11 Things Every Bostonian Misses When They Leave Boston

When people think of Boston, a few key things jump to their minds: baked beans, great seafood, Boston cream pies — and these are all great things. However, when you really know the city, you can recognize the things that truly make it great — which makes leaving this incredible city even harder.

DoughnutsBlackbird DoughnutsKane’sUnion Square Donuts

The recent doughnut craze has hitched on to Boston in true fire form. With in the South End and in the Financial District, the city has fried dough down to a T (no city transit pun intended!). Perhaps the best spot for doughnut indulgence can be found in Somerville's Union Square: is by far one of the most delicious and interesting doughnut experiences you can have. 

Fenway Franks and Post-Game CocktailsFenwayThe HawthorneEastern Standard

Moved away? Come spring, you'll miss heading to a Red Sox game to watch them win as you enjoy a frank and a beer. The full ritual entails making your way after the game to or to celebrate with some of the best bartenders in the city. It's as simple as that, and Boston does simple better than anyone. 

Flour Bakeriesflour

A no-brainer is Joanne Chang and her empire of bakeries. The best sandwiches (roasted chicken and jicama and their BLT are among the top picks) and of course, their infamous sticky bun that has been featured on TV (Throwdown! with Bobby Flay) and print publications. Chang also has two cookbooks which can help keep the nostalgia intact.

Formaggio KitchenFormaggio Kitchen

is a veritable mecca of international wine and cheese knowledge. This is the best place to pick up some cheese or wine for a party, of just to enjoy yourself! Their staff is impassioned and knowledgeable and always takes the time to figure out exactly what you are looking for. 

Good CoffeeThinking CupRender CoffeeBarrington Coffee Roasting Co.Gracenote

Coffee is no longer just associated with Dunkin' Donuts here in Boston. Over the past few years, local coffee enthusiasts have opened up the options with some of the best beans in the country. offers delicious baked goods and treats with Stumptown brew, Intelligentsia is found at , there's also , the very highly anticipated Coffee Trike brick-and-mortar location, and is also up and running with not your average cup of Joe.

Ice Cream Toscanini’sPiccoJ.P. Licks

Everyone knows that New Englanders consume some of the highest volumes of ice cream in the U.S. (as well as in the world). If you were surrounded by Boston local spots like , , and , it would be strange if you didn't rank among the top consumers, and it makes it harder to settle for anything but the best somewhere else.

Kosher FoodRami’s brick-and-mortar a food truck

In the neighborhood of Brookline, you will find some of the best spots for authentic Jewish and Kosher food. is one of the original hole-in-the-walls, and now they have that can bring their delicious falafel that much closer to you. 

Local Fast FoodBolocoAnna’s Taqueriab.good

So California can boast about their In N' Out, but Boston has some stellar ones of its own fast food. Healthy fast food is a growing trend in this city and some of the best burritos hail from these Boston local spots. (Boston local company) and are always around for you to drop by and quickly snap up a killer burrito or chips and homemade guac. knows their local produce and seasonal ingredients and always has a great roster of burgers to offer their guests. 

Restaurant Row in Fort PointTavern RoadDrinkPastoralRow 34

Perhaps one of the best things about Boston are the up and coming neighborhoods; Somerville's Union Square, Inman Square, and of course, Fort Point. The latter boasts some of the city's best new restaurants and a few old timers as well. Enjoy inventive street food at Louis DiBiccari's , a menu-free cocktail bar at Barbara Lynch's that's family-friendly; and knock-out Neapolitan pizza at . A restaurant row would be incomplete without something from Garrett Harker and with some of the best contemporary takes on local seafood has you covered there! 

Sowa Sundays Roxy’s Grilled Cheese,Mei Mei,Bon MeClover

From May through October, a whole segment of Harrison street becomes a pulsing eco-system of a farmer's market. With food stalls from farms and food purveyors all over the state, to unique displays of local artisans, and an antique market. All of this perusing naturally makes you hungry, and that's why all the city's best food trucks show up for the event as well. , — it's really tasty company!

Wholy GrainThe Wholy Grain

Hidden on a street corner in the South End, is arguable the cutest and most quintessential South End spot for coffee, baked goods, and more. Everything is made in house and their absolutely best item is their chocolate chip scone — surely something you'll crave if you wake up in another city.