- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Bob's Italian Food Store
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
324 Main StMedford, MA 02155
(781) 395-0400
Announcement
Get your BBQ on at Bob's! Check out our specialty butcher shop meat package specials at http://www.bobsfood.com. See you soon!
Announced yesterday- Nearest Transit:
-
Main St @ Wellesley St (101)
Main St @ Bowen Ave (101)
Main St @ Princeton St (101)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
159 reviews for Bob's Italian Food Store
Review Highlights
-
"Great salads, cold cuts, pastas, sauces." In 17 reviews -
"The subs are awesome, if a bit huge." In 46 reviews -
"...stuffed with prosciutto and provolone, eggplant rollatini..." In 4 reviews
Loading...
159 reviews in English
-
Review from John M.
Boston, MA
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Big. Meaty. Awesome.
Those are the three words I use to describe Bob's in Medford. The supermarket/deli has everything you want, and in portions that are truly mind-boggling. I got the 50/50 special, half meatball and half chicken parm. The sandwich at $6.50 was so big it was lunch AND dinner all in one go. The meatballs were juicy and flavorful, and the chicken parm tasted like chicken, with fresh sliced cheese right on top. It takes a while to make, because the chicken is made fresh, but hey, I can wait for that.
The arrancini, which I stupidly bought, forgetting how big the sandwiches are, was served cold, so I had to nuke it at home, but that was fine, because it was nice and dense, full of creamy risotto and herbs. Plus, its so big, its lunch in itself, never mind as a side!! The veal parm here actually tastes like veal (often you can't tell it apart from chicken), and it was very flavorful. That marinara sauce they put on it is just so addictive, and its fresh.
Best sub shop in Medford, if not the best outside the North End. A definite place for any meat lover, sandwich lover, and downright foodie. -
Review from Roscoe R.
Cambridge, MA
3/21/2012
Being car-less, I don't get to Bob's very often. When I do go, I end up leaving Bob's with far more stuff than I can carry back with me. As a result, I've given up on going to Bob's alone. Now I persuade car-endowed friends to let me show them the path to enlightenment ... and who knew that path could be found in the middle of Medford, next to a funeral home?
Bob's NEVER disappoints! It really doesn't matter what you get here. It's all good. I'm a chicken parm fan, so I usually get the jumbo chicken parm sub to go. And then I get a bunch of frozen calzones, to keep in the freezer. The refrigerated pastas (tortellini, etc.) are all really tasty too. I wish I could write a more extensive review of Bob's, but my limited experience precludes that. Ah well -- my infrequent visits to Bob's make every one of them that much more special!Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 3/28/2012
Thanks for the great review! We work very hard to make all… More » -
Review from Elizabeth P.
Medford, MA
Updated - 3/12/2012
After at least another ten or so visits to Bob's over the last almost-six months, I've decided that it's time for a re-review. I stand by what I said in my first review: Bob's is not the best, fanciest, or most creative Italian deli I've ever been to. That being said, the combination of just plain tasty fare, the "we'll make your sandwich any way you like it" mentality, the incredibly reasonable prices, and the nice selection of Italian specialty ingredients makes it a five-star establishment in my book. As my boyfriend commented recently as we were tucking into a couple of chicken cutlet sandwiches... "we're going to miss Bob's some day when we move out of the area." Hopefully that day isn't for awhile.
Since my previous review, we've tried an embarrassing number of the Bob's sandwiches. Quality of the sandwiches do vary somewhat--depending on busyness and who's behind the counter, the ratio of fillings and neatness of the sandwich can change--however, they're always going to be tasty, at least in my experience. If you want a classic Italian sandwich, your best bet would be either the Italian Deli Combo or the Prosciutto with Mozzarella. Other favorites include the steak & cheese, steak bomb, BBQ Dijon chicken, and chicken cutlet sandwich (I've really come to crave this one since my last review). Remember to order toppings with your sandwich--only those that you request come on the sandwich. Also, I'll reiterate my previous warning: beware the size of the sandwiches! A small is definitely enough for a lunch, and a large or a jumbo is going to leave you with a second meal, unless you're a big eater.
