Acupuncture
With the right mix of professional care and quality results, Annie Wang Acupuncture proved to voters that the business is much more satisfying than a Facebook poke. The first-time winner provides health care services to alleviate a host of symptoms and conditions, including pain, headaches, allergies and stress. 895 Sherwood Ave., Suite 101, Los Altos, 650-468-3636; www.anniewanglac.com
Auto Repair
The reason Larry's AutoWorks was voted best auto repair shop is quite simple: "We're the best," owner Larry Moore says. He says that his customers always tell him that they keep coming back because Moore and his team are straight-shooters. If it isn't broken or if it doesn't make sense to fix, Moore will tell his customers just that. "We take care of cars," he acknowledges, "but what we really take care of is car owners." 2526 Leghorn St., Mountain View, 650-968-5202
New Service Business
Practical yoga teachings meet modern, stylized ambiance at Samyama Yoga on Middlefield Road. Enjoy Ascension, its spacious, naturally lit studio with white oak flooring, where the sun's rays seep in to warm the room during the daytime and vibrantly light its walls as it sets. Maybe relax in its sleek lounge or its de-stressing massage room wherever you go, you'll be enveloped in a deeply relaxing and constructive ambiance. 2995 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-320-9262; samyamayogacenter.com
Chiropractor
Customers agree for the second year running that Health Logic is the best chiropractor to remove the groans and aches in the body and improve your quality of life. Their chiropractors use unconventional preventative medical techniques to strengthen the body and prevent ailments. Health Logic crafts wellness programs with patients and also offers physiotherapy, bone density screenings and lifestyle advice. 633 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park, 650-853-1800; healthlogicllc.com
Day Spa
Life is already stressful, so chill out. Sometimes you need a break and time to relax. With hot-tub rooms, full-hour Swedish massage (either deep tissue or prenatal), skincare and spa treatments, Watercourse Way may be the perfect place to do just that. It's got the Best Of chops to prove it previous to winning this year, it had three consecutive Hall of Fame appearances. 165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto, 650-462-2000; www.watercourseway.com
Dentist
For all your teeth-related needs, head to Palo Alto Dental Group, a local establishment that's still operating out of the same building it opened in, in 1934. State-of-the-art technology, high-quality care, friendly and experienced staff and a committed attention to detail make Palo Alto Dental Group the best dentist in town. 511 Byron St., Palo Alto, 650-323-1381; www.paloaltodentalgroup.com/
Dry Cleaner
AJ's Quick Clean, which won for best dry cleaner in 2010 and tied with Charleston Cleaners last year, is known for quick turnaround, friendly service and environmentally conscious dry cleaning. AJ's also serves as a laundromat and is conveniently located next to Philz Coffee's midtown location. Grab a cup of joe and hang out while your clothes get clean! 3175 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-494-1550; AJsCleaners.com
Fitness Classes
Readers were euphoric over exercise at Uforia Studios in Palo Alto. Taking on the legendary runner's high, the studio claims its workouts are "so much fun you'll forget it's good for you." Instructors with performance backgrounds, such as dancing and acting, take students through the moves of such energetic workouts as Zumba, GRIT cardio and strengthening, "fever" aerobics and Revolution, a full-body cycling workout developed by a dancer. When time is of the essence, Uforia exercise makes the most with intense, satisfying workouts. 819 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650-329-8794; www.uforiastudios.com
Frame Shop
Need help finding a specialized frame? Want an art supply but just can't find it anywhere? Accent Arts has what you need, delivering a wide range of framing options and art supplies to artists throughout the area. It's unique selection means that you will never be bored, and their friendly and helpful staff will make sure that you get the attention and help that you need. Accent Arts also offers an online store that allows for easy access to their vast inventory. 392 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-424-1044; accentarts.com
University Art
Hall of Fame: First Year
Want to hang a photo in something that is more than a flat frame? Looking to make a custom gift for someone special? You can find what you need at University Art, a mainstay of downtown Palo Alto located at the intersection of Hamilton and Ramona since 1964. University Art provides a full range of art supplies for the professional and amateur artists alike, as well as a friendly and knowledgeable staff to navigate the store and assist you with your framing questions. 267 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-3500; universityart.com
