12 Massachusetts Sub Shops Serving Italian Grinders You’ll Dream About Later

Few states take their sandwiches as seriously as Massachusetts does with its Italian grinders.

You’ll find sub shops on nearly every corner, each one claiming to have the best recipe, the freshest ingredients, and the most loyal customers.

I’ve tracked down the places that truly deliver on that promise, where every bite transports you straight to sandwich heaven.

Get ready to discover the grinders that’ll have you planning your next visit before you even finish your first sub.

1. Bob’s Italian Foods

Since opening its doors back in 1936, this legendary spot has perfected the art of piling imported meats high between fresh bread.

324 Main St, Medford, MA 02155 is where you’ll find this treasure.

Generations of families have made pilgrimages here for the Deluxe Imported Italian sub, which comes loaded with premium salami, mortadella, capicola, and provolone that’s sliced fresh daily.

Walking through the doors feels like stepping into old-world Italy, with shelves stacked with imported goods and the aroma of cured meats filling the air.

The portions here aren’t shy either.

You’ll get more sandwich than you bargained for, but that just means lunch for tomorrow too.

Every ingredient tastes authentic because they source directly from Italian importers who’ve supplied them for decades.

2. Oliva’s Market, Catering & Gourmet Gifts

Family recipes passed down through generations make all the difference when crafting the perfect grinder.

83-85 E Main St, Milford, MA 01757 has been home to this beloved market since 1961.

Their signature creation, the Babe Oliva Grinder, combines mortadella, salami, provolone, and hot ham with fresh tomatoes and onions, all drizzled with their mysterious ‘Jungle Juice’ that keeps customers coming back.

Nobody knows exactly what’s in that special sauce, but one taste and you’ll understand why people drive from neighboring states just to get their fix.

The Vienna bread they use adds a perfect crunch that holds up against all those juicy toppings.

You’ll also find imported Italian groceries lining the shelves if you want to recreate the magic at home, though nothing quite compares to having them make it fresh.

3. D’Agostino’s Delicatessen

Prosciutto sliced paper-thin, fresh mozzarella that melts in your mouth, and roasted red peppers charred to perfection create something magical.

1297 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476 is where this decades-old favorite continues to serve up their legendary Sicilian sub.

The combination sounds simple on paper, but the execution makes all the difference.

They finish each sandwich with a drizzle of aged balsamic that ties everything together in a way that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Local residents have been lining up here for years, often introducing their own children to the same subs they grew up eating.

The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, like visiting a favorite uncle’s kitchen.

Every sandwich gets made with care, not rushed through an assembly line like chain restaurants do.

4. Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar

Ever seen a sandwich that requires multiple people just to carry it to the table?

500 W Grove St, Middleborough, MA 02346 serves up exactly that kind of spectacle.

Lorenzo’s has been around since 1950, building a reputation on their absolutely massive 7-foot Italian grinder that defies all logic and appetite expectations.

Sure, they make regular-sized subs too, but why go ordinary when you can go legendary?

Groups often order the giant version for parties, turning lunch into an event worth photographing.

The quality doesn’t suffer despite the size either.

Each section tastes as fresh and flavorful as the last, packed with layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and all the classic toppings you’d expect.

Finishing one becomes a badge of honor among locals and visitors alike.

5. Marcucci’s Bakery

When a bakery decides to make grinders, you know the bread is going to be something special.

1076 Bedford St, Fall River, MA 02723 has been baking fresh daily for over 45 years.

Their grinders benefit from that bakery expertise, with rolls that come straight from the oven with the perfect crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior.

You can smell the bread baking from the parking lot, which makes waiting for your order almost impossible.

Beyond the sandwiches, they offer pasta plates, desserts, and salads if you’re dining with someone who somehow doesn’t want a grinder.

But honestly, why would anyone pass up the chance to experience that fresh-baked bread stuffed with quality Italian meats and cheeses?

The combination of bakery skills and deli craftsmanship creates something truly memorable.

6. Benedetti’s Deli, LLC

Size matters when you’re hungry, and nobody understands that better than this place.

350 Washington St, Haverhill, MA 01832 has become famous for their ‘Rocket’ subs that measure a whopping 20 inches for the large size.

That’s nearly two feet of sandwich heaven packed with every Italian meat and cheese you can imagine.

First-timers often underestimate the Rocket and order a large, only to stare in disbelief when it arrives at their table.

The quality matches the quantity too, with fresh ingredients piled so high you’ll need to strategize your first bite.

Regulars know to order a small and still have leftovers for later.

The bread holds up remarkably well against all that filling, staying intact from first bite to last.

You’ll leave absolutely stuffed and completely satisfied.

7. Santarpio’s Pizza

Pizza joints making incredible grinders might seem unusual until you remember that Italians excel at all things bread-based.

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128 has been serving East Boston since 1903, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the area.

While their pizza gets most of the attention, locals know the grinders deserve equal praise.

They use the same quality ingredients for both, so you’re getting the same fresh mozzarella, house-made sausage, and perfectly seasoned meats whether you order round or long.

The atmosphere feels authentically old-school, with checkered tablecloths and photos of Boston’s past covering the walls.

You might have to wait for a table during peak hours, but watching them work the kitchen makes the time fly by.

Order both pizza and a grinder to share if you really want the full experience.

8. Tutto Italiano

Sometimes you want your grinder elevated beyond the traditional approach, incorporating premium ingredients that transform lunch into something special.

144 Littleton Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824 takes the upscale route without losing the soul of a great Italian sandwich.

Their grinders feature ingredients like prosciutto di Parma, fresh burrata, and aged balsamic that cost more but deliver flavors worth every penny.

They also run a full Italian market, so you can shop for imported pasta, olive oils, and wines while waiting for your sandwich.

The staff knows their products inside and out, offering recommendations and explaining the origins of different ingredients.

You’ll feel educated about Italian cuisine just from ordering lunch.

The ciabatta bread they use provides a rustic texture that complements the sophisticated fillings perfectly.

9. Spinelli’s Function Facility & Ravioli Manufacturing

When a place manufactures ravioli for restaurants across the region, you know they understand Italian food at a fundamental level.

282 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128 started as a ravioli manufacturer but expanded into serving the public directly.

Their grinders benefit from that food manufacturing expertise, with access to the freshest ingredients and proper Italian techniques.

Everything tastes homemade because it literally is made in-house, from the pasta they’re famous for to the fillings in their sandwiches.

The facility doubles as an event space, so you might catch a wedding or celebration happening while you pick up lunch.

That community atmosphere adds to the charm.

You can also grab fresh ravioli to cook at home, making dinner as easy as boiling water.

The grinders serve as a perfect introduction to their quality standards.

10. Bova’s Bakery

Open 24 hours a day, this bakery has saved countless late-night cravings and early-morning hunger pangs since 1926.

134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113 never closes, which means you can satisfy your grinder craving at literally any hour.

The bread comes out of the oven throughout the day and night, so you’re always getting it fresh regardless of when you visit.

Night shift workers, college students, and insomniacs all know this place as their reliable friend when hunger strikes at odd hours.

Beyond grinders, the bakery cases overflow with Italian pastries, cookies, and cannoli that tempt you while waiting for your sandwich.

The North End location means you’re surrounded by Italian culture and history with every visit.

You’ll often see a line out the door even at 2 AM, which tells you everything about the quality.

11. Sal’s Pizza

Hot grinders offer a different experience than cold ones, with melted cheese and warm meats creating comfort food perfection.

354 Main St, Wilmington, MA 01887 specializes in both varieties but their hot Italian grinder stands out among the competition.

Meatballs and sausage get piled onto fresh bread with peppers, onions, and marinara sauce before being topped with provolone and toasted until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

The first bite releases steam and flavors that warm you from the inside out.

They’ve mastered the technique of toasting without making the bread too hard, maintaining that perfect texture balance.

The marinara sauce tastes homemade because it is, simmered with Italian herbs and spices.

Napkins become essential equipment when tackling one of these beauties.

You’ll make a mess, but it’s absolutely worth it for the flavor experience.

12. Tripoli Bakery

Cultural fusion creates unexpected magic when Lebanese and Italian baking traditions come together under one roof.

34 Main St, Lawrence, MA 01841 has been blending these two Mediterranean cultures since 1946.

Their grinders benefit from both traditions, using techniques from Italian sandwich-making while incorporating the bread-baking expertise that Lebanese bakeries are famous for.

The result tastes familiar yet slightly different in the best possible way.

You’ll also find Lebanese pizzas, spinach pies, and meat pies if you want to explore beyond Italian offerings.

This diversity makes it perfect for groups with different preferences.

The bakery itself feels like a time capsule, with vintage equipment still producing modern deliciousness.

Generations of Lawrence residents have made this a regular stop, creating a customer base that spans decades and families.

You’ll understand why after your first visit.