Now that US citizens are on the wrong end what is the best way to buy online if we dont want to use shady coinbase, etc.
You cannot expect transparency in bitcoins, if that is what you meant by your word 'shady'. Not sure why you call Coinbase by that name, it is one of the trusted exchange online even they are having complex verification systems and many time taking procedures to safeguard everybody.
To be transparent, you can use localbitcoins, search for sellers near you and do a face to face transaction even if you desire.