Apley's
The bucks the chain poured into this showcase continue to pay off. A blend of nouvelle and richesse, Apley's wins for the second straight year. Sheraton-Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Brattle Square
Jugglers, street singers, storytellers, and musicians. All now competing for your attention with the construction of the MBTA's Red Line extension. Cambridge, 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 .
Sam’s at Louis
Enjoy house-cured corned-beef hash, generously sized (and spiced) bloody marys, and glorious harbor views. 60 Northern Ave., Fort Point/Waterfront, MA 2110, samsatlouis.com.
India Quality
Chicken tikka masala and other well-prepared classics are delivered to your door, restaurant-fresh. 484 Commonwealth Ave., Fenway/Kenmore, MA 2215, indiaquality.com.
Barneys New York
Whether in pursuit of the perfect burger or a potential mate, we men typically thrill to the chase. But hunting for just-right cuff links? Oh, no. No, no. The quickest way to kill off our inner Bond, in fact, is to trudge from store to store, questing after the highly specific accessories that live seemingly only in our imagination: the cool diver watch with grosgrain strap, aviators that don't evoke dissolute rock star. While certain things at other local stores quicken our pulse (e.g., the socks at Drinkwater's), for all-out adrenaline rush it's Barneys: walls full of man bags, rows upon rows of pocket squares, belt racks that go on for days. We're in, we're out, mission accomplished. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Taberna de Haro and Tasca (Tie)
Even if the food at Taberna were lousy (and it most certainly isn't), you'd be too relaxed to care. From the decor to the gracious service to the fruity sangria that arrives in a big ceramic pitcher, this little tapas place lowers your blood pressure, just as an authentic Spanish taberna would. Raise it again with the veal sausage, or try the spinach, sauteed with pine nuts and raisins, or hot dishes (like garlic shrimp) that arrive sizzling in clay pots. The dishes are designed for sharing, and it's a good thing because the novel tastes are conversation starters. | Add candlelight playing off of whimsical wall frescoes and cozy tables spaced a healthy distance from one another and you've got Tasca, where that international language starts to spill from your lips (and we don't mean Esperanto). Oh, and the food is fantastic—Spanish tapas like gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp in garlic), jamon Serrano (Spanish cured ham with extra virgin olive oil), and tortillas (traditional Spanish potato-and-onion omelets). 999 Beacon Street; 1612 Commonwealth Ave., Brookline; Boston, MA .
Landry's Bicycles
For its impressive size, central location, and huge inventory, Landry's gets our vote. The staff has consistently serviced our two-wheelers well and quickly (as we've scooted around on Landry's-issued loaners), and helped us navigate the selection of accessories. And in their spare time, employees advocate for better biking in Massachusetts. 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Shag
After a quick tête-à-tête, Brianna Coons shaped our unruly hair into something slick, taking into account our capacity for at-home styling (none). The best part? The chop grew out so evenly, it still looked fresh months later. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 2127, shagboston.com.
Lauren Genatossio, Sarra
Lauren Genatossio knew exactly how to bring our brows to a fuller, more natural place, meticulously tweezing each individual hair to sculpt our arches to perfection. We left with homework (don't tweeze anything, start brushing upward to train the hair to grow properly) and a transformed look that earned compliments for weeks. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 02127, sarrastudios.com.
Maura Kilpatrick, Sofra
Three years in a row? Really? Yet after scarfing down the fig and almond serpentines and ridiculously good chocolate cookies at Sofra, the bakery/mezze bar that Kilpatrick opened last year with chef Ana Sortun, we once again have to tip our hat—and loosen our belt. One Belmont St., Cambridge, MA 2138, .
Chauncey
We were one more Creed song away from slitting our wrists when Chauncey's self-titled debut—loaded with swerving melodies, bending rhythms, and emotional truths—revived our faith in rock 'n' roll. Not to mention in the Boston music scene.
Drinkwater's
Discover your inner Don Draper with Italian wool jackets, made-to-measure shirts (including sharp styles from Engineered Garments), and elegant ties. 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, drinkwaterscambridge.com.
Dirk Diegel, Vidal Sassoon
Don't expect a boy's regular. Diegel spends quality time with your hair so you won't have to. High style, low maintenance. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Accurate Paving
Good ideas for the shape, grading, and surface of your driveway, plus timely and professional follow-through make Accurate the discriminating homeowner's choice for asphalt paving. 74 Acton Street, Watertown, MA .