Lone Star Taco Bar
Despite draconian MBTA policy, the party continues until (or past) the witching hour at Lone Star, where chef Rian Wyllie slings tostadas and tacos until 1:30 a.m. Not only are his two taquerias the only places to catch a spaghetti western with a basket of freshly made chips and choriqueso, his grilled street corn—topped with cotija, cilantro, and chili-lime aioli—is also a surprisingly sound buffer for all the hooch that led you there in the first place. 635 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 857-285-6179; 479 Cambridge St, Allston, 617-782-8226. 635 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, lonestar-boston.com.
Audio Concepts
After you're done drooling over Audio Concepts' fantasy home-theater setups—massive TVs, booming speakers, George Jetson-worthy remote controls—find a salesperson and tell him your audio-visual dream. No matter the budget, be it $1,000 or $20,000, he'll briskly and breezily sketch out a plan to turn your underutilized family room or basement into the neighborhood cinema. 870 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA audioconcepts.com.
Piari Luna
Browsers fast become buyers at this three-year-old décor outpost, which sees its stock of tony/whimsical antiques and home goods turn over so speedily that the idea of a gift registry is moot. One week you'll discover an arresting turn-of-the-century Chinese altar, the next a shipment of traditional picture frames in silver and gold leaf and burnished burlwood. There are a few constants—fine French lotions and soaps, glossy dupioni silk pillows—but the rest depends on owner Laura Rosenberger's tasteful caprices. "If it looks beautiful, feels beautiful, or smells beautiful, I'll buy it," she says. Funny, we know just what she means. 33 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA 1945, .
Nesting On Main
Ascending the worn wooden stairs to reach Nesting on Main recalls a trip to Grandma's attic. The three owners, each with a talent for finding charm in the humblest of artifacts, have covered almost every inch of surface in their four-room boutique with antique card-catalog drawers, beveled mirrors, birdcages, glass doorknobs, chess pieces—the list is seemingly endless. If by chance you don't find what you're after, just write it down in the "wish list" book, and let the buyers work their magic. 44 Main St., Concord, MA 1742, .
Octavia's
Forgoing customary kitsch, Octavia's is chock-full of one-of-a-kind must-haves, making it fun both to explore and buy from. The constantly changing stock yields a little bit of everything, from an antique mirror, mosaic side table, or funky fringed chandelier to a hand-painted lamp. Come the holidays, don't miss the boutique's unique decorations. 9 Standish St., Duxbury, MA .
Hudson
Interior designer Jill Goldberg’s expertly merchandized eight-year-old shop has all the rugs, furnishings, and knick-knacks that make a house a home. You’ll leave with an Assouline book, a Brahms Mount throw, and a whole new design perspective. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
The one the <em>Globe</em> put on former business editor now reporter Stephen Bailey
The one the Globe put on former business editor now reporter Stephen Bailey, whose idea of editing the page was sometimes likened to a drive-by shooting of the business community.
C-Zone Entertainment
The DJs at C-Zone Entertainment have spun records for Clint Eastwood, Lady Gaga, and the Red Sox, and they’ll drop the bass at your wedding, too. Armed with your curated “play” and “do not play” lists, these music mixers will seamlessly transition from your favorite soulful ballads to Grandma-approved party hits (and maybe a few Cardi B songs in between). And with a number of skilled DJs to choose from, you can be sure that you’ll find someone in tune with your musical taste. czonemusic.com.
Leblanc Jones Landscape Architects
Steep hillsides, storm-surge zones, and ill-placed parking areas are no problem for LeBlanc Jones, which relies on native plantings—not to mention a vast understanding of local terrain conditions—to create swoon-worthy gardens, terraces, and courtyards. Boston, MA leblancjones.com.
Joe Jones Wilderness House
Take two snowboard enthusiasts, one a black-diamond shredder, the other a bunny-slope first-timer. Drop them off at Joe Jones and check back in an hour. Odds are, they'll both have found precisely what they were looking for. This place has boards, bindings, boots, skis, helmets, gloves, jackets, snowshoes, and everything else you could possibly need to fall down face-first in the snow—and look awesome doing it. 1048 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Lone Star Taco Bar
Bacon-wrapped and smothered in refried beans, crema, and chipotle mustard, Lone Star’s over-the-top Sonoran dog tastes best around midnight—wonder why that is? In fact, the Mexican spot’s full menu of satisfying snacks—including house-made chorizo tacos, piquant chili con queso, and crispy tostadas—is available until 1:30 a.m. every night at both the Allston and Cambridge locations. Pair them with a hydrating Topo Chico mineral water, and you’ll thank yourself in the morning. Multiple locations. 479 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, deepellum-allston.com/lonestar.
Lone Star Taco Bar
The magic here is in the tortillas—hand-pressed in the kitchen to provide a sturdy foundation for toppings like smoky barbacoaand rich Dallas spicy beef. (For an afternoon hangover, there's the breakfast taco topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado crema, and roasted salsa.) And thanks to a soon-to-open (at press time) location in East Cambridge, you can finally enjoy quality tacos on both sides of the river. 479 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, lonestar-boston.com.
K. C. Jones
The Celtics' coach understands that this team needs little instruction and lots of support.