Kenzie Kids and K Girl
This is where all the best-dressed kids in school shop. One side of the store caters to wee ones with Little Giraffe onesies, Deux Par Deux dresses and jeans, Splendid tees, and Montclair jackets. The other side, meanwhile, features trendy designer looks (Chloe dresses, Armani jackets) for budding fashionistas in their tweens and teens. 200 Linden St., Wellesley, MA kenziekids.com.
Bunker Hill Barber Shop
Set in a row of clapboard Colonials, this Chucktown haunt is the ideal neighborhood spot for reading the paper, chatting about the game, and—oh, yeah—getting a great cut. 26 Common St., Charlestown, MA .
Boston Symphony Orchestra
From its historical digs on Mass. Ave., the BSO manages to cater to both Liszt fans and those who just want to hear what the Star Wars theme sounds like live. bso.org.
Snyder's
Snyder's, 601 Washington St., has more canteens than the armed forces of Poland. If it hired a few more salesman, it would immediately become the ninth-ranked army in the world. The choice of knowledgeable campers. 601 Washington St., Boston, MA .
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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 .
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, .
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.
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.
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 .
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 .