Arthur & Pat's
We swore that this year would be different. Surely there was some out-of-the-way truck stop or quirky-crunchy café tucked away in a random cow town that had slipped beneath our radar. After downing piles of leaden pancakes and a coop's worth of ho-hum omelets, though, we're sticking with the still-matchless Arthur & Pat's. This Marshfield phenomenon has the cheese-slathered home fries, sugary slabs of banana bread, and crusty Aerosmith sightings we crave on a weekend morning. 239 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA 2050, .
Catch
There's not a whole lot to Catch, a handful of tables in an unremarkable corner of Winchester. Not that we care: Chef Chris Parsons's palpable passion for seafood makes ambiance entirely irrelevant here. We could have been sitting in a dumpster and still had a dinner for the books, from feather-light potato gnocchi with Maine shrimp to crispy black bass with beet purée. We'd eat this meal 10 times over—if the menu didn't change daily. 34 Church St., Winchester, MA 1890, catchrestaurant.com.
Central Kitchen
It's nice to know that even as so many things in Central Square are changing, Central Kitchen stays the same. The casually hip bistro is still as charming and inviting as ever, with affordably priced bistro fare and an enticing wine list loaded with bargains. It's the perfect place to scarf down some steamed mussels and enjoy the simple pleasures of steak frites perfectly prepared. With an interesting crowd hanging out at the bar most nights, lively conversation is a sure bet—and so is a meal at Central Kitchen. 567 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA enormous.tv/central/index1.html.
L'Espalier
It no longer serves the classic French haute cuisine it once did, but L'Espalier still maintains the highest standards with imaginative new American cuisine. Chef Frank McClelland turns out some of the cleverest, most sophisticated food around: rabbit "streudel" delicately wrapped in phyllo pastry; whipped potatoes scented with truffle oil; "kir royale" sorbet (balls of cassis ice drenched tableside in champagne); and a cheese platter to die for. The Back Bay townhouse setting is the height of luxury and the service is exquisite. 30 Gloucester St., Boston, MA .
Sadie Higgins, Sarra
There are plenty of beauty rituals that can survive a rushed appointment. Eyebrow shaping is not one of them. Sadie Higgins spends a full 45 minutes studying the shape of your face while tweezing (no wax) a natural arch precisely where it was meant to be—even if nature had other ideas. She also dispenses at-home maintenance tips, all in a gorgeous loft space. 840 Summer St., Boston, MA sarrastudios.com.
Zaftigs Delicatessen
We'll let you in on a little secret: The very same corned-beef hash and eggs, banana-stuffed French toast, and thick potato pancakes that breakfast lovers line the sidewalk for on weekend mornings can actually be had all day, every day at this Brookline institution. So go ahead, treat yourself to a homemade knish or an order of cheese blintzes any time of the week. You're worth it. 335 Harvard St., Brookline, MA zaftigs.com.
Foundry on Elm
Davis gained two terrific new spots in 2010: the pizza-and-pasta-focused Posto, and the brasserie-inspired Foundry. Both roll out top-notch food and drink in a chilled-out atmosphere, and bolster the area's buzz by being packed most nights of the week. But Foundry's extensive bar and wide-ranging menu (everything from burgers and croque-monsieurs to a seafood tagine and Vietnamese-style ribs, served with a locavore spin) give it the edge. 255 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, foundryonelm.Com.
Eco Centrix
Two floors of hair stylists, with better music and architecture than many Boston dance clubs. Ask for Mark or Steve, South Boston tough guys who'll talk to you about basketball, hockey, and baldness. Eco Centrix provides all the usual coffee, tea, and funny robes to change into, as well as some interesting people-watching: startling tattooed women with little round glasses alongside guys from Southie talking about the playoffs. 30 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
The Dan'l Webster Inn
Four-poster beds. High-speed Internet. Full-service spa. This Sandwich inn, a blend of old-fashioned atmosphere and modern creature comforts, has 'em all. If you can pry yourself from your room's private whirlpool and heated bathroom tiles, indulge in cranberry wraps, marine eyelifts, and PermaSound facials at the on-site spa. Feeling hungry? Stop in the fine-dining Conservatory for a meal of fresh seafood paired with award-winning wine. 149 Main St., Sandwich, MA danlwebsterinn.com.
Andrew Zona Studio
It's not just that stylists here can take your hair from bed head to pin-straight in a friendly flash—though that would certainly be enough. Nor is it only that you'll find an international dream team of products, from Kérastase to Bumble and Bumble to Kiehl's. It isn't even that the helpful, affable counter staff goes out of its way to avoid the fabled Hingham hauteur. It's the intersection of all of the above—which is precisely where you'll find Andrew Zona Studio. 65 South St., Hingham, MA .
Anna Cherkasska, Salon Capri
Anna Cherkasska takes her work seriously, which means clients take her work vigorously. Expect lots of effective pressure that goes deep tissue, gets right to the middle of the muscle, and leaves you ache-free and loose as a rubber band. Cherkasska is charming, diligent, and not at all shy; don't be surprised if she jumps on your back to face down a knot. The salon itself provides a slew of other top-notch services and a serene but sophisticated setting. 31 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA saloncapri.com.
Phoenix Landing
You're only as old as you feel, so throw on some track pants and a baby-tee and join the high-energy kids at this "alternative Irish bar." After midnight, the Phoenix transforms itself into the hottest dance club on the left bank of the Chuck—with zero attitude and some of the best trance and drum 'n' bass nights in the city. Owners Kevin Treanor and Joey McCabe have as much fun as they provide, hosting creative events like an independent film night, a rooftop rave, and an annual harbor cruise. 512 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA phoenixlandingbar.com.
Lanes & Games
People outside of New England might not agree, but to be taken seriously around here, alleys have to offer both 10-pin bowling (big ball, finger holes) and candlepin bowling (small ball, no holes). Lanes & Games gets it right by providing a full floor of each, along with a bar that serves cheap eats and beer. No one will blame you for quoting The Big Lebowski at length. 195 Concord Tpke., Cambridge, MA lanesgames.com.
Paradise Rock Club
Rare is the venue that manages to comfortably fit a mass of fans while also allowing them to make come-hither eyes at the talent. The 'Dise does just that. With an ample balcony and a stage set in the foreground, it lets listeners witness every guitar strum or record scratch. And multiple bars mean getting a drink isn't mission impossible. 969 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Mottley's Comedy Club
Performing a set at a sweaty, cramped, underground club like Mottley's is the embodiment of what comics call paying your dues. Owned, operated, and booked by two funnymen (and their business partner), Mottley's is a proving ground for some of Boston's most promising comedy talent. The stage show is the main attraction, but if you hang back by the bar, you'll get a second serving of entertainment—eavesdropping on the performers' post-set repartee—for the same reasonable admission price ($8 to $20, depending on the show). Trinity Bar, 61 Chatham St., Boston, MA 2109, mottleyscomedy.com.