Best sandwich in boston?

[captainlou]

I'm headed out for a long weekend, and need some places to go where a guy can get a really good sandwich. It's gotta be in the city, since I won't have a car.

It can be something simple like a deli, or something unusual and interesting, or whatever -- quality is all that matters to me. For reference, my favorites are Paseo in Seattle, Parisi in Denver, Mr. Beef in Chicago, places like that.

Any recommendations?

[jinet12]

Three cheese grilled cheese at Stephanie's on Newbury...2nd place is the tuna melt at Paramount...I would say hot lobster at Neptunes, but I can't throw that in with a bunch sandwiches, as it belongs in a class all its own...

[opinionatedchef]

Finally got take out from Artu today. The lamb w/ marinated eggplant was good but not terrific for us.The eggplnt component was the best thing about it, and the lamb was rare, but so thin that it's easy to dry out, even though chef doused it w/ broth before heating. Sub roll was bland and lacking; would have been better warm. With garlic aioli and maybe sauteed mushrooms this would be much better.

So glad another CH raved about an eggplant parm/chicken parm combo he regularly asks for. Now THIS was delicious. Eggplant shone right through and the tomato sauce was a true Roman one.and th chicken was moist. yuMMY.

[BJK]

I agree whole heartedly with your assessment of the lamb sandwich at Artu. Spot on. I'll have to try the parm combo you mention next time I'm dragged back to Artu.

[maillard]

I had the porchetta and eggplant sandwich recently for the first time and it was amazing. I loved that it was so simple and didn't have a whole bunch of stuff on it.

[Matt H]

Not sure if its been mentioned yet, but the Spicy Pork Torta at Cutty's deserves a mention. Only available as a special on Tuesday. Crispy spicy shredded Pork over a sesame Torta bun topped with Cilantro and pickled onions.

Great sandwich, I make a point to mention it should be a permanent menu item each visit.

[Gordough]

I love Cutty's. I just wish they would stay open after lunch. I work downtown during the day making it impossible to ever eat at Cutty's during the week. So it's the occasional Saturday for me. My guess is I would eat there 40 times a year if it were open until even 7pm as opposed to the 4-5 times I make it there now. But I would hate to see the product suffer due to expanded hours since each of their sandwiches do take some time, care and skill to prepare.

[opinionatedchef]

hmmm matt, that sounds terrific. sounds very banh mi'ish. anything else on it for a dressing?i now have to shoot for a tues to try out this place.

[Matt H]

Its really a great sandwich. There is also a Spicy Mayo as dressing as well that I neglected to mention. They have great sandwiches all around, but this may be tied for my favorite along with the Roast Beef.

[opinionatedchef]

p.s. what's in the photo? pork belly/plantain?

[Matt H]

Good guess its Iberian Suckling Pig from Cinc Sentits (3 layers-Belly, Shoulder and Leg) On the side is an Apple.

[tatsu]

The Boston Globe had a list recently, may have already been mentioned here. I had one photo listed, and I believe Scotty27 wrote some of the reviews, including the one I shot, Hi-Rise's Nat Queen Cool.

Take a look, some of these sandwiches look really good!
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/...
(my shot, it's a nice long slideshow)

[opinionatedchef]

yes, tats, i was hoping someone would post some responses to this piece. since this thread is so darn long, i 've started a new one, specifically about the globe piece:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/777969

[scotty27]

It was a delicious assignment. I wish they could have listed even more of the great sandwiches in town. The photo of Nat Queen Cool? Makes me salivate like Pavlov's dog. Boston is a city that excels at the sandwich.

www.shrinkinthekitchen.com

[FoodDabbler]

You raise an interesting point, but more Cantabrigian than Bostonian, I think. I have one foot in Cambridge, one toe in Manhattan, and 4 toes on I95. I gather from your posts that your situation has similarities. Cambridge has several inventive sandwich palaces: Hi-Rise, All-Star, and Darwin come to mind. Manhattan, to compare with a place with a modest reputation for food, is mired in the past. It's a splendid past (what can beat a pastrami sandwich at Katz's or sable on a bagel at Russ and Daughters?), but it's surprisingly fixed. New sandwich places rise (Xie Xie) but soon fall (Xie Xie). Cambridge, on the other hand, has supported Hi-Rise, despite the Hi-Price, for something like fifteen years.

How did you pick the NQC, anyway, or did the Globe pick it and tell you to make nice about it? Also, if the photos are credited, should the descriptions not have been? (Or, were they?)

[Bob MacAdoo]

So I pulled a chowhound move for lunch today while randomly in Brookline and grabbed a Pork Milanese Cemita at Dorado Tacos, then decided to try Roast Beast for dessert.

The Cemitas deserves a place in any discussion about excellent sandwiches in Boston.
The sturdy egg roll crowned with a hearty layer of sesame seeds is the ideal foundation for the thin, pounded deep fried pork cutlet and the yummy black beans-chipotle/adobo-avocado spread combo. The fresh cilantro really comes through at the end as well, though I must admit, the value of the Oaxaca cheese is a mystery to me.

