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.
Moona
The flavors of the Arabic pantry shine in the vibrant dishes sent out of chef de cuisine Rory Lee’s small open kitchen, from the fatteh with yogurt, dill, and shiitake mushrooms to the shareable, deeply charred grilled fish shingled with sweet lemons and swimming in peppery harissa. One of the best parts of a meal here, however, doesn’t cost a penny: the za’atar bread with sweet orange-blossom butter that comes compliments of the house. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, moonarestaurant.com.
Anh Hong
When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, Dorchester has an embarrassment of riches—and the greatest treasure trove is found at Anh Hong. The seven-course beef tasting—covering salad, sausage, soup, and fondue—is justifiably famous. But the expansive à la carte menu hits every craving: Communal hot pots, super-fresh spring rolls, and steaming bowls of pho are all big winners, especially when polished off with condensed-milk-sweetened Vietnamese coffee. 291 Adams St., Dorchester, MA anhhongboston.com.
The Publick House
The selection of coveted craft brews has long been the main attraction here. But it’s a good thing that dry, fruity Belgian-style ales—the backbone of owner David Ciccolo’s beer list—also pair so well with food: New chef Joe Cooke has upped the ante on the Publick House’s culinary program big time, sourcing whole pigs and sustainable seafood for menu upgrades such as house-cured bacon and frequently changing crudo. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA publickhousebrookline.com.
The Scottish Bakehouse
This charming bakery is already legend- ary for its pies, breads, and cookies, but in the era of brunch al fresco, it’s also a can’t- be-beat breakfast joint. The hot, fresh, and just-greasy-enough breakfast sand- wich is perfect for a picnic (if you can wait that long to eat it), but there are more and less healthy options, too (hot ancient grains with apples and cinnamon, and a loaded breakfast burrito, respectively). 977 State Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, scottishbakehousemv.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.
Frugal Bookstore
Looking to bolster your collection of anti-racist literature and books about the Black experience? This Nubian Square mainstay has you covered. But what makes owners Leonard and Clarrissa Egerton’s shop an irreplaceable part of Boston’s literary scene is its role as a hub for book groups and social gatherings where both authors and readers of color can feel welcome and be celebrated. Bostonians across the city are vowing to finally listen to Black voices—Frugal has been amplifying them for 12 years and counting. 57 Warren St., Roxbury, MA 02119, frugalbookstore.net.
Showroom
The master closet deserves as much consideration as the living room and kitchen, and while custom built-ins may look nice, few builders can match the innovative kit of parts offered by the Italian furnishings company Poliform. Wooden and glass doors, pullout trays for shirts and slacks, shoe racks, and LED lighting are just a few options available in this ultra-sexy modular system, available exclusively at Showroom.
240 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, showroomboston.com.B/Spoke
B/Spoke, with its intense 45-minute classes, arm workouts, and free shoe rentals, gets top honors in a competitive category. The downtown location is a hit with commuters and city dwellers alike, and the top-notch amenities (read: Aesop products, open rides) set it apart. Often, cycling classes can be more about the chatty instructor than the workout, but at this studio, we feel like we're the focus. 101 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, bspokestudios.com.
KM Hudson
An ill-fitting bra can ruin your outfit and your mood. Thankfully, the experienced staffers at KM Hudson understand shape and comfort, sizing clients up with just a look before taking precise measurements. Of course, proper sizing is only one part of the equation: After measuring, they’ll happily sift through their enviable stock of 6,000 bras to find the perfect undergarment for your shape. 125 Charles St., Boston, 02114, kmhudsonltd.com.
Wally’s Cafe
From the outside, Wally’s looks like your average anonymous dive. But the drab exterior belies its storied history: This place has put live jazz acts on stage 365 days a year since 1947. Squeeze in among the regulars, order a beer, and get ready for top-notch jazz, funk, or Latin jazz salsa right up until the joint shuts down at 2 a.m. 427 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118, wallyscafe.com.
The Sinclair
What better way to take in the latest indie rock than with a side of chicken-liver mousse and steak tartare? That’s the kind of rock ’n’ roll lifestyle you can enjoy at the Sinclair, which reliably draws in many of the country’s best new acts while serving up food that you’d eat even if you weren’t seeing a show. 52 Church St., Cambridge, MA 02138, sinclaircambridge.com.
Fini Concierge
Need to grab groceries for your next dinner party? Set up a last-minute car inspection? Don't sweat it—just call Fini Concierge, a small firm that helps busy people all over Massachusetts find the assistance they need. Choose from the _ la carte service list, or opt for a monthly membership—either way, Fini will get it all done, leaving you free to tackle the next 50 things on your mile-long to-do list. 665 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, finiconcierge.com.
Brattle Theatre
The fortunes of mainstream movie theaters may ebb and flow with the success of the latest comic-book adaptation, but this small theater will always have a stellar lineup of the odd, the obscure, and the cultishly adored. Whether it's running a Bad Hombres/Nasty Women series (grit your teeth like Clint in A Fistful of Dollars) or taking part in film festivals throughout the city, the theater is sure to introduce you to the next movie that makes you rethink cinema. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, brattlefilm.org.
Tea-Tray in the Sky
Boston has long had a stormy relationship with tea, but this Alice in Wonderland-inspired joint puts all bad memories to rest with its 80-plus flavor selections. The menu offers authentic choices—black, green, white teas—and otherworldly flavors, including Russian Caravan and Madagascar Vanilla. Tea-Tray's innovative tendencies extend to brewed edibles including Earl Grey truffles and Jasmine tea tarts. 1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .