Bull and Finch Pub
A favorite year after year, and one that even the Boston Globe credits us with discovering. Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
Frank's
Great working-class food in one of Boston's last great working-class suburb. 300 Beacon St., Somerville, MA .
Romagnoli's Table
One of the Marketplace's best, in a North Shore waterfront location that doesn't yet have Boston's crowds. East India Square Mall, Salem, MA .
Paul Taylor Dance Company at the Opera House
Unlike Alvin Ailey and others, Taylor keeps making new dancers, not recycling old ones.
Seaside
Senior editor Curtis Hartman's wallet was bulging with phone numbers after one night of bartending there. And he's married. Quincy Market, Boston, MA .
David Godine Press
In a world of quickie books and runaway cost-cutting, Godine remains one of the few houses with a commitment to uncompromised quality. 51 Sleeper St., Boston, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
This vision of a masculine elegance has one thing most men's clubs lack: a superb kitchen. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Hojoko
There’s nothing like chasing world-class sashimi and torched uni with a round of sake bombs. But that’s just how it goes at this Japanese gastropub, where the lively rock-’n’-roll atmosphere and wide-ranging menu make for one of the most exciting dining experiences around. Kanpai! The Verb Hotel, 1271 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, hojokoboston.com.
Lookout Rooftop and Bar
Courtesy photo Something about high altitudes just makes drinks taste better. Try it for yourself at the Envoy Hotel roof deck, which boasts one of the city’s best vistas. And on this patio, the party lasts all year long, with glowing igloos to keep you toasty (and toasted). 70 Sleeper St., Boston, MA 02210, outlookkitchenandbar.com.
Hodan Hashi and Toiell Washington, Black Boston founders
Matt Kalinowski The city’s top social justice advocate is not just one person, but a duo symbolizing the importance of collective action: In the wake of George Floyd’s murder last year, Black Boston founders Hodan Hashi and Toiell Washington came together to work to dismantle racism in policing, healthcare, education, and housing. blackboston.org.
Cohasset
Ah, the “town green,” one of New England’s oldest institutions. Cohasset’s version continues to thrive as a community center. Holiday parades and farmers’ markets play out on Cohasset Common, and on nearby South Main Street, you’ll find a decidedly modern stretch of shops and restaurants.
Lux Bond & Green
The display cases in this Boylston Street showroom house brands that have literally stood the test of time—classics like Baume & Mercier and Patek Philippe. The shop also employs a helpful, honest sales team more interested in finding you the right ticker than the most expensive one. 416 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, lbgreen.com.
Atwood's Tavern
This locals' hang boasts one of Greater Boston's best patios in the warmer months, and a seriously rocking lineup of local and traveling bands on its intimate stage year round. A long list of craft beers is ready to accompany your new soundtrack. 877 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, atwoodstavern.com.
Bar Mezzana
Chef Colin Lynch has a delicate touch with raw fish—cucumber and chili on halibut; a drizzle of grapefruit oil on yellowtail—all the better to let the fresh catch shine through. In fact, you could practically make a light meal from his crudo menu, one of the city's largest. 360 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, barmezzana.com.