jose; 408.288.8134

Best Dim Sum

Ming’s
1700 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto; 650.857.7700. Consistently praised for its dim sum, Ming’s lives up to the hype. Every dish is made with traditional style in small portions—just enough to get diners hooked but enough variety to avoid boredom with one flavor or texture. Beyond the dim sum, the restaurant’s menu of entrees and sides is extensive. Ming’s also offers an option to order food online for pick-up (or delivery in select areas if spending more than $100).

2. Joy Luck Place
10911 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.255.6988

3. Dynasty
10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino, 408.996.1680; 1001 Story Road, San Jose, 408.286.6668

Best Mexican Restaurant

Tlaquepaque
2222 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.978.3665; 721 Willow St., San Jose, 408.287.9777; 699 Curtner Ave., San Jose; 408.448.1230. Sure the food is good, but the chavelas (beer, lime and salt plus a shot of tequila if you order the super chavela) are amazing—beer on flavor steroids. But back to the food: the chile rellenos are huge, spicy and appropriately stuffed, the camarones a la diabla (“devil’s shrimp”) lives up to its name in spiciness alone (making the chavelas a necessity), and of course there are superb burritos of all kinds. There may be a wait on most nights, but it’s well worth it.

2. El Burro
1875 S. Bascom Ave. #570, Campbell; 408.371.5800

3. Aqui
Multiple locations

Best Ethiopian Restaurant

Zeni
1320 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.615.8282. In an area with several good Ethiopian restaurants, Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant, named after co-owner and chef Zeni Gebremariam, gets the nod from Metro readers for best in show. Aside from the fine food, part of the pleasure of eating here is the bonhomie that pervades the mealtime experience. The exotic menu includes euphonious specialties like ye-timatim fitfit (a vegetable blend) and gomen besiga (lamb with collard greens and herbed butter).

2. Gojo
1261 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.295.9546

3. Cafe Rehoboth
655 N. Sixth St., San Jose; 408.947.1717

Best Cuban Restaurant

La Habana Cuba
238 Race St., San Jose; 408.998.2822
While Cuba is known for cigars, bearded revolutionaries and ham-and-cheese sandwiches, the cuisine of the island nation is more closely related to the foods of Spain and the Caribbean isles. Black beans and fluffy rice are staple items that ably accompany La Habana Cuba’s stewed meat dishes, most notably lechon (chunks of slow-roasted pork) and vaca frita (lemon-garlic beef with perfectly crispy edges). Fried plantains make for a sweet way to end the meal.

2. Los Cubanos
22 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.279.0134

3. Azucar
71 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.293.8482

Best French Restaurant

Le Papillon
238 Race St., San Jose; 408.998.2822
410 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.296.3730. This is a fine-dining establishment, and that’s more than evident upon entering. If the ambience isn’t enough, the food is far more than fine, it’s exquisite. Combinations such as pan-roasted beef tenderloin with maitake mushrooms, potato gratin and bone marrow and pinot noir-braised duck breast with sour cherry, green peppercorn gastrique and black forbidden rice are beautifully presented and superbly executed. Don’t miss out on the Grand Marnier soufflé with fresh berries, which is a delectably sweet treat.

2. La Fondue
14550 Big Basin Way #3, Saratoga; 408.867.3332

3. Left Bank
377 Santana Row #1100, San Jose; 408.984.3500

Best Steakhouse

Alexander’s Steakhouse
10330 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.446.2222. Silicon Valley boasts more than its share of steakhouses, but it’s clear why Metro readers picked Alexander’s as their favorite house of beef. Alexander’s is a carnivore’s heaven. Choose from true Kobe beef, grass-fed beef and Angus beef with side dishes and a wine list that would make Larry Ellison blush.

2. Morton’s the Steakhouse
177 Park Ave., San Jose; 408.947.7000

3. Forbes Mill Steakhouse
206 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.6434

Best Italian Fine Dining

Il Postale
127 W. Washington Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.733.9600. Diners appreciate Il Postale for its beautiful antipasto appetizers, flavorful risotto, braised lamb shank and veal Casablanca. Oh, there’s pasta: rigatoni, gnocchi, penne, ravioli—the whole nine yards. But it’s pasta treated with loving care. Pizzas (with a choice of toppings) and calzones are available as well. To match the quality of the food, Il Postale also serves up a cozy atmosphere with attentive waitstaff.

2. Aldo’s Ristorante
14109 Winchester Blvd., Los Gatos; 408.374.1808

3. Paolo’s
333 W. San Carlos St. #150, San Jose; 408.294.2558

Best Moderately Priced Italian Food

Original Joe’s
301 S. First St., San Jose; 408.292.7030. Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere. It’s kind of like location, location, location, but both go hand-in-hand in the restaurant world. While Original Joe’s is centrally located in downtown San Jose, inside it feels more like a set from a movie about 1940s New York. The restaurant is open late (until 1am seven days a week), so one can grab a drink at the long bar surrounding the kitchen and imagine deals going down in the corner booths, or fill up on OJ’s larger-than-life portions and then go dance it off at one of downtown’s nearby night clubs.

2. Giorgio’s
643 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, 408.942.1292; 1445 Foxworthy Ave., San Jose; 408.264.5781

3. Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too
939 W. El Camino Real, Mountain View, 650.967.5384; 5245 Prospect Road, San Jose, 408.446.9644

Best Mediterranean

Opa!
27 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.399.7417; 1384 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.998.8704. Metro readers picked Opa! for best Greek restaurant so why not best Mediterranean restaurant, too?

2. DishDash
190 S. Murphy St., Sunnyvale; 408.774.1889

3. Dio Deka
210 E. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.7700

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Falafel’s Drive-in
2301 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.294.7886. There’s a reason Falafel’s Drive-in has been winning awards in the annual Best of Silicon Valley for nearly 25 years: consistently delicious and honest Middle Eastern fare. As the restaurant’s namesake, falafels are the main draw for visitors from near and far (Guy Fieri even visited with the crew of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives). Although Falafel’s focuses on Middle Eastern cuisine, it doesn’t ignore the drive-in aspect of its name, serving hamburgers, corn dogs, fries and onion rings, which were the original staples of the restaurant when it opened in the late ’60s.

2. DishDash
190 S. Murphy St., Sunnyvale; 408.774.1889

3. Kabul
833 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale; 408.245.4350

Best Greek Restaurant

Opa!
27 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.399.7417; 1384 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.998.8704. Opa! smoked the competition with its affordable and generally delicious Greek-American food in a modern, urbane setting. With stylish décor, a cozy dining room and a friendly neighborhood vibe, the restaurant occupies the sweet spot between fast food and fine dining, the kind of place that’s nice enough for a night out, but cheap enough that it doesn’t feel like a splurge.

2. Yiassoo
2180 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408.559.0312; 10660 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408.253.5544

3. Evvia
420 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650.326.0983

Best Thai Restaurant

Krungthai
640 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, 408.260.8224; 580 N. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, 408.248.3435. Satay, pad thai, tom yum soup, red, green and yellow curries, pad see ew, mango and sticky rice—Krungthai brings it all to the table. The restaurant established itself in 1988 on South Winchester Boulevard near 280; in recent years, Krungthai has expanded into a second location on North Winchester Boulevard. Diners consistently vote Krungthai as the best of the best not only because of great standards but because of lesser-known dishes, including gum poo prik pao (crab in the shell) and kang sop (a bowl of Napa cabbage, shrimp, cauliflower and tamarind sauce in a broth perked up with a little chile pepper).

2. House of Siam
151 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.295.3397

3. Thai Pepper
2000 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408.369.9399; 1045 Monroe St., Santa Clara, 408.984.1931; 103 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.739.7717

Best Malaysian Restaurant

Banana Leaf
182 Ranch Dr., Milpitas; 408.719.9811. Malaysian food takes from other nearby countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, and adds a slightly tropical twist. Banana Leaf embraces the tropical in dishes like pineapple fried rice, coconut rice and mango chicken, but also serves traditional fare such as tom yum (hot and sour soup) and roti prata (an Indian-style bread with curry sauce). Authentic, quality food is what keeps readers coming back for more, and this outpouring of support helps keep Banana Leaf packed, even on the restaurateurs’ dreaded Monday night.

2. E&O Trading Company
96 S. First St., San Jose; 408.938.4100

3. Layang Layang
181 W. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, 408.263.6788; 1480 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose, 408.777.8897

Best Pho

Pho 54
127 Dixon Road, Milpitas, 408.945.1954; 2874 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose, 408.729.6633. Pho 54 is not the place for the slightly hungry. Bring an appetite—it will be satisfied. Bowls of steaming pho can be served with any number of fillings. In the mood for chicken gizzards and other innards or a standard beef bowl? A basic noodle soup or the works? No matter what you put in the bowl, the base broth is a savory masterpiece. Just remember to bring cash because it’s the only form of currency the restaurant accepts.

2. Pho Hoa
Multiple locations

3. Pho Y #1
1660 E. Capitol Expwy., San Jose, 408.274.1769; 2050 Concourse Dr., San Jose. 408.526.0880

Best Taqueria

La Victoria
140 E. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408.298.5335; 5015 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408.978.7666; 131 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408.993.8230. Mention La Vic’s, and the immediate response from pretty much anyone in Silicon Valley is something comparing the restaurant’s famed orange sauce to the best sex they’ve ever had. Anyone who claims never to have never eaten here should be prepared for a tirade about how it’s a sin to live in the valley and never experience what it’s like to dance on the edge of a rainbow, to tickle the nose of a unicorn or to be enveloped in a sea of butterfly tears—all because of a burrito.

2. Super Taqueria
Multiple locations

3.Tlaquepaque
2222 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.978.3665; 721 Willow St., San Jose, 408.287.9777; 699 Curtner Ave., San Jose, 408.448.1230

Best Late Night Eats

Original Joe’s
301 S. First St., San Jose; 408.292.7030. Before the South of Market district was known as SoFA, there was Original Joe’s. Before the Sharks came to town there was Original Joe’s. In all likelihood, before you even existed there was Original Joe’s. The reason this culinary institution of Italian-American food and swagger has lasted so long is that the restaurant offers heaping helping of Italian-American food served with big city style and swagger. And Original Joe’s stays open later than just anyone so you can enjoy it all until the wee hours.

2. La Victoria
140 E. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408.298.5335; 5015 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408.978.7666; 131 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408.993.8230

3. Mini Gourmet
599 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.275.8973

Best Breakfast

Bill’s
1115 Willow St., San Jose; 408.294.1125. If there is one place to go to get the best cure-all, feel-good mega breakfast, it’s Bill’s. Omelettes, benedicts, pancakes, French toast, waffles, small dishes and even a selection of healthy breakfasts makes this a place that anyone who loves a good breakfast will enjoy.

2. Hobee’s
Multiple locations

3. Stacks
139 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.376.3516

Best Barbecue

Armadillo Willy’s
Multiple locations Any restaurant that has a menu item called “The Belly Buster” has got to be the Silicon Valley’s favorite for barbecue. Armadillo Willy’s dishes up Texas barbecue favorites: brisket, ribs and chicken and all the fixin’s.

2. Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W. St. John St., San Jose; 408.295.5414

3. Blue Rock BBQ
3001 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.978.2583

Best Hawaiian

Hukilau
230 Jackson St., San Jose; 408.279.4888 On top of the drink specials and all-week-long entertainment lineup, Hukilau does “island” best with a large menu highlighting Hawaiian favorites like ahi poke, mahi mahi and the best teriyaki, ever. Not to mention the Hawaiian staples of pork, cabbage and Spam, served with eggs, over rice or just by itself.

