Flat Top Johnny's

Pool halls pop with American romanticism: Fast Eddie Felson, bourbon, the small-time hustle. They're supposed to be stark, shadowy places with heroin jazz playing softly, and a slow-twirling fan in the corner. And even though it's air-conditioned, with comfortable couches lining the back wall, Flat Top Johnny's can hold its own. It's tucked away in Kendall Square, with an unpretentious bar area and a laid-back mix of regulars who enjoy Coltrane as much as the Foo Fighters. For a first date on a Saturday night or for playing hooky on a Tuesday afternoon, it's a great spot to hide away and imagine, when you finally hit that bank shot in the corner, that you've just beaten Minnesota Fats. One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.

Poor Little Rich Girl

From $40 DVF wrap dresses to funky, quality jewelry to blessedly organized racks, the charms of this Davis Square shop are well docuented (as are its occasional annoyances: yes, the label says Marc Jacobs, but they're still '90s-era power-blue capris). This past year, though, it's Poor Little Rich Girl's new-clothing section that's proved extra appealing. Rummage through some Route 66-brand Target cast-offs, for instance, and you might score an on-trend H&M floral blouse marked 30 percent off an already bargain basement price. Bonus: fresh inventory from Forever 21, that fabulous fashion-junk-food retailer that has thus far mysteriously failed to set up shop in town. 255 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, poorlittlerichgirl.com.

Montage

This store's 10,500 square feet of floor space on Arlington Street is brimming with a minimalist but immaculate selection of contemporary pieces from designers such as B&B Italia, Cassina (including designs by Philippe Starck), and Antoine Proulx. Clean lines, solid colors, and 18-foot ceilings accentuate the two-level showroom where co-owners Christopher and Liz Bates are on hand most days to consult. Showcased in roomlike groupings, the pieces here combine to create uncluttered living spaces of sleek, simply lined sofas, multilevel coffee tables, and softly spherical lamps echoing 1950s futurama motifs. Definitely on the pricier side (sectionals can run into five figures), Montage's original selections will nonetheless last well into your home's next retro phase. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA montageweb.com.

Brookline Booksmith

Everything from the aroma of newly bound books down to the creaky wooden floor makes Brookline Booksmith a cherished local institution. Its extensive selection ranges from bestsellers to children's books and even greeting cards and funky gifts. It has a friendly, approachable staff and hosts great author readings in its used-book basement and across the street at Coolidge Corner Theatre. It's a stomping ground for academics, aisle browsers, and researchers and (full—and proud—disclosure) a partner with this magazine's book club. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA brooklinebooksmith.com.

Harvard B-School Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter taped a rap video to promote her book <em>Evolve: Succeeding in the Digital Culture of Tomorrow</em>.

<em>Boston Globe</em>

A month after chief book critic Gail Caldwell won a Pulitzer, the Globe reduced the size of its book section.

Julie Michaud, Michaud Cosmetics

A good eyebrow artist can change your face, but a great one can change your world. Part therapist, part girlfriend, and all parts godsend, Julie Michaud is Boston's arch angel. Her minimum-pain tweezing sessions—peppered with good gossip, health factoids, and beauty tips—result in perfect but natural brows fit to flatter every face. And while Michaud's talent has turned her scheduling book into a fortress (be smart and book months in advance), it's also turned the business into a dynasty; if Julie's booked, don't hesitate to make a reservation with any of her equally adept colleagues. 297 Newbury St., Suite 21, Boston, MA .

Xtend Barre

It might be 6:30 a.m. on a dreary Tuesday morning, but the staff at Xtend are all smiles, laughter, and encouragement.The positivity doesn’t stop at the barre; even as you pulse, squat, and tap your way toward a quivering mass of muscle, the instructors cajole instead of scold. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, xtendbarre.com.

Outdoor Voices

Whether your idea of a workout is a leisurely stroll around Jamaica Pond or endless squats at Burnin’ by Ray, this newcomer to the Boston fitness scene has you covered, with lightweight athletic dresses, super-soft knit hoodies, and color-blocked leggings designed with performance and comfort in mind. The Seaport outpost of the chainlet even hosts a hikers’ club, rock-climbing outings, and ’90s-themed yoga, should you need a place to put your new duds to good use. 31 Northern Ave., Boston, MA outdoorvoices.com.

Jerald Walker

In a year when books explicitly addressing racism in America were the hottest topic in nonfiction, longtime Emerson creative writing professor Jerald Walker’s How to Make a Slave and Other Essays stood out for its wry, self-deprecating tone. The essays, which earned him a National Book Award finalist nod, trace his early years in Chicago, his experiences as a Black man in academia, and more, highlighting plenty of heartbreak but still managing to find grace and humor along the way.

Brookline Booksmith

At heart, a bookstore's job is simple: Carry the latest and greatest. The Booksmith does this handily, while rising above Blahs & Noble to stand as a true bibliophile meeting ground. Its monthly book club and near-daily readings by a formidable mix of authors (this past year saw lad-lit hero Nick Hornby, Pulitzer-winning novelist Jhumpa Lahiri, and blowhard par excellence Chris Matthews) provide a safe haven for book lovers in a world clogged with TV watchers. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brooklinebooksmith.com.

Borders

As much as we hate to say it, Borders is elevating the culture quotient in the suburbs. If only it weren't a chain. Live jazz and book signings, readings by local authors, and generally knowledgeable sales help. The stores are always well laid out, with plenty of room for sitting down and perusing a book you might or might not want to buy (how can they afford so many of us free-loaders?). All locations, .

Henry Bear's Park

Put another gold star on the reward chart for this shop: In addition to the Lego sets and Melissa & Doug puzzles your kids demand, the shop stocks craft supplies, beginner's chemistry kits, and several types of terrariums. Even better, the book selection, ranging from board books to Dr. Seuss to Narnia, offers a story for any age. 17 White St., Cambridge, MA 02140, henrybear.com.

Micro Center

The Toys R Us of the tech set: aisle upon aisle of goodies like joysticks, books, laptop bags, and SCSI cables. There's a well-stocked book department, and even a good-sized Macintosh section jammed with software, hardware, and accessories. The employees are friendly—though they're sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer number of desperate computer users who stumble into the place like nomads into a desert oasis. 727 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA .

Brookline Booksmith

Brookline Booksmith is dedicated to the art of browsing. This cozy store allows book lovers to curl up on the wood floor and thumb through their favorite tomes. Friendly staffers are eager to make suggestions—unlike the aloof or harried help you find in some of the superchains. Booksmith's Writer and Readers series brings the community face-to-face with authors, who've included Grace Paley, Alice Hoffman, and other literary luminaries. The store also encourages bibliophiles to get their noses out of their books and support local charities. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .