r/davisca Sep 16 '23

new to davis. just wanting to get recommendations for places with cheapest groceries, good mechanic, best food places, etc. thanks.

Hey, just moved to Davis for school. I have a few questions.

My car is fine now, but I just like to be prepared for the future. Are there any mechanics in Davis or nearby that do honest work and don't overcharge that you recommend? what about car tire places?

what places do you recommend for bicycle repair?

also, where do people go for groceries that aren't super expensive? safeway seems expensive, and trader joe's doesn't really have a lot of options. recommendations would be appreciated.

what are some of the best places for grad students to go for drinks? what about favorite food places to go out and eat?

thanks in advance. by the way, i posted this in another davis subreddit as well.

20 Upvotes

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2

u/American_Inlaws Sep 16 '23

Just moved from Davis to Sac a few months ago after two years in Davis. Fave food: Sophia’s Thai, Pizza and Pints, Posh Bagel, Mikuni, I Love Sushi, Zia’s, Zumapoke, and my number one - My Burma. Never had Burmese food before Davis, and it’s amazing

2

u/Bai_Cha Sep 17 '23

Pizza and pints is good for two things: a really nice place to sit with friends and drink a beer, and a place to get soggy pizza. Plan accordingly.

I've had pizzas there that are literally swimming in water. But in terms of a patio to sit and have a beer on, you can't beat it.

1

u/darkbluepsych Jan 07 '24

Thanks! I've only tried Sophia's Thai bar for drinks, but I'll have to try the food too.

1

u/Big-Ad-5149 Sep 16 '23

Beyond what has already been suggested:

I like Costco for tires and some groceries. There is a Food4less in woodland that is pretty good, decent prices.

Village Bakery near the train station has the best pizza in davis, and their bread is very good too.

2

u/N3T3L3 Sep 17 '23

Symposium has hands down the best pizza in town, and it's not even close

1

u/SeaweedTeaPot Apr 25 '24

I really like Davis Auto Works on Olive Drive. Been going there 5 years, couple different vehicles. Family business 3rd generation. Straight shooters, no BS, trustworthy. Coupons available in the coupon books.

1

u/Noremac55 Sep 16 '23

The best groceries are at grocery outlet. I also drive to vacaville for Winco. City center and vander hamm (goodyear) are generally considered the best car repair shops. Bike shops are all good, there are so many they need to be good to survive. I have had grewt experience's with Kens Bike and Ski.
For food and drinks, you really just need to explore. G Street is fun. I like village pizza (2nd street) the best. Pho Tasty is damn tasty.
Edit- deleted most best

2

u/darkbluepsych Jan 07 '24

I'll need to try grocery outlet soon, thanks!

1

u/wdmc2012 Sep 16 '23 edited Sep 16 '23

Groceries looks like it's been covered already.

For mechanics, Davis is not that great. I've been to Vickers a few times, and they can do basic repairs if you tell them what needs to be done. For diagnostics or anything complicated, I have better luck going to Woodland Ford. For car tires, probaby Costco in Woodland or America's Tire in Sacramento or Vacaville.

As for favorite food places, I'm still wondering that myself. (I'm going to get roasted for this, but...) Every once in a while I'll try one of the local restaurants, and they are always a disappointment. Your going to be safer sticking with the chains. I've tried Woodstock Pizza (terrible pizza), Mountain Mikes (ok, but not worth the price), Chengdu Style (now closed), and one of the Hawaiian bbq places (meat was closer to jerky than bbq), and probably some others I can't remember.

Edit: I forgot Mountain Mikes is actually a regional chain, not local. Maybe that's why its ok.

1

u/darkbluepsych Jan 07 '24

Thanks for your input. I also am not a big fan of Woodstock's

0

u/adriannlopez Sep 16 '23

Best groceries at lowest prices? Walmart in Dixon, Costco in Woodland. Safeway and Save Mart are expensive, Trader Joe’s has limited options and is very busy, Grocery Outlet are Dollar Tree are dirty and claustrophobic.

Best car mechanic? Precision Auto Care in Woodland. Local dealers like Hanlee’s and Shottenkirk are expensive, shops like Midas are sketch.

Bike repair? I’ve heard Ken’s is decent.

Drinks? Wunderbar, Burgers and Brew, Woodstocks, University of Beer, Woodstocks.

Food? Pho Tasty, Woodstocks, Lamppost, Tasty Gourmet, Zen Toro for sushi.

1

u/Bai_Cha Sep 17 '23

Kens is awesome for bike repair. They accepted (through UPS) and assembled my bikes when I moved to town, and they have done my annual maintenance since. Phenomenal shop, and great people.

1

u/Jad30c Sep 16 '23

Hi I was new this area to. Best advice I can give is dnt get any mechanics of fb I hired a guy named Jassen Colianni whose friend swore he was the best. He did good work repairing our window an water tank issue on our Rv but he never got to do the engine work cus one night he was freaking out about bugs he was seeing. So he’s a recovering addict which I don’t judge ppl but after he relapsed he kept harassing my fiancé an I. We are good but avoid meth heads stay out of woodland if u can lots of them are there in the area. Safeway has sales and coupons. They offer alot of opportunities for students to get food just ask around on campus.

1

u/This_Session_939 Dec 05 '23

Ya he is also beats up women and people that can’t defend themselves. He would rather do drugs then help his own kids which he can never see because he is violent and tries to beat up mom in front of them. He will rob you if he has the chance, including take car parts, medicine, and anything he can sell for more drugs. He faked being mentally ill to shorten his prison time for beating a crippled man with a crow bar in front of his kid. He told me he was going to during his arraignment for the crime. He plays the victim, gives a sob story but the truth is that he is a very bad person. I know him very well and keep my distance. I suggest you do the same for your own safety.

1

u/nobinthewoods Sep 16 '23 edited Sep 16 '23

Speedee oil changers on Covell and F have been honest, reliable and fair in my experience (nearly 15 years). My teenage son now goes there with his car. I also highly recommend University Imports, if you have a European car. Also honest and fair, they do great work.

Edit: University Imports is on 5th near L