Sweet Cheeks Q
A dozen years in, Tiffani Faison’s ode to southern barbecue is still smoking the competition. We like the fatty, juicy brisket best, but you can’t go wrong with the other expertly done meats, from pulled pork to fried chicken. They’re best enjoyed on the sunny patio with sides of mac ’n’ cheese, collard greens, and the ridiculously good (and big-as-your-face) biscuits slathered with honey butter and seasonal jams. 1381 Boylston St., Fenway, MA 02215, sweetcheeksq.com.
The Bee's Knees
Hunting for a King Charles III coronation coaster, a jam pot, or even a tin of mushy peas? This online store and retail shop, owned and operated by a trio of British expats, have all your U.K. desires covered. Established in 2011, the emporium is now the largest regional importer of British artisan goods, including tableware, textiles, and everything you could ever need for a proper cup of tea. 566 Massachusetts Ave., West Acton, MA 01720, thebeeskneesbritishimports.com.
The Ritz Carlton Hotel Bar
We acknowledge the perennial favorite of our readers. Served in tiny glass decanters. 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Waban Shoe Repair
Cobblestones are charming. Replacing a $900 pair of limited-edition size 11 Louboutins because a heel snapped off in that picturesque paving material—again—is not. We scoured the city for a place that could doctor our ripped soles and scratched leather, and refasten the aforementioned broken heel, plus replace stray straps and buckles and refurbish unusual materials in unusual colors, but it wasn't until we looked west that we found our fix, some 20 minutes away in Waban. The reverse commute is worth it: The walls of the tiny shop are lined with boxes of rehabbed Ferragamos, Chanels, and Pradas, all mended expertly within a week. Going anywhere else would be like sending the Rolls to a Jiffy Lube. 1637A Beacon St., Waban, MA 2468, .
The Barking Crab
We're suckers for any patch of down-home coastal life dropped smack in the heart of downtown Boston. But, even if we weren't, the Barking Crab would still be the best catch in its category. Cheap, straightforward seafood—fragrant steamers, crab legs so big they're architectural structures, and cod that flakes in moist, white chunks—is the draw. Don't expect to write home about the service: This place is on island time. But, somehow, the meal, the kitschy breeze-blown fishing nets on the walls, the salty air, the creaky wooden floorboards, and the ice-cold beer evoke the kind of sunburned day that loosens our standards—and our belts—a little. And isn't that, after all, the very definition of clam shack chic? 88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA barkingcrab.com.
Hole in One
Who knew brunch in a takeout box could be so sweet? Before escaping to the National Seashore, pick up some much-needed fuel at this restaurant and bakery with locations in Orleans and Eastham, which offers its beloved stacks of cinna- mon-roll pancakes and scallion-cheddar biscuits smothered in sausage gravy to go. Word to the wise: Whatever you get, don’t forget to add a dozen hand-cut doughnuts (including specials like blueberry crum- ble, s’mores, or Reese’s) to your order. 98 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653, theholecapecod.com.
Linens on the Hill
When’s the last time you upgraded your linen closet? If you can’t remember, it might be time to pay a visit to this high-end textile haven. Owner Lynne Wolverton’s stacks of locally made Matouk bedding, elegant Sferra tablecloths, and soft Yves Delorme bath towels (a godsend for rough, over-washed hands) make staying cozy at home as easy as wash, dry, and repeat. 52 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, linensonthehill.com.
The Urban Hound
Taking off those dog-hair-covered sweatpants and heading back to the office after months of remote work? We know you’ll miss your dogs’ constant companionship, but if you drop them off at Urban Hound — with its indoor and outdoor play spaces and loving staffers — they probably won’t miss you. 129 Malden St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanhounds.com.
Gina Hernandez, G2O Spa + Salon
Skin, meet savior. This industry vet’s rendition of G2O’s “Age Defying Facial” — which includes a double-deep exfoliation, lymphatic drainage, and acupressure, followed by a highly potent biocellulose face mask — is so popular, in-the-know clients often book weeks and weeks in advance. That’s because Hernandez’s gentle hands put pressure in all the right places, reducing puffiness and helping your skin look its glowiest. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
Casa Design Group
Casa Design Group’s pared-down, modernist furnishings make outdoor gatherings tempting even on the cloudiest days. Of note: cozy, cocoon-like high-back lounge chairs from Roda, creamy Tuuci umbrellas fit for Miami Beach, sculptural Extremis picnic tables, and a new collaboration with audio innovators Bang & Olufsen that ensures your patio parties will sound as good as they look. 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, casadesigngroup.com.
Nomans
With live music, fire pits, and lawn games like Jenga and cornhole, the restaurant formerly known as Lola’s is the perfect place to whittle away an island Sunday Funday. Oh, and there are plenty of eye-opening eats, too, from light and fresh poke and a&_ccedil;a&_iacute; bowls to burgers and dogs cooked just the way we like ’em. The in-house rums, meanwhile, will have you saying, “Yo-ho-ho” as you swashbuckle out the door. 15 Island Inn Rd., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, nomansmv.com.
Nouveau Fashion Gallery
Wallflowers need not apply: Made from materials such as Lucite and even recycled paper, the bold, chunky necklaces at this Copley Place boutique owned by the ultra-stylish Ophelia Bakon and her sisters are conversation pieces that can turn even the simplest outfit into a showstopper. Throw one on with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt or your favorite LBD, and you’ll be hearing “Where did you get that?” all day long. Copley Place, Boston, MA 02116, stylenu.com.
Schumacher
With past clients including Edith Wharton and collaborators ranging from Saul Steinberg to Frank Lloyd Wright, Schumacher’s reach travels far beyond simple home design. Whether you’re searching for a sleek geometric pattern or classic herringbone to cover your walls, you can shop easy knowing you’re alongside the arbiters of taste. Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 529, Boston, MA 02210, fschumacher.com.
Neena’s Lighting
The illuminated storefront at Neena’s flagship store on Boylston Street beckons patrons with a covetable selection of Tech Lighting chandeliers, Louis Poulsen pendants, and Artemide lamps. The highly trained staff not only will help you choose among contemporary, transitional, and classic styles, they’ll also advise on which fixtures will look the best in your home. 380 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, neenaslighting.com.
Puppet Showplace Theater
This Brookline institution is known for its top-notch puppetry shows in all different traditions, served up with sightlines designed for the little ones. But did you know you can also have the puppets take the stage just for your munchkins? Schedule a private performance or a workshop to give the kiddos an inside look at what happens behind the backdrop, or simply block seats at a regular showing. Then take over the lobby to blow out the candles on the most memorable of celebrations. 32 Station St., Brookline, MA 02445, puppetshowplace.org.