Natale’s
Though Natale’s focus is on suiting (with more than 2,000 suits and 1,000 sport jackets available), this one-stop shop also offers golf shirts for hitting the fairway, cuff links for hitting the boardroom, and everything else you need to smartly (and stylishly) dress for all your days. And because Natale’s provides free alterations for the lifetime of its fine suits, pants, and sport jackets, your wardrobe can grow with you. 171 Washington St., Norwell, MA 2061, natalesclothing.com.
Les Zygomates
Gleaming, deep-cup Island Creek oysters. Salty-sweet Wellfleets. Fleshy shrimp and crab so tender, they go down in one gulp. This is the ocean's bounty as originally interpreted by way of French brasseries: an icy onslaught of shellfish that is mostly raw (of course), but occasionally cooked (as with the Jonah crab claws). Everything is so fresh, the sauces and mignonettes ought to be superfluous—and yet they're so damn tasty, you can't leave them alone. 129 South St., Boston, MA 2111, winebar.com.
Sunset Grill & Tap
With 112 drafts and 380 total beers to choose from, this just ain't much of a competition. Sure, other places offer great lists: The Publick House has a slate of about 35 beers on tap. But 35 is not 112. And where Lord Hobo—another bar with an admirable lineup—can come off as aggressively hip, friendliness rules the day at this Allston spot. The servers enthusiastically steer you through the menu in search of a pint that'll suit your mood. And that mood, more often than not, is a good one. 130 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 2134, allstonsfinest.com.
River Gods
Central Square is one of Greater Boston's most eclectic neighborhoods, and no restaurant captures the area's unique vibe quite as well as River Gods. Small but not cramped, energetic without being earsplittingly loud, it's usually populated by a mix of students, yuppies, old-timers, and Che Guevara acolytes. On top of a great beer selection, there's a menu that should satisfy everyone from the pickiest vegans to the most carnivorous diners. 125 River St., Cambridge, MA 2139, rivergodsonline.com.
Lower Depths Tap Room
This Kenmore Square taproom raises the, ahem, bar on pub food. Try the build-your-own Fenway Franks, one of the crispy tater tot varieties (like 'poutine tots' or 'tots mexicana'), or the tasty nachos. The 7-ounce burger, meanwhile, comes piled high with whatever unconventional toppings we crave, from chili to chipotle aioli. Apologies to Burger King, but when we want it our way, we come here. 476 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2115, thelowerdepths.com.
Ashmont Grill
While every place on this page gets kudos for channeling neighborhood vibe, credit veteran chef Chris Douglass with being nervy enough to actually create one. Opened in 2005 in less-than-humming Peabody Square, his approachably stylish bistro now draws foodies from near and far with superbly executed, kindly priced ($20, tops) comfort food. And with the recent success of his pasta-centric Tavolo right down the block, Douglass seems primed for a hat trick. 555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester, MA 2124, ashmontgrill.com.
Parish Cafe
It's hard to compete with a sandwich joint that's tapping into the culinary genius of just about every megachef in Boston. Among the delicacies on the roster of almost two dozen sandwiches: Chris Schlesinger's smoked ham and cheese with mango chutney, Lydia Shire's lobster salad sandwich, and Michael Shlow's rare sirloin with caramelized onions and horseradish cream. The only real problem here is figuring out which one to order. 361 Boylston Street, Boston, MA parishcafe.com.
Cutty's
After 40 years of Best of Boston, it takes a lot to shock us. But if you told us that we would eat a sandwich that doesn't even have meat—Cutty's eggplant spuckie, a ciabatta roll filled with mozzarella, olive-carrot salad, and, of course, roasted eggplant—and that it'd be one of the best sandwiches we've ever eaten, we'd be shocked. Guess what? We were shocked. Also great: the sandwiches that actually have meat (go Saturday for the special pork). 284 Washington St., Brookline, MA cuttyfoods.com.
Anh Hong
The winding menu of succulent roast quail, fragrant la lot sausages, crispy-pork-and-shrimp-stuffed banh xeo crepes, and bright goi salads can be overwhelming at first. One solution? Spring for the Bo 7 Mon, a seven-course extravaganza (at an extremely gentle price tag) that will load you up on so many Vietnamese flavors and textures, you won't feel like you're missing out on a single thing. 291 Adams St., Dorchester, MA .
Clear Flour Bread
This tiny Brookline shop has made its name—quite literally—on its nubby olive rolls, grainy loaves, and airy brioche. But when we line up on weekends, it's for something a bit sweeter, in the form of cinnamon morning buns, stunning fruit tarts, and showstopping pain au chocolat—a pastry so buttery and deeply chocolaty, you'll make the pilgrimage for a warm one each morning. 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA clearflourbread.com.
No. 9 Park
For the past two decades, Barbara Lynch has relied on sommelier Cat Silirie for all things wine—and for good reason. No. 9 Park is one of the city's most rewarding places to order, sample, drink, and think about vintages and varietals—and then there's Menton, where Silirie's staff remembered wines that we'd liked and disliked during a visit the year before. Now if that's not service (and smarts), we don't know what is. 9 Park St., Boston, MA 2108, no9park.com.
Michael Albor, The Loft
When you're clearly a brunette—by coloring, heritage, and attitude—why do so many Boston stylists pressure you to go blond? The one man who gets brown in this town is Michael Albor. Wielding all the luscious shades (burnt umber, auburn, bronze), he creates a vibrant palette without a hint of brass. Unfortunately, the secret is out, so if you're fighting the clock to cover grays, book way (way) in advance. 253 Newbury St., Boston, MA theloftsalonanddayspa.com.
Youliana Roussou
These are the qualities we look for in a waxing: speed, and a thoroughness that lets us put off the next one for as long as possible. After 15 years on the strip (so to speak), Roussou has the process down pat. She's versed in the fine art of distraction—as she chatters on about shopping or the local dating scene, you scarcely notice the hot wax near your nether regions. Plus, post-treatment includes a gentle rubdown with calming oils. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA g2ospasalon.com.
Jeffrey Dauksevich, Umi Salon
Jeffrey Dauksevich wants to take control of your hair. Here's why you should let him: Drawing on his two decades of experience, he still gives you the cut you really want, not the one ;he thinks you should try (in his chair, 'no bangs' means no bangs). Need some guidance? He's got suggestions aplenty. The results will be a stunning—if pricey—cut to outlast all the latest Hollywood hair fads. 75 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, umisite.com.
Dorfman Jewelers
When bigger means better (and rare is the instance it doesn't), Dorfman majorly rocks the block. An ever-growing roster of exclusive high-end, high-drama designers—including Vhernier, Patek Philippe, and a new Van Cleef & Arpels salon (one of just 8 nationwide)—ensures your diamonds, pearls, and assorted gemstones outshine the competition. There are plenty of subtle pieces here, too, but where's the fun in that? 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .