Jeffrey Lyle, Emerge
A savior for those dying to have born-with-it blond locks, Lyle mixes up a shade so natural and places it so artfully that your roots will be ashamed to show themselves. 275 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, emergespasalon.com.
20byNine
This little bar just off the main drag in Oak Bluffs has upped the cocktail game for the whole island with its expertly executed house-made syrups, infusions, and discerningly cultivated selection of boozes—including an imposing whiskey list. With classic Old Fashioneds and Sazeracs that meet or beat just about anything you can find in the city, the only clue that you’re on the Vineyard will be the sand in your hair. 16 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, 20bynine.com.
Millie's
With strong drinks, panoramic ocean views, and a shoes-optional vibe, Millie's has all the makings of the perfect island beach bar. Here longtime locals happily commingle with the weekenders, thanks to plenty of barstools and an excellent rum-based house drink, the Madaket Mystery. Top-notch nibbles such as local fish tacos and fried clam po' boys encourage the revelry to continue long after that pretty sunset fades into memory. 326 Madaket Rd., Nantucket, MA 02382, milliesnantucket.com.
Quahog Republic
You will not leave this boisterous hangout sober. It pours some of the cheapest, strongest cocktails we've ever sipped. (At least they're made with fresh-squeezed juices, so we can feel somewhat virtuous.) At $9, a 16-ounce mai tai slurped through a straw is potent and refreshing; after an $8 Quahog Sunset with Smirnoff orange vodka, Triple Sec, and 7-Up, it's lights out. The servers have seen it all before, and they'll treat you like a local from your first tipple. 97 Spring Bars Rd., Falmouth, MA 02540, quahogrepublic.com.
Palehound
Ellen Kempner’s vocal melodies have a tendency to shoot up high without warning, just like her hands on the fretboard of her guitar during bouts of frenzied rocking. It’s this unpredictability that brings excitement to Dry Food, the debut album from her band, Palehound. The trio recently made an appearance at Boston Calling, where after their last song, Kempner said, appropriately enough, “We’re Palehound, from right here!” The band plans to record their follow-up in the fall. Here’s hoping they go far, but always remain nearby. palehound.bandcamp.com.
Grettaluxe
Chloe! Jimmy! Marc! The gang's all here. When choosing the clutches and everyday bags that fill her two shops, Gretchen Monahan shows a killer instinct for homing in on fashion's coolest kids. Westin Copley Place, Boston, MA grettaluxe.com.
Drink
From behind a bar devoid of the usual parade of bottles, some of the city's most acclaimed barkeeps mix and measure with scientific precision, pulling esoteric liquors, cocktail-specific utensils, tiny eyedroppers full of mystical infusions, and fresh herbs and juices out of thin air and combining them into bespoke beverages. And service is incomparable—right down to the cell-phone chargers available at the hostess stand. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 2210, drinkfortpoint.com.
B-Side Lounge
Maybe it's the bull-shooting bartenders who are as comfortable serving strong martinis as they are Schlitz. Or maybe it's the mellow, tattooed clientele that stroll in from Cambridge's Area 3. Then again, it could be the soul-warming snacks such as P.E.I. mussels and fried goat cheese cake that make the place what it is. But we're pretty sure it's the free hard-boiled eggs—the savior of many a hungry nightcapper. 92 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA .
Nor' East Beer Garden
The Cape has its share of pubs ready to get you good and sloshed, but if you'd rather savor a drink than slam it back, the Nor' East Beer Garden, in Provincetown, is an excellent choice. The tiny, shirelike oasis has an extensive list of craft beers, and its selection of inventive, garden-infused cocktails (consider an arugula mojito or a "rhubarbarita") offer some peaceful refreshment amid the antics of Commercial Street. 206 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA noreastbeergarden.com.
Amrheins Restaurant
Where the Dappers, the Dittos, and the Knockos convene to commiserate about the neighborhood's declining political clout. Up the street at The Cornerstone Restaurant, however, is where they plot, scheme, and dream about recovering it. 80 West Broadway, Boston, MA .
The Delux Cafe and Lounge
With Didi (formerly of the Blue Room) in the kitchen and cheap drinks at the bar, this lounge has become the South End's favorite place to hang if you're young, hip, and hungry. 100 Chandler St., Boston, MA .
Senate President William Bulger's Irish Orchestra
Senate president William Bulger's Irish orchestra, the best that state money can buy: Fiddler Seamus Connolly, on the Senate payroll for $753.46 a week; accordionist Jimmy Concannon, on the Suffolk County Court payroll for $778.88 a week; guitarist Eamon Connolly, on the Transportation Department payroll for $844.56 a week.
Lavender Home & Table
We're pretty sure there's not an insomniac Lavender Home couldn't cure. At the Newbury store, the treatments for sleeplessness take the form of genuine linen by Libeco, organic cotton from SDH's Purists line, and bold modern designs by Matteo and Due by Matteo, embellished with duvet covers, shams, antique linen pillows, baby-soft throws, and other finishing touches. You also can custom-order colors and fabrics, or avail yourself of the shop's own rich inventory. 173 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Miracle of Science
Now, if only they could clone themselves all around Boston—that would be a real miracle of science. 321 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA .
Jason's
It used to be the big hangout for the local ad community. But then Joe's American Bar & Grill opened and the whole crowd moved there. Like a big vacuum cleaner. 131 Clarendon St., Boston, MA .