The future may hold a city buzzing with delivery drones, but in 2017, Mountain View’s eateries, attractions and businesses are still getting plenty of foot traffic. Our busy city holds an unbelievable array of options for everything from burritos to baklava, poke bowls to crispy papadum. Once your belly is full, Voice readers can tell you where to find the best shops, the hottest happy hours and personalized services for everything from nutrition coaches to car repair.
Every year, we ask our readers to vote for their favorite places and offer this annual guide to the very best that Mountain View has to offer. Whether you’re new in town or just wondering if you’re missing out on something, we offer you our list of 2017’s top vote-getters.
Restaurants
Breakfast/Brunch
Bajis’ Cafe
Bajis’ Cafe opened in 1980 and has great breakfast options such as its signature skillets and omelets. The most popular omelet is the Loma Verde, which has bacon, avocado, and jack cheese, and comes with red potatoes and toast.
2423 Old Middlefield Way, Suite A, Mountain View
650-967-7477
bajis.com
Runner-up: La Fontaine
Chinese Restaurant
Kirin Chinese Restaurant
Kirin Chinese Restaurant opened around 30 years ago, and won the hearts of our readers this year. This restaurant serves mostly traditional southern Chinese cuisine, but also some northern Chinese dishes. The most popular dishes are the crab, lobster, and the Mongolian beef.
485 Castro St., Mountain View
650-965-1059
Runner-up: Chef Chu’s
Coffee House (Independent)
Red Rock Coffee Company
A reader favorite for years, Red Rock Coffee Company serves up coffee while also supporting the community with donations to the Gunn High School Jazz program, Monte Loma and Stevenson elementary schools and Los Altos Parent Preschool. Red Rock is also a community hub, with open mic and comedy nights, and is one of the stops on the Mountain View Library’s Summer Reading program. As the weather has gotten warmer, Red Rock has started serving its affogato again, made with Four Barrel espresso and premium Tin Pot Creamery ice cream. “Our cold brew is fantastic and made in-house,” general manager Jean Boulanger said. Recently, it added a curated board game night, every second Tuesday of the month from 7 to 10 p.m., with sign-ups at at bit.ly/rrboardgames.
201 Castro St., Mountain View
650-967-4473
redrockcoffee.org
Runner-up: Dana Street Roasting Company
Fine Dining Restaurant, Italian Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Best Place for a Business Lunch
La Fontaine
La Fontaine captured four awards this year, proving its popularity among our readers. This European fusion restaurant serves French and Italian cuisine and offers brunch on Sundays. Chef and owner Hasan Yildiz recently got a permit for live music at La Fontaine. Yildiz said that there will be jazz and cello music. “It’s not going to be loud, it’s going to be really mellow,” he said.
186 Castro St., Mountain View
650-968-2300
lafontainerestaurant.com
Runners-up: Cascal (Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Place for a Business Lunch), Frankie Johnnie & Luigi Too! (Best Italian Restaurant), Bierhaus (Best Patio/Outdoor Dining)
Fusion Restaurant, Vietnamese Restaurant
Xanh Restaurant
Xanh Restaurant continues to impress guests with modern Vietnamese cuisine and signature cocktails such as the sparkling diamond, lychee kiss martini, dirty old man, and Xanhset mojito. (Xanh is pronounced “sun.”) This reader favorite also offers catering and a buffet-style lunch.
110 Castro St, Mountain View
650-964-1888
xanhrestaurant.com
Runner-up: Hong Kong Bistro (Best Fusion Restaurant), Pho To Chau (Best Vietnamese Restaurant)
Indian Restaurant
Amber India
According to Amber India staff, the butter chicken and kadai paneer veg are the most popular dishes at this most popular restaurant. With five locations and plenty of vegetarian options, Amber India has clearly unlocked a winning recipe.
4926 El Camino Real, Los Altos
650-968-7511
amber-india.com
Runner-up: Sakoon
Mediterranean Restaurant, Middle Eastern Restaurant
Mediterranean Grill House
Mediterranean Grill House is a family owned and operated restaurant and a two-time winner of the Best of Mountain View. As owner Hasan Ibrahim says on his website, “I serve the same food to my customers that I would gladly serve to my own family.”
650 Castro St. #110, Mountain View
650-625-9990
mediterraneangrillhouse.com
Runner-up: Cafe Baklava
Mexican Restaurant, Best Burrito
Taqueria Tres Hermanos
Taqueria Tres Hermanos is a new addition to the Best of Mountain View’s winners list, and it is clearly a popular stop for Mexican food. With Mountain View’s abundance of top-notch Mexican eateries, that’s really saying something.
327 Moffett Blvd. # D, Mountain View
650-967-2105
Runner-up: Fiesta Del Mar Too (Best Mexican Restaurant), La Costena (Best Burrito)
New Restaurant
Everest Cuisine
Everest Cuisine opened earlier this year and is already a favorite among readers. This restaurant serves a variety of Indian and Nepalese dishes, such as the slow-cooked Himalayan lamb special, goat curry and tandoori dishes.
425 N Whisman Road, Mountain View
650-282-5958
everestcuisinemountainview.com
Runner-up: Dong Lai Shun
Seafood
Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch opened three years ago and still reels in customers with its Hawaiian poke plates, especially the popular California-style and original poke plates. Serving a full menu of fish and seafood, it’s open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
545 San Antonio Road, Suite 34, Mountain View
650-941-1810
pacificcatch.com
Runner-up: Fiesta Del Mar Too
Sushi/Japanese Restaurant
Sushi Tomi
Sushi Tomi continues to be Mountain View’s favorite Japanese restaurant, and this year is no different. Its commitment to traditional Japanese sushi is clear in the quality food they make. If you are unsure of what to pick, order the “omakase,” which is the chef’s choice of the day.
635 W Dana St., Mountain View, CA 94041
650-968-3227
sushitomi.com
Runner-up: Niji Sushi
Best Thai Restaurant
Amarin Thai Cuisine
Once again, Amarin Thai Cuisine has won Best Thai Restaurant in Mountain View. Its drunken noodle dish and curries remain favorites among customers, along with the pad Thai.
174 Castro St., Mountain View
(650) 988-9323
amarinthaicuisine.com
Runner-up: Shana Thai Restaurant
Vegetarian Cuisine
Garden Fresh
Don’t be fooled by menu items listed as “chicken,” “pork” or “beef” — Garden Fresh is a 100 percent Humane Planet-certified vegan restaurant and partners with the Palo Alto Humane Society. Its veggie meat dishes are made of soy-based meat substitutes. “Chinese vegan cuisine… is a centuries-old tradition that we are pleased to offer,” said owners Alice and Robert Liang on its website.
1245 W El Camino Real, Mountain View
650-254-1688
gardenfresh.us
Runner-up: Amarin Thai
Services
Auto Body Repair
Caliber Collision Company
Caliber Collision Company has more than 500 state-of-the-art repair centers, according to its website, and its location in Mountain View is a new reader favorite. Offering free estimates, its services include glass repair, painting and dent repair.
2029 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View
650-964-1047
calibercollision.com
Runner-up: The Car Doctor
Auto Repair
Kevin’s Auto Repair
Kevin’s Auto Repair opened in 1997, and is known for its honest advice and efficient service. “Every person and friend I have recommended have all had a wonderful experience,” according to one customer.
1968 Leghorn St., Mountain View
650-965-7112
kevinsautorepairinc.com
Runner-up: Helming’s Auto Repair
Chiropractor
Movement Chiropractic and Wellness
This is the second year that our readers have picked Movement Chiropractic and Wellness as Mountain View’s best place for chiropractic care. “My clinical approach is strongly focused on patient care with an emphasis on improving the patient’s mobility and function,” according to Dr. Taylor Griffith.
694 W Dana St., Mountain View
650-429-8132
mvmtchiropractic.com
Runner-up: Chiropractic performance
Dentist
Dental Fabulous
This is Dental Fabulous‘ fourth time winning the Best of Mountain View. According to Dr. Huy Do, the owner and principal dentist, “My wonderful employees are the reasons that make Dental Fabulous great. They are highly skilled professionals and very passionate about their work. They love providing excellent patient care and making our patients smile, and our patients see that,” Dr. Do said. “Our care can range from helping to maintain good oral health, in most cases, to being truly life changing, for some patients.” Dental Fabulous has been at its Mountain View location since 2012.
756 California St., Mountain View
650-969-6077
dentalfabulous.com
Runner-up: Allure Dental Center
Dry Cleaners
Holiday Cleaners
Holiday Cleaners has been open for close to 14 years, and our readers appreciate its dry cleaning services and affordable pricing. There is a 20 percent discount for students and faculty from Stanford University, San Jose State University, El Camino Hospital, and other local schools.
1350 Grant Road, # 9, Mountain View
650-965-0281
Runner-up: Green and Fresh Cleaner
Fitness Classes
24 Hour Fitness
At 24 Hour Fitness, the motto is “We believe there is an athlete in all of us.” With over 20 fitness classes on offer, this motto can be put into action. Zumba, aqua fitness, pilates, and yoga are just a few of the many options available at 24 Hour Fitness. There are discount promos available daily, to help make fitness affordable.
550 Showers Drive, Mountain View
650-941-2268
24hourfitness.com
Runner-up: El Camino YMCA
Gym, Personal Trainer
24 Hour Fitness Super Sport
24 Hour Fitness Super Sport‘s Mountain View location has over 200 machines including treadmills and stair-steppers, and has 13 personal trainers available to help everyone meet a fitness goal.
2535 California St, Mountain View
650-935-9064
24hourfitness.com
Runner-up: El Camino YMCA (Best Gym), Overtime Fitness (Best Personal Trainer)
Hair Salon
Essence Salon
Essence Salon has been open for 12 years, and for the second year in a row is the favorite salon among Voice readers. “We really love our guests … It’s just a really friendly place,” said Don Johnson, the general manager. “Every single stylist or artist has Sassoon Academy training.” Many of the stylists also have trained at the TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy, and all the stylists go through training when they start at the salon. Manager Ting Li said that the most popular service is balayage, a hair-dying technique.
826 W Dana St., Mountain View
650-988-8822
essencesalon.com
Runner-up: JulieQ’s Hair and Nails
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn — Mountain View
The Hilton Garden Inn remains a favorite among readers. This esteemed hotel recently launched a new wine experience; manager Marris Ecdao described it as “bringing Napa Valley to Silicon Valley.” The restaurant features exclusively Napa and Sonoma wines and a California-style patio, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.
840 E El Camino Real, Mountain View
650-964-1700
mountainview.hgi.com
Runner-up: Hampton Inn & Suites Mountain View
Manicure/Pedicure
La Monique’s Nail Salon
La Monique’s Nail Salon opened over 20 years ago. This salon offers manicures and pedicures, along with gel nail services. The prices for manicures and pedicures are the same, and remain among its most popular services.
650 Castro St., # 175, Mountain View
650-968-9901
Runner-up: Spoil Me Salon
Massage
Happy Feet Foot Spa
Happy Feet Foot Spa offers affordable massages, and uses reflexology techniques to keep its patrons’ tootsies feeling good. It must work, because Voice readers have made it No. 1 this year.
858 Villa St., Mountain View
650-969-7600
happyfeetfootspa.com
Runner-up: Aruna Spa
Nutrition/Weight Loss Counselor
JumpstartMD
Dr. Sean Bourke of JumpstartMD grew up in Palo Alto and attended Palo Alto High School before opening JumpstartMD almost 10 years ago. “We’ve tried to create a program that is based on whole, real, fresh foods, individualized coaching, and based on proven science. So our ultimate goals are … the promotion of health and well-being,” said Dr. Bourke.
sbourke@jumpstartmd.com
1503 Grant Road #150, Mountain View
650-241-6514
jumpstartmd.com
Runner-up: Bay Area Fitness & Nutrition
Oil Change
Jiffy Lube
Jiffy Lube‘s local locations, with two in Palo Alto and one in Mountain View, is the Voice voters’ go-to place for a quick oil change. The expansive chain’s popularity comes from quality service and unbeatable prices and discounts, say company representatives.
1141 W El Camino Real, Mountain View
650-965-2582
jiffylube.com
Runner-up: Dean’s Automotive
Pet Care
Adobe Animal Hospital
Adobe Animal Hospital opened in 1964 and now has multiple locations. The full service veterinary clinic is open Monday through Saturday, offering compassionate care to a full range of pets.
4470 El Camino Real, Los Altos
650-948-9661
adobe-animal.com
Runner-up: Miramonte Veterinary Hospital
Shoe Repair
Model Shoe Repair
Model Shoe Repair has been in business since 1999, providing helpful shoe repair services in Mountain View. Owner Sae Lim says the shop’s specialty is high heels and other dress shoes.
621 W Dana St., Mountain View
650-961-8389
Runner-up: California Cobbler
Yoga
Yoga Belly
If you can’t stand the heat, you’re not going to our readers’ favorite yoga studio in Mountain View. Make sure to bring your own mat and towel — Yoga Belly’s studio gets up to a 90-degree temperature, according to its website.
455 Castro St., Mountain View
650-862-3976
yogabellystudio.com
Runner-up: 24 hour Fitness
Food & Drink
Bagel
House of Bagels
The natural, unprocessed ingredients used at House of Bagels has made its bagels the best in Mountain View since 2012. Its bakers prepare the bagels according to the old-fashioned New York method of boiling first and then baking them in a brick oven. House of Bagels’ most popular offerings are plain, sesame, and asiago cheese.
1712 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View
650-694-4888
houseofbagelsonline.com
Runner-up: Posh Bagel (Castro Street)
Bakery
Alexander’s Patisserie
Since its opening in October of 2014, Alexander’s Patisserie has brought a variety of French pastries to Mountain View. The best-selling sweets are the macarons and chocolate bonbons, perfected by executive pastry chefs Quentin Collignon and Dries Delanghe. Many of the pastries and sweets stay on the menu year-round, but there are some seasonal specialties that are featured as well. Alexander’s Patisserie also has a location in Cupertino.
209 Castro St., Mountain View
(650) 864-9999
alexanderspatisserie.com
Runner-up: La Panotiq
Bar
Molly MaGees
Molly MaGees has countless unique drink options on its menu and features daily specials and beers of the month. This authentic Irish pub is open every day of the week and is a popular spot to watch soccer games with a crowd of fellow fans.
241 Castro St., Mountain View
650-961-0108
mollysmtview.com
Runner-up: Eureka!
BBQ
Armadillo Willy’s
With eight locations, Armadillo Willy’s is a well-known chain with local origins. Its most popular dish is the brisket, while the restaurant also has vegan and vegetarian options such as the soy Boka Burger. This Texas-inspired barbecue restaurant is a hit among readers and has been in business for over 30 years.
1031 N San Antonio Road, Los Altos
(650) 941-2922
armadillowillys.com
Runner-up: Clarke’s Charcoal Broiler
Burger
Eureka!
Looking for something beyond the basic burger? Eureka! — you’ve found it. The burgers offer a unique take on an American staple. Some favorites include the bone marrow burger and the Fresno fig burger, which is topped with fig marmalade, bacon, goat cheese, spicy mustard, tomato and arugula. Eureka! currently has about 22 locations.
191 Castro St., Mountain View
650-426-0582
eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Runner-up: Clarke’s Charcoal Broiler
Deli/Sandwich
Roger’s Deli & Donuts
Roger’s Deli & Donuts offers a variety of options, including the cream of potato soup, a veggie sandwich, and the chicken deluxe sandwich. Plus, there’s a full range of donuts, from classic cake and old fashioned to custard-filled bars and apple fritters.
295 E Middlefield Road, Mountain View
650-965-2204
rogers-deli.com
Runner-up: Dittmer’s Gourmet Meats & Wurst-Haus
Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
Gelato Classico
At Gelato Classico, customers can pick from a variety of delicious Italian-style ice cream flavors, and fruit sorbettos. It’s easy to spot in hot weather, because there’s usually a line out the door.
241 B Castro St., Mountain View
650-969-2900
Runner-up: Baskin Robbins
Noodle Place
Maru Ichi
Maru Ichi serves an abundance of traditional Japanese noodles in rich broth, including soba and udon, but it’s best known for its bowls of ramen. The prices are low and the service is quick, making this a great stop for noodle-lovers in a hurry.
368 Castro St., Mountain View
650-564-9931
Runner-up: Ramen House Ryowa
Pearl Tea
Tea Era
Tea Era‘s signature pearl milk teas are once again a favorite among readers. The most popular flavor is the roasted barley tea. Tea Era offers four levels of sweetness. Owner Cindy Lee says that the pearl milk tea trend caught on in Mountain View about four or five years ago, and the chilly drink is still in hot demand.
271 Castro St., Mountain View
650-969-2899
menu.me/ca/mountain-view/tea-era/
Runner-up: Verde Tea Cafe
Pizza
Amici’s
Since 2001, Amici’s has brought its unique New York-style thin-crust pizzas to Mountain View. Their most popular pizza is the Amici’s combo, which has pepperoni, meatballs, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and black olives, a favorite among local meat-lovers.
790 Castro St., Mountain View
650-961-6666
amicis.com
Runner-up: Blue Line Pizza
Produce
Mountain View Farmers Market
The Sunday morning Mountain View Farmers Market will have your mouth watering as you graze through all the food samples. With what seems like countless vendors, and live music to serenade you, it’s no wonder readers say this is their top choice for buying produce.
600 W Evelyn Ave., Mountain View
800-806-3276
Runner-up: The Milk Pail
Small (non-chain) Grocery Store
Ava’s Downtown Market & Deli
Castro Street’s favorite little grocery store, Ava’s Downtown Market & Deli, has been in business for six years. Owner Juan Origel describes it as “a family-owned, neighborhood store,” and says that most of what he and his wife sell comes from local vendors and farmers, where the offerings vary with the seasons.
340 Castro St., Mountain View
650-961-5652
Runner-up: The Milk Pail
Take Out
Poke Bar
It’s like sushi in a bowl, and an infinitely customizable bowl, at that. You’ll find our voters’ top spot for feeding Mountain View’s fast-growing penchant for poke inside Ava’s Market. Poke Bar offers the Hawaiian favorite in a wide selection of traditional poke bowls with modern twists.
340 Castro St., Mountain View
415-967-9728
ilovepokebar.com
Runner-up: La Costena
Retail,
Bike Shop
Cognition Cyclery
Cognition Cyclery opened in 2010 and offers bike sales, fittings, rentals and repairs. This bike shop offers a wide variety of bikes including commuter and mountain bikes.
903 Castro St., Mountain View
650-386-1955
cognitioncyclery.com
Runner-up: The Off Ramp
Bookstore
Books Inc.
Books Inc. continues to be a readers’ favorite and has been operating in Mountain View since 2001. Manager Glen Robbe thinks he knows why. “We curate our selection towards the community, (we have) knowledgeable staff, (and a) wonderful children’s section,” he said.
301 Castro St., Mountain View
650-428-1234
booksinc.net
Runner-up: East West Bookshop of Palo Alto
Boutique, Best Store for Unusual Gifts
Therapy
Unique toys, notebooks, and clothing can all be found at Therapy. Many of the items sold are made by local artists or vendors and are available only at Therapy. Unlike some boutiques, Therapy does not stick to one specific style but features a collection of eclectic pieces.
250 Castro St., Mountain View
650-691-1186
shopattherapy.com
Runner-up: Boutique 4 (Best Boutique), Rocket Fizz (Best Store for Unusual Gifts)
Florist
Fleur De Lis
Fleur De Lis is a family-owned business that has been open for 32 years. According to owner May Hsu, roses are the most popular flowers sold and many of the shop’s flowers come from a local supplier in San Jose.
811 Castro St., Mountain View
650-968-0220
fdlflowers.com
Runner-up: City of Flowers
Hardware Store
Blossom True Value Hardware
Open since 1973, Blossom True Value Hardware is a family-owned business run by husband and wife Michelle Bernal and Paul Zeitman. “We carry a little bit of everything in here,” Bernal says.
1297 W El Camino Real, Mountain View
650-964-7871
truevalue.com
Runner-up: Bruce Bauer Lumber and Supply
Arts & Entertainment
Happy Hour
Cascal
Cascal offers happy hour from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with house cocktails at a reduced price and a few select menu items. Its signature drinks are the house-made sangria and minty mojitos.
400 Castro St., Mountain View
650-940-9500
cascalrestaurant.com
Runner-up: Savvy Cellar Wine Bar & Wine Shop
Best Place for a Date
Shoreline Lake
Recreation Manager John Marchant says that Shoreline Lake is the best place for a date because it offers a great place to talk, with plenty of things to do, such as eat at one of the two restaurants, have a picnic, or rent a boat. Plus, there are lots of trails to stroll and benches where couples can relax.
3160 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View
shorelinelake.com
Runner-up: Century Cinemas 16
Best Place for Live Music
Shoreline Amphitheatre
There are plenty of shows left in this concert season at Shoreline Amphitheatre, which opened in the summer of 1986. Some of the highlights at the open-air venue include: John Mayer on July 29, Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton & Night Ranger on Aug. 12, OneRepublic with Fitz & The Tantrums and James Arthur on Aug. 26, and Zac Brown Band on Oct. 27.
1 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View
650-967-4040
livenation.com/venues/14489/shoreline-amphitheatre
Runner-up: Red Rock Coffee Company
Best Place to Take a Visitor
Shoreline Park
With Shoreline Park‘s great views of the Bay and the city, ample trails, restaurants and lake, it’s no wonder Mountain View residents like to show it off to out-of-towners. Packed into the park is the historic Rengstorff House, a championship golf course and driving range, a kite-flying area, and quite a bit of wildlife, including the elusive burrowing owl.
3070 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View
mountainview.gov/shoreline
Runner-up: Computer History Museum
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