I saw this place on Phantom and decided to give it a try. I am originally from Philadelphia so I went in with a sense of caution as the owners were dissing my beloved Philly Cheesesteak saying that Boston Steaks were better. This was not the case in my experiences in Boston until that is I vetured to this place. It was amazing! I mean I have been miserable in Boston eating steak bombs that were subpar. I am a self proclaimed fat man who likes fattening food...and this place isn't for the dieting types...I have also been to TC Landos the place they own in Hudson with similiar feelings of joy. THANK YOU.....THANK YOU My only hope would be they could somehow get Amoroso the Bread Company from Philadelphia to ship the rolls here, so this would be the ultimate spiritual steak experience...
(5)
Darius K.
Having spent a lot of my childhood in Philadelphia, I will get this out of the way first: these are not Philly cheesesteaks. The steak is not shaved, really, it actually more like finely diced. However, even though it's not Philly-style, it's still very tasty. Carl's offers a lot of choices for what to put on your cheesesteak. In addition to the usual onions, mushrooms, peppers, you can get pepperoni, sausage, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, tomato sauce, jalapenos, cherry peppers, salami, ham, bacon, and other stuff too. Although I usually don't order too many toppings as it bogs down the sandwich and usually makes it unwieldy. Be warned: unless you're incredibly hungry, you should order a small cheesesteak. I am able to eat a lot of food in one sitting, and the large is just too big for me. (Although it is a cost-effective way to squeeze two meals out of one.) Surprisingly, the burritos here are also really good. My girlfriend is vegetarian, yet we eat here all the time because she likes the veggie burrito. If you're a meat-eater, I recommend going with the chicken burrito and not the steak burrito: while their steak is fine for a cheesesteak, when I have steak in a burrito I expect something totally different in texture, which means their steak burritos just taste weird to me.
(4)
Graham C.
This place is great, especially if you love your cardiologist. The cheesesteak is really the only thing here. Hey have all kinds of variations (barbeque, terryaki, the giambotta), but it all boils down to the same thing. Finely shaved steak and cheese on a fresh roll. That's it. If you want peppers or onions, that's extra. Oh, and get the small. You'll probably end up taking one half home. Trust me. Don't get the large because you're "wicked hungry." The small will be fine. This place isn't fancy, and there's limited seating, but if you're looking for a decent cheesesteak in the Boston area, this is your spot. And the only reason it doesn't have 5 stars is that it's still no Jim's in South Philly.
(4)
Mike S.
I've been in mourning since TC Landos got too big and changed from a nice small steak & cheese sub shop, but I feel like I've been resurrected with Carl's!!!! Just finished a "Chipolte Steak & Cheese" and I haven't been so in love with a sandwich since my first visit to TC Landos 20 years ago. The chipolte sauce is just spicy enough, the bacon adds this new twist, and the steak is perfectly seasoned! I plan on trying every sandwich & burrito on the board over this new year! Small shop - call ahead to avoid the cramped wait. Yes there isn't much parking, yes, there isn't much room inside, YES, THEY DO MAKE THE BEST STEAK & CHEESE SUBS IN THE STATE!!!! THANK YOU CARL!!!! CARL FOR PRESIDENT!!!
(4)
Joe S.
cheap steak subs anyway you want em. LOTSSSSSS of it. amazing heart attack galore you have been warned
(5)
Dave B.
OK, that was a really big sandwich. No one wants to imagine the calories and fat that are in a large Kamikaze (Steak, Cheese, Sausage, Ham, Bacon, Pepperoni, BBQ Sauce) so just order, eat, and purge later. Normally something that large wouldn't be so tasty but this was delicious all the way to the end. Do it.
(4)
Rusty Shackleford D.
As far as steak and chicken subs and burritos, it doesn't get any better. All of their Steak or Chicken specialty subs are very good. I have had cheese steaks at both Philly hot spots "Geno's" and "Pat's" and these are bigger and better. I would however like if they gave you an option to toast the subs. Burritos are awesome, big, and tightly rolled so you can eat them without spilling food all over you. In my opinion, better than Anna's Taqueria which everyone raves about, Boca Grande, Qdoba, and any other place I have tried in the area. Quesadilla's and complimentary home made tortilla's you get when you order a burrito are great too! The only downside to this place is the location. TERRIBLE. It's a TINY hole in the wall storefront with a hard to open door that houses about 8 people standing up. Why this place has not moved to a larger, better accessible location is beyond me. It's on a very busy road, with very little available street parking. Just a nightmare. It does however speak volumes about how good their food is as people are standardly lined up out the door at all hours of the day waiting for their orders.
(5)
Anino X.
While I wouldn't say Carl's subs are terrible, the Phantom Gourmet was over-generous in calling Carl's better than the steak subs in Philly. After watching the Phantom's shows a few times, it's clear that his motley crew overvalues quantity. (Then again, if you trusted his reviews, you wouldn't be around here. ;) ) There's definitely quantity at Carl's. Their small subs are bigger than large subs offered at other shops in the area. Their signature subs pack ingredients like pepperoni, sausage and ham into their cheesesteaks for an even more heart-stopping adventure. The cheese they use however, is remarkably bland and the steak looks more like ground beef than it does the traditional shaved beef you'll see at the purist places. The rolls aren't so great either: they taste borderline stale. Toasting (even just on top of the grill for a bit) would improve the taste. I asked if they could do that for me, and they would not accomodate my request. Street parking is scarce. I've visited Carl's over 10 times now, but I won't be returning in the future. There are better places locally and if I'm hungry enough to eat a large at Carl's, I'd rather just order two larges at a place like Lena's or the Moody St. Pizzeria. Their subs taste better and ordering two subs at either of these places would cost just 3 dollars more than a large at Carl's.
(2)
Randie F.
When I used to work in Waltham, everyone at work would go crazy for Carl's. While I can't personally speak for their steak and cheese, everyone I worked with used to love them. As for me, Carl's was the place that made me realize I actually like burritos. I guess I'd just never had a good one before them.
(4)
Laura G.
just had my first steak and cheese sub here after reading reviews. I can honestly say it was the best steak and cheese (with onions and peppers) sub I've ever had. yes, very large too.
(5)
Tamara H.
My BF and I watch the Phantom Gourmet and happened to see it. So since we both are big Steak N Cheese sub Fans we decided to break out of the old and ordinary JOE's and venture to Waltham. I will say it was the most delicioso of a steak sub that we both were craving! Great prices, so many different varieties..the only prob we had was finding somewhere to park! I had to go in while he drove around the block a few times before the order was ready...a ways from Boston, but if you are in the mood for a mouthwatering steak sub, then this is the place and is worth your gas money
(4)
SuYin W.
Great subs! (Just don't watch how it's prepared) We used to order lunch from here at least once a week. Cheap and tasty. Huge servings. What more do you want from lunch, really? And... ooh so tasty. Just don't look into the kitchen. Btw, does anyone else thinks the guy serving you seems high or something?
(4)
Chuckert B.
I used to live down the street to this place and would go there all the time. I never ate there because....there's no dining area. This place is a tiny little shack. It's hot, cramped, and no frills. Subs are massive and good. For some reason, I really like the chicken quesedillas there, I can't really describe why, but they're nice and cheap and very tasty. Must be something about the cheese they use.......I usually stop by if i'm in the area.
(4)
Derek M.
Originally, I had gone to Carls for the subs. The bread is really fresh and squishy. The portions are more than generous... but then, I had their burritos. The smokin' chipolte is fabulous and by far the most amazing burrito I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. There is nothing on this menu I wouldn't try, and same goes for you!!!
(5)
Michael C.
Best Cheese Steak I have ever had hands down. That's my review.
(5)
Brad H.
I consider myself to be somewhat of a cheesesteak connoisseur. In my day I've sampled cheesesteaks from all over the US. I've also been going to Carl's for something like 13 or 14 years now. First off, this is a small, [almost] strictly take-out place. If you'd like to eat there, there are some wrought iron tables and chairs outside in front of the place with a great view of the Hess gas station across the street. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, you could probably fit 8-10 people in the building. I absolutely recommend calling in your order ahead of time, especially if you're planning on ordering around lunch/dinner time, as they do tend to get very busy. The staff used to be less friendly/personable and quite frankly, that was part of its charm. Now they're a little more friendly but I kind of miss that old school, know what you want and be ready to place your order, sort of thing. I can honestly recommend just about anything on their menu. I've sampled enough of it that I can comfortably assume that the items I haven't yet tried are of the same high quality as the items I have tried. However, if you're going to Carl's, especially for the first time, you should really be ordering a cheesesteak. These cheesesteaks do not use the traditional shaved steak, but rather what appears to be ground steak. They also do not offer Cheez Whiz, which is a staple of the Philly cheesesteak menu. I'm not sure why they love that processed cheese flavor down there, but they swear by it. Still, while "non-traditional", these are some of the best cheesteaks you can get ANYWHERE. For the best "traditional" cheesesteak you should visit Jim's Steaks in Philly. [I will be posting a review soon.] Portions are huge and prices are fair. Most people should be able to make two meals out of a large. My only complaint is the parking situation. They have no designated parking so you must find a space on the street. When I call ahead I usually just stop at the Hess and run across the street. If you're reading this and thinking about checking this place out for the first time, stop wasting your time and just go get one of the best cheesesteaks (if not the best) you'll ever have.
(5)
Rick G.
My uncle from Waltham introduced me to Carl's. I have had those boring shaved steak & cheese subs from tons of other sub shops. After eating a Carl's steak sub, you will agree that all of the others will be mediocre and don't compare to the quality and amount of steak in their subs. Carl's has the best steak subs in New England. The sub rolls are always soft and hold the sandwich together well. Their menu seems rather large but I'm afraid to order something else because I can't get away from their steak subs. I would drive a minimum of 40 minutes each way for one of their steak subs. My heart is palpitating writing this review just thinking of one of their subs.
(5)
Rolls R.
Undisputedly the very best Chresesteaks I have found in Boston! I also hear same about the Burritos, especially the MOAB....so I am trying tonight to mix it up! Food aside, these guys are pros and always friendly! Bring a big appetite and be prepared for take-out!
(5)
Dana S.
freaking amaze balls.
(5)
Shawn M.
Simply put, the most amazing steak sub I have ever eaten. Steak and cheese at its core is about the melding of the steak, cheese and toppings into one cohesive unit without being so soggy that it rips the roll. Carl's is able to do that each time I've had the privilege to eat one of their delicious subs. So they shave the steak a different way. Its all the same shape in my belly. Greasy? For crissake it's a steak and cheese. It's supposed to be greasy! Gimme a break! For instance, today I had the Chipotle Steak. Oozing with cheese. Smothered in mushrooms and bacon. Dripping Chipotle sauce. Sub Roll as soft as a fluffy pillow yet staying in one piece. Heaven. My wife had a normal cheese steak. Loved it. Our friends came from Weymouth to our house in Watertown knowing they would have to help us around the house just for the promise of Carl's on their football Sunday. It's that good. In closing, if you have problems with the service, NO SOUP FOR YOU! Carl's is THE steak and cheese in the metro west area. You'll be missing out if you let a few malcontents sway you otherwise.
(5)
Eddie B.
My wife and I moved to Waltham and for a couple months shopped around for a good steak and cheese. Once we found Carl's, there will be no place we will order from! The best steak and cheese and subs we have found, not only in Waltham but around the other places we have lived! No frills about this place from the look of it, no indoor tables and a few outside for when the weather is nice. Good prices for what you get in size - sandwiches and burritos can easily be two meals. Definitely recommend the Steak and Cheese and the Mother of All Burritos! Great take out in Waltham!
(5)
Brandon R.
I was in a wonderful food coma for almost an hour after eating the mushroom steak sub. Unless you are extremely hungry, the "small" sub should do. There are no tables or chairs, but you'll want to just eat it next to your bed because you'll need to lie down when finished. Will be back!
(5)
John B.
We noticed Carl's Subs driving by. There was such a line of people that we figured it must be good. We ordered a cheese steak sandwich with green peppers and onions. It was as good as it gets outside of Philly. The enormous sandwich was plenty for the two of us. There is some outdoor seating, but we ate in the car because we didn't want to sit in the sun. Thumbs up for Carl's.
(4)
Holly K.
I can only rate the steak and cheese sub with peppers and onions because that is the only thing I have tried out! Since they call themselves the Cheese Steak Guys I think it is wise to stick to what they are known for. The sandwhich is probably sickeningly bad for you but hey since you can never find parking over there its not like you will be eating there everyday. :)
(4)
Katie P.
I love this place when I'm so hungry I could consume a hippo. Their subs are gigantic, fresh, and just plain delicious.
(4)
Justin M.
After relocating to Boston a year and a half ago, I found myself really missing cheesesteaks. I've seen some places around that make them but none of them really looked quite right. A friend recommended this as having the cheesesteaks "as close to authentic as you can get" in the the Boston area. What a surprise. My friend is probably right that this is as close to what you get back in Philly. In reality, not close at all. The only thing that resembled the Philly experience was the attitude of the employees. The banter with the guests and each other was quite entertaining and was not negative or out of line. In Philly it might be a little nastier and heartfelt but it kept you amused while waiting for your order. They also make it clear that they are DEFINITELY not anything like Philly and explicitly stated so. In fact they don't even have cheese wiz as an option which is THE only cheesesteak cheese for about half of the people that love this type of sandwich. Amusingly, I had also asked for Franks and they said they don't make hot dogs. Upon clarifying about hot sauce they were happy to accommodate my request. Having established this is nothing like what you would get from Philly, I want to make sure I provide feedback about the food and experience without that being a factor. They don't promote themselves as authentic so why should that count against them. The service was friendly and entertaining but misinformed. I had asked about the marinara sauce and was told that it did not have onions. Just to be safe I asked for it on the side. What I found when I opened up my sandwich, it was drenched with the sauce and there were a good deal of onions in it. After spending a good deal of time picking all of them out I tried the sandwich. The portion was absolutely huge. So much meat you could not taste any hint of cheese in the sandwich. Unfortunately the meat was not very tasty and of very poor quality. Extremely chewy and bland. The bread was somewhat stale, as well. The cheese fries were much better. Very tasty but partially burned beyond the point of being edible. Prices were very reasonable, especially for the amount you receive. If you don't care about what you consume, just wanting to fill up without regard to taste or quality without killing your wallet, this place is ideal. If you place a high value on good quality and taste, look elsewhere. This is not that place.
(2)
Rick B.
More than decent steak and cheese. A bit slow but it's a ton of food.
(5)
c t.
I was in town for a conference. I got the large Giambotta and onion rings. I am a hungry man and I couldn't finish the half of it. This is another place where the quantity and quality blow your mind for the price. The place looks is tiny, but their food is quick and huge. It's a to go place with about 4 tables out front. Can't really eat here with more than a party of two or three, but that isn't what matters here. The sandwich was at least 12 inches, and the amount of meat was about the girth of my arm. I could barely pick up the sandwich it was so full and juicy. I can see this being a big turn off to a neat eater, so choose wisely. I wish I had ordered less, because I didn't have a fridge in my hotel room to save leftovers. Even if you have a big appetite, plan to share, or order a regular size.
(5)
Jay G.
Get the cheesesteak. I've had the famous Philadelphia staples before and this place is better.
(5)
Laurie G.
okay it took me awhile to get over to this place after passing it on the road forever but it was worth the wait. ordered a small plain cheesesteak to see what all the fuss was. upon picking it up i noticed the small was $9 somethin and the large $10 somethin which i found odd. the small is ginormous to say the least, bread fresh, steak more like cooked hamburger which i appreciate (never liked that gristly mystery steak stuff most places use) and the cheese nicely melted throughout. just have to return now to get some fixins on the next one. the menu is extensive with other stuff if you don't do the cheesesteak. nice friendly service, too. sometimes a line and parking a bit tough, but be patient and you will be rewarded!
(5)
michael L.
Little place, part of the T C Landos family. GREAT steak subs, really good everything else!
(5)
Michael S.
This review is only for the chicken parm, with that being said I would go to the length of the earth to obtain one of these finely crafted subs. Made with prize chicken fighters, sauce made from a little italian women and the cheese from the god of cheese...
(5)
Umman K.
I had to try this place after reading the reviews. This place lives up to its expectations! They give you a lot of good quality meat for the price. I ordered a small with onions, man, it looked like an xtra large. Large portion for the $9 bucks I spent. I lived in Philly and this place even compares to Pudges where I used to frequent.
(5)
David S.
I ordered a large chicken parmesean sandwich here the other day. It was easily one of the best, if not the best, chick parm sub I've ever had. The chicken parm sub is my go-to for places like this -- the sub shops / pizza places that are in every town (though this place doesn't serve pizza). It has a small menu of chicken and steak subs and then a decent side menu and some other sandwiches. But it's the chicken and steak subs that you should get from here. And the jack cheese fries. When I ordered my chicken parm sub, I saw the people in the back fry up the pieces of chicken made to order for my specific sandwich. The bread is super soft, the cheese was nice, the chicken was crispy (you know it's fresh because it didn't even have time to get soggy from the sauce). And the sauce wasn't overpowering the sandwich, you could still taste the chicken, bread, and the cheese. Even at fancier restauranst, it's so rare that you order anything with marinara sauce and are able to taste anything but the sauce. But not here. You can taste all the parts of the sandwich. Plus, the portions are huge. For less than $9, you get a sub that can easily last you two meals, though I happily ate mine in one sitting.
(4)
George M.
Carl's is the GD gold standard of glutton-subs and burritos. Seriosly though people... don't eat this kinda stuff too too often. The overwhelming deliciousness (and caloric payload) should keep you good for quite some time. I go about 7 times a year, but I think about it every time I'm at Costco, or going North on 95. So, so s ososos sgood. I opt for the steak mad amigo burrito without the hot cherry peppers. Disgustingly awesome I am ashamed at how awesome I think it is. My lady just went for the large (read: XXL) budster. I ended up eating the other half. Eff you, toilet. I get a Monster zero or Nos zero at the Hess too because the combination is like meth and eff you. body. I legit have an elevated heart rate still, right now from a late lunch there. Is it worth it? let me work it ti esrever dna asdlfkjasdsd
(5)
Sarah H.
I do not know how I waited this long to try Carl's! I ordered the Mexican and my husband got a Steak sub with peppers, onions, and bacon, hold the cheese. The Mexican was amazing, nice level of spice, and the melted provolone was the perfect cheese companion. We got the regular size and they were HUGE, I just ate the other half for breakfast. I can't imagine how big the large is. The onion rings were sweet and crunchy and the fries were perfection. I ordered a salad because...well, if you're getting steak subs you have to at least create the pretense that you are healthy...but let's be honest, it went untouched! But the salad was a nice size! I can not wait to try more from this menu!
(5)
Dan B.
My friend told me these guys were the best so I had check them out. Wow! One of the best mushroom steaks I've ever had. This hole in the wall is worth the drive!
(5)
Rosanna Marina A.
Had the Kama-kazy. It was delicious, the bread was soft and tasty. Staff is very friendly and efficient. Would recommend it to anyone that's looking a good simple place to have a good sub. I'm determined to try something different every time I visit.
(5)
J J.
Ok, the food was fine and I agree with the other reviews that talk about the portion size. I got a small sub and it was huge! But what really drove me to write this review is that I was not impressed at all with the service! In fact, I felt that they were downright rude to me. I've passed this place plenty of times I have wanted to try it out. So you can imagine how turned off I am when on my first visit to this place I walked in and was completely ignored. The guy was on the phone but didn't even acknowledge I had walked in (no gesture to "hold on" or "wait a minute"). The girls manning the kitchen kept looking at me. Again, no smile, no hello, nothing. Finally as I stared them down (since I'd been waiting for a while), one girl asked if I was being helped and I told her no. She didn't apologize for the wait or anything. Overall I almost felt un-welcomed there. Sorry, to me customer service is huge!
(2)
Allan G.
This place is great. If you're ever starving and don't know what to get Carls is the place to go. When i was younger i wasn't a fan just because of the way the meat from the Steak and Cheeses' was prepared but once i tried it, hands down best Steak and Cheese ive had. I live right near Carls and can smell the food at times and its Torture whenever im hungry or try to eat healthy. My favorite would have to be a Budster which is Chicken with bacon and cheese and I special order to be served in a wrap. Other must haves are the Porky (steak and cheese with bits of bacon) and The Kamikazi. Only thing about this place is that its not really a place you can go and sit down and eat, they do have some tables and chairs outside but in the winter your out of luck. They also dont deliver and close kind of early but other than that no complaints. Still gets 5 stars just because for the Price you will not get a better Sub in the area.
(5)
Cindy W.
When has a girl ever said "its too big?" :P This place knows how to service a mean steak sub. Whatever you want on it, this place will stuff it like there is no tomorrow. Totally worth going if you are in the area. Once you come to Carl's, he will keep you coming for more.
(5)
Justin P.
The guys that work at Carl's are extremely cool and they are passionate about their sandwiches. I drive over from school pretty often and get the chicken parmesan, teriyaki, and cajun steak sandwiches - cheese fries are a MUST. Get the Carl's Card and get a stamp of carl's face enough times for a free one. I noticed a lot of locals do pick up orders in large quantities, makes sense because Carl's isn't shy about providing you with hefty portions of deliciously prepared meats that could feed a family.
(5)
Patrick D.
Hands down best steak and cheese. I have been going to Carl's For years and have always left a happy customer. When ever I am in the area and have time this is my go to spot for a Steak and Cheese sub. It is so good I will get off and on the highway to visit. There is limited seating and parking but well worth the hassle of trying to find a parking spot.
(5)
Leo K.
Went to school down the road at Bentley university. Steak subs were a Sunday ritual. Da bomb.
(5)
Alex C.
You will not find a better steak and cheese in the Boston area. Huge portions and the steak is extremely well seasoned. You really can't go wrong with anything you get here. I have also tried many of the chicken sandwiches including The Budster and Buffalo Bomber and all of them will exceed expectations. Do yourself a favor and get to Carl's.
(5)
Vivian L.
First philly cheese steak experience (though not in Philly)! Must say that I reallly enjoyed the large Giambotta that I got. Initially was going to go for a small, but my cousin convinced me that for an extra dollar at 9.25, the large is the way to go so I got it, and despite being the tiny little Asian girl that I am, I did finish it! My cousin in law brought home the sandwich for me, so I can't really comment on service or wait time, only the sandwich itself. I was really impressed that they didn't skimp on the steak and fix ins. In fact, they loaded it up soo much everything else was spilling out. In terms of flavour, well of course it's going to be good. Kind of hard to mess up the combo of white bread, cheese, steak, and numerous other fix ins. I was also surprised by the portions as for under $10 the sandwich was well over a foot long from the way I saw it. In Toronto a sandwich of this size, with that many fix ins will likely run you $13-$15 or so, and that is only if they serve something at that size. Overall, really enjoyed my sandwich and will probably make it a mission to try a new sandwich every time I visit the Boston area!
(5)
Sara K.
This place is way over-hyped. People pay more attention to Phantom Gourmet and other "food [not so much] experts." They seem to focus more on publicity and marketing, than on the actual food. The steaks subs are overflowing (which is why I gave them a star), but the quality of steak is the worst type of steak you can buy; very greasy. Definitely not a top sirloin shaved steak or ribeye. Probably why they pile it on so high. Its easy to pile on cheap cr@p. The bread was terrible (for a bread that is supposedly custom made for their restaurants). The place is also pretty dirty, not a good sign for a food establishment. I wonder why there are no pictures of the place on their website... Overall a hot mess. Prices are ok, but I will never go there again.
(1)
Debra L.
I actually waited 35 minutes inside this cramped little establishment for a small cheese-steak sub with mushrooms and a little bit of marinara sauce. It was divine. I ate the whole thing. I do not think I have eaten an entire cheese-steak sub since I was in college (which was a long time ago) when I had the metabolism to support "second dinner" most nights, which usually occurred sometime after 10pm. I should have only eaten half, but it was that good. I will probably never go back because of the incredible inferiority complex I had while waiting in there. The customers are 98% men. There I was, squished in there like a sardine, surrounded by burly working men. The kind of men who EARN the right to eat a cheese-steak sub for lunch - a large even, with extra cheese and add bacon. But, I sit at a desk all day and barely move. I am supposed to eat salads for lunch (and most days I do). But I just couldn't help myself. I had to try it. It was absolutely 100% worth it. PS - I took a star off because the 35 minute wait was a bit excessive.
(4)
Brent M.
Wow, just had a large Mexican steak and cheese sub, this thing weighed about 2lbs. Great flavor, super inexpensive, great service. It's not a meal the heart can handle daily, but when you're feeling ravenous, this place should be at the top of your list.
(5)
Steve W.
Count me as another who doesn't get all the hype. And yes, the parking is so scarce, I gave up the first time I went. It'd help to have a passenger who could jump out & run in to P/U the "food". The Chicken Stir Fry Sub was the worst. There was nothing "Stir Fried" about it--you don't see woks there, do you? They also say it's with grilled Chicken, but there's nothing grilled about it, either. It's big weird piles of steamed (apparently) Chicken that's some of the least tasty Chicken I've ever had. The Steak Sub is somewhat more tasty. But Whether it bears much resemblance to actual "steak" or not, I dunno. Instead of thin sliced beef, like in most good sub shops, they have some kind of small meat "pellets", like the size of hamster food maybe. And I knew it wasn't health food, but if I'm gonna go on some cholesterol bender, I at least want good quality. Maybe the worst thing--the steak "pellets" are precooked--they have a big pan of them already browned & cooked, & just shovel a big pile of them onto the flattop--again--when someone places an order. Not sure about the "grilled" chicken, but it sure didn't taste very fresh. Tip--try Prime Roast Beef & Seafood in Lexington for truly top quality beef (& all kinds of sandwiches)--no comparison. If you want good quality chicken (& other items), try Demo's in Waltham or Watertown. Heck, I'd go to Wendy's any day before I'd go here again.
(2)
Clayton H.
This place is the bomb. And speaking of bombs try their cherry bomb its out of this world!
(5)
Alex C.
Went to Philly to try a cheesesteak, but Carls makes everyone look silly. I usually get the Mexican steak and cheese it's not too hot (for you pansies). Good pRice for the size, they're huge even the small. I go here all the time so damn good.
(5)
Ben P.
What's not to love? You got your basic food groups; dairy, meat, veggies (optional), and breads. My favorites include the cherry bomb, cajun, and the kami-kazi steak & cheeses. I always get a side-order of nachos supreme. After splitting that with my wife, I have enough room left for 1 bite of my sub and the rest is lunch for tomorrow.
(5)
Wendi X.
Living in Waltham and growing up with Carl's I knew no other - steak and cheese. Now that I have moved away I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was to fine no other place that serves a steak and cheese like Carl's. When I go back home to see my folks I make sure I get one to go. I just wish some day Carl's will come up to Tewksbury. Garentee it will put all the sub shops to shame!
(5)
Ann Marie L.
One of the better places to eat in Waltham! I've had their original sub and it was pretty good however my FAVORITE is the Chipotle sub. I wish there was indoor seating especially during the colder season but that doesn't stop me from treating myself here every once in a while! This is a heaven for meat lovers so gogogogo!
(4)
Michelle S.
For what it is, it's 5 stars. This is a walk in, go to the counter, order your awesome sandwich, pay, get said sandwich, and walk out. There are tables outside if the weather is cooperative, but we're in New England, so don't bank on that. I went to Carl's today and got a Hawaiian Chicken Sub - it was delicious! It was a small, but I couldn't finish it. Chicken, pineapple, ham, some kind of cheese...not even sure what was on it, just that it was amazingly good. Carl's is a small local place with a well-deserved good reputation for great food. I hear their steak subs are incredible, but I'm not really a steak sub girl so I'll refrain from commenting on things I don't have firsthand experience with. I'm pretty sure that anything you order there is going to be good. Prove me wrong. I dare you.
(5)
Bret C.
I don't even like cheesesteak. It's generally gross to me. Most places can't get it right and it tastes like rubber. And I've had the two popular places in Philadelphia. I was unimpressed there, too. I had a revelation at Carl's in Waltham. It's amazing. It's fast. It's good for at least 2 meals. They get absolutely everything right. Keep it up!!!
(5)
Julie C.
There's a reason why this place always has a line. ZOMG! Its soo frikking good! The biggest steak and cheese subs I have ever seen and in so many variations. I think whichever one you choose on there menu, you will not be disappointed. Wow, so good, just thinking about Carl has me drooling. Carl's is really cheap too, wow a large sub will run you under 10 and its big enough to share with one other person.
(5)
Frank F.
This place makes the sloppiest subs I've ever had ordered a Buffalo chicken sub and I open it and its soggy as hell and the toppings were just thrown in laying next to my sub once I opened it. damn can u show my food a little love WTF...
(2)
Aboud Y.
Finally made it here to try out their much celebrated steak and cheese sandwich and boy I was not disappointed! Yowza...among the best I've tried anywhere. Don't be turned off by the small, nondescript space, their lack of parking, and seating of any kind...its their grill that is magic and where they mix up high quality ingredients to construct awesome sandwiches. I had my steak with grilled onions and extra cheese and it was amazing. Hands down the best in the Boston area...and a top contender for best anywhere (Philly be damned!)
(5)
Marcela A.
Portion Size: good Very small location. Don't expect to sit down and eat. I would recommend take out.They do have a small patio area in the front of the store that is normally occupied for lunch customers. I got a small Aunt Terry which was huge! It was chicken, cheese, veg and teriyaki sauce. Way too salty! I wouldn't recommend this menu item. Because of other customer reviews, I will return and give it another shot.
(3)
Stephanie W.
BBQ Quesadilla and Carl's Steak Special are absolutely amazing !!!
(4)
Chelle D.
It was good & It was huge and filling! That being said the sub shop up the street from my house is just as good and filling. We drove about 30 mins out of our way for cheesesteaks but I guess if you are in the area its a great place but I wouldnt go out of my way again. It is strictly take out, there are a few tables outside and two other couples where there raving about their cheese steaks. My husband also thought his was above average. Good value for the price.
(5)
Rachel S.
Best burritos, hands down. The MOAB is to die for. Chipotle can suck it, and that's a hell of a statement coming from me. 7.25 for a burrito with guac that will last you two meals, plus a free bag of homemade tortilla chips. I don't know any other burrito place that gives you as much delicious food for the price. In love.
(5)
Jason G.
This has been my favorite sub shop for 31 years. I've done quite a bit a traveling and I haven't found a better spot. Steak subs do not get any bigger, cheesier and more delicious than Carls. The budster is favorite as well. I'm from Waltham and went to Bentley College, the first place I told my friends to go was Carls and instantly became the favorite stop for the entire Bentley Football team. There are very few who disagree that Carls makes one mean sub!
(5)
Kyle R.
Best Steak and cheese i have ever had. Sandwiches are massive (a large is a struggle to Finnish in a sitting) and super reasonably priced. teriyaki is my personal fav. its simple with a ton of great flavor. Their rolls are fresh and amazing. The Porkey is an amazing heart attack but soooo work death. All subs are amazing, Not in the mood for steak, Go with the Hawaiian or aunt terry. chicken is deliciously grilled with cheese (Pineapple in the Hawaiian) on the same delicious roll Burritos are almost as good as the subs (which is astonishing) They are huge loaded and amazing come with fresh homemade chips (also pronominal) Staff is super nice and service is fast as anywhere. Ps i have eaten there at lease 50 times so i know what the F i am talking about... Carls4Life
(5)
Kathy M.
Call ahead. Parking is rough. My gf and I had 2 sm. Steak subs ( steak/cheese/onion and steak/cheese/pepper/mushroom) and a Greek salad. I couldn't eat more than half my sub because it was so huge and delicious. Salad was good and fresh also.
(4)
Luke W.
Got a cheesesteak with peppers and onions. Delicious!
(4)
Kara Z.
How delicious. The staff can be a bit grumbly but the subs are amazing. I wish they delivered.
(4)
Geno K.
Close. So close to 5 stars. Kick ass cheesesteak. That's about it. Grimy hole in the wall dive. But one hell of a sub. A heart attack in a bun. Large steak & cheese, chips and a soda - $12.
(4)
Prasant L.
Steak M.O.A.B. is probably the best burrito that I've ever eaten. Parking is an issue though. Service is pretty quick and you get a lot of food for the money.
(4)
Lucas S.
BIG Mistake......actually it was a large mistake and I have no regrets at all! Glad to have finally made it here after passing by for months. I could only eat half (well I could have eaten the whole thing but I would have needed a nap after) This sub is big nasty and a formidable undertaking for lunch. I will try again when not working. Co-worker got a burrito and it looked great as well, so I will have to return for that in the near future. My advice is to order ahead like we did. Oh, take like a ten mile walk after to offset some of the calories.
(4)
Mehmet K.
Wow, Really the best!!
(5)
Jeff D.
I'm very glad I ordered a small steak sub because I'm 6'2 and the small was as long as my forearm. The large would have fed me for two days. I wouldn't go here often just to avoid getting any fatter than I already am, but as an occasional treat it's great.
(4)
Susan D.
What's the big deal about this place? The staff are rude. Their menu contains cold subs, hot subs, quesadillas and they only serve 2 kinds of cheese, provolone and american. Really??? The food is so-so. You do get very large servings but you also pay for it. This would be a great place for a hungry guy who doesn't mind so-so food.
(2)
Larry H.
I've only eaten the Mushroom Steak & Cheese w/ Mayo here and it's very tasty. It's one of my top 5 favorite sandwiches in the new England area. The steak looks like it's been put through a course sausage grinder. It's almost like a shredded beef, reminiscent of shredded cheese but with a little more girth. The bread is very soft, you can tell it's fresh. If you told me they purchased from a local bakery, daily, I would believe you. The staff is friendly, the food is good. Don't expect to be able to find a place to sit if you come at lunch time. It's always busy, but there's only like 4 or 5 seats total. We always order ahead and for take out. It's an open kitchen so you can see your food being prepared. I only gave 4 stars because it doesn't feel very clean inside. It may just be that the place is a little older.
(4)
Alyson G.
OK, so I love steak and cheese so I have been wanting to try Carl's ever since I heard of it. Since I try to eat somewhat healthy for lunch it took me a while to make it there. I ordered a steak and cheese with mushroom, peppers and onions and rushed over to pick it up. The service was great and my sandwich smelled amazing, but once I tried it I wasn't loving it. The steak was sliced into thin long pieces. Kind of like spaghetti noodles. I can't remember every having another steak and cheese like that and I guess I prefer shaved steak. Really wanted to like this place...but it's probably good that I won't be craving a steak and cheese from here all the time, since it's not the healthy lunch choice.
(2)
Maya T.
Went here after seeing them featured on Phantom Gourmet. Tried the Cajun Cheesesteak, it was huge and filling. The only reason I didn't give five stars is because I'm used to cheesesteaks being thinly sliced. I will definitely be back and try a different creation.
(4)
Mike B.
Forget about Philly; the best cheese steaks in the country come from Carl's, where there's barely enough room for the take-out counter. Their steak bombs pack over a pound of meat made from a secret 2-beef blend. There are 30 spins on the original, and many have never before been on the steak and cheese circuit. The Firecracker fuses pepperoni and tomato sauce into the mix, while the Kamikaze takes on sausage, ham, bacon, and barbecue sauce. There's also the Misteak with meatballs, sausage, mushrooms, and onion, and the Mexican spiced up with hot jalapenos. If you can't make it to Carl's, you can score the same steak bombs at their sister restaurants: Tory's in Leominster and T.C. Lando's in Acton and Hudson.
(5)
Sam O.
The best steak and cheese I've ever had, and possibly the best sub I've ever had. I got the porkey (steak + provolone + bacon) with american cheese and onions. It was absolutely delicious. The bread was soft yet didn't allow drippings to come through or get soggy like another reviewer said. The steak was finely ground and downright delicious. The bacon was also spectacular: thinly shaved and a nice compliment to the steak. And the cheese was evenly dispersed throughout the entire sub, and there was a lot of it. It was pretty much heaven on a roll. I arrived above 10 minutes after they opened and got my sub within 5 minutes of ordering. I cannot wait to go back. This place is a TINY hole in the wall, but makes one of the best sandwiches I've ever had anywhere (including Boston and New York and the west coast). I can imagine that if you went when it was really busy it'd be an unpleasant experience because there's probably room for about 3 patrons to stand inside, and nowhere to sit. It isn't a sit down restaurant though, so this should basically have nothing to do with the review. You don't go to a place like the Capitol Grill and expect corn dogs to be on the menu, either. If you want a sit down restaurant, go somewhere else. Also, in regards to the service: it's standard sub shop service. They aren't chatting up the patrons and trying to win you over with their charm. They take your order and deliver you a mouth watering, delicious sub. That's all I want from a sub shop; I don't want small talk, I want my food and I want it to be awesome. And Carl's provides that. There's not much parking; it's all on street parking. I didn't have trouble finding a spot about a block down the road, but there isn't much parking in the area, so be aware of that. People who gave this place bad reviews must have no tastebuds. Also, the sub is fairly large, but it isn't as massive as some people say. I've seen bigger, though it is jam packed with steak and is more than enough to fill you. I had a hard time finishing the entire sub but I couldn't stop eating it because it was so delicious. I was completely over stuffed afterward and I can take down a lot of food. And bigger doesn't mean better necessarily. It is definitely a large hefty sub, probably about 14 to 16 inches (it's about 2 inches longer than a 20 oz bottle of soda, I happened to notice because that's what I got to drink with it.) It isn't a place to look for a healthy meal, but if you want the most bad ass steak and cheese you've ever had, this is where you'll find it. 5 stars all the way, and I'll definitely be back.
(5)
T T.
Went in search of the famous Steak&Cheese, should have just gone to D'angelos. While you do get a large portion, I found it to be quite bland. The steak / meat is put through a girder that creates uniformed pellets, not appealing or tasty, rather resembles fake dog food.....I prefer a quality shaved steak. You can put any type of meat through such a grinder to break down the gristle. I cannot comment on the other sandwiches, but won't be back.
(1)
Henry L.
Best Steak & Cheese in the Waltham area by FAR. And their sizes are not for the faint of heart which only keeps me coming back for more. Recommend to everyone except those currently dieting ...
(5)
Dan B.
I don't know why it took me 6 years of living in Waltham before I tried Carl's. I regret every day I waited. My first try was the Porkey steak sub. Steak & cheese with bacon? GENIUS! My doctor and fiance' would kill me if they knew, but for a stolen treat on a rare occasion, Carl's will now be at the top of my list. The "small" sub was anything but, and I could only eat half. The silver lining is I have an awesome lunch tomorrow. The fries were really great, too. Considering the price, it was a great deal. I can't wait to try one of their burritos. The lady taking orders was smiling and friendly and the food didn't take long even though there were a few orders ahead of me. Parking is limited to the other side of the street and there are a handful of tables outside.
(5)
Ryan M.
Holy food. If you are feeling like an alpha male that needs pounds of meat in his stomach order a large sub and down it all in meal. If you are like the rest of us and don't want to spend 4 hours in the bathroom that day then save the other half of your sub as a late night snack or for breakfast the next day. You really can't go wrong at Carls, the parking situation is pretty weak but overall it's one of the best eateries in Waltham
(4)
James R.
Visited this spot today...and while the place is tiny, the food it not. I did another review on Carl's Brother's place in Acton, MA called T.C.Lando's: yelp.com/biz/t-c-landos-… ...there is another brother in Leominster with a place called Tory's, but haven't been to that one. ...and if I had to give the edge one way or the other, it would be with T.C.'s. However, if you've had the Steak N Cheese at one of these places, you've had one at the other. Really loaded Steak Sub, with soft, fresh bread...and any fixings you're heart desires. Well...your mouth desires...your heart might object to some of their meaty-cheesy subs! Carl's does not have pizza like T.C.'s does...but they do have Burritos. (Which I think T.C. is planning on doing if they haven't already). If you're anywhere near the Waltham area...hit it up and give it a go. I've met few who didn't care for their subs... ...most people would beat up those that didn't.
(4)
TK W.
Although they ran by the same family, I think Carl's are not as good as TC Lando's in Acton.
(3)
M S.
Carl's steak subs are pretty awesome...big and tasty. However, their service is terrible. The staff rarely say thank you and can be kind of short and rude both on the phone and when you walk in. I guess they don't have to be friendly when they sell the best steak subs in Waltham but they should appreciate your business a little more than they do.
(4)
Scotty B.
From the moment I started working in The Metro West area, all I heard was, have you been to Carl' Steak and the fact that I have to try it. My only regret? The fact that it took me so long to listen. I've had the signature steak and cheese sub here a few times and have not been disappointed. Unfortunately I no longer work on the road, so I do not get to visit here often. Then again, that may be a good thing for my cholesterol level. Like others before me have mentioned, it gets crazy busy here at Lunch time so order ahead or expect a wait.
(4)
Scott W.
You want a steak sub? You're within 30 miles of Waltham? You go to Carl's. Period. The sandwiches here are huge AND delicious. They're overstuffed, not skimpy on the cheese or the toppings, and there's a nice variety to choose from. My personal favorite is the Mistake - but you really can't go wrong. Don't expect to eat in - couple of picnic tables outside, and a counter inside with enough room for about 5 people to stand comfortably and wait for their orders. Call ahead and take it home with you. Long live Carl's!
(5)
valerie d.
It's so good you don't even enjoy it. It's stressful. The bite is so good that you can't do enough to shove it down your gullet so you can take the next bite. It turns your entire digestive system into a super efficient assembly line. There is still food at the back of your throat while you're adding the next piece to your tongue.
(5)
Michael W.
Came here on my lunch break with co-workers. This place is a hole in the wall in the middle of Waltham (aka nowhere). There's hardly any parking, and 3 tables out front to sit in. Inside, the entire place is taken up by the kitchen and standing space enough for a handful of people or so. I didn't try the burritos, which are supposedly pretty good, but I did have a cheese steak. I've had cheese steaks all over the country, including in NYC and Philly- but hands down this was the best I ever had. IMO, the key to the cheese steak is the cheese. It was completely melted through and permeated all aspects of the steak. The steak was done perfectly and cut to just the right size. Best of all the bread was fresh and slightly moist- just how I like it on a sandwich like this. If you're looking for the best cheese-steak in metro Boston, look no further. Make sure to call in your order and avoid the lunchtime rush, because this place gets slammed by the corporate lunch break crowd. If you're coming from out of town (especially in the Winter), count on this as a takeout-only option- the tables outside are always full when it's nice out and are gone in the winter.
(5)
Melly H.
Why the changes!?! It hurts to rate Carls a one star. I was born and raised in Waltham and always knew where to go for a Steak & Cheese sub....but no longer. I moved away for sometime and now back in the location....I had some company which had never been to Carl's, so of course I hyped it up and told them it will be the best S & C they will ever eat.....AND THEN...the truth.. it was just like any lower quality sub shops junk steak meat. They went from tasty shaved meat to pellet like steak that is pretty chewy. Awful. This is sad. It used to be the place to go but now wont consider spending about $10 on an awful sub. Rating of one because the roll was fresh!
(1)
Mike B.
love this place. been going for a few years now... I always get the Steak and Cheese (sometimes with Green peppers) since im scared to try anything else. the only short coming would be that they dont deliver and it closes early but its all good. ive had plenty of steak and cheeses.. but this place is the KING of steak n cheese... in my opinion mad good go try it.. love it
(5)
Dave M.
Amazing steak & cheese. These things are friggin looooaaaaded with steak and whatever toppings you decide to throw in there. I'm a bigger guy, and sometimes I even have a hard time polishing off a large sub from Carl's. The place is tiny, so be prepared to wait outside after you order. There are a couple small tables out front, but you might as well take a walk around the block in anticipation of the thousands of delicious calories that you're about to shove into your face. God these things are good.
(5)
Amanda L.
Huge portions, messy but delicious! It takes me a whole day to eat one if these subs!
(4)
John C.
I don't think there's much more I can say about this place that other 5-star reviewers haven't said. My girlfriend surprised me with one for dinner after a terrible day and the sandwich made me forget all my problems. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. Do yourself a favor and at least try it. If you don't like it, there's no pleasing you. :)
(5)
Joseph D.
Honestly a fantastic meal. I always ask for extra chipotle and extra cheese. Otherwise I really have nothing bad to say about these guys. Helpful at the desk Always on time Great product
(5)
Rishabh G.
Carl's is a needle in a hay stack. It's a small place that when you pass by, you are most likely to think its a run down place. But once you step inside, you'll be amazed by the taste of their food. I've had the burrito from many many times now. My favorite is of course the Mother of all Burritos (MOAB). It comes with everything in it. Guacamole, beans, rice, onions, peppers and lots more. The portions are also very big and filling. They also come with chips on the side which I find to be a little too salty, but that's a minor thing. The staff here is also great. And yes the parking is an issue, but honestly, who cares. It's well worth the taste of the food!
(5)
Jeff M.
Being from Philly I hesitate to even order a cheese steak in other cities. And I hate to admit it, but Carl's are pretty darn good. Best I've had up here.
(5)
Bex M.
who would have thought that crumbled up bits of beef, oozy cheese and a nice loaf would be so good. thank you Pat. yes, parking is an issue but so is all that gooey cheese stuck on my teeth.
(4)
paul m.
I ate here with my better half last week. My wife's said her sub was awesome, however mine wasn't. She ordered a Steak and Cheese with hot peppers, green peppers and onions and I ordered the Cajun Steak. The bread used here, was amazing, possibly the best bread ever used to make a sub. My Cajun steak was nasty. The steak was soaked in so much cajun seasoning that it's all that could be tasted. I love spicy food, but only when the spice is used to compliment the flavor of the food. This was disgusting. The steak was so soaked in cajun seasoning that it looked like taco meat. Don't waste your time with the fries here. They were dank. I mean they came out hot and crispy, but it was apparent that the oil hadn't been changed in that place, I would guess... ever. If I had been there alone, Carl would have been getting one star, however my wife's review of her sub earned them an extra one. If you are looking for a steak and cheese, I would say that Carl's isn't the place to eat. Personally I would order a steak and cheese from anywhere other than Carl's.
