nancy d.

Music Box Theatre Corp

This theater is conveniently located on hip Southport - there are tons of bars/restaurants in this area, so make a night out of a movie at the Music Box.

This theater shows RANDOM but interesting films, and is filled with intellectual/alternative types of people. Definitely not your normal, yuppie Chicago type crowd, which is very refreshing!

You can valet park, or self-park on the street or in a nearby school lot. Parking is usually pretty easy to find on the side streets off Southport.

PROS: fun crowd, parking is pretty easy to find
CONS: doesn't show any modern movies

Solaris Tanning Spa

I went to Solaris right after it first opened, to get a great tan before my wedding. The owner was absolutely wonderful - attentive, made great conversation, interested in what kind of tan/coverage I was looking at, etc.

I used a coupon from the Northwestern Univ. newspaper, so it was very reasonably priced.

PROS: offers coupon in northwestern u. newspaper; good prices, great staff
CONS: none - fantastic place

Nail Bar

The clientele and technicians at this nail salon are both high end. I feel underdressed when I stop by not looking cute and perfectly groomed! The screens on either side of the nail stations are great for privacy, but the place as a whole is pretty tiny. The prices are very high - you can get an equally good manicure/set of tips elsewhere for less.

PROS: sort of snobby, overpriced
CONS: cute privacy screens, lots of magazines to browse through

Davis Movie Theater

The Davis Theater has tons of charm and character, but not very many modern amenities. If you don't care about stadium seating and surround sound, though, definitely check this place out. The concessions are dirt cheap, and so are the tickets. There are tons of great restaurants nearby, so it's a great spot for a fun dinner/movie date.

Parking is difficult if the lot on the LS corner is full.

PROS: cheap tickets and concessions, lots of character
CONS: uncomfortable seats, doesn't show lots of films at once

Mini Food Mart

This food mart is conveniently located on the corner of Belmont and B'way. The staff is always friendly and they ring up your order so quickly! I come in here often for milk, a newspaper and change for a dollar.

It is well lit for a tiny food mart, so I always feel safe there.

PROS: well-lit, convenient, cheap
CONS: somewhat limited cookie/chips selection

Soon's Cleaners

The front staff is very difficult to understand. I wanted to get a bridesmaid dress altered here, but I ended up taking it somewhere else because I didn't feel like the staff understand what I wanted.

For everyday cleaning, it's reliable and average priced, but take your speciality orders elsewhere.

They are usually pretty quick in getting things back to you.

PROS: the help is hard to understand
CONS: convenient Halsted location

Melting Point

This is such a fun idea - who doesn't love the idea of making their own candles! You get to choose your colors and scents!

The prices are pretty outrageous, and if you have a party there, there is not any privacy bc it is just one big room, but as long as you know that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed.

If you have a party there, you can even bring your own food.

PROS: unique idea, great for parties/showers
CONS: very expensive

Mc Cauley Kristin - Hilliard I Blank & Assoc

I have worked with Dr. Blank for two years, and have been satisfied.

The office staff in this location are especially good - always pleasant on the phone, and always call to confirm appointments.

Most insurance plans are accepted, and I've never had to wait very long before an appt.

The hygienists do most of the cleaning, though, NOT the dentist. He just checks in at the very end.

PROS: friendly office staff
CONS: no parking, dentist hardly spends any time with patients

Century 21

Like another reviewer mentioned, parking in this area is usually not a problem. We have worked with two realtors from this location, and both were patient, honest and not pushy or overbearing. The office staff, in addition to the agents, seem to be hardworking and genuninely interested in helping homebuyers and homeowners.

PROS: convenient location, honest agents
CONS: none that we experienced

Ann Sather's Restaurant

Steps from the Belmont El - great location!!

Portions are very generous - most breakfasts come with a cinnamon roll or biscuit on the side. Both the c. rolls and the biscuits are enormous - beware!

Great dinner menu, in addition to the classic brunch menu.

Fun place for kids and groups.

PROS: size of portions, particularly of cinnamon rolls
CONS: can be crowded on weekends