best pizza in boston area

globe listed great pies in somerville anyone know the name?

[MossDef]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Woody's in Back Bay. It's delicious brick oven pizza, NY style, but with California toppings. Gran Gusto, in my opinion is THE place to get an authentic Italian-style one.

[Andymayo99]

MossDef, I agree. Woody's is a very under-rated joint. However, i would consider the location more Fenway than Back Bay.

[tamerlanenj]

Maybe we can lobby the Frank Pepe's people to open up a location here. Would zoning laws allow for a coal oven?

[hyde]

is not angela's is saugus coal fired?

[tamerlanenj]

good point. I bet it would be an issue in the city proper, though. I know that in NYC you can only have a coal oven if you get one that already exists (it;s why the manhattan Totonno's locations are so bad compared to the original). Frank Pepe's without coal would be pointless. PEPE'S! Maybe I'll take a drive to New Haven toda!

[jgleeche]

My favorites:
1) Emma's
2) Gran Gusto
3) Regina's (North End only)
4) Cambridge 1
5) Upper Crust

[Neely08]

I would add bocelli's in medford, they make a good wheel, very underrated.

[nsenada]

I finally went to Picco las week and had the Alsatian pizza (bacon, gruyere, caramelized onions) and thought it was amazing. I will have to try a more traditional pizza to get a true benchmark, but the crust was clearly a homemade sourdough that was crispy on the outside, moist and tangy on the inside, and actually didn't flop under the weight of the toppings.

[glidbq]

Santarpio's House White with extra garlic!
Someday I'm going to get it with Sausage on it, too!

[NahantNative]

AMEN

[Otm_Shank]

Gran Gusto in Cambridge makes a tasty pizza pie. We had the magherita and sorrentina pizzas last time we were there and they were both delicious.

[janzy]

Recently tried PushCart's Pizza on Salem St. I thought it was as good as Regina's in the North End. It's around the corner from Parmenter St.
We have been back 3 times since. Good stuff.

[phatchris]

While I find the pizza at Pushcart to be pretty good, its nowhere near Regina or even Ernesto's IMO.

[janzy]

Never tried Ernesto's, but imho the Regina is not the Regina of old!

[NahantNative]

I can't help but thinking that Regina "sold out". when was the last time you got a Philly Steak and Cheese pizza in Italy? You'd never see that one the menu at Santarpio's. Old school pizza is about staying true to your roots in my mind. Don't even get me started on Regina's 1 Pitcher of beer limit. Give me a break.

[phatchris]

I never had the 1 pitcher of beer limit. And the Philly steak and cheese was at the North End location? And even if it is on the menu it doesn't mean you have to order it. Orger a Napoletana well done......can't get any more "old school" than that.

[Gabatta]

Couldn't disagree more. The NE location tastes the exact same to me. Same over, same ingredients, same great pizza. What exactly are you implying is different?

[NYA Joe]

Can someone please tell me which pies at Regina and Santarpios are worth all the hubbub? I've been to them a few times each, and every time, I walk out thinking they are overhyped, or maybe people's fond memories have glossed over pizza that hasn't kept pace with the competition. So, maybe it's been my choice of pie?

[Bostonbob3]

Whenever I go to Regina's (which is very often) I order small pies, well-done. Just my preference for crust consistency, but it seems to work out really well.

I also order simple pies versus the "pile-o-toppings."

[bakemeacake]

Totally agreed. A simple margherita or cheese pie is the BEST way to go at Regina's (maybe one meat topping of pepperoni or sausage if you need the fix). If a pizza has excellent crust and sauce there is NO reason to go overboard on the toppings. Some "artisan" pizza joints are actually limiting the number of toppings a customer can order (i.e. no more than 3 topping per pie at A Pizza Scholls in Portland, OR). Frankly, I think it is a good policy!

[raf945]

I totally don't agree with the policy but I can understand their reasoning.

[hiddenboston]

Yes, the key to Regina's, IMO (and IBO--in Bob's opinion, that is), is to order a small pizza with no more than one topping, and make sure it stays in the oven for an extra couple of minutes. If you request well-done, sometimes they will actually bring the pizza out and ask if you want it in the oven for another minute or two.

As far as Santarp's? Well, I guess people either love it or think it's overrated. I'm in the former category, though I think that Pepe's in New Haven tops both it and Regina's.

