Truly a local bookstore, Rhythm & Muse is in the lower story of a house on Centre Street. And the ambience here really is like stepping into a living room -- one filled with a lot of bookshelves. They sell books, music and magazines - so you can stop in for whatever you need. If they don't have what you are looking for, they will order it for you. The staff is happy to make suggestions and really works to help you out. It's why a local bookstore beats those national chains anytime.
Rhythm & Muse runs a book group which meets on the first Wednesday of the month. You get a discount on the book chosen each month and then can come in to discuss its finer (or lesser) points with the other members.

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This is an honest to goodness grocery store with Hispanic flair. The shelves are stocked with the food of Central and South America, reflecting the residents of the neighborhood. If you don't read Spanish, don't worry someone in the aisle is usually willing to translate -- or just be adventurous. Entering Hi-Lo is almost like being transported out of the country.
They bake their own breads on site, so walking you often get that heavenly smell.

Every neighborhood in Boston needs a local package store and here is the one in Hyde Square. Good supply of beer, wine and other alcohols and very handy location.

Bicycle store offering affordable bikes and repair.

Retail and wholesale fabrics of all types.

An independent video store - recently relocated into a larger space. They have a large selection of independent and cult movies. In fact, their mission is to make a concerted effort to stock titles not found in mainstream video stores. But they do have all the new releases too. Knowledgeable staff can always help you find what you need or offer up a suggestion. Thursday free film screenings. With free beer. Free. Beer. Be nice and supply the $5 donation because you will get (1) movie and more than (1) beer. A fair steal, that is.

In English "The House of Gifts" - this is a store chock full of all sort of gift items.