16 Legendary Massachusetts North Shore Roast Beef Three Way Restaurants
The North Shore of Massachusetts has created a legendary sandwich known as the roast beef three-way: thinly sliced rare roast beef on a toasted bun topped with cheese, mayo, and James River BBQ sauce.
This regional specialty has spawned dozens of beloved sandwich shops across the area. Local residents debate passionately about which spot serves the ultimate version of this iconic Massachusetts creation.
1. Bill & Bob’s Roast Beef – Salem, MA
Salem locals swear by this unassuming joint that’s been satisfying hungry patrons since the 1960s. The no-frills interior lets the food speak for itself – and speak it does, loudly and deliciously.
Their roast beef achieves that elusive balance: tender enough to bite through easily yet substantial enough to feel satisfying. This Massachusetts three-way comes perfectly dressed, with sauce dripping just enough without soaking the bun.
2. Jamie’s Roast Beef – Peabody, MA
Tucked into a small strip mall, Jamie’s has been a local favorite. Regulars praise the consistent quality and generous portions that keep them coming back decade after decade.
Their three-way features exceptionally fresh, onion rolls that provide the perfect foundation for the mountain of thinly sliced beef. The slightly sweet BBQ sauce creates a beautiful counterpoint to the savory meat and creamy mayo.
3. Londi’s Roast Beef – Peabody, MA
A hidden gem cherished by those in the know, Londi’s stands out for their remarkably fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The Massachusetts family-run operation takes pride in every sandwich they serve.
Their roast beef achieves that coveted deep pink color throughout, sliced whisper-thin. The sauce application shows a masterful restraint – enough to enhance the beef’s flavor without overwhelming it. Their toasted buns arrive with a perfect golden crunch.
4. Bella’s Roast Beef – North Andover, MA
Opened by former employees of other roast beef legends, Bella’s combines decades of sandwich-making wisdom into one exceptional shop. The passionate owners can often be found behind the counter, ensuring quality.
Their signature three-way features beef that’s roasted and sliced fresh throughout the day. The cheese melts perfectly into the warm meat, creating a gooey layer between the beef and the tangy sauce-mayo combination.
5. Royal Roast Beef & Seafood – Stoneham, MA
Standing strong since 1979, Royal has perfected their craft through decades of consistent excellence. The family-owned establishment maintains old-school Massachusetts charm while delivering modern-quality standards.
Their three-way features exceptionally lean beef sliced so thin it practically dissolves on contact. The slightly sweet, house-made BBQ sauce creates the perfect tangy complement to the savory meat and rich mayo, delivered on a perfectly toasted bun.
6. Pete’s A Place – Woburn, MA
Don’t let the humble exterior fool you – Pete’s serves up some of the most consistently excellent roast beef sandwiches in the region. The small, family-run operation has built a loyal following through word-of-mouth praise.
Their three-way arrives perfectly constructed, with each component in ideal proportion. The beef maintains that crucial pink center while the edges offer a subtle seasoned crust. Their sauce application achieves textbook execution.
7. Zeno’s Roast Beef – Ipswich, MA
An Ipswich institution since 1972, Zeno’s represents the classic Massachusetts roast beef experience. The no-frills shop focuses entirely on sandwich perfection rather than atmosphere or amenities.
Their three-way arrives generously portioned with beef sliced remarkably thin yet still maintaining its juicy texture. The sauce distribution shows expert technique – covering every bite without making the sandwich unwieldy. The slightly charred bun adds subtle smoky notes.
8. Anthony’s Roast Beef – Tewksbury, MA
Beloved by locals for decades, Anthony’s specializes in consistent quality that keeps generations of families returning. The friendly staff remembers regulars’ orders, creating a welcoming community atmosphere.
Their three-way features beef sliced daily on premises, maintaining that perfect rareness throughout. The warm, buttered roll provides an ideal foundation, while their James River BBQ sauce application shows a masterful hand – enough for flavor without overwhelming.
9. Mike’s Roast Beef – Everett, MA
A legendary late-night spot, Mike’s has satisfied hungry patrons around the clock since 1973. Their nighttime operation means freshly sliced beef is almost always available, regardless of when cravings strike.
Their three-way comes perfectly dressed with a generous but not overwhelming sauce application. The beef maintains exceptional tenderness while the onion roll adds a subtle sweetness. Even at 1am, quality never wavers at this beloved Massachusetts institution.
10. Harrison’s Roast Beef – North Andover, MA
Operating since 1984, Harrison’s has perfected their craft through decades of dedication to quality. The family-owned shop maintains strict standards that ensure every sandwich meets their exacting specifications.
Their three-way features beef roasted slowly to maintain maximum juiciness, sliced to translucent thinness. The slightly sweet roll provides the perfect contrast to the savory meat and tangy sauce combination. Each sandwich receives careful assembly by experienced hands.
11. Nick’s Famous Roast Beef – Beverly, MA
Family-owned since 1975, Nick’s has earned a cult-like following among Massachusetts natives. The modest storefront belies the extraordinary sandwiches crafted inside this cash-only establishment.
Their super beef three-way arrives wrapped in wax paper, bursting with impossibly tender meat that practically melts on your tongue. The sauce-to-mayo ratio achieves perfect harmony in every bite.
12. The Modern Butcher – Danvers, MA
Located at 36 Maple Street in Danvers, this shop brings roast beef three-way devotion to another level. Lifetime Massachusetts residents, the owners treat the 3-way as a craft: sous-vèd top round for at least 16 hours, roasted, then sliced by hand – every step built for texture and flavor.
Their roast beef is rare and juicy, sliced paper-thin, perched on a toasted bun with white American cheese melting just right. The mayo and BBQ sauce (James River style) are applied with careful balance – enough to tang without overwhelming the beef.
13. George’s Roast Beef – Lynn, MA
A cornerstone of Lynn’s food scene for generations, George’s embodies the classic North Shore roast beef experience. The unfussy interior lets customers focus entirely on the exceptional sandwiches.
Their three-way features beef with that perfect edge seasoning, sliced remarkably thin. The sauce distribution achieves textbook execution – covering every bite without soaking through. The grilled-to-order buns arrive with a beautiful golden exterior and soft interior.
14. Land & Sea Restaurant – Peabody, MA
Despite the expanded menu, Land & Sea has established itself as a serious contender in the Massachusetts roast beef scene. The family-run operation takes immense pride in their signature sandwich.
Their three-way features exceptionally tender beef sliced throughout the day to maintain freshness. The slightly sweet roll provides the perfect foundation for the savory meat and tangy sauce combination. Each sandwich receives careful construction with balanced proportions.
15. Kelly’s Roast Beef – Revere, MA
Often credited with inventing the North Shore roast beef sandwich in 1951, Kelly’s stands as the undisputed godfather of the scene. Located right on Revere Beach, the original location draws long lines even during winter months.
Their perfectly pink, paper-thin beef piled high on a buttered, grilled bun creates sandwich perfection that’s remained consistent for over 70 years.
16. Billy’s Roast Beef – Wakefield, MA
A Wakefield institution, Billy’s has satisfied Massachusetts locals with exceptional roast beef sandwiches for decades. The unpretentious shop focuses entirely on quality rather than frills or gimmicks.
Their three-way showcases beef roasted daily on premises, maintaining that perfect rareness. The sauce application demonstrates years of expertise – enough for flavor without messiness. The toasted onion roll provides the ideal foundation for this quintessential North Shore creation.
