The staff at Barlow Shoes get everything right. The service is great, friendly and upbeat but never pushy. Sometimes you have to brace yourself before you enter a store, knowing there will be a frosty or aggressively enthusiastic up-seller intent on making their quota with your purchase.

I have even been into Barlow Shoes after work, my feet a bit less than fresh, in a hurry to try and find shoes to fit a party dress. The sales girl didn't bat an eyelid, but remained friendly and sweet.

They stock Dr. Martens and a big selection of Chucks, and they also have a really wide range of flats, which some stores seem to dedicate little space to.

If you've never been into this store before, it's definitely worth a look.

Also: they are one of few stores that will gladly order a different size in from another store. True service with a smile!

***Warning: Mild descriptions of xx waxing. ***

I'm giving this store a 3 star rating overall, because I've only had my waxing done there. I can't vouch for the other services. But the waxing service in this store is the most painful I've ever encountered, it's almost sadistic.

Ok, so I put up with the pain on a few visits because they are central to Adelaide and I didn't know where else to go. But I noticed each visit that unlike other waxing salons, these girls had been trained to make the experience as quick as possible, rather than as comfortable and happy as possible. Like a drive through service!
And they are expensive too, so you might expect the whole rolls royce of service for the price.

But:I was about to head interstate and wanted to make sure I was -ahem- holiday ready.

So I dutifully headed to essential beauty. I wasn't sure if I'd let the hair grow out enough and so when I saw the consultant, I mentioned it. She assured me she could still do it.

But the pain was so brutal I stopped before I was xxx - half done, I looked more like I'd been attacked with a set of trimming scissors - and I was bleeding quite a lot. Being a girl with stronger, more plentiful hair, I have had that occur a few times, but this time was far worse and obviously a result of the beautician's decision to give me a wax when she might have either told me to come back in a week or two, or proceeded with extremely gentle caution.

The kicker was that, of course, despite being barely xx, I was charged for the full xxx.

So with a painful lady area and an empty wallet, I headed home determined to find another, better, waxing salon. (And I have!).

Approximate cost: $36-38

If you are looking for a drycleaner to tackle a difficult stain, or a vintage dress, or something delicate, Manhattan is totally amazing.

They are more costly than some other drycleaners. But that's because they actually do the job! I've bought in delicate silk or white clothes that have seemed ruined by stains, and walked away from Manhattan with an as-new piece of clothing. They are like drycleaning superheroes!

I thoroughly recommend them.

Approximate cost: $12-18 per item

This one's hard to review.

As you can see below, there has been a decline in the positivity of reviews over time.

To me it seems like FOW used to be very customer focused, delivering amazing food that, whilst more expensive than your average fish-n-chippery, was well worth it for the quality and taste.

But lately it seems to have slipped. The burgers are sometimes lacklustre and the fish and chips are just ordinary. I wonder if the economic downturn affected them or if they just got complacent.

I do hope they return to form because Fish Out of Water used to be a must for a Sunday hangover or for those times when there's nothing in the fridge for dinner.

Approximate cost: $13

Urban spaceman is an amazing place to go if you're looking for men's vintage clothes. It's a rarity in Adelaide: usually there is a fantastic range of women's vintage and only a teensy space reserved for men.
This place is the opposite of that, stocking a small but comprehensive range of ladies fashion and the rest of the store is stocked with gorgeous suits, dress pants, fabulous jackets, everything that the discerning gentleman shopper is after!

I know this store would make a killing in Melbourne or Sydney but it seems like a well kept secret in little old Adelaide, which is a pity.

This place is gorgeous, well worth a visit just to peruse the vintage apothecary display cabinets lining the walls.

I am a younger-looking girl, and I come to the Apothecary sometimes for a drink or cocktail in between dinner and the witching hour. But I suppose because I am not the Apothecary's usual demographic, I've found the staff to be a bit dismissive and one was bordering on rude.

But! That is a small thing. The apothecary has:
- a brilliant range of drinks. I like the sloe vodka, the traditional cocktails, and the well put together wine list.
- great atmosphere and
- a reputation for doing great food, which I plan to check out soon!

La Boheme is a gem. A strong supporter of the arts, La Boheme gives stage space to gorgeous cabaret acts.
When there's no show on, there are gorgeous cocktails, a great atmosphere hemmed by red velvet curtains, and cheeky, friendly staff.

La Boheme isn't trying to be anything it's not: whilst it's pretty and rocks some cute cabaret style, it's not attempting to be the next Weimar room or some snotty exclusive bar. So you feel welcome, excited, and looked after at this genuine Adelaide icon.

This little vintage store stocks the most beautiful frocks. Some vintage stores have a random bunch of vintage-ish clothes but Claire, the owner of Push Pin (who seems to know everybody in this small town, Adelaide), only chooses lovely, wearable, authentic, well looked after vintage.

The surprising part is that the prices aren't exorbitant, and there are a lot of dresses that cost under $100.

This is the perfect place to go to find something that nobody else is wearing, a gorgeous party dress or whimsical sundress.

Approximate cost: $50-170

My Doctor is Dr. Esther Rasser. She is incredible. Warm, friendly and astute. My housemate had a serious illness, the symptoms of which two other doctors had chalked up to 'depression'. Without Dr. Rasser's investigation, my housemate might, literally, not be around today. So you can understand my admiration for Dr. Rasser.

The other docs at this clinic are very nice too. The other female doctor in the surgery is great, positive and friendly.
Dr Orsillo, one of the male doctors, is a bit more grumpy and conventional.

The surgery also bulk bills which is getting too rare these days.

If you're looking for a doctor who will actually listen, treat your concerns as if they matter, and not just write a script and take your money, then this surgery is fantastic. I used to travel 45 minutes when I lived the other side of town, just to attend this clinic.

The only downside is that I'm not the only person who's realised how great they are and the wait time can be up to an hour- and that's IF you've managed to get an appointment.

Some people won't wait that long, but it's definitely worth taking the afternoon off work if you want thorough and responsive treatment rather than just a certificate or a script.

This place is cheap and great value, the staff are really nice and the food is fantastic.

I am not a huge fan of their style of dumplings so I always get a wonton soup with chinese vegetable. It's so filling, it makes me really happy!

I recommend exploring their menu and discovering the hidden treats. The silver thread bun is also delicious and only $3 ish!

Approximate cost: $5-10