Beyond Subway: 5 Massachusetts Sandwich Chains That Flop And 5 That Totally Deliver
When hunger strikes in Massachusetts, sandwich shops are everywhere, but not all are created equal.
I’ve spent years chomping through the Bay State’s bread-and-filling offerings, from Cape Cod to the Berkshires.
Some chains left me with a bad taste, while others had me coming back for seconds and thirds.
Let’s unwrap the truth about which Massachusetts sandwich spots deserve your hard-earned dollars and which should be skipped altogether.
1. Subway: The Stale Standard
Remember when Subway seemed revolutionary? I do. In college, I practically lived on their $5 footlongs. Fast forward to today, and the shine has seriously worn off this ubiquitous chain.
The bread emerges from their ovens with that unmistakable chemical smell that lingers on your fingers for hours. Their vegetables often look tired and translucent, like they’ve been sitting in those plastic containers since the Red Sox last won the World Series.
What’s worse is the meat—paper-thin and processed beyond recognition. Massachusetts deserves better than these assembly-line sandwiches that taste the same whether you’re in Pittsfield or Provincetown. The cookie-cutter approach might work for consistency, but consistently mediocre isn’t something to brag about.
2. Boston Market: Sandwich Side Hustle Gone Wrong
Boston Market’s name suggests local roots, but their sandwich game falls flatter than a failed soufflé. Last summer, I stopped at their Medford location hoping their sandwiches would match their rotisserie fame.
Boy, was I mistaken! Their bread lacks character—it’s merely a bland vehicle for dry, stringy meat that somehow manages to be both flavorless and overly salty. The market-style setup promises freshness but delivers disappointment.
Staff often seem confused when you order anything besides their signature chicken. With dwindling Massachusetts locations, it’s clear I’m not the only one underwhelmed. The chain seems to have forgotten that Massachusetts diners expect more than just a famous Boston name—we want substance behind the style.
3. Papa Gino’s Sandwiches: Stick To The Pizza, Folks
Papa Gino’s holds a nostalgic place in my heart from childhood birthday parties, but their sandwich venture should’ve stayed on the drawing board. During a road trip through central Mass last fall, I gambled on their Italian sub instead of my usual pepperoni pizza.
The bread arrived soggy in the middle yet somehow tough at the edges—a culinary paradox I didn’t think possible. Their meats lack the zesty punch you’d expect from a proper Italian sub, and the cheese melts into a strange, plasticky layer rather than complementing the other ingredients.
For a chain with such deep Massachusetts roots (born in East Boston!), their sandwiches feel like an afterthought. The employees even seem to silently judge sandwich orders, their eyes practically screaming, “Just get the pizza instead!”
4. Not Your Average Joe’s: Ironically Very Average Sandwiches
The name sets expectations sky-high, but their sandwich execution crashes back to earth with a thud. During a business lunch in Watertown, I ordered their “famous” chicken sandwich, wondering if it would live up to the restaurant’s confident name.
Spoiler alert: it didn’t. The bread-to-filling ratio was way off, with thick, doughy bread overwhelming the skimpy fillings. The menu descriptions promise flavor explosions with fancy-sounding aiolis and “artisanal” toppings, but my taste buds needed a magnifying glass to find them.
Their prices sting extra hard when you realize you’re paying premium dollars for decidedly non-premium sandwiches. For a place that prides itself on being extraordinary, their sandwich offerings are forgettably ordinary—the ultimate Massachusetts dining sin in a state packed with exceptional food options.
5. D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches: Hit Or Miss Hometown Hero
Growing up in Massachusetts, D’Angelo was our go-to sandwich spot after Little League games. Today, their inconsistency makes them the Jekyll and Hyde of local chains. One Dedham location serves perfection; the next in Marlborough delivers disappointment.
Their Number 9 (steak, cheese, and mushrooms) can be transcendent when made with care—but too often arrives with chewy steak and barely-there cheese. The bread quality varies wildly between locations, sometimes fresh and other times stale enough to use as a hockey puck.
Staff training seems equally inconsistent. Some employees build sandwiches with artistic precision, while others slap ingredients together like they’re losing a race against time. When they’re good, they’re very good, but the gamble makes them land on the flop side more often than not.
