Chicago Auto
Whatever your car's sexual orientation, it may find its home away from home at Chicago Auto, which started out serving the lesbian community, but has some of the mechanics in town. Founded by Boomer Kennedy in 1984, Chicago Auto is committed to helping women and men understand their cars. Customers praise the individual attention and the honest, upfront communication about what their repair and maintenance options are. Another perk: Loaner cars are free. 35 Tudor St., Cambridge, MA .
blu
Posh as they are, the folks behind the Downtown Crossing eatery Blu recognize that a bar menu just ain't a bar menu without fries, wings, and mozzarella sticks. Except here, of course, the fries are made from polenta and served with truffled cheese. The duck wings are cooked to a crisp, then tossed with charred jalapenos and honey. And the fried cheese? House-made smoked mozzarella slathered in spicy tomato crema and basil pesto. No nachos yet, possibly because they're still fine-tuning the artisanal guac. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, blurestaurant.com.
Sel de la Terre
For moms and dads who simply can't bear Ronald McDonald's plastic leer any longer, this French bistro is a godsend. A menu pour les enfants features beignets de poulet (chicken fingers) and tartine au fromage fondu (grilled cheese) with mounds of pommes frites. At brunch, brioche French toast with berries and baskets of fresh pastries will sate and soothe the hungriest toddler. Plus, the service ranks high with frazzled parents: Be it highchair requests or spill mop-ups, the waiters behave like saints. 255 State St., Boston, MA 2109, seldelaterre.com.
Cantina La Mexicana
Bostonians who bemoan the city's dearth of real burritos have obviously never been to this Union Square standout. You won't find assembly line stations here, just hardworking cooks who steam flour tortillas then load them with rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole (ask for extra), grilled veggies, and your choice of meat. Trust us, this burrito will change the mind of even a stubborn aficionado. 247 Washington St., Somerville, MA 2143, lataqueria.com.
Davio's
We've long lamented the disappearance of the three-martini lunch. But if such a luxury were still to exist, it would go down at Davio's. Since relocating to its current perch in Park Square, Steve DiFillippo's institution of Italian dining has reclaimed a position of power. Well-heeled Back Bay business types shuffle in each afternoon, scarfing down generous portions of pasta with glasses of house-filtered water, on the rocks. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA davios.com.
Umbria
Does Boston need another Italian restaurant? If it's Umbria, the answer is a resounding yes. Chef Marisa Iocco is turning out flavorful cuisine from Italy's bucolic central region, which means straightforward grilled, slow-braised, or brick oven-roasted food. It also means melt-in-your-mouth buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, and moist, pan-seared cod loin with creamy celery root purée. And unlike its North End brethren, Umbria offers desserts—amazing ones, at that. 295 Franklin St., Boston, MA umbriaprime.com.
Brown Sugar Café
Serving huge portions of flavorful curries and other Thai specialties at affordable prices, Brown Sugar is a perfect match for the tastes and budgets of the undergrads, musicians, and medical students who live in this neighborhood. In addition to less fiery offerings like "Siamese Twins" (shrimp and chicken in a sweet-and-sour sauce), there are such authentic dishes as laarb gai (minced chicken in a spicy lime sauce). Service is prompt but friendly, and the free parking—limited, but a rarity in these parts—means outsiders can enjoy one of the city's best pad thais, too. 129 Jersey St., Boston, MA brownsugarcafe.com.
Mr. Sid of Newton and Palm Beach
This is a shop for guys who hate to shop. In fact, Mr. Sid's has more amenities than some hotels. While their Zegna suits are being custom-altered, pampered shoppers can play pool, get their hair trimmed by an in-house barber, have a drink at the bar, or knock back espressos. The staff even tries to help the old-school faction of its clientele understand "Casual Friday." 1211 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA mrsid.com.
Opticians 3
Two things make an optical shop great: a wide selection of frames, and an attentive staff. All three locations of Opticians 3 offer both. Designer frames range from classic Giorgio Armani to modern Prada to funky Jean-Paul Gaultier. The staff knows its inventory well and can help you find something that fits you perfectly. Few bargains here, but hey, this is your face we're talking about! The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA opticians3.com.
Louis Boston
Determined to strike out against the WASP uniform of rumpled khakis, polo shirts, and sensible shoes, Debi Greenberg and dad Murray Pearlstein have revolutionized the way Bostonians dress. Their modern approach to fashion eschews mainstream labels for smaller, innovative designers, earning Louis Boston an international reputation as the store to watch—and copy. This store has the goods. And for your entertainment, deejays spin on the ground level Saturday afternoons. Does it get any cooler? Not in Boston. 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Alan Bilzerian
It's tough making an entrance, especially when the party season is in full swing. Young bohos in search of funky outfits are those into more serious chic might want to check out the gauzy, filmy numbers by designers whose names trip over your tongue: Demeulemeeseter, Galliano, Yamamoto. The store also has all the party accouterments, from cashmere cardigans and jewelry to hairpieces and Sergio Rossi shoes. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Serenella
The boutique is a gold mine of designers-on-the-rise like Antonio Beradi and Lucien Pellat-Finet, as well as more established lines like Moschino Couture. For those who care about fashion, there's an interesting fusion of labels and attitudes for all ages. For those who care more about originality, the diversity of designs here reduces the chances that you'll bump into some wench wearing your dress at Aquitaine. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Rugg Road Paper Co.
Whether you're looking for a gift or for your own personal use, no other store is more fun to browse in for writing, wrapping, and special occasion papers. Rugg Road carries an unusual and beautiful selection— sold by the sheet or by the box— that is a nice departure from the ubiquitous Crane's stationary, and great for customized invitations. Its heavy stock writing paper is email's most valiant enemy. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Fresh Eggs
After starting her stylish housewares store, F.kia, Ned Hand launched a second store stocked with chic furniture. But mixed in are some smart choices for gifts. Look for the stainless steel kitchen accouterments, beautiful glass items, tablewear, and linens. The bedding and hand painted pillows can't be beat. Here's your chance to give a housewarming gift that will get you invited back. 58 Clarendon St., Boston, MA .
The Dutch Flower Garden
You can't walk by without looking twice. The cascade of color beckons from the pavement, and spontaneity pays. For the romantic gesture of the moment, or a few blooms to grace your dinner table, pick a few posies by the stem or grab a tiny basket of flowering plants and vines. The whole shopfront reeks of romance and fresh beauty from the wrought-iron filigree to the lush sidewalk display. 164 Newbury St., Boston, MA .