Font ResizeAll ballots were hand-counted and reviewed by our staff.
The batch of winners are represented by mostly old favorites who deserve their own grand champion trophies for remaining atop the vote tallies year after year. However, there are some newcomers who surprised many and raced to the top.
This survey is hardly scientific. But it does reflect opinions of those Milpitans who feel strongly about a service, store or businessperson.
Where the Best of Milpitas winners were closely followed by another, we recognized them with an Honor Award (honorable mention).
This largest-ever, 201-category list provides recognition for businesses that try harder to satisfy their customers. It is also a good guide for newcomers who can get acquainted with merchants recommended by their neighbors.
Thanks to all of the readers who participated in the 2005 Best of Milpitas Readers' Choice Awards. Our congratulations to all of the winners.
- THE STAFF OF THE MILPITAS POST
And the winners are...
BEST EATS AND DRINKS
1. Best Bakery
Nob Hill, the winner in 2000, 2002 and 2004, held the top spot in 2005. Their designer breads and pastries, not to mention their popular cakes, earned the highest ranking. Nob Hill narrowly edged Save Mart, winner in 2003. Other Honor Award recipients for next best
Nob Hill Foods: 401 Jacklin Road. Save Mart: 216 W. Calaveras Blvd. Flames: 1191 E. Calaveras Blvd. Sheng Kee: 290 Barber Court. Bakers Square: 174 W. Calaveras Blvd. Christy's: 1291 E. Calaveras Blvd. Albertsons: 25 N. Milpitas Blvd., 1350 S. Park Victoria. Chocolate Affaire: 603 E. Calaveras Blvd.
2. Best Burrito
Loud and clear, readers once again voted Burrito Express as their favorite place for this flavorful south of the border specialty. It is especially popular with the nearby high schoolers, located at Foothill Square Shopping Center. Milpitans' votes were spread fairly evenly among the remainder of the numerous Mexican eateries. Honor Awards mostly went to places where a sit-down burrito are popular: La Milpa, Los Reyes Taqueria, El Torito, La Fuente, Royal Taco, Taco Bell, Mi Ranchito, Taqueria Las Vegas , Baja Cactus, Taqueria Los Cunados and Lina's Place.
Burrito Express: 275 Jacklin Road. La Milpa: 107 N. Milpitas Blvd. Los Reyes Taqueria: 100 S. Dempsey Road. El Torito: 477 E. Calaveras Blvd. La Fuente: 265 W. Calaveras Blvd. Royal Taco: 1469 Landess Ave. Mi Ranchito: 51 S. Park Victoria. Taco Bell: South Main Street. Taqueria Las Vegas: 1417 N. Milpitas Blvd. Taqueria Los Cunados: 196 Ranch Drive. Lina's Place: 1362 S. Main St.
3. Best Barbecue Ribs
An old favorite among readers, Quincy's, outlived its fiercest competition. After last year's victor Big Boyz B-B-Q closed, Quincy's roared back in the vote tallies, for its old-style, slow-cooked ribs with all the southern-style sides. Honor Awards went to sports-inspired Applebee's and Dave & Buster's, Aussie-themed Outback, and Chili's, Jericho's and a newcomer, Southern Comfort, which specializes in southern soulfood in the former Campbell's Corner building.
Quincy's Bar-BQ: 70 N. Main St. Chili's: 300 W. Calaveras Blvd. Dave & Buster's: GreatMall. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar: McCarthy Ranch. Outback: GreatMall. Southern Comfort: 167 S. Main St.
4. Best Breakfast Spot
Mil's Diner has dominated for another year for its bustling diner breakfast atmosphere and ample portions. Stepping up to a close second-place finish is Omega, whose Gamboa brothers have reinvested in the eatery's appearance, pleasant ambiance and the quality of food. Oldtime chain favorite Denny's also drew votes, as did Flames.
Mil's Diner: 36 Abbott Ave. Omega: 90 S. Park Victoria Drive. Flames: 1191 E. Calaveras Blvd. Denny's: 200 Serra Way.
5. Best Caterer
Sushi Lovers, 2003 winner, raced back to be sole Best of Milpitas catering winner. Owner Charlene Tsao is always donating their artistic food or providing it at discounted prices in a catering fashion for quality causes. Casa Azteca is another community-minded company that rallied lots of votes. Jericho's Steakhouse (formerly Hungry Hunter), also rallied a significant amount of votes, as did Middle-Eastern specialty caterer Gourmet Express, tucked near the Best Western.
Sushi Lovers: Milpitas Town Center. Casa Azteca: 20 N. Abel. St. Jericho's: 1181 E. Calaveras Blvd. Gourmet Express: 463 Valley Way.
6. Best Chinese Restaurant (Cantonese)
Longtime favorite Koong's, near Orchard Supply, repeated as the winner this year, overtaking previous winner Mayflower, with its fabulous array of dim sum and a variety of dishes from various Chinese cuisines. Lots of loyal patrons also visit Yan Can, Kowloon, China Express and New East Lake, to win Honor Awards.
Koong's: 103 N. Milpitas Blvd. Kowloon Seafood Restaurant: 24 Abbott Ave. Mayflower: Great Mall. China Express: 387 Jacklin Road. New East Lake: 61 Serra Way.
7. Best Chinese (Mandarin)
Koong's for the first year won both the Mandarin and Cantonese categories. Tiny China Rose, bustling Kowloon and the Mayflower in GreatMall also rallied votes.
Koong's: 103 N. Milpitas Blvd. Mayflower: Great Mall. China Rose: 387 Jacklin Road. Kowloon: 24 Abbott Ave.
8. Best Chinese (Seafood)
Mayflower Great Mall reclaimed the top designation as the restaurant in which to enjoy seafood. Elegant presentations of lobster dishes are favorites. For the fourth time New East Lake, and remodeled King Crab, arose to beat out other traditional runners-up.
Mayflower: GreatMall. New East Lake: 61 Serra Way. King Crab: 269 W. Calaveras Blvd.
9. Best Chinese (Noodles)
Frenetic New Tung Kee offers an array of noodle dishes to satisfy any palate. Cheap prices and quick service afforded it top place. Tung Kee Noodle House, and newcomers Panda Express and China First Gourmet Express Catering, were next among vote counts.
New Tung Kee: 481 E. Calaveras Blvd. Tung Kee: 1790 N. Milpitas Blvd. Panda Express: 70 N. Milpitas Blvd. China First Gourmet Express Catering: 1741 N. Milpitas Blvd.
10. Best For Chocolates
There is a clear division among chocolate lovers. The majority again came for an old favorite: See's Candies at the McCarthy Ranch Marketplace. The confections are unique to the West Coast. Runner-up Chocolate Affaire also has a large, dedicated following for Donna's handmade creations. Important to note that Chocolate Affaire is open for business during Milpitas Town Center renovations. Readers also told us to check out Chocolate Affaire's bakery, filled with chocolate-laced sweets
See's: McCarthy Ranch. Chocolate Affaire: 603 E. Calaveras Blvd.
11. Best Coffee
The need for caffeine drives more customers to Starbucks than any other javahouse. The chain took the award for the ninth time. We didn't think it was possible, but Starbucks has added another store, making eight within Milpitas' 13.6 square miles. That's one Starbucks for every 7,812 Milpitans.
Q-Cup, serving pearl tea, light foods and java in the Crescent Square Shopping Center also won an Honor Award, as did community-minded drive-through Caffino in the Milpitas Center parking lot. And don't forget about Ola's Exotic Coffees, on South Main. Ola's is international now, with coffee growing operations in Africa and expansions across much of the globe.
Starbucks: 127 Ranch Drive, 128 N. Milpitas Blvd., 1197 E. Calaveras Blvd., 1541 California Circle, 367 Cypress Drive, 447 Great Mall Drive, 353 Jacklin Road and 1487 Landess Ave. Q-Cup: 1679 N. Milpitas Blvd. Caffino: 315 W. Calaveras Blvd. Ola's Exotic Coffee: 187 S. Main St.
