The Graduate

805 Russell Blvd.

Pasta?

805 Second St.

Delta of Venus

122 B St.

For over 30 years, The Davis Graduate has been a hot spot in Davis. Located at 805 Russell Blvd., this restaurant and sports bar has something to offer every night of the week, including Karaoke Sundays, Country Night on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as Salsa Night on Tuesdays and College Night on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“We play all the different types of music you could possibly like – we appeal to pretty much anyone,” said Dan Moore, an employee at The Grad.

The Davis staple boasts the biggest dance floor you can find in Davis, and also offers free dance lessons on Salsa and Country Nights. The Grad is open daily from 11 to 2 a.m.

Taking second place is Pasta?, a swanky restaurant and bar that offers a classy feel for an inexpensive price. Along with delicious food and drinks, it also serves up some great music that is perfect for dancing – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature mostly hip-hop and R&B music, with house music every other Friday.

Along with some great beats, Pasta? also makes efforts to ensure the safety of its patrons.

“One of the main reasons it’s so great is because it’s one of the safest places in Davis,” said Mircello Chianese, manager at Pasta?. “We have lots of security, most girls come here and feel really safe.” Pasta? is open Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the bar is open Thursday to Saturday 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.

At 122 B St., Delta of Venus has become a major attraction in Davis. It stands as one of the only cafés in Davis to also serve alcohol. With an easy-going hippie ambiance, this is just the place to let loose and dance the night away. With live music ranging from honky-tonk to mambo, Delta of Venus has something to offer for all music lovers. Delta is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

– Julia McCandless

1. In class

2. Parties

3. The ASUCD Coffee House

Do you have an account at eHarmony? How about Match.com? Well instead of wasting money on these dating sites, you would probably have more luck going to something you pay for to begin with: Class.

Alissa Gossett and Greg Osipoff are currently dating and unlike a common misconception, they did not meet at a party. They met in class. Not only is it convenient since you attend college for the primary reason of going to class (as strange a concept as that is) but according to Gossett, it lets people be themselves.

“In class you aren‘t really looking just to hookup for a night,“ Gossett said. “Because you aren‘t, you can just be yourself whereas at a party you‘re in a costume, you‘re drinking, or there‘s loud music – none of which are really conducive to making a genuine connection with someone.“

Osipoff also explained that since you are in the same class, there is a greater chance of having similarities.

“You usually take classes based on a topic that interests you,“ Osipoff said. “It‘s really easy to get a conversation going since it is likely that the person sitting next to you has the same major.“

Although you do not spend nearly as much time at parties as you do in class (hopefully), parties were voted as the second best place to find a mate. With all the people that attend parties, it is only natural that one person could be right for you.

The Coho takes the bronze for the best place for picking up your next interest. Always packed with people at most hours of the day, it is only a matter of a little game of “eenie, meenie, miney, moe“ before you have your next date with that special someone.

So remember, even if you do not go to class for the lecture, you should at least go for all the ladies and gents out there because who knows, maybe they will be your next potential mate.

– Nick Markwith

Woodstock’s

219 G St.

Village Bakery

814 Second St.

Steve’s Pizza

314 F St.

At 1:30 a.m., the phone starts ringing at 219 G St. in downtown Davis.

The first call comes from a study group pulling an all-nighter, ordering the Student Special: 15 percent off any extra-large pizza with one or more toppings.

Seconds later, the phone rings again. This time, it’s a group of freshman roommates, asking for the Residence Hall Delivery Deal: one large one-topping pizza for $12.99 plus tax.

In the late hours of the evening, Woodstock’s Pizza is there, serving and delivering what has been voted The Best of Davis four years and counting.

“We’ll get a rush of calls in the last half hour of business because students are up late partying or studying,” said Dee Clark, general manager at the Davis location, which opens at 11 a.m. every day and closes at 2 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. “We’re there for those late-night munchies.“

Along with the convenience of its service, Woodstock’s takes pride in the quality of its pizza. The dough is made fresh every morning on site, the sauce is flavorful and spicy, and toppings are generous in quantity.

But it’s not just about the pizza.

Woodstock’s takes pride in creating a fun atmosphere. From Karaoke Wednesdays to Trivia Thursdays to various pint nights (all specials listed at woodstocksdavis.com), there is always something going on at the pizzeria.

As for Woodstock’s amenities, there are 12 taps, eight televisions, various arcade games, and, with presentation of an ID card, free privileges to a foosball table, dice, cards and board games.

