Davis has a lot to offer, from hip cafes to high-end bike shops to peaceful corners for mid-afternoon naps. But with new businesses in town and our always-moving student population, what’s considered the best right now? The California Aggie wants to know what you think the best of Davis is, and we’ll compile the results in our annual Best of Davis issue on Feb. 14. Voting ends Jan. 25, so don’t wait and submit your answers now! [wpsqt name="Best of Davis 2013" type="survey"] ...

1. Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar 500 First St. 2. Zen Toro Sushi 132 E St. 3. Jusco Japanese Restaurant 228 G St. Bragging rights for having the best and freshest sushi in Davis belongs, again, to the reigning champions at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar. “It makes sense Mikuni has won Best Sushi for two years in a row because it is in a great location and is a lot more modern and trendy than a lot of the more traditional sushi restaurants,” said Amanda Beck, senior English major. “Plus, their rolls have funny names, like ‘Pimp My Roll’ and ‘Train Wreck Roll’.” Beck, who is a passionate food enthusiast and blogger, said that her standards for sushi include having the freshest fish possible, which Mikuni has become known for at its eight Northern California locations. “We are committed to producing quality food, and having the freshest fish in the area shipped in every day,” said Janet Cho, one of the restaurant’s managers. “It feels awesome to... ...

1. The UC Davis Arboretum 2. Putah Creek 3. Davis Greenbelt Davis’ lush, extensive arboretum was voted the most picturesque locale in Davis. With a winding creek that extends the length and a wide diversity of plant life, the Arboretum provides ample opportunity for a keen photo op. Walk the length of the 3.5-mile loop and one may venture through the California foothills, complete with pines, cenotaphs and valley oaks. Go further, and one will venture past a medieval Japanese-style gazebo surrounded by lush greens and fragrant white flowers. Also along the Arboretum is the Australian collection, featuring towering eucalyptus trees and colorful shrubs. Along the small lake there is an East Asian section with cherry blossoms and fragrant daphne. Desert, Mediterranean, South American, and Mexican sections add to the rich diversity, as well as oaks and a redwood grove, too. “I think it’s really scenic and serene, especially in the spring,” said Linh Banh, senior English and film studies double major. “I like how it doesn’t look manufactured. There... ...

1. de Vere’s Irish Pub 217 E St. 2. Sophia’s Thai Kitchen 129 E St. 3. Tie: Little Prague 330 G St. Tres Hermanas 805 Second St. So you’ve gotten to your senior year and you’ve reached the ultimate trifecta: finally lost your freshman fifteen, figured out how to get A’s without going to class and are officially 21 on your actual ID. But you had to sacrifice — you never studied abroad! Have no fear, because De Vere’s Irish Pub arrived in Davis in November for your international drinking pleasures. There, you can discover the tastes of Ireland in the bar voted number one by UC Davis students. Co-owner Henry de Vere White said the pub’s strength is that it appeals to a wide crowd. “We try to offer a place approachable to all walks of life, with parents and children sitting next to students drinking beers next to professors,” de Vere White said. Part of what makes De Veres unique is its “Whiskey Society,” which costs $50 for... ...

1. In Class 2. House Parties 3. Downtown Davis Bars With spring just on the horizon, pheromones and desperation are in the air, but rest assured, Davisites! There’s no need to activate an OK Cupid account just to find “the one.” This year’s student-voted best place to meet a lover is right here on campus. Anyone who has seen the modern classic that is Mean Girls knows that some of the best romances begin in the classroom (“It’s October third”), so take that into consideration next time you feel the urge to sit quietly in the back row and doze off — you wouldn’t want to miss out on true love. Having met her own boyfriend of several months in a comparative literature course, sophomore community and regional development major Diana Joost proves just how possible it is to meet the perfect match in school. “Class is a great place to meet people,” Joost said. “If you’re in the same class then you probably have similar interests. Plus, sitting next... ...

1. The Egghead Series UC Davis Campus 2. The Dominoes Senda Nueva Greenbelt 3. The Joggers Third and F St. Although some may overlook or neglect its presence, public art can serve a vital role in maintaining a city’s certain characteristic or charm. For Davis in particular, a few familiar faces have become the symbolic emblem of campus life. In fact, they are quite hard to miss. Robert Arneson’s sculptural egg-like characters have taken quite a beating after being vandalized multiple times this year alone. But despite the repetitive harassment, voters chose The Eggheads as the best public art on campus. The Eggheads is a series of pieces, with each individual sculpture entitled Bookhead (in front of Shields Library), Eye on Mrak (in front of Mrak Hall), See No Evil Hear No Evil (east of King Hall), Stargazer (behind North Hall) and Yin and Yang (in front of Wright Hall). “I like The Eggheads because they make our campus unique compared to other schools,” said Victoria Gilland, a sophomore psychology... ...

