I don't know how many locals I've asked for sandwich shop recommendations but at least half of them have told me I've "gawta try tha beef at Bill & Bob's ova in Woo-buhn".
Located half a mile from my apartment and nestled right on Main Street, it's impossible to miss the big signage anytime I leave home. In fact, my eyes drifted to it every time I drove past, beckoning me to stop in and see if the hype is justified. Well, yesterday and I did and I can now confirm that yes, the hype has real merit to it.
Greeted by an enthusiastic woman who could almost instantly tell I was a recent transplant to the Boston suburb, I was informed that B&B's had "been in business for 60 years, 48 of'em at this location". She offered to take my order and I suggested she order for me; I wanted to try the signature dish, the beef that kept the doors open for six decades and counting. "That would be the roast beef sandwich of course." They offered "Supah, Big, and Junya". The optional toppings list was as long as my arm (literally something for everyone) and again I suggested "the standard". Naturally I opted for the super topped with hot, melty cheese and barbecue sauce served on an onion bun with the diner staple side of fries and a Diet Pepsi for dining-in.
While I waited we talked about where I came from, what brought me to the area, etc. and the conversation felt genuine and natural. This wonderful woman loved her job and loved the idea of making sure the customer felt appreciated and it showed. She was patient, unbothered, interested, and interesting.
Soon enough, a matter of a few minutes, my hot sandwich and golden fries were on a tray in front of me waiting to be devoured. I was told I could eat at the tables right inside the door or upstairs in the dining room. I chose to take the steps and walked into a roomy yet cozy space aligned with booths, tables, and a window side bar. Within seconds I was unwrapping the butcher's paper and taking my first bite.
"Hot beefy bliss".
No, that's not a line from a smut novel, but my instant reaction. All of a sudden I understood why some people have such a strong distaste for Arby's and Walmart staple Raybern's third tier sandwiches.
The meat was roasted to perfection; nowhere close to over done and slightly pink in some spots with the perfect degree of saltiness and depth. The cheese had melted over the top of the meat pile like a savory blanket of coziness. The tangy barbecue sauce sealed the deal with its mouthwatering blend of spices and the ideal amount of heat. The onion bun was soft and fluffy, flawlessly steamed to the perfect temp and density. Each individual flavor stood out on its own, the beef stealing the show, yet somehow combined to create a scrumptious feasting experience unlike any other. I was converted on the first bite and right then and there Arby's became a thing of the past.
The fries. Holy mother of all things deep fried, the fries were absolutely phenomenal. Everything a person would want and expect in the quintessential French fry was present. Golden, standard cut potato sticks that were crispy on the outside (you could hear the crunch when you took a bite) and as soft as fluffy cloud on a summer day underneath the blonde outer shell. I had already got my ketchup sprinkled with pepper all set up and ready to go and ended up finish the whole order before I realized I hadn't even touched it. They didn't need any help
Portion sizes were well worth the price and more than enough to fill me up. I finished because I wanted more, not because I was still hungry. There are several local spots on my radar, but I already know I'll be back to visit Bill & Bob before I check them all off my list.
My only complaint is that I didn't remember the name of the woman who took my order and made me feel like I was at home with friends. As much as the food speaks for itself it always helps to be accommodated by a hospitable employee who strives to make the experience memorable and she did just that.
Great first experience dining in the town of Woburn and the other locals now have a high standard to live up to. read more