I have lived in Pleasanton for 25 years, I am not in the food business, and I am definitely not a snob. But you have got to be kidding! OMG, who are the voters?

If you think Jim's Country Restaurant has the best breakfast, you seriously need to expand the number of places where you eat breakfast. I can think of a half-dozen better places and name them in 15 seconds.

Meadowlark Dairy may be a sentimental favorite, but there are not even close to having the best ice cream - not by a mile!

Red Smoke Grill comes in second for Best Business Lunch??? Who are you doing business with, Jeb Clampett? Get real!

OK, I like In-n-Out a lot for a fast-food burger, but no way in the world do they have the best burger! Have you ever had a burger at Red Robin, or Mimi's or Fuddruckers? Then how can Bob's Giant Burger makes the list, that is just too much!

Either some of these businesses were stuffing the ballot box or Pleasantonian's palates are in a real world of hurt. Someone from outside reads this list and they will think Pleasanton (or at least the voters for this poll) are a bunch of hicks!

Pleasanton a bunch of hicks? Who would of thunk it?

"Either some of these businesses were stuffing the ballot box or Pleasantonian's palates are in a real world of hurt."

The same thought entered my mind. Kind of surprised to see Strizzi's listed as the best Italian and Sweet Tomatoes as the best vegetarian. And for best home contractor, I'm a bit surprised to see Borg Fencing. I personally have never done business with them, but I know that Yelp gives them a so-so rating of 3 and 1/2 stars.

Sweet Debbie:

You have 15 seconds... name the six better places for breakfast and the better ice cream (NOT yogurt). Go!

The funny one is best Mexican, Casa Orozco; I did not know we had one here.

Mieko for Japanese; Bob's Burger for burgers; Fiesta Taco for burritos; Baci for ambiance & eloquent service; Raley's for fruit and meats; Mexico Lindo for beer and fun at happy hour; Sunshine for sleazy pool and low life game days (close second on low life game days = Buffalo Wings); Nations for pies; and the ultimate winner of all EL BALAZO for cheap beer at Happy Hour, great fries, good looking gal bartender who's been there and back, deeply entrenched customers with no nonsense fun and endless chatter ... also undiscovered by most normal people.

Remember I use to hang out at Smitty's in Sausalito, Silver Pesos in Larkspur and the Old Trident. Boy those were the days, but they may have warped my mind.

I agree with Sweet Debbie - I usually review the list and just shake my head on the winners. This year I agree with the best fries (In and Out) and definitely agree on Peets for best coffee! I most definitely disagree about best breakfast spot - (Jim's) as I went there once and never returned. I will admit, most categories I can't speak to but those I can I don't know who the heck was voting and not sure why any places outside of Pleasanton were even on the list.

If you do not vote, then you have no right to complain. All you Monday morning quarterbacks need to zip it. Step and VOTE next time. Support your local favorites and maybe the results will be different. Now, move along.

Hey Peter, I voted and have every right to complain. Quit attempting to trample upon my liberties.

As residents of Pleasanton (and owners of our 1 year old "mom & pop" store), we want to say how thrilled we are that Heroes & Villains Comics was voted second-place as best toy store. Thank you to everyone who voted for us! ~ J & C

Sweet and Savory, near the clock tower in Hacienda, near Gibraltar and Stoneridge. Nomatter breakfast or lunch, entree salads, grilled sands, homebaked cookies, etc. etc. Definately quality food.
SS beats everybody else.

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I believe that the voting is 1 per email address. Could be wrong. But I don't believe you can stuff the ballot unless you have several email accounts.

Two questions:

Is it possible to add my community to the list? Oak Manor Estates is a small community of 11 homes in between Golden Eagle and Castlewood right off Foothill Road.

Also, how do you become a nominee for voting? My photography business has never been included in the voting and several of my clients have asked how it is possible how to nominate my business. Thanks!

Dayna @ Artistic Captures Photography Web Link

Dean's Cafe needs a makeover STAT!!
This place is so tired and worn. The old overgrown brown pleather booths, the brown paneling on the walls and whatever is hanging on the walls as decorations have got to go.
The flooring is tired and worn, the overall atmosphere is boring and dull.

The food at Dean's Cafe is tired as well. I was recently asked as I was walking down Main street where Dean's cafe was, I gave the look like seriously? Then asked, "People still go to Dean's?" He asked why did I say that? I said Dean's is tired and worn, they haven't updated to the 21st century with their decor or their food.

He laughed and agreed.

@Valleygirl: "Dean's Cafe needs a makeover STAT!! This place is so tired and worn."

I think that "tired" and "worn" is supposed to be part of its old town Pleasanton charm. Definitely not for everyone, though. I keep meaning to go in there and have breakfast someday because I know that when the day finally comes that it closes down I'll regret never having gone in despite all my years of living here. But every time I actually pass by Dean's and look in the window I lose my courage. Maybe some other day.

Love Craig Ferguson's Late-Show monologue on Dean's though: Why do they have that lighted neon sign when they're never open past 2:30pm?