2. Aloha Kitchen
1041 E. Capitol Expwy., San Jose; 408.360.8899

3. Kona Wave
814 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.293.2600

Best Asian Fusion

E&O Trading Co.
96 S. First St., San Jose; 408.938.4100. The building is from the 1800s, and the dramatic décor is open and spacious with artifacts from Southeast Asia. The menu beckons with an incredible selection of dishes from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The open kitchen is kind of like performance art to go with the ambience and the food.

2. Straits
333 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.246.6320

3. Blowfish Sushi
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.345.3848

Best Asian Vegetarian

Blue Mango
4996 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.248.7191. Tofu never tasted so good. The vegetarian menu at Blue Mango presents five different preparations of tofu. Vegetables, fried rice, noodles and spicy Thai flavors make this the destination for the most flavorful Asian vegetarian meal around.

2. Vegetarian House
520 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.292.3798

3. Good Karma
37 S. First St., San Jose; 408.294.2694

Best Vietnamese

Khanh’s Garden
335 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose; 408.241.4940. How can this local gem that used to be in the old Town and Country go wrong with a “Firepot” on the menu? It just sounds exotic and almost dangerous—but definitely delicious. The spicy and sour shrimp firepot is served with Thai spices, prawn and tamarind.

2. Vung Tau
535 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408.288.9055; 1750 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, 408.934.9327

3. Green Papaya
137 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.9115

Best Indian Vegetarian

Royal Taj
1350 Camden Ave., Campbell; 408.559.6801. Exotically spiced, authentic and moderately priced Indian cuisine is what one would come to expect from the best of Silicon Valley, right? Probably the world’s best curry has its home at Royal Taj. The lamb, chicken and vegetable curries come in varying degrees of spiciness.

2. Chaat Paradise
165 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View; 650.965.1111

3. Junoon
150 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650.329.9644

Best Vegetarian Overall

Good Karma
37 S. First St., San Jose; 408.294.2694. Healthy, inexpensive and great-tasting food is hard to find among the chains of fast food, but Good Karma not only has great food at reasonable prices, it also boasts live entertainment, art installations and four beers on tap as well.

2. Vegetarian House
520 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.292.3798

3. Happy Bamboo
1711 Branham Lane, San Jose; 408.694.0740

Best Restaurant Patio

Aqui, Willow Glen
1145 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.995.0381. On a hot day, few pleasures rival a margarita and some people watching on the patio at Aqui’s. The beautiful people abound, and sometimes one can catch a glimpse of a San Jose Shark. The food lives up to the atmosphere.

2. Britannia Arms Downtown
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400

3. Wine Cellar
50 University Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.4808

Best Local CoffeeHouse/Coffee Cart

Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company
101 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.3263. There are always people at the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, which should be proof enough of its winning status. The staff is extremely friendly; the coffee is excellent and roasted on-site daily. Added benefits include free WiFi and ample seating.

2. Willow Glen Coffee Roasting
1383 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.297.9077

3. Barefoot Coffee Roasters
5237 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.248.4500

Best Bakery

Icing on the Cake
50 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.2464. It’s almost like walking into a bake shop from the past. This small but cute and friendly place serves up the best cupcakes, cakes and cookies around. The enticing smell of chocolate, sugar and spices greets shoppers as soon as they walk in the door. The all-butter, no-nonsense bakery uses the best quality products.

2. Dick’s Bakery
1593 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.269.5212

3. Peters’ Bakery
3108 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose; 408.258.3529

Best Desserts

Icing on the Cake
50 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.2464. Cheesecakes, brownies and bars, pies, bread pudding, confections and crème brûlée. Icing on the Cake is not only the best bakery, they have the best desserts too. The one stop you need to make to satisfy each sweet tooth! With the holidays coming up, the favorite pumpkin crème brûlée is definitely not one to miss.

2. Psycho Donuts
2006 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell, 408.378.4540; 288 S. Second St., San Jose, 408.378.4540

3. The Prolific Oven
550 Waverley St., Palo Alto, 650.326.8485; 3938 Rivermark Plaza, Santa Clara, 408.986.8388

Best Donuts

Psycho Donuts
2006 Winchester Blvd., Campbell, 408.378.4540; 288 S. Second St., San Jose, 408.378.4540. Sometimes Silicon Valley’s most brilliant minds come up with a new way of interfacing with technology. Sometimes they come up with a new way of interfacing with donuts. The former might change the world, but the latter tastes so delicious. Psycho Donuts is the brainchild of two techies who, like any Silicon Valley geniuses, saw a need and filled it. Mostly with cream or raspberry filling. The horror-themed PD has taken the valley by storm, and though it might seem gimmicky to the uninitiated, the truth is the wacky toppings (cereal, Butterfinger, green tea frosting, etc.) will change the way you think about donuts. Not only that, but the Apricotology fritter remains the best donut we’ve ever tasted.

2. Stan’s Donut Shop
2628 Homestead Road, Santa Clara; 408.296.5982

3. Manley’s
Multiple locations

Best Pizza – Regional Chain

Pizza My Heart
Multiple locations. From San Jose and Mountain View to Los Gatos, Palo Alto and pretty much all over the Silicon Valley, Pizza My Heart is in the heart of all pizza lovers. True pride is taken in making the best, freshest and tastiest pizza in each of their locations. Pizza My Heart hosts local events, gives love to the surf culture in décor in each location and has a cult following.

2. Willow Street Pizza
20 S. Santa Cruz Ave. #218, Los Gatos, 408.354.5566; 1554 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408.871.0400; 1072 Willow St., San Jose, 408.971.7080

3. Amici’s
10310 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408.252.3333; 790 Castro St., Mountain View, 650.961.6666; 225 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408.289.9000

Best Pizza-Independent

A Slice of New York
3443 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose; 408.247.5423. A Slice of New York is a little hard to locate, but it’s worth the effort to locate, because it serves the best New York-style pizza anywhere outside of the Big Apple itself. A crispy crust and savory sauce makes this place a favorite, not to mention the flavorful garlic knots that make this more of a “second date” place.

2. Jake’s
1074 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.287.7960; 12175 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, 408.257.5858; 174 E. Fremont Ave., Sunnyvale, 408.720.8884

3. High Five Pizza
171 Branham Lane, San Jose, 408.629.6800; 800 Embedded Way, San Jose, 408.365.5500

Best Local Burger Place

Kirk’s
2388 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408.371.3565; 75 Town & Country, Palo Alto, 650.326.6159; 2605 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, 408.241.5475. Loyal South Bay customers can remember their first Kirk’s Steakburger. Kirk’s has been around since the 1940s serving superior burgers cooked over charcoal. Add franks, sandwiches, salads and shakes, and no hunger goes unsated.

2. Mojo Burger
Multiple locations

3. Peggy Sue’s
185 Park Ave., San Jose, 408.294.0252; 29 N. San Pedro St., San Jose, 408.298.6750

Best Ice Cream/Gelato

Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt Co.
267 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.370.3272; 1104 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.292.5961. Delicious, creamy, low fat and just as refreshing as ice cream on a hot summer day is the frozen yogurt at Willow Glen Frozen Yogurt Co. This small shop on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Willow Street is plain and simple, but it serves the best froyo around. It also sells Treat Ice Cream, another beloved San Jose company.

2. Dolce Spazio
221 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.395.1335

3. Gelato Classico
191 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.370.9020; 241 Castro St., Mountain View, 650.969.2900; 435 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650.327.1317

Best Burrito

La Victoria
5015 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408.978.7666; 140 E. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408.298.5335; 131 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408.993.8230. There probably isn’t a more coveted San Jose staple than La Vic’s Orange Sauce. Orange sauce just seems to make the world a better place; especially when it is covering a burrito, late at night after studying for finals at San Jose State.

2. Super Taqueria
Multiple locations

3. Burrito Factory
Multiple locations

Best Sushi

Kazoo
250 E. Jackson St., San Jose; 408.288.9611. Silicon Valley sushi restaurants abound, but our readers deem Kazoo the ichiban. Fresh fish, cool vibes and chefs whose skills are as sharp as their knives keep this San Jose spot on top.

2. Yuki Sushi
1827 Pruneridge Ave., Santa Clara, 408.248.9144; 1140 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.287.8854

3. Blowfish Sushi
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.345.3848

Best Deli/Sandwich Shop

Erik’s Deli
Multiple locations. Erik Johnson founded Erik’s DeliCafe up in Scotts Valley in 1973, when the food he sold—big, fresh sandwiches, home-made quality rustic soups and chunky green salads—was part of a cultural revolution. Since that time, California cuisine has evolved, but Erik’s still specializes in this simple fare. And it works: the franchise now includes more than two dozen locations throughout the Bay Area.

2. Zanotto’s
1970 Naglee Ave., San Jose, 408.294.9151; 1421 Foxworthy Ave., San Jose; 38 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.977.1333

3. La Villa Company
1319 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.295.7851

Best Microbrewery Food

Gordon Biersch
33 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.294.6785. The famous Signature Garlic Fries are now as essential to the appeal of AT&T Park as the view and a Lincecum strike-out, but they are better enjoyed in the fine old courtyard of this downtown San Jose landmark with one of the six beers (one of them seasonal) poured here. Appetizers like Kobe Sliders and Southwestern egg rolls lead up to the menu’s big guns, like the rib-eye steak dripping with Gorgonzola butter or the terrific crab cakes.

2. Rock Bottom Brewery
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell; 408.377.0707

3. Los Gatos Brewing Company
130-G N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.9929

Best Dining Value

Sonoma Chicken Coop
Multiple locations. We can see that our readers have taken notice of the bargains available at the Coop. Meals top out at $15 a plate, but most fall beneath $10, and all are made with quality ingredients and never meant to leave diners wanting (except maybe for some dessert, like the classic Chocolate Hockey Puck). With these kinds of values, it’s no wonder SCC won this year for Best Family Restaurant and also for Best New Restaurant for its recently opened San Jose location on Capitol Expressway.

2. Aqui
Multiple locations

3. Willow Street Pizza
1072 Willow St., San Jose, 408.971.7080; 1554 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408.871.0400; 20 S. Santa Cruz Ave. #218, Los Gatos, 408.354.5566

Best Caterer

Parsley Sage Rosemary & Thyme
795 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.798.8388. Parsley, Sage Rosemary and Thyme is more than a line from a Simon and Garfunkel song, it’s Metro readers’ favorite caterer. And for good reason. Blending great food with a healthy attitude of fun, the San Jose company boasts clients such as Lockheed Martin, Cirque de Soleil and the Marcus & Millichap Company.

2. A Catered Affair
3255 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.727.6480

3. Purple Onion
26 E. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.335.0067

Best Practitioner of
Molecular Gastronomy

Baume’s Bruno Chemel
320 Village Lane, Los Gatos; 408.354.4330. We all know Los Gatos’ Manresa as 201 S. California Ave., Palo Alto; 650.328.8899. Lots of chefs dabble in the chemistry-meets-cooking school of the culinary arts, but chef/wizard Bruno Chemel has embraced the modern, inventive brand of cooking like no one else in Silicon Valley. And the results are delicious. Better living through chemistry, indeed.

Best Taco Truck

Puerto Escondido
397 Keyes St. (in California Carwash parking lot), San Jose. There are lots of taco trucks around Silicon Valley, but this shiny lunch wagon gets my vote for best taco truck because of its Puebla specialties, comitias de poplin (a refined version of a torte) and multitask, a wheat tortilla quesadilla with added meats and grilled onions.

Best Ramen

Santouka, Ramen Halu and Kahoo
675 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408.446.1101; 375 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408.246.3933; 4330 Moorpark Ave., San Jose, 408.255.8244. Silicon Valley is awash in delicious bowls of Japanese ramen but three stand above the rest. They get the nod because of the trilogy of greatness: great, porky broth, great, chewy noodles, and a great assortment of toppings. These three restaurants also happen to be within a few blocks of each other.