12. Best Desserts
That post-dinner, pre-bedtime call for sweets can be compelling. Most of our readers suggest Flames is the best place to head when something decadent must be found. Giant cake slices are the norm. Another group likes those Marie Callender's pies and many favored Bakers Square. There were two other restaurants mentioned to satisfy your cravings: Jericho's and Giorgio's.
Flames: 1191 E. Calaveras Blvd. Bakers Square: 174 W. Calaveras Blvd. Marie Callender's: 333 S. Abbott Ave. Jericho's: 1181 E. Calaveras Blvd. Giorgio's: 643 E. Calaveras Blvd.
13. Best French Dining
Readers this year returned to an oldtime favorite, and frequent winner of the contest: Chez Christina.
Chez Christina: 1339 Jacklin Road.
14. Best Filipino Restaurant
This category drew a variety of favorites, each within a few votes of one another. Top vote-getter, which has claimed the top spot four times, was Mannyla Rose. Cocina de Manila, with tastes of home, and Hermes, also won reader mentions for its excellence in this cuisine, as did Kabalen, in the former Pepper Pot Main Street site, and Barrio Fiesta. Many Milpitans know what's authentic and what's not, with more than 14 percent of our population hailing from the Philippines.
Mannyla Rose: 94 Dempsey Road. Cocina de Manila: 279 Jacklin Road. Kabalen: 454 S. Main St. Barrio Fiesta: 1790 Milmont Drive.
15. Best Hamburger Under $1
McDonald's is a lock. It has won the reasonably-priced burger category for the life of the contest. Kids love the Happy Meal toy as much as the cheeseburger. Coming close enough for an Honor Award was have-it-your-way Burger King, and SoCal favorite In-N-Out Burger.
McDonald's: 1795 Landess Ave., 99 N. Milpitas Blvd., 1854 N. Milpitas Blvd., GreatMall McCarthy Ranch Marketplace and inside Wal-Mart. Burger King: 1541 California Circle, 1475 Dempsey Road, 175 W. Calaveras Blvd., GreatMall. In-N-Out: McCarthy Ranch.
16. Best Burger Over $1
In-N-Out Burger arrived in Milpitas with a popular following built in Southern California. They obviously made lots of new friends, too, and they've kept them. Foster Freeze fans support their favorite to earn them an Honor Award. Great classic car shows, too. Those who flock to Mil's Diner for the big Mil's Special Burger on garlic bread (it comes with a side of spaghetti!) also rave about it. And don't forget about Town Center Pizza's popular burger with all the fixings and a zesty sauce.
In-N-Out: McCarthy Ranch Marketplace. Foster Freeze: 78 Serra Way and 51 S. Park Victoria Drive. Mil's Diner: 36 Abbott Ave. Town Center Pizza: 85 N. Milpitas Blvd.
17. Best Hot Dogs
Nine years running for Wienerschnitzel. Its loyalists outvoted fans of Foster Freeze to gain the title. Hot Dog On a Stick's lemonade-churning dog servers, also garnered nods.
Wienerschnitzel: 1333 S. Park Victoria. Foster Freeze: 78 Serra Way. Hot Dog on a Stick: Great Mall.
18. Best Hotel Dining
Soothing Swan Court at Embassy Suites repeated for the top vote count again this year. Brandon's at Beverly Heritage Hotel and Pasta's at the Crowne Plaza, with its dynamic chef team, each won reader support.
Embassy Suites: 901 E. Calaveras Blvd. Beverly Heritage: 1820 Barber Lane. Crowne Plaza: 777 Bellew Drive.
19. Best Ice Cream, Yogurt
Baskin Robbins has more fans than other ice cream shops in town, according to vote tallies. But Cold Stone Creamery gave them a run for their money. Tough to beat Cold Stone's handmade creations, and the ability to watch as the desserts are made.
Baskin Robbins: 201 W. Calaveras Blvd. Cold Stone Creamery: GreatMall.
20. Best Indian Restaurant
Longtime favorite Swagat was edged by Sarovar for the first time. Lunch patrons enjoy the speed and diversity of the buffet service offered at both popular Indo restaurants.
Sarovar: 301 S. Abbott Ave. Swagat: 68 S. Abel St. and at GreatMall.
21. Best Italian Restaurant
Seventh year in the winner's circle for Giorgio's. The community-minded group of South Bay eateries owned by restaurateur John D'Ambrosio is noted for its work with charities. Pastas are as popular as pizzas at the Town Center Italiano restaurant. Macaroni Grill, which combines singing waiters and traditional Italian specialties in a charming atmosphere, also makes them a winner, readers say. Who cares about carbs? You have to splurge once in a while. Pasta Pomodoro's namesake is a reason for its high vote tallies. The former Tivoli, now Poolside Grill, also rallied votes.
Giorgio's: Milpitas Town Center. Macaroni Grill: McCarthy Ranch Marketplace. Pasta Pomodoro: McCarthy Ranch Marketplace. Poolside Grill: 1811 Barber Lane.
22. Best Japanese Restaurant
Even through the Town Center construction, Sushi Lovers has retained so many devoted customers, that it was able to edge Fuji San Sushi in the balloting to hold the Best Japanese Restaurant distinction for the fifth consecutive year, and 14 of the 15 years.
But many loyal fans also mentioned Fuji San's freshness and quick in-and-out service, at the GreatMall site. Bento Xpress also had a strong following for its quick Japanese cuisine with Hawaiian influences, trademark Spam sushi, and reasonably priced daily specials. The tiny but bustling Kaze had a strong showing and is a meeting place for service groups. Sushi Kai again rallied votes for its fare and presentation.
Sushi Lovers: 599 E. Calaveras Blvd. Fuji San Sushi: 222 Barber Court and GreatMall. Bento Xpress: 23 N. Milpitas Blvd. Kaze: 75 N. Abbott Ave. Sushi Kai: 1728 N. Milpitas Blvd.
23. Best Korean Restaurant
Korean BBQ House and its specialties that diners grill right at the table rose to the top for the second year. Cho Sun BBQ restaurant (formerly Seoul) was also mentioned.
Korean BBQ House: 260 S. Abel St. Cho Sun BBQ: 138. S. Main St.
24. Best Karaoke
Jericho's, for the second year, grabbed the top spot away from the now-closed Ola's Corner (2003 winner). Jericho's operates in the same building as the former Hungry Hunter, specializing in steaks and cocktails to build up liquid confidence. A pair of Filipino eateries, Manila Manila Natori and Mannyla Rose, both also attracted votes from the American Idol wannabes.
Jericho's: 1881 E. Calaveras Blvd. Manila Manila Natori: 579 S. Main St. Mannyla Rose: 94 Dempsey Rose.
25. Best Live Music
Borders Books and Music, a multiple-year favorite, returned to win the Best of Milpitas. Another favorite was the City of Milpitas' Summer Concert Series, which runs on sultry evenings every other Tuesday when school's out at parks.
Borders Books and Music: McCarthy Ranch Marketplace.
26. Best Mexican Restaurant
There are so many Mexican restaurants here with varying presentations and styles, that the Best Mexican category always gains the highest vote counts among our 200 categories.
La Milpa and Caza Azteca were head to head on everyone's tally sheets. But La Milpa again had the slight edge in total votes in 2005, and is again the Best of Milpitas. La Milpa places a strong emphasis on authenticity and the restaurant is always jammed for lunch. Casa Azteca is likewise known for its bustling crowds and truly authentic fare. Both restaurants' owners are among the most community-minded in town. There are many other Mexican favorites worth a visit, each with a special flair, readers said: Baja Cactus, On The Border, El Torito, La Fuente, Los Reyes, Mi Ranchito, Taqueria Las Vegas and Taqueria Los Cunados. And don't forget a newcomer that is proving popular: La Sierra.
La Milpa: 107 N. Milpitas Blvd. Casa Azteca: 20 N. Abel. St. El Torito: 477 E. Calaveras Blvd. On The Border: McCarthy Ranch. Baja Cactus: 338 S. Main St. La Fuente: 265 W. Calaveras Blvd. Los Reyes: 100 S. Dempsey Road. Mi Ranchito: 51 S. Park Victoria. Taqueria Las Vegas: 1417 N. Milpitas Blvd. Taqueria Los Cunados: 196 Ranch Drive. La Sierra: 420 S. Main St.
27. Best Meal Under $10
Parents must have chimed in more than ever this year, because McDonald's for the first time won the Best Meal Under $10 category. Mil's Diner, first runner-up, had topped the field for the six years straight. McDonald's and Mils were followed by a diverse cast: Hometown Buffet, Omega, La Milpa, La Fuente, Cocina de Manila, and In-N-Out Burger, Quizno's, Subway, Foster Freeze, Ravioli and Johnny Rocket:
McDonald's: 99 N. Milpitas Blvd., 1854 N. Milpitas Blvd., 41 Ranch Drive, 301 Ranch Drive, 1795 Landess Ave., and at GreatMall. Mil's Diner: 36 Abbott Ave. Hometown Buffet: McCarthy Ranch. Omega: 90 S. Park Victoria. La Milpa: 107 N. Milpitas Blvd. La Fuente: 265 W. Calaveras Blvd. Cocina de Manila: 279 Jacklin Road. In-N-Out: McCarthy Ranch. Quizno's: 55 N. Milpitas Blvd., 1735 N. Milpitas Blvd. Subway: 1476 N. Milpitas Blvd., Great Mall, 61 Serra Way. Foster Freeze: 78 Serra Way. Ravioli: 57 N. Milpitas Blvd. Johnny Rockets: Great Mall.
28. Best Meal Over $10
Black Angus nabbed this Best Meal Over 10 Bucks category for the second year in a row. It beat Outback, Red Lobster, Dave & Buster's, Malaysian-Thai eatery Banana Leaf, Omega and Town Center Pizza.
Black Angus: McCarthy Ranch. Jericho's: 1181 E. Calaveras Blvd. Dave & Buster's: GreatMall. Banana Leaf: McCarthy Ranch. Outback: GreatMall. Town Center Pizza: 85 N. Milpitas Blvd. Omega: 89 S. Park Victoria Drive.
29. Best Middle Eastern Food
Gourmet Express, under new ownership, won for the third year. Authentic falafels, tabouleh and hummus as well as hot lunch specials are offered daily.
Gourmet Express: 463 Valley Way.
30. Best Outdoor Dining
With its mild climate, Milpitas is a great place to dine al fresco most of the year. When they do it out, El Torito is the favorite, followed by Casa Azteca, Brandon's, Outback and Pasta Pomodoro.
El Torito: 477 E. Calaveras Blvd. Casa Azteca: 20 N. Abel St. Brandon's: 1820 Barber Lane. Outback: GreatMall. Pasta Pomodoro: McCarthy Ranch.
31. Best Place For Pizza
People feel as strongly about their favorite pizza provider as any category. Thick crust? Thin? Extra sauce or not? Town Center Pizza tied Round Table's multiple locations for the 2005 Best of Milpitas. Readers liked Town Center Pizza's creative pies and family ambiance, along with Round Table's consistent offerings and speedy delivery. Giorgio's classic pies are also perennial favorites. Papa Murphy's take and bake pies garnered lots of votes for Honor Awards, as did the King Kong at Pizza Box, Straw Hat, Rookies and Fast Pizza.
Town Center Pizza: 85 N. Milpitas Blvd. Round Table: 79 Abbott Ave., 2129 Morrill Ave. and 1271 E. Calaveras Blvd. Rookies: 560 N. Abel St. Giorgio's: Milpitas Town Center. Papa Murphy's: 119 N. Milpitas Blvd. Pizza Box: 1253 Jacklin Road. Straw Hat: 1350 S. Park Victoria Drive. Fast Pizza: 106 Dempsey Road.