Alas, the Roast Beast dessert did not live up to the hype, could not overcome the strong flavors imparted by the first course, and despite the incredibly friendly folks cutting the meat, gave me no reason to return. The "special" beast sauce was decidedly pedestrian (as in, on par with commerical brands like Stubb's, which I like, but still), the meat was cold (which to my palette, is a NO NO when paired with a warm griddled onion bun), and the overall beefiness of the regular sized sandwich was jfine, but did not strike me as "better" than any of the competitors which can be found in just about every business district in Eastern MA.

Having once worked at a beef joint (Mimi's in Waltham back in 1986), I feel like I have some level of expertise on this topic. At Mimi's, the schtick/trick to their unique beef flavor was to trim every ounce of fat off the roast (top round, as I recall), then slow roast it at around 190 degrees after slathering the top with shortening (yes, shortening. They used the beef fat for the burger mix ...).

Bottom line, at Roast Beast, I tasted nothing that made me go "mmmm, beef." More like, hmm, Dietz & Watson? Boar's Head? Maybe I'm a beef snob, but I'll take Billy's in Wakefield any day of the week, which remains the current gold RB standard in my book.

-----
Roast Beast
1080 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

[opinionatedchef]

yep, that's definitely a CH move. says the girl who had her fantastic huevos rancheros at East Coast Grill and then proceeded to finish her self-assigned survey of best baked bbq pork buns and curried beef turnovers - in Ctown. burp.

but On Topic, thanks for all that info; quite helpful and interesting.

-----
East Coast Grill and Raw Bar
1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[greygarious]

Since this thread has been bumped: I have never had a more delicious sandwich than the combo banh mi at Hong Cuc, a hole-in-the-wall convenience store in Lowell. Thanks to Dinsdale for having posted about it a few years ago, when Vietnamese friends introduced him to the place. Still only $2.50 for a generous sandwich on a shatteringly-crisp baguette.

[opinionatedchef]

grey, no fair! plse tell us about it!

[greygarious]

Thought I did. I THINK the meats on it are ham, chicken, and some sort of pate. Maybe pork too. There's a crunchy carrot - and radish, I think - slaw, a slice of cucumber, whatever that yummy mayo-based sauce is, cilantro, and jalapenos. I asked them to hold the last 2.
The street address is Dutton Street but you'd never know it. Coming from either direction on Dutton St., turn onto Fletcher St. at the traffic light. You'll see a Dunkin Donnuts on the left, and what looks like a derelict driveway/parking lot on the right, with a few dumpsters. Turn into that driveway. and follow it around the back of the building, which is where Hong Cuc is. There's also a tiny seafood market next to it, but I haven't ventured in there yet. Also, I have read that Nhu Y, at 707 Merrmimack St., is another convenience market with excellent banh mis. Neither has a website so I don't know hours.

[justbeingpolite]

The third most reported Lowell Bahn Mi is at Yummy Express on Branch St.'
I don't have enough experience to compare them.

[galangatron]

this is slightly off topic but there is also a really good african market right in that area too

[opinionatedchef]

thank you grey. have to try that. in the meantime, doesn't this banh mi sound great- from Myers and Chang all this week at lunch!:

Lemongrass Pork Sausage
Banh Mi

sriracha aioli, jalapenos, pickled daikon + carrot on French bread

(chips and slaw on the side!)

[Infomaniac]

Nothing to me sounds great about a $9.00 Banh Mi when you can buy them for $2.50 to $3.50.

[opinionatedchef]

ah yes.guided by $ and guided by taste; 2 very different roads.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Not necessarily: I have yet to find an expensive banh mi that's demonstrably tastier than what one can buy at a place like PhoViet or Mei Sum for a reasonable price. Quite often the prestige ingredients (especially the bread, which is quite possibly the most crucial element of this particular kind of sandwich) end up throwing the harmony of the whole sandwich off-kilter.

[opinionatedchef]

my past complaint about banh mi is that there is hardly any protein. i want a sandwich that has at least 4 ou. of meat. the banh mi i have had used maybe 2 ou of meat. the paper thin slices can easily fool. if anyone has had a great banh mi with 4 ou. meat , plse tell me and i'll be sure to seek it out. thanks much.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Then perhaps you don't like banh mi. And that's okay.

[t0mb3rt]

I'm sorry, opinionatedchef, but you're missing the whole "point" of banh mi... maybe its just not your thing.

[galangatron]

order two banh mi

[Infomaniac]

Almost all of the $3.00 Banh Mi sanwiches I've had are on the same road.

[Bob Dobalina]

Or just ask for double meat!

[devilham]

Maybe not the 'best', but certainly a fave, is the pork milanase cemitas at Dorado Tacos......it's just a really good sandwich with nice heat and nice flavors, just really good.

[opinionatedchef]

OMGott!! We have just died and gone to heaven. And at Dave's Pasta no less. I am an absolute Cubano fanatic and , aside from Chez Henri, whose Corinne Moro(sp.) introduced their great Cubano creation, I have NEVER had a Cubano so good as that at Dave's.
Artisinal Sourdough type bread, spice and herb roasted pork, black forest ham, thin slices of pickle, gruyere and choptle aioli. The bread was sliced a bit too thick but otherwise, each element was perfectly in balance and each could be clearly tasted. Grilled in panini press but not squished thin.
Unbelievable.What an absolute thrill! :-)

-----
Dave's Fresh Pasta
81 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144

Chez Henri
1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[chickendhansak]

Interesting to hear your take on the cubano at Dave's, as I really like it too (in fact I see I said so above), but can compare it only to Chez Henri and the short-lived version on the menu at Cambridge Common of all places. But presumably these posh versions are inauthentic and we should only like the one from the place in JP.

-----
Cambridge Common
1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Chez Henri
1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[autopi]

i like the cubano at dave's a lot too. in fact i like a lot of the sandwiches there, they may be my favorite sandwich spot in town. i like the bocadillo a lot too, and they've got a really great roast flank steak sandwich as well.

the cuban at el oriental just doesn't compare.

[opinionatedchef]

i'll try those; thank you!

[opinionatedchef]

nah, that's limited knowledge talking.chef corinne who introduced the recipe at Chez henri- was cuban, if i remember correctly. have no idea whether she was 'posh' but she likely grew up w/ cuban sandwiches and created the best one she was capable of in this area, much to the delight of thousands of us over the last 15(?) years. The woman who 'created the recipe' at dave's- introduced herself to me after i thanked them for such tremendous cubanos earlier today. She looked to be about 25, so she prob just did her best version of the great one at CH, or maybe she worked at CH in high school......

No idea, but the real point is that great food is great food and if you follow "we should only like the one from the (Cuban)place in JP", if you even think that way, you'd miss out on a lot of great food. Peasant food/ poor peoples' food/ 'ethnic' food tastes even better when it's made with the best quality/ most flavorful ingredients; and it makes its way onto the 'poshest' menus because it's delicious (and also prob because chefs do not usually come from posh backgrounds, and , more often than not, grew up eating 'peasant' food/ food of the people.

but i'm guessing you know all this and were just being facetious. Heck, you're prob. the one whose mention of cubanos at dave's- alerted me to try them in the first place, and ultimately to have the epiphany lunch we had today, so THANK YOU so much for posting about them!!

[Infomaniac]

You may also want to thank Boston_Otter and pondrat for pointing out the Cubano at Dave's Pasta in your post about Dave's Pasta "What IS My Problem??"

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/744772

[opinionatedchef]

yes YES!! thank you otter and pondrat(muskrat?); you all are the BEST!!
and info, th you for being so observant. now let's all race down to dave's for those hunka cubanos!

[bear]

Don' forget that you can get Dave's cubanos ungrilled earlier in the day and then press them at home for dinnertime. Just use a heavy pot on top. Delicious.

[opinionatedchef]

yes, i was thinking that too. and wondering how long it would take (my next lifetime maybe) to find my 30 yr old cast iron skillets in the cellar-- for striper's technique (instead of my exciting 'stack and conquer' one.)

[chickendhansak]

I was being facetious as you guessed. Good to hear the story of the Chez Henri cuban.

-----
Chez Henri
1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

[scotty27]

Now here's a culinary area where Boston excels! All the sandwiches at Hi-Rise are great. The chicken parm at Armando's, Russo's, and T. Anthony's are delicious. Falafel at any place in Harvard Square is great. The BLT at Flour is wonderful. BBQ sandwiches at M&M, Blue Ribbon! Anything at All American in Inman Square. Burgers at Mr. Bartley's!
I'll tell ya: What a town!
www.shrinkinthekitchen.

-----
All American Cafe
152 Gore Rd, Webster, MA 01570

[Jenny Ondioline]

I would remove Falafel Corner II from the "any place in Harvard Square" list. The time I opened my takeaway bag and unpeeled the foil from my sandwich to discover that it had been heated in the grill press ***while already wrapped in wax paper*** put me off them forever. Ever try to peel melted wax paper off pita bread? Can't really be done.

[Gabatta]

What is All American? I have never heard of it but always interested to try new places in the area.

Which places in Harvard Square for falafel?

[scotty27]

All American Sandwich is in Inman Square.
Falafel? Sabra or the new Egyptian place next to Charlie's.

[nsenada]

Did you mean All Star Sandwich Bar?

-----
All Star Sandwich Bar
1245 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[scotty27]

Yes, I did. Really delicious!
To repeat, too: The BLT @ Flour is epic.

[straycatnathan]

ASSBAR(ALL STAR SANDWHICH BAR)! A Boston food treasure!

straycatnat

[opinionatedchef]

Sophia's on Belmont St. in Belmont, just past Belmont AutoRepair.
yesterday we both got the amazing roast pork sandwich w/ leek and mushroom relish and feta. oh BOY mr. bill. ( abundant pork and very abundant leek relish, and definitely best when eaten warm)

As delicious as, but totally differen from, the Perunisimo( spice and herb coated roast pork w/ roasted sweet potatoes and amarillo sauce) at Machu Picchu's Pollo las Brasas in Union Sq Somerville.

-----
Sophia's Greek Pantry
267 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA

Machu Picchu
307 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

[Aromatherapy]

Stopped by on a recent Saturday, and Sophia's has stopped serving sandwiches. Bummer. Hope it's just a weather-related thing, didn't have time to ask.

