Hollywood Express
Searching for an obscure miniseries by Brit playwright Dennis Potter? Or is Japanimation more your taste? You've come to the right place if you're looking for those unrated, non-blockbuster, hard-to-find videos. And if the store doesn't have that special something in stock, it will order it for you—or give you an informed recommendation for a similar flick. 1740 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Mystery Train Records
Mystery Train in Gloucester houses perhaps the most eclectic assemblage of music and tchotchkes in eastern Massachusetts. A Gustav Mahler postcard here, a Charlie's Angelslunch box there—now that's culture. Looking for Arthur Miller reading from The Crucible and Death of a Salesman? How about Patsy Cline on Decca vinyl? You've come to the right place. 306 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
New England Silks
Every imaginable variety of flower, as well as towering ficuses, bonsai, and bushes. This is the place to come if you don't have a green thumb or a southern exposure. Many fancy retail establishments shop here for their store display sand silk-flower arrangements. They'll do custom arrangements in your container, or you can choose among their own extensive selection of pots. 322 Reservoir Street, Needham, MA .
Treasured Legacy
Rosalyn Elder opened this gallery/bookshop almost four years ago to make African American culture both approachable and affordable, and to foster a sense of artistic heritage that had been lacking in the community. Elder offers reproductions by such celebrated African American artists as Romare Nearden and Jacob Lawrence, as well as handmade wares form Africa and original art by local artist. There's also a great selection of African American books, toys, games, and note cards; the store is both an inspiration and an education. Coplely Place/The Dartmouth Street Shops, Boston, MA .
Posto
With its mod open layout and warm brick and wood, Posto is snazzy enough for date night and relaxed enough for family get-togethers. But to truly appreciate one of Posto's pies, fly solo. With a bready aroma rolling off the crispy-chewy crust, and the flavors of premium ingredients (rich Gorgonzola cream, spicy soppressata, fresh baby arugula) only just married, a pizza delivered straight from the wood-fired oven demands—and rewards—your undivided attention. 187 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, .
The Bristol Lounge
The best-loved burgers in Boston fall into two camps: the frills-free fast-food type (Flat Patties, Tasty Burger) and the oversize variety topped with high-end accoutrements (Radius, Craigie on Main). Bristol's version, though, stands alon—a layering of juicy beef with a hint of char, aged Vermont cheddar, cool lettuce, sweet tomato, and house-made pickles on a buttery bun. It's the basics done absolutely right—and worth every cent of the $21 it costs. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, .
O Ya
Yes, $21 for two or three pieces of sashimi is pricey. But less is far more at O Ya, where chef Tim Cushman's top-tier ingredients and meticulous layering of flavors add up to the best mouthfuls in New England. Perfect bites, like fatty Scottish salmon belly with cilantro, ginger, and hot sesame oil, are presented with a careful balance of richness and bracing acid. So yeah, it's costly. But anything else that trips your pleasure centers like this will also cost a fortune—and probably isn't legal. 9 East St., Boston, MA 2111, oyarestaurantboston.com.
Cat Silirie
Most sommeliers keep their servers so oenologically clueless, it feels like a job-security scheme. Not so with Silirie, who arms every associate in Barbara Lynch's multi-restaurant gastro-empire with knowledge that extends far beyond by-the-glass pours. Ask about any esoteric bottling on Silirie's famously eclectic lists, and you'll be met with exuberant expertise, not blank stares.
Tupelo
Fun as it is to play hooky from the world at a cool, insidery haunt, at some point you need to get along home, culinarily speaking. And ringing that get-your-butt-in-here-for-supper bell with both hands is Tupelo, a southern joint that sets the table with soulful family recipes and heavenly desserts (brown-butter pecan pie!). Most Inman folks weren't raised on this kind of food, but judging by the way they've been packing into Tupelo since its April debut, maybe their kids will be. 1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, tupelo02139.com.
Gargoyles on the Square
Visiting Gargoyles only on date night (yes, the lighting flatters; true, the velvet cascades) is like eating oysters only to boost your mojo. Both should be enjoyed, and often, on their own merits—nooky prospects be damned. Wash away the workday with a silky but strong cocktail (we love the summer-in-a-glass Backyard), and refuel for tomorrow with chef Jason Santos's seasonally inspired fare. And, if you must, flirt at the dish sitting at the next table. Somerville, MA 2144,
Rubin's Kosher Restaurant Delicatessen
Yarmulke-bedecked customers attest to the kosher bona fides at this Brookline mainstay, where the takeout case is long and complete, the sandwiches are overstuffed with choice cuts, and the pickles—well, Rubin's knows from pickles, offered free in the tightly packed dining room. And you can bet your tuches that Bubbe would approve of the meat knish: flaky crust setting off pillowy mashed potato and salty ground beef, the whole mess served piping hot. 500 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 2446, rubinsboston.com.
Diesel Café
While the corporate megapercolators spend millions on ads that pit yuppies against average joes, the Diesel buzzes blissfully along, keeping the emphasis on the coffee. Tattered banquettes and walls covered with funky artwork provide a quirky welcome to Davis Square caffeine addicts. And one sip of the house blend—made from beans that are subtly roasted, not burnt to a crisp—confirms that the brew here is highly habit-forming. 257 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, diesel-cafe.com.
Tremont 647
In a neighborhood chock-full of great places to eat, Tremont 647 stands out as the community hangout for dinner, not to mention for its wacky come-dressed-in-your-pajamas Sunday brunch. Locals flock here in droves for chef Andy Husbands's menu of comfort food, from momós (Tibetan dumplings) and homemade tater tots to grilled skirt steak and garlic sausage pizza. 647 Tremont St., Boston, MA tremont647.com.
Mamma Maria
Valet parking and reservations? In the North End? Absolutely, at this house of refined and authentic Italian cooking tucked away in North Square. Better still, it's perfect for large parties, thanks to well-timed service and tables spaced just far enough apart to provide both privacy and a jolt of the room's energy. Add Rockwellian views of the neighborhood, the menu's mix of traditional and creative dishes, a diverse wine list, and you've got large-party dining nailed. 3 North Square, Boston, MA mammamaria.com.
Sadie Higgins, Sarra
There are plenty of beauty rituals that can survive a rushed appointment. Eyebrow shaping is not one of them. Sadie Higgins spends a full 45 minutes studying the shape of your face while tweezing (no wax) a natural arch precisely where it was meant to be—even if nature had other ideas. She also dispenses at-home maintenance tips, all in a gorgeous loft space. 840 Summer St., Boston, MA sarrastudios.com.