Bill & Bob’s Roast Beef

Bill & Bob’s Famous Roast Beef is a Salem roast beef shop known for its 3-way roast beef sandwich, and it bills itself as home of the original roast beef sandwich. The menu also includes pastrami, burgers, chicken tenders, and gouda and mac and cheese bites. Meat is hand trimmed and cooked several times throughout the day so sandwiches are made with fresh roast beef, and customers can dine in or take out.

The story goes back to Nondas Lagonakis, who came to Lynn from Greece in 1961 and worked three jobs for seven years before buying Bill Aylward’s Salem restaurant in 1968. He and his wife Ada lived next door, listening for their kids on a two-way radio while he worked long hours building the business. Nondas also helped create James River Barbeque sauce, the only barbecue sauce the restaurant has used since.

What to Know

• The business has been serving customers for more than 55 years.
• Tacos are served only at the Woburn location, not in Salem.
• The restaurant welcomes late-night visits.
• Bill & Bob’s is a member of the Salem Chamber of Commerce.