My LBS is also just a convenient 1/2 mile away, and often has a cute little dog in the shop. It's a small neighborhood shop owned and operated by 1 guy, with often his wife and sometimes his daughter helping with the sales. He is a commuter like me, and used to be an auto mechanic before working at the LBS. (He was an employee before he bought the business last year from the owner at the time, who retired.) He's an extremely friendly guy, never laughs at my dumb newbie questions, and always seems happy to explain anything or just yak for a while if he's not too busy. No trace of attitude, as I sometimes hear about from other people on this forum. His rates are extremely reasonable (I often feel like he didn't charge me enough), and I always get my old parts back in whatever plastic bag he has evidently brought from home -- last time it was a Green Giant frozen corn bag.

One drawback is he doesn't have too large an inventory, being a very small shop, but of course is willing to order.