Who makes the best pizza in New England?

[Dave1201]

I love pizza, but I can't really think of one in my area that really stands out weel above the rest.
I would be willing to travel to try something new and spectacular. Any idea?

[cjbulldogg]

I would highly recommend Antonio's Pizza in Amherst, NH. They have the craziest pizzas, like tortellini pizza, taco pizza, and potato skin pizza. And they sell every pizza by the slice so you can try them all! VotefortheBest has them listed as the second best in Massachusetts - http://voteforthebest.com/usa/massach.... Sibbie's is listed at #1, but I haven't tried their pizza yet.

[CamiSu]

Ramunto's Brick & Brew in Hanover NH is really good. Pizza barn was OK. Three Tomato's is fine (used to be Sweet Tomato's) But really you can give me the Hanover Ramunto's any day. Lebanon Ramunto's (different owners) OK but not great.

[t31captn]

Thin crusts are my favorites.
Sweet Tomatoes in Newton Center or West Newton
The Pleasant Cafe in Roslindale
Red Rose in Springfield

[MauraC]

I am soo happy to see that someone posted Sweet Tomatoes! Since leaving NY in 1999, this place was by far the best pizza I've had in New England. Now that I live in Providence, I can't get it anymore :(
IN RI, my husband loves Big Tony's on Eaton Street in Providence. I think Fellini's is good if you eat it right away, Bob & Timmy's isn't bad, and recently I tried a bite of a friend's pizza from Gepetto's. A couple of years back I thought it was terrible, but this one was pretty tasty. I'm going to go back for my own pie soon to give it another shot!

[beachlady01]

I live in farmington valley, we aren't allowed to have good pizza here, any suggestions.

[ratbuddy]

You have a ton of good choices. What town exactly?

[absolince]

Henri's in East Windor, CT..South on rte 5..circa 1950..not gourmet..have salad and pie with the peetz!

[captainthomas]

After living in New Haven for a year, and trying out all the different pizza spots here, i concede that New Haven (a)pizza is the absolute bomb diggidy. No going back.

[absolince]

East Windsor, Ct......circa 1950..Delish

[sevendust]

If you like thin crust.....Joes pizza in Northampton, Ma is the place.

[catsmeow]

Bianchi's on Revere Beach. Gooey goodness with a tasty thin crust.

[absolince]

Amazing!!!!!! I was trying to think of THE pizza place on Revere beach, when i scrolled past this post. Destiny! Yes its really good! Top 5 for me!

[luvadog]

Ah, love this thread! I am what I would call a "pizza purist": thin crust that is hand tossed and spread with a light coat of olive oil, a light layer of thin but well spiced tomato sauce, and cheese - freshly grated and combined. Grew up in NJ, actually worked for "off the boat" Italians in a pizza parlor when a senior in high school in Secaucus. I remember helping with prep by grating cheeses... 3 kinds. Best pizza on earth, imho. What would be defined as "New York style".

Living in VT means having to accept that there's really nothing out there that's similar anymore. I've been to Pepe's in New Haven - hubby loved the white clam - I had just cheese, and it was fine... but I don't care for blackened, crispy crusts and for me, it wasn't worth the big wait time. Our waitress, who'd been there for most of her life, was cold at first but we warmed her up quickly and she explained how rude the tourists can be after waiting for so long to get in. She spent a lot of time chatting with us and getting us anything we wanted even though the place was busy. Lesson there? Always be nice to the waitstaff!

In Stowe VT, where I live now, there are 2 spots alone that do woodfired oven pizza: the Matterhorn and Pie in the Sky. Both are good, but again, for a "purist" like me, not what I consider perfect pizza.

A very popular pizza place in Vermont is called "American Flatbread". Has a couple of locations - Waitsfield and Burlington. I've had it once - it was very good.

In Hampton Beach, NH, there's a pizza at the Purple Urchin - pesto sauce, cheeses and tomatoes. Divine.

[observor]

I do not understand the charred crust idea...to me, it tastes burnt. Why must the crust be "hand-tossed"?

[RonZombie]

By far Sally's in New Haven. Pepe's and John and Maria's in East Haven are strong runners up.

[longlklady83]

Hands down the best pizza I have ever had, and I crave it terribly since I don't live there anymore - Fauci's Pizza in Lynn, Mass. OMG. There's something about the flavor of that pizza that I can't get enough of. Unfortunately I might have it once every two years now. Gee, I wonder if I could get them to ship me a few uncooked?? Haha. Hmmmm, now there's a thought!

[algct]

Roseland in Derby is akin to Sally's & Pepe's. Crust is a little different, but tasty.

Yes, the shrimp pie is expensive, but you can't see the rest of the pie with all the shrimp on top. Never had it though, I'm a traditionalist - maybe 2 toppings, mushrooms & peppers/onions will do.

Also, Hometown III Pizza in Thomaston has a nice crust (soft, not too thick) & ok on toppings. Wierd town, at least 5 pizza joints on Main St within 1 mile of each other.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Speaking of Roseland, I was there last week. I got what they call the Ponsinella pizza. It consists of lobster, shrimp and sea scallops. It cost $65.00. It was relatively small and it was loaded with perfectly cooked lobster, shrimp and scallops.The pizza was topped with toasted breadcrumbs and melted butter. I can't remember if they offer a red version but I got it as a white pie. It was so loaded with seafood I could not eat it without a fork and knife. My wife tried one slice and I still brought two slices home. I have never in my life not finished a pizza until I met the Ponsinella. I wouldn't order this pizza on a regular basis but I truly believe it was worth the price. It was amazing.

[luvarugula]

I am not disputing that New Haven pizza (aka apizza) is good, even great, and worth the trip if you live within 50 miles. I've tried Pepe's, Sally's and Modern. (I participated in a New Haven Pizza Crawl a few years back...each offer their own merits.) However, best pizza in "New England"? I might disagree. It's not for everyone. I'm glad to hear about some Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont pizza places worth the trip. In case American Flatbread Company in Waitsfield, VT, and Burlington, VT, plus a few other locations, was not mentioned yet, or I missed it from 214 posts (yeeowser!), I would like to add it to the list:
http://www.americanflatbread.com/
Excellent pizza! And, if you can't get to one of George's restaurants, try his frozen pizza's...they're really good. I am NOT comparing a frozen pizza to "best pizza in New England". Not even in the same category, I know. However, I'd like to hear more about great pizza spots outside of New Haven and Connecticut altogether.

-----
American Flatbread
46 Lareau Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673

[giantmouth]

OK, here the thing is. Best pizzeria depends on one question. Do you acknowledge that that a white clam pizza is the highest form of pizza, or are you willing to judge on the basis of something as common as sausage (not that I do not love it!)?

If you acknowledge that white clam is the highest form of pie, then Pepe's is the only choice. No other pizzeria I know of has the discipline and devotion to use only fresh clams, and send the customer away if they don't have them. I got a Biamontes pie once, encouraged by stories of B marrying a Pepe, and stealing the recipes or something, when I was in too much of a hurry to cope with the Pepe's lunacy, and it was made with CANNED CLAMS. Yuk!

Oh, another thing making Pepes supreme (though it applies to all the Wooster street pizzarias is there is more to the perfect pizza experience than just pizza. There is lemon ice. Libby's, which is next door, provides that, to perfection. I am very conservative about such things, and prefer the basic, traditional flavors, but the pina colada deserves mention too.

[ratbuddy]

You're throwing the word 'acknowledge' around as if your opinion is the only correct one. Many of us would argue that seafood has no place on a pizza at all.

[observor]

What basis is that argument...food can be defined in many different ways, that's why discussions like this are mainly specious.

[giantmouth]

Sorry, acknowledge is perhaps the wrong word, in the presence of unbelievers. Would you prefer "profess", "affirm" or "bear witness"? This is not about facts, or opinion, it is about faith.

[TonyO]

Maybe in New Haven, but beyond the city limits, white clam pizza is hardly on the radar. Not that it in't a great pizza, but hardly the "highest form" due in large part to the lack of availibility of fresh clams in many market.

[jfood]

Jfood does not acknowledge that clam pizza is the highest form and anything close to the standard bearer for pizza. And he is a loooooong way from declaring Pepes as the pinacle either. He went to the Fairfiled location hoping to bow to the master. He left not bowing but bow-wowing. It was OK but jfood was not wowed at all.

Given the choice of a Pepes clam or a Sallys sausage or bacon, sign jfood up for the latter. In fact if each were brought to casa jfood, he would probably eat 1 slice of Pepes and 5-6 of Sallys.

He understands that people love and revel in Pepes and he thinks that is great and is not looking for a pizza-war, but please "acknowledge" for both clam and Pepes as a given-winner is a bit much.

Different strokes

[bagelman01]

J
You know my Sally's bias, especcially as a holder of the private phone number.

But I wouldn't even eat 1 slice of Pepe's to 6 of Sally's, maybe 1 slice of Pepe's in desparation, if it was the only pizza available the night after Passover,

Papa's in Milford has a better Clam Pizza than Pepe's without all the wait. Howevr, my bias is to a RED clam pie, not white, To me White is NOT pizza.

I still prefer a pie with just grated Romano cheese, NOT mozzarella in the traditional New Haven Way. Any meat is good, but too much of anything on Apizza kills it.

