Matt Murphys
It's strange that Boston is short on purveyors of good Irish food. (Especially when, according to our research, the city was founded by Patrick O'Patrick and his brothers Pat, Pat, Patty, and Steve, who, we're pretty sure, was adopted.) But who needs options when there's Matt Murphy's—still the best spot in town for fish and chips, rabbit pie, and good soda bread. Wash it down with a Guinness and suddenly you're Irish. Even if your name is Steve. 14 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, mattmurphyspub.com.
Muqueca
The fact that every Boston Brazilian joint has earned its fame doling out all-you-can-eat portions of meat left us wondering: How do those girls in Rio look so hot in their thongs? Then we discovered Muqueca, where even our most carnivorous friends fell for the single servings of spicy dishes, including the traditional seafood stew for which the restaurant is named. It's so good we guarantee you'll bring back your very lean booty for more. 1008 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, muquecarestaurant.com.
El Oriental de Cuba
If you're hankering for tender roast pork, thin slices of ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles layered inside a crusty baguette (with a creamy mango shake for dessert), get in line. This local hot spot draws fans from Boston and beyond to feast on its Cuban sandwiches and homemade soups chockfull of seafood, meat, and vegetables. It's Little Havana every night of the week. 416 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA elorientaldecuba.com.
Pete De Rosa; Joe Rosanno
De Rosa delivers up Beacon Hill stairs, mixes his aged wood well, and turns green at the idea of selling new wood. Though his beat is Boston, De Rosa lives in Billerica (1-633-2197). Rosanno, on Route 3A in Cohasset, fills car trunks with extraordinarily generous loads, dispenses folk wisdom, makes minor car repairs gratis, and has even been known to slip a quarter to a kid with one had while taking a five from the parents with the other. Boston, Cohasset, MA
Rinaldi's Park Square
One of the best things about Boston is its walkability. The downside, however, is our oft-abused footwear. So when the insoles of our beloved boots begin to wear and the heel caps of our oxfords start to disintegrate, we lug them to this small shop in the Park Square building, where they're consistently refurbished to good as new—just in time to hit the pavement again. 31 St. James Ave., Boston, MA .
Winston Flowers & Garden
Winston's Newton store feels more like a mom-and-pop shop than the Boston area florist's biggest location. The mind-boggling array of blooms on offer includes roses, hydrangeas, peonies, calla lilies, and arty, twisted sea grass. And the resourceful, creative staffers will be eager to help you, once you're done staring slack-jawed at the symphony of colors. 11 Florence St., Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
Zaftigs Delicatessen
Oy vey, they're not supposed to make corned beef or pastrami this good outside of the Lower East Side. Despite the high prices and yuppie decor, Zaftigs is as close as you'll get in Boston to the traditional Jewish deli experience. Save yourself the trip to New York and head to Brookline for great sandwiches, gelfite fish, chipped liver, and other classics of the genre. 335 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA zaftigs.com.
Cafe Fresh
Though we have many advantages as a city, Boston is not New York when it comes to bagels. Thank goodness for Cafe Fresh, a suburban outfit doing its best to raise everyone's favorite breakfast carb to a higher level. The bagels are suitably oversized, hard on the outside, and soft in the middle. If you don't live in the 'burbs, make a weekend pilgrimage and see what we mean. Take that, Eli Zabar. 374 Washington Street, Dedham, MA .
Winston Flowers
An orchid among daisies, Winston Flowers has all but cornered the market west of Boston. Whether you're after luscious greens, blazing blossoms, or aromatic herbs, the colors and intricate designs here are irresistible. And with the freshest stems in town, it's no wonder Winston's blossoms hold their perfect petals higher than your average posy. 31 Central St. at Rte. 9, Wellesley, Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
197 East Main
After tenures at Sage and eat, chef Nick Speros has migrated north from Boston and opened 197 East Main. If you're smart, you'll follow him. Tuck into the rib-eye or native halibut, and you'll see what we mean. The seafood is fresh off the Gloucester day boats and the rich entrées come with tender vegetables that provide the perfect textural contrast. Speros wanders the dining room to get his guests' reactions firsthand. Our feedback? Keep up the good work. 197 East Main St., Gloucester, MA .
Bakers' Best
Takeout in the 'burbs isn't all soggy pizza and greasy Chinese. Bakers' Best has the food you'd make yourself, if only you had the time. Delicious choices—from chicken piccatta to chicken marsala, grilled salmon to beef brisket—are available at the counter of this nine-time Best of Boston winner. Don't overlook the frozen food, perfect for heating and eating. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA bakersbestcatering.com.
Buff's Pub
It would be a shame if this unpretentious little bar near turnpike exit 17 got too trendy. The honey hot Buffalo wings are worth the few years off your life you risk by dipping them in bleu cheese for an unlikely taste sensation. But cholesterolically speaking, what's the difference? A satisfying supply of about 10 wings goes for $2.75 (less at lunch). Buff's Pale Ale, made by Boston Beer Works, is a nice accompaniment. 317 Washington St., Newton Corner, MA .
Bella Luna
Sunday brunch should be a relaxing way to stretch out the end of the weekend and ease into the coming week. Bella Luna is a mellow, funky setting for Full Moon pancakes, French toast, or a Lost in Space breakfast pizza, to the tune of good live jazz that's present and audible without being overly intrusive. And brunch in JP is not only less hectic in Boston proper...it's half the price. 405 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
China Pearl
Hands down, the best dim sum in Boston. Get there before 10:30 a.m. on Sunday or be prepared to wait for cart-delivered delicacies that include shrimp chow foon, sticky rice wrapped in grape leaves, and chicken feet—if you dare. The bill usually averages around $12 a person, and then you need not think about food again until dinner. 9 Tyler St., Boston, MA .
Harvard Book Store
In addition to bringing the authors to Boston, the Harvard Book Store also provides the most diverse and frequent reading series. HBS increases its breadth by teaming up with the Hasty Pudding Institute, the BPL, and the Harvard Film Archive for many events. It also makes an effort to reach beyond the literary by inviting writers of nonfiction and even business gurus to speak. The business breakfast series is among the store's most popular. 126 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .