P & K Delicatessen — Restaurant in Somerville

My wife and I were responsible for providing sandwiches for an event. After spending a great deal of time researching options, we began to focus on P&K Deli. The online reviews for the sandwiches at P&K are consistently good. However, I thought that I should check it out myself before we tried to place a large order. P&K is an old school Italian convenience store and deli. When I walked in, I saw a long line of customers leading to a deli counter filed with an exceptional assortment of Italian meats and cheeses. It had a very warm, local feeling. Mark was behind the counter taking orders. He seemed quite familiar with several customers and could often guess what they wanted before they said anything. Although I was a first timer, Mark was very welcoming. I ordered a roast beef sandwich on a braided sesame roll with everything in it except onions (since I like onions a lot more than they like me). Mark cut the meat in front of me and blended in an assortment of veggies, cheese, chilis and special sauces that he keeps up his sleeve. I had to wait until I got home to eat it since there is no place to eat within the store. Oh, my Lord!!! The tenderness and volume of the beef, the subtle kick of the sauces and the freshly baked roll that is neither too hard nor too soft are enough to die for. Can there be a better sandwich in the Boston area for $10.50? I immediately called Mark to inquire about whether he could take the large order. He understandably said that it would depend on the time, date and his inventory levels. My wife and I were very fortunate that the stars aligned for us. Mark made an assortment of 30 cold deli sandwiches for us on the agreed date, each with the same level of artistry, taste and volume as that first roast beef sandwich that I ordered. He did not require an advance payment. It was enough for Mark that we shook hands at the time I placed our order. When I came by to pick the sandwiches up, they were carefully labelled and assorted on trays. Mark insisted that I take the trays with me. He did not want me to smoosh the sandwiches by stuffing them into bags. When I paid for the sandwiches, he refused my tip. He told me that it is not how it works with him. In a world with too much crass commercialization, scams and apathy, a trip to P&K Deli involves more than just outstanding food. It reaffirms one’s faith in humanity. Mark is a genuine craftsman who cares passionately about the creations that he sells. Everyone at the event raved about the sandwiches. My wife and I were delighted seeing the broad smiles on their faces as they quickly devoured everything that Mark had made for us. When I returned the trays to P&K Deli the day after our event, I ordered a hot meatball sandwich for the first time....

For years, I breezed past this spot, assuming it was just and old convenience store. Little did I know, I was missing out on some good sandwich deals. A few months back, I discovered they were slinging subs, so I stopped by a couple times to grab some cold subs.

P&K has been a neighborhood fixture for over seven decades, and you can feel that old-school charm the moment you meet the owner. He’s the kind of guy who’s always friendly and never skimps on the toppings—generosity is clearly baked into the business. While the sandwiches aren’t quite the size of Al’s famous subs, they still pack great value, and honestly, they’re hefty enough that I rarely manage to finish one for breakfast. My favorites so far were the seafood salad and the classic Italian sandwich.

Definitely recommend stopping by if you’re looking for no-frills, classic Italian subs. Just keep in mind that the hot subs aren’t usually available...

I've been going here as long as I can remember. Great cold sandwiches, no grill... so limited on hot options, but does offer meatballs, sausages, pastrami, chicken cutlet. The chilli is good, the Italian is great, Mark cuts every sandwich fresh to order, and seems to know every customer by name. If you're not a regular here, come by once and you will be. I'm also a fan of the chicken salad, roast beef, and cracked black pepper Turkey. The best part is the owner, and his wife, they make you feel like they're making you a sandwich in there kitchen at home rather than in a store. Great food, and...