Novato’s Business Community Dominates in Marin IJ Readers’ Choice Awards

The Marin Independent Journal’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 have been announced, and Novato businesses are well-represented among the year’s most popular picks. From independent toy stores to well-loved local eateries, some of the most popular businesses in Marin are to be found in Novato.

Popular local breakfast spot Marvin’s Breakfast Club took the nod for Reader’s Choice best breakfast, and it’s just one of the businesses on Novato’s bustling Grant Avenue corridor to win plaudits from the Marin IJ readers.

When it comes to bakeries, Novatans are spoiled for choice, on Grant Avenue alone. Rustic Bakery was crowned the winner here, with local favorites Creekside and Flour Chylde both honored as runners up.

Marin’s best wine tasting happens at Mantra Wines’ Tasting Room on Grant. Trek Winery, another Novato winery, takes an honorable-mention nod in the reader’s poll.

Gardening is a popular pursuit around Marin, and Sloat Garden Center is a go-to destination for green-thumbed Marin gardeners, with Armstrong Garden Center receiving reader recognition too.

Marin IJ readers took note of Novato financial services businesses, rating Redwood Credit Union best for mortgages. Meanwhile, going from commerce to art, the Marin MOCA was rated Marin’s best museum, with its packed calendar of exhibitions and art classes.

We congratulate these and numerous other Novato businesses who appear in the Marin IJ’s Readers’ Choice Awards. As this strong showing reflects, many local businesses enjoy the patronage of customers and fans from all over Marin. A strong concentration of popular local businesses makes a strong foundation for building new ventures. In that respect, Novato has a lot to be proud of.

Marin IJ Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 – Novato Business Winners

Best Novato Restaurant: Boca Tavern, Honorable Mentions: Chianti Cucina, Hilltop 1982 and Wildfox
Best Barbecue: The Speakeasy
Best Breakfast Restaurant: Marvin’s Breakfast Club
Best Burritos & Tacos: Mi Pueblo
Best Sandwich: Michael’s Sourdough
Best Meal Under $15: In-N-Out Burger
Best Hamburger: Super Duper
Best Sports Equipment: Sports Basement
Best Credit Union: Redwood Credit Union
Best Pharmacy: Pharmaca
Best Windows: Novato Glass and Old Town Glass
Best Skin Care: Moonstone Skin & Body Care
Best Yoga Studio: Yogaworks
Best Gift Shop: Sage Gallery
Best Shoe Store: DSW
Best Vintage Collectibles Store: Sentimental Journey Antiques
Best Hardware Store / Best DIY Store: Pini Ace Hardware
Best Toy Store: Five Little Monkeys
Best Dance Studio: Love2Dance
Best Pet Store: Woodlands
Best Golf Course: Indian Valley Golf Club
Best Local Brand: Redwood Credit Union
Best Eyewear: Eyewish Optometry
Best Day Care: Miss Sandie’s School
Best Party Rentals: Big 4 Party
Best Mortgage Firm: Redwood Credit Union
Best Handyman: The Home Doctors
Best Wine Tasting in Marin: Mantra Winery, Honorable Mention: Trek Winery
Bakery: Rustic Bakery, Honorable Mentions: Creekside Bakery and Flour Chylde
Best Car Wash: Matt & Jeff’s, Honorable Mention: Novato Car Wash
Best Nursery: Sloat Garden Center, Honorable Mention: Armstrong Garden Center
Most Community-Minded Company: Redwood Credit Union, Honorable Mention: Bank of Marin
Best New Store: Sports Basement, Honorable Mention: Nordstrom Rack
Best Museum: Marin MOCA, Honorable Mention: Museum of the American Indian
Best Thrift Shop: Hodgepodge, Honorable Mention: Goodwill
Best Chinese Food – Honorable Mention: Jennie Low’s
Best Indian Food – Honorable Mentions: Batika India Bistro and Little Goan Indian Café
Best Mexican Food – Honorable Mentions: Mi Pueblo and Carmen’s La Hacienda
Best Pizza – Honorable Mention: Stefano’s Pizza
Best Sports Themed Restaurant – Honorable Mention: The Speakeasy
Best Steakhouse – Honorable Mention: Boca Tavern
Best Thai Food – Honorable Mention: Arun Thai
Best Bar – Honorable Mention: Finnegan’s Marin
Best Brew Pub – Honorable Mention: Moylan’s Brewery
Best Coffee – Honorable Mention: Dr. Insomniac’s
Best Deli – Honorable Mentions: Michael’s Sourdough and Tagliaferri’s
Best Dessert – Honorable Mention: Teeny Cake
Best French Fries – Honorable Mention: In-N-Out Burger
Best View – Honorable Mention: Hilltop 1982
Best Soups – Honorable Mention: Rustic Bakery
Best Sushi – Honorable Mentions: Masa Sushi and Sushi Tri
Best Auto Tires – Honorable Mention: Able Tire and Brake
Best Chamber of Commerce – Honorable Mention: Novato Chamber of Commerce
Best Dry Cleaner – Honorable Mention: Dapper
Best Festival – Honorable Mention: Novato Art, Wine & Music
Best Flowers – Honorable Mention: Morning Glory
Best Spray Tanning – Honorable Mention: Shades TTW
Best Funeral Home – Honorable Mention: Valley Memorial Park
Best Martial Arts Academy – Honorable Mention: Novato Family Martial Arts
Best Non-profit – Honorable Mention: Marin Humane
Best Social Organization – Honorable Mention: Novato Mother’s Club
Best Theater Company – Honorable Mention: Novato Theater Company
Best Art Gallery – Honorable Mention: Marin MOCA
Best Bike Sales & Service – Honorable Mention: Bicycle Brustop
Best Bookstore – Honorable Mention: Copperfield’s
Best Pet Grooming – Honorable Mention: Kathy’s Pet Salon