Best Tequila Bar

Reposado
236 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto: 650.833.3151.
Once you get a taste of the good stuff, you’ll be free of all bad memories of tequila. Palo Alto’s Reposado is a temple of the agave spirit. The bar and lounge pours dozens of premium tequilas for your sipping pleasure. And sip you must. Don’t ask for a lime and salt.

Best Food Court

Grand Century Mall
1111 Story Road, San Jose; 408.295.3175. A taste of real Vietnamese food shouldn’t cost the $1,000 needed for a plane ticket to Ho Chi Minh City. The solution is right at San Jose’s Grand Century Mall. The mall’s food court offers a dozen food stalls that all specialize in dishes from Vietnam.

Best Locally Grown Food

Novakovich Orchards
14251 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga; 408.867.3131. Family owned since 1925, Saratoga’s Novakovich Orchards is a living reminder of what Silicon Valley looked like before computer chips became the biggest cash crop. The orchard produces Blenheim apricots, peaches, Bing cherries and other edibles. Dried fruit, too.

Best Local Beer

Firehouse Grill and Brewery’s Pale Ale
111 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.773.9500. Truth be told, making beer isn’t hard. Barley, hops, water and a recipe is all it takes. But making great beer is another matter. Sunnyvale’s Firehouse Brewing Co. has greatness on tap. Brewmaster Steve Donohue creates a number of delicious brews, but the easy-drinking pale ale gets my vote for best all around beer.

Best Thai Restaurant Beer and Wine List

Tee Nee Thai
1423 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.947.7927. You can count on most Thai restaurants to serve bottles of Singha and perhaps a few bottles of unremarkable and often poorly chosen wine. But San Jose’s Tee Nee Thai defies expectations with its great list of Belgian ales and well-conceived wine list. Chewy, malty Belgian ales are a great match for Thai food as are the restaurant’s eclectic selection of white wines that marry well with the spicy/sweet/sour flavors of Thai food.

Best Culinary Career Launching Pad

Manresa
320 Village Lane, Los Gatos; 408.354.4330. We all know Los Gatos’ Manresa as Silicon Valley’s 800-pound culinary gorilla. But chef David Kinch’s real legacy may be the generation of chefs he has spawned. Former chef de cuisine Jeremy Fox and pastry chef Deanie Fox opened the acclaimed Ubuntu; Jeremy is now chef at Oakland’s highly anticipated Plum. Ex-Manresa chef de cuisine James Syhabout went on to open the superb Commis in Oakland, and now former pastry chef Kendra Baker has opened the super Penny Ice Creamery in Santa Cruz.

Best Croatian Food

Lavanda
185 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650.321.3514. To be honest, the competition for best Croatian food is not particularly fierce. Palo Alto’s Lavanda is one of the few places that serve the little-known cuisine of Croatia. But no matter. The food is still tops. The cuisine straddles East and Western Europe, and Lavanda conducts a delicious tour of the nation’s cuisine.

Best Vietnamese Food That’s not Pho

Banh Xeo Dinh Cong Trang’s banh xeo
1111 Story Road, San Jose; 408.280.1152. Pho gets my vote as San Jose’s most distinctive dish. But to limit yourself to the beef noodle soup would be denying yourself other culinary delights from Vietnam. After you’ve had enough pho, check out a plate of banh xeo at the Banh Xeo Dinh Cong Trang, a restaurant that specializes in the dish. Made with turmeric-seasoned rice flour, the big lacy crepes are filled with shrimp and pork and served with a pile of lettuce leaves and various Southeast Asian herbs. Tear off a bit of the bright yellow crepe and roll it up into a leaf of lettuce. Sprinkle in some herbs and dunk into the accompanying dipping sauce. So good.

Best Place to Appreciate Mexican Food Beyond the Burrito

Casa de Cobre
14560 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.1639. If so required, I could live on tacos and burritos forever. But then I would be missing a world of Mexican food that goes well beyond the rather limited menu of dishes were get north of the border. Saratoga’s Casa de Cobra is doing its part to showcase regional Mexican food, the kind a Mexican would recognize as the food of home. The restaurant specializes in the cuisine of interior Michoacán, a state in central west Mexico. The roasted goat, grilled chicken and the excellent chile rellenos are recommended.

Best Deli Meats

Lunardi’s
720 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos 408.358.1731; 4650 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 408.265.9101. Lunardi’s deli has it all: French ham, Lebanese bologna, Braunschweiger, Emmenthaler, smoked Gouda, pepper turkey and a half-dozen salamis and prosciuttos, all by high-quality brands like Saag, Boar’s Head and Columbus. Order it on a sandwich to wolf down on the spot or shop for the week and take your treasures home in neatly folded little packages, East Coast-style. It’ll make bringing your lunch fun again.

Best Way To Beat The Breakfast Crowd

Los Gatos Cafe Uptown
15662 Los Gatos Blvd., Los Gatos; 408.356.0600. While the hung-over masses are huddled outside Southern Kitchen or Los Gatos Café’s ever-mobbed downtown location each weekend morning, Los Gatans in the know hightail it over to the Eastside and the Los Gatos Cafe Uptown, where the parking is plentiful and gratification almost immediate. Same great omelettes, same great French toast, none of the wait.

Best Red Velvet Cupcakes

PennyCakes
1280 First St. #F, Gilroy; 408.846.0613. What makes a kick-ass red velvet cupcake? It has to be rich, tender and moist, with a strong presence of cocoa flavor and just the right amount of creamy icing dolloped on top. Most importantly: the cake itself has to be a vibrant, eye-catching, dramatically deep red. Not one of those dark brown or fire-engine red versions that many bakeries try to pass off. PennyCakes in Gilroy bakes the best red velvet cupcakes on the trendy and increasingly overcrowded cupcakery market. Their red velvet is all good. It’s their Thursday special.

Best Bacon Hot Dogs

Bill’s Beer Steamed Hot Dogs
Market and Santa Clara streets, San Jose; 408.202.5410. Ah, there are few things in life truly better than bacon. Undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy the crispy-fried and crunchy, or thick and juicy-greasy bits of a boar’s backside are Bill’s Beer Steamed Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs, sold off a cart on the streets of downtown San Jose.

Best Stromboli

Tony Di Maggio’s Pizza
3852 Monterey Hwy., San Jose; 408.629.7775. On the East Coast stromboli is as common as pizza—a giant, greasy ball of Italian cheeses, sausage, sauce and salami, wrapped in dough and then baked to a golden goodness. It’s like the Devil’s Hot Pocket, sure to bring happy diners one step closer to a triple coronary. Tony Di Maggio’s Pizza, with locations in San Jose and Campbell, makes a damn good one.

Best Place to Build Your Own Bison Burger

Slider’s Burgers
1645 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.298.4340. The best thing about the bison burgers at Slider’s is—well, everything. They use quality buffalo meat (a tasty, less fatty alternative to beef, though they have that too) and flame-grill it to one’s liking on an unusual indoor slanted grill. Once the burger’s done browning, they flop the sizzling meat onto a freshly toasted bun, don it with cheese and hand it to the customer to pick the toppings. And it’s their fully loaded burger condiment bar that really makes it. Pineapple, whole olives and sprouts? OK.

Best Mint Mojito Iced Coffee

Philz Coffee
118 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose; 408.971.4212. Philz’ Mint Mojito is creamy java goodness crushed with ice and fresh mint leaves and mixed with indulgent dairy products. This cool, refreshing caffeine cocktail is best consumed sitting at a cafe table outside this hipster hangout on a sunny, hot afternoon, while listening to one of Philz’ many musician patrons.

Best Use of Headcheese

Quickly
Various locations. Quickly, the global Vietnamese chain, is known mostly for its tapioca bubble tea, but its Vietnamese sandwiches are at least as interesting. “The Combination” features ham, paté and fatty, chewy headcheese, made palatable with the addition of pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro and hot chili peppers. That’s right: headcheese.

Best Bizarre Japanese / Italian Fusion Dish

Teppan Neapolitan Spaghetti
Curry House, 10350 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino; 408.517.1440. The idea of Japanese curried spaghetti might seem odd for a minute, until we realize that noodles are noodles after all, and Japanese cuisine has always made use of noodles. Nevertheless, the Curry House’s Teppan Neapolitan spaghetti is a strange global culinary adventure. Japanese vegetables and spices, spaghetti and tomato sauce, hot-dogs and ketchup. With an egg on top. Weirdest of all: it’s good.

Best Wine Bar on the Beach With San Jose Roots

A Grape in the Fog
400 Old County Road, Pacifica. Yeah, it’s in San Mateo County, but A Grape in the Fog can claim San Jose, as proprietor Beth Lemke used to hold court at the SJSU Alumni Association and also spent a few semesters putting price tags on stuffed animals at Spartan Bookstore. Just off Rockaway Beach, the aptly named A Grape in the Fog is Pacifica’s very first wine bar. Specializing in Pinot Noir, the “foggy grape,” and situated a stone’s throw from Highway 1, the establishment concentrates mostly on small-scale producers from the Western United States and offers up cheese plates and other paired items. Objets d’art occupy the walls and a smoking WiFi connection adds even more ambience to the joint.

Best Romantic Restaurant

La Fondue
14550 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.3332. What could possibly be more romantic than a shared pot of hot, melty, ooey- gooey foodstuffs? Saratoga’s La Fondue serves up more than 50 edibles to dip and swirl, plus the option of traditional or exotic meats, including kangaroo, ostrich and python, and a variety of chocolate blends to end the night with a little boost of serotonin and phenyl-ethylamine, which stimulate pleasure centers in the brain. Ooh la la. The restaurant’s themed rooms and decor add to the amorous atmosphere that provokes readers to continually vote La Fondue as the most romantic restaurant in the valley.

2. Plumed Horse
14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.4711

3. Wine Cellar
50 University Ave. #180, Los Gatos; 408.354.4808

Best Lingerie

Cupid’s Corner
408 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose; 408.226.5683. Victoria’s Secret has not monopolized the female market on sexy little things. Sometimes one feels a hankering to try something … a little different. That’s where the local, privately owned Cupid’s Corner comes in. They discreetly sell everything from nighties to instructional videos to toys for grown-ups. And unlike the mall, there is no way you’ll run into your mother-in-law in the dressing room while trying on that hot pair of panties.

2. Pleasures From the Heart
1565 Winchester Blvd., Campbell; 408.871.1826

3. Romantiques
51 University Ave. #A, Los Gatos; 408.395.7749

Best Boutique Hotel – San Jose/Los Gatos

Hotel Valencia
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010. Swanky doesn’t even begin to describe Hotel Valencia. With sleek, almost futuristic fixtures and furnishings everywhere you turn, you might be tempted to book a room at Hotel Valencia for no other reason than to feel like old-fashioned royalty for a night or two. On their list of amenities: leather down-stuffed club chair. 300-thread-count linens. Faux mink designer throw. Why anyone in San Jose would need a faux mink designer throw is beyond us, but we’re pretty certain the minute you check in, you’ll never want to leave.

2. Hotel Los Gatos
210 E. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.335.1700

3. Four Points by Sheraton
211 S. First St., San Jose; 408.282.8800

Best Boutique Hotel – Palo Alto/Mtn. View

Cypress Hotel
10050 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino; 408.253.8900. Did you know that the board game Clue originated in the U.K.? It’s called Cluedo over there. The characters and weapons are the same, and the Cypress Hotel kind of looks like the mansion it might all go down in. Deep red upholstery, dark-stained furniture and slightly surreal art throughout, the Cypress Hotel exudes mystery and romance.

