Auto Care
Fixing a car is often a tough deal. It can come fraught with expense and inconvenience. But Larry’s Autoworks soothes this common headache by providing top-notch service for all sorts of automobiles, and the experienced mechanics give sound advice. Dave’s Auto Repair cruised in to a close second place. 2526 Leghorn St., Mountain View; 650-968-5202. autoworks.com
Chiropractors
If, like Matchbox 20, you find yourself bent, so scared that you’ll never get put back together, you might consider a trip to Peak Performance Chiropractic in Menlo Park. Dr. Bill Tarr and the team offer a plethora of wellness and preventive-care services to the bent masses, including help with headaches, stress management and diet. 325 Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park; 650-233-7333. peakperformancei.com
Day Spa
Patrons at Watercourse Way may leave the spa with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads — especially if they’ve gotten a sugarplum facial masque after their dry-brush skin exfoliation and cranberry-pomegranate sugar scrub. Life is sweet for Weekly readers at serene Watercourse Way; they’ve voted it Best Day Spa for these and other services, which include hot-tub soaks, facials, paraffin treatments and massages. By the way, Watercourse is also in the Hall of Fame for Best Massage. 165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto; 650-462-2000. watercourseway.com
Dentist
The faces behind the goggles may change, but the smiles are the same at the Palo Alto Dental Group, voted “best dentist.” Patients rave about friendly, professional and high-quality service from the six dentists in the group, who share a pool of six hygienists. Established in 1934, the group practice has its own parking lot at the corner of Byron Street and University Avenue. 511 Byron St., Palo Alto; 650-323-1381. paloaltodentalgroup.com
Dry Cleaner
Rocking out too hard last night? Left a stained, wrinkled shirt with missing buttons at the bottom of the laundry hamper? AJ’s Cleaners promises to dry-clean that disaster to starchy perfection. They will even pick it up and deliver it back to you. No wonder they were voted the best dry cleaner around. 3175 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-494-1550. ajsquickcleaners.com
Hall of Fame: Second Year
Have a dress that no one can get that stain out of? And need it done for a reasonable price with a quality dry cleaner? It is a no-brainer to try Charleston Cleaners, who has landed in the Hall of Fame for dry cleaning. Known for its clean and welcoming store complete with a bowl of Hershey kisses waiting on the countertop, this dry cleaner is a family business that has fit seamlessly in Palo Alto. 3900 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-424-1113.
Fitness Classes
If your groove thing is out of shape, you may want to visit Uforia Studios. Founded by two former competitive athletes, the studio offers high-energy workouts to sculpt and tone disco divas and dudes. Whether you attend an early-morning cycling class or an evening Zumba (Latin fusion dance) lesson, Uforia is flexible — all classes are drop-ins. 819 Ramona St., Palo Alto; 650-329-8794. uforiastudios.com
Frame Shop
Whether it’s newlyweds or the family mutt, the place to frame up that glam shot is University Art. The mainstay of Hamilton Avenue is a favorite place for frames from gilded to inlay. For 60 years, University Art has helped customers design the finest setting for art and memorabilia — including three-dimensional objects such as sports medals and jerseys. All of the work is done in-house and University Art uses only archival materials to last. 267 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto; 650-328-3500. universityart.com
Gym
With a state-of-the-art fitness center, gym, indoor and outdoor pools, yoga studio, exercise studio — even its own “children’s cove” and physical therapist — the Oshman Family JCC was this year’s top choice for best gym. The sleek, ultra-modern and immaculate sports-and-wellness complex offers more than 85 weekly classes, from aqua fitness to Zumba, most of them free to members. 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto; 650-223-8700. paloaltojcc.org
Hair Salon
You can make an appointment — or not — at Hair International, voted best hair salon. Regardless, owner Pam Decharo and staff offer a friendly welcome and seem to fit everyone in, even on crowded weekend afternoons, or prom day. There’s a happy bustle to the place, and an international cast of stylists — in keeping with the globe-trotting clientele that frequents the mall. Hair International also won for Men’s Haircut. #232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-324-2007. hairintl.com
Hotel
Think “star treatment” and “convenience” at the same time and the best place to stay when visiting Palo Alto is Garden Court Hotel, readers say. The Garden Court is just steps away from the downtown action. Marble-slab bathrooms and Rivolta Carmignani luxury Italian linens make visitors feel like rock stars. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness spa and five-star beds with comfortable down mattress toppers. Hypoallergenic bedding is available upon request. 520 Cowper St., Palo Alto; 650-543-2211. gardencourt.com
Manicure/Pedicure
When your hands and feet start feeling the need for a little TLC, a manicure/pedicure combination is the perfect solution. Present them with two tickets to paradise — Lavande Nail Spa, that is. This favored nail spa at Stanford Shopping Center offers more than just an ordinary polish change. Enjoy their “rosy rosie manicure” or “double mint pedicure” to rejuvenate the life back into your hands and feet. #240 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-289-0533. lavandenailspa.com
Hall of Fame: Third Year
A manicure/pedicure duo is exactly what a girl wants and what a girl needs. Palo Alto’s leading nail salon, LaBelle Day Spa and Salon, provides a clean and comfortable atmosphere for a relaxing nail service. Over the past 30 years, from polish changes to clinical treatments, LaBelle succeeds in delivering the most satisfying manicure/pedicure experience. #95 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto; 650-327-6964; or #36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 650-326-8522. labelledayspas.com
Massage
When stress becomes overwhelming and starts to take a toll on your body, it is time to unwind and tranquillize your spirit for a relaxing therapeutic massage at the Massage Therapy Center in Palo Alto. Offer their experienced massage therapists a “soul to squeeze” and you will soon start to feel your body rejuvenate, revive and energize. 368 S. California Ave., Palo Alto; 650-328-9480. massagetherapypaloalto.com
Hall of Fame: Second Year
When the chords of life beat you down, there is nothing more satisfying than a soothing massage. And no one does it better than Watercourse Way, a Palo Alto stress-buster for more than three decades. The Hall of Fame spa features beautiful, calming dÈcor and a top-notch staff of highly trained massage therapists. Every style of massage is offered, from relaxing Swedish to rigorous deep tissue. Try the new couples massage or hot stone treatments. Inner harmony is on its way. 165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto; 650-462-2000. watercourseway.com
Men’s Haircut
Diversity-driven salon Hair International cut through the competition for hair care. See the complete listing in the Hair Salon category.
New Services Business
Exercise haven Uforia Studios also raced past the competition for its classes. See the complete listing in the Fitness Classes category.
Orthodontist
What you want, baby she’s got it: Voters gave some R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to Dr. Stacey Quo of Midpeninsula Orthodontics, choosing her again as Palo Alto’s best orthodontist. Patients praise her office’s organization, attentiveness and professionalism, qualities that make even the most reluctant brace-face smile. Quo has worked as an orthodontist in the Bay Area since 1994 (in Palo Alto since 1997) and currently lectures at both UCSF and Stanford. 965 High St., Palo Alto; 650-328-1600. orthoquo.com
Personal Trainers
After snacking on one too many “eminems,” it would be best to drop by The 3rd Door to meet with its friendly personal-training experts. Through its one-on-one professional training you will learn proper techniques not based on the latest fitness trends but rather ones that embody scientific principle. Soon you will start to see a new man (or woman) in the mirror. 131 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto; 650-352-1241. the3rddoor.com
Plumber
It’s established that Pearl Jam appreciates the importance of an even flow. One can assume that if they lived in Palo Alto, they would entrust their flow to Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating & Air. With more than 30 years of local experience, the family-run business responds 24 hours a day to emergencies of all sizes. 716 San Antonio Road, Unit F, Palo Alto; 650-856-3400. paloaltoplumbheatandair.com
Shoe Repair
There’s something very telling about how well people care for their shoes — especially if they’ve got a job interview lined up. Before hitting the pavement, it might be wise to check in with Robert at Midtown Shoe Repair to see if he can work one of his miracles. Besides re-soling, re-heeling and generally sprucing up, he can replicate a favorite pair, fix your luggage or supply you with a replacement for that snapped lace. 2796 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; 650-329-8171.
Skin Care
A healthy, glowing complexion is the key to achieving a younger and energized look. With a clean spa-like environment and professional skincare clinic fusion, SkinSpirit of Palo Alto provides treatments to achieve that perfect look. SkinSpirit offers professional, non-surgical anti-aging procedures as well as designed facials. Their advanced skin care will wash away any visible fatigue and leave you feeling 10 years younger. 701 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 650-324-9600. skinspirit.com
Travel Agency
Ground control to Major Tom: You should have used local travel agency Cardoza-Bungey, which employs an accredited space agent to book Palo Altans on the world’s first commercial space flights. For those averse to floating in a most peculiar way, they’re also listed in the top 1 percent of earth-bound travel agencies, with luxury trips to Hawaii, Africa and pretty much everywhere else. 550 Hamilton Ave., Ste. 125, Palo Alto; 650-325-5600. cardoza.com
Value Hotel/Motel
It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to spend a night in a conveniently located spot. Palo Alto’s Creekside Inn bills itself as “a boutique hotel in the center of Silicon Valley,” offering everything from terrycloth robes to free Wi-Fi and local hybrid-car service, all in a garden setting, and for rooms starting at under $100. Special packages include the “Fan-tastic,” catering to Stanford athletics fans, and the American Breakfast Getaway, starting at $125. That one includes breakfast as well as complimentary evening wine at Cibo’s next door. 3400 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 650-493-2411. creekside-inn.com
Veterinarian
Thousands of pets for nearly 50 years have received attentive care at Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital. From holistic care and acupuncture to the best in veterinary technology in the middle of Silicon Valley, Mid-Peninsula strives to offer top-notch services — including a concierge pet taxi service and home-delivered medicine and food. 1125 Merrill St., Menlo Park; 650-325-5671. midpen.com
Hall of Fame: Second Year
Creatures of all types, from ferrets to horses, receive veterinary care at Hall of Fame winner Adobe Animal Hospital. A year ago Adobe relocated to a new building (the former site of Elephant Pharm) on El Camino Real and still offers everything for critters from 24-hour care to puppy pointers. 4470 El Camino Real, Los Altos; 650-948-9661. adobe-animal.com
Yoga
Become one with the mind, body and soul and Be-Yoga. Palo Alto’s popular yoga studio, Be-Yoga, provides classes for all levels of experience. The wide variety of classes throughout the day makes it flexible enough to fit around your schedule. If you base your workout on the amount you sweat instead of the number of calories you burn, be sure to make it a priority to sign up for one of the hot yoga classes. 440 Kipling St., Palo Alto; 650-905-9016. be-yoga.com
Hall of Fame: First Year
At Darshana Yoga, Palo Alto’s yoga leader since 2006, you will learn the proper breathing and posing techniques to purify and interconnect the mind, body and soul. Darshana provides basic to advanced Iyengar and flow-styled classes in a studio with a clean ambience, peaceful music, natural lighting and calming scent. You will leave feeling tranquil and elevated. 654 High St., Palo Alto; 650-325-9642. darshanayoga.com