Chinese Restaurant
Szechuan Garden
Coffee House
Red Rock
After 10 years of doing business downtown, Red Rock wins the top spot as this year's favorite coffee house. With a full list of espresso drinks and an array of pastries to choose from, customers can sit and chat in the spacious room and listen to jazz music Thursday nights.
- 201 Castro St.; Mon.-Thu., 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 967-4473.
Fast Food Restaurant
In N Out
Customers hungry for fresh meat continue to line up at In N Out. Voted as the best fast food restaurant for the second year in a row, In N Out prides itself for its clean environment, fast service, friendly employees and reasonable prices.
- 1159 N. Rengstorff Ave.; Sun.-Thu., 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. 800-786-1000.
Grocery Store
Nob Hill, Grant Hill
Friendly service at Nob Hill is one of the many reasons why it's voted the best grocery store in town for the sixth consecutive year. Customers can't get enough of the fresh produce and the choices of meat, poultry and seafood.
-1350 Grant Rd., Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 964-3400.
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
Double Rainbow
Always coming up with new flavors to continue attracting its customers, Double Rainbow was voted the best place to get your daily dose of that ice cream or frozen yogurt for the fourth year in a row. Now a staple in downtown Mountain View, Double Rainbow has been in operation for 11 years.
Aside from ice cream and yogurt, it also delights Voice readers with its choice of salads, soups, and sandwiches.
- 135 Castro St.; Sun-Tue., 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-midnight. 964-3379.
Indian Restaurant
Sue's Indian Cuisine
At lunch, a super hour buffet featuring appetizers, entrees and rice specials guarantees to fill the hungriest of all stomachs. At dinnertime, a variety of vegetarian entrees, beef, chicken, and seafood curries, are among many of the dishes to choose from. No wonder Sue s Indian Cuisine was voted the best indian restaurant for the second consecutive year.
- 215 Castro St.; lunch: Mon.-Fri., 11 - 2:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 -2 p.m.; dinner: Mon.-Wed., 5-9:30 p.m. 969-1112.
Italian Restaurant
Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too
This 42-year old establishment draws patrons from different parts of the bay with its pastas, pizzas, chicken and seafood entrees. With its cozy, spacious environment and friendly staff, costumers get to enjoy a fine Italian dishes at moderate prices. - 939 W. El Camino real; Sun.-Thu., 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-1 a.m. 967-5384.
Mexican Restaurant
La Fiesta
For those crazy for fine Mexican cuisine, here's Mountain View's best, voted the place for traditional and special Mexican dishes for the second consecutive year. Aside from offering a very full list of margaritas to choose from, La Fiesta also offers platters, a la carte items, and appetizers that will keep you coming back for more.
- 240 Villa St.; Mon.-Thu., 11 - 2 p.m.; Friday, 11 - 2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 - 3 p.m. and 5 - 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 - 3 p.m. and 5 -9 p.m. 968-1364.
Place to Buy Fresh Fish
New Castro Market
For the third consecutive year, New Castro Market was voted the best place to buy fresh fish -- and more. Featuring catches of the day as well as some exotic species, New Castro also offers Asian specialties that are hard to find elsewhere.
- 340 Castro St.; daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 962-8899.
Place to Buy Fresh Produce
Farmer's Market
A fresh produce haven all of Mountain View should enjoy, Farmer's Market is still the place to be on Sunday mornings. The fresh produce from nearby ranches, colorful flowers, tasty pastries, and live music make Farmer's Market Mountain View's own European-style marketplace no one should miss.
- Parking Plaza between Hope and View Streets, Sundays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Restaurant for Kids
Fresh Choice
The choice is clear: Nothing beats Fresh Choice when it comes to affordable and healthy food for your little ones. With a variety of soups, salads, pastas, and desserts any child will find hard to refuse, Fresh Choice also offers a kid-friendly environment with its spacious diner and high chairs.
- 2540 W. El Camino Real; Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 949-4901.
Restaurant for Vegetarians
Garden Fresh
Mountain View vegans have nothing to worry about -- thanks to Garden Fresh, Voice readers' choice as best restaurant for vegetarians. With dishes like lettuce linguine, garlic eggplant stir fry, hot and sour soup, and spring rolls as well as the faux meats and poultry made from vegetable glutens, what's to complain about? - 1245 W. El Camino Real; Sun.-Thu., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 961-7795.
Seafood Restaurant
Fiesta Del Mar
Claiming first place on its own (it tied last year with Sono Sushi), Fiesta Del Mar wins this year's vote for best seafood restaurant. With delectable seafood dishes complemented by the distinct Mexican-cuisine style, Fiesta Del Mar continues to be a hit with Mountain View and visiting patrons.
- 1005 N. Shoreline Blvd.; Mon.-Thu., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. 965-9354.
Sushi/Japanese Restaurant
Sono Sushi
A favorite among Mountain View patrons, Sono Sushi doesn't just please patrons with its selection of sushi. It also wins with patrons hungry for fine Japanese cuisine. The sushi bar features a wide array of specials while the regular menu lists teriyaki, tempura and barbeque dishes.
- 357 Castro St.; Tue.-Thu., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 961-9086.
Auto Repair
Kevin's Auto
For the second consecutive year, Voice readers voted Kevin's Auto as their favorite auto repair shop. With service ranging from any kind of repair to full body work, Kevin's works on all kinds of domestic and foreign automobiles, including Chevys, BMWs and Ferraris. He also does full restoration on antique cars.
- 1968 Leghorn St., Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; some Saturdays. 965-7112.
Bike Shop
Offramp
Winning this title for the fifth year in a row is Offramp, Mountain View's favorite place to shop for affordable, quality bicycles. From children s bikes to biking accessories, Offramp has got them all in stock. Plus, the always friendly and knowledgable staff are there to offer suggestions and help to all customers.
- 2320 El Camino Real. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 5 p.m. 968-2974.
Bookstore
Printer's Inc.
Can anyone imagine downtown Mountain View without this bookstore? Continually growing in popularity, Printer s Inc. Bookstore is the place to go for a wide variety of books, current magazines and newspapers, and a friendly staff that can answer any of your literary queries.
- 301 Castro St. Mon.-Thu., 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m. - midnight.; Sunday, 9 a.m. -11 p.m. 961-8500.
Convenience Store/Market
Easy Foods
The name says it all. No toothpaste? No need to worry. Easy Foods is open everyday at convenient hours to come to Mountain View's rescue. At Easy Foods, you don't have to wait in long lines to get what you want, whenever you want it.
- 299 Castro St. Daily, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. 969-5995.
Copy Store
Kinko's
Open 24 hours, just about anything can be done at Kinko's. Voted once again as Mountain View's favorite copy store, Kinko's features the very best of copying, scanning, faxing and computer services. In addition to a highly knowledgable layout and design staff, Kinko's employees are always friendly, ready to help anyone in need.
- 1935 El Camino Real. Open 24 hours, everyday. 321-0242.
CDs/Video
Tower Records
Newly renovated, Tower Records/Bookstore/Video is Mountain View's spacious entertainment haven. With CDs always on sale and a stock to satisfy anyone s musical ears, Tower also offers a wide selection of videos of all genres for all ages.
- 630 San Antonio Road. Daily, 9 a.m. - midnight. 941-7900.
Financial Institution
Wells Fargo
A full-service bank dedicated to completely serve its customers, Wells Fargo Bank is Mountain View s favorite financial institution. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Mountain View, Wells Fargo offers extended banking hours and a variety of investment opportunities.
- 590 Castro St. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 855-7581.
Place to Buy Fresh Produce and Flowers
Farmer's Market
A fresh produce and floral haven all of Mountain View should enjoy, Farmer's Market is still the place to be on Sunday mornings. The fresh produce from nearby ranches, colorful flowers, tasty pastries, and live music make the market Mountain View's own European-style marketplace.
- Parking Plaza between Hope and View Streets, Sundays, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Hardware/Lumber
Minton's Lumber Supply
Established in 1906, Minton's Lumber Supply is one of Mountain View's oldest and most-revered businesses. Its two buildings, one for lumber and one for hardware, offer everything from brass fixtures to redwood studs.
- 455 W. Evelyn Ave. Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 968-9201.
Home Furnishings Store
Cost Plus
Mountain View residents looking for just the right thing to fill the space in their homes come to Cost Plus. What began as a San Francisco warehouse is now a store that features everything from international foods to indoor/outdoor furniture and window treatments.
- 1910 El Camino Real. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 961-6066.
Motel/Hotel
Pacific Hotels Crestview
Winning this title for the second consecutive year, Crestview is a traveler's home away from home. With rooms featuring king-size beds, jacuzzi, television, VCR and remote-control air-conditioning, patrons are sure to feel comfortable and rested after a night's or week's stay.
- 901 E. El Camino Real; 24-hour front desk service. 966-8848.
Nail Salon and Haircut/Styling
Absolute Perfection
In here, absolute perfection in hair, nails, and everything else in between is within reach. In business for 17 years, Absolute Perfection is a full service salon featuring a highly-trained staff of 8 hairdressers, 3 manicurists, a facialist and an electrolicist. It remains the biggest salon of its kind in Mountain View.
- 100 W. El Camino Real. Tue.-Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 964-8100.
Pet Store
Carr's Pet Center
A Mountain View pet store for more than 50 years, Carr's features a menagerie that includes bunnies, birds, mice, hamsters and a bearded dragon lizard. Kids and parents alike enjoy the wide variety of animals, and many leave carrying a new found pet with them.
- 701 W. Evelyn Ave. Mon.-Thu., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a,,-5:30 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 967-5748.
Pharmacy
Walgreens
For the third consecutive year, Voice readers voted Walgreens as their choice for the best pharmacy in town. In addition to a full-service pharmacy staffed with friendly and knowledgable employees, Walgreens also offers photo developing and sells everything from make-up to canned goods. Indeed, it's a one-stop-shop.
- 112 N. Rengstorff Ave. Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 121 El Camino Real, 24 hours a day. 961-7555.