We've also sampled some of the frozen pastas (mostly the tortellinis and raviolis) that Bob's carries, which have been quite tasty. I really liked the pumpkin tortellini they stocked in the fall, and we recently had an absolutely delicious dinner featuring their roasted red pepper and goat cheese ravioli. The sausages at the meat counter are pretty darn delicious too, and the grocery section of the store carries some very nice Italian specialty ingredients (pasta! olive oil! the good brand of ricotta! Reggiano parmesan!), as well as Iggy's breads (I've become particularly found of the sourdough).Listed in: Two Years of Dining Around…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/16/2011
I really want to love Bob's, tell you it's the best place ever, and give it five stars. However, for… Read more »
-
-
Review from Bob J.
Fayetteville, NC
5/6/2012
The guys making the sandwiches remind me of the soup nazi. They are very responsive and very quick, but make sure you know what when you step up to order. They make a mean sandwich not matter what you order. You will always get your moneys worth. If this place doesn't satisfy your hunger NOTHING will. Bob's has the best Chicken park east of the Mississippi! The menu is extensive and the options are plentiful.
PRO*** QUALITY,COMFORT AND PRICE
CONS *** NOT ENOUGH LOCATIONS -
Review from Spencer M.
Medford, MA
3/11/2012
Mistake #1: Venturing here one day looking for a sandwich to stuff my face with. I ordered the prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato sandwich (Small was more than enough to pig out), and promptly devoured the thing with an Aranciata Rossa San Pellegrino (been looking for that baby for a while). They also definitely didn't cheat me on the amount of meat, a virtue I value quite highly.
Mistake #2: Spending a little too much time browsing the extensive imported sweets selection they have, and ending up with a heaping bag of chocolate biscotti (Justified the purchase because, hell, IT'S IMPORTED!).
2000 calories later, I would say my visit to Bob's Italian Food Store was a mission accomplished. -
Review from Sam W.
Somerville, MA
1/24/2012
I like how the sub guys are always kind of mad at each other. Great subs come from anguish.
A two tips:
1. The jumbo comes on a different kind of roll. It's seeded. I don't like it, but I do like big sandwiches. I get the large instead of the jumbo for this reason.
2. You have to ask for them to cut your sub. I can't stand to have a sub that isn't cut. Don't forget.
3. Don't screw around in line. It moves quickly, and Bob's is a serious place. It's good to know this coming in.
Their imported Italian cold cut sub is the thing that really impresses me. It is a complex mix of flavors you don't normally find in a sub shop.
Some of the simpler subs are too simple for me. They're just like bread & the ingredient. Others dig this. I don't.
They know what they're doing with eggplant, too. Both cold and hot eggplant subs are good. More than anything, I like the vibe of the place. It's clear they think subs are important. -
Review from Adam P.
Medford, MA
2/29/2012
Oh Bob's, you make me so happy.
I get cold cuts here every week. Their sandwiches are absolutely delicious. The pasta dinners are pretty good, though not my favorite thing here.
If you're ever in the area and looking for somewhere to grab some lunch, you'll be well advised to go to Bob's. -
Review from James W.
Quincy, MA
1/26/2012
This place is legit. This is your mother Italian food. Homemade sauce, meatballs, pastas, ..everything. Good deli selection too. You need to hit this place up.
Just word of advice its crowded for lunch on weekends.
Got a small prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella sub. So good. The bread on the sub is so good. Small was good enough for me and I am a big dude that loves food.
Thanks Bret C. for the awesome food adventure. -
Review from Bruno N.
Medford, MA
1/7/2012 6 Check-ins Here
You can't go wrong with Bob's. They have the best of everything my fav is the chicken ziti broc Alfredo.
Ohh ya they also have the real deal Spumoni which is awesome!!! -
Review from Timothy L.
Medford, MA
1/5/2012
Bob's has the best subs! I definitely enjoyed their steak bomb and chicken parm. On the other hand, I feel like their red sauce is a little too watery, like its been sitting around too long. Good flavor and fresh ingredients for their salads.
I would definitely recommend their deli counter also. They have some homemade deli meats such as a rosemary roasted pork loin that was fantastic. They also have boar's head, which you can't go wrong with. I couldn't decide what italian appetizer to get so I wimped out with a salad, but they have these ham stuffed peppers that look delicious.
Definitely a little more expensive than I'd like, but you get what you pay for. The quality and service is awesome.Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 1/17/2012
Greetings Timothy L. Thanks for noticing the quality, we… More » -
Review from Laura N.
Medford, MA
12/24/2011
This place is awesome! They have a place to get subs, a place to get hot Italian dinners like lasagna and bread, and a deli with tons of raw meat options to grill! The chicken parm sub is amazing!!
