Rider Picks

A.      Lobster / Lobster Rolls (~60+ conversations)

1. Lobster and Lobster Rolls, Pt. 1

2. Lobster and Lobster Rolls, Pt. 2, Articles, Books, Recipes

B.      Pizza (~60 conversations)

1. There is NY pizza.  There is Chicago pizza.  There is New Haven pizza.  There may even be New London style pizza (I’m told).   And there is pizza in Italy.  The three major food groups on Staten Island are: bagels, Italian ice and pizza. So what’s the full story/history of Boston pizza?    I will be writing about it.

2. To get you started, try this Google search: “Is there a Boston type of Pizza”?

3. The North End dominates the list of rider pizza picks. Regina Pizzeria was named the best in the country by Trip Advisor.  The Globe wrote a critique of that back in 2018.

4. There is a well known chain in Canada called “Boston Pizza”.   Curiously, I was watching Shark Tank once and Mr. Wonderful (originally Canadian and who now lives in Boston) noted he is a part owner in this chain.

5. Rider told me there is even a “Boston Pizza” in Hawaii - started by two Boston guys.

6. Here is a great article about history of Pizza.  

7. A rider mentioned that Barbra Streisand brought her yacht to Provincetown once. She did not get off while visiting her son Jason. Food was shuttled back-and-forth as well as the son. A pizza shop ferried the food.

8. Here is a “Best of” list of pizza from Reddit.

9. In 2018, WCVB’s Chronicle did a story on pizza places based on a survey of over 1,000 people on their Facebook page. Curiously, they came up with a few of the same hidden gems that were told to me by riders.

B.      Other Categories

1. We will include dozens of other categories of food genres which riders suggested in the book.

Rider Picks: Pizza

Here you will find the raw data I wrote down from riders who offered suggestions for pizza in Boston. 

CAV-EATS

1. I have not yet fact checked or otherwise verified the information. 

2. This will be part of the process of preparing the book and for each establishment.

3. I will add website information for each restaurant.

4. I’d like to post links to other review sites for each establishment so readers can compare what is said by riders with other review sites.

COMMENTS

1. Brockton – Cape Cod Café Pizza.  Bar Pizza (a uniquely Boston/South Shore type of Pizza).    Rider says it is good because of the local water. “The mere mention can spark debate,” says Marshfield WickedLocal.

2. Brockton – Home Cafe.

3. Bridgewater - Cape Cod Café “has good bar pizza. Brockton is the best one, “says rider from Rockport.

4. Burlington - LaCascia's Bakery. “Sheet pizza” (not easy to find good places who serve this, says rider). Thin crust or Sicilian.  Also has cold cuts, subs and pastries.

5. Cambridge - Area4 Pizza. “The Best”.  Several locations.  Good crust.  Toppings like: “Gorgonzola Walnut”.

6. Cambridge - Harvard Square. Otto Pizza (various locations).

7. Cambridge - Harvard Square. Pinocchio’s Pizza. “Pizza is good,” says rider from California. Pictures of famous people hanging up such as Mark Zuckerberg, etc.

8. Cambridge - Basta Pasta. “Sweet sauce.  Fresh cheese.  Fusilli homemade.” Says one rider from New York. “Very picky about his pizza.”

9. E. Cambridge.  Italian bakery (Royal).  Has great cold pizza.

10. Charlestown – Fig, Main St.

11. Chicago - Lou Malnatis.  “Best Chicago style pizza.  Can be shipped fresh. Awesome”.

12. Chicago – Giordano’s Pizza.

13. Eastie - Italian Express Pizzeria. “Meatballs and ravioli. Like velvet. Just fall apart in your mouth.”

14. Eastie - DaCoopas Pizza.

15. Eastie - Santarpios (also in Saugus).  Driver Thoughts: “When I first moved to Boston 15 years ago, I was told this was the best pizza in the area.  Delicious, greasy toppings (but good), thin-ish pizza.  Cash only.  Recently, a rider said the guy who ran it retired a few years ago. ‘Not the same as it used to be. That’s seemed to her to be the difference.’  One rider liked the ‘burnt crust’. Riders say that Saugus is not as good as original near the airport.  Yet, various riders still swear by the original.”

16. Everett – Nana’s Pizza.

17. Haverhill- Spaziano’s – Open to 2am (weekends). Driver Thoughts: I learned it was open this late because I was desperate for a slice and happened to be in Haverhill dropping off someone from the airport around 1am one night.