Photo Developing
Costco Wholesale
Lucky for Price Club/Costco members: they can take their film in for one-hour or one-day processing and get duplicates and jumbo sizes to boot. With Costco claiming this title for the second consecutive year, it's fair to guess that many Voice readers are also Costco members.
- 1000 N. Rengstorff Ave., business members/ Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Gold Star members/ Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; all members/Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 988-9766.
Secondhand Store
Goodwill
Since it opened in 1975, Goodwill has provided Mountain View with secondhand items of first-rate quality. To make shopping easier, the clothes are arranged by color, and toys, books, appliances and furniture are easy to find and in good condition.
- 855 E. El Camino Real. Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 969-3382.
Sporting Goods/Outdoor Gear
Mountain View Surplus
Celebrating over 60 years of doing business in Mountain View, this sporting goods and military outlet stocks just about everything -- from camping and sporting equipment to military clothing, helmets, ski boots, and shoes in season.
- 1299 W. El Camino Real. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 969-2381.
Store for Unusual Gifts
East West Bookstore
From metaphysical books, exotic potions for body and mind, to spiritually inspired music, East West Bookstore is the place to buy that unusual gift for a friend or loved one. Aside from its gifts, East West also boasts an exciting art gallery and conference rooms with a range of speakers.
- 324 Castro St. Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. 12 p.m., Sunday, 1-8 p.m. 988-9800.
Video Rental Store
Blockbuster
The Mountain View store of this popular video chain features different sections for new releases and old-time favorites. Older releases can be kept for five days and some newer ones can be kept for two. The drop box is conveniently located for returners, and the check-out service is fast and friendly. With more than 10,000 titles to choose from, it is hard to leave the store empty-handed.
- 1035 El Monte Rd. Daily, 10 a.m.-midnight. 428-0923.
Workout
24-Hour Fitness Center
As its name implies, this center is open round the clock -- convenient for its many patrons. Featuring a large gym with all the right workout equipment, showers, and aerobic classes, 24-Hour gives local fitness buffs a run for their money. A friendly staff of personal trainers, instructors, and front-desk employees work hard to help their customers pump the right kind of iron.
- 550 Showers Dr. Daily, 24 hours a day. 941-2268.
Place to Take Visitors
Shoreline Park
Voice readers voted Shoreline Park as the best place to spend time with their out-of-town visitors. Your guests can sailboard, roller-blade, golf, paddle a canoe, fly a kite, birdwatch, and do so many other activities that they might never want to leave. After a hard day of exploration, dine at Shoreline's elegant Michael's restaurant or bring a blanket and eat along the shore.
- End of Shoreline Boulevard. Mountain View Parks Division, 903-6326.
Evening Stroll/Place to People-Watch
Downtown Mountain View/Castro Street
Bored? It seems that Voice readers ride their bikes, take walks, or bring their cars to downtown Mountain View for a relaxing evening stroll and/or to go people-watching. After an inspired show at the Center for the Performing Arts, walkers and lookers can choose from one of the many old and new restaurants sprinkled around downtown Mountain View. Not hungry? Why not try some Italian gelato, good old all-American ice cream, or low-calorie yogurt? Not really hungry? Well, you can burn some calories and take salsa lessons from Alberto, look for a new book or the current issue of a magazine at Printers Inc., grab a cup of coffee at Dana Roasting, Printers Inc., or Red Rock coffee houses, or browse through hundreds of books and CDs at Book Buyers.
Place to Take First Date
Century 16
What's more romantic than spending time with your date in a dark room, sitting next to strangers and smelling the fresh aroma of popcorn and spilled soda? A lot. But for some reason, Voice readers keep voting Century 16 as the best place to take a first date. Well, Century does show the best Hollywood can offer. With wide-screens, comfortable seating, and a spacious lobby, watching a movie at Century 16 can make for a great start of a first date.
- 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd. 960-0970.
Park/Picnic Spot
Cuesta Park
Surprise, surprise. Cuesta beats Shoreline as this year's best park. Significantly smaller than Shoreline, Cuesta Park, to some, offers a more-intimate setting for having a picnic or walking your dog. Nearby YMCA and tennis courts attract fitness-buffs and families to the park.
- Cuesta Park is near Cuesta and Grant. Mountain View Parks Division, 903-6326.
Places for Singles to Meet
Molly Magee's
Singles can meet while playing darts, shooting pool, or by dancing on the floor in this popular spot. Attracting singles from Mountain View and its surrounding areas, Molly Magee's was voted as the best place to meet eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. While chatting, bartenders, complete with authentic Irish accents, can serve a long list of ales on tap.
- 241 Castro St. Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 964-9151.
Free Entertainment
Cuesta Park Summer Center
What's better than sitting in the park listening to great, live music? Not paying a single cent for it. This Mountain View Recreation Division/Silicon Graphics co-venture became so papular that performances were added to the Civic Center Plaza last year. The performances are set for summer, with performers and specific dates to be announced later. Cuesta Park is near Cuesta and Grant. Mountain View Recreation Division, 903-6331.
