Tatsukichi Boston
The branch in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo is famous for its fried foods, but the Boston outpost doesn't slack in that department, either, offering lightly breaded fried treats, as well as a vast array of sushi. For a real taste of japan, however, try the egg custard soup, called Chawan-Mushi, which takes a while to make but is certainly worth the wait. The tatami benches are a homey touch, but don't expect an intimate dinner since the space is slightly cramped. For rowdy partiers, there's karaoke upstairs in the evenings. 189 State St., Boston, MA .
Freedberg of Boston
Famous-maker suits straight from the manufacturer. More's the pity that it's open only on Saturday mornings. 112 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA .
Boston Cooks
There are more than 1,000 titles in this small, packed store, and what you don't see they can always get. The emphasis is on New England books and authors. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA .
boston.com
Sure, the pages can be a bit cramped (and slow to load), but there's no better online source for data that matters to Bostonians. The Boston Globe is the centerpiece, but Boston.com also features stories from Mass High Tech, banker & Tradesman, and the Associated Press, plus financial data form Nordby International, cheap airfares from Travelocity, and forecasts from Weather Services Corporation. What you can't find on Boston.com you can get from links to Boston.com partners like WBUR, WBZ, Yankee magazine, and (full disclosure) Boston Magazine.
Boston Bowl
Fifty glistening lanes which resound with pin thunder twenty-four hours a day. Donny Graham, the sports editor of the Washington Post has been known to make mid-night excursions to this candlepin paradise. 820 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester, MA .
The Boston Menckenii
The Boston Menckenii, a quintet of H. L. Mencken devotees who meet once a year on the Baltimore iconoclast's birthday. Boston, MA
Tatsukichi-Boston
One of the best arguments for waterfront gentrification we've come across. 189 State St., Boston, MA .
Sterlingwear of Boston
Known for its military-grade pea coats (with fashionable accents like paisley lining and leather trim), Sterlingwear also proffers breezy clothing and accessories out of its East Boston shop—all American-made, of course. 175 William F. McClellan Hwy., Boston, MA 02128, sterlingwear.com.
Ecco Boston
The lengthy list of craft beers is appreciated, but it's the potent cocktails, featuring house-made bitters and infused spirits, that stand out here. With a late-night menu including double-fried chicken fingers and pulled short-rib arepitas, Ecco takes bar fare to the next level. 107 Porter St., Boston, MA 02128, eccoboston.com.
Spin Boston
Tired of looking at your coworkers’ mugs on Zoom? Maybe some friendly competition — and a cocktail or two — is in order. At Spin, Fort Point’s hip new Ping-Pong nightclub (er, venue), staffers deal with the unhappy task of hunting down stray balls, so you can focus on showing your boss who’s boss — when it comes to spin serves, that is. 30 Melcher St., Boston, MA 02210, wearespin.com.
Newbury Boston
Looking for picturesque views to go with your room-service breakfast and Frette robe? Touch down at the Newbury Boston, where the sparkling-new rooms overlook the Public Garden and the Common. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
Flair Boston
This celebrated boutique wants bridesmaids not only to love their dresses, but to be able to wear them again (and again). And its covetable stock of sophisticated designs from favorites such as Theia and Jenny Yoo ensures you’ll be able to check both boxes: Brides can rest easy knowing their ’maids will be able to rock the shop’s drop-shouldered and open-backed numbers at any event—be it the wedding ceremony, a dinner date, or a charity gala. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, flairbridesmaid.com.
Flair Boston
You found it. The dress. Now it’s your bridesmaids’ turn. Choose a frock they’ll want to wear again (really) at Flair, where owner Stacey Kraft helps bridal parties sift through rack upon colorful rack of shifts, one-shoulders, and A-lines from top designers such as Jenny Yoo, Anna Elyse, and the Dessy Group. Beloved by wedding pros, the airy studio offers top-notch service and refreshingly honest advice. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.com.
Boston Philharmonic
Classical music can be inaccessible to the casual listener, maybe even intimidating. To remedy this, Boston Philharmonic conductor Benjamin Zander delivers illuminating pre-concert lectures, helping the audience better understand each performance. No snobbery or attitude; he just wants everyone to enjoy the show. bostonphil.org.