1. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
500 First St.

2. Zen Toro Sushi
132 E St.

3. Jusco Japanese Restaurant
228 G St.

Bragging rights for having the best and freshest sushi in Davis belongs, again, to the reigning champions at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar.

“It makes sense Mikuni has won Best Sushi for two years in a row because it is in a great location and is a lot more modern and trendy than a lot of the more traditional sushi restaurants,” said Amanda Beck, senior English major. “Plus, their rolls have funny names, like ‘Pimp My Roll’ and ‘Train Wreck Roll’.”

Beck, who is a passionate food enthusiast and blogger, said that her standards for sushi include having the freshest fish possible, which Mikuni has become known for at its eight Northern California locations.

“We are committed to producing quality food, and having the freshest fish in the area shipped in every day,” said Janet Cho, one of the restaurant’s managers. “It feels awesome to be in the running again for Best Sushi.”

A particularly appealing feature of the modern Japanese dining experience at Mikuni is their happy hour, which takes place every Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

“I love the $3 hand rolls, $5 shrimp tempura and $5 sushi rolls,” Beck said. “Also, their specialty drinks are strong, and at happy hour they are only $6. The Tokyo Tea is really good, at least if you’re not looking for a “let’s drink casually” drink — there’s like four different kinds of alcohol in it.”

Beck’s favorite item on the happy hour is the spicy scallop handroll, which is a generous helping of scallop, sauce, masago and onion wrapped in seaweed for just $3. However, the unique distinctive quality of sushi menu items at Mikuni gives each a universal appeal.

“I would really be open to any of their sushi rolls raining from the sky, but if I had to choose I would probably pick the Iron Chef Roll — panko shrimp, white tuna, sauce, masago, and onion,” Beck said.

Sushi enthusiasts can also indulge at Zen Toro Sushi, located in Mansion Square, or super-indulge at Jusco Japanese Restaurant on G St for a dinner buffet for $15.49 on the weekdays.

— Lani Chan

1. In Class
2. House Parties
3. Downtown Davis Bars

With spring just on the horizon, pheromones and desperation are in the air, but rest assured, Davisites! There’s no need to activate an OK Cupid account just to find “the one.” This year’s student-voted best place to meet a lover is right here on campus.

Anyone who has seen the modern classic that is Mean Girls knows that some of the best romances begin in the classroom (“It’s October third”), so take that into consideration next time you feel the urge to sit quietly in the back row and doze off — you wouldn’t want to miss out on true love.

Having met her own boyfriend of several months in a comparative literature course, sophomore community and regional development major Diana Joost proves just how possible it is to meet the perfect match in school.

“Class is a great place to meet people,” Joost said. “If you’re in the same class then you probably have similar interests. Plus, sitting next to someone and asking for homework help is a good excuse to start a conversation.”

However, if you’re too busy jotting down notes during lecture to interact with fellow students, there are plenty of extracurricular outlets in which to continue the search for a soulmate. If loud music and a party rock atmosphere set your passions ablaze, second place winner house parties are an excellent place to meet like-minded students.

If neither of the other options fit the bill, the downtown Davis bar scene, which placed third, is also a popular meeting ground for lovelorn individuals — especially those in need of a little liquid courage.

— Dylan Gallagher

1. The UC Davis Arboretum

2. Putah Creek

3. Davis Greenbelt

Davis’ lush, extensive arboretum was voted the most picturesque locale in Davis.

With a winding creek that extends the length and a wide diversity of plant life, the Arboretum provides ample opportunity for a keen photo op.

Walk the length of the 3.5-mile loop and one may venture through the California foothills, complete with pines, cenotaphs and valley oaks.

Go further, and one will venture past a medieval Japanese-style gazebo surrounded by lush greens and fragrant white flowers.

Also along the Arboretum is the Australian collection, featuring towering eucalyptus trees and colorful shrubs. Along the small lake there is an East Asian section with cherry blossoms and fragrant daphne.

Desert, Mediterranean, South American, and Mexican sections add to the rich diversity, as well as oaks and a redwood grove, too.

“I think it’s really scenic and serene, especially in the spring,” said Linh Banh, senior English and film studies double major. “I like how it doesn’t look manufactured. There isn’t a sense that it’s been landscaped over. It just looks natural.”

“And I love the redwood forest,” Banh added. “I like to walk around there — it’s really nice to just get away for a bit.”

With all its diversity, the Arboretum has a wide space for scenic photography.

Joggers and walkers frequent the paths in all seasons. And students and picnickers sprawl out on the grass, particularly in the spring. All in all, it’s regarded as a fine place for a photo.

Putah Creek, which empties into the Berryessa Reservoir, was voted the second most picturesque.

The Davis Greenbelt, which weaves its way around Davis, was voted third.

– James O’Hara

1. de Vere’s Irish Pub
217 E St.

2. Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
129 E St.

3. Tie: Little Prague
330 G St.

Tres Hermanas
805 Second St.

So you’ve gotten to your senior year and you’ve reached the ultimate trifecta: finally lost your freshman fifteen, figured out how to get A’s without going to class and are officially 21 on your actual ID. But you had to sacrifice — you never studied abroad!

Have no fear, because De Vere’s Irish Pub arrived in Davis in November for your international drinking pleasures. There, you can discover the tastes of Ireland in the bar voted number one by UC Davis students.

Co-owner Henry de Vere White said the pub’s strength is that it appeals to a wide crowd.

“We try to offer a place approachable to all walks of life, with parents and children sitting next to students drinking beers next to professors,” de Vere White said.

Part of what makes De Veres unique is its “Whiskey Society,” which costs $50 for a lifetime membership. Members are able to get whiskey at discount on any given day, and on two Tuesdays a month can participate in whiskey tastings. On the alternate Tuesdays, special whiskeys are offered at a 20 percent discount.

