The service here is prompt and there are good variety of sanwiches to choose from. Salad and pizza are also available. The space has high ceilings and large windows, so it feels open and bright, even on a dreary winter afternoon.

Au Bon Pain means the place of good bread in French. Au Bon Pain is a stylish bakery café located at America's urban junctions and suburban crossroads.

Cosi's make-your-own sandwiches come in one, two, or three toppings, and although they are delicious, they don't come cheap. Kids will love the bread, which is baked in a wood-burning oven before your eyes. It's almost always warm and delicious. Toppings such as curry chicken, smoked salmon, and caramelized onion are in abundance, but standard fare is available, too. For dessert, try the ultimate "sandwich": marshmellows, Hershey bars, and graham crackers, served with a mini crackling fire and an iron pot for melting .

J.Pace & Sons (it is to be pronounced Pah-chay) is well known for its lasagna as well as its sandwiches. Inside, it's hardly any different from your normal sandwich shop. Hot sandwiches over there, cold over here, pay down there, next to the drink fridge. I usually head for their "Big Dig" sandwich, being prosciutto, basil, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, oil and balsamic vinegar on a hefty Italian roll. It's one of their most expensive at $7.45, but after having one, you rarely need dinner. Very filling. The pastries aren't to rave about, but everything else is delish!

Al's is the Cheer's (circa 1970's) of sandwich shops in Boston; where everyone knows your name (and preferences). Food is of high quality, service is efficient, value is great, and the location is convenient to Government Center, the Financial District, and the Waterfront. It gets really crowded around lunchtime but the crowd is well worth it. Of particular note is the State Street Cafe special, with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil, plum tomatoes and olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Another favorite is the Steak Italiano, a classic steak and cheese, with perfectly seasoned meat and just the right amount of cheese. You can purchase the "bag lunch", which comes with a small sandwich, a bag of chips and soda for $5.25. One of the best deals in the neighborhood! This place has the best chicken parm around. Get a large if you can handle it- its big. Don't worry if they yell at you, they only yell because they care. The bread is fresh baked on the spot. Go eat there.

You can find some decent soups from a roster that has both consistent offerings like clam chowder and rotating selections such as split pea, carrot-broccoli and vegetable-barley, plus a few stews. Sandwiches include the usual suspects, plus some interesting selections such as Caribbean chicken with banana-ginger chutney and some Asian and Middle Eastern wraps in tortillas and pita breads. The salad bar itself leaves a lot to be desired compared to the multifaceted, unusual, prepared salads you can score at any decent lunch place---or even compared to the bars at most supermarkets.

Just off the Financial District, a quaint corner restaurant featuring a handsome central bar and mahogany booths. Updated retro all the way. A veritable Financial District institution, this place has Sam's-style sandwiches, served in a table-service environment. There is a private room available for functions. Menu is primarily deli sandwich combinations and burgers. Full bar.

A unique twist on traditional panini, sandwiches heated in a press. Indulge in the Nutella-and-chocolate breakfast panini on the way to the office and I guarantee you will have a much better day at work because of it! Try the Steak Cuban for lunch - citrus marinated steak, swiss cheese, black bean salsa, mojo, pickles, carmalized onions, on ciabatta. Now serving wine and beer. Dreary Day discount! 10% off for the asking if:

• It's under 25 degrees outside
• It's snowing
• It's really raining

The Italian Cafe will give you the best bang for your buck downtown for a good lunch. The proscuitto, basil, tomato, and mozzarella never fails. Lively shop owners and quick turn around.

_