Omori Izakaya
Chirashi and a variety of skewers from Omori in Malden, via delivery. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Looking for quick after-work bites of teriyaki-glazed chicken skewers, crispy chicken karaage, or fried octopus nuggets, perhaps washed down with a crisp Sapporo beer? Or maybe a longer, lingering dinner of rich bone-broth ramen or prettily plated donburi rice bowls? Omori is a shining example of the Japanese-style pub known as an izakaya, a casual genre perfect for a night out with friends. Brookline and Malden, omori.net.
Caus
If stepping into this Essex boutique feels like walking into someone’s home, it’s because you are. Owner Ashley Brooks not only lives in the building but treats every customer who enters the minimalist space like family. She opened Caus in 2016 with a “slow fashion” ethos focused on sustainable pieces from small labels (including local brand Misha & Puff), and every item in the store is both beautiful and ethical. 165 Main St., Essex, MA 01929, caus-studio.co.
Balans Organic Spa
If you think a facial is just something you do to beautify your skin, but don’t enjoy, you haven’t been to Balans. Whether it’s the beautiful and peaceful treatment rooms, the hot steam, or the knowledge that your aesthetician is using 100 percent organic products to rid you of fine lines, blackheads, and dead skin, you’re guaranteed to feel relaxed. The only thing better? How good your face will look when you walk out the door. 216 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostonbalans.com.
Darren Le, G2O Spa + Salon
Though he’s way too discreet to name names, many local luminaries rely on Le to look razor-sharp. One appointment with him, and it’s easy to see why: The highly sought-after stylist is a genius when it comes to shaping men’s hair in a way that most flatters their features. His expert grooming tips and sartorial advice, meanwhile, come free of charge. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath
Why was this full-service firm worthy of an award this year? All you have to do is look at project “Full Throttle,” in which the team transformed a former shared family bathroom into an elegant parents only escape. A tired white tub became an oasis with deep-green chevron tiles, gold hardware, and a full glass wall. A drab vanity was upgraded with dark wood and a gleaming white countertop. Moody, elegant sconces replaced overhead lighting. If they can do that with the simplest of bathrooms, imagine what they could do to your space. 239 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 01880, mcguirekitchenbath.com.
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
It’s time to stop calling Davio’s a “chain” (a term proprietor Steve DiFillippo has said is “a knife in my heart.”) With all 11 locations still fully owned by him and his family, diners universally acknowledge that the Italian steakhouse has long been a local landmark woven into the region’s tapestry, a place where the staff treats you like family and the signature meatballs and mouthwatering steaks are cooked to perfection every time. Consistency and service, be thy name. Multiple locations, davios.com.
Maryelle Makeup & Hair Artistry
Maryelle O’Rourke and her team of artists are pros at making brides "I woke up like this" beautiful, traveling to venues in Boston and beyond to give you and yours perfectly dewy skin and fluttery lashes. For proof, take a look at the company’s roster of celebrity clients, which includes Her Royal Highness Meghan Markle and Westworld’s Shannon Woodward. MA maryelleartistry.com.
Demiche Beauté
Want a classic chignon with loose tendrils? Or how about soft waves that’ll hold their shape from ceremony to reception? Demiche’s team of stylists specializes in elegant, swept-back looks that perfectly frame and highlight your features. And with a flair for constructing braided bridesmaid styles, Demiche has your A-team covered, too. 7 Lincoln St., Wakefield, MA 01880, demiche.com.
Interlocks
There are full-service salons, and then there’s Interlocks. Offering sharp cuts and color, massages and mani-pedis, and services just for the guys (chest waxes, purifying back treatments), the grooming mecca has been making the town of Newburyport look better for the past 30 years. A multi-room apothecary, meanwhile, rivals even the best department-store beauty floor with hard-to-find-around-here brands such as Oribe, Shu Uemura, and Baxter of California. 58 Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA 01950, interlockssalon.com.
Kodomo
The expansion of this clothing empire proves that tiny people can have style, too. Over the past year, the independently owned shop has opened two more locations, in Beacon Hill and Chestnut Hill, bringing ethically made embroidered jumpsuits, silky black overalls, and chambray army pants to kids (and their fashion-loving parents) who expect more than pink for girls and blue for boys. Guaranteed a Kodomo tot will not look back at school pictures and cringe. Multiple locations. 45 River St., Boston, MA 02118, kodomoboston.com.
Aeronaut Brewing Co.
Not content to simply make and serve suds, Aeronaut is attracting more than just craft-beer fans with lively events in its cavernous space nearly every night of the week. Ever played board games inside a brewery? Seen live music or flamenco? Now you can. If you can’t find something that sounds appealing on this extensive roster, you’re probably just not looking hard enough. 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, aeronautbrewing.com.
Club Café
In Boston’s admittedly somewhat limited gay club scene, Club Café is a standout for its commitment to being not just a nightspot, but also a queer gathering place: If you’re looking for an earlier evening, it’s a fine place to grab a bite, and on any given night of the week, you’ll find a plethora of events to enjoy—trivia, performers belting out Broadway standards. But make no mistake: There’s nothing quiet about an evening here. Get ready to dance. 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02116, clubcafe.com.
BKBX
The futuristic-looking new sibling of Brooklyn Boulders, BKBX landed in Allston earlier this year to bridge the gap between the work you put in inside the gym and the work you put in outside of it. That means you’ll find a comprehensive training studio in addition to recovery-focused amenities such as cryotherapy and an infrared sauna. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Brooklyn Boulders gym without a massive bouldering wall—go ahead and summit it when you’re feeling adventurous. 211 Western Ave., Allston, MA bkbx.fit.
The Publick House
The selection of coveted craft brews has long been the main attraction here. But it’s a good thing that dry, fruity Belgian-style ales—the backbone of owner David Ciccolo’s beer list—also pair so well with food: New chef Joe Cooke has upped the ante on the Publick House’s culinary program big time, sourcing whole pigs and sustainable seafood for menu upgrades such as house-cured bacon and frequently changing crudo. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA publickhousebrookline.com.
Sesuit Harbor Café
Sure, seafood is easy to come by on the Cape. But you're reading this magazine, so you’re looking for the best. Pack your cooler and sunscreen and snag a picnic table at Sesuit Harbor Café: Yes, you’ll wait in a line out the door, sit outside rain or shine, and BYOB, but once those heaping trays of lobster rolls, fried scallops and clams, and Cape Cod Bay oysters are in front of you, you’ll understand. sesuit-harbor-cafe.com.