Soumya Badrinath

Middlesex County

Benjamin Pierce

Boston Metropolitan Area

Newton

Massachusetts

Watertown

Norfolk County

Brookline

Needham

Boston

Suffolk County

West Roxbury

William Hall

Waltham

Wellesley

Belmont

Weston

Jamaica Plain

Roslindale

Pauli's

Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in Boston’s North End made a decision that would change its future forever. Without a big advertising budget. Without a marketing department. Without knowing whether anyone would even care. The Barker family built a lobster roll so ridiculously oversized that it made people stop, laugh, argue and, most importantly, pay attention. They called it the USS Lobstitution. What happened next became part of Boston food lore.
The first story appeared in the neighborhood newspaper (North End Patch). The idea was celebrated by some and criticized by others. A rival restaurant questioned the audacity of using so much of New England’s most treasured ingredient for what many dismissed as a publicity stunt. But the debate only fueled the story. One television station became several. Food writers took notice. National media soon followed. Before long, the little sandwich shop tucked into Boston’s North End had become one of America’s most recognizable destinations for lobster rolls.
That one outrageous idea transformed Pauli’s.
Over the next thirteen years, the family-owned restaurant became a fixture on national television, including shows like the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Good Morning America, while earning coverage from countless local, national and international news outlets. More importantly, it established an identity that still defines the restaurant today: if customers loved something, Pauli’s wasn’t afraid to dream a little bigger.
As imitators emerged over the years, the family never stopped innovating. The original USS Lobstitution eventually gave way to the six-foot, 15-pound Lobzilla, once again capturing headlines and reminding people where the oversized lobster roll phenomenon began.
Today, thirteen years after the sandwich that changed everything, the Barker family returned to where the story started. Standing proudly in front of the USS Constitution, the historic ship that inspired its name, family members and employees gathered to unveil the USS Lobstitution 2.0. A new 15-foot long lobster roll overflowing with approximately 20 pounds of fresh lobster meat, it is the biggest lobster roll Pauli’s has ever created.
But for the Barker family, the sandwich represents far more than size. It represents the belief that a small family business with a bold idea can compete with anyone. It represents every early morning, every late night, every risk taken and every obstacle overcome over the past thirteen years. And perhaps most importantly, it is a reminder that originality cannot be manufactured.
“As we’ve watched restaurants unveil their own giant lobster rolls over the years, we’ve never been upset,”
said Paul Barker, owner of Pauli’s. “If anything, we’ve been proud. It told us that one crazy idea from a little family business in Boston made people think differently. But every once in a while it’s important to remind people where that idea began.”
He continued, “We didn’t have investors. We didn’t have a giant marketing budget. We just believed that if we were willing to work harder, think bigger and have a little fun, people might notice. Thirteen years later, we’re still here, and we’re still dreaming bigger.”
While the USS Lobstitution 2.0 is available for large private parties, corporate gatherings and special events ($1,999.99 USD) Serves 80-100, the Barker family says the biggest sandwich they’ve ever built isn’t just about making headlines.
Throughout the remainder of 2026, as Boston celebrates its 250th anniversary, Pauli’s will donate several USS Lobstitution 2.0 sandwiches to military service members, veterans and first responders as a way of thanking the people who dedicate their lives to serving others.
“It felt right,” Barker said. “The original USS Lobstitution was inspired by one of America’s greatest symbols, the USS Constitution. As we celebrate this country’s 250th birthday, we wanted this anniversary to stand for something bigger than us.”
Thirteen years ago, the USS Lobstitution introduced America to a family business that refused to think small.
Today, the Barker family isn’t simply unveiling an even bigger lobster roll. They’re celebrating the idea that imagination will always outlast imitation, that passion can still outperform marketing budgets, and that sometimes the biggest stories begin in the smallest kitchens. Pauli’s is the 2026 Best of Boston winner for Best Gigantic Lobster Roll presented by Boston magazine and is ensuring they honor that title. 
For more information please visit: <a href="https://paulisnorthend.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://paulisnorthend.com/</a>

Local Event: The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

North End

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything:...

 Thirteen years ago, on what should have been just another quiet Fourth of July weekend, a small family-run sandwich shop in...

The Lobster Roll That Changed Everything: Thirteen Years Later, Pauli’s Unveils USS Lobstitution 2.0

Albemarle Road, Newton, MA, 02460

Come join the fun at Albemarle Rd with carnival rides, food, games &amp; live music at the gazebo with Ingrid Chiemi, the CK&nbsp;Brass Quintet, City Hall Strummers, FM Collective and harmony highway followed by the Bo &amp;&nbsp;Bill Winiker Band + fireworks at the Newton Independence Day 2026 Festivities put together by Newton's awesome Parks &amp; Recreation Dept! More info at <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newtonma.gov%2Fgovernment%2Fparks-recreation-culture%2Fcultural-development%2Fevents-fairs-and-festivals%2Fjuly-4th&amp;data=05%7C02%7CIngrid.Schroffner%40umassmed.edu%7C994a2c119b4f46e2d5e508ded076cc33%7Cee9155fe2da34378a6c44405faf57b2e%7C0%7C0%7C639177405818555528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=O5WGPV1hfQTitLAdY8AIuOg%2FQzX0VJuYcClQr3g5kNo%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.newtonma.gov/government/parks-recreation-culture/cultural-development/events-fairs-and-festivals/july-4th</a>
#IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly

Local Event: July 4th Live Music Including Ingrid Chiemi at the Albemarle Road Festivities

July 4th Live Music Including Ingrid Chiemi at...

