Bay Tower Room
A perennial, with the best dining-room view in town. Try to pick a clear night, however, because the food is inconsistent. 60 State St., Boston, MA .
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
Purgatory Chasm
A half-mile long and sixty feet deep, with caves for spelunking and clear spring water to drink. Sutton, MA
Eu2be
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — which means if you’re going to slather something all over it, it better be the good stuff. That’s where local entrepreneur Charla Jones’s newly relaunched line of body creams, oils, and balms comes in. Formulated with nourishing carrier oils (derived from the likes of sunflower, avocado, and sweet almond) that promise to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, the products are also sustainably sourced and packaged, so you never have to wonder if what you’re putting on your body is healthy for you, or the environment. eu2be.com.
Tropical Foods
The place to go for any Hispanic products, from the Caribbean to South America, Central America, and Spain. Baked goods, legumes, exotic meats, spices, and clearly labeled fresh produce can be found here. 2101 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA .
Matz & Pribell
An eclectic collection of sixteenth- to nineteenth-century European, American, and Asian antiques, including Chinese export porcelain, all clearly labeled. Don't miss the silk-and-velvet pillows—they're new and expensive but beautiful. 70 Charles Street, Boston, MA .
Whole Heart Provisions
Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
Legal Sea Foods
Not one but two versions! There is the sinful creamy chowder most of you already know and love, and a low-fat version, a secret treasure that's not even on the menu. The latter has a clear broth base instead of cream, and is every bit as tasty and filling. Both are loaded with fresh shucked clams, potatoes, and flavor. All locations, .
Publico
It’s clear this Southie newcomer lives up to its name ("for the public good" in Latin): On any given evening, you’ll find a motley crew of neighborhood folks enjoying globetrotting bites (see: the leche de tigre–drizzled ceviche), crowd-pleasing flatbreads, and playful cocktails. 11 Dorchester St., Boston, MA 02127, publicoboston.com.
Dorfman Jewelers
Dorfman has occupied the highest-of-high-end niches for more than two generations, and under the leadership of executive director Gérard Riveron, it remains unrivaled in its collection of showstopping sparklers (think: flawless clear and colored diamonds, rare golden pearls) that keep rock hounds howling for joy. 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Ardan MedSpa + Salon
Bustling Ardan may not scream "relaxation." But downstairs, as you lie on a heated massage table in a candlelit room, the commotion melts away. Massage therapist/medical aesthetician Sarah Rattet incorporates aromatherapy into even a basic massage, leaving your head clear and your muscles tingling. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2481, ardanspa.com.
Continental Café
Garlic soup at the Continental Café (the Portuguese half), 445 Somerville St., Somerville. This pungent broth, supporting croutons and a perfectly poached egg, is strong enough to clear your sinuses but subtle enough so that it won't leave your close friends gasping. 445 Sommerville Ave., Somerville, MA .
Ecoluxe
With reports out almost daily about the dangers of chemical cleaning solvents (perchloroethylene, for example, has been linked to liver damage and cancer), the organic and biodegradable cleaning methods at owner Shelly Mars's Ecoluxe are literally a breath of fresh air. Crunchy ethos notwithstanding, this small Boston chain is also a modern and decidedly bourgeois establishment. The clean, streamlined storefronts are so pretty they could be mistaken for boutiques, the polite and efficient service (from cleaning to pressing) never wavers, and home delivery is available. 1018 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Lower Mills Tavern
This cozy joint checks all the right boxes—the cocktails are potent, the beer list long, the vibe distinctly homey. And the team seems genuinely happy to host you: With friendly servers and bartenders quick to dole out thoughtful recommendations, it’s clear that all are welcome here. 2269 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester , MA 02124, lowermillstavern.com.
Twelve Chairs
Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese founded their home design store with a clear objective: Whenever possible, collect items that are made locally and sustainably. In their lofty space, the duo has created an urban dreamland that's equal parts industrial, romantic, and ethical. 319 A St., Boston, MA 2210, twelvechairsboston.com.