[NYA Joe]

Thank you guys for giving me the tip on what to order at Regina's. Of course, I never get the small there, and wouldn't have imagined asking for it to be well-done - true insider tips. As for Pepe's in New Haven, I've had the very worst and perhaps the very best pizza over there. They have a tomato sauce pizza which they were giving away for free because of some celebration (my guess is that it's the "original" pizza they served), and I just couldn't finish it. I'm not a pizza snob - I like good pizza, but I can down Celeste or Tombstone from the freezer anytime. But that pizza was as close to inedible as pizza can get. I vowed never to go again, but then tried their Special pizza (that's the actual name). It's one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink pizzas, which I don't normally like to eat (love to look at them), but this one was truly "special"...one of the top handful of pies I've ever had...including the 15 years I lived in NYC.

[Bob Dobalina]

Small pies well done = might as well call it Santarpio's. ;)

I finally had both the Regina North End and Santarpio's pie on the same day - to me, it's no contest - the Santarpio's pie wins hands down - the sauce is superior and the crust (smattered underneath with cornmeal) is the best.

I've had Pepe's too - it can be great (white clam with bacon a fave), but it can also be too dry and crackery for my tastes.

The best pizza I've ever had is the shrimp oreganato pizza with bacon at Roseland in Derby, CT.

[Bostonbob3]

Sanginia's?

[Karl S]

I have been underwhelmed by Santarpio's crust (the under portion, not the bones portion) - it's always limp, every time I've gotten it, and I've always ordered it well done. I always get the lamb sausage/garlic/oregano - is that a mistake for the crust? If so, it's sad, because it's a stupendous flavor combo. I know I am not alone in this experience at Santarpio's.

As for Regina's, order well done and with minimal toppings, and you will have a pizza worth its crown. The dough has superlative flavor in that location. Not sourdough-rich flavor; it's more subtle, but it has a long delicious aftertaste that's the mark of great bread.

[Bob Dobalina]

How limp are you talking? On the one I had last week, the tip of a slice hung down to about a quarter of the way up the slice. I take that as fairly normal and not off-putting. We hounds really ought to do a blind taste test.

Also, don't believe the sausage is made out of lamb...I think it's pork sausage. Is that you meant to say?

[foodieB]

I am a huge fan of Haymarket Pizza. Really good traditional NY style pizza and it's cheap too.

[Bostonbob3]

Agree. Not the absolute best around, but very, very solid and tasty.

Had two and a half slices last night in fact. (My friend stole the last half of a slice when I wasn't looking.)

[elizabethm]

Stella's Pizza in Watertown has the best thin-crust by far. The atmosphere is pretty basic but the pizza is great and the pizza makers are really friendly. Tell Vic and Pat I say hello!

[Redhohoho]

Pini's slice is great - really good just don't order their whole pie - it's not so great. I get 2 slices when I go. You can't really sit there - it's right across from Trum Field.

I used to go to Cafe Italia all the time.. but only had their pie once or twice.. it was good from what I rembemer - i was more interested in their stuffed peppers:)

I cna't believe Same Old Place got a shout out... when I was a kid "The Special" was $1.50 for 2 slices adn a pepsi.. Now I think a whole pie is $16!!!

The Urban used ot be great before it sold but they had a fire a week or so ago...

Leone's makes a good sicilian...

My neice likes the Ideal Cafe in JP but I have never eaten there myself....

[twilightx]

I can't vouch for the price increase, but I'd still pay good money for a NY-style slice in Boston Proper lol

I ran down to Pini's over the weekend and was really happy...slices were positively huge! The sauce was not too sweet, just right. Will visit again!

[VivreManger]

I have lived or worked near Angelo's off and on for many years, but never tried their pizza. My pizza preference is usually for something closer to my Rhode Island roots, a tomato pie. I want more sauce and less cheese, both because its healthier and tastier. I am happy with thin crust and thick crust, but thick tends to hold tomato sauce a bit better.

I tried Sweet Tomatoes once, but I have been disappointed by the sauce, so I have not been back.

Do let me know about Angelo's cheese level, low, high, or medium. I realize that you can ask for less cheese, but pizzarias that go heavy on the cheese, usually have lousy sauce. The other cheese question concerns the cheese itself. Is it real mozzarella or some artificial cheese food used in lot of chains? Does Angelo's have a fresh mozzarella or even a buffalo mozzarella option? Somehow I doubt it.