18. Malden – A place on Pearl St. “Good steak tips, house dressing, pizza - all of them but in particular the shrimp scampi pizza.” 2 riders say so.

19. Nahant - The Tides: sports bar.  “Well known.  Great shrimp scampi pizza.  Good tips.  Everything is good. Not overpriced.”

20. New Haven - Frank Pepe’s Pizza.  Famous in New Haven and now in Boston area. “Best pizza outside NY”.   “Boston branches not as good as New Haven” say a few riders.

21. New Haven – Sally’s. “Best pizza”.

22. New York City - Stromboli Pizza.

23. New York City – Artichoke Pizza.  14th St. and 2nd Ave. “No place to sit - you just order and take away. Best is the white pizza” says a New Yorker.

24. New York City - Bleecker Street Pizza. “Best”.

25. Newton - Sweet Tomato.  “Best pizza around.”  W. Newton across from theater

26. North End – Ernesto’s Pizza. Salem St. (Also in Assembly Square.)  “$4.50 slice, each is a quarter pizza. Ricotta egglplant, yum. Never anything bad. Lived there (N. End)”

27. North End -  Umberto’s.  “Only open 11-2 or until they run out.”

28. North End – Locale.  Hanover St. “Broccoli Pizza. ‘Rebel Pizza.’  Sausage, Cherry Peppers.”

29. North End – Bova’s.  Open 24 hours. Salem & Prince St. “Calzones, Pizza.  Pastries. Stuffed Croissants—only served after midnight,” says one rider who lives in the N. End. “Regular Calzones only served up until midnight.” Driver Thoughts: this is one of the few places in the entire city that is open 24 hours. Aside from one or two Star Markets.

30. North End – Monica’s.

31. North End – Push Carts on Salem St. “Pizza w/Red Sauce is better. Good servers. Not too crowded.”  (Yelp is reporting it is closed).

32. North End – Regina’s.  Rated as best in US by Trip Advisor.  A landmark since the 1920s. Riders are mixed.

33. North End. Rina’s Pizza. “Owned by Strega. Good Slice.” Rider has been here six years and like a good pizza.

34. North End - Ducali Pizzeria. “Roasted potatoes, truffle oil, etc.”

35. North Shore - A rider mentioned there’s a Facebook group about North Shore pizza places. Spreadsheet lists them all. Driver Thoughts: haven’t been able to find it yet.

36. Onset - Marc Anthony. “Foot long lobster roll” “Wonderful pizza”  (Driver Thoughts: “I visited this restaurant at the suggestion of riders.  I didn’t have the pizza but the lobster roll was a little bland but otherwise packed full of meat.  Not entirely a foot long”).    

37. Providence, RI – Caserta Pizza.  Federal Hill.  Driver Thoughts: “Main pizza place I used to in High School - late night.  Great spiced crust. Providence riders say it isn’t as good as it used to be.  If true, it only might be slightly so as I’ve found it to still be good having been there a few times in the past decade.  They also have an interesting menu items: Pepper Pig and Wimpy Skippy..”

38. Prudential Center - Rosopomodiro.  “The pizza is the real deal says a woman from Italy who just moved to Boston.  Quality of the sauce and mozzarella.  Proscuito.” Interesting history according to Wikipedia. International chain founded in Italy by former rugby players.

39. Quincy - Montillio’s Bakery - Driver Thoughts: “I have to say I’ve come to find different hidden places all over the area. If I happen to give a ride to a certain region, I like to stop by one of these secret discoveries for lunch or a snack. This is one of those places. They have great pizza. Also good carrot cake. And sandwiches. You can purcahse famous Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins as this bakery is the only one that still makes them. Been here many times. The Jordan Marsh blueberry muffin recipe is also on the New York Times website.  Jordans furniture in Avon serves the blueberry muffins at Christmas time.”

40. Randolph - Lynwood Café has bar pizza. “Excellent says rider. Very small hole in the wall. Been going there for 30 years. From Rockport but going there since I was a little kid. My top pick.”

41. Saugus - Saugus Pizza - “Good square pizza.  Really good tomato sauce.”

42. Somerville – Leone’s Pizza. “Sicilian is good,” says rider.

43. Southie - Picco.  “All the pizzas are well done.  Dough is fermented for two days. They have: pizza, ice cream, wine and beer.  What more do you need?  Pepperoni, onion, garlic, with fresh salad.” Also mentioined as a favorite by Chronicle Facebook reviewers. 

