The only people who shop on Main Street in Manayunk are tourists and people who love trendy, break-the-bank stores, that sell items that we, poor yuppie Yunkers, would rather spend on Red Bull and vodka drinks. I’m glad for those folks though, they keep our stores in business. Stores I’m sure many of us have never stepped foot in, but still respect as necessary to Manayunk’s décor. But still, there are some shops on Main Street that we do frequent, here is the run down on a few of the local places in our town we couldn’t do without.

Christy’s Nails.   www.christiesnailsandtanning.com

Christy’s does do great nails. They’re mostly always packed, especially during pedi season. But what is great about that place is the friendly who’s who atmosphere. Twice I’ve gotten my nails done next to a 97.1 DJ. I’ve seen girls, who were strangers when they walk in, figure out they both had hooked up with the same guy the night prior, and leave the best of friends. I’ve talked to snobby mothers, hung-over bartenders, and have met up with girls I haven’t seen since college.
The most entertaining fact is how cool people think they are when they know Christy. Women will sign in and say hello, ask Christy if she wants a coffee, then prance out importantly. They’ll return with two coffees, conveniently brewed just how Christy likes them and then wait in line just like everyone else. Hey, I can’t blame them, though, if they want Christy to do their nails. She does do great nails. She’s speedy, meticulous, and friendly. What more can you ask from your neighborhood nail stylist?

Art + Science. www.artplusscience.com/

I once got my hair done at Super Cuts. I must have been smoking crack. I ended up with more roots then I’d started out with (an impossible feat, but somehow they accomplished it). It had been part of an experiment, the outcome of which taught me the major difference between an expensive salon and an inexpensive chain cuttery: quality. I learned that my hair is worth the expense. It’s my hair. It’s on my head!! As a result, I’ve come to truly appreciate Art + Science. A trendy, hot spot in Manayunk, the stylists who work there frequently attend hair shows and pride themselves in being different, but always strive for customer approval. Each month (or so) the stylists take turns showing each other a new hair cut they’ve leaned or mastered. I trust a place where the employees want to continue the learning process- plus, they all dress really cute! I like their perfectionist attitudes and their experimental tendencies. If you are looking for a trendy hair cut, ask for Chrystal. Looking for an exceptional color? Then Laura’s your girl! Then again, if you are a true Yunker, you already know that.

The Ice Cream …uh…Place.    www.wedontknowtheURL.com

I don’t know what it is called, but it is the outside ice cream place next to where the sausage man tries to give people heart attacks. This particular ice cream shoppe has really great shakes. The downside of this sweet deliciousness is the employees who are fresh from high school track practice. They take 30 minutes to make one shake, but on the upside, once the shake is complete, they’re really great. But honestly, this is the only acceptable ice cream place for true Manayunkians. Ben and Jerry’s are for tourists and Rita’s is all about water ice.

Bucks County Coffee House www.buckscountycoffee.com/

I love Buck’s. You want to meet a man? A cute girl? An unusually observant employee? Go to Buck’s County! It is a place to people watch, get work done, and drink coffee. (Drinking coffee comes last on the list of things to do there) (because most people just people watch) (I do work there) (I’m legitimately one of the few).
Anyway, the clean, coffee smelling aroma makes the atmosphere calm. It is mostly quiet. Although, every now and then, a group of people, (who haven’t seen each other in a while), will meet to actually talk and drink coffee. Those people are loud. They’ll be distracting as you desperately try to check your Myspace and stare at incoming patrons. Whatever, it comes with the territory. Uh, coffee shoppe??
My boyfriend and I go there every Sunday morning to talk and drink coffee, well, we mostly people watch. This past Sunday, I ordered what we always order (two cinnamon raison bagels with cream cheese, one with light cream cheese and the middle scooped out, and two coffees with a shot of light French vanilla). The employee looked at us like we were crazy and said, “I know what you want.” When the two of us looked confused, she said, “You guys DO realize you are in here every Sunday, right?” I liked that. I mean, to be honest, I didn’t recognize her. But then again, I’m an idiot. What I liked was that she took the time to remember us, and what we order. Every Sunday. For the past five months.

These places in Manayunk are the places we go to. The places we can afford. Places that we, for once, are not falling into alcohol induced comas. If you are new to Manayunk…check these places out! It’s where the real Yunkers go!