Also, everyone who works there is friendly!!
They also have a great selection of refrigerated Italian foods to go like various kinds of ravioli like butternut squash, goat cheese and red pepper, scallop and shrimp, etc. -
Review from Sheila H.
Somerville, MA
12/30/2011
Oh how I love Bob's . Amazing little Italian shop with great take out food. You can get uncooked homemade pastas to bring home and cook. Italian specialty cookies and treats. They have everything you could want from an Italian store.
Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 1/3/2012
Thank you, we love to hear that our hard work has made you… More » -
Review from Susan A.
Medford, MA
3/27/2012
Went to Bob's on Sunday as I usually do. Needless to say I was quite disappointed. I bought provolone cheese soppresata , pepperoni and an italian slice for the family. Once I came home I put it on the table for the family to enjoy only to find that the bread was frozen. After I contemplated what to do I called Bob's and spoke to one of the sons and was asked if I picked it up and squeezed the bread I told him no, his comment to me was that most people do. The bread was delivered in the morning and was frozen it is still fresh. I would think that once it is frozen it is not fresh anymore. He then told me next time to squeeze the bread before purchasing. Pretty sad to think after being a costumer all my life that he would make a comment like that.
-
Review from Sam O.
Medford, MA
Updated - 12/30/2011
This is only an update regarding Bob's steak and cheese. Before, I said it wasn't quite my style but good. I retract that statement. The garlic steak and cheese is one of the most delicious subs I have ever had. Bob's steak and cheese stands toe to toe with some of the best I've ever had. DELICIOUS! If you haven't tried Bob's food yet, you are missing out on an important part of life.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/25/2010
Chicken Parm. sub is to die for. Pastrami Sub is very, very good. Steak tip sub is great. Steak and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Marilyn T.
Medford, MA
1/2/2012
For starters, I'm not a regular here. Had been craving an italian coldcut sub for a few days now, so I stopped here on my way home. I love the store and the variety of imported Italian products. I ordered a small italian with roasted red peppers. The bread was meh....the red peppers were whole...meh. Instead of charging an extra dollar for 3 roasted red peppers (which clearly is overkill), here's a thought....just use one but slice it up...that would have been plenty, especially on a small....also tried a slice of the pizza.... :( This place is always a hit or miss....today was a definite miss.
Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 1/3/2012
We use only fresh baked bread or rolls and the finest… More » -
Review from Paul S.
Walpole, MA
1/5/2012
Stuffed finger pepper heaven!
That is where you are when you walk into Bob's in Medford! You can find Bob the owner either helping staff get the job done or walking around greeting his customers. The fattest sausages, the freshest -stinkiest cheeses and killer subs!
We traveled all the way there from Holbrook, MA just three weeks ago to attack their Steak n Cheese subs! I had been eye-balling them from the Phantom Gourmet show on Sundays. The boys manning the Sub station are busy, so it helps if you know what you want when you walk in there. D'Angelo's Who? At Bob's they give you the shaved Rib Eye - the real deal with no little balls of gristle that you get in most pizza joints! There are 4 sizes with the large tagged at only 7 bucks and the jumbo at 7.50! In your face D'Angelo's! Let the grease drip down my chin and onto my shirt with this big fat savory sangueech!
Bob's, you got it goin on there!
Big PaulyComment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 1/17/2012
Big Pauly, Your kind words are music to my ears! Thanks for… More » -
Review from josh m.
Medford, MA
2/16/2012
Highly recommend, anything I've had there is excellent. High quality all the way around. Prices are good considering the level of quality.
Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 2/16/2012
Hi Josh, Thank you for the great review. We work hard to… More » -
Review from Damien S.
If you don't keep at least one serving of Bob's sausage and broccoli rabe ravioli in your freezer at all times, I will never visit your house.
More stuffed than a Build-A-Bear, lumpier than a British sugar caddy and as reasonably priced as unleaded gas in 2001, this specialty has ruined me on other pastas.Listed in: Tiny Places, Lunch Under $10, Sandwiches From Around The…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/8/2011
Two steps through the front door and you realize the gods have pushed fast-forward on the cassette… Read more »
-
-
Review from John S.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a truly, truly special place in Medford. It is one of those anchors that keeps the locals local. "Oh, we could move out to the suburbs," an empty nester might say, before his spouse slaps his hand and says "but what about Bob's Italian Food Store?"