Village Bakery is a hole-in-the-wall establishment prized for the freshness and quality of its bread. Steve’s Pizza is a popular choice on Tuesdays when it offers a buy one, get one free on all large pizzas beginning at 5 p.m.

–Michael Gehlken 

1. TIE: SickSpits and Bistro 33 (226 F St.)

Vying for top spot for Best Open Mic in Davis are Campus Union Programs-presented events in Griffin Lounge and Poetry Nights at Bistro 33 on F Sreet.

On the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., UC Davis students can gather in Griffin to watch their fellow students of spoken word collective SickSpits perform – and perhaps take a chance at performing themselves.

Associate director of Campus Unions Programs and Marketing Theresa Montemayor attributes the event’s success to the involvement of SickSpits.

“They really create the excitement and energy in the event,” Montemayor said in an e-mail interview. “Campus Unions has been sponsoring this now for years, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the talents of SickSpits.“

On the first and third Wednesdays of the month, downtown eatery Bistro 33 on F Street hosts a free participation night of its own with Poetry Night. Presented by University Writing Program lecturers Andy Jones and Brad Henderson, audience members are welcome to participate in the open mic after a reading from the featured poet.

Jones said that the Bistro 33 event has drawn readings from everyone from UC Davis professors and students as well as local and traveling poets. Recent guests include Sacramento rapper Random Abiladeze and Kim Addonizio.

– Laura Kroeger

ASUCD Coffee House

Memorial Union

Mishka’s

514 Second St.

Delta Venus

122 B St.

UC Davis‘ own Coffee House has succeeded in claiming the championship title of “Best Non-Chain Coffee” in Davis.

Having just celebrated it’s 40th anniversary in 2008, the Coho continues to be a central hub on campus in which students get together to socialize, study and chow down.

Director Sharon Coulson thinks the Coho is unlike any other, with its healthy food and friendly atmosphere topped off with upbeat music.

“We are not perfect, but our food is healthy which is not that easy to find,” Coulson said.

One can find a plethora of food offered at the Coho, including sandwiches, salads soup, coffee, cookies, fruits and vegetables. It even offers specialized vegetarian dishes for those with different eating habits.

The Coho will undergo major renovations at the end of this school year for nine months, which means students will have to survive without it during the next school year. But it will be coming back, bigger and stronger, Coulson said.

Runner up in second place is Mishka’s located on Second Street, followed by Delta of Venus Cafe, located in downtown Davis on B Street.

– CORY BULLIS

1. ASUCD Coffee House

347 Memorial Union

2. Hunan

508 Second St. #104

3. In-N-Out Burger

1020 Olive Dr.

In a town with many student-oriented grubbing options, the ASUCD Coffee House towers above other on-the-go eateries both in quantity of selection and convenience.

Serving over 7,000 famished patrons daily, the Coho’s wide array of budget options include soups, salads, cold-cuts and baked goods, many of which are made fresh in house.

Although founded as a small eatery in East Hall by ASUCD in 1968, the Coho now boasts a $4,000,000 budget, over 200 student employees and a 40-year reputation for inexpensive and healthy food options.

The Coho is also a sustainable program, buying local and organic food items from Davis businesses and growers such as the Village Bakery, the UC Davis Student Farm, Variety Donuts and Pachamama Coffee Cooperative.

Senior design and art history double major Jennifer Lee, who frequents the Coho at least three times per week, said she finds the prices fair.

“They aren’t cheap, but they aren’t expensive either,” she said.

Generally sticking to the sandwiches, bagels or one of the tofu dishes, Lee typically spends about $15 per week at the Coho as a quick and easy food-source.

Second place finisher Hunan offers a variety of lunch specials with tofu, vegetables, chicken, beef, pork or shrimp; each comes with soup or salad, crab wonton, chow mein and fried or steamed rice and costs between $4.75 and $6.25.

Manager Sau Lee said Hunan serves about 150 customers each afternoon for lunch, many of which are regulars.

Coming in at third is In-N-Out, the ever-popular burger joint that provides students with cheap, tasty meals on-the-go.

–Aaron Bruner

1. Hunan Bar and Restaurant,

508 Second St.

2. Silver Dragon,

335 F St.

3. Raja’s Indian Cuisine,

207 Third St.

Hunan Bar and Restaurant is extremely well known among students as the place to get a lunch that’s quick, cheap, tasty and filling. Reasonable prices, convenient location and quality food put the Chinese restaurant’s “happy luncheon” on top.

Hunan’s downtown location at 508 Second St. is close to campus for a quick lunch between classes. Manager Sau Lee said there is rarely a wait, and if there is, it’s short. Friday afternoons are generally known to be the busiest.

Lunch at this family owned and operated restaurant is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. The price of lunch entrees ranges from $4.75 to $6.25 and each one comes with soup of the day or salad, crab meat cheese wonton, fresh fruit, chow mein, fried rice or steamed rice, tea and cookies.

For those looking for a little midday pick-me-up, Hunan also has a full bar featuring beer, cocktails and a variety of drink specials.

Second place went to another Chinese restaurant downtown – Silver Dragon. Silver Dragon is farther from campus at the corner of F and 4th Streets. Here the lunch menu includes combination plates for $4.95 or $5.25, as well as a wide variety of entrees for around $5. Lunch here is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If Chinese food isn’t your style, third place for best lunch special went to Raja’s Indian Cuisine. Raja’s is located on the corner of Third and A streets. Right next to campus and right above the Education Abroad Center, it’s a short walk to an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $7.95.

– Elyssa Thome

Delta of Venus

122 B St.

Freeborn Hall

The G Street Pub

228 G St.

Concerts require more than just bands – they need venues too.

There’s a few that stand out here in Davis, hosting acts ranging in popularity from Nine Inch Nails to Jason Mraz to underground rock groups brought by campus radio station KDVS.

This year’s winner for best venue is the homey downtown café Delta of Venus, located at 122 B St. DOV often hosts smaller, more intimate shows that include a range of different music styles.

Signy Toquinto, a DOV employee, said the venue’s small size is an advantage.

“I think people are very fond of the intimate atmosphere at Delta of Venus,” she said. “There’s also such a diverse selection of music that comes to DOV consistently. Plus, cover charges are usually cheap enough to be easily affordable for students. Altogether, it’s a unique environment.“

In second place is the larger on-campus Freeborn Hall. The ASUCD Entertainment Council and outside promotion companies often arrange the bigger, more expensive shows at Freeborn, and the space has recently played host to a number of major label acts, including Death Cab For Cutie, Tegan and Sara, and AFI.

Snagging third place is The G Street Pub. Although the shows are 21-and-over, those of age will find a dimly lit venue that encourages bands to be loud and patrons to have a beer (or a vodka tonic) while they enjoy the live music.

– Zack Frederick

1. Ben and Jerry’s

500 First St.

2. Yolo Berry Yogurt

316 C St.

3. Cold Stone Creamery

1411 W. Covell Blvd.

From the rich and caffeine packed Coffee Coffee, Buzz Buzz Buzz to the sweet and wistful Imagine Whirled Peace, this year’s Best Ice Cream goes to the craving-worthy flavors at Ben and Jerry’s – a perennial Davis favorite.

“People love Ben and Jerry’s because not only do we have great tasting ice cream, but we also do great things for the community,” said Amanda Crawley, manager of Downtown Davis’ scoop shop. “We’re all about community service, and giving back to the people who give us their business.”

With the always-popular “free cone day” and money-saving coupons offered year-round, many swear by Ben and Jerry’s as an inexpensive “cure-all” for midterms, relationship woes, PMS and all of life’s biggest stressors.

“It’s definitely just the quality of our all-natural ice cream that people are attracted to,” Crawley said. “It’s delicious!”

In second place, the newly opened “Yolo Berry Yogurt” has already earned an impressive following. Offering six rotating flavors of frozen yogurt and a whopping 101 available toppings, customers can mix fruits, nuts, candies, caramel, whipped cream … and nearly anything edible as a topping to customize their personal yogurt masterpiece.

In third, Davis’ Cold Stone Creamery is a great hybrid of both contenders, as customers pick an ice cream flavor, choose their own toppings and watch anxiously as their ice cream creation is whipped up before their eyes.

– MICHELLE IMMEL

Aggie Inn,

245 First St.

Best Western,

123 B St. and 234 D St.

Hallmark Inn, 125 F St.

Aggie Inn was again voted the best hotel in Davis this year.“We are very happy to be nominated,” said Aggie Inn sales and marketing representative Sarah Azmat. “We hope to carry on the tradition.“

Located close to campus on First Street, Aggie Inn has what Azmat described as, “location, location, location!”

Aggie Inn has a long history of good service, attracting many repeat customers, according to Azmat. UC Davis often directs visitors to Aggie Inn, many of whom stay for extended periods of time in their private cottages.

