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Name: Santarpio’s Pizza
Address: 111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA, 02128
Telephone: (617) 567-9871
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.06

Santarpio’s Pizza

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA, 02128

(617) 567-9871
Store is closed

Santarpio’s Pizza Menu

Santarpio's Barbeque

Single Skewer Of Choice Lamb

Single Steak Tips

Single Homemade Sausage
Santarpio's Pizza

Italian Cheese

Italian Cheese And Garlic

Italian Cheese And Onions

Italian Cheese And Peppers

Italian Cheese And Mushrooms

Italian Cheese And Hot Peppers

Italian Cheese And Olives

Italian Cheese And Broccoli

Italian Cheese And Anchovies

Italian Cheese And Pepperoni

Italian Cheese And Homemade Sausage

Italian Cheese And Extra Cheese

Italian Cheese And Ground Beef

Italian Cheese And Chicken

Italian Cheese And Shrimp
Favorite Combinations

Italian Cheese Sausage And Garlic

Italian Cheese Ground Beef And Onions

Italian Cheese Mushrooms Onions And Peppers

Italian Cheese Pepperoni Mushrooms And Peppers

Italian Cheese Pepperoni Garlic And Hot Peppers

Italian Cheese Chicken Broccoli & Garlic

Shrimp Scampi

The Works - Without Anchovies

The Works
Create Your Own

Onions Peppers Or Garlic

Hot Peppers Mushrooms Broccoli Olives Or Extra Cheese

Sausage Pepperoni Chicken Ground Beef Or Anchovies

Garden Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette

Healthy Meal suggestions for Santarpio’s Pizza

Santarpio's Barbeque

Single Skewer Of Choice Lamb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Single Steak Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Single Homemade Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Santarpio's Pizza

Italian Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Onions [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Mushrooms [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Hot Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Olives [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Pepperoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Homemade Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Extra Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Ground Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese And Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Favorite Combinations

Italian Cheese Sausage And Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese Ground Beef And Onions [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese Mushrooms Onions And Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese Pepperoni Mushrooms And Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese Pepperoni Garlic And Hot Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Italian Cheese Chicken Broccoli & Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Scampi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Works - Without Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Works [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Create Your Own

Onions Peppers Or Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot Peppers Mushrooms Broccoli Olives Or Extra Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage Pepperoni Chicken Ground Beef Or Anchovies [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garden Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.

Boston Common Coffee Co. ( 97 Salem St )

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 725 Commonwealth Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 725 Commonwealth Ave )

Write An Anonymous Review

Rhonda H.

Authentic... Great family atmosphere. Simple menu. Wonderful pizza. Staff is friendly and welcoming. I will definitely dine here the next time I am in Boston!
(5)
Jack O.

i love santarpios best pizza on the east coast cant go wrong. dont expect a fancy restaurant this place is all about the food.
(5)
Jonathan C.

I'm not sure there's a pizza in New England with better flavor. I had the sausage and garlic last night and it was awesome. I like how the take-out door brings you in the kitchen to see where the magic happens. Ok, it's not Harry Potter- these guys are for real. This place doesn't put on airs, they just serve great pizza. The left-overs heated up nicely in my toaster oven the next day. The flavor was still pre-eminent. Bonus points!
(5)
George L.

Amazing. They deserve their national praise. Unpretentious, authentic and simple. If you want some swanky California Pizza Kitchen experience you are on the other side of the planet from Santarpio's. If you want a phenomenal pizza and homemade coal roasted sausage THIS IS YOUR HERE AND AFTER! Worth not just the drive through the tunnel it's worth the drive from all over New England. PASS
(5)
Ariana Z.

By far my favorite pizza is Santarpio's. There's something about the tomato sauce, the cheese, the crust, and the toppings that when combined make something truly divine. This is Santarpio's pizza. I love the grungy, old-school feel. Clearly all the clientele are locals and regulars. People that look like they have been coming here for all their lives. This place is very much no fancy frills, no unnecessary extras, no fluff. It's got a short and sweet menu. I would like to see their beer menu expand though, to include Sam Adams. My favorite is the meat lovers, of course, but you can also never go wrong with plain cheese. Basically anything here is good. I only wish that they would deliver. I would seriously go broke.
(5)
Jacqui R.

Don't believe the hype! Burnt and tasteless.
(1)
Kimmy T.

I love this place!!!!! The staffs are wicked friendly, and it's a pretty much laid back place to grab good food with great company ! If you go here, you must get their combo plate! It comes with BBQ lamb skewers and home made sausage, with hot peppers and bread. I always have those with a small extra cheese pizza. If you like thin crust pizza, you should def order them here. It gets pretty busy and crowded here, so come earlier then your usual lunch and dinner hours. If not, you'd have to wait for awhile.
(4)
K S.

Pizza was good, service is horrible and the lamb and sausage was not like it used to be. The crust on the pizza was hard, you cold barely bite it, the crust reminded me of a matzo, now how I remember their pizza being, so I was a little disappointed. The pizza was also small and the menu shows one price and your hand written piece of paper shows another price, the waitress added $4.00 to each item that we ordered. Place is also dirty and if you order a pizza to-go, they have the customers waiting in the kitchen where the pizzas are being made. Isn't that a HEALTH CODE VIOLATION?????????????? And, the staff, whoa, what a motley crew!!! A 2nd grade education would be giving them too much credit!
(2)
Mike M.

I fought it for the longest time... tried to convince my self that I like the "other" place better... but this is THE BEST PIZZA in Boston... hands down. All their pies are great, but the Garlic & Sausage pizza is a must try! The people there are very friendly... don't be intimidated by the East Boston accent! And do try their Sausage, Lamb, and steak tip skewers... they're perfectly done!
(5)
Ashley G.

This is for the East Boston location only, as it's the only one I've visited, but it totally lives up to the hype. It's a local, dive-y establishment, which gives it a certain charm. I am not even a huge plain pizza person, but the plain cheese pizza here is to.die.for. It is also $10. That's right. You can go with a friend, eat until you're full, and leave with leftovers for $10. If you're in the mood for a beer, go for it, because they're $3.75. Service isn't amazing, but who cares? It's a fun time with amazing pizza and a chill environment. This is one of my favorite spots in my new neighborhood. Go here!
(5)
Eric F.

One of Boston's food landmarks with no shortage of "Eastie" grit and attitude. No frills and straight to the point with thin crust pizza offered only in one diameter with your choice of toppings. Glad to have finally made my way out here before I leave, just don't expect anything remarkable. Tomato sauce is fresh, toppings vary (my friend said that the mushrooms tasted canned) and the crust is good as long as you eat it before it cools down.
(3)
Sydney K.

Very good. Chicken, broccoli, garlic. Yum. Hung out in the kitchen while we waited. But...Antonio's in Providence is still better in my book.
(4)
Drake L.

After living in Boston for the past two years, I've heard that Santarpios is THE spot for pizza. I also heard that i should go to the OG location in east Boston for the OG delicious pizza. So i did. And it was amazing. Ordered the lamb tips and 2 pizzas. It was very hungry but thats not why it was so good. The food is really excellent and i liked the atmosphere of the place. I kind of stumbled over my words and confused the waiter and i think i annoyed him a little bit. When we were done i handed him my credit card like an idiot and he reminded me it was cash only. No problem, ATM in the back. I really liked this place and i wanted to support it so i left a bunch of extra cash on the table. Hope the waiter forgives me and my bad people skills. I will be back again to enjoy this fine establishment!
(5)
Lynn J.

AAA PIZZA...and I'm from NEW HAVEN, CT! (Home of the famous Pepe's Pizza) The crust is thin enough not to overwhelm, but thick enough to stand up on it's own. (It's not a pizza "pie," but it doesn't flop down, so your topping slide off onto your plate either.) The sauce is flavorful and generous. (unlike Greek "House of Pizza" places, which appear to hate sauce, making you request or purchase "extra sauce" to cover your pie.) The cheese blend is flavorful & well cooked. (Pepe's people know white cheese is not done.) THE DEAL: This is an old school, family run business, whose Italian heritage schooled them well...LOVE 'EM!
(4)
Jennifer R.

In all honesty, Santapio's is nothing but a name. The pizza is just ok. Service sucks. There's better pizza elsewhere.
(2)
Tina Z.

Santarpios is a favorite meeting place for my family. This place is a nice family owned business that is no frills. Wooden tables, pretty crowded and definately loud. The servers are running around and yelling out orders. It is just part of the charm. The menu is pizza and sausage or lamb on skewers. The pizza is one size, add whatever toppings you like. it is thin crust and absolutely delicious. The price cannot be beat and the food is excellent.
(4)
Tom M.

One of the top 5 pizzas I've had. My parents are huge fans and go fairly often. The pizza is outstanding - one of the Boston area's best. I rank it slightly below Bianchi's and on par with Regina and Umberto
(4)
Peacebelle D.

Unfortunately one horrible experience here overshadows the others I've had: Have been here three times in the past two months. Both pizza and service were good the first two times. The most recent time, I went on a date with my female partner. Our server barely looked at us during the two times he visited our table (after we waited almost ten minutes just to get menus).- though he treated the three older, straight, white men across from us very genially. Pizza on this occasion was alternately burnt and powdery. Also disappointed that customers are not from the local community. Gentrification at its finest? The worst thing about the experience, however, was that the same sever thought it was okay to touch my butt while I was on my way out. My body is property of NO ONE, especially not him. Will have to think long and hard before I go here again. And if I do, will specifically ask to be served by the older gentleman who wears the apron with all the pins (have had good luck with him before).
(1)
Joe C.

I have been waiting a while to try this joint. It is right up my alley. Old family owned business that has not remodeled the interior and has all of that old character. Let's start, I sat at the bar and immediately ordered a mixed drink and a skewer of steak tips. The steak tips were great and were cooked perfectly over charcoal. Better meat then I really expected, very tender. The starters were topped off with the wonderful whole hot peppers and hard Italian bread. Ordered a simple pepperoni and hot pepper pizza. It was cooked well done, which I like and the pizza was great. Once again served with more whole hot peppers. The service was very friendly and the food was great. The lady behind the bar made me feel like I've been going there for 20 years. If your in East Boston, I definitely recommend this place. If you like old school places this is a winner. Don't forget to order the steak tips. Thanks
(4)
R P.

Great neighborhood pizza joint, a throw-back to the old days of pizza. Their non-pizza items were also very good. Not a fancy place and definitely not modern but very good. Earns its spot on the top 10 pizza list in the US every year.
(4)
Christopher K.

Good pizza, I ordered the works no anchovies and it was delicious. Will be back soon.
(4)
Shawn W.

When you want an Old World Italian pizzeria, served with an attitude (in a good way) come here! Pizza is delicious. Try the home grilled sausage for an app. If you like lamb or steak tips, this is the place!
(5)
Gregory B.

Service is great, who doesn't love old Italian waiters and their love of life? Nobody, that's who. We ordered the works pizza without anchovies and it was delicious. Tips and mozzarella is top class. The crust is close to a cracker crust, my wife did not like it as much, but both me and our daughter loved it. Unlike many pizzas, this did not leave me feeling bloated or queasy from either salt or cheese overload. Very good experience overall.
(5)
Rcktmann L.

Great sausage not your typical commercial product and the old world way of cooking is great and is being rediscovered at some of the most trendy places across the country. You can't go wrong with the pizza also the new brick oven places can't match the years of seasoning these ovens have. The decor of the place hasn't been updated for quiet some time but that is what gives it the true neighborhood feel.
(5)
Jonathan P.

Heres a quick break down of why Santarpios has been and still is the best pizza I have ever had: Pizza: Very tasty sauce, well balanced cheese to sauce ratio.. basic varieties speak for them selves no need to go outside of cheese or pepperoni (maybe sausage) Crust: Brick oven crust made perfectly every time.. you can tell it was cooked in a brick oven, but it doesn't have any black spots that exceed half an inch in diameter like you might find at a shittier brick oven pizza place Value: 11 bucks a pie if i can remember correctly.. I could end up paying that for Papa Johns (not that i dont love me some papa johns)
(5)
Ryan R.

Really good pizza. But that's virtually all that is on their menu! But it is good, many options and is served quickly. The place is busy. Know what you want and order. Don't try to chat with the servers because they move quickly. Cash only but they do have an ATM if needed. Randomly came across this place but it was delicious!
(4)
Rich W.

One of the best pizza places in Boston, this spot is a gem. Tasty pies with flavorful sauce upon a thin crispy crust. I've dined here and visited this spot for takeout, and both experiences have been pleasant. Leave your credit cards at home, though; this is a "cash only" establishment.
(4)
Bella V.

Great place, since it's the original old school location. But I really like the new Peabody location better.
(3)
Mike S.

I think they have the best pizza in Boston. The crust does get a little wet in the middle, but this pizza is worth grabbing a fork and knife for. The addition of the Lamb tip and homemade sausage put Santarpio's over the top for me. The staff is sometimes a little gruff, and they serve wine in a cup. Neither one of those 2 things bother me all that much - especially when I know how good the food will be - but I guess it is not really a 5 star place then. 4.5 Stars!! :)
(4)
Roxana F.

Eh... This place was okay. Came here on a date and the pizza was...meh. The slices were falling apart/watery at the ends so I had to eat that bit with a fork and knife. The crust was nearing burnt...but the actual taste of the pizza was, I have to admit, pretty good. There's a mediocre beer selection...but they do bring you bread and peppers, which was nice, except that the bread was stale. Cash only added to the cons. Service was short and blunt and to the point. Will probably not come here again. There are much better pizza places around Boston.
(2)
Brian S.

A nice family owned Bostonian restaurant. It definitely has a good homey/townie feel to it. When you walk in you have the option to go to left which has booths and the right which has the bar. It's literally split down the middle for a restaurant feeling to the left and bar goers are to the right separated by the wooden wall. Enough with the decor.. I had the combo of sausage and lamb skewer and I was a little bit underwhelmed. The only reason I am giving this place a 4 stars is the pizza. The pizza is definitely a must eat when visiting this establishment. The pizza is very thin crusted and highly oiled. The toppings will literally slide off the crust. IT is THAT fresh of a pizza. Go here and try the pizza. My lamb and sausage were overcooked. Parking is pretty plentiful as well.
(4)
Dawn P.

Love the rustic pizza and no frills attitude !!!! Been coming for years. Always awesome!!!!!!
(5)
Marc M.

I've been railroaded plenty of times, but it's a particularly bad when you feel like it was done because you're from out of town and they think it's okay to stick it to visitors as they do not believe there is any incentive to making your visit positive. The really bad first: The bill came out and the meat plate alone was $19! WTF! I asked my waitress if there had been an error? Turns out that the meat "combo" is just a full order of each of the three meats and placed on a single plate. I asked if I could get a break on it since I had made an error in ordering what I understood to be a sampling of each meat. I have trouble imagining that she actually believed that I wanted to order three full orders of meat AND a full pizza for myself?! She gave me the "fuck you" look followed by a big shrug and told me that I hadn't ordered clearly, and before my astonishment from all that could have been fully expressed by my face, she very abruptly dismissed me and walked away. WTF, how rude can you get? Skip this place. I was going to give it a pass based on the pizza, but the service is an embarrassment. If you want to get treated like shit, the waitress in the back room is your go-to. The bad: Steak tips were medium rare which was good, but they were unseasoned so the only thing you could taste was a little burnt meat and blood from a pool on the plate. If I were camping, this would be some fine eating, but not at a restaurant. This one is on the do not order list. Lamb was overcooked and flavorless like the steak. Likewise, do not bother with this either. Sausage was a big surprise. It was overcooked, but bursting with spices! Delish and the only one you should be considering. These are also made on premises, and have that homemade look. Good stuff last: Sausage and Garlic pizza is good. A little too much sauce makes the crust mushy soon after it arrives at the table, but overall, a very good flavor. You get exactly what you are expecting.
(2)
Bob S.

I went there for the first time the other night. The pizza is good - not amazing, but decent, if you like thin, sloppy, non-fancy pizza (which I do). The crust was a little burnt, though the sauce was great. Overall, I don't really see what the big deal about the place is, but whatever. What really got me was the slow, shoddy service. Between the two of us, we ordered a single pizza off the menu, a water, and a soda. The server forgot to give us the soda, but remembered to charge us for it (I had to go to the servers' station to correct the bill). Once that was done, we had to flag her down so we could pay the bill. Getting her attention took some effort and when we did get her attention the first time, she blew us off to take care of another table. She then proceeded to walk by our table several more times, despite despite there being a $20 visibly sitting on the check. She never once came to refill our waters. Additionally, the "maitre d" (a dude in a sleeveless t-shirt) was walking around the dining area eating a fistful of cookies, and the bathroom was kinda gross. Ultimately, if you're in the area, it's not bad for takeout, but dining in is annoying. If you're not in the area, it's certainly not worth dealing with the nightmare that is driving to/in east Boston.
(3)
Mona D.

The best tasting pizza in town!! Yes, it's messy. Yes, it's cash only. Yes, parking is difficult....but it is soooo worth it. Our standard practice is to land at Logan, order some pies to go and then pick them up on our way home. We love the garlic and sausage and if we have time to eat at the restaurant (yes a bit of a dive inside but don't be deterred) the food from the grill is very tasty.
(5)
David R.

Gonna keep this short and sweet. When my mom and I bit into their pizza we both said, "Wow!" Simply delicious.
(5)
Steven E.

Now I understand it when someone describes a defining food. We ordered a cheese pizza and a pizza with many meats, as well as their grilled lamb, beef, and sausage bbq. This cheese pizza was amazing: the cheese was stringy, but not too much, had appropriate saltiness and creaminess; the sauce was tomato rich with the appropriate amount of herb-i-ness; and the crust was perfectly thin, had a great taste, texture, and was not left as an unloved handle on anyone's plate. I can't avoid comments that a pizza should consist of more than a single non-cheese topping: in my humble opinion this hides any short-comings in the pizza. There was no need to hide anything about this pizza. The best of the grill items was the sausage, resulting in fork prong hand attacks when I attempted to take the last piece. the beef was salted appropriately and a second favorite behind the sausage. The lamb was chewy (no fork attacks for that lone piece). CASH ONLY. Boston surly included for free, adding to the ambiance. I will revisit again, especially as it is a few blocks from the Boston Embassy Suites near Logan
(5)
Chad B.

The pizza did not live up to the hype. The waitstaff was entertaining but rude, the interior leaves something to be desired. For a place that won a "best of" you will leave expecting more but I can see where it brings something of note to the neighborhood.
(2)
Sonia D.

Awesome, cheap old school pizza place!!!! Thin crust and great tomato sauce. The grilled food is also yummy! We ordered the magherita pizza and grilled steak and sausage. Go early because otherwise you will wait forever to get a table.
(5)
Raziel A.

Hands down the place pizza place in Boston, I've been living in Eastie for over 15 years and have gone here since I was a child. The place has kept its old setting with is what makes the place not authentic, the pizza is amazing and so are the lamb tips. My only complaint is that for the last couple of times I've ordered the pizza my crust comes out a bit too burnt for my liking, and the pizza is smaller than usual. I also miss the pizza being put in a paper bag rather than a box other than that def. recommend this pizza spot to everyone.
(4)
Ann-Marie M.

Nice unpretentious. My son loved his steak tips My pizza without cheese and veggies was perfect. He also raved about his cheese pizza.
(5)
Adam G.

I'd like to preface this review with a bit of context. I like classic thin "Itallian" pizza. Not one specific kind but generally falling within a moderately narrow band between thin and dry and thin and a bit soupy. In the Northeast, places that fill that tbill best would be (in no particular order) Totono's in Coney Island Brooklyn, DiFara in Midwood Brooklyn, Frank Pepe's in New Haven, Juliana's in DUMBO Brooklyn and on a good night the Thatcher Street North End Boston Reginas. If I had written this reveiw 10 more years ago Santarpio's would definately been on this list. At that time their pizza had that, je ne sais pas, combination of high quality, light, yeasty, slightly salty bread like crust with bubbles that were burned in just the right amount of places, tomato sauce that tasted of actual tomatos and classic ingrediants like Italian sausage that tasted homemade. The all important moderate skimming of high quality mozzerella so as to not overwhelm the flavors of the ingredients below. My mouth is watering just describing it. So expectantly I ordered three pizza's; a chesse, a sausage and an anchovy. What came out of the oven could not have been further than those 10 years from that sublime perfectly balanced pie. Overworked dough yielded a hard overcooked crust that threatened to crack a tooth. The pedestiran sausage was fatty and essentially flavorless. Decidedly lower quality ingrediants made for an uninspired, overpriced pie that I will not make the trip through the tunnel for any time soon. There aren't that many great pizza places so it is really sad when one falls from its former glory! But cheer up! I hear that Frank Pepe's is opening in Boston this coming year!
(2)
AP F.

We found this place on Yelp and since it was close to our hotel, we decided to check it out. Omigod it is well-worth rearranging your entire schedule to try this pizza. So delicious! It may be the sauce or the thin crust. We ordered pepperoni and cheese. I wish we had tried the meats on a stick. Do not try the house white wine. Not good. Our waiter, Tony, was funny and took his time with us. My ten year old declared he will find this place every time he goes to Boston. Do not miss this pizza.
(5)
Nyssa P.

I live about a ten minute walk from Santarpio's and there's a reason I bring everyone who visits me there for dinner. The pizza is fantastic! My favorite is the pepperoni with garlic and hot peppers, it's amazing. Based on the food alone I'd give this place five stars but there are several drawbacks to eating here. They immediately lose a star in my book for being cash only, which is RIDICULOUS, it's 2014, they need to fix this. On top of the already dive-y feel of the place (not very clean, "decor" frozen in the 70's) the service is flat out terrible. Servers are consistently rude and inattentive, I've never had service there I would consider better than adequate. Also the beer list here is a joke. Miller High Life, Rolling Rock, etc. Are you kidding me? How can you not at least stock Sam Adams?! Going here can be fun, but you need to know what you're getting into.
(3)
Zack H.

I really thoroughly enjoyed the food that was ordered at this restaurant. I will say/warn, as someone from the west coast I was taken back by how my waitress gave a snappy and rude response to a neutral-toned question about whether one aspect of our order was ready yet. Aside from the one snide response, the waitress, other waiter and the host (all of which were three different people) were very generally nice to my group and I. My group ordered grilled lamb and Italian sausage, 1 Italian cheese and pepperoni pizza and 1 Italian cheese and hot peppers pizza. The lamb was cooked to perfection and was so tender and awesome and the grilled Italian sausage was really tasty. The pizzas were fantastic and they bake the toppings below the cheese to give it an embedded look. I would highly recommend this restaurant to my friends but caution them to either be extremely courteous to the waiting staff or expect a potentially rude response if you ask about the progress of your order.
(4)
Katherine E.

I truly do not understand the fame surrounding Santarpios. The pizza is thoroughly mediocre and ordering by phone is impossible. (The line was once busy for 30+ minutes straight--on a Wednesday!) Lots of hassle/inconvenience for a 'meh' pizza. If you're in the area, I'd recommend Kelly's pub instead!
(1)
Wendy C.

Okay, I really freakin' love this place. My brother used to live around the corner and we used to go all the time. It's the sort of place where regulars don't need a menu, and everyone knows your name. The garlic & sausage pizza is always our go-to pie. Fantastic brick oven pizza. Beer selection sucks (not even Sam Adams? In Boston), but otherwise, you won't be disappointed. So why the 4 stars? Well, I think Gordon Ramsey would probably have a field day with the (lack of) cleanliness in this place. Tables and walls are grungy, wobbly, and have a considerably more than a charming worn-in look. I don't have any desire to see the kitchen as I fear I'd want to stop eating there, and the food is just TOO GOOD to stop. But, the pizza is great, and the place has lots of character, so next time I'm in the area, I'll be back!
(4)
Swedish C.

Best pizza in Boston period. Been going here for 20 plus years, it's an institution. Don't forget to order the sausage and lamb skewers. Grilled over a real charcoal fire, old school all the way. Served with crusty bread and hot cherry peppers. Cannot be beat. Service is real East Boston attitude with no frills. Eat enjoy and get out. Don't forget to tip, these guys work hard. Most have been there since I've been going.
(5)
Seth F.

I'm a Dallas boy who was visiting Boston and a collegue invited me to Santarpios. We do have a few good pizza places down here but you really have to know what to look for. Without a doubt, Santarpios is real, old world style pizza. There's a big difference in the taste of ingredients and it comes through loud and clear. The service was great and the atmosphere was quant. I will definitely be back! Oh, and if you get a chance, try out the combo plate. The grilled lamb and sausage out out of this world. Too bad for these pizza places down here in Dallas because, due to Santarpio's, I have just raised the bar on expectations. Big Time!
(4)
John C.

Very good pizza at reasonable prices. Fun, distinctive ambience, with plenty of Boston sports worshipping paraphernalia. Pretty prompt service.
(4)
Adriano M.

A small old time pizza restaurant 5 minutes from Logan Airport. I heard so much about this place I had to give it a shot.....I love pizza and remember I'm 40 minutes from New Haven so not so easy to impress me with pizza. The menu is short, sweet and to the point, not too many options but enough to indulge. I tried the lamb kabobs on a stick grilled, the meat was alittle tough but good flavor then on to a sausage and mushroom pizza. The crust was thin, fresh and the sauce was very good not as good as New Haven but probably the best I have eaten in Boston, much better then Regina Pizzeria. Bring Cash and expect a hand written receipt on your way out...I don't think this place has any cash registers. Parking can be alittle tricky. Love the old guy in the back reading his his numbers for the horse track, this place brings you back in time.
(4)
Kristian B.

If your a priss that's looking for waitstaff to comlain to about every detail, or perhaps finding a crumb on the floor or a salt shaker that isn't filled, this place isn't for you. If you want THE BEST PIZZA IN YOUR LIFE, then this is the place for you. I feel like Santarpio's has realized they are #1 in the industry, and it shows in their customer service somewhat. I had an older gentleman wait on us who really didn't seem to care less about how our dinner was. But then again- it's like he knew it was exceptional and there wouldn't be complaints. The lamb? Cooked to perfection. I get the pepperoni pizza, which the meat is cooked UNDER the cheese, and it was mouth watering. Actually my mouth really just started watering. I love Santarpios!!! BUT MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GO TO THE ONE IN SAUGUS!! Gotta be this one in East Boston!!! Mmmmmm
(5)
Sonali S.

I have lived in Boston for 14 years now, and I can tell you without a doubt that if I was stranded on a desert island and only could choose one food for the rest of my life, I would choose Santarpio's. I have tried many, many, many different pizza places, but I always return to Santarpio's at the end of the day. My favorite pizza is the most simple -- the garlic pizza. It's just so perfect with the right amount of crust, cornmeal sprinklings, cheese, garlic, and their signature pizza sauce which is put on top of the cheese and toppings prior to baking (genius!) I could (and have) eaten a whole pizza by myself. We prefer takeout which you pick up from their back kitchen, lined by Pastene cans. I love to pick up my pizza -- the kitchen is nice and warm on a cold night and I get to see how fast the guys there can make a pizza and slide it into the huge rotation oven. Let me tell you, don't let their no nonsense appearance fool you, they are so sweet to me whenever I pick up my order! I do think Santarpio's pizza is one of the reasons I can never move away from Boston. They only take cash, so remember to hit the ATM before you indulge in a Santarpio's pizza.
(5)
Aseem P.

I've been desperately looking for an excellent pizza place in Boston, and I've finally found it! As a Californian, I've heard so much of how great pizza on the east coast is, and it generally has failed to impress me. If there were more places like Santarpio's around, I'd agree that east coast pizza is awesome! I've been here twice. Both times, I was greeted by the same waiter. Very friendly and funny bald guy who has worked there for 31 years. The service was prompt and effective. The pizza is amazing too. The crust is fairly thin and crunchy. You can actually taste the toppings - particularly garlic if you get that! Everyone in my family loved it. The price is outstanding too. These pizzas cost as much as a Domino's or Papa John's, but the quality is infinitely better. I would highly recomend a visit to Santarpio's.
(5)
Chris C.

My dinner group ended up at Santarpio's after trying or another place in a wild lightning storm. It was our savior that night. Dinners rated it as follows: Food: 4 Service: 3.5 Decor: 2 Overall: 4 "This place is great. What can I really say? Sure, it's a complete dump, but that's what makes it so charming and fun. If the pizza sucked, we'd have an issue, but this place has stellar pizza (Cheese and garlic? yes please!) so i'm pretty much willing to forgive it. yummmm!" Individual unedited dinner comments follow: "More than the sum of its parts, This is a Boston institution for a reason. Unpretentious and a bit gruff, but not in an obnoxiois durgin park way. I'd recommend two-toppings max. Anything more and the pizza is soggy and the flavors indistinct." -- "First timer here and by looking at the menu (though I'm told that's a faux pas), it's clear that they know what their strengths are. Good pizza (especially the garlic! and the fish-free works was good, too) and reasonable prices. The ambiance is... a pizza shop; it's not the reason to go there but who cares? It was a fun time (after what was shaping up to be a crazy evening)" -- "I've been to Santarpio's lots, and it never disappoints. I was also wicked hungry, and cheating on my diet, so beer and pizza made it even better." -- "I enjoyed Santarpio's. Maybe the challenge in getting there [a violent thunderstorm] made everything just better. The pizzas were piping hot and flavorful; as forewarned, the "everything" was topheavy and made gorging on it quite difficult. The decor is difficult to judge, it fits with the casual downhome even edgy vibe, but taken out of that context, it's not so great. I would definitely return just for the pizza." -- "Good pizza, no pretension, decent jukebox, and basic beer/wine. I love when restaurants do simple, perfectly. Does lightning strike twice?"
(4)
Zwany C.

What can I say that hasn't already been posted here? Their pizza is perfection. I recommend the garlic and sausage of coarse. Who needs to go to Italy when you have amazing pizza right here. Oh and Cash Only!
(4)
Paula S.

Santarpios is dirty eating establishment, my sister got tomaine poison from santarpios pizza and they have pastene cans outside and people smoke cigarettes like they are going out of style ,you see the older east Bostonians know all about the santarpios ,when the old man Santarpios was alive he was a good decent hearted man ,but as time went on all they see is your money's green, LOOK to use pastene tomatoe cans as ash trays ,that's pretty darn shameful and Ecco is related to Santarpio's best wishes people from the suburbs Santarpios is not cracked up to what it's suppose to be.
(1)
Bruce D.

We were staying at a nearby hotel and were looking for local pizza, as a antidote to all the good seafood we had consumed the previous days. We saw the reviews on Yelp and wanted to see for ourselves. The decor is plain worn 1960s era. The atmosphere was busy, loud, an family oriented the Wednesday night we visited. The service was quick. The food was great! We had the cheese pizza and the onion, mushroom and pepper pizza. My daughters loved it. Almost as good as the Chicago deep dish that they love. We had leftovers that we ate for lunch the next day. The girls who usually do not eat cold pizza fought for the remaining pieces.
(5)
Sean M.

Food is plain, but very tasty and original...Lamb is to die for! Pizza is the best, no wonder they are Zagat rated.. Could use a little face lift.
(4)
Mike M.

I've been going here since I was 5, 30 years later I still love this place even if it has changed a bit. At the young age of 8, while some kids wanted to have a Papa Gino's or Chucky Cheese pizza birthday party I was begging my parents to go to Santarpios. In the last decade there have been some "improvements" like the additional menu items like steak tips and broccoli or shrimp pizza toppings and some updated decor but I miss the wine taps, local crowd and the gerber baby food jar cheese and pepper shakers, a plus is that staples like Tony and his "flair" or Lefty working the grille are still there. The BBQ is the best you'll get for the price, Lamb is always juicy and cooked just right as is the house made sausage that has a kick of black pepper both available in a combo along with some true crusty italian bread and some Pastene cherry peppers. The steak tips, eh its just plain average steak tips, nothing worth ordering. The Pizza is by far some of the best in Boston and New England, higher on my list than Frank Pepe's or Gran Gusto's and on par with Galleria Umberto's but two completely different styles of pizza. You can never go wrong with a Cheese pizza here although some of my favorites would be Peperoni & Onion and Sausage & Garlic White, try them and you'll thank me. The Fork and Knife are there for the pizza because its old school italian, In Italy you get your own pizza and you eat it with a fork and knife, this is also the only way to start eating it right out of the oven without burning your mouth. Also for anyone who says the bottom of the pizza is soggy sometimes, order it Well Done, its the way they used to always cook it but the typical americanized pizza lover would say that its burnt or over cooked. What makes the Santarpios Pizza steps above the rest? Simple they have a style all their own, no where else do they make a pizza in this way. They make their own dough in house, they shred their mozzarella from huge blocks every day and they heat up (Not cook) Pastene Ground peeled tomatoes with nothing added to it. Now all those things make a pizza a good pizza but what makes them stand out is how its assembled. Course ground corn meal down, Dough spread out by hand, toppings if any down first, THEN the cheese and THEN the Sauce on the very top, Sprinkle a little romano over that and pop it in the oven at 550F. And yes I know all of that from going there all my life.
(5)
B P.

Santarpio's has amazing pizza and their lamb skewers and sausages are really good as well. Their newer location in Peabody is just as good as the one in East Boston and they will half-cook a pizza for you to bring to your friends in New Hampshire and Maine, poor pizza lacking souls that they are. Santarpio's is one of my all time favorites. Molto buono!
(5)
Kyle C.

The best pizza in Boston. Seriously, it's freaking amazing. I'm from Chicago, so I know good pizza (And no, I don't go around comparing all pizza to deep dish. I heart thin crust more than deep anyway.) I don't know what they put in their sauce, but it's heavenly. They actually cook their pizzas so they're crunchy! No mushy greasy pieces. And, don't even get me started on the cheese. I love this place so much, I'll even eat my cold leftovers, and I can't stand cold pizza. Tips: Get here early, this place is known for having lines around the block. Bring cash, they don't accept plastic of any kind. Enjoy! It's seriously an orgasmic experience, at least I think so.
(5)
Amanda H.

As for the food, it seems to be a bit hit or miss. When it's good, it's really good, but when it's bad, it's pretty meh. I've been here 3 or 4 times now and the first time the pizza was amazing. This most recent time, the pizza was burnt and the crust was hard as a rock. I've also picked up takeout from Santarpio's and the whole pizza was a soggy mess after 15 minutes. And as for service, I appreciate the laid-back divey atmosphere, but maybe I just don't "get" the whole rude waitstaff shtick? So, yeah, I'll probably be back. And, yeah, I'd probably recommend it to out-of-towners who want a Boston pizzeria experience. But does it deserve any "best pizza" or "best pizzeria" accolades? Probably not.
(3)
Elizabeth H.

Crazy delicious pizza! BF from New York hates Greek-style pizza -- constantly whining about how bad the pizza is in Massachusetts. Now that he's discovered Santarpio's he's in pizza heaven. Next time we go, we'll be trying the lamb tips.
(4)
Tina D.

Good pizza... However they don't put a lot of toppings on your pizza for the combos?? Maybe a few pieces of sausages on each slice if your lucky.. They need to stop being so greedy and put some toppings on the pizza. We pay for it!!
(2)
Cam G.

Ordered the works, sausage, and tips. Damn good. Staff is fun and friendly and the atmosphere was like going to hang out with some old friends. Pizzas comes in one size medium. Will definitely have to go back next time I'm in Boston.
(4)
Mark F.

Best pizza in Boston, period! Expect long lines during prime time, especially on weekends. Wonderfully noisy, with a "how many Sinatra songs can they PLAY?" sort of ambience. Make sure to try the BBQ as well - comes with vinegar peppers and a bread which is to DIE for. The only disadvantage is parking can be tight. I advise taking the Blue Line to Maverick and walking the quarter mile to avoid the hassle.
(5)
Mallory S.

Delicious! Great thin crust (and very cheesy) pizza. It comes out scalding hot, so don't make the same mistake I did and burn the roof of your mouth. Give it a minute. Earlier reviews are true that you will be considered a tourist if you ask for menu, but the service was still very friendly even with the minor heckling of tourists aka 'first-timers' like ourselves. You can always look up the menu on their website - it is very simple (pizza, some meat skewers, bottles of domestic beer, wine). I recommend getting a 1/2 carafe of wine and a pizza (plenty of food and drink for 2 people). This will be about $20 before tax/tip. Cheap date! The atmosphere is fun as it hasn't changed since approximately 1975. It's a great way to see the rough-around-the-edges Boston personalities and thick accents. Santarpio's does not disappoint!
(5)
Justin L.

This December, I trekked over to Boston with the girl. And what did we do? Eat pizza of course! First stop on my pizza tour of Boston was the one off the beaten path: Santarpio's. I've been reading about this place for the last few years as it is one of the oldest pizzerias in the country (1933), and has won a lot of critical acclaim. The building is interesting, with empty tomato cans for cigarette smokers outside, an awesome old school hand-drawn sign, and an out-of-place billboard on top (I think it was for women's bags or something). The inside is a raw, dingy bar-like room with a bunch of wooden booths. It wasn't busy when we went, so menus were readily available on every table. Our waiter was a little crotchety but a nice guy who did his job well, continually ribbing the table of Floridians next to us. As you can probably tell I like the place--unfortunately the pizza didn't quite measure up. As recommended extensively on Yelp, we decided on a small pie with sausage and garlic. In hindsight I wish we tried some grilled meat too, but whatever. The pizza was good but I found it overrated. The crust seemed to be a converted Italian bread dough recipe. However this one wasn't adapted much, as the cornicione was hard and dry. It had decent bready flavor, but nothing spectacular like I've read elsewhere. The toppings were good, with the cheese and sauce melding together wonderfully. Unfortunately the crust couldn't hold up to this synergy and the resulting liquid, as it started out a little floppy and got worse as the pie cooled; I would not call this pie crisp as many others have noted (looking at you Alan Richman). It had a hard, leatheriness to it towards the outside which wasn't bad, but I definitely could've done with less cornmeal. The sausage was definitely a cut above and the garlic helped develop the various flavors as well. All in all this was a pretty good pie, but just not world-beating like the press. I pose a question: what's more important, the institution or the product? The institution I would say is the answer in this case. As noted elsewhere and on Yelp, Santarpio's makes pizza the way they want to. If you don't like it, don't come; they're lucky not to need the business. While I feel some of the higher ratings can be attributed to nostaglia, I can definitely see why Satarpio's is special. I do not regret coming at all.
(3)
John M.

Ok im going to come right out and say it. Santarpio's is better than Regina. A bold statement I know,but given how Regina has become almost chain-like and touristy. Santarpio's stays true to itself. It was my last taste of America for 5 months. I was going to Logan Airport to start my study abroad semester in London, and this was one last slice of home (no pun intended). And it couldn't have been a better slice. Getting a pepperoni pizza is wonderful no matter where you are, and this place does it great. Slightly burned around the edges, nice and crispy, the way it should be. Seated at the long bar chomping away is what East Boston is all about. The star of the night though was the mixed grill: peppers, sausage, and lamb and steak tips on one place with homemade bread, cooked fresh on the grill. All of which were tender, cooked to perfection, and downright flavorful, studded with spices and seasonings, you could tell these weren't bought in sausages either. They were homemade. Even the peppers were great, and I don't even eat peppers that much. This place is a must for any Boston visitor. Yes, its a bit out of the city, but still, if you want a stellar pizza but don't want to wait two hours for Regina, its worth the trek. Less touristy, more local, has Eastie character and spunk. What more do you want?
(4)
Jenny L.

A Boston staple. Old school. Delish.
(4)
Chaille S.

For $20, my boyfriend and I split a delicious, garlicky pie and a half-carafe of house wine. It was great, and I'll be back when I have the chance to return to Boston. Great music! Frank Sinatra, etc. Tell them to turn on the radio if it isn't already on when you get there. All customers in there looked happy! The service is fine. They don't kiss your ass in Boston. I like that.
(4)
Gita N.

Decent enough pizza but definitely NOT worth $20/pie and not worth the amazing reputation it has... Will have to dine in and see if the experience is different
(3)
Jack B.

Haven't been here in a longtime. I'll never be back either. Had to pick up someone at the airport late this evening. I'll called and asked what time they closed and they told me 11 pm. I got there at 10:20 and they had a sign hung saying "sorry no pizza, ran out of dough". That's was a crock. No one in the place.
(1)
Samantha S.

I grew up around here, and Santarpio's was iconic even then. So perhaps my low rating is due to disappointment. Nostalgia can be like that. If you've come out to the middle of nowhere for outstanding pizza, you deserve outstanding pizza, but you won't get it here. The cheese is undistinguished, the homemade sausage (while good) is sparse, and the crust . . . oh, boy, this is painful. The crust can be hard and flavorless. I like that the underside is dusted with cornmeal, but that's about it for positives. I would come here only for the experience. The shabby, wood-panelled surroundings, the boxing memorabilia, the barfly locals, the tightlipped staff--it's all great, and you can't get it anywhere else. Come in the middle of the day so you miss the line, have a crappy beer, soak it all in. Then get right back in the tunnel, and check Santarpio's off your list.
(2)
Diane B.

BLUF This is a working man's pizza joint, that's part of it's draw and the food is on point. Background Ate here after a day at the New England aquarium and after walking a couple wrong streets following a ride on the "T", this joint was spot on. Let me first explain that DH is averse to both the smell and taste of lamb so instead of brining it into our home, I order it while we are traveling as the smell is less likely to "linger" afterwards. Having read the reviews of other Yelpers (Thank you!!), I happily ordered the Lamb Skewer from the menu. It came out perfectly barbequed from the grill positioned literally in the front of the restaurant. That meat was so tender, juicy and flavorful that this non-lamb eater almost fought me for his share of the plate. It's that good. I concur that the pizza is as good, if not better than Regina. The sausage was delicious topping was delicious on "The Works" and they even included anchovies as a side on a separate plate with olive oil and Italian seasonings (being the only true enthusiast of the group). The polite convo and "genuine" feel of the old school Bostonian vibe only added to the ambiance. I spotted autographs from the cast of that mafia show staring James Gandolfini so it can't be that bad of a place. When in town, I will definitely be back, if even only via car rather then the T.
(4)
H. G.

It is with a heavy heart and tearful eyes that I must say that the pizza here isn't as good as it used to be. The sauce to cheese distribution is off, and the crust has become doughy and dense, and now they're serving weird pasta dishes. Nothing lasts forever.
(4)
Renee G.

We have been to Santarpio's Pizza four times since we moved to Revere, and I cannot rave enough about this place. The service is EXCELENT, and they remember us every single time. Our Friday night spot. Big shout out to Nicky and Maria for taking such good care of us. My Dad, Aunt and Uncle grew up going there, so Dylan makes us third generation. If you ever find yourself in East Boston (which has a kick-ass park, btw), PLEASE check them out.
(5)
Richard D.

Probably the best pizza I've eaten in Boston. Perfect thin crust. Great home made sausage. No pretense.
(5)
Naveen N.

Came here since it was the closest pizza joint near the airport open late. That was nice. What wasn't nice is the location, completely rundown, etc. But that doesn't affect the two star review. It's two star, because the quality and taste of the pizza, is two star. For the price (and the yelp rating) I would've expected something better, but it seems I would've been better off buying a frozen pizza at a grocery store and baking it at home. The pizza (cheese, garlic, mushroom, onion) was completely underwhelming and unimpressive. Heavy on the garlic, but I couldn't even taste the mushroom or onion. This is just really mediocre pizza, and doesn't represent pizza in Boston whatsoever.
(2)
Don A.

It's good ass Boston pizza and BBQ!! Everything on the menu is stellar. Don't leave without getting some lamb and beef sirloin tips from the charcoal grill. The service is fun and the guys like to give ya a hard time at the bar so just give it back to them and you will have a good time. John and Lefty you guys rock!!
(5)
Samita S.

Came here with a few classmates during our rotation and were amazed by the pizzas at this place!! The owner talked to us a bit and told us how the business has been in his family since 1903!! We tried 3 pizzas - the best of which was 1) The Garlic, pepperonchini, and pepperoni pizza! The others were a cheese pizza with bell peppers and onions, and chicken broccoli garlic (white pizza). All were good but completely recommend the first! Can't wait to come back and try their award winning plain cheese!! Apparently it's one of the top 5 pizzas in the nation! I could def see why!!
(5)
Shannon M.

My family and friends have been going here for years. Hands down the best pizza in Boston. The staff becomes family, Rocky is the best! We go for all holidays, Mother and Father's Day, Birthdays, you name it. Great back room to fit but groups.
(5)
Walt C.

After flying and not eating anything all day, the front desk of the hotel recommended this place. Not familiar with the area or the hype, decided to give it a shot. Walked past the kitchen, which turns out to also be the spot to place your to-go order. Didn't realize that until I walked around to the front and tried to order inside. What I glimpsed of the inside wasn't exactly reassuring. The staff was a bit rude, but after reading reviews, seems to be the norm. Ordered a mushroom/cheese at the kitchen and waited about 15mins. No place to wait except either in the small kitchen area or out on the sidewalk. Sidewalk it is. After paying cash only, returned to hotel and devoured the pizza. It was decent, I've had better. Was definitely hard to eat as everything kept sliding off. My expectations were already low since I knew nothing of Santarpio's history. Honestly, I only came here because it was the closet place within walking distance. The lines seemed promising, but probably had a healthy dose of local/regulars traffic. For a non-local, was not an inviting atmosphere/experience. Pizza was decent. Would I come back? Under the same conditions, yes, but wouldn't go out of my way.
(2)
Tony H.

The food and drinks are great the price is very economic...but the bartender is not friendly at all.... they give you bread as cherry peppers to start with but the bread was cold ..this is our second time here and the bread was cold again the first time we thought they forgot to toast the bread but here we are again and the bread is the same i will strongly recommend to toast the bread
(5)
Mary Jane J.

First time I came here I was not impressed. Pizza tasted slightly burnt, the steak tips were dense and kind of tough and the wine was only the worst house you can find. However, gave it a second chance and brought a few of pies over to my in-laws who live on the south shore. Delicious. we went through the entire four pizzas (between five people).
(4)
Nicole R.

This Boston institution is a place which my Dad has been taking me to for as long as i remember. It has a lot of nostalgia for me. Combos and Pizza can not be beat here. Run don't walk (to the enormous line at the door....) and enjoy the food you will get here. GO!
(5)
The Press Girls Z.

I can't write much about this place because I will start to get too emotional hahaha!!! The food, the STAFF, and the restaurant itself is enough to make you love Boston a half hour after leaving Logan even if you've never set foot in the city. This is the type of place you leave and are thankful to know of. THEY HAVE A JUKE BOX!!!!! BRING DOLLAS FOR THAT! Throw a friggin motown song on for your girlfriend and wait for your PIZZA & SAUSAGE & PEPPAS!!!!! WOW. TONY & AL D'NIRO WOW! LEFTY WOW! The lovely ladies of Santarpios, WOW! I LOVE YOU SANTARPIOS THANK YOU FOR BEING EVERYTHING & EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE.....REAL! PS - Last night brought a friend 3 boxes of Santarpios cheese pizza last night as a 30th birthday gift...."BEST GIFT EVER" HE SAID!!! REALLY!!!!!! PLEASE, NEVER CHANGE !!!!
(5)
Allison R.

Santahpio's! I freakin' love ya, dude. I've only been twice, but a trip to this Eastie pizza joint feels like going to a family restaurant you're been frequenting since you were 7. The rumors are true: it's the best pizza in the world, and yes, you will need to wait (possibly outside) if you come during dinner hours on a weekend night. For my first experience, I grabbed the lamb since so many reviewers said it was worthy, as well as a pie with mushrooms, peppers, onion, and sausage. HOLY CRAP. This was the best pizza experience of my life. I think it's the cheese, which is salty kind of like halloumi. That and the sausage. Oh. My. God. I had to pause during conversations with my friend (over his transsexual former college friend, which was very interesting dinner conversation) to savor the food. A bottle of wine for $10-15 is also amazing. For my second visit, I brought my roommate, who orders pizza no less than twice a week, and a friend from London. Both were impressed. We tried the steak tips this time (tasty, but not seasoned--which I tend to prefer) and ordered a veggie pizza--mushroom, pepper, onion-- and a meat version--garlic, hot peppers, sausage-- and both were delightful. Things to know: 1. bring cash 2. come hungry 3. have the best meal ever You're welcome.
(5)
Daniel S.

This place is wicked good. My girlfriend and I live in EB, and we go here at least twice a week. Straight cheese or Sausage and Garlic are my personal favorite. Grilled meat is good, too. The staff can be gruff. Whatever. It's not a restaurant, it's a pizza parlor. They aren't going to wait on you hand and foot. Don't act entitled.
(5)
Mike T.

really good pizza. They only carry one size which is the only reason for 4 stars. Very juicy homemade pizza made by a family owned restaurant. Pick up is a little weird since it's in the back. Very friendly staff.
(4)
Hal A.

I really like this pizza.. But this past weekend I ordered three pizzas and we found two long hairs in them.. Soo disappointing and unhygienic..
(2)
Alexandr D.

I ordered pizza by the phone call. When I got there the pizza was ready. I gave money, but when I open the box the pizza was burn. They offer me to wait for another pizza and they didn't apologize nor gave discount. I wouldn't recommend this pizza place.
(2)
Sarah S.

Oh, Santarpio's. You make my heart sing. Practical because they have nothing to prove, really. The food speaks for itself. The service is fine - they are usually pretty pleasant but aren't going to sweet talk you, because they have a job to do and you're getting your food so what's the problem? Head's up - CASH ONLY. They have an ATM on site. The first time we went with a group of six including a little one and they quickly accommodated us by asking a part of two to move from a large table to a smaller one. At first this seemed odd but it was definitely appreciated, (and since then we've been asked to move (PRIOR to food coming out) to accommodate people as well and haven't minded one bit.) We got several pizzas and some of the bbq and were blown away by how good everything was. This is seriously the best pizza I have ever had. Since then there have been bi-weekly (and ok, sometimes weekly) cravings satisfied by going to Santarpio's and ordering between the two of us a huge and cheap carafe of their house red, some cherry peppers, and two pizzas. Two, because you WANT a whole pizza to take home and eat for breakfast immediately the next day. Our go-to's have become one plain cheese, which is amazingly delicious, and my favorite - pepperoni and garlic. It. Is. Too. Good. The only thing wrong with Santarpio's is how quickly it's gone.
(5)
Sami W.

Must go to spot if you're visiting Boston. Best pizza out here and the lamb tips are pretty damn good. I personally love to have anchovies on my pizza from here, nowhere else! Very casual place. Good place to stop for lunch. Dinner time, long lines. The staff is friendly and have been around forever.
(5)
Christine J.

Very good pizza! perfectly cooked cheese. Almost charred. Delicious! Def worth the good rep they have around town. Only downside is they don't deliver and they're not close by.
(5)
Neil P.

No wait on a Tuesday night. The place was full and we ordered right away. Two pizzas and a sausage appetizer. The app took almost a half hour and was well done and dry. There were no hot peppers. They ran out. Two pizzas arrived shortly after and we're both good. A pepperoni sausage pizza and a Hamburg pizza. The service was fine for what it is. A no frills boston pizza joint. Old school, not fancy but if you just want good pizza - this is the place. Would definitely go back.
(4)
bobbi a.

I don't even think it deserves a 1 star. Just tried calling them to speak to them about how bad their pizza was and was hoping to find out why but they put me on hold for 15 minutes and forgot about me. I never got to tell them so I thought I should let them know that the pizza was old and had no flavor, nor was it fresh tasting, they said it would take 20-25 minutes to prepare 8 pizzas, I honestly could not believe how terrible. I would never recommend them to a single soul. I heard they were reputable but it was the worst. I would say order from dominos before you do them.
(1)
Richie A.

