Bonpoint
Neighborhood: Back Bay

18 Arlington St
Boston, MA 02116

Marguerite W. writes: Where children who are better dressed than most people I know, myself included, shop.

Beyond pricey, especially for growing babes, but these duds cannot be replicated!

If there is a child you absolutely adore, or are trying to impress, snag a savvy…

Kennedy's Midtown
Neighborhood: Downtown

42 Province St
Boston, MA 02108

Keane L. writes: The trick to visiting any new locale is knowing how to blend in:

Bartender: What can I get you?

Keane: Gimme a Guinness, ya fock ass.

Bartender: ...it'll be $4.75.

Keane: Yeh, is wicked hot out, roight?

Bartender: Yes, sir. Pretty hot outside... Say, why…

Gentle Giant Moving Co

29 Harding St
Somerville, MA 02143

Cesca B. writes: On September 1, Gentle Giants is expensive. Newsflash of the century. But they tell you their prices upfront and even give you an estimate based on how much crap you have to move and where you're moving to/from. I paid big bucks to have them move all…

The Pet Shop Girls
Neighborhood: South End

400 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116

Jaruwan T. writes: I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I was in Boston for a conference. I found this shop while wandering around one free afternoon. Very cool shop! There are so many cool doggy toys and accessories. I found the neatest thing - a jumbo sized…

Kouzina

1649 Beacon Street
Waban, MA 02468

mike b. writes: I ate at Kouzina for the second time this past Friday (2/18/2006).  It was every bite as good as my first meal.  Dinner for two, with a bottle of wine, can easily be over $100, but in my mind its well worth it.  The atmosphere is wonderful (if you're…

Stone Meadow Golf

675 Waltham Street
Lexington, MA 02421

Nancy L. writes: Golfing just ain't cheap, especially in the Boston area and Stone Meadow is the most reasonable course/range that I can find in the Boston area that is not waaaaay out of the way.

Outdoors driving range is minimalistic but gets the job done. Beware…

Dairy Joy

331 North Ave
Weston, MA 02493

Michelle K. writes: This fried seafood/ice cream joint is literally roadside and when you go for the first time you can't help but feel in a time warp - like your parents might have stopped here after a sock hop or a drive-in movie. The Javaberry softserve (coffee/black…

The Barnacle

141 Front Street
Marblehead, MA 01945

Murray B. writes: The Barnacle has been a favorite in my family since the late 60's. It's not the fanciest but the food is consistently good, especially the chowder.

Come for the food, don't stay for the service or ambiance. Prepare to wait a long time during the lunch…

Polcari's

92 Broadway
Saugus, MA 01906

Stephanie D. writes: I just ate there for the first time on 6/3/06, and I am still in shock. I had the Shrimp Orchiette (spelling may be different), and it was HEAVENLY. My bf had the Spicy Sausage Cavatappi, and he almost passed out. The appetizers are great (I…

Ben & Jerry's
Neighborhood: Harvard Square

36 Jfk St
Cambridge, MA 02138

Ben L. writes: I like this Ben and Jerry's. They have friendly and fast service and a great location.  You can hang out a Harvard Square and then duck into the garage mall for a quick cone.  I recommend Bananas on the Rum.  When I went I ordered a milkshake and I…

Dorothy's Boutique

190 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Ligaya T. writes: Four stars for the experience?
Oh NO. This place is a hazardous disarray of awesome.

Four stars for the quality?
Shit no. My last purchase of a cowboy hat had the trimmings hot glued on.

Three bold stars for the utter randomness of inventory.
Festoon…

Osteria Rustico

85 Canal St
Boston, MA 02114

Brian M. writes: I love this place.  It's a total hole-in-the-wall kind of restaurant, but what it lacks in seating it totally makes up for in taste.  Plus, they have takeout.  As others have said, the gnocchi is awesome.  Probably the best I've ever had.  We order…

New England Soup Factory

2 Brookline Pl
Brookline, MA 02446

Steve s. writes: I remember 10 years ago when my then girlfriend lived in The BrookHouse...We discovered The New England Soup Factory.

It changed my soup eating latitude perhaps forever.....