And of course showing my age Sally's Bacon Apizza:
$1 Small, $2 Medium, $3 large

I live in Fairfield County now, but don't bither with Pepe's in Fairfield, lot of hype for nothing special. If I'm not going to drive to New Haven for Sally's, then the Apizza from the wood burning brick oven at Julians on RT 25 in Monroe beats Pepe's, only no Foxon Park Soda............can't have everything

[lm1242]

There are a few stand-outs. . . all in NEW HAVEN, CT. Here's the way I see it:

Basic Mozzarella: Pepe's Apizza, Wooster St., New Haven
Best Eggplant Pizza: Modern Apizza, State St., New Haven
Best White Clam Pizza: Sally's Apizza, Wooster St., New Haven
Best Mashed Potato Pizza; BAR, Crown St., New Haven

I have eaten pizza all over the country as well as in Italy.
NOTHING BEATS NEW HAVEN PIZZA!!!

-----
Modern Apizza
874 State St, New Haven, CT 06511

Sally's Apizza
237 Wooster St Ste 1, New Haven, CT 06511

[care2]

I'm going with Finelli's. I live in Maine, but I'm from Chicago, which has the best pizza, yes, thin crust, but up here it's Finelli's.

[kwhitehead]

Sorry but, I sepnt many many years in Chicago and, what they have there is not pizza. It's more like some messy casserole that you have to wait an hour for while it "cooks."

New Haven is the place to go for pizza. Nothing comes close.

[jfood]

Jfood will beg to differ. He grew up in NJ, worked in NY, lived in Chicago and now resides in CT. Sounds like the pizza-life tour. He loves Sallys

Chicago pie is different and jfood really liked the stuffed Giordanos, but no chicago deep dish / stuffed war desired. But the was also a great little pizzeria in a strip mall on either 53rd or 55th st in Hyde Park that made a great sausage thin crust pie. It was the only time that jfood saw a machine that the pizza-maker threw the mound of dough into and it flattened it, no twirling in the air at all. Likewise the first time he brought a pie to his apartment and opened the box he gave a big WTF when he saw all the little square slices. He thought the pizza maker was messing with the newbie from NJ.

[linguist]

This brings back memories of my undergraduate years at U of Chicago. The strip mall place you're remembering was on 53rd, I'm pretty sure: I can't remember the name, but I do remember the phone number (NOrmal 7-9074), which shows how I spent my undergraduate years. Yes, their thin crust sausage pie was wonderful. Probably some of the molecules in my body still are derived from those pies.

[linguist]

Nicky's. That's what the place was called. But looking it up in the phone book (either forward or reverse) doesn't work, suggesting that it is gone. Sigh.

[jfood]

Yeah, Hyde Park was a lot of hoots in the old days. jfood once got yelled at by some of your classmates because he was making too much noise in a bar on 55th. The noise was him yelling at the "Astroids" machine or playing pool while the yellers were complaining they could not study IN A BAR. What a place.

[observor]

Chicago deep dish pizza is awful. Not only does it take a hell of a long time to get, but the pastry-type crust is so (dietarily) heavy that when you add in the cheese and everything else it makes you feel ill just having two pieces, not to mention huge. Also not to mention how messy it can be...and how much more easier it is to burn your mouth...and it's rather expensive. Pizza is not a "dish" but a food, IMO. I'll take a big handheld slice of crispy-chewy crust with managably gooey cheese, a primarily unsweetened sauce and a nice hit of garlic and oregano any day over something I need silverware to have.

[newhaventomanchesternh]

If I were in RI I would definitely not bother driving to NEW HAVEN just to go to Pepe's with the one at Mohegan Sun there. Close your eyes, and tell yourself "I am in New Haven, and didn't drive 80 minutes and wait 45 more in line for this pizza....." It's within 5% either way of the NH place....but atmosphere and your mind can play tricks on you.....!

Also....Yes....Tolli's is one I was thinking of, only had theirs once..... , and Minnervini's is a little better.....

[no0b]

lulz..80 mins? i drove a little over 2 hours there just to try Modern's.

Anyways, I'll be trying Pepe's at Mohegan in a few days. So of course I had to come to ChowHound and check out reveiws on it first.

[negrazer]

Best Pizza I have had is the Margherita Pizza at Gran Gusto in Cambridge, MA. The chef refuses to alter its preparation in any way........with good reason. Perfect

[observor]

Was it worth the drive for Modern's?

[lexpatti]

How do you like Pizza Express in Manchester, NH? I think it's great but nothing really creative just very fresh ingrediants and I love the crust.

[observor]

You probably think it's great because there's a friggin' quadrillion calories in it...that crust has more fat than a cake.

[newhaventomanchesternh]

My "pizza pedigree" is that I was born in New Haven, lived there 18 years, and still visit family regularly.

Unfortunately, "Pizza-liciously speaking" I now live in Manchester NH.

I grew up eating at Grand Apizza (Grand Avenue) and went to school with the Nuzzos who ran the place. (Also went to school with the Twins from DiSorbo's bakery next store...now defunct)

After 4 years in Worcester and 23 in the RT3/495 corridor (Londonderry to Marlboro) I can say almost EVERY NEw Haven Pizza is better than ALmost ANY non-New Haven Pizza.

After reading this post, I want to try Zuppardi's on my next trip down.

My favorites are Pepe's for Clam, Sally's for non-Clam, and a few on Main St. in East Haven whose names escape me (just past Circle Lanes, toward the Green)

The Pepe's at Mohegan Sun was very good, but perhaps I am 'out of practice' with my finicky taste buds after putting up with the SLOP they call pizza around here.

I do have to make one comment about an earlier post....

I saw an earlier reply re: 900 degrees in Manchester. When I saw the ad in the local rag, and saw that they had Clam Pizza and brick ovens, I almost peed myself. Thinking I would be able to get a clam pie like Sally's/Pepe's without a 5 hour round trip was intoxicating. However, Although exited, I tried not to get my hopes up too much. Planned a double date, and then called ahead....a DAY ahead. Conversation.....

Me: " Hi I'd like to make reservations for Friday (tomorrow) night."
Her: " Oh....for what time....?
Me: " 5:30"
Her: "Well, that's early, you won't have any trouble getting in."
Me: "great....see you then"

Stroll up at 5:30 the next night......line out the door.....my jaw drops.....

I walk up to the hostess with obvious disbelief on my face, telling her of my conversation on the phone yesterday.

"Oh, who did you speak with?"

I described the woman by her voice/accent as best I could.....she immediately says "You must have spoken with XYZ (I don't remember the name) yeah, we don't even TAKE reservations"

Me: Double face slap a la Moe in the 3 Stooges

Me: Well, A. Why didn't she tell me you don't take reservations, B. Doesn't she know it's busy and C Why the hell do you let her answer the phone if she doesn't know A or B????

I get lots of apologies, but no free drinks, and get seated about 40 minutes later....Now the pizza REALLY better be good.

Among our apps are mussels in garlic/wine sauce for 8$...They were good....the rest were unremarkable.

We order 2 pizzas......one red (Sausage/ricotta or something), and the White Clam.

The Sausage comes first; It's 13$, and smaller than a Pepe's Small.....maybe 11". The crust is ok. The pizza is NOT crispy.....and is ....different than most NH pizza, but not remarkable. I could have easily devoured it myself, and had dessert. It was a 7$ pie at best.

The White Clam pizza comes out....and I truly looked around for the ghost of Allen Funt.

The 'crust' was flour-tortilla thin.....in fact, It could have been a 'homemade' tortilla.

There were....GET THIS!!!!! 5 TINY Clams IN THEIR SHELLS balanced daintily on the tortilla, and some sporadic dribblings of olive oil and spices on the 'paper' crust.

I was aghast.....the clams had dried out in the oven.......

When the waitress came back, I inquired about how I paid 8$ for about 50 mussels, and 16$ for 5 clams on a tortilla....I am TRULY tempted to get a clam pizza from Mohegan (I have lots of points there, so it is 'sort of ' free) and bring it to these people so they can at least TASTE a Clam pizza.....I actually feel sorry for them......*Sniff*

I think I'll just email them the photo from Wiki...!!!

Sorry, I just had to vent here....

[mitchh]

For me, Red Rose in downtown Springfield, MA.

I literally will make a special weekend trip from Philly to go there. That's how good I think their pizza is.

[Eatin in Woostah]

What a sad, sad pizza tale. I was wondering if you'd had pizza at the Wonderbar in Worcester while you were there, and how it compares with New Haven pizza? I've never been to New Haven, but love the Wonderbar. I'm assuming it's different, but have no idea how so. Any insight?

[Cheffrank]

I rather like rthe Wonder Bar pizza. Not much like New Haven pizza but pretty good. I also like the Boynton for thin crust. It is good and CHEAP too!

[aquidneck]

So from one person who was raised on Pepes to another...Mohegan is worth the trip?? I am in RI and New Haven is kind of a haul...but Mohegan is not too bad...Also is the place in east Haven, Tollis???

[apizza]

I've been a regular at Pepe's in New Haven and The Spot. I'm also from RI. I've been going to the Pepe's in Mohegan Sun since it opened. It's just as good. I didn't expect it!

[aquidneck]

good to know!!! We will check it out!

[ratbuddy]

I say not worth the trip. It tastes like Harry's in West Hartford except with burnt bits of ash from the oven stuck to the bottom. Unless there's NO good pizza near you, Pepe's is skippable.

[CindysFarmStand]

"Pepe's is skippable."

Seriously man. Get real.

[ratbuddy]

Seriously. It's just not that good compared to the many alternatives in the same style of pie. I suppose the clams are worth trying, if you like that sort of thing, but I don't.

[jfood]

jfood agrees that Pepe's is very much hype. The pizza at the FFD location was fair at best, the service OK and the soda shots a slap in the face. Why people line up for this place baffles jfood.

