Guy Fieri’s Favorite Boston Lobster Roll Shop Is Giving Away Free Sandwiches to Veterans and First Responders This Year

Pauli’s in the North End of Boston is like Cheers 2.0. Regulars are so regular that one joked, “I’m actually half Pauli’s right now.” Another told Guy Fieri that “if I have people from out of town, this is where I’m bringing them.”

At Paul Barker’s beloved-since-2011 deli, everyone knows your name … and everyone can find a sandwich that satisfies their cravings. So, it’s no wonder that Iron Chef winner Ken Oringer invited Guy to join the grub fan club back in 2019, during Season 33 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Guy recently revisited the shop on his own during Season 7 of Triple D Nation to catch up with the man behind the brand that has become even more of an institution since it debuted on Food Network. These days, Pauli’s is winning over hearts and stomachs not only due to their creative, budget-friendly menu items, but also due to their charitable nature.

Throughout 2026, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, they’ve been donating free sandwiches to first responders, veterans and individuals enlisted in the military as a small token of thanks for their service.

Pauli’s is gaining additional acclaim for giving away free sandwiches in honor of certain food holidays and to all victims of the low clearance of a nearby bridge.

As you can tell, Paul doesn’t take himself too seriously. But his sandwiches are no joke. Overstuffed, locally sourced and eclectic, Guy has described Paul’s recipes as “dynamite” and “delicious.” And even when they’re sold at regular menu prices, guests get a great deal.

On a June 2026 episode of The North End podcast, Paul said that “the North End has changed so much,” so what he aimed to open was “a local place where people aren’t priced out — for college students and people in the area that want to eat out three or four times a week.”

Pauli’s hot and cold sandwiches, which could easily feed two, start at $13. The pastas, salads and burgers are also a steal, at around $11.

Paul comes by this over-the-top hospitality honestly. At age eight, he started working at his grandpa’s deli. Later, he moonlighted at his dad’s gourmet market and his mom’s restaurant. Now carrying the torch as a fourth-generation food pro, Paul is the CEO and owner of one of Boston’s most beloved restaurants.

Fans vow that there aren’t any duds on Pauli’s expansive menu. If you’re visiting and are unsure of where to start, don’t miss the Fat Felix, Guy and Ken assert. Featuring a half pound of marinated steak, grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, American cheese, bacon and cheese fries, all tucked inside a hoagie roll, “it’s what I get when I really want to treat myself,” one diner said of this cheesesteak remix.

Those who are really hungry should look no further than the USS Lobstitution, though. With 28 ounces of poached New England lobster meat, creamy mayo and bright lemon juice stuffed in a grilled, split-top 28-inch sub roll, a local laughed, “I never can eat it all on my own, but I’ve tried more times than I care to admit.”

So, what’s in a name? This menu item tips its cap to one of America’s most notable naval symbols, the historic USS Constitution (aka “Old Ironsides”) that’s docked nearby in Boston. One bite was all Guy and Ken needed to be convinced that Paul doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity.

“That is pure lobster,” Ken said. “It is not hiding in anything,” Guy added. “You get the butteriness and the sweetness of the lobster shining through.” In fact, Guy deemed this "probably the most honest lobster roll I’ve ever tried.”

Since the airing of the original episode, Triple D fans have made the pilgrimage from Maine, California and beyond to try Pauli’s lobster roll themselves. But you need not book a plane ticket to savor it yourself. Purchase a mail-order package via Goldbelly, and Paul can ship a sandwich kit directly to your door.