Billy’s Famous Roast Beef & Seafood
1291 Main St, Wakefield, MA, 01880
Billy’s Famous Roast Beef & Seafood Menu
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Address :
1291 Main St
Wakefield, MA, 01880 - Phone (781) 665-2070
- Website https://billysroastbeef.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
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Jos C.
Fast friendly service. Got a super beef on onion bun with mustard. Nice and big meal. Also got a side of fried mushrooms. Those were awesome, the mushrooms almost melts like butter when you eat them. I'll have to try the seafood selection next time!
(4)Justin A.
Great roadside dinner stop. Place was nothing special to look at but the food was increduble
(5)R. S.
LOBSTER ROLL! All for me go get you own. And that's about all I have to say about this.
(5)Ion S.
Visiting from LA Cali.. Came here to eat dinner, tried their lobster roll, 5 mins later my plate is clean. Bomb ass lobster roll!!
(5)Suzy N.
Hit the Spot! Stopped on our way to the airport and needed one more good New England meal before heading home. Good clam strip sandwich and my son got the roast beef sub which was also very good. Good clam chowder too! Thanks!
(4)Timothy C.
Well they take credit now and I've always been a sucker for a pretty roast beef sandwich! Definitely worth going here, once a week.
(5)Sylvia W.
Love the super beef on an onion roll with horse radish sauce. It's awesome. The beef is tender and flavorful. Fries go great with it. Add a cold drink and its beef heaven all the way. Love it a lot.
(5)Dan T.
*BEWARE* It's not enough to make a profit on their food, they but stick their customers with additional ATM fees because of a sketchy cash only policy. They won't mention it on the phone when you order, but happily send you across the room to a gas station-type ATM so you can rack up fees on both sides. Seriously, how greedy can they be? it's 2014, this place does good business and their food is not exactly cheap. When people operate their businesses this way I don't want to give them my money. Not going back. Get with the program Billy's.
(1)Richard C.
What's the secret to a great roast beef sandwich? It's simple: top quality ingredients! Billy's is on my top three list for roast beef, along with Mike's in Everett and Nick's in Beverly. Their beef is outstanding, cooked to perfection and seasoned well. You don't need sauce or other condiments. When you start with quality meat and treat it well, that's it. Kelly's should pay attention. I've been a customer for over 20 years. At the beginning they only had roast beef. Over the years their menu has expanded, but I go there for the roast beef. When something is that good why try anything else? My wife does enjoy the fried clams. She says that the small belly clans are tastier than their large belly cousins. The fried sides are all good. I don't know for a fact, but I assume the oil is changed regularly, thus the fresh tasty food. You can check out their large menu, but get the beef. It's what made them famous, and it's what they do best. Would you travel to Santarpio's and order pasta? BTW they were cash only for years, but now accept credit and debit cards.
(4)Julie F.
Billy's is solid! I have been there a few times and everything has been very good- fast, never over cooked or too greasy, but the fried s'mores and coffee milkshakes are what bring this place from 4 to 5 star place. It is cash only but there is an ATM in the building. Staff is friendly, kitchen is clean but not too much ambience-basic sandwich shop atmosphere- little league and best of plaques line the walls- but who wants ambience with roast beef?
(5)Anthony V.
Surprisingly great fried seafood. Sandwiches are good. Avoid the burger. Prices are reasonable.
(4)Huong N.
Best roast beef, Kelly's does not compare. Fried shrimp is delicious especially when they offer a special price for them.
(5)Stacy G.
We ordered the clam chowder, roast beef and clam strip plate. It was all very good. I love clam chowder but am very picky about the texture. This was a good thickness with a clam in every bite. Great local place with reasonable prices.
(5)Adriano N.
I have been coming here for 10 years. They have the best roast beef around, hands down. I have never had a bad experience and the turnover is great so you never have to worry about it making you sick. They also now have these amazing fried smores. In short, do yourself a favor and try this place. You won't regret it.
(5)Allan T.
For what it is, Billy's Famous Roast Beef is the best of it's genre. Occupying an expanded former Dairy Queen since the '90's, Billy's could appear in a present day Norman Rockwell painting of the quintessential American independent suburban fast food joint. Of course, it's run by a family - and they're a nice, comical group of characters. If it were in Chicago, Billy's might even be the basis for a parody on Saturday Night Live. Oh yes: there's the food which is consistently good to excellent. A friend who's a fried clam freak proclaimed, on one visit, that Billy's fried clams was clearly among the best. You can't beat the hominess either. Fun dining among little leaguers, Q-Tips (senior citizens) and skanky teens is an essential element to the Billy's experience.
(4)Hank D.
Great place! Food arrived quickly and was excellent. I had the pastrami and it was quite tasty. I sampled the beef sandwich that my wife got and it was excellent as well. if you are near Billy's and need some good food, stop in.
(5)Anthony C.
I've been here for three meals in one day before, if that in itself isn't enough to get you here then I don't know what it's going to take. Mostly I come here for the roast beef, make sure you get cheese and sauce because it is to die for. Favorite place for lunch ever, only takes cash though.
(5)Ashley J.
Grew up in Melrose and this place was always my favorite treat ! Best place for fried clams and a roast beef !
(5)Sam D.
Great roast beef, fries, rings, and a chicken finger plate that can feed two people...They're what Kelly's used to be in the old days prior to expanding and having an accountant run the business.
(5)C L.
Started going here about 2 years ago and I'm hooked big time. The food is always (underline 3 times) good. Huge, juicy and very tasty fresh roast beef sandwiches piled high, great fries, great greek salads, and amazingly.... really great fried clams with better homemade tartar than you get at Woodmans! Never thought I'd find as-good-as-Clam Box fried clams outside of Essex. This place is a big cut above most New England roast beef shops, and it shows by the number of 'Best" awards they have won over the years. Service is always great - fast and with a smile - and they have NEVER gotten one of my orders wrong or omitted anything. Way more selection on the menu than most places. Can't say enough good things about this place. Worth a trip! FYI- bring cash. they don't take cc's but they do have an atm. hefty fees so stop at your own bank on the way.
(5)Laurence T.
I just had a fried food epiphany. Billy's is rightfully justified for being famous for their roast beef but their fried clam bellys were the best FRIED seafood dish I've ever had. I'm sure the $18 price tag dissuade many from trying it but the fried bellys initiated me to something I've never before. I've eaten fried clam strips for many years and this is all I thought there ever was to eating clams. These clams bellys, however, were plump and sweet and quickly made me forget my previous history with fried clams. The clams are served with a forgetful tartar sauce but you don't need it. The clam's lasting sweetness stay with me for hours and left me to reflect the greatness of what I have eaten. The roast beef served three ways lived up to the hyped. The roast beef was piled high, served medium rare, on a sweet onion roll. The onion roll is the best supporting actor in this medley. I've had the french dip roast beef sandwich at Phillipe's in LA and it is my opinion this is a better, albeit, different version of the ubiquitous roast beef sandwich. A friendly and helpful staff and meeting a local named Billy and our conversations about Wicked Tuna, fishing for stripped bass and tuna, topped off a very memorable meal. Billy, I assume no relationship to Billy's Roast Beef, also gave me a recommendation to try Turners in Melrose for stripped bass and the "best seafood" in the Boston area. Billy's round stomach and weathered appearance convinced me he is a person to be trusted.
(5)William D.
Oldie, but a goodie. Have gone to this place since I was a kid, and the good has always been excellent. The fried clams, super beef on the onion roll, etc... Never disappoints. My only knock with this place - they don't accept credit cards. It is 2014... Get with the times! But still a great place nonetheless.
(4)Frederick N.
Great food! Always BUSY BUSY! Seafood is amazing here. I wish I still lived in the area. Been here a dozen times Consistently great! Never enough parking here. Its busy but the wait isn't bad and its worth every minute. Huge Portions! Great owners. Pics of the daughter of the owner who is a former service member. Keep up the great work.
(5)Andrew P.
Let me preach to you. Billy's is a unique place in that it caters to both slobs and snobs, gluttons and gourmands. Indeed, I would recommend the same order to people at both ends of the aforementioned spectrum: super beef plate -- cheese, sauce, (light) mayo. Before I talk about the food, let me tell you about the portions. They're big. Your heart flutters when you order. Not because your heart is excited; your heart is petrified. A super beef plate is a shot to the stomach, a kick to the groin of your arteries. If you came here for something healthy, go home and eat some kale. You don't belong here. On to the food. I'm going to talk to you about the super* beef plate. Sure, the fried clams are decent. They come with delicious fries and onion rings (more on those later). Honestly, though, Billy's doesn't differentiate itself from the innumerable other roast-beef-and-fried-seafood joints that dot the north shore because of its seafood. It's all about the beef. If you get a burger here, you're an idiot. Now, really on to the food. Billy's roast beef sandwiches are fantastic. The roast beef is exceptional. It is cooked perfectly: rare, but not too rare; juicy, but not wrecking your bun; warm, but not hot, and definitely not cool (gross). It's saucy with a sauce that is perfectly complementary to the other beef accoutrements (you gotta get it sauced, kid). The cheese and mayo? You need them. I don't know why. If the sauce is the pants, the cheese and mayo are the belt. That is a terrible analogy. What makes a roast beef sandwich a roast beef plate? Tremendous amounts of french fries and onion rings. The "plate" (it's really a giant styrofoam tray) comes with both. You need both. Their fries are great. Hot, just crispy enough, just enough oil. They lack salt, but you can add salt yourself. The onion rings? Jesus Christ died for these onion rings. These are the best you will have anywhere. Thin, delicious, crispy, greasy, tough to describe. Decor: Clean enough. The walls are decorated with pictures of (a) veterans in Billy's shirts posing in Iraq and Afghanistan and (b) various Little League teams from Melrose and Wakefield from the late-90s through the 00s. Classic. Intangibles: Service is fine. If you're going for takeout, let them know when you'll arrive. Otherwise, you might wait around for a few minutes. Everyone who works here has gotten fatter over time. Why didn't I talk about Kelly's or the "innumerable other roast-beef-and-fried-seafood joints that dot the north shore" in this review? Because I don't have to. Kelly's is fine, but in the roast beef game, it doesn't hold a candle to Billy's. Same with the other places. Billy's is the all-Madden team of roast beef. Fakers gonna fake. *"Super" denotes not only size, but also bun preference. Super beefs come on an "onion roll." Even if you aren't a big onion guy (or gal), the onion roll is good. Other-sized beefs (regular or junior) come with a plain roll, though you can ask for an onion roll.
