Four Seasons
When a local institution undergoes a renovation, we take notice. As part of this year's stunning Four Seasons makeover, lumpy old armchairs, timeworn furniture, and outdated décor were tossed to make room for cushy couches, flat-screen TVs, rich comforters, and marble-topped dressers. Add to that the hotel's already unflappable service, prime location, and stellar restaurants—Aujourd'hui and the Bristol Loung—and this sleepover spot has soared back to the level of glamour its brand implies. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, fourseasons.com.
Four Seas
It doesn't get sweeter than Four Seas, where flavor favorites include lemon crisp and peach, and homemade toppings range from Melba sauce to crème de menthe. Best of all: You can eat your treat knowing your tips are put toward college funds for employees, all of whom are required by the owner to maintain good grades. 360 South Main St., Centerville, MA fourseasicecream.com.
Ice House
You'll probably be underwhelmed by the squat, nothing-special exterior, but trust us when we say your reaction to chef Job Yacubian's Mediterranean cuisine will be quite the opposite. In fact, it's the whole diamond-in-the-rough appeal that makes the BYOB meals her—spring pea pudding, potato gnocchi in Parmesan broth, bacon-wrapped yellowfin—so spectacular. Judging by how hard it is to get a reservation and Bittersweet's celebrity clientele, it's safe to say this ever-changing West Tisbury spot (formerly the Red Cat, then Ice House) has hit its stride. 688 State Rd., West Tisbury, MA 2568, .
House of Siam
In a town with no shortage of commendable Thai restaurants, everyone has a favorite. But House of Siam wins us over with both big-picture style and thoughtful details. The duck with red curry alone is worth the trip—perfumed with sweet coconut milk and studded with eggplant and bright-flavored basil. Ditto the "Five King," an aromatic mix of plump shrimp, fried fish, squid, scallops, and mussels in a chile-laden broth. Dive into all of it seated among miniature beaded lamps, curly bamboo, and gilded fixtures set against brick-red walls. Then try to tell us that all Thai restaurants are the same. 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA houseofsiamboston.com.
Boarding House
The patio at this island institution is prime people-watching real estate, but it's the food that keeps us coming back season after season. The brioche doughnuts coated with bourbon-caramel sauce and bacon sugar are a must, but there are lots of other treats to choose from: buttermilk-fried chicken, waffles with pecan butter and bourbon-maple syrup, bacon-infused bloody marys, and warm, hangover-easing chocolate chip cookies. 12 Federal St., Nantucket, MA boardinghousenantucket.com.
House of Blues
Live gospel music in a mini-museum of folk art, and a Southern-style buffet that includes eggs, fried catfish, breakfast meats, biscuits, fruit salad, and bread pudding. It's a revival meeting cum dining experience that simultaneously satisfies body and soul. 96 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA .
The Hampshire House
Actually, the Bull & Finch Pub in the basement. Very tasty, with a fair amount of vodka. 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
The Hampshire House
They've changed the name, but the drink remains the same—the finest in Boston, with just a hint of horseradish and garlic. 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
The ’Quin House
When the reimagined and redesigned Algonquin Club opened in 2021, the six-story mansion generated instant buzz for its gorgeously over-the-top design, from a button to summon champagne in the first-floor “speakeasy” to a Sinatra bust that you press to reveal a secret door. But its social capital is more than just aesthetics. The space has quickly replaced the old Bristol Lounge at the Four Seasons as the place for a power-rendezvous, except now the CEOs are rubbing elbows with social justice activists, and the membership is legitimately diverse. New Boston, indeed. 217 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA thequinhouse.com.
Jane Maxwell's Room Service
She'll deliver the spread to your door, and it's delicious. Twenty-four dollars buys quiche, Perrier, French bread, sweet butter, broccoli and eggplant in a shallot vinaigrette, and pears with crème chantilly. She will also prepare more elaborate dishes (cold poached salmon, with sauce verte) and choose your wine (Maxwell used to be the sommelier at the Parker House). 266-8277.
Spa NiJoli
We'll admit we're skeptical of any salon inside a full-service day spa. Can one place really excel at massages, pedis, and cuts and color? At Spa Ni'Joli, the answer is a resounding yes. The stylists strike the delicate balance between listening to your hair-care woes and delivering advice, and our tresses were all the better for a visit. For all you busy North Shore moms: Ni'Joli also offers babysitting ($5 for two hours). Now that's what we call full service. 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, MA 1844, nijoli.com.
Haley House
This nonprofit bakery-café serves up superb food—don’t miss the jerk-chicken grilled cheese—with a side of good citizenship (and free WiFi). 12 Dade St., Roxbury, MA 2119, haleyhouse.org.
Boarding House
Like sitting on a South End patio, you'll see everyone during weekend brunch here. People-watching aside, the covered, fenced-in Federal Street terrace is also a cool and shady spot to take in Seth and Angela Raynor's outstanding service and locally sourced fare. Go sweet on pillowy house-made brioche doughnuts and soufflé pancakes, or ease into the day with a savory grilled pizzetta topped with fontina, arugula, and prosciutto. Whichever way you go, the BoHo's classic bloody mary is a must. 12 Federal St., Nantucket, MA 2554, boardinghousenantucket.com.