These Massachusetts Food Sayings That Outsiders Have No Idea What They Mean
Massachusetts has its own special language when it comes to food.
Walk into any local eatery and you’ll hear terms that sound completely foreign to anyone not from the Bay State.
From mysterious sandwich names to coffee orders that confuse tourists, these sayings are as much a part of Massachusetts culture as the Red Sox and fall foliage.
Get ready to decode the delicious dialect that makes Massachusetts food culture truly one-of-a-kind.
1. Regular Coffee
Ever walked into a Massachusetts coffee shop and heard someone confidently order a “regular”?
Newcomers might assume that means black coffee, but they’d be totally wrong.
Around here, regular coffee automatically comes loaded with cream and sugar—no questions asked.
This quirky tradition confuses out-of-staters every single time.
If you actually want plain black coffee, you need to specifically say so.
Head to Dunkin’ at City Place, 8 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, to experience this Massachusetts coffee ritual firsthand and join the ranks of locals who know the secret code.
2. Grinder
Forget your kitchen appliances—in Massachusetts, a grinder won’t help you make smoothies.
In the Bay State, a grinder is a massive Italian-style sandwich piled high with cold cuts, provolone, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and finished with oil and vinegar.
The name is said to come from how much work your jaw has to do getting through all those bold, layered bites.
Other states call them subs, hoagies, or heroes, but Massachusetts locals stick firmly to grinder—and they mean it.
One of the most legendary places to experience the real thing is Al’s State Street Cafe, located at 114 State St, Boston, MA 02109.
Their oversized Italian grinders are packed edge to edge, unapologetically messy, and exactly what locals picture when they use the word.
3. Scrod
Scrod sounds like some ancient sea creature lurking in Massachusetts waters, but it’s actually much simpler.
This isn’t a specific fish species at all—it’s a term for young, fresh white fish, typically cod or haddock.
The word likely comes from an old Dutch term meaning “shred” or small piece.
Restaurants use scrod on their menus when they want to serve whatever fresh catch came in that day.
Union Oyster House at 41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 has been serving classic scrod dishes since 1826, making it the perfect spot to taste this Massachusetts seafood staple prepared the traditional way.
4. North Shore Beef
North Shore beef isn’t a special breed of cattle—it’s a mouthwatering sandwich style unique to Massachusetts coastal towns.
These sandwiches feature mountains of thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned roast beef piled impossibly high on toasted buns.
The meat is usually cooked rare to medium-rare and served with special sauce combinations.
Locals typically order these sandwiches “three-way” with mayo, cheese, and barbecue sauce.
Kelly’s Roast Beef at 410 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 02151 has been slinging these legendary sandwiches since 1951, creating a North Shore tradition that keeps people coming back for more delicious beef every single time.
5. Bar Pizza
Bar pizza has nothing to do with drinking—it’s all about the unique preparation method that makes South Shore Massachusetts famous.
These pizzas feature super thin, crispy crusts baked in well-seasoned pans, then cut into small squares instead of triangular slices.
The edges get wonderfully crunchy while the center stays perfectly cheesy.
This style originated in neighborhood taverns decades ago and remains wildly popular today.
Town Spa Pizza at 1119 Washington St, Stoughton, MA 02072 serves up authentic bar pizza that locals swear by, maintaining the traditional methods that make this Massachusetts pizza style absolutely unforgettable and worth every crispy bite.
6. Fluffernutter
Fluffernutter might sound like complete nonsense, but it’s a beloved Massachusetts sandwich invention that’s been around for over a century.
This sweet treat combines creamy peanut butter with marshmallow fluff spread between two slices of soft white bread.
Marshmallow Fluff was actually invented right here in Massachusetts, making this sandwich a true Bay State original.
Kids and adults alike still enjoy this sticky, sweet classic.
The Durkee-Mower Factory Site 2 Empire St, Lynn, MA 01902 marks where Fluff was born, cementing this area’s place in delicious sandwich history that continues sweetening childhoods across New England today.
7. Hot Dog Roll
Hot dog rolls in Massachusetts look completely different from the bottom-split buns found elsewhere in America.
New England-style buns feature a split down the top and flat sides that get perfectly toasted on a griddle until golden brown.
This design keeps fillings secure and adds delicious buttery crunch to every bite.
These rolls are absolutely essential for authentic lobster rolls too.
James Hook & Co. at 440 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 uses these classic split-top rolls for their famous lobster rolls, showcasing exactly why Massachusetts residents refuse to settle for any other bun style when serving their favorite seafood.
8. Three-Way Roast Beef Order
Ordering a sandwich “three-way” on the Massachusetts North Shore has nothing to do with quantity—it’s all about the toppings.
This specific combination includes mayonnaise, melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce slathered over mountains of thinly sliced roast beef.
The three sauces blend together creating a flavor explosion that North Shore residents absolutely crave.
Visitors often have no clue what three-way means until they try one themselves.
Nick’s Roast Beef at 139 Dodge St, Beverly, MA 01915 perfects the three-way sandwich, serving up this regional specialty exactly how locals love it with generous portions and perfect sauce ratios every time.