The fastest, cheapest, frequently best food on Boston's streets.
Vendors, food trucks and stalls: the cheapest, fastest, frequently best food in Boston.
Pauli's on Salem Street has rolled lobster rolls and Italian subs in Boston's North End since 2014. Booking recommended. Reservations advised.
TryLobster roll, hot or cold
TipOrder ahead online to skip the counter wait. The XL roll splits between two; the classic is the single.
James Hook & Co on Atlantic Avenue has sold lobster rolls from the harbour wharf in Boston since 1925. Open mon-fri 10:00-19:00, sat-sun 10:00-18:00.
TryLobster roll on a butter-toasted bun
Tip$28 mayo-bound roll, $32 hot-butter roll. The seating outside the window overlooks the harbour; bring lunch on a sunny day.
Jennifer Nguyen has rolled banh mi at Ba Le on Dorchester Avenue in Boston since 1996. Boston Legacy Business Award 2025, baguette baked fresh daily.
TryBBQ pork banh mi
TipBBQ pork is the classic combination, $7 sandwich. Cash and card both. The bun bo Hue is the under-ordered noodle order.
Gene's on Bedford Street has hand-pulled wheat noodles and folded Xi'an flatbread in Boston's Downtown Crossing since 2013. Located in Chinatown.
TryHand-pulled cumin lamb noodles
TipCash only. Hand-pulled cumin lamb noodles are the menu order. Closed Sunday and Mondays in winter; line by 11:30.
Irene Li's Mei Mei Dumplings runs the South Boston dumpling factory and cafe in Boston since 2012. Open mon-fri 11:00-20:00, sat-sun 10:00-21:00.
TryLemongrass pork dumplings
TipOrder at the counter; dumpling-making classes book on the website. The five-spice tofu mushroom is the under-ordered vegan dumpling.
Haymarket on Blackstone Street has run Boston's oldest open-air market since 1830. 50 vendors selling produce, fish and fruit at wholesale prices.
TryProduce, fish, fruit at penny prices
TipSaturday late afternoon brings the wholesale-clearance prices. Cash only at most stalls.
Anna's Taqueria on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner Brookline has run the city's fast-casual Mexican benchmark in Boston since 1995. Open daily 10:00-23:30.
TrySuper burrito
TipSuper burrito $11; split between two. Open until 23:30 daily.
Santarpio's on Chelsea Street has grilled charcoal lamb skewers next to its East Boston pizzeria in Boston since 1933. Located in North End.
TryCharcoal-grilled lamb skewers with bread
TipTake the Blue Line to Maverick. Order one of each (lamb and sausage) plus pies for the table; no reservations.
Guided tour · 1h 30m
Immerse yourself in the ghostly mysteries of Boston’s historic streets. Learn the history, heroism, and horror surrounding you on this walking tour of the city's stran...
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 ...