Consumer Culture
Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
You can find everything your pet needs at a chain store, but what about everything that your darling leg-humper could ever desire? Shop Paris-and-Tinkerbell style at Highland Pet Supply, where the beds are designer and the beef kibble is free-range. The boutique stocks essentials such as rawhide (vanilla scent optional), kitty litter and leashes, but it specializes in luxurious edibles and playthings. Next time Fluffy is a good girl, make a run for sweet potato treats and a stiletto-shaped chew toy by “Bark Jacobs.” HPS also offers do-it-yourself dog showers and obedience classes.
1186 N. Highland Ave. 404-892-5900. www.highlandpet.com.
Best Local Playwright BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Vinyl BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Dry Cleaners BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Minks Package Store 2565 Delk Road, Marietta 770-952-2337
Sherlock’s Wine and Beer 135 Barrett Parkway, Marietta 770-426-6744; and other locations www.sherlocks.com
Smyrna World of Beverages 4474 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna 770-431-9599
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pawnshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Gift Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Kitchen Tools BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Bridal/Wedding Prep BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Shoe Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Spa BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Sporting Goods Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Thrift Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Toy Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Furniture Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Used Book Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Used Record/CD Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Used Record/CD Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Vintage Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Wine Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best women’s clothing store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Yoga Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Doggie Day Care BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Adult Toy Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Adult Toy Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Antique Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Art Supply Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Asian Food Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Asian Food Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Asian Food Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Bike Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Bikini Wax BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Book Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Bridal/Wedding Prep BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Camera Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Car Wash BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Caterer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Gym BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hardware Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hardware Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Though the big-box chains certainly sell everything under the sun, we’ve always preferred the mom-and-pop shop feel of HIGHLAND HARDWARe, with its faint smell of woodchips and service-with-a-smile staff. But don’t let that atmosphere confuse you: This store is a serious business with a national reputation for its emphasis on woodworking. Its selection of tools is sold nationwide through both its catalog and website, while classes on everything from power tool techniques to the care and maintenance of finished surfaces continue to elevate the 27-year-old store’s profile as a leader in its industry.
1045 N. Highland Ave. 404-872-4466. www.tools-for-woodworking.com.
Best Head Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Health Food Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Asian Food Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Car Wash BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Could we take our beat-up economy cars to someplace other than Cactus Car Wash? Probably. But why would we? When we come in early in the morning, we get delicious coffee. When it’s cold outside, there’s a nice fire to keep us warm. And now the heat has us pleased that we can buy chilly beverages while we wait. Televisions and magazines keep us occupied while computer stations and Wi-Fi keep us from having to skip a beat on the workday. Taking our cars here leaves us feeling more pampered than our automobiles, which do indeed emerge from the wash and wax services looking shiny and new.
575 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-876-3232; 2980-A Piedmont Road, 404-846-4040. www.cactuscarwash.net.
Best Dry Cleaners BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
There was once a time when we could call on a Wednesday to book a Saturday appointment with Robin at GROW. But with a move to an expanded salon in Decatur Station (the old location burned down) and its new status as a Bumble and Bumble salon — taking stylists and colorists to NYC to get up to speed on the latest techniques — we now have to book our Saturdays a month in advance. With an additional Reader’s Choice this year, it’s safe to say our little beauty secret is out.
627-C E. College Ave., Decatur. 404-373-7775. www.growsalon.com.
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Spa BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
The trickling fountain and New Age music in its ultra-modern Buckhead spa are just the beginning of the soothing experience at DOBEL SALON AND SPA. Try the Desert Stone therapy, a Swedish massage coupled with hot stones, or the mineral-rich Italian Fango mud treatment to detoxify tired limbs. Other favorites include the cellulite-reducing Peppermint Sea Treatment and the Bacial pore cleansing (especially for men) to keep you clear of back-ne. Complimentary valet parking and refreshments keep the experience divine.
3365 Piedmont Road, Suite 1250. 404-264-1007. www.dobelsalon.com.
Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
An inky paradise of perverse pain and pleasure, BLACK CAT TATTOO is located in Decatur and attracts and employs a number of L5P regulars. An unpretentious location is the headquarters for the heavily inked carnival of artists with a head full of design ideas and bodies that serve as a fleshy canvas to exhibit their craft. The house rocks in many ways since many of the employees and customers are active in the rock and burlesque scenes. Nervous first-timers are welcomed into the easygoing, no-pressure environment with a helpful, and yes, quite colorful, staff.
1059 Oak Tree Road, Decatur. 404-636-0400.
Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Jewelry Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Jewelry Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
With their creations divided into categories like Tuesday Supper Club, Saturday Shoe Shopping, Dancing Till Dawn and Meeting His Parents, TURQ DESIGNS takes the guesswork out of choosing the right jewelry for life’s special occasions and events. Friends Lee Addison and Katherine Weeks made jewelry for fun, but they soon discovered that their hobby had potential to become a successful business. Now their bold semi-precious stone necklaces and earrings are sold all over the country as well as on the company’s website. Their mother of pearl Hilary earrings are perfect for summer and — true to their word — their green turquoise Lane necklace has definitely been credited for winning over the boyfriend’s folks.
404-733-4400. www.turqjewelry.com.
