Unearth The Voyage
Massachusetts is home to some of the most beloved sandwich counters in the country, where locals wait patiently in line for a taste of perfection. From classic roast beef by the beach to creative gourmet creations in bustling city neighborhoods, these spots have earned their legendary status one sandwich at a time. Whether you’re craving Italian cold cuts, slow-roasted meats, or fresh seafood on a bun, the Bay State delivers unforgettable flavors worth every minute of the wait.
1. Sam LaGrassa’s in Boston
Downtown Boston has no shortage of lunch spots, but Sam LaGrassa’s stands in a league of its own. This legendary counter has been piling hand-carved meats sky-high since the 1970s, and business professionals gladly sacrifice their lunch breaks to stand in line here.
The pastrami and corned beef combo is an absolute masterpiece, layered thick between fresh bread and bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of tender meat, tangy mustard, and satisfying texture that keeps people coming back week after week.
Just remember this place closes on weekends, so plan your visit for a weekday lunch rush. The wait moves quickly, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.
2. Kelly’s Roast Beef at Revere Beach
Since 1951, Kelly’s has been the gold standard for roast beef sandwiches in Massachusetts. Locals know this Revere Beach institution didn’t just serve roast beef sandwiches; they practically invented the style that made them famous across New England.
Order the three-way roast beef loaded with cheese, mayo, and BBQ sauce for the full experience. The combination sounds simple, but the quality of the beef and the perfect ratios make it magical. Every bite tastes like summer at the beach.
The original Revere Beach location offers unbeatable ocean views alongside your meal. Grab your sandwich, find a spot on the seawall, and watch the waves roll in while you eat.
3. Darwin’s Ltd. in Cambridge
Harvard students and Cambridge locals have shared a secret for years, and it’s called Darwin’s Ltd. This beloved counter serves sandwiches that feel both sophisticated and comforting, made fresh throughout the day with premium ingredients.
The Jeffrey is their signature creation featuring turkey, chutney, and cheddar in a combination that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Sweet meets savory in perfect harmony, and the quality bread holds everything together beautifully. One taste explains why people return here religiously.
Lunchtime gets absolutely packed, so arrive early if you want a seat. The morning hours offer a calmer experience, and their breakfast options are equally impressive for those willing to start their day here.
4. Cutty’s in Brookline Village
Creative twists on classic sandwiches have made Cutty’s a Brookline Village sensation. Their approach focuses on slow-roasted meats prepared with care and unexpected flavor combinations that somehow feel familiar and exciting at the same time.
The pork fennel sandwich showcases their philosophy perfectly, with tender meat and aromatic spices creating depth you don’t find at typical sandwich shops. On Saturdays, the fried chicken sandwich becomes the main attraction, and locals plan their weekends around it.
Fair warning: they sell out regularly, especially on weekends. Arriving early isn’t just recommended; it’s practically required if you want to taste what makes this place special before the day’s supply disappears.
5. Al’s State Street Café in Boston
Fast, fresh, and absolutely loaded describes every sandwich that comes out of Al’s State Street Café. This downtown counter has mastered the art of the Italian sub, piling quality meats and toppings high without sacrificing speed during the crazy lunch rush.
Their Italian cold cut with hot peppers brings the perfect amount of heat to complement the savory meats and creamy cheese. The bread stays crispy on the outside and soft inside, even when loaded with ingredients. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you understand why people skip fancier options.
Lunch rush here is absolutely wild, with lines stretching out the door. Ordering online saves precious time and guarantees you won’t waste your entire break waiting.
6. Black Sheep Deli in Amherst
College towns need great sandwich shops, and Amherst hit the jackpot with Black Sheep Deli. This favorite serves hearty, freshly made sandwiches that satisfy hungry students and discerning locals alike, proving quality doesn’t require pretension.
Smoked turkey with cranberry chutney captures New England flavors in one perfect package. The smokiness of the turkey plays beautifully against the sweet-tart chutney, creating balance that makes every bite interesting. Fresh bread and crisp vegetables complete the experience.
Winter visits call for their soup-and-sandwich combo, which warms you from the inside out. The rotating soup selection pairs wonderfully with any sandwich choice, making cold Massachusetts days much more bearable.
7. Brothers Deli in Lynn
Old-school charm meets serious sandwich-making skills at Brothers Deli in Lynn. This classic counter doesn’t chase trends or fancy presentations; they just pile roast beef and corned beef high and let the quality speak for itself.
The pastrami melt deserves special recognition, with meat stacked so generously you wonder how the bread supports it all. Melted cheese binds everything together, and the warm sandwich provides comfort that modern gastropubs struggle to replicate. Their breakfast sandwiches also draw morning crowds who know good value.
The classic diner feel transports you back decades, complete with counter seating and no-nonsense service. Cash is preferred here, so hit the ATM before you go to avoid any awkwardness at the register.
8. Firehouse Subs in Salem
While technically a franchise, this Salem location has become a genuine community favorite through consistent quality and fast service. Big, steamy subs arrive hot and loaded, making it easy to understand why locals choose this spot over countless other options.
The Hook and Ladder sandwich showcases what they do best, with smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and melted Monterey Jack creating layers of flavor. Steam applied during preparation makes everything warm and melty in ways that elevate simple ingredients into something memorable.
Portions here are generous enough to share, though you might not want to. The local special rotates seasonally, offering regulars something new to try while maintaining the quality standards that built their reputation.
9. Monica’s Mercato in Boston’s North End
Boston’s North End overflows with Italian options, but Monica’s Mercato consistently draws the longest lines. This deli crafts massive sandwiches on crusty bread that stays crispy outside and chewy inside, even when loaded with premium meats and cheese.
Their Italian sub sets the standard for what this classic should taste like, with quality cold cuts, fresh mozzarella, and perfect seasoning. The prosciutto-mozzarella option offers a simpler but equally delicious alternative. Each sandwich gets assembled with care that shows respect for ingredients.
Lines often stretch out the door, especially during lunch and early dinner hours. The wait tests your patience but rewards it generously; one bite makes you forget you ever stood outside.
10. New Deal Fish Market & Sandwich Shop in Cambridge
Seafood-focused sandwich counters are rarer than you’d think in a coastal state, making New Deal Fish Market special. This Cambridge spot combines a working fish market with creative sandwiches and daily specials that showcase whatever’s freshest.
The fried haddock sandwich delivers crispy, flaky perfection that reminds you why New England seafood earned its reputation. Light breading lets the fish shine through, and fresh toppings add crunch without overwhelming delicate flavors. Tartar sauce comes on the side, letting you control the richness.
Check their rotating fish-of-the-day specials for adventures beyond the regular menu. The market side ensures everything is ocean-fresh, and the sandwich makers know exactly how to prepare each variety.
11. Blue Moon Diner in Gardner
Retro diners capture something special about American food culture, and Blue Moon Diner in Gardner preserves that magic beautifully. This counter spot serves hearty, nostalgic sandwiches that taste like they came from a simpler time when quality ingredients spoke for themselves.
The grilled Reuben exemplifies classic diner cooking at its finest, with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing grilled to golden perfection. Their tuna melt offers another excellent choice for those who prefer seafood. Both showcase proper technique and generous portions.
Located in Western Massachusetts, it makes a perfect road trip stop. The authentic vintage atmosphere adds to the experience, making your meal feel like a journey through time.
12. The Clam Box in Ipswich
Famous primarily for fried clams, The Clam Box surprises many visitors with outstanding lobster and fish sandwiches that locals quietly rave about. This Ipswich institution knows seafood inside and out, and that expertise shines through in every menu item.
The lobster roll bursts with fresh, sweet lobster meat lightly dressed and served on a perfectly toasted bun. Their fried haddock sandwich offers another stellar choice, with crispy coating and tender fish that melts in your mouth. Both benefit from the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood.
Summer weekends bring lines stretching out the door, so patience becomes necessary. The wait gives you time to anticipate what’s coming, and the sandwiches never disappoint once you finally get them.
