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Kelly's Roast Beef (Revere Beach)

7.8Friend Score / 10

#12 of 19 Restaurants in Boston

$$
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The original Kelly's on Revere Beach, birthplace of the North Shore roast beef sandwich (the '3-way') since 1951. A local rite of passage: order beef on an onion roll with James River sauce, eat it looking at the Atlantic. Worth the Blue Line trip.

Key facts

Hours
Mon-Sun 11am-9pm (hours can extend later in summer; call to confirm late-night)
Price$$
Phone
Website
Nearest transitRevere Beach (Blue Line), ~5 min walk
Time needed45-60 min
Best time to goWarm-weather afternoon or evening to eat on the beach across the boulevard
Last verifiedJuly 15, 2026

Friend Score

7.8/10
  • Value8.0
  • iconic7.5
  • Freshness9.2
  • excellence7.5
  • Crowd level6.5
  • Authenticity8.5
  • Accessibility6.0
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Frequently asked questions

What is Kelly's famous for?
The roast beef sandwich, specifically the '3-way' with James River barbecue sauce, mayo, and cheese on an onion roll. This original Revere Beach stand is credited with inventing the North Shore-style roast beef sandwich in 1951.
Is this the original Kelly's location?
Yes, 410 Revere Beach Blvd is the original, right on the beach. There are other locations around Massachusetts and New Hampshire, but this is the birthplace and the one worth the trip.
Is it open year-round?
Yes, the Revere Beach original is open year-round, unlike some seasonal beach stands. Summer is peak and hours may run later; in colder months expect standard daytime-into-evening hours.
Is it cash only?
No, they take cards. Bring whatever's convenient. It's a fast counter operation, so lines move quickly even when busy.
How do I order the roast beef the classic way?
Ask for a roast beef '3-way': James River sauce, mayo, and American cheese on an onion roll. Locals swear by it. If you want it plain, just say roast beef with your choice of sauce.
How do I get to Kelly's on the T?
Take the Blue Line to Revere Beach station, then walk about five minutes to the boulevard. It's one of the easier North Shore beach spots to reach without a car.
Is Kelly's just roast beef, or seafood too?
Both. Beyond the famous roast beef, they do fried clams, lobster rolls, scallops, and other seafood shack staples. On the beach in summer, the fried seafood is a strong second order.
Is there seating, or do you eat on the beach?
It's counter-service takeout with limited outdoor seating. The classic move is to carry your food across the boulevard and eat on Revere Beach itself, weather permitting.

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Last reviewed July 15, 2026 by AskTheCity Editorial.

Kelly's Roast Beef (Revere Beach) — Hours, Friend Score & Local Tips | Ask Boston