Best of Goods & Services 

Best Local Pet Store

Petagogy
5880 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside
412-362-7387 or www.petagogypgh.com

If a plastic toy and run-of-the-mill pet food are all you desire for your pet, a big-box store probably has you covered. But all items at Petagogy are hand-picked. Pet food and snacks are healthful; pet toys and supplies are selected because they are unique, and many are made from recycled materials.

2^nd: Burton's Total Pet, multiple locations
3^rd: Animal Nature, Regent Square

Best Local Bookstore

East End Book Exchange
4754 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield
412-224-2847 or www.eastendbookexchange.com

Nothing makes a neighborhood feel more welcoming than a cozy bookshop. East End Book Exchange offers quality used and rare books; perhaps trade in your old books for store credit?

But it's not all just commerce: East End also hosts a variety of literary events such as book-release parties, poetry readings and author visits.

2^nd: Amazing Books, Downtown and Squirrel Hill
3^rd: Caliban Books, Oakland

Best Local Store to Buy Music

Dave's Music Mine
1210 E. Carson St., South Side
412-488-8800 or www.davesmusicmine.com

This perennial CP readers' favorite has aisles and stacks of vinyl, CDs, VHS, cassettes and books that one can easily get lost in. New, used, buy, sell, trade. There are even concert tickets for local venues — including Club Café, The Rex Theater and Mr. Small's — for sale at the counter. 

2^nd: Jerry's Records, Squirrel Hill
3^rd: The Exchange, multiple locations

Best Place to Buy Musical Instruments

Pittsburgh Guitars
1305 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-431-0700
or www.pittsburghguitars.com

The walls of this venerable storefront are hung four rows high with new, used and vintage Fenders, Gretsches, Martins and more, and lined with amps and effects pedals. But customers come back largely for the attentive and knowledgeable staff, your guides to not only great gear but also service, repairs and lessons.

2^nd: N Stuff Music, Blawnox
3^rd: Backstage Guitars, Lawrenceville

Best Local Store to Buy Furniture

Levin Furniture
Multiple locations

This home-furnishings store was founded nearly 100 years ago in tiny Mount Pleasant. It has since expanded into both Pittsburgh and Cleveland but is still run by the Levin family. Your convenient one-stop for beds, couches, tables, desks, TV stands and the all-important "accents."

2^nd: Perlora, South Side and Strip District
3^rd: IKEA, Robinson Township

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing

Eons Fashion Antique
5850 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside
412-361-3368

Eons has been a go-to for avid vintage-shoppers for years. Walking into the shop is like being caught up in a whirlwind of decades, but the clothing is carefully organized into men's and women's, then labeled by year and style. From art deco to mod, hippie to haute couture, treasures abound.  

2^nd: Clothes Minded, Bloomfield
3^rd: Avalon Exchange, Squirrel Hill

• Photo by John Colombo
• Employees Lynn Celovsky and Jessica Garland at Best Local Shoe Store Littles Shoes

Best Local Shoe Store

Littles Shoes
5850 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill
412-521-3530 or www.littlesshoes.com

Despite online shopping, there are certain things that are best done in person, and while being assisted by knowledgeable professionals. That's the kind of service you get at Littles. It sells the latest styles for customers of all ages, but in an atmosphere reminiscent of where you got your first pair of school shoes.

2^nd: Pavement, Lawrenceville
3^rd: Gordon Shoes, Waterfront, Homestead

Best Bowling Alley

Arsenal Lanes
212 44^th St., Lawrenceville
412-683-5992 or www.arsenalbowl.com

The sign hanging outside reads: "Where old-school bowling vibe meets nightclub atmosphere," as heralded by The New York Times. To wit: karaoke and bowling, '80s night and bowling, bingo and bowling. Plus a funky second-floor layout and a built-in bar.

2^nd: Hollywood Lanes, Dormont
3^rd: Forward Lanes, Squirrel Hill

Best Local Jewelry Store

Henne Jewelers
5501 Walnut St., Shadyside
412-682-0226 or www.hennejewelers.com

Housed in a luxurious space, Henne has been offering opulent jewelry to Pittsburghers for more than 120 years. Like most high-end jewelers, Henne has a wide selection of engagement rings, but also has an extensive collection of vintage bracelets and necklaces, and upon request, will help you design your own original piece.

2^nd: Orr's Jewelers, Squirrel Hill and Sewickley
3^rd: Goldstock Jewelers, Downtown

Best Hair Salon

Salon Ivy
1213 E. Carson St., South Side
412-488-4488 or www.salonivy.net

Whether you're looking for a cut-and-color, eyebrow waxing, spray tan or makeup application for a special occasion, this salon is a tried-and-true choice for our readers. The staff of eight quality-trained stylists is equipped to handle hair of all ethnicities. And regulars rave about Ivy's affordable prices.

2^nd: Studio Raw, Ross Township
3^rd: Jeffrey Smith Salon, Highland Park

Best Barber Shop

Mister Grooming and Goods
4504 Butler St., Lawrenceville
412-326-5964 or www.mistergroomingandgoods.com

Get a hot lather and straight-razor shave at this barber shop in Lawrenceville. The place is decked out in antiques, taxidermy and vintage furnishings, and cool tunes play on the speakers. Guests are asked to get comfy with an espresso or beer before reclining in the barber's chair for some "man pampering."

2^nd: Graham's Barber Shop, Lawrenceville
3^rd: Alder Street Barber, Shadyside