Readers' Choice 2011

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OC LIFE

Best Politician: No such thing

Best Downtown: Laguna Beach

Best Residential Neighborhood: Old Towne Orange

Best Hotel: Montage Laguna Beach

Best Newscaster: Jillian Reynolds

Best Blog: I Heart Old Towne Orange

Best Radio Personality: Kevin & Bean

Best Radio Station: KROQ-FM 106.7

Best Television Station: FOX-KTTV 11

Best Weathercaster: Dallas Raines

Best Sportscaster: Vin Scully

SHOPS & WARES

Best Mall: South Coast Plaza

Best Vintage Store: Buffalo Exchange

Best Used-Book Store: Camelot Books

Best Video-Game Store: Games 4 U

Best Comic-Book Store: Comics Unlimited

Best Liquor Store: Hi-Time Wine Cellars

Best Record/CD Store: Second Spin

Best Spa: Burke Williams

Best Laser Hair Removal: Dr. Tattoff

Best Manicure-Pedicure: Happy Nails

Best Tattoo Parlor: Outer Limits Tattoo

Best Place to Get Pierced: Electric Chair Tattoo

Best Way to Get a Pet: Stella's Hope

Best Sex Shop: Condom Revolution

Best Surf Shop: Jack's Surfboards

DIVERSIONS

Best Ducks Player: Teemu Selanne

Best Angels Player: Jered Weaver

Best College Player: Michael Lorenzen, Cal State Fullerton

Best Coach: Mike Scioscia, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Best Ride at Disneyland: Space Mountain

Best Gym: 24 Hour Fitness

Best Golf Course: Pelican Hill Golf Club

Best Beach In OC: Laguna Beach

Best Nature Trail: Crystal Cove State Park

Best Surf Spot: Trestles

Best Day Trip: San Diego

FOODSTUFFS

Best Outdoor Dining: The Beachcomber

Best Waterfront Dining: Duke's Huntington Beach

Best New Restaurant: True Food Kitchen

Best Restaurant: Seasons 52

Best Restaurant When Someone Else Is Paying: Mastro's Ocean Club

Best Late-Night Dining: Harbor House Café

Best Diner: Ruby's Diner

Best Seafood Restaurant: The Crab Cooker

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant: Native Foods Café

Best Sunday Brunch: Las Brisas

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Bodhi Tree Vegetarian Café

Best Thai Restaurant: Royal Thai Cuisine

Best Japanese Restaurant: Matsu

Best Sushi: RA Sushi

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Marrakesh

Best Italian Restaurant: Roman Cucina

Best Indian Restaurant: Natraj's Tandoori

Best Mexican Restaurant: Avila's El Ranchito

Best Chinese Restaurant: P.F. Chang's China Bistro

Best Taco: Chronic Tacos

Best Pho: Pho 99 Vietnamese Restaurant

Best Hamburger: In-N-Out

Best Dessert: Chocolate soufflé at Roy's

Best Cupcake: Casey's Cupcakes

Best Pizza: Gina's Pizza and Pastaria

Best Burrito: Chipotle

Best Hot Dog: Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs

Best French Fries: Memphis Café

Best Brewery: Newport Beach Brewing Co.

Best Bakery: 85C Bakery

Best Deli: Jerry's Famous Deli

Best New-Age Food Truck: Seabirds

Best Farmers' Market: Irvine Farmers' Market at UC Irvine

Best Bagels: Bruegger's

Best Ice Cream: Rite Aid/Thrifty's Ice Cream

Best Coffee: Kéan Coffee

Best Coffeehouse: Kéan Coffee

ARTS & CULTURE

Best Rock Band: Thrice

Best Punk Band: Social Distortion

Best DJ: DJ Oldboy

Best Live Band: Young the Giant

Best Hip-Hop Act: Parallel

Best Indie Band: Young the Giant

Best Art Museum: Laguna Art Museum

Best Visual Artist: Heather Ritts

Best Indie Film Theater: Edwards University Town Center

Best Museum (Non-Art): Discovery Science Center

NIGHTLIFE

Best Place to Pick Up a One-Night Stand: Foxfire

Best Bar In Orange County: Crow Bar

Best Dive Bar: Goat Hill Tavern

Best Pub: The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant

Best Sports Bar: Rudy's Pub & Grill

Best Gay Bar: Tin Lizzie Saloon

Best Venue for Live Comedy: Improv (Irvine and Brea)

Best Strip Joint: California Girls

Best Place to Play Pool: Diamonds Billiard Club

Best Bar/Club Night: Yost Theater

Best Happy Hour: Yard House

Best Beer Selection: Yard House

Best Bartender: Andrea at the Green Girl Saloon

Best Margarita: El Matador

Best Signature Cocktail: Rainbow at Aloha Grill

Best Martini: La Cave

Best Lounge: The Rooftop Lounge

Best Venue for Live Music: House of Blues

Best Club DJ: Marcus McBride

Best Rock Club: House of Blues

Best Punk-Rock Bar: Detroit Bar

Best Dance Club: Sutra