32. Best Restaurant For Kids
McDonald's has done it again. They are consistently aiming at the family audience. But Applebee's, Town Center Pizza, Mil's Lyons, Chili's, Denny's and Fresh Choice all won plaudits. As we said last year, the louder the better, when the terrible twos strike.
McDonald's: 99 N. Milpitas Blvd., 1854 N. Milpitas Blvd., 41 Ranch Drive, 301 Ranch Drive, 1795 Landess Ave., and at the Great Mall. Rookies: 560 N. Abel St. Applebee's: McCarthy Ranch. Town Center Pizza: 85 N. Milpitas Blvd. Lyons: 765 E. Calaveras Blvd. Fresh Choice: Great Mall. Chili's: 300 W. Calaveras Blvd. Mil's Diner: 36 Abbott Ave.
33. Best Salad Bar
Fresh Choice is the landslide winner again in 2005 of the restaurants in town best for salads. It marked the 10th year in a row. Marie Callender's and Hometown Buffet were also noted.
Fresh Choice: GreatMall. Marie Callender's: 333 S. Abbott Ave. Hometown Buffet: McCarthy Ranch.
34. Best Seafood Restaurant
Red Lobster has a lock on this category, for straightforward offerings and its seasonal specials. Scores of readers this year placed the fresh seafood emphasis on ethnic cuisine, and noted Japanese restaurant Sushi Lovers, and new Mexican restaurant La Sierra.
Red Lobster: 503 E. Calaveras Blvd. Sushi Lovers: 599 E. Calaveras Blvd. La Sierra: 420 S. Main St.
35. Sports Themed Restaurant
Community-minded Applebee's rose to the top, with its emphasis on lauding local athletes and posting memorabilia. Dave & Buster's was first runner-up, with its many television screens and NFL promotions. Don't forget about Town Center Pizza and Jericho's with football specials.
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar: 84 Ranch Drive. Dave & Buster's: GreatMall. Town Center Pizza: 85 N. Milpitas Blvd. Jericho's: 1181 E. Calaveras Blvd.
36. Best Spot For Steak
Australian-themed Outback Steakhouse's seasoned cuts of beef are the best in Milpitas, readers said. Outback won for the third year. Jericho's drew lots of support, as did Stuart Anderson's Black Angus for the Honor Award for its renown steak dinners with excellent sides. Returning also this year for a great cut of beef is Brandon's inside the Beverly Heritage.
Outback Steakhouse: Great Mall. Jericho's: 1181 E. Calaveras Blvd. Black Angus: 275 Ranch Drive. Brandon's Restaurant and Lounge: 120 Barber Lane.
37. Best Sunday Brunch
Marie Callender's rallied lots of votes to win Best of Milpitas for a fine brunch of a mid-Sunday morning for three years running. Another winner of past years, El Torito, was popular for an Honor Award for its Mexican-influenced favorites. Poolside Grill and Swan Court at Embassy Suites also are favorites for Sunday brunches. They won the Honor Award.
Marie Callender's: 333 S. Abbott Ave. Poolside Grill: 1811 Barber Lane. El Torito: 477 E. Calaveras Blvd. Swan Court: 901 E. Calaveras Blvd.
38. Best Tacos
Forget the traditional offerings. Taco Bell's quick, inexpensive tacos are the best, readers said. The Honor Award winners reflect more authentic tastes: La Milpa, Los Reyes, Royal Taco, La Fuente, family-style Baja Cactus, Taqueria Las Vegas, Taqueria Los Cunados and Burrito Express.
Taco Bell: 1365 S. Park Victoria, 1774 S. Main St. and 81 Ranch Drive. La Milpa: 107 N. Milpitas Blvd. Los Reyes Taqueria: 100 Dempsey Road. Royal Taco: 1469 Landess Ave. La Fuente: 265 W. Calaveras Blvd. Baja Cactus: 338 S. Main St. Mi Ranchito: 51 S. Park Victoria. Taqueria Las Vegas: 1417 N. Milpitas Blvd. Taqueria Los Cunados: McCarthy Ranch.
