Have you considered looking around yard sales and the like for a new ride? can find some gemes there.
If you need a new bike then Surly is a solid brand. Co-Motion makes a hell of a road bike. Is Spot Brand still around? You could also try On-One.
I commute on a cross bike, and it is great for city riding, pot-holes, curbjumping etc. Get something with load of clearance and some beafy wheels. You can go fast and ignore the conditions that flat many-a-road-tire (tyre?)
cheers.