Eddie Vedder once said “I feel like we have to keep our eyes on the road. Being nostalgic is like taking an off ramp and getting a sandwich – and then you get back on the highway. I don’t want to be spending the rest of my life at the gas station.”

None of the bands on this list could ever be accused of spending too much time at the gas station getting a sandwich. That’s because they have much better taste in food.

We polled a bunch of local bands about their favorite spots, and we got so many enthusiastic responses we had to split it into two articles. Check out the best spots in Allston/Brighton below, and then check back next week for the best sandwich shops from everywhere else across the city. And while you’re at, make sure to check out all the bands that were gracious enough to talk (sandwich) shop with us.

Pho Viet’s – Supper 88, 1 Brighton Ave, Allston – Tomboy and  Fat History Month

Tomboy: Our favorite “sandwich shop” is Pho Viet’s at Super 88 in Allston. Banh mi for less than $4!!

 Sean From Fat History Month: The Chicken Banh Mi at Pho Viet in Super 88 for sure. Under 4 bucks, close to a foot long, veggies and meat on a french baguette. Very nourishing. There’s also Tofu and other meat options. My friend Greg got the shredded pork once and it was like thick cold meat spaghetti. He’s a bolder epicure than I am. Don’t go too late, because they run out of bread in the evening.

Jim’s Deli, 371 Washington St, Brighton – Idiot Genes And Funeral Advantage

Pete From Idiot Genes: Favorite spot would have to be Jim’s Deli in Brighton Center. All the people workin there are super nice, the prices are reasonable, the menu is huge and they give you more food than is necessary. My favorite sandwich from there would have to be the “killer”. It’s a wrap with jalepeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, onion rings, cheese and hot sauce with your choice of steak, chicken or eggplant, which is a vegetable, so I’ve never gotten it. I like to push the limits of my cholesterol and pretty much just do the opposite of what my doctor suggests which is why the “killer” from Jim’s is my favorite.

I really do eat that friggin thing all the time, the place is awesome and luckily so is my metabolism.

Tyler From Funeral Advantage: My favorite place to get a sandwich, and favorite place to eat in general is Jim’s Deli in Brighton center. I normally order a Buffalo chicken wrap. Buff chick, lettuce, tomato, bleu cheese dressing with an order of fries? forget about it. Delicious.

It’s simple and they wrap it tight enough so it’s not messy, which is always a defining factor with buff chick wraps. Also the guys that work there are terrifying but that adds to the overall charm and makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something after you’ve ordered.

Jim’s is highly recommended and I’m always disappointed if I order from somewhere else.

Root, 487 Cambridge St, Allston – Mean Creek, Orca Orca, And Shambles

Jimmy From Orca Orca: I’ll have to choose the Root Burger at Root in Allston.  I’m not even a vegetarian and I’d pick this over any meat Burger.  I put BBQ sauce on it too and you have to get their fries with it or you’re making a big mistake.  Everything’s so fresh and garlic-y.  Plus I’ve been in there at least twice recently and they’ve played the whole Speedy Ortiz record.

I also mixed my new record while eating at root (picture below).

Aurore From Mean Creek: Although it only opened less than a year ago (?), Root feels like a staple in Allston. It’s a cool little spot on Cambridge Street, in between Grasshopper and Lone Star Taco Bar. Their ingredients are always fresh and almost everything on the menu is house made, even their condiments! They don’t just stick to the common vegan/vegetarian options, such as veggie burgers and salads, they came up with some really interesting menu items.
When I’m hungover as fuck, I love to get their Cauliflower Po’ Boy sandwich. It’s spicy, lightly fried, and it’s almost the size of my head. The “gravy” on its own is so delicious, but when it’s paired with lightly fried florettes of cauliflower, it makes for an incredible sandwich. If I was on tour and rolled up to Root, down the street from the venue I was playing, I’d be super pumped to get a fresh and tasty meal for under $8.

Rob From Shambles: I generally try to avoid all things Gluten, but I have to say I’m partial to the vegan burgers at Root.

Bravo Pizza, 160 Brighton Ave, Allston – Fleabite

Chelsea From Fleabite: We think that the best sandwich is pizza and if we were in Allston, we would get a pizza sandwich at Bravo. What’s a pizza sandwich you ask? It’s simple: get the two slice special, place them on top of each other and it’s an automatic sandwich. Plus you get a can of pop to go with it.

Roast Beast, 1080 Comm Ave, Boston – Lady Bones

Lady Bones: I’d say our favorite is the roast beef sandwich from Roast Beast in Allston.

Bagel Rising, 1243 Comm Ave, Allston – Shambles

Jeremy From Shambles: The Chia from Bagel Rising. It’s my absolute go to for hungover mornings (see: all the time). Plus, I have a crush on everyone who’s ever worked there, so…