The Smoke Shop
Kendall Square has never seen anything like the Smoke Shop. The brainchild of world-championship pit master Andy Husbands, this is a stylish take on a timeless barbecue joint, but with a whiskey program that would make Jack Daniel blush. In other words, if you’re looking for the smokiest, juiciest brisket around, and want to wash it down with a flight of whiskey, welcome home. Multiple locations. One Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, thesmokeshopbbq.com.
Hilton’s Tent City
After seven decades in Boston, this iconic outdoor outfitter packed its bags last summer and made the epic voyage across the Charles River, where it set up camp in a huge storefront in the heart of Central Square. Other than the location, not much has changed: The store is still stuffed with a gazillion backpacks, boots, headlamps, and everything else you’ll need for your next outdoor adventure. Go ahead, climb every mountain. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, hiltonstentcity.com.
Passport
When you're looking to impress, skip the lame box of chocolates and head to Passport in Harvard Square. Inspired by her own adventures, owner Jessica Good's collection of travel-ready clothing and accessories features something for every jet setter, urban nomad, or couch potato: easy, comfortable, stylish clothes from Ya-Ya, Vince, and Rachel Pally; full-size luggage from Matt & Nat and Hayden-Harnett; plus scarves, jewelry, and gadgets. 43 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, passportboutique.com.
Cantina La Mexicana
Bostonians who bemoan the city's dearth of real burritos have obviously never been to this Union Square standout. You won't find assembly line stations here, just hardworking cooks who steam flour tortillas then load them with rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole (ask for extra), grilled veggies, and your choice of meat. Trust us, this burrito will change the mind of even a stubborn aficionado. 247 Washington St., Somerville, MA 2143, lataqueria.com.
Rachel Klein, Om
Any chef who can transform a Harvard Square music store into a destination for cutting-edge cuisine is really cooking. (Forgive uswe had to write more than 300 of these things.) Oms Rachel F. Klein, who arrived this winter from New York via Providence, rejects the usual steak and salmon for fresh, inventive dishes that are both conventional and pleasing to the palate. Our favorite, if we have to pick just one: the Okinawa squashstuffed ravioli served with wood-grilled olives in a spicy Thai broth. 92 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA 2155, omrestaurant.com.
Tess
Deep inside the grunge of Harvard Square, this boutique is a welcome alternative for those who eschew Birkenstocks for Blahniks. Tess specializes in high-end women's designer clothing from Biella Collezioni, Strenesse, Dosa, Collette Dinnigan, Loro Piana, TSE Cashmere, Han Feng, Mr. and Mrs. Macleod, Ted Baker, and Ter Et Bantine, to name a few. Then there are those value-added services, such as free delivery and private appointments before and after hours. Look out for a second store in Newton Centre this fall. 20 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA .
Harvest
Squirreled away in an unassuming Harvard Square breezeway, the Cambridge institution boosted its profile this year with a renovation that's also made it an attractive option for birthdays, rehearsal dinners, and other special occasions. The new private dining room, a denlike space big enough for 70, looks out over an intimate courtyard and is situated right behind the kitchen for easy access. Factor in chef Mary Dumont's seasonal menu, a glass of wine, and a roaring fireplace, and it adds up to an elegant home away from home. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvestcambridge.com.
Mamma Maria
Valet parking and reservations? In the North End? Absolutely, at this house of refined and authentic Italian cooking tucked away in North Square. Better still, it's perfect for large parties, thanks to well-timed service and tables spaced just far enough apart to provide both privacy and a jolt of the room's energy. Add Rockwellian views of the neighborhood, the menu's mix of traditional and creative dishes, a diverse wine list, and you've got large-party dining nailed. 3 North Square, Boston, MA mammamaria.com.
Hilton's Tent City
Whether you’re searching for the perfect pair of hiking boots to trek through the White Mountains or a new water bottle to bring to your barre class, you’ll find the gear you need for adventures of any size at this Central Square storefront. In fact, with tents, tools, and headlamps stretching as far as the eye can see, navigating the massive selection here can feel like an expedition of its own—good thing patient staffers are there to guide you. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, hiltonstentcity.com.
The Citgo Sign
Photograph by Mariel Tenney Hitching your sense of self to a big ol' oil company's logo might seem like a manifestation of corporate personhood, but the sign advertising the Venezuelan energy outfit Citgo, which towers over Kenmore Square, provides a quick way for people to situate themselves in Boston. Not only does its design make it one of those rare neon signs that looks good when the sun's shining, Fenway Park and its Instagram-ready tableaux are just a stroll away. Kenmore Square, Boston, MA 02215, .
Punjabi Dhaba
Punjabi Dhaba Essentially a kitchen with a few tables and counters (there's also a small upstairs dining area), this Inman Square standby puts the emphasis on cooking rather than ambiance—appropriate given that in India, a dhaba is a roadside joint. The Indian mainstays—curries, tandoori, roti—are finely executed, but it's with the more-adventurous dishes, such as the outstanding lamb karahi—a thick stew with bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs—that Punjabi Dhaba makes its mark. 225 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA royalbharatinc.com.
The Abbey
Photograph by Anthony Tieuli When we're hung over, the Abbey's gooey flatbreads are a delicious remedy. When we're seeking a light supper, small plates like the duck-and-scallion rangoons (pictured) and grilled caesar salad satisfy. And when we're looking to unwind after a long workday, the meaty bison Bolognese, paired with a refreshing "Abbey" julep, produces a positively soporific effect. This Washington Square hangout knows its crowd—frequently by name—which makes for the ultimate in casual, comforting dining. 1657 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, abbeyrestaurant.com.
Yale Appliance & Lighting
A 20,000-square-foot space that stocks everything plus the kitchen sink: Sub-Zero fridges and Thermador stovetops, Maytag dish-washers, GE microwaves, and more. But the best part is that it's not just a showroom full of floor models; thanks to the seminars run by resident chef Kurt von Kahle and demos by area culinary pros, you can also see people cook using many of said appliances. Check out the scratch-and-dent selection for some killer steals. 296 Freeport St., Dorchester, MA 2122, yaleappliance.com.
Barneys New York
For shoe fiends, it's hard to top Barneys' rainbow assortment of Lanvin ballet flats, gladiators, and peep-toe Mary Janes. And that's just the beginning. Spread out across 3,500 square feet of first-floor space, the offerings are straight off the pages of Vogue: sky-high patent YSL stilettos, woven Prada platforms, badass Margiela boots. Recession? What recession? 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Capone Foods
Italian on demand: Stuff the freezer with an assortment of Capone's gnocchi, ravioli, and tortellini, and toss in a couple of containers of vivid pesto and cardiac-crisis Alfredo sauce. Guaranteed, your guests will bicker over the last square of ravioli stuffed with lobster and crab, the last crescent of aged Gouda tortelloni. The three varieties of fresh gnocchi are addictive— black pepper, chive and sweet potato— and all plump up like miniature footballs when you cook them. 14 Bow St., Somerville, MA .