kim r.

Capitol Hill Animal Clinic

I think they're plenty nice, and they seem to actually like animals. But after spending nearly half a grand on our elderly (otherwise completely healthy) cat via their recommended treatments, our friends clued us in that they were gouged there as well. We got the feeling like they were prescribing more treatments just so we'd pay more. Word on the street is you'd be better served waiting in the walk-in clinic on Rainier Ave.

PROS: parking, nice people
CONS: overpriced, didn't feel like we could totally trust them

Marcial Felix Dds

Dr. Marcial's office is so comfortable it's almost festive. Gone are the ugly dentist office deocrations and the loud obnoxious pieces of dental equipment. Ok so the drills still make that freaky noise. But forget about it, put on the special glasses and watch a DVD of your choice (they have their own library, but you can bring in one of your own too!), kick back, take some nitrous if you need it and let Dr. Felix go to work. His assistants are equally and nice and fun.

PROS:
CONS: They only use the special white plastic filling stuff which isn't entirely covered by most folks' insurance.

Dixons Used Furniture

Ok so maybe their prices are a little out of bounds on some of the items, but for the most part it's a pretty good deal. I got a nice comfy bed there at a good price, with same day delivery included. They always have their newest pieces out on the sidewalk to pull you in. The staff is nice but the selection can be hit or miss. If you don't find what you're looking for, you might want to come back a week later.

PROS:
CONS: good luck with parking.

Piroshki

These piroshkies are way better than the ones in the market. The owner is so nice and personable. She'll remember you if you come in more than once and will be happy to see you whenever you come back. The coffee & espresso is pretty good (they use Vita coffee) and comes with a tasty free cookie. The place is well-decorated and has great energy. All in all a nice place to star your morning!

Lipstick Traces

I love a great local independent fashion boutique, and Lipstick Traces is no exception. Their selection is versatile and can work for all types of ladies. The accessories are fantastic and super creative. Lipstick Traces is one of those stores whose fashion can be considered more along the lines of bodyart. The only slight disappointment for me was finding out the pieces I dug the most had been imported from New York.

Hipposchemes

But some of Hipposcheme's pieces are a little over the line for my taste. That said, I also feel comfortable saying some of the pieces for sale here are super hot. Hipposcheme's clothing and accessories are like collages you can wear. I'm not certain about their staying power. But when it comes clothes like this, as long as they make it through the event for which you bought them, that's all that matters anyway. Either way, it's local and it's independent and it's not egregiously overpriced. That's hard to beat.

Seattle Museum of Mysteries

I'll admit I'm a little skeptical when it comes to establishments built around urban legends like bigfoot, but if there's anyone who can convince me there might be a little bit of truth to such bunk, it's the Seattle Museum of Mysteries. Not only can you get your fill of bigfoot sightings and ghost stories, but you can pick up a map of the northwest's most haunted campgrounds. Oh and did I mention there's also relief for all you oxygen bar scenesters. Oxygen, whether natural flavored or infused with a number of scents from ginger to lavendar, is available for a small fee. Cheaper if you bring your own nose hose.

Post Options Business Center

Since Kinkos left its Broadway location, there's really no other place on this end of Capitol Hill for getting your fax and copy on. Post Options is a little cluttered and seems a little bit frantically thrown together, but the staff there is really nice. Sure the fax/copier looks like it was pulled out of a techgeek's nightmare, but it works perfectly fine. And you can take care of all your postal neds without the long lines you'll find at the Denny Ave. Post Office.

Tarragona Wine & Food

The only thing keeping Tarragona from being packed with throngs of Northwest wine enthusiasts is the fact that there's another liquor store one block away. The draw to Tarragona is more of an aesthetic. And they have great cheeses and other foods that are complimentary to wine. Friday nights, the owners of Tarragona host wine tastings that focus on a different region each time. Their insightful choices for the tastings are superb.

Northwest Film Forum

Northwest Film Forum isn't just an excellent independent movie house. It's also a fabulous benevolent organization that gives money to northwest filmmakers. They feature indie films from all over the globe in their cozy living room-sized theatres, and are homebase for the Seattle GLBT Film Festival. The staff is nice, the cause is good, the entertainment is tasteful and innovative. No complaints here.