Wakefield, MA- Pizza black hole

[mwbachta]

Alright, I have been living in Wakefield in the Greenwood area right near Melrose and Saugus for a year now. I have put up a great fight, but it seems that I have been defeated in trying to find good pizza, save for Papa Ginos in Melrose. I have never lived in a place where papa gino's is the best pizza around. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!! Just so you can have an idea of the type of pizza i like: Sal's is the benchmark for me for takeout pizza. I also like Bertucci's style Neopolitan brick oven pizza (have eaten it in Naples a couple of times). But for average night pizza takeout- I like Sal's style or Papa Ginos. Here are the places i have tried:

baccis in Saugus: I have gotten the sicilian a few times. the crust is great, the cheese is nice and melty and the toppings are good. The sauce, however, taste like absolutely NOTHING. No flavor whatsoever, which in turn makes the pizza taste like NOTHING.

Greenwood house of pizza in Wakefield- Meh.

Mothers in Melrose- Meh greek style pizza.

Melrose House of Pizza- Nasty

Toody's- Meh. seems more like frozen pizza than fresh made.

Prince Pizza on Route 1- Nasty- dumbfounded at how this place is so popular!

[macca]

Just had a pizza for lunch from Lisa's Pizza in Wakefield. SO good. It was the first time we tried it, so we ordered a cheese pizza. A HUGE (19 inch) pizza delivered for 13 bucks. Thin crust, salty, a bit greasy, garlicky, foldable slice. Everything a cheese pizza should be. They deliver to MElrose, so I can use them when I am home, too. They are also opening a place in Melrose- where the Corner Deli used to be. Cant wait.- I am also anxious to try their sandwhiches.

[drbangha]

Is the Corner Deli closed? The place across from Busy Bee???

[macca]

Yup, it is closed- with a sign on the door saying open soon under new management.

[drbangha]

huh. I never saw ANYONE in there. too bad.

[davis_sq_pro]

They were really unfriendly the few times I went there, so I'm not surprised they failed. Why do people open businesses in areas with lots of competition and then treat customers as though they're expendable?

[macca]

The original Corner Deli was good. When they sold it, the new owners kept the name. I gave it a try twice- no go either time. The sub rolls were not fresh, and they had no ac, so it was blistering hot in there. I always felt bad for the kids who worked there.
But i am looking forward to Lisa's Pizza opening.

[Chris VR]

Yes, the original owner of Corner Deli was great and the pizza was really really good. When it was sold, the pizza turned lousy and I tried ordering cold cuts for delivery as I had previously, but they showed up warm and squishy, so that was my last transaction with them.

Interested to try Lisa's! This is on Main Street in the Greenwood area, right?

[Karl S]

No, it's near the dreaded North Ave intersection with DD.

[Gio]

Wasn't the Corner Deli on West Wyoming in Melrose or was there another in Wakefield?

ETA: Never mind... I mis-read Chris's post...

[macca]

Yup- It's right before DD.

[Karl S]

It's an intersection I would never want to have to visit a business at it, for getting back into the flow of traffic is a nightmare at many points of the day. I look forward to trying Lisa's out when they open in Melrose (though I am glad to read they currently deliver to Melrose).

Quick question for those who like Lisa's: are sausage and meatball crumbled or sliced (I hate crumbled for either; am a stickler for sliced)? Also, critically, is there any noticeable sugar in the sauce (a fatal defect in my book)?

[macca]

I drive that way on the way to work. The DD makes it a nightmare, that is for sure. Not sure about the sausage, as we always use a cheese pizza for our first test. The sauce was not sweet- it was a bit garlicky, which I like.

[Karl S]

promising. it's only that the example of Regina's and Greek pizzerias (two different models but the same problem in this regard) has made crumbled sausage and meatball much more common in this area than it should be.

i won't even get into all the local calzones that have too much mozzarella and too little ricotta....

[macca]

You ar eright about the sausage. I think the only time we have sliced sausages on the pizza is when we make it at home!

[Karl S]

Slice in Wakefield has sliced sausage (but, oddly, sliced lengthwise; and not sliced meatball, sigh), as does Bacci's in Saugus. IIRC (also sliced meatball), so does DiPietro's in Malden (the first place I was able to find sliced meatball here, back in the 1990s, though it's been years since I've had theirs). Regina's in Medford Station Landing and (only in the past year or so) Polcari's in Saugus offer sliced sausage.

[macca]

Will have to try SLice- it is not too far from my office. I havent been to dipietros in ages an ages. Used to like the subs across the street. Forget the name of the place, but the sign was a big A.

[davis_sq_pro]

I am all for the sliced sausage. Lengthwise is always fun -- my daughter refuses to eat it because she claims that it looks like tongues sitting on the pizza. All the better, in my opinion.

Meatballs, sliced is definitely the only way to go. Pretty sure Nick and Ally's does theirs that way, in addition to the other suggestions.

[crabtree]

It looks like Lisa's is opening soon. I just drove by and the paper is off the windows, and there is a help wanted sign up.....

[macca]

i think it did open earlier this week. I have to try and drive by later today. Nothing in the local papers yet, though.

[crabtree]

We tried their pizza a few days ago - did not like it all. It was very ordinary, not great crust, kind of bland flavor. I find Alfredo's pizza to be way better, certainly if you are looking for a New York style pizza. We didn't try anything else on the menu (which is pretty similar to the Corner Deli's previous menu) but maybe will give a try to some other items. I will say that the counter staff were extremely pleasant and accommodating.

[drbangha]

Wow- we have had the plain cheese pizza a couple times and thought it was quite good. Very thin, crispy crust, good sauce. I'd say it is worth while to try.

[macca]

Having it delivered from there tonight. Watching my brothers kids- good excuse to order lots of pizza! i enjoyed the plain cheese from their Wakefield store, and hope the Merose is as good. have had sandwiches from Alfredos which we enjoyed- have not tried their pizza yet- but it is the go to place for a friend.

[Chris VR]

What was the verdict?

[macca]

We got a cheese, a sausage and a white pizza. I had the sausage and the cheese- very good! The kids loved the white pizza ( chicken/broccoli alfredo). The pizzas are huge- 19" is the mega pizza. This crust, not too much cheese- I love cheese, but when eating pizza dont want cheese to be the only thing I taste. Would definitely order again. We ordered it on Thursday, and i was out of town from Saturday until last night. i had wrapped and frozen a few slices, and reheated them in the convectin oven last night- still tasty!

[Chris VR]

We got takeout last night- the Fresh Spinach and the cheese. I really liked the crust. I actually thought there was too much cheese on the cheese, and not enough sauce. I don't know if that's a difference in our personal preference or a difference in preparation. The sauce was also sweeter than I liked. But I did like the fresh spinach and I'd try it again.

[macca]

I love spinach- will have to try it next time. The kids really wanted the alfredo- too rich for me! they advertise gluten free- will have to speak with them about that- we have lots of celiacs in the family, and it is fine if the crust is gluten free- but just want to make sure they understand cross contamination, etc. They have to be so careful- and I am a manic at Thanksgiving to make sure they get the same meal as the rest of us, without the gluten.

[Iscah]

We tried it (the Corner Deli), since we live more or less around the corner, but weren't impressed. I did find them friendly enough, though - they were happy to give me an empty pizza box when I went in there needing one to transport a sheet cake. Maybe it's because I had a baby - those seem to be good for raising one's charisma by +4. Definitely looking forward to the possibility of a good pizza place so nearby!

Also looking forward to trying the Mamma Maria at Alfredo's. I ate there once and thought it was fine, but I think maybe I was too hungry to really focus on quality. I've had several people sing the praises of Bacci's to me, but I have found their pizza to be... enh? Fine but not great. I still miss Slice, but it's too far away now that we're in Melrose.

[Bob MacAdoo]

It's a shame that nobody has reclaimed/remodeled the Caruso's space.

Isn't it a sad sight, empty and forlorn, with all those years of superior pie prowess long since faded into the abyss of time? (that's my way of saying I miss their Za Za and Sicilian pie.)

[drbangha]

Totally agree. Talk about character in physical space. I read somewhere some time ago that it was tied up in probate. Fighting children could drag it out for a decade, easy depending on how high (or paradoxically, often low) the stakes are.

[macca]

I think his neices and nephews are feuding. Too bad- used to like their Za Za and their eggplant sub. It has been a few years since I heard anything about a reopening.

[jeff Turton]

I believe they are serving the ZaZa at Angelos in Stoneham. I have seen people in and out of the Carusos building over the last year when driving by but there has not been any indication something is happening with the space.

[fcorv74835]

1. Slice (Salem Street Wakefield)
2. Angelas (route 1 N)
3. Regina (route 1 N)
Everything else is either just OK or Sucks

[wmceaton]

Tried the pie at Bellino's (behind Honey Dew Donut) the other night....i thought that it was better than most in the area.

[chompie]

reviving this for updates... mwbachta, just curious if you liked Slice. So many here liked it but I didnt like it at all and I like Sals too. Bellinos isnt bad. Best thing about it is eating outside on the porch at the lake..Has anyone had Centre Court in Lynnfield. THey sent out menus that look decent but cant find much on reviews..How is Anthonys in Reading with their beat the clock deal? I have found some better than usual places lately. My favorite was Bobby C's in Melrose. Only had it once but i have strong cravings to go back for that and the lasagna. Its not a cheap take out. I think 10 or 12 inches for 10 bucks for cheese but its puffy, soft very fresh tasting cheese, delicious mild sauce.Its especially worth it if you go on Wed for the North Shore Acapella show. Otherwise Bacci in Stoneham, NOT related to the other Baccis has good thin crust NY style pizza, Also if you love garlic get drenched in it with their garlic ravioli app and the garlic bread. Also ion the wakefield Saugus line at the old Pace plaza, tried Pushcart of the North End and Fat Fingers. Both decent too. ALthough they have parm or romano on it and i am not partial to either on pizza. Capri can be good, and Dockside was really good once with sauteed onions but never found it that great on subsequent trials.Has anyone tried the new place Lisas in wakefield. The place that used to be there was very meh at best. Angelas in my opinion is over priced and okay for the first few bites but then gets hard. My perfect pizza has bubbly dough edges that you want to butter like fresh bread, thin floppy slightly crispy middle, mild tasteful but not overherbed or peppery or acidic sauce, and a decent amount of cheese that stays fresh and soft and does not get chewy. Sonny Notos has a lot of those attributes on their eggplant parm but no pizza..
And for more out of the area places, a couple years ago went to Flatbread Company in Burlington and it was our very favorite but then last year it seemed to change and didnt like it as well. and Reginas is still pretty cravable too, although it does vary alot from visit to visit. Other places for something different than usual is Fauci's slices in Lynn, just over the Lynnfield line. It is a thick Sicillian rectangle with sweetish sauce and a crust that delicately crackles like it is bruleed. And Calitris pizza is interesting. Extremely thin airy crust. THe edges taste like a really good breadstick. Nice homemade taste. Good homemade angel hair too. If anyone can ever find me a pizza that tastes half as good 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven, then you will be my favorite poster forever...

[davis_sq_pro]

The one time I tried it I thought Fat Fingers was relatively disgusting. Flavorless dough, unremarkable sauce, salty cheese, bottom of the pie not brown enough and crusted with a huge amount of cornmeal.

Is Pushcart related to the restaurant of the same name in the North End? I haven't tried the Saugus version but the North End one does have pretty good pies in my opinion.

Have not tried most of the other places on your list. Thanks for sharing!

[fcorv74835]

Really Dockside ans Sals good but don't like slice? I guess tastes run the gamut here

[Chris VR]

I tried Slice recently and liked it. Unfortunately they are closed on Sundays and I'm usually in Wakefield on Sundays so I probably won't make it back there soon. Our regular take-out place these days is Alfredo's in Melrose, on West Emerson Street.

[drbangha]

Really??? For pizza? Haven't tried it.

[Chris VR]

Yep, that's where we go for pizza in Melrose. Nice dough and a good balance of sauce to cheese.

[drbangha]

very interesting- any particular pie you would recommend?

[Chris VR]

I really like the Mamma Maria (Ricotta Cheese, Fresh Basil, Prosciutto, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmagiana Chese & Fresh Tomatoes). We've also enjoyed the Capital (Artichoke, Tomato, Chicken, Pesto Sauce & Mozzarella Cheese) although as is usually the case with chicken on pizza, it ends up a bit dried out. We order from the menu at http://www.alfredositaliankitchen.com... although we're sure to call the Melrose number, [phone].

[davis_sq_pro]

We order the "Primavera," but with tomato sauce instead of cream sauce, on a regular basis. (I am not a fan of cream sauce on pizza.) It's definitely one of the better pies in the area, in my opinion.

[macca]

OOH- they both sound good. Have not tried them yet- will definitely have to try them soon.

[drbangha]

Yeah ditto! Thanks to you both

[jhanaw]

Agree! Alfredo's is probably the best around here right now. Sometimes it's not as good as others, but still better than most. Agree that the Mamma Mia is yummy, and the plain cheese (we get it for the kids) has a pretty nice balance of flavors. Not too sweet or tart.

[drbangha]

Soooooo...... we got the Mamma Mia- that is one good, good pie. Totally agree on the sauce/cheese balance. Thanks!

[Chris VR]

Glad you liked it!

[Gio]

After revisiting this thread a few days ago I realized we hadn't tried Alfredo's pizza yet. Sooo, last night we ordered the mama Maria, the four cheese - each medium size - and the antipasto salad. Liked everything. The pizzas were tasty with delicious well-flavored, balanced toppings. Although I would have liked a little char on the crust I was pleased with both. The salad was fresh with a combination of several vegetables: sliced cucumbers/tomatoes/and the ubiquitous iceberg, which I was surprised to see. It was very crisp and fresh, though. A packet of Ken's Steak House dressing was included but I dressed the salad with a simple red wine vinaigrette. All in all a very nice first experience which will not be the last. It's nice to finally patronize a Melrose pizzeria. Thanks Chris VR...!

[Chris VR]

Yay! Glad to hear you liked it and now you've all got me craving a Mamma Maria, but I made gazpacho so that will have to wait until tomorrow!

[Chris VR]

I had a tip from a fellow ex-pat New Yorker who raved about the pizza at Alfredo's in Melrose, on West Emerson, just a few doors down from Bohemian Coffeehouse. She said it's they same style as Corner Deli, but better. Corner Deli has been disappointing me lately (too much cheese even when I request light on the cheese) so I'm going to give it a try the next time it's pizza night at Chez VR.

[Gio]

This is good to know... Thanks! We've been going to Regina's on Rte. One north...but lately we just haven't been satfisfied with the pizza...

[Chris VR]

We gave it a try this wek. They have a nice balance of sauce to cheese, and nice acidic (not too sweet) sauce, but the crust isn't as good as Corner Deli's, IMO. Still, a very solid pizza option.

Their website lists locations in Medford and South Boston. http://www.alfredositaliankitchen.com/alfredos/home/ They don't mention Melrose there but that's the page their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melrose... points to.

-----
Corner Deli
45 W Wyoming Ave, Melrose, MA 02176

[crabtree]

Does anyone know what happened to Corner Deli? It's been closed for a while......

[Chris VR]

I was wondering the same thing. There are boxes inside, so it doesn't look good.

[macca]

Not sure what happened. I sometimes get my coffee at Wyoming Market and asked John, the owner of Wyoming Mkt what happened. He said he did not know, but that they have been closed for at least a month. In December, I was having a bday party for my mom the Sunday before Christmas, and call them to pre order pizza for delivery Sunday afternoon. Called them on Saturday, and they told me they were cloed on Sundays. Thought that was odd. Too bad, they were nice people, and I liked their pizza.

[Karl S]

Sounds like the non-renewal of a lease, given the timing.

[fcorv74835]

It may be on the other side of Wakefield, but Slice makes pizza that is better than Polcari's
or anyone else on the North Shore for that matter. You really need to try it. Worth the ride

-----
Polcari's Restaurant
309 Montvale Ave, Woburn, MA 01801

[hhookk]

Another big thumbs up for Slice from me. I just tried this place after driving by a million times and now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. Fantastic thin crust pizza. Possibly the best tasting tomato sauce I've ever had on a pie. The tomatos taste so fresh it's unreal. Didn't realize when I ordered a plain cheese slice and a mushroom and sausage slice that their idea of a "slice" is a quarter of the pie. (Of course I downed both) Also got a pressed grilled chicken pesto sandwich on a ciabatta roll with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella to take home. Absolutely insanely delicious. The family loved everything too and we've had several different pizzas which were all outstanding.
This is EASILY my new favorite pizza place around. I live in Saugus (almost Revere) and I will happily drive to Wakefield for a slice of "Slice"

[mwbachta]

Just thought I'd post that i tried Angela's Pizza and Wings this weekend on route 1 in Saugus. First we got an order of their famous wings. I thought they were just okay. They were marinated and had good flavor, but the skinn was a bit mushy. The foccaccia bread that the wings come with was nasty and cardboardish, which had me very concerned for the pizza!!

we just got a plain ol' pizza margherita. It was delicious!!!! the crust was nice and tender and well charred from cooking in the coal oven. Reminded me of pizza's that I have had in naples! The sauce was great and fresh and the fresh basil sprinkled on at the end was amazing. The only downside i had was that I would have liked a bit more sauce. So next time I go i will skip the wings and ask for more sauce.

[sweetsgirl]

I know it's not Melrose/Wakefield, but Santarpio's will be opening up on Route 1 in the near future.

[wmceaton]

I really hope they are able to keep the pies, sausage & lamb tasting the same as the original location. Any idea where on 1 they are opening?

[almansa]

Apparently in the old Bennigan's space in Peabody.

[mwbachta]

very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! although i fear it will become yuppified at that location.

[gingersme]

I lived in Wakefield for a few years and I'd have to second the suggestion on Morena's Pizza on Broadway. If we didn't go to Morena's we would drive to Regina's in Boston (this was before Polcari's in Saugus).
One suggestion is that we would always ask to have our pizza "well done". The ZaZa pizza is worth trying, chopped fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic for the sauce. It's good as a regular pizza and Sicilian style. They used to let you BYO, and with a liquor store two doors down, it was a cheap night out. I believe Morena's and Caruso's in Melrose are owned by the same family. We had pizza at both, and I think that Morena's was a bit better. Must be the water from Crystal Lake.

[Karl S]

Well, Caruso's is lousy, and has been so for many years, unless there has been some improvement in the past couple of years that none of us local Hounds are aware of. It used to be better.

[wmceaton]

Karl...I have had pizza all over this country (Brooklyn, Jersey, Philly, New Haven, Chicago...I could go on but I think you see where I am going with this).
I have to disagree with your comment concerning Caruso's. Very good local pizza without the drive to Thatcher Street or Maverick Square.

[Karl S]

Maybe something's changed of late. There are several longtime Melrosians who hail from the NY area on this board who've had the same complaint about Caruso's decline from former quality, so much so that we gave up on the place, and we've independently had the same complaints. How long have you been eating there?

[Gio]

I have to agree with Karl about Caruso's. We've been in Melrose for 42 years and way back when it was an OK place. Now I have to be dragged there kicking and screaming for a meeting, a reunion or some such.

[drbangha]

We have only been to Caruso's a couple of times. We went again on Friday night and had the za za pizza- tomato, basil, sauce, mozarella, light on the cheese, thin crust. It wasn't the best pizza I ever had, but I would not have to be "dragged" back- we both thought it was quite good. The atmospere is also pretty amusing, and worth the cost of admission in and of itself.

[rich patina]

morena's- killer escarole calzone, i grab one for lunch whenever i can find my way over there from woburn. their drink selection sucks though- the liquor store next door sells italian sodas.

[lulu806]

I LOVE their escarole calzone!

[powerfulpierre]

Agree with gingersme. MrsP works near the north end and once a week she brings home a Regina's Giambotta (well done, uncut, fish-in-the-dish). Otherwise, it's Morena's ZaZa. Haven't been to Caruso's but now we'll have to try it. Also, in Wakefield, Slice is not bad. Have only had their cheese and it was decent. Their pasta fagioli is homemade and pretty good, too, especially on a cold rainy nite!

[cato27]

Have you tried Slice Pizza on Lowell Street?? It opened up recently and I have been there a bunch of times already. The Pizza is excellent, some of the best I have had. The crust is very good and the sauce is awsome!! Also, I have had the chicken parm sub and the steak and cheese and they were incredible. This is one of the best Pizza Joints i have been to in MA!! I highly recommend it.

[powerfulpierre]

I tried Slice for the first time last week - got the Italian Sausage pizza. Pretty tasty with sausage, delicious sweet red peppers, and rocotta. Maybe a bit light on the toppings but nice crust and above average taste, IMO. Also, as an app we tried their homemade pasta fagioli. Very Good, if maybe a tad salty but they put some grated cheese on it which may be the reason. Will be going back to try more of their items.

[Neely08]

tony c's firehouse wakefield/greenwood makes a great wheel, the best in wakefield imo.
of course places like polcaris or louies in woburn r no brainers. wakefield has too many pizza places, like many towns north of the city.

[phonelady]

The Firehouse pizza place is under new management/name

[davis_sq_pro]

Tony C's was awesome--thin, bubbly, chewy yet crispy crust, not too much sauce, sauce not too sweet, good quality cheese, great toppings... The new place, Nick and Ally's, is decent. Better than Bacci's, IMO, but not even close to the level of what Tony C's was doing. Ugh.

I see that Corner Deli is mentioned all over this thread and I'll have to try it again. I got delivery from there twice and both times the pizzas showed up looking like they had been dropped once or twice en route, so I gave up. Maybe that's a better place to do takeout than delivery...

[fcorv74835]

I agree live in Lynnfield Corner Deli is awful. Slice will put them out of business

-----
Corner Deli
233 Sandwich St, Plymouth, MA 02360

[bostonnorth]

I would try Slice pizza in wakefield. Very new - took over a sub shop at the intersection of lowell and salem streets. Tried their pizza once and it was a nice thin crust style. I read somewhere that this is run by the same family that owns Orzo in N. Andover.

[mwbachta]

interesting. Slice pizza looks intriguing from the website. Good rec. I will definately try.

[Infomaniac]

Slice was opened by the Orzo owners son and it's very good pizza. I had the meatball sub recently and will order it again next time I'm their...maybe a meatball pie too.

[Iscah]

My husband and I have been in town for about nine months now, and have been trying the local pizza places, looking for something good. Nonno's was passable, but Slice... ooo! We tried it recently and are absolutely in awe. Not only is it really good pizza (tasty, thin, chewy crust, fresh toppings, not too much or too little sauce), it's CHEAP - $13 for a 16" pizza with three toppings. How do they do it?

It even reheats well. Amazing.

[owen_meany]

Any recent reviews for Slice pizza? They are today's Living Social deal (North).

[Iscah]

Hi Owen,

My review above yours was from October. We've gotten from Slice several times since then and it's consistently good, and the eggplant rollatini is a treat. I got three of Living Social's Slice coupons, and I hope you took the chance on them.

[owen_meany]

I did. We bought 2. :-)

[rich patina]

louie's in woburn- request it well done, reduced cheese. excellent za

[mwbachta]

tried the sal's in woburn friday. my mouth was so happy! only like 5 miles from my house too- i thought it would be longer. I am very happy!!!! Now I got papa gino's and sal's near me and my pizza woes are gone. By the by, my papa bear happens to be a friend of the sal's owner and I told him to tell sall that melrose/wakefield needs their own franchise. who knows, maybe someday!

[almansa]

I just learned that Sal's has 41 stores. I had no idea. I pass it now and again in my travels so I'll give it a try. In response to the original post, Petrone's is pretty good, not groundbreaking, but I think Papa Gino's has some of the better pies around. There's a new place in Stoneham I haven't tried.

[Chris VR]

Have you tried Corner Deli yet? We got takeout the other night. They go way too heavy on the cheese, but the crust is just right IMO. Next time I'd ask for it light on the cheese. Hard to tell about the sauce, since it was so drowned out by the cheese.

[almansa]

Nope, but I sure will.

[powerfulpierre]

Not Pizza Nirvana but worth trying. . . .
Angelo's in Stoneham, on Main Sreet right next to Walgreen's. The pizzeria is small and sometimes takes a while but they have a good menu and everything is fresh. Their restaurant is right next door and is very good if somewhat overpriced.
http://angeloristorante.com/index.html
Also, Morena's on Broadway, Wakefield. Their Sicilian Zazza with fresh tomatoes is well worth trying.
http://www.morenascucina.com/index.html

[marilu]

I know some people that work in Wakefield and they always go to Lynnfield House of Pizza. Don't know if that's out of your way, but they love the pizza and sandwiches there.

[mwbachta]

interesting. I live on the other side of wakefield, but depending on where in lynfield it is it may be worth trying. Thanks for the tip.

[Chris VR]

Someone told me that every "House of PIzza" serves greek style pizza, which isn't for me, and if Sal's and Papa Gino's are your picks, probably isn't for you either.

[Karl S]

Well, yes, I would think most people who've lived here long enough understand that "X House of Pizza" is code for Greek-style pan pizza, which some people may appreciate in its own way, but I would prefer to pass on.

[Chris VR]

True enough, but new people arrive here every day and it doesn't hurt to clue them in to some of the secrets us oldtimers have figured out ;-)

[Karl S]

Oh, yes, I didn't mean to suggest otherwise.

[mwbachta]

I like greek style too from time to time if is good. My key is that there must be a good sauce to cheese ratio. To much of one or not enough of the other ruins it for me.

[fcorv74835]

More than OK, calzone is made to order and very good

[mcel215]

I used to love Angelos, but I believe that it has been sold. They have been doing work on the expensive restaurant side of it and the menu is different. Does anyone know more about the new place?

I do like PG's even though it's a chain and if I am buying pizza, I go to Polcari/Regina in Woburn.

[phonelady]

Their website states that they renovated and to watch for grand reopening.

I also really like Deli Works (Stoneham Montvale Plaza strip mall).

[mcel215]

good to know, thanks phonelady.

[beefstick]

Angelo's pizza is AWFUL. I finally went there after driving by it for the past 2 years. Read a couple of good reviews about thier za on Yelp. Ugh...what a waste of a meal, not to mention the $13.00 I spent on it. Maybe the food on the restaurant side is better, I have no idea, but avoid the pizza at all costs.

[mcel215]

I'm pretty sure it has been sold. The pizza and all of the Italian dishes they had were excellent. I checked out their new menu and it's just like any pizza/sub shop now.

If Angelo's pizza was awful, then it has new owners. Trust me, that place used to be great.

Felicia's down the Street has pizza. I have eaten there a couple of times, but not had thier pizza. The food is good though.

[phonelady]

Though I have not had it in a while, the Dockside had decent pizza (place doesn't get a lotta love on the board).

Also really like Greg's (Lowell St)

[mwbachta]

Thanks for all these great responses. So here it is:
For any night pizza i will be sticking with papa ginos and Sal's in woburn.

I will check out Angelicas pizza and wings some night too, although not convenient for weeknight takeout.

