With so much going on in San Ramon, it can be tricky to pick a favorite, or even choose a restaurant for a night out on the town. We at the San Ramon Express strive to make decision time a little easier by presenting our annual Readers Choice Awards. In the Readers Choice Awards' fourth year, we once again took the mystery of "the best of the best" to the people. After sifting through a digital ton of votes cast on our online ballot, we've compiled a list of our readers' favorites.
Services:
Best Bank: Wells Fargo
No need to worry about complicated banking questions or concerns -- this branch of Wells Fargo has you covered.
Best Credit Union: Patelco Credit Union
An alternative to larger banks, Patelco provides a wide variety of friendly services. You can bank on the knowledge and courtesy of their staff.
Best Financial Planner (Non-brokerage): Wells Fargo Advisors
This California-grown bank provides individuals and businesses with a variety of financial services, while maintaining a professional and congenial rapport with their clients.
Best Financial Planner Brokerage: Charles Schwab
Investing can be complicated, so enlist the professionals at Charles Schwab to make it simpler, less costly and tailored to your individual needs.
Best Mortgage Company: Preferred Mortgage Group
Our readers prefer Preferred Mortgage Group. Come for the great service, thorough research for the best loans in every situation, and the knowledge that their staff is on your side.
Best Mortgage Professional: Randy Pickerell -- RPM
Randy Pickerell can help make the complicated home loan process much easier than you might expect, answering any question with patience and understanding.
Best Real Estate Agent: Tom Hart -- Empire Realty
Tom Hart provides a hassle-free experience with knowledge, experience, keen negotiating skills and commitment.
Best Real Estate Office: J. Rockcliff
With offices in Danville, Blackhawk, Pleasanton and Livermore, J. Rockcliff Realtors is one of the fastest growing companies in the state. Its relocation department provides home buying or selling assistance around the corner or across the globe.
Best Real Estate Team: The Schlendorf Team
Jack and Caroline, a father-daughter team, boast over 56 years of experience in real estate. They strive to make the process of selling a home pleasant, understandable and successful.
Best Travel Agency: AAA Travel
Whether you're planning a family vacation to Disneyland or need a map of Memphis, friendly staff will take care of all your travel needs. This location also offers DMV services to AAA members.
Health and Fitness:
Best Acupuncture: Seishindo Acupuncture
The experts at Seishindo will use the delicate art of acupuncture to make you feel relaxed and at peace -- and free you of tension you didn't even know you had.
Best Health Club: ClubSport San Ramon
Pump iron, shoot hoops and cardio kick your way to peak levels of fitness at this luxurious club. Amenities include a pool, spa services and personal training.
Best Massage: Bodylines Day Spa
Experience the quality of resort-like massage without the travel expenses. Bodylines strives to provide massage care that rejuvenates the soul in a safe and nurturing environment.
Best Martial Arts Studio: Martial Arts America
Dedicated to teaching the young and not so young the art of Tae Kwon Do, MAA takes students on a journey that will lead to untold riches, both mental and physical.
Best Place to Buy Fitness Equipment & Apparel: Big 5
Lace up a new pair of cross trainers or slip into the perfect pair of yoga pants. Whether you're hiking or want to get in a good game of basketball, Big 5 has it all.
Best Place to Walk, Jog or Bike: Iron Horse Trail
Skate, walk, bike or run the right of way of the former Southern Pacific Railroad, established in 1891 and abandoned in 1971. Stretching across several counties, this multi-use trail is the most fun you'll have for 33 straight miles.
Best Yoga/Pilates: ClubSport San Ramon
Our readers say that this gym has it all, with racquetball courts, ample weight and cardio machines, child care, beautifully kept locker rooms and a pool.
Beauty & Style:
Best Day Spa: Simply Beautiful
Indulge in a chemical-free body wrap or regain your glow with a customized European facial. Simply Beautiful believes in helping both men and women relax and love themselves.
Best Hair Salon for Men: Sport Clips
Specializing in only men and boy's hair, the staff at Sport Clips will give you the MVP treatment. Watch sports on television while receiving a neck massage and steamed towel treatment.
Best Hair Salon for Women: Wassim & Co.
Always up to date and professional, the stylists at Wassim & Co. know their way around a cut, color, style -- and the way to our readers' hearts.
Best Jewelry Store: Pattivs Jewelers
Owners Mark and Pat Fernwood are a perfect team at this store of sparkling goodies. With superior selection and more than reasonable pricing, get all your glitter and glam from Pattivs.
Best MedSpa: Splendor Beauty Spa
Providing healing massage since 2007, the dedicated massage therapists here relieve stress, reduce tension, manage pain and help clients reach an overall sense of well-being.
Best Nail Care: Pinkies Nail Salons
Get your nails buffed, scrubbed and polished at this relaxing, brightly lit salon. Manis and pedis are fun treatments that you continue to enjoy with every glance at your hands and feet.
Best Place to Buy a Gift: Just a Little Something Gift Shop
The name says it all. There's something for everyone here and every occasion and it offers complimentary gift wrapping.
Best Clothing Store for Men: Patrick James
There's something James Bond-ish about the name Patrick James, but look for West Coast classic styles here as well as English tweeds. Patrick and his sons Mike, Patrick Jr. and Clay are building an empire based on quality clothing.
Best Clothing Store for Women: Loehmann's Inc.
With designer fashion at 30 to 65 percent less than department stores. Any given day you'll find names like Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenburg or Dolce & Gabbana.
Epicure:
Best American Food Restaurant: Brass Door
Established in 1955 when the total population was a little over 100, the Brass Door has been around since before San Ramon was San Ramon. Great steaks, fresh fish and salads, but no one can remember why it was called the Brass Door, except that it has one.
Best Bakery: Whole Foods
Try a variety of delicacies the Whole Foods bakery has on hand, like vegan chocolate cakes or treats from their cookie bar.You can also order custom-made cakes here for any special occasion.
Best Barbecue: Dickey's Barbecue Pit
It's a summer barbecue every day at Dickey's. This restaurant smokes its own meats without any short cuts, and focuses on the best sauces and sides any barbecue lover could hope for.
Best Breakfast: Katy's Korner
Who knew eggs benedict could be prepared so many ways? Our readers, who chose this restaurant as their favorite. Corned beef hash also comes highly recommended.
Best Brew Pub/Sports Bar: Hop Yard Alehouse & Grill
An amazing selection of beer, great burgers, garlic fries and a patio. No wonder the Hopyard has been our Readers Choice for years.
Best Burger: In-N-Out
Burgers are all they do. The long lines just make finally getting that double double with cheese or animal fries all the sweeter.
Best California Cuisine/Innovative Dining: Esin Restaurant & Bar
Cafe Esin is consistently named our Readers Choice. Kudos to husband and wife chef team Curtis and Esin deCarion, their inventive use of fresh ingredients and their six dessert specials a day.
Best Chinese Restaurant: Uncle Yu's
Traditional Chinese cuisine melded with modern styles, so you can get anything from hot and sour soup and Mongolian beef to contemporary specials like smoked salmon on a bed of cucumber noodle, baby spinach, and sauteed with a shitake mushroom soy vinaigrette. Uncle Yu's has been our Readers Choice for years.
Best Dessert: Yogurtland
Self-serve fro yo and all the toppings you can take. Have a sensible dollop for a sin-free treat or make a mountain of flavors and garnishes -- what could be better?
Best Grocery Store: Safeway
Find everything you need at Safeway. From produce to deli to prepared meals to cleaning products, let the friendly staff guide you to your grocery desires.
Best Ice Cream: Cold Stone Creamery
Nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone. The highest quality ingredients are all blended on a frozen granite stone. Founders Donald and Susan Sutherland were driven by their passion to create the world's best ice cream.
Best Italian Restaurant: Pasta Primavera Cafe
We may not be in Italy, but we can pretend, and Pasta Primavera makes that molto facile. Try their chicken pesto gorgonzola or a heavenly slice of Tiramisu.
Best Kid-Friendly, Non-Chain Restaurant: Zachary's Pizza
With an easy, friendly atmosphere and scads of choices for pizza, Zachary's is a great place to take the whole family -- and order something the kids will happily eat.
Best Mexican Restaurant: Luna Loca Mexican Restaurant
Satisfy your taste buds with freshly made Mexican food, assembled with the finest farm fresh vegetables and the best meats, poultry and seafood available. Add to that attentive and friendly service, and Luna Loca is a winner.
Best New Restaurant 2013: Fieldhouse Sports Grill & Tavern
With fresh takes on American grill classics and over 25 hi-def big screens this pub-style tavern is the ideal place for tasty food, whether you're a sports fan or not. Enjoy the comfortable dining room or heated creekside patio -- Fieldhouse is definitely here to stay.
Best Pizza: Zachary's Chicago Pizza
With over 150 best pizza awards since it was established in 1993, it's easy to understand why Zachary's is our Readers Choice for best pizza. Zachary's offers both Chicago-style stuffed pizza and a traditional thin crust.
Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant: Sakura Japanese Cuisine
The fish is fresh and the staff is friendly and attentive. For many of our San Ramon readers, they won't go anywhere else for sushi.
Best Thai Restaurant: Thai Cafe
Tasty food at reasonable prices and a friendly staff, which is why Thai Cafe is a consistent Readers Choice.
Best Yogurt Shop: Yogurtland
Thick, cold and luscious yogurt with yummy toppings, the selection of flavors and great pricing at this tasty little shop makes frozen yogurt a lovely experience.
Kids & Pets:
Best Pet Groomer: Shampooches
For you pet owners who love to treat your pet to the best, Shampooches has professional, experienced groomers and competitive prices for the perfect pet pampering.
Best Pet Store: Petco
Need a scratching post, a dog bed, a Litter Genie, or some specialty pet food? Petco is the place to go.
Best Place for a Birthday Party: Danville Bowl
Strike a great note with your child and spare some time for Danville Bowl. With disco bowling, tasty treats and an energetic atmosphere, this is the place for fun.
Best Place for Dance Lessons: Tiffany's Dance Academy
This dance school provides excellent training to dancers as young as two with patient and competent instructors in everything from hip hop to tap to jazz to ballet. Tiffany's Dance Academy is also home to the prestigious Bay Area Dance Company.
Best Tutoring School: Kumon Math and Reading Center
This educational center is designed to help your child keep up and get ahead. With individualized teaching methods and personalized academic plans, this place gets an A+ from our readers.
Best Veterinarian: Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center
Featuring primary care, emergency services, boarding, grooming and much more, Valley residents and their furry friends are in good hands -- or paws.
Home & Vehicle:
Best Art Gallery: Lindsay Dirkx Art Gallery
See what local artists have to offer at this gallery run by the city of San Ramon. It's at the city's community center, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, and has a different gallery exhibit each month.
Best Auto Dealership: Diablo Motors
Get your next car at this local, "non-dealer-ish" and honest store. Our readers rave about Greg Meier's personal service and knowledge. As they say at Diablo Motors, "Life's too short to drive a crummy car."
Best Auto Detail/Car Wash: Sponges Car Wash & Detail Center
Sponges has been tops in the car wash category for years. With a gift shop and cafe, you can relax while your car gets clean, plus Sponges is a big supporter of local charities, including San Ramon schools.
Best Auto Repair: The Service Outlet
Providing dealership service at independent repair-shop prices, our readers enjoy personal service, certified mechanics specially trained for Acuras, Hondas, Lexus, and Toyotas, and speedy repairs.
Best Carpet/Flooring Store: Carpet One
Locally owned and operated, Carpet One has a 100 percent guarantee that you'll love your floor, and a Healthier Living Carpet Installation System to minimize allergens, mold, mildew and dust.
Best Florist: Crow Canyon Florist
A family owned and operated business committed to offering the finest floral arrangements and gifts and dedicated to making your experience pleasant.
Best Hardware Store: Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware in Danville is probably the closest thing to those old-fashioned hardware stores where the guys knew every widget they had in stock.
Best Home Furnishings: Home Consignment Center
As Home Consignment Center's sales have grown, furniture factories have started to consign their samples, closeouts, overruns or other products directly to the stores, meaning great deals on new furniture, too.
Best Home Builder: Shapell Homes
A house is not a home without a certain extra something. This something is just what Shapell Homes brings to the table, making their homes comfortable, elegant and innovative.
Best Nursery/Garden Center: Navlet's Garden Centers
Navlet's has been a local institution for more than 100 years. They're experts in the Bay Area's micro-climates, and they offer classes and online how-to-guides.
Best Senior Living Facility: Villa San Ramon
The friendly, flexible environment offers tailored solutions to varied resident needs. Villa San Ramon offers three chef-prepared meals daily, scheduled transportation and access to nearby parks, restaurants and shopping.
Rest & Recreation:
Best Golf Course: The Bridges Golf Club at Gale Ranch
Stunning views and gorgeous greens make this an ideal location for new and experienced golfers alike.
Best Hobby/Craft Store: Michael's
Guys' names are usually more associated with power tools than crafts, but our readers trust Michaels.
Best Kept Secret Treasure of San Ramon: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
A beautiful place to experience nature. With countless trails to choose from at varying levels of difficulty, Las Trampas makes the wilderness an amazing experience.
Best Place for Dancing: Shboom
If you want old school soul and to dance with people who really get down, this is the place for you. Refresh with a cool drink from the bar or order some munchies in between numbers.
Best Place for Live Music: Dougherty Performing Arts Center
This theater boasts great acoustics and resonance, with performances by local groups, high school bands and many other musical experiences.
Best Public Event: Art & Wind Festival
Hot air balloons, kites, dancing and vendors, this festival on Memorial Day Weekend includes over 200 arts and crafts booths and entertainment on three stages.
