Garlic 'n Lemons
Let us, for a moment, break down this spot’s chicken shawarma sandwich: rotisserie-carved poultry, crunchy pickled turnips, fragrant sumac-spiced onions, a handful of fresh produce, and garlic sauce, all layered strategically within crisp saj bread. While this one stunning sandwich alone justifies the long ride on the B Line, the menu’s other Lebanese specialties, such as deep-fried cauliflower and crisp falafel, are equally alluring. 133 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA garliclemons.com.
The Kirkland Tap & Trotter
At Craigie on Main, Tony Maws’s cultish burger is available off the menu, in limited quantities only. At Maws’s new gastropub, the Kirkland Tap & Trotter, however, his cheeseburger—a peppery patty topped with kimchi Russian dressing and Emmentaler cheese, on poppy-seed brioche—is very much on the menu, and very much worth ordering. Where other gourmet burgers feel greasy and heavy, this one doesn’t bomb your stomach. All the better, because you might want to have seconds. 425 Washington St., Somerville, MA 2143, kirklandtapandtrotter.com.
Abigail's Children's Boutique
Can't stomach another trip to Gymboree? This sibling-owned store will outfit your little ones in classic style from the time they're born through their preteens. You'll find an excellent array of formalwear, along with well-priced everyday gear and adorable accessories. No kiddie high heels, though — sorry, Suri. 93 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2482, abigails.com.
O Ya
Calling a restaurant "very New York" may not be a politically correct compliment in these parts. And yet, the label fits. With its sleek design, sake sommelier, and mind-blowing food (we've heard at least one diner, upon sampling the foie gras nigiri with balsamic chocolate kabayaki, wish out loud that "sex could be this good"), O Ya outshines all the stunning additions to the city's dining scene this year—not to mention anything we've tasted you-know-where. 9 East St., Boston, MA .
Jackson Cannon
Settle into Eastern Standard's plush, cozy bar and let Cannon welcome you with an easy grin and quick, imaginative recommendations: an old-school cocktail he's revived (such as his signature Jack Rose), or maybe a little-known bottling. His obsession with fresh ingredients makes Cannon a true bar artist, though one mercifully free of snobbery—which means if you're looking to throw back something a touch more pedestrian, he'll pour that light beer and serve it with a smile. Eastern Standard, Hotel Commonwealth, 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA easternstandardboston.com.
City Sports
Finding enough time to work out can be hard enough, never mind locating the right clothing to do it in. City Sports is a one-stop shop offering every major athletic apparel brand—from Nike to Under Armour, Brooks, and Mizuno. Employees, meanwhile, will get you geared up quickly, so you can get back to the gym, track, or pool. 480 Boylston St., Boston, MA citysports.com.
Webster & Company
Boston's interior designers don't want you to know about Webster & Company: It's their secret trove of the classic American furnishings that picky New Englanders crave. David Webster and his son Peter have the area's exclusives on labels like Holly Hunt, Dakota Jackson, and Vaughan. One caveat: They only sell to the trade, so you'll need to hire an interior designer to get the goods. One Design Center Place-Suite 242, Boston, MA 2210, webstercompany.com.
Filthy Rich of Boston
This North End gem promises replicas of "world-famous celebrity jewelry," and it delivers better than a stunt double. Filthy Rich of Boston has more than 100 authorized exact copies of classic pieces owned and worn by legends like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, as well as look-alikes from current stars such as Halle Berry and Nicole Kidman. You may not be an Oscar winner, but you can accessorize like one. Boston, MA 2113,
Stel's
In a highly competitive retail environment, Stel's refuses to play it safe. Instead, it cultivates an always cutting-edge cast of emerging and indie designers (most of them found only here): Alexander Wang, Rachel Comey, Society for Rational Dress. The spot-on buying ensures that one stop will produce all your staples (tees from Coven, denim by Rogan) as well as that truly standout item (like a Gary Graham leather vest). 334 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2115, .
Cohasset Jewelers
No two diamonds are alike—and yet so much jewelry looks exactly like what she's wearing, dammit! Uncover flashes of originality at Cohasset Jewelers, a family business well into its third decade. Bench jeweler Don Cirone (who co-owns the store with brother Mark) crafts most of the highly covetable wares on-site, as well as made-to-order custom pieces. For guaranteed one-off wonders, plunder the strong estate section or hit its annual blowout sale in August. 790 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy, Cohasset, MA 2025, cohassetjewelers.com.
Hatched
Shopping for an earth-mother-to-be? Consider feel-good products that actually feel good—like the ones at three-year-old Hatched, whose soft cotton diapers, soothing all-natural lotions, and cloudlike merino wool blankets prove "environmentally friendly" needn't equal "rough-hewn." For those with a more playful bent, there are Kinderkram wooden cars and trucks, finished with only natural oils and dyes, and vibrant Kruse baby toys made of organic cotton. 5 Green St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, hatchedboston.com.
Polka Dog Bakery
The trash bin at the Shawmut-Milford intersection brims with the other kind of doggie bag, the calling cards of tail-wagging patrons who find plenty of reasons to stop here: two floors of homemade treats (tuna cookies for crunching, pig ears for gnawing), fancy leashes, and bright, squeaky toys just waiting to be slobbered over. The variety satisfies even two-legged shoppers—which, let's be honest, are the only critical ones on the premises. 256 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 2118, polkadog.com.
Henry Bear's Park
The best toy stores have irresistible playthings and eye-popping colors, which is why Henry Bear's Park in Cambridge is our winner. From dress-up dolls to Go Fish!, this educational outlet has an impressive slew of books including ones by local authors who pop in for the Saturday morning reading series. Toys include blocks and stuffed animals for infants and outdoor games and science kits for toddlers and big kids up to age 12. 361 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA henrybear.com.
Mobilia Gallery
Artists, critics, and collectors habitually rejoice at Mobilia openings, and they don't just come for the dumplings and drinks. Libby and Jo Anne Cooper exhibit and sell the creations of some of the world's leading jewelry artists—and often invite the artists to talk about their work. From the knitted metal fantasies of Arline Fisch to the flocked brooches of Dan Jocz, every piece is one of a kind. Mobilia's artist-made jewelry is often a better buy than name-brand designer baubles, with prices starting lower than the cost of a good dinner. 358 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA mobilia-gallery.com.
Waterworks
This is the temple of clean, with every element of the bathroom represented, from stylish faucets to plush bathrobes and towels. The shop specializes in handcrafted pieces ranging from traditional to modern, and offers impressively accessible design consultation. For touchy-feely types, there are in-store displays that provide truly interactive shopping. We watched as one couple tumbled into an oversized whirlpool to test the size. 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA waterworks.com.