Ittoku
Photograph by Julia Hopkins There's a reason the crowd at this izakaya always spills onto the street. The sashimi's so fresh it tastes like it swam onto your plate, the beef yakitori crackles with charred flavor, and the ramen portions are more than generous. 1414 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02134, .
Urbanity Dance
At Urbanity Dance, a community-minded professional company located in the South End, your dancer in training can learn alongside the pros. There are even "mommy-and-me" classes for newborns and babies up to age two. 1180 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanitydance.org.
The Barn at 17
Weave through the labyrinthine arrangement of hand-painted chinoiserie screens, velvet, and meticulously restored cut-crystal French chandeliers to discover a charming pair of painted ceramic Staffordshire spaniels for your mantel. 17 Murdock St., Somerville, MA 02145, thebarnat17.com.
Jae Hun Kim Taekwondo
Grand master Jae Hun Kim, whose approach emphasizes form over flash, teaches alongside a cadre of experienced instructors with a knack for keeping kids as young as four focused and engaged. 102 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, tkd-boston.com.
Cafénation
Photograph by Kelsey Cronin Finding a seat on the weekend can be nearly impossible, and given the offerings—fluffy made-to-order omelets, creamy iced lattes, melt-in-your-mouth sweet crêpes—it’s easy to see why. 380 Washington St., Boston, MA 02135, cafenation.com.
Superb Bicycle
Whether you’re a car-dodging commuter or a weekend warrior who heads to the hills, the pedal pushers behind this shop will size you up, find a frame that fits, and build your dream two-wheeler. 842 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, superbbicycle.com.
Cafe Fixe
The square’s best brews, pour-overs, and espresso are served in a café designed for quality R & R: There’s no WiFi, so unplug and unwind with some conversation—or maybe even a good book. 1642 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, cafefixe.com.
The Daily Catch Seaport
Photograph by Trevor Reid With a just creamy enough texture, generous potato chunks, meaty pieces of clam, and a house-made biscuit in place of the requisite oyster crackers, the Daily Catch's chowder is an exemplar of the form. 2 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, dailycatch.com.
Alison Braverman, Etant
Chatty and lightning-quick, the self-described perfectionist will put you at ease, show you how to breathe, and get you (and every last one of your strays) out of there before you can say "frog position." 524 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Rose Pagliarulo, the Loft
Your tootsies will be in tip-top flip-flop shape for weeks after a visit to Pagliarulo, whose secret weapons include a custom-made 'sander' (used once, then tossed) and just the right amount of vigorous buffing. 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Jeffrey Lyle, Emerge
A savior for those dying to have born-with-it blond locks, Lyle mixes up a shade so natural and places it so artfully that your roots will be ashamed to show themselves. 275 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Jean Therapy
Always looking for the Next Big Jean, owner Leah Eckelberger offered hot brands like Oligo Tissew, Those Are Mine, Farmer, and Drifter (as well as frank opinions on your derriere) before anyone else. 524 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, jean-therapy.com.
Newton Highlands Pet & Grooming
Remember Janeane Garofalo in The Truth About Cats and Dogs ? She has nothing on manager/groomer Jane Bruce, who brings out the couth in your kitties and mutts. 9 Woodward St., Newton, MA .
Winston Flowers
For a simple bouquet of wildflowers or an intricate centerpiece for your wedding, Winston wins. It stocks everything from the freshest cut stems to topiaries and potted plants, and its various locations and delivery services add bonus points for convenience. 131 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Florabunda
Okay, so they don't have the largest selection in town, but they do have beautiful fresh flowers at half price on Saturdays, making it affordable to always have lots around the house. 280 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA .