Pizza is one of the most beloved foods out there—and one of the most debated. Luckily, Boston is on somewhat neutral ground. Although the city has no signature pizza style of its own, it’s not hard to find Chicago-style deep dish and New York–style thin crust, as well as brick-oven, classic Italian, and innovative gourmet pies scattered across town. Here are a few of the restaurants that define Boston’s pizza scene:
For Traditional Pies and Boston Flavor: Santarpio’s Pizza
Santarpio’s Pizza (111 Chelsea St.) is located in East Boston, affectionately known as Eastie, and has been slinging crisp-crust pizza since 1903. In true Boston spirit, the restaurant isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s brimming with Boston accents and attitudes but also incredible pizzas and house-barbecued sausages and lamb. The pizzas have a satisfying crunch and tremendous flavor, and locals know the crust only gets better when you request it “well done.” The toppings are not fancy, but they include simple, Old-World classics like garlic, onions, or pepperoni.
For Brick-Oven Perfection: Regina Pizzeria
Regina Pizzeria is not to be overshadowed, though, especially the original North End location (11 1/2 Thatcher St.). Regina’s opened in 1926, when Italian immigrants were starting to establish their presence in the area. Its founders brought their traditional brick ovens over from the old country. These ovens fire each pie until it has a chewy crust rich with flavor; the pizzas are also piled with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and satisfying toppings. Imported meats and fresh veggies are in supply at Regina’s multiple restaurants, ensuring every person in your party gets exactly what they want. Lines can get long at the original location, but the experience is well worth it.
For a Simple Slice: Ernesto’s Pizza
The North End is also home to Ernesto’s Pizza (69 Salem St.). Since 1984, Ernesto’s has embraced the classic tradition of pizza, hand-making its dough and sauce. Its gigantic slices—cut from 18-inch pies—are delightfully chewy, with a clean-pure tasting crust and freshly grated cheese. Everything on these pies melds in harmony, making it the best vehicle for my favorite topping, spicy and tangy banana peppers.
For a Modern 'Za: Otto
Of course, no roundup of pizza spots in Boston would be complete without mentioning Otto. Otto has embraced the “new” style of pizza that emphasizes fancier toppings adorning a thin crust. Native to Portland, Maine, Otto has taken the Boston area by storm, opening three locations in just a couple of years. Its crunchy crust (also available in a gluten-free version) is the backdrop for red sauce or no sauce at all, assorted meat and vegetarian toppings, and melted goat’s-milk or cow’s-milk cheese. My favorite combination here is butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and cranberry, which creates an unconventional masterpiece of sweet, tangy, creamy, and acidic flavors. Otto specializes in creating topping combinations such as these, and each is done to perfection.
Photos by Fiona Coxe
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Things To Do In Westford
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The Butterfly Place
Admission for Two at The Butterfly Place (40% Off)
Get up-close views of colorful butterflies as they flutter and sip nectar from the vibrant plants growing throughout the indoor atrium
Westford
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One Ticket for Night Skiing at Nashoba Valley Ski (34% Off)
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
Westford
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$29 for 18 Holes of Virtual Golf for Two at Chip Shots Bar & Grill ($60 Value)
Chip Shots Bar & Grill
Littleton
$60
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Two Personal Training Sessions at Body by Design (45% Off)
Body By Design
Westford
$80
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The Studio's Group Fitness Facility
Ayer
$90
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Five Barre Classes at Ta-Dah! Studio of Dance (56% Off)
Ta-dah! Studio Of Dance
Westford
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With three haunted houses, a spooky hayride, and a bustling carnival, Witch?s Woods is a Halloween theme park that rises from the mist for only one month a year. Ferried along by a sputtering tractor, Haunted Hayride passengers cower for 14 grueling minutes as they are assailed from all sides by zombies, werewolves, and ghouls. At the end of the ride, three paths lead to additional attractions, including Castle Morbid, in which medieval spirits chase interlopers through the halls and into the depths of the deep, where it becomes increasingly apparent that the weapons that once kept intruders out are now employed to keep them in. Nightmare Mansion is inhabited by a cursed family whose eternal life has left them as withered husks driven insane with rage at visitors who still possess the ability to die. The final path leads to the 3-D Keeper?s Crypt, where the undead shamble and scream as they pursue their prey, and where the walls themselves seem to be closing in.
