Haskell's Liquor Store
Haskell's is a great place for wine lovers. Staff is so patient and helpful, everyone there seems to really enjoy what they are doing. There is so much to chose from, and I think they will also take orders if you can't find what you're looking for in-store. There is some pricey wine and cheap wine, but as with everything, you get what you pay for. Staff will help you to get good value for your money. Twice a year, this store has "nickel sales" - buy one bottle of wine, get another one for a nickel. That's the time to stock up, but be sure to shop early or best stuff will be gone.
Lunds Markets
Nice location with parking makes this store a perfect place to stop for a few ingredients on the run. Produce and meat quality is high, but so are prices. Bakery is fine. I was never able to do one-stop shopping there because layout doesn't seem logical to me, and even with helpful staff, it just takes too long to locate everything. I also can't figure out Lunds' pricing on non-perishables... inconsistent
PROS: convenient location
CONS: weird layout
Egg & I
I love that place for great food and atmosphere. Granted you'll never know who your server is (they all help each other and are very efficient) but thet's not the point. No "would you like an appie with your bevie" and no rudeness either, staff is doing their job and doing it well. Very friendly, casual, fun and affordable place (that also means it's often packed). Their egg benedict is to die for.
PROS: great food
CONS: closes early
Christo's Greek Restaurant
Christo's is my favorite greek restaurant. It's nice enough for a celebration dinner yet casual enough to dine with your friends whenever you feel like it. Semi-open kitchen provides some entertainment too when cooks set something on fire. Not a single time did servers give me any reason to complain, they are always very accomodating and even larger parties are seated and served quickly. And food is authentic (many of our friends are Greek and they cook same stuff).
Turtle Bread Linden Hill
Bread from Turtle Bread Company is something I buy whenever I get a chance, its just sooo good. The main problem is to choose which variety to take home that day so many to choose from. Their soups and sandwiches (portobello is my fav) are also great, and they have one of the largest selections of soups every day, including vegetarian and vegan. When its not crowded, Turtle Bread is cozy and comforting place to be, great for reading or hanging out with family
Pandoras Cup
Pandoras Cup has the best coffee in Uptown, and the greatest selection too. Organic and fair trade selections are always available. Its the only place that makes mocha that tastes right to me. They also have a few food items on the menu, as well as dessert and some fruit. Organic and fair trade selections are always available. There is a special on refills. The coffeehouse itself is quite cozy, youll want to come back.
Sonny's Ice Cream
Sonny's ice cream is great, especially tiramisu - but they carry many flavors and rotate them often .Each batch is handmade a few blocks away from the store. Sonny's carries a few desserts that look delicious and variety of coffee, though I've never tried them. Sonny's has a little patio (you won't find it unless you know it's there) with European feel, so inviting and cozy - great for a date :)
Sebastian Joe's
Sebastian Joes is famous for homemade, all natural ice cream. They will give you samples if youre not sure what flavor youd like and flavors can be quite adventurous. To me their ice cream tastes just fine, probably not as good as Sonnys, but better than many commercial brands. This place is really busy in summer, partly because of its convenient location, but mostly because of regulars. You have to try this place at least once, especially if you have children.
Black Forest Inn
Nice place to go to, especially in summer (the restaurant has a nice outdoor seating area). Friendly service, though sometimes it can be a little slow. Prices are not bad. Food is tasty but heavy, just what one would expect to get at a German restaurant. I would recommend it for a dinner with friends, but not a date.
Palomino Restaurant Rotisseria
Palomino is a perfect place for a dinner date or celebration, with great food, perfect service, nice wine list, awesome martinis and terrific desserts. I keep coming back since discovering this place over four years ago and have never been disappointed. If you go, make sure you try paella and tiramisu. Also, sometimes they run promotions - if you sign up for their e-mails, they e-mail you $$ off or BOGO coupon... I thonk they do it for birthdays, too.
PROS: validated parking, good food, great service
CONS: