meh, wasn't all that impressed with Advanced Aquatics the one time I was in there. Half the tanks were dark and dingy lookin' and water slopped all over the floors. They have huge frag tanks at the front of the store that are kind of cool, but everything else left me feeling, well, blah. There was a rather large group of local punk teens hangin' out near the back of the store, each one trying to talk up the next spouting off the most absurd things trying to sound like they really know what they're talking about. The whole 15 minutes or so I spent walking throughout the store, not a single employee said "Hi" or approached me to see if I needed help with anything. I left the store without a single eyebrow being raised at my presence.
I like Beyond the Reef on Golf Road. They have a lot of neat stuff, but they are so overpriced it is laughable. The only reason I'd go there is to window shop.
I usually end up going to Aquarium Adventures, which is right around the corner from Beyond the Reef. Their prices are slightly more reasonable, and they usually have more stuff in stock. Their SW tanks usually aren't the best looking, but their coral selection is decent. Their Fish Club usually provides very decent savings off regular prices.
I haven't been to too many other SW/Reef stores in the area, not that there are that many! I've been to Sea Escapes in South Elgin a couple times without too much fanfare. They have some stuff, but it's not that big of a store.
I'd really be interested in any other recommendations for local LFS. I'm in Elgin and don't have too many SW LFS around me.