James Hook & Company
Probably the largest collection of lobsters under one roof—kept in seawater, which gives them a better flavor. 15 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA .
Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor With travel outside the state still a gamble, we’re lucky to have this riverfront resort casino right in our backyard, providing top-notch dining options; gorgeous rooms with marble-tiled bathrooms; and, of course, a Vegas-worthy gaming floor to those in need of a break—preferably a lucky one. The one thing this place doesn’t roll the dice on? Guests’ well-being, with reopening plans developed in conjunction with public health experts. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Green Street
Looking for the city's top bartenders on their night off? They're probably knocking 'em back right here in Central Square, along with anyone else who puts a premium on creative, classically prepared libations. Powerhouse mixologists Misty Kalkofen and Andy McNeese stand ready to pour any of the 100 options on Green Street's drink menu, many being a clever twist on vintage recipes. Try the Cocktail Miranda, a takeoff on the Manhattan, or one of the well-shaken egg (!) cocktails, like Kalkofen's original Fort Washington Flip. If you're looking to play things straight, there's also a smartly curated list of wine and beer. 280 Green St., Cambridge, MA 2139, greenstreetgrill.com.
CommonWealth Kitchen
Photograph by Mariel Tenney Formerly known as CropCircle Kitchen, this culinary incubator has been a haven for upstart jam-makers and chocolate connoisseurs looking for a shared space to turn their craft into a business. Last year the organization took this to a new level with a massive food-production facility featuring shared kitchen space, copacking capabilities, and standalone workspaces for the likes of Alex's Ugly Sauce and Just Add Cooking. 196 Quincy St., Dorchester, MA 02121, commonwealthkitchen.org.
James Hook + Co.
Photograph by Trevor Reid There's only one decision you need to make at this waterfront institution: regular roll ($16) or large ($19)? After that, pull up a chair and tuck into the sturdy bun overflowing with fresh lobster, heavy on the tail meat and tossed with just enough mayo. 15-17 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, jameshooklobster.com.
James Hook and Co.
Photo by Jesse Burke The rolls at this waterfront spot don't come with frills (or fries). But at a mere $14 for a hot-dog bun overflowing with lobster mixed with just enough celery and mayo, they're a veritable bargain. 15-17 Northern Ave., Boston, MA jameshooklobster.com.
Cookies Cook'n
Especially the chocolate chip cookies, which edged out last year's champs from the Boston Chipyard. Meadow Glen Mall, Medford, MA .
Little Donkey
Throwing all of the rules out the window doesn't take talent, but getting away with it sure does. For their latest local hot spot, chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette (Toro, Coppa) have created a thrilling whirlwind of flavors, textures, and cooking styles. Shareable small plates—from matzo-ball ramen and halibut biryani to farro-kimchi fried rice—superbly meld high- and low-brow influences from around the world, making this destination restaurant feel right at home in diverse Central Square. 505 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, littledonkeybos.com.
Havana Club
Never danced a step in your life? No problem. This Central Square club holds $12 salsa lessons every Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., plus bachata lessons on Mondays at 8 p.m. You’ll look like a pro by the time the real party begins, with more than 300 dancers burning up the floor from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. 288 Green St., Cambridge, MA 02139, havanaclubsalsa.com.
Tamarind Bay
Eschewing the batch-cooking method used by similar eateries, the Harvard Square hideaway has earned its stripes with made-to-order freshness. Vegetables that might be bland in the hands of lesser chefs come alive in such recipes as shaahi baigan, or cashew-filled eggplant, and punjabi dum aloo, a stew of baby potatoes in tomato-onion gravy. Meat classics also shine brighter here, like the lazeez tikka masala, which bathes tender white chicken in an exceptionally piquant sauce of chilies, yogurt, and onions. 1665 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, tamarind-bay.com.
Zam Zam
Boston’s not short on spots offering humdrum takes on tandoori chicken, but for a truly superlative representation of the Indian subcontinent—and then some—make the jaunt to Medford Square. Zam Zam stands apart by spotlighting standards such as tikka masala alongside hard-to-find Pakistani specials—particularly lush, long-cooked stews like haleem (a spicy, savory meat-and-lentil porridge) and nehari brimming with spoon-tender lamb shank. 42 Riverside Ave., Medford, MA zamzammedford.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Ah, to kick back with a strawberry-infused water in the Mandarin’s lounge again. After months of quarantine cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling, the Himalayan-salt-stone massages and hydrating body wraps at this 16,000-square-foot temple to relaxation promise to be even more restorative—especially if they’re in one of three new treatment rooms the hotel is unveiling as part of its multimillion-dollar renovation. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com/boston.
J. Press
In a world where trends change daily, this preppy haberdashery recalls the proper Harvard Square of yore. Looking to impress in the boardroom? Try the U.S.-made "Super 120S Wool" charcoal beaded-stripe suit. Need to accessorize your tailgating attire for the big Harvard-Yale game? Check out the wide selection of neckwear (we suggest the "Harvard Sport" bow tie). Tailoring on-site, meanwhile, guarantees that your slacks will always have a break that's just so. 82 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138, jpressonline.com.
Thomas M. Menino Park
Photograph by Jared Kuzia This play space perched at the edge of the Charlestown Navy Yard offers 38,000 square feet of universally accessible play structures, rubberized running surfaces, and gently rolling lawns for kids of all ages. The breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the skyline give even the most blasé stroller jockeys a reason to look up from their phones. 300 First Ave., Charlestown, MA 02129, .
Drink Craft Beer Fest
The scrappy cousin to the city’s more "sophisticated" booze festivals, this roving celebration of local craft brewing has an earnest, startup-y appeal. The freshly tapped offerings exude a just-out-of-the-brewmaster’s-brain brilliance, and the young crowd is a friendly one. Local vendors, from Roxy’s Grilled Cheese to Union Square Donuts, help tipplers pace themselves for the duration. Various venues, drinkcraftbeer.com.