(2)
Yoonie C.
... very close to 4-star rating! Although I don't like to draw gender-stereotyped conclusions, this place is a man-wich type place with some very carnivorously-friendly subs loaded with meat and cheese... and some more meat and cheese. (We ate a late dinner on the run Friday night after reading all of the great reviews... I agree with the stellar ratings. It's just that I don't share an enthusiasm for steak subs in general. I like them. I just don't LOVE them.) Pretty solid, hefty portions of beef in their cheese steak subs. The "misteak" (cheese, steak, onions, mushroom, teriyaki sauce, and maybe some red peppers?) was a bit too salty, but my bf and I shared halves, so alternating a bite from half of the regular cheese with another bite from the other half of the misteak did the trick in balancing out the flavors. I actually like the soft white bread. Maybe next time I'll ask for additional veggies to add-in. The meat is cut in a very interesting manner. It's almost chiffon-cut, looking like shredded pieces, but each being a very clean thin slice. Almost like hamburger meat threads, but not quite either. Interesting texture ... almost a hybrid of a burger and a steak sub. Next time I'm in the mood for a steak sub, I'll know to come back here.
(3)
Robyn E.
Carl's is amazing! Their burritos and subs are HUGE and fairly inexpensive. They get very very busy, but still never skimp on the quality or portion sizes of their food as some places tend to do. My favorite thing to order is the Carl's Original Burrito with steak, although I have never ordered anything from Carl's that I didn't love! Carl's is very tiny. They have no indoor tables, very little standing room inside and no parking, but they are still very worth the trip!!
(5)
Mike F.
I'm not one to dish out 5-stars or say something is "the best I've ever had", but I can do BOTH when talking about Carl's Steak Subs and Burritos. I've never been to Philly for an authentic cheesesteak, but this makes me almost not care! *EDIT* I've had a philly cheesesteak. Carl's pretty much wrecks them. The steak they use tastes great. I can't put my finger on it, but it's just got a little spice to it that's unique to these guys. The sheer variety of sandwiches is staggering, but I personally recommend giving the Porkey Cheese a go. Steak, bacon(!!) and provolone cheese...... In all fairness, I've never tried anything but the steak subs, but I've heard nothing but good things from friends about the chicken sandwiches, wraps and burritos. OK, everyone else has said it, and it's true: if you get a large, prepare to be amazed. These things are HUGE! Larges are almost 2 small subs at a normal place and the value can't be beat. There is nothing on the menu priced at over 9 dollars! Really, I can't understand how Lena's on Main Street ever got voted "Waltham's Best Cheeseteak" with this, literally, a 1/4 mile away. Blasphemy..... A Word of Warning: If you choose to consume a large cheesesteak for lunch, I hope you don't have anything important to do for the rest of the afternoon. It's going to make you want to take a nap! The Wrap-Up: A wide selection of flavorful, GIANT cheeseteaks, chicken sandwiches, and burritos for a price that's a steal.
(5)
Duke O.
I could go on and on about Carl's. I wrote a four page paper on why I love it in English 101, but I don't have it saved anymore. However, I think I can sum it up pretty well. If I got the death penalty, Carl's would be my last meal. A Large Smokin Chipotle Burrito, no lettuce, no tomato, with a large fry and a side of Guacamole to go with the tortilla chips. If I'm in Waltham, I'm going to Carl's
(5)
Max P.
The Kamikaze is probably the best sandwich I have ever had. The Firecracker is pretty phenomenal as well. Great food.
(5)
Caitlin C.
When my boyfried and I first moved to waltham we ate t this place the first day and from that day on have frequented Carls any times. They have AMAZING cheese steaks, by far the best we have ever had. They pack so much meat into the subs you need a fork to eat the spillover They have a variety of steak and cheeses that include bacon or hot peppers and tomatoes, all varieties of cheese and hot sauce. Amazing take out.
(5)
David L.
I know everyone goes for the steak and cheese, but their burritos are the best around. Cant go wrong with the Mother of All Burritos (MOAB). If you pick steak, it's the same steak they put in the subs... personally I like the chicken better. Or go with the Vegi Baja if meat is not your thing. It get's busy during peak hours, especially on weekends, so call in your order ahead and pick it up 15 minutes later.
(5)
Ilya E.
Best steak & cheese around by a long shot. Drove 45 min to try it and it was worth every minute. Only downside is no seating.
(5)
E K.
Back to Carl's. I've got to say that it's not as awesome anymore. Prices have risen and portion sizes have shrunk. The staff also never smiles. It's still hell tasty though, but I like the old Carl's better. Too bad I wouldn't be running back here.
(3)
Dan N.
Try the Eric's sub
(4)
April M.
Oh My Goodness. I'm currently eating a Vegi Baja from their menu and it's glorious. It's so good I had to log on and rate it RIGHT NOW. Omg. Delish. It's huge. Perfect balance of salty, fatty goodness. Beware, they're ALWAYS packed for lunch. You're gonna wait if you don't call ahead.
(5)
Jonathan C.
I spent 8 years growing up in the Philly area, so I tend to avoid steak sandwiches out of the area. However, I've heard so many people rave about this place, I decided to try it today. It's a hole in the wall, but who cares? I would never try a steak sandwich in a place that wasn't. The steak sandwiches are HUGE. I can pretty much down anything when I want to, but I was SHOCKED by the size of the large. But they taste good too. I got the Carl's Steak Special. The meat has good flavor, as opposed to Pat and Gino's which I found bland. More along the style of Jim's, but I liked the sauce here better - got a nice kick too it - and the bread and soft an delicious. I'm loathe to rate let alone give 5 stars to any place on the first try, which is why it's a 4. But I'll be back.... In a year, after my cholesterol goes back down.
(4)
Lauren A.
Best Cheesesteak I've ever had. And lots of cool combos, I love the bbq cheesesteak.
(5)
Chase S.
Let me break it to you this way. If you want to live forever, then eating a cheese steak sub from any establishment isn't going to help. If you can live with that fact, and you want to live a little before you go, then Carl's is the place where you're going to want to do it. The steak combined with the cheese they use is perfect harmony. The cheese melts throughout the steak and whatever toppings you've chosen in the sub and every bite is just spectacular. I'll admit the steak itself is average, but the cheese they use is good stuff in that it doesn't turn into plastic after cooking and cooling like the cheese that you might find in gas-station store sandwiches. The portion size is over the top. I'm 170lbs and I can pretty much have a go at a whole pizza, but a large carls sub will knock me out for a whole day. My standard practice is to order the large, eat half, and then save the other half in the fridge for as long as I can manage to not think about the fact that there is half of a delicious steak sub waiting to be eaten. Just food quality earns it 4 yelp stars, but the price is so right for the amount in each order that Carls gets that extra star outta me. Two meals out of one sandwich for around $7 can't be beat.
(5)
Kelsey H.
I moved out to Boston from California last year and I can easily say that Carl's Steak Subs has the BEST steak and cheese subs I've had to date, East Coast or West Coast. A few of us at work try to make Carl's steak and cheese lunches a bi-monthly thing if possible and, if not, at LEAST once a month. Don't expect to sit down and eat, it's much more of a take it and run kind of place, but you will be stoked you did! The Chipotle Steak and Cheese is my favorite, without question. Try it!
(5)
Joe R.
The best steak and cheese subs in Massachusetts. Nobody else comes close. I travel from Easton to go to this place and its always worth it
(5)
Cranston L.
The MOAB is as good as it gets in the satisfying burrito department. One is in my belly now making me shine with content. After trying a chain down the street from this place, which will remain nameless, a few weeks ago, I have been craving them and they didn't let me down. The staff is friendly, and, even during the lunch time rush they churn out consistently good food. I usually get their steak bombs or some some other cheese steak concoction, for which there are no equals. The only thing I have not tried yet are their cold cut subs. I am sure they are good but its going to be hard to order one when I know how good the burritos and s-bombs are.
(5)
Soham B.
If you like cheesesteak, this is your mosque and Philly is your Mecca. Go here to worship the sheer size and scope of these sandwiches while digging your unworthy maw into a (figurative? perhaps) ocean of beef remnants, cheese, and various additional things you can request (salami, vegetables, hots, etc.). I was raised Hindu and still i can't resist the allure of this place. Smaller than a studio apt in Fenway, bigger steak subs than a corpulent infant. Ridiculous.
(4)
Kevin K.
The food was great until I found a long black hair in my chicken parm sub. I have not been able to eat there since. I really wish the guy making my sub used a hat or something.
(1)
Amanda A.
This is unarguably my favorite burrito place in all of the Boston area. The portions are huge, delicious and not very expensive at all. As a quasi-vegetarian, I normally get the Veggie Baja Burrito or the Cheese Quesadilla, which are both superb. Lots of guac and cheese! I have turned on my other veggie friends to this place too. Also, I would recommend phoning ahead because they can get pretty busy during lunch hours and you might end up waiting awhile.
(5)
Jef S.
Carl's large Kamikaze cheesesteak should be against the law. So much meat. So much cheese. So much yummy. So much indigestion afterward. Long lines during lunch rush and hard street parking, but the cheap subs and burritos coupled with the cheap prices make for a great lunch. Stick to the small, though, and have the Tums standing by.
(4)
Anthony G.
This place is awesome. If giant, cheesy, meaty sandwiches are your thing you should be calling right now to place an order for pick up. Pick any item at random and it will be good. You need no recommendations on what to get.
(4)
Chris C.
Took some of my staff here the other night while I had them working late during a big cutover at our hospital in Waltham. None of them had ever been there before and they all gave it a thumbs up. While I agree that it tastes awesome and the sheer variety of flavors is intriguing they certainly don't serve a traditional cheese steak. So if that is what you are expecting do not go here. If you want an interesting take on the cheese steak than do it up
(4)
Ricky R.
What's wrong with you people? 4 1/2 stars??? Get the f... outta here. There's nothing COOL about Carl's. Parking sucks, waiting in their small a** restaurant sucks, the stupid "complaint department thingy sucks, their steak and cheese I had... SUCKED! I'm no hater just keeping it 100. What a let down after going because all U PEOPLE say it's great... I felt like I was eating dog food in a sub roll. This place is way over rated. ROZAY TIP OF THE DAY: Papa Gino's makes a pretty pretty good steak n cheese. Just sayinig ROZZZAYYY!!!
(2)
Laura H.
What is not to love about Carls, except for this one broad that was working there and was sooooo freak'n rude that I said I would never go there again until she was gone, well she is gone, thank goodness! My two fav's are the Mad Amigo with either chicken or steak, hold the rice please because it is flavorless. When I am hungover and in need of help, which isn't very often, I get the Porky....Steak, cheese and bacon (with pickles and ketchup), soooooooo good but so bad fat and calories wise, but when you had one too many the night before, it doesnt really matter does it!? The portions are always huge and yummy!
(4)
Andy Z.
One of my all time favorites in waltham. Great prices, giant portions, and incredible freshness and flavor
(5)
Jim M.
Carl's sets the bar for steak and cheese... its absurd. The portions are huge and the subs are the best subs in the history of subs. Put your stupid roast beef down, and get a steak and cheese from carl's.
(5)
Mark P.
Carl's is a Waltham institution. The fact that they have nowhere to sit, that there is no off-street parking and limited on-street parking, and that nothing on the menu is even remotely healthy for you, is completely trumped by the fact that Carl's has, probably, the best steak & cheese sub in the surrounding area (beyond Waltham). I hear the Mexican food is also good, but I've never tried it. And trust me, all you need is a small - Carl's small is like a large everywhere else. Also would advise keeping it simple, just a plain steak & cheese or maybe steak & cheese with peppers. Also try their sister store, TC Lando's, same owner, multiple locations in metrowest. The steak & cheese is similar there but the rest of the menu is different. Your cardiologist would not recommend that you eat at Carl's often, but you have to try it at least once - and you will come back.
(5)
Shep M.
First off, I love Carl's food. I held off on the fifth star for a few reasons: 1. The food will kill you if you eat it too much. This is not a place I would eat every day or every week. It's a place you go every once in a while to satisfy your cherry bomb cravings. It's LOADED with meat. That has its benefits and its drawbacks. 2. The subs are too big to eat manageably. You're probably sitting there saying "where are this kid's balls?" Yeah, but order a large cherry bomb and cram that in your mouth. That's a lot of food. It's overwhelming. 3. It's messy. There's no bathroom at Carl's for you to wash your hands. You're going to have to load up on napkins. Not just for your hands but also your face after you eat it. Your face will feel like a frying pan after you get through one of those bad boys. 4. Accessibility. It's hard to find parking around Carl's. May be it's because me and my friends go there in packs of 2-3 cars, but Carl's always has people coming and going, so the limited street parking is in high demand. At your own risk, park across the street at the Hess Station (Or is it BP).
(4)
jb h.
This is THE place to go for a steak sub in Waltham. You can get your steak sub with all kinds of toppings and sauces. Their other subs are pretty good as well. I work near by and go here pretty often for lunch. It's mostly a take out place so theres not really anywhere to eat. Can get really busy during lunch time so definitely call in your order. Parking can also be problematic on that street so its best to bring someone to get the food while you wait in the car. Also their small size is quite large. I'd say about as filling as a foot long subway sub.
These are the best steak and cheese subs in the world. I am currently enjoying a Carl's Steak Special. Their fries are good too very crunchy with little crispies on them. MMMMMM
(5)
Michael B.
I don't see how anyone could give this place a bad review. Been here a bunch of times, always get some kinda of ENORMOUS and awesome steak and cheese. Definitely go for the large and either stuff yourself or save half for another meal. The steak is tasty and cheesy and the combos are great. Just tried the Mexican tonight and it was spicy, cheesy and delicious. Carl's can do no wrong in my book.
(5)
David C.
A sandwich shop that closes at 9pm in Waltham. You're kidding me. The cheesesteak is delicious, but terrible parking and worse hours.
(3)
Joe B.
my favorite steak and cheeses of all time. huge sandwiches. very delicious. don't plan on being productive after eating one of these belly busters. the burritos are great too. make sure you order ahead. it gets crazy at lunch time.
(5)
Melissa B.
Wowzas. This place is crazy good. I was skeptical because of the good reviews and recommendation from Phantom Gourmet (good ol cynical me), but their steak subs are phenom. The hubs and I can split one with a side order of fries and be stuffed beyond recognition. Did I mention that meal for two cost less than $10. They're always busy, so call ahead (if you can get through!), but do try ANY of their steak subs. Bravo.
(5)
Dan P.
I feel like I should have to write a review for Carl's because anyone that has been here know how amazing this place really is. If you're starving for a steak and cheese, and are within driving distance to Waltham, I don't know why you wouldn't come here. This place is by far, THE BEST STEAK AND CHEESE I have EVER had. Not only is the basic steak and cheese amazing, but they also give you other options, like the kamikaze if you're feeling a little adventurous.
(5)
Chris O.
Who says you need sterling silver for a fine dine? Carl's is easy and no-fuss but totally delicious! The kids love it, the husband loves it, and you know what... I love it!
(5)
Anthony R.
I really, really like Carl's. I think the easiest way to sum it up is this: they sell salads (they're on the take out menu) but that isn't mentioned on the big sign that's you see when you actually walk in. You know why? Because that's just not what they do. The steak subs are larger than is safe or reasonable. A small is easily two meals, and a large will put you out of commission for the day. If you ever wait in the restaurant during a busy lunch hour, you can watch them pour a giant container of shaved steak on the griddle and then use the amount of steak that looks like it could feed an army to make, like, eight subs. It gets better: many of their featured subs include bacon, salami, sausage, and other meats. None of this plain old steak-and-cheese business -- thanks to Carl's, my mental image of the ultimate steak sub now includes bacon and pepperoni as well. Shortcomings? They get really busy around lunchtime and will dawdle with phone orders, probably because it's hard to ignore the crowd that's already there salivating over the steak they're about to receive -- but can you blame them? Basically, Carl's is THE place to go if you don't value your arteries all that much and want to eat until you don't really feel that well. Awesome.
(4)
Mike L.
A good sub shop should have the following: good subs. And I'm here to tell you that Carl's does not disappoint. Their subs are big, delicious, and satisfying. If you get a large, it's like getting two normal mediums. And at first you'll say "oh, I'll save the other half for later" but really, you won't. And on that note, their large is maybe 1.5 inches longer than their regular. So, take that as you will. They're so big, I usually just go with a regular and I'm still stuffed. As others have mentioned, it does get very busy at peak times, and their bread does get very soggy. But you'll be satisfied when you finally get your food (call ahead, my friends), and you'll eat the soggy bread sub anyway because it's so good. By the way, the buffalo sauce is hot, watch out if you like your buffalo sauce mild. EDIT: After frequenting Carl's for a few years, I decided that they deserve nothing less than 5 stars. So, I now give them 5 stars.
(5)
Mike C.
Steak & cheese night!
(4)
Daniel M.
I understand the reputation Carl's has for big steak subs and if all you're looking for is a lot of food, go there. For quality and taste, however, Carl's isn't the place to go. The cheese in my steak and cheese was pretty standard; however the steak had way more fat with it than is acceptable. I'm not a big fan of Carl's bread either...it's OK, but not special - overpuffy and of such a fragile consistency that the juices from the sandwich liquidated the bread very fast. I'll visit Carl's again and hope that my next experience will be better. It's OK, but I can think of a bunch of places in Waltham where I'd rather go.
(2)
Kerri O.
Doesn't put me in raptures. Honestly, if you love seriously greasy steak subs, then Carl's is the way to go. If you want more food than you should really eat: Come On Down! Otherwise, it isn't really tasty, or good eating. It's simply gluttonous eating.
(3)
Jamie G.
This place has great steak sandwiches. The steak is different than on a typical steak sub- it's not sliced, it's more like ground beef. But it is still very good, though not always what I am craving. The bread is also very good. I always get the steak and cheese with mushrooms. The small is $7.75 but it's enough for two people, or save half for later (or eat it all if you are REALLY hungry!). They also have crazy flavor combinations with TONS of toppings all for the same price as the regular steak and cheese.
(4)
Jessica S.
This is such a wonderful hole-in-the-wall kind of place! The wait can be long and you usually find yourself elbow-to-elbow with strangers . . . the parking situation is scarce and it's definitely a to-go kind of place . . . but it's so worth it! The large sub is HUGE - way too big to eat at one time! I don't come here often, only because I would be huge! Carl's is definitely not the place to go if you are counting calories - but again, it's so worth it!
(5)
Debbie D.
I think I heard about Car's on the Phantom Gourmet. I tried the steak and cheese this afternoon and it was.... different. I wasn't sure at first if the meat was chopped steak or coarsely ground hamburger. I guess it was steak. I do have to say that you get a lot of sandwich for your money. The large sub was enough for two. The roll was fresh and they didn't skimp on the meat. There are a lot of positive yelp reviews and I'd give Carl's another try but it's not an easy place unless Carl's is within walking distance from your house or work. Parking is on street and limited. Eating inside is not an option. There are a couple of tables outside on the sidewalk, so if you plan to eat there, go on a dry day. The other option is taking someone with you to run in and order while you drive around the block.
(2)
Dessa R.
Whenever I get that nostalgic hunger pang for a heart-stopping cheesesteak, I have to just accept that I am no longer driving distance from Philadelphia. Luckily, I have Carl's to help me ease the pain. The only acceptable alternative I have found thus far in the Boston area, Carl's cheesesteaks are jam-packed with greasy glorious steak and smothered in ooey-gooey cheese, the thought of which makes me salivate. Not in the mood for a cheesesteak? Fret not- their chicken burritos are simply divine, which I discovered after stealing a bite of my non-red-meat-eating friend's tasty lunch. Now excuse me while I wipe up this puddle of drool on my desk.
(4)
Yishai M.
Dude....Dude....DUDE!!!!! This place is the BOMB! Small little hole in the wall, no tables(inside), and absolutely overstuffed, delicious subs that have the weight of a bowling ball. The chicken subs Rock too. I've never finished even a small one at one sitting. You'll die from heart disease, but you'll have fun doing it. If I could - I'd eat there 4 times a week.
(4)
Natasha A.
It is a tiny hole in the wall with only 2 little tables outside, but this place takes cheese steaks seriously. A "small" is about a foot long with a pound of meat so I would not attempt the large. Carl's is there for fixing major hunger pangs. You can order a regular cheesesteak with veggies or go for the more inventive creations such as the kamakazi (it has every type of meat, sausage, pepperoni etc..) or the "misteak". They also serve burritos I believe.
(5)
Ed P.
Carl's serves up some of the meanest subs in town and I hear the burritos are great too. I usually order the Budster. My friend Fulton got me hooked on them; chicken cutlet, bacon, melty cheese and BBQ sauce. The steak and cheese sandwiches are totally stuffed with juicy meat and gooey cheese. Not diet food by any means but when you get that urge and know that nothing less than a heart testing, artery squeegeeing, taste bud imploding sub will do, I suggest Carl's...tell em Ed sent ya.
(4)
Jessica S.
YUM! I'm from the Philadelphia area so I tend to be picky when it comes to cheesesteaks. I went to Carls for the first time last week and thought my sandwich was delicious. It is not, of course, the same as a cheesesteak from Pats or Genos (they don't even offer wiz as a cheese choice!) But the cheesesteak I had at Carls was the best one I've had in the Boston area!
(5)
D Z.
LUV MY BAJA VEGGIE BURRITOS!!!!!! This place is the bomb!!!!! When ever I get my burrito... Im all set for the day... def filling & delish :)
(5)
John O.
Great cheese steak subs. My favorite is the Cajun with extra cheese. The place is definitely a dive, but don't let that stop you from giving it a try.
(4)
Tim C.
Probably as good a cheese steak you are going to get outside of Philly. I have had countless subs from there over the years, so I am speaking from experience and not a 1 time visit. I have had the BBQ Cheese Steak, Teriyaki Cheese Steak, Cherry Bomb, Carl's Steak Special, Kama-Kazi, and the aptly named Mistake over a span of about 8 years. All of them are fantastic the only difference is your person taste. Now if you're not a red meat person, their chicken subs are phenomenal as well. My personal favorite is the Hawaiian Chicken. I guess the big difference for me is that they don't even toast the bread and they put the cheese on the steak before they even take it off the grill. It's one of the few gems of Waltham as far as food goes. Anybody who goes to a Subway instead of this place is truly making a bad decision.
(4)
Sandra L.
This place is okay. I don't eat steak so this isn't my ideal place. I've had the veggie burrito a few times and it was pretty tasty. I was actually surprised at how good their guacamole is considering it's a random sub shop.. They lose a star because their service is horrible, slow and they barely ever pick up the phone. And when you're on a lunch break, you want to be able to get something fast and friendly. The food is decent for the price, but there are much better places to eat in Waltham.
(3)
Lauren N.
If they would deliver, I would eat from Carl's every week. We almost always get the burritos (my favorite is the buffalo chicken) but recently tried a loaded Italian sub and it was the best we've had in years. We have never been dissappointed in anything we've ordered. The only issue is parking...during busy times, it's incredibly difficult to park on the street, hence why delivery would be nice.
