Whistle Stop Gourmet

Cute place, fresh food (love the cookies and muffins), and decent people.
I had the everything bagel breakfast sandwich and it was good. Next time I will ask for veggies, they do offer them.
I would love it if they had either cream or better yet, almond or soy milk for coffee.
This is the type of joint I would like to run someday. Lowe stress, high appreciation.

There’s a reason this place is hugely popular with the lunch crowd in Lincoln. They do sandwiches and do them well, using quality ingredients. The Orange Line is fantastic, but their speciality might be chicken salad. The Annie (Buffalo chicken salad) on a baguette very well could be the best thing on a very solid menu.
They don’t do full breakfast, but they have quality bagels and breakfast sandwiches in the morning. I don’t drink coffee, but they have high-​quality Mighty Leaf teas.
It’s a great spot for getting some work done in the morning. (Pro tip: If you have trouble connecting to the wifi or using the Internet, the router probably just needs to be power cycled.)
With regard to some of the complaints about service, I enjoy talking to Brian and Steve. They are refreshingly real, not fake polite. I really like this place and strongly recommend it.

If I could give a zero star, I would. The close early on Sat and the owner said to us ‘I’m the owner and I’m leaving”

The hot meatball sandwich on French baguette bread with melted cheese was delicious. Perfect job toasting the bread. Really nice job.

Look, the place will not win any stars with décor or ambiance. This is Lincoln center, not downtown Boston. Owner isn’t exactly charging high prices either, so why complain.
My wife is always very happy with the late he makes (must make a point to ask for his name) and I am happy with my coffee. Owner always has something funny to say, is quirky, just like the rest of the highly educated Lincoln residents. This isn’t Starbucks and probably you should not go here, if you are looking for anything but good sandwich or decent coffee without the thrills.
Pro tip: want your food to be ready fast? Call ahead. Everybody does.

Fantastic sandwiches and vendor of a limited selection of Rosie’s Bakery items. Friendly staff!

A Cautionary Tale! I left a lengthy and detailed positive review, that got several «useful» comments. Unfortunately, since this establishment does not choose to use YoEoLoP for advertising, my comment was removed. It is too bad that YoEoLoP does this, as it makes one wonder how many other useful comments have also been removed!

I hate to leave bad reviews, but the owner has to be bi-​polar. I regularly get a sandwich and iced coffee while waiting for the train to Boston, and the food is good, but about ¹⁄₃ of the time the owner is just a dick for the most minor reasons. Not only to me, but to others as well.
A couple anecdotes, you ask? Ok, no problem. One time he was having a friendly but lengthy conversation with the only other customer in the café about art. I was standing at the counter waiting to order while the other customer was on their way out. After about 4 minutes I tried to get his attention so I could at least get my order in, since I was trying to catch the train (he was the only employee working). He gave me a bad look, like I was being rude for interrupting his conversation and trying to order, and then went on with his conversation like I wasn’t there.
Another time I ordered an iced coffee, and out of habit grabbed my credit card from my wallet. I know there’s a CC limit here, just wasn’t thinking. I realized I’d need cash and reached back into my wallet, but before I could he went on a rant about how people need to stop pulling out their credit card for small purchases and how he would lose $ 0.60 if he processed this $ 2.00 transaction. I tried to interrupt him (no need for an angry rant — especially such an exaggerated one — 60 cents is 30% of $ 2.00, great math brah). I tried to explain that people are conditioned to use a CC because with other businesses like Dunkin Donuts, they’d rather not receive odd amounts of change. He raised his voice and said «don’t argue with me.» Done dealing with this a*$hole, not that there’s another viable option for a sandwich and wifi in the area.

friendly. yummy. reasonably priced. delicious cookies. super friendly and nice people. an excellent spot for a snack or a whole meal.

Whistle Stop used to be the charming closet-​sized eatery for Lincolnites. The new management and re-​development of the shop has tarnished my cozy regards of the café. Indeed, it is deeply seated in our pre-​teenage memories. Before we could drive our parents’ car, Whistle Stop and Country Pizza were the only hang-​out places within walking distance of school. The previous Whistle Stop could barely seat 5 people indoors but the sandwiches were cheap and packed with fixings. The new Whistle Stop has raised the prices and lessened the filling. And while that’s understandable for the larger space, the re-​construction tends towards sterility and loses the quaint personality of ye olde Whistle Stoppe. In short, not an upgrade.

Solid sandwiches, great environment, friendly staff

I’ve eaten lunch here 3 times and have been totally pleased. The selection is varied, the food quite good, and the service has always been convivial and capable. I look forward to going back.

The young woman cashier was very nice and professional. They made me a good sandwich of sliced chicken, chipotle, and green slices of romaine lettuce in a spinach tortilla wrap. The iced coffee was weak. They really need some stronger options. And the general vibe from the men behind the counter is creepy. There. I said it. It’s the truth. And I may never patronize this establishment again because of it.

Where to start with The Whistle Stop Gourmet!
Not only is this what you might consider «an establishment» in the Lincoln-​Sudbury community, but it’s sandwiches are outstanding and its cookies have their own cult following. Positioned across from the Lincoln Train Station, this quaint sandwich shop/​café has the feel of your favorite neighborhood eatery. With sandwiches named after «T» Lines and local landmarks, this is a New England establishment through and through.
As a Middle School teacher in the area, I looked forward to my daily Whistle Stop lunch as an opportunity to unwind and feel a part of a community. Not only did their menu offer a multitude of unique sandwiches as well as classic combinations, but the owner, a constant presence in his shop, is welcoming and kind. The enthusiastic, thoughtful staff care about their customers and will always take a minute to see how things are going.
In terms of recommendations, their signature sandwich, «The Whistle Stop,» is an outstanding representation of the classic New England Thanksgiving sandwich, with stuffing, cranberry, turkey, and mayo all over the warm, in-​house cooked french baguette. It was always a welcome sight on a cold February day.
For summer fair, I recommend the Chattanooga. This is their signature chicken salad that is light, but full of flavor and has a depth that is uncommon in a chicken salad.
Though it can get busy (just like any popular restaurant), the staff always works tirelessly to get things out. As it’s a walk-​in establishment, they can get hit with a crowd at any moment. Due to their popularity I often took to calling ahead. This works flawlessly and my sandwich was always ready when I arrived.
As a date idea for those looking to get out of the city, try grabbing some sandwiches then heading out to the Decordova Museum (three minutes away) for a picnic in their expansive sculpture gardens. I live in Cambridge and still go out for a sandwich and cookie every now and then, despite the school year being over.
If you haven’t gone, definitely stop in and give it a try. Maybe you’ll see me there!

The curry chicken sandwich is really great, plus the coffee and breakfast pastries hit the spot! The owner is a great guy, just moved into the area and he was very welcoming. Always there to put a smile on your face. Thanks for the great welcoming!

I took my 3 year old here for lunch after preschool. I live in the town next door, but hadn’t had a chance to stop in here before today.
Likes: My tasty «station master» sandwich (turkey & boursin), easy PB sandwich for my son, shelves for regulars to keep their coffee mugs (a nice touch both in terms of avoiding waste and adding a crunchy, homey feel), one seat from which you can actually see the railroad crossing (barely, but good enough for my train-​obsessed son), and a little note from one of the owner’s kids in the corner of the bulletin board expressing her love for her dad. Arguably a little too cute, but it worked for me. Also, this is clearly a place for kids, teens, and families to hang out, which I like.
Dislikes: None, really.

The food is good, but the wait can be a bit long… especially if you’re in a hurry. The owner seems to know his regulars well, and makes plenty of small talk while preparing their usual. Coffee is good too.
Lots of seats (a couple bistro tables outside too), and there are a slew of toy animals to keep your kids busy while your order is being prepared.

Nice basic neighborhood sandwich shop with very friendly service. They offer a great variety of sandwiches that offer slightly fancier condiments like tarragon mayo, etc.
They could improve by beefing up their ingredients, they skimp a bit on the deli meat and it wouldn’t cost much more to add 2 or 3 pieces of lettuce to make it more substantial. The dining room is very clean & bright, and is nicer than the only other sandwich/​grill shop in town.
But if you want a more hearty lunch, I’d check out Country Pizza just on the other side of the train tracks. Yes, it’s located in the same building at the gas station, but Country Pizza offers big fat sandwiches, pizza & salads loaded with really fresh toppings.
Service is just as nice at both places.

For a place I found while looking for a post office, I was pleasantly surprised. The prices were reasonable, the food was fresh, and the service was friendly. Sure, its a bit chaotic with no clear line to the counter and a ton of high school kids just out for the day, but somehow the people at the till new who was next in line, and kept a smile the whole time. It really struck me as nice neighborhood sandwich shop that didn’t try to do too much, and didn’t settle for being mediocre. I wouldn’t drive out to Lincoln just for this place, but if I was in the area, I’ll go back.

It does what it sets out to do really well, and doesn’t have ideas above its station (sic).
Good coffee, (delivered) pastries, bagels in the morning and a range of a dozen or so sandwiches (although the will also customize) all made to order on choice of fresh bread at lunchtime.
Plenty of seating, free wifi, great meeting place /​informal office. Brian (the owner) and Giles (behind the counter) are always cheerful and helpful.