Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill
Back during the NCAA basketball tournament, we spent an afternoon at the Remy's near Fenway. It almost broke our head. It wasn't just that there were a zillion TVs, but that the two biggest ones over the bar were 11 feet long. (That's, like, two Dustin Pedroias!) With an exceptional beer list and more-than-good-enough food, there's no place better to spend NFL Sunday, college football Saturday, or, really, any day. 1265 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, jerryremys.com.
The Regal Beagle
The Beagle opened its doors in Coolidge Corner last November to considerable enthusiasm—it is, after all, one of only a few finer-dining destinations in a sea of casual ethnic joints. But the tiny gastropub quickly proved it had the culinary know-how to back up the buzz, rewarding loyal patrons with comfort food like Gorgonzola-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates; tender lamb chops with pomegranate syrup; and scallops with summer-corn risotto and pancetta, all served in an atmosphere that feels cozy and chic. 308 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, thebeaglebrookline.com.
Tony Maws, Craigie On Main
Reality-show appearances? Nope. Cookbooks? Not yet. Restaurants? Just one. In the era of the celebrity chef, Tony Maws is the rare example of a guy who just wants to cook. On any given day at Craigie on Main, you'll likely spot the award-winning chef garnishing plates, checking up on his staff, and running food to tables, much to the delight of his customers. 653 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, craigieonmain.com.
May's Cake House
The problem with most birthday cakes is that the better they look— all flowers and scrolls— the worse they taste. May, bless her heart, has solved the dilemma. She compliments her delicate batters with light mousses and whipped creams, then trims with finely sliced fruits. The cakes she creates are beautiful and delicious. And you can afford one— even after the ticket you'll probably get for double-parking on the south edge of Chinatown. 223 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .
Roasters Coffee & Tea Company
If you live in fear of the ubiquitous Starbucks turning up on every street corner, head to the recently opened, one-of-a-kind Roasters. It's professional enough to be a chain (it's not), but personal enough to be an original (it is). The coffee tastes better and costs less than that of the usual suspects. The wood-and-chrome interior is beautifully designed, and the glass cases display an exquisite variety of pastries. 85 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Parish Cafe
This bistro doesn't dub its sandwich selection "The Great Ones" for nothing. Some of the city's best chefs have contributed recipes for lavishly layered concoctions sure to make your mouth water. Steer clear of the calzone, and instead sink your teeth into the Capital Grille's Smoked Salmon on brioche, the Pudding Portobello with onion marmalade, or Norma's Zuni Roll with cranberry chipotle. The latter ensures you'll never look at a turkey sandwich the same way again. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Modern Pastry Shop
Cannoli should never be filled until you enter the bakery and say, "Four cannoli, please." At which point the white-smocked helper at Modern will slip into the back of the shop, return with four freshly filled pastries, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar, and warp them in one of those classic boxes tied with red-and-white string. 257 Hanover St., Boston, MA .
Alan Rouleau
Whether you want a knock-off of a Zegna suit (with fabric from the Italian Mill) or simply someone to shorten a hem, Rouleau and his team of master tailors can do the trick. His latest triumph: downsizing a tiny Dolce and Gabbana bustier for a client who couldn't resist a too-big one on sale. Look for new locations in the Back Bay (this fall) and the financial district (1996). 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Gino Ruotolo
Ruotolo's specialty is the permanent, and his price—starting at thirty-five dollars—makes it one of the better buys in town. Ruotolo is based in Cambridge at Gino-Parracchiere, 20 Holyoke St., and explains, "Before we do a permanent, we analyze the hair. Can it take a perm or not? We want to pass a good judgment, the most honest judgment. If the perm looks good, that's good for us." Gino-Parracchiere, 20 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA .
Pinwheels
We might roll our eyes at precious, overpriced kids' clothes, but it's near impossible to resist the teeny, hand-knit pale pink sweaters and soft cotton bonnets and caps at Pinwheels. Miniature outfits for boys and girls—including many pieces with embroidered animals—abound at this island spot. There's only one downside: You'll wish Pinwheels carried its charming fashions in your size, too. 7 S. Beacon St., Nantucket, MA .
Pageo
The right necklace makes an outfit. No one knows this better than the staff at Pagéo, who navigate display cases of diverse, modern pieces, from magnificent gold necklaces dripping with colorful gems to lustworthy diamond pendants and delicate platinum drop earrings. It's enough to drive even the most directed buyer to distraction. But the knowledgeable personnel will help you focus. 843 Beacon St., Newton Centre, MA pageo.com.
Boston Children's Theatre
The BCT could play it safe. Instead, it offers outside-the-box productions, like Reflections of a Rock Lobster, about a gay teen's fight to bring his date to the prom, and Honk!, a lively musical based on The Ugly Duckling. And if your kids like what they see here, sign them up for one of the many workshops the BCT offers. 316 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA bostonchildrenstheatre.com.
The Brattle Theatre
The Brattle is one of the most esteemed repertory movie theaters in the country, but it's a fragile thing—this winter, it had to launch a $140,000 Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a projector and HVAC renovation. The gambit succeeded, which means visitors can continue to enjoy an unparalleled selection of films old and new—while drinking Slumbrew and other local beers. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA brattlefilm.org.
AMC Loews Boston Common 19
This centrally located mega-multiplex is chock full of big-budget luxuries. The semireclining seats are roomy enough for even the most ample popcorn-fed tushes. The monstrous screens do justice to even the most audacious CGI effects. The sound systems pump more decibels at audiences than Logan's runways do at Eastie residents. And if one show is sold out, there'll be another screening starting down the hall in five minutes. 175 Tremont St., Boston, MA amctheaters.com.
Courageous Sailing
One way to minimize your exposure to E. coli is to sail on Boston Harbor instead of the Charles River, and Courageous Sailing is the best way to go for the bucolic-urban experience. Courageous offers easy access to Harbor Islands State Park, where with a little advanced planning you can even go camping. The only year-round sailing center in Boston, it merits its name because of its iceboating events and other cold-weather adventures. 1 First Ave., Charlestown, MA .