I first walked into Oliva’s Market on a rainy Tuesday, hungry and curious about the buzz I’d heard for years.
That first bite of the Babe Oliva Grinder changed everything—I became one of those locals who’d drive across town just for a sandwich.
Since 1961, this unassuming Milford deli has been quietly perfecting an Italian grinder that’s outlasted trends, franchises, and flashy competitors. Here’s why this sandwich shop remains a Massachusetts treasure.
Come On In!
Nothing’s worse than craving a legendary sandwich only to find the doors locked. Oliva’s Market sits right at 83–85 East Main Street in Milford, ready to feed you Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Their website confirms they’re very much alive and kicking, with a freshly updated catering menu posted as recently as September 22, 2025. I’ve shown up on random weekday mornings and late Saturday afternoons—they’re always there, always ready.
Check olivasmarket.com before you go, but rest easy knowing this isn’t some ghost kitchen or shuttered legend.
A Family Corner Shop Since 1961
Walking into Oliva’s feels like stepping into your Italian grandmother’s kitchen—if she also sold imported pasta and gift baskets. Founded in 1961, this place has stayed family-run through decades of change, still greeting regulars by their first names.
The deli counter, market shelves, and small gift corner all share the same old-school charm on East Main Street. I’ve watched the staff wrap sandwiches with the kind of care that only comes from pride, not a corporate handbook.
It’s rare to find a business that hasn’t traded soul for scale, but Oliva’s proves it’s possible.
The Icon: The Babe Oliva Grinder (a.k.a. the B.O.G.)
Meet the sandwich that started it all: the Babe Oliva Grinder, affectionately known as the B.O.G. Named after founder Anthony “Babe” Oliva, this beast packs mortadella, salami, provolone, hot ham, tomatoes, and onions into a half-loaf of Vienna bread, then baptizes it all with the mysterious house “Jungle Juice.”
It’s been on the menu board since opening day, unchanged and unbeaten. My first B.O.G. was so perfectly balanced I actually stopped mid-bite to marvel at the engineering.
This isn’t just a sandwich—it’s edible history wrapped in wax paper.
Why It Hits Different
Some sandwiches scream for attention with exotic ingredients or Instagram-worthy towers. The B.O.G. whispers confidence through simplicity—quality meats, fresh bread, and that tangy, peppery Jungle Juice that somehow makes every bite taste both familiar and surprising.
You can eat half now, refrigerate the rest, and still taste every distinct layer hours later. Local TV food segments have featured it as the store’s crown jewel, and I’ve never met anyone who disagreed.
It’s proof that doing a few things exceptionally well beats doing everything mediocrely.
More Than One Great Sandwich
Sure, the B.O.G. is the star, but Oliva’s isn’t a one-hit wonder. The G.O.G. adds peppered ham and lettuce for those who like a little extra crunch and spice.
Most weekdays you’ll find homemade meatballs on the hot line, plus baked goods and prepared foods perfect for taking home. I’ve grabbed everything from pasta salads to Italian cookies while waiting for my order, and nothing has disappointed.
It’s the kind of reliable neighborhood spot where you can solve dinner and tomorrow’s lunch in one stop.
How to Visit (Quick Tips)
Lines move surprisingly fast, but midday rushes can test your patience—I’ve learned to aim for late morning or mid-afternoon. Walk-in ordering is standard; save phone-ahead for catering trays or bigger orders.
Parking is a mix of on-site and street spots, usually manageable unless there’s a town event. While you wait, browse the market side for imported olive oils, pasta, and sweets that’ll make you feel like you’re shopping in the North End.
Pro tip: bring cash, though they do take cards now.
The Spirit Locals Guard Like Gold
What really keeps Oliva’s alive isn’t nostalgia—it’s continuity with a pulse. Same family name, same signature grinder, same friendly rhythm, but refreshed with regular menu updates and social media posts about daily specials.
I’ve watched them adapt without abandoning what made them special in the first place. It’s a Massachusetts sub shop that still feels personal in an era of chains and ghost kitchens, and that’s increasingly rare.
The Italian grinder endures because the people behind it still care, and we locals feel that every single bite.