Gym
The spotless, expansive gym at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center continues to dazzle and challenge visitors with its wide array of muscle-toning, pound-shedding, endurance-building offerings. Aside from the usual treadmills and bench presses, the JCC gym features two swimming pools (one for children and one for adults), cycling studios and a large roster of friendly and knowledgeable personal trainers offering individual advice and group classes on pilates, Zumba, Vinyasa yoga and other activities guaranteed to get hearts pumping and endorphins soaring. 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, 650-223-8700; www.paloaltojcc.org
Hair Salon
For the fourth straight year, voters have chosen Hair International as the best place to get a fresh new cut. The salon, which also is in its second year of Hall of Fame for Men's Haircut, takes both appointments and walk-ins. For the extra mile in beauty, Hair International offers Brazilian blow-dries, facial hair waxing and threading, and spa-style manicures and pedicures.232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-324-2007; www.hairintl.com
Hotel
Rosewood Sand Hill, winner of "Best Hotel" for the fifth year, has become a center of the Peninsula social scene since its opening in 2009. Locals, as well as hotel guests, enjoy the hotel's relaxed California ranch atmosphere, Madera restaurant, the terrace for sunset cocktails, and the lounge for a lively scene in any season. New this year are Saturday jazz nights in the hotel lobby lounge and the in-house chocolate line (used for desserts, wedding favors and turn-down services), launched by executive pastry chef Mellisa Root. There is also a new treatment "menu" at Sense spa. 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 650-561-1500; www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/sandhill/
Hotel
Hall of Fame: First Year
Visitors to Palo Alto find the perfect home away from home at the luxury, boutique Garden Court Hotel, voted "best hotel" so many times it's now in the Hall of Fame. Even sans automobile, newcomers easily can get the local lay of the land, with quiet neighborhood streets as well as all the attractions of downtown at their doorstep, and Stanford not much farther. The Garden Court remains popular with locals as well as an elegant venue for weddings, private dinners and election-night parties. 520 Cowper St., Palo Alto, 650-322-9000; gardencourt.com
Manicure/Pedicure
Get your nails looking their finest at LaBelle Day Spa and Salon where business has been thriving since 1976. With two other Bay Area locations, the salon with the winning manicure and pedicure of 2013 can expertly complete your spa treatment with their signature treatments like Nights in Bordeaux and Pumpkin Pie Pedicure. Founder Bella Schneider is considered a skincare industry leader with a growing product line a trusty professional for your polished nail care. 95 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-327-6964; www.labelledayspas.com/
Massage (TIE)
Life is already stressful, so chill out. Sometimes you need a break and time to relax. With hot-tub rooms, full-hour Swedish massage (either deep tissue or prenatal), skincare and spa treatments, Watercourse Way may be the perfect place to do just that. It's got the Best Of chops to prove it previous to winning this year, it had three consecutive Hall of Fame appearances. 165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto, 650-462-2000; www.watercourseway.com
For all your bodily aches and pains, head to the Massage Therapy Center on California Avenue, which won best massage for the third year in a row. Services range beyond your typical massage and include acupuncture, acupressure, deep work massage, pregnancy massage, trigger point therapy and more. "We're thrilled to receive this award three years in a row and take this opportunity to extend our deep appreciation to our loyal clients, skilled therapists and superb management!" Lucia Miracchi, owner (and therapist) wrote in an email. 368 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-9400; massagetherapypaloalto.com
Men's Haircut
From the striped barber pole out front to the television in the corner tuned in to news or ESPN, The President Barbershop is a hair place for men. It's guys cutting guys' hair. Straightforward and timeless. "This is how God intended men to get their haircuts," a patron on Yelp said. The barbershop has been a Palo Alto fixture for more than 60 years and that's a lot of haircuts from crew cuts to mohawks, and everything in between. It is also a 2012 "Best of" winner. 490 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-5229.
