Best North-of-the-River Answer to South Congress
North Loop Market Area
There?s a little bunch of stores in this funky shopping area (don?t be put off by the overused "funky" here, for in this case the word is fitting indeed). Check out Forbidden Fruit, Donkey Records, Room Service and Hog Wild Vintage, Ararat Middle Eastern Restaurant, the Parlor pizza joint, Musical Exchange, Monkeywrench Books, Asahi Import Japanese grocery store, and a number of other good shopping choices. An easy stroll from Hyde Park -- hint: when you want to shop on Ozone Action Days -- but be sure if you walk to bring the big backpack, because you will stock up on excellent stuff.