The Someday Cafe
Coffee drinks don't come more sublime than the Four-Binger latte at this Pacific Northwest hangout. Baristas layer four ultra-smooth espresso shots and silky steamed milk in a tall glass; no sugar needed. Close your eyes and dream of Seattle. 51 Davis Square, Somerville, MA .
Ginza, Brookline location
When you're craving sushi but can't bear waiting in line for hours for a table while being barked at by harried hostesses (an all-too-common occurrence at other sushi restaurants around town), head to the Brookline outpost of Ginza. To be sure, Ginza still does an exemplary job of serving delicious sushi at its original Chinatown location, but the Brookline spot also offers a small, pleasant dining room staffed by the friendliest, most accommodating crew of any sushi joint around. Not only will they take your name with a smile; they'll also offer you a seat at the bar, where you can sip sake or ice-cold draft Asahi while you wait for a table or takeout. The sushi here is made from fish so fresh it practically melts in your mouth, perfectly cut into bite-sized pieces (or tightly rolled into maki) that don't preclude conversation, another pleasant surprise in a time when the supersize epidemic has infected even the humble California roll. 1002 Beacon St., Brookline, MA ginzajapanese.com.
Jackie Liakopoulos, Beaucage
Spirals, waves, and kinks beware: There’s no curl too unruly for Jackie Liakopoulos to tame. As a certified DevaCurl stylist and educator with a headful of ringlets herself, Liakopoulos is extensively trained in assessing what wavy locks need (moisture! shape! definition!) and dry-cutting hair to flowy precision. After a few hours in her chair, our curls came out looking exactly how they should: subtly highlighted, perfectly shaped, and fully goddess-like. 71 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, beaucage.com.
The Green Room
Tucked away on a quiet Beacon Hill side street, the Green Room is the perfect spot for anyone yearning for a sharp cut, but desperate to avoid the Newbury Street traffic. With just a single chair, Jessica Dill offers her undivided attention to one client at a time in a cozy studio that feels more like a private retreat. Discretion, personalization, and customer service are paid more than mere lip service, as she offers off-hour appointments and complimentary neck trims to ensure we’re always looking our best. 49 River St., Boston, MA 2114, greenroomboston.com.
Ardan Medspa + Salon
Restful ambiance and flattering lighting aren't enough to put a day spa out in front of the competition anymore, though Ardan has both. What counts is the results, and here that means a beauty boost that's built to last. Our manicure kept a high salon sheen for two solid weeks; a rubdown from the massage therapist left us blissed out for hours. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2481, ardanspa.com.
Ideal Manhattan, Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar
Like an antique wing chair done up in a sharp new print, Citizen's spin on the Manhattan hews to tradition while freshening things up. The cocktail starts with the classic recipe (Maker's Mark, sweet vermouth, Angostura), then amps it up with a touch of the unconventional (St. Germain, grapefruit bitters). The final effect? True to the original cocktail's spirit, but tastier. 1310 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, .
A Pet's Peeve (formerly For Your Paws Only)
This grooming service is no-nonsense and no-frills, but we like it that way. And so do our dogs, who don't balk at returning when we pull into the parking lot. The cheap $7 nail-clipping service can't be beat. 310 Lincoln St. (Route 3A), Hingham, MA .
Redbones
Trust us: Don't take your Redbones carryout on the T. At best, your bag of slow-smoked, spice-rubbed, damn-tasty barbecue will have fellow passengers growling like wild beasts; at worst, you've got a mob scene on your hands. Better to get delivery, or just pull up a seat at this noisy, vibrant wannabe roadhouse and dig right into the succulent meats (standouts: pulled pork, all four styles of ribs) and can-I-get-a-witness versions of corn pudding, potato salad, and other southern trimmings. 55 Chester St., Somerville, MA 2144, redbones.com.
LuxeBeautique
Paying someone just to hand you towels (Mariah) or perfume your path with gardenia (J.Lo) is a bit whoa!crazy. Still, Hollywood divas, with their creamy complexion and velvety skin, are testament to the very real benefits of an aesthetics entourage. Rent your own at Luxe-Beautique: Intimate at a mere 1,000 square feet, it's packed with both swag-bag exclusives (Becca and Jelly Pong Pong makeup, Malie Kauai skin care) and expertise in using them. Can't choose among facials, massages, body bronzing, and makeup? Accede to your inner A-lister and go for all four, in—what else?—the signature Red Carpet Treatment. 222 Humphrey St., Swampscott, MA 1907, .
Dyke Night, Midway Café
Not that there's much competition in these parts, but Thursday night at the Midway Café is the place to see and be seen in the lesbian community. With a cowgirl aesthetic and more dykes than Holland in the rainy season, the scene is something like a tea dance after a couple of tequila shooters. Expect to see your ex-girlfriend, her new girlfriend, and your new girlfriend's ex—who once dated your recently out former roommate. After slugging down a few Red Stripes and grooving to the house, funk, and chick pop, you'll feel like you're all a part of the same mixed-up family. 3496 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA midwaycafe.com.
Tulle Bridal
After IRL shopping ground to a screeching halt last year, Tulle owner Heidi Janson quickly switched gears, introducing an outdoor browsing option so brides could still enjoy the tactile experience of trying on gowns. It may be safe to shop inside again, but Janson’s customers loved the en plein air experience so much that she decided to keep it for the near future. Still prefer to sip and peruse with a roof over your head? Book the store’s VIP experience, and you and your besties will have the studio all to yourselves to ogle frocks by Lee-Ann Belter, Yumi Katsura, Simone Carvalli, and more. 342 N. Main St., Andover, MA 01810, tullebridals.com.
Barefoot Books
Is Junior grappling with the moral implications of a carnivorous diet? Take him to Porter Square to read Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon. Barefoot Books' sunny little children's nook, stocked by its own locally based international publishing company of the same name, also boasts plenty of other creative, beautifully illustrated multicultural, and often idiosyncratic, choices. One book of the month was written by a professional faerie, and the world religions section boasts a book about the Hindu goddess Divaali. (There are also plenty of creative but basically apolitical fairy tales and stories about animals.) Community is as important as storytelling here: There are regular story hours—some bilingual—author events, and an adult evening series on topics such as "Creating a Place for Your Child to Grow and Thrive." 1771 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Marisa Marino, Stilisti
Call her the Cesar Millan of hair: With her big round brush and expertly wielded blow dryer, Stilisti owner Marisa Marino has no equal in commanding our unruly manes to sit, stay, or roll. The tresses listen respectfully, then fall just where she wants them—and remain looking salon-fabulous for a good 48 hours. 138 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, stilistiboston.com.
Tim's Bar & Grill
No two ways about it: Tim's is a dive. Not a dressed-down yuppie hot spot marketing itself as "casual" and "unpretentious," but an honest-to-goodness greasy spoon. But where else would you find the low-priced burgers in the city? Tim's are so enormous—a full pound of beef for four bucks—they make your jaw ache. They're the kind of burgers that, with each bite, send pink juice running down your arms. The kind where your napkin is in tatters after five minutes. And Tim's is the kind of place where when you ask for medium-rare, it comes medium rare. 329 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Oak Bar
In a city full of bars with loud music, weak drinks, and meat-market mentalities, the Oak Bar is an oasis of refinement, elegance, and call brands. No sneakers, please. And do not, by any means, forget your jacket and tie. Or your martini preference—at last count, there were 21 varieties on the cocktail menu, including the 007, the Barbie-tini, and the Engaging Martini (which, for a modest $12,750, comes complete with a platinum and diamond engagement ring from Shreve, Crump & Low). But good martinis aren't all it takes. Rather, it is the quiet piano music, soaring gilt-covered, vaulted ceiling, plus chairs, and skilled bartenders—who will do so little as pour you a beer and so much as mix your margarita the way you like it— which put the Oak Bar into a category all its own. And the burgers aren't bad, either. Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA oaklongbarkitchen.com.