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Readers Survey

The people have spoken ... and here's what they said. About breakfast joints, jazz clubs, shoe stores, bike trails, the politicians they love and the politicans they'd like to see shipped out on a slow boat to China. Like all democratic processes, the Readers Survey revealed some things about the people who live here. They're loyal, even beyond the grave--one of our winners, to the dearly departed Hamburger Mary's--is awarded posthumously. They're divided--we had some ties, even after careful recounting. And a few of them are deluded--enough so to think they can stuff the ballot box without our noticing. We think not! Anyway, here they are, the results of our 1998 Readers Survey, as awarded by the people who know best. Arts and Fun Best Indoor Concert Venue 1. San Jose Arena W. Santa Clara and Autumn streets, San Jose, 408/287-9200 2. Event Center San Jose State University, S. Seventh and W. San Carlos streets, San Jose, 408/924-6333 3. The Edge 260 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650/324-EDGE Best Outdoor Concert Venue 1. Shoreline Amphitheatre Mountain View, 650/962-1000 2. Villa Montalvo 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, 408/741-3428 3. Mountain Winery 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga, 408/961-5858 Best Place to Disco 1. The Usual 400 S. First St., San Jose, 408/535-0330 2. The Edge 260 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650/324-EDGE 3. Backbeat 777 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara, 408/241-0777 Best Live Music Club 1. Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose, 408/287-4087 2. The Edge 260 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650/324-EDGE 3. Cactus Club 417 S. First St., San Jose, 408/491-9300 Best Latin Music Club 1. Club Miami 177 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408/279-3670 2. Fuel 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose, 408/295-7374 3. Tropicana 47 Notre Dame Ave., San Jose, 408/279-2340 Best Jazz Club 1. Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose, 408/287-4087 2. Garden City 360 S. Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408/244-3333 3. Fuel 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose, 408/295-7374 Best Country & Western Bar 1. Saddle Rack 1310 Auzerais Ave., San Jose, 408/286-3393 2. Cheers 685 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408/749-1288 3. Coyote Inn 102 Monterey Road, Coyote, 408/463-0970 Best R&B/Blues Club 1. JJ's Blues 3439 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, 408/243-6441 2. Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose, 408/287-4087 3. #1 Broadway 102 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-4303 Best Bar to Meet Someone 1. Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose, 408/287-4087 2. South First Billiards 420 S. First St., San Jose, 408/294-7800 3. Fuel 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose, 408/295-7374 Best Bar to Take a Date 1. Agenda 399 S. First St., San Jose, 408/287-4087 2. Fuel 44 S. Almaden Ave., San Jose, 408/295-7374 3. Los Gatos Bar & Grill 15 1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/399-5424 Best Gay Bar 1. Mac's Club 349 S. First St., San Jose, 408/998-9535 2. Mary's Closed--formerly at 170 W. St. John St., San Jose 3. Tinker's Damn 46 N. Saratoga Ave., Santa Clara, 408/243-4595 Best Lesbian Bar 1. Savoy 3546 Flora Vista Ave., Santa Clara, 408/247-7109 2. Mac's Club 349 S. First St., San Jose, 408/998-9535 3. Daybreak 1711 W. El Camino Real, MV, 650/940-9778 Best Karaoke Bar 1. Seven Bamboo 162 Jackson St., San Jose, 408/279-9937 2. Acapulco 1299 Lawrence Expwy., Santa Clara, 408/249-2001 3. Britannia Arms 1087 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose, 408/252-7262 5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408/266-0550 Best Comedy Club 1. Rooster T. Feathers 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408/736-0921 2. ComedySportz 3428 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408/985-5233 Best Local Band 1. Smash Mouth 2. IBOPA 3. Salmon Best Commercial Radio Station 1. KSJO--92.3 FM 1420 Koll Circle, San Jose, 408/953-5400 2. KFOG--104.5 FM and 97.7 FM 50 Airport Pkwy., San Jose, 408/817-5364 3. Alice--97.3 FM 1 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, 415/765-4097 Best College Radio Station 1. KSCU--103.3 FM Santa Clara University, 408/248-5728 2. KFJC--89.7 FM Foothill College, 650/941-2500 3. KSJS--90.5 FM San Jose State University, 408/924-5757 Best Art Gallery 1. San Jose Museum of Art 110 S. Market St., San Jose, 