Readers’ picks: Goods & Services

Bike shop

1ST PLACE: Pullins Cyclery

With its worn door handles and wooden floors, cycle-centric antiques and conversation pieces on the walls, Pullins Cyclery has a weathered charm. It's been a Chico institution for decades, and what keeps customers coming back for generations are the shop's dynamic duo—owner Steve O'Bryan and longtime mechanic Dan Cernuda. In addition to knowing every little thing about your classic Schwinn, O'Bryan and Cernuda are always good for conversation, sans pressure or attempts to upsell.

2ND PLACE: Greenline Cycles

3RD PLACE: North Rim Adventure Sports

Attorney

1ST PLACE: Michael M. Rooney

Chicoans trust Michael M. Rooney with many a court-related matter, from criminal defenses to family law to personal injury suits. Satisfied customers rave about Rooney's willingness to work on their behalf and his staff's compassionate nature and true desire to help.

2ND PLACE: Nicole Plottel

3RD PLACE (tie): Denver Latimer

3RD PLACE (tie): Aaron J. Stewart

Bank/credit union

1ST PLACE: Tri Counties Bank

Tri Counties Bank has branches in way more than just “tri” counties these days. Even though today it is spread across 24 California counties, the bank founded in Chico in 1974 still maintains its small-town charm. The six Chico branches have a friendly down-home feel thanks to their personable tellers and knowledgeable managers.

2ND PLACE: Wells Fargo Bank

3RD PLACE (tie): Sierra Central Credit Union

3RD PLACE (tie): Golden 1 Credit Union

Cab company

1ST PLACE: Liberty Cab

Whether they need a ride to the grocery store or a late-night pickup, Chicoans know they can rely on Liberty Cab—which celebrated its 10th birthday this year—to be fast, friendly and reliable. The taxi company recently launched an app—Trac My Ride—that allows customers to book and check on the progress of their cabs. Liberty also makes a point to give back to local and national charities, making each ride a little bit sweeter.

2ND PLACE: Ecocab

3RD PLACE: Chico Yellow Cab

Grocer

1ST PLACE: S&S Organic Produce & Natural Foods

S&S Organic Produce & Natural Foods started in Gridley in 1967, and a year later opened a roadside produce stand selling a limited selection of natural foods in Chico. It's grown a great deal from those humble beginnings, and since 1997 has been housed—along with a full-service deli and butcher shop—in its current building. Today, S&S boasts one of the largest selections of certified organically grown produce in the North State.

2ND PLACE: Trader Joe’s

3RD PLACE: Chico Natural Foods Co-op

Hardware store

1ST PLACE: Collier Hardware

Collier Hardware has been serving Chico—in the same location nonetheless—since 1871, and it's no wonder why the venerable storefront is a perennial Best of Chico favorite. Not only do they carry everything a do-it-yourselfer might desire, but also a diverse collection of quality kitchenware (including products by Le Creuset and All-Clad), barbecues and gifts galore. The building and business have acquired a great deal of character in the last 150-or-so years, and the feeling of walking the aged wood floors through aisles of lumber and tools is an experience the big boxes can never capture.

2ND PLACE: Lowe’s

3RD PLACE: Orchard Supply Hardware

Jeweler

1ST PLACE: Kirk’s Jewelry

Step inside the spacious downtown confines of Kirk's Jewelry and it's apparent you're in the showroom of a master craftsman. Owner Kirk Bengston has been honing his craft in Chico since 1973, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that make his shop part jewelry store/part art gallery. You don't last 42-plus years without doing a lot of things right, and Kirk's has built and polished a shining reputation as Chico's favorite.

2ND PLACE: Olde Gold Estate Jewelry

3RD PLACE: Gabrielle Ferrar

Liquor store

1ST PLACE: Spike’s Bottle Shop

In 2012, Spike's Bottle Shop was the site of a fire that could have put owner Kevin Jaradah out of business for good. Instead, Jaradah retooled the store to focus on the rising craft beer market upon reopening, and Spike's rose like a phoenix from the ashes to help secure the fad's foothold in the North State. Spike's now offers more than 1,000 types of beer, and is more than just a neighborhood liquor store, but a destination for devoted beer fans.

2ND PLACE: Star Liquors

3RD PLACE: Mangrove Bottle Shop

Local computer store

1ST PLACE: Chico Computer Clinic

Fast turn-around service is what customers appreciate at Chico Computer Clinic. Reasonable prices, and the staff's experienced and welcoming service are also touted as pluses. One reviewer writes, “They fixed my laptop in one day. It had a ton of viruses, and now it runs great!”

2ND PLACE: PCI Business Services

3RD PLACE: Computers Plus

Local pet store

1ST PLACE: Trailblazer Pet Supply

Trailblazer Pet Supply, located in the Safeway shopping center on Mangrove Avenue, is a one-stop shop with all the necessities to keep Chicoans' four-legged companions healthy and happy. In addition to a wide selection of healthy foods and fun toys for cats and dogs, the locally owned pet store also features grooming services, dog training and puppy socialization classes, nutrition consultations and much more.

