Area Four
Michael Leviton's Cambridge venture is many things to many people: a morning latte-and-breakfast-sandwich stop for local tech gurus; a de facto study hall for MIT students; a casual spot for friends to catch up over a crispy potato-and-pancetta pizza and a couple of glasses of wine. Despite the crowds, though, Area Four maintains a warm, neighborhoody vibe. 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, areafour.com.
Manna House
For years we lamented the lack of quality Korean dining in this town. Once Manna House opened its doors, those complaints thankfully came to an end. Now we can dig into tender bulgogi beef and sesame-oil-slicked jop-chae (sweet potato noodles), plus Chinese-influenced dishes like jajangmyeon (noodles with black soybean paste and diced pork) and kan pung gi (lightly fried chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze). And to think that once upon a time, all of this was just a dream. 9 Medford St., Arlington, MA 2476, mannahouse-cuisine.com.
The Publick House
This monastic pub is ;the place to earn an advanced degree in artisanal ales (or just keep pace with the craft-beer aficionados in your life). The bartenders and servers know their hops and malts in exquisite detail, and will happily enlighten you (sans condescension) as to the difference between a ;dubbel and a ;tripel. And every draft, from a local standby to the rarest Belgian brew, is served in its proper glassware, revealing an unparalleled adoration for man's oldest liquid creation. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, publickhouse.com.
The Publick House
Carb addicts, allow us to introduce you to your downfall: Monk's Frites at the Publick House. A mere $6 gets you a shareable portion of hand-cut fries worth their weight in Yukon gold. These not-too-crispy, not-too-soft pommes are lightly dusted with sea salt, wrapped in a traditional Belgian paper cone, and finally served up with a choice of two homemade dipping sauces (we can't get enough of the fresh herb mayo and the truffle ketchup). 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
The Publick House
How many beers does this place have, anyway? 100? 200? Who knows. The suds menu changes all the time at the Publick House (though the Belgians always make an appearance). But more than the awe-inspiring selection, the care with which this Brookline mainstay chooses its brews makes it a treasure. 'Artisanal' is the operative word here and yes, that does translate to 'expensive.' But it also means you'll discover uncommon selections like Aphrodisiaque, a chocolaty, light-bodied beer from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Montreal. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
House of Slam
In the beginning, there was House of Siam's Chicken with Basil, and it was the best. Subsequent visits introduced us to their pad thai, which gives Jae's a run for its money, and interesting seafood dishes such as Diamond Mine, consisting of sea scallops, bamboo shoots, and baby corn in a hot chili sauce. The food is consistently excellent: everything is very fresh and cooked to order, with most dishes leaning toward spicy but easily modified with a request. 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
House of Blues
Live gospel music in a mini-museum of folk art, and a Southern-style buffet that includes eggs, fried catfish, breakfast meats, biscuits, fruit salad, and bread pudding. It's a revival meeting cum dining experience that simultaneously satisfies body and soul. 96 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA .
Sparrow House
The 17th and 21st centuries merge seamlessly in this part-museum, part-gallery that sits inside a Colonial-era landmark. Three times each season, Sparrow House holds free shows featuring American artists such as oil painter Marlee Brewster Brockmann and pastel artist Anne Heywood; available year-round are unique handicrafts—ceramic bowls, silver jewelry, polished wooden utensils—by contemporary American craftsmen. 42 Summer St., Plymouth, MA 2360, sparrowhouse.com.
The Opera House
Since it reopened with The Lion King last year, the restored Opera House hasn't drawn the most inspiring of productions. But it does look great. The 2,600-seat theater is a jewel from the dying days of vaudeville, and it gleams with the sort of Beaux Arts gilt that ought to shame more-modern buildings: chandeliers, murals, even period-style urinals. Now if we could only get some shows to match . . . 539 Washington St., Boston, MA bostonoperahouseonline.com.
Boarding House
The patio at this island institution is prime people-watching real estate, but it's the food that keeps us coming back season after season. The brioche doughnuts coated with bourbon-caramel sauce and bacon sugar are a must, but there are lots of other treats to choose from: buttermilk-fried chicken, waffles with pecan butter and bourbon-maple syrup, bacon-infused bloody marys, and warm, hangover-easing chocolate chip cookies. 12 Federal St., Nantucket, MA boardinghousenantucket.com.
Cabot House
While the crowds at Ikea load up their minivans with pre-boxed goods, savvy homeowners hunt for their furnishings at family-owned empire Cabot House. Here's where upscale American brands like Ralph Lauren Furniture, Sealy, Baker, and Thomasville mingle in posh, roomlike settings. Can't fit it all into your Land Rover? Sorry, quality like this doesn't come flat-packed. 266 Main St., Weymouth, MA 2188, cabothouse.com.
The Coach House
Brunch-goers are often faced with a choice of sweet versus salty. At the Coach House, they don't have to pick. The restaurant's Sunday brunch buffet has everything from fluffy French toast to chef Ryan Hardy's signature cheeses. The water views are stunning and the charming staff encourages you to try it all—not that you'll need any prodding. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA harbor-view.com.
Four Seas
It doesn't get sweeter than Four Seas, where flavor favorites include lemon crisp and peach, and homemade toppings range from Melba sauce to crème de menthe. Best of all: You can eat your treat knowing your tips are put toward college funds for employees, all of whom are required by the owner to maintain good grades. 360 South Main St., Centerville, MA fourseasicecream.com.
Siam House
Service in this nondescript brick eatery in Quincy Center can be a bit slow, but the seafood dishes are some of the freshest we've found this side of Phuket, and well worth the wait. So are the unusual and savory specials—the Sizzling Combo, for example, a mix of squid, plump shrimp, and juicy tenderloin. 1472 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA .
The Hampshire House
They've changed the name, but the drink remains the same—the finest in Boston, with just a hint of horseradish and garlic. 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .