Province Street, just outside Downtown Crossing, might more aptly be called Superlative Lane. There you’ll find the Littlest Bar and, directly across the street, Sam LaGrassa’s — home of the self-proclaimed "World’s #1 Sandwiches." At the wood-paneled, brass-accented, lunch-only deli, you’ll find the place packed with students from nearby Suffolk Law School, dark-suit-and-red-tie corporate types, state employees, and local construction workers. The line is long, and after your meal you’ll understand why. At the deli counter sits a giant meat slicer, which is used to produce shavings of the turkey, ham, roast beef, and pastrami that are freshly roasted or baked in-house daily. Turkey and pastrami are favorites — and both are delicious. Also on display are three types of chicken cutlets: grilled honey-pepper, Italian, and barbecue. Any of these meats can become a signature sandwich ($7.25) with the usual lettuce, tomato, pickle, onions, and a wide selection of breads. Try the French bread round, a cross between a baguette and a bulkie roll — perfect to support the mile-high stack of meat you’ll find on your sandwich of choice. The menu also offers grilled sandwiches ($7.75) — pastrami, roast beef, eggplant, and tuna, among others — which certainly have their fans, but work your way through the deliciously fresh signature sandwiches before venturing into this genre. And Sam LaGrassa’s isn’t just for sandwich lovers. Also available are large, crisp chef, garden, caesar, and club salads. The perennial-favorite caesar with grilled chicken ($7.50) comes with a tangy, garlicky dressing and chunks of freshly grilled — not dried-out — chicken breast. Pick up one of the homemade monster-size cookies ($1.50) — M&M, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and walnut chocolate chip — for dessert or to save for a late-afternoon pick-me-up. "World’s #1 Sandwiches" might stir up a little debate, but as far as Boston sandwiches go, Sam LaGrassa’s certainly is near the top of the list. Sam LaGrassa’s, located at 44 Province Street, in Boston, is open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (617) 357-6861.
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