Goods & Services

BEST MOM 'N' POP LIQUOR SHOP

4th Street Liquor Mart

We love "mom 'n' pop" as an idea, don't we? It connotes community, neighborliness, authenticity. But when it comes right down to it, most of us don't want to pay more or travel out of our way to support our locally based, non-corporate merchants. But here's the thing with 4th Street Liquor Mart: You don't have to pay more. The beer and the hooch and the wine carry roughly the same price tag as that of ABC or other warehouse-type outlets. As for location: The place is right on one of the main thoroughfares in St. Pete. And at big box liquor stores, you don't get proprietors like long-time local residents John and Kris Milewski, Polish natives who've retained a hint of an accent from their homeland. The husband and wife are two of the most charming, friendly, helpful shop-keeps you're ever apt to encounter. They know their stuff about alcohol, too, and can make helpful suggestions. 7208 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-522-5372.

BEST COFFEE BEANS

El Molino Coffee Shop

You don't need the address or even directions. Just follow your nose. The buzz-inducing smell of fresh-roasted coffee beans at the Naviera Coffee Mills in Ybor City (founded 1921) can be olfactorily detected from the Crosstown Expressway on a good day. In the front of the mills is the El Molino shop, selling a variety of the freshly roasted beans and shots of deep-brown espresso. Great specials, a wide selection and it's cheaper than that ubiquitous coffee shop chain with the round green logo. 2012 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 800-531-9587. You can order online at www.elmolinocoffee.com.

BEST NEWSSTAND

Franklin St. News

See, there's more to downtown Tampa than the Theatre and The Hub -- there's a great place to pick up something to read while you're drinking or waiting for the show to start. They don't sell the New York Times, which is a bit of a minor sacrilege, but you can pick up the Wall Street Journal, a soda, a lottery ticket (American and Latin American, you know), and a pulp novel or self-help book in old-school city-bodega splendor. Plus, the magazine selection is, frankly, too big to take in on one trip. 604 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-276-1710.

BEST BAIT SHOP

Gandy Bait & Tackle

There are several extremely good bait and tackle shops scattered about the Bay area, this being Florida and all. But if we have to spotlight one above all others, we've gotta go with Gandy Bait & Tackle. Six or so years ago, Gandy Bait moved half a block up the street from the little hut it occupied forever (the little hut is now the still-worthy All Pro Bait & Tackle), and has since become a full-service angler's one-stop, offering an impressive selection of live and frozen bait, an even more impressive selection of artificial lures and other gear, and plenty of credible advice from a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Perhaps most important, Gandy Bait keeps longer hours than most -- 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fri. and Sat., and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sun. -- in order to hook you up early or late. 4923 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-839-5551, www.gandybait.com.

BEST SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS

KidsMakeMovies Summer Camp

As if we needed another reason to love Tampa Theatre, now there's the historic movie palace's summer camp, which teaches local kids a little history and a few skills that will serve them better than basket-weaving ever could. From storyboarding to editing, KidsMakeMovies teaches budding filmmakers the gist of movie magic, putting them in groups to create roughly five-minute shorts in the space of a week. Family and friends gathered at the theater last July 23 for the KidsMakeMovies Film Festival, cheering on their favorite budding DeMille or Hitchcock. Thanks, Tampa Theatre, for saving at least a few kids from becoming summertime video-game drones. 711 Franklin St., Tampa, 813-274-8286, www.tampatheatre.org. For next summer's schedule and prices, contact Tara Schroeder at tara@tampatheatre.org.

BEST BASEBALL INSTRUCTION

All-Star Baseball and Softball School

The days of the three-sport high school kid are basically over. It's all about specialization. Often before the age of 10, a child will have chosen a single sport. And then comes an entire pre-adolescence of training and playing in leagues. And instruction. Baseball, especially, requires expert individual coaching, which kids get in spades at the All-Star School. The large indoor facility, just a few months old, is located in an industrial park in St. Pete. It's been cordoned into sections with chain-link fencing and nets, in order to create several lanes for hitting, pitching and fielding instruction. Along with it are the usual menagerie of pitching machines and other gear. This is all well and good, but the value in a place like this lies in the coaching quality, and this is where All-Star excels. Owner Chris Wilson, camp director Pete Snyder and former major leaguer John Frascatore, along with others, run kids through creative drills. (They also work with teams.) The atmosphere is fun, energetic and, most of all, designed to make better baseball players. 4801 31st N., St. Petersburg, 727-528-3186, www.allstarindoortraining.com.

BEST WAY TO GO COMPLETELY BATSHIT CRAZY

Waiting for Bright House

That would be waiting. And waiting. And waiting. To be fair, there are helpful people trying to sort things out when you call for cable service from Bright House Networks, but when confusion sets in, it really sets in. Day 1: No, you can't get the service you ordered, you have to wait for the accounting office to open, they close at 4:30 p.m. Day 2: No, the accounting office closes at 4 p.m. and who are you again? Oh, sorry. Yes. Wait, we'll send someone out. Day 3: You say your technician couldn't finish the job, he went home sick? We'll send him back. Day 3, Several Hours Later: Oh, he's not there yet? Oh, wait, yes, they tell me he went home sick. And your name is?

BEST EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR

Katharine Williams, Lifestyle Family Fitness

Teaching those group exercise classes looks easy, doesn't it? You learn the routines, climb the platform, turn up the music and off you go, whipping your minions into shape. But to be a truly good instructor takes something more -- and that's not easy. Katharine teaches classes at Lifestyle Family Fitness in Hyde Park: Body Pump, a weight-lifting session set to music; and RPM, a spinning class. Her style is to motivate through fun, humor and a bit of showmanship. Workout teachers who force out exhortations or try to conjure crowd response ("Are we feeling GOOD yet?!!!) often fail. Katharine gets everyone up, smiling and into it without even seeming to try. 1610 Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-258-0500. Ask the club for Katharine's schedule of classes.

BEST ORIGINAL JEWELRY

Beadlejules

Because it doesn't get any more original than doing it yourself. Anyone can string a few beads together, and if you doubt your skills, this little South Tampa shop offers classes, private parties (create comfortably among friends), or, hell, you tell the cool staff what you want, and one of them will string it for you. And of course, there're tons of pre-made baubles as well (great for last-minute gifts). But trust us -- once you get a gander at Beadlejules' sea of shiny beads just waiting to be strung, you'll likely find that inspiration isn't far behind. 3201 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-839-5655, www.beadlejules.com.

BEST OPTICAL ASSISTANTS

Keith & Rosalie, Sam's Club-South Tampa

Yeah, Sam's = Wal-Mart = Evil Empire, yadda yadda. But good service is good service; we're not gonna fault people for making a living. And maybe we're naïve, but Keith and Rosalie seem to be in it for more than just the money. They're respectful, knowledgeable, efficient and, most important, friendly. Just because you work with the public doesn't mean you have to be nice to them. Being polite and friendly is a choice. Keith and Rosalie choose to be nice. So we choose to give them our business. And our Best of the Bay. 5135 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-805-6602, www.samsclub.com.

BEST DRIVE-THRU ATTENDANT

Carlos Nieves, Jr., Café Con Trey

You're looking for three things in a drive-thru experience: good food, quick service and exact change. Café Con Trey takes care of all three -- there's no better place for an on-the-run noontime egg sandwich and café con leche -- but our man Carlos is the key. He's the anti-telemarketer, full of personality and warmer than your grandma. When he asks how you're doing, he genuinely wants to know. When he says good luck, he actually means it. And when he hands you the food, you have to hold yourself back from inviting him to hop into the passenger seat. It just wouldn't be fair to the next person in line. 2702 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-875-8739.

BEST WISE-CRACKING FURNITURE DIVA

Linda Cox, Robb & Stucky

At first, the sheer vastness of the 120,000-square-foot Robb & Stucky emporium at International Plaza is a little daunting: room after model room in styles ranging from Ralph Lauren to Tommy Bahama to George Jetson. The prices aren't as staggering as you might expect, though, and if you're lucky, you will be guided through the maze by a chic, slyly witty design consultant named Linda Cox, who's kind of a cross between Auntie Mame (the Rosalind Russell version) and Suzanne Pleshette (the Newhart years). Settle down in a plush armchair for a chat, but watch out -- she'll probably wind up selling it to you. (Don't worry, though, she'll also tell you if you're about to make a design gaffe.) 2223 West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-319-6700.

BEST LAST-MINUTE GIFTS (CHICKS)

Serendipity

It's got incense. What chick doesn't like incense? And candles. And funny magnets, frou-frou facial products, stuff for your pets, a small but lovely jewelry selection and even a few toys to amuse the kids. You know -- gifty-type things. Every price range, every taste and there's even a resident cat that solidifies the slightly eccentric feel of the place. Now if only you could find a place to park on Davis Boulevard... 231 E. Davis Blvd., Davis Islands, 813-254-1535.