And as jfood always says. If people like something that is great but that is why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream. To each their own.

[MaureeninCT]

I used to like Grand Apizza as well. You might be thinking of Tolli's in East Haven, just up from the bowling alley. There is also Depalma's and Minervini's....I like Tolli's better than Modern and Pepe's....(I haven't had Sally's in years so I can't comment there). I also remember having Zuppardi's years ago at a work function and liking it too. I haven't tried BAR yet. Also, the chicken parm at Tolli's is great!

[chilihead]

Rosario's in Milton Vermont claims to have the best pizza in New England or your money back. It isn't but everyone around there is too polite to say anything.

[TonyO]

Great marketing scheme at Rosario's but who's kidding who ? Not worth my time........

[chef24]

wow what a topic,,,,,,,In New England????? Can we refine it a bit........

[Passadumkeg]

OK, just Maine, bigger than the rest of New England added together and w/ a dearth of excellent pizza, should be easy.
Finelli's of Ellsworth.

[Tipatina]

Finelli's calls itself "New York Pizza". I lived in NYC for years and ate alot of pizza and never had anything as good as Finelli's.

[LJS]

I live 1200 miles away from Ellsworth, Maine and only get to spend 2 weeks out of the year there...I literally LUST for Finelli's pizza in between times...

[Passadumkeg]

I let him hunt on our land and in exchange, when the kids are home, he calls the house and someone drives over to pick up that night's "by the slice" left overs.

[GoodFoodie]

In New Haven, I prefer Modern (on State Street near Humphrey) and Bar (on Crown). I do enjoy Pepe's and Sally's but to be honest, it's not worth waiting in a long line then being served (at Sally's) by people who have 'attitude.' Sally's has 'call ahead seating' but you have to know the secret telephone number which I suspect, is reserved for people who know the owners. It's discouraging to stand in the long line, especially in the winter, and have numerous people walk through, passing you up because they were able to call ahead for a table.

Bar and Modern do get crowded but you put your name on a waiting list - the fair way. The Plain pizza (sauce, sprinkled with Parmesan) is exceptional at Modern whereas at Bar's the same combo is served a bit over done, kind of burnt. At Bar, try the Mashed Potato with Bacon- sounds strange but it's REALLY good! Bar is a BruPub so you can have a beer while you wait and the lines moves quickly at Modern.

[howaboutthat]

Pepe's, Bar and Modern fan, here. Also try Joey's Pizza in Oak Bluffs, on Martha's Vineyard. Surprisingly great pizza right by the harbor. Crust is not quite the same absent the coal fired ovens, but the sausage pie is very reminiscent of the flavor of the New Haven pizzerias. Slices are terrific, but order a whole, fresh pie for a real treat.

[jquest619]

Had that mashed potato pizza with bacon this weekend at BAR and it was fantastic--we were all pleasantly surprised how good it really was. Incidentally, we only ended up at BAR after waiting an hour in Sally's line and there being only one party who made it in during that span of time. I'll stick with BAR, Modern and Pepe's. I think I'd have a better shot of trying Sally's if we called in takeout from the sidewalk when we arrived.

[gps]

If you like grilled pizza you have to try Caffe Itri in cranston. i have been eating their pizza for over 15 years and it is always great, they even make the mozzarella fresh and you can taste the difference, they have a wonderful wine list too!

[harmonix]

I've always enjoyed The Cabin in Bath ME.

[LJS]

Back to Maine, again...while Pat's Pizza (Orono) deserves a nod, there is better pizza to be had in (of all places!) Ellsworth, Maine. Check out Fenelli.

Simple, eat in or take-out, brick-oven, fresh mozarella, home-made sauces, innovation and craftsmanship...this is really superb pizza.

[Passadumkeg]

It's our favorite; he just needs a white clam pizza. He used to run Fillini's in Providence, RI, but is originally from Yonkers, NYC.

[LJS]

Yes, somebody told me that the Fellini owners ran a really popular pizza place in New Jersey (?) about which there is actually a kids' book...maybe it was RI instead? Whatever his origins, that is some good pizza-it is a must every summer when we go to camp on Cape Rosier...we drive up to Ellsworth twice, once for The Mex and Gilbert and Sullivan and once for pizza and a visit to that amazing discount linen store.

[Passadumkeg]

Forget The Mex go 8 mi N on Rt1 to The Mexican Restaurant in the big log building on the left on the back side of Hancock Hill.
I lived a long time in New Mexico and this is the only place I eat. New place at the bottom of Catapillar Hill in Brooksville, LL Frijoles; Cal Mex. we will try it soon.

[LJS]

I've seen that place and wondered. Will give it a try.

[Shooley]

What discount linen store? Pray tell...

[Passadumkeg]

I'm guessing the Cannon outlet store on rt 3 in Trenton.

[LJS]

The linen store is called 'Factory Outlet Cannon'...Route 3 Ellsworth... just got 300-thread count full sheet set in embossed white for $35 and could have had 800 count for $70...but we were hungry and our group included 2 teenage boys.

So we went to Pat's Pizza...they were OK, just OK...service was great and 3 out of 4 pizzas were fine (not Pat's Pizza-Orono-great, just OK)...the 4th, a Meatlover's special, was terrible, so salty it even remained uneaten by our 16-year old boy.

[danieljdwyer]

Fellini is Providence is very good. How long ago did he move to Ellsworth?

[Passadumkeg]

Roughly 10 years.

[Localculinariat]

Sam's Pizza, Bristol, RI

[im hungry]

i love sams,but his prices have doubled in the last year.those crusts he makes are pretty incredible though.how bout those weiner pies from wood st,pretty different,and quite tasty too...

[indisskys]

Well I see this post is pretty old but I found it so....
It has been a few years so I don't even know if the place still exists or not.
Portland Maine. Flatbread Pizza.
Fresh, organic, just great.

[colordiva02]

Luna pizza in West Hartford, CT is pretty good, but I'd have to say my favorite is Randy's Wooster Street in Manchester. its a really thin crust, and the edge gets almost cracker-crunchy.

[smoky]

If you like Randy's, you'll love Harry's Bishop's Corner.

[smoky]

No love for Harry's Bishop's Corner in all these replies? I wouldn't go so far as to call it the best in New England, but it's absolutely wonderful pizza, the service is great, and you can get a very reasonably priced bottle of wine (hardly any markup) or good beer to go with it. They use regular old deck ovens at high temperatures, and get really good Neapolitan pizza out of 'em. (Not too suprising, considering that Jeff Varasano's top pick, Johnny's in Mount Vernon, NY, also uses a deck.)

Hartford Magazine just gave HBC the highest rating for all pizzas in Hartford County, but I have to say I was completely mystified by the judges' comments that HBC pizza is somehow unappealing to the eye. This is real pizza, folks, and IMHO they make an absolutely beautiful pie, both to look at and to eat!

[ratbuddy]

I try to avoid these 'best' topics but yes, Harry's Bishop's Corner is definitely some of the best... ANYTHING I've ever put in my mouth.

edit: Oh yeah, the 'other' Harry's up on Farmington Ave is really friggin' good too.

Luna can't even come close.

[Jim120253]

Agreed that Harry's Bishops Corner makes an excellent pie that competes mightily with Pepe's in Manchester; Pepe's is tops for white clam. Residents of northern Connecticut don't need to drive all over creation (New Haven, Boston, New York) for great pizza.

[ctroutman]

Sals is cheap flat, often tough dough/crust. Bland canned sauce. Cheap. No thanks

Whoever cose 900 degress needs to get out more often. Place sucks. Expensive...and yes, it's cheaper and better at Papa Ginos..very accurate statement

Expresso Pizza in Nashua (saw it recommended) is the best in S. New Hampshire.

For best spinach pizza..the greeks over at Nashua House Of Pizza have something special going on there. No one makes it like they do in this area. Incredible

[no0b]

So Dave, this post is almost a year old. Did you try any of the places recommended?

I drove 2 hours to New Haven and sadly wasn't impressed.

[louds911]

I have been a Pepe's fan for a long time. Great crust and I loved the tomato pie in the summer months when fresh tomatoes are available. Never like the attitude at Sally's. Modern was good. I moved to Boston and had the pizza at the Regina's in the North end which was near my office. That was very good with crust very similar to Pepe's. Also liked Ernesto's on Salem street also in the North End. Santarpio's in East Boston was hard to get to with tunnels, tolls and no parking. Actually the grilled lamb was better then the pizza. Pearl St Station in Malden was very good. OK back to New Haven. Pepe's as we all know always has a line. Many times the are out of clams by the time you actually get in.

After reading this board and seeing an article in CT magazine with the consistent winners for pizza in CT, I tried the 1 place I haven't visited in the top 10.. Zuppardi's Apizza in West Haven.. OMG, what a surprise. Visited last weekend and again last night with a friend and SO's. My friend grew up in Ohio and before we met he though Pizza Hut was pizza. Since I first brought him to NH 20 years he has been a Pepe's freak. Unfortunately he lives in Burlington CT. Pizza was an hour ride and hour waitn. And he was usually buzzed in the summer from drinking beer in the line.

Was he ever shocked.

First No line. We order a large Sausage/mushroom/Mozz and a large fresh clam pie w/o Mozz. The waiter, who was great. said he would have to get us a price on the clam pie. (I guess to many shocked customers after eating the clam pie and then getting the check) The price was a little steep at 32 bucks but he said the clams are cherrystones, opened fresh, not chopped fresh quahogs. I really appreciated the warning...We went with both pies. The clam pie was to die for. Cooked perfect with garlic, loading with whole clams, little grated cheese and a sprinkle of crush red pepper. Than came the real surprise. The Sausage pie....Let me say that I hate sausage that looks like "kibbles and bits" and worst is the sausage that is sliced like pepperoni. Many places precook the sausage. Anyway, this gorgeous pie arrives with big pieces of sausage and so much of it. Every piece had at least 4 or 5 pieces of meat. This was without a doubt the best pie I have ever had. Cooked and looked like a Pepe's pie on their best day. Tasted like nothing that ever came out of Pepe's, Sally's, Modern, or Regina. NO LINE. I asked to see the owner who said that this place has been open for almost 70 years. She makes the sausage herself with boneless pork butts with very little fat and no additional pork fat added to the mixture. The taste of fennel of evident in every bite.
I can't wait to return..Shirley the owner of this family business suggested the escarole, white bean, and sausage pie. Sounds like a plan. I am going to sign off now as I just remembered I have 3 pieces of sausage pie in the frig for my breakfast.

If you like NH style apizza give this place a try. It is located in a residential neighborhood on Union street very near the downtown area. I think I will move

CHOW for now
(I posted this same post in a different thread about Modern)

[jilcnr]

If you are ever in New Hampshire.. the elm restaurant in Milford has by far the best pizza I have ever eaten..
I have had santarpi's in east boston, regina's in the north end, sal's pizza etc. but none can compare to the pizza at the elm!

[EIF1lady]

Eli's in Hamden CT has a surprisingly good pie, very thin crust and very nice taste. Only have tried the plain pie (mozzarella/tomato sauce), though they do offer a variety of gourmet pies.

[DamianB1977]

Nothing this side of DiFara's in Brooklyn beats Pepe's clam pie. Consistently mind blowing.

As for other New England pies, here are my top 5:

1. Luna Pizza (various locations around central CT): Neapolitan style, 100% fresh mozz, wood fired pies. Their sauce is so good and so pure, you can eat it cold! (I pay for a cup of it every time just to dip my crust in.)
2. Gran Gusto (Cambridge, MA): Neapolitan-style personal pizzas, 100% fresh mozz (margherita-style with lots of fresh basil), brick oven. This pie will blow away any of the Boston "faithfuls." Their other food is amazing too. A true hidden gem.
3. Pepe's Pizza (New Haven, CT): Super thin, New Haven style pies. Coal oven fired. If you like your cheese salty and your crust crispy (and often charred) this is the pie for you.
4. Upper Crust (various locations in and around Boston): Neapolitan-ish style with a fluffier crust and a chunkier (yet oh-so-good) sauce than your typical pie. Solid overall ingredients.
5. Sally's Apizza (New Haven, CT): A second rate Pepe's. That's still saying a lot.

As for Sicilian, Giavanni's (Newington, CT) makes a phenomenal spinach and potato pizza. Pinocchio's (Cambridge, MA) does terrific spinach and zucchini (both white) slices.

As for the old school Boston joints, none are that good IMHO. Regina's is gooey and messy. Galleria Umberto's tastes like school cafeteria pizza (which can be a good thing at times). Santarpio's is ho-hum (and not worth the tolls).

The only grilled pizza I have tried was Bob and Timmy's in Providence and that was rather mediocre.

[buonformai]

with out a doubt its pepe's for me. i eat there roughly 3 times per week and its consistently perfect pizza. i have had very mixed results with sally and modern. white clam no cheese, cheese and seafood have no business being served together-sausage spinach with extra garlic, grated cheese no mozzarella- and third is the roasted red pepper special they have right now. i only order smalls - the smaller it is the thinner the dough can be stretch out - look at 99% of the pizza in italy - its all one size, small personal pizza that way every one gets what they want and the overall quality of pizza is higher. i have eaten the pizza in boston, providence and new york but i prefer peppe's the best.

[observor]

Upper Crust Pizza, in Boston: Crispy, somewhat thin crust, with a huge presence of sauce containing chunks of seemingly fresh tomatoes and a large garlic taste. Nice and hot, which is threatening due to the big chunks of tomatoes that can burn your mouth or land on your lap. Amp up the cheese and it would be a spectacular piece of pizza.

[Dana1949]

I've been buying pizza from the Tyler St. Pizza House in Pittsfield, MA for 20+ years. It's one of the best in the Berkshires.

[jbdalt]

Tyler St is Great Pie. If in the city, also East Side for a nice thin charcoal crust or Hot Tomatoes right next door to Tyler ST.

[kissdadish]

well to start off the best pizza in the world is from the town of Old Forge Pennsylvania! I went as a doubter and returned converted.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned The Fresh Pasta Shoppe on Martha's Vineyard. the bacon double cheeseburger is worth the ferry alone.

[Passadumkeg]

Have you been eating too much scrapple? Go to the ninth st. market.

[gbean]

What do you all think about Sal's? There's a bunch of them in NE.

[sodagirl]

thick pizza...chain mentality...very high on marketing

...how can you say you are straight are from Boston's North end and have your first store in New Hampshire...are people that stupid?

Same for Boston's Gourmet Piuzza...it's from canada...eh?

Basic premise is flawed...no one ever went to Boston for Pizza...

[Delhiwala]

How can you say "no one ever went to Boston for Pizza" when Regina Pizza on Thatcher Street in the North End of Boston has been serving fabulous pizza to locals and out of town tourists for decades?

[bachslunch]

Am in agreement with Delhiwala here. The original Pizzeria Regina on Thacher Street is first rate and a must for anyone visiting Boston. And Santarpio's makes two, if you ask me.

Besides, except for New York and New Haven, which other US cities would someone go to for its pizza? Let's name names. And please, no mentions of Mulberry Street Pizza in Manchester, CT, OK? There are plenty enough raves from sodagirl about the place as it is, but not from anyone else that I can see.

[yorkd]

I love Espresso pizza in Nashua, NH. They have a straight up, no frills, NY style pie. By far, the best I have ever had.

[sodagirl]

Mulberry Street
981 main Street
Manchester Ct
860-645 TOGO

give it a try and then tell me who has a better pie

[officerbigmac]

Telling you who has a better pie would take all day. It's definitely a good pizza, but just another in the more than decade old trend of "gourmet", "creative", or whatever you want to call it pizza. Their plain pies are good, but the crust is pretty unremarkable. The service has always seemed slower than it should be for how busy it is, and, like all these other California Pizza Kitchen sort of places, the prices are kind of high for pizza.
Do you own or have some stake in the place? Seems like half your posts are about it. The website also shares your writing style and fondness for the elipsis. That kind of self promotion is against the rules on these boards.

[sodagirl]

Absolutely not...and would not ...and work hard not to do so. I have gotten to know the owners and respect what they do. The fact that I have eaten in many many restaurants and Mulberry Street is one of few where an owner is actually in house almost every visit makes then unique (I keep asking to meet an owner at one of the New haven places and have never seen one)...

I will take issue in a positive way with your comment about the crust...The crust is better than any I have had anywhere ...it is seasoned and oiled...the scratch approach to their products is second to none and half my posts are not about MSP. Read my blogs in the other locations..I comment frequently about food I have eaten in my travels especially BBQ.

The basic cheese with conventional mozarella (not what everyone here thinks is fresh) pizza, well done... at Mulberry Street is as good as any pizza I have ever had...and I would compare what they have to any New haven locations, or any in NYC including those well known avenues in Brooklyn.

I travel extensively all over the country and eat in many different places, I know and appreciate good food and understand the business aspect of the food industry.

My regular job is as a corporate director for procurement for one of the largest food companies in the world...the cost of commodities..including grain, gas/oil, transporation costs have made the costs of local hand made food one of the few values left in this country...the prices for Mulberry Street are in line with those considerations.

You may not be aware of how chain restaurants make their money...the cost of a meal has no profit...they earn volume distirbution incentives by committing to buying large volumes of products...such as Coke...and when they hit the annual threshold...they are paid by the manufacturer.

This approach...used to the n'th degree by Walmart is the reason these companies have undermined the small family business model.

I wish Mulbe rry Street the best of luck and will not make any further attempts to offer my opinion...but considering the line last Friday and saturday night...the wait is well worth it.

[ecwashere7]

I'm a native New Yorker who lives in Nashua, and I believe strongly that the only place east of I-91 that has good pizza is Santarpio's. Pepe's is incredible and I'm partial to my old fave in Danbury, CT - Sinapi's (more for sentimental reasons).

[crazyspice]

This thread is like the cheesesteak threads in Philadelphia!

[blaunt]

Flatbread Pizaa in Amesbury, MA makes GREAT pizza, plus it's fun just to go and watch them. My favorite is their homemade sausage, and their salads are the best.

[dineomatic]

For what it's worth, I grew up partly in New England but now live in L.A. (where outside of the super Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock and slices at the relatively new Vito's in West Hollywood. we are severely pie challenged - Pizzeria Mozza, although great, serves another animal entirely).

Casserta's traditional pie in Providence has been consistently good over the years and their buttery crust is unique. Boston's Santarpio's is also a favorite and I always get the salsiccia side order. Have always equally liked Pepe's and Sally's Apizza in CT until Pepe's fell off some years back and, in my opinion, improved during the last 5 years - however they can still char the bottom of the crust too much. The Pepe's in Fairfield is similar to the original but standing in line in the rain a year ago I had to agree with another customer who opined "Y'know, I think a lot of us come here more out of loyalty than anything." Didn't like the crust at Modern.

These days when in Westport, CT I pick up my clam pie (or any other) at the embarassingly-named Nauti Dolphin at the Fairfield train station. These may be a notch under the two New Haven giants on Wooster but proximity, consistency and no extended waits won me over.

BTW still like John's in NYC and that tiny pizza place on Avenue J in Brooklyn but haven't had Lombardi's white cheese with Kalamata olives for some years. Did NOT like Otto's in NYC when I tried it a year or so ago.

[krisrishere]

Growing up along the North Shore of Boston (Lawrence, Andover etc) we ate a lot of Pizza King in Lawrence. Their pizza was always good. I haven't been there in years though.

After moving and living in Hartford County, CT for 20 years, I've grown to love a few places. First and Last Tavern, Hartford CT; New Haven style pizza, thin crust, wood oven taste, yummy. Then, on the opposite side there's Park Lane Pizza in West Hartford which is Greek Style pizza. The crust is a bit thicker but light and flaky. Yanni's in Newington, CT is also Greek Style and very good.

[ChardonnayQueen]

My newest favorite pizza place is 900 Degrees in Manchester, NH. The owners converted a mill building into a gorgeous granite, brick, and wooden beam restaurant. The pizza choices are considered gourmet. They cook everything in a wood-fired oven behind the bar. The last time we ate there, we had a daily special that featured garlic cream sauce, carmelized onions, and bacon. Simply devine.

[CrazyDave]

mmm sixteen bucks for something Pappa Ginos does better for less? Tried it once..no thanks.

[ChardonnayQueen]

Papa Ginos? Are you out of your mind? Crust like cardboard, no-taste sauce, and don't get me started on the grease!

[drewinmrblhd]

Little Italy in Beverly MA has the best pizza on earth!

[joth68]

Marc Anthony's in Onset makes the best pizza that I've had in the South Coast of MA. Definitely worth a stop if you are on your way to the Cape.

[BackBayGirl]

Pizzeria Regina--the original location in the N. End in Boston.

[Joanne Davis]

This is an emotional subject to say the least. In my opinion, Sally's New Haven is hands down over all the best pizza ever! Pepe's over the years before the multiple locations has been inconsistent at best. They always run out of clams!!! Maybe that is why only 5 are on a pie. Anyway, buy more no???? I live in Fairfield, so with a Pepes in Fairfield it is more desirable than most others, but in New Haven it is for sure Sally's. And there might be a bit of attitude there, but when you're the best, you're the best!! Modern is great. Bar is great. But Sally's unbelievable! Two Boots in Bridgeport is fun, cornmeal makes the crust a bit different. Tutti's in Westport is good. Basically pizza is a perfect food. I make a damn good pie at home, from scratch. You are all invited!

[cathpah]

My 3 favorites in New England would be:

Pizzeria Regina in the northend of Boston (not the chain....the original)
Ocean Pizza in Old Orchard Beach, ME on the way in to Ocean Park.
Pizza By Alex in Biddeford, ME

All three are completely different pizzas. The Regina is the best tradtionial northend pizza in the world. Ocean Pizza just seems to be the perfect classic pizza with just a little rise in the crust. Pizza by Alex is hard to explain/define....but basically tastes like the greatest frozen pizza you've never had (but it's made fresh). Pizza by Alex sells literally only pizza and soda. Not a single appetizer or other beverage choice....usually a good sign when a restaurant specializes to that degree.

darnit...now you made me hungry!

[lexpatti]

Anyone remember and miss Tony & Annes in Chelmsford - gone now, you either loved it or hated it. Sweet sauce!!

[aMEME]

hands down Tommy's pizza chalkstone ave providence r.i, there pizzas so good its the only phone number i know by heart.

[luci]

Whoever you say is the best, is the best. I drove 3 hours to Pepe's in New Haven based on other people's picks. I didn't think it was wow...

[no0b]

haha really?

I was considering driving 2-3hrs to New Haven to see what all the excitement is about.

But I'm in RI and it all sucks here. I don't think I'm into the whole "new york style" either though.

[Bob W]

It all sucks? Caserta? Al Forno? Bob and Timmy's? Twin's? Pizza strips? None of which have anything to do with "new york."

[Sean]

Happy guy...

[catnip]

Thanks Magnum!
The place was called the Palermo!
I racked my brain trying to remember the name of the place.
The place was an Italian bar that my grandfather used to frequent often and the place made the best p[izza I can ever remember!!!
Lots of cheese,mounds of sausage,and mushrroms to boot!
Sorry to hear the place closed.
Thanks again!
Appreciative Catnip

[MagnumWino]

Your welcome Catnip! Now MY favorite pizza joint here in town, The Berkshire Tavern just closed last week, suddenly (or maybe not so suddenly), due to tax problems of all things. Tax problems as in the owner not paying them for awhile. This is supposed to be only temporary, I certainly hope so, otherwise Torrington has lost another institution.

[catnip]

When in town,which is very rarely, we usually do the Venitian and Dick's.
Don't know if the Venetian serves pizza but will ask the nextt ime there.
Lots of good memories of the Palermo and Louies as well as Tony's and Scarpelli's.
Memory-laden-Catnip

[MagnumWino]

Hi catnip, Venetian doesn't offer pizza. And as of about a month or so ago, my much loved Berkshire Cafe closed:( Next time you're in the area, I suggest travelling a short distance into Litchfield to Bohemian Pizza. Really delicious pies, with a nice gourmet assortment of toppings to choose from. Only one size pie is offered, very thin crust. So without any appetizers or salads, it will feed two people easily. They also have a great menu for things other than pizza. Very eclectic atmosphere.

[catnip]

Thanks Magnum!
We'll be in the area in December and travelling down that way.
Also stopping off at the Otis Poultry Farm for their delicious pot pies and then on to Nodine's for the best smoked meats in the area.
Will try that Bohemian Pizza in Ltichfield and let you know what we think.
Thanks again for the suggestion!
Appreciative Catnip

[MagnumWino]

You're welcome catnip! Please don't be scared off when you see Bohemian Pizza from the outside, especially in the daytime. Looks like the place is about to fall down, but great food and like I said, funky inside. I've been to that Otis Poultry farm many times, I love that place! Gotta get up there again soon! Take care!

[othervoice]

The craziest thing happened last night. We buy pizza weekly at the very least, and frequently try new places, but last night we found one that was fantastic. The place is Tony's in Sutton, right on 146. We ordered a meatball pizza, excellent!. I had ordered it for the kids, but had I know I would have dressed it up with some mushrooms, onion, peppers, and maybe extra cheese. But even just the meatballs were great. Give it a try. They also have a great menu, although I think their spaghetti sauce needs some spicing up. Give it a try.

http://www.tonyssuttonpizza.com/

[bostongal]

I vote for Bacco's in Waterbury CT - the most incredible homemade sausage pie around.

[JPchowhound]

Tony's is standard Greek pizza, and well below average for even that, IMHO. Instead, drive 15 minutes north into Worcester and get one of the best pizzas you'll ever have at the Wonder Bar on Shrewsbury Street.

[digga]

We walked into Wonder Bar to get a snack yesterday...loved the old school environment (old time-y jukeboxes at every table!) but we got a REALLY cold shoulder for no reason. So we turned right around and went to Armsby Abbey instead. If we could have, we would've gotten a pie to go.

[Eatin in Woostah]

I have to mention the Wonder Bar in Worcester on Shrewsbury Street. It's an institution, turning out super crisp thin-crust pizza for something like 70 years from their basement oven. (The pizza is delivered to the dining room via dumbwaiter.)

[catnip]

We never miss the oportunity to have a pizza at Village Pizza in Greenfield,Ma.
It's their outstanding sauce on the pizza that makes this one of our favoirties!!!
There used to be a place in Torrington,Ct.(I think it was called Palermo's----a long time ago---Magnum is checking on this for us)that had about the best pizza I could ever remember.
I'm sure the place is not there anymore now---right Magnum?
Thanks!
Catnip

[MagnumWino]

Yes, that's it Catnip, Palermo! I'd totally forgotten about that place. VERY good pizza, but it has been long gone for quite some time now, I think at least since the early '90's.

[kparke30]

Napoli's Pizza in Haverhill.....been there forever & I've never had anything like it anywhere else!

[THewat]

Baba Louie's (wood fired organic sourdough pizza) in Great Barrington, MA - they have great salads, too.

The Parker Pie Co. in West Glover, VT

[kathygnome]

I'd have to go with Baba Louie's as well. I've never had anything as good and while the combination we tried sounded bizarre, it all worked together fabulously.

[junescook]

I grew up in New Haven in the 50' and 60's and thought that Pepe's made a good tomato pie back then, though I don't remember there being a white clam pie at that time. Recently we were in Manchester and decided to try out Pepe's there, and to try the clam pizza. It was quite disappointing: pretty much a garlic pizza with hardly more than a half-dozen small clams on it. We brought home a tomato pie and found that much dryer than we remember from the old days -- when the moulting hot sauce would run down your chin. I'm afraid that here it does not even deserve to be called Abeets!

[ccferg]

Everyone is talking about the "white" clam pizza. It seems to me the clam pizza I used to love there had tomato in it. I don't like a lot of cheese mixed with seafood.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

The white clam pie at Pepe's does not have a lot of cheese. Matter of fact, there's no moots at all, just a sprinkling of grated cheese.

[MaureeninCT]

Yes, the popular places do have great pizza,....Pepe's and Sally's on Wooster Street and Modern on State Street is also great also except sometimes it's a bit too sooty on the bottom. However, my all time favorite pizza is the bacon and mozzarella pizza from Tolli's in East Haven (or "Staven" as the local italian residents call it). Tolli's bacon pizza is heaven...everwhere else bacon topping is either raw or charred bits. I recently ordered 4 bacon & mozz, and three other pizzas for a birthday party. The four bacons were the first to go! They also specialize in a clam casino pie and an escarole and bean pie. It's just over the bridge on Main Street east of New Haven.....try it, you'll like it!!

[Jimmy Cantiello]

I'm another Tolli's fan. They are underrated imo.

[unocal]

escarole & bean pie?! that sounds awesome...does it have sauce? i'm guessing not...

[EastRocker]

Tolli's escarole and bean is pretty damn good.

[chefcman]

i like roseland in derby

i drive the hour from my house for their clam pie

[sugarsnapp]

roseland is good (pepe's is better tho) I would go to roseland alot more but last I heard their large pizza is 20 bucks! i think that is pretty outrageous

[River19]

I grew up in CT as well and therefore of course I have my own favorites.

Yes I like New Haven pizza, but only in the past 5 years have I done the Wooster Street thing, Pepe’s clam is great along with classic toppings like pepperoni, sausage, pepper, cheese. When people talk about broccoli, spinach, chicken etc. I just lose interest in the conversation as it quickly morphs to Cali style pizza which is a different food group in my mind.

As someone mentioned earlier Rossinis was my home town favorite. The original one in Cheshire, I stopped there a month ago and got 7 pies to go and froze them when I got home, which tells you what I think of RI and MA pizza. Casserta etc. (I live close to PVD) is just a notch above Elementary School Friday pizza in 1985 to me, just my own opinion.

Personally, I fond memories of a now close place in Hamden CT on the New Haven line called Venice Pizzeria, they did an awesome pie…….still the best in my mind.

Steve

[BoVT]

Is Pizzareia Angelina (angelique?) in Stoughton or Easton Mass. still around? I went there with friends about 10 years ago, and couldn't find my way back if I tried, but the Pizza was unbelievable. A big doughy, cheesy Pizza with all fresh vegetables, including fresh garlic cloves and basil! I thin the husband was Greek and the wife was Italian or vice-versa. The flavor was absolutely delightful. We also could not finish the Pizza, it was the part pizza and so large as I recall the four of us could not polish it off.

[SheriS]

Went to Pepe's last year for the first time after hearing how great it was. It was mediocore to me. Plus, the service was absolutely horrible.

In New England - favorite pizza has to be Roseland's (great antipasto too).

[beachlady01]

I agree about Pepe's, went 2 x and both horrible service and soggy pie. The food spoke for itself!

[CindysFarmStand]

Anyone who hasn't read Jeff Varasano's pizza page will probably enjoy looking it over from top to bottom. He probably knows more about pizza than anyone I can think of. He bases his reviews(which isn't what the page is about) on napolitano pizza, the traditional style which originated in Naples and came to America via Lombardi's.
http://slice.seriouseats.com/jvpizza/

[Passadumkeg]

Yes, I just did, and agree. As a Jersey escapee, why is it so difficult to find 'za like that, even in NJ?

[no0b]

I haven't been satisfied with any of them in RI. I've "settled" for Casertas.

I hate "chain" pizza. If I have to choose, I go with Papa Ginos.
I don't like Rosa Mia.. It's bread with sauce and their cheese sucks and they skimp on the pepperoni and only put 2 pieces on every slice.
I wasn't crazy about Felinnis because the crust was tasteless and too crunchy.
Ronzios is awful.

Doesn't ANYWHERE make a pizza where the crust isn't so tastless? I'm sick of crispy and crunchy and fluffy, dough-y bread with toppings.

I actually prefer DiGiorno's (from the frozen food in the grocery store)Garlic Bread, 4 cheese pizza with my own toppings added compared to most of the crap I've tried.

I can't find a good Buffalo Chicken Pizza either. I've settled for the one Whole Foods makes because it's small and only $5.

[Passadumkeg]

Hey, good ol' Pat's Pizza! It is cheap, has nine (9?) locations in Maine, isn't half bad considering the founder's sir name is Farnsworth, and he came up w/ the concoction in '53! The pizza fueled many a U Maine graduate and the bar, drop outs! Did I say it is cheap?

[LJS]

For sure, Pat's Pizza deserves a mention, but only the one in Orono is really, really good for pizza anymore.

[Passadumkeg]

Just had one in Ellsworth last week; not too bad.

[Alica]

I had the Pat's pizza in Ellsworth and I thought it was very good and definately worth mentioning, I agree with you Pass. I heard all about the Felini's in Ellsworth and did not like it at all. What is the difference between Orono and Ellsworth Pat's?

[Passadumkeg]

College nostaigia; anything tastes better at exam time w/ friends or so I've noticed w/ my 2 kids that go/have gone to U Maine.

[MangiaMuse]

Pat's Pizza? I'm amazed that people actually like it. Greasy, yuck.

[Passadumkeg]

You, ain't in New Yawk, Mangia, for downeast Maine, it ain't too bad, I've had many worse near my mom's in NJ. Prefer Finelli's, but Pat's will do on a week night. They vary location to location , Ihear, the Orono one is supposedly the best and we have one near our house here in Ellsworth; never had a greasy one.

[Alica]

By the way, Pass, when we were in Bar Harbor in September we went to that Mexican restaurant in I think Hancock (might be wrong) that you had mentioned. Next door to the motercycle place? It was so so great! I was a little nervous when we walked in. It is small and very casual and we waited a bit for the food but I loved it! I do not remember the name of the dish but it was homemade corn tortillas, great, topped with very flavorful vegetables and light cheese.
We also drove out to the Bartlett winery. That was certainly worth the trip. When you say blueberry wine I think of Boonesfarm, sweet... It very much resembled a pretty nice cabernet. They also had a peach wine that tasted like a fresh peach.

[Passadumkeg]

Yes, The Mexican Restaurnat, BYOB too. I took the San Antonio music group The Texmaniacs, whom we hosted, there during The American Folk Festival and they loved it, But no Mexican Pizza!
I used to work summers at Bartlett's doing the wine samplings and sales. One of their blueberry's is listed in Wne Investor Mag. and another was identiified as a pinot noir in a blind taste test in Napa. One day I shipped 3 cases of wines to 3 different addresses in Napa. a special place.

[Alica]

We went for lunch at the Mexican restaurant but when we head up that way next we will go back for dinner BYOB.
What a great job it must have been to work at Bartlett! We thought the gentleman that hosted us there was very nice! The wine was such a nice surprise! Thanks for all of the great Maine info, we take out food seriously!!!

[joth68]

Regina's in Boston has buffalo chicken pizza special right now that is pretty awesome. They put diced celery on it after it has been baked which adds a nice crunch.

[Gratin]

Pizetta in Mystic is wonderful! Thin crust, freshest ingredients-yum!

[why_itsme2]

Here's another vote for Tripoli's!

We miss it so much we have it shipped 3500 miles a couple of times a year. :)

[sodagirl]

Backdraft at Mulberry st is terrific...now try an Italian Job.

Bob

[hiddenboston]

Here are some of my personal favorites:

Santarpio's, East Boston
Regina's, Boston
Galleria Umberto, Boston
Tripoli, Lawrence
Lynwood Cafe, Randolph
Monte's, Lynn
Sicilia's, Providence
Fellini's, Providence
Pepe's, New Haven
Pizza Barn, Center Ossipee, NH
Pie in the Sky, Stowe, VT

[janecee]

Sodagirl- yes, Joe's still has the Mexican murals, probably the same jukebox and (fabulous) old fold-up phone booth in the back. Had a truly amazing grilled mushroom salad w/ gorgonzola there last time. My friends were jumping across the table for bites.

Passadumkeg-Wow, either the Pat's up your way rules compared to So. Maine or you are very easy to please...took my bro the pizza fiend to the Yarmouth Pat's once and he was very-extra horrified. High nastiness factor.

Best new pizza in this area=Leonardo's in Portland and Antonia's in Freeport. At Anotonia's, though, you have to get a large as the crust is different than a small. Highly recommend the Greek olive and bacon. Had a great artichoke heart, 'shroom & garlic at Leonardo's recently. They also do whole wheat.

[jaws1970]

Tony's Pizza/Bonnet Shores
Gina's/Wakefield
Santarpios/E. Boston

[yerffej]

I grew up in Connecticut, just North of New Haven. I went to school in upstate new york, worked for awhile in NW CT. Spent some time in New Hampshire. Travel to Portland Maine a lot. Live in Boston.

Having grown up in CT, I have become a pizza snob. Can't stand pizza in Boston. Regina doesn't do it for me at all - too thick crust.

I loved Rossini's in CT.
In Cambridge - Pinocchio's is pretty decent
In Watertown, MA - I've enjoyed Stellas.

But ultimate favorite was Pepe's in New Haven.

[tbiscaia]

" Regina doesn't do it for me at all - too thick crust."

What tf? Every pizza I have ever had at Reginas (the original in the Boston North End) the crust is like, 1/16th of an inch thick, you'd certainly never confuse it with Dominos or deep dish.

Maybe you're refering to another Reginas franchise location?

Follow the CH advice and order it well done

[bachslunch]

Also, if memory serves, Pinocchio's serves a thick crust pizza. Am wondering about yerffej's complaint about Regina's, as their crust is much thinner that Pinocchio's.

[allieb2031]

Regina's at Fanueil Hall - maybe it's because I was always SO hungry when I got a slice there, but it is SO good....

