Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Boston for 2015.
BEST LATE-NIGHT SNACK
STRAIGHT LAW, Brookline
This gin joint is tucked inside Brookline’s exceptional and cozy tapas parlor, Taberna de Haro. Some of Boston’s finest mixologists helm the bar, and gin cocktails hover around $8. Tapas are $4, and bocatas—fresh baguettes tucked with meats, cheeses, or pâté—are $5.50 after 10:00 p.m.
999 Beacon St., 617-277-8272;
tabernaboston.com
BEST NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART, Boston
The space-age beacon on Boston’s waterfront offers free admission on Thursday evenings after 5:00 p.m.; on the first Friday evening of every month, a $15 “Artist’s Voice” lecture finds notables such as Jim Hodges and Matthew Ritchie discussing their work.
100 Northern Ave. 617-478-3100;
icaboston.org
BEST AFFORDABLE WAY TO SIGHTSEE
CULTURAL CONNECTOR, Boston
Daytrippers can cruise to various wharves near major destinations like Faneuil Hall, the Boston Children’s Museum, and the New England Aquarium on this ferry shuttle. A one-way pass is $5; an all-day pass is $15. The shuttle stops at Central Wharf, Fan Pier, and Fort Point Channel. It’s a budget-friendly, scenic way to absorb the city.
617-227-4321;
bostonharborcruises.com
BEST SPOT FOR BOOKWORMS
BRATTLE BOOK SHOP, Cambridge
On a crooked little downtown street, this Dickensian shop is a three-floor wonderland of rare, used, and out-of-print gems. Devoted staff will help you unearth your pleasure; an outdoor sale area showcases best-sellers and curiosities for as little as $1.
9 West St. 617-542-0210;
brattlebookshop.com
BEST BUDGET FASHION
DEW LUXE, South Boston
This Southie shop stocks a dazzling, fairly priced range of new and consigned designer duds from labels including Gucci, Burberry, Valentino, Chanel, and Tom Ford, plus a range of swank accessories, such as Christian Lacroix stationery and Hermès cuffs. Expect to find outerwear starting at $10 and Jimmy Choo shoes for as little as $60. Frequent sales mean that prices are often knocked down another 25 percent or more. Owner Michaela Bavis rotates her inventory every two weeks, so there’s always something new. She’s a helpful stylist, too, with a loyal clientele.
36 A St. 617-315-7531;
dewluxe.com