1. Davis Farmers Market 2. UC Davis Arboretum 3. Picnic Day There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries on a Saturday morning to convince visiting family members that Davis is indeed the perfect little town. And as voted by the Davis community, the Davis Farmers Market is the number one pick for the best place to take family for a visit. Randii MacNear is the current manager for the Davis Farmers Market. MacNear first got involved with the weekly event shortly after graduating from Antioch College in 1975, when he realized the importance of having healthy and fresh alternatives offered at the Davis Food Coop and Farmers Market. Along with Annie and Jeff Main of Good Humus Produce in the Capay Valley, two of the founding farmers of the market, MacNear joined the team to help manage the market. And 31 years later, MacNear has only seen the market grow bigger and stronger in participation and community bonds between students, community members and local farmers.... ...

1. Tie: Aggie Inn 245 First St. Hyatt Place 173 Old Davis Road Extension 2. Hallmark Inn 110 F St. 3. Best Western Palm Court 234 D St. Whether you are a university traveler, booking a family visit, or simply looking for a comfortable place to stay, the Aggie Inn or the Hyatt Place could be the place for you. Tying for first place as the best hotel in Davis, Aggie Inn and Hyatt Place both offer complimentary wireless internet, a fitness center and close proximity to campus. Located on Old Davis Road, near the Mondavi Center, the Hyatt Place is a new hotel. “Our hotel is geared [toward] the 21st century traveler, with a 24 hour lifestyle,” said Katherine Lucas, the director of sales and marketing for Hyatt Place. “Everything, including the gym and food options are available at any time. Our rooms provide travelers with home atmosphere,” Lucas credits the success of the hotel to the friendly, engaging staff, along with the standard of excellence they set for... ...

1. Sophia’s Thai Kitchen & Bar 129 E St. 2. Tie: Fraternity and sorority events Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts 3. de Vere’s Irish Pub 217 E. St With its variety of drinks and numerous live bands, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen & Bar has been named the best place for entertainment, especially after an exhausting week of classes. The restaurant has an adjacent bar and stage connected so its customers can have a chance to relax with their drinks and enjoy the occasional live band. But, no need to pout for those who haven’t reached 21 yet. They can enjoy a cup of Sophia’s Thai Iced Tea, which has gathered a lot of praise from its customers for its creamy texture and free refills. Sophia’s is also one of the region’s top indie music venues. Singer-songwriters such as Sean Hayes and Tyler Ramsey of Band of Horses have been one of the many acts that have graced Sophia’s stage throughout the years. “It has a lively atmosphere.... ...

1.   Downtown Davis 2.   UC Davis Arboretum 3.   Davis Farmers Market What do movie theaters, restaurants and concerts all have in common? Not only are they all similar date spots, but they can all be found in downtown Davis, voted as the best place to take a date. Michael Bisch, the co-president of the Downtown Davis Board of Directors said that this amalgamation of places to go make it ideal for a date. “It’s got a wide variety of things to do within a very small geographic area, so one can bring a date down and then go to a movie, get something to eat, go hang out or check out a live performance someplace,” Bisch said. “So, instead of getting in a car and driving all over to do a variety of things in a date, you can do it all in one place in downtown.” Not only is it all one place, but it is one convenient place, near enough to campus so that students living anywhere in... ...

1. Burgers and Brew 403 Third St. 2. In-N-Out 1020 Olive Drive 3. Tommy J’s 726 Second St. It can hardly come as a surprise to the Davis community that Burgers and Brew is being recognized for its unparalleled savory excellence for the fourth year in a row. “It feels great every single time,” said Burgers and Brew manager Reilly Bennett, of the restaurant’s continued success. “I think people enjoy having a place to sit down and enjoy great food and drink without having to wait in line, be cramped and have to listen to ear-splitting music like you would have to at a bar. Because of this, in addition to our location and hours, we’ve got a really fun atmosphere.” Burgers and Brew, which opened in 2007, offers an extensive menu of burgers, including the spicy guacamole cheeseburger and the bacon and jalapeño burger, which Bennett says are favorites. However, the more adventurous diners can satisfy a carnivorous appetite with the buffalo burger or lamb burger. “Our lamb burger... ...

1. The Quad 2. ASUCD Coffee House Memorial Union 3. Davis Farmers Market People-watching is one of the cheapest and easiest pastimes — all you need is a functional set of eyes, a healthy imagination and ample fodder for speculation. As a focal point for campus activities, this makes the Quad a prime location for such an activity. Even early in campus history, the Quad has been a central feature because of its proximity to the Memorial Union since 1970, the original dormitories and Dutton Hall, said senior anthropology major Lawrence Nguyen. In conjunction with its historical centrality, the Quad often hosts throngs of people in and out of the context of organized gatherings. “The Quad is a good place because it’s really diverse. There are all sorts of people who go there for food and coffee, and there are always active social events there,” said senior psychology major Morgan Blackburn. Whether you wish to observe the everyday student, or if you’re pursuing a more unique category of subjects, the... ...