bohemian eatery in the center of the arts complex in South End. Apart from their great food, it’s always got a buzzing atmosphere thanks to the live entertainment, which ranges from world class musicians playing blues, R&B, electronica, and reggae to burlesque and cabaret acts. And they don’t even have a cover charge! 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, www.beehiveboston.comMIRACLE OF SCIENCE I always feel comfortable in this neighborhood joint – it’s got a nerdie-chic atmosphere I can relate to, with a subtle science-lab vibe to the decor. The food is good, particularly the burgers, and it attracts a mix of artists, musicians, computer gurus, and MIT geeks. 321 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, www.miracleofscience.usEATMERENGUE That’s what you call soul food! Dominican cuisine in a rough (but on-the-up) neighborhood. It’s got colorful, tropical-style decor, friendly staff and HUGE portions of incredible food. Definitely check it out. 156-160 Blue Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02119 CUCHI CUCHI A fun 1920s brothel-style extravaganza. With stained glass windows, waitresses decked out in full flapper-gear, and a romantic atmosphere, this place is totally over the top – in a good way. The menu is a retro-eclectic selection of sampler plates (think beef stroganoff, chicken kievs and seafood stuffed avocado) – all surprisingly delicious and lots of veggie options. 795 Main St , Cambridge, MA 02139, www.cuchicuchi.ccBALTIC EUROPEAN DELI A Polish grocery store in South Boston with an amazing selection of bread and deli foods freshly cooked in-house. If you’re tired of burgers and fast food, this is the place to refresh your palate. 632 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127 47 Boston, MA
DRINK TOP OF THE HUB Located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center, this bar/restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Boston skyline from every table. It’s kind of dressy (although that’s not essential), but it’s a nice treat to sip an amazing mojito while listening to live jazz and taking in the view. 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116, www.topofthehub.net GOOD LIFE A cozy, funky bar spread over two floors. Upstairs you can eat or have a cocktail at the bar. Down in the basement is where the party’s at, with the best DJs on the turntables. 28 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111, www.goodlifebar.com AUDUBON CIRCLE An easy-to-miss minimalist restaurant/bar owned by the same guys as Miracle of Science (see Eat). They do great cocktails, excellent and creative food, and in summer you can hang out on their bamboo- lined patio with the other designers and hipsters. 838 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215, www.auduboncircle.us 33 RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE A swanky, New York-style martini bar with a downstairs lounge and a beautifully lit upstairs bar. A good place to go to impress. 33 Stanhope St, Boston, MA 02116 WALLY’S CAFE The first time I went to this tiny, no-frills neighborhood jazz bar I felt a bit awkward – everything from the bartender to the musicians to the clientele was so authentic that I felt out of place. A few beers and some great live music soon put paid to that, and I’m now a big fan. 427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118, www.wallyscafe.com 48 Boston, MA
BLACK INK AND THE MUSEUM OF USEFUL THINGS I always lose track of time in Black Ink. They have so many one-off quirky items ranging from magnets to children’s books to ceramic animals and rubber stamps. They have another shop called The Museum of Useful Things in Cambridge, selling objects for the home and office with an edgy design aesthetic. BLACK INK: 101 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, THE MUSEUM OF USEFUL THINGS: 5 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138WINDSOR BUTTON An immense sea of buttons and a great selection of yarns. If you’re into knitting you’ll love this place. 35 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111, www.windsorbutton.comTHE SOWA OPEN MARKET Boston’s fantastic weekly artisan market hosts a wide variety of vendors. You’ll find painters, sculptors, photographers, clothing and jewelry designers, milliners, florists, bakers, local farmers’ produce, and much more every Sunday from May till October. 460 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118, www.southendopenmarket.comBODEGA A secret sneaker shop tucked inside what appears to be a normal convenience store. Behind a hidden door near the Snapple machine lies a fine selection of vintage and limited edition sneakers. 6 Clearway St, Boston, MA 02115, www.bdgastore.com HONEYSPOT This is where I buy my beloved partner birthday presents. A great selection of gifts, cards, stationery, jewelry, and more. 48 South St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130MAGPIE This store is out in Somerville but is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood. Super cute and full of hand-crafted goodies and indie-designer home accessories. 416 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, www.magpie-store.comPOD A well-edited collection of products in a small space tucked away in Brookline. Beautiful textiles, French soaps, and antique Victorian postcards, all artfully laid out. 313 Washington St, Brookline Village, MA 02130, www.shop-pod.comRUGG ROAD PAPER COMPANY An artist-run store with a friendly atmosphere selling gorgeous cards and handmade paper from around the world. 105 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, www.ruggroadpaper.comSHOP 49 Boston, MASOUTH END This is one of my favorite shopping areas. On every corner you’ll find an interesting boutique offering a selection of design objects, jewelry, and homewares by local artists and designers. Gifted, Michelle Willey, and Turtle are three of my favorites. GIFTED: 2 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116, www.giftedboston.com, MICHELLE WILLEY: 8 Union Park St, Boston, MA 02118, www.michelewilley.com TURTLE: 619a Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118, www.turtleboston.comNEWBURY STREET For an upmarket Boston shopping experience, this is the place to go. Besides the usual stores, you’ll find some really cool independent boutiques, and fun stuff like Johnnycupcakes or the Puma design store. Plus, loads of cafes where you can rest your weary, shopped-out feet.
BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS A non-profit center for the performing and visual arts. They have four theater spaces, and they get some great experimental stuff in. It’s in a good South Boston location too, so check out what’s on and make a night of it. 539 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, www.bcaonline.orgAXIOM A top gallery showcasing new and experimental media. They also have a program of live music, workshops, and other events. 141 Green St, Boston, MA 02130, www.axiomart.orgMASS MOCA A vast complex of buildings that used to house a textile factory, and has now been tastefully converted into a fantastic center for the arts. They host musical events, dance, film, theater, art, and everything in between. Big names are often drawn there, and I’ve seen some mind-blowing stuff – including a fantastic Sol LeWitt exhibition. It’s out of town, but worth the trek. 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA 01247, www.massmoca.orgTHE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART (ICA) Contemporary art in all media, housed in a beautiful modern waterfront building. The collection is outstanding, with amazing exhibitions that are punctuated by the stunning views from the floor to ceiling windows. Plus they have a great, intimate little space where they host live music. Grab a beer from the cafe and sit on the water in the sun. 100 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, www.icaboston.orgORPHEUM THEATRE A music venue that hosts some great acts. It’s kind of worn and dated, but that’s part of its charm. 1 Hamilton Pl, Boston, MA
