Sonia
Craving a roast beef sandwich that really hits the spot? From coast to coast, America offers some standout places that have perfected this classic dish. Here is a rundown of the top 20 spots where the roast beef sandwiches are so good, they are worth traveling for.
Al’s State Street Cafe in Boston, MA
When you are in Boston, you have got to swing by Al’s. Their “State Street” sandwich is a huge hit. Think super thin slices of rare roast beef stacked high on a soft roll. They add a touch of mayo and a slice of sharp cheddar that just nails it. It is straightforward, but every bite is spot on.
John’s Roast Pork in Philadelphia, PA
Ignore the name for a second because John’s does roast beef just as brilliantly as they do pork. Their beef is slow-cooked until it practically melts in your mouth, and they serve it on a freshly baked sesame roll. Top it off with sharp provolone and sautéed onions, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s rich and comforting.
Katz’s Delicatessen, New York City, NY
At Katz’s, it’s not just about the pastrami. Their roast beef sandwich is ridiculously tasty. Grab one with mustard on rye, and you will get why this spot is a New York legend. It is all about that classic deli vibe with every bite you take. Katz’s has been perfecting their sandwiches since 1888, making each bite a piece of history.
Beefy King, Orlando, FL
Down in Orlando, Beefy King has been nailing the roast beef game since the 60s. They steam their beef, so it is super tender. You can go simple with just the beef and bread or add their kicky horseradish sauce. Seriously, it is worth a try. Plus, their method of steaming has earned them a loyal following that spans generations.
The Roast Grill, Raleigh, NC
Over at The Roast Grill in Raleigh, it is all about keeping things straightforward. Their sandwich? Just some tasty roast beef on a toasted bun with a splash of secret sauce. No sides, no-nonsense, just a great sandwich in an old-school spot. This local favorite has been serving up smiles since 1940 with its no-frills approach.
Acme Delicatessen, San Francisco, CA
If you find yourself in San Francisco, check out Acme Delicatessen. They roast their beef right there and serve it thick on a crusty baguette with some au jus for dipping. It is the perfect sandwich to munch on while you are out exploring the city. Their dedication to fresh, local ingredients elevates this sandwich to must-try status.
Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Ann Arbor, MI
Zingerman’s is a shrine for food lovers, and its roast beef sandwich shows why. They use locally sourced beef slow-roasted to perfection. Try it with their horseradish spread and aged cheddar on Jewish rye. It is hearty, flavorful, and packs a serious punch. Zingerman’s commitment to quality has made it a culinary landmark since 1982.
Salt & Time, Austin, TX
Right in the heart of Austin, Salt & Time knows its meats. Their roast beef sandwich features dry-aged beef, roasted and thinly sliced, stacked on homemade sourdough with garlicky aioli and pickled onions. It is fresh, bold, and downright delicious. Their butcher shop roots mean you are getting some of the freshest and most sustainably sourced meat available.
Mother’s Restaurant, New Orleans, LA
Mother’s in New Orleans takes a classic Southern approach with their roast beef po’boy. They cook the beef until it is falling apart and then let it soak up all its cooking juices. Pile it high with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a bit of Creole mustard. Yes, it is messy, but oh so memorable.
Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen, Chicago, IL
Manny’s in Chicago is the spot for a no-nonsense, deli-style roast beef sandwich. Seasoned just right, served on rye with a bit of mustard. And do not skip their famous potato pancakes on the side. It is like coming home for a meal if home was an old-school Chicago deli.
Primanti Bros., Pittsburgh, PA
Primanti Bros. is a Pittsburgh icon. They stack their roast beef sandwich with fries, slaw, and tomatoes right between soft Italian bread. It is not just a sandwich; it is a full meal and a bite of local tradition all at once. Moreover, it is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience the true taste of Pittsburgh’s culinary culture.
Langer’s Delicatessen, Los Angeles, CA
You have not had a roast beef sandwich until you try one at Langer’s in LA. They take juicy roast beef and lay it on their famous double-baked rye bread. Add some coleslaw and a splash of Russian dressing, and what you get is not just a sandwich; it is a whole vibe.
The Denver Sandwich Shop, Denver, CO
In Denver, there is this little shop that absolutely nails the art of a roast beef sandwich. They roast their beef fresh every day, slice it thin, and stack it high on a toasty Kaiser roll. Then they add sharp cheddar and a swipe of horseradish that really wakes up your taste buds.
Mike’s Deli, Cleveland, OH
Mike’s Deli in Cleveland is one of those spots you stumble upon and cannot stop telling people about. They season their roast beef to perfection, cook it just right, and serve it on freshly made sourdough with a touch of garlic aioli. Simple? Sure. But every bite is a standout; the flavors are spot on.
Publican Quality Meats, Chicago, IL
Back in Chicago, Publican Quality Meats is putting a fancy twist on the classic roast beef sandwich. They roast their beef in-house, slice it up nicely and neatly, and tuck it into a freshly baked ciabatta. With some pickled veggies and a dollop of mustard aioli, it is high-end without being pretentious.
Wexler’s Deli, Los Angeles, CA
Then there is Wexler’s Deli in LA—man, their roast beef sandwich will have you planning your next visit before you are even finished eating. They smoke their beef right there in the deli, giving it a unique flavor. Served on rye with mustard and a little homemade slaw, it strikes that perfect balance between traditional and something a bit new.
Court Street Grocers, Brooklyn, NY
Over in Brooklyn, Court Street Grocers is doing something special with its roast beef sandwich. They cook their beef just right, then layer it with onion confit, cheddar, and horseradish cream that just pops. Served on a soft Kaiser roll, it is like the classic roast beef sandwich but turned up a notch.
Big Al’s Deli, Nashville, TN
Big Al’s in Nashville offers more than great music. Their roast beef sandwich is slow-roasted until juicy and tender, served on thick bread with gravy. It is down-home Southern cooking that makes you feel right at home. Moreover, Big Al’s has a charm that captures the heart of Nashville, making every visit as memorable as the food.
The Butcher’s Son, Berkeley, CA
For something completely different, check out The Butcher’s Son in Berkeley. They take a vegan approach with a seitan-based “roast beef” sandwich that is topped with vegan cheese and savory vegan au jus. It is bold, it is different, and it might just win over even the most dedicated meat-eaters.
Sullivan’s, Savannah, GA
Finally, if you are in Savannah, do not miss Sullivan’s. They keep it simple but do it right with high-quality roast beef, mayo, and crisp lettuce on a toasted bun. It is a no-frills approach that highlights the quality of the ingredients, proving sometimes simple is best.
Comments
Loading…