Boston's best: Sandwich shops

“An American can eat anything,” Bill Cosby once observed, “as long as he has two pieces of bread.” Although invented by a Brit, the sandwich remains a fundamental slice of American cuisine. It’s by far the dominant choice of the lunch-time for Boston’s working community—from the old fashioned corned beef to the posh, artisan rolls and wraps, there’s something for everyone.

Figaro’s Boston
Sandwiched between a bus station and the Chinatown gate in the Leather District, this shop earns the loyalty of its regular customers not only with its beautiful treatment of its customers and warm, homey feel, but also some damn fine sandwiches. Despite featuring creative daily specials, we can’t resist the go-to: the Sonny Corleone ($7.95) with grilled marinated chicken, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, chipotle mayonnaise and mozzarella cheese pressed in a grill.  105 Beach St, Leather District, Boston (617-426-2121, figarosboston.com)

Michael’s Deli
There’s more than a hint of the ’50s in this New York-style sandwich shop in Coolidge Corner, with its Ted Williams moxie, old-school butcher’s charm, and simple wood tables and chairs. All this style translates into some fantastic cold cut concoctions, like the spectacular Corned Beef Rachel ($8.99) with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and homemade coleslaw on toasted pumpernickel. It’ll surely make you want to take a pound or two home. 256 Harvard St, Brookline (617-738-3354, delitogo.com)

The New Saigon Sandwich Shop
At first sight, this Vietnamese sandwich shop in Chinatown is totally unassuming—with its simple red sign, tiny interior and lack of luxuries like, oh, seating. What they do have are delicious sandwiches for the lines of people that show up each day at lunch time for their super cheap and tasty handiwork—just $3.25 for the delicious Bani Mi Xiu Mai sandwich of pork meatballs, pickled vegetables, cilantro and special sauce. Perfect for a Boston Common picnic lunch, just make sure to lean over the grass before you bite, as it can get messy.  696 Washington St, Chinatown, Boston (617-542-6296)

All-Star Sandwich Bar
Inman has always been one of the hippest, off-the-beaten path squares in the area and it has the sandwich shop to prove it. All-Star Sandwich Bar has all the accoutrements and décor of the typical Cambridge hipster café and a fun, peppy menu with selections like the Atomic Meatloaf, Pastraminator and Muffuletta. Thursdays feature an especially tasty pulled pork ($8.95)—all served with impressively friendly service. Enjoy the free refills of iced tea ($2.50). 1245 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge (617-868-3065, allstarsandwichbar.com)

Parish Café
If there’s anywhere in Boston you might share your sandwich with a celebrity, it’s the Parish Café. Featuring one of the most exclusive patios in the city, the café takes pride in its artisan sandwiches concocted by “chefs of national renown.” The Zuni Roll ($11.95) is, by far, the most popular and the description on the menu makes it no wonder: Smoked turkey breast, crisp bacon, chopped scallions, dill havarti cheese, and cranberry-chipotle sauce wrapped in a flour tortilla. If brunching, pair it with a peachy Parish Bellini ($9.5) for the ultimate complement. 361 Boylston Street, Back Bay, Boston (617-247-4777, parishcafe.com)

Diesel Café
The Diesel Café has quickly become one of Davis Square’s go-to chill out zones. It might be the permissive atmosphere, the red felt pool tables in the center and the factory-floor setting that attract so many fans. Or it may be the funky, creative sandwich menu that perfectly suits the atmosphere.  Veggie fans will especially love the PK’s Pouch ($8.25)—a delicious wrap of avocado, sprouts, cheddar, tomatoes, cukes, carrots and onions with a roasted garlic spread.  257 Elm Street, Davis Square, Somerville (617-629-8717,  diesel-cafe.com)