Best Local Jewelry Maker BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Kids’ Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Kitchen Tools BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
When we want our attempts in the kitchen to turn out right, we turn to THE COOK’S WAREHOUSE for the tools that will get us there. Heavy-bottomed cookware from All Clad and Swiss Diamond transfer heat more evenly, resulting in fewer incidents with scorched recipes. Star-shaped ice cube trays and sure-shot pourers keep our parties swinging while all manner of cookie-cutters keep our baked goods looking good enough to eat. And when we run out of inspiration, the demo kitchen offers affordable cooking classes that revive our creativity.
www.thecookswarehouse.com.
Best Kitchen Tools BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Gift Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
When rushed to find those last-minute gifts for a Mother’s Day brunch, friend’s engagement party or brother’s birthday dinner (how did we manage to forget about those soirees, anyway?), we never take a second to stress about what to buy. Instead we stop in at METROPOLITAN DELUXE on our way over, because we know we’ll find something that will please everyone. With its selection of glorious fresh-cut flowers, divine candles, slutty soaps and cheeky cards, you can please both the irreverent sibling and the finicky mother-in-law all in one trip.
Also at 1034 N. Highland Ave., 404-892-9337, www.metropolitandeluxe.com.
Best Latino Food Market BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Lingerie Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
What we really like about Oh! Fine Lingerie is that a visit to the west Buckhead shop is like a trip into the kinds of boudoirs you see in black-and-white films. And with its selection of gauzy, vintage negligees and robes, you probably won’t have a problem picturing yourself in just such a place. Elegant, racy and lacy lingerie from the likes of Simon Perele, Cosabella, On Gossamer and even some break-the-bank pieces from Cavalli line the walls. Kittenish bedroom slippers tucked beneath the displays help shoppers imagine their complete ensemble, and vintage jewelry rests next to the register, just in case you need a little bling for your bada-bing.
3209 Paces Ferry Place, Suite 8. 404-949-9901.
Best Lingerie Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Surrounded by newly erected condos and just blocks from Georgia Tech, MAC’S BEER AND WINE has been inciting a big Mac attack, so to speak, among fans of booze and brew. As spacious, spotless and well-lit as the high rises sprouting around it, Mac’s offers an easily navigated selection of bottles ranging from small-batch bourbons, craft rums, tequilas and singular scotches to massively marketed luxury vodkas. Mac’s offers the kind of global booze selection the condo dwellers will need when they see their association fees.
21 Peachtree Place. 404-872-4897. www.macsbeerandwine.com.
Best Local Clothing Designer BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Local Playwright BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Men’s Clothing Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Musical Instrument Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Nail Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Natural Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best CD Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Can two music stores survive on the same street in a small hipster enclave? In Little Five Points, the answer is a resounding yes. Eric Levin has carved out a nice niche market for his CRIMINAL RECORDS enterprise, offering an impressive selection of domestic and import CDs. Oh, sure, DVDs, magazines, comics and toys are available, but this is the place for CDs. It’s rapidly turning into a great venue to catch a wide variety of live music, too. Criminal hosts a ton of cool, stripped-down in-store performances for your listening pleasure. After the set, get the artists to sign — what else? — their brand new CDs.
466 Moreland Ave. 404-215-9511. www.criminal.com.
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Furniture Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Vinyl BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Dry Cleaners BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Hair Salon BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Liquor Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Minks Package Store 2565 Delk Road, Marietta 770-952-2337
Sherlock’s Wine and Beer 135 Barrett Parkway, Marietta 770-426-6744; and other locations www.sherlocks.com
Smyrna World of Beverages 4474 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna 770-431-9599
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Spa BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
For feeling refreshed and revived, we find that the facials and peels at APROPOS SKIN THERAPIES are worth the trip. With a focus on state-of-the-art facials, this is the only location in Georgia where you can blast your dead skin cells and free up those fresh and shiny layers through Plasma-Ablation. For sensitive skin, the extra-gentle Papaya Enzyme Cleanse removes impurities without irritation, and for a delight to your skin and nose, try the Pumpkin Enzyme peel. High in antioxidants, the treatment improves skin texture and tone while reducing redness. The sweetest treat: A neck massage comes with any of the facial treatments.
1425 Market Blvd., Suite 545, Roswell. 770-518-7070. www.apropos-skintherapies.com.
Best Tattoo Studio BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Best Shopping District BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pawnshop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Pet Store BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
Best Camera Shop BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Critics Pick
Perfect for the beginner and novice shooter, and pretty good for experts, SHOWCASE PHOTO AND VIDEO SUPERSTORE has equipment and supplies for both digital and film photographers. Its selection of inks, instruction books, papers and printers push it well above the competition. Showcase’s selection is bolstered by its nostalgic (or is it purist?) persistence to keep real, old-fashioned darkroom chemicals in stock. The staff is surpassingly helpful, friendly even, and the accompanying Showcase School of Photography can help anyone take their skills to the next level.
2323 Cheshire Bridge Road. 800-886-1976. www.showcaseinc.com.
Best Piercing Parlor BOA Award Winner
Section » Print Features » Special Issue » Best of Atlanta » 2005 » Consumer Culture » Readers Pick
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