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The Palo Alto area plays host to a league of popular eateries, retailers, service businesses and outlets for entertainment. Which local restaurants, shops and community favorites make Weekly readers do back flips and touchdown dances? It's all here in the Best Of Palo Alto 2012.

From where to find the best breakfast or top Thai food to whom to call for dental needs or home furnishings, readers voted on what local establishments vault over the competition and score with patrons.

Some businesses -- the Joe Montanas, Willie McCoveys and Chris Mullins of the community, if you will -- are Hall of Famers; they've won their categories five years in a row. Some are more like Rookies of the Year, welcome new additions to the local scene.

Flex your literary muscles and read on!

Categories:

• Food & Drink

• Restaurants

• Services

• Retail Shopping

• Fun Stuff

Related material:

• What is the Hall of Fame?

• Best of Palo Alto's roster of contributors

• Winners list (PDF)

— Palo Alto Weekly staff

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