Audio/Video Store
Audio High
Audio High not only supplies customers with high-end home theater and audio systems, the company is run completely on solar power, and the owners donate all their profits to charity! Mountain View residents applaud Audio High’s social responsibility, as well as their uncanny products: high-end audio, home theater and lighting systems, and more.
165 Moffett Blvd.; Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. By Appointment Only; 964-4000
Runner up: Best Buy
Auto Body Repair
FCC Collision
Once again, Mountain View readers turn to FCC Collision for dents, scratches and major repairs on their autos. Family-owned and ICAR Gold Certified since 1979, FCC Collision knows how to take care of local customers every step of the way.
177 E. Evelyn Ave.; 965-1440
Runner up: Car West Auto
Auto Repair
Larry’s AutoWorks
Larry’s promises customers a 36 month or 36,000 mile guarantee, which is probably why folks from all over head to Mountain View for repairs. Larry’s bases its business on integrity, trust and communication: three qualities customers cherish.
2526 Leghorn St.; Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; 968-5202
Runner up: Dean’s Automotive
Bike Shop
The Off Ramp
For over 35 years, The Off Ramp has provided dedicated service and high quality bicycles and equipment to Peninsula residents. Each staff member is certified to work on all makes, and customers can even test ride bicycles before deciding on a big purchase. All bikes purchased at The Off Ramp come with a free tune-up, as an added gift to customers.
2320 El Camino Real; Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; 968-2974
Runner up: Bicycle Outfitters
Book Store
Books Inc.
While some head over to Books Inc. for the tasty egg salad sandwiches at the upstairs cafe, real bookworms look to the independent bookstore for hard-to-find titles and friendly recommendations. Staffers there know many customers personally, and are happy to point out new titles and authors or direct people to one of the many speaker or book signing events held in the store.
301 Castro St.; Mon.-Thu. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-Midnight; Sun. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; 428-1234
Runner up: Book Buyers
Chiropractor
Chiropractic Sports Center
Clients know they’re in good hands with Dr. Tony Tropea of Chiropractic Sports Center on Hope Street. The clinic offers friendly service and treatments from posture training to massage therapy. The soothing atmosphere of the office and family-like treatment will put patients at ease.
278-C Hope St.; 962-0909
Runner up: Lisa M. Devlin
Dentist
Smiles Dental
Mountain View is all smiles for the best dentist in town. At Smiles Dental, doctors and staff believe in great customer service and using only the best dental technology to treat clients. Offering both classic and cosmetic treatments, Smiles makes sure patients receive quality care both in the office and out.
100 El Camino Real, Suite 63A; 964-2626
Runner up: Dr. Joseph Cassera
Dry Cleaners
Careful Cleaners
Careful Cleaners again makes Mountain View’s best list by offering efficient service at reasonable prices. Your delicate garments, repairs, and regular laundry will be safe at this family run business. Shirts laundered for $1.50 each.
860 Villa St.; Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 967-5094
Runner up: Blossom Valley Cleaners and Draper Center
Financial Institution
Wells Fargo Bank
Clients rave about the friendly, efficient service at this Castro Street branch. From opening a new account to applying for loans, this Wells Fargo has its customers covered with competent employees ready to help people with all their financial needs. Plus, this branch is open late on Saturdays.
590 Castro St.; Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; 210-2020
Runner up: Washington Mutual
Fitness Club
YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula
From children to seniors, YMCA offers programs that will help the whole family get fit, and connect to their community too. Pick from organized sports, swimming or fitness classes to get off the couch and in shape. The club offers childcare while busy parents get their workout in, or family classes for parent-child fitness and health education.
2400 Grant Rd.; Mon.-Thu. 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; 941-2268
Runner up: 24 Hour Fitness
Fitness Program
Workout IQ
For a personalized workout routine to match your busy lifestyle, or a boot camp class sure to whip you into shape, Workout IQ has the plan for you. Work with trainers to lose weight, improve posture and eliminate pain using techniques like Russian Kettlebell training or message.
278 Hope Street, Suite C; 814-9615
Runner up: Integrate Performance Fitness
Non-Chain Florist
Robert Moore Flowers
Robert Moore has been serving Mountain View residents for over 50 years. Earning past awards from the Voice, this local florist provides arrangements for any occasion, from birthdays and weddings to bar mitzvahs and funeral services. The store’s longtime manager Byron keeps his staff up to date on the latest trends in design, and promises good value and great products to his customers.
881 Castro St.; Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; 967-2307
Runner up: Fleur De Lis
Green Business
REI Mountain View
REI earns green marks with shoppers by being diligent with regular recycling and promoting environmentally friendly commute habits to employees. They participate in community efforts like Coastal Cleanup Day and volunteering at Shoreline Park to remove invasive plant species. If you find yourself in the dark while shopping for eco-friendly hemp and wool products, don’t panic — REI Mountain View has probably dimmed the lights in accordance with a San Francisco Community Power Alert Day.
2450 Charleston Rd.; Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; 969-1938
Runner up: Audio High
Hair Salon
Allure Salon
For the third year in a row, Mountain View looks to the stylists at Allure for their hair care needs. From modern cuts for both men and women, to coloring and permanent treatments, Allure make its clients look an feel stylish. The salon also provides massage treatment, as well as nail and skin care for all beauty needs.
