System 7
For those of us who find navigating the myriad of home-technology systems overwhelming and stressful, System 7’s Experience Center is a godsend. The pros at the company’s two locations in Boston and Wellesley are as tech-savvy as they are patient. They’ll enlighten you on intuitive access controls, motorized shading systems, lighting, and about integrating it all together through wireless networking. And when you’re ready, they’ll create a plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. Boston Design Center, Ste. 130W, Boston, MA 02210, systemseven.com.
Zimman's
If you can't find the fabric you want at Zimman’s, you can’t get it anywhere. With four generations of experience, the team here offers an extensive stock of textiles consistently touted as phenomenal, including indoor/outdoor fabrics and luxurious embroidered pieces. That’s to say nothing of the custom reupholstery services, which can give everything from Grandma’s old settee to antiques-store dining chairs a new life. 80 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901, zimmans.com.
Coppa
Pizza at Coppa. / Photo by Brian Samuels Things might get a little flashier at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s other spots, but at this South End favorite, spotless technique and deep culinary knowledge quietly underlie the cozy enoteca menu of house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian treats. Some all-stars haven’t left the menu since day one — we’re looking at you, cavatelli with tomato-broccoli sugo — and that’s just how we like it. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.
La Saison Bakery
Be the hero of the next family gathering by showing up with La Saison Bakery’s rich, heavenly chocolate cake — or treat yourself to a slice any old day, ideally paired with a cup of iced Persian tea or sweet masala chai. Dense, moist, and just the right balance of sweet-but-not-too-sweet, the treat will put all your plans on hold for the day as you sit and savor bite after irresistible bite. 407 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, lasaison-bakery.com.
Madhouse Café
Drinks and snacks at Madhouse Café. / Photo by Brian Samuels Iced tahini lattes, Lebanese meat pies, sticky-sweet baklava, motorcycles…wait, what? Madhouse Café debuted in Roxbury in late 2022, connected to — and looking into, via a giant window — the acclaimed bike shop Madhouse Motors. (Got kids? They’ll be mesmerized, and you’ll have a chance to sip your espresso in peace.) Dripping with greenery and intricately patterned tables and pillows, the space is lovely, as is the staff, making this a destination whether or not you have a motorcycle that needs fixing. 24 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, MA 02119, madhousecafe.com.
Tawakal Halal Café
This East Boston favorite continues to impress with its heartwarming takes on Somali food and a broader look at East African and Middle Eastern cuisines. Sip a refreshing iced shaah and dig into falafel-stuffed chapati wraps, fragrant plates of chicken biryani, and crispy beef sambusa. And be sure to top it with the fiery and fruity house hot sauce, a mango-based stunner that takes any dish up a notch. 389 Maverick St., East Boston, MA 02128, tawakalhalal.com.
The Dubliner
The Dubliner's day boat fish and chips. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal Irish cuisine in America has long been stuck in a pub-food rut, despite Ireland’s steady evolution into a destination for European fare. Chef Aidan McGee, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.K., is nudging Boston in that fresher direction at this bustling hot spot opposite Government Center, which plates exemplary versions of classic dishes, including the finest fish and chips in town and a spectacular take on the traditional Irish Sunday roast while pouring a proper pint of Guinness and a global slate of whiskeys. 2 Center Plz., Downtown, MA 02108, thedublinerboston.com.
The Coast Café
Purveyors of proper American soul food are scant in Boston, so we’re grateful that after a brief hiatus, this Cambridge takeout star is again serving up some of the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken in the city. That’s hardly all: Barbecued pork ribs, fried catfish, hefty sides (of collard greens, candied yams, and mac ’n’ cheese), and old-timey desserts (like sweet-potato pie and coconut wonder bars) should all be a part of your next beachside picnic or casual home supper. 233 River St., Cambridge, MA 02139, coastsoulcafe.com.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Brisket and sides at Sweet Cheeks Q. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal A dozen years in, Tiffani Faison’s ode to southern barbecue is still smoking the competition. We like the fatty, juicy brisket best, but you can’t go wrong with the other expertly done meats, from pulled pork to fried chicken. They’re best enjoyed on the sunny patio with sides of mac ’n’ cheese, collard greens, and the ridiculously good (and big-as-your-face) biscuits slathered with honey butter and seasonal jams. 1381 Boylston St., Fenway, MA 02215, sweetcheeksq.com.
True Bistro
There are many places to eat meatless meals in Boston these days, but only one place to enjoy a truly sophisticated, fine-dining experience with an entirely vegan menu. Dishes like the crispy oyster mushrooms in guajillo chili sauce with a horseradish-dill aioli will not only dazzle the vegan and vegan-curious in your crew — they’ll also win over the carnivores. 1153 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, truebistroboston.com.
Children's Beach
As its name implies, Children’s is a pint-size beach perfect for the entire family and delightful in its proximity to the cobblestone streets of the historical downtown. Lifeguarded — and with restrooms! — the shoreline comes complete with a grassy park, a playground, a bandstand, and the Surf, a kid-friendly restaurant where your crew can eat grilled cheese and hot dogs to their heart’s content while watching the ferries come in and out of the harbor. We can almost guarantee everyone will fall asleep on the ride home. 15 Harbor Way, Nantucket, MA 02554, nantucket-ma.gov.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
After a long drive across the bridge, sometimes all you want is to sit back, relax, and not touch your car keys again for the weekend. That’s possible at Ocean Edge, where guests at the Mansion have access to the private Bay Pines beach and everyone can enjoy pickleball and tennis courts, multiple pools, a spa, and a private 18-hole golf course. Plus, if you do need a change of scenery, the resort is just minutes from Nickerson State Park and the Cape Cod Rail Trail. 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, oceanedge.com.
The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn
Courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn No need to forfeit the Cape’s sea breeze when you unwind with a treatment at the Chatham Bars Inn’s spa: Surrounded by nature and the salty air from the ocean less than a quarter-mile away, its private outdoor cabanas are the perfect spot to unwind with a bliss-inducing deep-tissue CBD massage. If you’re looking to make relaxation the full focus of your Cape getaway, book one of the hotel’s spa suites (in-room soaking tub, sauna, and steam shower included). 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
The Proprietors
You’ve never seen brunch like they do it at “Props,” as the locals like to call it. Creative menu items—including a breakfast sandwich piled high with fried green tomatoes, egg, chili jam, and ranch pickles, and a yogurt parfait with roasted strawberries and coconut-blueberry granola—make this Sunday-only meal service something you’ll anticipate all week. And with an outdoor patio and easy-order pop-up brunch takeout window, it’s never been easier to get your fix. 9 India St., Nantucket, MA 02554, proprietorsnantucket.com.
Hole in One
Who knew brunch in a takeout box could be so sweet? Before escaping to the National Seashore, pick up some much-needed fuel at this restaurant and bakery with locations in Orleans and Eastham, which offers its beloved stacks of cinna- mon-roll pancakes and scallion-cheddar biscuits smothered in sausage gravy to go. Word to the wise: Whatever you get, don’t forget to add a dozen hand-cut doughnuts (including specials like blueberry crum- ble, s’mores, or Reese’s) to your order. 98 MA-6A, Orleans, MA 02653, theholecapecod.com.