[raf945]

I agree with your prefrence for sauce vs. cheese and also agree thick crust holds the sauce. Casserta's?

[elbev]

By a happy twist of fate, I was going to a party off Broadway Somerville on Sat night and we ended up going to Pini's for a slice, and as reported they were truly magnificent and massive. Four slices turned out to be a whole pie, made to order. Highly recommended, perhaps even worth the voyage.

Angelo's is there on Broadway at Trowbridge in Cambridge, just across from the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

[yumyum]

re: slices, is there a place to eat there or is this grab and go fare? I've ordered pies from Pini's and not been impressed but others rave so I think I need to do a head to head comparison with the Paddock and the new Reginas in Medford. Sigh. Woe is me.

[Aromatherapy]

There's a counter with stools. I did a slice the other day and it was better but not sure if that's because it was simply right from the oven with no box-steaming--also it was plain cheese which I never usually get. Planning to ask the kids who make it if it is in fact different. You still won't like the cheese. ;-)

[yumyum]

Yeah. That's what I wondered ... but this might actually be good news. Who needs to have three places on their "local pizza to try" list? Leaves more room to check out the Brazilian snacks.

[maillard]

I'm so glad you liked it! I will definitely have to check out Angelo's.

For yumyum, there is a counter at the window, but no booths or tables.

[Gabatta]

We went to Regina's tonight (original NE location).

Well done pepperoni - best pizza in Boston.

[tamerlanenj]

I'm off to Santarpio's in a little bit. Will type up a full report and will submit a report to sliceny.com also!

[elbev]

In reply to the original Somerville question, I have had pizza at the Urban Gourmet, and it was good but my socks were not knocked off. If you live in Somerville (at least the eastern part), Pini's is a good delivery joint (solid pizza, good coupons, funny name), but certainly not worth a pilgrimage.

The best NY style pizza in Boston in my view is the place on the corner from Wally's. The two other places I advocate that have not been mentioned so far are Angelo's near Cambridge Rindge & Latin and Venice on Cambridge St in Boston.

[hiddenboston]

A buddy of mine from Queens says that Angelo's is a great place to get NY-style pizza...

[maillard]

Did you have the full pie or a slice from Pini's? They are totally different, no idea why. The pie is okay, the slice is fantastic.

[elbev]

From Pini's I have only had the whole pies delivered back when I lived in Somerville. Come to think of it, I have no idea where the place is actually located. Can you sit and eat there? Are the fresh slices worthy of a trek?

As for Angelo's, they do have excellent NY pizza. If you order slices, you get gigantic wedges of pie (each about the size of two typical slices) overflowing with whatever toppings you order. Highly recommended if you do not mind coolin' with the high school kids from across the street (if you have not been around high school kids lately, bear in mind that they probably will make fun of you, which to me part of the fun).

[maillard]

Oh, definitely try a slice! It really is way different. I've only managed to make it there once, and only had a cheese slice, but it was really incredible and surprised me since I wasn't all that crazy about their delivery pies (they're fine, just nothing special). Their slices sound similar to Angelo's in that they are enormous. There is a counter at the window to eat at, no tables.

Worthy of a trek depends on how far it is for you, I guess. It's located in Magoun Sq. in Somerville, right next to Wang's. I think it's definitely worth the trip for a slice from Pini's and a bag of frozen dumplings from Wang's.

I will definitely have to check out Angelo's. Where exactly is it located? I can't find one on Cambridge St. Only a place called Angelo's that's at 444 Broadway in Cambridge. Is that it?

[raf945]

I find it odd that a lot of times I like the slice better then the whole pie no matter where I go.

[twilightx]

I also forgot to mention two others that strike my fancy:

Cambridge One, Cambridge on Church Street (across from Border Cafe) - Not traditional pizza by any means, they use almost like a crispy pita crust that reminds me of Upper Crust almost. Very good though, in its own right.

Crazy Dough's, Cambridge inside The Garage in Harvard Sq. - Awesome Sicilian pizza (try the potato bacon!), but I feel like their slices are way too crispy...to the point where I broke a filling one time. If you're into NY/uber crispy (read, not burnt) it'll do the trick.

