Premiere Video
The customer-service orientation of this new mom-and-pop (and son) store ought to be a model for others. We love the 24-hour movie-drop-off box and the drive-through pickup window. A popcorn machine (help yourself!) and pizza restaurant are in the same space. It delivers movies and pizza to your home, if you're lucky to live anywhere nearby. 87 High St., Danvers, MA .
Neptune Oyster
Order it hot with butter, or cold with mayo. Either way, sizable chunks of lobster will overflow the warm brioche roll, leaving you to dig in with a fork before attempting to pick up any stragglers with your hands. Do not be distracted by the delicious, massive pile of accompanying fries; the sweet claw and tail meat is why you came—and why you waited an hour for a seat at this tiny gem. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
Daedalus
Just a couple blocks from the Harvard T stop, this spot draws long lines for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. But it's not just the comfort-food eats we adore. Daedalus is equipped to serve your every need: Two bars on two floors are packed during happy hour; the upstairs dining room is intimate enough for a romantic meal; and the rooftop deck is ideal for summer-evening cocktails. 112 South St #5, Boston, MA 2111, .
Persy's Place
Bring your reading glasses and a couple of hours to spare: The Persy's brunch menu lays out more than 100 possible orders, ranging from the expected (three eggs any style) to the bizarre (haddock poached in milk). You may need a few cups of joe just to power through the list of choices, but once you do, the payoff is sweet—especially if you decide to go for the yummy French toast made with fresh-baked bread, creamy crab Benedict, or above-par banana-walnut crepes. 52 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Mashpee, MA 2649, .
Cocktail Classes at the Boston Shaker
At Adam Lantheaume’s two-hour workshops ($70 per person), you’ll learn stirring and shaking techniques, get schooled in proper mixology terminology, and prepare your own seasonal drink using quality cocktail equipment. You’ll also receive discounts on Boston Shaker purchases—and, with any luck, a gentle buzz. If you arrive early, Lantheaume suggests meandering a few doors down to Spoke Wine Bar (see right) for a pre-class nibble and swill. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 2144, thebostonshaker.com.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Even if you don’t spring for the absurdly indulgent six-hour "Boston Breather" package—including a scrub, pedicure, facial, and more—it’s easy to while away the day at this 16,000-square-foot oasis four floors above Boylston Street. Book an aroma stone massage, detox wrap, or just a mani/pedi, and come early to relax in the vitality pool and steam room. Extend the aah with healthy bites at the Spa Café. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2199, mandarinoriental.com/boston/luxury-spa.
Long Haul Films
Don't leave your wedding video up to Uncle Dave and his shaky hands. Book Long Haul Films to produce a Hollywood-worthy trailer (three to five minutes) and a longer cut that you'll actually want to watch year after year. In total, Tom and Melissa Dowler and their shooters will unobtrusively capture eight to 10 hours of footage per wedding, documenting every fleeting tear, toast, and dance move. 107 South St., Boston, MA longhaulfilms.com.
Ann Sousa
After hours in the chair and a few hundred bucks, your color had better be perfect. Sadly, that's not always how the story ends. And when a dye goes awry, it feels nothing short of disaster. Sousa will survey the damage and explain her plan of attack, patiently tackle the lengthy resuscitation, and ultimately get you that happy ending. Salon Mario Russo, 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Kings
It may not have 24-hour lanes or the pervasive stench of stale beer, but Kings is nevertheless the city's premier spot for throwing rocks. Dim lighting, dozens of flat-screens, good music, and a menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers provide the needed backdrop, and sustenance, for some very heated matches—and should you find yourself spending a lot of time in the gutter, there are eight pool tables with which to salvage your sporting reputation. 10 Scotia St., Boston, MA kingsbackbay.com.
Downtown Crossing Instant Shoe Repair
When most shoe-mending outfits say "instant," they mean "come back tomorrow" or "maybe next week." But at Downtown Crossing Instant Shoe Repair, a tiny stand in the Downtown Crossing T corridor (near the Orange Line northbound platform), we've been known to sit barefoot on a barstool while Steve Ismintsev resoles our riding boots and replaces our cobblestone-ravaged heel taps in a matter of minutes. Given a few hours, he can rescue vintage kicks that seemed beyond saving. "It was the best I could do," he'll say with a frown—and hand back shoes that look better than they did the day you bought them. 7 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 2111, .
Anne-Cecile Curot
Our poor pores are no strangers to painful excavations, or to being smothered in flowery-smelling goo. That's why they haven't quit thanking us since we introduced them to Anne-Cécile Curot, spa director at Marc Harris's new Financial District location. A Bella Santé alum, this cheery Frenchwoman delivers what we once thought impossible: After an hour on her table, our complexion was the softest, clearest, and most line-free it's been since before puberty (and spring chickens, we are not). Better yet, her ultralight touch and gentle organic products from Rhonda Allison left us feeling blissed out, not roughed up. Salon Marc Harris, 125 Broad St., Boston, MA 2110, .
Cuffs & Collars
Even the most reluctant shopper will enjoy Cuffs & Collars, which offers ample options for designing the perfect wedding-day getup. Host a private event in the store, where you and your crew can choose from thousands of fabrics with a cocktail in hand, or book the company’s “We Come to You” service, during which a tailor will take your measurements at your home or office and then send the finished product, made to order in Italy, to your door in just four to six weeks. One Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, cuffsandcollars.com.
Warren Tavern
No self-respecting Townie goes to this older-than-God tavern for the food. You go for the beer, the too-loud music, and the chance to see your cousin, your neighbor, your accountant, and your handyman getting a little sloppy over a fifth round of Sam Adams—sometimes all at the same table. Have a couple of cold ones, and the fish and chips will seem like four-star cuisine. 2 Pleasant Street, Charlestown, MA 2129, .
Doggieday
Need someone to look after your critters? While you're away, DoggieDay will walk Spot four times a day, clean Fifi's litter box, grab your mail, water your plants, inject your diabetic gerbil with insulin, and taxi Dirk the boa constrictor to the vet—all for a competitive fee. Unlike most services, DoggieDay covers almost all of Greater Boston, and is registered with Pet Sitters International. Future services in the works include dog training at home while you're at work and massage therapy (for your pets, not you). 295 Devonshire St., Boston, MA .
Tinailery
Bedazzled with sparkly gemstones and pearls. Painted with watercolor vintage roses. Bespeckled with colorful polka dots. The fingernails-as-art trend continues at this sleek salon, which recently moved from downtown to a shiny new location in Brookline. Before your appointment, consult with your nail artist over text to collaborate and share ideas for your custom paint job — then sit back, relax, and watch her create 10 tiny gel masterpieces that last for more than four weeks. 1680 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, tinailery.com.