(5)
Scott B.
I spent a summer working in Philly a few years back. I only eat cheese steaks there but then some of the guys that I worked with were going to Carl's one day and told me I had to try it so I said what the hell. The Teriaki Steak and Cheese is probably the best sub I've ever had. There is a reason why you can stop by there for lunch and see the Guys from the Phantom Gourmet sitting outside. (I saw them eating there 2 times) it's because the place is great. If you are a Cheese steak snob like me then you should try Carl's. It's alot cheaper then driving to Philly for a cheese steak.
(4)
Steve W.
This magical place it awesome! Massive subs that will blow you away. Prices are reasonable for what the portions are. I reccomend the Porkey Cheese ( steak, cheese, bacon) Its very small in there and can get backed up at lunch so CALL AHEAD. THey are kind of lame when it comes to the carls card, get 8 stamps and get a free sub. Its hard to keep track of those cards and if you misplace one and get another, you cannot combine 2 1/2 filled cards for a free sub. LAME, 8 subs purched whether on 8 cards or 1 is 8 subs purchased. Anyway, I take all my buddies there from out of town and they are amazed. Great hang over helper also. Check it out!
(5)
Andrea C.
I was in the area and was looking for a great quick place to eat. Carl's Steak Subs came up in my search on Yelp. With all the amazing reviews, I was greatly disappointed. There is without a doubt that their subs are absolutely huge weather you get a small or large for the additional $. I got a small Mexican Sub which consisted of steak, cheese, hot peppers, jalapenos, and Tabasco. Maybe the Tabasco was the big mistake. My sub was kinda gross and absolutely tasteless despite the Tabasco. It looked like there was plenty of cheese on the steak part on the grill, but i could barely find it in my sub. The bread was just mediocre, not fresh tasting, kind of bland, and a bit chewy. It also kind of disintegrated with all the meet juices and Tabasco. My husband had the Carl's Steak Special and he found it kind of blah too. Carl's is a lot of food if you are looking for that. It isn't anything special or particularly delicious though. It is located in a not so hot area, and there is only outside seating. I must say the people behind the counter were extremely nice and even with all their options, Carl's still allows you to customize your own sub. I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I will be craving their subs anytime soon.
(2)
Jared C.
So good. So, so, good. I've only had the original steak and cheese, but its worth coming back to every time. If you haven't had a steak sub here yet, you should... now. I like how the steak is chopped as opposed to shaved, the cheese is always perfectly melted, and the rolls are fresh. I'm a Carl's fan for life - better than Pat's AND Geno's in Philly!!!
(5)
Elliot K.
I'm not saying you won't regret eating at Carl's. In fact, I usually do, especially when I ordered a cheesesteak. That regret is brief, though, compared to the regret you'll feel if you don't go back. The Carl's signature dish is their cheesesteak, and it's good. Oh man is it good. I don't typically go in for big piles of meat, but there's just something special about how they do it. You will feel briefly ill after eating it, but it's worth it. The small is plenty big enough - the large is downright suicidal. If you value your cardiovascular health, you might want to limit these to one a month. The burritos are health food by comparison. You won't lose any weight powering down these dense handfulls - they're as heavy as a brick and almost as big - but if you choose wisely the calories are mostly from beans and rice. In addition to being huge and delicious, the burritos come with a bag of homemade tortilla chips which is a nice touch. You may want to brush some of the excess salt off of them, though.
(5)
Jennifer K.
There is nothing better in the world than a Carl's steak & cheese. It is larger than you could ever imagine, yet I always manage to finish the whole thing. You would be astounded upon meeting me that I don't weigh 300 pounds the way I can eat one of these. I won't even tell you how I also get lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on mine. Oh, whoops. Did I say that outloud?
(5)
Big M.
The place is small but its wicked good. I actually felt my heart stop...
(5)
T P.
It should change the name to Eric's Steak Subs now, Since I don't see Carl anymore even the sticker of his picture in superman suit that used to be on the restaurant window. It's gone. The girl who work with Carl for long time was gone too. now it only a bunch of Hip-Hop wanna be in the kitchen. It so sad when you walk in the restaurant that you love to eat, But you feel that a lot of things have been missing! The reastaurant inside still very clean, But last time I parked my car on Vernon Street I've saw a Hip-Hop wanna be chef try to throwing the garbage in they dumpster. YO!!!! But it not in dude!!! Tomatoes, used gloves, napkins etc. it's all over the floor!!! Pick it up dude, Please pick it up. No he did not. It make me more sad. They should keep neighbor's atmosphere clean like inside they restaurant too. Since my family live in Waltham. They cheesesteak is good, but I don't wanna support a business that have no care about community responsibility. I'm sure don't want to hurt they business, And I'm sure want to keep this town clean. So if you wanna go there, Please walk to Vernon Street and take a look at the blue dumpster. (Have they ever close they dumpster lid?) If it clean, Please Enjoy the food. But if it's not...it's up to you. This is a case of an inconvenient truth.
(2)
Max G.
This place is the next best thing to going to Philly. The cheesteaks are amazing. They are so big, it is hard to finish them in one sitting. I always go for the big boy subs, which is at least twice as much food as one person should consume. This place is a must stop for any cheesesteak enthusiasts.
(4)
Chris M.
Finally had the chance to have lunch at Carl's yesterday. This place has THE best steak sandwich around! I ordered a small mushroom cheese steak. Their small is the size of most large sandwiches at other places. My girl had a small pepper cheese steak. The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! Lots of good steak and good quality cheese, served in a real good sub roll. The cost of a small is $7.00 but totally worth it! The sandwiches made here reminds me of the ones made at "Kaisers", that used to be in Beverly years ago. Carl's also serves burritos and tacos. I did not see any being made at the time we where there. So I am not sure how good the Mexican food is. Carl's is a little take out spot on Prospect St. in Waltham, MA. with a few outdoor tables. Nothing fancy, just a little hole in the wall joint that makes a killer steak sub! I will be back for sure!
(5)
Michael M.
Ok, so I'd have to agree that Carl's has its flaws. Sure, the chips you get with your burrito are stale...but you still eat them and lick the guacamole cup clean, don't you? And yes, the bread is probably the worst you could find for a steak and cheese, but you still eat every last morsel? What, no place to park and they don't deliver? What could be worse about this place???? Even when I bitch and complain, I'll always be a fan of Carl's. There's just too much to love about the freshly carved steak served with any kind of topping you could possibly imagine. The wraps and burritos rule too, I'm addicted to the Smokin Chipotle and the Maui Chix.
(4)
Rebekah C.
This was my first steak and cheese . . . and while I have nothing to compare it to, I think it was a good steak and cheese!
(3)
Tushar S.
One of the best places for subs I've been to. Huge size, hearty filling and full of flavor. Best fries in town on the side makes it more than a complete meal. For the chicken eaters, the chicken stir fry sub is pretty good. Meat lovers should try the Giambota or the teriyaki. Don't underestimate the size!
(4)
Nancy L.
Going to Carl's Steak Subs is like asking for an imminent heart attack. Especially when you order a large (aka ginormous) steak sub plus a bag of most delicious fries. But since I usually split that with another person, I should only be getting my arteries clogged, right? The subs are huge and stuff with meats and whatever the cooks can cram into it. Even though some subs say "green peppers" or "mushrooms", don't kid yourself. You know they put a single mushroom in it and call it a day because they know that the meat and bread are the stars (cheese is an acceptable addition). The fries are honestly served in a brown paper bag which is both good (very quaint) and bad (you see the oil that leaks out of these babies and regretful self-berating begins) but they are sooooo delicious! Very crunchy with that special crust that makes me suspect of them double frying them or coating it with batter.
(4)
Jeremy K.
where to start, i know this is a shocker for most, but hey, i did seven years in philly, so its the truth, (i shopped at ACME, so you know its legit) so knowing you cant get a good steak and cheese in the hub, or pity i say cheesesteak (not even close) i heard the talk and hoped it walked, but alas, no dice. so where to start, the bread. ok the truth about the philly CS is that the bread, like many a fine bread (see nyc bagels and pizza) is the water, but more importantly, it should complement the CS itself. the puffy airy bun wasnt anywhere close to what you really want in a CS, not even close. the meat. now purests will tell you the steak should be ribeye or of the same ilk, it really should be thin and grilled when ordered, s&p applied liberaly and enjoyed. what i got was a pile of grey crap that was already cooked and then REHEATED on the grill, yumyum, grizzle and yuk all in one meal! now this example was the second time I ate there, the first not being any different maybe execpt that i didnt see them take old meat and reheat it for me, seriously, next time your there look over the counter and watch them take a pile out of a metal lexi and put that on the grill.. in conclusion, if you want an index as to what the best is, jims on 4th and south is by far the best eva' (philly natch!) even better then stupid pats and genos
(1)
Tarryn V.
okay so I literally just ate a steak and cheese with pepper and onion and had to get on her and say it's definitely the best cheesesteak I've ever had. please note I was late to pick up my lunch and it was kinda cold, and it's STILL THE BEST. the cheese was still melty and delicious and didn't turn into the gross hard stuff you usually get. I've never been to philly, but I feel like I don't need to go anymore cause nothing can compare to this delicious sandwich. yum! I really like that the menu has crazy cheesesteaks with various sauces, veggies, and other meats.. I'm definitely going to go back and try a cheesesteak with bacon. also, definitely get a large. it's only a dollar more than a small (small was 7 large is 8, great prices) and although it's HUGE (not as big as mighty subs but still a monter) one half is more than enough so you can save half for later and feel full AND thrifty.
(5)
Amanda L.
I dedicate my 100th review to Carl, because I can't eat there as often as I would like. Me and the BF split one of the large sandwiches, Carl's Special to be exact, and I was still stuffed! And for only $8.00?!!? It doesn't make SENSE. I would move to Waltham just to be able to go here every day. The way that they do it just makes it taste even better. It's almost has a hamburger like look to it, and its perfect for the cheese to ooze into all the crevices. They have a few other locations, and two I think have pizza instead of the burritos. I less than three Carl's and you should too.
(5)
Kate F.
Carl's gets five stars for the cheesesteak, which is huge and fabulous, but only two stars for the burritos and fries, thus on average, I can only give it a three-star rating. I know I shouldn't expect my cheesesteak place to have good fries, but if you're going to offer me fries, they should be tasty. I can't really quantify what makes them so less-than-average -- I prefer my fries either thin and crispy, hand-cut, fat like steak fries, or from McDonalds if I'm in the right mood. These are none of those, and taste bland, even with ketchup. You shouldn't have room for fries, anyway, though. Just go and get your sandwich and be happy.
(3)
Rosalind W.
I grew up in Waltham and still drive back there from Metrowest for the subs from time to time. Their steak and cheese subs can't be beat. I went to Landos (a store owned by Carl's brother); it tasted really good, but it still wasn't a Carl's. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because parking there is a pain in the neck and the subs have gotten a bit lighter over the years (though, I'm probably better off for it).
(4)
Faris J.
I had a steak and cheese with onions and peppers 4 hours ago .. I'm still happy .. I'm really picky when it comes down to a steak and cheese subs .. and this is the kind of sub that will bring you back .. EASILY ..
(5)
Jason J.
Gut buster subs and tasty burritos. Good luck finishing a large sub.
(5)
Tim B.
Re: Craig S You can critique the process all you want, but when it comes to steak and cheese the ends justify the means (by 'the ends' I mean swallowing it). If I cared how it was prepared or what quality the ingredients were or what happened to my body after it entered my belly I wouldn't be ordering a pound of cheesy meat in a greasy roll. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but I can say without hesitation that Carl's is the best fucking steak and cheese I have ever had.
Never had a bad meal here, lately ive been obsessed with their chipolte chicken burrito. its delicious, best steak and cheese on the planet as well. cant go wrong goin to carls
(5)
Peter M.
I was introduced to Carl's about a year and a half ago and it was love at first bite. Actually, to be completely honest, I was impressed with this place before I even had my first bite by the sheer size and weight of the sub. I was handed half a sub and couldn't believe how heavy it was and then I was told the small size is only 7.00 dollars, pretty cheap for the amount your getting. After I got over my initial shock I had my first bite and could not believe how much flavor there was in the ingredients. Pretty epic. I've eaten at Carl's several times but I have to admit I've only eaten maybe 4 of the subs they have on the menu and have never tried anything other than the steak subs. I've heard the burritos are pretty good, but I'll go other places for burritos. My favorite sub is the Kamikaze; its filled with steak, sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, and BBQ sauce. It's simply amazing, there's a whole lot of awesome hanging out in this sub. This sub (like the rest of the menu) is not for the faint hearted. Allow me to elaborate you don't go to Carl's to grab a quick bite, or because you say to yourself "gee golly, ya know what, I could go for Carl's," you go because your hungry. You go because you consider yourself an "aggressive" eater. This is the type of place when your hanging around with your friends and no one is sure what they want to eat when little light bulb of deliciousness goes off above someones head and they mention Carl's at which point the room erupts! (think Joe from Family Guy) You might ask why I gave Carl's four stars instead of five considering my review. One simple reason. Quality. Wait, what? Quality of food Pete? You just ranted and raved about how great the food is and all the flavor, and yes, I did but one thing that i noticed is that the steak they used is reheated and not cooked fresh. So its not so much quality rather, it's freshness. When you get a cheese steak in Philly (Pat's fan here) its cooked fresh in front of you. Now I'm not saying the steak is cooked early in the morning and just reheated all I can say is that it's not prepared to order. My ONLY downside to this restaurant. Please note that if you go to Carl's parking can be limited esp. at lunch and there is no seating inside ( you walk in and there is little standing room and the counter top) and limited seating outside. Otherwise enjoy your meal!
(4)
T M.
There is really only one thing to rate Carl's on and that is their steak & cheese. For me it's hands down the best Steak & Cheese sub I have ever had. Their steak is really tasty and juicy and the fluffy bun they use absorbs all of that delicious flavor making it an incredible sub. The only problem is trying to stop yourself from eating the entire massive sub they make. Even a 'small' is huge. Definitely an occasional indulgence.
(5)
Robyn L.
Every bite of a Carl's quesadilla or burrito is literally packed with meat -- noticeably more than you'd get in most quesadillas or burritos that are loaded up instead with cheese, rice or beans. That's why I find it odd that they charge 50 cents for a tiny cup of salsa. One other item to note: You may think Carl's got the order wrong when you bite into your steak burrito and find ground beef. I believe it's actually shaved steak, but it's bordering on hamburger. Whatever the texture, it does taste really good.
(4)
Ryan C.
May be a dive, but these are the best steak subs you will EVER have! I drive the 15 miles frequently to get these subs and don't think twice about it.
(5)
Erik G.
Holy god, that's good steak sandwich. I've never been to Philly to partake of the original, but even without the frame of reference, I can tell you with great certainty that this is a place I intend to visit again. No more than once a month, because I rather suspect that each sandwich shaves half a year off your life expectancy, but I'll be back. The only reason I withhold that mythical fifth star is, as Dan P. mentions, the bread. I don't understand why a place that cares so much about its cheesesteaks, and is willing to shave its own beef daily, won't put forth the extra effort to get some nice, crusty baguettes upon which to place said steak and provolone. The wimpy white bread feels like a total cop-out, and even though my disappointment was quickly masked by what I'm guessing was about three pounds of beef, it still seems sacrilegious to make a sandwich with a roll made out of Wonder Bread. To expand a bit on what Irene F. says about sizing options: I am a 6'5", 250 pound man who ordered the large steak sub, and just put half of it back in the fridge to save for dinner. These things mean business, and at $7, I've got no complaints about price. Park your car on Main Street, 'cause you'll never find a place to put it near this place, and plan on getting here at off-hours: in addition to having almost no seating, there's practically no room to *stand* in the front lobby, and a line of more than six stretches out into the street. And then get ready for an awesome sandwich.
(4)
Elvis C.
I travel from cheyenne wyoming to eat here,side note my folks live here so it is a good reason to go home...kick ass !!
(5)
Demian S.
I would chop off my baby toe and a pinky for one place out here in Calafornia that even comes remotely close to Carls. Why? What a cruel world it is. How can a state be blessed with perfect weather and such completely shitty subs. Carls is so worth the ride from Boston to Waltham, I love their Steak and Cheese with extra cheese and all the hots. I'm going back to boston for x-mas and i will get to Carls before seeing my own Mother.
(5)
G S.
Oh, man I wish I lived closer to this...wait...scratch that. I am glad I don't live closer to this place than I do. Because if I did, I would eat there everyday and while a great steak and cheese can be a wonderful thing, having one of these gigantic bad boys every day could be a little unhealthy. I would quickly end up wearing size 82 pants and my primary mode of transportation would be one of those industrial-duty Rascal scooters. Not pretty. Thankfully, I live just far enough away to consider it a treat to go to Carl's for one of their mammoth steak sandwiches. My favorite includes an ungodly combination of steak, sausage, and pepperoni. Oh yes. Did I stutter? You heard right. Steak. Sausage. And. Pepperoni. Oh, and these things are the size of a hefty newborn. The perfect thing to eat while drinking beer and watching football.
(4)
Vanilla P.
Now that I actually HAVE a two month old baby, I super support my last review's claim that the sandwiches are as big as a two month old baby. It's true. They're huge. I could never eat my baby though.
(4)
Dave L.
Large is one of the few subs I just finish. This place sports some interesting and gluttonous variations on the traditional steak and cheese sub. I've liked everything I've had there, but it's also felt like the most unhealthy thing I've ever eaten each time there. That phantom gourmet show RAVES about this place to the point where I am certain the owners are paying them to do so. If you want a big giant messy steak and cheese, this is the place to go. Worth taking a hike out to Waltham for.
(4)
Nick F.
Huge subs for cheap. BBQ steak and cheese is worth going back for.
(4)
Jules M.
Ok, so I love steak and cheese subs. This is one sub I don't take for granted. A few years ago, I moved to Florida and let me tell you, good luck finding a good steak and cheese down there. It became a mission for the year I lived there. I tried so many places and found sorry substitutes. When I moved back up here I found out that my favorite sub shop was under new management and their steak and cheese was horrible. The search was on again.... A friend told me to try Carl's. Wow, was I blown away. I have tried several of the varieties of subs that they offer and I have yet to be disappointed. Only get a large if you haven't eaten in days. I ordered a large the first time I went and only ate a little over half of it. My favorite is the Carl's steak special. All the indgredients tasted fresh. Way to go Carl's!!!
(4)
Joe S.
The Wind Up Jason Raffile, formerly of Boston, now of Los Angeles had one last request before he headed off to sunny Shangri la - to visit Carl's Steak and Cheese. This take out steak and cheese shop was touted by Phantom Gourmet as a hidden jewel, with gargantuan steak and cheeses bursting with flavor at rock bottom prices. Located in nearby Waltham, the J-Squad decided to investigate as part of their final tour of duty. The Pitch Only about a twenty-minute drive from Brighton, our google directions complicated a fairly straightforward route (several 'turns' were in fact straight-aways). Carl's is a tiny roadside restaurant sharing frontage with a Thai place in the gritty working class part of Waltham. The only promising sign of steak and cheese satyagraha (Gandhi's term meaning truth force) was the curiously cartoonish Super Carl painted on the window display. The Results- Base Hit up the Middle We ordered a steak and cheese with mushrooms, a kamikaze (steak, cheese, pepperoni, tomato sauce) and a misteak (steak, cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms). Portions are generous: the small is a hefty meat packed value and the large is hard to finish for all but the hungriest of hippos (aka Messr Bent). The steak is a combination of two different steak blends shaved freshly daily. Combined with some darn good cheese, it ranks as high as Boston's best steak and cheese. The bread is made especially for Carl's and serves as an adequate support for all that steak. Be sure to get extra napkins, as the larger and more complex sandwiches can be quite messy. Three days later I'm still suffering mouth burns from the cheesy goodness. Value ranks high as grinders go from 6.75 for a small and 7.25 to 7.50 for a large (which is double most places small). There's no inside seating so either get your order to go or use one of three outside tables. The menu also offers chicken sandwiches and Mexican fare but we stuck to the house specialty. Carl's gets the Sos stamp of approval but did not quite deliver on the Phantom Gourmet claims of steak and cheese nirvana. The Sandwiches are fresh, large, and delicious but not as mythically tasty as the Phantom claims. No homerun ranking here instead a solid RBI base hit up the middle, still gets the job done just not quite as satisfying a double off the Monster or a Papi moonshot. Carl's Steak and Cheese is located on 55 Prospect St, Waltham, Ma.
(4)
Laura M.
Awesome cheese steak subs....but they are rather big. I can split a small with someone and still feel full after I'm done eating. There aren't many tables, if any to eat at so its more of a grab it and go home to stuff your face in front of the TV! I get just the cheese and steak, but they make all different kinds of steaks. Maybe I am just boring?!
(5)
matt o.
I've never been to philly but I could care less, I've got carl's near me. This is my ultimate fat kid sandwich, my roommates and I pretty much have a party whenever we order from here, well actually it turns into people sitting around the living room trying to play xbox 360 after eating a pound of beef and whoever is brave enough a pound of beef with pepperoni and other assorted meats and hot peppers. Carl's rules for steak and cheese, actually the burritos are pretty good if you cant handle the beef attack, i recomd the pineapple chicken burrito. A little tip its best to drive with 2 people cause parking can suck here.
(5)
T F.
phenomenal, no words right now, full
(5)
Erik C.
The steak and cheese is good... I haven't tried any of the other subs, though. I liked it the first five-ish times I was there. Very filling, because you get a lot even in the small for like six bucks. However, after a while, I relized that the steak came with bits of grill "leftovers" and burnt steak. It made the steak and cheese crunchy. The crunchy steak made me not want to go there anymore. Crunchy steak started to hurt my teeth. Maybe I'll go back if I get desparate for a foot of steak.
(3)
Michael H.
Big and cheap subs but not very tasty which is weird considering how fatty the meat is.
(3)
Irene F.
One star off because eating this will automatically reduce the useful life of your heart by about 5 years. This is THE hangover cure of all hangover cures, the "break glass in case of emergency." It's amazing, and unless you're over 6 feet, 200 lbs, order a small. Or, of course, and large, and stretch it into 2-3 meals!! Delish, there's usually a line, but well worth the wait if you feel like causing your health some serious damage (yes, it's worth it!).
(4)
Allyson C.
just got a mistake sub from carls in waltham and it was the best sub i ever had , i love to eat and believe me i know good food . i give carls 5 stars i dream about there subs.
(5)
Manesh P.
These might be the best steak subs I've had. Yea, I've been to Philly and had pat's and gino's and Carl's totally takes the cake. The steak here is a bit different as it seems almost as though its little chunks of steak rather than mashed up ribbons of steak. These things are huge-ungous. I was so amazed I couldn't even describe it with traditional descriptors for large things. I dare you to try a large. If a little guy like me can finish it, you have no excuse unless you're a girl! (Granted it took two trips to work up the courage.) Really a great place for steak subs with menu of really unique twists on the old-school favorite. A word of caution, though, Carl's seems to like to open whenever it feels like. I still can't exactly figure out what days it is supposed to be opened or closed. And, it's hours are short but I guess that makes sense because it's in Waltham and who stays up late there?
