George Howell Coffee at the Godfrey Hotel
Before he sold it to Starbucks in the 1990s, George Howell’s local-born Coffee Connection chain helped pioneer the gourmet-coffee movement. Two decades later, the java guru’s eponymous flagship in Boston remains a bar-setter for its robust selection of espressos and pour-overs using full-flavored, single-origin brews—from chocolatey Costa Rican beans to jammy-tasting Yemen selections—that Howell now roasts in Acton. Oh, and Frappuccino fans? Allow us to direct you to a seasonally available creamy, sweet frozen drink–aptly named the Original. 505 Washington St., Boston, MA georgehowellcoffee.com/the-godfrey-hotel.
Ethiopian Café
Don’t blink—this tiny, unassuming eatery is easily missed among the crowded storefronts of Jamaica Plain’s Centre Street. But what a shame it would be to overlook the vibrant bebere-threaded misir wot (lentil stew), sunshine-hued yekik alicha (turmeric-spiced split yellow peas), and silky-tender yebeg tibs (sautéed lamb), all scooped up by springy injera bread. The restaurant is BYOB, so swing by a local wine shop (like nearby Streetcar), or simply pair your meal with a refreshing glass of mango juice. 377 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA ethiopiancafe.business.site.
Marshfield Drive-in
While we wait for the world to return to 21st-century speed, a throwback trend perfect for the social-distancing era has roared back to life: the 1950s-style drive-in movie theater. And what better place than the wide-open grounds of the now-canceled Marshfield Fair—reimagined this summer as an al fresco theater (pictured above) complete with a big screen and concessions—to sprawl out on a lawn chair with a bag of popcorn? Past showings have ranged from the current (Trolls World Tour) to the old-school, including the aptly chosen Back to the Future. 140 Main St., Marshfield, MA 02050, marshfielddrivein.com.
Fox & the Knife
The restaurant industry reeled when Governor Charlie Baker banned on-site dining in March. Top Chef alum Karen Akunowicz, though, rolled with the punches like a champ. Somehow, she successfully translated her sophisticated Italian menu items—such as saffron-bedecked spaghetti with clams—into takeout and delivery. She also slyly launched Fox Pasta to sell house-made spinach mafaldine and other varieties by the pound, plus sauces by the pint. And she quickly readied her patio for devouring personal pizzas and frosé once outdoor dining was allowed again. Adaptability, thy name is Akunowicz. 28 W. Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127, foxandtheknife.com.
M&M BBQ at Dorchester Brewing Company
Barbecue and beer are a perfect pairing, so it makes sense that third-generation pitmaster Geovanni Lambert would open his first brick-and-mortar restaurant inside Dorchester Brewing Company. The counter-service operation dishes out M & M’s famous ribs—the original recipe Lambert’s grandparents launched with a food truck in 1982—as well as smoked chicken and beer-hall-inspired munchies such as the smoked-cheese-and-brisket-loaded “Dumpster Fries.” Devour them on the brewery’s cool new rooftop patio, or grab them curbside (along with cans of, say, Clapp’s Cream Ale) to bring to your own socially distanced lawn party. 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02125, mandmribs.com.
Grill 23 & Bar
For years, Grill 23 has served Boston’s ultimate power-crowd fare. Sure, you have your waiters in white jackets, towers of fresh seafood, and a top-notch wine list, but the reason we keep coming back to this local institution is because no one in town cooks a better steak. It’s salty, crusty, buttery—an unmistakable carnivore’s delight. And remember, if the 10-ounce American Kobe cap seems a bit too small, the 18-ounce 100-day-aged prime rib-eye will be more than happy to oblige. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Via Mare
Jetting off to the Italian Riviera may not be in the cards just yet, but brunch at Via Mare — Italian for “by the sea” — is nearly as exciting. Showcasing honey-hued shiplap walls, cozy sofa seating, and vintage coastal décor, the restaurant offers American classics dressed up with Italian gusto: Take, for example, the deviled-egg starter prepared with daily-changing ingredients like pesto and pickled shallot, or the breakfast sandwich on a house-made kaiser roll topped with seared mortadella. Sail away at the end of the meal with the budino topped with toffee caramel and decorated with lightly torched triangles of meringue. 17 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 02554, viamarenantucket.com.
