Posted on Fri, Apr 24, 2009 @ 06:52 AM
Let's face it Boston cannot touch NYC in terms of being the deli capital of the world. Having worked in downtown Boston for many years and more recently Kendall Square, I have struggled to find a great sandwich, sub, hoagie, etc. As Warren Zevon said when faced with death, "Enjoy every sandwich". Local Cambridge eatery, All Star Sandwich Bar even has a "no wrap" policy!
Definition From Wikipedia: In the United States, a court in Boston, Massachusetts ruled that "sandwich" includes at least two slices of bread. [2], and "under this definition and as dictated by common sense, this court finds that the term "sandwich" is not commonly understood to include burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, which are typically made with a single tortilla and stuffed with a choice filling of meat, rice, and beans."
So where are the best places in Boston and beyond to enjoy every sandwich?
Here is a list of my favorites:
Best of Boston:
Al's State Street Cafe: http://www.alsstatestreetcafe.com/
The Italian Cafe: http://italian-cafe.com/
Both places above have similiar menu's. You cannot go wrong with the Italian's Italian, Prosciutto, or the Steak and Cheese. The subs are huge and very reasonably priced. The best part is their bread and the neatness of every morsel. Bonus pts if you know the story behind these places and which one is owned by WEEI caller "Al from Everett"
The Parish Cafe: http://www.parishcafe.com/index2.html- you cannot go wrong with a sandwich menu designed by all the best chefs around boston and a great selection of microbrews. the wings here are also amazing.
Chacarero: http://www.chacarero.com/ -you know the drill....if you don't well, I cannot help you.
Sorry Sam LaGrassa's......way overrated.
Outside of Boston:
Linden Deli in Wellesley: http://lindenstore.com/ -favorites here include the Linden Special, Hot Italian and The Dude Ranch. Runner Up: Roast Beef, Bacon, Swiss w/ Russian Dressing
All Star Sandwich Bar in Camridge: http://www.allstarsandwichbar.com/-another genius idea from celeb chef Chris Schlesinger who owns East Coast Grille right down the street. My favorite here is the Atomic Meatloaf Meltdown. Bonus pts and cholesterol if you order the Poutine.
Bob's of Medford: http://www.bobsfood.com/ -favorites here include the Imported Italian, Chicken Parm and the Prosciutto subs.
The Meat Spot in Watertown: http://mymeatspot.com/ the daily specials are always good, but I also love the chicken and greek salad sub.
Convenient FoodMart in Westwood: no website, doh! This place is a hidden gem! very creative menu with decorative signs on the wall explaining each mouth-waterting sub. my favorite is the Buffalo Bill's sub. Buffalo chicken, blue cheese and jalapenos!
Carl's in Waltham: http://www.thecheesesteakguys.com/ one of the best steak and cheese places around! Go for the small because the large will set you back a few days. I usually get the steak and cheese with peppers, onions, mushrooms and pepperoni. Typically referred to as the "Steak Bomb" in some places.
"Every every sandwich!"- Warren Zevon
Brian aka the Boston Food Critic