Salt Boutique
Owner Jennifer Devlin opened the first location of coastal-chic Salt Boutique on her home island of Nantucket in 2015, but as of 2020 modish mainlanders can browse beloved brands including Agolde, Citizens of Humanity, and Peony yearround in her Wellesley shop. Although one look at Salt’s fashion-forward floral dresses and bold-colored bikinis, and you might just find yourself beach-bound anyway. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482, saltnantucket.com.
Coppa
Things might get a little flashier at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s other spots, but at this South End favorite, spotless technique and deep culinary knowledge quietly underlie the cozy enoteca menu of house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian treats. Some all-stars haven’t left the menu since day one — we’re looking at you, cavatelli with tomato-broccoli sugo — and that’s just how we like it. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.
Grain Surfboards
One look at these artisanal wooden boards, and you’ll want to hang 10 with the best of ’em. Lovingly handcrafted from locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, Grain’s custom fish, midlength, and longboards are always the talk of the beach. Want to help make your own? Join the Grain crew during a four- or five-day workshop in York, Maine, for an unforgettable hands-on experience. 73 Webber Rd., York, ME 03909, grainsurfboards.com.
Tawakal Halal Café
This East Boston favorite continues to impress with its heartwarming takes on Somali food and a broader look at East African and Middle Eastern cuisines. Sip a refreshing iced shaah and dig into falafel-stuffed chapati wraps, fragrant plates of chicken biryani, and crispy beef sambusa. And be sure to top it with the fiery and fruity house hot sauce, a mango-based stunner that takes any dish up a notch. 389 Maverick St., East Boston, MA 02128, tawakalhalal.com.
The Tot Café by Little Cocoa Bean Co.
Sometimes you just need a break from cooking for tiny humans — without the stress of entertaining them while you wait for the food to come. That’s why the Tot Café is such a genius idea: a place where little ones can eat, play, and make new friends all in one place. Here, the waffles are rainbow, the cucumbers are shaped like flowers, and the play area is fully stocked with fun toys. Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner? 114 South St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, littlecocoabeanco.com.
M. Flynn
The South End boutique from sisters and jewelry designers Moria and Megan Flynn is chock-full of fun, colorful pieces that add personality to any outfit: think lip-shaped rings in neon orange or bubblegum pink (as seen on Dua Lipa); rainbow-hued chevron bracelets; and Lucite-and-enamel hoops that look like jellies for your ears. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, mflynnjewelry.com.
Jessica Thornton, Green Room
Whether you’re looking to go platinum blond, cover up a few grays with something approximating your natural hair color, or fix a dye job gone wrong, you’ll want to head to Thornton’s small-but-mighty one-chair salon on River Street. A wizard with a brush and foils, the expert colorist will chat with you about all of your goals before getting to work. The result? Nothing short of magical. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02108, greenroomboston.com.
Lekker Home
Whether you’re a Marie Kondo purist or a Diane von Furstenberg maximalist, the one thing we can all agree on is that for everything to be in its place, it has to have a place. Luckily, this South End standout has plenty of creative solutions for stashing your stuff. Start small with Thayer Design baskets and Muuto coat hooks, or get ambitious with a new Blu Dot bookshelf or roomy credenza—then watch as your ambitious to-do list shrinks a little bit every day. 38 Wareham St., Boston, MA 02118, lekkerhome.com.
Michelle Lee, Salon Eva Michelle
A go-to since she and Eva Mustafai opened their eponymous studio in 2011, Michelle Lee is behind many a Bostonian’s perfectly piecey locks. A proponent of razor-cutting, Lee can craft textured layers like no one else, earning her a regular spot on a slew of “best” lists—including this magazine’s—and a presence at New York Fashion Week. We can’t all be Debbie Harry, but after a sit in Lee’s chair, we can at least have hair that looks like hers. 37 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, salonevamichelle.com.
Kelly's Underground Dog Grooming
Chances are your pup doesn’t love getting a wash, cut, and blow-dry as much as you love when they do. Thankfully, a visit to this South End favorite is something you can both look forward to: In addition to being a talented groomer, Kelly’s doesn’t crate dogs while they wait, so they can enjoy a little playtime with pals before they get clipped. 248 W Newton St., Boston, MA 02116, .
Alan Bilzerian
Finally ready to dive back into the party circuit? With racks of knee-weakening chiffon gowns, rocker-chic tuxedos, and mad-cool jewelry from the world’s top designers (hello, Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens!), this multi-level boutique has exactly what you need to make a splash. In business for 40-plus years, the store also offers an in-house workshop to custom-create the black-tie gala look of your dreams. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.
George's Shoe Repair
Cobbling is in George Triantafillidis’s blood, having spent his younger years working at his father’s shoe-repair shop in the Pru. Now at his own shop in the South End, Triantafillidis refinishes worn leather boots, fixes heels snapped on cobblestones, and replaces soles that have been completely worn through from long walks around the city — and he does it all with fast turnaround times and great prices. 120 Union Park St., Boston, MA 02118, .
Myrth Ceramics
Understatement might be the central theme of Myrth Ceramics’ handcrafted dishes, bowls, and tumblers, which always come out looking timeless. The studio’s delightfully monochromatic offerings are available in a variety of rotating glazes, all designed in-house and each available only for a limited run. Don’t miss the deep-ochre “Chestnut” or the seafoam-green “Agave” — a prime choice for the new mug you’ll never want to put down. 9 Olive Sq., Somerville, MA 02143, myrth.us.
Guarino's Swimming Pool Service
If you dove headfirst into last year’s pool-installation craze, a professional maintenance team is likely top of mind. Who better to look after your new oasis than a firm that builds some of the finest swimming holes around? Trust the experts at Guarino’s Swimming Pool Service — a subset of acclaimed pool contractor SSG — to open and close your in-ground gem each year, keep the water clean and balanced, and respond swiftly and skillfully to leaks and faulty equipment. ssgpools.com/guarinos-pool-service.
Saus at Bow Market
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A hot dog. WHAT IT REALLY IS: A Beyond Meat frank in a soft and squishy bun from the local, family-owned Central Bakery, with a drizzle of yellow mustard from neighbor Remnant Brewing. WHY TO GET IT: The key is Saus’s self-made fixings, such as papaya slaw, cilantro-lime onions, and a house chili studded with Impossible meat. 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA 02143, sausboston.com.