Best of Boston

2000 Best Manicure, City

Dolores Sanborn, Austen’s

Our nails were ugly. So when we got the tip to see Dolores at Austen’s, we were only too happy to test her out. Could our yucky stubs be transformed into beautiful digits? Miraculously, yes. In fact, we can’t decide what we liked best: the cheerful yellow walls and big open windows of the cozy salon, the goodies to eat while you wait (orange juice and croissants, cookies, even brie), or the manicure itself, which made our nails look sophisticated, not scary. And Dolores is a sweetheart: If her pleasant demeanor and easy laugh don’t win you over, her mean hand massage will.

115 Newbury Street, Boston, 617-266-4017,