2. Garden Court Hotel
520 Cowper St., Palo Alto; 650.322.9000

3. Hotel Avante
860 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View; 650.940.1000

Best Luxury Hotel – San Jose/Los Gatos

The Fairmont
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900. While most downtown denizens know the Fairmont as just about the only building with easily accessible public restrooms downtown, it’s also a fully furnished hotel, with rooms you can stay in and stuff. If you deign to wander beyond the lobby (and with a cool sunken lounge and several dining options, it’s tempting not to), you’ll find dazzling accommodations. The cheapest rooms come with walk-in closets. When the most basic accommodations include a walk-in closet and are the size of a San Francisco apartment, you know it only gets better from there.

2. Hotel Valencia
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010

3. Hotel De Anza
233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.286.1000

Best Luxury Hotel – Palo Alto/Mtn. View

Four Seasons
2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto; 650.566.1200. The stretch of 101 that runs down the peninsula isn’t known for its breathtaking scenery, but when you’re staying at the Four Seasons in East Palo Alto, located just off the University Avenue exit, the boggy shores of the bay never looked so good. No matter where you are in the world, you can always count on the Four Seasons to serve up not only reliably good but reliably great service, food and amenities, and the Four Seasons at East Palo Alto delivers.

2. Westin Palo Alto
675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650.321.4422

3. Stanford Terrace Inn
531 Stanford Ave., Palo Alto; 650.857.0333

Best Jewelry Store

Joe Escobar Diamonds
450 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell; 408.341.0300. Tom Shane may be your friend in the diamond business, but Joe Escobar is your cool uncle who lets you drive his classic car. Uncle Joe sits back in his mammoth storefront and offers timeless, gorgeous pieces that look like they’ll rake in a small fortune on Antiques Roadshow in 100-plus years, providing the satisfied brides that receive them aren’t buried with them.

2. The Jewel Box Jewelers
1640 S. Bascom Ave. #F, Campbell; 408.377.9898; 17190 Monterey St. #101, Morgan Hill; 408.776.9444

3. Willow Glen Diamond Company
1302 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.993.1313

Best Flower Shop

Citti’s
990 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408.371.7000; 3100 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, 408.984.8900; 800 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara, 408.246.7272. Citti’s supports local growers, they’re family-owned and they’ve been around since 1962. They carry the right flowers for every occasion, have tons of experience arranging them, and are presently ranked in the top 100 of over 25,000 U.S. florists. In short: they know what they’re doing and they have the flowers you need.

2. Bloomster’s Floral Designs
5945 Almaden Expwy. #170, San Jose; 408.268.5518

3. Bunches
14 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.5451

Best Local/Independent Stationery Store

MaiDo
378 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.213.1985. Sending your beloved a sweet email or a hot text is kinda romantic, but nothing at all like the real thing. Writing a genuine love letter can be both an artistic and erotic act, and the pleasure is amplified if you’re using a good pen and writing on fine stationery. Maido, on Santana Row, is well-stocked with both. And envelopes that beg to be licked.

2. Out of the Envelope
326 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.0731

3. Village Stationers
310 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650.326.7970; 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650.321.6920

Best Limousine Service

LeGrande Affaire
2590 Lafayette St, Santa Clara; 408.988.4884. Those kids on My Super Sweet 16 knew how to make an entrance. Of course, everything else about their disgustingly charmed lives made you seethe with rage, but they did know how to arrive in style: in a monstrous limousine, often followed by a B-list rapper that Daddy hired for the evening. Le Grande Affaire can help you compensate, with a vast range of limos and cars to shuttle you around town in style. They even offer a pink 16-passenger Hummer that would make those girls sick with envy. Go ahead. You don’t need a reason.

2. Cloud 9 Limousine
2233 Paragon Dr. #A, San Jose; 408.999.0999

3. El Paseo Limousine
651 Aldo Ave., Santa Clara; 408.727.0000

Lovers’ Prawns
Chef Chu’s, 1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos; 650.948.2696. Chef Chu’s Lovers’ Prawns is divided into two types, one with a light wine sauce and the other braised in chile paste, garlic, ginger and tomato sauce. Either one will do the trick—the prawns are succulent—but the hot version is, well, hotter.

Best Secret Garden

Dinah’s Garden Hotel
4261 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650.493.2844. Tucked behind a cool entryway garden along busy motel row in Palo Alto is a charming piece of well-preserved hospitality-industry history. Dinah’s Garden Hotel, built in the late 1950s, is set on eight nicely landscaped creekside acres. The guest rooms look out on koi ponds and Buddha statues. It has the feel of a hidden oasis. The property’s restaurant is a Trader Vic’s, so guests can include a Mai-Tai or two in the evening’s festivities—just like Mom and Dad did.

Most Romantic Restaurant

La Foret
21747 Bertram Road, San Jose; 408.997.3458. Easy pick, despite beautifully situated restaurants all over Santa Clara County—none, though, more romantic than this very proper French restaurant in a historic building: the first two story hotel ever built in California, apparently. A powerful splurge factor (a six-course tasting menu available in the cozy $70–$130 range) demonstrates to your date that money means nothing without someone to spend it on. Out-of-towners and people new to the area can’t believe their eyes when taking in the gorgeous surroundings, not much changed since the Gold Rush.

Most Romantic Ride

Highway 35
The so-called “Skyline Drive” sports some 50 miles of two-lane stretch with the kind of sights generally seen only in luxury car commercials; 3,000 feet at its highest point, this lazy park-lined road is the perfect place for a very significant drive. It is very hard to look into someone’s eyes when sweet-talking them. By contrast, manly understated endearments muttered out of the side of the mouth, one hand on the wheel, the other hand squeezing the hand of the beloved—that’s the James Bond way. (And if the date goes south, you can go south too, even faster, on nearby I-280.)

Most Romantic Movie Watching Spot

California Theatre
345 S. First St., San Jose; 408.277.3900. A commoner’s palace, accessible for the price of popcorn at most other theaters. Home of the San Jose Symphony and Opera, this 1927 palace is occasionally open for movie viewing; it’s a stunning location from neon-covered marquee blade to vast auditorium. The size of the screen (and scope of the classic cinema on view) makes for the kind of evening that doesn’t get forgotten soon.

Best Restaurant for Romantic Sunset Watching

Mount Hamilton Grandview Restaurant
15005 Mount Hamilton Road, San Jose; 408.251.8909. They’ve been serving visitors for 120 years or so on or around this spot; originally a hotel and watering spot for visitors to the Lick Observatory; today, this family-owned restaurant with a full bar and entrees in the $15-$20 range serves up an incomparable view of the Santa Clara valley, the daily spectacle of a hydrocarbon rich sunset fading into the illumination of a vast, jeweled, glowing grid.

Best Place to Challenge Mark Zuckerberg to a Duel

Taqueria La Bamba, Mountain View
2058 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View; 650.965.2755. We learn from his Facebook locations posting (as well as Jose Antonio Vargas’ great article in The New Yorker) that Zuckerberg visits this Mexican eatery sometimes. What better location to deliver the glove-slap: “Sir, a Facebook posting has insulted my honor. I demand satisfaction.” When you do, please recall that Zuckerberg was the captain of his fencing team at Exeter, and you’ll likely end up with a Z carved on your forehead. Of course, you could just let him eat in peace.

Best College/Independent Radio Station

KSJS-FM (90.5)
KSJS isn’t just an award-winning training ground for up-and-coming radio professionals; it’s also a hotbed of great programming. Their cutting-edge hip-hop programs alone are worth a tweak of the dial. The station’s format isn’t as scatterbrained as typical college radio, so they manage to squeeze in some sports coverage and a cool movie-soundtrack show, Celluloid Dreams. There’s always plenty of electronic music, rock en español, jazz and subversive rock in heavy rotation. And with a signal that reaches way up the peninsula, you only need change the station when you’re giving your mom a lift to the airport.

2. KSCU-FM (103.3)

3. KFJC-FM (89.7)

Best Local Jock

Greg Kihn, KFOX
How long has Greg Kihn been on the radio now? Between his own hits blasting out of the hi-fi in the ’80s, and his smoky voice doing mornings on KFOX, it seems like a lifetime. Who could be a better choice to host on a classic rock station than a classic rock icon? He’s even had a song parodied by Weird Al. In addition to being a talented DJ and a top-notch musician, he also writes novels. We hear he works at NASA assembling rockets on weekends.

2. Dave Morey, KFOG

3. Ophelia Necro, The Suicide Watch, KFJC

Best Local Winery

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose; 408.918.2160. Think local. Drink local. Yes, the Napa Valley is filled with lots of great wineries, but readers are fans of the local flavor of San Jose’s J. Lohr winery. Save yourself a two-hour drive to the Napa Valley and visit the winery’s comfortable winery a mile-and-a-half from the heart of downtown San Jose right off The Alameda.

2. Cinnabar
14612 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.1012

3. Testarossa Winery
300A College Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.6150

Best Local Brewery

Gordon Biersch
357 E. Taylor St., San Jose, 408.278.1008; 33 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, 408.294.6785; 640 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650.323.7723. The main brewery on Taylor Street is now one of the biggest producers of fine beers in the country. They buy their hops and yeast strain from Germany and follow the Reinheitsgebot—the German Purity Law of beer. At the brewery restaurants, longtime regulars have their own beer steins located behind the bar. Even longer-time regulars have their names engraved on the lids and also the cabinets. The brewery/restaurant revamped its repeat customer program a few years ago, but the original regulars still receive preferential treatment over everyone else. GB is a place that truly values its regular customers. Of course, new customers can become regulars, too.

2. Rock Bottom Brewery
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell; 408.377.0707

3. Los Gatos Brewing Co.
130G N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.9929

Best New Bar/Club

Johnny V’s
31 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.947.8470. After shutting its doors last year, Johnny V’s has picked right back up where it left off. On the surface, it’s just a tiny dive bar with cheap booze and not a lot of flash (although we do dig the redesign and the fact that it now has actual bar stools). But the music! Punk rock, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, rockabilly, you name it. There are killer local and touring bands playing all the time, plus a much-loved hip-hop open-mic night.

2. Willow Den
805 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.271.1880

3. Single Barrel
43 W. San Salvador St., San Jose; 408.792.7356

Best Local Band

Joe Sharino Band
What sets the Joe Sharino Band apart from other cover bands is charisma, lots of it. They’ve played weddings, corporate events, fundraisers and festivals of every kind. And audiences have fun, dancing and singing along every second they’re onstage. Their song list goes into the hundreds, ranging from the 1940s to the present. It’s like having a jukebox come to life.

2. Whiskey Avengers

3. The Peelers

Best Gentlemen’s Club

Pink Poodle
328 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.600.1941. Here’s the thing. No matter what anyone says, the Pink Poodle is a South Bay icon. Far more people have been than will admit they’ve been. They bring their friends there for birthday parties, then bachelor parties, and then down the line, divorce parties. The girls are varied and energetic.

2. The Brass Rail
160 Persian Dr., Sunnyvale; 408.734.1454

3. Cheetah’s
907 E. Arques Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.733.2628

Best Wine Bar

The Grapevine
1389 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.7574. It can get packed, but this is a great place to relax with a glass of wine, appetizers and some live music. You can hang out a while or just sample some new wines. They are constantly changing their by-the-glass selections, plus the staff is more than happy to help locate the perfect gift. Want a glass of wine, but don’t want to go through the hassle of making a selection? No problem. Order the “Totally Random House Wine” and be pleasantly surprised.

2. Vintage Wine Merchants
377 Santana Row #1135, San Jose; 408.260.1115

3. San Pedro Square Bistro and Wine Bar
20 N. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.298.9463

Best Gay or Lesbian Bar

Tinker’s Damn
46 N. Saratoga Ave., Santa Clara; 408.243.4595. Tinker’s Damn is has long been considered one of the top gay bars of the South Bay. There’s great dance music, lots of shirtless men, drag nights and not much in the way of attitude from the staff and regulars.

