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The Almanac Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Retail
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
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
Boutique
Alys Grace

Alys Grace has distinguished itself as more than a fashion boutique, offering a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary designer apparel and accessories paired with highly personalized styling.
899 B Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 326-9914 | alysgrace.com
Floor Coverings
Stephen Miller Gallery

Stephen Miller Gallery has earned a reputation for exceptional handwoven rugs that blend artistry, craftsmanship and timeless design. The gallery is trusted by homeowners and leading interior designers alike for its expertise, personalized service and commitment to finding the perfect piece for every space.
800 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 327-5040 | stephenmillergallery.com
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, Ste. 380, Portola Valley | (650) 854-3850 | laderagardenandgifts.com
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
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
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 Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 440-7400 | anthemsf.online
Nursery
Ladera Garden & Gifts
See Gift Shop
Place to Buy Jewelry
Shady Lane

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
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 Ave., Menlo Park | (650) 325-9432 | fleetfeet.com
Produce
Bianchini’s Market
See Grocery
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
