Toro
Can any Spanish restaurant topple Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette’s always-buzzing tapas spot in the South End? Answer: not this year. The playlist and meticulously curated by-the-glass sherry list still keep the party going well into the night, nearly every night. But it’s the seafood-packed paella, pressed uni sandwiches with miso butter, and beloved grilled corn that continue to make this a true Boston institution—one that’s been imported to Bangkok and Dubai in recent years. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, toro-restaurant.com.
York Athletics
Breaking into the sneaker market in a town like Boston is no easy feat. We’re already home to the global headquarters of New Balance, Converse, and Reebok, not to mention Rockport and Saucony, which have offices in the suburbs. But York Athletics’ founders weren’t daunted. Even in Sneaker Town USA, they saw a gaping hole in the market, and an underserved consumer group of independent thinkers they could claim as their own. Read more yorkathleticsmfg.com.
Joan Jonas
Happy birthday to this multimedia pioneer, who turns 83 this month with plenty to celebrate. After decades of medium-defining work—not to mention a Tate Modern retrospective in London and a Kyoto Prize last year— the MIT arts professor emerita continues to leave her mark on Boston. Between her recent light-and-crystal installation Ice Drawing at the MFA and her Isabella Stewart Gardner exhibit of evocative animal drawings, Jonas just may be having her best run yet.
Mincho Pacheco, Avanti Salon
Mincho Pacheco’s station at Avanti Salon is a revolving door of the city’s most put-together gents, from high-powered banker types to Boston Bruins—but really, everyone who makes an appointment is guaranteed to get the VIP treatment. The stylist’s passion for men’s cuts brought him from his native El Salvador to one of the most in-demand Newbury Street salons, where his precise technique makes a compelling argument for guys to ditch the barber shop once and for all. 20 Newbury St. , Boston, MA 02116, avantisalonboston.com.
Mr. Sid
Mr. Sid has earned a spot in the Best of Boston hall of fame, and rightfully so. No other men's shop offers such a luxe, Mad Men-esque shopping experience (see: the billiards table, tricked-out bar, and downstairs hair salon). But it isn't style over substance here, with superior suiting, coats, athletic wear, and dress shoes from the likes of Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Paraboot. 1211 Centre St., Newton Centre, MA 02459, mrsid.com.
The Citgo Sign
Hitching your sense of self to a big ol' oil company's logo might seem like a manifestation of corporate personhood, but the sign advertising the Venezuelan energy outfit Citgo, which towers over Kenmore Square, provides a quick way for people to situate themselves in Boston. Not only does its design make it one of those rare neon signs that looks good when the sun's shining, Fenway Park and its Instagram-ready tableaux are just a stroll away. Kenmore Square, Boston, MA 02215, .
Concord
Over the years, boutiques like Sara Campbell and French Lessons have brought splashes of sophistication to this historical paradise. Newer restaurants run by Boston-area chefs (80 Thoreau, Bondir Concord) have moved in, too. There’s even a serious coffee shop, Haute, which will soon expand to Cambridge. Meanwhile, beloved landmarks like the Concord Bookshop and the Concord Cheese Shop still look the same as they have for decades, much to the delight of proper locals (and those who wish they were).
Fresh
When Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg launched their Boston-based apothecary, they personally wrapped and labeled soaps by hand. More than 20 years later, the Fresh name is synonymous with natural ingredients such as sugar, honey, lotus, and soy (we can’t get enough of the black-tea face masks and hydrating rosewater serums). Amiable staffers spend time with each customer doling out expert product recommendations and samples to treat all manner of epidermal woes, from dry skin to fine lines. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, fresh.com.
Tenoch
These authentic Veracruz counter-service spots in Boston, Medford, and now Somerville are cheerful and bold, with huge menus: Don’t miss the achiote-and-pineapple tacos and the salted-beef-and-cactus antojitos. Once you’ve doubled your daily caloric intake, take home a few homemade tamales to tide you over until your next visit. And don’t forget to request the house hot sauce on your way out the door. 3 Lewis St., Boston, MA 02109, tenochmexican.com.
Fenway Park
For baseball fans, it's the ultimate only-in-Boston venue. Get married behind third base in Section 32 before moving your celebration to one of 14 reception options: For Green Monster vistas, you can't beat the Dell EMC Club; for a skyline tableau, the State Street Pavilion or the right-field roof deck hit it out of the park. 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215, redsox.mlb.com.
Nikoleta and Vicky Lirantonakis, Best Dressed
The best innovators make a good idea even better. Take the online dress-rental business. Why, thought the Lirantonakis sisters, couldn't it be translated into a brick-and-mortar sans pesky fit problems? Two boutiques later, it's mission accomplished. 197 Eighth St., Charlestown, 617-337-5853; 489 E. Broadway, South Boston, 617-765-8661; rentbestdressed.com. 197 Eighth St., Charlestown, MA 02129, rentbestdressed.com.
Frank Celeste, Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Charlestown-based broker Frank Celeste lays claim to some of the most eye-catching listings in Boston, from historical townhouses in Monument Square to sparkling condos in Southie. He's one of the top-grossing real estate agents in the city (and the country), not to mention a lifelong Bostonian and a walking encyclopedia of nearly every local market. After all, the industry vet has been at it for more than 25 years. 529 Main St., Charlestown, MA 02129, frankceleste.com.
Firicano's Barber Shop
Boston may be home to Gillette's world shaving headquarters, but it's hard to beat a straight razor wielded by the skilled hand of barber Rich Firicano. His family-owned operation, located just a few doors from Paul Revere's old digs in the North End and entering its 20th year in business, offers a superlative shave for just $15, without all the pageantry you'll find at higher-end salons. The only frill: piping-hot towels that smell faintly of limoncello. 240 North St., Boston, MA 02113, firicanosbarbershop.com.
Orly Khon Floral Boutique
Boston has its fair share of both floral shops and high-end designers, but Orly Khon Floral Boutique gives us the best of both worlds. Khon's portfolio—which includes everything from holiday bashes to corporate events—is packed with installations and decorations that have us pining to plan a party, stat. But if you're just looking for a few blooms for your home or desk, her inviting boutique inside Restoration Hardware is worth the trip. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, orlykhon.com.
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen
We escape into a hotel bar when we want to feel like visitors in our own city. And there's no grander way to see Boston than by sidling up to the gilded bar at the century-old Fairmont Copley Plaza. Take a seat under the soaring ceilings and sip a stiff gin martini or an oversize pour of pinot while the world passes by. 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA 02116, oaklongbarkitchen.com.