Frank's Steakhouse
Sadly, the rediscovery of the cocktail culture has perverted the once noble activity of drinking, reducing it to a runway show for an unfortunate breed of baseball cap-sporting frat rats, who choke on cigars, while wincing through martinis. The lounge at Frank's Steak House, in North Cambridge, is sufficiently off the beaten path to attract the fully grown who really enjoy the basics—conviviality, entertainment, and, of course, booze. The rat-packy lounge is free of the smarmy irony that characterizes some of the Johnny-Come-Lately cocktail spots; Frank's has been open since 1938, and some of the patrons look as though they've been glued to their barstools since opening day. 2310 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Cornerstone Books
With tarry-awhile touches like overstuffed chairs, a fireplace, and a wee café offering bites from nearby bakery A&J King, this handsome independent shop encourages people to lose themselves in books. It's also impressively devoted to luring them back out again, as Cornerstone regularly throws open its historic loft space for readings, live music performances, and club meet-ups (Boston's venerable Grub Street writing program recently established its North Shore base here). Part literary salon, part community living room, the store gives bookworms the space—and a gentle nudge—to be social animals as well. 45 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 1970, .
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.
The Inn at Hastings Park
Prime location steps from Lexington Center? Check. Front porch fit for a Norman Rockwell painting? Naturally. Sunny guest rooms that are part Mayflower, part modern farmhouse? Of course. Combine that with a proper dining room serving New England standards prepared with ingredients from local purveyors such as Wilson Farm, and you’ve found a pastoral paradise. In other words: If Paul Revere were a 21st-century Instagram influencer, he’d stay here. innathastingspark.com.
Brighton Music Hall
The former Harpers Ferry has spent the past few years as the intermediary step between Great Scott and the Paradise, booking national acts on the rise and local acts on the path to national stardom. The recent overhaul of the old club has yielded a room with great sightlines and gloriously clean sound, as well as a stage that affords fans—specifically, those who pay close enough attention to catch great performers before they "blow up"—a modicum of intimacy. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 2134, crossroadspresents.com/brighton-music-hall.
Moore Massage
It was hard to find a bad massage—if indeed there is such a thing—in this year's bunch. Natalie at Unique Verve put us quite pleasantly to sleep. Samantha at the Mandarin Oriental soothed our muscles (if, at $200-plus, not so much our fiscal conscience). In the end, though, this previous Best Of champ prevailed—despite attempting to defer credit to his mentor, Keith Stiles, who joined Moore Massage this year. Stiles might have been, in Moore's words, "the man who taught me everything," but in this case, student knows best. Moore's consistently thorough handiwork reversed our laptop shoulder and boosted our energy for days. We're convinced he even cured us of cellulite. You heard us. 575 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Sonsie
Ever since Europe found itself firmly on Dubya's bad side (and the dollar took a nosedive), the idea of traveling overseas for a café-and-culture fix has grown a little less appealing. No matter. With its continental feel and sidewalk-side tables (not to mention its potent, delicious espresso), Sonsie can supply your Eurofix. Of course, it takes more than attitude to make a great neighborhood restaurant, and chef Bill Poirier takes care of that by serving up tempting, fashionable fare, from brick-oven pizzas to café classics like steak au poivre. And now that the downstairs Red Room lounge provides a place for cocktails and late-night revelry with the restaurant's own soundtrack mix, who needs Europe? 327 Newbury St., Boston, MA sonsieboston.com.
Alice Saunders, Forestbound
Hermès has the Birkin, Fendi has the Baguette, and Forestbound has the Escape bag. What began as a brand known for totes and carryalls made from vintage military textiles has turned into an internationally recognized label with an iconic bag copied by the likes of Forever 21 and Anthropologie. Over the years, founder Alice Saunders has collaborated with big brands such as Keds and Urban Outfitters, but lucky for us, those Escape bags are still handcrafted right here in Somerville. 9 Olive Sq., Somerville, MA 02143, forestbound.com.
Lulu's Allston
It lures lively crowds with a 50-strong draft list bursting with smart selections, buzz-friendly fare (ranch-dusted tater tots!), a raucous soundtrack, and a patio bar with bocce lanes. 421 Cambridge St., Allston, MA lulusallston.com.
Hojoko
Every night is a party at this Fenway-side izakaya, thanks to the kawaii-punk décor and occasional slam of sake bombs. From the poolside patio to a new vinyl-record lounge, it’s packed until last call with revelers sipping frozen piña coladas and scarfing Wagyu cheeseburgers. 1271 Boylston St., Boston, MA hojokoboston.com.
Encore
Looking forward to the safe return of crowded dance floors? Whether you’re after disco or Motown, throwback ’90s hits or Top 40, this energetic group — part of the well-respected Wilson Stevens family of artists — has what it takes to keep guests of all ages on their feet. Choose between an eight- or nine-piece ensemble, both led by a powerhouse vocal trio featuring two Berklee alums, and prepare to party like it’s 2019. wilsonstevens.com/bands/encore-band.
Pressed
The menu at Pressed was partially created by acclaimed New York-based chef Joya Carlton, known as a wizard of vegan cuisine. The mostly locally sourced and organic offerings—made entirely in-house—include cold-pressed juices, of course; paletas (gourmet popsicles); sandwiches like the "Smoked ELT" (smoky marinated-eggplant "bacon," tomato, mixed greens, and basil mayo on seven-grain bread); and smoothies (called "superfood shakes"). Try the "Charge," a concoction made with raw cacao, almond butter, cold-brewed coffee, and almond milk. It's so good, we ordered two. 120 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, pressedboston.com.
Spoke
With a wine list offering vinos from smaller producers and a menu call-out to the undervalued wonders of sherry and vermouth, Spoke is a bottlehead's dream. Casual drinkers will appreciate its warm, accessible vibe; here sparkling wine is served in standard glassware—not flutes—and beer and cocktails are celebrated, not shamed. The relaxed yet refined energy is perfect for a first date, a fancy birthday fete, and everything in between. 89 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, spokewinebar.com.
The Fairmount Grille
With its dark-wood interior and gleaming black bar, the Fairmount Grille is a sophisticated place to imbibe. There's a patio out back that's open in the summer, plus live jazz and funk three days a week. 81 Fairmount Ave., Boston, MA 02136, fairmountgrille.com.
Local 149
No matter what brings you here, you'll want to stay for another round at the large, inviting bar. And with 25 taps, plenty of bottled offerings, and fun cocktails—like "Pear Necessities," a vodka drink with elderflower, lemon, and basil—we won't blame you. 149 P St., Boston, MA 02127, local149.com.