[Karl S]

Angela's Coal-Fired (a unique product, not to all tastes, but very much to mine and my NY family who love coal-fired pizza)
Polcari's (well-done) (I think Medford is best location but if you're taking home, I don't think the differences are as clear as pizza quality migrates to the mean with distance...no bread product with moist ingredients improves over time in a box.)
Bacci's (I also think they sweetened their sauce detectably, but it's otherwise OK)

[mwbachta]

I have read a few reviews now about Bacci's sweetening their sauce. My tastebuds must be off because I don't taste ANYTHING in their sauce. It taste like air. I would welcome sweetness because it would make it taste like something. Then I could complain about how it was too sweet! Anywho, whether it is too sweet or too bland, it is a shame because the crust and toppings are very good.

[drbangha]

No love for Petrone's on this thread?

[Karl S]

It's been years since I've had Petrone's or Gerry's (or Caruso's), but I never thought they were better than a simpler Papa Gino's pie. The game changer in Melrose was the advent of the late Vittorio's (where Liberty Bell is now), succeeded by Bacci's.

[macca]

Agree about Vittorios. The owner of Vittorios used to be the pizza guy at Marios in North Reading. He must have taught the others there well, as their pizza is still good.

[Karl S]

I miss Vittorio's eggplant pizza.

[macca]

Loved the eggplant- and also loved their white pizza for a change of pace.

[drbangha]

I am no expert on Pizza, but I think Petrone's is pretty damn tasty. I can't compare to Papa Gino's because I basically boycott chains, especially chains in downtowns, but maybe I will have to apply some situational ethics and make an exception- you know, in the interest of science.

[Karl S]

Papa Gino's is a local chain (started in East Boston), and their simpler pizzas (eg, pepperoni) are better than many a mom & pop's if not of the highest quality. Decent crust (if not well developed in flavor - that's true of the overwhelming majority of pizzerias, however), non-sweet sauce, not too heavy on the cheese (a major sin of most pizzerias). Many Boston hounds concur in this counter-intuitive judgment, btw.

What I do not favor is:

1. Flabby crust (ruling out pan pizzas including Greek pizzas, basically)
2. Noticeably sweetened sauce
3. Too much stuff - it's about the bread, the toppings should accent not cover up for poor crust and poor sauce.

In terms of toppings, my benchmarks:
1. Plain tomato and cheese (if you are evaluating za, this is the basic benchmark)
2. Mushroom
3. Eggplant (thick breaded fried need not apply)
4. Meatball - sliced and well flavored, which is not the norm in the Boston area. Angela's is superlative in this regard; Bacci's is good, as is DiPietro's on Highland Ave in Malden.

[mwbachta]

please tell me more about petrones.

[Chris VR]

Petrones doesn't wow me but it's edible. I wouldn't choose it over Papa Gino's but if I'm at an event that's serving it, I'd eat it.

[Karl S]

That's a great way of putting this issue.

[Chris VR]

Also worthy of mention is Angela's on Route 1 in Saugus. It's a coal fired pizza and so a pretty different style than any other place around here. But very good, as are the wings.

[Bob MacAdoo]

I've been meaning to try this place, thanks for the reminder Chris.

[Bob MacAdoo]

Went last night. The pizza was solid. I enjoyed the blackened bottom of the crust and found the ceehse belnd and sauce to be quite tasty. My only quibble was the crust was not as sturdy as a 'well done' at Reginas. The wings on the other hand were just 'meh.' Too dry for my taste and I was not a fan of the carmelized/carbonized onions that came with.

[mwbachta]

I have heard good things about this place. While I don't think it would be a convenient takeout/ delivery place- I would like to head over there and try the wings and pizza. I happen to love coal/ wood oven pizza and wings make me happy as well.

[Karl S]

Just as all good pizza suffers in a box (putting a hot bread product with moist ingredients in a box is a great way to compromise the bread, reducing it from excellent to merely good at best), coal-fired pizza is best eaten on-site. Yes, leftovers will be tasty, but they won't be as good as on-site.

[sinned61]

you may want to try Columbos in Reading near the Depot....

[macca]

Well- I donm't care for Sals pizza, and have never tried Bertuccis's- but here are a few suggestins:
Corner Deli in Melrose ( on Wyoming Ave across from the train station)
MArios in North Reading- on Rte 28, in the strip mall at the intersection of 28 and park.
Also, I have had a good sandwich from Pizza Express & NY Deli on Albion Street in Wakefield, but have never tried their pizza.