2. Brix Nightclub
349 S. First St., San Jose; 408.947.1975

3. The Watergarden
1010 The Alameda, San Jose; 408.275.1215

Best Hotel Bar

V Bar (Hotel Valencia)
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010. Any hotel bar is a good hotel bar, right? Add a dress code, some fancy cocktails and an ambience that manages to pay respect to the tried-and-true classic bar motif while giving it a glossy upgrade, and you’ve got a pretty good lounge on your hands. But add to that tasty mix a gorgeous outdoor patio complete with fire pits, water fountains and spacious seating that practically demands an extended sit, and you have the best hotel bar in San Jose.

2. Hedley Club Lounge (Hotel De Anza)
233 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.286.1000

3. Lobby Lounge (The Fairmont)
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900

Best Happy Hour

Rock Bottom Brewery
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell; 408.377.0707. Tucked in the Pruneyard, Rock Bottom Brewery provides great food and a batches of fresh brewed beer, including the famous Raccoon Red. Happy hour lasts all day on Wednesdays, so a patron can enjoy a drink outside on the patio or in the bar with some tasty appetizers. Join the Mug Club and after 25 visits, you can walk out with one of their famous Growler Coolers. Once emptied, you can join a jug band.

2. McCormick & Schmick’s
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.283.7200

3. Britannia Arms, San Jose
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400

Best Big Dance Club

Saddle Rack
42011 Boscell Road, Fremont; 510.979.0477. The sheer enormity of the Saddle Rack is a big reason why this club won. There’s a huge dance floor surrounded by bars, an Oxygen bar, a mechanical bull and the Margarita Chair, where for $6, a brave soul sits in a chair, leans back and the bartender makes a margarita in their mouth. Equally entertaining are the live shows and DJs. For those of us who are, let’s say, rhythmically challenged, free dance lessons are also offered.

2. Avalon Nightclub
777 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara; 408.241.0777

3. Wet
396 S. First St., San Jose; 408.282.8938

Best Small Dance Club

VooDoo Lounge
14 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.286.8636. A downtown San Jose staple, the VooDoo caters to a full range of tastes, from DJs to punk to metal to reggae to hip-hop. Over the last couple of years, they’ve stepped it up a notch and brought in some big names, but they’re still grounded in the local scene, booking up-and-coming South Bay bands and hosting art shows.

2. The Cardiff Lounge
260 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.374.7477

3. The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.292.5265

Best Sports Bar

Double D’s Sports Grille
354 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.6882. Double D’s Sports Grille has made its rep on the ton of TV screens strewn about, sports memorabilia on the walls and the friendly staff. There really isn’t any place you can sit and not see the game of your choice—football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, rugby…maybe even badminton.

2. Britannia Arms, San Jose
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400

3. Britannia Arms, Almaden
5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.266.0550

Best DJ

King Raffi
The name just says it all. King Raffi reigns on his throne with over 25 years of bringing the party to the people. He was responsible for organizing the biggest dance night in the history of San Jose, Disco Inferno at the Cactus Club in 1990. He does weddings, he does clubs, he works for famous people and has interviewed some of the greats in the entertainment world.

2. DJ Basura

3. Remedy

Best Karaoke

7 Bamboo
162 Jackson St., San Jose; 408.279.9937. For decades, 7 Bamboo has been a top choice when it comes to karaoke. The Japantown fixture is easy to miss from the outside. But inside, would-be singers pack the place six nights a week, a mixture of young screamers and the traditional Japanese-American patrons who have being going there for decades. We recommend reserving a table in advance and being prepared to be seen on the Internet, as there is a webcam to capture every performance.

2. Britannia Arms, Almaden
5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.266.0550

3. Goosetown Lounge
1172 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.292.4835

Best Pre-Sharks Game Spot

Henry’s Hi-Life
301 W. St. John St., San Jose; 408.295.5414. This San Jose landmark may be known mainly for its barbecue, and did gain notoriety from Man vs. Food, but Henry’s Hi-Life also has an established and dedicated Sharks fan base. Being a block away from the Shark Tank probably helps. The building is more than 100 years old and Henry’s has been there for the past 40. Good food, a kick-back environment and friendly service (unless you’re a Ducks fan), this is truly Sharks territory.

2. Britannia Arms, San Jose
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400

3. Poor House Bistro
91 S. Autumn St., San Jose; 408.292.5837

Best Jazz/Blues Club

JJ’s Blues
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.243.6441. Long a South Bay favorite, JJ’s has been showcasing quality acts in blues and jazz daily for more than 20 years. It is a cozy, nonpretentious long bar with honest drinks, a lot of character and soul and a popular pool table in back.

2. Poor House Bistro
91 S. Autumn St., San Jose; 408.292.5837

3. Fairmont Hotel Lobby Lounge
170 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.998.1900

Best Latin/Salsa Club

Azucar
71 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.293.8482. Azucar is at the top when it comes to the Latin club scene. The margaritas and mojitos are cheap, but it’s the music that’s the standout. Latin rock, salsa, cumbia and merengue are just a taste of what the club has to offer. Tantalizing entrees make Azucar the whole package.

2. Miami Beach Club
417 S. First St., San Jose; 408.242.9621

3. Agenda’s Wednesday salsa night
399 S. First St., San Jose; 408.287.3991

Best British Pub

Britannia Arms, San Jose
173 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.278.1400. You don’t get much more British than Britannia Arms. Their famous phone booth in front has served as a beacon for people looking for the London experience. They have the food (gotta try the British Bangers), the beer (19 beers on tap along with two hard ciders) and the best place to see the Earthquakes play. The only thing they don’t have is those bad British teeth.

2. Britannia Arms, Almaden
5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.266.0550

3. Duke of Edinburgh
10801 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.446.3853

Best Irish Pub

O’Flaherty’s
25 N. San Pedro St., San Jose; 408.947.8007. The luck of the Irish shines on this authentic pub, which boasts a perfect Guinness pour and an extensive Scotch and whiskey selection. The Shepherd’s Pie is homemade and the hospitality makes anyone feel Irish. In fact, drink enough of that good Jameson’s and you’ll start sounding Irish, too.

2. Katie Blooms
369 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.379.9687

3. Rosie McCann’s
355 Santana Row #1060, San Jose; 408.247.1706

Best Martinis

Original Joe’s
301 S. First St., San Jose; 408.292.7030. What, didn’t know the martini was invented by Italians? Fuggedaboutit! It was Italians who came up with the vermouth that was shipped to the U.S. to create the martini in the first place, so it’s no surprise that the South Bay’s premier Italian dining spot should make an excellent one. Keyword: dry. See also: arid. Just be smart and don’t hassle your server about how many olives you want. You get how many olives you get, capisce?

2. The Grill on the Alley
172 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.294.2244

3. V Bar
355 Santana Row, San Jose; 408.551.0010

Best Live Music Club

The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose; 408.292.5265. Through the South Bay scene’s best and worst times, The Blank Club has brought the rock. After turning in some of the best shows in its history over the last two years (James Williamson, Buzzcocks and Passion Pit, to name three), the Blank continues to be an intimate spot to see great indie touring bands, and a booking that lets local bands know they’ve made it. Plus, you can’t argue with an awesome ’80s night, great DJs and dollar Pabst night.

2. JJ’s Blues
3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.243.6441

3. VooDoo Lounge
14 S. Second St., San Jose; 408.286.8636

Best Margarita

Aqui
Various locations. What exactly is Aqui putting in these things?* In the last few years, their margarita has become like sweet, sweet nectar for the after-work-and-weekend crowd. Aqui serves gold tequila margaritas blended or on the rocks for $6.25. They can be swirled with sangria or upgraded with a variety of premium blue agave tequilas. (*Answer: Equal parts tequila and vodka.)

2. Pedro’s
316 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.7570; 3935 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, 408.496.6777

3. Fiesta del Mar
1005 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, 650.965.9354; 735 Villa St., Mountain View, 650.967.3525

Best Place to Play Pool

South First Billiards
420 S. First St., San Jose; 408.294.7800. This SoFA District anchor continues to evolve with brand new blue tournament felt, 9-ball competitions and other associated recreational diversions, like ping pong, pinball, local artists’ exhibits, live music on weekends and a full bar.

2. Santa Clara Billiards
4525 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara; 408.296.3333

3. California Billiard Club
881 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View; 650.965.3100

Best Bowling Alley

300 San Jose
5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose; 408.578.8500. At some point, bowling stopped being ironically cool and started being actually cool. This might have had something to do with The Big Lebowski, but in the South Bay the tipping point locally was the opening of 300. Suddenly a night out on the town didn’t seem that different from a night out on the lanes. Outside the swank, clubby hang-out spots, this place has more lights than a Japanese game show, and is guaranteed to load up the senses while it loads up the pins.

2. Strike
10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.252.2695

3. Fourth Street Bowl
1441 N. Fourth St., San Jose; 408.453.5555

Best Dive Bar

Black Watch
141 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.2200. Finally, something hipsters and old-schoolers can agree on. In fact, you never know who you’ll find here on any given night. The bartenders are chatty—on a recent trip, one joined in on a graphic and hilarious conversation about worst pickup lines and the disasters they can lead to when successful—and mix some of the strongest drinks this side of the creek trail.

2. Cinebar
69 E. San Fernando St., San Jose; 408.292.9562

3. Dive Bar
78 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose; 408.288.5252

Best Cultural Guerillas

Cherri Lakey & Brian Eder
Anno Domini, 366 S. First St., San Jose; 408.271.5155. Not everyone around here knows the names of the duo behind Two Fish Design and the Anno Domini Gallery, but their influence runs deep into the culture of downtown San Jose. To hear their collaborators tell it, they just have a certain way of connecting the right people and making the right suggestions—true visionaries in the local art and music scene. As best evidenced this year by the SubZero Festival they organized, Lakey and Eder simply see possibilities that others can’t, and make them into reality.

Best Vintage El Camino Bar

Dan Brown’s
4141 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650.493.9020. An authentic old-California neighborhood hangout (don’t call it a dive bar), from the cursive-on-stucco signage to the smokers’ patio, Dan Brown’s has all of the basics covered: pool tables, cheap drinks, friendly bartenders. Plus three things that make it the best on the South Bay’s longest block: “Ass-Kicking Chili,” karaoke Thursday and a 10pm-to-midnight happy hour.

Best Place to Talk Cupertino Politics

Paul and Eddies Monta Vista Inn
21619 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; 408.252.2226. The line on Cupertino is that “there’s no there there.” Well there is, and it’s called Paul and Eddies. Housed in an iconic orchards-era barn of a building, the Monta Vista Inn has a great beer selection—there are 11 micros or importos always on tap—and of course a full bar. But it’s the crowd that makes it one of the west valley’s best.

Best Place to Buy an Accordion

Ace Loan Office
31 Post St., San Jose, 408.295.1488; 199 S. Murphy St., Sunnyvale, 408.739.2530. Accordionismo is alive and well in the valley. The recent national ATG (Accordionists and Teacher’s Guild) conference came to Santa Clara this July, and the Silicon Valley Accordion Society still has monthly meetings. And there’s always hot and sweet norteña being pumped at bars on Monterey Road and South 13th Street. Acquiring a squeeze box locally is no easy matter—just read the norestforthewicked.biz blog to hear Dax of Corpus Callosum’s own troubles about finding the right instrument. In a pinch, try this venerable downtown pawn shop: because when times are tight, many a player’s main squeeze has “to go to the repair shop” to visit its relatives.