44. Southie - Joseph’s Bakery, 285 K St. “Family fun bakery.  Sicilian pizza.  Chicken Parm. Baked goods.”

45. Whole Foods – All locations. Buffet style pizza. Driver Thoughts: “Very tasty pizza. I enjoy this on occasional pit stops. There are probably 15-20 Whole Foods around the Boston area.”

46. Reading - Anthony’s Pizza.

47. Roslindale - Pleasant Café. 

48. Stoughton - Town Spa Pizza. “Good bar pizza.” Driver Thoughts: “It was explained to me by one rider that sandwich shops in the Boston area are sometimes called ‘spas’. There’s one in Brookline, says rider. Perhaps this is in a similar vein as ‘package stores.’ ”

49. Wakefield - Dino’s Pizza. “Coal fired.” Rider likes the Broccoli Alfredo.

50. Waltham - Pini’s Pizzeria. River Street.  “Chicken broccoli alfredo pizza is amazing.”

51. Waltham - Charcoal Guido’s.  Moody St. “Good Pizza,” says Waltham resident. Another rider says “delicious BBQ spare ribs.”

52. Waltham - When rider was asked what’s his best pizza, “Wife makes pizza on a pizza stone. You put corn meal on the stone then put in the oven.”  Who knew?

53. Watertown - Pizza Roma. “Run by an old Italian family. The guy sings and makes a good time of it all.”

54. Whitman - Venus café. “Good bar pizza.”

Rider Picks: Other Cuisines

COMMENTS

1. Allston - Silhouette. “Great place just to hang, pool, darts, etc.”  Driver Thoughts: It took me a long time to figure out what all the murals of the various people painted on the side meant. Doh! Joe’s!

2. Allston - Taco Lonestar.  “Amazing, fresh” (2 riders say so)

3. Arlington - Punjab. “Best Indian” says Indian rider. Driver Thoughts: I sometimes ask Indian riders if they can tell me which Indian restaurant is the best. Most tell me — at home when their wives cook.

4. Back Bay - Saltie Girl – “Fried Lobster and waffles w/sweet corn butter and spicey maple syrup. Yum!” Driver Thoughts: According to their website they have the largest tinned seafood collection in New England.

5. Brighton - Stockyard.  “Great wraparound bar, veteran bartender—ask for Kate!” “Good for burger, dress up, good steak.  Was good, then new owners. 6-7 months ‘no good’  Now good again”

6. Chinatown - Hei La Moon. Dim Sum. Driver Thoughts (1): I’ve taken at least a half dozen Chinese riders there.  One said it is highly ranked on web.  Nice white tablecloths.  Another rider said they seat Americans in the basement room (not verified). Chickens hanging in the window.  Driver Thoughts (2): Three criteria of a great Chinese restaurant: a ) menu in Chinese, b ) most patrons are Chinese, c ) chickens hanging in the window.

7. Chinatown - Spicy World. Driver Thoughts: Rider said it got 2 stars but his co-worker (who he said was “more Chinese” than he was) said ignore—it is good.

8. Dorchester – Tropical Foods. Caribbean / African grocery. “Great buffet - $5 lunch”   “Huge amount of food.  Good helping of protein. So delicious”

9. Downtown Crossing - Yvonne’s. “Speak easy, hard to find, it’s in the old Locke Ober space, you walk into a deserted hair salon and knock on the back wall and someone comes and leads you into the restaurant, very cool decor, you should definitely check it out yourself, fun place to bring a date, amazing food and cocktails”

10. Driver Thoughts - Rider once said “scones are modern day ‘hard tac’ “

11. Driver Thoughts - Rider said “You can ask for authentic Chinese food in any Chinese restaurant.  Much more spicy.  Have your water ready.  Sichuan much spicier (chillies, flakes, etc.).”

12. Newton / Arlington / Dedham -  Blue Ribbon BBQ. Driver Thoughts: Always ranked as the top BBQ around.  Food is great. Rider says, “Get the dry rub. Jamaican Jerk. $8. Not on menu but they’ll sell it to you.  I use it to make BBQ at home”

13. Jamaica Plain - Brassica Kitchen. “$1 oysters, life music, ask for Chef Jay, tell them Jeff sent ya”

14. Kennebunk -  Bennets. “Best sub. Special bread- excellent! They have lobster rolls.” Driver Thoughts: Drove by one day and there’s a sign out front that says ‘don’t block way unless you are Larry Bird’.

15. Newbury - Black Cow.  “Nice for evening drink, warm night, right on the Merrimack.”

16. Newton Upper Falls - Baza Gourmet. Russian supermarket. “Great ethnic buffet”

17. North End - Neptune Oyster “Best in Boston” “$30 - best lobster roll” “Jam packed with meat”  “2 hour wait”  “No reservations” “Put your name down”

18. North End - Mikes Pastry. Ricotta cannolis.  Many flavors. Famous pastry place in N. End which was featured on Phantom Gourmet. 3,000 reviews on Google. There is also one in Assembly Square.  A rider once asked me to stop there then brought me one to try. I was expecting the ricotta to taste similar to the clotted cheese consistency you find in the grocery store. Nope. The filling was smooth and icing like. Tasty.

19. North End. Modern Pastry. Mike’s competitor across the street. Has a bar/café.  Also one in Medford. One rider tells me the owner of Modern owner is Mike’s brother. Other’s say no. Haven’t verified.

20. North End – Riders sound off: Ricardos “Italian”; Vinoteca di Monica “best ranked”, Monica’s Mercato “good subs”

21. North Kingstown, RI - Allie’s Donuts. “Boston cream donut as big as your face”

22. North Shore - Rider says there is a restaurant called “Seaport” which always wins best lobster roll by Northshore Magazine. But says “they are not fresh— frozen, taste like sawdust. $11.95 price draws lots of people.”

23. Portsmouth, NH - The Kitchen. “Best Italian meat sandwich in Portsmouth”

24. Providence-Federal Hill - Venda Ravioli & Cassorino’s.  “All the Italian restaurants in Federal Hill are good otherwise they wouldn’t survive, competition is so fierce”

25. Rockport - Roy Moore Lobster. “3 1.5lb. Lobsters cooked $40” “They’ll ask if you are hungry and may bump you up a bit too,” says rider.

26. Salem - Tuner’s Seafood & Ugly Mug.  “Good Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Clam Chowder”

27. Seaport / Fort Point - Smith and Wollensky. High end steak restaurant. “Steaks as large as the side of a dinosaur” “$1 oysters 5-7pm” “Cheaper burger is also good’”. I had a long talk about steak places with a guy I drove from the Seaport to Weymouth. He also noted Ocean Prime (in Seaport). He said Ruth’s Chris is good in name only. Other riders have given Ruth praise.

28. Seaport - Trillium. Craft Beer.  Have a noted beer garden in the Greenway in the summer. “Orgasm in your mouth,” says female rider.

29. Somerville - Tasca. Portuguese. Mentioned to me by a rider I was dropping off at Logan who was Portuguese and flying to Portugal.

30. Southie - Torro.  “Tapas. Get the grilled corn with garlic and cheese.  Great tasting little dishes. $7”

31. Southie - Lee Chen. Mexican Chinese fusion. “Gen Tsao Taco!”

32. Somerville - Highland Kitchen.  “Never had anything bad” “Great drinks, beer on tap. Buffalo fried brussels sprouts (see online recipes).  Long lines sometimes.”

33. Various (Brookline, Harvard Square, Southie) - Orinoco: A Latin Kitchen.  “Nice people, good food”

34. Various - Boston Burger Co. “Large portions, fair price”

35. W. Roxbury - Masona Grill (Argentinian).  “Not pretentious” (Google is reporting permanently closed)

36. Waltham - Carl’s Steak Subs. “Large sub the size of your arm from finger tips to elbow!”

37. Warwick, RI - Rocky Point Clam Shack. This restaurant is not the same as the original Rocky Point amusement park dining hall. But rider said they have good food. Driver Thoughts: Original Rocky Point dining was sort of like Durgan Park. They had a long tables with white checkered table cloth. They would bring out all kinds of great food. I remember the clam cakes were excellent. (Rocky Point chowder recipe).

38. Watertown - Ritsey East. Rider said run by daughter of Waltham owner of original Ristey’s famous for its orange booths.

39. Westborough - Uhman’s Ice Cream. “Old timey”

40. Winchester. Waterford Kitchen.  “Good sushi. Couple years old. Like eating in Boston. Everything is good.”