[Chris VR]

macca, I think you've recommended Corner Deli's pizza before, along with maybe Gio? and someone else, and I wanted to thank you all for the recommendation. I've been a fan of their sandwiches for a while but just never got around to the pizza. I had a slice for lunch today and it was really good. The crust was just perfect, with the right chewiness and just a touch of maltiness. They're a bit overenthusiastic with the cheese, and it reminded me of the Long Island pizzas I grew up with, in the "blot the oil with a napkin" sense, but that wasn't necessarily bad. It has the perfect floppy/thinness needed for a decent fold and the price/value is excellent- $2 for a very large slice- maybe 1/5 of a pie? This is going to be our Melrose "go-to" pizza, I think.

[macca]

I started out with thier sandwiches, too- and tried thier pizzas one Sunday when I was too lazy to cook, and had a houseful! The kids love the chicken broccoli alfredo pizza- it is good, but a bit too heavy for me. Plus- they deliver!

[Chris VR]

I've actually had them deliver cold cuts before, which is AWESOME. Looking forward to some pizza... maybe tonight!

[macca]

Love the idea of cold cuts delivered. Will have to remember this! Thanks

[Chris VR]

Don't forget to get some of the bread too. One of those large braided (La Cascia?) rolls will make 2-3 sandwiches easily.

[macca]

Another great place for bread- and pastires- in Wakefield is D'Amicis on New Salem Street. Just a small place, but they make bread every day, and have all kinds of pastries. No need to preorder the small pastries, wither. Great if you are having unexpected cpmpany and dont want to bake! They also have sandwiches, aricinii, pasta, eggplant, etc. Have not tried thier meals, but I would bet they are good.

[powerfulpierre]

D'Amici's makes the best kalamata olive bread in the world! well, at least the best I have had.

[macca]

Will have to try that. I have had their rosemary bread and their scali- though they do sell out of bread early some days. Love the old time bread slicing machine. And the last time I stopped in for cannolis's, they stuffed them fresh- so good.

[Chris VR]

Yeah we are sort of a black hole of pizza. Bacci's has a decent crust and I think their sauce is too sweet now (I'd swear it used to be better).

You ought to give a try to Caruso's ZaZa pizza. It's pretty good. Cash only, no delivery,

My friends who live in Wakefield get Nonno's (Nonni's?) and like it- I've never had it so I can't recommend.

There are a few places in Malden that are decent, including Vinnie's and Pisa Pizza but nothing really outstanding worth the drive from Wakefield.

[Bob MacAdoo]

Pizza is VERY inconsistent in Melrose/Wakefield from any outlet, Caruso's in particular (the old man has simply burned too many of my pies in the past decade. Sadly, it's a far cry from it's 1980s glory days.) We've had decent luck with Gerry's on Main Street in Melrose, though I consider it no better than 'pedestrian' Neopolitan-style. You can get a great pie in Medford at Bocelli's, a fairly good pie at Regina's at Station Landing (provided you ask for well done) or take ride down to Eastie and get some Santarpio's.

[robertlf]

I haven't had Caruso's Melrose in over a decade (it was highly rated at the time) but there's got to be better. I don't remember it being all that great.

[owen_meany]

Did your post get cut off? I was looking forward to reading more about the places you have tried!

There's a new Sal's open in Woburn near BJs, the Hilton, etc (Washington ST).

You might also try Capri in Reading on Rt 28 (my favorite place in the area).

Sara

[mwbachta]

It did get cut off orignally, but I edited it and posted some short reviews (A.d.d kicking in).

Wow, Sal's in Woburn. Did not know that. That is totally worth the drive. I can be there in probably 10-15 min from my house. Not too shabby. Not perfect, but hey that is why we have toaster ovens to heat up slices of pizza right?

[bostonfoodie111]

I second Capri. Really tasty pizza!

[beefstick]

I third Capri! This is my go-to spot. They make an excellent pie, albeit a tad expensive. Well done crust comes perfectly charred, crispy and delicious, and the toppings are always fresh. I used to do the traditional Neapolitan style, which is phenomenal in its own right, but after discovering their North End Thin Crust, I have never gone back. Try a bacon and red onion North End Thin Crust well done. You can thank me later!

Also - I have tried Slice in Wakefield, and thought it was excellent. My one gripe was that the sauce was maybe a tad acidic for my taste. I'm not a big "sweet sauce" guy, I like it well balanced, but I definitely had a little bit of heart burn after Slice. Almost worth the suffering though, the pie was very tasty going down the gullet. And if you like your sauce that way anyway, then this will probably become a favorite quickly.

Lastly - Colombo's in Reading is hit or miss, IMO. I will say, their meatball topping is fantastic. I've had a few meatball and green pepper pizzas from here that knocked my socks off.

[bear]

Have you tried Polcari's? Their "Pizzeria Regina" pizza is not as good as the original in the North End or the Medford location (crust lacks depth), but it is tasty in it's own right. I prefer it to Papa Gino's and find it a decent option in the area.