BEST LAST-MINUTE GIFTS (DUDES)

Skyway Chevron Food Mart & Deli

You've got the obvious -- beer and smokes. What guy doesn't like a sixer of his favorite brew? And cigs are, like, $30 a carton or something, so it's not like they're a cheap gift. Slap a bow on top and you're good to go. Then there's the less obvious stuff: lighters in the shape of naked chicks; Napoleon Dynamite T-shirts; marijuana-leaf ashtrays; flip-flops; the occasional potted bamboo plant. And no matter what the gifting occasion, you can, quite literally, put off "shopping" until the last minute; you'll pass 10 Chevrons on the way to the party. Skyway Chevron, known to some regulars as "the packie," is a particular favorite. 6191 Ninth St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-4048.

BEST INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

West Shore Pharmacy

It has the usual stuff -- meds, limited groceries, greeting cards, even a tiny gift section (the nice clerks will gift wrap if you ask). But it also has the one thing CVS and Walgreen's don't -- personality. While the two big boys are engaged in a fight to the death for the world's street corners, West Shore Pharmacy employees are busy getting to know your name, your kids' names, your dog's name... It's a true neighborhood (and neighborly) gem. 3206 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-837-9095.

BEST HEP CATS

Daddy Zero

Whatever your scene, Daddy Zero's got the goods. Punk, rockabilly, surfer, emo, hippie, mod ... there's something for everyone. DZ's got your incense, patches, posters, candles, stickers, etc. But it's also got a decent retro clothing selection that you can't get at any Urban Outfitters. The bags and purses kick ass, the toys and novelties make great gifts and there's always something new coming in. Dig. 6605 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-232-0371, www.daddyzero.com.

BEST FRAMER-UPPERS

Master Art & Frame

You can tell by the eclectic assortment of artwork on the walls that the folks at Master Art & Frame are willing and able to take on all kinds of framing challenges, from vintage palm-tree prints to Bucs jerseys; that's John Lynch's jersey on the wall, a gift from Lynch to the shop's co-owners, Tony Sanders and Glen DePasse. Whatever the task at hand, Tony and Glen treat it with creative zeal, pulling out mats and frames the way a good chef pulls ingredients off the shelf, and bringing the customer into the decision-making process. 2608 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-354-0229.

BEST OVERACHIEVING GAS STATION

Hess Express

Sad but true, we sometimes pick up dinner at the nearest gas station. We're busy, so sue us. Funyuns and Diet Coke will do in a pinch, but if we're really lucky, we'll pass a Hess Express in our travels, where we stand a chance of eating something a bit more substantial. The biggest Hess Express shops boast a Blimpie, Godfather's Pizza and "TCBY" Treats. We can get a semi-healthy sandwich, or an unhealthy but tasty pepperoni pie; and some guilt-free frozen yogurt for desert. It's not a home-cooked meal, but it's not a 7-Eleven Taquito, either. And that's a good thing. Locations throughout the Bay area. Visit www.hess.com.

BEST PLACE TO GET MARRIED WHILE GETTING WET

Florida Aquarium Explore-A-Shore

This may be Tampa Bay's coolest site for a wedding, and we mean that literally: The mist-making machine constantly bathes the guests in cool clouds of moisture, kind of like the produce department at Kash 'N Karry. But that's not the only reason the Aquarium's nautical-themed playground has become a popular choice for marriage celebrations (including one for aquarium president Thom Stork's son). It's also got a pirate ship, where you can shout "I do!"(or "Avast, me hearties!") from the crow's nest; water cannons and a wave tunnel for friskier bridal parties; and a tiki hut with full bar. And if outdoors is not a preference, experienced divers are now being allowed to swim in the shark tank. Perfect for the wedding of, say, a lawyer and a sports agent. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 813-273-4000, www.flaquarium.net.

BEST FLEA MARKET

Oldsmar Flea Market

They don't call the Oldsmar Flea Market "The mightiest in the South" for nothing. You'll find row after row of dusty capitalism piled high with all manner of items. Old books, used clothing, fresh produce and computer parts compete for the attention of the scurrying masses with porn, weapons and food -- lots and lots of food (Chinese, hot dogs, ice cream, oh my!). The breathless "Sale! Today Only!" signs screech in a desperate grab for the shopper's hard-earned dollar (and often just one will do). Besides, where else can you stock up on 35 sticks of incense for 93 cents? Ah, the sweet smell of a bargain. Corner of Racetrack and Tampa roads in Oldsmar, 813-855-2587.

