For as food-obsessed as Somerville claims to be, lunch breaks here don’t always feature much discovery. Sandwich shops tend to be predictable, rushed, assembly-line affairs, generally not conducive to tasting anything beyond what you already know. But if you choose the right places, you’ll find a world of creative fillings waiting to be devoured. Here are the spots where you can make that happen.
S&L Subs
$ | (617) 884-9381 | WEBSITE
Even after years in business, a few renovations, and some menu tweaks, the beloved S&L Subs remains a go-to spot for the neighborhood, one that’s a perfect mix of every Somerville sandwich lover. You’ll see families with kids grabbing free donuts, construction workers on lunch break, students cramming for exams, and regulars who know to ask for salami cooked in with the steak bomb. Whatever your craving is, chances are at least one sub at this iconic sandwich shop hits the spot.
And remember: this is a casual joint, so come for generous portions, affordable prices, and friendly service that makes you feel at home.
D’Agostino’s Delicatessen
$ | (781) 728-6188 | WEBSITE
If you’re ready to eat like it’s 1985 and the word ‘artisanal’ has no meaning, head to this Somerville deli on a weekday afternoon. During lunch hours, D’Agostino’s stays pretty straightforward. Everything changes once the weekend rolls around: you’ll find families sharing tables and a steady, friendly crowd. It won’t be awkward (if you don’t make it awkward) to chat with the regulars at the counter.
Just mention the Italian sub behind the glass—whoever thought of stacking it that high clearly wants people talking about it.
Salem Food Market
$ | (781) 326-9820 | WEBSITE
A large chunk of sandwich shops in Somerville have a well-deserved reputation for being overpriced, tourist-clogged hell traps. Salem Food Market is the antithesis of all of that. The Dedham Center gem is a place people go to grab a cheap sub and actually taste the quality. The turkey and meatball subs are everything you’ve ever wanted.
Code 10
$ | (617) 375-6333 | WEBSITE
Code 10 sits along a bustling Somerville street, a stretch of Massachusetts dotted with neighborhood spots for students and young professionals. If you consider sandwich shops your preferred lunch destination, come here and strike up a conversation with the person holding a tuna melt sitting next to you.
This perennially popular family-owned shop only has a few small tables and counter seats, but if you wait around long enough, you’ll eventually find a spot to enjoy a Chicken Parm Panini while making plans to grab another sandwich tomorrow.
Fresh Boston
$ | (617) 315-7090 | WEBSITE
This sandwich shop tucked away in Somerville has all the neighborhood charm and culinary delight you could ever want. Think fresh ingredients, welcoming smiles, artisanal bread, and of course, standout sandwiches. While the after-work crowd really fills up around 6pm when folks stop by for drinks, you’re better off arriving early to snag a prime seat. That way you’ll experience a more relaxed dining atmosphere, too.
Chat with the friendly staff and then wonder why it took you this long to discover the Porchetta Papi.
Figaro’s Boston
$ | (617) 426-2121 | WEBSITE
Figaro’s Boston comes from the same family as many other beloved local sandwich shops in the area. But if visions of fancy, overpriced gourmet sandwiches with tiny portions are flowing through your head right now, take a pause. Figaro’s Boston is surprisingly straightforward, and easy to get into. That said, it’s also delicious as hell. Expect oversized sandwiches most days of the week, homemade focaccia rolls as a special, and crispy panini-pressed bread that satisfies in a hurry.
The service is always fast, friendly, top-notch, and definitely ready to make you feel like family.
Papa Gino’s
$ | (781) 273-3020 | WEBSITE
At Papa Gino’s, you wouldn’t be wrong to imagine you’re the main character of a feel-good movie set in a classic neighborhood pizzeria. The Burlington location is bright and welcoming with a casual, bustling atmosphere that makes it feel like you’re part of the local scene. If your only knowledge of pizza is that frozen pie you ate in 2013, then the menu is probably going to be tempting.