Come join the fun at Albemarle Rd with carnival rides, food, games & live music at the gazebo with Ingrid Chiemi, the CK Brass...

July 4th Live Music Including Ingrid Chiemi at the Albemarle Road Festivities

Albemarle Field

Live music on the main stage starts at 6pm with the Bo and Bill Winiker Band. Come early to save your space in the field. Try out the delicious food from the many food trucks and explore the artisan craft booths, local business exhibitors and the carnival. At dusk, settle in for the grand finale…a fantastic fireworks display!
While most of the events are free on the 4th, there is a charge for food trucks and the carnival. A portion of these sales are sent back to the community in the form of free programs and events.

Local Event: Bo And Bill Winiker Band Concert And Fireworks Spectacular

Bo And Bill Winiker Band Concert And Fireworks...

Live music on the main stage starts at 6pm with the Bo and Bill Winiker Band. Come early to save your space in the field.  Try...

Bo And Bill Winiker Band Concert And Fireworks Spectacular

The Farm at Gore Place

Get outside and embrace the SUMMER by learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at the historic Gore Place Estate! 
Join us Sunday from 12:00 - 1:30 PM for a fun and entertaining introduction to archery and reconnect with your inner Katniss or Robin Hood.&nbsp;
All coaching and equipment is provided by our team of instructors who will have you laughing, smiling and maybe even weeping with tears of joy as you strike the bull's eye and relive all those childhood memories of archery - or create new ones for the first time.<figure><img src="https://cdn20.patchcdn.com/users/22552416/20260701/041814/untitled-design-4___01161812888.jpg" id="Untitled design (4).png" data-image="Untitled design (4).png"></figure>

Tickets available online only at <a target="_blank" href="https://onthemarkarchery.com/waltham" rel="nofollow noopener">otma.us/waltham</a>
*Please check website in advance BEFORE coming!*
**Rainouts will be credited towards a future Open Range Sunday**
The FARM at Gore Place: 249 Waltham Street, Watertown, MA 02472
#weekendplans #archery #openrange

Local Event: Archery Sunday!

Archery Sunday!

Get outside and embrace  the SUMMER by learning how to shoot a bow and arrow at the historic Gore Place Estate! 
Join us Sunday...

Join poet Wendy Drexler and Dr. Rashmi Kaura of Hebrew SeniorLife’s Wolk Center for Memory Health for a virtual poetry reading and conversation about Drexler’s fourth collection, Harvest of What Remains. Through poetry and personal reflection, Harvest of What Remains shares Drexler’s experience caring for her husband as Alzheimer’s disease gradually changed their lives and relationship.
The program will explore how writing became a powerful tool for processing grief, stress, anger, fear, and moments of uncertainty throughout her caregiving journey. Together, Drexler and Dr. Kaura will discuss how poetry and reflective writing can offer comfort, insight, and emotional support to caregivers throughout the different stages of the caregiving journey.
Wendy Drexler is a recipient of a 2022 artist fellowship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Her fourth collection, Harvest of What Remains, received honorable mention for the Paul Nemser Prize and was published in February 2026 by Lily Poetry Review Books. Her work has appeared in The Hudson Review, The Sun, and The Threepenny Review, among others. She was awarded the 2025 E.E. Cummings Prize from the New England Poetry Club, where she currently serves on the advisory board.
Rashmi Kaura, MD is a palliative care and geriatric specialist at the Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health. She is board certified in hospice and palliative care, geriatric medicine, and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She completed her Bachelor of Science in pharmacology and basic medical sciences from King’s College in London, England. She received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from King’s College School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Overlook Medical Center and her fellowship in geriatrics and palliative care at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Local Event: Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through...

Join poet Wendy Drexler and Dr. Rashmi Kaura of Hebrew SeniorLife’s Wolk Center for Memory Health for a virtual poetry reading...

Processing Alzheimer's Caregiving through Poetry: Author Wendy Drexler with Dr. Rashmi Kaura

Newton Free Library

We're holding an in-person town hall in Newton on Monday, July 13th at 6:30 PM, in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free Library. Learn about our progressive campaign and ask questions about the issues that matter to you.

Local Event: Town Hall With Jason Poulos

Town Hall With Jason Poulos

We're holding an in-person town hall in Newton on Monday, July 13th at 6:30 PM, in the Druker Auditorium at the Newton Free...

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