Medina Dixon
Perhaps the second-best high-school basketball player we'll see. What do they put in the Cambridge water?
Crossroads
Unpretentious watering hole on the fringe of pretentious Back Bay. Safe. You won't be sorry. 495 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
Elephant Walk
They say that elephants cannot be barred from their usual path to water. We feel the same way about this restaurant. 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA .
Venus de Milo
Integration comes to Boston nightlife about 20 years later. Still, better late than never. 9 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA .
The Channel
Smart booking policy for live music, and an on-the-water location. 25 Necco St., Boston, MA .
Callahan's
Inexpensive and served in water-tumbler-sized glasses. 100 Needham St., Newton, MA .
Boston Sailing Center
We had one complaint from a year ago about the Sailing Center. But after checking it out, we found it didn't hold any water. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
The Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet's <em>Sleeping Beauty</em>
A great pageant and a memorable production. Honorable mention to the Central Ballet of China, a humble troupe that knocked critics nationwide out of the water with its performances.
Beaucage
It's worth overlooking the "healing stones" in the manicure water for the soothing hand massage. 71 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pier's Park Sailing Center
Don't bother stopping at Pier's Park for breathtaking views of Boston Harbor—instead sign up for the two-hour intro to sailing course and hop aboard to get sweeping views of the skyline from the water. 95 Marginal St., Boston, MA 02128, piersparksailing.org.
Brewer's Fork
Photograph by Toan Trinh With 30 ever-changing draft lines, as well as an ample bottle list, wine offerings from smaller producers, and an impressive roster of ciders, this new neighborhood spot already feels like a standby watering hole. 7 Moulton St., Boston, MA 02129, brewersfork.com.
Capital Grille
Red meat, red wine, and red leather combine with white-glove-style service and white-linen tablecloths to create a heaven for beef eaters and a haven for cigar smokers. 359 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Hopewell Bar & Kitchen
No watering hole is more welcome in Allston than this gastro-grunge newcomer. After all, where else could a Genny Cream pair so perfectly with $2 oysters, or a seasonally flavored margarita with a wobbly game of pool? 1277 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02134, hopewellboston.com.
The Barking Crab
On the water at Fort Point Channel, this tented outdoor space has picnic tables, beer in plastic cups, and some of the best fried seafood around. Open through mid-September. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA .
Cottonwood Cafe
Ask bartender Kevin Shannon for an Ultimate Margarita ($6.95) with Cointreau. It's a tart, smooth, and potent libation with Patron Silver Tequila, fresh lemon and lime juice, and a splash of sugar, water, and Triple Sec. 222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .