Solid Auto Body Repair Work

I worked with Ricky on replacing a bumber for a 1997 Toyota Previa -- a great car that hasn't been manufactured in 10 years. He found a used bumper for me. (Not an easy thing to do for that car, believe me.) The bumper didn't fit, so he sent it back and found another. It was the wrong color, so he painted it free of charge and took out some superficial dents. Nice guy. Good, solid work. It took a while to get the project done, but the end result was great.

Ah. . . Life is Easy with Breed & Co.

No question about it, Breed & Co. Hardware on Bee Cave Road brings back the ideas of expertise and service. This must be what it was like 50 years ago when customer service was still provided at retail stores in America. The people in the hardware dept. can help you do anything. They offer "brass tacks" advice, no crap. They can also get you brass tacks.

Master Hair Colorist and Stylist - Really

I first found Sandy Kurtzman 9 years ago after a trip to a local salon left me with green hair. The salon that gave me the leprechaun treatment had tried several times to correct my hideous color job, making it a little worse each time. My hair was breaking off at the root line from over processing. Sandy got my color to the perfect shade immediately and educated me on products so that I eventually got my hair in good shape. When one of my daughters started middle school, she had terrible self esteem issues. Sandy brought her in by herself, gave her a hair and makeup makeover and some sage advice. My daughter began to see herself differently and everything changed. Sandy never charged for the experience. Now she does the same thing for women coming from abusive relationships and donates two rooms in her shop to store clothes and accessories for the women so that they can recover their self-esteem and get good jobs. The woman rocks -- as a hair professional and a human being. No one walks away without falling a little in love with her. Try her. Now.

Engine Service You Can Trust

I've been taking cars to Gene Johnson's for more than 15 years. I started when Gene owned the place and they pumped gas as well as worked on engines. His son Richard has been running the shop for years now, and I depend on him. It's nice to have a place you trust to take your car when something starts clanking or a giant black puddle suddenly appears on the floor of your garage. These guys are good and they tell you the truth. If they can't handle something, they will tell you straight up. They are also relatively inexpensive. There is always a long waiting list, so call early. No loaner cars.

The Over-The-Hill(s) Cafe

I try to like this place. Really I do. I keep going back, giving it another chance because I feel like it is my duty as a rsponsible Austin Texan. I mean, it's great they support root-rock Texas musicians. And you have to give the waiters points for the bravery it must take to wear the attire. Let's face it though. The food is, well, bad. I've tried six or seven entrees and pretty much every reasonable vegetable. The only thing I can recommend is the tea. I understand the place has loyal regulars. Their heart must be in the right place, but their taste buds are definitely missing.

Best Dentist in the State

I hate going to the dentist just as much as the next person, but I love this guy. He is the nicest, most intelligent medical practitioner I have ever come across. Plus, he's funny. He has often worked me in after hours on his own time to handle a painful emergency. Every time I am in, he calls me at home later at night to see how I am doing. Even my kids love him. It's enough to make me like sitting in the dental chair. I rank him the best for his office staff, service and personal attention. In a world full of superlatives, he really is the best.

Fabulous Family Doctor

I have been seeing Dr. Chen for four years now. She is smart, compassionate and easy to talk to. My kids are now seeing her. The practice is getting busier, so immediate appointments are a little harder to get, but the office staff always gets you in when they know you need it. Kudos to Dr. Chen.

Ruiz treats Austin Kids Well

Dr. David Ruiz and his daughter have been treating my children for years. The quality of expertise is high, getting an appointment is fairly easy and I have confidence my children are being safely cared for. The practice has grown a lot over the years, and the result is a waiting room that is often a bit crowded. The care has become less personal, but I am still happy with the quality. I am comfortable with any doctor in the practice attending my kids.

Keepin' Austin Caffienated

Great place to go for something to do while drinking a good solid cup of coffee. Great cigar room. There's always something unusual going on, whether it's a poetry contest or a dance class. You can also bring a paper, get a coffee and be left alone.

Wild Wood serves up fresh, healthy alternatives

This place is wonderful. They make two fresh-from-scratch soups every day. They have great sandwiches on a variety of fresh breads -- some gluten free. Lots of vegan choices for the faint of heart. The ambiance is fun, funky and relaxed. A folk art shop with hundreds of vividly colored wooden animals coexists in harmony with the comforting flavors of simmering herbs, Oaxacan tamales and fresh-from-the-oven bakery goods. The people are friendly and pure Austin. Where else in Westlake can you get a fresh turkey BLT on warm rice bread served by a group of tatooed ladies? Saturdays the restaurant offers amazing french toast and pancakes. Worth checking out. Beware - usually closed on Sundays.