13 Classic East Coast Dishes to Try on Your Next Trip

One-pot comfort foods, hearty stews, pies, pots and bakes; East Coast dishes will warm you up and make you feel right at home. In Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New England and more is a culinary land of fresh seafood bakes, indulgent pies, clam chowders and melting cheese sandwiches. Get ready for these East Coast dishes to whet your appetite ahead of your next trip.

1. Maryland Crab Cakes

Maryland is famous for its mouthwatering crab cakes, made with fresh, jumbo lump crab meat and just enough seasoning to let the sweet, delicate flavor shine. Whether pan-fried, broiled, or deep-fried, these golden-brown beauties are often served with a side of remoulade or tartar sauce. You’ll find them everywhere, from casual seafood shacks to upscale waterfront restaurants. Pair them with a crisp glass of white wine or a cold craft beer for the ultimate East Coast dining experience.

2. Philly Cheesesteak

A true icon of Philadelphia’s food scene, the Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich—it’s a cultural institution. This beloved classic starts with a long, crusty hoagie roll, which is stuffed with thinly sliced ribeye beef that’s cooked on a griddle until perfectly tender. The steak is then smothered in gooey, melted cheese—typically Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese—creating the ultimate savory bite.

Beyond the basics, customization is key. Many locals opt for fried onions, sweet or hot peppers, and a drizzle of tangy hot sauce, with Frank’s RedHot being a go-to choice. Whether you grab one from legendary spots like Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s, or a lesser-known neighborhood joint, every bite delivers a rich, indulgent taste of Philly’s culinary history. Just remember: if you’re ordering like a local, keep it simple—”Whiz wit” means Cheez Whiz with onions, while “Whiz witout” skips the onions.

3. Seafood Boil

The East Coast seafood boil is a messy, hands-on feast that brings together fresh, locally caught seafood with bold spices and hearty sides. While the exact ingredients and flavors vary by state and region, the essence of a seafood boil remains the same: a big communal pot filled with seafood. Accompaniments can include potatoes, corn, sausage, and more, all boiled, baked or steamed together and dumped onto a table for everyone to dig in.

• New England Clambake – Traditionally cooked in a sandpit with hot stones and seaweed, featuring lobsters, clams, mussels, potatoes, and corn.
• Lowcountry Boil (South Carolina & Georgia) – Also known as “Frogmore Stew,” this version includes shrimp, corn, smoked sausage, and red potatoes, all flavored with Old Bay seasoning.
• Maryland Crab Boil – Blue crabs take center stage, heavily seasoned with Old Bay and served with mallets for shell-cracking fun.

No matter the style, a good seafood boil is best enjoyed outdoors with friends with plenty of cold drinks. Some serve with melted butter, cocktail sauce, or a spicy Cajun dip.

4. New York Bagels

The New York bagel is an iconic dish enjoyed by New Yorkers and tourists alike. Brought to the city by European Jewish immigrants, its loved for its chewy, dense texture and golden-brown, slightly crispy crust. The dough is a magic balance of flour, water, salt, and yeast, but the what sets it apart from other bagels is the soft New York water. This softens the gluten in the dough when it’s boiling, making it softer and more chewy than other bagels around the world. Bagels in New York are often eaten on the go or enjoyed as part of a quick, hearty breakfast, typically accompanied by coffee. The bagel is such a New York institution that you’ll find extensive menus of different bagels, spreads, and unique fillings, from simple butter or cream cheese to elaborate sandwiches with egg, bacon, turkey and more. Grab one fresh from an iconic bakery like Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters, and you’ll see why New York bagels are a must-have for any visitor to the Big Apple.

5. Lobster Roll

A true East Coast classic, the lobster roll is a must-try dish, especially in Maine, where it’s practically a way of life. This simple yet indulgent sandwich features fresh, tender chunks of lobster meat—usually claw and tail—tossed with either butter (Connecticut-style) or mayonnaise (Maine-style) and served in a toasted, buttery split-top bun. Some versions include a squeeze of lemon, a dash of celery, or a sprinkle of chives, but the focus is always on the sweet, succulent lobster.

Lobster rolls are best enjoyed seaside, with an ocean breeze and a side of fries or coleslaw. Life doesn’t get much better than sitting in the sun on the tables made up along the pier in Provincetown, where fresh lobsters are regularly landed by the small fleet of fishing boats here. Smells of melted butter waft through the sea air as your server brings over your rolls, and every bite is a perfect blend of soft, buttery bread and fresh seafood. You’ll find them everywhere, from roadside seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants, making them a quintessential summer treat on the East Coast.