PS: Sorry my pizza knowledge of the area is slanted towards the NY-style more than anything...it's the one last bit of NY I retain. This is not to say that other types of pizza are not good, rather I only seek out one kind.

[fenian]

Every time I've been they've (re)baked my Sicilian slice fresh to order. This pizza is OK but I think Pinocchios:Umberto Galleria::Taco Bell:El Pelon

[sharpless]

I know they put every slice back in the oven, but it really doesn't compare at all to the first few minutes after it's been baked.

Rebaked Pinocchio's:Fresh Pinocchio's::Taco Bell:ElPelon

[fenian]

Interesting. Maybe trying your idea will justify a late night Pinocchio's snack soon.

[sharpless]

The key with Noch's in Harvard Sq. is that the pizza there is absolutely terrific when it comes out of the oven and kind of gross within 10 minutes. Get whichever looks freshest. I know this a food-wide rule of thumb, but the difference is huge.

a slice of sausage and a slice of tomato basil is a pretty tasty combination.

[tamerlanenj]

Has anyone been to New York Pizza in Malden Center? The name certainly intrigues me.

[maillard]

That's funny, the name actually makes me hesitant to try it out. :) I've found that the more a place stresses that they have New! York! Pizza! the less like actual NY pizza it is.

But you never know... If you try it, please report back!

[twilightx]

I'll definitely have to try Pini's, and I completely agree with what you said regarding places using the "NY Pizza" tag...I almost find it insulting! Just like I'm fairly certain it would stir the same sentiment if someone who's a fan of deep dish found themselves in front of a "Chicago-Style" thin crust :D That's just false advertising! hehe

[itaunas]

I know a while back you were asking if anywhere does an 18" pie and I just happened to pass by the East Side Lounge on Cambridge St and they are advertising their "XL" an 18" and 3 42" plasmas. I cannot say anything about their food what so ever, although their menu seemed a bit rote (mixture of . From what I recall it did claim NY style pizza. Its on Cambridge street, roughly between 5th & 6th streets -- look for the huge martini sign.

If you are in the mood to catch a football game you could always buy a beer and check out the pizza on someone else's table. If it doesn't look good, slide on up to Atwood Tavern further down Cambridge. Or for pizza just turn the other direction and in less than 5 minutes (weekend) you will be in the vicinity of Regina's.

[sailormouth]

I've always liked Leone's on Winter Hill in Somerville, good Sicilian, good prices and always open in a blizzard.

[twilightx]

If you're looking for NY-style thin crust, the places this New Yorker likes are:

- T. Anthony's, Brookline on Comm Ave. (2 slices + drink = 5.00!)
- Pizzeria Rico, Boston on Bromfield
- The Same Old Place, Jamaica Plain on Center Street
- NY Pizza (or something named with New York in it), Boston
(Right next to Wally's Jazz Cafe, Mass Ave.)

1st Prize for non-NY-style pizza goes to the Dogwood Cafe in Jamaica Plain for me. Awesome awesome taste.

[hiddenboston]

Interesting...out of those 4, which would you consider your favorite? I know all about T. Anthony's, but the other places aren't all that familiar to me.

I agree about the Dogwood. Excellent wood-fired pizzas there...

[twilightx]

My current fav is T. Anthony's. The price is perfect and the sauce is just sweet enough, but not too sweet. I think Pizzeria Rico would be my favourite if it wasn't for the fact that they have such strange hours of operation.

[maillard]

I finally got a chance to try T. Anthony's a few weeks ago and it was really fantastic. Have you tried the slice from Pini's in Somerville? That might be my current favorite. Oddly enough the whole pizzas are nothing like NYC style, but the slices definitely are. Very tasty stuff.

[TheScribe]

I third Newbury Pizza. I also like Same Old Place in Jamaica Plain and Sweet Tomatoes in Newton.

[Sgt Snackers]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Siciliana's, on Comm Ave near BU. They do a pretty decent approximation of a Chicago-style 'stuffed' pizza which I remember so fondly from Zachary's in Berkeley. It ain't Zach's, of course, but when we're feeling nostalgic it fits the bill. Get a half baked pizza and bring it home to finish off in the oven. Boy does the place look like a dump but the pies are pretty good...