In addition to its main building, Aggie Inn has several small cottages, usually consisting of two-room suites. It also has a computer station, sauna, outdoor spa and fitness room.

“It’s a home away from home,” Azmat said.

Aggie Inn is relatively small when compared with other hotels in Davis, and is the smallest of the three winners. This adds to its appeal rather than detract from it because it offers an alternative to big corporate hotels, according to Azmat.

“Customer service is top-notch when you come to the Aggie Inn,” Azmat said.

In second place is Best Western, which has two hotels in Downtown Davis: The Palm Court Hotel and the University Lodge. Located downtown at 123 B St., the University Lodge allows pets, offers complimentary breakfast and high speed Internet, and has a fitness center.

In third place was Hallmark Inn, the largest of the three winners with 135 rooms and suites. Hallmark Inn is located at 125 F St. adjacent to Seasons Restaurant.

– Ronny Smith

Style Lounge,

803 Second St. #E and 407 G St.

Great Clips,

2101 Cowell Blvd.

Supercuts, 407 G St., Suite 2 and 1300 E. Covell Blvd.

Style Lounge is a cut above the rest.

With two locations to choose from, Style Lounge offers students and residents a modern haircutting experience in downtown Davis.

“We have the best view in town,” said Style Lounge manager Jerry Paiz of his second-story salon with windows that overlook the train station.

Style Lounge also has new, unique equipment that customers won’t find at many other places, which creates “a really cool set up,” Paiz said.

Men’s cuts start at $40 and women’s at $60. UC Davis students can get a $10 discount, dropping the price for money-saving students.

“We’re probably a little bit pricey,” Paiz said, “but we are considered a good buy.“

Included in the price of a haircut are a shampoo and conditioning, and complimentary beverages throughout the visit. In between visits, regular clients can stop by for complimentary touch-ups, bang cuts and trims.

For other well-liked salons in town, check out the cost-friendly Great Clips in South Davis for a $14 haircut or Supercuts with locations downtown and in North Davis for $15 haircuts.

– Sasha Lekach

1. Nugget Market

1414 E. Covell Blvd., 409 Mace Blvd.

2. Safeway

1431 W. Covell Blvd., 2121 Cowell Blvd.

3. Davis Food Co-op

620 G St.

With its distinct deli, decadent bakery, shiny floors and friendly service, it’s no surprise that Nugget Market has been voted best grocery store for the past 10 years.

Founded in 1926 in Woodland, Calif. by the Stille family, Nugget offers two of its seven locations in the city of Davis.

The Nugget at East Covell Boulevard and Pole Line Road is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The other Davis location on Mace Boulevard is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“It’s really great to hear the Davis students appreciate us so much,” said Rodney Beebe, store director at the Mace location. “Our goal is to make our guests feel at home, and that is something we work on every day.“

The noticeable smiles on the employees, free sample cookies and a diverse wine selection that can make both wine lovers and viticulture professors happy are just some of the things that make Nugget Market so special.

“Our variety is huge but what most college kids should know is 80 percent of our prices on base items are cheaper,” Beebe said. “We just have so many specialty items that can only be found here.“

Nugget sells all-California Harris Ranch beef that contains no antibiotics, hormones or steroids. Even the cows seem to be happier at Nugget.

Second place winner Safeway has two 24-hour store locations, and third place winner Davis Food Co-op is renowned for its organic and unique options.

– Sammy Brasch

Nutrition 10

Human Sexuality

Introduction to Brewing and Beer

Over 45,000 students have taken Elizabeth Applegate’s Nutrition 10 class in the past 24 years, according to university estimates. It comes as no surprise, then, that the perennial favorite has once again won Best GE Course.

Other annual Best of Davis favorites, HDE 12, Human Sexuality, and FST 3, Introduction to Brewing and Beer, finished second and third, respectively.

The introductory nutrition class covers a variety of topics in nutrition, such as obesity and dietary supplements. Over the years, Applegate has modified the class in response to class evaluations. Recently, she has added optional evening lectures on food safety and grocery shopping. Extra credit “Jeopardy” sessions are also a new addition to the class, she said.

Applegate also integrates current topics, events, and research in nutrition in the class; Jessica Simpson was a recent target. (It turns out that her weight gain is not unhealthy, Applegate said.)

Regardless of whether you’re a biochemistry or art studio major, the class offers practical knowledge, Applegate said.

“My feeling is no matter what your background, it helps bring things together – you learn about different cycles,” she said. “In Nutrition 10, we see it all put together.“

The class is also infamous for the diet project, in which students keep track of what they eat for three days. Applegate purchases and distributes prizes on the day the project is turned in.

Every Nutrition 10 lecture is podcast and posted online at teaching.ucdavis.edu/nut10/index.htm, so students who are unsure if they want to take the class can take a look.

Though getting into Nutrition 10 can be difficult, as the class always has a waitlist, students need not worry: Applegate said she plans to continue teaching the class until “they roll me out.“

– Patrcik McCartney

Picnic Day

Whole Earth Festival

Operation: Restore Maximum Freedom

After almost a century of Picnic Days, past and present Aggies alike keep coming back for more.

Over the years, Picnic Day has provided parades, magic shows, Aggie expositions and, more recently, Doxy Derbies.

Picnic Day, occurring on April 18 this year, allows both students and alumni to show off their campus to families and friends. Picnickers can eat deep-fried Twinkies while watching the Battle of the University Bands down by the arboretum, or they can get their face painted after making tie-dyed shirts.

As UC Davis is celebrating its centennial this year, the theme for Picnic Day is “Reflections: 100 Years of Aggie Legacy.” In order to represent the UC Davis student body, all of the Parade Marshals of this year’s parade will be Aggie students, both alumni and current.

“As the UC Davis‘ premier event, Picnic Day is a prominent reflection of the university’s founding, history, growth, achievements and future. Picnic Day 2009 will represent a 100-year legacy of excellence in teaching, research, service and campus life,” said Christine Pham, 2009 Picnic Day chair.

Pham said Picnic Day is UC Davis‘ oldest tradition and is the largest student-run event in the nation. Picnic Day is a testament as to “what it means to be an Aggie. Every Aggie will always have a place in their heart for Picnic Day,” Pham said.

Coming in second is the Whole Earth Festival, a three day-long spring event that brings art, music and environmental education to the forefront. Whole Earth is always on Mother’s Day weekend, taking place May 8, 9 and 10 this year.

Third-place winner is KDVS-presented music festival Operation: Restore Maximum Freedom, (O: RMF) a student-run event that showcases local underground artists. The next event, O: RMF VII will be May 16.

– Megan Ellis

Wicky Wacky Woo at Café Bernardo,

234 D St.

G Street Pub,

228 G St.

Bistro 33,

226 F St.

Café Bernardo may look like the typical Davis restaurant from the outside, but one step into the little bar, otherwise known as Bar Bernardo, and it is Wicky territory.

The famous Wicky Wacky Woo has been a local favorite about 10 years the most popular drink amongst Davis students looking for a good time at Café Bernardo.

“People always come in here and say, ‘Do you guys have the Wicky? We want the Wicky!’ and then they just watch us pour it and fill it up with alcohol to the top of the cup and freak out,” said Amber Padilla, the manager of Café Bernardo.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are especially crowded with Wicky requests, but Padilla estimates almost every night has roughly 100 to 150 students cycling in and out with 95 percent of them asking for Wickys.

“That’s mostly what we sell in the bar,” she said. “They come here for the Wickys.“

So what exactly is it about the Wicky that makes it so appealing, especially to college students?

To put it simply, a lot of bang for the buck.

“There’s a lot of alcohol in it,” Padilla said. “I think it’s a really good deal for how much alcohol you get.”

The drink is mixed with seven different types of alcohol, including vodka, gin, rum, amaretto, tequila, Bacardi and then with three different juices to sweeten it all up. It’s so strong, in fact, that the bar limits the number of Wickys someone can order in a night – two, to be exact.

The Wickys are $8 regularly, but only $7 during the Hours-in-Between, Café Bernardo’s happy hours from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays, the Wicky is a dollar off the regular price. For birthdays, the alcoholic tastiness of the Wicky is free.

“If you want to have a good time, come to Bar Bernardo and have a Wicky,” Padilla said.

Coming in second place is the G Street Pub. Claiming to be the number one seller of Jägermeister in Northern California, the pub offers $3 Jägermeister shots and “Jager bombs” from 8 to 9 p.m. On Wednesdays, they offer $2 well drinks and pints of Pabst Blue Ribbon for $1.

Bistro 33 also offers a variety of popular deals and delicious drinks to students looking for a happy time. One highlight is Thursday’s $12 Mojito Pitcher night. Each Mojito Pitcher contains about 5 drinks and is filled with fresh mint picked that day.

– Helen Zou