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?

1. A roast beef sandwich from Kelly’s

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.

2. Pizza from Regina Pizza

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

3. Franks at Fenway Park

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

4. Boston baked beans at Durgin-Park

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

5. Indian pudding at Durgin-Park

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.

6. A lobster roll at Neptune Oyster

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

7. Clam chowder from Atlantic Fish Company

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

8. Boston cream pie from Parker’s Restaurant

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

9. Parker House rolls from Parker’s Restaurant

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.

10. Sam Adams Boston brick red from various Boston-area bars

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.

11. Steak tips from Floramo’s

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

12. Fried clams from Island Creek Oyster Bar

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

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.