[bigmackdaddy]

Whenever I head up to Maine or the Maritimes I set my GPS for Blunch, as a lunch & coffee break. Sometimes I buy their pulled pork sandwich, sometimes I get their meatball or their blackboard special, all of it delicious.

-----
Blunch
59 E Springfield St, Boston, MA 02118

[nsenada]

I just had an amazing sandwich at Grass Roots - it's called a chick-e-melt, and it is chicken salad, mozzarella, avocado slices, and cranberry sauce on sliced ciabatta, run through a panini press. The chicken salad was the "mushy" variety, more like a tuna salad in texture. Definitely added up to more than the sum of its parts.

I'm also going to have to try the Petite Robert next door that I never noticed replaced Vinalia. Anyone tried their Croque Madame?

-----
Grass Roots Cafe
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[cwight308]

The Zuni Roll at Parish Cafe on Bolyston is SOOOO GOOD!! All of their sandwiches are awesome, but this warm wrap with turkey, bacon, dill havarti cheese and cranberry chipolte sauce is AMAZING!

[twentyoystahs]

I will second that Zuni Roll. I can't ever bear to order anything else when I got to the Parish. It's delicious.

[opinionatedchef]

yep, terrific. it was created by the owner, Nora,at the sorely missed Cottonwood Cafe at Porter Exchange in Cambridge.

[Ricardo Malocchio]

I've tried other sandwiches at Parish, and have always been disappointed that I didn't just order the Zuni.

[gabreality]

I know it's not a sandwich shop and might be too trendy of a place, but I've recently become a fan of the Shrimp BLT at Cafeteria on Newbury. It's got poached shrimp and avocado and aioli in addition to the regular blt ingredients and it's made club sandwich style (with a slice of bread separating the shrimp and bacon from the avocado, lettuce, and tomato. Bread is perfectly toasted, shrimp is great, aioli is fresh and just spicy enough - yum!
Also very good there is the Lamb burger, if you're interested in more meatiness.

In terms of sandwich shops - I agree with the comments above, ASSBar is awesome, it's around the corner from my work and i find it hard to resist eating lunch there every day (my wallet can't take the punishment). And a bit more exotic, WrapPro on Mass Ave between Harvard and Porter next to Berry Line has very good middle eastern sandwiches.

- Gaby
http://behindboston.blogspot.com

[lexiboston]

Chacarero is SO good.

The Italian grinder at Coppa is unbelievable if you appreciate an Italian sub with top notch cold cuts.

-----
Chacarero
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[Gabatta]

Great call on the Italian grinder at Coppa. I was in the neighborhood yesterday so I stopped in for lunch. At 12:30p I was blissfully the only person in there when I first sat down (a few parties trickled in afterward). Too bad they don't serve a full menu at lunchtime! Nevertheless, the Italian almost knocked me of the barstool. It was sliced on the spot right in front of me. The combo of their incredible meats and the pickled cherry peppers was fantastic. That grinder and a cold Moretti made for a fantastic lunch on a beautiful day, and one I will be repeating soon.

Heck, as relaxed as it was in there, Coppa passed for a real Enoteca yesterday. Wish I could have done my part and lingered about for awhile.

-----
Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[Kravitz]

You are so right abou the Italian Grinder at Coppa. Mortadella, prosciutto, salami, and the rest of the tastiness on there for ten bucks! Yes please.

-----
Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[absolince]

Arthur's deli in Chelsea, Pastrami, Corned beef and homeade pickles. oh and Dr. Browns soda.

[pocketgarden]

Pork bahn mi - Pho Viet in the super 88 food court
Lamb sandwich - Flour Bakery (south end, fort point, or kedall square)
Anything at All star- Inman square, cambridge
Griddled chicken on pretzel bread - Mariposa bakery in central square

-----
Flour Bakery + Cafe
12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA

Pho Viet
1095 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

[bmgl]

I'm suprised no one has mentioned Evan's New York Style Deli in Marblehead. He has his pastrami and cb brought in from New York and both are outstanding! Great pastrami knishes too, as well as the best chopped liver I've had since mom. Marblehead is sort of in the middle of nowhere, but it's definitely worth the trip!!

[Gabatta]

"

[Ricardo Malocchio]

Ok, so I have to try Cutty's. Sounds amazing. I'm glad to hear Chacarero's still bringing it. That was my lunchtime go-to for a long while. And I completely agree on the banh mi at Mei Sum Bakery (any of 'em, get one of each). Best I've had.

But this might be my favorite and I think unmentioned so far: the Las Ventas sandwich at Las Ventas (Estragon's little sister next door). Be sure to get this generous slab of delicious tortilla espagnola and aoili served on toasted slices for the perfect bread/stuffing ratio and the right textural quality.

-----
Chacarero
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[Beachowolfe]

How many types of banh mi are there at Mei Sum? Only ever had the beef.

[eatwell]

Ahh, Boston has no match to Schwartz's smoked meat in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
I live in Montreal, but, have sampled many other offerings...
I will be in lovely Boston from Sept. 8-12 and look forward to "other" great sandwiches, etc.

[devilham]

Smoked meat is sooooooo good! I love the ambiguous name! I need to get back up to Montreal, I love that town

[tysonmcneely]

Beef, "Pork" (Coldcut), and Tofu.

[Ricardo Malocchio]

Yes, though I recall the pork as more of the pate-ish style than coldcut.

[resipsaloquitor]

Hands down, Sam LaGrassa's

[Bellachefa]

Flour Bakery - BLT
Artu on Charles St - Lamb with eggplant relish?chutney?spread?

-----
Flour Bakery + Cafe
12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA

[tysonmcneely]

The eggplant is marinated eggplant cut lengthwise

[9lives]

I had a lamb eggplant at Artu NE the other day. Excellent as always. I like to add a few roasted red peppers.

[FoodDabbler]

To those you bemoaning upthread the lack of pastrami in Boston to compare with Katz's, I bring good news and bad.

The good news is that Katz's would appear to have deteriorated. This is the subject of much wailing on the New York boards, and I can attest to the truth of many of the complaints there. The lines are overly long and overly packed with slow-moving customers with cameras. The cutters spend their time partly posing and only partly cutting. On my line last Wednesday, just when I was one person -- although a large one -- away from my pastrami, the cutter took off two minutes to give his email address to a photo-taking customer. Whatever food channel show or magazine article has brought these hordes to pastrami heaven has also told them to tip the cutters. But it has not told them to have their dollar ready to shove into the cup and move on. I saw tourist after tourist hunting for a dollar bill among wads of 20s after they had received their sandwiches. What of the pastrami itself? It was incredibly tender, but also a little bland. I've had tastier.

The bad news is that even a depleted and touristy Katz's turns out better pastrami than anything I've had in Greater Boston.

[trueblu]

This is terrible news! A visit to Katz's is one of the highlights of any trip to Manhattan.

It's always had tourists (including me!) but I've never witnessed gratuitous camera toting in the queues themselves.

tb

[FoodDabbler]

Here's one thread on this subject:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6976...

Still, I repeat that the pastrami I had at Katz's last week was better by a lot than anything I've had in Boston. Discussions of Katz's vs "2nd" Ave vs Sarge's vs even Carnegie are like discussions of which Pulitzer prize winner did the best work.

[trueblu]

Just read that entire thread and it made me want to cry...were it not for the glimmer of redemption in the last couple of posts. It looks like if one wants to experience Katz's now, it has be early in the morning!

tb

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I personally don't celebrate the demise of anything in New York as good news....unless of course it's the Yankees.

I've never experienced that at Katz's but I have seen them on the Travel Channel, unfortunately. Luckily for me the few times I've made the pilgrimage has been during non-peak times.

[FoodDabbler]

I went to Katz's at around 3 p.m. today (Wednesday). There were no lines and the pastrami was superb. The couple ahead of me at the cash register did hold things up a bit though while they debated what souvenir t-shirt to buy.

[Delhiwala]

The Turkish sandwiches at Sultan's Kitchen in Downtown Boston are excellent.

-----
Sultan's Kitchen
116 State St, Boston, MA 02109

[bostonfoodanddrink]

Anything at Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe. Open Saturday 7-1pm

Located in the South End on Columbus Ave

www.bostonfoodanddrink.com

-----
Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe
429 Columbus Ave Ste 1, Boston, MA 02116

[cing2x]

I agree with Charlie's but stick to the eggs/pancake/french toast dishes. Sandwiches and burgers are just OK. Their signature dish is turkey hash but if you're expecting anything like corned beef hash, you'll be disappointed.

[chuck s]

Has anyone mentioned the BLT as Scups on the Harbor? If not that's my rec. Flour also does a nice BLT.

[Wannabfoode]

la verdad does a nice carnitas torta

[jgg13]

I had the breakfast BLT this weekend and really enjoyed it. I've been on a serious BLT kick lately, particularly when I can find fried egg having versions. Invariably there's one thing seriously off that I dislike, Scups managed to only have a minor nit, which is a big point in their favor. That sandwich would have been nearly perfect for me if the fried eggs were cooked softer - I didn't think to ask, and not sure that they would have accomodated but I want yolk running through the damn thing! :)

[Mike5966]

I like Flour's BLT the best of all. Better than the imitation version at Parish Cafe (bread way too thick), and better than Scups, as well.

Sometimes, though, I like a simple greasy spoon-style BLT even better than all of the above: Oscar Meyer bacon, toasted white Wodner bread, iceberg lettuce, Hellman's, and some thin sliced under-ripe tomato.

[cing2x]

I agree with Flour's BLT. It's awesome. Applewood smoked bacon, great bread toasted just right, just the right amount of mayo. I don't even order BLTs any where else because I know I'll just be disappointed.

[sflory]

Flour Bakery has a great lamb sandwich. Tried at the south end location.

-----
Flour Bakery + Cafe
12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA

[dfan]

Now that Flour has a location near my work in Central Square, I've gotten addicted to their roast beef sandwich with horseradish, crispy onions & tomato.

[haveanotherslice]

that was the sandwich that came into my head...the roast beef sandwich is excellent!

[enhF94]

I like these beef and lamb sandwiches too, minus the horseradish. They're really consistent.

[tatsu]

I am a big fan of Hi-Rise's #51.

Ed's Armoires
a quarter pound of "Spence" smoked salmon, capers, red onion, tarragon mayo, lettuce on toasted corn bread

It may seem pricey at 12 or 13 dollars, but there is no way you can make this at home cheaper, the spence salmon alone approaches 10 bucks at whole foods.

Anyway the taste is so good, biting into a thick section of smoked salmon is totally luxurious, the corn bread is beautifully constructed as to be soft with open crumb, perfectly toasted, it's from a real loaf, not some leaden thanksgiving pan thing, and the tarragon mayo sends it over the top in conjunction with the crisp lettuce.

I actually don't buy smoked salmon anymore, it's pretty hard to finish 4 ounces by yourself in one or two sittings, but I absolutely down it all when packaged in a #51, so I just get that when in the mood for some smoked salmon.

I just talked myself into one!

-----
Hi-Rise Bread Co
208 Concord Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

[cambridgedoctpr]

how about the lobster sandwich at Alive and Kicking in Cambridge. Lobster rolls are very Bostonian, and I have not had better elsewhere. When you come to Boston, try the things that are truly Bostonian. Alive and Kicking is a about 3/4 of a mild from the Central Square red line stop.

[yumyum]

Just a note. The Alive and Kicking sandwich is not a lobster roll. It's a sandwich made on buttered scali. I love it but just don't want the OP to be disappointed looking for one thing and getting another.

Also, the answer to every question cannot be Alive and Kicking! It's great, but it's not the holy grail. Okay then.

[stomachofsteel]

I love Bill's Seoul Show at Hi-Rise. Grilled chicken breast, hand-cut bacon, tarragon mayo, L, T, on corn bread. Not sure where the Seoul part comes in, but each time I've had it, it's been delicious.

[veggielover]

I love the mozzarella and tomato and the tuna at Iggy's, the lamb schwarma at Sofra's and the felafel sandwich at Fordee's in Watertown.

-----
Sofra
1 Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[Blumie]

Reminds me: I had the tomato, artichoke, cheddar and onion sandwich from Iggy's at the Copley Sq. farmers market on Friday. It was awesome. If I took it home and grilled it, it would have been even better!

[yanz]

I've been getting the antipasti sandwich at Tatte's stand (two away from Iggy's in Copley, seemingly only on Fridays, though), and that is one delicious sandwich. roasted eggplant and other veggies + goat cheese + pesto + delicious bread = my new fave sandwich.

I think it's way better than Iggy's artichoke sandwich.

[thegirlwholovestoeat]

I love sandwiches! Could eat one every day. Some of my favorites are:

- Pork Cemita - Dorado Tacos & Cemitas in Brookline Village

- Steak Bahn Mi - Pho Viet's in Super 88 Food Court, Allston

- Roast Beef, Peppers and Cheese Grilled Sandwich on Whole Wheat - Sam La Grassa's, Downtown

-----
Pho Viet
1095 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

Dorado Tacos & Cemitas
401 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446

[devilham]

I simply LOVE the pork cemita at Dorado.....such a tastey sandwich!

[teezeetoo]

no idea what the "best" sandwich is but, in addition to the suggestions already made, if you like things with a middle eastern tilt, try Garlic 'n Lemons spicy chicken wrap or Family Restaurant's lamb sandwich wrap with wonderful yogurt dressing. Family is on the green line, Cleveland Circle branch, near station street, Garlic 'n Lemons on the green line, B branch, just off harvard and commonwealth.

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Garlic 'n Lemons
133 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134

[trueblu]

Just as a minor correction: Brookline family restaurant (which is presumably what you are referring to) is in Brookline village, which is on the Green D (not C, for cleveland circle) line, on washington street.

tb

[stomachofsteel]

I've enjoyed many of the sandwiches at Brookline Family Restaurant (chicken adana kebab is my favorite), but I think they only serve them at lunch. Dinner there is delicious too but no sandwiches. Just good to keep in mind.

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Brookline Family Restaurant
305 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

[twisty cup]

I love the Chicken Pagnotelle sandwich at Emma's Pizza in Kendall Sq. Here's their description of it:
Grilled chicken breast, house roasted tomato, crispy smoked bacon, smoked mozzarella, and mayo pressed in a crispy French roll

I always ask for it well-done.

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Emma's Pizza
40 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[ceo]

I was hoping someone would bring that one up, as I'd forgotten the name of it. When I worked in the area, I had to limit myself to one of those a week.

[greenzebra]

I'll throw in a plug for the sweet potato / avocado / green apple sandwich at Crema Cafe in Harvard Square, for something incredibly tasty and a bit different. I also love the artichoke & arugula sandwich at Dave's Fresh Pasta in Davis Square.

[nsenada]

The chicken with avocado corn and cotija is excellent there as well.

[greenzebra]

Just had this (chicken/avocado/corn/cotija at Crema) for the first time a few days ago. Great call -- it was an excellent sandwich.

[Parsnipity]

I was hoping someone had mentioned Dave's somewhere on this thread. I really like the smoky-spicy turkey, pressed of course.

[chickendhansak]

I like the cubano at Dave's a lot.

[erinire]

My personal "must have" is the Matt sandwich at Roy's in Eastie. http://www.yelp.com/biz/roys-cold-cut...
a little out of the way, and not as unique as some of the other sandwiches posted here, but delicious nonetheless!