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Terry W.
I saw this place on Phantom and decided to give it a try. I am originally from Philadelphia so I went in with a sense of caution as the owners were dissing my beloved Philly Cheesesteak saying that Boston Steaks were better. This was not the case in my experiences in Boston until that is I vetured to this place. It was amazing! I mean I have been miserable in Boston eating steak bombs that were subpar. I am a self proclaimed fat man who likes fattening food...and this place isn't for the dieting types...I have also been to TC Landos the place they own in Hudson with similiar feelings of joy. THANK YOU.....THANK YOU My only hope would be they could somehow get Amoroso the Bread Company from Philadelphia to ship the rolls here, so this would be the ultimate spiritual steak experience...
(5)Darius K.
Having spent a lot of my childhood in Philadelphia, I will get this out of the way first: these are not Philly cheesesteaks. The steak is not shaved, really, it actually more like finely diced. However, even though it's not Philly-style, it's still very tasty. Carl's offers a lot of choices for what to put on your cheesesteak. In addition to the usual onions, mushrooms, peppers, you can get pepperoni, sausage, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, tomato sauce, jalapenos, cherry peppers, salami, ham, bacon, and other stuff too. Although I usually don't order too many toppings as it bogs down the sandwich and usually makes it unwieldy. Be warned: unless you're incredibly hungry, you should order a small cheesesteak. I am able to eat a lot of food in one sitting, and the large is just too big for me. (Although it is a cost-effective way to squeeze two meals out of one.) Surprisingly, the burritos here are also really good. My girlfriend is vegetarian, yet we eat here all the time because she likes the veggie burrito. If you're a meat-eater, I recommend going with the chicken burrito and not the steak burrito: while their steak is fine for a cheesesteak, when I have steak in a burrito I expect something totally different in texture, which means their steak burritos just taste weird to me.
(4)Graham C.
This place is great, especially if you love your cardiologist. The cheesesteak is really the only thing here. Hey have all kinds of variations (barbeque, terryaki, the giambotta), but it all boils down to the same thing. Finely shaved steak and cheese on a fresh roll. That's it. If you want peppers or onions, that's extra. Oh, and get the small. You'll probably end up taking one half home. Trust me. Don't get the large because you're "wicked hungry." The small will be fine. This place isn't fancy, and there's limited seating, but if you're looking for a decent cheesesteak in the Boston area, this is your spot. And the only reason it doesn't have 5 stars is that it's still no Jim's in South Philly.
(4)Mike S.
I've been in mourning since TC Landos got too big and changed from a nice small steak & cheese sub shop, but I feel like I've been resurrected with Carl's!!!! Just finished a "Chipolte Steak & Cheese" and I haven't been so in love with a sandwich since my first visit to TC Landos 20 years ago. The chipolte sauce is just spicy enough, the bacon adds this new twist, and the steak is perfectly seasoned! I plan on trying every sandwich & burrito on the board over this new year! Small shop - call ahead to avoid the cramped wait. Yes there isn't much parking, yes, there isn't much room inside, YES, THEY DO MAKE THE BEST STEAK & CHEESE SUBS IN THE STATE!!!! THANK YOU CARL!!!! CARL FOR PRESIDENT!!!
(4)Joe S.
cheap steak subs anyway you want em. LOTSSSSSS of it. amazing heart attack galore you have been warned
(5)Dave B.
OK, that was a really big sandwich. No one wants to imagine the calories and fat that are in a large Kamikaze (Steak, Cheese, Sausage, Ham, Bacon, Pepperoni, BBQ Sauce) so just order, eat, and purge later. Normally something that large wouldn't be so tasty but this was delicious all the way to the end. Do it.
(4)Rusty Shackleford D.
As far as steak and chicken subs and burritos, it doesn't get any better. All of their Steak or Chicken specialty subs are very good. I have had cheese steaks at both Philly hot spots "Geno's" and "Pat's" and these are bigger and better. I would however like if they gave you an option to toast the subs. Burritos are awesome, big, and tightly rolled so you can eat them without spilling food all over you. In my opinion, better than Anna's Taqueria which everyone raves about, Boca Grande, Qdoba, and any other place I have tried in the area. Quesadilla's and complimentary home made tortilla's you get when you order a burrito are great too! The only downside to this place is the location. TERRIBLE. It's a TINY hole in the wall storefront with a hard to open door that houses about 8 people standing up. Why this place has not moved to a larger, better accessible location is beyond me. It's on a very busy road, with very little available street parking. Just a nightmare. It does however speak volumes about how good their food is as people are standardly lined up out the door at all hours of the day waiting for their orders.
(5)Anino X.
While I wouldn't say Carl's subs are terrible, the Phantom Gourmet was over-generous in calling Carl's better than the steak subs in Philly. After watching the Phantom's shows a few times, it's clear that his motley crew overvalues quantity. (Then again, if you trusted his reviews, you wouldn't be around here. ;) ) There's definitely quantity at Carl's. Their small subs are bigger than large subs offered at other shops in the area. Their signature subs pack ingredients like pepperoni, sausage and ham into their cheesesteaks for an even more heart-stopping adventure. The cheese they use however, is remarkably bland and the steak looks more like ground beef than it does the traditional shaved beef you'll see at the purist places. The rolls aren't so great either: they taste borderline stale. Toasting (even just on top of the grill for a bit) would improve the taste. I asked if they could do that for me, and they would not accomodate my request. Street parking is scarce. I've visited Carl's over 10 times now, but I won't be returning in the future. There are better places locally and if I'm hungry enough to eat a large at Carl's, I'd rather just order two larges at a place like Lena's or the Moody St. Pizzeria. Their subs taste better and ordering two subs at either of these places would cost just 3 dollars more than a large at Carl's.
(2)Randie F.
When I used to work in Waltham, everyone at work would go crazy for Carl's. While I can't personally speak for their steak and cheese, everyone I worked with used to love them. As for me, Carl's was the place that made me realize I actually like burritos. I guess I'd just never had a good one before them.
(4)Laura G.
just had my first steak and cheese sub here after reading reviews. I can honestly say it was the best steak and cheese (with onions and peppers) sub I've ever had. yes, very large too.
(5)Tamara H.
My BF and I watch the Phantom Gourmet and happened to see it. So since we both are big Steak N Cheese sub Fans we decided to break out of the old and ordinary JOE's and venture to Waltham. I will say it was the most delicioso of a steak sub that we both were craving! Great prices, so many different varieties..the only prob we had was finding somewhere to park! I had to go in while he drove around the block a few times before the order was ready...a ways from Boston, but if you are in the mood for a mouthwatering steak sub, then this is the place and is worth your gas money
(4)SuYin W.
Great subs! (Just don't watch how it's prepared) We used to order lunch from here at least once a week. Cheap and tasty. Huge servings. What more do you want from lunch, really? And... ooh so tasty. Just don't look into the kitchen. Btw, does anyone else thinks the guy serving you seems high or something?
(4)Chuckert B.
I used to live down the street to this place and would go there all the time. I never ate there because....there's no dining area. This place is a tiny little shack. It's hot, cramped, and no frills. Subs are massive and good. For some reason, I really like the chicken quesedillas there, I can't really describe why, but they're nice and cheap and very tasty. Must be something about the cheese they use.......I usually stop by if i'm in the area.
(4)Derek M.
Originally, I had gone to Carls for the subs. The bread is really fresh and squishy. The portions are more than generous... but then, I had their burritos. The smokin' chipolte is fabulous and by far the most amazing burrito I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. There is nothing on this menu I wouldn't try, and same goes for you!!!
(5)Michael C.
Best Cheese Steak I have ever had hands down. That's my review.
(5)Brad H.
I consider myself to be somewhat of a cheesesteak connoisseur. In my day I've sampled cheesesteaks from all over the US. I've also been going to Carl's for something like 13 or 14 years now. First off, this is a small, [almost] strictly take-out place. If you'd like to eat there, there are some wrought iron tables and chairs outside in front of the place with a great view of the Hess gas station across the street. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, you could probably fit 8-10 people in the building. I absolutely recommend calling in your order ahead of time, especially if you're planning on ordering around lunch/dinner time, as they do tend to get very busy. The staff used to be less friendly/personable and quite frankly, that was part of its charm. Now they're a little more friendly but I kind of miss that old school, know what you want and be ready to place your order, sort of thing. I can honestly recommend just about anything on their menu. I've sampled enough of it that I can comfortably assume that the items I haven't yet tried are of the same high quality as the items I have tried. However, if you're going to Carl's, especially for the first time, you should really be ordering a cheesesteak. These cheesesteaks do not use the traditional shaved steak, but rather what appears to be ground steak. They also do not offer Cheez Whiz, which is a staple of the Philly cheesesteak menu. I'm not sure why they love that processed cheese flavor down there, but they swear by it. Still, while "non-traditional", these are some of the best cheesteaks you can get ANYWHERE. For the best "traditional" cheesesteak you should visit Jim's Steaks in Philly. [I will be posting a review soon.] Portions are huge and prices are fair. Most people should be able to make two meals out of a large. My only complaint is the parking situation. They have no designated parking so you must find a space on the street. When I call ahead I usually just stop at the Hess and run across the street. If you're reading this and thinking about checking this place out for the first time, stop wasting your time and just go get one of the best cheesesteaks (if not the best) you'll ever have.
(5)Rick G.
My uncle from Waltham introduced me to Carl's. I have had those boring shaved steak & cheese subs from tons of other sub shops. After eating a Carl's steak sub, you will agree that all of the others will be mediocre and don't compare to the quality and amount of steak in their subs. Carl's has the best steak subs in New England. The sub rolls are always soft and hold the sandwich together well. Their menu seems rather large but I'm afraid to order something else because I can't get away from their steak subs. I would drive a minimum of 40 minutes each way for one of their steak subs. My heart is palpitating writing this review just thinking of one of their subs.
(5)Rolls R.
Undisputedly the very best Chresesteaks I have found in Boston! I also hear same about the Burritos, especially the MOAB....so I am trying tonight to mix it up! Food aside, these guys are pros and always friendly! Bring a big appetite and be prepared for take-out!
(5)Dana S.
freaking amaze balls.
(5)Shawn M.
Simply put, the most amazing steak sub I have ever eaten. Steak and cheese at its core is about the melding of the steak, cheese and toppings into one cohesive unit without being so soggy that it rips the roll. Carl's is able to do that each time I've had the privilege to eat one of their delicious subs. So they shave the steak a different way. Its all the same shape in my belly. Greasy? For crissake it's a steak and cheese. It's supposed to be greasy! Gimme a break! For instance, today I had the Chipotle Steak. Oozing with cheese. Smothered in mushrooms and bacon. Dripping Chipotle sauce. Sub Roll as soft as a fluffy pillow yet staying in one piece. Heaven. My wife had a normal cheese steak. Loved it. Our friends came from Weymouth to our house in Watertown knowing they would have to help us around the house just for the promise of Carl's on their football Sunday. It's that good. In closing, if you have problems with the service, NO SOUP FOR YOU! Carl's is THE steak and cheese in the metro west area. You'll be missing out if you let a few malcontents sway you otherwise.
(5)Eddie B.
My wife and I moved to Waltham and for a couple months shopped around for a good steak and cheese. Once we found Carl's, there will be no place we will order from! The best steak and cheese and subs we have found, not only in Waltham but around the other places we have lived! No frills about this place from the look of it, no indoor tables and a few outside for when the weather is nice. Good prices for what you get in size - sandwiches and burritos can easily be two meals. Definitely recommend the Steak and Cheese and the Mother of All Burritos! Great take out in Waltham!
(5)Brandon R.
I was in a wonderful food coma for almost an hour after eating the mushroom steak sub. Unless you are extremely hungry, the "small" sub should do. There are no tables or chairs, but you'll want to just eat it next to your bed because you'll need to lie down when finished. Will be back!
(5)John B.
We noticed Carl's Subs driving by. There was such a line of people that we figured it must be good. We ordered a cheese steak sandwich with green peppers and onions. It was as good as it gets outside of Philly. The enormous sandwich was plenty for the two of us. There is some outdoor seating, but we ate in the car because we didn't want to sit in the sun. Thumbs up for Carl's.
(4)Holly K.
I can only rate the steak and cheese sub with peppers and onions because that is the only thing I have tried out! Since they call themselves the Cheese Steak Guys I think it is wise to stick to what they are known for. The sandwhich is probably sickeningly bad for you but hey since you can never find parking over there its not like you will be eating there everyday. :)
(4)Katie P.
I love this place when I'm so hungry I could consume a hippo. Their subs are gigantic, fresh, and just plain delicious.
(4)Justin M.
After relocating to Boston a year and a half ago, I found myself really missing cheesesteaks. I've seen some places around that make them but none of them really looked quite right. A friend recommended this as having the cheesesteaks "as close to authentic as you can get" in the the Boston area. What a surprise. My friend is probably right that this is as close to what you get back in Philly. In reality, not close at all. The only thing that resembled the Philly experience was the attitude of the employees. The banter with the guests and each other was quite entertaining and was not negative or out of line. In Philly it might be a little nastier and heartfelt but it kept you amused while waiting for your order. They also make it clear that they are DEFINITELY not anything like Philly and explicitly stated so. In fact they don't even have cheese wiz as an option which is THE only cheesesteak cheese for about half of the people that love this type of sandwich. Amusingly, I had also asked for Franks and they said they don't make hot dogs. Upon clarifying about hot sauce they were happy to accommodate my request. Having established this is nothing like what you would get from Philly, I want to make sure I provide feedback about the food and experience without that being a factor. They don't promote themselves as authentic so why should that count against them. The service was friendly and entertaining but misinformed. I had asked about the marinara sauce and was told that it did not have onions. Just to be safe I asked for it on the side. What I found when I opened up my sandwich, it was drenched with the sauce and there were a good deal of onions in it. After spending a good deal of time picking all of them out I tried the sandwich. The portion was absolutely huge. So much meat you could not taste any hint of cheese in the sandwich. Unfortunately the meat was not very tasty and of very poor quality. Extremely chewy and bland. The bread was somewhat stale, as well. The cheese fries were much better. Very tasty but partially burned beyond the point of being edible. Prices were very reasonable, especially for the amount you receive. If you don't care about what you consume, just wanting to fill up without regard to taste or quality without killing your wallet, this place is ideal. If you place a high value on good quality and taste, look elsewhere. This is not that place.
(2)Rick B.
More than decent steak and cheese. A bit slow but it's a ton of food.
(5)c t.
I was in town for a conference. I got the large Giambotta and onion rings. I am a hungry man and I couldn't finish the half of it. This is another place where the quantity and quality blow your mind for the price. The place looks is tiny, but their food is quick and huge. It's a to go place with about 4 tables out front. Can't really eat here with more than a party of two or three, but that isn't what matters here. The sandwich was at least 12 inches, and the amount of meat was about the girth of my arm. I could barely pick up the sandwich it was so full and juicy. I can see this being a big turn off to a neat eater, so choose wisely. I wish I had ordered less, because I didn't have a fridge in my hotel room to save leftovers. Even if you have a big appetite, plan to share, or order a regular size.
(5)Jay G.
Get the cheesesteak. I've had the famous Philadelphia staples before and this place is better.
(5)Laurie G.
okay it took me awhile to get over to this place after passing it on the road forever but it was worth the wait. ordered a small plain cheesesteak to see what all the fuss was. upon picking it up i noticed the small was $9 somethin and the large $10 somethin which i found odd. the small is ginormous to say the least, bread fresh, steak more like cooked hamburger which i appreciate (never liked that gristly mystery steak stuff most places use) and the cheese nicely melted throughout. just have to return now to get some fixins on the next one. the menu is extensive with other stuff if you don't do the cheesesteak. nice friendly service, too. sometimes a line and parking a bit tough, but be patient and you will be rewarded!
(5)michael L.
Little place, part of the T C Landos family. GREAT steak subs, really good everything else!
(5)Michael S.
This review is only for the chicken parm, with that being said I would go to the length of the earth to obtain one of these finely crafted subs. Made with prize chicken fighters, sauce made from a little italian women and the cheese from the god of cheese...
(5)Umman K.
I had to try this place after reading the reviews. This place lives up to its expectations! They give you a lot of good quality meat for the price. I ordered a small with onions, man, it looked like an xtra large. Large portion for the $9 bucks I spent. I lived in Philly and this place even compares to Pudges where I used to frequent.
(5)David S.
I ordered a large chicken parmesean sandwich here the other day. It was easily one of the best, if not the best, chick parm sub I've ever had. The chicken parm sub is my go-to for places like this -- the sub shops / pizza places that are in every town (though this place doesn't serve pizza). It has a small menu of chicken and steak subs and then a decent side menu and some other sandwiches. But it's the chicken and steak subs that you should get from here. And the jack cheese fries. When I ordered my chicken parm sub, I saw the people in the back fry up the pieces of chicken made to order for my specific sandwich. The bread is super soft, the cheese was nice, the chicken was crispy (you know it's fresh because it didn't even have time to get soggy from the sauce). And the sauce wasn't overpowering the sandwich, you could still taste the chicken, bread, and the cheese. Even at fancier restauranst, it's so rare that you order anything with marinara sauce and are able to taste anything but the sauce. But not here. You can taste all the parts of the sandwich. Plus, the portions are huge. For less than $9, you get a sub that can easily last you two meals, though I happily ate mine in one sitting.
(4)George M.
Carl's is the GD gold standard of glutton-subs and burritos. Seriosly though people... don't eat this kinda stuff too too often. The overwhelming deliciousness (and caloric payload) should keep you good for quite some time. I go about 7 times a year, but I think about it every time I'm at Costco, or going North on 95. So, so s ososos sgood. I opt for the steak mad amigo burrito without the hot cherry peppers. Disgustingly awesome I am ashamed at how awesome I think it is. My lady just went for the large (read: XXL) budster. I ended up eating the other half. Eff you, toilet. I get a Monster zero or Nos zero at the Hess too because the combination is like meth and eff you. body. I legit have an elevated heart rate still, right now from a late lunch there. Is it worth it? let me work it ti esrever dna asdlfkjasdsd
(5)Sarah H.
I do not know how I waited this long to try Carl's! I ordered the Mexican and my husband got a Steak sub with peppers, onions, and bacon, hold the cheese. The Mexican was amazing, nice level of spice, and the melted provolone was the perfect cheese companion. We got the regular size and they were HUGE, I just ate the other half for breakfast. I can't imagine how big the large is. The onion rings were sweet and crunchy and the fries were perfection. I ordered a salad because...well, if you're getting steak subs you have to at least create the pretense that you are healthy...but let's be honest, it went untouched! But the salad was a nice size! I can not wait to try more from this menu!
(5)Dan B.
My friend told me these guys were the best so I had check them out. Wow! One of the best mushroom steaks I've ever had. This hole in the wall is worth the drive!
(5)Rosanna Marina A.
Had the Kama-kazy. It was delicious, the bread was soft and tasty. Staff is very friendly and efficient. Would recommend it to anyone that's looking a good simple place to have a good sub. I'm determined to try something different every time I visit.
(5)J J.
Ok, the food was fine and I agree with the other reviews that talk about the portion size. I got a small sub and it was huge! But what really drove me to write this review is that I was not impressed at all with the service! In fact, I felt that they were downright rude to me. I've passed this place plenty of times I have wanted to try it out. So you can imagine how turned off I am when on my first visit to this place I walked in and was completely ignored. The guy was on the phone but didn't even acknowledge I had walked in (no gesture to "hold on" or "wait a minute"). The girls manning the kitchen kept looking at me. Again, no smile, no hello, nothing. Finally as I stared them down (since I'd been waiting for a while), one girl asked if I was being helped and I told her no. She didn't apologize for the wait or anything. Overall I almost felt un-welcomed there. Sorry, to me customer service is huge!
(2)Allan G.
This place is great. If you're ever starving and don't know what to get Carls is the place to go. When i was younger i wasn't a fan just because of the way the meat from the Steak and Cheeses' was prepared but once i tried it, hands down best Steak and Cheese ive had. I live right near Carls and can smell the food at times and its Torture whenever im hungry or try to eat healthy. My favorite would have to be a Budster which is Chicken with bacon and cheese and I special order to be served in a wrap. Other must haves are the Porky (steak and cheese with bits of bacon) and The Kamikazi. Only thing about this place is that its not really a place you can go and sit down and eat, they do have some tables and chairs outside but in the winter your out of luck. They also dont deliver and close kind of early but other than that no complaints. Still gets 5 stars just because for the Price you will not get a better Sub in the area.
(5)Cindy W.
When has a girl ever said "its too big?" :P This place knows how to service a mean steak sub. Whatever you want on it, this place will stuff it like there is no tomorrow. Totally worth going if you are in the area. Once you come to Carl's, he will keep you coming for more.
(5)Justin P.
The guys that work at Carl's are extremely cool and they are passionate about their sandwiches. I drive over from school pretty often and get the chicken parmesan, teriyaki, and cajun steak sandwiches - cheese fries are a MUST. Get the Carl's Card and get a stamp of carl's face enough times for a free one. I noticed a lot of locals do pick up orders in large quantities, makes sense because Carl's isn't shy about providing you with hefty portions of deliciously prepared meats that could feed a family.
(5)Patrick D.
Hands down best steak and cheese. I have been going to Carl's For years and have always left a happy customer. When ever I am in the area and have time this is my go to spot for a Steak and Cheese sub. It is so good I will get off and on the highway to visit. There is limited seating and parking but well worth the hassle of trying to find a parking spot.
(5)Leo K.
Went to school down the road at Bentley university. Steak subs were a Sunday ritual. Da bomb.
(5)Alex C.
You will not find a better steak and cheese in the Boston area. Huge portions and the steak is extremely well seasoned. You really can't go wrong with anything you get here. I have also tried many of the chicken sandwiches including The Budster and Buffalo Bomber and all of them will exceed expectations. Do yourself a favor and get to Carl's.
(5)Vivian L.
First philly cheese steak experience (though not in Philly)! Must say that I reallly enjoyed the large Giambotta that I got. Initially was going to go for a small, but my cousin convinced me that for an extra dollar at 9.25, the large is the way to go so I got it, and despite being the tiny little Asian girl that I am, I did finish it! My cousin in law brought home the sandwich for me, so I can't really comment on service or wait time, only the sandwich itself. I was really impressed that they didn't skimp on the steak and fix ins. In fact, they loaded it up soo much everything else was spilling out. In terms of flavour, well of course it's going to be good. Kind of hard to mess up the combo of white bread, cheese, steak, and numerous other fix ins. I was also surprised by the portions as for under $10 the sandwich was well over a foot long from the way I saw it. In Toronto a sandwich of this size, with that many fix ins will likely run you $13-$15 or so, and that is only if they serve something at that size. Overall, really enjoyed my sandwich and will probably make it a mission to try a new sandwich every time I visit the Boston area!
(5)Sara K.
This place is way over-hyped. People pay more attention to Phantom Gourmet and other "food [not so much] experts." They seem to focus more on publicity and marketing, than on the actual food. The steaks subs are overflowing (which is why I gave them a star), but the quality of steak is the worst type of steak you can buy; very greasy. Definitely not a top sirloin shaved steak or ribeye. Probably why they pile it on so high. Its easy to pile on cheap cr@p. The bread was terrible (for a bread that is supposedly custom made for their restaurants). The place is also pretty dirty, not a good sign for a food establishment. I wonder why there are no pictures of the place on their website... Overall a hot mess. Prices are ok, but I will never go there again.
(1)Debra L.
I actually waited 35 minutes inside this cramped little establishment for a small cheese-steak sub with mushrooms and a little bit of marinara sauce. It was divine. I ate the whole thing. I do not think I have eaten an entire cheese-steak sub since I was in college (which was a long time ago) when I had the metabolism to support "second dinner" most nights, which usually occurred sometime after 10pm. I should have only eaten half, but it was that good. I will probably never go back because of the incredible inferiority complex I had while waiting in there. The customers are 98% men. There I was, squished in there like a sardine, surrounded by burly working men. The kind of men who EARN the right to eat a cheese-steak sub for lunch - a large even, with extra cheese and add bacon. But, I sit at a desk all day and barely move. I am supposed to eat salads for lunch (and most days I do). But I just couldn't help myself. I had to try it. It was absolutely 100% worth it. PS - I took a star off because the 35 minute wait was a bit excessive.
(4)Brent M.
Wow, just had a large Mexican steak and cheese sub, this thing weighed about 2lbs. Great flavor, super inexpensive, great service. It's not a meal the heart can handle daily, but when you're feeling ravenous, this place should be at the top of your list.
(5)Steve W.
Count me as another who doesn't get all the hype. And yes, the parking is so scarce, I gave up the first time I went. It'd help to have a passenger who could jump out & run in to P/U the "food". The Chicken Stir Fry Sub was the worst. There was nothing "Stir Fried" about it--you don't see woks there, do you? They also say it's with grilled Chicken, but there's nothing grilled about it, either. It's big weird piles of steamed (apparently) Chicken that's some of the least tasty Chicken I've ever had. The Steak Sub is somewhat more tasty. But Whether it bears much resemblance to actual "steak" or not, I dunno. Instead of thin sliced beef, like in most good sub shops, they have some kind of small meat "pellets", like the size of hamster food maybe. And I knew it wasn't health food, but if I'm gonna go on some cholesterol bender, I at least want good quality. Maybe the worst thing--the steak "pellets" are precooked--they have a big pan of them already browned & cooked, & just shovel a big pile of them onto the flattop--again--when someone places an order. Not sure about the "grilled" chicken, but it sure didn't taste very fresh. Tip--try Prime Roast Beef & Seafood in Lexington for truly top quality beef (& all kinds of sandwiches)--no comparison. If you want good quality chicken (& other items), try Demo's in Waltham or Watertown. Heck, I'd go to Wendy's any day before I'd go here again.
(2)Clayton H.
This place is the bomb. And speaking of bombs try their cherry bomb its out of this world!
(5)Alex C.
Went to Philly to try a cheesesteak, but Carls makes everyone look silly. I usually get the Mexican steak and cheese it's not too hot (for you pansies). Good pRice for the size, they're huge even the small. I go here all the time so damn good.
(5)Ben P.
What's not to love? You got your basic food groups; dairy, meat, veggies (optional), and breads. My favorites include the cherry bomb, cajun, and the kami-kazi steak & cheeses. I always get a side-order of nachos supreme. After splitting that with my wife, I have enough room left for 1 bite of my sub and the rest is lunch for tomorrow.
(5)Wendi X.
Living in Waltham and growing up with Carl's I knew no other - steak and cheese. Now that I have moved away I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I was to fine no other place that serves a steak and cheese like Carl's. When I go back home to see my folks I make sure I get one to go. I just wish some day Carl's will come up to Tewksbury. Garentee it will put all the sub shops to shame!
(5)Ann Marie L.
One of the better places to eat in Waltham! I've had their original sub and it was pretty good however my FAVORITE is the Chipotle sub. I wish there was indoor seating especially during the colder season but that doesn't stop me from treating myself here every once in a while! This is a heaven for meat lovers so gogogogo!
(4)Michelle S.
For what it is, it's 5 stars. This is a walk in, go to the counter, order your awesome sandwich, pay, get said sandwich, and walk out. There are tables outside if the weather is cooperative, but we're in New England, so don't bank on that. I went to Carl's today and got a Hawaiian Chicken Sub - it was delicious! It was a small, but I couldn't finish it. Chicken, pineapple, ham, some kind of cheese...not even sure what was on it, just that it was amazingly good. Carl's is a small local place with a well-deserved good reputation for great food. I hear their steak subs are incredible, but I'm not really a steak sub girl so I'll refrain from commenting on things I don't have firsthand experience with. I'm pretty sure that anything you order there is going to be good. Prove me wrong. I dare you.
(5)Bret C.
I don't even like cheesesteak. It's generally gross to me. Most places can't get it right and it tastes like rubber. And I've had the two popular places in Philadelphia. I was unimpressed there, too. I had a revelation at Carl's in Waltham. It's amazing. It's fast. It's good for at least 2 meals. They get absolutely everything right. Keep it up!!!
(5)Julie C.
There's a reason why this place always has a line. ZOMG! Its soo frikking good! The biggest steak and cheese subs I have ever seen and in so many variations. I think whichever one you choose on there menu, you will not be disappointed. Wow, so good, just thinking about Carl has me drooling. Carl's is really cheap too, wow a large sub will run you under 10 and its big enough to share with one other person.
(5)Frank F.
This place makes the sloppiest subs I've ever had ordered a Buffalo chicken sub and I open it and its soggy as hell and the toppings were just thrown in laying next to my sub once I opened it. damn can u show my food a little love WTF...
(2)Aboud Y.
Finally made it here to try out their much celebrated steak and cheese sandwich and boy I was not disappointed! Yowza...among the best I've tried anywhere. Don't be turned off by the small, nondescript space, their lack of parking, and seating of any kind...its their grill that is magic and where they mix up high quality ingredients to construct awesome sandwiches. I had my steak with grilled onions and extra cheese and it was amazing. Hands down the best in the Boston area...and a top contender for best anywhere (Philly be damned!)
(5)Marcela A.
Portion Size: good Very small location. Don't expect to sit down and eat. I would recommend take out.They do have a small patio area in the front of the store that is normally occupied for lunch customers. I got a small Aunt Terry which was huge! It was chicken, cheese, veg and teriyaki sauce. Way too salty! I wouldn't recommend this menu item. Because of other customer reviews, I will return and give it another shot.
(3)Stephanie W.
BBQ Quesadilla and Carl's Steak Special are absolutely amazing !!!
(4)Chelle D.
It was good & It was huge and filling! That being said the sub shop up the street from my house is just as good and filling. We drove about 30 mins out of our way for cheesesteaks but I guess if you are in the area its a great place but I wouldnt go out of my way again. It is strictly take out, there are a few tables outside and two other couples where there raving about their cheese steaks. My husband also thought his was above average. Good value for the price.
(5)Rachel S.
Best burritos, hands down. The MOAB is to die for. Chipotle can suck it, and that's a hell of a statement coming from me. 7.25 for a burrito with guac that will last you two meals, plus a free bag of homemade tortilla chips. I don't know any other burrito place that gives you as much delicious food for the price. In love.
(5)Jason G.
This has been my favorite sub shop for 31 years. I've done quite a bit a traveling and I haven't found a better spot. Steak subs do not get any bigger, cheesier and more delicious than Carls. The budster is favorite as well. I'm from Waltham and went to Bentley College, the first place I told my friends to go was Carls and instantly became the favorite stop for the entire Bentley Football team. There are very few who disagree that Carls makes one mean sub!
(5)Kyle R.
Best Steak and cheese i have ever had. Sandwiches are massive (a large is a struggle to Finnish in a sitting) and super reasonably priced. teriyaki is my personal fav. its simple with a ton of great flavor. Their rolls are fresh and amazing. The Porkey is an amazing heart attack but soooo work death. All subs are amazing, Not in the mood for steak, Go with the Hawaiian or aunt terry. chicken is deliciously grilled with cheese (Pineapple in the Hawaiian) on the same delicious roll Burritos are almost as good as the subs (which is astonishing) They are huge loaded and amazing come with fresh homemade chips (also pronominal) Staff is super nice and service is fast as anywhere. Ps i have eaten there at lease 50 times so i know what the F i am talking about... Carls4Life
(5)Kathy M.
Call ahead. Parking is rough. My gf and I had 2 sm. Steak subs ( steak/cheese/onion and steak/cheese/pepper/mushroom) and a Greek salad. I couldn't eat more than half my sub because it was so huge and delicious. Salad was good and fresh also.
(4)Luke W.
Got a cheesesteak with peppers and onions. Delicious!
(4)Kara Z.
How delicious. The staff can be a bit grumbly but the subs are amazing. I wish they delivered.
(4)Geno K.
Close. So close to 5 stars. Kick ass cheesesteak. That's about it. Grimy hole in the wall dive. But one hell of a sub. A heart attack in a bun. Large steak & cheese, chips and a soda - $12.
(4)Prasant L.
Steak M.O.A.B. is probably the best burrito that I've ever eaten. Parking is an issue though. Service is pretty quick and you get a lot of food for the money.
(4)Lucas S.
BIG Mistake......actually it was a large mistake and I have no regrets at all! Glad to have finally made it here after passing by for months. I could only eat half (well I could have eaten the whole thing but I would have needed a nap after) This sub is big nasty and a formidable undertaking for lunch. I will try again when not working. Co-worker got a burrito and it looked great as well, so I will have to return for that in the near future. My advice is to order ahead like we did. Oh, take like a ten mile walk after to offset some of the calories.
(4)Mehmet K.
Wow, Really the best!!
(5)Jeff D.
I'm very glad I ordered a small steak sub because I'm 6'2 and the small was as long as my forearm. The large would have fed me for two days. I wouldn't go here often just to avoid getting any fatter than I already am, but as an occasional treat it's great.
(4)Susan D.
What's the big deal about this place? The staff are rude. Their menu contains cold subs, hot subs, quesadillas and they only serve 2 kinds of cheese, provolone and american. Really??? The food is so-so. You do get very large servings but you also pay for it. This would be a great place for a hungry guy who doesn't mind so-so food.
(2)Larry H.
I've only eaten the Mushroom Steak & Cheese w/ Mayo here and it's very tasty. It's one of my top 5 favorite sandwiches in the new England area. The steak looks like it's been put through a course sausage grinder. It's almost like a shredded beef, reminiscent of shredded cheese but with a little more girth. The bread is very soft, you can tell it's fresh. If you told me they purchased from a local bakery, daily, I would believe you. The staff is friendly, the food is good. Don't expect to be able to find a place to sit if you come at lunch time. It's always busy, but there's only like 4 or 5 seats total. We always order ahead and for take out. It's an open kitchen so you can see your food being prepared. I only gave 4 stars because it doesn't feel very clean inside. It may just be that the place is a little older.
(4)Alyson G.
OK, so I love steak and cheese so I have been wanting to try Carl's ever since I heard of it. Since I try to eat somewhat healthy for lunch it took me a while to make it there. I ordered a steak and cheese with mushroom, peppers and onions and rushed over to pick it up. The service was great and my sandwich smelled amazing, but once I tried it I wasn't loving it. The steak was sliced into thin long pieces. Kind of like spaghetti noodles. I can't remember every having another steak and cheese like that and I guess I prefer shaved steak. Really wanted to like this place...but it's probably good that I won't be craving a steak and cheese from here all the time, since it's not the healthy lunch choice.
(2)Maya T.
Went here after seeing them featured on Phantom Gourmet. Tried the Cajun Cheesesteak, it was huge and filling. The only reason I didn't give five stars is because I'm used to cheesesteaks being thinly sliced. I will definitely be back and try a different creation.
(4)Mike B.
Forget about Philly; the best cheese steaks in the country come from Carl's, where there's barely enough room for the take-out counter. Their steak bombs pack over a pound of meat made from a secret 2-beef blend. There are 30 spins on the original, and many have never before been on the steak and cheese circuit. The Firecracker fuses pepperoni and tomato sauce into the mix, while the Kamikaze takes on sausage, ham, bacon, and barbecue sauce. There's also the Misteak with meatballs, sausage, mushrooms, and onion, and the Mexican spiced up with hot jalapenos. If you can't make it to Carl's, you can score the same steak bombs at their sister restaurants: Tory's in Leominster and T.C. Lando's in Acton and Hudson.
(5)Sam O.
The best steak and cheese I've ever had, and possibly the best sub I've ever had. I got the porkey (steak + provolone + bacon) with american cheese and onions. It was absolutely delicious. The bread was soft yet didn't allow drippings to come through or get soggy like another reviewer said. The steak was finely ground and downright delicious. The bacon was also spectacular: thinly shaved and a nice compliment to the steak. And the cheese was evenly dispersed throughout the entire sub, and there was a lot of it. It was pretty much heaven on a roll. I arrived above 10 minutes after they opened and got my sub within 5 minutes of ordering. I cannot wait to go back. This place is a TINY hole in the wall, but makes one of the best sandwiches I've ever had anywhere (including Boston and New York and the west coast). I can imagine that if you went when it was really busy it'd be an unpleasant experience because there's probably room for about 3 patrons to stand inside, and nowhere to sit. It isn't a sit down restaurant though, so this should basically have nothing to do with the review. You don't go to a place like the Capitol Grill and expect corn dogs to be on the menu, either. If you want a sit down restaurant, go somewhere else. Also, in regards to the service: it's standard sub shop service. They aren't chatting up the patrons and trying to win you over with their charm. They take your order and deliver you a mouth watering, delicious sub. That's all I want from a sub shop; I don't want small talk, I want my food and I want it to be awesome. And Carl's provides that. There's not much parking; it's all on street parking. I didn't have trouble finding a spot about a block down the road, but there isn't much parking in the area, so be aware of that. People who gave this place bad reviews must have no tastebuds. Also, the sub is fairly large, but it isn't as massive as some people say. I've seen bigger, though it is jam packed with steak and is more than enough to fill you. I had a hard time finishing the entire sub but I couldn't stop eating it because it was so delicious. I was completely over stuffed afterward and I can take down a lot of food. And bigger doesn't mean better necessarily. It is definitely a large hefty sub, probably about 14 to 16 inches (it's about 2 inches longer than a 20 oz bottle of soda, I happened to notice because that's what I got to drink with it.) It isn't a place to look for a healthy meal, but if you want the most bad ass steak and cheese you've ever had, this is where you'll find it. 5 stars all the way, and I'll definitely be back.
(5)T T.
Went in search of the famous Steak&Cheese, should have just gone to D'angelos. While you do get a large portion, I found it to be quite bland. The steak / meat is put through a girder that creates uniformed pellets, not appealing or tasty, rather resembles fake dog food.....I prefer a quality shaved steak. You can put any type of meat through such a grinder to break down the gristle. I cannot comment on the other sandwiches, but won't be back.
(1)Henry L.
Best Steak & Cheese in the Waltham area by FAR. And their sizes are not for the faint of heart which only keeps me coming back for more. Recommend to everyone except those currently dieting ...
(5)Dan B.
I don't know why it took me 6 years of living in Waltham before I tried Carl's. I regret every day I waited. My first try was the Porkey steak sub. Steak & cheese with bacon? GENIUS! My doctor and fiance' would kill me if they knew, but for a stolen treat on a rare occasion, Carl's will now be at the top of my list. The "small" sub was anything but, and I could only eat half. The silver lining is I have an awesome lunch tomorrow. The fries were really great, too. Considering the price, it was a great deal. I can't wait to try one of their burritos. The lady taking orders was smiling and friendly and the food didn't take long even though there were a few orders ahead of me. Parking is limited to the other side of the street and there are a handful of tables outside.
(5)Ryan M.
Holy food. If you are feeling like an alpha male that needs pounds of meat in his stomach order a large sub and down it all in meal. If you are like the rest of us and don't want to spend 4 hours in the bathroom that day then save the other half of your sub as a late night snack or for breakfast the next day. You really can't go wrong at Carls, the parking situation is pretty weak but overall it's one of the best eateries in Waltham
(4)James R.
Visited this spot today...and while the place is tiny, the food it not. I did another review on Carl's Brother's place in Acton, MA called T.C.Lando's: yelp.com/biz/t-c-landos-… ...there is another brother in Leominster with a place called Tory's, but haven't been to that one. ...and if I had to give the edge one way or the other, it would be with T.C.'s. However, if you've had the Steak N Cheese at one of these places, you've had one at the other. Really loaded Steak Sub, with soft, fresh bread...and any fixings you're heart desires. Well...your mouth desires...your heart might object to some of their meaty-cheesy subs! Carl's does not have pizza like T.C.'s does...but they do have Burritos. (Which I think T.C. is planning on doing if they haven't already). If you're anywhere near the Waltham area...hit it up and give it a go. I've met few who didn't care for their subs... ...most people would beat up those that didn't.
(4)TK W.
Although they ran by the same family, I think Carl's are not as good as TC Lando's in Acton.
(3)M S.
Carl's steak subs are pretty awesome...big and tasty. However, their service is terrible. The staff rarely say thank you and can be kind of short and rude both on the phone and when you walk in. I guess they don't have to be friendly when they sell the best steak subs in Waltham but they should appreciate your business a little more than they do.
(4)Scotty B.
From the moment I started working in The Metro West area, all I heard was, have you been to Carl' Steak and the fact that I have to try it. My only regret? The fact that it took me so long to listen. I've had the signature steak and cheese sub here a few times and have not been disappointed. Unfortunately I no longer work on the road, so I do not get to visit here often. Then again, that may be a good thing for my cholesterol level. Like others before me have mentioned, it gets crazy busy here at Lunch time so order ahead or expect a wait.
(4)Scott W.
You want a steak sub? You're within 30 miles of Waltham? You go to Carl's. Period. The sandwiches here are huge AND delicious. They're overstuffed, not skimpy on the cheese or the toppings, and there's a nice variety to choose from. My personal favorite is the Mistake - but you really can't go wrong. Don't expect to eat in - couple of picnic tables outside, and a counter inside with enough room for about 5 people to stand comfortably and wait for their orders. Call ahead and take it home with you. Long live Carl's!
(5)valerie d.
It's so good you don't even enjoy it. It's stressful. The bite is so good that you can't do enough to shove it down your gullet so you can take the next bite. It turns your entire digestive system into a super efficient assembly line. There is still food at the back of your throat while you're adding the next piece to your tongue.
(5)Michael W.
Came here on my lunch break with co-workers. This place is a hole in the wall in the middle of Waltham (aka nowhere). There's hardly any parking, and 3 tables out front to sit in. Inside, the entire place is taken up by the kitchen and standing space enough for a handful of people or so. I didn't try the burritos, which are supposedly pretty good, but I did have a cheese steak. I've had cheese steaks all over the country, including in NYC and Philly- but hands down this was the best I ever had. IMO, the key to the cheese steak is the cheese. It was completely melted through and permeated all aspects of the steak. The steak was done perfectly and cut to just the right size. Best of all the bread was fresh and slightly moist- just how I like it on a sandwich like this. If you're looking for the best cheese-steak in metro Boston, look no further. Make sure to call in your order and avoid the lunchtime rush, because this place gets slammed by the corporate lunch break crowd. If you're coming from out of town (especially in the Winter), count on this as a takeout-only option- the tables outside are always full when it's nice out and are gone in the winter.
(5)Melly H.
Why the changes!?! It hurts to rate Carls a one star. I was born and raised in Waltham and always knew where to go for a Steak & Cheese sub....but no longer. I moved away for sometime and now back in the location....I had some company which had never been to Carl's, so of course I hyped it up and told them it will be the best S & C they will ever eat.....AND THEN...the truth.. it was just like any lower quality sub shops junk steak meat. They went from tasty shaved meat to pellet like steak that is pretty chewy. Awful. This is sad. It used to be the place to go but now wont consider spending about $10 on an awful sub. Rating of one because the roll was fresh!
(1)Mike B.
love this place. been going for a few years now... I always get the Steak and Cheese (sometimes with Green peppers) since im scared to try anything else. the only short coming would be that they dont deliver and it closes early but its all good. ive had plenty of steak and cheeses.. but this place is the KING of steak n cheese... in my opinion mad good go try it.. love it
(5)Dave M.
Amazing steak & cheese. These things are friggin looooaaaaded with steak and whatever toppings you decide to throw in there. I'm a bigger guy, and sometimes I even have a hard time polishing off a large sub from Carl's. The place is tiny, so be prepared to wait outside after you order. There are a couple small tables out front, but you might as well take a walk around the block in anticipation of the thousands of delicious calories that you're about to shove into your face. God these things are good.
(5)Amanda L.
Huge portions, messy but delicious! It takes me a whole day to eat one if these subs!
(4)John C.
I don't think there's much more I can say about this place that other 5-star reviewers haven't said. My girlfriend surprised me with one for dinner after a terrible day and the sandwich made me forget all my problems. My mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. Do yourself a favor and at least try it. If you don't like it, there's no pleasing you. :)
(5)Joseph D.
Honestly a fantastic meal. I always ask for extra chipotle and extra cheese. Otherwise I really have nothing bad to say about these guys. Helpful at the desk Always on time Great product
(5)Rishabh G.
Carl's is a needle in a hay stack. It's a small place that when you pass by, you are most likely to think its a run down place. But once you step inside, you'll be amazed by the taste of their food. I've had the burrito from many many times now. My favorite is of course the Mother of all Burritos (MOAB). It comes with everything in it. Guacamole, beans, rice, onions, peppers and lots more. The portions are also very big and filling. They also come with chips on the side which I find to be a little too salty, but that's a minor thing. The staff here is also great. And yes the parking is an issue, but honestly, who cares. It's well worth the taste of the food!
(5)Jeff M.
Being from Philly I hesitate to even order a cheese steak in other cities. And I hate to admit it, but Carl's are pretty darn good. Best I've had up here.
(5)Bex M.
who would have thought that crumbled up bits of beef, oozy cheese and a nice loaf would be so good. thank you Pat. yes, parking is an issue but so is all that gooey cheese stuck on my teeth.
(4)paul m.
I ate here with my better half last week. My wife's said her sub was awesome, however mine wasn't. She ordered a Steak and Cheese with hot peppers, green peppers and onions and I ordered the Cajun Steak. The bread used here, was amazing, possibly the best bread ever used to make a sub. My Cajun steak was nasty. The steak was soaked in so much cajun seasoning that it's all that could be tasted. I love spicy food, but only when the spice is used to compliment the flavor of the food. This was disgusting. The steak was so soaked in cajun seasoning that it looked like taco meat. Don't waste your time with the fries here. They were dank. I mean they came out hot and crispy, but it was apparent that the oil hadn't been changed in that place, I would guess... ever. If I had been there alone, Carl would have been getting one star, however my wife's review of her sub earned them an extra one. If you are looking for a steak and cheese, I would say that Carl's isn't the place to eat. Personally I would order a steak and cheese from anywhere other than Carl's.
(2)Yoonie C.
