King’s Famous Roast Beef & Seafood
Photo by Lauren Poussard
145 North St., Salem, 978-745-7779, kingsroastbeef.com
Everybody has their favorite neighborhood roast beef joint, but King’s towers above the rest. The meat is cut slightly thicker than at other spots which gives it a pleasing bite. This tiny spot, with only three tables for eating in, has been dishing up tasty beef for 15 years. Regulars demand the “three-way,” a generous portion of tender, rare beef with a slather of sauce, mayo, and cheese.
Photo by Lauren PoussardHarrison’s Roast Beef
Photo by Lauren Poussard
80 Chickering Rd., North Andover, 978-687-9158
Thin-sliced and high quality is the mantra at Harrison’s. They’re celebrating 30 years spent pleasing carnivores. As a result, customers from as far afield as Idaho crave their choice top round and enjoy the large retro dining room and rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
Kelly’s Roast Beef
Photo by Lauren Poussard
Kelly’s has been keeping the North Shore fed and happy for more than 60 years. As a result of their long history, they’ve actually been around long enough to claim to have originated the roast beef sandwich. While the franchise now boasts five restaurants, selling nearly a million sandwiches a year, there’s no beating the original location on Revere Beach. Walk up to the window, order a couple of sandwiches and a side of onion rings, then cross the street to enjoy it on the beach.
410 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, 781-284-9129, kellysroastbeef.com
Prime Roast Beef
Photo by Lauren Poussard
Newcomer Prime is working hard to catch up to its established brethren by using only prime beef, roasted daily, in its sandwiches. Dressings are made in-house, and the beef is sliced thin, almost shaved, and so tender it just melts in your mouth.