Julien Bar at the Hotel Meridien
There's no more appropriate place to seal the deal than in the Julien Bar, once the reception room for the governors of the Federal Reserve Bank and now the financial district's most appealing watering hole. But keep it clean: N. C. Wyeth's murals depicting Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton set a lofty tone. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
The Parker House Bar
Everything from rumaki to taco dogs, daily from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., but never on Sunday. Boston, MA
The Chocolate Bar at the Hotel Meridien
If you are really good your whole life, when you die you go to a place very much like the Chocolate Bar at Le Meridien. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
Prime beef, aged for three weeks, expertly charbroiled. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Back Bay Bistro
Frank Bell has made this bistro—with its outstanding wine list—one of the most attractive in town. 365 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Exhale Back Bay
We'll admit, a bikini wax is not the most enjoyable reason to visit Exhale's pristine Arlington Street outpost—but the spa's serene vibes, privacy-ensuring labyrinthine layout, and fully stocked locker rooms make an, ahem, hair-raising visit as bearable as humanly possible. And thanks to the efficient deployment of the non-irritating, soy-based wax, all it takes is a few deep breaths before you're refreshed and on your way. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116, exhalespa.com.
Grill 23 & Bar
In this casual-everything era, it comes as a welcome relief to walk into Grill 23, where garçons wear jackets and ties; mix a damn fine martini, shaken tableside; and serve lavish side dishes, impressive wines, and above all, salty, darkly crusted cuts of meat. The 100-day-aged prime rib-eye, in particular, is the best the city has to offer—so tender and perfectly cooked you'll be forgiven for declining the velvety béarnaise that comes on the side. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Mass. Bay Company
Tried and true. 39 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Inn-Square Men's Bar
Another new arrival in the Hall of Fame. 1350 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA .
Banyan Bar + Refuge
Chef Phillip Tang earned his recent James Beard nom by making old ideas new again, refracting regional cuisines through a glittery South End lens. The fabulously funky results—think Kirin beer slushies and a warm lobster bao anointed with honey-miso butter—defy comparison to the familiar. Even brunch is bolder, with bowls of breakfast ramen. 553 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116, banyanboston.com.
Select Oyster Bar
Unlike the chef-owners who delegate oenophilic duties elsewhere, Michael Serpa has embraced the role of part-time wine professional, curating an astute list that displays the same fastidiousness as his seafood menu. Debating between a sancerre and that stony Sicilian rosé? Just ask the chef: He knows the perfect glass to stand up to the panoply of flavors in his saffron-tinged bouillabaisse. 50 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 02115, selectboston.com.
Chatham Bars Inn
Sweeping oceanfront views and luxe accommodations (did someone say spa butler and private beach?) are par for the course at this classic resort. But the Chatham Bars Inn is always a step ahead. Produce is sourced from its 8-acre farm. The spa overlooks Japanese rock gardens. Tired of boating and swimming? Pay a visit to the lush croquet court. And if you ever need to leave the resort, just borrow a house Lexus with unlimited miles. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
Aer NailBar
It's a relief to find a nail salon run by a family that cares about its customers and its employees. At this cheery all-white storefront, you'll find autoclaved tools, bath liners, and technicians protected with masks and rubber gloves. And then there are the spalike touches: every pedi includes a deep, hot-stone foot-and-calf rub. Best of all, callouses are quickly vanquished with a power sander. Why didn't anyone think of this before? 1042 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, aernailbar.com.
Cicada Coffee Bar
At a time when sleek, international coffee chains seem to be touching down on every corner, Cicada is a throwback to indie coffee houses of the pre-Starbucks invasion, complete with dog-eared paperbacks for caffeinated perusing. Come for the cozy ambiance and backyard patio; stay for Vietnamese specialty coffees prepped with sweetened condensed milk (and maybe some foamed Maine sea salt). Stay later for an unexpectedly awesome dinner service — try the sushi-grade baked salmon with black rice, shallots, and cashew pesto — plus around-the-world wines, beer, and sake. 106 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA 02139, cicada-coffee-bar.square.site.
<em>Phoenix</em> political writer Al Giordano's portrayal of House Speaker Charlie Flaherty as a statesman.
If Giordano had taken his blinders off for a couple of minutes, he might have realized that Flaherty isn't part of the solution, he's part of the problem.