The Barking Crab
Waterfront mainstay the Barking Crab boils up the freshest lobster in town, and the summery presentation—paper plates, plastic buckets—only adds to the illusion of a languid lunch on the beach. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA barkingcrab.com.
Constitution Marina Charters
Gorgeous boats, gracious hosts. They'll do the planning or let you do it yourself—catering, liquor, whatever. Variety of boat sizes, but we especially liked the 42-foot Bristol. 28 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA .
B&G Oysters
The accompanying paper towel is merely decorative, considering B&G's semolina-dusted Ipswich bellies shed virtually no grease from their crisp nooks and crannies (which justifies double-dunking them in the addictive house tartar sauce). 550 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, bandgoysters.com.
Venus, Seafood in the Rough
The fried clams, fish-and-chips, lobsters, and rock crabs are great, but the paper plates and picnic tables on the harbor make Venus the best. Just what Boston needed. Get there before it closes for the winter. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA .
Artist & Craftsman Supply
Just down the psychedelic stairs at this subterranean Central Square art-supply mecca you'll find artfully arranged rows of paints, brushes, paper, and tools for every possible occasion. The unpretentious, approachable staff sprouts encyclopedic knowledge of everything from paint viscosity to the finer points of epoxy. 580 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA artistcraftsman.com/.
Brendan Behan Pub
Far too many of our Irish pubs cater to students, putting flat-screens on the walls and wings on the menu. Suddenly you're not in a pub at all, but some grotesque shamrock-themed sports bar. Here, there are no such transgressions. No LCDs. An extensive beer and whiskey list. This is what makes the Behan Irish. And this is why it beats them all. 378 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .
Jully Michaud, Michaud Cosmetics
Michaud's been painting models' faces for more than a decade but recently opened a studio to cater to the masses. She's a plucker, not a waxer, and has raised the eyebrows of many a Bostonian. She'll also teach you how to maintain your brows between appointments. 297 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Baker's Best
Fabulous chicken (the piccata is especially wonderful), great veggie pizzas and calzones, and some of the best Caesar salad we've ever had. They'll even cater your weekend party, or—chicken soup to shank bone—your Passover Seder. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .
Les Fleurs
Need beautiful blossoms on a budget? Or want to splurge on an awesome arrangement? Whatever you need, Les Fleurs will customize flawless floral bouquets for the occasion—without the snooty airs often put on at upscale shops. It caters to all events, from casual garden parties to elaborate black-tie shindigs. 354 N. Main St., Andover, MA lesfleurs.com/.
Organic Garden Cafe
With a reasonably priced menu that caters to a diverse range of eaters, the Organic Garden Cafe will leave you feeling full and healthy. It's something of a hole in the wall, but adventurous eaters are rewarded with yummy kale chips, vegetable and quinoa bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and oh-so-good vegan baked treats. 294 Cabot St., Beverly, MA organicgardencafe.com.
Petit Patapon
This is the place to find classic kids' clothing that's long on style, short on gimmicks, and sans European price tags. The store caters to infants right on through preteens, for both boys and girls. 27 Central St., Wellesley, MA .
Drew Bledsoe
Bledsoe, who could have whined his way through the season as his understudy led the Patriots to the Promised Land, but, instead, stepped in when he was needed—and who, after he was traded, took out advertisements in the local papers thanking local fans for supporting him over the years.
Alan Bilzerian
Believe it or not, there are some men and women in Boston who like edgy attire. Alan and Be Bilzerian have catered to the fashion visionaries for more than 20 years by showcasing the avant-garde designs of people like Olivier Theyskens, Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto. Thank Goodness. 34 Newbury Street, Boston, MA alanbilzerian.com/.
Pearl Art & Craft Supplies
Bins of brushes, passels of paints, plus everything from buttons and beads to hand-printed papers and zinc plates for etching fill the two floors of this huge art-supply supermarket. And all art books are at least 20 percent off. 579 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Oona's
This small store has been catering to the Cambridge and Boston cognoscenti for nearly 30 years. Vintage clothing hounds flock here to pick through the recycled threads from the past five decades—and for the extensive selection of vintage jewelry and accessories. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA oonasboston.com/.