The Green Room
Tucked away on a quiet Beacon Hill side street, the Green Room is the perfect spot for anyone yearning for a sharp cut, but desperate to avoid the Newbury Street traffic. With just a single chair, Jessica Dill offers her undivided attention to one client at a time in a cozy studio that feels more like a private retreat. Discretion, personalization, and customer service are paid more than mere lip service, as she offers off-hour appointments and complimentary neck trims to ensure we’re always looking our best. 49 River St., Boston, MA 2114, greenroomboston.com.
Ginza, Brookline location
When you're craving sushi but can't bear waiting in line for hours for a table while being barked at by harried hostesses (an all-too-common occurrence at other sushi restaurants around town), head to the Brookline outpost of Ginza. To be sure, Ginza still does an exemplary job of serving delicious sushi at its original Chinatown location, but the Brookline spot also offers a small, pleasant dining room staffed by the friendliest, most accommodating crew of any sushi joint around. Not only will they take your name with a smile; they'll also offer you a seat at the bar, where you can sip sake or ice-cold draft Asahi while you wait for a table or takeout. The sushi here is made from fish so fresh it practically melts in your mouth, perfectly cut into bite-sized pieces (or tightly rolled into maki) that don't preclude conversation, another pleasant surprise in a time when the supersize epidemic has infected even the humble California roll. 1002 Beacon St., Brookline, MA ginzajapanese.com.
LuxeBeautique
Paying someone just to hand you towels (Mariah) or perfume your path with gardenia (J.Lo) is a bit whoa!crazy. Still, Hollywood divas, with their creamy complexion and velvety skin, are testament to the very real benefits of an aesthetics entourage. Rent your own at Luxe-Beautique: Intimate at a mere 1,000 square feet, it's packed with both swag-bag exclusives (Becca and Jelly Pong Pong makeup, Malie Kauai skin care) and expertise in using them. Can't choose among facials, massages, body bronzing, and makeup? Accede to your inner A-lister and go for all four, in—what else?—the signature Red Carpet Treatment. 222 Humphrey St., Swampscott, MA 1907, .
Redbones
Trust us: Don't take your Redbones carryout on the T. At best, your bag of slow-smoked, spice-rubbed, damn-tasty barbecue will have fellow passengers growling like wild beasts; at worst, you've got a mob scene on your hands. Better to get delivery, or just pull up a seat at this noisy, vibrant wannabe roadhouse and dig right into the succulent meats (standouts: pulled pork, all four styles of ribs) and can-I-get-a-witness versions of corn pudding, potato salad, and other southern trimmings. 55 Chester St., Somerville, MA 2144, redbones.com.
Dyke Night, Midway Café
Not that there's much competition in these parts, but Thursday night at the Midway Café is the place to see and be seen in the lesbian community. With a cowgirl aesthetic and more dykes than Holland in the rainy season, the scene is something like a tea dance after a couple of tequila shooters. Expect to see your ex-girlfriend, her new girlfriend, and your new girlfriend's ex—who once dated your recently out former roommate. After slugging down a few Red Stripes and grooving to the house, funk, and chick pop, you'll feel like you're all a part of the same mixed-up family. 3496 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA midwaycafe.com.
Tim's Bar & Grill
No two ways about it: Tim's is a dive. Not a dressed-down yuppie hot spot marketing itself as "casual" and "unpretentious," but an honest-to-goodness greasy spoon. But where else would you find the low-priced burgers in the city? Tim's are so enormous—a full pound of beef for four bucks—they make your jaw ache. They're the kind of burgers that, with each bite, send pink juice running down your arms. The kind where your napkin is in tatters after five minutes. And Tim's is the kind of place where when you ask for medium-rare, it comes medium rare. 329 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
The Frame Gallery
Who better to create a home for your beloved artwork than the team that’s framed masterpieces for the MFA and the Gardner Museum? For almost four decades, the Frame Gallery has been putting paintings, photographs, and even sports memorabilia in everything from shadow boxes to custom gold-leafed masterpieces that are works of art in their own right. Plus, they can give that antique Victorian frame passed down through your family for generations a little TLC, too. 357 Boylston St., Brookline, MA 02445, theframegalleryboston.com.
