The number 1 bus
The number 1 bus (Dudley) takes you through a cross section of the Hub from Harvard Yard to Dudley Square, and offers breathtaking views of the Charles Basin. It's a social experience, too: Boston's neighborhoods may be segregated, but on the number 1, everyone's in the same bus.
Flat Top Johnny's
Where Felt, Kings, and Jillian's feel more like Chuck E. Cheese's, Flat Top Johnny's is a classic pool hall, a place with great beer on tap (courtesy of the adjacent Cambridge Brewing Company) and plenty of tables. But with Kendall Square gaining buzz by the day, could it soon go glam? Shudder. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, flattopjohnnys.com.
The Brendan Behan Pub
Townies and visitors alike love this little Irish bar in the part of JP known as Hyde Square. The place to grab a Guinness on tap, catch up with friends, and, if you happen to be there on a Tuesday night, take in a little live Irish music. A perennial favorite. 378 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA .
Cambridge Center Rooftop Garden
One of the city's most breathtaking green spaces is located atop a weary hunk of concrete in Kendall Square. Walk into a nondescript parking garage, ride the elevator to the top floor, and you'll discover the Cambridge Center Rooftop Garden, an oasis of landscaped flora. Cambridge, MA 2142,
Dick's House of Sport
We quit mourning the dearly departed Lord & Taylor on Boylston Street the day this superstore opened in its place. Encompassing more than 100,000 square feet, it stocks gear for athletes in every sport — and you can test some of it out, too, in batting cages and on the indoor rock-climbing wall. 760 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, dickssportinggoods.com.
The Cantab Lounge
Proper dive bars may be a dying breed, particularly in developing neighborhoods like Central Square, but amid all the ATMs, one redoubt of a bygone era holds fast. While other dives may offer the same gritty character (and characters), very few couple that with worthwhile live bluegrass bands, jazz, poetry, and folk. 738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, cantab-lounge.com.
Rosie's Bakery
The mother of all artery cloggers is Rosie's Chocolate Orgasm, as decadent as the name implies, with a rich, creamy smear of fudge atop a two-inch-thick fudge brownie. For those with a nut fetish, there's the Harvard Square, loaded with walnuts on top instead of fudge. 9 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
The Bar at the Copley Plaza
The bar at the Copley Plaza on Copley Square. The turnover is so brisk that they've been thinking of adding a "Please take a number for fast service" machine. Jack's (952 Mass. Ave, Cambridge) and Daisy Buchanan's Restaurant (240a Newbury St.) are also lively nightspots. Copley Square, MA .
Phoenix Landing
Lots of local clubs have recently "discovered" electronica, but Phoenix Landing in Central Square has been hosting an authentic techno scene for years. A mild-mannered pub by day, the Landing transforms into a baby rave Thursday nights, with young, energetic DJs and a crowd more interested in beats than booty. 512 Massachusetts Landing, Cambridge, MA .
The Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery
The cream of wheat at Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Is it strange to honor humble cream of wheat? Maybe. But the version at the Neighborhood, a Somerville brunch mainstay, is the epitome of “if you know, you know.” Many have tried to reverse-engineer the top-secret recipe, but you’re better off making the trip to Union Square for true love in a bowl liberally dusted with cinnamon. 25 Bow St., Somerville, MA 02143, theneighborhoodrestaurant.com.
Chris Donovan
James T Murray. Stylist, Yuco Lacovara Who knew that Boston’s newest fashion superstar would be a retired telephone repairman? After years of dreaming about designing shoes, last year Chris Donovan officially took the plunge and launched his eponymous brand of footwear—and we’re so glad he did. Made in one of Italy’s most famous luxury shoe factories, Donovan’s bold, sculptural boots (pictured) and chic heels are investment-quality pieces that stand the test of time. chrisdonovanfootwear.com.
Systems Design & Integration
Whether texting, shopping, or trying out the newest dating app, you’re already living your life in a series of button taps. Why not invite that kind of efficiency into your humble abode? These West Roxbury–based pros can hook you up with all sorts of time-saving technology, seamlessly wiring your home to do everything from enable your alarm system and lower your shades at night to adjust the lighting in your kitchen while you cook. 5230 Washington St., West Roxbury, MA sdiboston.com.
Joanne Langione Dance Center
A star among dance schools for four decades, Joanne Langione raised the bar even higher last year by opening a 10,000-square-foot facility complete with four modern studios. Many alums have gone on to careers in professional dance companies. 38 Border St., Newton, MA 02465, jldancecenter.com.
Bangkok Blue
This sophisticated new eatery across from Copley Square serves traditional Thai dishes with an exotic flair. Dishes such as Pad Thai, Satay Tom Yum, and a warm Gado Gado salad are complemented by scrumptious peanut, curry, and Pik Pow sauces. beverages such as Thai Iced Tea and Coffee are a perfect summer accompaniment to the meal. 651 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .
Tacos El Charro
There is a little bit of Mexico at this pinata-filled spot near Jackson Square. Despite the bright lights and the warm sangria, Tacos El Charro is worth it for the flavorful Mexican food and the hip, campy mariachi band. As the band kicks into high gear, dig into a dense bean-and-meat-filled flour tortilla and smile. 349 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .