Best in OC Right Here in Lake Forest

Last week we looked at those single businesses that were honored by the readers of the OC Register as the best in Orange County. They were

• · BEST AUTO REPAIR #1 - Elite Automotive, 26801 Vista Terrace
• · BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE #1 – The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest, 21771 Lake Forest Drive
• · BEST NEW HOME COMMUNITY #1 – Baker Ranch, 101 Mariposa
• · BEST GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY -#2 - Green Thumb Nursery, 23782 Bridger Rd
• · BEST GASTROPUB #3 – Bru Grill and Market, 23730 El Toro Rd
• · BEST COMIC BOOK STORE #3 - Comic Quest, 23811 Bridger Rd, Suite 100
• · BEST PET SUPPLIES #3 – Pet Country, 22485 El Toro Rd

Several multiple location businesses were also honored. Here’s the list –

BEST BARBECUE

#1 – Lucille’s Smokehouse Barbeque

Not only is the food good, this place lets you bring your dogs on the patio.

BEST PET SUPPLIES STORE

#1 – PetSmart

We have 2 locations in Lake Forest – In Foothill Ranch and on El Toro. I use both. Usually the Foothill Ranch location is less busy.

BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE

#1 – Big 5 Sporting Goods

It’s not easy to find this place, but once you get there, the variety and the prices are excellent. Good customer service too.

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

#1 – Peppinos

Now they have multiple locations, but the original is right here in Lake Forest, and still the best. The servings are so generous my wife and I usually order one entre and split it. We prefer the Rockfield location for dinner but the Foothill location for lunch.

BEST COFFEHOUSE

#1 – Starbucks

#2 – The Coffee Bean

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

#1 – Home Depot

We have 2 locations in Lake Forest – In Foothill Ranch and on El Toro. I use both. Usually the Foothill Ranch location is less busy.

#3 - Ace Hardware

Ace doesn’t have the large inventory that Home Depot has, but they do have very knowledgeable employees who like to help.

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

#2 – Avila’s El Ranchito

You have to go early on Taco Tuesday to avoid the long lines. Good food, good service, and good prices make this place a great pick. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere.

BEST GROCERY STORE

#2 - Ralphs

#3 - Stater Bros.

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

#2 - Men’s Wearhouse

BEST APPLIANCE STORE

#2 – Home Depot

We have 2 locations in Lake Forest – In Foothill Ranch and on El Toro. I use both. Usually the Foothill Ranch location is less busy.

BEST TUTORING SERVICE

#2 – Kumon Math and Reading Center

BEST FRENCH FRIES

#2 – McDonalds

What can you say about the World’s #1 fast food business? If you’ve got the munchies after 9 pm, the Trabuco store stays open until 11 pm.

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

#2 – First Team Real Estate

#3 – Century 21

BEST STEAKHOUSE

#3 – Outback Steakhouse

Not just great food and great service, but they also spend a lot of time and resources helping the nonprofit groups in our community.

BEST WINE SELECTION

#3 – BevMo

BEST DAY SPA

#3 – Massage Envy

BEST BURRITO

#3 – Chipotle

The chicken burrito is sooo big at this place you can hardly finish it. Also has a nice patio where you can bring your dogs.

BEST FAST FOOD BURGER

#3 – Carl’s Jr.

Use your “2 for 1” coupons and Carl’s Jr. is the best buy in fast food.

BEST KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING SPECIALIST

#3 – Reborn Cabinet

New to Lake Forest, Reborn has an excellent reputation for quality work at reasonable prices.

“Put Lake Forest First”. You have control of where you spend your money. Please consider spending it in your City. Many of these businesses are owned or managed by local residents, and the sales tax goes to the City to help pay for community resources like parks, streets, and police.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.

Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a town hall meeting every quarter. The next meeting will be on December 12 at 2 pm at the El Toro Public Library.

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