7 Massachusetts Fast-Food Staples Still Loved Today & 7 That Became Local Legends
Growing up in Massachusetts, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our fast-food scene has transformed over the years. What began as humble roadside stands serving quick bites has blossomed into iconic local institutions that define the Bay State’s flavor.
Some chains have endured for decades, weaving themselves into our daily routines and becoming a familiar comfort across towns and cities.
Others have risen to legendary status, creating lasting food memories that families continue to pass down through generations. From fried clams to classic burgers, each spot tells a story. Join me on this flavorful journey through Massachusetts’ most beloved fast-food treasures!
1. Dunkin’ – The Morning Ritual That Fuels Massachusetts
Orange and pink boxes brighten even the gloomiest New England morning! As a lifelong Massachusetts resident, I can’t count how many times Dunkin’ has rescued my day with their signature coffee and donuts.
The chain started as a single shop in Quincy back in 1950, and now you’ll find one on practically every corner. Their iced coffee flows year-round, regardless of snowstorms or freezing temperatures.
Nothing feels more Massachusetts than clutching that familiar cup while navigating traffic. The recent rebrand dropping ‘Donuts’ from the name caused quite the stir, but our loyalty remains unshaken. Dunkin’ isn’t just breakfast—it’s our state’s lifeblood.
2. Kelly’s Roast Beef – Revere Beach’s Sandwich Sensation
My first Kelly’s experience happened during a summer thunderstorm—huddled under their awning, biting into that perfect roast beef sandwich while waves crashed nearby. Pure Massachusetts magic!
Since 1951, Kelly’s has been slicing beef paper-thin, piling it high on buttered rolls, and creating sandwich perfection. Their original Revere Beach location claims to have invented the modern roast beef sandwich.
The three-way (James River BBQ sauce, mayo, and cheese) remains their signature order. Lines often stretch down the sidewalk, especially after Red Sox games or summer beach days. Kelly’s expansion hasn’t diminished their quality—each location maintains that seaside charm that made them famous.
3. Papa Gino’s – The Pizza Party Everyone Remembers
Those red-checkered tablecloths and the smell of bubbling cheese! Every childhood sports victory celebration in my town ended at Papa Gino’s, where pizza slices bigger than my face awaited.
Founded in East Boston in 1961 as ‘Piece O’ Pizza,’ this chain spread throughout New England with their distinctively sweet tomato sauce and perfectly crisp crust. Their restaurants feel frozen in time—plastic booths, paper place mats, and that iconic neon sign.
While national chains have invaded our territory, Papa Gino’s holds strong as Massachusetts’ hometown pizza. Recent financial struggles led to some location closures, breaking hearts across the Commonwealth, but loyal fans continue supporting this pizza institution.
4. D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches – Steak Bomb Specialists
I’ll never forget my first D’Angelo Steak Bomb—standing in the Dedham location, sauce dripping down my arm, wondering how I’d lived without it for so long. Pure sandwich revelation!
Born in Massachusetts in 1967, D’Angelo revolutionized the local sandwich scene with their hot grilled offerings. Their Number 9 (the famous Steak Bomb) combines shaved steak, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and melted cheese into a messy masterpiece.
College students across the state survive on their pocket-friendly prices and generous portions. Though they’ve expanded beyond state lines, D’Angelo maintains that distinctly Massachusetts attitude—no-nonsense, hearty food that satisfies without pretension.
5. Boston Market – Rotisserie Revolution
Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house inspired my love for Boston Market. Those golden-brown chickens spinning slowly behind the counter promised comfort in every bite.
Originally named Boston Chicken when it launched in Newton in 1985, this chain brought home-style meals to fast-food speed. Their cornbread, mac and cheese, and creamy spinach sides created the perfect comfort food combination that felt homemade without the work.
Though now a national chain headquartered elsewhere, Massachusetts still claims Boston Market as our own creation. The restaurant filled that perfect niche between fast food and sit-down dining, becoming the go-to for family meals when cooking felt impossible but drive-thrus wouldn’t satisfy.
6. Chick-fil-A – The Newcomer That Won Our Hearts
The line wrapped twice around Burlington Mall the day the first Chick-fil-A opened near me. Massachusetts residents waited hours for chicken sandwiches, proving our dedication to good food knows no bounds!
Despite being late to the Massachusetts scene, Chick-fil-A quickly developed cult status among locals. Their perfectly seasoned chicken sandwiches and waffle fries created instant devotees, while their legendary customer service set new standards.
College campuses fought to bring the chain to their food courts, and new location announcements make local news headlines. The closed-on-Sunday policy initially confused many Massachusetts residents used to 24/7 options, but somehow made the Monday rush even more exciting.
7. McDonald’s – Golden Arches With Massachusetts Flair
My grandfather still talks about taking my mom to the first McDonald’s in Massachusetts back in 1962. The burgers cost 15 cents then—a fact he mentions every time we pass those golden arches.
While McDonald’s exists everywhere, Massachusetts locations developed unique personalities. The Gloucester McDonald’s features nautical decor, while the one near Fenway becomes a post-game celebration spot.
Massachusetts McDonald’s adapted to local tastes with lobster rolls appearing on summer menus—a quirky regional offering that tourists love photographing. During major snowstorms, these restaurants become community gathering spots with their reliable generators and hot coffee. Even as a global chain, McDonald’s somehow feels like part of our local fabric.
