Next to the lobster roll, the roast beef sandwich is one of the most popular and widely debated sandwiches in the state. The niche categorization of these sandwiches is “North Shore Beef,” stemming from Kelly’s in Revere, MA where the Massachusetts-style roast beef sandwich originated in 1951.
The original sandwich consists of a sesame-seeded bun, a heaping mound of thinly sliced roast beef, lettuce, and tomato. Additional toppings like cheese and sauce depend on the style of roast beef sandwich ordered, with three-way— consisting of mayo, BBQ sauce, and American cheese— the shop’s most popular. As stated on the Kelly’s Roast Beef website, they’re “home of the original 3-way.” While Kelly’s is a well-known fan-favorite with five locations in the state including Revere, Medford, Saugus, Dedham, and Danvers, there are dozens of other spots to get your fix.
The most popular roast beef sandwiches in Massachusetts
With over 100 responses, Bostonians proved to be very enthusiastic (and opinionated) about the best roast beef sandwiches in the state. We sifted through to find the 15 most popular, that need to be on your radar!
- Mino’s – Lynn, MA
- Kelly’s
- Nick’s – Beverly, MA
- Zeno’s – Ipswich, MA
- Modern Butcher – Danvers, MA
- Billy’s Roast Beef and Seafood – Wakefield, MA
- Brother’s Roast Beef and Pizza – Brookline, MA
- Murphy’s Eats & Treats – Framingham, MA
- Joe’s Variety – Watertown, MA
- Royal Roast Beef – East Boston
- Bella’s – Andover, MA
- Jamie’s – Peabody, MA
- Pete’s – Woburn, MA
- Glen’s – Malden, MA
- Bill & Bob’s Roast Beef – Salem, MA
Our editor’s pick is Cusser’s in Boston’s West End and Fenway neighborhoods. Their roast beef is made with wagyu— creating an irresistible melt-in-your mouth texture. Try our editor’s pick— the 80T— made with rare wagyu beef, pickled red onions, cheddar, and Thoreau sauce. They also have a Cusser’s three-way on the menu. Read on to discover the top recommended roast beef sandwiches from your fellow Bostonians!