Boston Shawarma
Boston Shawarma's storefront may be nondescript and its interior dated, but the Lebanese brand of Middle Eastern fare served at this spot near Northeastern University is as good as it gets. The restaurant's specialty, as the sign would indicate, is shawarma—zesty, slow-roasted meats served in a soft, warm pita sandwich. But the proof of its greatness lies in the moist and tangy grape leaves stuffed with rice and seasoned beef—an afterthought at other places—and the often-overlooked desserts like burma, a nutty shredded wheat cake. 315 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2115, .
Freedberg of Boston
It's open only on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. You have to shop for winter in August and summer in February, But there's no better source for well-cut suits and pants in top-shelf wools, cottons, and linens. 112 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA .
Boston Bowl
Forty-four lanes. Metal bumpers. Affordable prices. A kingpin's dream—and now a bowling reality. The pro shop (yes, this bowling alley has a pro shop) stocks enough balls, bags, and shoes to satisfy amateurs and experts alike. The sprawling entertainment complex also has 12 pool tables, a video-game arcade, and a full service bar, and is open 24/7 (save for Christmas Eve). 820 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester, MA bostonbowl.com.
Boston by Foot
Let's face it, Boston's a walking town; buy into a pricey gimmick tour, and you'll spend half the time stuck in traffic. At Boston By Foot, though, the guides are volunteers; you pick your thematic pleasure (seven tours cover everything from the Freedom Trail to Victorian Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or the popular "Boston Underground," about the engineering of the subway and the Big Dig); and of all you avoid congestion, get exercise, and learn about Boston all at once. 77 N. Washington St., Boston, MA .
<em>Boston Globe</em>
A month after chief book critic Gail Caldwell won a Pulitzer, the Globe reduced the size of its book section.
Boston Chicken
Even if you don't have a cold, a bowl of this stuff will make you feel better. Only the Boylston Street location is tops. The rest don't measure up. 745 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Tatsukichi-Boston
The sushi-bar revolution on the West Coast hasn't struck here yet, but when it does we suspect that Tatsukichi will handle the competition. 189 State St., Boston, MA .
Louis Boston
Between the sidewalk throngs and the cheesy chain stores, Newbury Street's attractions can seem overshadowed by, well, the pedestrian. Particularly when you consider that Louis offers all the perks of the strip—but with on-site parking, pristine bathrooms, and guaranteed protection from inclement weather. Owner Debi Greenberg's internationally praised taste informs each and every buy for the four-story retail landmark, from the cutting-edge home goods floor (featuring many plucked-straight-from-Paris pieces, as well as a new Mrs. John L. Strong stationery boutique) to the double-decker layout of dandy men's apparel. The women's collection, showcasing the likes of Rag & Bone and the much-coveted Marni, reposes on the top floor—icing on the cake. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Louis's unparalleled offering of women's designs by fashion darlings including Marni, Tuleh, and Zac Posen—not to mention a formidable men's collection with everything from Brioni to Trovata—makes it a legendary local house of style. The revitalized first floor now includes more bath products, linens, and vintage home goods than ever, and the salespeople remain polite, not pushy. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Fashionistas on a budget, don't despair. While Louis Boston can be a tough indulgence for the sartorially savvy yet financially challenged, all that changes twice a year when seasonal merchandise throughout the store goes on sale for 50 percent off. (Sale dates differ from season to season, but usually land in January and mid-July.) Wander rack after rack of Brioni suits and Helmut Lang tees for him, Aida Barni cashmere sweaters and Prada shoes for her, all with earthly price tags. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Louis Boston is fast becoming the Tom Hanks of one-stop shopping. In a category with increasingly stiff competition, Louis returns year after year to win the prize, thanks to its superior selection, variety, and (okay, occasionally snooty) service. Where else can you find the perfect pair of shoes, killer dress, and new lipstick while having your nails done—all in one afternoon? Men can find a full range of suits, casual wear, shoes, and even tuxes, all ready to be tailored at a moment's notice. With Debi Greenburg mixing cutting-edge designers from Dries van Noten to Anait Bian with tried-and-true labels like Prada, the competition doesn't stand a chance. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
There's no excuse for men to ignore their feet when the variety and selection are this good. Whether it's a pair of comfy Campers or Silvano Lattanzi custom oxfords, they have it here. And in a refreshing twist on one of the largest selections of fashion-forward (think Helmut Lang and Prada) dress shoes in the city, Louis even sells flip-flops. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
The Boston Bruins
Just wait until Bob Woolf and Jack Sands go to work on hockey's salary scale.
Louis Boston
Maybe we've heard where Louis will relocate when its lease is up next year; maybe we haven't. What we can confirm, though, is that while everyone has been buzzing over the Boston style bastion's next address, Louis's focus on ahead-of-the-curve finds for women, men, and home has continued undistracted. In addition to long-stocked designers like Marni and Proenza Schouler, the arrival of knit whiz Kimberly Ovitz and stealth favorite the Row appeals to the current value-obsessed mindset. Meanwhile, the revitalizing powers of the skin-care department, recently boosted by 3 Lab Series and Rodin Olio Lusso, puts chain department stores to shame. Big move or no, here's betting Louis stays in one place: on top. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
With its efforts this past year focused on footwear, Louis Boston now rivals national department stores in quantity—and beats them outright in quality. Delicious flats by Devotte and Gryson line one wall, while heels both timeless (Mayle) and risk-taking (Proenza Schouler) perch along another. And although $800 Balenciagas remain part of the offerings, it's possible to score an equally dynamite pair of Coclico sandals for a few hundred bucks (as, unable to resist, we did). 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.