Central Bottle and Provisions
We've had it with snotty wine sellers. You know what? Sometimes all we want is an oaky California chardonnay. Instead of judging our palates or wallets, the folks at Central Bottle approach our preferences and budget like a fun riddle. That the in-store tastings are built around themes like "Bad-Ass Winemakers" only confirms this shop's populist approach. 196 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, centralbottle.com.
Barneys New York
Some men like to shop. Then there are the rest of them. At Barneys New York, the breadth of merchandise—a bounty of socks, cuff links, wallets, watches, duffels, and other assorted man-bags—offers something for both kinds of fellows. Dandies can spend hours deliberating over the perfect pocket square, while the guy who just needs a tie can get in and out before the sweat starts to bead. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
T.W. Food
While some restaurants offer $90-plus takes on set menus, the prix-fixe concept actually originated as a deal. At Cambridge bistro T. W. Food, tradition prevails: Sunday through Thursday, $49 gets you your pick of the menu's starters (we love the silky scrambled farm egg), entrées (like the superb house-made pastas), and dessert (the sorbets are breathtaking)—leaving enough in your wallet for a bottle of good wine. 377 Walden St., Cambridge, MA 2138, twfoodrestaurant.com.
Orta
We love Orta for the same reason we love classic red-sauce Italian food: It's bold, unpretentious, and easy on the wallet. That's not to say chef Jimmy Burke's fare isn't inspired. The menu is anchored by standbys like veal Parm and hand-rolled meatballs, but it's also loaded with elegant surprises—think sage-spiked artichoke ravioli and an arugula salad with mushroom "carpaccio." 75 Washington Street, Pembroke, MA 2359, .
Saltie Girl
In the big-screen dramatization of the Back Bay’s pandemic response, Saltie boss Kathy Sidell (Diane Keaton), megaphone in hand, directs an army of staffers to close next-door Met Club, give her popular oysteria the run of the larger space, and turn the original pint-size digs into a baller curbside seafood-pizza joint, as a triumphal French horn erupts in the background. Which is...pretty close to reality 281 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Ball and Buck
With deer heads mounted on the wall and a stack of vintage Playboys for sale, Ball and Buck is a refuge for every red-meat-eating, style-conscious male tired of the same soulless shops along Newbury. Yes, you'll find wallets and belts, all made in the U.S. and geared toward a rugged gent with a sense of refinement, but it's the vintage watches, oyster knives, and Ball and Buck special-edition 12-gauge shotguns that set this store apart. If only it had a bar. 144B Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, ballandbuck.com.
Governor William Floyd (as in Pink) Weld
If it were up to the city's 15- and 16-year-olds, Bill Weld would be a shoo-in for senator based on his move to restore Esplanade concerts by bands like Green Day, They Might be Giants, and Letters to Cleo. Who cares about welfare and taxes? When it comes time to cast a ballot, remember who took a bold stand on the most important of campaign issues—the freedom to rock.
Barneys New York
Just as toppings make the sundae, accessories make the outfit. Barneys boasts a broader inventory than most, with two floors of jewelry, scarves, gloves, glasses, and other add-ons from 200-plus brands. Upstairs, Barneys Co-Op has charms by Bing Bang and funky shades by Dita; downstairs, you'll find haute Goyard totes and Balenciaga wallets. All in all, it makes for a feast for the style-famished. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Barneys New York
Your credit card may get a workout here, but think of the time you'll save: an entire wardrobe in one fell swipe. Workdays are covered with Surface to Air button-downs and Alexander McQueen ties; for weekend wear, scoop up hoodies and tees from T by Alexander Wang. And if your pockets start to feel empty, there's always the selection of wallets and handkerchiefs to fill 'em back up. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Barneys New York
Take it off, you say? We say piling it on can be much sexier. In addition to its sweat-inducing shoe and handbag departments, the bilevel Copley Place location packs in a blindingly comprehensive range of shades by Lanvin and Oliver Peoples, wallets by Goyard, and headbands and hats by Jennifer Ouellette, Eugenia Kim, and Zimmerman. In cooler months, you'll find a mélange of cozy-chic scarves, gloves, and socks. Bring it on! 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Samsonite Black Label
Whether it's being plundered by humorless airport security or punted down the escalator in frustration by its God-awfully delayed owner, today's luggage had better be tough. Samsonite's Copley boutique has manifold takes on the luggage maker's famed durability: hard- and soft-shelled suitcases, totes, weekenders, handbags, and wallets (many done in collaboration with couturiers like Alexander McQueen). Don't miss the chance to tap the staff's encyclopedic knowledge of airport regs and size restrictions while you're at it. Copley Place, Boston, MA 2116, .
Antiquers Three
This Brookline storefront is ground zero for 20th-century American and European decorative arts. Art Deco and Art Nouveau are heavily represented, particularly French art glass and lighting, in items ranging from museum-quality chandeliers to ceramic dishes. Be prepared to open your wallet, but if you buy something here, chances are you'll keep it forever. 171A Harvard Street, Boston, MA .
Al Jaffe's Pick-A-Chick
We deferred to our readers here. "Softer than Eagerman's," one wrote on her ballot. "So fresh out of the oven they'll burn your hands," said another. "I'd kill for an Al Jaffe's onion bagel," vowed still another. When we checked it out for ourselves, we found our voters' taste unimpeachable. 285 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
Bobby from Boston
Anatomy of a Winner: Imagine raiding the closet of a well-dressed uncle, whose discarded college wardrobe has only grown more stylish with age. That, in essence, is what it's like to shop at Bobby from Boston, where owner Bobby Garnett offers an endless collection of smart articles. 1. Garnett bought several of these circa-late-'70s-to-early-'80s bow ties new from a factory. 2. Old briefcases and luggage are sourced from flea markets and antiques shows near and far. Some are for sale, while others are repurposed as display cases. 3. When Garnett moved into his South End space, the floors were painted blue. Sanding and cleaning revealed the beautiful hardwood beneath. 4. Like most of his merchandise, Garnett's shirt selection is a mix of used, vintage acquisitions and "dead stock"—pieces he bought from other stores or factories when they didn't sell. He'll even get the occasional Christmas present, left sitting in its box for years. 5. Display cases around the store house smaller items, like wallets, cigar boxes, handkerchiefs, and tie pins. This case dates to the 1920s. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA .
Poor Little Rich Girl
The lure of this Davis Square boutique begins even before you cross the threshold, with hypercolorful window displays full of irresistible outfits. No bait and switch here, as you'll discover even more choice threads inside. Seasonally appropriate selections, a wide range of styles, and bargain prices are sure to keep your shopping spirits light and your wallet heavy. (By the way, Poor Little Rich Girl isn't so little anymore: Last year it expanded to brighter and far less squished—but equally convenient—digs.) 255 Elm St., Somerville, MA shoppoorlittlerichgirl.com.