For sandwiches, cold cuts, sausage, bread, cake... anything, really. This is the place to go. Walk there, drive there, fly there if need be. Bob's is the kind of place that people take their children to, who eventually take their children as well. It's an awesome place, with great food and excellent prices. Bravo, bravo, bravo. -
Review from Philip C.
Medford, MA
5/19/2011
The days of neglecting this, one of the treasured spots of my stomping ground (of the last three years), are over! I've been going to Bob's Italian Food Store since I was a youngin' when I would be driven from three towns over! Things have changed a little, I'm driving myself now and I live in the same town so I can stop by whenever I want. Here are five reasons to go to Bob's. I'm sure you'll find more once you go there.
One:
Traditional Italian subs that are cheap, generous and delicious. Small (perfect for most), medium (hope you're hungry), large (you better be really hungry) and jumbo (you're sharing it or you're going to have leftovers). Fresh sesame seed rolls, fresh sliced cold cuts, fresh fried chicken and veal, fresh grilled tips, many toppings and great marinara.
Two:
Sausages, steak tips, turkey tips, chicken tips, etc. In a dinner plate or by the pound for on the grill. Good stuff.
Three:
San Pellegrino beverages and other products from Italy. Limonata? Chinotto? Balocco cookies. I enjoy.
Four:
Imported Italian meats and cheeses: Prosciutto di Parma, Salami, Soppressata, Mortadella, Mozzarella di Bufala, etc. All sliced correctly, mind you.
Five:
Homemade specialties you can take home to enjoy: finger peppers stuffed with prosciutto and provolone, eggplant rollatini, tomato and mozzarella salad, etc.
Bob's is the kind of place you go to when you know exactly what you want, in the Italian subs/antipasti arena of course, and you always get it. I love Italian specialty stores and I frequent them all over. With that said, Bob's is easily one of the best around.Listed in: Imported Specialties
Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 5/20/2011
Thank you for your articulate and detailed review! We work… More » -
Review from Andrew M.
Wellesley, MA
7/28/2011
Tried the subs, tried the pasta, loved both. That's enough evidence for a five-star review.
The eggplant parm was to good to wait for and I consequently burned the roof of my mouth. The chicken cacciatore was just as good. Sauce, bread, everything is wonderful. -
Review from Maria D.
Saugus, MA
11/5/2011
Store - overpriced.
Take out subs & meals - quantity not quality.
Chicken, broccoli & ziti - just OK. Cookies are good.
Staff in the rear - OK.
Checkout staff - usually HS or college age kids who are nice.Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 11/15/2011
We only use the best quality possible in every ingredient we… More » -
Review from Tom E.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 6/15/2011
Here is an update/revision on my previous Bobs Review.
After being contacted by the owner of Bobs I was invited back to have my sub replaced at their cost as they firmly believed that I simply had a bad experience.
Ladies and Gentlemen they were right. I ordered a BBQ Marinated Chicken Sub with hots and onions, and it was amazing. I have never seen so much food stuffed into one sandwich.
I really don't know what happened the first time, but this was excellent. My friends made a separate order that day as well and all of their food was excellent, which goes to show that they were not making any special preparations as they knew I was coming. The only thing I sitll note is that their "BBQ" marinated chicken is not what you would expect BBQ to be: nonetheless it is delicious, just not that brown tangy sauce you would expect.
I am excited and looking forward to my return to Bobs, and I strongly recommend it now.
Thank you Bob,
Tom1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/26/2011
My review for Bob's will be short, as I simply ordered from their online menu and had a friend bring… Read more »
-
-
Review from Ken M.
6/12/2011
Got takeout here while babysitting our niece on Friday. Great food at a great price. Everything is fresh and hot.
The store has lots of hard to find Italian stuff and other stuff. Great salads, cold cuts, pastas, sauces.
The girls behind the counter sometimes leave service to be desired, but all in all a good time. -
Review from Beth E.
Medford, MA
Updated - 6/4/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Still love this place. The sandwiches are great, and there are still many I've yet to try. I love the chicken parm. If you want your sandwich cut in half, you have to ask.
The salads are huge, the last one I got, I ate for 3 meals before I finished it.
I constantly look at the marinated meats, and wish I had a grill. I think it might be rude to throw it on a grill pan, though I see that happening in the near future.
They have a bunch of pastas to choose from, ravioli, tortellini, etc. Lots of deli meats, and imported products. Marinated olives, pasta salads, pizza, fresh bread.
They've got a great system where the bags are pre-labeled with prices, so they just put your stuff in the right bag, and it makes it super easy to check out.
I'm definitely a fan, and I'll definitely keep coming back.1 Previous Review:
-
10/20/2007
You want to know how awesome Bob's is? I had an orgasm just from walking through the door.
-
-
Review from Jennifer P.
Medford, MA
7/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Bob's is great. Whether you're stopping in for a sub or deli meats, you won't be disappointed.
I've never had something I didn't like, but some of my favorites are definitely the chicken salad and the chicken tips...mmmm.
Depending on the time of day, it can get crowded. Just be prepared to wait. It's worth it. -
Review from Robert C.
Medford, MA
12/2/2011
Bob's Italian Food Store is the best choice for food in Medford. I have been coming here for three years now and have always had exceptional service. If you want top quality italian food then this is the right place to visit. To go subs, trays of eggplant, and fresh imported cold cuts are all offered at this location.
-
Review from Rodrigo S.
Cambridge, MA
11/16/2011
Let's start with the good... Tiramisu was excellent... Steak tips were delish, but also ordered a risotto daily special and it was just ok. Will try again since I think there are several potentially tasty things to try out.
Comment from Rob And Mike D. of Bob's Italian Food Store 1/2/2012
Greetings Rodrigo S. Thank you for the feedback and look… More » -
Review from Leo L.
Belmont, CA
12/24/2010
Their Italian and Chicken Cutlet Parm on their homemade braided Italian bread cannot be beat. It's been years since I've been there, so take my rating with a grain of salt, but every time I think about Italian subs and Chicken Parm, I think about Bob's.
Oh, and if you don't like the thought of eight guys squeezed into about a 2' x 8' space yelling orders behind the counter, you must not be from New York. That's part of the charm...boss. -
Review from Maria D.
Medford, MA
7/16/2010
I LOVE Bob's!
I've been coming here for years and its fantastic. Its pretty similar to say- J Pace, but 10X better.
Bob's has a huge selection of deli meats, italian specialties, pre cooked meals, pasta dishes, espresso, olives, bocconcini, and the GREATEST subs ever. Everytime I go in, it takes me at least 15-20 minutes to take in all the different options, even though I know the menu by heart.
I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to gobble down a mouth watering sub. -
Review from Kim K.
Good sub! Fresh, huge, and downright cheap at $6.50.
The line is long, the whole ordering and receiving your sandwich is totally insane, staffers are shouting back and forth about orders up, they don't write anything down so it gets confusing and loud in there.
Still, fresh subs! -
Review from Jake M.
12/15/2006 1 Check-in Here
Things You Do Not Do:
Step on Superman's Cape
Spit Into the Wind
Pull the Mask from the Old Lone Ranger
(You also don't mess around with Jim, but that's a song for another day)
And, whatever you do, never, under any circumstances, order a large steak bomb sub at Bob's to the tune of Tom Jones' "Sex Bomb". I don't know when I developed this embarrassing tendency, but it HAS to stop! I have a feeling it's going to lead to me getting the snot beat out of me sometime at Bob's.
For the uninitiated, Bob's is a cozy little Italian specialty store tucked away up in Medford. If an overload of homemade pasta, sausage and the best steak and lamb tips is your thing, hie yourself over here pronto. Add to that the extra bonus of being the best sub shop in the Boston area as well, and a 5 star review doesn't even begin to do this place justice.
Here's an indication of my slavish and nearly suicidal devotion: I live about a mile and half from Bob's as the crow flies, and with no good public transport between us. A leisurely bike ride or stroll in the summer, to be sure. In the winter it's death. A few years back I'd run out of groceries in the aftermath of one of those hideous snowstorms that dumped in excess of two feet on us. But rather than hop the bus to the grocery store (the sensible thing to do), I burrowed my way to Bob's (the really sensible option) and got enough pasta, meat and cold subs to last me the next five days. That, my friends, is what Bob's does to a man. -
Review from Brooke W.
Cambridge, MA
2/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The most delicious steak and cheese sub! YUM!
Love the deli, they have great Italian deli meats and cured items like blue-cheese stuffed olives and a dill cheese (i think goat?) stuffed peppers! YUM!
Their meat sauce is thick and delicious for pasta, and the minestrone soup is TOTALLY WORTH $8 for the large to take home, its easily 3 meals or 4 app portions.
