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All Star Sandwich Bar

1245 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA - (617) 868-3065
Posted By Bill Homan on 9/10/2007 1:39:00 PM
I was very excited upon reading the review on Roadfood.com for the All-Star Sandwich Bar. I had always wanted to open or at the very least frequent a place such as this, but none existed until now. The idea of taking classic regional sandwiches and serving them all in one place with a slight twist is very inspired.

I was really craving the muffaletta-inspired sandwich, but the waitress said they were all out of the scali bread. This place is big on pairing different breads to match with the sandwiches, so I opted for The Rachel instead, with a side of German potato salad. This hefty sandwich consists of turkey, swiss, Russian dressing and cider slaw on grilled sourdough bread. The choice of bread is key. The sourdough is perfectly grilled: crisp, yet retaining a wonderful chewiness, and it holds up well under the generous amount of warm, dripping filling. The moist turkey, crunchy slaw, melted Swiss, and tangy dressing makes for a delicious mess that requires more than a few napkins. It also comes with a side of creamy slaw which doesn't seem necessary, but is crunchy and delicious nonetheless. The German potato salad is a nice counterpoint to the sandwich, bacony and cool, although it could use more vinegar and mustard.

My friend had the steak tip sandwich, which he said was one of the best he'd had. He remarked on the the flavor of the meat; whatever it had been marinated in gave it an amazing flavor. He said the fries were pretty good, but that I really needed to try the side of green beans. I think they had been sauteed with bacon and shallots. They were perfectly cooked and the flavor was very satisfying.

When we walked in, they had gratis pretzel rods and Oreos in glass jars on the counter for the taking; help yourself. A nice touch. The service and the staff there couldn't have been better. And they even serve Arnold Palmers (half iced tea/half lemonade). They have a few dessert items, but I'd recommend saving room for the always inspired Christina's ice cream next door.

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Scorecard

5 - Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace
Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace
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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

I've never had a worthy beef on weck outside the Buffalo area ... until finding this one. The roll is crowned with the same amount of caraway seeds and salt as in the Nickel City (where, as here, I always brush some salt off lest I die of thirst an hour later), but more important, the beef is right: rosy, tender, thin slices that radiate luxurious flavor.
"I've never had a worthy beef on weck outside the Buffalo area ... until finding this one. The roll is crowned with the same amount of caraway seeds and salt as in the Nickel City (where, as here, I always brush some salt off lest I die of thirst an hour later), but more important, the beef is right: rosy, tender, thin slices that radiate luxurious flavor."
Michael Stern





French fries alone are quite delightful, but the addition of excellent chili and cheese makes for a welcome taste-buds wallop.
"French fries alone are quite delightful, but the addition of excellent chili and cheese makes for a welcome taste-buds wallop."
Michael Stern


Curiously, the muffaletta is not served on the traditional round loaf after which the New Orleans sandwich originally was named, but on very nice slices of seed-dotted bread. With an especially delicious, oily olive salad added to the layers of capicola, salami, and provolone, it is indeed a mess.
"Curiously, the muffaletta is not served on the traditional round loaf after which the New Orleans sandwich originally was named, but on very nice slices of seed-dotted bread. With an especially delicious, oily olive salad added to the layers of capicola, salami, and provolone, it is indeed a mess."
Michael Stern


Here is a sandwich known as The Clogger. Guess why? Hint: It contains pastrami, chopped liver, bacon, brisket, tongue and cheese, plus zesty Creole mustard.
"Here is a sandwich known as The Clogger. Guess why? Hint: It contains pastrami, chopped liver, bacon, brisket, tongue and cheese, plus zesty Creole mustard."
Michael Stern


The Texas Reuben is made with slow-smoked brisket rather than cured corned beef. The result is a milder, comfort food sandwich. Fans of true Texas barbecue far from home will shout
"The Texas Reuben is made with slow-smoked brisket rather than cured corned beef. The result is a milder, comfort food sandwich. Fans of true Texas barbecue far from home will shout "Remember the Alamo!" when they sink their teeth into its supreme tenderness."
Michael Stern


This was a plate of crispy, messy goodness.
"This was a plate of crispy, messy goodness."
Bill Homan


A Grilled Falafel Burger reminds us of
"A Grilled Falafel Burger reminds us of "hippie food" - lots of fresh veggies, sprouts, whole wheat bread; a good sandwich."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


My friend said this was the best steak tip sandwich he'd had in some time.
"My friend said this was the best steak tip sandwich he'd had in some time."
Bill Homan


The blackboard menu above the order counter lists the day's specials. (Stephen Rushmore photo)
"The blackboard menu above the order counter lists the day's specials. (Stephen Rushmore photo)"
Michael Stern


Look closely into the open kitchen and you'll see a cook fixing up a whoopie pie.  We can't imagine many folks have room for dessert here.
"Look closely into the open kitchen and you'll see a cook fixing up a whoopie pie. We can't imagine many folks have room for dessert here."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


A rare sight: the All Star counter NOT mobbed by customers. (Stephen Rushmore photo)
"A rare sight: the All Star counter NOT mobbed by customers. (Stephen Rushmore photo)"
Michael Stern


Good eats await inside.
"Good eats await inside."
Bill Homan



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