The Publick House
The monastic signage, dark oak bar, and arched windows make this cathedral of beer seem like a relic, but the Brookline stalwart has kept mindfully in step with the fast-moving craft scene. Fifteen-plus years in, it’s the area’s most reliable taproom for pints from locals such as Trillium and Allagash, not to mention styles showcasing the eminent Belgian beer culture that it first introduced to area drinkers. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, thepublickhousebeerbar.com.
House of Blues
A rare space that achieves both arena-grade grandeur and club-show intimacy, our House of Blues is big enough to snag headliners like Lana Del Rey, yet sufficiently cozy to feel like a private party for you—and some 1,800 of your closest friends. 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA 02215, houseofblues.com.
In Your Ear
An old-school record store that drowns out the download age by cultivating loyal customers and an understated cool you can't buy on iTunes, In Your Ear caps one of the city's best vinyl collections with a superior trove of classical music CDs. It also draws audiophiles with a surprisingly deep selection of reel-to-reel tapes, manufacturer-sealed Pink Floyd and Eagles LPs, and an intriguing mélange of minidiscs. 957 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Area Four
Michael Leviton's Cambridge venture is many things to many people: a morning latte-and-breakfast-sandwich stop for local tech gurus; a de facto study hall for MIT students; a casual spot for friends to catch up over a crispy potato-and-pancetta pizza and a couple of glasses of wine. Despite the crowds, though, Area Four maintains a warm, neighborhoody vibe. 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, areafour.com.
Manna House
For years we lamented the lack of quality Korean dining in this town. Once Manna House opened its doors, those complaints thankfully came to an end. Now we can dig into tender bulgogi beef and sesame-oil-slicked jop-chae (sweet potato noodles), plus Chinese-influenced dishes like jajangmyeon (noodles with black soybean paste and diced pork) and kan pung gi (lightly fried chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze). And to think that once upon a time, all of this was just a dream. 9 Medford St., Arlington, MA 2476, mannahouse-cuisine.com.
House of Siam
Despite what your chowhound friends tell you, it is not true that the quality of an ethnic restaurant falls as its sanitation scores rise. And it's certainly not the case at House of Siam, where cream-colored tablecloths, scarlet walls, and golden Buddhas decorate the split-level dining room. The curries are spiced to order (we like the massaman with shrimp), and the wine list is unusually thorough. Settle into a window seat and toast your chicken dang dang with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot. 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 2118, houseofsiam.com.
The Publick House
How many beers does this place have, anyway? 100? 200? Who knows. The suds menu changes all the time at the Publick House (though the Belgians always make an appearance). But more than the awe-inspiring selection, the care with which this Brookline mainstay chooses its brews makes it a treasure. 'Artisanal' is the operative word here and yes, that does translate to 'expensive.' But it also means you'll discover uncommon selections like Aphrodisiaque, a chocolaty, light-bodied beer from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Montreal. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
The Allen House
Completely private. Ferry daily from New Bedford. Sport fishing, beaches, elegant dining. And hardly a car to be seen. Cuttyhunk Island, MA
The Publick House
At Brookline's artisan-suds mecca, a vintage Son Volt tour tee will get you further with the aging hipster crowd than any designer finery; let it slip that you grow your own hops, and you might very well seal the deal. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
A House on the Cape
What do you do when you’re craving that #beachlife but can’t get on a plane? You start searching for a home across the bridge. As legions of the region’s newly minted WFHers began a mass exodus down Route 6 last spring and summer, house prices skyrocketed, leaving those who didn’t find their slice of paradise early in the pandemic in the dust. Our advice if you’re still desperately scanning Zillow this summer? Beg your friends for an invitation (or blow up a kiddie pool in your landlocked backyard).
Greydon House
The talk of Nantucket since its debut in 2016, Greydon House continues to impress with its design-forward common spaces and guest rooms, to say nothing of its small-but-mighty restaurant and bar, helmed by Michelin-starred executive chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware. Settle into your new digs—decked out with reclaimed-chestnut floors, antique furniture, and maritime-inspired artwork—then head out to explore the town: The inn conveniently stands just a short bike ride away from many island destinations, including the ferry terminal. 17 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 02554, greydonhouse.com.
House of Blues
A GA ticket to House of Blues means A) you’re seeing one of your favorite acts, and B) you’re about to move. We love House of Blues for the energy on the floor, whether you’re dropping it low with Lizzo, moshing with August Burns Red, or crying as you hold an iPhone in flashlight mode aloft with Jenny Lewis. Hey, however the music moves you is cool with us. 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA houseofblues.com/boston.
Publick House
The bar is always bumping, and for good reason: It has Brookline’s largest selection of beers. We favor them paired with the hand-cut Yukon frites slathered in truffle ketchup and apricot-IPA barbecue sauce. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, thepublickhousebeerbar.com.
Area Four
Since opening in 2011, this all-purpose spot has become Kendall Square's community dining room, the place Cantabrigians gather to enjoy wood-fired pies and hearty salads. Feeling social? Ask to dine at one of the long communal tables. What to Order: The garlic knots; "Kitchen Sink" salad; puttanesca pizza. 500 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA areafour.com.