Senior community and regional development major Isa Del Signore Dresser said she goes to de Vere’s at least once every weekend. She enjoys playing games there and drinking a hard cider with her friends.

“The interior is really nice. It has a very European feel and there are lots of big comfy booths and couches. When I studied abroad there was an Irish pub called Scholars that we went to all the time and De Vere’s has a very similar style,” Del Signore said.

The second place winner, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, is popular for its Tuesday trivia night, live music and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also a good place to go if you’ve been waiting for a chance to corner your TA outside the classroom.

The G Street bars Tres Hermanas and Little Prague, tied for third place, both have dance floors and lively music to satisfy those looking to end their night with a bang.

— Melissa Freeman

1. The Egghead Series
UC Davis Campus

2. The Dominoes
Senda Nueva Greenbelt

3. The Joggers
Third and F St.

Although some may overlook or neglect its presence, public art can serve a vital role in maintaining a city’s certain characteristic or charm. For Davis in particular, a few familiar faces have become the symbolic emblem of campus life. In fact, they are quite hard to miss.

Robert Arneson’s sculptural egg-like characters have taken quite a beating after being vandalized multiple times this year alone. But despite the repetitive harassment, voters chose The Eggheads as the best public art on campus.

The Eggheads is a series of pieces, with each individual sculpture entitled Bookhead (in front of Shields Library), Eye on Mrak (in front of Mrak Hall), See No Evil Hear No Evil (east of King Hall), Stargazer (behind North Hall) and Yin and Yang (in front of Wright Hall).

“I like The Eggheads because they make our campus unique compared to other schools,” said Victoria Gilland, a sophomore psychology major. “They seem to add humor to all the stress of studying and sitting through classes all day.”

However, Arneson’s aesthetic might not bode well with all viewers.

Jesse Vasquez, the photo lab technician for the UC Davis art department, walks past Arneson’s Eggsheads about seven times a day. In his opinion, The Eggheads isn’t necessarily a town gem to be viewed with such admiration.

“I think they’re awful but I don’t live in Davis so it’s not an embarrassment I have to bear,” Vasquez said.

The second top-voted public artwork is The Dominoes. The large-scale sculptural pieces were constructed by Eddie Hood and are located at Senda Nueva Greenbelt.

The Joggers, by Tony Natsoulas, placed third. The sculpture depicts two individuals running in opposite directions, and is located outside Bistro 33 at Third and F St.

— Uyen Cao

1. Davis Farmers Market

2. UC Davis Arboretum

3. Picnic Day

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries on a Saturday morning to convince visiting family members that Davis is indeed the perfect little town. And as voted by the Davis community, the Davis Farmers Market is the number one pick for the best place to take family for a visit.

Randii MacNear is the current manager for the Davis Farmers Market. MacNear first got involved with the weekly event shortly after graduating from Antioch College in 1975, when he realized the importance of having healthy and fresh alternatives offered at the Davis Food Coop and Farmers Market.

Along with Annie and Jeff Main of Good Humus Produce in the Capay Valley, two of the founding farmers of the market, MacNear joined the team to help manage the market. And 31 years later, MacNear has only seen the market grow bigger and stronger in participation and community bonds between students, community members and local farmers.

“I believe the true magic of the market is that it makes people feel hope and happiness, and centers them as human beings,” MacNear said. “[The Davis Farmers] Market is that place where real food, friends, fresh air, green grass, children playing, neighbors visiting, college students meeting up, lonesome people feeling connected, all come together with our most precious farmers. Everyone and our community has a chance to be healthy and renewed.”

Today, the Davis Farmers Market offers practically everything from organic and fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, local art and crafts, hot and prepared foods and textiles.

The market is located at Central Park, between Fourth and C St., on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. On April 4, the market is scheduled to relocate its East Quad markets, which take place Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m., to the Silo Union patio.

The UC Davis Arboretum placed second on the list of best place to take family, and Picnic Day placed third.

— Uyen Cao

1. Tie: Aggie Inn
245 First St.

Hyatt Place
173 Old Davis Road Extension

2. Hallmark Inn
110 F St.

3. Best Western Palm Court
234 D St.

Whether you are a university traveler, booking a family visit, or simply looking for a comfortable place to stay, the Aggie Inn or the Hyatt Place could be the place for you.

Tying for first place as the best hotel in Davis, Aggie Inn and Hyatt Place both offer complimentary wireless internet, a fitness center and close proximity to campus.

Located on Old Davis Road, near the Mondavi Center, the Hyatt Place is a new hotel.

“Our hotel is geared [toward] the 21st century traveler, with a 24 hour lifestyle,” said Katherine Lucas, the director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Place. “Everything, including the gym and food options are available at any time. Our rooms provide travelers with home atmosphere,”

Lucas credits the success of the hotel to the friendly, engaging staff, along with the standard of excellence they set for the hotel.

On the opposite side of campus, the Aggie Inn is also a top option for Davis visitors.

“The Aggie Inn was established 22 years ago, since then we have been able to build a reputation of outstanding service and excellent room accommodations with the university and within our community,” said Maria Lara, the general manager of Aggie Inn.

Recently partnering with the Ascend Collection-Choice Privileges Hotels, the boutique hotel now allows travelers to earn points for free nights or air mileage.

Coming in second place, is the Hallmark Inn, which is located further away, in downtown Davis, near the Amtrak train station. This hotel offers travelers to reserve a complimentary bicycle, along with newly upgraded rooms.

Best Western Palm Court is the third place winner, also located in downtown Davis. Offering amenities such as a spa, steam room and internet access, this hotel is in close proximity to many Davis attractions.

— Danielle Huddlestun