Publico
It’s clear this Southie newcomer lives up to its name ("for the public good" in Latin): On any given evening, you’ll find a motley crew of neighborhood folks enjoying globetrotting bites (see: the leche de tigre–drizzled ceviche), crowd-pleasing flatbreads, and playful cocktails. 11 Dorchester St., Boston, MA 02127, publicoboston.com.
The GrandTen Bar
You won’t find a more inventive cocktail program: GrandTen’s liquor license requires staff to create every ingredient on the menu from the distillery’s base spirits—from peach brandy to a vermouth-like "vermaro." But despite its extreme dedication to craft, this bar is a snobbery-free zone. 383 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127, grandten.com.
Steven King Decorative Carpets
Only the finest manufacturers have the privilege of working with this Design Center standout. Known for its discerning eye, Steven King deals in both the classic and the contemporary: The store is just as likely to stock stunning period pieces as it is plush, handtufted rugs in a variety of modern patterns. Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 405, Boston, MA 02210, skcarpets.com.
The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
As part of a dramatic 2017 renovation, the legendary hotelier has elevated its 3,500-square-foot ballroom to even greater heights of opulence. Think: a dazzling backdrop of platinum-leafed wallpaper, antiqued mirrors, a lavish custom-painted mural by Moss & Lam—and, in the center of it all, you and your beloved twirling blissfully during your first dance. 10 Avery St., Boston, MA 02111, ritzcarlton.com.
Kokeshi
Salem’s transformation from Witch City to hip mini metropolis continues with this entry from the team behind the beloved neo-Neapolitan pizza joint Bambolina. Located in a former ambulance depot, Kokeshi features work by local artists on its walls and inventive Asian street food on the menu—think udon noodles with flaked Faroe Island salmon, octopus hot dogs, and fried-chicken ramen. Creative cocktails, more than 30 craft beers, and an extensive sake list complete the package. 41 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 01970, kokeshirestaurant.com.
Follain
Tara Foley wants you to stop cleaning your face with dirty products. That’s the mission, at least, behind her one-stop skin-care shop, Follain, which bars parabens, formaldehyde, coal tar, and other potentially dangerous chemicals from its expertly selected lineup of beauty items. In fact, the company rigorously researches and tests every deodorant and soap it carries independently before releasing it onto shelves. Now that’s what we call beautiful. Multiple locations. 65 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, shopfollain.com.
Aeronaut Brewing Co.
Not content to simply make and serve suds, Aeronaut is attracting more than just craft-beer fans with lively events in its cavernous space nearly every night of the week. Ever played board games inside a brewery? Seen live music or flamenco? Now you can. If you can’t find something that sounds appealing on this extensive roster, you’re probably just not looking hard enough. 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, aeronautbrewing.com.
FBN Construction
Transparency tops FBN Construction’s list of priorities, and that’s a good thing. The firm’s commitment to communication—to say nothing of its proven planning and building skills—practically guarantees satisfaction, whether you’re overhauling the kitchen in your high-rise condo, creating the ultimate master suite in your suburban Colonial, or simply designing a functional yet elegant home office with loads of built-ins. 17 Wolcott Ct., Boston, MA 02136, fbnconstruction.net.
The Sinclair
Sure, it lacks the grit of some of the area’s older music venues, but in return it has every touring indie band on its calendar, fantastic acoustics, and (gasp!) nice bathrooms. Plus, the attached restaurant’s patio is a solid spot to kick back with a craft cocktail and house-made pretzels while waiting for the show. Is the concert experience any less rock ’n’ roll if it’s this pleasant? In any case, we’re happy to partake. 52 Church St., Cambridge, MA 02138, sinclaircambridge.com.
Puppet Showplace Theater
This Brookline institution is known for its top-notch puppetry shows in all different traditions, served up with sightlines designed for the little ones. But did you know you can also have the puppets take the stage just for your munchkins? Schedule a private performance or a workshop to give the kiddos an inside look at what happens behind the backdrop, or simply block seats at a regular showing. Then take over the lobby to blow out the candles on the most memorable of celebrations. 32 Station St., Brookline, MA 02445, puppetshowplace.org.
Sacco’s Bowl Haven
The pizza may be organic and the beers local at this historical candlepin bowling alley, which was taken over by the Flatbread Company in 2010, but the vibe is old-school Somerville at its finest. In fact, there isn’t another bowling alley around with this much soul, even in a state full of them. Will it take a while to get your turn at a lane? You bet. But noshing on a crispy-chewy flatbread with homemade sausage and caramelized onions while crushing a Jack’s Abby lager hardly feels like waiting at all. 45 Day St., Somerville, MA 02144, flatbreadcompany.com/sacco.
Hilton’s Tent City
After seven decades in Boston, this iconic outdoor outfitter packed its bags last summer and made the epic voyage across the Charles River, where it set up camp in a huge storefront in the heart of Central Square. Other than the location, not much has changed: The store is still stuffed with a gazillion backpacks, boots, headlamps, and everything else you’ll need for your next outdoor adventure. Go ahead, climb every mountain. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, hiltonstentcity.com.
Ore
This bauble shop shines all the brighter in its new sunlit digs on Tremont Street, the perfect showcase for Sophie Hughes’s stunning hand-forged jewelry. As beautiful as the craftswoman’s opal necklaces and diamond necklaces are on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that really counts: Made with antique tools for an appealingly rough-hewn texture, her work features recycled metals, reclaimed gems, and other ethically sourced materials. 681 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, sophiehughes.com.
E.B. Horn
If you want a piece of jewelry with a rich history, it only makes sense to buy it from a dealer with a storied past. E.B. Horn opened its doors in 1839 and remains one of the region’s largest buyers of estate pieces. Browse a highly curated selection of unique bling, such as a platinum, sapphire, and diamond bracelet from the art deco era and a 14-karat-gold art nouveau pin. During one visit, gemologist Doug Finn even showed us an antique locket with the pictures still inside. 429 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108, ebhorn.com.
Flair Boston
This celebrated boutique wants bridesmaids not only to love their dresses, but to be able to wear them again (and again). And its covetable stock of sophisticated designs from favorites such as Theia and Jenny Yoo ensures you’ll be able to check both boxes: Brides can rest easy knowing their ’maids will be able to rock the shop’s drop-shouldered and open-backed numbers at any event—be it the wedding ceremony, a dinner date, or a charity gala. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, flairbridesmaid.com.