(5)Kyle D.
For National Chowder Day yesterday, I got the chowder of course. I have had it before here and it is very good. But yesterday it seemed like they made it ever better. It is one of the best clam chowders I have ever had.
(5)Jenna L.
Been going to Billy's since I was a kid and it's just the best! The roast beef is a go-to and also the chicken wrap with lettuce, feta and pickles.. Everything is fresh and delicious.
(5)Edith K.
Came here with my boyfriend and dog, he waited outside with the pup while I went in and got our food...cash only FYI! Which was a little annoying since I then had to pay an ATM fee. Yes I know, I should always have cash. Uh huh. Anyways, onto the food, we got 2 jr roast beefs mine had extra sauce and cheese. ONLY PLACE ever to give me enough sauce where I am not dragging my sandwich across the parchment paper to get some spicy bbq onto my sandwich. The roast beef was rare and delicious, that's how I like it! Shaved so thin and it was so pink, I know others may not prefer this so buyer beware. We also got fries, super skinny shoe string fries. Tasted mediocre.
(4)M L.
Probably a 5 for the beef and 3 for the fries and rings. Fries and Onion Rings were just OK, luckily they came out nice and hot. Roast Beef sandwich was cooked perfect, had it with cheese and sauce on an onion roll.
(4)Levi G.
Order a super beef with cheese mayo and sauce for the classic Kelly's-like taste you're looking for. The onion rings and seafood are excellent but eat it there. B y the time you get home the steam will ruin the fried batter. Lunch specials everyday for you cheapskates ... $5 buys something hot and fresh AND a soda. This place opened in Fall of 1989 during my senior year at MHS. Late night they used to give us cups so we could pour beers in and keep the party going. Those days are long gone, but I love'em for it.
(5)Evan G.
Always has been a go-to... I've had beefs from all over the north shore, and I haven't been able to find one much better than Billy's.. Thanks
(5)Mike L.
No complaints, just great Roastbeef and good food! By far the best roastbeef I have ever had! Peter is a great guy too! 5/5
(5)Melissa G.
Get the crabmeat salad sandwich....you will not be disappointed!!
(5)Nicole D.
I flipping love this place. BEST roast beef in the area hands down, fresh food, always excellent never a disappointment! don't change a thing Billy's you're doing just fine and then some!
(5)Conrad C.
Um... I seriously have no idea what people are raving about. It's not terrible but this isn't a huge upgrade over fast food. I got the large roast beef sandwich with cheese and sauce, plus fries and onion rings. The fries were undercooked - the onion rings were lightly battered, which was nice. The sandwich itself was packed with beef, which is a plus, but it just wasn't that high quality.
(2)Chantelle F.
Came here for the first time, wanted to try because we were in the mood for roast beef. Ordered at the counter, service was quick and efficient. Bf ate every last bit of the roast beef sandwich, it was piled high with meat and dripping with their special sauce. It was delicious. The fried clam strip seafood platter I got was yummy too, piping hot and very crispy, not greasy at all though. Seating was clean, we'll be back!
(4)Kurt D.
It's all in business name: Billy's Famous Roast Beef. Done, get it, take it, it's yours. Super Beef Platter double sides of onion rings, finger licking perfection.
(5)Matt J.
Yup, I'm a huge fan. The price is fair and the roast beef is amazing. Why would you go anywhere else? Try roast beef with cheese and sauce.
(5)Mr T.
We did't know where to go for Haddock. We gave Billy's a try. We ordered two side Haddocks. Very impressed with the fish. It was so frigg'n fresh!! How can you eat with a mouth full of food while saying, this is delicious, on every bite. That's what was happening when I was eating. We also ordered two Greek salads, unbelievable, could they fit anymore salad in that salad container. Great portion and also as expected, delicious!!! We like places where all the food is out of this world! This is a hidden gem!! Can"t wait to go back!! Keep up the good work Billy's!! Me and my wife are your biggest fans!!
(4)Marc v.
Hello my fellow "so called critics". This is my first review on Yelp. So I'm popping my cherry with a review of my favorite place for a quick meal. I've been going to Billy's for as long as I can remember, probably 20+ years. There is no place for roast beef like Billy's. Kelly's...BLOWS! Bill and Bob's.......they're ok, but I've only been to Bill and Bob's late night coming out of Boston drunk as fuck. And lets face it, it's late, you're fucked up, you'd eat dog shit if it was on a roll with some sauce. So I'll call Bill and Bob's a wash. So the only place to compare Billy's to is Kelly's. And if you're just comparing roast beef there is no question. Billy's is the best. Kelly's is good for one thing, french fries with tarter sauce. Getting back to Billy's, the roast beef is always served to perfection. Served hot, pink and juicy....sounds delicious doesn't it? Other roast beef places serve the beef cold or room tempature at best. I'm not big on sea food but I love, love, love their clam strips. Overall the best place to eat in the Melrose/Wakefield/Stoneham area. I know plenty of people that grew up in the area and moved out of state. When they come home the first place they all go is Billy's Roast Beef.
(5)RL C.
This is a locals place. You order up at the counter and can take your food to the small seating area off to the side. Everything on the menu is either roast beef or fried, so don't come here if you want something healthy. Being "famous" for roast beef does not mean it's good, but the special sauce was okay. If you get a platter, be prepared for a ton of fries, and they're not very good. It's cash only, but there's an ATM.
(2)Michael S.
Super beef on an onion roll! I love billy's!
(5)Al R.
Ohhh yaaaa, this one is long over due. There's ONE reason you go here, and that's to get slapped in the face with the best roast beef sandwich around; one of the sandwiches that's truly unique to this area. That's not to say their grilled chicken isn't good, it is, but that's not what this is about; and that's probably the only other thing I like there. High grade roast, cut oh so thin, cooked rare with the most tender, mouth drooling, delicious taste, topped off with arguably some of the best 'condiment style' BBQ sauce you can buy... that 's what it's about. If you want thick stringy, mediocre beef, go to Kelly's. Also, you can eat off their kitchen floor, they take pride in their kitchen. I've literally been to every place around and no place is better, but some can compete. Now, I am slightly biased, since I actually grew up around there. I remember when that place opened, me all my fat friends would skip school and destroy mad beefs kid! And on half of days, it was like equivalent to the rush for the latest and greatest gaming console...which is why it no longer exists. Walk up, ask for a supah 3way (sauce/mayo/cheese, for anyone that isn't from around here), always on an onion roll, sit down and get sloppy!
(5)Jim L.
Very nice staff, best roast beef in this area, better than Kelly's hands down. Can't go wrong with the super beef plate sauce cheese onion.
(5)Derek W.
This is the place that you go when you realize there is more to life than Kelly's. Good, Clean ( I mean spotless) and quick. I believe the beef is considerably better than anywhere else. My only complaint is they are a bit overpriced as are most places once they get that loyal following.....regardless yeah I'm a fan...
(4)Tom B.
In my review, I said I didn't like the roast beef, just pretend I didn't say that. It is very good. I would prefer the beef a little less pink, but it's still fine. And I also would've prefered it cut more, but again, it's still very good. It has a lot of flavor and the beef is nice and moist. However I still say that Kipo's has the best roast beef in Wakefield.
(4)Kunal P.
Roast beef crown jewel north of Boston besides Kelly's, this place offers variety of food choice, including their cheese burgers which are cheap and the roast beef is just awesome. Onion rings is something to die for it you like 'em The only Cons that I can find with this place is that they don't keep mushrooms for people who like mushroom on their burger
(5)Chris B.
This place has the best roast beef in Massachusetts. Yeah I said it, SUCK IT KELLY'S!!! Their fries and rings are ok but only if you eat them right away, once they're cold they're garbage. The portions are also out of control here. I don't eat seafood but if you like it fried you won't be disappointed. My old roommate gets the fried clams every year on his birthday and that's the only time he'll eat them all year bc they're so bad for you but so delicious. I grew up in Melrose and this place is on the Melrose-Wakefield line. Tons of turf wars have taken place outside of Billy's. I'm totally not joking, their super beef is like the magic mushroom to Mario and or Luigi. It just makes living easier if you possess it.
(5)Hieu N.
I've been going here with my fellow roast beef connoisseur for years. If Kelly's Roast Beef is the best roast beef you've ever had then my friend you have never had truly good roast beef. I've never ordered anything twice before, but at Billy's I made an exception. I ordered a super with cheese and mayo. The roast beef is much more tender than any other places I've been to in the Northshore area. They also offer fried clams with whole bellies which is not bad. FYI my only gripe with Billy's is that they do not accept credit cards, it is strictly cash! BTW, I've only been disappointed by Billy's once and it was on a weekend. The roast beef was a dry this time and that is why I'm not giving it a 5 star.
(4)Jenna P.