6. Kelly’s Roast Beef: Seaside Sandwich Perfection
Nothing says Massachusetts summer like standing in line at Kelly’s Revere Beach location, ocean breeze in your hair, waiting for that perfect roast beef sandwich. My first Kelly’s experience at age ten ruined all other roast beef sandwiches for life.
Their signature sandwich features impossibly thin-sliced, pink-in-the-middle beef piled high on a grilled buttery roll. The meat is so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue. Their secret sauce—a tangy, slightly sweet concoction—ties everything together in sandwich harmony.
Kelly’s hasn’t changed their recipe since 1951, and thank goodness for that. The no-frills atmosphere and focus on quality ingredients make this Massachusetts institution a standout. Whether you’re at their original Revere location or one of their newer spots, that first bite consistently delivers a taste of authentic New England sandwich mastery.
7. Sam LaGrassa’s: Downtown Boston’s Sandwich Royalty
The line stretching down Province Street at lunchtime tells you everything about Sam LaGrassa’s before you even taste their legendary sandwiches. My first visit involved a 30-minute wait that felt like seconds once that Chipotle Pastrami hit my taste buds.
Their pastrami undergoes a meticulous two-week curing process before being smoked to perfection. The meat arrives warm, with edges properly charred and interior melt-in-your-mouth tender. Each sandwich towers so high you’ll question your jaw’s capacity before somehow managing to take that glorious first bite.
Family-owned since 1968, Sam’s refuses to cut corners even as they’ve gained national acclaim. Their bread arrives fresh twice daily from local bakeries, and their housemade mustards and dressings elevate already premium ingredients. This downtown Boston institution proves that sandwich-making is indeed an art form worth mastering.
8. All Star Sandwich Bar: Cambridge’s Creative Genius
Walking into All Star Sandwich Bar in Cambridge’s Inman Square feels like entering sandwich nirvana. The chalkboard menu changes regularly, showcasing creations that would make conventional sandwich shops blush with inadequacy.
Their Atomic Meatloaf Meltdown changed my life—spicy meatloaf, jack cheese, and caramelized onions on sourdough with a kick of inner warmth that lasts for hours. Owner Kosta Diamantopoulos approaches sandwiches with a chef’s mentality rather than an assembly line worker’s.
Each offering tells a story through thoughtfully combined ingredients. The Texas Reuben with smoked brisket instead of corned beef demonstrates their willingness to respectfully remix classics. Even their side pickles deserve attention—house-brined with distinctive spice blends. This Cambridge institution proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully between two slices of bread.
9. Monica’s Mercato: North End Italian Sandwich Heaven
Tucked away on Salem Street in Boston’s North End, Monica’s Mercato isn’t just a sandwich shop—it’s a cultural experience. My Italian coworker Marco insisted I try their sandwiches, claiming they rivaled his nonna’s cooking (high praise indeed).
The Italian sandwich arrives on crusty bread from a nearby bakery, layered with imported meats sliced tissue-thin. Provolone, roasted red peppers, and just the right amount of oil and vinegar create perfect balance. The shop itself buzzes with activity—part grocery, part deli, all authentic.
Family-owned for generations, Monica’s refuses to compromise on ingredients. Their prosciutto comes directly from Italy, and their homemade mozzarella puts chain stores to shame. The sandwich makers work with practiced precision, wrapping each creation in white butcher paper with a flourish that says, “We’ve been doing this right for decades, and we’re not about to stop now.”
10. Roxy’s Grilled Cheese: Food Truck Fame Done Right
From humble food truck beginnings to Boston sandwich stardom, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese proves that simplicity executed perfectly beats complexity every time. My first Green Muenster (muenster cheese, bacon, and guacamole on sourdough) made me question why I’d ever eaten lesser grilled cheese sandwiches.
Their bread achieves the golden ratio of crispiness to chewiness—buttery and browned on the outside while maintaining softness inside. The cheese pulls into Instagram-worthy stretches with each bite. Founder James DiSabatino started with one food truck and a passion for elevated comfort food that resonated with Massachusetts sandwich lovers.
Beyond their signature grilled cheese, their Mighty Rib Melt with fontina and braised short ribs demonstrates their ability to balance innovation with accessibility. The casual vibe of their brick-and-mortar locations maintains the food truck spirit that made them famous—unpretentious excellence that keeps you coming back.