The sandwiches here are great. They are huge and a great value for your dollar also very busy place. They have very good hours. They have various locations. Their ambience is OK but a very clean place to eat from and they go above and beyond for their customers must give it a try. read more

I was expecting this one to be very spicy wity Buffalo sauce but it wasn't that hot. Warm ingredients and tasty French bread. Great sandwich just wanted it to be more Buffalo spicy. Service always quick and with a smile Ambiance is your busy sandwich place but they are ready for rush hour with lines set up. Moves quickly read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Large Chicken Arianna - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

My first meal in Boston in years, and it was pretty solid. This place just feels Boston- lots of sports/other city references. Food was alright- my sandwich was very filling but could've used some more seasoning. Really affordable and I was full afterwards though. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Sicilian Steak - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Every sandwich I have ever eaten was just great. The service is amazing and fast and friendly. Everything is placed perfectly, napkins, chips, etc just grab and go. Nice atmosphere. read more

Stopped in to grab a bunch of sandwiches to-go for a group. The service was a bit unorganized but all the sandwiches came out quickly and overall were very tasty. However, there was a hair found in one sandwich and a small chicken bone in another. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Chicken Arianna - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of the best sandwiches in Boston. Al's is a lunch time staples around the downtown area and it never disappoints. For the amount of sandwich you get and the price you pay, it's such a good value. The service is always very quick and this is a no frills establishment and it's perfect for those who need to grab some food and head back to work. read more

Delicious salad and the man who to the order over the phone was very nice! Looking forward to trying more items from here.

While their list of options is impressive, the sub I had today was not good. Just $15 down the drain for a few bites that was gross. Maybe other sandwiches are fine, and the french bread is good but I'm a firm believer that certain breads go with certain subs. Subway has at least the edge on that, Iand I'm not even a fan of subway. If you're gonna go to Al's I recommend not to try the meatball sub there. Or any sub with marinara to it. I thought it'd be fine, but a proper submarine roll is necessary. The sauce was too sweet & light. It needs to thicker, richer, and robust. The provolone was fairly tasteless and low quality, and thr meatballs were bad. They weren't burnt - but they quality of biting into just one meatball made my stomach sick instantly. The only benefit is the size for the price you pay, but I rather eat only half the size and avoid eating the garbage that sub was. They forgot the banana peppers I asked for (only one modification - and they forgot it). The only benefit is that size-wise you'll get your fill from a large sub or large salad. If you want your belly filled, go her. But if it's great taste you seek, go to LaGrassa's or Figaro's. It surprises me this place won "Boston Best subs". read more

Service and customer service is awful. Missing food and they did nothing. I wouldn't go back if you paid me.

The order was all messed up didn't receive most of the order and will never use them again as their customer service is the worst I ever had

Al's is phenomenal! This is one of the best lunch sandwiches I've had since living in Boston. I got the chicken pesto sub which was so flavorful and well prepared. To also add, the portion sizes are humongous, which is a great "bang for your buck". 1 SMALL sandwich could easily fill up 2 hungry people. A must try if looking for lunch! They do offer preordering to avoid waits in line during peak hours too. I'll be back for sure read more

See all

TL;DR: Al's is a phenomenal place to grab a sandwich for lunch. The service is quick, the value is excellent, and the sandwiches are delectable, LOADED with ingredients, and wicked fresh. I heard about Al's from coworkers (we work right around the corner), and let me tell you: the hype is real! On my first visit, I ordered a 10" Steak Bomb. This marvelous thing came out in less than five minutes. It was so fresh; it was too hot to eat at first! They also do not skimp on the meat or any other filling! Plus, the bread appeared hollowed out, which could have been intentional or just from the sheer volume of ingredients. Yet, Al's still stuffed it to the max (without making a mess). Another upshot is you don't get a mouthful of bread with little protein! The bread itself is fine, just ever so slightly toasty, and seemed fresh. As for the stuffing itself, the meat was tender and had great flavor! The veggies also offered a nice contrast and a fair amount of freshness. They also had a little cheese, to which I seldom say no. On my second go, I ordered a 10" Steak Bomb again, only with double cheese, and they didn't charge me extra. This point leads to the final topic: value. $10.50, with tax included, for a sandwich of this caliber is a phenomenal deal. This exchange is hard to beat, considering the food quality and sheer volume. Plus, it makes me happy when a business does not nickel and dime me for an extra slice or two of cheese. If you want to sweeten the deal further, a 16" is $2 more, and adding chips and a drink costs less than $2 extra. (Disclaimer, prices are for hot subs as of 11/21/2022) read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Half of a 10" Steak Bomb - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

Quick sandies that can be ordered online with no fees to the establishment. Variety of sandwiches are plentiful and the quickest service around. It's packed during lunch time but quick turnaround. U get the max for your $ here. Don't think about seats--which is at a premium. Just grab and go! read more

We each had a footlong sandwich, a bag of chips, and a soda, all for $13.50. The place was clean and nicely decorated with local memorabilia. Service was friendly and efficient. We ate half the sandwich there at the high bench, and the friendly owner offered to wrap up the other halves to go. The sandwiches- a Sicilian Steak and a chicken teriyaki- were served piping hot and delicious. There was really nothing to complain about. Thank you for a nice welcome to Boston! read more

Sandwiches are fabulous! My husband and I both love their food! The staff is also really frienldy and everything is made fresh right infront of you... read more

my salad had moldy cheese in it. it tasted good but the mold outweighs the taste. I ordered online.

The lunch bag deal was my favorite any sub with a drink and chips for less then 16 dollars you cannot beat the price. Fresh meat and veggies always a win read more

Chicken parm sub is awful. It's not made with cutlets, it's made with flavorless pieces of grilled or possibly boiled chicken with very little sauce and cheese. Literally a 0 out of 10. read more

Thanks to the passerby who recommended I get a sandwich to go at Al's, I had a remarkable experience. The homemade French bread was not only fresh, but tasted exquisite; the Lady Cafe Special was amazing and I loved all the flavors; the counter help super friendly and kind; and the portion size gigantic--my small sandwich was ample for both lunch and dinner. I'm already dreaming of my next visit! read more

Stopped in here for some lunch subs!! Longggg line around noon but they are very efficient at moving both the hot and cold sub lines. I was able to try both the meatball sub and the chicken parmesan sub. The bread was fresh, subs were generous portions, but both meats lacked seasoning. I thought both sandwiches were decent, but I actually think I like Subway better. Not sure what everyone rants and raves about, maybe need to try a different sub (if I ever return). read more

Quick review for Al's: 1. There is 2 lines, one for hot subs, one for cold- it moves fast 2. Each sub is LARGE and they are generous w the toppings. Be ready to share or save for later. 3. Busy at lunch during weekdays, but a favorite for young and old professionals in the area 5/5 tasty, humongous, affordable subs read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Oven baked Oven Roasted Turkey Cold Sub - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

Subs, heroes or grinders: wherever you're from and whatever you call them - this is the place (and there are several in the Boston metro area) to go to get them. The large are LARGE, and they do not skimp with the fillings. Fast service, courteous counter cashiers and a few window stools to sit and enjoy- or take it with you. Everyone you talk to has a favorite from their extensive menu (I heard the "steak bomb" is, well, the bomb-- but went with the chicken angelina- a buffalo chicken on a fresh italian loaf with plenty of sauce, lettuce, blue cheese and, of course, lots of chunks of chicken) At $15, that's a meal...or two! read more

Rude staff got my order wrong. I ordered a buffalo chicken sub, the other cashier asked me a few questions to try to clear up any confusion because the one taking my order didn't understand. They give me a plain chicken sub. Bad. read more

Really good sandwich for the most reasonable price of all time. MASSIVE and it was only 11$ so I'm sold

Good no nonsense sandwich that's a great value for the size. I got the Italian sandwich with hot peppers and it was stuffed to the brim with meat, so much so I had to eat it in two sittings. Good option if you're catching the a train at south station (better than getting McDonald's or ABP at the station). read more

A perfect turkey sub. Exactly what I was looking for. Fast, friendly, delicious, and affordable. Couldn't ask for more.

I initially went here because it was close to the building I was working in and because the local workers highly recommended it. Continuing with that theme and because I was too tired to think about a choice on my own, I also took their recommendation that I try Al's "world famous" buffalo chicken sub. First off, that wasn't on their takeout menus which, per their own signage, were not accurate. So I am glad it was recommended. Second, their turnaround on my order was so fast I want to say it felt like the closest approximation of online sales as it gets. It felt like I placed the order and in the time it took me to walk over to the chips selection it was like, "ding the fries are done!" which is something I absolutely appreciate on a busy work day and packed lunch location that seems to initially threaten my ability to get right back to work. Simply amazing service on that front. As for the meal, important note, their "small" is NOT small and their large is huge. Do not think subway sizes here. Smalls are around 10 inches. In any case, the buffalo chicken sub was really good. The chicken seemed to be warmed and fresh in a way that hinted at perhaps being sourced better than is typical. The sauce was classic but better than what you'd get from a can and not over powering. Which was fine because the chicken was in no way in need of being masked by the sauce. Even the bread was not hard and relatively good. Not too soft either. Just right. The chips and soda that came with the reasonably priced order were, well, chips and soda. I'd definitely go here again and would have a hard time justifying ordering a different sandwich. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Great sandwiches for a great price! I highly recommend ordering ahead as it can get busy around lunchtime. The staff is super friendly and interacts with the community well. read more

My first Chef Salad here. Ordering was quick and easy. What I like most about the salad is that they use dark leafy greens, a lot of it but hey it's a salad right. Only $8 with a side of their delicious fresh baked bread. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Chef Salad - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Sub are a good size and price... I get a sub every time I can because they are sooo good

Having tried even more of the selection and delving into the hot sub menu, I can safely say that Al's is the best sandwich shop in downtown Boston at an absolute steal of a price given the quality. I used to just default to Ray's for the convenience of it being right next to campus, but Al's will from now on be my go-to sandwich provider. P.S. - I just had the Chicken Pesto today and it was fantastic! read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Insalada with grilled chicken tenders - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I work by South Station and finally ventured out to try legendary Al's. Bad news because now I want it everyday! The chicken salad is so good! Maybe not the best I've ever had but certainly the best I've had in the area. It has a pepper-y taste which makes it stand out, in my opinion. Both times I've gone I've had it on a wheat wrap. I had planned on getting it on a salad but they're still using romaine lettuce despite the recent E. coli outbreak (yuck!) Go between 11 and 12 to beat the lunch rush. Service has always been fast and friendly! read more

Fast lines. Giant sandwiches. Great prices. That pretty much sums up Al's. For the new customers, make sure to go into either the hot or cold sandwich line. The small sandwiches are plenty big and the large might as well be two separate sandwiches. The Al's special with mozzarella and prosciutto is to die for and the chicken salad is a crowd favorite as well! Come hungry and grab yourself a sandwich if you're hungry. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Prices keep going up, but I still go here when I can. Back in the day, my office would get together and order subs here - they were $5 each back then. It's like 9 now I think. Kind of ridiculous, but, they are still excellent subs! Warm crusty bread. Fast at making them. There's like no real seating, and it gets impossibly packed when it's noon. I go early and eat there when I go. That chicken salad sub is my favorite! If you need to order subs in the area - this is the place to do it! read more

Friendly and helpful staff- I accidentally ordered my sandwich to the wrong location, but they kindly called the other location and remade my sandwich. read more

Love this place. They have figured out how to manage the lunch crowd with utmost efficiency. Some good cold and hot veggie options. The hot veggie half-sandwich has glazed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and quite a serving size.and, by the way, it's really piping hot. They have both indoor and outdoor dinning but I usually grab and go. Reasonably priced quick lunch deli place for downtown office crowd read more

Y'all sent a sandwich that was 50% meat 50% plain bread and then decided to get childish about a 4/5 star review? Lmao cry harder. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

One of the better "bang-for-your-buck" lunch spots in Downtown Boston. Great sandwiches, both hot and cold, for around $8. If you want to go here, try to go BEFORE 11:30. This place is fantastic AND cheap, therefore extremely popular. If you wander in at 12:30, get ready to stand in a big line. But even if you do get stuck in the line, they crank out sandwiches like you wouldn't believe, you won't be wanting too long. There are two sizes of sandwiches: small and large. You only need a small sandwich for lunch, it's plenty of food. The BBQ sandwich is great, as well as the chicken pesto. If you like buffalo chicken, you can't go wrong with the Ariana. read more

See all

South street cafe special - the bread was good however it reminded me of Penn Station if you have ever had it. The sandwich was fresh, delicious and a MANwhich. It was $9 which was a deal in Boston compared to a lobster roll at $25-30... Efficient and tasty. I went about 10:45 AM and took it back to my hotel and it wasn't super busy yet - only 4-5 people ahead of me. read more

Al's South Street Cafe - Sandwiches Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I've only been here twice so far as my job was relocated in this area of Boston. This is a short five minute walk from my office, and a friend who used to work in the area gave Al's high praise. I can see why. This ain't no corporate subway sandwich - this is mom and pop stuff the sandwich type of sub, the only type of sub place to go. I've had their chicken salad and roast beef so far. Both were fantastic. Their bread is very fresh and satisfying. It's just the right combination of crunchy and soft. As one review had alluded to, be prepared and know what you want before stepping up to the counter. The place can be a zoo; but the lines move fast, and so does Al's staff. They've clearly got a rhythm down and expedite everyone's orders so you're in and out. I just got their large sub. It's *massive*. If you work in this area and haven't gotten here yet, what are you waiting for? Definitely a great bet if you didn't bring lunch from home and want a good sandwich. read more