I love Billy's. Roast beef is awesome here and the sauce is deliciously tangy.... Fries and onion rings are very tasty but I wish the onion rings were coated enough to stay in full circles, I usually only get halves and small pieces. Fries are the shoestring cut, which is my absolute favorite. Prices are decent but it is CASH ONLY. Typical Greek family owned business that operates in a quick and efficient manner!
(4)C B.
Shrimp for $5.50 special is always awesome and got a side coleslaw for $1.50 was really good too. Only complaint is as usual is it's always freezing in here!!
(4)Joanne G.
I have to wonder - why is that every roast beef place is called "Famous" - anyone know why??? First of all their prices are wikked reasonable - so if you have small money - you can eat pretty decently here. it wasn't totally awesome or anything but hey, when you are hungry it will definitely work for you. french fries were kinda soggy and sad so I wouldn't recommend it. We had other fried stuff and it was A-ok - it's not a huge amount for your money, but it's filling.
(3)David L.
Best roastbeef around, drove 20mins, past a dozen other "famous" roastbeef places to get to Billy's!
(5)Al C.
I love this place....best beef around
(5)Kayley T.
Best junior beef 3-way in the world. I love you. Clam strips are great too.
(5)Andrew P.
Fine food and Peter is the best.
(5)K.C. K.
Oh my God. I love this place with the unholiest of passions. And I violate a cardinal rule of mine in that I don't love it for its aforementioned forte, the roast beef sandwich. It's fine -- delicious, even -- but Billy's lobster roll is the best thing on this our planet Earth. It's an entire lobster on a warm, buttered hot dog bun. Frankly, there are no words. I've brought several out of town guests here, all of whom staunchly agree this is the greatest lobster roll they have ever enjoyed. Do yourself a favor. Go.
(5)Sam O.
First off, let me say that I had a sandwich from this place given to me by someone and thought it was fairly good. Not the best Roast Beef (Not as good as Mike's, Pete's Superbeef, Alamo, or anything like that) but the sauce was pretty good and made up for it. It wasn't as bad as Kelly's, lets put it that way. The onion rings were flavorless and overly greasy, to the point where I didn't even finish them. This shows something is seriously wrong because I love onion rings, and anything onion-y, and very rarely fail to finish them. The chicken fingers were okay, but a bit stringy and the texture was a little weird. Overall, my first experience would have landed this place maybe 3.5 stars, if I was being really generous, probably 3 to be more accurate. Then yesterday happened. So you walk into Billy's, and the menu says a Super beef costs $6.00. Oh, you want a topping on that? $8.23. For JUST the sandwich. Oh, and Cash Only, because we live in the stone age apparently. A 2.23 (over 33%) price difference between the menu and what you are actually charged, just for standard toppings that are FREE *EVERYWHERE* else. What do you get for 6? A pile of roast beef with no bread, plate, to go box, or anything? Just a pile of beef? There is something wrong with a place that charges you over a third of the price of the sandwich for onions and cheese. I can see 50 cents for cheese or something, but your menu shouldn't say 6.00$ for a superbeef if it is really actually over 2 dollars more than that. I realize we have ridiculous taxes in Massachusetts but this is just ridiculous overcharging and they have an extremely misleading menu. I understand some places don't take credit cards, but if you are going to be charging inflated prices that don't reflect the menu at all, you should at least take cards. I've been to this place once and while the food was average the first time when I didn't know the price, I'd never go here again ever after learning the business practices. I wasn't surprised to see that Billy's Roast beef parking lot and interior shop area was completely empty and that Liberty Bell Roast Beef, less than 1/2 mile away, was full of customers. Not to mention there is no seating at Billy's and Liberty Bell Roast beef had plenty of seating. So, a super beef dinner at Billy's says it runs $13.00, which probably actually means about 15-16.00 because they ridiculously jack the price up and the menu essentially means nothing, whereas at Liberty Bell you get a Super Beef dinner with extremely generous amounts of onion rings, fries, and a huge tub of coleslaw (which is really good actually) for 10.18 after all charges. And no, I don't work at Liberty Bell. I'm just really disgusted by the misleading menu at Billy's and the fact that they are still in the stone age and can't take credit cards, even though they charge exorbitant amounts for their average to subpar food. I'll never go to Billy's again and my buddy and I were wondering after: I wonder how many customers they lose by not accepting cards and charging over 33% more than what is listed on the menu for their items?
(1)Joe Z.
Billy's was recommended by a neighbor. I was told that their pastrami was great. It was terrible. The sandwich was too salty and extremely greasy. The onion roll was a mushy over-processed sponge with far too much dehydrated onion flavor. I couldn't even finish the sandwich. If you like having salt evaporate all of the moisture in your mouth and hot oil upset your stomach, this could be the sandwich for you! If you know good pastrami, pass on Billy's. If you want the best pastrami outside of NYC, take the trip to Boston and go to Sam Lagrassa's. Billy's is just awful.
(1)Heidi L.
