I wonder how prevalent distinctly regional sandwiches are in different parts of the US.
I've grown up on the North Shore of Boston and around here we have "Roast Beef" shops. From what I understand, the roast beef you get is distinctly different than anywhere else I've visited. The meat is served warm and very thinly sliced on a burger bun or onion roll. Many people order it topped with barbecue sauce and possibly some cheese, horseradish or mayonnaise. The "beef" sandwiches usually come in two or three different sizes, such as junior, large or super. A common combination of barbecue sauce, cheese and mayo can be ordered by the phrase "three-way."
There tends to be distinct loyalty to your favorite roast beef place. Some roast beef shops also serve pizza, "subs" or possibly fried seafood, but the best tend to focus on roast beef.
There is one chain of roast beef places called Kelly's, but most of the roast beef places seem to be independent.
I grew up in the Southeast, lived in the Southwest, and currently live in the Southmiddle. I would say there are regional tastes in sandwiches but many things seem to be universal.
For instance, the sandwich you describe I've had in variations everywhere I've lived. It's just a roast beef sandwich. The only real differences I suspect are the use in locally obtained ingredients that have a huge potential to making the sandwich different from region to region. That may be why what is essentially a universal sandwich could be better in one place than another. I shall have to remember your recommendation if I ever find myself in the Boston area.
As for your question, growing up in the Southeast the best I can offer off the top of my head is the pulled pork sandwich. There are far more variations than you describe for your beef sandwich. I've seen the sandwich offered in the other areas I've lived, obviously, but not as prevalent as in the Southeast. My wife claims nothing matches pulled pork sandwiches from this one place from her childhood in small town Alabama. I can't say which sandwich for the Southwest as I lived in Vegas and that place is not based in reality. As for Southmiddle, gourmet hamburgers seems to be the current sandwich fad.
Whenever I've ordered a roast beef sandwich anywhere else, the meat is served cold. This has been echoed by acquaintances. You've had warm roast beef sandwiches in the south also? Mostly just curious!
I completely understand something being less prevalent in various areas. Certainly barbecue places are generally few and far between here in MA, NH & ME.
I've had both, but I prefer heated. I think it depends on the type of establishment. Also, whether it is being prepared fresh for you. Pre-packaged (or pre-sliced, but not universal) tends to be cold while fresh tends to be warm. Then there's toasted which obviously comes out hot.
I guess it could also depend on the definition of cold sandwich, which could be different region to region.
I grew up thinking a roast beef sandwich was Arby's. I've since moved to the North Shore and fell in love with the local roast beef here. Not to say that they are any different from elsewhere, but I've always thought the number of older roast beef places in the area reflected an early fast food regionalism before burgers, subs, and pizza homogenized everything. The roast beef is generally freshly sliced thin, hot, and juicy and I eat it plain with just salt and pepper.
I had something like that in Montreal once. IIRC it was also called 'roast beef'. It was so greasy and dripping with toppings, I thought I'd clog my arteries right there on the spot if I ate it all.
I've grown up on the North Shore of Boston and around here we have "Roast Beef" shops. From what I understand, the roast beef you get is distinctly different than anywhere else I've visited. The meat is served warm and very thinly sliced on a burger bun or onion roll. Many people order it topped with barbecue sauce and possibly some cheese, horseradish or mayonnaise. The "beef" sandwiches usually come in two or three different sizes, such as junior, large or super. A common combination of barbecue sauce, cheese and mayo can be ordered by the phrase "three-way."
There tends to be distinct loyalty to your favorite roast beef place. Some roast beef shops also serve pizza, "subs" or possibly fried seafood, but the best tend to focus on roast beef.
There is one chain of roast beef places called Kelly's, but most of the roast beef places seem to be independent.
Here is a slideshow of what to expect: http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/10/where-to-eat-the-best-roa...
What are some other distinctly regional sandwiches?