[cbcpapa]

The roast beef sandwich at Cutty's in Brookline Village is a great one to try.

[Jolyon Helterman]

huge fan of the Cutty's Roast Beef—almost like a roast beef sandwich version of the Radius burger (controversial....I understand), what with all the crispy fried shallots and vinegary mayo.

Other faves:
Mike & Patty's
1. Green Madame (open-faced version with melted cheese and a soft boiled egg, plus bitter braised greens—!—to cut through all that richness)
2. Grilled Banana Sandwich (cross between bananas foster, french toast, and grilled cheese—completely slathered with this intense cinnamon-honey butter)

Highland Kitchen
Blackened Catfish Po' Boy (served on toasted buttered roll, and seriously good house-made remoulade)

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Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

[Beachowolfe]

Banh Mi at Mei Sum
Cubano at Lagrassa's
BBQ Combo at Chacerrero
Original Gyro at Zo
Lucca Brazzi at Figaro's
Italian at Monica's Mercato
The Coppa at Parrish

-----
Coppa
253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[BJK]

That Italian at Monica's is unbelievably good.

[kathleen440]

When I used to live in Boston I loved Cardullo's in Harvard Square.

[Neely08]

find hard it hard to locate good subs in boston, anyone know where I can land a good Italian fenway/brookline area?

I'd like to see a show down for reuben sandwiches between Michaels deli in brookline and Wans convenience in mission hill

[yumyum]

Please say more about Wans. I love me a good reuben!

[MC Slim JB]

Compared to Michael's, WAN's is decidedly non-traditional. A colorful Jamaican ex-pat owner who doesn't keep reliable hours, is pretty slow-footed behind the counter, but is charming enough to forgive both. His sandwiches are big, messy, tasty, and not always the same twice in a row. I don't think his corned beef is up to the quality of Michael's. But Michael's often uses crappy bread, supermarket-level Pullman; it's better to get sandwiches on rolls there.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[drb]

Bottega di capri in Brookline Village makes a superb Italian on really good bread.

http://www.bottegadicapri.com/

[GaryK]

Cutty's in Brookline uses very high quality ingredients with a few interesting twists, like their ham and pimento cheese with homemade pickles. I especially like their two different roast pork sandwiches (only on Saturdays).

[Matt H]

I am with you on Cutty's. I find it hard personally to not get their Roast Beef sandwich at least every couple weeks. Another one that has probably been mentioned is the Lobster Roll at Neptune (Hot).

[Fly]

Take a train out of North Station towards Newburyport, and get off at North Beverly. Walk across the intersection to Nick's Famous Roast Beef, and order a super beef with sauce, and an order of onion rings. I like the tonics, too, because they use a very finely crushed ice, but they also have bottles in the fridge. Get on the next train back to North Station.

This will be 3 of the best hours you've ever spent, if you're looking for the best sandwich.

[Guinness02122]

Neptune - Oyster Burger
Parish Cafe - Rowdy's Chicken Sandwich

[Aphex]

My vote is also for the Chacarero(regular chicken, http://www.chacarero.com/ ). If you can make it out to Somerville though Dave's Fresh Pasta(Davis Sq train stop) makes amazing sandwiches also. The Chipotle Turkey or Chicken #1(with roasted tomato aioli) are a couple favorites.

[mpierce64]

Meridian Special at Meridian Market in East Boston.

[devilham]

I love the classic gyro at Zo's Greek food in center plaza, or the King special with lamb at falafal king. LaGrasse's (like everyone else has said) has top notch pastrami, and lastly, I think that J. Pace and Son's makes really nice cold cut sandwiches.

[jgg13]

Not the Blossom Ct Pace, that place is like where they send the slow employees or something

[nsenada]

Mike and Patty's pulled pork torta is amazing (though next time I'm trying the croque madame)

Second Chacarero (regular chicken) and basically anything at Sam La Grassa's (especially pastrami, brisket, and the Cuban sandwich).

Artu for pork, lamb and rotisserie chicken hot sandwiches, and basil/tomato/mozzarella cold sandwich.

Antico Forno's lamb and red pepper sandwich is really amazing.

Those all currently vie for my favorite sandwich.

-----
Antico Forno
93 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113

Chacarero
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[baldbert]

Vinny's at Night-- Chicken Parm.
Baraka- Chicken Sandwich w/fries
Bob's in Medford- Steak Tips w/ hots
Sherman's- BLT w/sliced Apples
Chacaero- Chicken Sandwich
Sabra- Chicken Shwarma
Sami- Falafel with pickles
AssBar- Beef on a Weck, Turkey, Cranberry Relish, Stuffing and Gravy

-----
Baraka Cafe
80 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[greygarious]

http://search.chow.com/search?query=b...

Are you researching a book or article? I notice that your previous posts ask the same question for different cities.

[captainlou]

nope -- just making a sandwich-themed vacation of boston and NYC.

[Blumie]

My favorite Boston sandwich: Chacarero (a year or two or go, I switched from the Chicken version to the Beef, with the works, extra, extra spicy).

My favorite NYC sandwich probably is Katz's pastrami on rye with a side of fries (ordered from the counter, not table service).

-----
Chacarero
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[Alcachofa]

If you will be near the North End, Volle Nolle has some of the highest quality sandwiches in town.

-----
Volle Nolle
351 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

[Wannabfoode]

2nd volle nolle

[StriperGuy]

Boston is not the strongest sandwich city, but two items that are particularly good here are the Vietnamese Bahn Mi Sandwich at Mei Sum in Chinatown, or the Chacarero sandwich also in downtown Boston.

The Cuban Sandwich at Chez Henri in Cambridge is also a noteworthy contender.

-----
Chez Henri
1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Chacarero
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[Gordough]

If you want a "sandwich" that is unique to Boston/New England, stop by Neptune Oyster in the North End and get the best lobster roll in town. If you are just looking for a typical sandwich selection with very high quality ingredients, check out Sam LaGrassa's on Province Street.

[TroyOLeary]

Sam LaGrassa's was the sandwich place Guy Fieri visited while filming his Food Network show here last summer. They have the best pastrami in the city (in my opinion) and their Chipolte Pastrami sandwich is amazing.

I'd also recommend All-Star Sandwich Bar in Inman Square. My favorite there is the roast beef w/ horseradish, with a side of 3 deviled eggs for $0.99.

[nsenada]

Haven't been to ASSBar in a while - that brisket sandwich of theirs was great. I also like typing "ASSBar."

[Gabatta]

I think their pastrami is some of the best I have had anywhere.

[StriperGuy]

You need to go to Katz's in NYC.

[Gabatta]

I've been.

I'm not saying LaGrassa's is better, but it is probably just as satisfying an experience for me personally. There are plenty of other things in NYC which Boston has no answer for.

[StriperGuy]

Our pastrami tastebuds clearly come from totally different universes. LaGrassa's just tweaks up a commercial product.

Honestly in my book, not even in the same ballpark.

[kimfair1]

I'm with you StriperGuy, I love Sam LaGrassa'a pastrami, and I like Michael's in Cooldige Corner, but I can't put them anywhere near the same league as Katz's. I'm going to NYC in November, and I can't wait to get a pastrami. I'm already drooling!

[yumyum]

The other thing is LaGrassa's is Roumanian style, which is a little sweeter.

Tip the cutters at Katz while they are serving you and you'll get just a little extra. ;-) It's my favorite sandwich in the world, although I usually just buy the pastrami and lock it in the trunk for the drive home. By the time I hit the pike I am going WILD.

[kimfair1]

I always tip my Katz's cutter! And I ask for extra pickles and pickled tomatoes!

[BobB]

I agree there's no pastrami in Boston that comes close to the good stuff in NYC. Corned beef, however - different story. I had the great culinary good fortune to eat at Michael's and Second Avenue Deli in the same week last spring, and while Second Avenue won on most counts (gotta love a place that gives you gribnetz as an amuse-bouche!), Michael's corned beef was distinctly better.

[Blumie]

Sorry, just need to hop on the bandwagon. Boston has no answer for Katz's pastrami. (I tip the slicer not because I'm looking for a bigger sandwich, but because it's part of the wonderful ritual of the place!)

[cing2x]

Katz's best is better than LaGrassa's but I think LaGrassa's is better at turning out a consistent product. I've had pastrami's at Katz's a few times that has been too lean even when I've specifically said "not too lean". Also, the light rye at LaGrassa's is way better than the rye bread at Katz's.

[FoodDabbler]

But they give you a piece to taste at Katz's, and you can see them slice it in front of you. Surely you could have just asked them to cut from another slab?

[Blumie]

I've been to katz's and lagrassa's many times and like them both. If they were next door to each other, though, i would never return to lagrassa's.

[Gabatta]

I haven't been there often or recently enough to tell, however the funny thing about the whole Katz's obsession here is that many of my friends in family still in NYC feel it has really slipped in quality over the years while prices have gone up. In consensus, they previously preferred 2nd Ave Deli, and now have other go to options for their pastrami fix. I'm not saying Katz's isn't quite good, but I think it's quite amusing how it is over romanticized here and other places (e.g. Man v Food).

[9lives]

I have a funny Katz's story. I was meeting my bro there. He got the drinks while I got the pastami. I was carrying them on a tray and also a small duffel bag. The tables are close and I brushed the shoulder ofan older gent at his table. He said watch it, you just banged my shoulder. I said sorry, I'm trying to get these sandwiches to the table. Then he asks me, "what's more important,my shoulder or the pastrami. I exchange looks with my bro who was now behind me and asked the guy if he really wanted the answer to that question. His whole table started laughing and so did he.

We had a few laughs through the meal and he got in last lick. Wacked me in the shoulder with his wife's handbag on the way out..not hard, just in fun.

[celeriac]

All this talk of ASSBar and nobody has mentioned the Atomic Meatloaf Sandwich? For shame! By far the most consistently awesome thing I've had there.. though greasy enough to give me pause.

[nsenada]

That is a great sandwich, and an opportunity for additional mentions of ASSBar, which is good. The Parish's meatloaf sandwich is also great.

[jgg13]

I too enjoy the atomic meatloaf at the ASSBar. Speaking of, I still say that they need to open a Tavern In The Square over next door to it.