13 Massachusetts Sandwich Joints Earning A Place Among America’s Best
Across Massachusetts, sandwich making feels like an art form. Neighborhood delis, roadside stops, and classic diners pile up creations that go far beyond bread and fillings.
Some are stacked with history, others with bold new twists, but each one delivers a flavor that stands out.
These 13 sandwich joints have carved out a place among America’s best, proving greatness can be measured in layers, one bite at a time.
1. Cutty’s in Brookline
Sandwich perfection happens daily at this tiny Brookline Village shop. Their famous Roast Beef 1000 combines house-roasted meat with crispy shallots and Thousand Island dressing on a brioche roll.
Weekend-only pork fennel sandwiches cause lines down the block, with devotees arriving early to secure their fix.
Husband-and-wife owners Charles and Rachel Kelsey bring fine-dining techniques to casual fare, elevating every bite.
2. Sam LaGrassa’s in Boston
Financial district workers flock to this downtown institution for mammoth creations. Famous for their pastrami, which undergoes a proprietary steaming process that renders it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Family-owned since 1968, Sam’s delivers consistency that’s rare in today’s restaurant world.
Their Rumanian pastrami, piled high on light rye with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing, might just ruin you for all other sandwiches forever.
3. Chacarero in Boston
Chilean sandwich magic happens at this Downtown Crossing gem.
The signature chacarero sandwich features thinly sliced grilled beef or chicken on homemade round bread with tomatoes, green beans, avocado, and spicy sauce.
Owner Juan Hurtado started with a pushcart in 1995 and created such demand that he now operates a permanent location where lunchtime lines form daily for his unique South American creations.
4. Pauli’s in Boston’s North End
Lobster roll heaven exists in Boston’s Italian neighborhood. Their “Lobstitution” comes loaded with over 14 ounces of fresh lobster meat – enough to satisfy even the most demanding seafood lover.
Beyond lobster, their North End location serves Italian-inspired sandwiches that honor the neighborhood’s heritage.
The Fenway sandwich with sweet Italian sausage, peppers, and onions brings ballpark flavors to this cozy shop, making every day feel like game day.
5. Mike & Patty’s in Boston
Breakfast sandwich nirvana awaits at this tiny Bay Village corner spot. The “Fancy” – two fried eggs, bacon, cheddar, avocado, and house mayo on multigrain – has developed a cult following among Boston’s morning crowd.
Their “Croque Madame” elevates the French classic with Black Forest ham, gruyère, and béchamel on sourdough, topped with a perfectly runny egg that creates sandwich bliss.
6. Clover Food Lab in Cambridge
Vegetarian sandwich perfection with locations across the Boston area. Their chickpea fritter sandwich wraps falafel-like goodness with cucumber, carrots, and tahini in a whole wheat pita that satisfies even dedicated carnivores.
Founded by an MIT grad, Clover takes a scientific approach to flavor development.
Seasonal offerings like their heirloom tomato sandwich showcase local produce at peak ripeness, while their innovative egg and eggplant sandwich proves breakfast options need not be boring.
7. Parish Café in Boston
A sandwich lover’s paradise featuring creations designed by Boston’s top chefs. Each sandwich represents a different local restaurant, making this Back Bay spot a culinary tour of the city between bread slices.
The “Zuni Roll” – smoked turkey breast with chopped bacon, scallions, dill Havarti, and cranberry chipotle sauce in a flour tortilla – has been a menu staple for decades.
Their outdoor patio on Boylston Street offers prime people-watching while you devour these chef-crafted masterpieces.
8. Monica’s Mercato in Boston
North End Italian deli crafting hefty sub sandwiches that transport you straight to Italy.
The Italian sub combines multiple cured meats, provolone, and house dressing on fresh bread that’s crusty outside, pillowy inside.
Family-owned and operated since 1995, Monica’s sources many ingredients directly from Italy.
9. Mamaleh’s Delicatessen in Cambridge
Jewish deli traditions shine at this Kendall Square gem where everything’s house-made.
Their hand-sliced pastrami on twice-baked rye with mustard is a religious experience – smoky, peppery meat that requires no embellishment.
Beyond sandwiches, they make their own pickles, knishes, and black and white cookies.
10. Pressed Café in Burlington
Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches served in a bright, modern space.
The “Chicken Shawarma” wrap combines marinated chicken with garlic sauce, pickles, and sumac onions for an authentic street food experience.
Health-conscious options abound without sacrificing flavor. Their avocado toast sandwich adds a twist to the Instagram favorite by stacking it with turkey, bacon, and tomato on seven-grain bread.
11. Tenoch Mexican in Medford
Mexican sandwiches called tortas steal the show at this family-owned gem. The “Torta Campechana” layers carnitas, ham, cheese, avocado, and chipotle mayo on telera bread that’s crispy outside and soft inside.
Started by Alvaro Sandoval in 2012, Tenoch now has multiple locations.
Their signature “Torta Tenoch” combines spicy chorizo with chipotle mayo, avocado, and Oaxaca cheese for a handheld meal that transports you straight to Mexico City street stands – no passport required.
12. Inna’s Kitchen in Newton
The “Romanian Pastrami” sandwich stacks house-cured meat with mustard on twice-baked rye bread – a recipe passed down through generations of the owner’s family.
Mother-son team Inna and Alex run this kosher-style eatery with love. Their “Smoked Turkey Reuben” reimagines the classic with coleslaw instead of sauerkraut and smoked turkey instead of corned beef.
13. Bob’s Italian Foods in Medford
Old-school Italian sub shop serving massive sandwiches since 1936.
The “Large Italian” piles mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and house dressing on a sub roll – easily enough for two meals but too delicious to save half.
This no-frills market feels frozen in time in the best possible way.