408/294-2787 2. Cafe Babylon 434 S. First St., San Jose, 408/297-0695 3. Works San Jose Gallery 30 N. Third St., San Jose, 408/295-8378 Best Place to Take Kids for Free 1. Vasona Lake County Park Blossom Hill Road off Hwy. 17, 408/356-2729 2. Plaza de Cesar Chavez fountain Market Street and Park Avenue, San Jose 3. The park Best Place to Take Adults for Free 1. Music in the Park 2. Great outdoors 3. The park Best Music Festival 1. San Jose Jazz Festival 2. SoFA Street Fair 3. Music in the Park Best Small Movie Theater 1. Camera One 366 S. First St., San Jose, 408/998-3005 2. Camera 3 288 S. Second St., San Jose, 408/998-3300 3. Towne Theatre 1433 The Alameda, San Jose, 408/287-1433 Goods and Services Best Independent Men's Clothing Shop 1. Eli Thomas Town & Country Village, San Jose, 408/247-1024 2. Barcelino Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara, 408/246-7991 3. L'Uomo International Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara, 408/247-6100 Best Independent Women's Clothing Shop 1. Alta 1342 Lincoln Ave., Willow Glen, 408/288-5940 2. Adrienne's 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., San Jose, 408/354-0069 3. Smack! 325 S. First St., San Jose, 408/287-6225 Best Vintage/Consignment Store 1. Underground 515 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 408/280-5548 2. Moon Zooom 1630 W. San Carlos, San Jose, 408/287-5876 3. Crossroads Trading 1959 W. San Carlos, San Jose, 408/292-6100 Best National Shoe Store 1. Footlocker Multiple locations 2. Payless Shoe Store Multiple locations 3. 9 West Valley Fair mall, Santa Clara, 408/247-9607 Best Local Shoe Store 1. Soles of Los Gatos 130 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/399-5162 2. Go Skate Surf & Sport 2436 Almaden Road, San Jose, 408/978-6479 1554 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408/378-1958 3. Sessions 123 E. Fremont, Sunnyvale, 408/735-1137 Best Store for Browsing 1. Barnes & Noble Locations in San Jose, Campbell and Palo Alto 2. Streetlight Records 980 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 408/292-1404 3. The Sharper Image 572 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas, 408/956-8373 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, 408/241-9290 Best Specialty Store 1. Two Virgins Gourmet Foods 37 S. First St., San Jose, 408/280-1955 2. Nature Gallery 87 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650/327-8700 3. Body Exotic 466 Meridian Ave., San Jose, 408/993-9684 Best Grocery Store 1. Safeway Multiple locations 2. Zanotto's Family Markets 1970 Naglee Ave., San Jose, 408/294-9151 40 S. Second St., San Jose, 408/977-1333 3. Whole Foods 20830 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, 408/257-7000 1690 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/371-5000 774 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650/326-8676 Best Bookstore--New 1. Barnes & Noble Locations in San Jose, Campbell and Palo Alto 2. Borders 15 Ranch Drive, Milpitas, 408/934-1180 3. Kepler's Books 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650/324-4321 Best Bookstore--Used 1. Recycle Books Formerly at 138 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose. Now moved to 1066 The Alameda, San Jose. 2. Curious Book Shoppe 23 E. Main St., Los Gatos, 408/354-5560 3. Know Knew Books 415 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650/326-9355 Best Chain CD Store 1. Tower Records Multiple locations 2. Wherehouse Multiple locations 3. Blockbuster Multiple locations Best Independent CD Store 1. Streetlight Records 980 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/292-1404 2. Rasputin Music 1820 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/371-8008 3. Radio Free Records 2626 Union Ave., San Jose, 408/559-7481 Best VideoTape Rental--Chain 1. Blockbuster Multiple locations 2. Hollywood Multiple locations 3. Wherehouse Multiple locations Best Video Tape Rental--Independent 1. Video Era 218 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/395-1533 2. Bradley Video 501 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408/379-4999 3. American Video 5041 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408/267-5300 Best Health Club 1. 24 Hour Fitness Locations in San Jose, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and Mountain View. 2. Gold's Gym Locations in Campbell, Mountain View, San Jose and Santa Clara 3. Ronnie Lott's Club Fitness 5434 Thornwood Drive, San Jose, 408/226-5688 Best Toy Store 1. Toys R Us One location in Sunnyvale; three in San Jose 2. Time Tunnel Vintage Toys & Collectibles 532 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 408/298-1709 3. Kay-Bee Toys Locations in Cupertino, Milpitas and San Jose Best Trendy Hair Salon 1. Nirvana 224-B N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-7979 2. Faux Salon 378 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408/378-3289 3. Donovans 380 S. First St., San Jose, 408/294-3080 Best Classic Hair Salon 1. Supercuts Multiple locations 2. Nirvana 224-B N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-7979 3. Rapunzel 14510 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408/741-1330 Best Garden Store 1. Woolworth Nursery Multiple locations 2. Orchard Supply Multiple locations 3. Yamagami's 1361 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408/252-3347 Best Pet Store 1. Andy's Pet Shop 1280 The Alameda, San Jose, 408/297-0840 2. PetsMart 850 W. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408/374-9321175 Ranch Drive, Milpitas, 408/956-1044 3. Petco Multiple locations Best Comics Store 1. Lee's Comics 3783 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650/493-3957 2. Heroes 24 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408/378-3667 3. R&K Comics 568-A E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, 408/732-8775 1195 Branham Lane, San Jose, 408/265-3233 Sports and Rec Best Scenic Hike 1. Lexington Reservoir Off Highway 17, Los Gatos, 408/353-6291 2. Castle Rock State Park South of Highway 9, Los Gatos, 408/867-2952 3. Rancho San Antonio Cristo Rey Drive off Foothill Expressway, Cupertino, 408/356-2729 Best Bike Trail 1. Lexington Reservoir County Park Off Highway 17, Los Gatos, 408/353-6291 2. Los Gatos Creek Trail Various regional parks, 408/356-2729 3. Vasona Lake County Park Blossom Hill Road off Highway 17, Los Gatos, 408/356-2729 Best Bowling Alley 1. Saratoga Lanes 1585 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, 408/252-2212 2. Moonlite Lanes 2780 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408/296-7200 3. Alma Bowl 355 W. Alma Ave., San Jose, 408/294-8825 Best Park for Dogs 1. Vasona Lake County Park Blossom Hill Road off Highway 17, Los Gatos, 408/356-2729 2. Sunnyvale Dog Park Las Palmas Park, 850 Russet Drive, Sunnyvale 3. Los Gatos Creek Trail Various regional parks, 408/356-2729 Best Park for Kids 1. Vasona Lake County Park Blossom Hill Road off Highway 17, Los Gatos, 408/356-2729 2. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Kelley Park, 1300 Senter Road, San Jose, 408/277-3000 3. Central Park Kiely Boulevard near Homestead Road, Santa Clara, 408/984-3257 Best Skateboarding Spot 1. Downtown San Jose 2. Greer Park Amarillo Avenue and W. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto 3. San Tomas Park Fenian Drive and Lemoyne Way, Saratoga Best Adrenaline Rush 1. Great America 1 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, 408/988-1776 2. Skydiving 3. Extreme Sky Flier Ride at Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, 408/988-1776 Best Place to Jog 1. Los Gatos Creek Trail Various regional parks, 408/356-2729 2. Vasona Lake County Park Blossom Hill Road off Highway 17, Los Gatos, 408/356-2729 3. Rancho San Antonio Cristo Rey Drive off Foothill Expressway, Cupertino, 408/356-2729 Best Golf Course 1. Golfland Locations in Milpitas, San Jose and Sunnyvale 2. Santa Teresa Golf Club 260 Bernal Road, San Jose, 408/225-2650 3. Pruneridge Golf Club 400 N. Saratoga Ave., Santa Clara, 408/248-4424 Best Professional Local Sports Team 1. Sharks 2. San Jose Giants 3. Clash Best Professional Local Sports Star 1. Eric Wynalda San Jose Clash 2. Owen Nolan San Jose Sharks 3. Jeff Friesen San Jose Sharks Best Sports Bar 1. Double D's 354 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/395-6882 2. Palermo Pizza 915 S. San Tomas Aquino Rd., Campbell, 408/374-1800 3. Henry's World Famous Hi-Life 301 W. Saint John St., San Jose, 408/295-5414 Best Bar for Billiards 1. South First Billiards 420 S. First St., San Jose, 408/294-7800 2. The Glen 1180 Lincoln Ave., Willow Glen, 408/288-9422 (formerly Willow Glen Billiards & Brew) 3. Campbell Billiards 1777 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/377-9886 Best Bar for Darts 1. Britannia Arms 1087 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose, 408/252-7262 5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408/266-0550 2. Black Watch 141-1/2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-2200 3. Duke of Edinburgh 10801 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino, 408/446-3853 Best Bike Shop 1. Wheel Away 402 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408/378-4636 2. The Off Ramp 2369 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, 408/249-2848 3. Performance Bicycle Shop 1646 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/559-0495 Food and Drink Best Restaurant--Peninsula 1. Nola's 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650/328-2722 2. Spago Palo Alto 265 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, 650/833-1000 3. Late For The Train 150 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 650/321-6124 Best South County Restaurant 1. La Forêt 21747 Bertram Road, San Jose, 408/997-3458 2. Station 55 55 Fifth St., Gilroy, 408/847-5555 3. Cafe Marcella 368 Village Lane, Los Gatos, 408/354-8006 Best Restaurant--West Valley 1. Santa Barbara Grill 10745 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408/253-2233 2. La Fondue 14510 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408/867-3332 3. Plumed Horse 14555 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408/867-4711 Best Restaurant Downtown 1. Original Joe's 301 S. First St., San Jose, 408/292-7030 2. Bella Mia 58 S. First St., San Jose, 408/280-1993 3. Eulipia 374 S. First St., San Jose, 408/280-6161 Best Suburban Restaurant 1. Outback Steakhouse 1887 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/371-5384 20630 Valley Green Drive, Cupertino, 408/255-4400 2. Aqui 1145 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408/995-0381 Tie for 3rd 3. Chez Sovan 2425 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/371-7711 3. Mio Vicino 1290 Benton St., Santa Clara, 408/241-9414 384 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408/378-0335 1140 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408/286-6027 Best Seafood 1. Fish Market Locations in Palo Alto, San Jose and Santa Clara 2. Scott's Seafood 185 Park Ave., San Jose, 408/971-17002300 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, 650/856-1046 3. Lou's Village 1465 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408/293-4570 Best Barbecue 1. Armadillo Willy's Locations in Cupertino, Los Altos, San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale 2. Andy's Oakwood Bar-B-Que 700 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408/378-2838 3. Sam's Bar-B-Que 1110 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 408/297-9151 1461 W. Campbell Ave., Campbell, 408/374-9676 Best Sushi 1. Miyake 10650 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408/253-2668140 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650/323-9449 2. Kazoo 250 Jackson St., San Jose, 408/288-961110 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408/871-1250 Tie for 3rd 3. Fuki Sushi 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650/494-9383 3. Sushi Lovers 599 E. Calaveras, Milpitas, 408/945-99993147 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, 408/567-9899 Best Diner 1. Johnny Rockets Locations in Campbell, Milpitas and San Jose 2. The Diner of Los Gatos 235 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, Los Gatos, 408/354-4886 3. Mini Gourmet 599 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, 408/275-8973 Best Daring Menu 1. Aqui 1145 Lincoln Ave., Willow Glen, 408/995-0381 2. White Dove Cafe 1167 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408/280-5297 3. Mango Cafe 435 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650/325-3229 Best Vegetarian Restaurant 1. White Lotus 80 N. Market St., San Jose, 408/977-0540 2. Good Earth Locations in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Palo Alto and Santa Clara 3. Vegetarian House 520 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408/292-3798 Best New Restaurant 1. A.P. Stump's 163 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408/292-9928 2. Elephant Bar 499 E. Hamilton Ave., Campbell, 408/871-8401 3. Mongo's 83 S. Second St., San Jose, 408/280-1738 Best Brunch 1. 94th Aero-Squadron 1160 Coleman Ave., San Jose, 408/287-6150 2. Double Tree Hotel 2050 Gateway Place, San Jose, 408/453-4000 3. Southern Kitchen 27 E. Main St., Los Gatos, 408/354-7515 Best Breakfast 1. Hobee's Locations in Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose and Sunnyvale 2. Mary's Patio Cafe 337 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/395-0711 3. Denny's Multiple locations Best Traditional Pizza 1. Palermo 915 S. San Tomas Aquino Road, Campbell, 408/374-1800 2. Tony & Alba's 619 Escuela Ave., MV, 650/968-5089 3137 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, 408/246-4605plus other locations 3. Pizz'a Chicago 1576 Halford Ave., Santa Clara, 408/244-2246 155 W. San Fernando St., San Jose, 408/283-9400 4115 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650/424-9400 Best California-Style Pizza 1. Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza 1072 Willow St., San Jose, 408/971-7080 20 S. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/354-5566 1554 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408/871-0400 2. Pizza a Go-Go 117 E. San Carlos St., San Jose, 408/280-0707335 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650/322-8100 3. 2wenty-9ine East Main Cafe 29 E. Main St., Los Gatos, 408/395-4889 Best Microbrewery 1. Gordon Biersch 33 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, 408/294-6785640 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650/323-7723 2. Los Gatos Brewing Co. 130-G N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/395-9929 3. Tied-House 65 N. San Pedro, San Jose, 408/295-2739954 Villa St., MV, 650/965-2739 Best Beer Selection in a Bar 1. Mission Ale House 97 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408/292-4058 2. Rock Bottom Brewery 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/377-0707 3. Britannia Arms 1087 S. De Anza Blvd., San Jose, 408/252-7262 5027 Almaden Expwy., San Jose, 408/266-0550 Best Wines By the Glass 1. Stratta Grill Cafe 71 E. San Fernando St., San Jose, 408/293-1121 2. Santa Barbara Grill 10745 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408/253-2233 3. Scott's Seafood Bar & Grill 185 Park Ave., San Jose, 408/971-1700 2300 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, 650/856-1046 Best Wine List 1. Santa Barbara Grill 10745 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, 408/253-2233 2. A.P. Stump's 163 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408/292-9928 3. Station 55 55 Fifth St., Gilroy, 408/847-5555 Best Winery 1. J. Lohr Winery 1000 Lenzen Ave., San Jose, 408/288-5057 2. David Bruce Winery 21439 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, 408/354-4214 3. Mirassou Winery 3000 Aborn Road, San Jose, 408/274-4000 Best Happy Hour 1. Camera Cafe 288 S. Second St., San Jose, 408/998-0932 2. Rock Bottom Brewery 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell, 408/377-0707 3. Waves Smokehouse & Saloon 65 Post St., San Jose, 408/885-9283 Best Coffeehouse--Chain 1. Starbucks Multiple locations 2. Peets Multiple locations 3. Caffino Multiple locations Best Coffeehouse--Independent 1. Vigal 1 N. First St., San Jose, 408/288-6744 2. Great Bear 19 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/395-8607 3. Cafe Leviticus 1445 The Alameda, San Jose, 408/279-8877 Best Desserts 1. Fountain Restaurant Fairmont, 170 S. Market St., San Jose, 408/998-1900 2. Max's 1620 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, 408/379-8886 711 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650/323-6297 Tie for 3rd 3. Dolce Spazio 221 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, 408/395-1335 1213 Lincoln Ave., San Jose, 408/297-4244 3. Just Desserts 535 Bryant St., Palo Alto, 650/326-9992 People, Places and Ideas Best Radio Personality Tie for 1st 1. Lamont & Tonelli 1. Greg Kihn 3. Howard Stern Best TV News Anchor 1. Dennis Richmond KTVU--Channel 2 co-anchor 2. Maggi Scura KNTV--Channel 11 co-anchor 3. Leslie Griffith KTVU--Channel 2 co-anchor Best Local Politician to Keep 1. Susan Hammer 2. David Pandori 3. Pat Dando Best Local Politician to Can 1. Susan Hammer 2. Blanca Alvarado Tie for 3rd 3. Pat Dando 3. Ron Gonzales Best Place to Get Hitched 1. Municipal Rose Garden Naglee and Dana avenues, San Jose, 408/277-2757 2. Hakone Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, 408/741-4994 3. Villa Montalvo 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, 408/741-3421 Best Freeway for Reading the Paper 1. Highway 101 2. Highway 880 3. Highway 17 Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhood 1. Campbell 2. Willow Glen 3. Downtown San Jose Best Architectural Monstrosity 1. San Jose Repertory Theatre Between Second and Third streets and San Carlos and San Fernando streets, 408/291-2255 2. Quetzalcoatl Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market and San Carlos streets, San Jose 3. Tech Museum Of Innovation Park Avenue & Market Street, San Jose, 408/279-7150 Best Architectural Beauty 1. St. Joseph Cathedral 80 S. Market St., San Jose, 408/283-8100 2. Winchester Mystery House 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose, 408/247-2101 3. Stanford University Best Place to Impress a Visitor 1. Los Gatos 2. San Francisco 3. Stanford University Best Public Works Project 1. Guadalupe River Park San Carlos Street and Almaden Boulevard, San Jose 2. San Jose Arena 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, 408/287-9200 3. Tech Museum Of Innovation Park Avenue & Market Street, San Jose, 408/279-7150 [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]