I haven't tried all the pastas but they look and sound great. I did try the lobster ravioli and that was delicious!!
Not much bad to say about this place, its great! They even have portioned meals in the refrigerated section for tomorrows boxed lunch or tonight's easy fix! -
Review from jack n.
Medford, MA
12/19/2006 ROTD 1/10/2007
BIG manly sandwiches. the steap tips get my thumbs up and sometimes it gets my other parts going up too when i think about it.
they sell some tasty slices too. i pass over the cheese and the peporoni. i go straight for the topping surprise slices at the end. it's a toppings surprise because it changes daily, but usually remains tasty. for 2.25 it'll fill you up, but if you eat as much as myself, you'll want to grab 2.
haven't tried their meats, but they look damn good.
little confusing if you haven't been there before. you head towards the back of the place to place/pick-up your order and pay for it up front. usually a little crowded during lunch so just make your way through. don't worry about cutting in front of someone, unless they're bigger than you are! -
Review from Kiwi H.
12/20/2007
I just saw the title of a Yelp Talk thread called "Barbequeue" and it immediately made me think of Bob's. Ok, maybe it wasn't spelt that way, but that's how I think of the spelling of 'BBQ'. And maybe I was too lazy to click on the thread because I'm too busy snuggling up in front of my space heater now (hey, it's been snowing outside from 8am - 11pm today and it's still going!).
But anyway, back to the point or this could end up being my least useful review ever! BOB'S!
My friend, a very smart guy who is one of those genius-types disguised as someone seemingly normal (intelligence-wise :) ) always used to rave about this place in Medford that had the most amazing sandwiches ever. So when he moved out, and my bf moved into his house, and we were starving during cold days, we wandered around Medford wondering WHERE this fabled place was?!
Meanwhile, my other fabulous friend, purveyor of an amazing BBQ experience always, would always get the most delicious stuff from this mysterious place called Bob's. Marinated chicken chunks on skewers, yummy hamburger patties, tasty steak tips, other kebab style meats, and side snacks and other yummy things aplenty. Every time she mentioned a potential BBQ, I got excited (and still do).
So, I finally snapped out of my lazy not-asking-questions mode and investigated. All roads led to Bob. That fabled incredible sandwich place? Bob's! The delicious meats and all those other fantabulously good things? Bob's! And the moral of this story, kiddies? Go, go go! You're missing out if you don't check it out (then get sucked in). Mmmmmmm. -
Review from Terri P.
Boston, MA
11/15/2007
Um-I think I came on the wrong day. I had heard great things via yelp and phantom gourmet (I no longer trust that show/site-I think they get kick backs and have quite a few buds who own or invest in local eateries..and just think how many meals are comped for those boys)
So, last weekend after a full month of a very limited and boring auyervedic diet for healtful cleansing I was STARVING! I was allowed a 2 day break and encouraged to eat anything (oh the choices) before going back on for 21 days to kick start the metabolism.
When faced with an anything goes i have all sorts of ideas..that just never come to fruition. It finally occurred to me-oh, that Bobs place is suppossed to be AWESOME-I'm going in.
It's a typical italian store, deli, and sandwich shop with lots o frozen entrees, pasta and specialty items. and it was packed-i mean packed. It was about 3PM on a Sunday so I obviously missed out on fresh bread. I thought-ok, sandwich. Hmmmm lots of steak bombs (weird) lots of deli...oh, there's the big ole italian grinders. So I opted for a chick parm. I was literally faint waiting so I looked around. WOW they have homeade arrianciatas-so i ordered on of those puppies. I almost couldn't put my finger on what would satisfy me but I thought-this has got to do it. I had thought throughout the day...sushi? indian? asian? (almost went for pad tai but couldn't decide where) All i could think was if I order something and it sucks I will blow a gasket. So still waiting.
Got my decent size sandwich, went to the register and drooled the entire ride home. As I desended through my doorway I thought-I should have grabbed some cheese and rolls but that would have been too much. I barely dropped my stuff before I bit into what smelled like heaven.
WHAT? WHAT? WHAT? It sucked. Not only marginally sucked but REALLY SUCKED-overcooked GRILLED chicken-not breaded. The sauce tasted like it was out of the can. barely any cheese. Oh my god, oh my god this can't be. Mind you I'm now in the burbs and I SWEAR everything closes at 5 on a SUnday. The chicken was way like rubber-the bread was just ok (since I haven't had bread for what feels like a lifetime what couldn't be ok?) I wanted to take it back. I ended up giving it mostly to my dog and chewing on the sobbed bread a bit. I have never been so dissappointed in my life. How could I even wait for 45 minutes to an hour for take out sushi-couldn'teven comprehend the flavor at this point.
