Okay, so this is a chain but I like the quirky staff and they never seems to mind being interrupted with yet another "I'll know the cover when I see it" sort of inquiry. The recent queue to buy the latest Harry Potter was enlivened by staff in wizard-dress and being in a line of similarly obsessed readers with a collective good sense of humour. Pity the coffee shop now serves beverages in paper cups.

This littel bookshop is tucked away behind Salamanca and opens onto a big sunny square (if you're there in summer!!). They stock new releases, Tasmanian specialty books, lots of quirky things on the shelves by the ramp, and also have a big selection of secondhand books. Look in the boxes under the tables too because as someone in there said "They come from other people's libraries, and if you like one thing they had, you might like lots more" And I did.

This place has 3 faces: a coffee bar, little restaurant, and a wine bar. The restaurant is casual and small, but the food is really interesting and nicely presented. Good bread with oil and dukkha comes with lots of fresh water, and the wines are by the glass. A good stop over on the way home from work, or before seeing something at a nearby theatre.

Approximate cost: $20.00

Generally go here before a theatre booking, if at the top end of the city. You can always find something on the menu, even for vegetarians, and the service is prompt and friendly. It gets really busy so you have to book, especially if there's more than 4 of you.

Approximate cost: $16.00

Sign up for the free movie-card and see movies from as little as $2.95. Obscure movies are shown here as well as the general stuff. Seats are big and the leg room is ENORMOUS.

Approximate cost: $5.00

Always go on a Tuesday and see an early movie with enough time afterwards to fit in dinner. The candy bar service is friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. The staff selling tickets always ask where I'd like to sit, and nothing seems too much trouble.

Approximate cost: $9.00

This little store, in the food court at the market, serves great home-cooked food to go, but also caters for functions and provides staff too. We had a party catered for, with drinks and hot and cold finger food, and it was so well done I wish I could afford to do it every time. The two waiters were efficient and friendly.

These people are gifted surgeons. They took our dog which had been struck by a truck and rebuilt her back legs. It was expensive, but we don't regret the money spent, and our dog is as fit as she ever was. The staff really care about the animals they see, and they're honest about what to expect.

Our great local pizza shop. They deliver but we're so close we pick up. They're happy to vary the toppings and cook things a bit longer if you like your pizza crisper. The pastas are good too and the serves are enormous. Big enough for two.

Approximate cost: $10.00

Our dog needs constant care or else she'll be blinded by pannus and these people are great. You don't wait long for a consultation, you can order repeats for eye drops over the phone, the clinic is spotless and the resident dog has great atitude!