Poor Little Rich Girl
From $40 DVF wrap dresses to funky, quality jewelry to blessedly organized racks, the charms of this Davis Square shop are well docuented (as are its occasional annoyances: yes, the label says Marc Jacobs, but they're still '90s-era power-blue capris). This past year, though, it's Poor Little Rich Girl's new-clothing section that's proved extra appealing. Rummage through some Route 66-brand Target cast-offs, for instance, and you might score an on-trend H&M floral blouse marked 30 percent off an already bargain basement price. Bonus: fresh inventory from Forever 21, that fabulous fashion-junk-food retailer that has thus far mysteriously failed to set up shop in town. 255 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, poorlittlerichgirl.com.
"Elvis and Marilyn" at the ICA. Pop art that didn't pop.
Pop art that didn't pop.
Brookline Booksmith
Well into the Kindle era, Boston still hits out of its weight class when it comes to bookselling, and we treat big-name authors like visiting royalty. The Booksmith is where our memoirists, like Andre Dubus III and Gail Caldwell, and our suspense gurus, from Hank Phillipi Ryan to Joseph Finder, come to tell their tales. It’s where Atlantic columnist James Parker throws a celebration of his literary magazine the Pilgrim—the one produced 10 times per year by the city’s homeless population. And it’s where Barney Frank turns up to talk baseball. In sum, it’s the kind of place you keep going back to, because you never know what they’re going to think of next. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brooklinebooksmith.com.
Crane & Co. Paper Makers
Most people don't give stationery a second thought. Then they get engaged and suddenly need an expert opinion on a forest's worth of papers—invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, thank-you notes. Dalton-based Crane, manufacturer of the most classic and elegant wedding stationery collections on the finest-quality paper, makes sense of it all. For tastes that veer toward the modern, there's a newer line of invites that don't follow the classic models. An experienced staff helps you find exactly the right paper and style to fit your budget, and even occasionally eschews tradition by letting you in on a little secret: You don't need that expensive second envelope nowadays. (Our saleswoman whispered that it was used to keep the invitation clean back when mail was carried on horseback.) Prudential Center, Boston, MA crane.com.
Oak Room
The real meat of a truly great steakhouse is just that: its meat. And while the opulent Oak Room may look too delicate to deliver on such a carnivorous front, this year it left the competition begging for scraps. Witness the splendidly marbled bone-in rib-eye, juicy to its sweet core. And the pliant slab of aged New York strip under a voluptuous horseradish sauce. Sides and seafood, too, are much more than standard: thick spears of tender asparagus, chilled artichokes with thick and fresh lobster tail, and sharp-flavored calamari salad. Service is thoughtful, informed, and perfectly timed, and the epic wine list is packed with impressive (mostly French and American) choices. Why haven't we mentioned the room's flat-out stunning décor by now? Because with credentials like this, it shouldn't matter. Saying the Oak Room isn't a real steakhouse is as silly as saying a beautiful woman can't be smart. Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA .
Toro
A place needs more than good sangria and jamn to qualify as a genuine tapas joint: It must also be a lively gathering spot, not one that's empty by 11 p.m. Toro has one of the most reliably bustling late-night scenes in the cityimpromptu dance parties have been known to break out around the barand a calendar peppered with fun events, like last spring's Calotada (Spring Onion Festival) and an annual party to mark the running of the bulls. Just as important, chef Jamie Bissonnette strikes precisely the right balance between beloved Spanish recipes (griddled garlic shrimp, chickpeas with chorizo) and adventurous ones (head cheese with pickled ramps, crispy pork belly with snails). Need a hit of liquid courage before you'll try the smoked beef tongue? That's what the sangria's for. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, toro-restaurant.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
There are more than 70 shoe repair joints in Greater Boston; picking the finest involves a little legwork. Why this particular shop—and for a second year in a row? Armenian-born Mike Damirshian's work is impeccable, especially at the prices he charges ($4 for a perfect shine, for instance). From the moment you walk in, you feel as if you've traveled back to a simpler time when shoes were made by hand and not machine. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
ADT Security Systems
They've wired museums, including the Smithsonian. And they'll do free home-security analyses. 11 North Ave., Burlington, MA .
Brookline Liquor Mart
From the outside, this sprawling liquor store looks like any other rundown rendezvous for drunken booze-hounds. Inside, however, you'll find one of the finest selections of vintage wine in New England. It's for the latter that we just can't seem to get enough of this store. Laid out in neatly labeled rows are bottles of liquid gold that may cost you more than a month's rent. But no matter: Even if you're not a millionaire collector, the knowledgeable staff will help you find a reasonable red to go with the venison stew that's bubbling at home. Especially strong: Rhone, Burgundy, and Bordeaux selections. Expand your vino repertoire at the Mart's regular tastings or by clicking through their encyclopedic Web site. And don't miss the bargain basement (which is exactly what it sounds like); it can be a treasure trove if you hit it at the right moment. 1354 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA blmwine.com.
El Centro
Chef-owner Allan Rodriguez, a native of Sonora, serves up mostly family recipes at this color-splashed South End spot, which translates to flavorful (and authentic) Mexican fare with a sophisticated touch. Chilaquiles, carne asada, tamales, tacos—they're all here, and they're all outstanding. The spicy red sangria, meanwhile, promises to cure whatever ails you. 472 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA elcentroboston.com.
Brookline Liquor Mart
We're fond of smaller wine shops—Back Bay's excellent Bauer Wine & Spirits, say, and Somerville's Wine and Cheese Cask (where you can pick up some good bread and cheese), or even the novice-friendly Cellars stores. But warehouse-sized Brookline Liquor Mart dwarfs the competition, and not merely because of the enormity of its wine selection. There are extras such as frequent tastings, a decent Web site, and the rare-wine room, where you can fantasize about dropping two grand on a bottle of Château Lafite. And if the place itself looks a little intimidating, just wait a few moments. One of the wine experts (there is at least one on duty at all times) will amble by and prove every bit as friendly and helpful as the salespeople at the smaller stores. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA blmwine.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
Not since Beacon Hill was a colonial settlement has Charles Street produced a shop so obsessed with top-quality workmanship. The scents of oil and leather waft from behind this small counter, overseen by a conscientious, kind, and fast-working staff that can stitch a hole, mend a heel, or reform a toe faster than you can say Paul Revere. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Brookline Liquor Mart
For lovers of serious french wines, Brookline Liquor Mart is one of the best stores in the country. True, if you are looking for widely available wines, you may find cheaper places elsewhere. But because the store is owned by Classic Wines Imports, it boasts an absolutely extraordinary selection of French wines— many at bargain prices. Brookline's strong suit— older, mature Burgundies— are not just incredibly well priced for their age and provenance; they are also almost impossible to find elsewhere. A friendly, well-informed staff will hlp you find the real treasures. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA .
Cambridge Auto Parts
Have you ever broken your parking light while trying to squeeze into that enviable spot on Newbury Street? For less than half of what you'd pay at most dealerships, these guys will provide (or order) most any spare part. 290 River St., Cambridge, MA .
Ares Shoe Repair
Stopping by this tiny garden-level shop feels like visiting your friendly but gruff grandfather's house: Cobbler Mike Damirshian won't hide his disappointment in your shoes' subpar appearance, but he will assure you that they can, in fact, be saved. And each and every time, he's true to his word—heels that have been worn to metal posts are miraculously rebuilt, holey soles are replaced, and scuffs are polished away. You'll walk out with kicks that look (almost) brand new. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, .