A creepy carnival awaits survivors with rides, games, and more attractions. The Horrorwood Chamber of Chills puts favorite Halloween and horror-movie characters on display, including such icons as Frankenstein, Freddy Krueger, and Mary Shelley?s original version of Shrek. Meanwhile, the Jack O? Lantern Jamboree displays rows upon rows of professional carved pumpkins, eerily glowing at self-guided passersby.
79 Power Rd
Westford,
MA
US
When Nashoba Valley Ski opened in 1964, its lack of modern equipment meant that most of the time guests just had to hope for a good snowfall. In the decades since, however, the resort has gained mastery over the winter landscape. Snow-blowers spray their glittery clouds onto 17 trails ranging from beginner to expert, where skiers and snowboarders carve around sharp turns, navigate shaded glades, and look for fresh tracks left by wild Thoreaus. Four high-speed lifts run from the lodge and restaurant to the top of these slopes, and provide easy access to the mountain's two terrain parks. Suited to riders of varying experience levels, both parks encourage air-catching with features such as large boxes and rails. Recognizing that not all visitors enjoy strapping boards to their feet, Nashoba Valley Ski offers another kind of winter-time fun: a tubing park spread across 18 grooved lanes and serviced by four tow lifts.
79 Powers Road
Westford,
MA
US
As visitors step into the balmy gardens of The Butterfly Place, they may feel as though they are ?walking into a floating garden . . . as if they are being carried as well.? That was the experience of a Wicked Local writer who visited the seasonal indoor sanctuary, which houses both local butterflies and tropical species culled from around the world. As the butterflies freely wing about the sanctuary, koi fish swim through serene ponds along the winding pathway, and quail waddle and moonwalk through myriad species of colorful flora. Those who find that watching the butterflies sip nectar incites their own hunger can take a break at the outdoor picnic area and nibble on any snacks they may have brought along.
120 Tyngsboro Road
Westford,
MA
US
Harvard Academy of Dance's encouraging movement masters foster dance skills and fitness training in amblers of all ages and agility levels. The three toe-tapping and core-tightening adult class options run on a weekday schedule, allowing participants weekends off to work on their inner six-packs. Customers looking to shed pounds with hip moves can participate in Zumba classes, which combine elements of Latin dance, aerobics, and offshore fishing techniques, and those wishing to expand strength and flexibility can opt for yoga. Alternately, Latin American salsa classes provide a sensual quick-stepping workout perfect for catching the peripherally masked eye of sword-wielding marauders.
285 Ayer Road
Harvard,
MA
US
Aeroballoon elevates adventurous patrons and their spirits 40 stories over the greater Massachusetts area in a tethered 20-passenger helium balloon. Cloud whisperers step into the gondola and strap on belt-like harnesses before a gentle liftoff, and their dirigible floats skyward at the relaxed pace of a sloth's kite. Riders relax and drink in the sights of Massachusetts and the rolling landscapes that encompass it. A high-tension cable connects the balloon to the ground at all times and offers a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be re-created by bribing gravity to go on a 15-minute coffee break.
400 Littleton Road
Westford,
MA
US
Nashoba Paddler traverses the bends and twists of the mighty Nashua River and its tributaries, giving tourists a view of the wild from the safety of rental canoes and kayaks. Soak up some natural vitamin D and ripple the wave tattoos on your triceps during a full day of paddling in Old Town river vessels. Before shoving off onto the waterway, experienced guides can provide field guides, maps, and safety and paddling advice, as well as tips for fun routes and how to harmonize on wildlife motets. Then explorers can solemnly begin shoving paddles into the Nashua and floating through habitats ranging from woodsy bends to marshy areas replete with swans and herons eager to perform splish-splash acrobatics. Nashoba Paddler is open through June 20 on weekends and holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on weekdays by appointment.
398 West Main Street
Groton,
MA
US
