Boston Area's Best Sandwiches: A Food Tour Guide Part I

By Adam Branco

Sandwiches don’t need much introduction. I love sandwiches, you love sandwiches. Let’s get into some of my favorites in the Boston area.

A North End Institution at Monica's

Monica’s:  Located on Salem St in the North End, their Italian sub is one of the essentials for sandwich enthusiasts in the area. It's giant, they don't skimp out on portions, and it can easily be split among two people. I also love their Andy Boy and their Italian sausage special, and for non-meat eaters, the caprese is very popular. Fair warning, this place has gotten TikTok-ified in the past couple of years, so the lines can get egregious at peak hours.

The Freshest Store in Town at New Deal Fruit

New Deal Fruit: In a bit of no man's land transit-wise, this Revere institution is a legitimate pilgrimage spot for sandwich lovers in the Boston area. Their special Italian is truly spectacular. If someone told me they think it’s better than Monica’s, I wouldn’t argue with them. They have an enormous menu of sandwiches, just go and eat there.

A Guy Fieri-Worthy Spot at Cutty's

Cutty’s: As seen on Triple D, you’ll see this remarkably popular Brookline shop on any Boston sandwich list, and for good reason. My favorite is the Rabe T.J., which has broccoli rabe, mozzarella, sharp provolone, and tomato jam on a sesame seed roll.

Photo courtesy of Cutty's

Somerville's Best Sandwiches at Dave's Fresh Pasta

Dave’s Fresh Pasta: One of my very favorite shops and the one I probably go to the most on this list, this Davis Square spot is a staple among Somerville locals. I’ve been partial to their Steak & Blue lately, but they have over 40 sandwiches and wraps to choose from, and you can also customize your own if nothing on the menu entices you. Dave’s also sells homemade pasta (hence the name), a bunch of terrific wine, and specialty groceries. I’ve also done multiple free wine tastings. Coming here will not be a one-time occasion.

A Highlight of Boston's Vietnamese Scene at Ba Le

Ba Le: One of the best sandwich shops in Boston? Yes. The best bang for your buck meal? Possibly. This Vietnamese shop in Dorchester does brilliant banh mi sandwiches for maybe $8, and they now have a second location by the Malden Center stop. Each one is served with homemade mayo, fish sauce, scallion oil, cucumber, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, and optional hots, making them fragrant and balanced without leaving you feeling terrible afterward. I love their spicy beef, but you can't go wrong with whatever they serve. Don’t worry about the line, either. They move very quickly.

Filipino Offerings at Johnny Boy

Johnny Boy: The newest addition to this list, this Union Square gem that's now back to being a pop-up and looking for a permanent home is the only Filipino sandwich spot in the area and is quickly becoming one of the best around. Their fried chicken sandwich is served with a Maple sweet potato bun, double-dredged fried chicken thighs, pickled papaya, and sweet & vinegar adobo sauce, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one in the area. Their breakfast sandwich is also fantastic, but that’s for another article.

Top Shelf, Low Brow at the Quiet Few

The Quiet Few: A near-weekly go-to when I lived on Sumner St in East Boston for 2 years, this is one of the neighborhood’s great casual weekend spots and serves some terrific fried chicken sandwiches. Their Nashville hot is a menu staple, but the chicken parm sub they do in the colder weather is one of the city’s great comfort meals. Additionally, the Abe Maisel (the steak sandwich shown above) was a menu special back in 2023, and it's still one of the best things I've eaten in Boston. Bonus points for washing it down with a spicy pickleback or two.

Join Up & Adam Food Tours

Excellent news, the Italian from Monica's is now part of my North End Food Tour! Check out upandamfoodtours.com, and email me at info@upandadamfoodtours.com or message me at (508) 271-7124 for more details.