888 Villa St.; Mon.-Tue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 938-8777
Runner up: Solstice Salon
Hardware Store
Orchard Supply Hardware
Though home improvement inside and out can be frustrating, Mountain View residents know they can turn time and time again to the trusted advice and help from friendly Orchard staff. Serving California for over 75 years, the company still provides small-business service to its many customers, including gardening tips and coupons on their helpful Web site.
2555 Charleston Rd.; Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; 691-2010
Runner up: Blossom True Value Hardware
Home Furnishings
Cost Plus World Market
For unique home furnishings and accessories, Cost Plus is the place to go. Imported chairs, ottomans, kitchenware, picture frames and more will give any home a global feel. Competitive prices and funky, unique pieces make Cost Plus the best place to update your abode.
1910 W. El Camino Real; Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; 961-6066
Runner up: Ethan Allen Home Interiors
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn
For those visiting on business, or just stopping by for a leisurely weekend, the Hilton Garden Inn provides clean rooms for a good night’s rest. The helpful staff at the desk and restaurant can direct visitors to all the best Mountain View has to offer, making a short or long stay feel like home.
840 El Camino Real; 964-1700
Runner up: Hotel Avante
Massage
Massage Envy
Message Envy doesn’t sacrifice high quality message therapy for its unbeatable prices. Starting at only $39, treatments range from trigger point therapy to deep tissue to sports massages. Staff will happily help you decide which massage fits your needs, and schedule a perfect timeslot that fits your busy schedule.
1040 Grant Rd., Suite 110; Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 961-3689
Runner up: Allure Salon
Nails/Manicure
La Monique’s Nail Salon
To pamper your feet and hands, head to La Monique’s, where prices are fair and treatment is royal. Pedicures come complete with hot stone and paraffin wax treatment; a deal considering a mani/pedi combo costs a reasonable $40. Pedicures only cost $28.
650 Castro St., No. 175; Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 968-9901
Runner up: Gorgeous Nails and Skin Care
New Business
Clocktower Coffee Conference Room
Clocktower Coffee now provides not only the snacks and coffee for your business meetings, but the space for them as well. The newly opened 1,500-square-foot conference space next to Clocktower’s N. Whisman location is the perfect place for meetings of any kind. Complete with full PA system, staff will set up the room theater, boardroom, classroom or any gathering place to fit your needs.
425 N. Whisman, Suite 700; 575-5070 For Reservations
Runner up: Mystyq
Oil Change
GTS Auto Center
Conveniently located in downtown Mountain View, GTS Auto is great for a quick oil change or tune up. No need for an appointment, drop-ins can have their oil changed on the spot for $22 to $24 depending on the make.
705 W. Dana St.; Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; 968-8896
Runner up: Jiffy Lube
Place for a Date
Cascal & Century 16 Theaters
Can’t decide where to take your date for a night out? Take Mountain View’s advice and go for a traditional dinner-and-a-movie night. Dine at Cascal on flirty Spanish style tapas, then head over to the cinemas to catch the latest flick for a perfect evening for two.
Cascal: 400 Castro St.; Mon.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; 940-9500, Century 16: 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd.; 961-3828
Runner up: Shoreline Park
Store for Unusual Gifts
East-West Bookshop
For gifts that cater to the mind and soul, East-West Bookshop is the place to browse. The unique shop on Castro Street carries everything from the latest political biographies to statues of deities and angels. In addition to its unusual gift items, East-West holds enticing speaker events and workshops on topics like massage, sensitivity, and even palmistry.
324 Castro St.; Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; sun. Noon-8 p.m.; 988-9800
Runner up: Cost Plus World Market
Travel Agency
Uniglobe Embassy Travel
Specializing in trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Mexico, the staff at Uniglobe Embassy are happy to assist travelers with all business and pleasure vacation plans. At their convenient location in downtown Mountain View, Uniglobe travel agents are always on hand to suggest great cruise getaways for a romantic duo or the whole family.
650 Castro St.; 964-1977
Women’s Clothing Store
Mystyq
For unique sportswear, women head to Mystyq on Castro. The shop carries everything from funky jewelry and colorful scarves to New World-patterned flowing skirts and denim. Featured currently is their “popcorn shirt,” a stretchy distinctive top available in a plethora of rainbow colors and prints.
282 Castro St.; Mon.-Tue. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Wed.-Thu. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. Noon-6 p.m.; 964-4323
Runner up: Therapy
Yoga Studio
Yoga is Youthfulness
Over and over again, Yoga is Youthfulness makes Mountain View’s “Best of” list for its attention to both beginning and advanced clients. With a variety of class styles, from Mysore style Ashtanga to mainstream Iyegnar, students of all types will find a method that suits their needs.
590 Castro St.; Schedule Varies; 964-4277
Runner up: YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula
Shoe Repair
A Minute Man Shoe Repair
This one-man workshop will fix all your leather goods in a hurry. From removing stains to stretching leathers to re-healing your favorite boots, the Minute Man, a.k.a. Marco, takes care of customers on a time crunch, and for fair prices too. While you’re waiting, try on a pair of Marco’s special leather boots — he can make a custom pair just for you.
738 Villa St.; Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 968-0358
Runner up: Model Shoe Repair