Best Free All-Ages Shows

Streetlight Records appearances
980 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.292.1404. Wanted to see pale Canadian fritillaries Tegan and Sara, but didn’t have the money to watch them opening for Paramore at the Shark Tank? You could have done what a hundred or two fans did: cut work or school to line up at Streetlight for their recent free matinee: it’s one of the many all ages shows offered during the course of the year. Up and coming is Brightmillion (Sep. 26), Both Cheese (Oct. 10) and Peelander-Z accompanied by the all-girl act TsuShiMaMiRe, Oct. 27.

Best Local Political Band

Los Tigres Del Norte
This immensely hard-working (as hard-working as their audience) local band tours like crazy and sells in the millions, and can play nine hours long at a stretch; their incredible story is now available for the gringos in Alec Wilkinson’s New Yorker article of May 24, 2010. Los Tigres address the paradoxes of the border: tunes about la migra and the drug-smugglers’ lives. Check their hit, the devastating musical Aesop fable “La Granja,” which became a problema molesto (hot potato) when they tried to play it in Mexico City.

Best Urban Uprising

SubZero Festival
San Jose. The SubZero Festival in June was a turning point for downtown San Jose not just because it brought music and art to the SoFA district, which has always been a hot spot for the newest and most interesting cultural movements in the South Bay. In a bigger way, it answered a larger question about San Jose’s identity, the one that has always nagged at those who live here: What makes this place unique? From the eclectic musical lineup, culminating in what must have been the first ever melding of taiko and hip-hop, to the strange array of art offerings, to the multi-ethnic crowd filling the streets, SubZero did for the South Bay’s cultural rep what the silicon chip did for its industry—provided the spark of innovation and creativity that others will hopefully use as a jumping-off point for a new golden age.

Best Little Music Series That Could

Jazz on the Plazz
West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos. In economic times like these, it’s not easy to pull off any music series, let alone a free one. Yet Los Gatos Music & Arts has managed to bring live jazz music to town for 10 weeks every summer and keep it free. Hard to believe this all started almost 10 years ago when LG Coffee Roasting Company’s Teri Hope was looking to bring music to Plaza Park and KRML jazz radio host Michael Jacobi wanted to start a Wednesday night jazz series. The two joined forces, and they’ve still got great jazz talent every year, plus Branford Marsalis as their artistic adviser, and through their fundraising efforts give generously to Los Gatos groups.

Best Breakout Band

The Limousines
Campbell. Building on the success of their “Very Busy People” single last year, Campbell’s Limousines have had a hell of a year, releasing their first full-length, Get Sharp!, and breaking their second single, “Internet Killed the Video Star” on Bay Area alt-radio and beyond. In the last year, they’ve played the Treasure Island Music Festival and Live 105’s BFD at Shoreline, and have an upcoming gig opening at the Fillmore. Beyond more than just popularity, though, they’ve also provided the current electro-happy, beat-driven generation with its own theme music: “The kids are disco dancing, they’re tired of rock and roll, don’t try to tell ’em that that drum machine ain’t got no soul.”

Best Scenesters to Party in Your Pajamas With

Grand Fanali Presents
San Jose. Two things are guaranteed at a Grand Fanali Presents show. First, integrity: Eric Fanali has been booking local rock bands and bringing touring acts to the local scene for 14 years, in the scene’s best of times and its worst of times. Besides joining forces with the Blank Club recently (to the mutual benefit of both parties), Fanali has continued to work in the South Bay’s music underground, and he has treated both his bands and his audience like the consummate professional. The glowing testimonials from those who’ve had the good fortune to be booked by him, and the South Bay kids (and former kids) who remember “that one show he did” with a sense of awe still in their voice is a tribute to his importance to the music scene. The second thing guaranteed at a GFP show is sheer fun. Fanali just celebrated his remarkable run as a promoter with a pajama party, what else do we need to say?

Best South Bay Scene Queen

Barbara ‘Barb Rocks’ Wahli
San Jose. We can’t take credit for calling Barbara Wahli the queen of the South Bay scene; it was actually a DJ on FCC Free Radio. We’re not even sure it’s a great title for her, as she’s about the farthest thing from a diva we can imagine. But it is admittedly catchier and more glamorous than what we’d say, which is simply that Barbara Wahli is the hardest-working woman in South Bay rock. Not only does she promote Barb Rocks shows all around the South Bay, but she’s also a real advocate for local bands. If she hears something she really likes, she will champion that band, and in a few cases (A Four Star Affair, Drop Dead Sixty, Letters Make Words) even manage them. Her energy is infectious, and her ear for local talent remarkable.

Best Official South Bay Cultural Treasure

Linda Ronstadt
Mexican Heritage and Mariachi Festival artistic director. If great artists hang around long enough, everyone wants to call them a “national treasure.” Hey, there’s plenty of those at this point, we want our own right here in Silicon Valley. And we finally got it, in the form of Linda Ronstadt, who pretty much single-handedly transformed the San Jose Mariachi Festival into something much bigger, and more artistically ambitious. Its name change to the Mexican Heritage and Mariachi Festival aptly describes what she has elevated it to, not just bringing in big names like Joan Baez and Los Lobos along with the many celebrations of mariachi music, but commissioning this year’s multimedia event “¡Adelita! Women of the Mexican Revolution” and joining with Latino organizations around the state for a series of concerts that, at a time when anti-immigrant sentiment has reared its ugly head in a huge way, assert the critical importance of Latino culture in America.

Best Wine Shop

The Grapevine
1389 Lincoln Ave., San Jose: 408.293.7574. It takes more than bottles of good wine to make the best wine shop. You need a knowledgeable staff, fun and informational classes and an absence of wine snobbery. Metro readers say The Grapevine has got it all and then some.

2. Joseph George Wines
1559 Meridian Ave., San Jose; 408.448.9463

3. The Wine Rack
6136 Bollinger Road, San Jose; 408.253.3050

Best Vintage Clothing

Moon Zooom
1630 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.5876. Moon Zooom is one huge, swirling vortex of Technicolor polyester knit, ’80s Cosby sweaters, Mad Men-esque gogo dresses and flowery ’50s Sunday-go-meetin’ hats. With two floors and a huge back room packed from ceiling to floor with all this vintage goodness, shoppers can just roll up their sleeves and rummage for unique styles. Moon Zooom also just celebrated its 20th anniversary last month.

2. Crossroads Trading Company
1008 Blossom Hill Road #E, San Jose, 408.269.1000; 1959 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408.292.6100

3. Goodwill
Multiple locations

Best Art Supply Store

University Art
456 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 408.297.4707; 267 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650.328.3500. When the muse comes calling, artists, hobbyists and crafters make their way to University Art. From frames, paints and canvases to sketch books, geegaws and clay, this Northern California fixture carries everything needed to transform a doodle into a masterpiece, a flash of inspiration into a project and a craft idea into a hipster accoutrement. They offer workshops, demos and kids’ stuff, too.

2. D&J Hobby
96 N. San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell; 408.379.1696

3. Accent Arts
392 S. California Ave., Palo Alto; 650.424.1044

Best Pet Store

An-Jan
Multiple locations. There are drawbacks to shopping for animal supplies at big-box pet stores like Petco or PetSmart: it’s hard to be sure that the minimum-wage-earning high-schoolers on staff know what they’re talking about. That’s why locally owned, independent An-Jan is the best pet store around. They have a staff that is knowledgeable in everything from ferrets to fish. They can even tell customers the reason dogs will eat cat food, but cat’s won’t eat dog food. They even have a pretty sweet bird supply selection, too.

2. Dolphin Pet Village
1770 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.379.7600

3. Sam’s Downtown
759 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.9090

Best Pet Day Care

Downtown Dogs
734 S. First St., San Jose; 408.287.2267. Gone are the guilty days of leaving Rex in a cold kennel while the family goes on vacation. Downtown Dogs has taken the doggie resort to the next level, providing care and attention that most humans would be jealous of (spa treatments, treat-filled toys and personal time). This day- and overnight-care facility beckons with a Very Important Pooch package, online video cameras so pet owners can check in on the dogs, size and temperament groupings, training, deluxe suites and one-on-one time.

2. A Dog’s Life
901 Ames Ave., Milpitas, 408.946.3647; 885 Commercial St., Palo Alto, 650.494.3647; 1249 Birchwood Dr. Sunnyvale, 408.747.1111

3. Pawin’ Around Dog Day Care
1068 Park Ave., San Jose; 408.298. 9044

Best Place to Buy Records and CDs

Rasputin
1820 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 800.350.8700; 630 San Antonio Ave., Mountain View, 800.350.8700. As the music game has changed, so too have the methods of acquiring new tunes. The digital onslaught tipped the retail industry on its ear, but this independent chain has weathered the storm and continues to provide a real-world shopping experience for those who appreciate a bit of interaction and bin digging sprinkled in with their music buying. Regular sales, well-organized stores, new and used products, and plenty of variety have solidified Rasputin’s place in the game.

2. Streetlight Records
980 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.292.1404

3. Big Al’s Record Barn
522 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.294.7200

Best Clothing Boutique

23 Skidoo
342 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.370.2334. 23 Skidoo is located in the heart of the very-hot-right-now downtown Campbell strip, and this is the first year it’s been voted Best Clothing Boutique by Metro readers (though they have made runner up in the Best Vintage Clothing category several times). 23 Skidoo really is best at “retro-inspired” clothing. It’s also pretty much the go-to place for the valley’s throng of rockabilly hipsters—probably because they carry hip brands like Rock Steady, T.U.K., Sourpuss and Lucky 13.

2. Therapy
347 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.866.8999; 250 Castro St., Mountain View, 650.691.1186

3. Bella James Women’s Boutique
1151 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.292.0000; 350 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.866.9000

Best Shoe Store

Beck’s Shoes
Multiple locations. A small shoe store has to be the best to survive the current economic downturn—and the Great Depression. The Beck family has owned and run Beck’s Shoes in San Jose since 1919. Carrying brands like Converse, Clarks, Birkenstock and SAS, Beck’s is big on old-fashioned service. Sit right down, and they’ll carry pairs over and fit them right onto your foot. Beck’s Shoes also has a wide selection of long-lasting work footwear, with brands like Dr. Martens, Georgia Boot, Rocky and Wolverine.

2. Footwear Etc.
Multiple locations

3. Shuz
1 N Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.395.3510

Best Running Shoe Store

Runner’s Factory
51 University Ave. #C, Los Gatos; 408.395.4311. The beauty of a specialty shop is that it does one thing really well. The one thing that Runner’s Factory does really well, is get runners hooked up with a shoe that is going to best serve their needs. The helpful and informative staff know feet, knees, hips, arches, treads, uppers, supports and insoles. And whether training for a marathon, replacing your beaters, upping your gear or just starting out, they’ll get you on the road in comfort and style.

2. The Running Revolution
511 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell; 408.374.9307

3. Sports Basement
1177 Kern Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.732.0300

Best Bicycle Shop

The Off Ramp
2369 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.249.2848; 2320 El Camino Real, Mountain View, 650.968.2974. Watching someone ride an ill-fitting bicycle is painful; it brings back memories of riding a hand-me-down 10-speed with a grow-into frame. Luckily, there are people around to make sure this never has to happen again. The road-tested folks at the Off Ramp are on a mission to get the right bike, in the right size, with the proper adjustments, under the butts of cyclists of all make. And they sweeten the pot with a low-price guarantee.

2. Willow Glen Bicycles
1016 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.2606

3. Mike’s Bikes
201 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.402.5550; 3001 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650.858.7700

Best Motorcycle Shop

San Jose Harley-Davidson
1551 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose; 408.998.1464. Once a month, locals can hear the deafening noise of dozens of Harley engines in sync. That would be bike night, a get together of all local Harley owners hosted by San Jose Harley-Davidson. That’s part of what sets San Jose Harley-Davidson apart from other motorcycle shops—they treat their customers like family. The store has a wide variety of apparel and accessories, and wrench-turners who can build or rebuild a motorcycle from the ground up.