I have to admit that the East Coast knows how to make a mean roast beef sandwich. All we have out in CA is Arby's...that's not even a legit roast beef place. The first time my friend took me here, I got the roast beef sandwich combo with fries and onion rings. They don't mess around. That sandwich was so amazing, it's all about that duck sauce they use! Sorry if that sounds gross but that's what it is! The onion roll is perfectly toasted and the roast beef, omggg...it's so tasty and melts in your mouth. Onion rings and fries were ok but that sandwich will fill you up. I requested this sandwich again from my friend since I fly into Boston pretty often. Even to-go, this sandwich was sooooo delicious. I ate it, along with fries and onion rings, and then passed out in pure happiness. That had to be one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)Theresa M.
I have been going to Billy's famous Roast Beef for years! In a word Billy's is fabulous! You can count on it for great friendly service, consistently delicious food and excellent prices. There are days even still I crave a Billy's cheeseburger and a spinach roll. Luckily I still live close by, so satisfying the craving is easy. One of my favorite things to order at Billy's is their Greek salad with the house dressing. They have them ready to go, made fresh that day so you don't have to wait, and they are excellent! They also have a small sit down section and there is plenty of parking.
(5)Josh B.
You don't mess with Billy's Roast Beef. It is absolutely delicious. The roast beef sandwich is the best in Massachusetts. They have an amazing cheeseburger and the french fries are great. But, there is one food that tops it all. One food, that the second you taste it, you will say to youself, this is the greatest version of this food I have ever had in my life... That item is the mozzarella sticks. They are the greatest mozzarella sticks I have ever tasted and I have visited more than 27 states. Believe me, try the mozzarella sticks.
(5)Scott P.
great beast. fresh bun good sauce. better than most roast beef joints. just eat here often forget about the calories
(4)Ken P.
Out of all the "Roast Beef and Seafood" joints on the North Shore (and I assure you, there are many), this is my favorite. I don't get much beyond their standard roast beef sandwich, which they do well. It looks like your typical deli, so it's not exactly the Ritz, but the food is top notch.
(5)Amy E.
Always amazing roast beef is tender and delicious. Clam Chowder is the best around. Cash only which can be a hassle.
(5)William T.
Pretty standard roast beef, but i dont think it can get much better. But i give it 4 stars because they have the best onion rings on earth, order them well done.
(4)Lisa S.
I tried Billy's for the first time recently and had high expectations due to all the rave reviews i saw on here. I also was misled a little because the reviews here said they accepted credit cards which i came to find out was not true. They do have an ATM inside the restaurant but it's only of those sketchy looking no-name ones and charges $1.75. So be forewarned. I got a roast beef sandwich plate which came with a bunch of french fries and onion rings. They give you a lot of food for your money but charge about $1-1.50 more than Liberty Bell for the same order. To me, Billy's tasted very very similar to the roast beef sandwiches from Bill & Bob's and Liberty Bell, which is good in my book because those are my 2 favorite places to get a good roast beef. The only discernible difference in Billy's was that they toast their rolls which is a nice added touch. They definitely pile on the french fries and onion rings but they were pretty greasy (to be expected) and tasteless (unfortunate). I'm a weird girl i guess but i've always loved dipping my onion rings in tartar sauce (healthy i know) and i was dissapointed that Billy's didn't make their own homemade tartar but instead handed me some little packets of it. Considering that Billy's is supposed to be known for roast beef AND seafood i was surprised that they didn't make theirs from scratch. Ah well. can't win em all.
(3)Sean B.
Bottom line: THis place is the BOMB. Supasaucemayocheese. Enough said. And for the dink who gave it 1 star, and said the place was empty, you must have walked in at 11am when they opened cuz anyone else who knows this place knows it ain't ever empty, Idiot. And for the chick who said "Suck it Melrose" about whether or not Billy's is in Melrose or Fakefield, well I hate to tell you that 781-665-2070 is a Melrose number. How is that for MATURITY?
(5)Fude D.
I've had roast beef sandwiches all over New England and they all pale in comparison to Billy's. Billy's has one of the best, if not the best, roast beef sandwiches around. Period. I still get a laugh out of people who pay $8 for a RB sandwich at Kelly's and think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Billy's BBQ sauce is the perfect mix of tang and spice. Their onion rolls are perfectly toasted: crispy on the inside and soft on the outside. The roast beef is roasted to perfection and literally melts in your mouth. All of these elements come together to form the ultimate roast beef sandwich. I highly recommend getting a roast beef with sauce cheese and mayo. Their chicken fingers and mozzarella sticks are delicious side-orders as well. The shop may look like a hole in the wall, but the inside is spotless. The service is quick, efficient and accurate. More importantly, Billy's is always consistent. Every single time you go back, you'll get the same great sandwich you remembered from last time. If you haven't tried Billy's, then you haven't tried a real roast beef sandwich!
(5)Sarah S.
The fries! The fries! Crispy, salty, yummy, cheap. The service! The service! Effectual, sweet, competent, quick. The location! The location! Near-by: convenient, time-saving, excellent. The other food! The other food! Onion rings, roast beef *, chicken fingers *: superb. * As reported to me by others. I claim no personal liabilty should you not agree with my assessment of the roast beef and/or chicken fingers as superb.
(4)L J.
This place is a genuine find. Simply THE best roast beef sandwiches I have ever had in my life. The french fries are crisp and served thin cut-try them with duck sauce-but get a bit limp as all fries do on the ride home, so dine in and spare yourself the disappointment of limp fries. The menu items feature pretty standard fried foods, but the scallops and fish are fresh, the lobster roll meaty and generous. As a vegetarian option, the greek salads are divine. Heads up/Odds and Ends: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, but the counter is far to high up, the staff will help if you need any assistance. The seating is minimal, probably four or five tables at most. The staff are extremely efficient and quick with orders, a to-go order will be ready in less than 10 mins. Billy's also offers senior discounts on specific days-I can't recall when. There's an ATM on site, but Billy's accepts CASH ONLY. I've never had trouble finding parking in the lot adjacent, but it is on the small side.
(5)Michael F.
There fish sandwich is great but I can get the same if not better roast beef somewhere else for a lower price. also there oinon rings are not too good. Plus it would be nice to see them take cards they have an cheap lookin atm and they charge to use it.
(3)Jeff D.
Five stahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhs. (Stars-for those of you not from the Boston/new England Zone)....for Billy's. Five Stahhs for Billys!!! I'd highly recommend the Super Beef or the Juniors..... Mossssssst Excellent Smithers' .. Even .(Montgomery burns) enjoys a sandwich from Billys!!!! Great Milkshakes. Cool Staff, and quick service. Conveniently located in Wakefield, MA. They have an ATM but no Credit Cards Accepted .....I went on a SAT and they were open till 10pm not sure about weekdays...probably the same. Check Billy's out on the way home from work ....or on a night out on the town before the big movie...or before the party. Enjoy!!!!!! Its Exxxxxxxxxxxxcelent Smithers' :)
(5)Matthew D.
As a Boston native, I take my roast beef sandwiches pretty seriously. When the mood strikes there is nothing comparable to a large roast beef with "sauce and cheese." I've tried the majority of the well-known roast beef joints in the North Shore area. Liberty Bell. Royal's. Bill and Bob's. Beachmont. The almighty Billy's in Wakefield reigns supreme. This place has been open since the 50's or 60's, and it's not hard to see why. The place is always packed, but the staff is patient and accommodating. I've never had to wait a ridiculous amount of time for my order. It's always quick when I come here to get my fix. The sandwiches are sloppily made to perfection with excellent quality roast beef. Billy's sauce is amazing, as well as the rolls. The "plates" are huge with a ton of fries and onion rings. They're greasy, but what do you expect? I don't think I've ever had a bad meal here, which is a lot to say about places like this. I can't say I've tried much else on the menu in recent years, but I would bet that the subs, salads, and whatnot are decent. Billy's only gets four stars because it's constantly packed and sometimes that gets to me. It really doesn't affect the food in any way though. There are tables which are always filled, and some uncomfortable booth seats. I really don't enjoy eating in here...get take-out instead. They do it right over at Billy's.
(4)Ellen W.
I love this place to DEATH. They've never messed up an order, and even when they're slammed you can still get your roast beef in less than 10 minutes by telephone order. The larger sandwhich in my opinion is the tastiest. The roll is perfectly crispy, and they have an onion bulkie which is delicious! Hell yeah.
(5)T B.
I dont see what all the hype is about, the place seems over priced and over rated. i guess its a neighborhood thing. you can easily drop 30 bucks on lunch for 2 people, which is a lot for take out. then they want you to drop a couple bucks in their tip jar too! The roast beef is OK but if you put enough BBQ sauce, mayo or cheese on anything its gonna taste good. Stay away from the fish sandwich- totally greasy and gross.
(2)Nikos L.
Absolutely OUTSTANDING!!! From the Roast Beef sandwiches, to the fish dishes, to the burgers, to the milk shakes. Made exactly the way you want it and served with a smile. But what made me love this place even more, is the cleanliness. They close at 10pm daily. I showed up at 9:45pm one night and I saw them cleaning. They were emptying fridges and soaping the interior down. I asked how often they do this, they said every night. I never got anything fried from them that was dark in color. That is because they change their frying oil often throughout the day. If you go to any other place and you order fries and they come out looking dark and not golden, its not because they over cooked them, but because it's been a while since they changed the oil in the frier. Billy's also use two separate friers for the fish and another two for everything else. That way your fries or onion rings don't taste like fish, like at some other places I have been.
(5)Emily C.
When I worked nearby, I would always get fried clams and a junior roast beef for lunch, and my coworkers would crowd around trying to steal as much of it as they could. High speed service, good parking, and DELICIOUS food!
(5)Eric D.
Great Roast Beef. Tender, fresh, never fatty, and served by spirited and polite staff. The only other comparable place is Nick's in Beverly, MA. I go nowhere else.
(5)Mark B.
Amazing. This place has quite a following, so I will just affirm all the good stuff ever said about it. Best roast beef north of boston. Beats Kelley's by a mile. Kelley's is good for other stuff (fries, seafood, hotdogs) but I feel their roast beef has gone way down hill and now falls under the "nasty" category. The roast beef at Billy's is thin sliced, and always great. the roast beef sandwhich plates are a great value and come with tons of rings and fries. I now live across the street from this place and walk over there any time i want a roast beef, fried seafood or a sub. Great place.
(5)Danielle C.
Great roast beef sandwiches and quick service. Places to sit outside too during nice weather. Imo, much better than Bill and Bob's or Kellys.
(5)Sloane G.
Sure the roast beef is probably good, but any who knows me on a personal level knows that i have a fear of eating roast beef (its a long and painful story, and by long and painful, i mean: 4th grade somegirl choked on a RB sandwich and was rolling around on the floor she survived luckily) anyways, if you like anything else fried and you're willing to wait b/c this place is so frickin popular this is the place you MUST go. On a serious note: add this place to the 50 things you want to do before you die, I swear to you it is worth it. When i go with friends i usually split the chicken finger plate that comes with fries and onion rings (she eats the chicken) and i get a super pastrami on an onion roll with extra mustard. My God, it is well worth the equivalent of a full days worth of calories.
(5)jessica c.
I lived in the next town over from Billy's for two years before moving to NJ. I was never a roast beef fan until my husband introduced me to Billy's Famous Roast Beef -- and I've been dreaming about it ever since. We are so obsessed with this place, every time we go home to visit the family we stop by Billy's for a great meal and buy a bottle of their famous BBQ sauce. Back in NJ we can only attempt to replicate the delicious "cheese sauce mayo" sandwiches that have made Billy's a hometown staple.
(5)Hans R.
I was told they are very good. I got the roast beef plate of course. Wow the beef was so dry and the fries and rings very stringy and greasy. I'm thinking there's nothing special about this unless you are drunk at 1 am. Someone else told me the fish sandwich is good? I'll give them another try and report back.
(3)Cosmo X.
Always good, parking, takeout or eat in..... Clean!
(4)Rebecca A.
massive portions and delicious toasty rolls, make sure to share sides with friends. the bbq sauce they use is really yummy, and in my opinion, tastes better than kelly's. yes, i said it. billy's is better.
(5)Rachel L.
Awesome roast beef sandwiches. I work right down the street and usually end up going here once a week for lunch. I always get it with sauce and cheese. The bbq sauce is the perfect blend of spicy and tangy. There is a few booths and some counter space but, I think most of their business is to go.The staff is friendly, efficient and fast. I have also tried their seafood but, it's not that great. Stick to the roast beef and you'll be a happy camper.
(5)Meredith M.
Best roastbeef sandwhich ever!!!! Way better than Kelly's!!!!
(5)Johannes B.
These guys are the best. Food is fresh and comes out with military speed and precision. It's even fun to wait for the food and see them work. I actually switched early from the beef sandwich to the haddock sandwich, which I believe to be one of the best sandwiches I have ever tasted. My Father in law from NY literally makes the trip here just to have it. WARNING. It has the skin on, if you arent into that (and you really should try it on) I suggest requesting "no skin". Everything I have had has been great. Only criticism is that the fries portions are HUGE and I am already too fat.
(5)Busy L.
Solid roast beef joint. Good fries and onion rings that come on the plate combo. Food is consistent, staff friendly and give you a ton of food for the money.
(4)robert w.
I've been a long time customer of Billy's and have nothing but good words for their food, except for this last Friday, May, 22nd, 09. I bought two clam plates and a clam roll and have to say it was very disapointing, the clams were just not as good as usual, I'm hoping it was just someone having a bad day at the fryolater. It won't keep me from eating there as the food is usually very good, better then Kelly's by far, everyone has bad days, i'll give them another try, I'm just glad I didn't take friends that have never had Billy's before on that particular day, which I've done many times.
(4)Mark P.
If you are anywhere near Boston make a special trip to Billy's! I am bias in the fact that I have been visiting Billy's since it was a walk-in take out, two seat one table, half off everything one Wednesday a year nothing on the side of the road roast beet joint. BUT.... Billy's has proved over time that it is here to stay!! The same family members work making in the open kitchen since it opened making sure that the consistency of the food never changes. The clam chowder is the real deal and is loaded with the good stuff. The milkshakes are the perfect consistency and always hit the spot. They also have pizza rolls which are a treat. But of course they have the most delicious roast beef sandwich in the greater Boston area since it opened!! Every time I go back home I make sure that I stop in and get my large beef with sauce and cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo on a regular bun! NOTE: Bring cash they don't take cards but there is an ATM machine in the restaurant.
(5)