Prabbit said it well.
I have had bad experiences at two local shops where I was over priced for a brake cable and got a bunch of tude free of charge, the other I didn't get the fit I needed for the bike I got, and have regretted that bike ever since.
I like to wrench on my own bikes, and have gotten tude when I go in asking for such and such part or need this, or just some information. There are a couple where i also get my arm talked off.
That being said, it is always good to go to plenty shops and get a good look at what is out there, talk about what your needs are, what you are expecting to get out of cycling, and what they would reccomend, then start trying those bikes out. There are a couple LBSs that will allow you to test drive a bike.
Once you know what you want then go through the literature and see what will be your best deal, then see who wants to provide service and a bike as well as back up their sale. And don't forget to look at the independent corner bike dealers either, they can save you some cash as well. It helps to be a mechanic in these cases, or know one.
Okay I've skirtted the list of LBSs so here goes:
Freewheel (voted best bike shop in the City Pages) Knowledgeable staff, ask for Marcy, she's great, but the others all know me by name, that's a plus.
Penn, it's a chain. There's a bit of tude, but it varies from one store to the next, I'm mixed on them.
Eric's see Penn
Grand Performance, love drooling in there, as well as Flanders.
My favorite, but is out of the way for me is County Cycles in Roseville. They helped me with a lot of questions on fixed gear, and single speed, as well as sold me my MTB, that is still in use today.
I like to hit all of them, these are the ones that have me coming back. I often wonder why I like Freewheel, as they are about 50 cents more than the others, but I think it's the personal greeting I get when I walk in, I'm not just a customer any more.
Hope this helps.