2. Road Rider
2897 Monterey Hwy., San Jose; 408.227.6936

3. Cycle Gear Inc.
1515 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose; 408.288.5051

Best Toy Store

The Wooden Horse
796 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos; 408.356.8821. The Wooden Horse is the closest thing one can find to Geppetto’s workshop in Silicon Valley, which is why we like them. This is an authentic toy store and a kid’s dreamland—shelves upon shelves, tables and counters and every nook and cranny stuffed with toys, games, stuffed animals and princess dress-up clothes. They have tons of kits too, to keep little hands (and little minds) active and entertained. And no worries about lead poisoning here: The Wooden Horse stocks tons of organic, nonchemically laden toys and games to keep baby safe.

2. D&J Hobby
96 N. San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell; 408.379.1696

3. Tech Museum Store
201 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.299.0885

Best Comic Book Shop

Legends
10123 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino; 408.996.7640. A good balance of games and comics is the reason why this long-lived store has survived a rough and tumble direct sales market skewing away from print and toward collectibles. The staff’s good attitude also helps (nothing could be less Simpsons-style Comic Book Guy than the counter service here). No wonder the fan base has stuck with this shop during its move to new locations over the years.

2. Lee’s Comics
1020F N. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View; 650.965.1800

3. Hijinx Comics
2050 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.266.1103

Best Manicure

Tip N Toe Salon
1795 Hillsdale Ave., San Jose, 408.265.2498; 1295 E. Dunne Ave. #170, Morgan Hill, 408.782.1636. A clean shop, a friendly staff, a variety of waxing, pedi and mani services, and all the nail treatments that you could want, including Pink and White, Acrylic and Crystal. A spa it is not, but sometimes a short hand or foot massage is all you need to reacquaint yourself with sanity.

2. Tina’s Nails
156 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto; 650.328.1568

3. Los Gatos Nail Works
140 W. Main St., Los Gatos; 408.354.6245

Best Pedicure

Lavande Nail Spa
240 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.289.0533; 355 Santana Row #1020, San Jose, 408.983.1222. Lavande has a pedicure called Like Water for Chocolate, where you soak your feet in cocoa and are treated to a chocolate scrub. Or, if rose petals are more your thing, they can do that too. Or mint. Or honey-almond. What better way to unwind than to kick off your shoes and treat your feet?

2. Tip N Toe Salon
1795 Hillsdale Ave., San Jose, 408.265.2498; 1295 E. Dunne Ave. #170, Morgan Hill, 408.782.1636

3. Sakura Nail Bar
169 Jackson St., San Jose; 408.275.1625

Best Hair Salon – San Jose/Sunnyvale/Los Gatos

Alchemy Hair Studios & Spas
1047 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.293.3494; 1335 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.283.9380. Alchemy Hair Studio makes even simple beauty remedies like a blowout or a quick mani-pedi feel like the full spa experience. The friendly, skilled staff offer coffee and refreshments and plush couches in Alchemy’s sparkly, uber-feminine Eastern-inspired waiting area. But it’s the fact that their skilled stylists always make sure to do a thorough consultation first that makes them the best. That way, customers can be sure that trendy new hairdo they want doesn’t turn out to be a hat-hiding hair-don’t.

2. Umbrella
2 N. Market St. #100, San Jose; 408.293.4242

3. Studio Glam
311 Stockton Ave., San Jose; 408.260.5001

Best Hair Salon – Mtn. View/Palo Alto

LaBelle Day Spa
96 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, 650.327.6964; 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.326.8522. LaBelle is a bit of a one-stop self-improvement spot, with spa amenities, a variety of body treatments and a salon where one can re-up their hair color or highlights, get a fancy up-do or reconditioning, experiment with hair extensions or straightening, or get a cut from a master stylist.

2. Allure
888 Villa St. #100, Mountain View; 650.938.8777

3. Edge Hair Salon
250 University Ave. #103, Palo Alto; 650.462.1000

Best Beauty Supply

Peninsula Beauty
Multiple locations. Embodying the whole “Mother of Invention” thing, Peninsula Beauty came about way back in 1959, when Mrs. Silverstein couldn’t find the hair products she wanted. So, the family opened a shop; then another, and so on. Today, they have 10 locations that provide all the hair and beauty supplies one could need, as well as some nice extras like patterned shower caps, airline travel packs, therapeutic bubble bath and more.

2. Planet Beauty
925 Blossom Hill Road #1552, San Jose; 408.225.7160; 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. #1153, Santa Clara; 408.248.2373

3. Kiss & Make-Up
130 N. Santa Cruz Ave. #M, Los Gatos; 408.354.3274

Best Teeth Whitening

Dr. Stephanie Loller
891 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.298.0777. Really, who doesn’t want a radiant smile? And Dr. Loller can hook it up. Along with all of the treatments you’d expect from a tech-savvy, modern dentist, she offers one-hour teeth whitening that is safe, effective and long-lasting. Hers was also the first dental office to be certified as a green business in Santa Clara County, so you can take care of your teeth and your planet.

2. Willow Glen Dental Care
1600 Willow St. #203, San Jose; 408.978.0911

3. Los Gatos Family Dentistry
14543 S. Bascom Ave., Los Gatos; 408.358.5115

Best Skate Shop

Circle-A
108 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose; 408.995.0677. Looking for some new comfortable kicks? Venture to Circle-A, which is known for having the best selection of skater shoes in the South Bay. The shop also has racks of skateboards and gear for the true skaters out there. And posers are welcome too, even if they don’t know the difference between a kick flip and an ollie. Circle-A also has an aptitude for high-caliber customized reframes and repaints.

2. Boarder Nation
14448 Union Ave., San Jose; 408.377.3577

3. Black Diamond Sports
162 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650.289.0900

Best Local Independent Bookstore

Hicklebee’s Children’s Books
1378 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.292.8880. To call Hicklebee’s a children’s bookstore is a bit of an understatement. It’s more like a catapult into a lifetime of reading that doubles as a children’s literature community center. Think author signings and events, a wall of fame, a kid-friendly layout, a commitment to getting more and better books into schools, a story museum and even a grown-up section. Need more? Rosemary Wells created a character, the Hicklebunny, for them. FTW.

2. Recycle Bookstore
1066 The Alameda, San Jose, 408.286.6275; 275 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408.370.3514

3. Kepler’s
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 650.324.4321

Best Community Bank

Technology Credit Union
Multiple locations. Located throughout the South Bay, Technology Credit Union banks share one constant—they have established trust of locals with excellence in customer service. The bank also offers low fees and low rates on loans of all kinds.

2. Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union
Multiple locations

3. San Jose Credit Union
140 Asbury St., San Jose, 408.294.8800; 88 S. Fourth St., San Jose, 408.294.8800

Best Car Wash

Delta Queen and Classic Car Wash
5005 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408.371.2565; 981 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408.377.2525; 16500 Lark Ave., Los Gatos, 408.356.2525; Multiple other locations. Fast, cheap and clean car washes. That’s exactly what Classic Car Wash delivers. Paying $7 to have a clean car exterior is the bargain of bargains. And it won’t cost more than 20 bucks to get the interior of the car done as well. The process is painless—drive to a line, pick a type of wash and pay. More importantly, customers can get in and out in less than 30 minutes.

2. Lozano’s
610 Grape Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.245.7737

3. Pacific Hand Car Wash
1667 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408.371.6660; 21 N. Fifth St., San Jose, 408.293.3128

Best Massage

Burke Williams
355 Santana Row #2010, San Jose; 408.241.0071. Fancy a soak in a hot tub followed by a massage? What kind? Whether your pleasure is deep tissue, Shiatsu or Swedish, the therapists at Burke Williams are trained to lower stress and tension levels. They also offer specialized modalities such as Reflexology, Cranial Sacral and Reiki. Toss in a robe and slippers, and let the relaxation begin.

2. La Concha Spa
1042 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.286.8612

3. Preston Wynne
14567 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.741.5525

Best Outdoor Gear

Mel Cotton’s
1266 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.287.5994. Hiking on Mount Hamilton, snowboarding on the Sierras or fishing in Lake Almaden require quality outdoor gear. Since 1946, Mel Cotton’s sporting goods has been South Bay’s most dependable store for all types of outdoor gear. Employees at Mel’s will give customers the best advice for surviving Mother Nature’s greatest obstacles.

2. Sports Basement
1177 Kern Ave., Sunnyvale; 408.732.0300

3. Any Mountain
1600 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.871.1001

Best Tattoo Parlor

Marks of Art
3014 Union Ave., San Jose; 408.377.1924. Marks of Art tattoo artists have produced quality work for more than a decade. The shop is clean and the artists are friendly, giving customers a pleasant environment for a potentially unnerving experience. Marks of Art employees also stress the importance of aftercare of the tattoo. And since 2000, customers have raved about the color in their tats not fading.

2. Player’s Ink
518 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.993.8282

3. Humble Beginnings
1421 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.288.6814

Best Place to Get Pierced

Body Exotic
957 W. San Carlos St., San Jose; 408.993.9684 They’ll do custom modifications, they were awarded a special commendation by the director of public health, their studio is clean and professional, the staff knows what they’re doing and the studio is a regular player in readers’ choice awards. Piercing, scarring or a subdermal implant—Body Exotic has it covered.

2. The Pilates Body
2075 Lincoln Ave. #D, San Jose; 408.205.0043

3. Fit From the Core
1050 Independence Ave., Mountain View; 650.934.2673

Best Yoga Studio

Soula Power Yoga
200 S. First St. #70, San Jose; 408.993.9642. Welcome to Power Yoga. You will sweat. You will receive a workout that will “kick your ass” and you’ll have to resort to the Child’s Pose for refuge. And, you will experience a transformation in your body, spirit and mind. If you can gracefully move through an hour of high-energy yoga in a heated room, a little work stress is nothing. Soula offers lots of classes and payment options, workshops, and a wellness center to round out your practice.

2. Willow Glen Yoga
1188 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.289.9642

3. Bikram Yoga
5289A Prospect Road, San Jose; 408.255.9910

Best Health Club

Jewish Community Center
14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos; 408.358.3636. Having won in this category for four of the past five years, the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center was a favorite to win even before a remodel earlier this year, which added a bunch of new elliptical trainers, rowing machines and treadmills. With its Olympic-sized outdoor heated pool, well-equipped exercise rooms, locker rooms with both dry saunas and shvitz, and huge basketball gym, the place is like Disneyland for amateur athletes. But the best thing about it is the smart, friendly staff.

2. YMCA
Various locations

3. Club One Fitness
Various locations

Best Fitness Boot Camp/Personal Trainer

San Jose Adventure Boot Camp
3635 Union Ave., San Jose; 408.841.7605. Four weeks. That’s all it takes for women to complete the weight-loss fitness program at San Jose Adventure Boot Camp. It offers a fun environment for women to jump-start a healthier lifestyle. Winners of Metro’s Best Of in 2009, the personal trainers at San Jose Boot Camp continue to sweat enthusiasm and energy.

2. FUSE Fitness
1600 Dell Ave., Campbell; 408.335.4773

3. Rick’s Force Fitness Boot Camp
3177 Heritage Estates Ct., San Jose; 408.599.4561

Best Dentist

Dr. Stephanie Loller
891 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.298.0777. This year, Metro readers voted Dr. Loller for the one-two combo of best dentist and best teeth whitening, and for good reason. Dr. Loller and her staff work hard to put every patient at ease in the often-scary dentist’s chair. Whether there for teeth whitening, Invisalign teeth straightening, porcelain veneers or a straight-forward cleaning, Dr. Loller’s patients know they’ll be in good hands.