The arrianciata saved the day-not the best but it was ok. got food in me anyway.
Normally, when it comes to italian food I'm uber picky based on what I grew up with and what passes for italian food around here. BUT chicken that's not breaded? um, that aint chix parm. and the texture was made for a dog-well deserved.
I will NEVER go here again-on a sunday, a sacred italian sunday, there is no excuse. If I need bread to bring somewhere I may try them again-it's obviously not made in house and if I get there early enough. This is just a sad commentary on what people think is authentic Italian food and what actually is. How can you fuck a sandwich like that so bad when it's one of the easiest dishes going. I should have taken it back just based on principle.
The good thing is I will never crave their food. Oh that extra star is for the arrianciata because they are hard to find-won't be craving that either, and that's all...
EDIT: I took back a star as I thought about how horrible that sandwich was! I can't communicate enough!
And they prob have great deli meat-but they don't make them either! -
Review from Chris M.
11/7/2009 29 Check-ins Here
OMG. How have I lived next to you and not been to you yet? Forgive me? Can we still be friends? Maybe with benefits?
For a to go sub this place is hands down your best option in the medford/tufts area. A lot of really nice options, chicken, veal, steak, etc. So many good things you can't go wrong.
It's a small shop so knowing a head of time what you want will make the trip the easiest the staff is there to work. They want your order and they want it now. So don't dilly dally. They have their full menu on their website and have daily specials.
The deli and butcher area looks amazing I could easily swing by there and get stuff for dinner. Delicious protien and carbs. Mmmm nom nom nom.
Bob's really makes me feel like I am in the city. It has a very urban set up. So I hope to gov them lots of business in the future.
Ps their steak fries rock. Mmmm. -
Review from Meghan M.
Brighton, MA
7/8/2010
Bob's makes me want to move to Medford.
Obviously I love sandwiches, so lets talk sandwiches. AMAZING. I like the proscuitto sandwich with buffalo mozzarella...to die for.
Also the frozen ravioli is amazing, I always promise myself I will go fine food shopping at Bobs. -
Review from L D.
Montclair, NJ
12/11/2006
Bob's is easily the best Italian market in the city, even better than any market in the North End. I usually go for a sub and a few antipasti dishes to split between two people. The meatball sub is absolutely amazing and the chicken parm comes in at a close second. I've heard great things about the Italian sub but have yet to try it.
The antipasti cooler is stocked with aroncini balls (different every day), delicious semi-hot stuffed peppers stuffed with prosciutto and cheese, marinated olives, and tons more. You can order pasta dishes fresh cooked to go as well as any variety of sub. The store is well organized with stations for each type of food. I sometimes have to wait a bit for service but it's worth it.
The center of the store is packed with canned, bottled and fresh packed goods including olives, spices and cookies. The back freezer contains several frozen pasta choices (I haven't purchased these yet). The store is spotless... except for that one time a jar of olive oil spilled on the floor and I stepped in it, thinking the puddle was water. My shoes were slippery for days. Whoops.
I consider myself lucky to live near Bob's.Listed in: Not on the red line,…
-
Review from Casey W.
Brighton, MA
8/31/2007
I drove by this place 100 times before I stepped foot inside. I'm a HUGE fan, and I've never even tried the marinated meats or deli sandwiches! I come for the pre-made greek salads and homemade pasta alone. It also helps that my dad's name is Bob, and I have a soft spot for any small business owned by a Bob.
This is the kind of place that real Medfordians and Somervillians frequent. How do I know? Well, I bumped in my state trooper floor hockey teammate here one day.. and he's been in Medford for "ye-yahs" (years). I think I got some extra street cred for being a Bob's fan. He now passes me the ball occasionally during our games.
This place is definitely worth a stop - it's only 5 minutes off 93, or just north of Somerville. Get off the Medford/Rte 60 exit, go through Medford, bear soft left at the Papa Gino's, bear right at the American Petroleum gas station, go past the Sei Bar, and Bob's will be up on your left. It's near the Harvard St/Main St intersection.
Bobbbbbbbbbbbb's FINE Foods and Catering is actually the name of the place, and DANG how I love it so.
