Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
This is Blue Ribbon's third straight year notching a win, which means we've already waxed rhapsodic about its smoked-to-perfection brisket and tender pulled pork. (For maximum enjoyment, mix the above liberally with any of the house sauces.) Thus, knowing it's the details that make the difference, this year we pay special homage to the baked beans. They're the glue that binds any self-respecting barbecue meal, and Blue Ribbon's are superlative. 908 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 2476, blueribbonbbq.com.
blu
Posh as they are, the folks behind the Downtown Crossing eatery Blu recognize that a bar menu just ain't a bar menu without fries, wings, and mozzarella sticks. Except here, of course, the fries are made from polenta and served with truffled cheese. The duck wings are cooked to a crisp, then tossed with charred jalapenos and honey. And the fried cheese? House-made smoked mozzarella slathered in spicy tomato crema and basil pesto. No nachos yet, possibly because they're still fine-tuning the artisanal guac. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, blurestaurant.com.
Nathaniels
Brunch, it seems, has lately been hijacked by the bedhead generation, turning this former Sunday-best meal into an excuse to wear jammies in public and guzzle PBR. Where can a grownup find refuge? Try Nathaniel's, thick with historic elegance, upon whose linen-draped tables you'll feast on eggs Benedict, prime rib, and other refined noshes. As live jazz wafts through the air, pat yourself on the back for being so matur—while reaching with your other hand for that third slice of chocolate cake. 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 1970, .
Orleans Inn
As the only waterfront restaurant in town, the Orleans Inn has reason to brag. But humble's the default setting at this 132-year-old spot above Town Cove, which has gone through many an incarnation (boarding house, supply store) to reach its current status as the top place to gaze and graze on the Cape, with a dining room serving up local seafood with stirring vistas. 3 Old Country Rd., Orleans, MA 2653, orleansinn.com.
Sel de la Terre
For moms and dads who simply can't bear Ronald McDonald's plastic leer any longer, this French bistro is a godsend. A menu pour les enfants features beignets de poulet (chicken fingers) and tartine au fromage fondu (grilled cheese) with mounds of pommes frites. At brunch, brioche French toast with berries and baskets of fresh pastries will sate and soothe the hungriest toddler. Plus, the service ranks high with frazzled parents: Be it highchair requests or spill mop-ups, the waiters behave like saints. 255 State St., Boston, MA 2109, seldelaterre.com.
Inaho
Sushi aficionados know they've stumbled onto authenticity when there's a certain something missing. Namely, silverware. There's not a fork in sight at Inaho, where owners Yuji and Alda Watanabe have created a minimalist paradise in the land of fish and chips. The long sushi bar sends out tender, just-plucked yellowtail, ahi, salmon, and eel nigiri and sashimi, and tasty maki like the Red Dragon (tuna, avocado, spicy house mayonnaise, and more tuna) and the Naruto roll (fluke, tuna, and salmon roe). 157 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 2675, .
The Juice Bar
We'll spare all you dogged ice cream testers the brain freeze and bellyache, the stained clothes and the extra pounds: On Nantucket, the only ice cream of consequence is at the Juice Bar. At this sage-green shop, blackberry, peanut butter, mint chocolate chip, and other homemade flavors teeter over enormous, just-baked waffle cones. The only thing not to love is the long line. But the chatty college kids behind the counter are industrious, so your hefty scoop is never too far off. 12 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Mexico Lindo
Assuming the hyperfestive décor at this family-owned joint hasn't already knocked you on your heels, there's no doubt the powerful, wide-ranging flavors will. Surrounded by a rainbow of serapes and folk art furniture, diners are primed with homemade chips and salsa (and usually some high-test margaritas) before getting down to business. Mole is among the strong suits here, as is anything doused with the bright chili verde sauce. Bonus points for solid vegetarian choices, and lunch specials that pack dinnertime heft. 449 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176-3837, .
Lola 41
The Pearl bar is so 1999. Named for the latitudinal line on which Nantucket sits, Lola 41 is the newest spot to toast the start (end, middle, whatever) of your island respite. It has ambitious food with Spanish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, and Japanese influences; a young and casually stylish crowd (Lilly Pulitzer at a minimum); and strong, strong drinks. The cocktail menu includes two types of mojitos and lots of sake, plus an already infamous blueberry martini made with local Triple 8 cranberry vodka, blueberry syrup, and fresh berries. 15 South Beach St., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Bakers' Best Catering
When the only thing the family can agree on is not to sweat over a hot stove, 10-time winner Bakers' Best has got something to satisfy every craving: Dieting Dad will love the grilled vegetable, hummus, and cucumber wrap. Mom will savor the crab cakes with spicy rémoulade on the side. And the kids will fight—good-naturedly, of cours—over who gets second helpings of the cream cheese brownies. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 2461, bakersbestcatering.com.
Eastern Standard
At this spacious, boisterous Kenmore Square brasserie, groups can reserve a round table, slide into a cushy leather booth, or pull together a few tall tables at the bar to enjoy a casual feast. Brisk service, a well-stocked raw bar, and a varied menu filled with small plates that range from salt cod fritters to fried calamari makes for easy sharing—whether you're with simpatico diners or fussy friends who don't share your enlightened palate. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Jimmy's Pasta
Do not order your own entrée here—the portions are enormous. Not in the mood to share? Well, don't say we didn't warn you. Heavy on garlic and olive oil and served still in the pan, Jimmy's pastas—linguine ;puttanesca, frutti del mare—are so good you might just eat the whole thing yourself. And that might hurt. Owner Jimmy Cippola doesn't take reservations, so expect to wait in line (even if you're Bill Clinton). 32 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, .
Coonamessett Inn
With its glossy, red shingles and gabled roofs, the Coonamessett Inn is the epitome of old Cape Cod, a perfect setting for high-style weddings and anniversaries alike. But you needn't wait for a special occasion: Sunday brunch features an array of delicious classics, from make-your-own omelets and baked salmon with special weekly sauces like beurre blanc or citrus, melon, and mango, to oversized fruit plates and gorgeous renditions of sweet favorites like chocolate mousse and carrot cake. 311 Gifford St., Falmouth, MA 2540, capecodrestaurants.org.
Arthur & Pat's
The ramshackle exterior and the proudly mismatched chairs and handmade signs that shout out house specials at this seaside Brant Rock favorite may be no-frills, but the menu itself is thrill-packed. Dig into omelets stuffed with serrano ham and Manchego cheese or buttery pancakes piled high with fresh berries. It all arrives fast, and invariably accompanied by a snarky comment from the curmudgeonly but efficient waitstaff. 239 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA 2050, .
Sweet Life Cafe
Ten bucks says if you were asked to imagine your ideal evening of outdoor island dining, you'd pick something with a water view. Oh, naive soul: On the Vineyard, the most delicious outdoor experience happens in Sweet Life's fragrant garden, where threads of tiny white lights illuminate a handful of white-tableclothed seatings. The food is similarly divine: Lively island fare such as sweet-and-spicy roasted scallops, savory halibut with curry onion rings (a must), and salmon with lemon salsa round out the experience. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, sweetlifemv.com.