2ND PLACE: Pet Smart

3RD PLACE (tie): Chico Pet Works and Pet Salon

3RD PLACE (tie): Northern Star Mills

Nursery

1ST PLACE: Magnolia Gift and Garden

Magnolia Gift and Garden doesn't just offer all of the plants and decorations needed to turn a home garden into a little slice of paradise; it also supplies a healthy dose of inspiration. The nursery's East Avenue location is downright beautiful, with a brilliant mix of natural greenery and artistic touches bound to give gardeners a few good ideas for sprucing up their own green space. Owners Courtney Paulson and Chris Hunter and the Magnolia staff definitely know their stuff, and are quick to offer friendly and helpful gardening advice.

2ND PLACE: The Plant Barn & Gift Shop

3RD PLACE: Little Red Hen Nursery

Place to buy home furnishings

1ST PLACE: The Address

The Address, a stylish furniture store at East Avenue and Cohasset Road, urges customers to “Live with the things you love.” To assist in that goal, the store is home to a full range of home furnishings and decorations to appoint your living space in the most comfortable, stylish and expressive way possible. They also offer custom furniture and an array of decorating services, from help with fabric selection to complete room design.

2ND PLACE: Nantucket Home

3RD PLACE: Finds Design and Decor

Gift shop

1ST PLACE: Hubbs Stationery

In addition to offering high-quality stationery as its name implies, Hubbs Stationery also sells a wide array of knickknacks, bric-a-brac, scented candles, fine chocolates and other delightful gifts, and has been chosen by readers as Chico's Best Gift Shop for several consecutive years. The original store opened in Southern California about 60 years ago, and the Chico location is itself quite venerable, having served Chicoans for nearly two decades.

2ND PLACE: Made in Chico

3RD PLACE: Little Red Hen Gift Shop

Place to buy music gear

1ST PLACE: The Music Connection

The readers have spoken once again: The Music Connection is where they prefer to buy their noise-makers. It's understandable, since there's a great selection of instruments and gear and the employees are some of the best musicians in town—which is probably why their music lessons are top notch, too.

2ND PLACE: Herreid Music

3RD PLACE: Guitar Center

Place to buy outdoor gear

1ST PLACE: Mountain Sports

Whether your outdoor endeavors involve climbing Monkey Face or Mount Shasta, Mountain Sports has everything you need to make it to the top. The store offers top-of-the line equipment for hiking, biking, rock-climbing and many other outdoor activities in a convenient downtown location. You'll also get the necessary information—maps, books and insider information from a staff made up of hardcore hobbyists—to ensure the safety and success of any adventure.

2ND PLACE: Chico Sports LTD

3RD PLACE: Sportsman’s Warehouse

Sporting goods

1ST PLACE: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick's Sporting Goods is hard to beat, whether you're looking to outfit a little league team or a local militia. This impressively sized store at the Chico Mall is full of the A to Z of sporting-good needs, from archery targets shaped like wild animals to Reebok ZPumps. Dick's friendly service and huge inventory make it a favorite for sports fans and survivalists alike.

2ND PLACE: Sports LTD

3RD PLACE: Big 5 Sporting Goods

Thrift store

1ST PLACE: The Arc Store

Need a gently used coffee table? Maybe a microwave, or a pair of heels, or a bike? Well, look no further than the Arc Store, the actual place where one man's trash becomes another's treasure. If that's not enough, all the proceeds go to a great cause—helping Butte County's developmentally disabled adults—so you can feel good about paying $10 for that old desk; it's money well-spent.

2ND PLACE: Goodwill

3RD PLACE: Elite Repeat (Salvation Army)

Vintage/second-hand threads

1ST PLACE: Three-Sixty Ecotique

Three-Sixty Ecotique is a little oasis in Chico, a place where one can spend far too much time browsing all the unique, funky, artful clothing and accessories—simply because there's so much cool stuff to admire. The owners bring their own personal styles to each rack, offering a mixture of hand-picked vintage items—which Chicoans clearly love—and new pieces by creative designers.

2ND PLACE: Pepper Grand Culee’s Funky Trunk

3RD PLACE: Bootleg

Dry Cleaner

1ST PLACE: 3rd Generation Cleaners

Despite the nature of their work, “wet cleaning” is the key to 3rd Generation's process, an environmentally friendly approach free of toxic chemicals. Owners Stuart and Van Depper are committed to the process and to offering friendly customer service and a knack for getting out even the toughest stains. The prices are reasonable and they also have a seamstress on hand for alterations.