I'm a HUGE fan of Bertucci's - half tomato sauce, half pesto --- with lots of caramelized onions, roasted zucchini, and fresh mozzarella!!! YUM

http://earthlyepicurean.blogspot.com/

[Teraesa22]

Frank Pepe's in New Haven, without a doubt. Even though it may sound odd, the best thing there is the clam pizza without mozzerella...You can call ahead for takeout & then you dont need to stand in that line--you can eat on the New Haven green.

[efreid]

The Pizza Barn, in Center Ossepie, NH Awesome Pies.....

[rizzo0904]

Not saying it's the best, but Louie's in Woburn is awesome. But order early!

[agruel]

I'd have to say either regina in the north end or upper crust in brookline, mass

[BiscuitBoy]

Getting away from New Haven, how about Roseland in Derby, Olde World in Hamden/North Haven or Verona in Southington. Potato on pizza?

[pizzafan]

Believe it or not potato on pizza is pretty good. I have never had Willington Pizza but Camputaro's pizza in Wallingford was written up in the paper for winning a prize with their potato pizza. I was very unsure but after tasting it I am a true fan. Theirs is a loaded baked potato on a pizza. Try it before you decide it is weird...it is pretty good.

[Scargod]

Lets see, what's wrong with this picture? Pizza's can be notoriously unhealthy, and you are going to load bread up with more carbs..... and yummm, bacon!
Sorry; not for me.

[EastRocker]

BAR in New Haven will put mashed potatoes on a pizza. The mashed potato and bacon is divine. The bacon is thick and salty and the potatoes fluff up in the oven, kinda like the top layer of a twice baked.

[progrocks]

that is a great pizza and i recommend it very highly. there other stuff is also top notch and is usually the place i go to when in new haven. i like having good beer with a pie, and they do it well.

[Passadumkeg]

As a Jersey kid escapee to the wilds of northern Maine, Finelli's, formerly of Providence and Yonkers, in Ellsworth, is about as good as it gets. Pat's ain't too bad either. Funny, when I return to my mom's in NJ, I can't seem to find the great pie I remember as a kid. I guess you can't go home again.

[grant.cook]

I prefer the Neopolitan pizzas, but I occasionally have a craving for the "stuffed pizza" ala Detroit/Chicago - its like a cheese casserole. Miss that a bit around here..

[nidanlou]

Hot Tomatoes in Williamstown Massachusetts

[Earle]

There is a place in Willington Ct. Called Willington Pizza that makes a great pie made with Red Bliss patoato's and what ever. We usually get it with bacon and onions. No red sauce.
Earle Ct.

[chowmouse]

I second Hot Tomatoes in Williamstown. They are a bit of a hit and miss (more often hit than miss). They have awesome pesto that's very flavorful. But sometimes they don't use enough pesto on their pesto pizza, and then their pizza becomes ordinary But when they make it right, I believe I have not had better pizza anywhere else.

[preacher]

ive had the three big names in new haven, but the best is in torrington ct.
berkshire cafe the everything pizza is the best

[MagnumWino]

preacher, while I disagree with the concept of the "everything" pizza from anywhere, I'm with you regarding the Berkshire, their pies are some of the best around. My current fav is 'shroom, garlic and broccoli, cooked "well-done". And you can't beat the atmosphere there.

[the5thbeatle]

I'm from New York, and I've had Lombardi's pizza AND Totonno's pizza
(which are the best in the solar-system). So knowing that I've tasted the best pizza, when I recommend a pizza place, trust that it's going to be pretty darn good.

At Fred's Brickhouse Pizza in Willimantic (1681 W. Main St. in the same shopping plaza as Shaws Supermarket), they make their pies in wood fired brick ovens (as the name implies). Ask them to make your pie "well done" and also ask that they make your pie with only fresh mozzarella.
That's some good eatin'! Plus, they have live music on Friday nights (well, they did, you might want to confirm that).

[Jeremy01506]

I used to go to Fred's before the name (owner?) change, when it was the Plum Tomato and had the "Brickini's", they were the best! Does Fred have those too? I stopped working in Willimantic right about that time and haven't been back since (boy do I miss that place!).

[CindysFarmStand]

Lombardi's is the ultimate tourist pizzeria in NYC. The pizza isn't very good. Certainly nothing compared to Pepe's. Totonno's in Manhattan is reputed to be awful. That makes your claim pretty deep in hyperbole!

[catnip]

Magnum-(and others)
Please help me out here.
I was raised in Torrington and there used to be a great pizza place on the North side of town on North Main street to the left of where the State Theatre used to be(or still is).
As you faced the State Theatre there was a bridge ot your left and this bar/pizza place was the first place on the right going N. over the bridge.
They used to have the best pizza I can remember when I was a kid.
Do you remember the name of the place????
I can't remember the name at all and it's driving me crazy trying to remember the place's name!
I haven't been to Torrington in years as you can tell.
Thanks for helping an old man whose memory is going---LOL!
Ancient Catnip

[MagnumWino]

Sorry catnip, I can't help you with a name. That must have been a very long time ago. I'll do some investigating and see what happens.

[catnip]

Thanks Magnum!
I think the place might have been called "Palermo's" but I'm not sure!
Catnip

[CindysFarmStand]

Berkshire is ok for a change of pace. Nice light crust. Pan pizza. I would have to argue that Anthony's and Roma are better, though Anthony's is inconsistent since his father stopped making pies a number of years back. Alfredo's on Winsted Road makes a nice pie, but again they have problems with consistency.
Roma's is my personal favorite, but not even close to Pepe's.
Pomodoro's in Farmington makes an excellent pie.

[Lenox637]

Imperial Pizzeria Brighton, MA

[Veggo]

Brutally unfair to pit New Haven against the North End and Providence. These 3 states were united in the civil war, and you are inciting a new one.
I would call "Regina's - Pepe's- The Spot" a triple dead-heat, reminiscent of the huge photo at Pocono Downs that had a real one.

[ccferg]

Nope, I'm from Providence (and spend lots of time in Boston) and I'd give my right arm for a New Haven pizza. Never had Sally's but I LOVE Pepe's clam.

[Jeremy01506]

Regina in Boston, hands down. Second that with Enrico's in Sturbridge, who it turns out were trying to simulate what Regina did but out in Central Mass!

[invinotheresverde]

Enrico's does have really amazing pizza!

[A Ron]

I was stranded in Sturbridge on business about a week and a half ago, and I agree that the Pizza at Enrico's is outstanding. The waitstaff was fun, friendly and knew what they were doing- beer was good and cold. The wings were great as well.

I heartily recommend them.

[gryphonskeeper]

Depending on the area you are in. In Manchester NH I can tell you right now no pizza touches Pizza Quest! I have to drive there because they do not deliver in my area but oh my lord, the pizza is awesome!!!! I like anchovies and veggies and they make me a special combo of every veggie under the sun, and loaded with anchovies for a pittance! A feast fit for a queen, at a price even a pauper could love.

[treb]

Not in any order, Pepe's and Santarpio's.

[askeenan]

I have had both numerous times and feel Pepes is by far much better than Santarpios! JMHO!!!!

[janecee]

Joe's Cafe in Northampton, MA. Linguica.

[absolince]

Oh man, Joes's is great and the atmosphere too!

[winedude]

Regina's or Santarpio's in Boston are very good, almost as good as the places in New Haven. And Linwood Cafe in Randolph, MA makes the best bar-type pizza I've ever had

[robertjsweet]

okay....I have many choices of locations to go for pizza in four states. I will make the 1 1/2 drive to Wooster Street in New Haven from New Jersey to have Pepe's White Clam with Bacon....a combination that has been great for over 15 years for me. Of course, just my personal opinion. I also find that their sausage pizza's are equally delicious.

[EastRocker]

New Haven, CT is home to the best pizza in the New England, the USA, and the world. Yeah, I said it. I did not grow up here, and I have had pizza in many other states.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apizza

I am generally a Modern guy, but the mystique of Wooster Street might ad something if you were going to make a trip out of it. Pepe's white clam pizza is a gift from the gods.

[sfumato]

Modern Apizza in New Haven is my top vote, with Pizzeria Regina in Boston's North End coming in second. I like plain best at both places!

[NewHavenPete]

I am a lifelong New Havenite, shameless homer, and pizza lover, and I am most happy to agree with EastRocker. New Haven has the best pizza in the world, period. Sally's has the best pies, but the service and wait is inhumane unless you have a inside connection (which, luckily, I do). Modern is the next best, and my regular go-to, thanks to its incredible pizza and quick take-out counter (order a bacon, onion and hot banana pepper pie [red, of course] and ask for it well-done; you can thank me later). Pepe's is usually excellent, but gets overrun by tourists and can occasionally serve up a surprisingly so-so pie (especially the take-out counter at Spot). Bar is a distant fourth, but the mashed potato pizza really is much better than it sounds and cannot be had at the Big Three. Other New Haven pizza joints are tolerable, but why mess around when you can have the best?!

And I have to add one thing, as one who has lived in and loved on Chicago: deep dish is cheese pie, not pizza. It is heavenly, delicious and wonderful, but it is cheese between two crust layers, not cheese on crust. Best cheese pie in the world, but not in the same category as a New Haven Apizza pie!

[ljw7]

best in the world?. I've had some pizza's in Italy that weren't so bad. :)

[jfood]

OK Jfood will place a line in the sand.

Disclaimer - He lives in CT and has never eaten pizza in any NE state other than CT.

