Out of thousands of restaurants, shops, and hot spots throughout Orange County, the OC Register compiles votes from readers each year to select the "Best of Orange County". The first, second, and third place winners in each category are recognized, along with OC Register critic choices for favorites in select categories. We are proud to feature the following Lake Forest businesses on the list:

• BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE #1:
The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest

• BEST PET SUPPLIES #1:
Pet Country

• BEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY #1
Freedom Village

• BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT #1:
Avila’s El Ranchito

• BEST COFFEEHOUSE #1:

Starbucks

• BEST JUICE BAR #1:

Nekter Juice Bar

• BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT #1:
Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ

• BEST THRIFT STORE  #1:

Goodwill Orange County

• BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE  #1:

The Home Depot

• BEST NEW HOME COMMUNITY #2:
Baker Ranch

• BEST SUSHI #2:
Ahi Ahi Sushi Bar and Grill

• BEST ITALIAN FOOD #2:
Peppino’s Italian Family Restaurant

• BEST KID’S BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE #2:

Chuck E Cheese’s

• BEST JUICE BAR #2:

Jamba Juice

• BEST TEA SHOP #2:

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

• BEST FROZEN YOGURT #2:

Yogurtland

• BEST ICE CREAM #2:

Baskin-Robbins

• BEST PET SUPPLIES STORE #2:

Pet Smart

• BEST GROCERY STORE #2:

Ralphs

• BEST BICYCLE STORE #2:

The Path Bike Shop

• BEST CREDIT UNION #2:

Orange County’s Credit Union

• BEST BURGER #3:

The Habit Burger Grill

• BEST JUICE BAR #3:

Juice It Up

• BEST TIRE DEALER #3:

America’s Tire Store

• BEST FITNESS CENTER #3:

24 Hour Fitness

• BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE #3:

Ace Hardware

• BEST APPLIANCE STORE #3:

Sears