Readers’ Choice 2024 – Retail
BEST BICYCLE SHOP: Woodside Bike Shop
Woodside Bike Shop sells accessories and bikes for all ages, ability levels and budgets. They carry mountain bikes, BMX bikes, cruisers, road bikes, electric bikes and even unicycles. Full service repairs and custom builds are also offered.
1800 El Camino Real, Suite C, Menlo Park, CA | (650) 299-1071 | woodsidebikeshop.com
BEST BOOKSTORE: Kepler’s Books & Magazines
With its broad collection of books, magazines and literary events, Kepler’s Books & Magazines has been a beloved cornerstone in the community since it opened in the 1960s. The independent bookstore’s nonprofit arm, the Kepler’s Literary Foundation, has a series of online conversations, classes and seminars for adults and youth that has become part of its offerings.
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | (650) 324-4321 | keplers.com
BEST BOUTIQUE: Shady Lane
For more than four decades, Shady Lane has been offering one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, intricately woven scarves, artisan glass sculptures, wood carvings, handcrafted soaps and an array of other items handcrafted by local and international artists and designers. The boutique is open for in-store shopping as well as online shopping and curbside pickup. The store also offers gift wrapping.
325 Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park | (650) 321-1099 | shadylanegallery.com
BEST FLOOR COVERINGS: Menlo Flooring & Design
With over 20 years of experience in the flooring industry, Menlo Flooring & Design provides a wide selection of flooring systems for both residential and commercial clients. Their design consultation services help clients choose the best flooring options for their tastes, needs and budgets.
807 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 384-6326 | menloflooring.com
BEST FRAME STORE / ART GALLERY: Portola Art Gallery
Portola Art Gallery provides space for Bay Area artists to exhibit high quality artwork, engage with the community and sell their art. Painting, photography, ceramics, paper sculptures and woodworking can be viewed at the gallery at the historic Allied Arts Guild.
75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park | (650) 321-0220 | portolaartgallery.com
BEST GIFT SHOP: Ladera Garden & Gifts
Ladera Garden & Gifts is a one-stop shop for garden supplies, gifts and flower arrangements. Juan and Mercedes Navarro, who have operated the full-service nursery for nearly 40 years, provide custom floral arrangements as well as home goods and nursery items.
3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley | (650) 854-3850 | laderagardenandgifts.com
BEST GROCERY: Bianchini’s Market
Since 1998, shoppers have counted on Bianchini’s Market for fresh local produce, gourmet cheeses and groceries from small producers whose items aren’t found at chain stores. Readers praise the family-owned market for its meat counter and deli sandwiches, which can be ordered online and are ready for pickup on arrival. The market also offers delivery in as little as one hour.
3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley | (650) 851-4391 | bianchinismarket.com
BEST HARDWARE STORE: Menlo Hardware
Menlo Park Ace Hardware has been the go-to hardware store for home, garden and building supplies since it opened in 2005. In addition to offering housewares and tools, the independently owned shop offers services, including key cutting, custom glass and acrylic sheet cutting, blade sharpening, window screen repair, propane exchange and product assembly and delivery.
700 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 325-2515 | menlohardware.com
BEST HOME DECOR & FURNISHINGS: Anthem
Anthem offers an exclusive collection of home decor, tabletop, lighting, furniture, accessories, jewelry and gifts – a “collection of the finest products, designed to inspire and delight,” according to Anthem’s website.
889 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 440-7400 | AnthemSF.online
BEST NURSERY: Ladera Garden & Gifts
See Best Gift Shop
BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY: Gleim the Jeweler
Gleim the Jeweler has earned a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and customer service. Gleim offers a curated selection of both classic and contemporary designs with collections of precious gems, unique estate jewelry, timepieces, high jewelry lines and bespoke pieces.
350 Main Street, Los Altos | (650) 949-1122 | gleimjewelers.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES: Fleet Feet
Fleet Feet in Menlo Park helps customers find products that improve their fitness experience. They assess foot type and gait cycle and have 3D scanners to measure feet, making their footwear recommendations uniquely tailored to each customer. For those who prefer to shop online, the shop is offering virtual shoe fittings via Zoom.
859 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 325-9432 | fleetfeet.com
BEST PRODUCE: Sigona’s Farmers Market
Sigona’s Farmers Market is a family-owned grocery store offering locally sourced, high-quality produce, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other gourmet food items. Sigona’s is known for its commitment to supporting local farmers and providing customers with fresh, seasonal ingredients. In addition to produce, they also offer a selection of artisanal products, including cheeses, olive oils and baked goods.
2345 Middlefield Road, Redwood City | (650) 368-6993 | sigonas.com
BEST SPECIALTY STORE: Cheeky Monkey Toys
A perennial winner in this category, Cheeky Monkey Toys is a family-owned shop that specializes in finding “just the right toy” for each customer. Since opening its doors in Menlo Park in 1999, the shop has provided interactive toys designed to stimulate children’s minds to generations of local families.
640 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 328-7975 | cheekymonkeytoys.com
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