Here Are The 12 Dishes You Have To Eat In Boston Before You Die
×
Juliet White
Author
Boston isn’t just where the American Revolution began. It’s also the place where several of your favorite dishes were invented… and perfected. Admittedly, that achievement doesn’t compare to the struggle for independence, but investigating our city’s most iconic dishes, such as Boston baked beans and Indian pudding, does take you back to the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. So eating your way across Boston counts as an educational endeavor… right?
Advertisement
The first Kelly’s location opened in Revere Beach in 1951. Although there are plenty of spots - especially around the North Shore - where you can chow down on thinly-sliced, roast beef that’s been wedged into a sesame seed bun and drenched in sauce, Kelly’s has been offering this signature sandwich for decades.
Address: 410 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA 02151.
Address: 410 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA 02151.
Advertisement
Massachusetts is the state with the second most pizza restaurants on a per capita basis (New Hampshire just edges us out of the number one spot). So, there are endless places where you can grab a great slice. However, at the original Regina Pizza location people line up for ages to try the brick oven pizza that has kept this restaurant hopping since 1926.
Address: 11 1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, MA 02113
Address: 11 1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, MA 02113
A trip to Fenway Park belongs on any Bostonian’s bucket list and, while you’re there, snag some Fenway Franks. These beef hotdogs are served on a split-top roll; you can top them with relish, spicy brown mustard, and onion.
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02115
Address: 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02115
Advertisement
Durgin-Park’s motto is "established before you were born" – a fair bet since the restaurant opened more than a century ago. It has a reputation for dishing up deliciously smoky, Boston baked beans. Back in the day, people ate this dish because they were able to keep it hot overnight – a definite plus since cooking on a Sunday wasn’t permitted. However, these slightly sweet beans are good enough to eat any day of the week.
Address: 340 Faneuil Hall Market Place, Boston, MA 02109
Address: 340 Faneuil Hall Market Place, Boston, MA 02109
While you’re at Durgin-Park, wrap up your meal with Indian pudding. This Colonial-era dessert consists of cornmeal, molasses, butter, milk, and spices that are baked together into the ultimate comfort food. It’s typically served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Related Stories
15 Phrases That Will Make You Swear Bostonians Have Their Own Language
Some People Don’t Know That Boston Was The First To Do These 13 Things
Relax Your Worries Away At This Unique Massachusetts Hotel With A Rooftop Hot Tub
Lobster rolls are a menu staple at Boston seafood restaurants, but the one at Neptune Oyster attains legendary status for its freshness and because you can choose between eating it hot with butter (you won’t regret it), or cold with mayo (more traditional).
Address: 63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113
Address: 63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113
Advertisement
For super fresh chowder brimming with flavor, look no further. This dish has the perfect ratio of potatoes to seafood and the ideal consistency. Order it in a cup or bread bowl.
Address: 761 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Address: 761 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Since this delectable dessert was invented at Parker’s Restaurant (located inside the Omni Parker House Hotel) you need to try the original at some point. After all, if you don’t know what the classic version tastes like, how can you appreciate the different twists that other restaurants give our official state dessert?
Address: 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
Address: 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
The quality of bread in Boston is phenomenal but even in such a competitive arena, Parker House rolls stand out for their delicate texture and buttery taste. If you’ve ever tried making these yourself then you know that the process is time-consuming. Even with traffic, it's probably faster - and yummier - to just stop by the restaurant.
Advertisement
We could debate whether or not this counts as a dish but do you really want to challenge a reason to drink more beer? This particular beer is only available at select Boston bars (and Epcot in Florida). Sample it at historic establishments like the Warren Tavern, the Bell in Hand, Union Oyster House or even at Cheers.
You may not realize steak tips are a predominantly Bay State thing… until you travel somewhere else and launch a – usually futile – search for them. For tender tips that you’ll be gushing about for days, head to Floramo’s where you can combine the tips with a half rack of ribs. This Italian restaurant is a locals’ hangout with a nondescript exterior that belies the scrumptious food hiding within.
Address: 213 Everett Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150
Address: 213 Everett Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150
The eatery that bills itself as the inventor of fried clams, Woodman’s Seafood Restaurant in Essex, is a mere 35-miles away from Boston. However, if you’re not up for a drive then check out Island Creek Oyster Bar, which offers Ipswich fried clams, a tender, soft shell clam that comes from mudflats in the Ipswich-Essex-Rowley area.
Island Creek Oyster Bar has two locations:
500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
300 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803
Island Creek Oyster Bar has two locations:
500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
300 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803
Boston’s culinary scene is vast and eclectic. What signature dishes would you add to this list? Let us know on the Only In Boston Facebook page.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.