BEST FREE INTERNET HOTSPOT

St. Pete's Finest Coffee House

The sign in the window reads "the Internet Hot Spot," and St. Pete's Finest certainly fits the bill. A robust wireless network will have you flying through cyberspace in seconds. Just crack open the laptop and go. It's that simple. Not yet a technological road warrior? Not to worry. St. Pete's Finest also has computers on hand at no charge for customers. The shop, in a small storefront on MLK, is cozy, stocked with quality kitsch (doors for tables; a pig standing guard at the Planet rack), and serves all the usual coffee shop staples. It's sort of like your living room, only cooler, with better food and Internet access. Why stay home? 689 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-898-8777.

BEST TYPEWRITER SHOP

Dick's Typewriters

Whether you're a writer in search of a time machine or an ornate paperweight collector looking for that special something, Dick Ponce has the machine for you. Though he makes his living off the boxy electrics that line the walls of his small Central Avenue shop, Ponce has an incredible collection of antique typewriters sure to make you salivate. This wasn't a heavily contested category -- typewriter shops have seen better days -- but what puts Ponce's place above the rest is the man himself. He treats the antiques like his children, and even if you don't want a machine, it's worth heading to the shop just to chat him up. Ponce will toss a couple of zingers your way and gauge whether or not you're worthy of owning one of the beautiful old devices. If you pass the test, consider yourself lucky and take one with you. 2619 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-321-6667.

BEST ANTIQUES

South Tampa Yard Sales

The problem with antiquing is that unless you know exactly what you're looking for, or have a really good idea about stuff that's actually worth (or not worth) a good chunk of your hard-earned dollars, it's really easy to get ripped off. Sure, antique stores are great and all, but most of the goodies you find are pricey to say the least, and not always as old or as valuable as the collector would like to believe. The best Bay area location to find cool old stuff? South Tampa yard sales, specifically Palma Ceia and Beach Park. Most likely, this has something to do with the "old money" aspect, not to mention the area's standing as one of the most expensive places to live in town. But somehow, it seems that South Tampans have a greater need to shed non-essentials with little fuss, regardless of their subjective value.

BEST PLACE TO BUY NEW AND USED WOMEN'S THREADS

Unique Boutique

With its relaxed, bohemian vibe and merciful lack of pushy salesgirls, this store is one of the Bay area's best-kept secrets, not only because it boasts a generous and varied selection of designer clothes from fashion-forward cities like Paris, New York and Los Angeles, but also because you can buy them for up to 90 percent off retail. Moreover, Unique Boutique offers an impressive assortment of high-quality used and vintage pieces, all for reasonable prices. And, if you're looking to earn a little extra cash, owner Beth Laun selectively accepts gently used clothing on a piece-by-piece basis; if the articles sell, you can pick up your earnings at the beginning of the month. Bayside Bridge Plaza, 1530 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-797-3890.

BEST AFFORDABLE MEN'S FASHIONS

Dillard's, International Plaza

Hey, we love the independently owned haberdashers, but in all honesty we can't really shop there. We just don't have the scratch. Yes, these small stores do have periodic sales and you can ferret out good deals, but there are deals aplenty at Dillard's, spread out over several thousand square feet and featuring an array of au courant designers. Bottom line: Unlike a lot of stores whose clearance racks are paltry, you can routinely get really good stuff here for 50 percent off -- and often get another 30 percent off of that. We haven't shopped at all of the Dillard's stores in Tampa Bay, but among the ones we have, the International Plaza branch has the best selection. 2223 West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-342-1220.

BEST PLACE TO GET PANTS HEMMED -- PRONTO

Sew Fast

On the advice of a friend, one of our Best of the Bay associates brought a pair of jeans with a distressed hem to Sew Fast to be shortened. The man at the counter took a quick measurement, handed over the claim ticket and curtly asked, "When do you want them?" It was a Monday. The associate paused, used to having seamsters dictate when the job would be done. "When do you want them?" the man asked again, "Wednesday ... tomorrow?" Tomorrow? The associate was really flummoxed now. "Um, uh, Wednesday'll be OK," the associate mumbled in reply. On his way out, the associate asked if the jeans would keep the same distressed hem. "No problem," the man said. "That's how we do it." And that's how Sew Fast did it. 2209 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-258-0161.