Kara Lydon Nutrition
Go ahead and gobble up those cookies sans guilt: Registered dietitian nutritionist Kara Lydon encourages her clients to eschew fad diets in favor of intuitive eating, which means enjoying satisfying meals filled with carbs, proteins, and fats (and, yes, the occasional sweet treat) whenever hunger strikes. Not sure how to begin? Lydon’s blog (a.k.a. “the Foodie Dietician”) and e-book offer countless recipes so you can get a jump-start on your health before you even book an appointment. 399 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, karalydon.com.
Cha Yen Thai Cookery
With a degree from Johnson & Wales and training under Todd English, Manita Bunnagitkarn could very well have gravitated toward fine dining. Lucky for us, the skilled chef set up shop in a former Watertown wing spot to concentrate on MSG-free, made-to-order Thai food. Start with an order of coconut-marinated satay and tom kha gai, move on to the pleasantly peppery panang duck curry, and leave room for dense house-made ice creams in unique flavors like spicy chocolate and Thai iced tea. 613 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472, chayenthaicookery.com.
Land Ho
Want a side of local color with your Devil's Purse pint? Pay a visit to this neighborhood hang, where Cape Cod memorabilia—from family crests to vanity plates—fills every inch of wall and ceiling space. It's not all about the kitsch, though: Bartenders behind the lacquered wooden bar aim to please, and the late-night menu satisfies with grub for both landlubbers (burgers) and seafarers (fish and chips). 38 Main St., Orleans, 508-255-5165; 429 Main St., Harwich Port, 508-430-0404; land-ho.com. 38 Main St., Orleans, MA 2653, land-ho.com.
Forty Winks
Yes, lingerie is sexy. But it can also be cool. And thanks to Forty Winks, there's no need to eschew your fashion-forward sensibilities, or comfort, for the typical underwire and lace. In an elegant boutique with plush armchairs and chandeliers, owners Rachel Wentworth and Meredith Donaldson have assembled a collection of intimate apparel that fits a variety of body types and styles, from Marlies Dekkers's trendy line of bras to Eberjey's delicate chemises and Stella McCartney's designer body suits. In other words, underthings so beautiful you'll wish you didn't have to wear anything over them. 56 JFK St., Cambridge, MA 02138, shopfortywinks.com.
Brix
Carri Wroblewski and Klaudia Mally founded Brix in 2003 on a radical idea: that inventory should be determined not by household-name popularity or distributor pricing windfalls but the owners' discerning tastes. Apparently, believing in every last bottle on your shelves wasn't a bad business model, as evidenced by their expansion to two additional locations, and by the city's patiently groomed taste for high-toned Burgundies, off-the-oaken-path Italians, and deep-track rosթs. Multiple locations. Correction, June 26, 12 p.m.: In the July issue of Boston, Carri's name was misspelled. We regret the error. 1284 Washington St., Boston, MA 02218, brixwineshop.com.
Priscilla of Boston
Combining classic, Old World methods with innovative design, Priscilla's talented seamstresses create some of the globe's most stunning wedding frocks. Designs run from tastefully simple silken A-lines to intricate, glamorous affairs like the Calais lace sheath gown, hand-beaded with more than 1,000 Austrian crystals and seed pearls. Priscilla's Charlestown-based design house and factory makes easy shipments and personalized service all but guaranteed—a godsend for any bride who has special requests or needs last-minute alterations. 801 Boylston St., Boston, MA priscillaofboston.com.
The Catered Affair
Your wedding caterer should be, above all else, a perfectionist. You don't want boring and bone-dry chicken any more than you want poorly timed service or cheesy table settings. The Catered Affair owner Holly Safford is just that—a perfectionist who runs her tight ship with equal parts creativity, fabulous taste, efficiency, and soul. What's more, she's been doing it for decades, and her seamless organization and calming demeanor has kept many a girl from turning into Bridezilla. Take that, Martha Stewart. Accord Park, Hingham, MA thecateredaffair.com.
G Spa
Is there anything worse than suffering through another boring bridal or baby shower? Spare yourself by throwing a spa party instead. G Spa's private lounge is perfect for showers, birthday parties, and girl-power get-togethers. The white couches make a stylish setting for muscle-soothing massages and skin-brightening facials. Bring in a party of six or more for two treatments apiece, and you'll get exclusive use of the lounge and the swift work of the well-trained staff. Because if you have to shower your friends with gifts, you might as well get something for yourself, too. 35 Newbury St., Boston, MA gspa.com.