Now my grandmother is in the Hall of Fame for chicken noodle soup(secret…

Bagel Plus Cafe
Neighborhood: Downtown

131 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02111

Christopher M. writes: The smoothies are pretty rockin, I gotta say.  In the summer I need to seriously watch my intake.  They also have a decent menu of decent food that gets fixed pretty quickly.  It's sort of like a local pizza joint, only it's has an attractive…

Cheese Shop of Concord

29 Walden Street
Concord, MA 01742

Crystal K. writes: I love this little cheese shop. They have a great selection of cheeses and gourmet foods. I love to peruse the jars of jams and honeys, crazy crackers and chocolates from all over.  They are extra knowledgeable about the cheese and you can get…

Memorial Hall
Neighborhood: Harvard Square

45 Quincy St
Cambridge, MA 02138

Dachary C. writes: If you're inspired by beautiful architecture, you *must* catch a performance at Sanders Theatre. When I walk into the space, my spirit is uplifted and can't help but gaze around me and drink in the amazing style of this place. Rich, dark woods,…

The Jeanie Johnston Pub
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain

144 South St
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Alex R. writes: Holy crap, this place has food?  I didn't know that.  I also didn't know there wasn't karaoke here every night.  Every time I'm here there's karaoke.  Maybe they never have karaoke and I just like to sing Lionel Richie songs real loud.  Either way,…

La Stanza Diva

315 Main Street
Woburn, MA 01801

Sean P. writes: La Stanza Diva:

Lynne Howell is the chef/proprietor of this restaurant in downtown Woburn. The atmosphere was cozy but a little crowded.  The decor was a little spastic but brightened up the joint nicely. There was live music Friday night. I enjoyed…

Harvard Club
Neighborhood: Financial District

1 Federal St
Downtown Club
Boston, MA 02110

Heidi H. writes: The best view in the city, it puts Top of the Hub to shame.  I've been here for lunch with a friend (Harvard alums only, I believe).  
The food was excellent and the service was impeccable!  The servers and bartenders treat you as if you come in every…

Royal Garden

126 Newbury Street
Peabody, MA 01961

Ben W. writes: So...F-ing...Delicious.

About twice a month, I get a jones for the good ol R.G. The food is unbelievable and, unlike other Chinese places, the quality holds up when you order the food as take out. I have never had a bad meal here. Get there before…

BCBG
Neighborhood: Back Bay

71 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02228

Joyce K. writes: This is the motherland...I love BCBG Maxazria!  I've simmered down on my obsession since leaving my nest in Texas but I still peruse through their racks often to get a sense of what's in style.  I love their easy-going, bon chic, bon genre air.  It's…

Capital Grille

250 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Debra L. writes: If my wallet and my waistline would allow it, I would eat here weekly.
I liked this location so much better than the Newbury St. location. Of course, the food at both is equally terrific but the atmosphere in Chestnut Hill was much nicer. Plus, since…

The Hill Tavern
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill

228 Cambridge St
Boston, MA 02114

Mike T. writes: This is a comfortable neighborhood pub with very good bar food and well made drinks. The new outdoor patio is great but you have to order food to sit outside. The front room gets crowded at nights but there is usually seating for groups in the back.…

Salon Euphoria
Neighborhood: Downtown

44 School St
Boston, MA 02108

Aun S. writes: Kelly is my stylist and she is wonderful. I have straight Asian hair and she makes it look great at any length and cuts it so its easy for me to style on my own. She also did my hair for my wedding and it was so lovely!

I also had my makeup done by…

Omni Parker House Hotel
Neighborhood: Downtown

60 School Street
Boston, MA 02228

Liz D. writes: One of the few tastefully opulent buildings I can think of in Boston to drag grandma through before amateur night at Centerfolds strip club.  I have had many-a-contuining education class/late night seminar/social life drain at Omni and so "America's…

Fresh
Neighborhood: Back Bay

121 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

DiDi V. writes: I splurge.  I'm in love with Fresh products.  Which ones?  ALL OF THEM.
I spend ridiculous amounts of money on their perfumes even though the scent goes away after 15 seconds.  It's like how the tastiest chewing gum never lasts very long. . . but it…

Taqueria Cancun
Neighborhood: East Boston

192 Sumner St
Boston, MA 02128

lena V. writes: Great quality tacos for about $1.50 each. Soft corn tortillas made while you wait. I don't mind paying the tunnel to get there.  It is a tiny one room restaurant  and it may not look really pretty, but if you try it once, I am sure you will come back…

Legal Sea Foods
Neighborhood: Waterfront

255 State St
Boston, MA 02109

Sarah R. writes: I went here immediately following a date at the aquarium, which was cruel and hilarious at the same time. However, I ordered the clam roll and I distinctly remember not seeing any clams at the aquarium, so my conscience is clear.
I'd been to the one…

Columbus Cafe

535 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02118

Ligaya T. writes: Everyone has that casual, consistent go-to place in their neighborhood. If I was in walking distance you'd best bet I'd claim a table here. Warm and intimate, with great lighting and shadows but simple and classic, this is lovely place for a date or…

Captain Marden's

279 Linden St
Wellesley, MA 02482

Sasha R. writes: It's a seafood store, with a little eatery attached.

I worried where I'd get fresh fish out in the boonies, now that Mr Wulf's is too far to travel to.  This is great!!  Uber fresh fish, a tank fulla lobsters -  awesome.

Plus, the little restaurant,…

Beauty Rules
Neighborhood: Back Bay

10 Newbury Street
The Salon at 10 Newbury
Boston, MA 02116

Marjorie O. writes: I have been seeing Kimberly--the owner--as my stylist for years, following her from place to place until she finally opened her own salon. She can do magic with both cut and color. Stick with Kim and you can't go wrong!

Seiyo
Neighborhood: South End

1721 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118

Kirs P. writes: ** Update:  I've decided to up the star quotient for Seiyo after I went in there a couple days ago and Steve suggested a 7 dollar bottle of wine that was damn tasty.  I couldn't have been happier.  Now, lets bring back the tastings!

Unfortunately, I…

Greater Boston Buddhist Cultural Center
Neighborhood: Central Square

950 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139

Sun Y. writes: The reasons I like this place:
Prices: Lunch Special $6.95 for four side dishes, brown rice, and soup.
Calming Effect: I came here everyday back when I was MCAT studying
Health: When everything on your plate is green, you know it's good for you
Cute…

Hair on the Square

25 Church Street
Watertown, MA 02472

Rachel J. writes: Hair on the Square is the place to go for beautiful color, cut and style in the Boston area. It's affordable with plenty of parking and Jackie is perfection. She has cut my hair long and short, colored it light and dark (and back again!) and each and…

Benetton
Neighborhood: Back Bay

140 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

Amanda H. writes: So on our way to H&M, the ever perceptive Ligaya spotted the magical words SALE and 50% off at Benetton. And wouldn't you know it, all of a sudden we were inside!!

Now I'll be honest here, I had never shopped in Benetton before, so I was surprised to…

Hungry I
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill

71 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114

Melissa C. writes: Charming.
I am in deadline mode. I have to produce a ridiculous amount of research and writing in an infinitesimal amount of time. You can tell how much I procrastinate by the fact that I'm still under a deadline and I am writing a review... or…

Tapas Corner

6 Wallis St
Beverly, MA 01915

Geoff M. writes: Dear Tapas Corner,

You and I, we have a very strange relationship. I'm not really sure it's good for either of us, but I'm not sure it's bad either. As far as the nourishment you provide me, well, it's quite tasty and delish. The Kristin's Special is…

Ernesto's
Neighborhood: Charlestown, North End

69 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113

Tom E. writes: Bless her little cotton socks, Liz D showed me the ways.... a place that does the best slices of pizza in town. Cheap, easy, not too busy and with some cute little butterfly-themed tables for outside dining on Salem Street and prime…

Jaho Coffee & Tea

197 Derby St
Salem, MA 01970

Tom E. writes: I spent a couple of hours in Jaho and loved it. A pleasant pit-stop on the Salem tourist trail and able to cater to most people's afternoon needs. I had a lovely big mug of good coffee with a Cinnamon pastry, grabbed a small table for myself, relaxed…