Ciocolat

301 B St.

Yolo Berry

316 C St.

Yogurt Shack

113 E St.

Ciocolat is a favorite with any UC Davis student looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.

The establishment, located just a few blocks off-campus down Third Street, serves students, faculty and other Davisites as they come throughout the day to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or innumerable delicate confections.

“It’s a home-like environment, and we use very fresh ingredients and very good ingredients, a lot of which are local,” said Kate Hutchinson, Ciocolat’s owner.

Ciocolat’s most popular items are the sweets, like the tantalizingly-named Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake and Chocolate Truffle Cake (according to Hutchinson, the favorite).

“People say it’s very rich and decadent – the best cake they ever had. People come [for this] to get something really special, and it’s a really special cake,” Hutchinson said.

According to its owner, the thing that really makes Ciocolat special is its ability to improvise to serve the needs of its customers. Ciocolat produces custom cakes and desserts, and caters to a variety of occasions, from birthday parties to weddings.

“We’re willing and able – and eager – to tailor our cakes or events to whatever [anyone] has in mind. Once, a guy wanted to have a romantic evening with his girlfriend, so he booked the restaurant after we closed for a special night,” Hutchinson said.

Yolo Berry Yogurt, opened just last year at 316 C St. – just across from Central Park – won second place. Self-styled as “the healthy choice,” this yogurt shop gives patrons a choice between six different self-serve frozen yogurts (flavors rotate) and a dearth of toppings. Yogurt Shack came in third, and is located at 113 E St.

– Andre Lee

1. Gap, 500 First St.

2. Pinkadot, 238 E St.

3. SPCA Thrift Store, 920 Third St., Suite F

UC Davis students may not have been lured to the area by the high fashion shopping opportunities in Davis, but luckily there’s the Gap to cater to the college student budget and style.

“We’re one of only two mainstream clothing stores in the city, it helps give the city a little choice for national clothing chains,“ said David Gill, assistant manager at the Gap.

The Gap draws in both students and professors looking for wardrobe basics without venturing to Sacramento.

“We are all about the basic staples of clothing – the basic T-shirt and jeans which are pretty timeless,” Gill said. “If you buy something this year you can still wear it next year.“

The Gap is popular with a wide range of age groups from children to parents.

“The Davis Gap has the widest range of customers out of all the Gap shops I’ve worked at,“ Gill said.

Located downtown in the Davis Commons shopping center next to three other “Best of Davis“ award finalists – Ben and Jerry’s, Borders and Pluto’s – the Gap is in the center of the downtown Davis hustle and bustle.

Coming in second is the high-end boutique Pinkadot and third is the always-affordable SPCA Thrift Store.

– Kelly Krag-Arnold

Starbucks

Peet’s

ASUCD Coffee House

To the despair of Peetniks everywhere, Starbucks edged out the California-based coffee chain Peet’s this year to earn the award for best Davis chain coffee.

Starbucks has five total locations in Davis: On F Street downtown, in both Safeways, the University Mall and between the Highway 113 and Sutter Hospital off Covell Drive in North Davis. A sixth location is on the way in the UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center, making Starbucks the most prolific coffeehouse in Davis.

“I’ve been to Peet’s, but it’s not the same,” said Edie Campbell-Urban, a junior communication major. “I grew up coming to Starbucks.”

Starbucks, named after the first mate of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, was founded in Seattle in 1971, and is now the world’s largest coffeehouse company.

There are over 11,000 Starbucks in operation across all 50 states, and in 43 other countries for a grand total of 15,756 worldwide, according to the company’s February 2008 fact sheet.

Campbell-Urban typically goes to Starbucks at least once a week, but may come as many as four times during midterms and finals.

“I like the white chocolate mocha,” she said. “I [go there] to study, or sometimes just to grab a cup to go.”

Peet’s, the former winner of the 2008 award for best coffee in Davis, was selected as runner up with UC Davis’ own ASUCD Coffee House coming in third.

– CHARLES HINRIKSSON

Burgers and Brew,

403 Third St.

Tommy J’s,

726 Second St.

In-N-Out,

1020 Olive Dr.

Burgers and Brew opened in Downtown Davis in 2007 and took the local burger market by storm.

Burgers and Brew gains its popularity from not only its food but also its prime location and its ability to cater to the average college student.

“I would say that the freshness of our ingredients is a factor [in our popularity] – we don’t freeze anything,” said Zack Floerke, daytime manager of Burgers and Brew. “Also the prices stay pretty consistent.”

Burgers and Brew is open until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, which attracts a student crowd, he said. The restaurant also runs burger specials on those nights.

“Also, the location is convenient for everyone,” Floerke added.

Burgers and Brew patrons usually claim that their burger needs are satisfied.

“I love the burgers here, and I like being able to choose what I can put on them,” said senior anthropology major Lauren Harris. Burgers and Brew seems to be popular for their wide variety of burgers as well.

“The tofu burger is great! It’s nice to go to a burger place that has good options for vegetarians,” said senior psychology major and vegetarian Chris Leech.

Tommy J’s, the kitchen inside the popular bar Froggy’s on the corner of Second and G Streets, came in second.

In-N-Out, always a crowd favorite with its cheap but tasty menu, came in third.

– Caitlin Cobb

Davis Sushi Buffet Japanese Restaurant

707 Second St.

Fuji Chef

213 G St.

Great Wall of China

223 F St.

Unbutton those jeans and get your chopsticks ready for the best buffet in Davis: The Davis Sushi Buffet Japanese Restaurant.

This all-you-can-eat buffet features a sushi menu consisting of both fresh seafood and Japanese hand rolls as prepared by the Japanese-trained Chef Henry.

Henry, a 10-year veteran of the business, was recently awarded the Sacramento Sushi Chef of the Year. He’s known by customers for his quick and positive demeanor behind the sushi counter.

The buffet offers hungry customers a reasonable price tag at $12.95 for lunch, $16.95 for dinner. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m. for lunch and dinner, respectively.

Davis Sushi opened its doors in June. So what makes this sushi buffet stand out from others in the downtown area? Manager Andrew Mguyen credits his sushi rolls’ popularity.

“The most popular we have here is the Dragon roll,” he said. “Also, our Davis, Y2K and Henry roll – very popular.”

Davis Sushi has eight different vegetarian rolls on its menu to choose from, including its avocado roll and deep fried sweet potato roll.

The menu also features traditional Japanese cuisine, such as chicken teriyaki and tempura, as well as alcoholic beverages, including both domestic and imported beer and hot and cold sake.

“It’s the best quality sushi and has a lot more variety than the other restaurants here in town,” Chris Miller said. “But they always play terrible background music – what is that? Asian hip-hop or something?”

No idea.

Fuji Chef and Great Wall of China take second and third place this year, respectively.

– Matt Miller

Crepeville,

330 Third St.

Delta of Venus,

122 B St.

IHOP,

1745 Cowell Blvd.

It’s a thin pancake! The most commonly used expression to describe a crepe is a thin pancake, but the crepes whipped up at Crepeville are anything but common, and that’s the same for the rest of their food.

Ranking in as the No. 1 place in Davis to have breakfast, Crepeville is located on the outskirts of campus at the intersection of Third and C Street.

Commonly known as the place to take visiting parents for breakfast, Crepeville offers everything from eggs benedict to a strawberry-chocolate crepe topped off with whipped cream.

Not to mention, they have absolutely incredible French toast, for a mere $4.95 and very tasty hot cocoa.

And if 7 a.m. is too early for you to make it to breakfast don’t fret – you can enjoy your breakfast until closing at 11 p.m.

One of the best things about Crepeville, besides the French toast, is the ambiance.

The restaurant fits cozily near campus, making it an ideal place to stop in and study. It also offers free Wi-Fi Internet access as well as tons of wall plugs for those battery driven laptops.

“It’s a great place to study. During finals week it gets really full, and students are everywhere,” said UC Davis senior and Crepeville barista Chelsea Howell. “Plus, there are a lot of regulars who come in; they are really friendly.“

Do note, however, that while you may want to use your credit cards they only take your cash.

Following close behind in votes was Delta of Venus taking second, while IHOP placed third.

Delta of Venus is located at 122 B St., and is home to an independent coffee shop, restaurant and pub.

Across town is the popular franchise IHOP located at 1745 Cowell Blvd. in South Davis. The International House of Pancakes is terrifically known for their bottomless pancakes.

– Andrea Gutierrez

1. Borders

500 First Street #1, in the Davis Commons

2. UC Davis Bookstore

Memorial Union

3. The Avid Reader

617 Second St.

Borders Books in downtown Davis has won the gold for best bookstore – no small accomplishment in a college town full of readers.

“Borders is a combination of a bookstore and a coffee shop,“ said Christy Vice, Borders training and operations supervisor.

Once inside, the aroma from the coffee shop will entice a sleepy student to grab a latte and have a seat on the couches to catch up on some reading.

Borders, which has expanded to 1,100 stores since its 1971 debut in Ann Arbor, Mich., aims to have something for everyone.

Parents can drop of their kids in the children‘s corner and head to the adult fiction. Anime and manga fans can gather to catch up on the latest books and videos. Students who need a refresher on a course they didn‘t do so well in a few quarters ago can buy books ranging from English to the sciences to engineering.

Regulars are welcome to come read, listen and see what Borders has to offer.

One important thing that Borders keeps in mind is the budget of the student, Vice said. There are often bargain books throughout the store as well as coupons through e-mails that club users receive.

The UC Davis bookstore came in second place with its wide selection of textbooks and all the essentials to be a student from electronics, to lab supplies to scrapbooks. Third place goes to The Avid Reader, an independent bookstore that hosts an author event series and readings.

– MINH PHAM

1. ASUCD Bike Barn

Hutchinson & California

2. B&L Bike Shop

610 Third St.

3. Ken’s Bike & Ski

650 G St.

Need a fender to avoid the infamous freshman stripe? Maybe a light to avoid that $100 fine? Or just a wrench to do a little work on your own? If so, the place to go is the ASUCD Bike Barn.

Founded in 1971, the Bike Barn is almost completely student-run – although they do have a full-time general manager – and has been the go-to location for UCD students with any and all bike-related needs. Its location next to the Silo makes it readily available to most students.

“We’re the only bike shop on campus,” said Philippe Chordas, the Bike Barn’s business manager. “So if you get a flat on campus, at your dorm for example, it’s not that far to come here, and we usually can get it back to you the next day.“

One thing that sets the Bike Barn apart from many competitors is that one need not pay to get their bike fixed. If you have the know-how but not the tools, the Bike Barn can help.

“We’re very unique in the sense that we have our tool checkout system,” Chordas said. “If people don’t want to pay, they can buy a part and bring their ID cards and use a tool and do it themselves. You need your student ID card, and that’s all. You can get pretty much whatever tool you need to do a bike repair.“

Another distinguishing feature is their bike rental program. The Bike Barn has over 250 cruisers that can be rented on a daily ($15) or weekly ($50) basis. Though generally taken advantage of in the summer, this service is a good option to give visitors a real Davis experience.

In second place is B&L Bike Shop. It is located downtown and has been a part of the Davis biking community since 1965. In third is Ken’s Bike and Ski, which, as its name would suggest, offers snow and ski equipment in addition to bike-related needs. Both shops are also proud sponsors of the Davis Bike Club.

– Alex Wolf-Root

Froggy’s Bar and Grill

726 Second St.

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

129 E St.

The G Street Pub

228 G St.

College students and alcohol? The mixture should come as no big surprise, but the Davis bar scene is one privilege that first-years and sophomores have to wait for.

Offering the best of both worlds to the underage crowd and those 21 and over is Froggy’s Bar and Grill, located at 726 2nd St. Open daily from 11 to 2 a.m., Froggy’s also offers a menu of Americana food with their full-service kitchen Tommy J’s. Customers can pair anything from burgers, salads and sandwiches with any of the beers on tap. For those looking to quench their thirst during the daytime, Froggy’s has happy hours Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

“[It’s] very low key, very mellow in the daytime,” said Johnny Vanover, daytime bartender at Froggy’s.

After hours, Froggy’s offers a hoppin‘ nightlife – with no cover charge and DJing from Preacher Man on Thursdays and Saturdays, the bar has become an attractive stop for Davis bar goers.

“We’ve got a mixed crowd – everyone from college kids to blue- and white-collar workers to professors,” said Froggy’s owner Scott Rea.

For something a bit more exotic, there is Sophia’s Thai Kitchen at 129 E St. Rain or shine, there can always be a crowd found at Sophia’s patio, from the popular Trivia Night held every Tuesday to their live music season from April to October, where the patio is turned into an outdoor stage to feature the best and brightest of the region’s bluegrass, folk and rock.

Another diverse addition to the Davis bar scene is The G Street Pub, located at 228 G St. Its title as the “well-worn, all-purpose drinking post” by DavisWiki hasn’t been earned for naught: In addition to a pool and games area, G Street brings something for everyone all nights of the week, including karaoke nights, Funk Night and live bands.

– Rachel Filipinas

090219_fe_bestBank.c

Headline: Best Bank

Wells Fargo,

340 F St.

Bank of America,

325 E St.

Washington Mutual,

330 E St.

With banks everywhere over the past year failing and being swallowed by giants of finance, it’s no wonder the people of Davis chose the durable Wells Fargo for best bank of 2009.

“They have a solid financial backing and really good customer service,” said Teresa Faranda, a Wells Fargo customer for almost 20 years.

Wells Fargo is particularly appealing to younger people who appreciate their unique services for college students.

At 340 F St., the Davis branch of Wells Fargo is within a quarter mile of several other competing banks, including the second and third place winners for best bank. Wells Fargo boasts two in-store supermarket branches, one at the Marketplace Safeway and another at the South Davis Safeway. There are also 11 Wells Fargo ATMs throughout the city, making it easy to get your money when you need it.

Bank of America, at 325 E St., might thank its size and widespread locations for earning the second place spot this year.

At 330 E St., Washington Mutual’s signature free checking and humorous commercials were good enough to earn it the number three spot in this year’s best bank of Davis. WaMu was purchased recently by JPMorgan Chase and is currently in the midst of a long-term rebranding.

– Jon Gjerde

1. Noah’s Bagels

1411 W. Covell Blvd.

2. Posh Bagel

206 F St.

3. ASUCD Coffee House

Memorial Union

There’s no bagel like a Noah’s bagel. Whether it’s the cinnamon sugar or the poppy dip’d, it just tastes better when it’s being served by the best neighborhood deli.

For its third year in a row, Noah’s Bagels holds onto its first place position by continuing to do what they do best – quality service to go with their quality bagels.

Alex Contrerax, a shift leader at Noah’s, believes the crew’s personality has a lot to do with the service their customers get.

“Our crew’s really fun to work with,” Contrerax said. “We know our regulars by name. We have their order ready for them before they even walk in the door – it’s all about hospitality here.“

In addition to their mouth-watering bagels – in over 18 flavors – Noah’s also offers a variety of other foods to satisfy that hunger. Their menu includes cold and hot sandwiches, pizza bagels, wraps, soups, salads, cookies, muffins, strudels and scrumptious coffee cakes to go along with their coffee.

Noah’s is located in the Marketplace at 1411 W. Covell Blvd. Suite 114 A and is open Mondays through Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Posh Bagel came in second, followed by the ASUCD Coffee House in third. Posh Bagel is located at 206 F St. and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ASUCD Coffee House is located on campus in the Memorial Union and is open Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

– POOJA DEOPURA

1. Hunan Bar and Restaurant, 508 Second St., #104

2. Sophia’s, 129 E St.

3. Thai 2K, 223 G St.

What makes Hunan Bar and Restaurant the best Asian cuisine in Davis?

“The high quality of the food is really it,” said manager Sau Ly. “A lot of other restaurants don’t have the quality of meat we have here.”

The downtown restaurant has been in Davis for 20 years, and is a family run business. Ly’s two sisters, Connie and Pamela Ly have been owners for over a decade.

It is often referred to as Americanese, meaning it is considered an “Americanized” Chinese restaurant. The restaurant also features a full bar.

A large menu with a variety of chicken, rice, pork, tofu, soup, vegetables, chow mein, beef and seafood options attract college students and Davis residents alike. Vegetarians and those carnivores out there will all feel welcomed.

“People come back because they really like the food,” Ly said. “The variety of foods we offer also attracts a lot of people because you have so many options here.“

Competitive prices such as $5 deals also keep customers coming back again for tastes of dishes like fried calamari or wonton.

Plan ahead if going at night, as it is a much more formal environment than during the day.

Two Thai restaurants followed Hunan in the best Asian cuisine category. Second place winner Sophia’s (Davis‘ first Thai restaurant) features free refills on its Thai Iced Tea, and third place winner Thai 2k also features refills of their iced tea, along with black pearls.

Hunan is opened from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch Monday through Saturday. Dinner runs from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays.

– Angela Swartz

1. Arboretum

UC Davis campus

2. Bistro 33

226 F St.

3. The movies

Nothing says romance like a bunch of ducks!

The arboretum is the best place to take a date in Davis, whether you’re in the mood for a Mediterranean-inspired getaway, a redwood forest retreat or a simple picnic by Putah Creek.

The 100-acre garden contains over 22,000 trees and plants. Gentlemen need not buy their ladies flowers – the California Currents and gooseberries are in bloom this winter season, and visitors can look forward to the arrival of the poppies and the lilacs come spring.

“I think that the arboretum is a beautiful place to take a walk,” said Kathleen Socolofsky, director of the arboretum. “It can be a very romantic getaway from hectic student life, a nice alternative to going downtown or partying.”

For an especially romantic evening, visit the white flower garden gazebo by La Rue Road. But watch out, warned Socolofsky, many couples end up getting married in this very gazebo.

The arboretum holds several events throughout the year, like live music, guided tours and craft workshops. The events offer a unique experience, a scenic ambiance and sometimes a lesson or two from superintendent Warren Roberts, who gives educational tours of the property every month.

The arboretum is entirely free, and if you bring food from your own kitchen, you’ll have yourself a date worthy of these tough economic times.

Ready for the second date? Try second-place winner Bistro 33, the California fusion restaurant located in Historic City Hall, at 226 F St.; or the third place and good ol’ movie theatres in Davis such as the Varsity Theatre (616 Second St.), Regal Cinemas 5 (420 G St.) or Regal Cinemas 6 (101 F St.).

– LAUREN STEUSSY

Dimple Records

212 F St.

Armadillo Music

205 F St.

Watermelon Music

207 E St.

Dimple Records is the new holder of this year’s “Best Music Store” category. This relatively new record store, located across the street from Armadillo Music at 212 F St., buys and sells used CDs, DVDs and vinyl – similar to independent stores like Amoeba Music and Rasputin Music.

“I feel like people are using [Dimple Records] like a bank,” said Dilyn Radakovitz, owner of the Dimple Records in Davis. “We’ve never had so much used products. We have a lot of stock in that store.“

Music and movies are not the only things Dimple has in stock. Walk to the back for a wall of vinyl records or look to the left for their large shelf of video games and consoles. DVDs, gift trend items, magazines, books, and even ice cream and candy are also on sale. Some of the best deals sit in the “Free Poster” box in the front.

With the wave of online music stores and Internet piracy, one might wonder about the future for record stores in general – especially independent stores like Dimple Records, Rasputin Music and Amoeba Music. Dimple Records‘ location, set in the eerily familiar former home of Tower Records, is almost a reminding factor of the supposed demise of the physical CD within the last decade.

“There are always going to be people who want their music digitally, but – especially in Davis – there are so many college kids that are into vinyl,” Radakovitz said. “I think that college kids especially notice that there’s a difference between a digital sound and an analog sound. It’s a whole different experience.“

Radakovitz said that online trends are not severely hurting the store, but rather affect specific areas like singles and newer releases.

“I just think Davis is a really nice town to do business in,” Radakovitz said. “It’s really fun there and the people are nice. It makes it fun for retailers to be involved in that kind of a supportive community.“

Taking the number two and three spots for “Best Music Store” were Armadillo Records at 205 F St. and Watermelon Music at 207 E St.

– Justin T. Ho