Galaxy Nail Salon
Galaxy Nails has a $30 manicure and pedicure combo, which is standard. Their services are standard, too, as are their facilities. It?s easy to get a walk-in, though, and their pedicures are quick but pretty thorough. The salon needs a bit of a makeover itself, but since the services are cheap and parking is easy, I?d come back.
PROS: Cheap, fast service
CONS: Not a place for pampering
La Tour Salon
I?ve always been hesitant to get a haircut in Berkeley, but following the recommendation of a friend, I tried La Tour. Getting a next-day appointment was easy, which was a plus. My hairstylist was amiable, funny, and very talented, and I wasn?t afraid for my hair when he worked on it. My haircut turned out to be rather good ? I?ve had better ? but for $50 I was pretty satisfied.
PROS: Good price for a good haircut
CONS: Nothing amazing
Lora's Closet
This is a tiny store for trendy and colorful little girls? clothing. The salesladies here are very sweet, but there is not a lot of variety in the selection; most of the clothes here are cutesy and not classics. However, there are some cute in-season things to be found ? I like their pink fisherman?s hats for my niece.
PROS: Great service, some cute clothes
CONS: Nothing outstanding
This Little Piggy Wears Cotton
The clothes here are obviously high quality and classic, mostly casual and lounge wear for kids up to twelve years old. Their tee shirts and long johns are super soft and comfortable for every day wear. The customer service here is great, too, and the atmosphere is laid back and professional.
PROS: Soft cotton clothing, high quality
CONS: Pricey
A Sweet Affair Bakery
The pastries at the Sweet Affair Bakery are awfully, awfully good ? they?re loaded with sugar and butter and fat, which makes them delicious. Delicious and rich, but not exceptional or original ? I?d drop by if I were in the area shopping, but I wouldn?t make a special trip just to visit the bakery.
PROS: Pretty good baked goods
CONS: Not outstanding
Pet Camp
This place is ideal if your dog is only going to need a place to stay for a few days. It?s $40 a night, which seems like a lot at first, but it?s better than having your dog stay in a cage. There are play areas and beds made of towels for the dogs, and there is even music playing in the background all day. If I need to leave my dog for a day or two, I leave him here with no worries!
PROS: Great for a short time, attentive staff
CONS: A little pricey
Citi Cleaners
Affordable but below average dry-cleaning. I wasn?t very impressed with the service here. I brought in a pair of slacks when I spilled coffee on it, and I got it back with a lightened version of the stain, even though I had asked them to try to remove it. I wouldn?t come back here.
PROS: Didn't ruin my clothes
CONS: Perfunctory service, not great outcome
Peek-A-Bootique
This children?s clothing store has both new and used clothing, and also carries accessories and strollers. The used clothing is very gently worn and is usually in good condition. The clothes here are very well organized, and the staff is very helpful, too ? so it?s really easy to find what you?re looking for.
PROS: Great variety
CONS: Have to dig to find something precious
Fiori
Fiori makes gorgeous arrangements and bouquets, and their flower shop in the Marina district is adorable and classy. Their flowers are always fresh cut and last a long time. My favorite thing to get there is their tulip bouquet, and the florists there put together the prettiest thing. They also do complimentary consultations if you?d like arrangements for the home or office.
PROS: Great product, talented florists
CONS: A bit pricey
John Velasquez Salon
John Velasquez Hair Styling is an upscale, elegant salon conveniently located close to the Financial District. The stylists here are all very talented and accommodating, especially John Velasquez himself. He is a charming and affable man and a great stylist and colorist. I wanted to lighten my hair up a few shades, and I feared that colorists would interpret ?a few shades? as a ?dramatic change,? but he did it perfectly.
PROS: Talented hairstylist, classy atmosphere
CONS: None