2ND PLACE: Chico Express Cleaners

3RD PLACE: Esplanade Cleaners

Florist

1ST PLACE: Christian & Johnson

This Chico icon has been in its present location alongside Big Chico Creek for more than a century, and its reputation for providing the highest-quality flowers—most selected from the San Francisco Flower Market—with attentive customer service has made it Chico's go-to spot for gorgeous arrangements, not to mention its beautiful and healthy plants and well-stocked gift shop.

2ND PLACE: Flowers by Rachelle

3RD PLACE: Cambray Rose Florist

Hotel/Motel

1ST PLACE: Hotel Diamond

With its prime downtown location and the shining beacon of its copper-topped cupola, the Hotel Diamond lives up to its boast of being the “jewel” of Chico. Originally opened in 1904, the historic building was completely remodeled from top to bottom and outfitted with modern conveniences and artisan furnishings to complement the classic architecture. A luxurious getaway in the heart of our little college town.

2ND PLACE: Oxford Suites

3RD PLACE: Holiday Inn

Laundromat

1ST PLACE: Bubbles Laundry

Despite enduring a rash of burglaries over the summer and the closing of its West Sacramento Avenue sister store earlier this year, Bubbles Laundry on Mangrove Avenue remains Chico's favorite laundromat. Regular users praise the clean, well-lit facility and attentive staff who help keep patrons up to date on improvements and outages through the laundromat's Facebook page.

2ND PLACE: Chico Laundry Co.

3RD PLACE: East Avenue Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Real estate agent

1ST PLACE: John Barroso

A nine-year veteran of the real estate industry, John Barroso lives and works in downtown Chico. His specialties are commercial and residential real estate and in 2012, he earned the “Greatest Closed Volume” award from his employer, Keller Williams Realty. Barroso's background in loans helps him advise his clients in the diverse aspects of investing and financing.

2ND PLACE: Teresa Larson

3RD PLACE: Brandi Laffins

Day spa

1ST PLACE: Sweetwater Day Spa

For the third year in a row, Sweetwater has taken home the prize for Best Day Spa in Chico. And it's really no surprise, as the staff there are full-time relaxation specialists. Patrons can expect robes and slippers upon arrival and before settling in for some serious pampering. Whether they're in the mood for a facial or massage or want a professional makeup or waxing session, Sweetwater is where Chicoans turn, again and again.

2ND PLACE: Urban Medspa

3RD PLACE: Renew Float Spa

Barbershop

1ST PLACE: Forever Fades

“Picasso with the clippers” is how one reviewer describes Jessica Hahn, a stylist at Chico's top-voted barber shop. Forever Fades is also noted for its multicultural vibe, hip tunes and friendly customer service. People go in for the cuts, and to have fun soaking in the style of the place.

2ND PLACE: Chico’s Barber Shop

3RD PLACE: Gearhead Barbershop

Hair salon

1ST PLACE: Dimensions Salon

Customers love stepping into the historic building that houses Dimensions Salon for great cuts and hair color. “A gorgeous environment and friendly staff” are one customer's raves. Others noted the stylists' ability to listen to customers' hairstyle wishes, and to make suggestions tailored to each individual's needs. Reasonable prices, quality cuts and atmosphere are what Dimensions is known for.

2ND PLACE: Hair Co.

3RD PLACE: Crucial Salon

Place for a mani/pedi

1ST PLACE: Tammy’s Nails

For years now, Chicoans have voted Tammy's Nails in the Safeway shopping center off East Avenue their favorite place for a mani/pedi. Whether they're pampering themselves with a spa pedicure or getting a little gloss and bling for a weekend out, customers love Tammy's for the professional, personable service.

2ND PLACE: U.S. Nails & Spa

3RD PLACE: Bliss Nails & Spa

Tanning salon

1ST PLACE: Tropical Zone Exotic Tanning

When it comes to tanning—either in a traditional tanning bed or via spray—Tropical Zone is where Chicoans go. “The staff is always fantastic, friendly and helpful. The beds are always clean, with fresh bulbs. The pricing is great. Can't imagine ever going anywhere else,” one longtime customer raves. The Tropical Zone seeks to provide a family atmosphere, and also sells accessories and clothes to capture that tropical mood.

2ND PLACE: California Sun

3RD PLACE (tie): The Electric Lounge

3RD PLACE (tie): Euro Bronze

3RD PLACE (tie): Lovely Glow Tanning Salon

Tattoo parlor

1ST PLACE: Eye of Jade

Getting a tattoo can be a deeply personal—not to mention permanent—experience, and choosing the right artist and venue are the first steps in making a decision you'll either regret or cherish for the rest of your life. Eye of Jade's clean and comfortable Chico shop is home to a stable of fantastic tattooists—Ben Lucas, Chris Peplow, Jeremy Golden and Jackie Rabbit. Two more excellent artists, Max Kilbourne and Chad Nicely, hold down the fort at Eye of Jade's Paradise location.

2ND PLACE: Red Room Tattoo

3RD PLACE: Victory Tattoo