[tamerlanenj]

Are you kidding? Sicilia's sucks horribly. Their thin crust sucks, their "stuffed" pizza sucks in that way that all deep dish pizza sucks (it's like eating a brick). Their sandwiches suck. They once served me a felafel on a WHEAT WRAP because they were out of pitas.

[hiddenboston]

The Sicilia's in Providence, however, is really, really good. I know about 15 people who have been to that one, and they all consider it one of the best pizza joints in Providence (I've been there about 5 times and tend to agree with them).

Strange that the two places are so different in quality. I know that other people have said negative things about the one in Boston, too.

[where2chow]

It's okay to disagree and I'm sure you're more of a Boston/NY thin style pizza fan, but Sicilia's does a great job with their sauce and stuff crust pizza. I have to respectfully disagree with all your "sucks" and say that they are pretty good for imitation Chicago Style pizza.

-----
Sicilia's
840 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

[BobB]

Things may have changed, that's a three-year-old post.

[tamerlanenj]

I see the opened an Upper Crust next door. I hope they survive. They were always nice enough fellows an UC is totally overrated.

[JamesHH]

I just ate at santarpio's for the first time in a couple months, I totally forgot how great they are. Their sausage is unreal, though if you get more than one topping it ends up being a greasy soupy pizza...but it is still the best pie you can get in Boston.

Galleria Umberto's is by far the best lunch spot in Boston. Their square slice is heaven. Pinnoch's is second, but don't come close to Umberto's perfection. Though I do like Pinnoch's airy and doughy crust alot.

[fenian]

Umberto certainly provides the best lunch under $3 in Boston!

[nancyhudson]

REGINAS! REGINAS! REGINAS! (in the North End) My husband thinks he's the worlds afficianado on pizza, and it's his fav, by FAR!!

[BostonCream]

If I was going to die, Regina's would be my last meal. So good.
Make sure you go to the Regina's in North End. Don't judge by the chains scattered about Boston and elsewhere in food courts.

[raf945]

I agree.Being the original,the one in the North End is by far the best.I find it interesting posters choose Papa Ginos as well,being a large chain.I recently visited a fairly new pizza joint at the corner of Parmenter St. in the North End.As I was in a hurry,I ate quickly but enjoyed the two slices of roni.I also took an Italian sub for the train ride home and that was vey good as well.

[wontonton]

I think Newbury Pizza is underated. As long as you get there when a pie is relatively fresh, it's darn better than what you get at most of the various "pizza" places in Boston.

[tamerlanenj]

Here Here! Newbury Pizza!!!

[NestorZaZa]

Best New York style pizza (in order of decreasing tastiness)
1. Il Panino's (Cambridge and North End) AND Pizzeria Regina (North End). Il Panino's can buy by the slice.
2. Upper Crust (Charles Street, Lexington Center)
[I hear Santarpio's is good, but never feel like going all the way over there and the one time I did, the waiters made us wait outside in the snow because it is a fire hazard to wait indoors or so they said. I will try again some day.]

Best thin-crust pizza (in order of decreasing tastiness)
1. Emma's (Kendall Sq)
2. Za (Arlington)
3. Cambridge 1

[yumyum]

Recently revisited Emma's for a slice. I don't love thin crust pizza, but I have to say, Emma's is my favorite of that cracker-thin style.

My list, in order of preference:
1) Regina's north end, ask for it well done
2) Santarpios, have the pickle juice with your sausage and lamb
3) Armando's

[hokietoner]

I ate at Za once, and I never will again. It's one of those trendy "redefine the pie" places, but the sauce and crust was no better than any other average "___ House of Pizza" place. Not that it tasted bad, but I just have no desire to go someplace that tries to mask an average at best crust with fancy gourmet toppings.

[fenian]

Places I like (roughly in order of how much I like them): Pizzeria Regina, Galleria Umberto, Emma's, Il Panino (Central Square), Upper Crust, Armando's, Santarpio's, Antico Forno, Cambridge 1. First three are highly recommended.

[windupbird]

My votes are:

Armandos (Cambridge)
Cafe Italia (East Boston)
Galleria Umberto (North End)

[hiddenboston]

Wow! Someone has actually tried the pizza at Cafe Italia? :-) A friend of mine raved about it awhile back, but I have never heard of anyone else trying it. Is it New York style pizza?

