Zebra's Bistro and Wine Bar
A hip lounge and a cozy dining room with live weekly jazz and a great, affordably priced wine list, plus a menu packed with creative dishes and healthy options—what's not to like? Zebra's offers fresh, clean salads, and veggie appetizers (like straight-from-the-garden asparagus), and terrific daily specials such as handmade striped ravioli. We even get cravings for the simple bread presentation—crusty bâtardes with artichoke spread—that we can't satisfy when we're stuck in the city. 21 North St., Medfield, MA zebrasbistro.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
Unlike its dank and dreary cousins, this billiards palace is clean and well-lit, with premium liquors poured at the full bar and food that would please even a discerning palate. True, some of the rowdy patrons seem more interested in slamming shots than shooting pool, but crowded around the hall's 12 tables you'll find plenty of serious players. Want to test your hustling skills? Cue up for the weekly 9-ball tournament Mondays at 6 p.m. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, flattopjohnnys.com.
Bark Place
The pro groomers at this cheerful canine emporium consult with customers to determine the right cut and style before brushing out, shampooing, conditioning, trimming, and drying each pooch to perfection—nail clipping and ear cleaning are included, but parents of truly pampered pups can opt for aromatherapy or massage add-ons. Bark Place also offers elevated DIY wash stations should your grass-rolling, dirt-digging pal need a bath between appointments. 1721 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, barkplacesouthend.com.
B&G Oysters
If hyperfresh seafood is the sole requirement, Legal and McCormick can deliver the same still-quivering quality for a few clams less. It takes a hypertalented chef like B&G's Barbara Lynch, however, to gussy it up with refined flavors and textures that accentuate without stealing the show. That intense focus on pristine ingredients is evident throughout the small, cleanly constructed menu. The cult-spawning lobster BLT is a study in restraint, and a sauteed halibut rings sweet above grassy artichoke, tangy tomato, and briny black-olive consomme. 550 Tremont St., Boston, MA bandgoysters.com.
Lekker Home
Continuing their quest for the latest in clean, contemporary design, Lekker owners Natalie and Curt Carpenter have introduced several new lines to their store's stunning portfolio. John Derian's decoupage serving ware is a must-have, while the just-launched eco-friendly Central Station line is destined to become a classic. Lekker's selection of chic outdoor accessories (lanterns, bird feeders) and elegant tabletop essentials (coasters, serving trays), meanwhile, remains exceptional. 1317 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, lekkerhome.com.
Waterworks
Essentially a shrine to all things bath-related, Waterworks stocks handcut crystal sink accessories, refreshing grapefruit and ginger soaps, seductively quilted robes, and chrome faucet spouts so shiny you can see yourself in the reflection. With everything from cast-iron claw foot tubs to matte nickel toilet-paper holders, it's little wonder this temple of clean calls its tempting contents "jewelry for the bath." 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Waterworks
This is the temple of clean, with every element of the bathroom represented, from stylish faucets to plush bathrobes and towels. The shop specializes in handcrafted pieces ranging from traditional to modern, and offers impressively accessible design consultation. For touchy-feely types, there are in-store displays that provide truly interactive shopping. We watched as one couple tumbled into an oversized whirlpool to test the size. 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA waterworks.com.
Julie Michaud
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, do yourself a favor and let brow virtuoso Julie Michaud hold the tweezers. Her sense of shape and color are perfect on every brow, and her insistence on a clean line is nothing short of exacting. Don't come looking for a harsh, surprised expression; Michaud's watchwords are flattering, subtle, and pretty. With such attention to detail, the petite and affable artist doesn't just do natural: She is one. 297 Newbury St., Boston, MA prettyology.com.
Flat Breads Cafe
At this clean, bright restaurant across from Boston College they've spent six years perfecting roll-up combinations with ingredients such as their own homemade roasted red-and-green-tomato-cilantro salsas, Haas avocados, premium breast-meat chicken salad. Specials include Asian, Mexican, deli, barbecue, and even seafood roll-up combos. And the frequent-eater program gets you one free wrap for every 10 you buy. 11 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA .
Flat Top Johnny's
Fast Eddie Felson wouldn't have set foot in most of the upscale pool halls that have replaced the smoky hustler haunts of old. He might have made an exception for Flat Top Johnny's, though. Unlike the rest of its ilk, this Kendall Square hangout is one classy joint that's neither a meat market nor an amusement park. At once understated and regal, the place features clean red felt, good cheap beer, and regulars who actually know how to play a game of nine ball. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Crossing Main
This pristine boutique is a museum of must-haves—except that nothing stays on the shelves for long. The sharp-eyed staff lays out a tempting guild of accessories (clean-lined Prada bags, funky Tocca totes) and outfits—just try walking away from the beautifully cut button-up shirts from Rayure or the many printed shifts from Theory. 5 Main St., Hingham, MA crossingmain.com.
Formaggio Kitchen
Dill tuna at Formaggio Kitchen is simply too good for school lunchboxes. A hint of fresh dill makes this the adult version of kiddie comfort food. With just enough mayo to make it spreadable, this tuna mixture has a clean taste and a real texture that makes others seem just damp (or soggy) dabs on wheat, embarrassments to the fish family. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Camp
Forget ball pits and bounce houses: Hidden behind a bookcase at the Burlington Mall’s Camp toy store are endless hands-on adventures for birthday groups. This summer’s theme is retro summer camp, with a “disco” cabin for dancing, a splatter art room, and slides. Keeping parents happy? The squeaky-clean environs and partnership with next-door neighbor Shake Shack. Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike 1st Floor, Burlington, MA 1803, camp.com.
Verde Salon
Now celebrating its 10th year in Braintree, Verde proves some things just get better with time. The salon makes haircare clean and green with eco-friendly products and a zero-waste approach to business. Most important, though, the stylists here are magicians with foils, scissors, and extensions, conjuring luminous highlights and cuts with just the right amount of texture and edge. And with a recent announcement that it is moving into a new space, you can expect big things from Verde in its 11th year. 89 Hancock St., Ste. 103, Braintree, MA 02184, verdesalon.org.
Paul Connors, Radius
We searched high and low for another candidate, but we've found ourselves hopelessly devoted to Connors' thought-provoking, palate-pleasing, meal-punctuating desserts. He breaks away from the pack with such confectionery coups as sorbet made from Banyuls wine, tuiles made from buck-wheat flour, and ice cream made from mushrooms. And his crème brulée ought to be in a pastry museum somewhere. There's a reason why Connors reigns as pastry chef three years running. In a word: perfection. 8 High St., Boston, MA radiusrestaurant.com.