Elm Street Liquor

Upscale, yet cozy- neighborhood bar with a chic decor and friendly service. It's small enough not to feel like you're in a club and big enough not to be cramped. Reminds me of a New York bar- good drinks, good service.

Treasure Island Food Mart Inc

Best grocery store to buy unique items from around the world. The staff is fantastic- very friendly and helpful. After getting sick from the smoked salmon, a bag boy told me awhile ago that they change the stickers to hide past dates. Could be a rumor and may be fixed by now (this was in 2007), but just pay attention to what you're buying. Overall, it's a great store and the staff is so friendly they alone bring me back.

Con: more expensive on every day items
Pro: small and cozy, great service

Paper Source

This is the best place in town for unique paper. You can make your own invitations, stationary, or whatever else. The product is GREAT, staff is helpful, but prices are pretty steep. Recommended if you are creative and either are just buying a few things or are not on a budget.

Maxine

This salon is gorgeous, staff is friendly, and I like them because I found out about them at a charity that they had donated to. Haircut/color can be expensive (over $100) but varies based on stylist. Great location, great service.

CON: pricey
PRO: great place

Sara Jane Old Town

This boutique is always full of cute clothes, accessories and decor. The staff is friendly and helpful. They don't have a huge selection, but what they do have is great and it's just a nice place to shop. Trendy, semi-upscale- good place to find hot brand basics with a twist!

Coast Sushi

Best sushi in town! The ambiance is ok, as is the service, but the sushi is always fresh and phenomenal. Great spot in the summer- sit outside and enjoy the weather while enjoying their unique rolls. Highly recommended.

Cooper's

This neighborhood bar/restaurant has a surprisingly good menu and an amazing beer selection. If you like trying new beer from around the world, this is the place to go. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful with selections and always friendly. I highly recommend this unique neighborhood spot!

Perillo BMW

You know what you are getting when you're buying a BMW- that goes without review. The cheezy commercials could be endearing. The first time I went in to talk about a lease, a newer salesman gave me one of the worst "used car salesman" experiences I've ever had- he told me that the lease would be over DOUBLE what was advertised and what was offered at other places and that I could only pick from what was already on the lot. I did go back and talk to a long time salesman who was nice, helpful and gave me a fair (and realistic) price. Be careful- this is a place where you need to know your numbers before you go in. But, they have such a big inventory you can get a good price and they know how to take care of customers long term.

The Denim Lounge

If you need a new pair of jeans, denim lounge is a great place to find everything at once. All of the selection of a department store, but in a boutique atmosphere. Prices start at around $150, but you will find all of the hot new styles- and some that you won't find anywhere else.

Con: they don't take returns

Madison & Friends

This is the best place to go for kids clothes and accessories- if you want to spend a lot of money for brand names. They have itty bitty versions of the hottest jeans and brands for adults in baby-teen sizes. Great for baby gifts. The staff is a little stuck up, and the stuff is pricey, but if you have the money it's a great one stop shop.

PROS: cute clothes
CONS: more expensive than some places