BEST REASON TO PRIMP

TampaBayBeauty.com

It all began with ChicagoBeauty.com, a comprehensive online resource for spa and salon goers that featured beauty-related articles, tips and seasonal trends, recommendations and reviews, discount coupons for anything from massages to manicures to cosmetics, and a complete directory of the region's range of beauty establishments. Shortly after, founder Carolyn Brundage went on to launch sites in New York and most recently, Tampa Bay, giving local ladies and gents yet another reason to primp and preen. However, the biggest perks are the monthly events that spotlight spas in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon and even Sarasota with invitation-only Spa Night parties, at which guests can nibble tasty appetizers, sip wine, enjoy free services (makeovers, bikini waxing, facials and more), and take home a hefty gift bag of beauty goodies. Sign up to receive the e-mail newsletter and you may find yourself with an e-vite. www.tampabaybeauty.com.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SNEAKERS

Feet First

If finding a serviceable pair of athletic shoes is your goal, then any old mall store should do. But if more specialized stuff is needed, pitter-patter on down to Feet First. The store concentrates on running shoes, and stocks dozens of varieties, but here's where Feet First separates itself from the corporate emporiums: They'll special order items and hunt stuff down. True story: Earlier this year, a long-in-the-tooth basketball player needed a particular pair of Adidas shoes, the only style that felt good on his busted-up feet. He looked all over the Internet and came up empty. Then he called Feet First, and within hours someone on staff had located a couple pairs via an Adidas close-out. He bought them at a discount. Sneaker lovers, that's the kind of tale that should make you feel good right down to your toes. 3400 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-835-1339; 3487 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-898-1130.

BEST MILITARY SURPLUS STORE

Army Navy Surplus

Criterion No. 1 for a good Military Surplus store: It should be jam-packed with stuff. Army Navy Surplus, located on the fringe of downtown Tampa, takes this idea to the Nth degree. There is hardly an aisle you can walk down without rubbing up against merchandise, In fact, the large, dark space actually takes on a maze-like effect -- certain corridors simply dead-end, forcing a customer to backtrack. Rack after rack, shelf after shelf holds untold varieties of military hats, shirts, shorts, sweaters, pants; tons of heavy-weather coats; cots, mess gear; the mother of all backpacks, called a GI A.L.I.C.E. (for $149.99). The place even has an astronaut suit for a hundred bucks (although you'd have to seriously upgrade this puppy before lift-off). The merchandise isn't as cheap as you'd expect, but maybe you can bargain with the crusty owner. He looks like a tough negotiator, though. 1312 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-229-2712.

BEST SEX SHOP

Thee Love Shack

Tampa is an adult entertainment mecca, so it can sometimes be difficult deciding where to go. To make things easier on your poor, sex-starved mind, we recommend Thee Love Shack, located in one of the many grungy, nondescript buildings of Drew Park. You can find virtually any sex-related product: life-size dolls (and not just the blow-up sort); an entire "Anal" wall with beads, plugs and special baby vibrators for beginners; magazines and publications like Florida Fetish Forum and Swinging Times; DVDs and videos, both for rent and for sale; bondage equipment, dildos in all shapes, sizes and colors, rubber vaginas, cock rings and penis pumps; and much, much more. With its lingering scent of cigarettes and bodily fluids, and a collection of private viewing booths (for singles and couples), the shack should leave you feeling thoroughly cheap and degraded, which always denotes a successful sex shopping experience. 3910 W. Osborne Ave., Tampa, 813-874-6833.

BEST SMOKE SHOP

Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Co.

Let's face it, you can buy cigarettes at any freakin' service station or convenience store. So it doesn't bother me that the best smoke shop in Tampa focuses solely on cigars. And solely on cigars by one manufacturer. And without the fancy box. But when it is the legendary cigar maker Arturo Fuente, and the sticks are as inexpensive as these are, we're willing to make concessions. Where else can you get bundles of premium stogies (Flor de Ybor City) for less than $3 a stick, and apprentice-rolled seconds for $1? 1310 N. 22nd St., Ybor City, www.tampasweethearts.com.

BEST MECHANIC

Greg Bailey's Automotive

You can't judge a book by its cover, and Greg Bailey's Automotive on Florida Avenue's auto-repair row doesn't look much different than any other shop, with its chain-link fence and cars jam-packed everywhere. But Bailey is a rare breed, a personable and honest car repairman who can fix anything from a Volkswagen (the shop's specialty) to a domestic minivan. He speaks in plain English -- not the obfuscation of mechanic-speak. 3712 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-229-1265.