... very close to 4-star rating! Although I don't like to draw gender-stereotyped conclusions, this place is a man-wich type place with some very carnivorously-friendly subs loaded with meat and cheese... and some more meat and cheese. (We ate a late dinner on the run Friday night after reading all of the great reviews... I agree with the stellar ratings. It's just that I don't share an enthusiasm for steak subs in general. I like them. I just don't LOVE them.) Pretty solid, hefty portions of beef in their cheese steak subs. The "misteak" (cheese, steak, onions, mushroom, teriyaki sauce, and maybe some red peppers?) was a bit too salty, but my bf and I shared halves, so alternating a bite from half of the regular cheese with another bite from the other half of the misteak did the trick in balancing out the flavors. I actually like the soft white bread. Maybe next time I'll ask for additional veggies to add-in. The meat is cut in a very interesting manner. It's almost chiffon-cut, looking like shredded pieces, but each being a very clean thin slice. Almost like hamburger meat threads, but not quite either. Interesting texture ... almost a hybrid of a burger and a steak sub. Next time I'm in the mood for a steak sub, I'll know to come back here.
(3)Robyn E.
Carl's is amazing! Their burritos and subs are HUGE and fairly inexpensive. They get very very busy, but still never skimp on the quality or portion sizes of their food as some places tend to do. My favorite thing to order is the Carl's Original Burrito with steak, although I have never ordered anything from Carl's that I didn't love! Carl's is very tiny. They have no indoor tables, very little standing room inside and no parking, but they are still very worth the trip!!
(5)Mike F.
I'm not one to dish out 5-stars or say something is "the best I've ever had", but I can do BOTH when talking about Carl's Steak Subs and Burritos. I've never been to Philly for an authentic cheesesteak, but this makes me almost not care! *EDIT* I've had a philly cheesesteak. Carl's pretty much wrecks them. The steak they use tastes great. I can't put my finger on it, but it's just got a little spice to it that's unique to these guys. The sheer variety of sandwiches is staggering, but I personally recommend giving the Porkey Cheese a go. Steak, bacon(!!) and provolone cheese...... In all fairness, I've never tried anything but the steak subs, but I've heard nothing but good things from friends about the chicken sandwiches, wraps and burritos. OK, everyone else has said it, and it's true: if you get a large, prepare to be amazed. These things are HUGE! Larges are almost 2 small subs at a normal place and the value can't be beat. There is nothing on the menu priced at over 9 dollars! Really, I can't understand how Lena's on Main Street ever got voted "Waltham's Best Cheeseteak" with this, literally, a 1/4 mile away. Blasphemy..... A Word of Warning: If you choose to consume a large cheesesteak for lunch, I hope you don't have anything important to do for the rest of the afternoon. It's going to make you want to take a nap! The Wrap-Up: A wide selection of flavorful, GIANT cheeseteaks, chicken sandwiches, and burritos for a price that's a steal.
(5)Duke O.
I could go on and on about Carl's. I wrote a four page paper on why I love it in English 101, but I don't have it saved anymore. However, I think I can sum it up pretty well. If I got the death penalty, Carl's would be my last meal. A Large Smokin Chipotle Burrito, no lettuce, no tomato, with a large fry and a side of Guacamole to go with the tortilla chips. If I'm in Waltham, I'm going to Carl's
(5)Max P.
The Kamikaze is probably the best sandwich I have ever had. The Firecracker is pretty phenomenal as well. Great food.
(5)Caitlin C.
When my boyfried and I first moved to waltham we ate t this place the first day and from that day on have frequented Carls any times. They have AMAZING cheese steaks, by far the best we have ever had. They pack so much meat into the subs you need a fork to eat the spillover They have a variety of steak and cheeses that include bacon or hot peppers and tomatoes, all varieties of cheese and hot sauce. Amazing take out.
(5)David L.
I know everyone goes for the steak and cheese, but their burritos are the best around. Cant go wrong with the Mother of All Burritos (MOAB). If you pick steak, it's the same steak they put in the subs... personally I like the chicken better. Or go with the Vegi Baja if meat is not your thing. It get's busy during peak hours, especially on weekends, so call in your order ahead and pick it up 15 minutes later.
(5)Ilya E.
Best steak & cheese around by a long shot. Drove 45 min to try it and it was worth every minute. Only downside is no seating.
(5)E K.
Back to Carl's. I've got to say that it's not as awesome anymore. Prices have risen and portion sizes have shrunk. The staff also never smiles. It's still hell tasty though, but I like the old Carl's better. Too bad I wouldn't be running back here.
(3)Dan N.
Try the Eric's sub
(4)April M.
Oh My Goodness. I'm currently eating a Vegi Baja from their menu and it's glorious. It's so good I had to log on and rate it RIGHT NOW. Omg. Delish. It's huge. Perfect balance of salty, fatty goodness. Beware, they're ALWAYS packed for lunch. You're gonna wait if you don't call ahead.
(5)Jonathan C.
I spent 8 years growing up in the Philly area, so I tend to avoid steak sandwiches out of the area. However, I've heard so many people rave about this place, I decided to try it today. It's a hole in the wall, but who cares? I would never try a steak sandwich in a place that wasn't. The steak sandwiches are HUGE. I can pretty much down anything when I want to, but I was SHOCKED by the size of the large. But they taste good too. I got the Carl's Steak Special. The meat has good flavor, as opposed to Pat and Gino's which I found bland. More along the style of Jim's, but I liked the sauce here better - got a nice kick too it - and the bread and soft an delicious. I'm loathe to rate let alone give 5 stars to any place on the first try, which is why it's a 4. But I'll be back.... In a year, after my cholesterol goes back down.
(4)Lauren A.
Best Cheesesteak I've ever had. And lots of cool combos, I love the bbq cheesesteak.
(5)Chase S.
Let me break it to you this way. If you want to live forever, then eating a cheese steak sub from any establishment isn't going to help. If you can live with that fact, and you want to live a little before you go, then Carl's is the place where you're going to want to do it. The steak combined with the cheese they use is perfect harmony. The cheese melts throughout the steak and whatever toppings you've chosen in the sub and every bite is just spectacular. I'll admit the steak itself is average, but the cheese they use is good stuff in that it doesn't turn into plastic after cooking and cooling like the cheese that you might find in gas-station store sandwiches. The portion size is over the top. I'm 170lbs and I can pretty much have a go at a whole pizza, but a large carls sub will knock me out for a whole day. My standard practice is to order the large, eat half, and then save the other half in the fridge for as long as I can manage to not think about the fact that there is half of a delicious steak sub waiting to be eaten. Just food quality earns it 4 yelp stars, but the price is so right for the amount in each order that Carls gets that extra star outta me. Two meals out of one sandwich for around $7 can't be beat.
(5)Kelsey H.
I moved out to Boston from California last year and I can easily say that Carl's Steak Subs has the BEST steak and cheese subs I've had to date, East Coast or West Coast. A few of us at work try to make Carl's steak and cheese lunches a bi-monthly thing if possible and, if not, at LEAST once a month. Don't expect to sit down and eat, it's much more of a take it and run kind of place, but you will be stoked you did! The Chipotle Steak and Cheese is my favorite, without question. Try it!
(5)Joe R.
The best steak and cheese subs in Massachusetts. Nobody else comes close. I travel from Easton to go to this place and its always worth it
(5)Cranston L.
The MOAB is as good as it gets in the satisfying burrito department. One is in my belly now making me shine with content. After trying a chain down the street from this place, which will remain nameless, a few weeks ago, I have been craving them and they didn't let me down. The staff is friendly, and, even during the lunch time rush they churn out consistently good food. I usually get their steak bombs or some some other cheese steak concoction, for which there are no equals. The only thing I have not tried yet are their cold cut subs. I am sure they are good but its going to be hard to order one when I know how good the burritos and s-bombs are.
(5)Soham B.
If you like cheesesteak, this is your mosque and Philly is your Mecca. Go here to worship the sheer size and scope of these sandwiches while digging your unworthy maw into a (figurative? perhaps) ocean of beef remnants, cheese, and various additional things you can request (salami, vegetables, hots, etc.). I was raised Hindu and still i can't resist the allure of this place. Smaller than a studio apt in Fenway, bigger steak subs than a corpulent infant. Ridiculous.
(4)Kevin K.
The food was great until I found a long black hair in my chicken parm sub. I have not been able to eat there since. I really wish the guy making my sub used a hat or something.
(1)Amanda A.
This is unarguably my favorite burrito place in all of the Boston area. The portions are huge, delicious and not very expensive at all. As a quasi-vegetarian, I normally get the Veggie Baja Burrito or the Cheese Quesadilla, which are both superb. Lots of guac and cheese! I have turned on my other veggie friends to this place too. Also, I would recommend phoning ahead because they can get pretty busy during lunch hours and you might end up waiting awhile.
(5)Jef S.
Carl's large Kamikaze cheesesteak should be against the law. So much meat. So much cheese. So much yummy. So much indigestion afterward. Long lines during lunch rush and hard street parking, but the cheap subs and burritos coupled with the cheap prices make for a great lunch. Stick to the small, though, and have the Tums standing by.
(4)Anthony G.
This place is awesome. If giant, cheesy, meaty sandwiches are your thing you should be calling right now to place an order for pick up. Pick any item at random and it will be good. You need no recommendations on what to get.
(4)Chris C.
Took some of my staff here the other night while I had them working late during a big cutover at our hospital in Waltham. None of them had ever been there before and they all gave it a thumbs up. While I agree that it tastes awesome and the sheer variety of flavors is intriguing they certainly don't serve a traditional cheese steak. So if that is what you are expecting do not go here. If you want an interesting take on the cheese steak than do it up
(4)Ricky R.
What's wrong with you people? 4 1/2 stars??? Get the f... outta here. There's nothing COOL about Carl's. Parking sucks, waiting in their small a** restaurant sucks, the stupid "complaint department thingy sucks, their steak and cheese I had... SUCKED! I'm no hater just keeping it 100. What a let down after going because all U PEOPLE say it's great... I felt like I was eating dog food in a sub roll. This place is way over rated. ROZAY TIP OF THE DAY: Papa Gino's makes a pretty pretty good steak n cheese. Just sayinig ROZZZAYYY!!!
(2)Laura H.
What is not to love about Carls, except for this one broad that was working there and was sooooo freak'n rude that I said I would never go there again until she was gone, well she is gone, thank goodness! My two fav's are the Mad Amigo with either chicken or steak, hold the rice please because it is flavorless. When I am hungover and in need of help, which isn't very often, I get the Porky....Steak, cheese and bacon (with pickles and ketchup), soooooooo good but so bad fat and calories wise, but when you had one too many the night before, it doesnt really matter does it!? The portions are always huge and yummy!
(4)Andy Z.
One of my all time favorites in waltham. Great prices, giant portions, and incredible freshness and flavor
(5)Jim M.
Carl's sets the bar for steak and cheese... its absurd. The portions are huge and the subs are the best subs in the history of subs. Put your stupid roast beef down, and get a steak and cheese from carl's.
(5)Mark P.
Carl's is a Waltham institution. The fact that they have nowhere to sit, that there is no off-street parking and limited on-street parking, and that nothing on the menu is even remotely healthy for you, is completely trumped by the fact that Carl's has, probably, the best steak & cheese sub in the surrounding area (beyond Waltham). I hear the Mexican food is also good, but I've never tried it. And trust me, all you need is a small - Carl's small is like a large everywhere else. Also would advise keeping it simple, just a plain steak & cheese or maybe steak & cheese with peppers. Also try their sister store, TC Lando's, same owner, multiple locations in metrowest. The steak & cheese is similar there but the rest of the menu is different. Your cardiologist would not recommend that you eat at Carl's often, but you have to try it at least once - and you will come back.
(5)Shep M.
First off, I love Carl's food. I held off on the fifth star for a few reasons: 1. The food will kill you if you eat it too much. This is not a place I would eat every day or every week. It's a place you go every once in a while to satisfy your cherry bomb cravings. It's LOADED with meat. That has its benefits and its drawbacks. 2. The subs are too big to eat manageably. You're probably sitting there saying "where are this kid's balls?" Yeah, but order a large cherry bomb and cram that in your mouth. That's a lot of food. It's overwhelming. 3. It's messy. There's no bathroom at Carl's for you to wash your hands. You're going to have to load up on napkins. Not just for your hands but also your face after you eat it. Your face will feel like a frying pan after you get through one of those bad boys. 4. Accessibility. It's hard to find parking around Carl's. May be it's because me and my friends go there in packs of 2-3 cars, but Carl's always has people coming and going, so the limited street parking is in high demand. At your own risk, park across the street at the Hess Station (Or is it BP).
(4)jb h.
This is THE place to go for a steak sub in Waltham. You can get your steak sub with all kinds of toppings and sauces. Their other subs are pretty good as well. I work near by and go here pretty often for lunch. It's mostly a take out place so theres not really anywhere to eat. Can get really busy during lunch time so definitely call in your order. Parking can also be problematic on that street so its best to bring someone to get the food while you wait in the car. Also their small size is quite large. I'd say about as filling as a foot long subway sub.
(5)Renée P.
These are the best steak and cheese subs in the world. I am currently enjoying a Carl's Steak Special. Their fries are good too very crunchy with little crispies on them. MMMMMM
(5)Michael B.
I don't see how anyone could give this place a bad review. Been here a bunch of times, always get some kinda of ENORMOUS and awesome steak and cheese. Definitely go for the large and either stuff yourself or save half for another meal. The steak is tasty and cheesy and the combos are great. Just tried the Mexican tonight and it was spicy, cheesy and delicious. Carl's can do no wrong in my book.
(5)David C.
A sandwich shop that closes at 9pm in Waltham. You're kidding me. The cheesesteak is delicious, but terrible parking and worse hours.
(3)Joe B.
my favorite steak and cheeses of all time. huge sandwiches. very delicious. don't plan on being productive after eating one of these belly busters. the burritos are great too. make sure you order ahead. it gets crazy at lunch time.
(5)Melissa B.
Wowzas. This place is crazy good. I was skeptical because of the good reviews and recommendation from Phantom Gourmet (good ol cynical me), but their steak subs are phenom. The hubs and I can split one with a side order of fries and be stuffed beyond recognition. Did I mention that meal for two cost less than $10. They're always busy, so call ahead (if you can get through!), but do try ANY of their steak subs. Bravo.
(5)Dan P.
I feel like I should have to write a review for Carl's because anyone that has been here know how amazing this place really is. If you're starving for a steak and cheese, and are within driving distance to Waltham, I don't know why you wouldn't come here. This place is by far, THE BEST STEAK AND CHEESE I have EVER had. Not only is the basic steak and cheese amazing, but they also give you other options, like the kamikaze if you're feeling a little adventurous.
(5)Chris O.
Who says you need sterling silver for a fine dine? Carl's is easy and no-fuss but totally delicious! The kids love it, the husband loves it, and you know what... I love it!
(5)Anthony R.
I really, really like Carl's. I think the easiest way to sum it up is this: they sell salads (they're on the take out menu) but that isn't mentioned on the big sign that's you see when you actually walk in. You know why? Because that's just not what they do. The steak subs are larger than is safe or reasonable. A small is easily two meals, and a large will put you out of commission for the day. If you ever wait in the restaurant during a busy lunch hour, you can watch them pour a giant container of shaved steak on the griddle and then use the amount of steak that looks like it could feed an army to make, like, eight subs. It gets better: many of their featured subs include bacon, salami, sausage, and other meats. None of this plain old steak-and-cheese business -- thanks to Carl's, my mental image of the ultimate steak sub now includes bacon and pepperoni as well. Shortcomings? They get really busy around lunchtime and will dawdle with phone orders, probably because it's hard to ignore the crowd that's already there salivating over the steak they're about to receive -- but can you blame them? Basically, Carl's is THE place to go if you don't value your arteries all that much and want to eat until you don't really feel that well. Awesome.
(4)Mike L.
A good sub shop should have the following: good subs. And I'm here to tell you that Carl's does not disappoint. Their subs are big, delicious, and satisfying. If you get a large, it's like getting two normal mediums. And at first you'll say "oh, I'll save the other half for later" but really, you won't. And on that note, their large is maybe 1.5 inches longer than their regular. So, take that as you will. They're so big, I usually just go with a regular and I'm still stuffed. As others have mentioned, it does get very busy at peak times, and their bread does get very soggy. But you'll be satisfied when you finally get your food (call ahead, my friends), and you'll eat the soggy bread sub anyway because it's so good. By the way, the buffalo sauce is hot, watch out if you like your buffalo sauce mild. EDIT: After frequenting Carl's for a few years, I decided that they deserve nothing less than 5 stars. So, I now give them 5 stars.
(5)Mike C.
Steak & cheese night!
(4)Daniel M.
I understand the reputation Carl's has for big steak subs and if all you're looking for is a lot of food, go there. For quality and taste, however, Carl's isn't the place to go. The cheese in my steak and cheese was pretty standard; however the steak had way more fat with it than is acceptable. I'm not a big fan of Carl's bread either...it's OK, but not special - overpuffy and of such a fragile consistency that the juices from the sandwich liquidated the bread very fast. I'll visit Carl's again and hope that my next experience will be better. It's OK, but I can think of a bunch of places in Waltham where I'd rather go.
(2)Kerri O.
Doesn't put me in raptures. Honestly, if you love seriously greasy steak subs, then Carl's is the way to go. If you want more food than you should really eat: Come On Down! Otherwise, it isn't really tasty, or good eating. It's simply gluttonous eating.
(3)Jamie G.
This place has great steak sandwiches. The steak is different than on a typical steak sub- it's not sliced, it's more like ground beef. But it is still very good, though not always what I am craving. The bread is also very good. I always get the steak and cheese with mushrooms. The small is $7.75 but it's enough for two people, or save half for later (or eat it all if you are REALLY hungry!). They also have crazy flavor combinations with TONS of toppings all for the same price as the regular steak and cheese.
(4)Jessica S.
This is such a wonderful hole-in-the-wall kind of place! The wait can be long and you usually find yourself elbow-to-elbow with strangers . . . the parking situation is scarce and it's definitely a to-go kind of place . . . but it's so worth it! The large sub is HUGE - way too big to eat at one time! I don't come here often, only because I would be huge! Carl's is definitely not the place to go if you are counting calories - but again, it's so worth it!
(5)Debbie D.
I think I heard about Car's on the Phantom Gourmet. I tried the steak and cheese this afternoon and it was.... different. I wasn't sure at first if the meat was chopped steak or coarsely ground hamburger. I guess it was steak. I do have to say that you get a lot of sandwich for your money. The large sub was enough for two. The roll was fresh and they didn't skimp on the meat. There are a lot of positive yelp reviews and I'd give Carl's another try but it's not an easy place unless Carl's is within walking distance from your house or work. Parking is on street and limited. Eating inside is not an option. There are a couple of tables outside on the sidewalk, so if you plan to eat there, go on a dry day. The other option is taking someone with you to run in and order while you drive around the block.
(2)Dessa R.
Whenever I get that nostalgic hunger pang for a heart-stopping cheesesteak, I have to just accept that I am no longer driving distance from Philadelphia. Luckily, I have Carl's to help me ease the pain. The only acceptable alternative I have found thus far in the Boston area, Carl's cheesesteaks are jam-packed with greasy glorious steak and smothered in ooey-gooey cheese, the thought of which makes me salivate. Not in the mood for a cheesesteak? Fret not- their chicken burritos are simply divine, which I discovered after stealing a bite of my non-red-meat-eating friend's tasty lunch. Now excuse me while I wipe up this puddle of drool on my desk.
(4)Yishai M.
Dude....Dude....DUDE!!!!! This place is the BOMB! Small little hole in the wall, no tables(inside), and absolutely overstuffed, delicious subs that have the weight of a bowling ball. The chicken subs Rock too. I've never finished even a small one at one sitting. You'll die from heart disease, but you'll have fun doing it. If I could - I'd eat there 4 times a week.
(4)Natasha A.
It is a tiny hole in the wall with only 2 little tables outside, but this place takes cheese steaks seriously. A "small" is about a foot long with a pound of meat so I would not attempt the large. Carl's is there for fixing major hunger pangs. You can order a regular cheesesteak with veggies or go for the more inventive creations such as the kamakazi (it has every type of meat, sausage, pepperoni etc..) or the "misteak". They also serve burritos I believe.
(5)Ed P.
Carl's serves up some of the meanest subs in town and I hear the burritos are great too. I usually order the Budster. My friend Fulton got me hooked on them; chicken cutlet, bacon, melty cheese and BBQ sauce. The steak and cheese sandwiches are totally stuffed with juicy meat and gooey cheese. Not diet food by any means but when you get that urge and know that nothing less than a heart testing, artery squeegeeing, taste bud imploding sub will do, I suggest Carl's...tell em Ed sent ya.
(4)Jessica S.
YUM! I'm from the Philadelphia area so I tend to be picky when it comes to cheesesteaks. I went to Carls for the first time last week and thought my sandwich was delicious. It is not, of course, the same as a cheesesteak from Pats or Genos (they don't even offer wiz as a cheese choice!) But the cheesesteak I had at Carls was the best one I've had in the Boston area!
(5)D Z.
LUV MY BAJA VEGGIE BURRITOS!!!!!! This place is the bomb!!!!! When ever I get my burrito... Im all set for the day... def filling & delish :)
(5)John O.
Great cheese steak subs. My favorite is the Cajun with extra cheese. The place is definitely a dive, but don't let that stop you from giving it a try.
(4)Tim C.
Probably as good a cheese steak you are going to get outside of Philly. I have had countless subs from there over the years, so I am speaking from experience and not a 1 time visit. I have had the BBQ Cheese Steak, Teriyaki Cheese Steak, Cherry Bomb, Carl's Steak Special, Kama-Kazi, and the aptly named Mistake over a span of about 8 years. All of them are fantastic the only difference is your person taste. Now if you're not a red meat person, their chicken subs are phenomenal as well. My personal favorite is the Hawaiian Chicken. I guess the big difference for me is that they don't even toast the bread and they put the cheese on the steak before they even take it off the grill. It's one of the few gems of Waltham as far as food goes. Anybody who goes to a Subway instead of this place is truly making a bad decision.
(4)Sandra L.
This place is okay. I don't eat steak so this isn't my ideal place. I've had the veggie burrito a few times and it was pretty tasty. I was actually surprised at how good their guacamole is considering it's a random sub shop.. They lose a star because their service is horrible, slow and they barely ever pick up the phone. And when you're on a lunch break, you want to be able to get something fast and friendly. The food is decent for the price, but there are much better places to eat in Waltham.
(3)Lauren N.
If they would deliver, I would eat from Carl's every week. We almost always get the burritos (my favorite is the buffalo chicken) but recently tried a loaded Italian sub and it was the best we've had in years. We have never been dissappointed in anything we've ordered. The only issue is parking...during busy times, it's incredibly difficult to park on the street, hence why delivery would be nice.
(5)Scott B.
