Karaoke at Courtside

We've all had that conversation. "What do you want to do?" "I don't know, what do you want to do?" and so forth. Eventually, the group agrees that all of the usual haunts have grown tiresome and someone boldly suggests karaoke. Whether you're that guy who thinks they can sing because they got a lead in a middle school production of The Music Man, or you're just looking to get drunk enough to belt out some old school jams at a karaoke spot that doesn't completely suck ass, we promise you'll actually have fun at any of these nominees for Best Karaoke Spot

Terrorism, war, global recessions, and The Jersey Shore - we don't have to tell you the 21st century sucks. Maybe that's why we're into looking backward right now, whether it's watching Don Draper throw back old-fashioneds or the Earl of Grantham scowl theatrically. Thanks to vintage stores, we can stack our closets with threads from better decades to wash away those 2013 blues.

Redemption Tattoo

Maybe it's a full sleeve piece you've been dreaming of since you were a wee thing. Maybe it's a little symbol of great personal significance (or no personal significance at all, maybe it just looks cool. That's okay too. We're not here to judge). Whatever your body art preference may be, if you've got a design you're itching to put on your body ‘til the end of time, Boston has some top-notch places to do it.

Sometimes it feels like you can get a grass fed beef burger just about anywhere, but if you happen to be a grass fed person yourself, you're SOL. But vegetarian options in Boston abound...if you know where to look. From an elegant bistro in Somerville to a chromed-out retro diner in Cambridge, vedgeheads can delight in anything on the menus from the following nominees for Best Vegetarian Restaurant

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. Of course, some men and women are better at it than others, and some of them happen to be here in Boston making great theater. From experimental theater to tried and true classics, our local theater companies consistently produce compelling entertainment for a diverse regional audience.

Can new kid in town the Sinclair beat out old standbys like TTs and the Middle East? You tell us- vote!

So you've just about worn out those vinyl LPs you picked up at our Best Record Store nominees. Time to check out those bands live, perhaps? We've lined up the best Boston-area rock venues to catch national acts on their stops in town and local rising stars alike.

There's nothing wrong with getting your daily music fix from Spotify, but if you're the kind of person who prefers dropping the needle on a vintage '45 and gets a special thrill when peeling the plastic wrapping off a digipak, finding a physical copy of that one perfect album can be frustrating. But Boston-based vinyl and tape junkies need not turn to Ebay or Craigslist in despair.

In a city where there are as many Dunkin' Donuts locations as there are pigeons looting through their discarded pastries in the parking lot, an actual bakery -- where somebody actually baked said pastries, and knows what's in them -- is a welcome thing. A homemade (or brewed) bakery treat is often the best part of the day, whether it's the cup of coffee you need to kick start your morning or a fresh, yummy scone to get you over the mid-day hump.

Nonprofit organizations enrich any community in countless ways, and Boston is no exception. This city is home to so many local groups that reach out to help people (and animals!) in need, and we're proud to acknowledge those that you, the readers, have nominated as the outstanding examples. So while you're out sampling our noms for best burrito or bar-hopping among the nominated dives and fancy cocktail joints, consider making some time for doing good too.

In 2011 GQ magazine named Boston the worst dressed city in America. Caught with their slim-fitting, flat-front chinos down, Boston's sartorialists sought to redeem this city in 2012. Luckily, it turns out that there are plenty of outfitters in this town that cater to discerning gentlemen. From icons like Bobby's from Boston to upstarts like Ball & Buck, and innovators like a mobile streetwear truck, these nominees brought style and swagger back to Boston's streets.

Boston's been characterized as a beer city since before Sam Malone was pouring pints for Norm, a cityscape of Irish pubs and discarded PBR tallboys. But the revival of mixology sweeping American drinking culture has reached Boston. These nominees represent the best Boston has when it comes to shaking and stirring, from hipster dens like Backbar to tony establishments like Eastern Standard.