Men's Haircut
Hall of Fame: Second Year
For the fourth straight year, voters have chosen Hair International as the best place to get a fresh new cut. The salon, which also is in its second year of Hall of Fame for Men's Haircut, takes both appointments and walk-ins. For the extra mile in beauty, Hair International offers Brazilian blow-dries, facial hair waxing and threading, and spa-style manicures and pedicures.232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-324-2007; www.hairintl.com
Orthodontists
In a steady march to the Hall of Fame, Midpeninsula Orthodontics has again gathered the most likes as well as the smiles from satisfied Palo Altans. Dr. Stacey Quo has led the business to its win in this category by making patients feel comfortable and providing excellent care. 965 High St., Palo Alto, 650-328-1600; www.orthoquo.com
Personal Trainer
Oshman Family Jewish Community Center's motto, "Live Fully," is apt for 2013's best personal trainer. For ages 10 and up, their certified trainers commit to your health and fitness goals, helping you lose body fat, gain muscles and even increase confidence. The state-of-the-art fitness center offers a "BeWell Orientation" to assess clients' fitness status quo and three one-hour introductory sessions to build on that assessment, giving you an easy adjustment into their comprehensive programs.3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, 650-223-8700; www.paloaltojcc.org
Plumber
Customers at Guy Plumbing appreciate the company's trust and reliability, and readers have once again named the family-owned business best plumber. Owner Dave Guy said that customers enjoy the fourth-generation company because not many businesses today focus on face-to-face interactions and customer service. "It's good to see that there's still interest in the hands-on, mechanical aspect of business," he said. The business has responded to city and county water-saving regulations by providing products that both work well and minimize water usage. "We're becoming familiar with how to save water," he said. "Customers are pleased with it." 1265 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-323-8421; www.guyplumbing.com
Shoe Repair
Whether you're doing some sole-searching, need to get your shoe in the door at the next job interview or just repair your relationship with your footwear, Midtown Shoe Repair has the tools and expertise to make your old shoes sparkle. The store, which also repairs luggage, is located in its titular neighborhood and has made frequent appearances in previous editions of Best Of Palo Alto. 2796 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-329-8171
Skin Care
LaBelle Day Spa and Salon is where Palo Altans go to pamper themselves. The salon is known for excellent quality manicure/pedicures and a staff with extreme attention to detail. LaBelle is also the best when it comes to skin care, with 14 different kinds of facials that pamper, deep clean, hydrate, brighten and leave your skin feeling better than ever. 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-327-6964; www.labelledayspas.com
Skin Care
Hall of Fame: Second year
Skin Spirit is the best of the best when it comes to skin care in Palo Alto, comfortably staying in the Best Of Hall of Fame for a second year. Exceptional quality of service and treatments consistently set Skin Spirit apart. 701 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-324-9600; skinspirit.com
Travel Agency
Whether picking up a map or needing travel plans, readers give AAA in Palo Alto a triple-A rating. The quiet building on Forest Avenue has been a longtime destination spot for travelers looking for direction and advice. Expert agents will help plan that vacation of one's dreams, from a trip to Disneyland with the kids to a honeymoon or anniversary excursion to an exotic isle. There are many trip packages for seniors, too. 430 Forest Ave., Palo Alto, 650-262-3870; www.csaa.com
Value Hotel/Motel
Only minutes from downtown, the Creekside Inn has won Best Of for the third year in a row. Creekside Inn allows guests to choose from 136 well-appointed guest rooms in this charming boutique hotel. The hotel is eco-friendly and provides guests with beautiful landscaping, a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and access to free shuttles to Stanford University and local restaurants. 3400 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-493-2411; www.creekside-inn.com
Veterinarian (TIE)
With almost 50 years in the pet-health game, it's no wonder readers chose Adobe Animal Hospital as winner of this year's best veterinarian. With more than 20 vets, 24/7 urgent and emergency care, a pharmacy, and a policy of constantly having a vet staffed for around-the-clock intensive care, Adobe's readers are purring, yelping, chirping for its im-peck-able care. 4470 El Camino Real, Los Altos, 650-948-9661
Whether it be a dog, cat, parrot or monkey, Mid Peninsula Animal Hospital has proven to voters yet again that it is Palo Alto's best veterinary service. The business boasts up-to-date technology and professional care that one would expect for themselves, let alone their furry loved one. Additional services include dentistry, boarding, and concierge. 1125 Merrill St., Menlo Park, 650-325-5671; www.midpen.com
Yoga
Focused on a wide range of yoga types, students at any level will feel welcome with the experienced instructors at YogaSource. The studio offers classes for those who prefer the intense, challenging and hot bikram yoga and those who choose the peaceful yin yoga. Their newest addition is a cutting-edge teacher training program for aspiring instructors. 158 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-9642; www.yogasource.com
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