Kimberly S.

Arturo's Tacos Mexican Food

This is a pretty simple restaurant with great authentic Mexican food to serve the surrounding Mexican community (along with the rest of the community). The tacos are excellent and a bargain. Choices range from traditional chicken and beef to beef tongue and others. Veggie options as well. Alcohol is also available. Service is spotty.

PROS: Good inexpensive food
CONS: Service is spotty

Margie's Candies

Margie's is a rare old-fashioned ice cream parlor. It's a small crowded space, so on nice evenings be prepared to wait if you want a seat (you can just order to go, but the place is part of the charm). Many sundae options, the toppings are homemade and delicious. Generous portions.

PROS: Atmosphere
CONS: Crowds

Working Bikes Co-Op

This is a great concept, collecting used bikes and fixing them up and reselling them. However, my stop at this organization was pretty disappointing. The selection was pretty minimal, and what was there were very old bikes. I would guess most bikes looked about 30 years old and were about $50, a lot in my opinion. I was hoping for a few more modern bikes. But I'm sure the collection changes all of the time.

PROS: Great concept
CONS: Really old bikes

John G Shedd Aquarium

This museum is enjoyable for both children and adults. It is both fun and educational. There are many exhibits in this museum, so be prepared to spend a few hours here. The reef is pretty new and one of the best parts. I see it listed for pet supplies and accessories, but I do not know why. There is a gift shop but that is it. It is pretty expensive for a family to attend, with special exhibits costing even more.

PROS: Lots to see
CONS: Admission charges are pretty high

Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe

This is both a bakery and a good place for lunch, serving salads, sandwiches, soup, etc. They are mainly known for their cakes and pasteries. They look beautiful and taste as good as they look, which is sometimes hard to come by. Wide variety, everything is fresh.

PROS: great food
CONS: Parking can be difficult

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has always been a great option for what to do with unneeded items. They accept everything, and will arrange pick-up if necessary. Have always been pleasant to deal with. They always provide a receipt for tax purposes. Items are sold in their shops and profits support their programs.

PROS: better than throwing out items others may want
CONS:

Creative Group

I have both used designers for the Creative Group, and worked as a designer for them. I have been happy in both situations. The designers are qualified, and the account reps follow up to make sure that both the employer and the employee are happy. Good communication.

Sweet Thang

It is always fun to stop and take a look inside this bakery. Their cakes and treats look beautiful and delicious. However, I would say they look better than they taste. They are not bad at all, but for the price I expected a bit better. It seems more commercial than homemade.

PROS: Beautiful
CONS: Average taste

Lori's Discount Designer Shoes

Lori's is probably the best shop in the city for shoes (okay, outside of Nordstrom). They have a great variety of stylish shoes and boots in a range of prices. The smallish store does get pretty crowded on the weekends.

PROS: Variety
CONS: Crowds

All She Wrote

This stationery store has a decent selection of quality invitations and other stationery items. Many are from Crane. Also has a number of announcement catalogs. Not a huge store, service was not pushy.

PROS: Quality
CONS: Not inexpensive