Cusser's
During COVID, expanded hours and new sidewalk seating helped us rediscover the revelatory lobster rolls at Cusser’s, the street-level takeout window chef Carolyn Johnson built into the side of Mooncusser Fish House and Moon Bar. Red-wine butter sauce dresses juicy meat on the decadent hot version; tantalizing tarragon mayo, meanwhile, is used for the heavenly cold one. Either way, the perfectly griddled potato bun is a curbside craving all on its own. 304 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, cussersboston.com.
Long Haul Films
Don't leave your wedding video up to Uncle Dave and his shaky hands. Book Long Haul Films to produce a Hollywood-worthy trailer (three to five minutes) and a longer cut that you'll actually want to watch year after year. In total, Tom and Melissa Dowler and their shooters will unobtrusively capture eight to 10 hours of footage per wedding, documenting every fleeting tear, toast, and dance move. 107 South St., Boston, MA longhaulfilms.com.
Daedalus
Just a couple blocks from the Harvard T stop, this spot draws long lines for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. But it's not just the comfort-food eats we adore. Daedalus is equipped to serve your every need: Two bars on two floors are packed during happy hour; the upstairs dining room is intimate enough for a romantic meal; and the rooftop deck is ideal for summer-evening cocktails. 112 South St #5, Boston, MA 2111, .
Akris
Looking for an uncontrived and versatile suit that works equally well at the office and after hours? The Swiss-based house of Akris, which recently opened, stocks some of the smartest two-piece suits in town. Designer Albert Kriemler's obsession with form, fit, and fabric is evident in the attention to detail and tailoring in his traditional pant-jacket-and-skirt suits. The store also carries the lower-priced Punto collection, perfect for women who are searching for classic suiting with a bit of an edge. 16 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Persy's Place
Bring your reading glasses and a couple of hours to spare: The Persy's brunch menu lays out more than 100 possible orders, ranging from the expected (three eggs any style) to the bizarre (haddock poached in milk). You may need a few cups of joe just to power through the list of choices, but once you do, the payoff is sweet—especially if you decide to go for the yummy French toast made with fresh-baked bread, creamy crab Benedict, or above-par banana-walnut crepes. 52 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Mashpee, MA 2649, .
Brookline Grooming & Pet Supplies
When Muffie is having a bad-hair day and Felix needs a pedicure, send them off to this bustling salon for a few hours of pampering. Our pets say it's the best. 146 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
Anne-Cecile Curot
Our poor pores are no strangers to painful excavations, or to being smothered in flowery-smelling goo. That's why they haven't quit thanking us since we introduced them to Anne-Cécile Curot, spa director at Marc Harris's new Financial District location. A Bella Santé alum, this cheery Frenchwoman delivers what we once thought impossible: After an hour on her table, our complexion was the softest, clearest, and most line-free it's been since before puberty (and spring chickens, we are not). Better yet, her ultralight touch and gentle organic products from Rhonda Allison left us feeling blissed out, not roughed up. Salon Marc Harris, 125 Broad St., Boston, MA 2110, .
Downtown Crossing Instant Shoe Repair
When most shoe-mending outfits say "instant," they mean "come back tomorrow" or "maybe next week." But at Downtown Crossing Instant Shoe Repair, a tiny stand in the Downtown Crossing T corridor (near the Orange Line northbound platform), we've been known to sit barefoot on a barstool while Steve Ismintsev resoles our riding boots and replaces our cobblestone-ravaged heel taps in a matter of minutes. Given a few hours, he can rescue vintage kicks that seemed beyond saving. "It was the best I could do," he'll say with a frown—and hand back shoes that look better than they did the day you bought them. 7 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 2111, .
Barneys New York
You have nothing to wear to the Best of Boston party, which is tomorrow. Hustle your Manolos over to Copley's new superstore, where clothing designers both ultrafamous (Marc Jacobs) and ascendant (Jovovich-Hawk) merge with bags, jewelry, and 3,700 square feet of shoes. What's more, an in-house concierge will offer opinions, fetch you lunch, and even arrange your ride home. (The hot date you'll have to get on your own.) 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Laurel Elliot, Vidal Sassoon Salon
Hair color is like a fine wine—richly layered and smooth. But unlike a delicious pinot noir, it doesn't get better with time (especially when it turns a shade too brassy, gray, or ashy). Laurel Elliot can take color that has soured and restore it to a resplendent radiance in under a couple of hours. Be warned that reserving a spot with her isn't easy. You may have to wait in line, but you'll do it with eager anticipation. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA sassoon.com.
Neptune Oyster
Order it hot with butter, or cold with mayo. Either way, sizable chunks of lobster will overflow the warm brioche roll, leaving you to dig in with a fork before attempting to pick up any stragglers with your hands. Do not be distracted by the delicious, massive pile of accompanying fries; the sweet claw and tail meat is why you came—and why you waited an hour for a seat at this tiny gem. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
Premiere Video
The customer-service orientation of this new mom-and-pop (and son) store ought to be a model for others. We love the 24-hour movie-drop-off box and the drive-through pickup window. A popcorn machine (help yourself!) and pizza restaurant are in the same space. It delivers movies and pizza to your home, if you're lucky to live anywhere nearby. 87 High St., Danvers, MA .
Kate Murtaugh Events & Design
Whether COVID has permanently turned you off to the idea of a large wedding or celebrating solo has always been your style, eloping with an assist from planner Kate Murtaugh is truly your best bet. With her vast knowledge of small-party-friendly vendors and a stellar in-house team to help coordinate, the seasoned pro brings the same level of luxury to mini matrimonial events as she does to blowout bashes — ensuring every detail from your venue to your private post-vows meal is as memorable as the moment you say “I do.” 213 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, katemurtaughevents.com.
Caveau
The party’s on at all hours at this new hot spot from COJE Management Group: Unlike most clubs, doors at Caveau open at 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday (7 p.m. on Saturdays) to accommodate early birds, while the kitchen serves chef Tom Berry’s menu of small bites, inspired by French Polynesia, until 11 p.m. No matter what time you arrive, the space — designed to look like an abandoned subway station turned secret party — will make you feel like you’re in a class of your own while you dance the night away. 1 Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108, caveauofficial.com.
China King
Back in the Pre-Pandemic Era, the Chinatown stalwart’s stunning three-course Peking-duck feast required preordering 48 hours in advance. Now you can phone it in by 3:30 the day before. The epic spread includes hand-pulled noodles stir-fried with the shredded meat, a bone-broth soup, and, of course, house-made pancakes for making hoisin-moistened wraps with the (ahem) quack-ling crisp skin. 60 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111, chinakingboston.com.