Jeff W.

Coyote Point Museum

Coyote point is fabulous for the toddlers. They have a Fox, Bobcat, Badger, 2 River Otters, Racoon and an Aviary. There is also smaller animals: Newts, Snakes, Frogs, ect. The Aviary side viewing area has a Golden Eagle. Inside the Aviary is a family of quail, and probably 30-45 other birds.

My two Toddlers love the place.
The inside museum has a visiting exhibit that rotates every few months, a bee exhibit of a hive making honey and a huge room of standard exhibits about the local environment and convservation.

One detractor is non-members have to pay $5 access fee to the overall park before the museum entrance.

PROS: Great selection for smaller kids and a quick in and out visit
CONS: A one timer for bigger kids.

Embarcadero Center Cinema

This theatre always has an amazing number of indie films and foreign films that are never in the mass theatres. The price is about the same as anywhere else. I originally saw Lost in Translation there before its wide release. Story of the Weeping Camel a couple years ago. I highly recommend the place. The sound is not great but you will get over it

PROS: Indie film selection
CONS: Sound is just OK

Kidiniki

Great store for small children's clothing and other items. My wife bought a couple of baby outfits and then went back for more for a couple of her friends. It is very expensive in comparison to Baby Gap, but I guess it is worth it. They also have Baby blankets and toys.

PROS: Quality clothes for special occassions
CONS: Expensive.

L'Occitane en Provence

I am not sure if this is a chain of stores, but it is great on the service level and selection. I bought my wife a soap and lotion set for her birthday there. They also have a large assortment of massage oils and other spa type of products . The staff were very helpful and even have a couple of free samples.

PROS: Good Selection, Nice staff
CONS: Expensive.

Eastern Newsstand Corp

Reminds me of an LA newsstand with its diverse selection. I was even able to find only a day old London newspaper for a client who was visiting our offices.
I get the annual ACC football and basketball preview there each year. I am sure they have all the local papers and periodicals, I have never really looked though.

PROS: Hard to find news and magazines.
CONS: Expensive but worth it.

Dentistry with woman's touch

Great dentist office all staffed by women. Hygenist is great, and does good but gentle cleaning. Dr. Joan Johnson has always been very thorough with her exams. There is a personal TV to watch while they do their job on you, nice diversion. I have also never had to wait more than 2 minutes before an appointment.

PROS: All women staff
CONS: None noted

Crane & Co Fine Stationery

Good selection of stationary and assorted goods. I ordered personalized stationary and it arrived in about a week. I am going to go back and get personalized thank you notes as well. They also have invitations and announcements but probably fairly pricey. Also, carries pens and assorted items. Staff is fairly helpful.

PROS: Great selection, pleasant staff
CONS: Little expenseive

Ambassador Toys Llc

Great selection for a small location in the Embarcadero. I bought a couple of birthday presents there and was impressed by the variety in an office building shop. Thomas Tank engine, Learning center toys, videos and puzzles. The staff was fairly helpful and pleasant.

PROS: Good Selection, Nice staff
CONS: None noted

Scrapbook Depot

Good store with a huge selection of all the scrapbook materials to make one for your kids. Bookers, framing, pens, decor and stickers. The staff is there to help but not overly warm. They also have classes and space to work on your book in the store.

PROS: Big assortment of stuff
CONS: Staff mildly friendly

Thornton Electric

Thornton sent out a repairman very quickly after we blew a complete circuit board. Gave us a reasonable quote and did all the repairs the next day. They rewired the circuits from our kitchen and garage onto 4 separate switches and made the entire system much safer.
We would use them again.

PROS: Good service, reasonable price
CONS: None