Feel at Home in Boston's Mom and Pop Shops!

The owner of Rami’s (Rami himself) used to always be behind the counter. But now his extremely good-looking and super sweet son seems to be running the show these days. Rami’s always appears to be busy and they seem to know a lot of their customers by name.

Oh and they also have the best falafel of any place I’ve ever tried. When it comes to falafel and Middle Eastern food, mom and pop stores are totally the way to go. They grew up with it; they know what’s authentic and what tastes delicious.

What’s one of the main reasons I love Viva Burrito so much? Well, mostly the fact that I once saw the owner at Haymarket, buying fresh produce in bulk with which to cook with at his restaurant. Seeing owners actually shopping for their produce at the local farmers’ market makes me want to support their restaurant even more.

Plus, the burritos are some of the best in Boston!

Originally housed in the studio loft of owners Panamai and Perry Manadee as an alternative place for engaged couples to create a wedding registry, Bliss is now a Best of Boston winner known for carrying fabulous, modern accessories for home. Think brands like design superstar Jonathan Adler, Alessi, and super-chic Vessel.

This colorful, funky shop is a joint venture by several friends who noticed a lack of handmade, indie wares in local stores, and so they set out to create one. Come here for totally unique crafts, jewelry, and art by local artists.

For being the new kid on the block, this recent Best of Boston winner is winning over customers fast with its great mix of clothing, accessories, and home goodies. So you can go in looking for a housewarming gift for your best friend and also leave with a cute Orla Kiely bag for yourself. Score!

Buttons, ribbons, and craft supplies, oh my. Since 1936, Windsor Button has been catering to the DIY set, rarely changing with the times and staying true to its old-school roots.

Polcari’s Coffee Shop is an absolute heaven for any coffee/tea/spice fanatic. Or any non-fanatic just looking for something new to try. This little North End shop carries over 150 different spices!

My absolute favorite thing about Polcari’s is there pumpkin spice coffee (so good!) but I also love the guys who own the shop and are always there. And always super friendly and knowledgeable about everthing they carry.

Who doesn’t love an independent bookstore? Especially one that has fabulous bargain books (seriously, they have tons of them) and a huge used books selection? In addition to having all this, Brookline Booksmith also holds some of the best author talks and appearances of any bookstore anywhere.

And word is that the Barnes and Noble down the street from the Booksmith is closing. Score one for the independents!

For 60 years, the Bromfield Pen Shop has been a staple of the Boston hoity-toity scene. Now owned and operated by the grandson of the orginal founder, this shop not only sells high-end pens and stationery, but also repairs pens…something almost unheard of in today’s disposable world.

Designer-turned-shopgirl Jill Goldberg’s shop is the latest darling of the Boston interior boutiques set, with an accessible, comfortable aesthetic she describes as “Traditional, Country and Vintage meets Modern”.