Where to sample traditional New England dishes in Boston

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston was the first to set the table with some of the nation’s favourite comfort dishes. Whether it’s a crock of namesake baked beans, a Pilgrim’s delight of turkey with cranberries or a plate pilled high with fried clams, a quick flight to Boston will have you tucking into traditional New England dishes in no time. After all, this city is the birthplace of the toothpick.

Durgin Park

This Faneuil Hall hot spot has been serving up traditional Yankee recipes for over 185 years. Dine on New England corned beef & cabbage, Yankee pot roast, potted beef with onions, and their famous Boston baked beans. There’s even a little pilgrim pride to be had with their Thanksgiving on a Roll sandwich of hand-carved turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Durgin-Park, 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Union Oyster House

Opening its doors in 1826 and earning a place on the National Historic Landmark list, this busy restaurant is America’s oldest. On a menu full of Yankee-style seafood, the Shore Dinner is a New England feast not to be missed – Oyster House clam chowder, steamers or mussels, live lobster, native corn, red bliss potatoes, and gingerbread or Indian pudding.

Union Oyster House, 41 Union Street, Boston. www.unionoysterhouse.com

Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale

Located in the historic 144-year-old Stoddard’s Fine Cutlery building, this gastro pub offers unfussy food within a dark mahogany vintage interior. Their “Boston Butt” sandwich is piled high with slow roasted pork and smoked ham and slathered with English ale mustard. The Venison Shepherds Pie is a nod to the city’s Irish eyes, while the Ale Batter Crusted Cod and Cape Cod Oysters are seaside favourites.

Stoddard’s, 48 Temple Place, Boston. www.stoddardsfoodandale.com

Legal Harborside

One of the most popular destinations in this infamous seafood empire’s vast kingdom (there are various Legal Sea Food locations dotted across the city) is the 20,000-square-foot, three-storey waterfront site overlooking the Harbour. They serve 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish throughout the year, including their famous N.E. Clam Chowder, a creamy concoction that has travelled to the White House for its Inaugural activities on multiple occasions.

Legal Harborside at Liberty Wharf, 270 Northern Avenue, Boston

Written by Cheryl Fenton