Shopping

Readers share their favorite local businesses to shop this holiday season.

A pop-up shop on Newbury Street. Sam Fishman photo
This time last year when Gov. Charlie Baker announced stricter COVID-19 guidelines in anticipation of the holidays, local businesses had already suffered from lockdowns that either shuttered their storefronts or left them with severely limited staff and fewer customers. It wasn’t until March of this year that Mass. entered Phase 4 of its reopening plan, which allowed most businesses to reopen to the public, but many still struggle to regain the foothold they once had pre-pandemic. Many businesses that have made it through, however, have cemented themselves as integral parts of their communities.
Some have come to appreciate the local businesses they rely on whether it’s a local restaurant, gift store, or barber. As we head into a holiday season that’s closer to normal than we’ve had in two years, we want to highlight the small businesses that continue to serve their community even amid labor shortages, global supply chain disruptions, and the continuing pandemic. 
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We asked Boston.com readers to share the local businesses they feel are an integral part of their community. Readers sent in everything from local farms to yoga studios to streetwear, and we’ll be sharing all their recommendations with you. 
This list, and an interactive map, will be regularly updated with the businesses and entrepreneurs that Boston.com readers recommend for this holiday shopping season.

Beauty and Health

Beauty Cafe (515 Main St., Melrose)

The next time you need a beauty refresh, consider Beauty Cafe in Melrose, where customers can get their hair and makeup done as well as spa treatments like facials and waxes.

“Karen [Devincent] is an independent woman business owner who had to reinvent herself to survive during and after the pandemic. The services she offers are wonderful and she is an inspiration to all that know her,” said a reader. “When I go there I feel like I am with my friends who not only make me feel beautiful on the outside but on the inside too.”

Cambridge Naturals (multiple locations)

Wellness may sometimes feel like a new fad, but the owners of Cambridge Naturals have been serving the Greater Boston community for close to five decades with their curated selection of natural wellness products.

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“Cambridge Naturals is the best of the best. They are the go-to place for a great customer experience with great natural products,” said Brendan from Roslindale. “Think if you took Whole Foods, and removed the outer aisles, chose elevated, more thoughtful products, and then opened a store. Cambridge Naturals is the best combination of classic natural stores and hip modern stores.”

Fashion

Christopher Bray, right, and Jerome Warren, left, are the owners of Dareales, a Dorchester Avenue clothing shop.

AWOL Boutique (190 Harvard Ave., Boston)

AWOL, or Addictive Way Of Life, curates and sells streetwear fashions for enthusiasts in the Boston area. 

“AWOL in Brighton jumps out as a place to shop. They define what it means to run a small business by going way beyond what is expected in terms of effort and results. At a time when big brands and stores point to a lack of labor and qualified staff as a problem, they simply will not let that happen to them or their customers. No issue or request goes unresolved,” said reader P.J. “I wear a size 14 shoe and it is an issue getting the styles I want and like. Most stores only carry a few sizes above 12, which I don’t blame them for, but [AWOL] never let me down.”

Dareales Clothing (1658b Dorchester Ave., Boston)

Dareales Clothing is an apparel store that makes and sells streetwear. The store has been a fixture of Boston’s streetwear scene since 2001. 

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“The owners create stylish clothes and designs rotate frequently,” said Omar from Dorchester. “Supporting a small, local, Black-owned streetwear company is fighting the good fight to me. The owners are passionate about what they do and really represent Boston well.” 

Mulberry Road (251 Newbury St, Boston)

If you’ve got a child in your life you want to spoil, readers recommend shopping at Mulberry Road. This boutique specializes in kid’s clothing as well as decor, accessories, and gifts.

“Mulberry Road has some really great children’s brands that are hard to find anywhere else! I love their store pick up option. I can order online and pick it up right at the store,” said Brittan from Quincy. “Cutest spot for last-minute birthday gifts as well!”

Fitness

Instructor Linda Wells leads an outdoor yoga class with 4 Corner Yoga+Wellness in Franklin Park.

4 Corners Yoga+Wellness (336 Washington St., Dorchester)

4 Corners Yoga+Wellness offers all-level yoga classes, wellness workshops, massages, yoga teacher training, and hosts Candid Conversations, a discussion series focused on social injustice and antiracism.

“An incredibly diverse staff of talented yoga instructors and wellness practitioners serving a historically underrepresented community,” said Sarah H. from Roslindale.

