Best Fit
Even your most treasured designer duds are safe in the hands of Lyudmila Sletkova. Trusted by notable Bostonians like Vicki Kennedy to hem sagging slacks and bulky blazers, the Russian-born seam queen has been in business for 20 years. She’s even a favorite among trendy retailers like Agent Provocateur. 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bestfitinc.com.
Page Music Lessons
Page’s virtuosos, many with degrees from nearby Berklee and the New England Conservatory, will give your budding Beethoven a head start. Older kids can take lessons in music production, where Pro Tools and GarageBand are just the beginning. 334 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, pagemusiclessons.com.
Brannelly’s Cafe
The chatty bartenders, trivia nights, and weekly karaoke are more than enough to turn this hidden gem into your go-to watering hole. But the friendly Rozzie locals are what really make Brannelly’s feel like the home you never knew you needed. 4432 Washington St., Boston, MA 02131, .
Architectural Kitchens
Bill Prachnick and his design team are masters at creating and building classic New England kitchens replete with elegant custom cabinetry and fully integrated appliances. Their bedside manner is impeccable, which helps when you're renovating the most important room in the house. Wellesley Hills, MA architecturalkitchens.com.
Atwood's Tavern
This locals' hang boasts one of Greater Boston's best patios in the warmer months, and a seriously rocking lineup of local and traveling bands on its intimate stage year round. A long list of craft beers is ready to accompany your new soundtrack. 877 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, atwoodstavern.com.
Hops N Scotch
With 40 beers on tap, craft cocktails, and more than 100 scotches, bourbons, and whiskeys, Hops N Scotch will wet your whistle one way or another. Head upstairs on weekends for the live DJ, or grab a seat on one of the couches downstairs. 1306 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, hopsnscotchbar.com.
Shalyn Gamba, Prettyology
Tweezing brows is a risky business. Pluck the wrong teeny-tiny hairs, and your entire visage suffers. Leaving the job in Shalyn Gamba's steady hands, however, will ensure the perfect shape every time—flattering, natural, and tailor-made just for you. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, prettyology.com.
IFFBoston
The glowing reviews keep pouring in—not only for the movies IFFBoston shows, but for the festival itself. Highlights this past year included Dean, a dark comedy about family loss, and a documentary about Will Lautzenheiser, the world's third person to receive a double-arm transplant, thanks to Brigham and Women's Hospital. iffboston.com.
Legal Sea Foods
You don't mess with success. Legal's classic formula—a creamy base, loads of clam flavor, firm potato chunks—has been warming Bostonians' souls for decades. It even has a White House endorsement, having been ladled at every inauguration since the Reagan era. Multiple locations. 26 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, legalseafoods.com.
The Good Life Uptown
Don't attempt to call your own cab if you've had one too many here. "Where am I? Um... Harvey's? St. Botolph's? The Good Life?" None of the above—the latest incarnation of the rotating restaurant/bar is now the Good Life Uptown. 99 St. Botolph St., Boston, MA .
Emack and Bolio's
Ask for the Energizer, Rejuvenator, or Passion Cooler—or let the friendly blender wizards custom-design your drink. Their palette includes a smorgasboard of fresh fruit, a huge stock of vitamins and herbs (including the kava kava and St. John's Wort), and yogurt, sorbet, or ice cream. Refreshing, and as healthy or decadent as you choose. 290 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Petique Boutique
While you're lounging on the Cote d'Azur, your beloved poodle Reauvair can enjoy air-conditioned accommodations, three walks a day, and a diet of Purina High-Protein chow mixed with ground beef, all for $4.25 a day. Veterinarian and grooming services are available as well. 820 Pleasant St., Belmont, MA .
The Independent
The hip harbinger of the buzzy Union Square restaurant scene, the Indo has been pouring craft beers and feeding Somervillians and their friends since 2001—talk about foresight. What to Order: The quinoa salad with shaved fennel and grapefruit; the Hanson & Roberts Farm grass-fed cheeseburger. 75 Union Sq., Somerville, MA theindo.com.
Prudential Center Shoe Shine and Repair
George Trantafillidis learned his trade from his father, who operated out of the same closet-size space for 36 years. Even the scruffiest loafers pose no challenge to his shoeshining skills, and he charges just four bucks a pair. That puts Trantafillidis's shoeshines among the best old-fashioned bargains in town. Orange Garage Level, Prudential Center, Boston, MA .
Red Raven
New chef Alisa Levy (from Biba) only adds to the pizzazz of Greater Boston's most atmospherically enchanting eatery. Maitre d'/owner Michael Frechet's diabolically delicious Twisted Suzie cocktails (individually concocted to fit your mood) are reason enough to make the trip. 75 Congress Street, Salem, MA .