WanderLush
WanderLush’s boozy beverages seem too pretty to drink—until you taste them, that is. Founder Crystal Mills and her team create custom craft cocktails, sweetened with house-made syrups and punched up with liquor from local distilleries. Treat guests to an unexpectedly delicious combination of bourbon, green tea, peach purée, and lemon juice or sip on Palomas garnished with fresh grapefruit. Shaken or stirred to your heart’s desire, the picture-perfect drinks will have you dreaming of your tropical honeymoon. wanderlushboston.com.
The Butcher Shop
No surprise that chef Barbara Lynch’s restaurants continue to compile stunning lists, thanks to renowned grape-juice expert Cat Silirie. What is surprising? The fact that the best wine lists can be found at Lynch’s most accessible property, an intimate homage to European boucheries where the glass pours showcase classics and Old World gems alongside small producers and innovative newbies. Fancy sherry with your salumi? Something pink with your pâté? This spot has you covered. 552 Tremont St. , Boston, MA thebutchershopboston.com.
The Wellness Floor at One Dalton
If the makeshift desk setup in the corner of your bedroom didn’t destroy your neck and back this year, the stress of the pandemic likely did. Not to worry: The Four Seasons One Dalton’s spa has the post-pandemic massage you’ve been patiently waiting for. Like a homing device, the talented therapists’ hands zero in on every knot and trouble spot without needing direction, ensuring you walk out the door feeling looser and more relaxed than you have in a very long time. One Dalton St., Boston, MA 02115, fourseasons.com/onedalton/spa.
Ares Shoe Repair
Stopping by this tiny garden-level shop feels like visiting your friendly but gruff grandfather's house: Cobbler Mike Damirshian won't hide his disappointment in your shoes' subpar appearance, but he will assure you that they can, in fact, be saved. And each and every time, he's true to his word—heels that have been worn to metal posts are miraculously rebuilt, holey soles are replaced, and scuffs are polished away. You'll walk out with kicks that look (almost) brand new. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, .
Boston Chops
This venture from Deuxave's Chris Coombs and Brian Piccini is billed as an "urban steak bistro"—shorthand for "not your grandparents' steakhouse." Start with daring small plates like oxtail croquets with red pepper mostarda, then tuck into an order of steak frites, which combines your favorite cut with a house-made sauce and heaping piles of greens, as well as fries served tableside from large copper bowls. 1375 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, bostonchops.com.
Firicano's Barber Shop
Think hot-towel shaving is a lost art? Not so: Young Rich Firicano is keeping the tradition alive and well. After thoroughly prepping your whiskers with a warm washcloth, a special softening cream, and the standard foam, he will proceed to dispatch them with smooth strokes and a steady hand—just what you want when a four-inch razor is skimming your neck. 240 North St., Boston, MA firicanosbarbershop.com.
Repele of New England
No wine is too red, no mud too murky, no Superbowl salsa too gunky to be chased out of your rug by Repele. Call Terry, and he'll come and work his magic right in your house, or haul those soiled carpets away to be purified at the shop. You'll never know you had an oops moment. 352 Dedham St., Wrentham, MA .
T.W. Food
While some restaurants offer $90-plus takes on set menus, the prix-fixe concept actually originated as a deal. At Cambridge bistro T. W. Food, tradition prevails: Sunday through Thursday, $49 gets you your pick of the menu's starters (we love the silky scrambled farm egg), entrées (like the superb house-made pastas), and dessert (the sorbets are breathtaking)—leaving enough in your wallet for a bottle of good wine. 377 Walden St., Cambridge, MA 2138, twfoodrestaurant.com.