Flat Top Johnny's
Flat Top Johnny's runs the table. It's really no contest, considering most of Boston's pool halls are either shabby gin joints or cheesy meat markets. Flat Top's, by contrast, has a mellow punk vibe, a mix of Kendall Square professionals and Central Square rockers, and good tables. There are cool specials like Monday's nine-ball tournament and Tuesday's women's night. (God, even pool halls are going PC. Whatever happened to ladies' night?) The food's surprisingly good, and there's a beer for every palate and wallet—although we don't recommend drinking nine PBRs while playing your buddy for 20 bucks. One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Bodega
We wanted to love the Attic, Central Square's newish 'lifestyle' shop that broke up the Payless-Blockbuster-Gap oligarchy. And we do like that its stock of Dunks is readily available in women's and kids' styles. Still, it's only a slice of the selection available at other sneaker stores in town (with a lack of Saturday hours being the final nail in the coffin). So we're still sending all our love to everyone's favorite 'hidden' shoe mecca: Though after three years Bodega's no secret, what with preteens and parents infiltrating the hipster fray, that famed secret-door Snapple machine still marks the spot for the city's most commanding array of limited-edition kicks, from Livestrong Air Maxes to Japanese Monster Pumas. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA 2115, shop.bdgastore.com.
EBO & Co. Grocery
Boston native Alexis Cervasio created a haven for seafood lovers in Eastie when she opened EBO & Co. Grocery in 2021, named after her popular roving dining experience, East Boston Oysters. The shop carries everything you’d find at her pop-ups, from fresh oysters to bottles of funky natural wine to locally made condiments like Buenas chimichurri — and so much more. Looking for recipe inspiration? Head downstairs to Over the Tunnel Books, Cervasio’s tiny new bookstore, packed with cookbooks, food magazines, and complimentary self-serve espresso. 110 Meridian St, Boston, MA 02128, ebogrocery.com.
Glamsquad
It may feel safe to visit a salon now, but that doesn’t mean it’s always convenient. That’s why we’re grateful to have Glamsquad in our backyard: Serving busy beauty buffs throughout Boston since setting up shop here in 2018, the New York–based company’s services include top-notch blowouts, makeup application, and — as of summer 2020 — haircuts, all executed from the comfort of home. Book an appointment through the website or app for your next pampering sesh, and watch as a seasoned stylist deftly transforms your look in any indoor or outdoor location you choose. glamsquad.com.
The Tannery
No more standing before a certain unnamed 'denim bar,' wondering where on earth to begin. No more searching specialty stores' stacks of wash-du-jour denim, wondering where they put all the stuff for guys who aren't pocket-sized indie rockers. Having expanded beyond its dingy, Birkenstock-filled basement space last year, the new and vastly improved 10,000-square-foot Tannery in Harvard Square devotes an entire well-organized wall to men's denim stars like William Rast, True Religion, and Genetic. Still can't make a pick? Brutally honest salespeople rush to the rescue, producing pairs that—miracle of miracles—actually fit. 39 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, thetannery.com.
Tam O'Shanter
Looks like a dive, but the guy in the kitchen cooks like a dream. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Joe Jones Wilderness House
Take two snowboard enthusiasts, one a black-diamond shredder, the other a bunny-slope first-timer. Drop them off at Joe Jones and check back in an hour. Odds are, they'll both have found precisely what they were looking for. This place has boards, bindings, boots, skis, helmets, gloves, jackets, snowshoes, and everything else you could possibly need to fall down face-first in the snow—and look awesome doing it. 1048 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Sichuan Gourmet
It may look like any other suburban strip mall Chinese joint, but don't let looks deceive you: The kung pao chicken, ma po tofu, and Chengdu spicy dumplings here are better than many of Chinatown's offerings. Add in an order of double-cooked bacon and tender beef with hot green pepper, and prepare to be blown away. 388 S. Main St., Sharon, MA 2067, laosichuan.com.
BU Bookstore
A real asset to Kenmore Square. 660 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
Hoodoo, the Rathskeller
In the heart of Kenmore Square, a true joint to go to with honky-tonk surroundings. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Andover Shop
Into the preppy look long before The Preppy Handbook, and more fun to shop at than J. Press or Brooks Brothers. 22 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA .
Cole-Haan
Whether it's wingtips for work or a pair of loafers for a Saturday stroll through the Square, Cole-Haan has something for all occasions. 109 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Bob Smith's Wilderness House
The Boston alpinist's Valhalla sells all the gear you'll need to get down the hill—and look damned good doing it. Bob Smith's stock of sticks is on a par with that of other ski shops, but the service is unparalleled, thanks to a staff that actually skis—a major plus, considering the impressive and serious selection of K2s, Völkls, and Salomons. Lest we forget the agony of suffering through a season in the wrong boot size (usually too large, he says), custom boot fitter Dave Prahl is on call to save us from ourselves, expertly assessing fit and alignment. 1048 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Legal Sea Foods
Roger Berkowitz has successfully transplanted his Cambridge landmark to Park Square. Park Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA .