Labyrinth Games & Puzzles Review

DC has a great new indy game shop that actually carries loads of games instead of comics and those paintable miniature thingers.  In fact, there are no comics or miniatures here.  Newly opened and just steps from the Eastern Markert metro stop, you'll find classic wooden games, puzzles, kids games, and a very good selection of european and strategy games.  Although the store is not huge for such a diverse selection of items, the owners clearly know what the good stuff is and carry it.  They also host free game nights of various types, so you can ease your way into a great hobby or meet new fellow gaming buddies.  We'll be here often to keep our game collection fresh and exciting, because that's the kind of nerds we are.  Keep a eye on their facebook page for upcoming events.

645 Pennsylvania Ave SE
(between S 6th St & S Seward Sq)
Washington, DC 20003
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast

(202) 544-1059

Toy Store & Art Supplies Review

Sullivan's is my friend's go-to toy store for his niece and nephews. We always come here because it has just about every popular thing a girl or boy could want as far as toys. It might not be as big as some of the major toy stores, but seriously we always find about 10 things to buy. Usually we are late sending gifts so the edge is taken off a bit when we finally give them 100 pieces of freaking Thomas the Train paraphernalia.

Sullivan's often has jaded teenagers manning the checkout counters, and they oooh and aaah over my friend's tattoos. I love it. Sullivan's also is not as expensive as you might think a smaller toy store might be. It's not trying to be fancy or chic or anything -- it's just a straight-up toy store. We can usually find parking in this neighborhood, and it's within walking distance to the famous Two Amy's pizzeria.

4200 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood: Tenleytown

(202) 362-1343

Lola of North Beach Review

Lola is absolutely adorable, a tiny store (think, one person per aisle) crammed with lots of unique cards and kitschy items, including SF branded souvenirs that aren't tacky.  It's one of those places which sell things you really don't need, but can't resist because it's too darn cute/stupid/funny, or all of the above. I got a kick out of the thumbs-up "Like" and thumbs-down "Dislike" ink stamps, mocking the familiar Facebook feature. And the contact lens and eyeglasses cases with an owl printed on the front with the words, "I can't see shit!"  What I did need was a yearly planner, which I usually get at Borders. With their stores now defunct, I needed to find a new store to purchase them from--queue Lola.  My patronage is also supporting a local business, always a plus.  I don't make it up to North Beach often, and sometimes forget that there are little gems like this store all around the city. I'll have to remember to come back for baby gifts.  It almost makes me want to have kids just to buy all the cute baby items they sell here...almost.

1415 Grant Ave
(between Green St & Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

(415) 781-1817

Citi Shoes Review

I love this shoe store for two main reasons... 1) they have year-round boots - a variety of cute and classic styles; which are comfortable and affordable; 2) the owner, Darryl, and his girlfriend Tana and the two sales associates, Megan and Emma, are knowledgeable and patient and have made every window shopping and actual purchase experience positive. I look forward to stopping by every couple of weeks to see what new stuff has come in and say hello to this great team!

751 Irving St
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset

(415) 665-6112

Fleet Feet Sports Review

Came here two years ago after recovering from Achilles tendonitis, on a mission to find the right running shoe. What great service! The guy who helped me out listened to my feet and leg issues and needs, took measurements, had me warm up my feet first before trying on, and brought out a couple pairs of shoes that he thought would be fitting for my needs. The first pair was the one!  I've already bought 2 pairs of the same model and I am so sad that the company no longer makes the model anymore. I highly recommend this store for anyone who is trying to find the "right" running/jogging shoe. It makes a difference!

2076 Chestnut St
(between Mallorca Way & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

(415) 921-7188