I spent a summer working in Philly a few years back. I only eat cheese steaks there but then some of the guys that I worked with were going to Carl's one day and told me I had to try it so I said what the hell. The Teriaki Steak and Cheese is probably the best sub I've ever had. There is a reason why you can stop by there for lunch and see the Guys from the Phantom Gourmet sitting outside. (I saw them eating there 2 times) it's because the place is great. If you are a Cheese steak snob like me then you should try Carl's. It's alot cheaper then driving to Philly for a cheese steak.
(4)Steve W.
This magical place it awesome! Massive subs that will blow you away. Prices are reasonable for what the portions are. I reccomend the Porkey Cheese ( steak, cheese, bacon) Its very small in there and can get backed up at lunch so CALL AHEAD. THey are kind of lame when it comes to the carls card, get 8 stamps and get a free sub. Its hard to keep track of those cards and if you misplace one and get another, you cannot combine 2 1/2 filled cards for a free sub. LAME, 8 subs purched whether on 8 cards or 1 is 8 subs purchased. Anyway, I take all my buddies there from out of town and they are amazed. Great hang over helper also. Check it out!
(5)Andrea C.
I was in the area and was looking for a great quick place to eat. Carl's Steak Subs came up in my search on Yelp. With all the amazing reviews, I was greatly disappointed. There is without a doubt that their subs are absolutely huge weather you get a small or large for the additional $. I got a small Mexican Sub which consisted of steak, cheese, hot peppers, jalapenos, and Tabasco. Maybe the Tabasco was the big mistake. My sub was kinda gross and absolutely tasteless despite the Tabasco. It looked like there was plenty of cheese on the steak part on the grill, but i could barely find it in my sub. The bread was just mediocre, not fresh tasting, kind of bland, and a bit chewy. It also kind of disintegrated with all the meet juices and Tabasco. My husband had the Carl's Steak Special and he found it kind of blah too. Carl's is a lot of food if you are looking for that. It isn't anything special or particularly delicious though. It is located in a not so hot area, and there is only outside seating. I must say the people behind the counter were extremely nice and even with all their options, Carl's still allows you to customize your own sub. I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I will be craving their subs anytime soon.
(2)Jared C.
So good. So, so, good. I've only had the original steak and cheese, but its worth coming back to every time. If you haven't had a steak sub here yet, you should... now. I like how the steak is chopped as opposed to shaved, the cheese is always perfectly melted, and the rolls are fresh. I'm a Carl's fan for life - better than Pat's AND Geno's in Philly!!!
(5)Elliot K.
I'm not saying you won't regret eating at Carl's. In fact, I usually do, especially when I ordered a cheesesteak. That regret is brief, though, compared to the regret you'll feel if you don't go back. The Carl's signature dish is their cheesesteak, and it's good. Oh man is it good. I don't typically go in for big piles of meat, but there's just something special about how they do it. You will feel briefly ill after eating it, but it's worth it. The small is plenty big enough - the large is downright suicidal. If you value your cardiovascular health, you might want to limit these to one a month. The burritos are health food by comparison. You won't lose any weight powering down these dense handfulls - they're as heavy as a brick and almost as big - but if you choose wisely the calories are mostly from beans and rice. In addition to being huge and delicious, the burritos come with a bag of homemade tortilla chips which is a nice touch. You may want to brush some of the excess salt off of them, though.
(5)Jennifer K.
There is nothing better in the world than a Carl's steak & cheese. It is larger than you could ever imagine, yet I always manage to finish the whole thing. You would be astounded upon meeting me that I don't weigh 300 pounds the way I can eat one of these. I won't even tell you how I also get lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on mine. Oh, whoops. Did I say that outloud?
(5)Big M.
The place is small but its wicked good. I actually felt my heart stop...
(5)T P.
It should change the name to Eric's Steak Subs now, Since I don't see Carl anymore even the sticker of his picture in superman suit that used to be on the restaurant window. It's gone. The girl who work with Carl for long time was gone too. now it only a bunch of Hip-Hop wanna be in the kitchen. It so sad when you walk in the restaurant that you love to eat, But you feel that a lot of things have been missing! The reastaurant inside still very clean, But last time I parked my car on Vernon Street I've saw a Hip-Hop wanna be chef try to throwing the garbage in they dumpster. YO!!!! But it not in dude!!! Tomatoes, used gloves, napkins etc. it's all over the floor!!! Pick it up dude, Please pick it up. No he did not. It make me more sad. They should keep neighbor's atmosphere clean like inside they restaurant too. Since my family live in Waltham. They cheesesteak is good, but I don't wanna support a business that have no care about community responsibility. I'm sure don't want to hurt they business, And I'm sure want to keep this town clean. So if you wanna go there, Please walk to Vernon Street and take a look at the blue dumpster. (Have they ever close they dumpster lid?) If it clean, Please Enjoy the food. But if it's not...it's up to you. This is a case of an inconvenient truth.
(2)Max G.
This place is the next best thing to going to Philly. The cheesteaks are amazing. They are so big, it is hard to finish them in one sitting. I always go for the big boy subs, which is at least twice as much food as one person should consume. This place is a must stop for any cheesesteak enthusiasts.
(4)Chris M.
Finally had the chance to have lunch at Carl's yesterday. This place has THE best steak sandwich around! I ordered a small mushroom cheese steak. Their small is the size of most large sandwiches at other places. My girl had a small pepper cheese steak. The sandwiches are DELICIOUS! Lots of good steak and good quality cheese, served in a real good sub roll. The cost of a small is $7.00 but totally worth it! The sandwiches made here reminds me of the ones made at "Kaisers", that used to be in Beverly years ago. Carl's also serves burritos and tacos. I did not see any being made at the time we where there. So I am not sure how good the Mexican food is. Carl's is a little take out spot on Prospect St. in Waltham, MA. with a few outdoor tables. Nothing fancy, just a little hole in the wall joint that makes a killer steak sub! I will be back for sure!
(5)Michael M.
Ok, so I'd have to agree that Carl's has its flaws. Sure, the chips you get with your burrito are stale...but you still eat them and lick the guacamole cup clean, don't you? And yes, the bread is probably the worst you could find for a steak and cheese, but you still eat every last morsel? What, no place to park and they don't deliver? What could be worse about this place???? Even when I bitch and complain, I'll always be a fan of Carl's. There's just too much to love about the freshly carved steak served with any kind of topping you could possibly imagine. The wraps and burritos rule too, I'm addicted to the Smokin Chipotle and the Maui Chix.
(4)Rebekah C.
This was my first steak and cheese . . . and while I have nothing to compare it to, I think it was a good steak and cheese!
(3)Tushar S.
One of the best places for subs I've been to. Huge size, hearty filling and full of flavor. Best fries in town on the side makes it more than a complete meal. For the chicken eaters, the chicken stir fry sub is pretty good. Meat lovers should try the Giambota or the teriyaki. Don't underestimate the size!
(4)Nancy L.
Going to Carl's Steak Subs is like asking for an imminent heart attack. Especially when you order a large (aka ginormous) steak sub plus a bag of most delicious fries. But since I usually split that with another person, I should only be getting my arteries clogged, right? The subs are huge and stuff with meats and whatever the cooks can cram into it. Even though some subs say "green peppers" or "mushrooms", don't kid yourself. You know they put a single mushroom in it and call it a day because they know that the meat and bread are the stars (cheese is an acceptable addition). The fries are honestly served in a brown paper bag which is both good (very quaint) and bad (you see the oil that leaks out of these babies and regretful self-berating begins) but they are sooooo delicious! Very crunchy with that special crust that makes me suspect of them double frying them or coating it with batter.
(4)Jeremy K.
where to start, i know this is a shocker for most, but hey, i did seven years in philly, so its the truth, (i shopped at ACME, so you know its legit) so knowing you cant get a good steak and cheese in the hub, or pity i say cheesesteak (not even close) i heard the talk and hoped it walked, but alas, no dice. so where to start, the bread. ok the truth about the philly CS is that the bread, like many a fine bread (see nyc bagels and pizza) is the water, but more importantly, it should complement the CS itself. the puffy airy bun wasnt anywhere close to what you really want in a CS, not even close. the meat. now purests will tell you the steak should be ribeye or of the same ilk, it really should be thin and grilled when ordered, s&p applied liberaly and enjoyed. what i got was a pile of grey crap that was already cooked and then REHEATED on the grill, yumyum, grizzle and yuk all in one meal! now this example was the second time I ate there, the first not being any different maybe execpt that i didnt see them take old meat and reheat it for me, seriously, next time your there look over the counter and watch them take a pile out of a metal lexi and put that on the grill.. in conclusion, if you want an index as to what the best is, jims on 4th and south is by far the best eva' (philly natch!) even better then stupid pats and genos
(1)Tarryn V.
okay so I literally just ate a steak and cheese with pepper and onion and had to get on her and say it's definitely the best cheesesteak I've ever had. please note I was late to pick up my lunch and it was kinda cold, and it's STILL THE BEST. the cheese was still melty and delicious and didn't turn into the gross hard stuff you usually get. I've never been to philly, but I feel like I don't need to go anymore cause nothing can compare to this delicious sandwich. yum! I really like that the menu has crazy cheesesteaks with various sauces, veggies, and other meats.. I'm definitely going to go back and try a cheesesteak with bacon. also, definitely get a large. it's only a dollar more than a small (small was 7 large is 8, great prices) and although it's HUGE (not as big as mighty subs but still a monter) one half is more than enough so you can save half for later and feel full AND thrifty.
(5)Amanda L.
I dedicate my 100th review to Carl, because I can't eat there as often as I would like. Me and the BF split one of the large sandwiches, Carl's Special to be exact, and I was still stuffed! And for only $8.00?!!? It doesn't make SENSE. I would move to Waltham just to be able to go here every day. The way that they do it just makes it taste even better. It's almost has a hamburger like look to it, and its perfect for the cheese to ooze into all the crevices. They have a few other locations, and two I think have pizza instead of the burritos. I less than three Carl's and you should too.
(5)Kate F.
Carl's gets five stars for the cheesesteak, which is huge and fabulous, but only two stars for the burritos and fries, thus on average, I can only give it a three-star rating. I know I shouldn't expect my cheesesteak place to have good fries, but if you're going to offer me fries, they should be tasty. I can't really quantify what makes them so less-than-average -- I prefer my fries either thin and crispy, hand-cut, fat like steak fries, or from McDonalds if I'm in the right mood. These are none of those, and taste bland, even with ketchup. You shouldn't have room for fries, anyway, though. Just go and get your sandwich and be happy.
(3)Rosalind W.
I grew up in Waltham and still drive back there from Metrowest for the subs from time to time. Their steak and cheese subs can't be beat. I went to Landos (a store owned by Carl's brother); it tasted really good, but it still wasn't a Carl's. The only reason I give it 4 stars is because parking there is a pain in the neck and the subs have gotten a bit lighter over the years (though, I'm probably better off for it).
(4)Faris J.
I had a steak and cheese with onions and peppers 4 hours ago .. I'm still happy .. I'm really picky when it comes down to a steak and cheese subs .. and this is the kind of sub that will bring you back .. EASILY ..
(5)Jason J.
Gut buster subs and tasty burritos. Good luck finishing a large sub.
(5)Tim B.
Re: Craig S You can critique the process all you want, but when it comes to steak and cheese the ends justify the means (by 'the ends' I mean swallowing it). If I cared how it was prepared or what quality the ingredients were or what happened to my body after it entered my belly I wouldn't be ordering a pound of cheesy meat in a greasy roll. I'm sorry you had a bad experience but I can say without hesitation that Carl's is the best fucking steak and cheese I have ever had.
(5)Rob W.
Chicken M.O.A.B.... Awesome. Call ahead. Closes at 9:00. Awesome, Awesome, Awesome
(5)Mitchell P.
Never had a bad meal here, lately ive been obsessed with their chipolte chicken burrito. its delicious, best steak and cheese on the planet as well. cant go wrong goin to carls
(5)Peter M.
I was introduced to Carl's about a year and a half ago and it was love at first bite. Actually, to be completely honest, I was impressed with this place before I even had my first bite by the sheer size and weight of the sub. I was handed half a sub and couldn't believe how heavy it was and then I was told the small size is only 7.00 dollars, pretty cheap for the amount your getting. After I got over my initial shock I had my first bite and could not believe how much flavor there was in the ingredients. Pretty epic. I've eaten at Carl's several times but I have to admit I've only eaten maybe 4 of the subs they have on the menu and have never tried anything other than the steak subs. I've heard the burritos are pretty good, but I'll go other places for burritos. My favorite sub is the Kamikaze; its filled with steak, sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon, and BBQ sauce. It's simply amazing, there's a whole lot of awesome hanging out in this sub. This sub (like the rest of the menu) is not for the faint hearted. Allow me to elaborate you don't go to Carl's to grab a quick bite, or because you say to yourself "gee golly, ya know what, I could go for Carl's," you go because your hungry. You go because you consider yourself an "aggressive" eater. This is the type of place when your hanging around with your friends and no one is sure what they want to eat when little light bulb of deliciousness goes off above someones head and they mention Carl's at which point the room erupts! (think Joe from Family Guy) You might ask why I gave Carl's four stars instead of five considering my review. One simple reason. Quality. Wait, what? Quality of food Pete? You just ranted and raved about how great the food is and all the flavor, and yes, I did but one thing that i noticed is that the steak they used is reheated and not cooked fresh. So its not so much quality rather, it's freshness. When you get a cheese steak in Philly (Pat's fan here) its cooked fresh in front of you. Now I'm not saying the steak is cooked early in the morning and just reheated all I can say is that it's not prepared to order. My ONLY downside to this restaurant. Please note that if you go to Carl's parking can be limited esp. at lunch and there is no seating inside ( you walk in and there is little standing room and the counter top) and limited seating outside. Otherwise enjoy your meal!
(4)T M.
There is really only one thing to rate Carl's on and that is their steak & cheese. For me it's hands down the best Steak & Cheese sub I have ever had. Their steak is really tasty and juicy and the fluffy bun they use absorbs all of that delicious flavor making it an incredible sub. The only problem is trying to stop yourself from eating the entire massive sub they make. Even a 'small' is huge. Definitely an occasional indulgence.
(5)Robyn L.
Every bite of a Carl's quesadilla or burrito is literally packed with meat -- noticeably more than you'd get in most quesadillas or burritos that are loaded up instead with cheese, rice or beans. That's why I find it odd that they charge 50 cents for a tiny cup of salsa. One other item to note: You may think Carl's got the order wrong when you bite into your steak burrito and find ground beef. I believe it's actually shaved steak, but it's bordering on hamburger. Whatever the texture, it does taste really good.
(4)Ryan C.
May be a dive, but these are the best steak subs you will EVER have! I drive the 15 miles frequently to get these subs and don't think twice about it.
(5)Erik G.
Holy god, that's good steak sandwich. I've never been to Philly to partake of the original, but even without the frame of reference, I can tell you with great certainty that this is a place I intend to visit again. No more than once a month, because I rather suspect that each sandwich shaves half a year off your life expectancy, but I'll be back. The only reason I withhold that mythical fifth star is, as Dan P. mentions, the bread. I don't understand why a place that cares so much about its cheesesteaks, and is willing to shave its own beef daily, won't put forth the extra effort to get some nice, crusty baguettes upon which to place said steak and provolone. The wimpy white bread feels like a total cop-out, and even though my disappointment was quickly masked by what I'm guessing was about three pounds of beef, it still seems sacrilegious to make a sandwich with a roll made out of Wonder Bread. To expand a bit on what Irene F. says about sizing options: I am a 6'5", 250 pound man who ordered the large steak sub, and just put half of it back in the fridge to save for dinner. These things mean business, and at $7, I've got no complaints about price. Park your car on Main Street, 'cause you'll never find a place to put it near this place, and plan on getting here at off-hours: in addition to having almost no seating, there's practically no room to *stand* in the front lobby, and a line of more than six stretches out into the street. And then get ready for an awesome sandwich.
(4)Elvis C.
I travel from cheyenne wyoming to eat here,side note my folks live here so it is a good reason to go home...kick ass !!
(5)Demian S.
I would chop off my baby toe and a pinky for one place out here in Calafornia that even comes remotely close to Carls. Why? What a cruel world it is. How can a state be blessed with perfect weather and such completely shitty subs. Carls is so worth the ride from Boston to Waltham, I love their Steak and Cheese with extra cheese and all the hots. I'm going back to boston for x-mas and i will get to Carls before seeing my own Mother.
(5)G S.
Oh, man I wish I lived closer to this...wait...scratch that. I am glad I don't live closer to this place than I do. Because if I did, I would eat there everyday and while a great steak and cheese can be a wonderful thing, having one of these gigantic bad boys every day could be a little unhealthy. I would quickly end up wearing size 82 pants and my primary mode of transportation would be one of those industrial-duty Rascal scooters. Not pretty. Thankfully, I live just far enough away to consider it a treat to go to Carl's for one of their mammoth steak sandwiches. My favorite includes an ungodly combination of steak, sausage, and pepperoni. Oh yes. Did I stutter? You heard right. Steak. Sausage. And. Pepperoni. Oh, and these things are the size of a hefty newborn. The perfect thing to eat while drinking beer and watching football.
(4)Vanilla P.
Now that I actually HAVE a two month old baby, I super support my last review's claim that the sandwiches are as big as a two month old baby. It's true. They're huge. I could never eat my baby though.
(4)Dave L.
Large is one of the few subs I just finish. This place sports some interesting and gluttonous variations on the traditional steak and cheese sub. I've liked everything I've had there, but it's also felt like the most unhealthy thing I've ever eaten each time there. That phantom gourmet show RAVES about this place to the point where I am certain the owners are paying them to do so. If you want a big giant messy steak and cheese, this is the place to go. Worth taking a hike out to Waltham for.
(4)Nick F.
Huge subs for cheap. BBQ steak and cheese is worth going back for.
(4)Jules M.
Ok, so I love steak and cheese subs. This is one sub I don't take for granted. A few years ago, I moved to Florida and let me tell you, good luck finding a good steak and cheese down there. It became a mission for the year I lived there. I tried so many places and found sorry substitutes. When I moved back up here I found out that my favorite sub shop was under new management and their steak and cheese was horrible. The search was on again.... A friend told me to try Carl's. Wow, was I blown away. I have tried several of the varieties of subs that they offer and I have yet to be disappointed. Only get a large if you haven't eaten in days. I ordered a large the first time I went and only ate a little over half of it. My favorite is the Carl's steak special. All the indgredients tasted fresh. Way to go Carl's!!!
(4)Joe S.
The Wind Up Jason Raffile, formerly of Boston, now of Los Angeles had one last request before he headed off to sunny Shangri la - to visit Carl's Steak and Cheese. This take out steak and cheese shop was touted by Phantom Gourmet as a hidden jewel, with gargantuan steak and cheeses bursting with flavor at rock bottom prices. Located in nearby Waltham, the J-Squad decided to investigate as part of their final tour of duty. The Pitch Only about a twenty-minute drive from Brighton, our google directions complicated a fairly straightforward route (several 'turns' were in fact straight-aways). Carl's is a tiny roadside restaurant sharing frontage with a Thai place in the gritty working class part of Waltham. The only promising sign of steak and cheese satyagraha (Gandhi's term meaning truth force) was the curiously cartoonish Super Carl painted on the window display. The Results- Base Hit up the Middle We ordered a steak and cheese with mushrooms, a kamikaze (steak, cheese, pepperoni, tomato sauce) and a misteak (steak, cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms). Portions are generous: the small is a hefty meat packed value and the large is hard to finish for all but the hungriest of hippos (aka Messr Bent). The steak is a combination of two different steak blends shaved freshly daily. Combined with some darn good cheese, it ranks as high as Boston's best steak and cheese. The bread is made especially for Carl's and serves as an adequate support for all that steak. Be sure to get extra napkins, as the larger and more complex sandwiches can be quite messy. Three days later I'm still suffering mouth burns from the cheesy goodness. Value ranks high as grinders go from 6.75 for a small and 7.25 to 7.50 for a large (which is double most places small). There's no inside seating so either get your order to go or use one of three outside tables. The menu also offers chicken sandwiches and Mexican fare but we stuck to the house specialty. Carl's gets the Sos stamp of approval but did not quite deliver on the Phantom Gourmet claims of steak and cheese nirvana. The Sandwiches are fresh, large, and delicious but not as mythically tasty as the Phantom claims. No homerun ranking here instead a solid RBI base hit up the middle, still gets the job done just not quite as satisfying a double off the Monster or a Papi moonshot. Carl's Steak and Cheese is located on 55 Prospect St, Waltham, Ma.
(4)Laura M.
Awesome cheese steak subs....but they are rather big. I can split a small with someone and still feel full after I'm done eating. There aren't many tables, if any to eat at so its more of a grab it and go home to stuff your face in front of the TV! I get just the cheese and steak, but they make all different kinds of steaks. Maybe I am just boring?!
(5)matt o.
I've never been to philly but I could care less, I've got carl's near me. This is my ultimate fat kid sandwich, my roommates and I pretty much have a party whenever we order from here, well actually it turns into people sitting around the living room trying to play xbox 360 after eating a pound of beef and whoever is brave enough a pound of beef with pepperoni and other assorted meats and hot peppers. Carl's rules for steak and cheese, actually the burritos are pretty good if you cant handle the beef attack, i recomd the pineapple chicken burrito. A little tip its best to drive with 2 people cause parking can suck here.
(5)T F.
phenomenal, no words right now, full
(5)Erik C.
The steak and cheese is good... I haven't tried any of the other subs, though. I liked it the first five-ish times I was there. Very filling, because you get a lot even in the small for like six bucks. However, after a while, I relized that the steak came with bits of grill "leftovers" and burnt steak. It made the steak and cheese crunchy. The crunchy steak made me not want to go there anymore. Crunchy steak started to hurt my teeth. Maybe I'll go back if I get desparate for a foot of steak.
(3)Michael H.
Big and cheap subs but not very tasty which is weird considering how fatty the meat is.
(3)Irene F.
One star off because eating this will automatically reduce the useful life of your heart by about 5 years. This is THE hangover cure of all hangover cures, the "break glass in case of emergency." It's amazing, and unless you're over 6 feet, 200 lbs, order a small. Or, of course, and large, and stretch it into 2-3 meals!! Delish, there's usually a line, but well worth the wait if you feel like causing your health some serious damage (yes, it's worth it!).
(4)Allyson C.
just got a mistake sub from carls in waltham and it was the best sub i ever had , i love to eat and believe me i know good food . i give carls 5 stars i dream about there subs.
(5)Manesh P.
These might be the best steak subs I've had. Yea, I've been to Philly and had pat's and gino's and Carl's totally takes the cake. The steak here is a bit different as it seems almost as though its little chunks of steak rather than mashed up ribbons of steak. These things are huge-ungous. I was so amazed I couldn't even describe it with traditional descriptors for large things. I dare you to try a large. If a little guy like me can finish it, you have no excuse unless you're a girl! (Granted it took two trips to work up the courage.) Really a great place for steak subs with menu of really unique twists on the old-school favorite. A word of caution, though, Carl's seems to like to open whenever it feels like. I still can't exactly figure out what days it is supposed to be opened or closed. And, it's hours are short but I guess that makes sense because it's in Waltham and who stays up late there?
(5)