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6. Clam Chowder

 This rich, hearty soup is a New England classic, traditionally made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and cream. The thick, velvety broth is what sets it apart, delivering a comforting, briny taste of the Atlantic in every spoonful. Thought to be named after the iron cauldrons (or “chaudières”) it was originally cooked in, clam chowder has been a seaside staple for centuries.

Whether served in a bowl or a hollowed-out sourdough bread bowl, this creamy chowder is best enjoyed with oyster crackers on top and a side of history. You’ll find it everywhere in New England, from family-run seafood shacks to historic taverns in Boston. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s easily the best seafood soup this side of the Atlantic.

7. Boston Cream Pie

A bona fide East Coast classic, the Boston Cream Pie isn’t actually a pie—it’s a decadent layered butter cake filled with smooth vanilla custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. First created at Boston’s Parker House Hotel in the 19th century, this iconic dessert has stood the test of time, delivering the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and chocolatey goodness.

While the traditional version remains a favorite, modern twists include variations with coffee-flavored custard, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel. Whether you enjoy it as a slice of history or just for the sheer indulgence, Boston Cream Pie is the ultimate sweet treat from Massachusetts.

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8. Philly Soft Pretzel

A true Philadelphia street food staple, the Philly soft pretzel is a salty, doughy delight that’s been satisfying cravings for generations. This twisted, golden-brown snack is chewy on the inside with a perfectly crisp crust on the outside, often sprinkled with coarse salt for that signature flavor. Best enjoyed fresh from a vendor’s cart or a local bakery, the pretzel is typically eaten with a side of mustard for dipping, though some opt for a sweet, mustardy glaze. Whether as an afternoon snack or part of a quick lunch, the Philly soft pretzel is a quintessential bite of Pennsylvania culture.

9. Clams Casino

A dish that’s a must-try when visiting Rhode Island, Clams Casino features fresh clams on the half shell, topped with a mouthwatering mixture of breadcrumbs, bacon, and a generous drizzle of butter. The clams are then broiled until the topping is golden and crispy. Some variations also add garlic, parsley, or lemon juice for extra flavor. Originally created in Rhode Island during the early 20th century, this appetizer is often served at seafood restaurants along the coastline. The crispy, savory topping paired with the briny clam meat makes for a perfect bite.

10. Lobster Mac and Cheese

A decadent combination of lobster and comfort food, lobster mac and cheese brings together two beloved dishes into one indulgent meal. Maine is known for its fresh, sweet lobster, and it’s the perfect addition to a creamy, cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and sometimes a bit of Parmesan. The dish is typically mixed with elbow macaroni or other small pasta, and then baked with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. The lobster adds a touch of elegance, while the cheese makes it satisfyingly rich. This dish is often found in Maine’s coastal restaurants, especially in the colder months when comfort food is a go-to.

11. New York Pizza

When you think of New York, you think of its iconic, thin-crust pizza. New York-style pizza is known for its crispy, foldable slices that you can easily grab on the go while strolling through the bustling streets of the city. The crust is thin yet sturdy enough to hold up the generous layer of tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and the traditional toppings—like pepperoni, mushrooms, or sausage. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the high-gluten flour and the water, which is said to give New York pizza its unique texture.

The best way to enjoy a New York pizza is to grab a slice from a corner pizzeria, fold it in half, and savor the combination of cheese, sauce, and perfectly charred crust. New York pizza is often served wide and thin, with a crisp, airy crust that holds the sauce and cheese without becoming soggy. Grab from a local pizzeria like Joe’s Pizza or a trendy slice shop, and you’ll find that the cheese-to-crust ratio and the tangy tomato sauce are just right.

12. Maine Whoopie Pie

The Maine Whoopie Pie is a beloved treat with a rich history that has roots in New England. Despite its name, it’s not actually a pie, but rather a cookie sandwich consisting of two soft, cake-like rounds typically made from chocolate or pumpkin cake. The two cakes are filled with a fluffy, sweet cream filling—usually a combination of marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and shortening or butter.

Though the traditional chocolate version is most common, variations like pumpkin whoopie pies are popular, especially around the fall. Sometimes you’ll find them stuffed with peanut butter filling or even cream cheese for a twist. Known as the official dessert of Maine, grab a whoopie pie during a road trip of Maine for a sweet taste of New England nostalgia.

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