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.
Shag
After a quick tête-à-tête, Brianna Coons shaped our unruly hair into something slick, taking into account our capacity for at-home styling (none). The best part? The chop grew out so evenly, it still looked fresh months later. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 2127, shagboston.com.
Charlestown Preservation Society
First-time visitors to Charlestown are invariably struck by the neighborhood's beauty and charm, a consequence in no small part of the efforts of the town's 29-year-old preservation society. This group, which works to preserve the town's landmarks and grade the neighborhood, supports its efforts with a delightful annual house tour—in the evening by candlelight, and during the day by trolley. P.O. Box 201, Charlestown, MA .
Crane Beach
Four miles of white sand, more than 200 species of birds, and awesome striper fishing in the flats. And, if you have a boat, you can get to the backside, an unpopulated part of the beach that stretches on so far, you'll feel like you're at the edge of the earth. Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA .
Hingham Jewelers
After armed robbers fled with most of their inventory in 2010, owners David and Stacey Page considered shuttering their jewelry shop. Lucky for the South Shore, the couple decided to remain open, and they continue to showcase traditional offerings (Rolex watches, pearls) as well as funkier, chunkier options (colorful, celeb-approved baubles from Anzie). 35 Whiting St., Hingham, MA 2043, hinghamjewelers.com.
Mike's Pastry
Boston cream pies are all about ratios: cake to chocolate, chocolate to cream, cream to cake. At Mike's Pastry in the North End, somebody did their algebra homework. More like a cake than a pie, Mike's rendition brings together equal parts satiny custard, rich chocolate frosting, and airy sponge cake. 300 Hanover St., Boston, MA .
Bentonwood Bakery/Cafe
This classic not-really-a-pie has three parts: cake, custard, and chocolate frosting. Bentonwood's version is unconventional—individual, cupcake-size BCPs, a circle of cake topped with a creamy custard, all hidden underneath a bittersweet-chocolate glaze, but terrific. 47 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA .
Eastern Standard
A 46-foot-long marble bar gives manager Jackson Cannon room to move as he stirs up snow cone daiquiris, tart Whiskey Smashes, and mojito-esque Old Cubans. The jazz-meets-Brit-pop beats entertain a mix of twentysomethings and power brokers—most of whom Cannon knows by name. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Orinoco
At this brightly decorated eatery, the pernil arepas ooze mojo-marinated pork and Guayanés cheese, and the tequeños melt at first bite. And unlike its sister locations, this Orinoco also offers a full bar—order a tart caipirinha and raise a toast to Venezuelan cuisine done right. 22 Harvard St., Brookline Village , MA 02445, orinocokitchen.com.
Park Corner Bistro
With unfussy décor and a menu to match, Park Corner and its reasonably priced small plates are a welcome outlier in Oak Bluffs. Pair the Brie-and-apple tart or pan-seared tuna salad with a selection from the outstanding drink list, and relish the deliciously relaxed mood. 20 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, .
Julie Michaud, Michaud Cosmedix
Makeup artist Julie Michaud's devotees swear she can do more wonders for the face than all the Botox injections in the world. Her emphasis: clean, graceful lines and a sense of subtle shape and natural coloring that can transform even the least defined brows into aesthetic arcs of perfection. 297 Newbury St., Suite 21, Boston, MA .
John Gertsen, No. 9 Park
Charm and meticulousness have earned this mixologist more than his fair share of props. But that's no reason to deny him this year's Best of Boston nod, especially as we anticipate his residence (and ours) at Drink, part of Barbara Lynch's coming gastronomic juggernaut in Fort Point Channel. 9 Park St., Boston, MA 2108, .
F. Diehl and Son
All the missing parts for your crumbling Victorian—unique moldings, and unusual size clapboards, plus a helpful staff to walk you through the choices. Diehl's also has everything you'd expect from a full-service lumberyard, from pressure-treated decking to two-by-fours and plywood. 180 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA .
Baraka Café
Few liquids can quench a thirst like lemonade. But making it—balancing the tart and puckering lemon juice with enough sugar, but not too much—is a tricky business. Baraka Café pulls it off, adding fragrant rose petals and crushed fresh mint leaves to create a perfect accompaniment to its assertively spiced North African menu. 80 1/2 Pearl St., Cambridge, MA barakacafe.com.
Tie: Bim Skala Bim and The Allstonians
Two acts ostensibly playing the same style, but each with a unique sound. The former's catchier doubletimes tunes rocket you from your seat; the latters more sluggish, sparse style digs a deep groove. Plus, you have to love the 'Stonians endearing tribal loyalty: "Living in Allston is the final word!"