Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Boston's regional sandwich obsession: thin-sliced rare roast beef on a sesame onion roll, lavished with BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, and American cheese (the famous 3-Way).
The North Shore roast beef sandwich (so named for the towns north of Boston) descends from Kelly's Roast Beef in Revere, which opened in 1951 and codified the form: a soft sesame-onion roll, thin-sliced top-round roast beef, BBQ sauce (Kelly's house recipe), and the option of mayo and American cheese. The 3-Way (with all three) became the well-known order. Pauli's in the North End brought the format into downtown Boston.
4 editor picks for North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich in Boston, ranked by editorial score. All Boston signature dishes · North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich across every city.
Pauli's on Salem Street in Boston's North End has rolled lobster rolls and Italian subs since 2014. Best counter-service lobster roll in the city.
OrderHot-buttered lobster roll, full-claw and tail, on a 12-inch bun.
TipOrder the XL roll and split between two. Online order ahead skips the 15-minute counter wait.
James Hook & Co on Atlantic Avenue has sold live lobster and lobster rolls from the harbor wharf in Boston since 1925. Located in Seaport Fort Point.
OrderLobster roll with mayo, $28, served cold on a buttered split-top bun.
TipTake-out window, eat on the waterfront bench out back. The retail counter sells live lobsters at wholesale prices.
Kathy Sidell's Back Bay seafood room on Dartmouth Street has run the tinned-fish-and-crudo agenda in Boston since 2016. At 279 Dartmouth St.
OrderTinned fish board with anchovies, mussels, sardines and butter on toast.
TipThe window counter is the easier walk-in seat at 17:30. Brunch books two weeks out on weekends.
Anna's Taqueria on Harvard Street has run the city's fast-Mexican benchmark in Brookline near Coolidge Corner in Boston since 1995. Priced at $.
OrderSuper burrito with carnitas, rice, beans, salsa and guacamole.
TipOrder the super burrito and split it with a friend. The line at noon moves in five minutes.
North Shore Roast Beef Sandwich makes more sense with someone from Boston explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Sample and learn about iconic Boston dishes as you’re treated to the city’s best spots for Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Boston Baked Beans and Brown Bread ...
Guided tour · 2 hours
Choose a 2-hour express or 3-hour full Boston food tour. Taste clam chowder, arancini, brick oven pizza, cannoli, and more while exploring the North End’s history and ...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Sample Boston's most iconic seafood dishes on a guided walking tour. Enjoy fresh, local favorites and learn about local history during your adventure.