Landry’s Bicycles (1048 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)

Whether you’re one of the many cyclists commuting through Boston on a bicycle or you keep yours around for weekend leisure rides, Landry’s is a local shop you’ll want to visit.

“They have something for everyone! The employees are genuinely happy to see anyone ride a bike, whether it’s for commuting or racing,” said a reader. “I really loved their Monday night ice cream group rides this summer.”

Food and Drink
Customers enjoy drinks at Moonshine 152. Moonshine 152 is headed by chef Asia Mei. – Dina Rudick/Globe Staff
Moonshine 152 (152 Dorchester Ave., Boston)

This local eatery features a mix of East Coast and Asian flavors. The restaurant has a devoted customer base that especially praises chef-owner Asia Mei for serving the Southie community since 2015.

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“Moonshine 152 has been a staple in the South Boston area,” said one reader. “They have such a limited staff and a single woman owner who has been upbeat even at the hardest of times.”

Dry Dock Cafe (7 Drydock Ave., Boston)

Boston is known for great seafood and readers say Dry Dock Cafe quietly serves some of the best. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so new customers are welcome any time of day.

“It’s not fancy, but they have the freshest seafood. The owner is great, on-site and very accommodating, and the staff is always pleasant. They serve beer and wine only,” said Kathy B. from Dorchester. “You can find me there almost every Friday evening. You will find many regulars there at any time.”

The Ice Creamsmith (2295 Dorchester Ave., Boston)

The weather may be getting colder, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy an ice cream treat. This local ice cream shop has been in the area since 1974 and continues to serve over 2,000 handmade flavors.

One reader praised it saying, “the ice cream is homemade, they have 3 flavors of the month, they sell ice cream cakes and pie, [and] servers are friendly.”

Turtle Swamp Brewing (3377 Washington St., Boston)

Try Turtle Swamp for your next weekend beer garden visit. Readers said the Jamaica Plain taproom offers some of the best beer for those looking for a community feel.

“Turtle Swamp has great beer, a friendly vibe, and is the neighborhood hangout,” said Charles from Roxbury. “The staff is great and they welcome families and dogs.”

Food market

Chip-in Farm employees collect eggs for the day every morning.

Chip-In Farm (201 Hartwell Rd., Bedford)

Looking for fresh goods and a more sustainable way to get your groceries? Readers recommend Chip-In Farm in Bedford not just for its delicious produce but the services it provides to customers. 

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“Excellent fresh eggs, delicious, ethically raised chickens, a petting zoo, and dozens of locally-produced goods from some of the area’s finest bread to candy to frozen prepared foods,” Anabel from Lexington wrote. “Well worth the trip.”

New Deal Fish Market (622 Cambridge St., Cambridge)

This family-owned seafood market sustainably sourced fish, fillets, shellfish, and more. One reader said they knew they were in good hands with the owners, who pride themselves on having delivered fresh food to Greater Boston since 1928.

“There’s nothing [Carl Deal, the current owner] won’t try and find you for a fair and reasonable price,” said a reader. “Plus, the ‘best’ hand-drawn signs on Cambridge Street.”

Goods and Services

Birch St. House & Garden (760 South St., Roslindale)

Next time you’re in Roslindale Square, stop in this store to find the perfect gift or accessory for your home. Birch St. House and Garden specializes mixing “vintage finds with everyday essentials for your home and garden” and offers complimentary gift wrapping with your purchase. 

“This small store in Roslindale Square is the perfect shop for a quick gift. It’s also great to browse while waiting for a table for dinner,” said one reader. “Elizabeth the owner went above and beyond during COVID offering online shopping and curbside pickups. Great shop, great owner, and great for the community.”

Olives & Grace (623 Tremont St., Boston)

This gift shop offers a variety of locally made lifestyle products and small-batch food that would make a perfect gift. This holiday season, they’re also offering locally sourced, hand-crafted gift boxes.

“They make local feel local while providing the highest quality items and the best customer service around,” said a reader.

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Boston.com will continue to update this list with more reader recommendations. Find the businesses listed in the interactive map below.

Is there a local business you think should be included on this list? Tell us which stores, studios, and services mean the most to you by filling out the survey below or e-mailing [email protected] and we’ll feature them in an ongoing series highlighting local entrepreneurs and the services they provide.

Why this small business matters to me.

We want to know the local business that matters most to you. Tell us the local go-to spot you can't live without and why.