7 Sandwich Spots in Massachusetts Locals Share by Word of Mouth

Massachusetts is filled with delis, cafés, and hole-in-the-wall spots where the sandwiches are so good people can’t help but tell their friends. These aren’t always the places you’ll find in guidebooks, but they’re where locals send you if you ask for “the best sandwich around.”

From stuffed Italian subs to inventive handhelds, here are seven Massachusetts sandwich shops that spread more by word of mouth than by big signs.

1. Cutty’s (Brookline)

When a sandwich shop’s reputation grows quietly through the community, you know something special is happening behind the counter. At Cutty’s in Brookline, locals can’t stop talking about the roast beef sandwich topped with crispy shallots. People mention the once-a-month fried chicken sandwich day in the same breath as local holidays.

The vibe inside is relaxed, almost homey, with a steady flow of regulars and newcomers. The black pepper brioche and house-made dressings speak of careful detail, and you notice staff taking pride in each order. Conversations hum in the background, mostly about which sandwich to try next.

It’s the kind of spot where friends bring out-of-towners to show off Massachusetts’ food culture. While menus rotate, word travels fast when the best items are back. Unlike flashy chains, the team at Cutty’s relies on quality and consistency to bring people back week after week.

2. Sam LaGrassa’s (Boston)

Standing in line at Sam LaGrassa’s at noon, you’ll overhear tips from folks who’ve been coming for decades. One might nudge you toward the chipotle pastrami, while another talks up the corned beef with Swiss. This family-run spot has built its reputation on hearty, generously filled sandwiches.

Inside, the place hums with energy as staff expertly slice and stack meats high on rye or soft rolls. Each bite feels substantial, thanks to the quality ingredients and careful preparation. The menu rarely changes, and regulars appreciate the predictability and tradition.

Locals swear by Sam LaGrassa’s for lunch breaks that feel both comforting and satisfying. Some Boston natives claim they haven’t found a better pastrami sandwich anywhere else in the state. The deli’s low-key charm matches its loyal following and keeps the word-of-mouth buzz alive.

3. White Rose Pantry (South Easton)

Friends in South Easton tend to mention White Rose Pantry in hushed, almost protective tones. It’s the kind of shop where you might spot the same faces each week, all craving a turkey sandwich with cranberry chutney or roast pork layered with sharp provolone. There’s a genuine sense of community here.

The shop itself is understated, relying on carefully crafted sandwiches to do the talking. Staff greet customers by name, and handwritten menu boards change with the seasons. The sandwiches manage to feel both gourmet and comforting at the same time.

Locals quietly brag about the flavor combinations, suggesting that White Rose Pantry might be the best-kept secret in South Easton. It’s never loud or flashy, just quietly excellent, exactly the type of place Massachusetts residents love to champion. Visitors leave with full stomachs and a new favorite lunch spot to talk about.

4. Rondo’s Submarine Sandwiches (South Boston)

Rondo’s Submarine Sandwiches doesn’t need fancy marketing or a trendy makeover. Locals have depended on this South Boston classic for as long as many can remember. The steady hands behind the counter assemble massive Italian subs and steak and cheese sandwiches with the kind of speed you only get from years of practice.

Regulars often show up in work boots and order without checking the menu. The shop’s atmosphere is casual and straightforward, with a certain no-nonsense charm. You’ll catch kids and grandparents alike stopping by for their favorite cold cuts.

For people who grew up nearby, the food at Rondo’s tastes like home. Out-of-towners are handed directions here as soon as they ask about a real Massachusetts sub shop. The simplicity is its strength, and the sandwiches are always worth the trip.

5. Kelly’s Roast Beef (Revere Beach and beyond)

Few places feel more iconic to Massachusetts than Kelly’s Roast Beef. Since 1951, families have lined up at the original Revere Beach spot for roast beef sandwiches paired with seaside air. Some folks insist that sitting on the beach with a Kelly’s sandwich is a rite of passage.

Inside, staff move quickly to keep up with demand, slicing roast beef thin and stacking it high on soft rolls. The menu has grown over the years, but locals say the classic order remains unbeatable. It’s not just about the sandwich, it’s about the tradition and the memories made there.

Kelly’s has expanded, but old-timers still send friends to the Revere Beach location for the “real” experience. If you ask around Massachusetts for a good roast beef sandwich, Kelly’s comes up again and again. It’s a true staple that people love to share.

6. Armando’s Pizza and Subs (Cambridge)

You might walk into Armando’s expecting only pizza, but it’s the subs that keep locals coming back. The Italian cold cut sandwich, loaded with layers of meat, cheese, and fresh veggies, has earned a loyal following. There’s a neighborly feel here, with regulars exchanging greetings with staff.

The shop’s walls are covered in family photos and mementos, hinting at decades of history. Customers often chat about their favorites, debating which sub deserves top billing on the menu. Each sandwich is prepared with a straightforward, unfussy approach.

Armando’s has a reputation that spreads quietly through Cambridge neighborhoods. When someone shares their favorite sandwich spot, this one is sure to get a mention. It’s a reminder that in Massachusetts, the best places sometimes hide in plain sight.

7. Mortadella Head (Somerville)

With its playful approach to Italian-American sandwiches, Mortadella Head has made quite a splash in Somerville. The menu reads like a greatest-hits playlist, featuring fresh mozzarella, spicy spreads, and plenty of hearty meats. This isn’t your average sub shop; there’s a sense of creativity in every bite.

The staff seem to enjoy experimenting with new combinations, and regulars are always eager to try what’s next. Graffiti-style art and lively music give the place a youthful energy. Even though it’s been getting more attention, most people still hear about it from friends instead of food blogs.

Locals like to say you haven’t really experienced Massachusetts’ new sandwich wave until you’ve eaten here. The buzz keeps building, but Mortadella Head still feels grounded in the community. It’s the kind of spot where word of mouth is the real marketing plan.