[windupbird]

Oh yes! It is so good. It's not really NY style, a bit more fancy than that, but still simple. The ingredients are all high quality and really fresh. You can tell that they use a nice olive oil, and good tomatoes and cheese. Their crust is fantastic -- nice crunch and chew. Highly recommended.

[Winemark]

I think Ernestos is very good as mentioned above. they have huge variety of toppings for slices everyday and generous portions.

[Pegmeister]

Is Ernestos on Salem St in the North End? I seem to remember walking by a place called Ernestos and it was quite busy. When I'm not in the mood for Regina's I head over to the Waterfront Cafe in the North End, and in some ways I actually like it better!

[Karl S]

Yes. It has its partisans and detractors.

[bitsubeats]

santarpios is good, but I HATE when they put the pepperoni underneath the cheese. When it's done that way the pepperoni doesn't crisp up, instead it just kind of bakes underneath the cheese. Am I the only one who hates this?

and you may say "why don't you just get cheese?"
answer: because I want pepperoni, dammit

[Dax]

I agree with this. Plus you don't know how much of the toppings will come in each bite. A friend bit into our pepperoni and sausage and he counted 10+ slice of pepperoni in that one bite. Odd.

[raf945]

No,you are not the only one who hates this and that is why I have only been to Santarpios once.Nothing against them, it's just my preference.

[F.F.C]

God we are in despaerate need of a real pizza place. save Regina on good days ( most of the time).

I think it could be this place:
Urban Gourmet
688 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144
I've never tried it, but I've heard good things.

Urban Gourmet is good, but I think Pini's is better.

Link: http://www.tuftslife.com/dining/menuv...

[nicoleberry83]

Love Urban Gourmet! The crust is super greasy, though. There's a pie with bechamel, chicken, and bacon (Urban Cowboy, maybe?) that is out of this world.

[foodieB]

FYI, There was a fire in Urban Gourmet a week or two ago. Place is closed for now.

The only pizza I've read about in the Globe lately is Stone Hearth Pizza in Belmont. I don't recall them ever writing a "best pizza in Boston" feature.

The topic always starts a quasi-religious argument on this board. Everyone has their preferences, pets, and taboos. I can't recall getting an extraordinary pizza anywhere in Somerville, though I'm sure there must be a good pie to be had there somewhere.

My personal favorites include: (old school) the original Pizzeria Regina, Santarpio's; (modern) Emma's, Figs, Upper Crust; (Alsatian) Sandrine's. R.I.P. Rossini's.

I'll add Pinocchio's for Sicilian slices and Ernesto's (good thin and very crispy crust, above average toppings). Had a good pizza (beautiful thin crust) once a upon a time at Antico Forno, but never followed up. Hoping to hear of a more recent experience from some of the hounds out there.

Sweet Tomatoes in Newton Center and West Newton are the best!!

[Blumie]

I really like Sweet Tomatoes, too, but do not consider it a contender for "the best." I'd take Regina's and Santarpio's over Sweet Tomatoes any day.

In addition to the spot-on suggestions so far, I'll add Armando's in Huron Village to the traditional list (not quite up to the Regina standard, but close, and much more convenient out here in Medford/Somerville/Cambridge) and Za in Arlington to the gourmet list. Still not sure where in Somerville there's a worthy pie.

BK

The Paddock in Somerville has outstanding pizza, and few people seem to know about it. It is on Pearl Street below City Hall. Their pizza is a bit like Villa Rosa in Quincy or Regina's, although Regina's is better than both.

[bitsubeats]

god I hate the villa rosa. I live next door and I have been there 2 or 3 times (always takeout) for the pizza and every time it has been horrible. I'd rather drive a mile down the street to get to papa gino's.

plus I love the people who hang out of the villa rosa late at night screaming into their cell phones

[Pegmeister]

I grew up in that neighborhood and I remember getting pizzas there when they came in a brown paper bag for take-out. Years and years ago, they were good. The staff has always been surly, but every once in awhile I'll go back and try again.

[bitsubeats]

never had a problem with the staff, but I remember getting a drink at the bar and the bartender seemed a bit grumpy. Otherwise the people at take-out have been pretty nice, its just a few of the clientele are a little out there. I guess thats how it always is at a place that serves booze though?

[tatamagouche]

I'm glad you mention Sandrine's, b/c I think the flammekueche is awesome and that the place is itself is quite enjoyable. Not in my top tier, but certainly in my second tier...