Le Couturier House of Alterations
Favored by some of the city's most discriminating boutique owners and clotheshorses, Dick Robasson is a stitch wizard straight out of another era. Holed up in his spartan Central Square space, with two sewing machines and a radio humming jazz in the background, the one-time Zegna staffer employs the same concentration when hemming pants as he does when whipping up a suit from scratch. 550 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2116, lecouturierma.com.
Wheelworks
Specialty bikes, toddler carriers, tune-ups and repairs, commuting bags, custom fittings, racks and racks of gear—if any of that appeals to you, Wheelworks will, too. Ace Wheelworks is small but only a short walk from the Davis Square T; Belmont Wheelworks is huge but a bit farther afield. Either one will get you out the door and cruising. 145 Elm St., Somerville, MA wheelworks.com.
Barneys New York
Some men like to shop. Then there are the rest of them. At Barneys New York, the breadth of merchandise—a bounty of socks, cuff links, wallets, watches, duffels, and other assorted man-bags—offers something for both kinds of fellows. Dandies can spend hours deliberating over the perfect pocket square, while the guy who just needs a tie can get in and out before the sweat starts to bead. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Divine Sales
Divine Sales, 415 Mass. Ave., in Central Square, Cambridge, is operated by the followers of Guru Mararaj ji, the short, fat spoiled brat of a perfect master. But religious convictions should never interfere with a financial transaction. Divine Sales does have a nice selection of second-hand goods, and you can buy them without selling your soul. 415 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA .
The Urban Hound
There are pets, and then there are babies who just happen to have fur. For the four-legged companions in the latter camp, the Urban Hound is ready to stand in as surrogate parent. The 8,500-square-foot boutique hotel has pristine private suites and large indoor and outdoor play areas. The service menu includes grooming and an on-site training program that will have you wondering who's had more fun on vacay—you or them. 129 Malden St., Boston, MA urbanhounds.com.
eat
It doesn't hurt that Julia Child was a regular at this homey, comfortable Union Square restaurant, but what really makes eat a great neighborhood joint is the way owner Charlie Robinson welcomes diners from the neighborhood and beyond as if they were coming to dinner in his own home. Chef Pete Sueltenfuss's cuisine extends the welcome with hearty flavors and simple technique, from diver scallops stew to club steak. 253 Washington St., Somerville, MA .
Kelly's Diner
There's a difference between authentic and retro, and this no-nonsense Somerville treasure falls squarely in the former category. It has everything you come to a diner for—a 1953 Jerry O'Mahoney railway car with spacious booths and tabletop jukeboxes, serviceable food at fire-sale prices, and a waitstaff not afraid in these politically correct times to call you "sweetheart" or "hon." Try the eggs Benedict on Sundays ($5.99). 674 Broadway, Somerville, MA kellysdiner.net.
The Field
In Ireland, a pub is just a simple bar, not a junkyard of faux-Irish flourishes like County Cork mile markers or an imported floor. Behind the quaint red exterior of this Central Square spot is an unpretentious watering hole filled with friendly folks from students to punk rockers. Music from the corners, a ratty pool table, and comfy benches make it a great nightcap or Saturday afternoon haven. As for the most authentic measure of any Irish pub: The Guinness is positively soulful. 20 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA thefieldpub.com.
Ole Mexican Grille
Hope at last for those who've tolerated the bland psuedo Tex-Mex prevalent in Boston. A warm yellow-and-orange dining room (in the Inman Square location) with Mexican tiled tales and a tin ceiling takes you away from New England. The tamales are wonderfully tender and steamy in their banana-leaf wrapping and mole sauce, and the Tacos al Carbon are fabulous. 11 Springfield St., Cambridge, MA .
The Good Life, Cambridge
The latest addition to Brian O'Neill's growing empire, this new Good Life is perfectly suited to its Central Square location. The decor is, as in other Good Lifes, remarkably similar to your parents' den, only wings this good and spicy were probably not served at home. Wash 'em down with one of many beers on tap, or a tasty cosmopolitan (the bartenders seem to have a flair for this drink du jour). 720 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA goodlifebar.com.
Theresa Paopao, Ribelle
We first fell in love with Paopao when she was the bubbly sommelier at Oleana, in Cambridge—and then, as is often the case with talented hospitality folks, she split for New York, for a prestigious gig as the sommelier for David Chang's Momofuku group. But early this year, Paopao returned to consult for Ken Oringer's impending Toro New York concept, and decided to stick around Boston. And now? She's the one responsible for the wines at Ribelle, her pal Tim Maslow's new Washington Square eatery. 1665 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Bon Me
Bon Me's legions of fans religiously check Twitter to find out which corner Patrick Lynch and Ali Fong's pâte-slathered sandwiches, cool soba noodles, and overstuffed lemongrass-chicken rice bowls will be appearing at next. The concept has been so popular, in fact, that the husband-and-wife team opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Kendall Square earlier this year. Boston, MA bonmetruck.com.
Backbar
This is the year of the cocktail bar, and the city's top new spots are anchored by considerable talent. There's Scott Marshall shaking and stirring at the Hawthorne, and Misty Kalkofen assembling mezcal-spiked drinks at Brick & Mortar. When it comes to making the most of a watering hole, though, we have to hand it to Sam Treadway, who has transformed Backbar's tiny, raw Union Square space into a game-changing operation—all with a broad smile and even broader range of cocktail smarts. 9 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA 2143, backbarunion.com.
Hot Off the Press Café
That sandwiches are better toasted is a given—consider, for example, the unfailing success of the grilled cheese. This Central Square café understands the power of the press, turning otherwise competent sandwiches into the Best Southwestern Turkey Around. And the Best Ham on Swiss Around. And the Best ... okay, you get the gist. The genius is in the kitchen's liberal interpretation of what, exactly, is grillable. Check out the PB&J: It tastes like hot candy. 736 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, .
Pho Pasteur
As much as we like to see some dynasties fall, this one shows no signs of abdicating— nor should it. Even amid a healthy crop of Viet-upstarts in Allston, Pasteur still prepares tastier spring rolls than those spring chickens. We especially love the dipping sauces and the ginger chicken. The Harvard Square location comes through with particular elegance. 5 Dunster St., Cambridge, MA .