Eventually all leave Boston, even if it’s just for a vacation. There are so many reasons to love our city that it’s tough to decide what to miss the most while you’re gone. If you’ve spent any amount of time away from the Hub, then you know that food ranks near the top of that list. Sure, you might be able to find an out-of-state version of a favorite dish, but it’ll only take the edge off the craving because some food simply tastes better in Boston!
1. Italian food from the North End
Pizza, pasta, fried calamari... the best versions of Italian comfort food are lovingly prepared in the North End at places like Neptune Oyster, Regina Pizzeria, and Giacomo’s Ristorante. The list is endless, much like your desire for authentic Italian fare!
2. A hefty roast beef sandwich
A true roast beef sandwich is stuffed so full that ingredients escape from the back of the bun, sauce drips everywhere, and the one thing you can’t wipe off of your mouth is a huge smile. Some of the best spots for roast beef are scattered along the North Shore. Closer to downtown, Roast Beast and Cutty’s stand out.
3. A hot cup of chowdah
Chowder is a staple of Boston restaurants, but once you leave town, people start experimenting with it... and not always for the better. You’ll be dreaming of clam chowder from Atlantic Fish Co., Luke’s Lobster, or Legal Seafoods after one slurp of those faux versions of the classic Boston dish. Don’t mess with perfection!
4. Fresh seafood
It's everywhere! You can find seafood of a calibre that landlocked states can only fantasize about.
5. Apple cider donuts
It isn't fall without the smell of cider donuts clinging to the air. It's worth a pilgrimage out to one of the apple orchards near the city to nab a few fresh from the fryer. Life Rule #52: the donut line is NEVER too long.
6. Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie was invented at Parker's Restaurant at Omni Parker House. Our city is right there in the name of this sweet treat, so if you order it anywhere else, by definition, it's not authentic!
7. Cannoli
Speaking of dessert... living in Boston presents some tough choices. Do you pick up your cannoli from Modern Pastry or from Mike’s Pastry? It's a delicious quandary to have. You'll miss that perfect snap of the pastry followed by rich, creamy filling. But don't abandon hope; both bakeries have online stores that ship, and Mike's even has a cannoli kit! (You're welcome.)
8. Lobster roll
Admittedly, you can find a wicked good lobster roll in Maine, but ordering them anywhere else is just not the same as biting into one crafted at Pauli's or Neptune Oyster.
9. Boston baked beans
Durgin Park has been making Boston baked beans since long before anyone still alive was born, so they’ve had more than enough time to master this dish.
10. Dunkin' Donuts
Yes, you can find Dunks elsewhere the country, but you might have to travel more than three blocks to reach one. It's a jungle out there.
11. Sam Adams Brick Red
Developed a taste for this Irish red ale? Then you really should stay local, because it's only available here.
12. A sticky bun from Flour Bakery.
It's okay. Take a moment to drool. This is one of the best things you'll ever eat.
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