39. Best Thai Restaurant
The tantalizing taste of Thai food is a favorite of many readers. And Milpitas is blessed with several Thai restaurants that are equal to the best anywhere. So over the years, the voting has been very close and spread among them. Thai House Restaurant was cited for its diverse dishes and authenticity. It remained in the top spot for the award for the fifth year. Other Thai restaurants winning repeat honors for their service and quality were authentic Bua Thai and Thai Town. Newcomers to the winners circle are New Tung Kee, which offers pad Thai, and Banana Leaf, whose Malaysian and Thai recipes can be downright hot.
Thai House: 177 W. Calaveras Blvd. Bua Thai: 209 S. Main St. Thai Town: 542 Barber Lane. New Tung Kee: 481 E. Calaveras Blvd. Banana Leaf: McCarthy Ranch.
40. Best 24-Hour Restaurant
The need for 24-hour restaurants is important with Milpitas' location as a crossroads. Denny's came through as the winner again this year. Cheap early morning breakfast deals, plus a renovated restaurant with wifi access, drove the win. Lyons is another favorite for night-owls who want a full menu any time, day or night. Lyons' waitstaff is attentive, readers said.
Denny's: 200 Serra Way. Lyons: 765 E. Calaveras Blvd.
41. Best
Vietnamese Restaurant
Authentic flavors of a unique cuisine is among the key reasons given by supporters of Vung Tau being chosen the top winner in this category. Lee's Sandwiches came through for an honor again, as did perennial favorite Minh's and Than Duoc.
Vung Tau: 1750 N. Milpitas Blvd. Lee's Sandwiches: 279 W. Calaveras Blvd. Thanh Duoc: 1228 S. Abel St. Minh's: 1422 Dempsey Road.
42. Best Vietnamese Pho
Pho Nam for the first time won, with a diversity of zesty broth-based noodle soups. Honor Award is given to Pho Mai, Pho 909 and Kim Long. This category grows in popularity each year, with the city's growing Vietnamese population - and diners who crave a quick, low-price lunch.
Pho Nam: 41 Serra Way. Pho Mai: 82 S. Abel St. Pho 909: 72 S. Park Victoria. Kim Long: 2082 N Capitol Ave.
43. Vegetarian Bests
Good vegetarian meal options today are plentiful. Fresh Choice Restaurant took the top award, with many ethnic restaurants rounding out the Honor Award field for the first time: New Tung Kee, Swagat, Tofu House and Gourmet Express.
Fresh Choice: GreatMall. New Tung Kee: 481 E. Calaveras Blvd. Tofu House: Save Mart Center. Swagat: Great Mall and 68 S. Abel St. Gourmet Express: 463 Valley Way.
44. Best Wine List
Jericho's captured the Best of Milpitas wine list for the first time. In addition to extensive offerings to complement any meal, the eatery also does a bustling bar business. Instead of voting for a restaurant, other readers selected Beverages & more! in GreatMall for an Honor Award. Swan Court was second runner-up , for its noteworthy wine selection.
Jericho's: 1181 E. Calaveras Blvd. Beverages & more!: GreatMall. Swan Court: 901 E. Calaveras Blvd.
45. Best Doughnuts
Christy's has fostered quite a following for its fresh from the fryer doughnuts. Christy's is bestowed the Best of Milpitas for the third year. Cocina de Manila (formerly USA Donut and Fast Food) was also a favorite, as was Beth's and Donut Basket.
Christy's: 1291 E. Calaveras Blvd. Cocina de Manila: 279 Jacklin Road. Beth's: 263 W. Calaveras Blvd. Donut Basket: 242 N. Abel St.
46. Best Bagels
No contest. Noah's was again the landslide winner in this category.
Noah's Bagels: 124 N. Milpitas Blvd.
47. Best Bar
Milpitas has its share of freestanding bars and restaurants with bars. Dave & Buster's edged others for its festive adult bar-game scene, but close behind was El Torito, Little Frank's and Chili's.
Dave & Busters: GreatMall. El Torito: 477 E. Calaveras Blvd. Little Frank's 38 N. Main St. Chili's: 300 W. Calaveras Blvd.
