Pousette-Dart Band
With its relaxing acoustic sound and a new contract from Capitol Records, this upbeat group has a clear shot at the national charts. MA
Ares Shoe Repair
Ares has been resoling, reheeling, and repolishing Boston's finest leather shoes for more than 70 years and will take extra special care of yours. The expert cobblers in the cozy basement storefront are a serious but likeable bunch who each have years of training behind their knowledge of the craft. That expertise means they can resize, stretch out, clean up, or de-scuff just about anything you bring in—fast, and at a reasonable price. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Brookline Liquor Mart
With its oaky scent, worn wooden shelves, and thousands of bottles, Brookline Liquor Mart is simply an oenophile's delight. This superstore has been doling out educated, accessible wine advice for more than 40 years and boasts an enormous selection from the world's best wine-producing regions. There are varietal tastings every Saturday, an intriguing rare wine room, and monthly sales and specials. For large orders, take advantage of the delivery service or place orders online for future case shipments. Or just come in and browse; everyone from first-time tasters to experienced collectors can find a gem. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA blmwine.com.
Oak Room
The real meat of a truly great steakhouse is just that: its meat. And while the opulent Oak Room may look too delicate to deliver on such a carnivorous front, this year it left the competition begging for scraps. Witness the splendidly marbled bone-in rib-eye, juicy to its sweet core. And the pliant slab of aged New York strip under a voluptuous horseradish sauce. Sides and seafood, too, are much more than standard: thick spears of tender asparagus, chilled artichokes with thick and fresh lobster tail, and sharp-flavored calamari salad. Service is thoughtful, informed, and perfectly timed, and the epic wine list is packed with impressive (mostly French and American) choices. Why haven't we mentioned the room's flat-out stunning décor by now? Because with credentials like this, it shouldn't matter. Saying the Oak Room isn't a real steakhouse is as silly as saying a beautiful woman can't be smart. Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA .
Toro
A place needs more than good sangria and jamn to qualify as a genuine tapas joint: It must also be a lively gathering spot, not one that's empty by 11 p.m. Toro has one of the most reliably bustling late-night scenes in the cityimpromptu dance parties have been known to break out around the barand a calendar peppered with fun events, like last spring's Calotada (Spring Onion Festival) and an annual party to mark the running of the bulls. Just as important, chef Jamie Bissonnette strikes precisely the right balance between beloved Spanish recipes (griddled garlic shrimp, chickpeas with chorizo) and adventurous ones (head cheese with pickled ramps, crispy pork belly with snails). Need a hit of liquid courage before you'll try the smoked beef tongue? That's what the sangria's for. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, toro-restaurant.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
There are more than 70 shoe repair joints in Greater Boston; picking the finest involves a little legwork. Why this particular shop—and for a second year in a row? Armenian-born Mike Damirshian's work is impeccable, especially at the prices he charges ($4 for a perfect shine, for instance). From the moment you walk in, you feel as if you've traveled back to a simpler time when shoes were made by hand and not machine. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
ADT Security Systems
They've wired museums, including the Smithsonian. And they'll do free home-security analyses. 11 North Ave., Burlington, MA .
Brookline Liquor Mart
From the outside, this sprawling liquor store looks like any other rundown rendezvous for drunken booze-hounds. Inside, however, you'll find one of the finest selections of vintage wine in New England. It's for the latter that we just can't seem to get enough of this store. Laid out in neatly labeled rows are bottles of liquid gold that may cost you more than a month's rent. But no matter: Even if you're not a millionaire collector, the knowledgeable staff will help you find a reasonable red to go with the venison stew that's bubbling at home. Especially strong: Rhone, Burgundy, and Bordeaux selections. Expand your vino repertoire at the Mart's regular tastings or by clicking through their encyclopedic Web site. And don't miss the bargain basement (which is exactly what it sounds like); it can be a treasure trove if you hit it at the right moment. 1354 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA blmwine.com.
El Centro
Chef-owner Allan Rodriguez, a native of Sonora, serves up mostly family recipes at this color-splashed South End spot, which translates to flavorful (and authentic) Mexican fare with a sophisticated touch. Chilaquiles, carne asada, tamales, tacos—they're all here, and they're all outstanding. The spicy red sangria, meanwhile, promises to cure whatever ails you. 472 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA elcentroboston.com.
Brookline Liquor Mart
We're fond of smaller wine shops—Back Bay's excellent Bauer Wine & Spirits, say, and Somerville's Wine and Cheese Cask (where you can pick up some good bread and cheese), or even the novice-friendly Cellars stores. But warehouse-sized Brookline Liquor Mart dwarfs the competition, and not merely because of the enormity of its wine selection. There are extras such as frequent tastings, a decent Web site, and the rare-wine room, where you can fantasize about dropping two grand on a bottle of Château Lafite. And if the place itself looks a little intimidating, just wait a few moments. One of the wine experts (there is at least one on duty at all times) will amble by and prove every bit as friendly and helpful as the salespeople at the smaller stores. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA blmwine.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
Not since Beacon Hill was a colonial settlement has Charles Street produced a shop so obsessed with top-quality workmanship. The scents of oil and leather waft from behind this small counter, overseen by a conscientious, kind, and fast-working staff that can stitch a hole, mend a heel, or reform a toe faster than you can say Paul Revere. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Brookline Liquor Mart
For lovers of serious french wines, Brookline Liquor Mart is one of the best stores in the country. True, if you are looking for widely available wines, you may find cheaper places elsewhere. But because the store is owned by Classic Wines Imports, it boasts an absolutely extraordinary selection of French wines— many at bargain prices. Brookline's strong suit— older, mature Burgundies— are not just incredibly well priced for their age and provenance; they are also almost impossible to find elsewhere. A friendly, well-informed staff will hlp you find the real treasures. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA .
Cambridge Auto Parts
Have you ever broken your parking light while trying to squeeze into that enviable spot on Newbury Street? For less than half of what you'd pay at most dealerships, these guys will provide (or order) most any spare part. 290 River St., Cambridge, MA .
Ares Shoe Repair
Stopping by this tiny garden-level shop feels like visiting your friendly but gruff grandfather's house: Cobbler Mike Damirshian won't hide his disappointment in your shoes' subpar appearance, but he will assure you that they can, in fact, be saved. And each and every time, he's true to his word—heels that have been worn to metal posts are miraculously rebuilt, holey soles are replaced, and scuffs are polished away. You'll walk out with kicks that look (almost) brand new. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, .