Cycles and Skates

Business #1: The Counter
Business #2: Helen's Cycles
Business #3: Rip City Skates

Why I can't live without these three businesses: The Counter on Ocean Park is a fun place to visit every couple of weeks. Upon entering, you are greeted by a friendly host, Jordan who usually can sit you right away. The burgers and fries are delicious. I enjoy The Counter because it seems to be the best sit down burger joint in southeast Santa Monica. It also is conveniently located near clover park and ice cream and coffee shops. Without The Counter, I would have the make the tedious drive to West LA to get to Islands.

I have always depended on Helen's Cycles for bike related needs. My family has purchased several bikes there and they have a reasonable policy for tune-ups and repairs. They hire locally and workers are reliable and concerned for their customers. Sometimes, they will even fix bikes for free if they feel the repair was too simple to require a payment.

Although I haven't been here recently, Rip City Skates is a wonderful small family business for skateboarding. The man who owns the shop is friendly and very patient. I never even had to look around because he always knew exactly what I needed. I also like how it is located away from commercial traffic on Santa Monica Blvd. It makes the shopping experience less stressful and parking is easy.

Submitted by: Anonymous

It's Magical!

Business #1: Original Tommy's Hamburgers
Business #2: Albertsons
Business #3: The Counter

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Tommy's - Everything about this place is amazing. They're known for their burgers and delicious chili cheese fries! Even though it can be a bit tiring having to stand in a long line because of all the teenagers wanting their food during our lunch break, it's worth the wait every time! I can't live without this business because I can't stand not seeing Tommy's at the corner of Lincoln Blvd and Pico. It's been there for years and if my future children were to go to Santa Monica High School, I would want them to experience Tommy's at lunch as well.

Albertsons - I love walking down the Ocean Park hill to go to Albertsons and buy a snack or drink. The service there is wonderful and everyone is so nice! They also have a Starbucks inside so that's always convenient if you're in a hurry and can't make two stops. Albertsons was also my first job and it was a great choice to start off with because they're very patient and kind. I can't live without this business because it supplies me with necessities and just like Tommy's, I want to be able to see it at that corner of Lincoln Blvd.

The Counter - If you have never been here, I recommend you pay a visit, and I promise you won't regret it! As they seat you down at your table, they hand you paper on a clipboard and pencils and on that paper is a list of all the different options you can put on your hamburger. You make your own hamburger however you'd like. From what bun to the amount of beef you want on it - it's magical! Not only is it affordable and casual but it's a great place to go eat dinner with your family. They have music playing while your eating, which makes everything that much livelier and the waiters are fantastic! I can't live without this business because I like to have my hamburger the way I specifically want it. If I want to enjoy a day out and eat with friends, this is the place I go to.

Submitted by: Anonymous

Recreate your childhood

Business #1: Dr. Kishibay; orthodontist
Business #2: Second Spin
Business #3: The Yellow Balloon

Why I can't live without these three businesses: #1: This may not be your average BLB post, but I’ve just got to say it; if you are looking for an orthodontist, go to Dr. Kishibay. His office is located on Ocean Park Blvd, address 2601 Ste. 304. He is the best. I could not live without this place. Dr. Kishibay is the nicest man ever and his dental hygienists are crazy funny. They always remember you and every time you go in, you are greeted with smiles. I’ve been going to him for years and just the other day he asked me about something I told him in one of our first appointments together. This place is extremely family friendly and for you adults that are just as worried as your kids are about going, he always reminds you to let him know if anything hurts or is bothering you while he works. They are a bit on the pricy side, but that’s what happens when you are getting the absolute best. I give them 3 thumbs up and newly straight smile ☺.

#2: You can buy used cars, used clothes, used shoes, used books, used just about anything! Well what about used movies? I pretty much live at Second Spin on Wilshire and 14th; this is THE (emphasis on the e) place to go buy movies. Yes they sell unused movies too, but the real gold is that $3 DVD of Mean Girls you bought and the box set of The Big Bang Theory that was dirt-cheap. No joke, you will feel like you are stealing from them. All of their disks are in prime condition, guaranteed. They have just about everything, even the Mary-Kate and Ashley DVD’s that you used to watch on VHS haha. If you like movies, or if you just like watching them to look at Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Gosling shirtless, you should go check Second Spin out.

#3: Seriously though, who didn’t want to go to the same barbershop as Alex and Nicky Katsopolis did for their first haircut?? If you don’t know whom I’m talking about, go watch Full House and educate yourself. Anyway, these boys got to get their hair cut in seats that looked like cars and planes, were given lollipops, and left with balloons. Sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it? Yes the Yellow Balloon seems like a place just to take your kids to get a haircut, but who said you aren’t allowed to recreate your childhood dream of being a Full House character? This barbershop is more of an amusement park that you happen to be able to get a haircut at. There are lots of things to entertain your restless kid with to avoid last years “Avant Garde” hair catastrophe. If you were blessed with a child that sits still, there are tons of those smutty magazines (that we all love) for you to read.  Located on Wilshire Blvd and 14th street, the Yellow Balloon takes the cake for family friendly salons. Check it out next time its time for a trim or if school photos are just around the corner. You will be looking your best if you stop here!

Submitted by: Anonymous

Holiday Spirit

Business #1: Bob' Market
Business #2: Michaels
Business #3: Coffee Bean

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Bob's Market is a well known market in the Santa Monica Community. I play soccer at Jams a few times a week and either before of after practice i'm in there buying food. When I go before practice I am usually getting water and when I go after practice most of the time I get Potato Wedges. When I am  hungry after practice the taste of warm crispy Potato Wedges are the best way to fill me up.

Michaels is where I go with my sister around the holidays, it's kind of our tradition. I love the holiday spirit that the store has to offer. The store is a great place to find holiday decorations and arts and crafts. It has also been helpful when looking for materials to make school projects more creative.

Coffee Bean is a nice warm place that helps keep me warm in the winter. I love the new names of drinks that they come up with during different holidays. My sister used to work at Coffee Bean and the costomer serves was always great. I like the way the  "baristas" made my drinks and the speed they would make them at. It is a welcoming place and a good way to start off your day.

Submitted by: Anonymous 

A Community Market

Business #1: Bob's Market
Business #2: Panera Bread
Business #3: Michaels

Why I can't live without these three businesses: Bob's Market - One of the greatest things about Santa Monica is its local community market. Bob's is very family friendly and has been a favorite market of mine for years. Its fresh produce and assortment of hot cooked food bring me back every time. It also supports many school and athletic programs and is very active in the community. They have very friendly staff members and have not disappointed me.

Panera Bread - My grandma always brings me to Panera Bread as a nice little treat. It is a healthy and very fresh eatery, with very friendly and productive staff. They also have a sitdown area where many people sit-down and eat their sandwich, soup or salad as they work on their laptop. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. And they have many yummy items on their menu that are also healthy for you, a win, win situation.

Michaels - During the holidays, Michaels is filled with the smell of cinnamon pinecones, one of my favorite things during the holiday season. Michaels also has so many different crafts and decorations to choose from. I can spend hours inspecting every aisle and find countless of fun and exciting things. Even if you're not really artistic, you can always find goodies and fun things at Michaels. It really brings out my inner child.

Submitted by: Lanai Martinez