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.
Our Fathers
Not to imply Bostonians are some beleaguered, deli-deprived populace for whom stellar pastrami has forever been but a shimmering, fat-dappled mirage—or that the heavenly hand-cut stuff Our Fathers plies in Allston is some kind of smoky, cardamom-crusted godsend. We’re flat-out stating it. Besides the Katz’s-rivaling cured beef, the takeout arm of this modern Jewish restaurant from the Franklin Café crew sells reliably stellar sandwiches, smoked fish, and other cold cuts by the pound. In other words, the stuff deli dreams are made of. 197 N. Harvard St., Allston, MA 02134, ourfathersboston.com.
La Fábrica Central
Long the local torchbearers of Caribbean cuisine, Hector and Nivia Piña (the owners of Merengue, Vejigantes, and Doña Habana) have spread those rays of hot tropical sunshine across the river. Their new Central Square venture serves up a freewheeling mezcla of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Dominican flavors—think garlicky tostones, savory cubanitos, and showstopping rum-flamed rice dishes delivered to your table en fuego—in a lively atmosphere that includes both a jazz lounge and a nightclub. Need a little liquid courage before you hit the dance floor? Peruse the ample drink menu, which features a deep bench of high-end rums. 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, lafabricacentral.com.
Boston Underground Film Festival
Staying ahead of the curve is no small feat—but this plucky homegrown cine-fiesta has been doing it for 20 years and shows no sign of losing its knack for trendspotting. This year alone, it not only rediscovered the ’80s cult gem Liquid Sky before New York City’s film literati did, but also gave the buzzworthy French flick Revenge its East Coast premiere. And with more than half of the new feature-length films on its 2018 roster showcasing work by female directors, BUFF’s track record on gender inclusivity handily beat Sundance’s this year. MA bostonunderground.org.
Inde Salon & Skincare
Already a sunny, charming spot with talented stylists and aestheticians, Inde recently expanded both its space and its team, cementing its status as a beauty destination south of the city. Whether it’s a makeup lesson, a hydrating facial, or just a simple cut and blow-dry, this all-female crew will make you feel welcome and beautiful. 46 Independence Ave., Quincy, MA 02169, indesalon.com.
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.
Pho 2000
Among the many fine bowls of pho you’ll find in Fields Corner, Pho 2000’s reigns supreme. Its signature "XL" beef-noodle soup comes loaded with perfectly tender tripe, tendon, brisket, steak, and flank. No extras necessary—this broth is flavorful enough to stand on its own. 198 Adams St., Dorchester , MA 02122, .
Museum of Fine Arts
With its late-night programming, new contemporary exhibits (the recent blockbuster Takashi Murakami show), and a thriving social media presence, the MFA has been making a big play to attract the next generation of art aficionados this year. And so far? It’s been a roaring success. The museum recently received national attention, too, thanks to its newest hire: a bug-sniffing Weimaraner named Riley. He protects the MFA’s precious works from pests and moths—and is also excellent at mugging for the camera. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, mfa.org.
Cambridge Arts River Festival
Celebrate art in all of its forms—that’s the mission of this bash on the banks of the Charles, which brings musicians, poets, and even circus artists to 150,000 of the area’s culture vultures. No matter who takes the stage, though, the prime feature of this festival is its interactivity for the whole family: think art tables for the kids and the goofy and wonderful People’s Sculpture Racing invitational, where moving artworks compete based on aesthetics and speed. MA 02139, cambridgema.gov/arts/programs/riverfestival.
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Boston is touted as a top arts town, and it lives up to that ideal when its institutions are constantly refreshing their canons. Well, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project has been doing just that since 1996: Its adventurous approach to contemporary classical music includes works by locals such as John Harbison and world premieres by international artists such as this year’s season finale of contemporary Chinese composers. MA bmop.org.
The Butcher Shop
We like our wine bars like we like our Burgundies: aged 15 years, preferably with piles of rich salumi lurking somewhere convenient. Barbara Lynch’s meat-meets-Margaux South End stalwart, which opened in 2003, still has its bar-setting roster of high-toned Old Worlders by Cat Silirie, and its all-day hours (even sessionable Sundays!). But the seasonal menu and staff wisdom are showing better than ever. 552 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, thebutchershopboston.com.
Boston Calling
The Killers. Paramore. Eminem. This year Boston Calling welcomed some of its biggest names to date. It also finally settled into its new digs at the Harvard Athletic Complex after a few growing pains in 2017. The sprawling grounds gave the fest the chance to add a third venue for even more concerts as well as ample open space for seriously upgraded food options, from the Smoke Shop’s barbecue-brisket sammies to Area Four’s garlic knots. And for those in need of a break from rocking out in the sun? An indoor comedy venue offering a rotating array of top-notch performers and soothing AC. MA bostoncalling.com.
Orinoco
At this brightly decorated eatery, the pernil arepas ooze mojo-marinated pork and Guayanés cheese, and the tequeños melt at first bite. And unlike its sister locations, this Orinoco also offers a full bar—order a tart caipirinha and raise a toast to Venezuelan cuisine done right. 22 Harvard St., Brookline Village , MA 02445, orinocokitchen.com.
Fête Collection
When it comes to paper goods, Fête Collection is in a league of its own. Co-owners Julie Pike and Eileen Sherman have serious experience with the etiquette, timelines, and wording of a full invitation suite, not to mention the design decisions that go into creat 345 D St., Boston, MA 02127, shopfete.com.
Publico
It’s clear this Southie newcomer lives up to its name ("for the public good" in Latin): On any given evening, you’ll find a motley crew of neighborhood folks enjoying globetrotting bites (see: the leche de tigre–drizzled ceviche), crowd-pleasing flatbreads, and playful cocktails. 11 Dorchester St., Boston, MA 02127, publicoboston.com.