Don’t worry—the friendly employees will happily talk through various options and make recommendations until you find something you love. Even the regulars here want to talk about pizza, so don’t be surprised if you’re juggling three different conversations about crust and toppings at once.
TruFoods Kitchen
$ | (617) 744-0005 | WEBSITE
TruFoods Kitchen is one of the best places in Somerville to grab a meal you’ll be thinking about for days. A cross between a cozy neighborhood deli and a hidden culinary gem, this unassuming spot doubles as the go-to lunch counter for locals, and it’s usually filled with folks who really want you to know they discovered it before it gets too popular.
A solid lineup of flavorful wraps and sandwiches like the chicken pesto Panini and the Halal Chicken and Rice with mint sauce keeps regulars coming back, so you might have to wait for a seat at one of the few tables. But there’s a good chance you can strike up a conversation with the genuinely nice owner while your order is being prepared.
Sam LaGrassa’s
$$ | (617) 357-6861 | WEBSITE
After decades in the heart of downtown, this reopened iconic sandwich shop remains unpretentious, kind of cramped, and still serves perfectly satisfying classic sandwiches. Despite its reputation, tourists never seem to overwhelm the place, resulting in reasonable lines, staff who don’t rush you by default, and a crowd filled with regulars who are always down to swap recommendations.
If you really want to make the most of your visit, swing by before exploring the city, when the place fills up with fellow visitors riding the same hunger as you.
Blunch
$ | (617) 247-8100 | WEBSITE
For years, Blunch has been one of those cozy Somerville sandwich spots that everybody goes to in their lunch hour and, like clockwork, never forgets once they’ve tried the Piglet. That’s true of their pressed paninis, too, where the Big Papi and the Bird sandwich remain local legends. Tucked in a small space with limited seating inside and outside, the restaurant maintains a good flow of traffic with efficient service.
There are still plenty of regulars who think they invented ordering the daily special with chicken, aioli, and jalapeño chips, but thanks to the kind staff and huge breakfast sandwiches like bacon, egg, and cheese on various breads, there’s always room for a quick and delicious bite.
If you’re looking for a place to grab the best Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie in Boston—with that perfect crunchiness and slightly chewy center—or just need a satisfying panini before they close for the weekend, Blunch won’t disappoint.
Ethel & Andy’s Sandwich Shop
$ | (617) 268-3027 | WEBSITE
Ethel & Andy’s Sandwich Shop is a greasy spoon right in the middle of Somerville’s sandwich scene, and there’s nowhere better to grab a bite until you’re stuffed. It gets busy here, but no one is leaving disappointed. Instead, if the friendly staff likes your order, they might hand you a perfect chicken cutlet sub and pull you over to the counter for a warm, bubbly chat.
Kured
$ | (857) 284-7169 | WEBSITE
Kured is a fun sandwich shop in Somerville where incredible sandwiches, make-your-own charcuterie, and cold brew coffees collide. So the next time you want to get a little hungry, this is exactly where you need to be. Most of the sandwiches are under $15, and the crowd is a mix of people who will actually customize their charcuterie boards. Kured can be busy and super cozy on weekends, but thankfully they’ve got friendly service that makes you feel welcome.
The flavors won’t stop until you’re completely satisfied, and chances are, you’ll leave planning your next picnic or casual meal.
Banh Mi Huong Que
$ | (415) 738-9515 | WEBSITE
Considering Banh Mi Huong Que is one of Somerville’s top sandwich spots, it’s no surprise that the place already feels like a much-needed staple for the neighborhood’s lunch crowd. This cozy Vietnamese counter in Somerville is the perfect place to grab a quick, satisfying meal right now, since the line often stretches toward the door during peak hours. Expect students, office workers, and regulars all devouring banh mi like it’s their last meal.
If you manage to snag a seat at one of the small tables in the cozy seating area, order a juicy chicken or tender pork belly banh mi off the menu—each under $15 and perfectly balanced between softness and crunch.