JM Curley
It's always nice to enjoy a night out without dealing with any douchbaggery, and when you visit JM Curley, it's virtually guaranteed. In addition to its rules — don't be a douchebag, no foul language, groping, grab ass, mauling, sucking face, canoodling, heavy petting, loud shrieking, shouting, bellowing, whining, barking, nose blowing, flatulence or obnoxious cellphone use — it also delights with its short but satisfying menu featuring fried chicken, a burger, cast iron mac & cheese, and seasonal treats like braised rabbit pizza and a high-end recreation of the McRib. Feeling a little more old school? Find your way to Bogie's Place, an intimate restaurant-inside-the-restaurant that's named after Humphrey Bogart and features a menu that's heavy on steaks and classic cocktails.
Craigie on Main
It might be in its second iteration — it started as the Craigie Street Bistrot — but Craigie on Main has gotten better, if anything. Helmed by James Beard Award-winner Tony Maws, this intimate restaurant still serves up French-inspired, refined rustic food using only the freshest local, seasonal, organic ingredients. A la carte, tasting, and chef's whim options are presented daily, along with a first-class wine list and excellent cocktails. And should you be in the mood for something more low-brow, you cna try your hand at securing one of the few burgers they serve every night — but keep in mind that even this simple-sounding sandwich includes a custom blend of beef, bone marrow, and suet.
Shreve, Crump & Low
Looking for something special for a special someone? The folks at Shreve, Crump & Low are here to help. In business since 1796, they certainly know their stuff, offering high-end wares from their flagship location that's part store, part art gallery. Inside, you'll find fine jewelry, watches, clocks, and tons of gifts ranging from china and flatware to frames, crystal, artwork, and leather goods. One constant remains, no matter what you're looking for: be sure to bring money. Plenty of money. [via]
Boston Harbor Hotel
Built on the site of a 17th century battery, the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf is the ideal place to stay for those looking to explore Beantown's waterfront. This landmark hotel offers 230 newly renovated guest rooms including a range of standard rooms and suites, three on-site restaurants including the renowned Meritage, an indoor pool and spa, terrific service, and walking access to a huge range of shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Oh, and did we mention the view? Yeah, being a waterfront establishment has its advantages.
Penguin Pizza
It's not fancy, but what it lacks in elegance it makes up for with flavor. Penguin Pizza is a "cozy miracle" to Mission Hill, according to the website, and we'd say that's not far off. With a huge selection of oversized gourmet pizzas that strike just the right balance between grease and crispness, it's one of the area's best places to grab a pie. And the pizzas aren't the only thing that's enormous — the place also stocks hundreds of beers from around the world, of which two dozen or so are available on tap. The menu also offers paninis, wraps, pastas, salads, and surprisingly tasty wings, but if you're coming in for the latter try to time it up with their cheap wing night when the tasty chicken parts are less than a quarter a piece. [Scouted by Patrick]
Ball and Buck
There's quite a difference between a store that's located in America and an American store. Ball and Buck is the latter. This Back Bay shop offers a wide range of quality mens goods, including shirts, shoes, pants, hats, belts, bags, and other accessories, as well as grooming products, books, and other essentials — all of which are made in the USA, and are displayed in an impressively manly, hunting-inspired atmosphere. And while they make their own line of goods, they also carry quality items from other American brands like Baxter, Gerber, Tellason, Wolverine, and Field Notes. In need of a haircut? Not to worry, as there's an active barbershop in the back of the store.
Bistro du Midi
bistro [ˈbiːstrəʊ]. n pl -tros. A small restaurant. Don't let the name fool you — there's nothing "small" about the food or the service at Bistro du Midi. Set across from the Public Garden, this gem of a restaurant offers up inventive French food, crafted by chef Robert Sisca, a former sous chef at Le Bernardin. Stopping in for a quick bite? Head to the more relaxed bar area downstairs — or dress up and celebrate a special occasion upstairs. Either way, it's sure to be worth the visit. [Scouted by Steven]
The People's Republik
If you couldn't guess from the name, The People's Republik isn't exactly an all-American bar. In fact, it's pretty far from it. This Central Square dive bar makes its communist Russia theme clear from the outside, and should you step on in, you'll find regalia like a boot, a bomb, and other silliness. Of course, a theme will only get you so far — as anyone who ever visited a Planet Hollywood knows all too well — but the cheap, good beer options, equally cheap and good munchies, and three dart boards should be more than enough to keep you entertained/happy/brainwashed. [Scouted by Patrick]
Fifteen Beacon
Sitting atop the crest of Beacon Hill, Fifteen Beacon offers some of the best views in Beantown. This 63-room hotel is housed in a Beaux Arts building from the early 1900s, and offers lavish, modern interiors, courtesy in-town Lexus service, gas fireplaces, custom Frette linens, and the cleverly-named and award-winning Mooo steakhouse. Have a furry friend traveling with you? It's dog-friendly, as well.
Drink
Like to look through an extensive menu before deciding what to sip on? Then you might not like Drink. This Fort Point basement bar doesn't offer a list of booze or a menu — instead, you explain to your highly-trained bartender what you like and what you don't, and they'll create or choose a pic for you. All of which simply adds to the modern speakeasy vibe that will quickly have you forgetting about the world outside.
Bodega
Sure, we've heard of hidden bars — but hidden sneaker shops? Yup, they're a thing, thanks almost entirely to Bodega. Located not far from Fenway, this secret jewel is hidden in the back of a rundown-looking bodega — hence the name — and offers the latest and most limited kicks from the likes of Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and more, as well as hats, shirts, and other accessories. And, you know, whatever they happen to be selling out front.
Mike's Pastry
Beantown has a vibrant Italian community — so when we say "the best cannoli in town", it's not something to be taken lightly. And the recipient of our endorsement is Mike's Pastry. This renowned North End spot offers over a dozen flavors and types of the cylindrical treats, and isn't any slouch when it comes to cookies, cakes, and other desserts, either. It's no little brown bag, but when your friends see you step through the door with the twine-wrapped white box, they'll know you care — or are at least trying to butter them up before you ask them to help you move this weekend.
