10 Local Must-Try Sandwich Spots
During the summer months, BU Today is revisiting some of the past year’s favorite stories. This week, we feature food and dining.
Whether you call it a hoagie, a hero, or a sub, everyone loves a good sandwich. In fact, Americans consume more than 300 million of them every day. We’ve put together a list of 10 great local sandwich joints you may want to try. Have a recommendation for a place not on our list? Post it in the Comment section below.
1.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese & Burgers
485 Cambridge St., Allston
Founded by an Emerson College graduate, Roxy’s has grown from a food truck to two brick-and-mortar restaurants (Allston and Central Square, Cambridge). Along the way, it’s earned a reputation for what may be the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Boston. It has a diverse menu of grilled cheeses (regular and vegan) served on local Iggy’s Bread, along with burgers, and sides. Roxy’s still operates a food truck—check out the schedule here—and it can be seen at BU East on occasion. Note: menus differ slightly between the two restaurants and the truck. No matter what you order, it’s going to be cheesy and delicious.
Must try: Green Muenster: Muenster cheese, bacon, and house-made guacamole
2.
Roast Beast
1080 Commonwealth Ave., Boston
When D. J. Lawton (Questrom’09) opened Roast Beast near West Campus in 2011, it became an instant favorite with BU students. The unprepossessing shop serves up a simple menu of roast beef, turkey, and grilled chicken sandwiches. You can choose one of the favorites or build your own from 13 sauces and 10 different types of cheese. If you’re up for it, give the Thermonuclear Challenge a try: eat a sandwich with the incredibly spicy Thermonuclear Sauce in just five minutes, and Roast Beast glory is yours—a free T-shirt and your photo on the restaurant’s Wall of Beasts.
Must try: The Terrier: roast beef, chipotle mayo, horseradish sauce, Beast sauce, pepper jack cheese, and sautéed onions on an onion roll
3.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
1352 Boylston St., Boston
With 11 spots in and around the city, several within walking distance of campus, Tatte has cemented its place at the top of the café world in Beantown. In addition to serving up quality Stumptown Coffee and an array of mouthwatering pastries, Tatte also has an extensive all-day menu of brunch and lunch entrées (with vegetarian and gluten-free options), with several tasty Mediterranean-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Whether you’re looking for a cup of Joe, a good study spot, or a hearty Middle Eastern sandwich, you’ll find it here.
Must try: Balkani: roasted eggplant, feta, tomato, and pesto served on house-made ciabatta
4.
Cutty’s
284 Washington St., Brookline Village
It takes a great deal of knowledge and expertise to make one of Boston’s best sandwiches, and that’s exactly what Cutty’s founders Rachel and Charles Kelsey bring to the table. With 40 years of combined experience, they’ve turned Cutty’s into a Boston-area favorite, known best for its beef and pork sandwiches. Serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday, it opens one Sunday a month for the popular Super Cluckin’ Sunday, when two types of fried chicken sandwiches are served. You can also order soups, salads, and homemade potato chips, but it’s the sandwiches that will have you coming back time after time.
Must try: Pork Rabe (Saturday only): slow-roasted pork, sautéed broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone on a sesame seed roll
5.
Pavement Coffeehouse
736 Commonwealth Ave., Boston
Smack in the central part of campus, Pavement is a go-to place for coffee, espresso, and teas. The menu includes pastries, homemade bagels, and an impressive list of sandwiches. Seats are often hard to come by, but you can grab drinks and food to go. Be sure to check out Pavement’s other locations, on Newbury Street, Boylston Street, and in Fenway.
Must try: Tequila Sunrise: seasoned tempeh, diablo tofu spread, pico de gallo, and sprouts on a bagel (choose from: everything, plain, multigrain, multigrain everything, sesame, jalapeno, onion, cinnamon raisin, and the weekend special)
6.
Frozen Hoagie’s
864 Broadway, Somerville
Who said a sandwich can’t be dessert? Frozen Hoagie’s has been dishing up ice cream and ice cream sandwiches from its food truck since 2011, and in its Somerville storefront since 2014. With about 20 types of cookies and nearly 30 ice cream flavors, including vegan and gluten-free options, the combinations are too many to count. It sells a traditional Hoagie (two scoops of ice cream between two cookies), a Double Decker (two scoops of ice cream between three cookies), frappes, espresso drinks, and of course, plain old ice cream.
Must try: A Hoagie with two Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies and a filling of bittersweet chocolate ice cream
7.
Mamaleh’s Delicatessen
One Kendall Square, 15 Hampshire St., Cambridge
Mamaleh’s made an instant splash when it opened in 2016, developing a devoted clientele. It was named Boston magazine’s Best Deli of 2017. Described as a modern-era Jewish deli, its offerings range from matzah ball soup to latkes to knishes, as well as a slew of sandwiches and plates, pastries, milkshakes, and more. The deli is open only until 4 pm, so head over to Kendall Square early to try these Jewish-inspired deli classics.
Must try: Reuben: corned beef, Russian dressing, Swiss, and sauerkraut pressed on seeded rye
8.
Michael’s Deli
256 Harvard St., Brookline
For nearly two decades, Michael’s Deli, the self-proclaimed “Corned Beef King,” has been serving New York–style deli delicacies in Coolidge Corner. The winner of Boston magazine’s Best Deli of 2010 and 2013, it offers more than 40 options for meat lovers and vegetarians. There are also classic deli sides, like pickles, potato salad, and knishes, plus salads and soups. And if you love your sandwich and want more, Michael’s sells its meats and salads by the pound as well.
Must try: Thorty Black and Gold: black pastrami, cheddar cheese, honey mustard, and hots served on a bulkie roll. A portion of the proceeds go to the Shawn Thornton Foundation, which benefits those affected by cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
9.
Our Fathers
197 North Harvard St., Allston
One of the latest additions to Boston’s sandwich scene, this modern take on a traditional Jewish delicatessen opened its doors in December 2017 and made a name for itself in short order: Boston magazine crowned it Best Deli of 2018. The menu offers traditional deli sandwiches along with plates, soups, salads, unique sides, sweets, and a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
Must try: The Maude: roast turkey, tomato, sprouts, avocado, and basil aioli on wheat
10.
Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar
381 Summer St., Somerville
Rosebud has been a mainstay in Somerville’s Davis Square for decades, and it’s no secret why: the atmospheric diner serves delicious regional comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere. On the menu are enticing sandwiches, and much, much more. It’s well worth a trip across the river. If you haven’t been to this Boston-area favorite yet, what are you waiting for?
Must try: Texas Rachel in a Skirt: smoked brisket, BBQ onions, horseradish sauce, creamy slaw, and cheese skirt on rye
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