Now - pizza in CT revolves around New Haven the mecca for CT Hotter than Blazes oven pizza. And the big three in NH are Sallys, Pepes and Modern.

Jfood is a Sally's pizza lover.

Then further down I-95 into Stamford, Jfood's second place finisher is Colony.

So 1-2 in jfood's book is Sally's and Colony.

Let the games begin and let's try to keep it civil.

Remember jfood's disclaimer.

[Scargod]

I am about to make the pilgrimage to Wooster Street. Can't wait to stand in line. It has been said that Sally's has an attitude towards customers that some can do without and a system where insiders can get ahead and not endure as long a wait. Is this so?
I definitely want to try a white clam apizza. Does that mean I should pass Go and head for Pepe's? The Spot or Pepe's? Are they identical as far as product? For those that don't know, The Spot is the original Frank Pepe's.
Can't wait to say "clam pie with all and Moootz"....(or do you skip "all" with a clam pie?)

I will have to reserve comment till later because all I have had so far is some cold Modern someone brought to the house. Back in Tejas I liked Uno. We'll have to see if my partiality to Chicago style will change.

[jfood]

Jfood had a clammy at the Pepes FFD location and was less than thrilled. The bacon apizza at sally's hits home for him. Can't wait to hear your report.

Wrt comparing to Texas Uno's pizza. 1 - That's really not Chicago pizza at it's best. Sorta like stating that the comparison is Sonny Bryan's in Hamden, CT when going to Texas to compare some Q. 2 - If any of the big three do not beat that benchmark, jfood would be really really really surprised.

[Scargod]

I agree, but I have had Chicago pizza. What I like about the style is the run down your arm juiciness. I don't care whether the crust is thick, thin or burnt. I'm a'fearin' I won't get that on Wooster Street. Can you ask for double sauce and cook it less? Would they swat me or kick me out?

[luci]

The pizza at Pepe's was so so IMHO. Greasy...the clam pizza ..I felt the flavours were too overpowering. One slice was enough. George's Pizza in Harwichport makes me happy and it's close by.

[foodaholicme]

if your going to be in New Haven do yourself a favor and drive 5 mi south to Zuppardi's on union st in West Haven. they make a much better pizza than Pepe's imho.
http://www.zuppardisapizza.com/

[Steady Habits]

I know you posted this a long time ago, food, but I wanted to second your opinion on Zuppardi's.

[chefcman]

i had a clam pizza in fairfield about 2 weeks ago and it was not the greatest
had never been to any pepes and this was the closest

roseland in derby was much better

[RI hound]

Sorry, No "Mootz" with a white clam pie, at least not in New Haven.

[aldente1]

Pepe's is now open for lunch. You could call and find out what time it is best to go to avoid a line. My guess would be that going around 2-3-4PM would be the best. Get your white clam pizza there. They shuck their own clams. We usually get a clam bacon combo. It is outstanding..

I was fortunate to get into Sally's once in the last couple of years. We had a mushroom pizza. It was so good that we talked about it for a year. Once you are in Sally, the attitude is not so bad. It is watching their favorite clients get in ahead of others that is so disconcerting.

[bagelman01]

I believe you are confusing favorite with loyal...........
Maybe after dining at Sally's for 40 plus years you too will be rewarded with the 'special' telephone number.
This just let's us local regulars not be subjected to delays from tourists or Yale relatives in town for special events.
As one who remembers when the price went UP to $1, $2, and $3 for small medium and large, I feel part of the Sally's unofficial frequent eaters program.

Let the newcomers earn their place at the limited tables. TV and print media didn't attract me to Sally's, 5 generations of my family have eaten Apizza there.

[danieljdwyer]

Earn my place by standing there for an hour watching you and the other loyals cruise right on in? No thanks.
I am a local, have no connection to Yale, and can't fathom what tourists are even doing in New Haven. Maybe I'd be a loyal regular if they showed any interest in my business.
Listen, I love pizza, but it's just pizza - and not even the best pizza. I'm not going to waste an hour of my life every week for the next 40 years (that's almost 87 full days of my time) just to get a magical phone number.
I'll just stick to pizza I don't have to jump through hoops to get, like, you know, any pizza in the world that isn't from Sally's.

[Scargod]

I guess bagelman01 is legit and is able to cut in line. I can't fathom it. I am in total agreement with you, Daniel. I'm not going to stand in line an extra amount because special people are going to the head of the line. The thought of it chaps my ass. Not that I have stood, or will ever stand, in Sally's line for this very reason.
The entitled attitude is amazing. However, I have reservations for a nice restaurant tonight. I won't have to stand in line to get the privilege. I don't give a rat's ass about Sallys.

[bagelman01]

I don't think you should look at it as cutting in line. Instead, a few of us have "call ahead seating"
Long before the media made Wooster St chic, we still came to eat and support Sally's while most of New Haven was in the toilet.

I was born in New Haven at Grace New Haven Hospital-long before the name was changed to Yale New Haven. I lived through the race riots and the Black Panther Trials. And the terrible white flight to the suburbs. But we stayed in New Haven and supported our local businesses. The business people appreciate there long time patrons.

I can remenber helping to bus tables, take orders and serve when Sally's was overcrowded and understaffed. This is what regulars do in a family owned and run establishment.

Sally's never expanded the dining area to seat more people, too large would mean a loss of control and quality would suffer. The Pepe's empire won't last. Those from greater New Haven will remember when Jimmie's of Savin Rock opened in Hamden, and Norwalk. The quality was never the same as the original and they didn't last.

I now live in Fairfield county, I moved into my wife's home when we married. There is a Pepe's in the next town. I wouldn't dream of eating there....I make the pilgrimage to Wooster St. Sally's is my first choice, but I'll go to Pepe's if and only if my companions want white clam,.

I eat a traditional New Haven Pie, Thin crust, sauce, and grated romano cheese-NEVER mozzarella.

[howaboutthat]

Nice to hear of your support for the Elm City. We are fans, as well. As for present and former iconic restaurants with multiple locations, time will tell if Pepe's strategy succeeds, but we still love both the New Haven (main facility and the Spot) and Manchester locations. We have not been to the Fairfield shop as it is not convenient to our typical work, home or play zones.

If your aversion to Pepe's is due principally to its opening two other restaurants, well, that is certainly your prerogative, but we will continue to go as long as the food remains terrific. It was, at least as recently as about three hours ago by our reckoning.

As for Sally's: given its size, turn-over rate, and long-standing history made possible, at least in part, by a legion of loyal patrons, I am not offended that some receive a measure of preferred treatment. That seems fair. Sally's may also be striving for a Rao's-like aura of exclusivity. It's free-market America, and great pizza, so that is fair too. Nevertheless, the thought of waiting seemingly endlessly while legions of others -- most, I wager, a great deal younger and less loyal than you -- pass by does not appeal to many of us among the great unwashed.

[bagelman01]

No, my aversion to Pepe's is that I like the sauce better at Sally's.

Flo is not seeking a Rao's aura for Sally's. She just appreciate her lomg time loyal customers.

[Veggo]

There should be an enigma pie, named after bagelman01, that is half kosher with mushrooms, half Harris Tweed with anchovies, and served only at The Spot.

[RI hound]

No, what you "skip" with a white clam pie is the Mootz.

[sfumato]

Forget Sally's, Pepe's, the Spot and all other nonsense- Modern Apizza (+ pitchers of birch beer) is the *only* way to go.

(if I need to show my cred on this: I'm 30, my mother, grandmother and great-grandparents grew up in New Haven, my grandmother's grandparents lived there for years, and I spent many a weekend in college there visiting mr. sfumato)

[Earle]

I cant wait to see the replies on this one!

[Sean]

It is all a matter of personal taste and style of pizza. I can think of many, locally for me here in RI it ranges from Casserta in Providence (a thicker, square pizza with cheese then sauce then cheese, chewy and cheesy) to Wickford Junction Pizzieria in North Kingstown, a very good version of Sicilian style pizza.

[Alica]

Where is Wickford Junction pizza? Is it the place near Walmart? I love "The Place" in Westerly.

[Sean]

Yes, it is the little plaza near Wal-Mart...

[Bob W]

Caserta's is great pizza. It's authentic Neapolitan pizza (Caserta is a suburb of Naples, there's a bonus geography lesson) -- cheese is an optional topping. My brothers and I just get olives and mushrooms. Cheese is not needed.

A similar pizza is served at Twin's in North Providence, another old school joint.

For something completely different in Providence, there's grilled pizza, as originated at the famous (and some say now overrated, but we still love it) Al Forno.

[CindysFarmStand]

Pepe's New Haven. Runner up Sally's. If it's not apizza, it's not for me!

[rdsetc]

Living near both of those restaurants and trying them several times at different times of the year I am completely puzzled as to their reputation or in the case of Pepe's lines out in the streets. Pepe's is overrated by 80% and Sally's pizza is inedible. These might seem exaggerations but in all instances I was with someone who reacted the same way. Beyond having mediocre pizza, Pepe's people are arrogant and remind me of the soup Nazi on the old Steinfeld show. As for the silly use of the word "apizza" -- pronounced (a-beetz) this self indulgent conceit does not add to the taste. What you get at Sally's is blackened, misshaped dough with sauce and toppings the leave much to be desired.

[junescook]

Raul, I am so interested in your comments. I think to some degree we all kind of conpare each other pizza to the one we grew up with. I grew up off Dixwell Ave and had what I thought was the absolute best apizza (Johnnie's Apizza, Venice Restaurant) right up the street.

So where did you grow up and what do you think is the best kind of tomato pie?