Once Somerville
It's definitely not a bar, though there's no shortage of beers. And it's not exactly a concert hall, but it knows how to pull in national acts and put on one hell of a show. Welcome to Once Somerville, a 9,000-square-foot venue of shape-shifting entertainment. Whatever happens to be on the calendar—Monday-night tacos, heavy-metal yoga, storytelling performances from the Moth—it's sure to beat the regular routine of draining a few pints at your local watering hole. 156 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143, oncesomerville.com.
Jamaica Mi Hungry
The fiery, hearty, soulful fare of Jamaica has a cozy home in Jackson Square, where chef Ernie Campbell uses skills honed as a caterer and food-truck operator to serve heaping helpings of jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, oxtail, and curry goat. Bonus points for the prime location next to an MBTA Orange Line stop and bus hub, which makes these good eats accessible to a broad, underserved swath of the city, notably a nearby section of Roxbury with few sit-down or takeout restaurants. 225 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, jamaicamihungry.com.
Villa México Café
Telecommuting has its perks, but none are as tasty as the grilled corn tortillas — with fillings like tender marinated chicken in a rich, complex mole sauce — that office crowds snatch up from this beloved stalwart of the downtown-lunch-hour scene. Made with palpable passion by matriarch Julie King and her daughter, industry advocate Bessie, the tacos are destination-worthy no matter where you work, but take a tip from the regulars and drench your carnitas in Villa México’s transcendent black salsa, now sold by the jar for snacking at home. 121 Water St., Financial District, MA 02109, villamexicocafe.us.
Nicole Rueda-Watts, NYX Studio
There’s nothing wrong with a chunky necklace from J.Crew, of course, but if you truly want to stand out from the flock, snag a handmade feather collar—with elegant plumage that wows—from Nicole Rueda-Watts. The designer, who honed her metalworking skills in a Mexican artist community, fashions her eye-catching wares with semiprecious stones, leather, and beads. Catch the collection at her West Cambridge boutique Observatory, which also stocks arrangements from Laura Jean Floral & Design, as well as vintage furniture and home accessories. nyxstudio.com.
The Ritz Café
JEREMY DRIESEN A modest watering hole that islanders depend on after the day’s work is done and the summer crowds have evacuated to the mainland, this institution, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, has acquired the patina of legend. If it’s a dive, it’s one that argues there’s more to the designation than peeling paint and a well-worn bar. Located next to the shinier, chicer bars that now line Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs, the rough exterior might scare off the faint of heart. And while the aura is arguably friendly, it’s also a bit reckless, hinting at a long history of spirited delights: It wasn’t unheard of, for instance, for regulars to throw a fake wedding at a moment’s notice. Read more 4 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA theritzmv.com.
Savas Shoe Repair
While longtime sole man Arthur Savas might not, as one pal jokes affectionately, 'win any personality contests,' he is undoubtedly a shoe's best friend: re-heeling, re-soling, and otherwise patching up even the saddest specimens. But could he handle the spanking-new Pradas with the torn fabric-covered heel? Savas protested we were expecting too much...yet a week later the job was done, the work irreproachable. 260 Elm St., Somerville, MA 2144, .
Inde Salon & Skincare
Come for an expert cut and color, stay for the waxing, spray tan, and facial services at this full-service Quincy salon, situated in the first floor of a charming old home. With just a handful of chairs that face full-length mirrors, the intimate, sunny space feels even more like home once you sit down and chat with owner Hillary Deshler or one of her experienced stylists, all of whom are adept at creating beautiful, face-flattering looks. 46 Independence Ave., Quincy, MA 2169, indesalon.com.
Julien Bar at the Hotel Meridien
There's no more appropriate place to seal the deal than in the Julien Bar, once the reception room for the governors of the Federal Reserve Bank and now the financial district's most appealing watering hole. But keep it clean: N. C. Wyeth's murals depicting Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton set a lofty tone. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
Lanes & Games
Photo by Jesse Burke People outside of New England might not agree, but to be taken seriously around here, alleys have to offer both 10-pin bowling (big ball, finger holes) and candlepin bowling (small ball, no holes). Lanes & Games gets it right by providing a full floor of each, along with a bar that serves cheap eats and beer. No one will blame you for quoting The Big Lebowski at length. 195 Concord Tpke., Cambridge, MA lanesgames.com.
Waverly Oaks Golf Club
Just about every golf course in New England has pristine greens, little white balls, and plaid pants. What sets Waverly Oaks apart is the variety of its 9- and 18- hole courses. There's something for every kind of player here, with short and long holes, uphills and down, and doglegs both left and right. There's also enough room so that no one has to feel crammed—or as if they're on the business end of target practice. 444 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth, MA waverlyoaksgc.com.
Granite Links Golf Club
A public course with the ambiance of a private one? You'll find it at Granite Links, which boasts hilltop views of the city, three nine-hole courses, and a lighted driving range for those evenings when you just need to whack a bucket of balls after work. Plus, a clubhouse deck and above-par food make the 19th hole as welcoming as the first 18. Correction, June 26, 12 p.m.: In the July issue of Boston, "Golf" was misspelled in the business name. We regret the error. 100 Quarry Hills Dr., Quincy, MA 02169, granitelinksgolfclub.com.
Folklorica
The idea of handcrafts is intriguing; the reality, often ho-hum. Folklorica, however, hones its edge with one-of-a-kind creations by big names (Alexis Bittar, Jane Diaz) and sharp local talent. 61 Union St., Newton Centre, Newton, MA 2459, .
<em>The Price Is Right</em> New Hampshire Incident
The Internet got a major kick this year out of the plight of Marshfield’s Catherine Graham, whose grand prize on The Price Is Right was a glamorous vacation to … New Hampshire (not exactly the exotic Tahitian adventure she’d been hoping for). But to sweeten the pot, tons of local businesses stepped up to make her journey across state lines a special one, offering a bounty of gifts and hotel stays. As one local official put it, they didn’t want her to take her neighbor to the north for granite. Well done.
Radius
Yes, you'll want fries with—or without—that burger (Radius also took home the award for Best of Boston 2009 Burger). With one genius exception (minced fines herbes), chef Michael Schlow imposes none of his fancy French roots on these golden über-tubers. And thankfully, he's not stingy with the salt. 8 High St., Boston, MA 2110, radiusrestaurant.com.
Whole Heart Provisions
Take your pick: a Viet bowl from Whole Heart or chickpea socca from Forage. / Photo by Toan Trinh Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.