Victor L.

Double Punch

Double Punch is a collectible toy store like none other I have ever seen. They feature Japanese and American collectibles that I cannot even imagine in my wildest imaginations. Some of these toys cater to kids, but a lot of them will interest teenagers and even adults (some of them are even adult-themed). Very cool place to check out, even if you do not want to purchase anything because the prices aren't as hot as the items.

Z Cioccolato

The motto for Z. Cioccolato is "The Sweetest Spot in North Beach," and I am willing to bet my sweet tooth that the motto tells nothing but the truth. Filled with a very wide variety of candies and sweets, walking into Z. Cioccolato makes it seems like you've just walked into candy heaven. The very nice decor makes you forget that cavities exist so that you will buy as many types of candy as you are able to get your hands on - but be careful, because a few handfuls may cost a walletful.

Doo Wash Cleaners

Doo Wash Cleaners used to be a much bigger store when it was on Columbus, but business must have been bad because they have moved down the street and its store size has shrunk dramatically. But that doesn't hurt the fact that they are some of the most professional cleaners I have visited, even if the store does not look too nice. And to add on to that, they will clean your clothes for a very, very nice price.

Recon

Recon is a small store that most people will pass by without paying much notice, and for over a year, I myself didn't really pay attention to it, but I did notice its existence. Then last year, I decided to go in there, and saw that Recon had some of the coolest urban clothing and the most cutting-edge streetwear. I should point out that the styles they carry will not cater to everyone's tastes, because the clothes they feature are very, very unique... and VERY pricey.

Mandarin Tower Pharmacy

Mandarin Tower Pharmacy is my second favorite pharmacy in the neighbor it resides in, simply because they fill out orders very quick and easy. For a no hassle, no waiting prescription fulfillment, Mandarin Tower Pharmacy will be the place for you. The only problem is that there isn't much parking in the area, so if it's out of the way, then you may be better off finding a closer pharmacy.

Wellman's Pharmacy

Wellman's Pharmacy is the best pharmacy in Chinatown that I know of, carrying a large inventory of medicinal products for good prices and quickly filling out prescriptions so that you can be on the road to better health and recovery as soon as possible.

Pho Hoa Ky Restaurant

Pho Hoa Ky Restaurant has been in business for well over a decade now, and with good reason; or rather, great reasons. It's been voted as the best Vietnamese and pho place by multiple critics, and declared the Best Pho Selection by Best of the Bay 2003. And if you do not like the opinions of food critics, well, I'm a regular guy who eats dines like any average Joe, and I must say, Pho Hoa Ky is really good.

With a ton of different selections available, it'll be hard to pick out just one, two or a few things to try. Allow me to recommend what they're famous for - their pho, made with broth, rice noodles, and your choice of meat (or something else if you're a vegetarian), topped with fresh ingredients such as basil, lime, and bean sprouts.

Your wallet will be as thankful as your mouth. Very, very reasonable prices (less than $6 for some dishes) will leave you satisfied in every way possible. And their service will very good as well. Best Vietnamese restaurant in my opinion. Oh, and if possible, visit them on Sundays, because their best chef only works one day a week.

QQ Entertainment

A small store that has a variety of items, but nothing for a super great price or anything. And to top off their bad record, their service is one that really needs improving upon. There are so many other such stores in the area that QQ Entertainment should not even be looked at.

Bow Wow Meow

Bow Wow Meow has really cool pet foods and toys, some of which I had no idea were made for pets. It's hard to imagine ice cream and food made with real chicken for dogs, but Bow Wow Meow has them! Reasonably-priced on most of their items, but they do not have a super wide variety of things (but the things they do have are really cool).

Blick Art Materials

The Art Store's name describes it pretty well. It has a ton of different types of art supplies, from crafty things to more practical items, all well-stocked in a very clean, organized store. What its name doesn't point out is that the employees there know what they're talking about, and it seems as if the hiring team really care how they hire. The employees are friendly, for the most part, and will usually try their best to help you, even if you're just trying to find a few simple, cheap items.