2. Willow Glen Dentistry
1245 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.293.9600

3. Dr. Steven Cohen
6541 Crown Blvd. #H, San Jose; 408.268.8585

Best Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Laurence Berkowitz
3803 S. Bascom Ave. #100, Campbell; 408.559.7177. According to Dr. Berkowitz, while aging is mandatory, how you reflect your age is optional. This well-established surgeon is a favorite among the local “aesthetic procedures” crowd, and has also traveled extensively through Latin America performing reconstructive surgery on children and adults in impoverished areas. So, if you want some body reconstruction, or need a humanitarian plastic surgeon, Berkowitz is your guy.

2. Dr. Regina Rosenthal
3803 S. Bascom Ave. #206, Campbell; 408.559.4700

3. Dr. Craig Creasman
2400 Samaritan Dr. #206, San Jose; 408.369.9300

Best Day Spa

Watercourse Way
165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto; 650.462.2000. Fancy a day of pampering, complete with scrubs, soaks, mud, oils and masks? How about a chocolate truffle body wrap? Or a pumpkin cream treatment? Perhaps a hot-stone massage? A little staycation to the spa is just the thing for a weary body and mind, and Watercourse Way knows how to do it up right.

2. The Spa, Los Gatos
100 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.5901

3. LaBelle Day Spa
95 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, 650.327.6964; 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.326.8522

Best Alternative to Home Depot

Orchard Supply
Multiple locations. Known for its superb customer service and huge selection, Orchard Supply is the definition of a quality hardware store. The store has enough plants and shrubs in stock for customers to make their own forest. Orchard also gives away free tickets to San Jose Giants games.

2. Southern Lumber
1402 Monterey Hwy., San Jose; 408.297.9663

3. Willow Glen Ace Hardware
2253 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.267.0223

Best Kitchen/Cooking Store

Domus
40 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.6630; 1395 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.279.4787. Everything one could possibly need to throw a top-notch cocktail soiree, a legendary picnic or an unforgettable dinner party can be found within the walls of Domus. From fruit scoops, egg wedgers and serving trays to cocktail glasses, over-the-shoulder picnic baskets and bakeware, this is the spot for culinary types.

2. Cook’s Junction
261 Main St., Los Altos; 650.941.6530

3. The Butter Paddle
14510 Big Basin Way, Saratoga; 408.867.1678

Best Garden Store

Yamagami’s Nursery
1361 S. De Anza Blvd. #2, Cupertino; 408.252.3347. Way back in 1948, Taro Yamagami opened up a fruit stand on two acres of land. A student of landscaping, he started selling plants out of the stand that gradually became a small nursery. Today, Yamagami’s provides everything for the garden and more, including a plant doctor who makes house calls, exclusive and hard-to-find plants, gardening guides, a lawn care reminder service and the neighborly vibe that comes with being a family-owned local business.

2. Almaden Valley Nursery
15800 Almaden Expwy., San Jose; 408.997.1234

3. Green Thumb Nursery
15796 Winchester Blvd., Los Gatos; 408.395.6050

Best Furniture Store

Russell’s Furniture
2645 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408.296.7393; 380 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408.261.9682. Russell’s is huge. And, they know what they’re doing, having been in the furniture business since 1892. They offer a vast and deep selection of name-brand furniture, and pride themselves on being able to offer the best prices around. They also have a pinball machine to occupy the kids while you work on refurnishing your home. Need more? On the weekends they serve warm cookies.

2. Home Consignment Center
141 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View, 650.964.7212; 600 El Paseo de Saratoga, San Jose, 408.871.8890

3. Rosso’s Furniture
6881 Monterey Road, Gilroy; 408.842.2800; 212 Tennant Ave., Morgan Hill, 408.776.8100

Best Gift Store

Domus
40 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408.354.6630; 1395 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408.279.4787. Gift shopping is one of those things that doesn’t seem too tricky until you’re doing it; standing in the aisle, eyes glazed over, with no time to spare, realizing that you have no idea what you’re going to get. Enter, Domus: a gadget/household gift gold mine, where one can find martini totes, bath bubbles, solar lights, ooey gooey eyes, wine paraphernalia and more.

2. San Jose Museum of Art Museum Store
110 S. Market St., San Jose; 408.271.6878

3. Fleurish
1331 Lincoln Ave., San Jose; 408.294.5557

Best Place for a Destroyed Nervous System

Satori Tea Company
37 N. San Pedro St., San Jose; 408.772.4500. Situated right behind the Theater on San Pedro Square, this new establishment features a wall of different teas. Choose your fave: white, black, green, oolong or more. For example, this is perhaps the only place in San Jose offering Vata tea. Vata is one of the three Ayurvedic doshas and usually the one that goes out of whack first. This tea is intended to relieve restlessness, quiet the hyperactive mind and help one achieve some sort of balance. The owner of Satori became interested in tea at a very early age and we thank her for opening this new place in San Jose.

Best Farmers Market – West Valley

Campbell Farmers Market
Campbell and Central avenues, Campbell. Sundays, 9am-1pm. It’s mobbed every week, and no wonder: the Campbell Farmers Market has much more than just fresh-that-day fruits and vegetables. It has bakers, cheesemakers, charcuterie and egg vendors, not to mention an array of other items and services. Need a knife sharpened? Check. Running low on handmade soaps? Step right up. It’s a whole new way to shop.

Best Farmers Market

San Pedro Square Farmers Market
San Pedro and Santa Clara streets, San Jose. Fridays, 10am-2pm, We base this judgment on a two factors: good weather (which gives it supremacy over the Berkeley market, loaded with gourmet food and $2 peaches); and the most voluptuous heirloom tomatoes this side of Sacramento. Cozy at just a block long and lined with restaurants and nearby historic buildings, this market is a Friday crossroads that shows off the downtown at its best.

Best Place to Buy Used Science Fiction

Book Buyers
317 Castro St., Mountain View; 650.968.7323. At Book Buyers, it’s a very long walk from the Isaac Asimov paperbacks to the Roger Zelazny hardcovers. The bookcases are tall enough that you’ll need a stepladder to browse the top shelves. There are lots of novels, short-story anthologies and science-fiction magazines. It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll end up spending more time there than you planned on, and buying more books than you can read in a month.

Best Boutique-Gallery Crossover

The Usuals
1020 The Alameda. San Jose; 408.294.4500. What better way to liven up a half-empty stretch of The Alameda than a brand new spunky alternative clothing shop that also doubles as an art gallery? If you’ve seen the I heart SJ shirts with a shark motif, this is where people are getting them. Aside from selling affordable clothing by several designers, the owners of this totally urban outlet throw monthly art receptions to a lively crowd. Local artists are almost always featured.

Best Place to Meet Makers

TechShop
120 Independence Dr., Menlo Park; 650.521.9027. TechShop is a membership-based workshop and essentially the only place in Silicon Valley where artists and engineers can show up and use an Epilog Helix 60-Watt Laser Cutter, a ShopBot 4-by-8-foot CNC Wood Router System, plus a sheet metal benders, molding systems, lathes, a silkscreen apparatus and all sorts of assorted machine shop tools and equipment. The main facility rests in Menlo Park, but the TechShop folks close to opening a full-blown shop in downtown San Jose.

Best Wine Shop for Bargain Hunting and Splurging

Beltramo’s
1540 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 650.325.2806 Beltramo’s has been in the wine game long enough to get it dialed, and that results in good deals at any price point. When it comes to wine, knowledge is money. Everyone knows that a 2009 Beringer Founders Estate chard at $7.99 is a good deal, but the folks at Beltramo’s can explain why the 2005 “Torre Muga” Rioja, a Spanish red made from the noble Tempranillo grape, is an even better deal at $79.99.

Best Tibetan-Contempo Retailer

Dolma Handicrafts
278 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650.326.1545. This is not your mother’s rough-hewn hippie-dippy Himalayan-Tibetan clothing-and-accessory store. This is a stylish, fashionable hippie-dippy Himalayan-Tibetan clothing-and-accessory store. From smart, bright felted handbags to asymmetrical woven-cotton jackets to colorful clunky Lucite bracelets to contemporary-design beaded necklaces, the stuff at Dolma is clearly a new version of a look that is still cool. And the prices are like 1972.

Best Eco Fun Shop

Livegreen
158 University Ave., Palo Alto; 650.331.0700. Recycling is still such a good idea. And the folks at Livegreen make it a little more interesting. Lunch pails made from plastic bottles. Clocks made from old bicycle ring gears. A dog woven out of torn and braided newspaper pages. Purchasing platters that once were street signs won’t really do much to save the world, but it’s one less street sign in the dump, and makes an entertaining statement.

Best New-Used-Rare Book Selection

Bookbuyers
317 Castro St., Mountain View; 650.968.7323. There is no online equivalent to wandering through a good bookstore and stumbling on some great find. And, thank goodness, we live in an area where there are still some independent bookstores surviving a tumultuous market. Bookbuyers, which has been buying and selling books and other media in Mountain View for 20 years, has a unique mix of new, out-of-print hard- and paperbacks, and used books in every subject, as well as old magazines, CDs and even LP records.

Best Place to Buy a Monocle

Historical Emporium
www.historicalemporium.com. The locally owned and operated HistoricalEmporium.com is the best website to get top-notch reproduction Old Western, Victorian and Edwardian garments and accessories. While one might think replica parasols, waistcoats and top hats would be a difficult niche market to corner, HistoricalEmporium.com is in fact a fast-growing company. Who knew, right? According to Inc. Magazine, they’ve increased their business over 200 percent in the last three years.

Best Eco-Friendly Termite Service

Planet Orange Termite Services
2842 Bascom Ave., San Jose; 408.963.6868. The instinct following the discovery of termites is to call a pest control company to tent and fumigate with toxic chemicals. But San Jose’s Planet Orange offers a green alternative to this nuclear option. Manufactured from distilled citrus peels, orange oil is an increasingly popular green pesticide—and it’s Planet Orange’s specialty. With the company’s hard-core commitment to customer service, it’s the best way to banish the bugs.

Best Avian Vet

For the Birds Clinic
1136 S. De Anza Blvd. #B, San Jose; 408.255.1739. One of the many challenges of exotic pet ownership is finding the right health-care professional for one’s feathered, scaled or furry friend. Most vets are accustomed to treating dogs and cats—but not the complex ailments of exotic patients like macaws and cockatoos. That’s why Dr. Fern Van Zandt and Dr. Laura Bellinghausen started For the Birds Clinic in San Jose, where they specialize in treating avians. They’re also an official veterinarian of the nationally recognized Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue group.

Best Ironic Urban Wear

Breezy Excursion
San Jose; www.breezyexcursion.com. Breezy Excursion is one of the biggest street-wear brands to come out of San Jose. They make screen-printed urban wear that hits on nostalgia elements without being cheesy. Their collection of hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts and hats aims to be an in-joke for their 18-to-25-year-old customer base. Co-owners Ryan Mante and Flip Lilleland use themes from early-’90s pop culture in their designs. (The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is featured prominently.) They’re clothing is sold at urban-wear boutiques including Aristocrats on Jackson Street in San Jose and Workmens/Balance at the Eastridge Mall.

Best Place to Say Hello to My Little Friend

Pet People
514 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; 408.354.8888. No one has to tell Pet People about the threat that box stores pose to “the little guy”—there’s a freakin’ Petco one block away from where they’ve been doing business for more than two decades. Unlike many independent businesses, Pet People has beaten the odds, and to regular customers that’s really no surprise. It’s so completely not corporate in every way—instead of wide, blandly organized aisles, there are tight corridors overflowing with good stuff. Walk in with your pet and it’s like you’ve both died and went to Human-Pet Relationship Heaven. The people who run Pet People care about their customers, biped and quadriped alike. It’s the best place for pets in the South Bay, bar none.