G2O Spa & Salon
Fireside lounge. Penthouse roof deck. Inhalation-therapy relaxation room. The amenities at this vast Newbury Street retreat are top-notch—as are the always-invigorating services. Whether you stop in for a deep-hydration facial or a quick post-lunch manicure, the staffers here will treat you like a star, leaving you looking and feeling your best. 278 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, g2ospasalon.com.
Commonwealth Worldwide
In a sea of huge black Lincoln Town Cars with plush leather seats, faultless service puts Commonwealth over the top: the driver looking you straight in the eye as he introduces himself; only chatting with you to the extent that you chat back; and always being certain of which route to take, though quick to oblige if you offer up a preference. 250 Everett St., Boston, MA 2134, .
Errin Babine, Anita Kurl
The impressive trick that this South End clipper pulls off is being both thoughtful about her craft (honed by training stints at Dellaria, Vidal Sassoon, and Wella) and creative with it. From doctors and lawyers to musicians and artists, Babine works with her fellas to find a look that complements their lifestyle, then runs down everything they need to do to keep their manes in shape. And so much for the purported male tendency to stray: Several clients are regulars whose devotion spans her 12-year career. 1661 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Hotel Green
With two hotels, an art gallery, and an upscale shoe salon to her name, Nantucket transplant Vanessa Noel practically is the island. Her 10-room Hotel Green manages to make "environmentally correct" feel entirely first class, with eco-friendly touches like hemp shower curtains, buckwheat pillows, ayurvedic toiletries, and cardboard furniture (which, if you're wondering, looks far nicer than it sounds). Even the wall paint is organic, as are the blueberry pancakes and fresh-squeezed orange juice in Café V next door. 33 Centre St., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Marina Kan, Bella Sante
We used to prefer our pedicures short and sweet. But after just one Bella Foot Facial with Marina Kan, we've grown more than happy to linger. What's not to love about dozing for 80 minutes in a plush armchair while your tired pups are exfoliated, massaged, masked, and moisturized? Kan's all-business approach spares you the chitchat, and her palette of scrubs and creams looks almost good enough to eat. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, bellasante.com.
Grotto
A stone's throw from the gold-domed capitol, Grotto is a quietly luxurious refuge for well-to-do Beacon Hill residents looking to escape touristy Charles Street for a light lunch or dinner (a prix fixe is offered daily). And when they want something heartier, there are dishes like house-made ;tagliatelle or beef tenderloin over creamy risotto. But the three words that keep Beacon Hillers—and a lucky few hoi polloi—returning time and time again: banana bread pudding. 37 Bowdoin St., Boston, MA 2114, grottorestaurant.com.
Saus
A truly great fry is only as good as the stuff you dip it in. And while we love Heinz as much as the next guy, It's hard to top this ;frites shop's cheddar Duvel sauce, garlicky "Vampire Slayer' aioli, and truffle ketchup—merely a few of the condiments available. Order your cone of hand-cut, cooked-to-order spuds with a deep-fried egg on top, and write us a thank-you note later. 33 Union St., Boston, MA 2108, eatfrites.com.
Hungry Mother
Hungry Mother effortlessly delivers on all the fundamentals of Deep South cooking—flaky biscuits topped with country ham; skillet-roasted chicken with creamy grits—but it's the down-home hospitality that won us over. You'll find us here on Thursday and Friday afternoons, when $9 buys a pulled-pork sammy on homemade pain de mie. 233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, MA 2141, hungrymothercambridge.com.
Bellezza Day Spa
Chances are you'll enjoy your every minute at the newly relocated and expanded Falmouth Bellezza spa. A complimentary cup of tea or relaxing glass of wine precedes a supersoothing head massage and chic, contemporary cut. Whether you're looking for a simple style or a totally new color, these hair designers pay close attention to your desires before making them a reality. 221 Main St., Falmouth, MA spabellezza.com.
Mighty Mighty BossTones
Ska may come and ska may go, but the BossTones are forever. Going on 20 years, the band is forcing listeners to again Pay Attention with a best selling new studio release. Notwithstanding some catchy hooks, the album features a more melodic side of the plaid-bedecked eight-some, or, as frontman Dicky Barrett says, songs that are "thought out, not just half-assed." Get your tix for the Throwdown now! bosstones.com.
Sacco's Bowl Haven
Photograph by Bob O'Connor If you happen to own custom-made bowling gloves and look down on those who roll anything under 220, then this Somerville candlepin joint isn't for you. But if you've got some skeeball chops and a penchant for craft beer, grab a lane between a toddler's birthday party and a gaggle of college freshmen, order a few fabulous Flatbread Company pizzas, and get your game on. 45 Day St., Somerville, MA 2144, .
Silhouette Cocktail Lounge
If you require more than two ingredients in your cocktail (ice and booze), the Silhouette is likely not for you. True to dive décor, the walls are cheaply paneled and the floors cheaply tiled; the windows are largely covered to keep swillers insulated from school, work, the light of day, etc. The Tam may have the craziest clientele and TC's the most Big Buck Hunter nuts, but the Silhouette reigns as the best no-frills place to be, or start becoming, hung over. 200 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 2134, .
Paradise Rock Club
The Police and U2 are tough acts to follow. But night after night at the Paradise, musicians take the very same stage where those greats once played. The three-level venue hosts both nationally recognized acts (Kings of Leon, Jack Johnson) and local up-and-comers (the Slip, Apollo Sunshine) piping their performances through a booming, second-to-none sound system made for big bass, pounding percussion, and fierce vocals. 969 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
The Opera House
Since it reopened with The Lion King last year, the restored Opera House hasn't drawn the most inspiring of productions. But it does look great. The 2,600-seat theater is a jewel from the dying days of vaudeville, and it gleams with the sort of Beaux Arts gilt that ought to shame more-modern buildings: chandeliers, murals, even period-style urinals. Now if we could only get some shows to match . . . 539 Washington St., Boston, MA bostonoperahouseonline.com.
The Miracle Orchestra
The Miracle Orchestra is made up of six guys who look like they're in high school; actually, they're in college— Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, to be exact. But their improvisational influences, building on everything from Maceo Parker to Miles Davis and The Grateful Dead, help develop a sound that's way beyond the players' years. Someday they'll really find their edge: watch out.