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Readers’ Choice 2025 – Retail
Best Bicycle Shop: Woodside Bike Shop
Woodside Bike Shop sells accessories and bikes for all ages, ability levels and budgets. It carries 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 | (650) 299-1071 | woodsidebikeshop.com
Best Bookstore: Kepler’s Books
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. In response to the pandemic, the independent bookstore’s nonprofit arm, the Kepler’s Literary Foundation, created Refresh the Page, 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: The Oriental Carpet
The Oriental Carpet provides handmade Oriental, traditional and contemporary rugs, plus cleaning and repairs. Their expertise extends to custom rug design, with the ability to create bespoke pieces tailored to your specifications.
773 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park | (650) 327-6608 | theorientalcarpet.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.
2029 Ralston Avenue, Belmont | (650) 232-7154 | 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: Portola Valley ACE Hardware
Local in every way, the business has been locally owned since its inception, staffed by employees from Portola Valley and nearby communities, and grounded in a deep pride for its hometown. With a focus on adding value to the lives of local residents, it’s often open after hours — often during power outages or storms — to ensure the community has access to what it needs.
112 Portola Road, Portola Valley | (650) 851-0116 | portolavalleyhardware.com
Best Home Decor and 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.”
889 Santa Cruz Avenue, 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-end 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. Staff assesses foot type and gait cycle and has 3D scanners to measure feet, making footwear recommendations uniquely tailored to each customer.
859 Santa Cruz Avenue, 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, it also offers a selection of artisanal products, including cheeses, olive oils, and baked goods.
399 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto | (650) 329-1340 | 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 Avenue, Menlo Park | (650) 328-7975 | cheekymonkeytoys.com