8. Casey’s Diner – Natick’s Historic Hot Dog Haven
Stepping into Casey’s feels like time travel! This tiny diner car has been serving the perfect snap-cased hot dogs since 1890, making it one of America’s oldest restaurants.
The Worcester Lunch Car Company built Casey’s iconic structure in 1922, and it’s been drawing lines ever since. Only 10 people fit inside at once, creating an intimate experience where strangers become friends over steamed buns and secret-recipe meat sauce.
Four generations of the Casey family have maintained their famous “all around” dogs—mustard, relish, and onions applied in one perfect motion. Local politicians make campaign stops here, high school students celebrate graduations, and film crews occasionally use it as the perfect New England backdrop. Casey’s isn’t just food; it’s living Massachusetts history.
9. Wahlburgers – Hollywood Fame Meets Hometown Flavor
Celebrity spotting becomes part of the dining experience at Wahlburgers! I once found myself eating next to Mark Wahlberg himself at their Fenway location—he recommended the “Thanksgiving Day” sandwich.
Founded by the famous Wahlberg brothers in 2011, this burger joint blends Hollywood glamour with Dorchester roots. Their menu features items named after family members and Boston references, creating a uniquely Massachusetts experience.
The reality show that documented the restaurant’s growth brought national attention to our local food scene. Their green branding stands out in Boston’s sea of sports-themed establishments. Despite expansion to multiple states, the Fenway location remains a pilgrimage site for fans wanting a taste of authentic Wahlberg family recipes.
10. D.P. Dough – Amherst’s Late-Night Calzone Kingdom
Finals week at UMass Amherst meant one thing—D.P. Dough deliveries arriving at the library at midnight! Their steaming calzones fueled countless all-nighters and became the taste of college survival.
Founded in Amherst in 1987, D.P. Dough created the concept of delivery calzones that spread to college towns nationwide. Their menu featured cleverly-named creations like the “Zone Ranger” and “Time Zone,” becoming part of campus vocabulary.
Students developed almost ritualistic attachments to their favorite combinations. Though the original owners sold the company, the Amherst location maintains legendary status among alumni who make pilgrimages back for a taste of their college days. Many Massachusetts graduates claim they can identify a D.P. Dough calzone blindfolded.
11. Ground Round – Shrewsbury’s Comeback Kid
Free popcorn crunching underfoot and peanut shells scattered everywhere—my childhood Ground Round memories involve throwing food debris with parental permission! Pure restaurant rebellion!
The original Ground Round chain, founded in 1969, pioneered family-friendly dining with cartoon screenings and pay-what-you-weigh kids’ meals. Their Shrewsbury location became particularly beloved for birthday celebrations and post-game team dinners.
When the parent company suddenly closed all corporate locations in 2004, Massachusetts mourned the loss. Remarkably, former franchise owners banded together to revive the brand, keeping locations like Shrewsbury alive. This phoenix-like resurrection created an even stronger bond with loyal customers who rallied to support the local comeback story.
12. Friendly’s – The Ice Cream Empire Born in Springfield
My first Fribble came with a plastic baseball helmet dish that I still keep on my bookshelf! Friendly’s wasn’t just restaurant—it was the backdrop for every childhood celebration.
Brothers Curtis and Prestley Blake started with a simple ice cream shop in Springfield during the Great Depression, selling double-dip cones for 5 cents. Their cheerful philosophy of friendly service transformed into a full-service restaurant chain spreading throughout the Northeast.
The Jim Dandy sundae and Fribble shake became Massachusetts lexicon. Despite recent bankruptcies and closures breaking many hearts, Friendly’s maintains fierce loyalty among families who’ve celebrated generations of birthdays beneath their red and white awnings. The remaining locations feel like living museums of Massachusetts food history.
13. Brigham’s – The Ice Cream Institution We Still Miss
Grandpa claimed you could judge a person’s character by whether they chose Brigham’s vanilla or chocolate chip. Our family debates over their ice cream flavors spanned decades!
Founded in Newton in 1914, Brigham’s combined old-fashioned ice cream parlor charm with casual restaurant service. Their signature flavors—especially Big Dig, Raspberry Lime Rickey, and Frozen Pudding—captured distinctive Massachusetts tastes.
Politicians campaigned at Brigham’s counters, and their restaurants became community gathering spots. Though the restaurant chain closed in 2013 and production changed hands, grocery stores still carry some flavors—keeping memories alive. Former locations throughout the state have been repurposed, but Massachusetts residents of a certain age can still describe exactly how their favorite sundae tasted.
14. Bickford’s – Pancake Paradise of Massachusetts Past
Midnight pancakes at Bickford’s after high school dances formed some of my favorite teenage memories. Those sticky maple syrup bottles and endless coffee refills fueled hours of gossip and laughter.
Opening in 1921, Bickford’s pioneered 24-hour dining in Massachusetts, becoming the late-night destination before Denny’s entered the market. Their massive pancakes, served all day, developed a cult following among night owls, early birds, and everyone between.
The distinctive orange roof and colonial decor made each location instantly recognizable. Though most Massachusetts locations closed by the early 2000s, former patrons still compare all pancake houses to Bickford’s standards. A few locations survive in neighboring states, drawing nostalgic Bay Staters willing to cross borders for that familiar taste.