A mid-range-ish options are Public and Linus. I am going to sell my Public C7i soon as the gearing isn't ideal for my neighborhood. If I lived a few blocks over, I would be happier! It is very very stylish, I get compliments all the time when riding! I just need lower gearing and different geometry for the hills. But it is all around a pretty good bike. I am not a "rider" by any means, but easily ride 15 miles in a day around town on it! It is not super light, hard o pick up on the train, not so noticeable on the flats. I haven't ridden the Linus' but they are pretty much the same.

There is also Simcoe, a little blander than Linus and Public, but well featured.

I am building up a Soma Buena Vista frame right now! Something along these lines: Buena Vista (Complete Bicycle) | SOMA Fabrications though I'll have an 8sp IGH, dynamo hub, fenders and a chain case.

I have a thing for 40s styled stuff, so if I was the type to scour craigslist for deals, I'd grab a vintage mixte and make it into my awesome bike. Instead I bought a new frame to do the same.

I tried the Swobo step-through, but it looked to mountain-bikey for me. But features/pricing/performance were all pretty good.

I rode Rivendell's Clementine (and Cheviot) today. The Clementine will be her budget model. A full build is ~$1500. The handling was very nice and it was much speedier than the other loop frame step-throughs I have ridden. Definitely a good option if in your budget and you do not want an IGH. It is like half the weight of my current bike! (Ok maybe only 15 pounds lighter. With my rear rack, front rack, dynamo, basket and lock my bike is around 40#)