Pizza was amazing, cooked over an old fashioned oven. The sauce is one of the best I've ever had. If you pass by the grill you can see how the cook their meat over real coal fire. Service is friendly and quick. Will definitely be back
(5)
Ani A.

As said, I took another visit to Santarpios to give the pizza a second chance (plus I try to try something yelp worthy each time I come to boston). This time it was around lunch time (about 12:30) and the orders were starting to line up. I expected this, but didn't satisfy having to wait 25 minutes already near starvation smelling all the yummy pizzas. Finally I saw my second attempt coming my way- large half cheese half sausage and garlic (my mother wanted to try the sausage and garlic). I was already pleasantly surprised after seeing that the crust wasn't as 'well done' as it was the last time and it was piping hot! Well we took the risk and drove all the way back to North Andover without touching a slice and just teased by the smell. Finally we got home (about a 1/2 hour later), and dug in. The absolute best part was that the pizza was still perfectly warm! In the way that you didn't have to think of putting it in the microwave or even felt like it could use some extra heat. Just right. I was ravenous at this point but made sure to seriously taste the pizza and oh my goodness the reviews are now accurate. I have now been craving this pizza for 4 days straight. Now I just need to find a good reason to go to boston again!
(4)
Joe L.

After again reading all the rave reviews I was forced to revisit this pizzeria, this time going with their meat lovers instead of the white chicken. Im confused as to why this establishment is so highly rated. The decor is dive (ish), which is fine in a worn charming way, but the food doesn't wow and the staff doesn't delight. Though you can tell they use decent ingredients, the pizza is soggy and crust burnt to an unpleasant degree. All the hype makes a line out the door, and when your finally in the staff is too busy to glance your way. Here's my theory... a "journalist" wrote you could get a decent slice there 10 years ago, and lazy outlets like the MSN and yahoo feeds have been copy/pasting the review. I'll grant you that it's tough to find decent pizza, but we can all do better than this place. Also... it's 2015, time to start taking credit cards.
(2)
Kristen D.

I think I would give the pizza 5 stars, the service 3 (or 2 even), about an average of 4. Have been here a handful of times and it usually feels like I'm at Dick's Last Resort based on the attitudes of the servers. They seem to yell at you as soon as you walk in and point at a table for you to go to. I've also seen a couple of them arguing with each other over tables/tips, which I thought was super unprofessional since they weren't at all trying to be quiet about it... After a few minutes of sitting someone will come back and ask if you know what you're having or if you need a menu. Granted, there isn't much on the menu - literally pizza and some random meat skewers - but I would like a menu, thanks. I have never been disappointed by the pizza - love the dough and crust, and I think the proportions of cheese and sauce are near perfection. I've been here with my boyfriend a few times and because we don't drink, we usually get out of there only paying $20-ish (*cash only), which I think is pretty cool. Overall, love the pizza - might stick to their take-out though.
(4)
Tom B.

Great food for a great price. The lamb skewers were fantastic! Pizza made to order was delicious. Definite must to try and a short walk from the blue line. Nice neighborhood place.
(5)
Chrissy M.

Simplicity is the theme here at Santarpio's. Simplicity and perfectly thin, steaming hot, delicious pizza. There's no need for fancy decor, the pizza is what you come here for. Or the skewers that are cooked over an open BBQ pit right behind the bar. My personal preference when coming here is to sit at the bar. It allows for you to meet some new people and you never know when it'll turn into an excellent dinner experience with a stranger. Pizza is thin and crunchy, with a variety of toppings to choose from. My personal preference is mushroom only, but I've had the pepperoni and it is perfect with the pieces getting just crunchy enough around the edges. If you order the meat skewer you'll get it served with bread and cherry peppers. My recommendation? Split a pizza with someone and a skewer or two. Best of both worlds! Basic bar service with some hard liquor, various bottled beer and white or red house wine. Order a carafe and enjoy the evening. The prices are really reasonable and the food is simply fantastic. This is an old school place so they only accept cash. Expect to wait on a Friday or Saturday night. One of the beautiful things about this place I noticed? While in this day and age most people are glued to their cell phones, not one person in this place was when I dined there the other night. It has a family style atmosphere and makes you actually want to put your phone down and have a conversation. That my friends, is priceless. This has become my go to stop on the way to or from the airport. It's a great place to kill time if you want to avoid rush hour traffic!
(4)
Two Guys I.

We had a really hard time remembering the name of this place but it was good and stuff. The food was like maybe 6 out of 10. Pizza was hot but not very foldable. And it was about fifteen minutes late. It seems like a good place to get sloshed before a Bruins game. The bro across the aisle had something like a 2 liter of wine and we were there at 2:00 p.m. So that seems pretty legit. There was this busboy who was covered in tattoos and had this wicked large, gold medallion in the shape of an anchor. T thinks that this guy was really into Popeye; I think he was probably in the Marines and then that he got booted out cause he was probably super into this girl and then things got a little handsy and then the CO got called and he got thrown in the slammer. Or something, I dunno, but he seemed really into the pizza cause he ate like three pieces while we were there. Not clear whether he ordered or just ate off the table. But he was cool as fuck and we're gonna invite him to a Bruins game.
(4)
Shane H.

I've had pizza from all over the country. This pizza maybe the best in Boston. Sadly though it is far short from the best in the nation. I did not try their bbq skewers of sausage, lamb, and steak tips though I have to try that next time. This review is just for the pizza. I ordered the pepperoni garlic and peppers pizza. When I got the pizza the crust looked well done to over done. The crust was actually burnt in some areas. The crust was tough and hard. The sauce was better then normal however I was shocked to find out they don't make their own sauce. They get it from some Italian company. The toppings and cheese was pretty good dand had good flavor, but the crust kind of ruined it for me. Maybe next time I tell them to take my pizza out a couple of minutes early. It tasted like it was baked in a brick or stone oven. I was told it's just a regular oven. Would I recommend this place to others it's a toss up. One down side to it. It's cash only so you better hit the ATM before hand.
(3)
Nicholas D.

This place is a must. Came here with a few buddy's and all of the pizzas were great. The cheese was my favorite but the onion and pepper was delicious as well as the pepperoni. I will be back. The steak tips looked amazing. Can't wait to go back. Glad I made the trip from Watertown.
(5)
Vasiliki Z.

The food is amazing! Great pizza and the lamb is to die for! But the service sucked on both of the times we came! Wish they smiled more and at least be a little more friendly! But oh well, the food is good so we keep coming back:)
(3)
Daniella C.

Pizza was really good, probably some of the best I've had outside of Rome. Pizza was fresh and made to order and came out hot. With the amount of time it took to get the pizza I wonder if they're milking cows and pasteurizing cheese for each individual pizza that comes out of the kitchen. Don't come here if you're super hungry because you're going to wait a while and if you're anything like me you'll be staring longingly at the abandoned crusts at the table next to yours. Was pretty busy considering it was 6:00 on a Friday night but having to wait 15 minutes until our order was taken and 20 to even ask for the check kinda ruined the experience for me. I suppose they could be going for the real Italian vibe here, as in Rome they will never ask you if you'd like the check, as far as they're concerned you can any out all night! I certainly didn't feel rushed out. As is typical to Eastie it is small and cramped so you will be sitting very close to others. Despite this it wasn't too loud which was nice. Would probably stick to take out from now on if you live close enough. Pretty expensive but other lesser pizza is not as good and almost as pricey
(3)
B P.

I had heard so much about this place over the years. I finally made it there a few weeks back. Went with a few friends. The service was fast and friendly and the meal exceeded expectations. We ordered a pizza, sausage and steak tips. I would highly recommend the place and the food. It was busy which gave it a great atmosphere, though did mean we had to wait a while to be seated. Well worth a visit.
(4)
Jamey B.

This place was the first place I ate at when I landed in Boston and I had to make it the last place I ate when I flew out of Boston. The pizza was great, a little greasy but I like greasy pizza. We had to eat here twice because of it and the skewers. We tried all 3, the lamb, steak, and sausage. I normally avoid lamb but this was by far the best lamb Ive had and we had to order seconds of it both times we ate here. The sausage was ok and steak tips were pretty good too. The staff is cool but not awesome if you know what I mean but it didn't matter when you ate those skewers. It's not the best looking decor in their either as I constantly keep looking at that old dusty Budweiser carousel carriage light hanging from ceiling looked it was from the 80's.
(5)
Annie K.

Great place and food. I came with 9 Italian friends (probably the most first generation Italians at the restaurant) who weren't super impressed by the pizza or wine but liked the flavors good enough, the portions of the wine carafes, and the amazing grilled meat. The best part was that 5 pizzas, ten meat platters, and at least 5 carafes of wine only came out to $20 a person with tip!
(4)
Spencer L.

Santarpios has some of the best pizza on the east coast. I see people complain about burnt pizzas, and yes, I've seen a burnt pie come out before. (They will fire you another if you want) Honestly though, I think an overcooked Santarpios sausage and garlic pizza is better than 99% of all other pizzas.
(5)
Frank R.

Pizza and steak, lamb, meats are very good service on the other hand could use some improvements. The staff seems cocky well some of them. Anyways i would go back but busy time can be really hectic so try to go during off peak hours was hassle and headache that way.
(4)
Tiana C.

This place is so... Boston. Boston in it's best, most raw, natural form. First, don't go here expecting great service - go here expecting to be served pizza by guys wearing sweatpants and shorts, shouting at you where to sit - remember that these same guys practically invented pizza, so they can wear whatever the hell they want. This place doesn't look fancy or have great service but there will be lines out the door on any night and the place is packed. That's how you know a place is doing something right! I had never heard of a combo plate until I ate here. They're spendy. But worth it. Get the sausage and garlic pizza and if you have the extra money, get a combo plate to start. Then, it's like pizza is for dessert. My personal heaven. Best pizza sauce I've ever had. Oh! And follow the guys recommendation below about letting the pizza sit a good 7-10 minutes before digging in. You won't regret going here, I promise.
(4)
Shawn T.

Since I moved to Boston all I've heard is I have to try Santarpios pizza. I finally got a chance to try it a few months ago and I was not impressed. Being Italian myself I would like to think I know what good food is and this is just mediocre at best. If you've lived in East Boston your entire life then you know the routine and set up. If not then good luck to you. I attempted to order take out but couldn't figure out where to order from. There is a door to the kitchen in the back but if you didn't know any better you would think it was for employees only. I decided to try to find the front door but that was a challenge as well as there was no clear signage anywhere telling me where to go. You start to walk around the building and at first you find a door that isn't working and appears to be blocked. Keep walking and you'll finally find the front entrance. I walk in and order my pizza and was mocked for not ordering in the back. They did take my order but again gave me an attitude the entire time. I asked what sizes they had and they rudely told me they only had one size. Sitting at the bar while waiting for my pizza was the most enjoyable part. It feels like you are sitting on the set of the Good Fellas movie. Most of the customers are regulars and go by names like Joey, Paulie, Doc, and Rocky. I couldn't help but imagine if you complained about the food they would take you out back and bust your kneecaps or chop off your thumbs. The fact that they only accept cash just makes my suspicions grow that they may not quite be on the up and up. Maybe they are legit and probably are, just the way they are set up makes you feel like they are owned by retired mobsters. So the pizza was burnt and not just bad but inedible. I rarely meet a pizza I can't eat but this was just too crunchy and burnt. I know brick oven pizza but this was too much. Also, I get that you've been around forever and you think you can talk to your customers any way you want but you really are shooting yourselves in the foot by alienating another customer base entirely that might be put off and will never come back. Tonight I thought I would give them another chance and try their BBQ skewers. Another problem we had is everything we asked for they didn't have. The bartender bluntly said they don't have any fruit to garnish the drinks, not even a lime wedge. We asked for butter or olive oil for our bread and we were told what we see is what we get. The bread was very dry and hard. My wife even asked did mustard and they don't provide it. The steak was very dry and didn't have any seasoning at all. Almost no flavor at all. Very disappointing. You get the feeling they only cater to the regulars. They pay attention to them and pretty much ignore new guests and I don't think they care in the least bit if you come back or not. They want to be blunt to their customers, let me be blunt right back. Your food isn't that good in the first place. You don't offer up butter or oil for your bread or even a salad. You provide the most minimum basic service. Rude at that. You don't make new customers feel welcome. You are stuck in another age by not offering to accept debit or credit. The mere pennies you are saving yet can you imagine how many customers don't bother because you only accept cash? I'm guessing you are losing a lot of money every month because you see turning off potential customers before they even walk in the door. East Boston is changing and you might want to change a little too. Quite honestly I am only giving this place 2 stars because it's entertaining the service is so bad and the mafia atmosphere is hilarious. Otherwise it's 1 star for me. Add some seasoning to your skewers. Offer olive oil with red peppers and fresh parm to dip the bread in. Expand your menu slightly and bring some people in that know to smile and act like they want customers coming back. It wouldn't take much to turn it around. How you average 4.5 stars is beyond me.
(2)
David C.

My first time here, and i feel like i was in the Soprano. Can't get more than this!! They only have few signature dishes, and we had the Garlic Shrimp Scampi Pizza. It was so delicious that I think I can eat the whole pie myself. As they are the one of the best pizza place in Boston (head to head with Pizza Regina), but I personally think they are not even close to or compare to. The place is old fashion in a cool way (as I mentioned you do feel like you are in one of the episode of Soprano) just less violent, but pack with customers and GREAT FOOD. I have to admit, Santarpio's pizza is the best pizza place in town so far. Mangia bene, vivi felice!!
(5)
Douglas P.

We come here all the time when we are in town for business!! A pizza and a few "barbecue" skewers make a perfect meal. And the hot peppers make a perfect garnish. The only hazard is you might eat too much!!
(5)
Molly S.

Famous pizza, really good. We got the one with EVERYTHING on it including anchovies. Really really good. It's also a famous place that's been around forever. Only drawbacks are it's a little on the dirty side, the neighborhood is mildly sketchy, kind of difficult to get to unless you live in Eastie but the staff is really friendly and like I said the food is sooo good that it's all worth it. DO NOT MISS!
(4)
OBrien O.

cmon. the best grilled sauges ever. Talk about old school you gotta love this place. been eating here for years
(5)
Priscilla S.

It's a old beat up place, with a very limited menu. If you want pizza this is the place to go. Usually the pizza is to perfection the crust is just right just the right amount of sauce and fixings. This is the second time I've been here, the first time the pizza was absolutely the best this Time it was over cooked on one side of the pizza.i would recommend this place.
(4)
Jonathan F.

Santarpios gets three stars for food, two starts for service, and four stars for local color (i.e., checkered history, cheesy wood paneling, quintessential Italian-American characters shouting, constant ribbing, etc.). By Boston standards, it's good pizza. New Yorkers are likely to be a little stunned if they've read all the hype about this place and are expecting to find the best pizza they've ever had. The menu is very focused: basically pizza and skewered meat, and that's it. They don't really like it if you ask for the menu. We had three pies: cheese, pepperoni, and anchovy. All were good. Pepperoni was the best. The meats (steak, lamb, sausage) were fine. There's often a wait to get in, and the food takes a while to arrive, for a place like this. The limited menu doesn't offer quick things to order to take the edge off your kids who are melting down because they are so hungry. They should upgrade their bread. It's worth stopping in if you're in the neighborhood, as long as the line isn't humongous. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here, though. Cash only! No checks or credit cards.
(3)
Nathan H.

I went here with my girlfriend and brother a few weeks ago. You have to be from the Boston to appreciate the atmosphere. Our waitress was very thorough and quite a character. My girlfriend being from out of town thought she was being rude but I had to explain that's how people from around here talk to each other. But speaking on that point, order more than you think you're going to eat because you'll get a hard time for ordering too little. I would say this is the best pizza in Boston. Everything about it was pretty much as good as can be. The dough, the sauce, and especially the cheese were exceptional. I would recommend the sausage pizza, which makes my mouth water when I even think of it. If I had one slight complaint it would be that part of the pizza was burnt but I'm not sure it's that common. This is a must try for anyone who wants to look for great pizza in Boston. Thankfully, due to East Boston's location it's kept the place from being overrun with tourists. Still a Boston establishment through and through which is great to see.
(5)
Adam C.

Finally made it out to Santarpio's, considered legendary by many locals. The first time waiting in the kitchen for take out is sort of a nerve-wracking experience... I nervously stood next to the fridge and kept expecting an old fashioned "get the f*#k outta here" before a friendly face came in and greeted "you here for take out?" I applaud the use of cornmeal into the crust, and the toppings were first-rate. On the other hand, the crust was overcooked and very dry. I understand why some people swear by this place but for my money it's not in the discussion for "best pizza in Boston".
(3)
A Lil Bird Told M E.

Best pizza I have yet to have in Massachusetts, period. Thin crispy crust, delectable sauce, and exceptional and inexpensive house wine!
(5)
Ria S.

Sorry, but I fail to see the big hoopla with this place. I'm from the area and people always want to come see this "amazing" restaurant here and I think to myself, why? Sure, the staff are quite the characters or whatever, and used to be pretty good way back when. But now, it's not as clean in my opinion as it should be (I "gladly" witnessed a patron washing his fingers on the water jug and the waiter takes and who knows who gets some of that lucky water.) There's no friendly greeting, just order (hurry, or you'll get a glare) and bam, your food is there in 15. The pizza used to be less runny and without all that cornmeal at the bottom. If you order, you should just take your pizza to go. You'll have a better experience elsewhere.
(3)
Jacqui B.

This is for the new Santarpio's in Peabody. What a disappointment. The crust was soggy, the cheese unevenly spread out, taste was unremarkable. They have a long way to go to be up to the East Boston standards.
(2)
Kristen F.

Someone told me quite confidently that this place was worth the trek out to East Boston... said it could even be considered better than Reginas! So, I had to make him put his money where his mouth was and a few weeks ago, on a rainy Sunday, we braved the blue line and headed out there. The place isn't much on the eyes and you're not exactly greeted with the warmest of welcomes... but the food speaks for itself. It is yuuummmy! We started with some lamb skewers which came with fresh baked bread. Then onto the pizza. All of it delicious. You can't quite compare to Reginas because it's not quite the same style... but if this place opened in the North End there would be some stiff competition. Absolutely worth going out to Eastie!
(4)
Aboud Y.

Probably my favorite Boston-area pizza. Its got such a unique flavor / texture and is so easy to fall in love with. Their sausages are pretty awesome too. Oh and I love the gritty / grim / frowny face atmosphere. Go Eastie!
(4)
Bill R.

Alright so this is a dive bar that happens to serve some of the best pizza in Boston. So I usually come here with a budgie that lives in East Boston. When we go we usually both get a skewer of lamb, split a sausage & garlic pizza between us, and both have 2 Heinikens and usually comes out to $25 a piece. The lamb: You get 4-5 nice size tips that are moist and tender, but always under seasoned, which I dont mind because I can just add my own salt and pepper. They are served with some peppers that really compliment the lamb and give it a nice bite and a piece of bread to soak up the juice. I love the bread it has a nice hard crust but soft in the middle. The pizza: Its my second favorite pizza in the area, first being Sabitinos in Arlington mostly because I can walk to it. As everyone has stated before the sauce makes it, and they have some of the best sausage in the area. Just remember to bring cash, but the do have an atm.
(5)
Sean F.

Best pizza in the world, and I consider myself to be a bit of a low-brow connoisseur. Don't come here for the atmosphere or if you want fancy food and fancy drinks. Come for the excellent pizza and true Boston experience.
(5)
JD H.

Known for their pizza, but best for their bar-b-q meat. Lamb was terrific. The pizza was good and possibly the best toppings ever. The one failing was the crust. The crust was not very good and didn't hold together very well, and was bready. But since this type of crust seemed the norm for Boston, I figure that that's the way locals like their crust. Myself, I prefer the crust to be flexible and for it to hold together better. But the toppings on the pizza were terrific. The sauce was amazing. I would recommend this place any day of the week. Just get there early as a line forms outside around dinner time.
(4)
Kristin U.

Happened upon this place since we were staying at the embassy suite near the airport, and after traveling didn't feel like trrucking into the north end. What an awesome find! I consider myself a pizza snob since I was born and raised in New Haven (see Pepes, Sally's).. It's situated on the corner, a nondescript brick facade. The pizza options are basic, simple menu, the house made sausage a surprise and the real deal. I settled on a cheese pizza, my husband the mushroom/garlic, nice thin pie but not too thin, crispy crust. Our 5 year old dug into his slice and he can be picky like a typical 5 year old. Our server was old-school and accommodating, far from over-the-top/pretentious. And cheap, like good east coast pizza. Worth a visit if your're looking for pizza like the fore mentioned.
(4)
Schae K.

10 hungry adults - 7 men, 3 women..... 6 mixed grill plates 7 pizzas of all different "flavors" 1 carafe of white wine countless carafes of red wine (6? 8? 9?? who knows? who cares!?) all exactly as deliciously & sinfully yummy as you'd want from pizza & meat 10 very stuffed bellies & happy buzzes....plus lots of leftovers (about 2/3 pizzas worth!) $27 a piece included a generous tip!!!! now how could you go wrong?!
(4)
Connie M.

I think this place survives on its name. I'm still not sure what's so great about Boston accents, waiters who you inconvenience just by being there, toughest lamb i've ever eaten, and straight up low class atmosphere. I know, I know, its harsh of me to say, but its true. Even my children wouldn't eat the pizza and didn't want to go back. Maybe its a style thing, but I thought it was absolutely terrible.
(1)
Dawn E.

Ligaya is crazy. Ya'll heard me. Full on bonkers. Santarpios is great. Quick and quick witted service. Cheap DEEE-LICIOUS pizza. And even cheaper wine (sit down! get a carafe!). I ain't gotz no mos to say.
(4)
Jerry T.

Probably the most lackluster meal I've had since moving here. Yelp really let me down on this one. The Good: Good service, no wait. The Bad: Pizza, Ambiance (seems a little seedy like an old bar filled with old angry smokers), Menu (or lack there of). First off, the pizza is just not that impressive to begin with (sauce, dough, cheese) but when you add crappy, cheap toppings to it, it makes a bad pie. We ordered a pizza with sausage and mushrooms, what we got was a pizza with some mystery meat and canned mushrooms... gross. I've had better pizza at a school cafeteria. This place is cheap(ish), but believe me- THERE ARE WAY BETTER PIZZA PLACES OUT THERE! No idea why so many people gave it 5 stars, you let me down Yelp, you let me down....
(1)
Elizabeth K.

After reading the reviews, I was struck by two things. One, the mediocrity of the pizza. It was a decent pizza that they kind of ruined by a thick coating of flour. Two, the service! I expected surly. What we got was super friendly and attentive! She even sat and had a conversation with us as she wrote up our check.
(3)
Dara C.

Ha! I've finally done it. I've completed the second-to-last necessary task on my Boston Bucket List: eat Santarpio's pizza. ... The last? Play Mark Wahlberg's love interest in a Boston-set romance/psychothriller/boxing drama/heist film called "What the Hell Ah You Talkin About? No One Says Beantown. Say Hi to Yo(ur) Motha fo(r) Me" ... It was worth it. This is a big cheesy, bubbly pizza: no restrained whole-wheat thin-crust postage-stamp bullhockey for you. Decent crust; the cornmeal is a nice touch, gives it a little more body, a little more flava. Pizza crust is the only carbohydrate I willfully hate, but Santarpio's had a good chew (if being a tad thick and, I don't know, can pizza crust be ponderous? I think it was ponderous.) Toppings go underneath the cheese which prevents slippage: most thoughtful! The ingredients are high-quality. Sauce is a little thin, a little too sweet, but overall, very good with plenty of herbs. Pies are one-size-fits-all but definitely big and satisfying. For one person. Who might get one while watching Law & Order: SVU. I love having to walk into the kitchen to fetch takeout, and I especially love when I slip on the wet floor. It's a real cute party trick I have. Really good, traditional, straightforward pizza that my grandpappy would love.
(3)
Adam D.

Best pizza in Boston if you like real pizza. It's not the Upper Crust and you won't find any poofy toppings, but the crust, sauce, and cheese are perfect. By the way, it's a dive. Deal with it. If you want clean, go pay L'espalier $1,345,124 for a slice of pizza, and eat it off their immaculate kitchen floors if you want.
(5)
Colleen H.

Here's the thing. I'm not crazy about pizza generally. And that has everything to do with the fact that 90% of the time people say "lets get pizza" you end up with a slimey pie of Pizza Hut's finest. Gross. The day we move into our place in Eastie, it's raining cats and dogs. That didn't stop our neighbors from stopping by the truck to say hello, introduce themselves and tell us where the good eats are. Santarpio's was on the list. So naturally, after spending the entire day lugging furniture and boxes up three flights, cooking was pretty much out of the question. So we headed to get some pizza. Santarpio's follows a typical rule of thumb with Italian pizza places (in Italy) -- the most outdated/scariest interior usually has the best pizza. They don't have to buy fancy furniture to get you there, the food simply does. Now why is Santarpio's so great? Well, the staff is entertaining for one. The ratio of cheese to sauce on the thin pizza is perfect. And toppings like sausage and garlic, just make my day. And by sausage, I mean homemade sausage...not the snappy stuff that you get at shaws. What's even better is the sausage on the grill -- perfect spice. And yes, you can get the cheapest of cheap wine here, but who drinks fancy wine with pizza? You can get a pizza and half-carafe of wine for under $20. Oh, it's also cash only!
(5)
Jason S.

Visiting from out of town.... I can add this to the 'must stop' list while visiting the great city of Boston. Santarpios is awesome! Our server totally rocked and the food was ta die for!! I can't remember which pizza we got, but we at both of them, the sausage and the lamb.... I left stuffed to the max and would be very upset with you if you were in the neighborhood and didn't stop in for some grub! I love this place and can't wait to get back for more!
(5)
Ilya E.

Amazing every time.
(5)
carolina w.

I saw this place in an article on Yahoo for one of the best pizza spots in the US a few weeks ago, and I decided to check it out when I was in Boston last weekend. It's a very simple place. It's like a bar inside. Don't expect a ton of decor. The menu is very simple too - If you don't like pizza, don't go here. That's all that they do - they don't even have salads! My friend and I shared a pepperoni, green pepper and mushroom pizza. The crust was crispy, the pizza wasn't greasy and actually it was very tasty. We also decided to try their housemade sausage. The sausage comes with roasted peppers and a slice of homemade bread... It was very good too! This place did not disappoint. If you're going for ambiance and a fine dining experience, this isn't the place for you... But if you're looking for good food and a fun atmosphere, you have to check this place out!
(4)
Ronald S.

saw this on food network or something, and wanted to check it out. i like pizza an awful lot and this is one of the better pies i have had north of new haven. not like ny, new haven, chicago, etc - santarpios is a pie style all their own and worth trying and pretty easy to get to from the highway or airport. crust very good, crispy, not too thin not too thick, cheese was excellent and the sauce on top was really what made this pizza stand out. now i have a place to go when im in east boston. not a fancy place, kind of a bar with food. one size pies. cannot comment on the meats.
(4)
Evie K.

I love this place! From the dive bar atmosphere, to "we don't do fruits or vegetables," Santarpios is classic East Boston. And the pies are really, really good.
(4)
Anthony G.

In terms of the supposed rivalry between this place and Regina, I'd probably say 'tie.' Both places offer good pizza at a good price. I've only been here once and the plain cheese pizza was great. My friends ordered some sort of abomination with extra garlic, hot peppers, and sausage. This was not good in any sense of the word. Besides that hiccup, I'd go back.
(4)
Patrick H.

The great Boston Pizza debate certainly won't be settled here, but as far as I'm concerned... Santarpio's takes the prize. I've got 5 reasons why Santarpio's Pizza is the Best Pizza in Boston. 1. The crust. Crisp on the bottom...chewy on top. It's a well-done pie that doesn't go limp or get soggy. 2. Quality ingredients left to speak for themselves. 3. Minimalism. A sparing use of ingredients with absolutley no excess. DO NOT get kooky and add a bunch of toppings to a Santarpio's pizza. Just keep it simple. 4. The lamb and sausage BBQ appetizer could warrant it's own restaurant. 5. It's a local place for local people. Santarpios happens to be popular, but quite honestly, this place was built for the people of Eastie, not for you. Oh, they'll take your money, they might even be nice to you, but really, they would be just as happy if you never heard of the place. (... and yes, I KNOW that New York has the best Pizza in the world as New Yorkers will tell you again and again, to which I would just like to say.. "yeah...right... whatever")
(5)
Tasty Bee Review S.

The best pizza in Boston. I love the sauce, the crust. You can actually taste the ingredients. It is simply delicious. But: the last time I ordered it for a take-out, we had to wait about 35-40 minutes. That was unbelievable! Still it is the best pizza when it comes to taste.
(5)
Dorothy C.

Best pizza in the Boston metro area, bar none. For my birthday, did a pizza taste-test over all of Boston/Cambridge/Allston/etc - and Santarpio's was easily the very best of the lot. Super thin, super-fast. Perfect ratio of grease, salt, sauce, and crunch. Only tested the plain cheese (to be fair, across restaurants), but would guess that this pizza wouldn't hold up to heavy toppings too well. Pizza only comes in one size, which feeds 2 adults + 1 kid. Staff was brusque, but became friendlier, when I didn't shrink away on the phone. The "take-out entrance" is actually a door directly into their kitchen. Gotta love that. I was surprised that the pizza came in a brown paper bag (not a box), but it was still delicious - and I will DEFINITELY go here every time I'm anywhere near the airport. Santarpio's is not to be missed.
(5)
Josie G.

DRIP DRIP DRIP. Yes, this pizza drips in cheese and sauce, but I love it. I'm quite a pizza snob coming from New York, and have only found a few places that I actually enjoy it! I just got a large plain cheese, and it was delicious :) I've only gotten it from Santarpio's once, because I don't drive :( so it's far away from me- I live in Southie, not Eastie. I just happened to be working at the Umana School and we thought ding! ding! ding! let's walk and get pizza. I'm so glad I did.
(5)
Bethany S.

Santarpio's was fun. The atmosphere was good, the pizza was delicious, and everything was relatively inexpensive... We did have to wait in line (outside) for a table, so I definitely wouldn't go on a cold or rainy night. Once we got inside it was another long wait for our pizza and an even longer wait for our steak tips. It's not a "quick bite to eat" kind of place... But the pizza was good. Way better than any delivery place i've ever ordered from. They put the topping UNDER the sauce and they don't skimp. The sauce they use is great! Makes other pizza seem inferior. ALSO, they only take cash. There is a ATM inside, but it looks like one of the ones that charge a gazillion dollars in fees. (I didn't use it, so I can't confirm.) Don't say I didn't warn you!
(4)
Will H.

Good pizza even better meat skewers. The homemade pickled peppers are awesome
(4)
Molly D.

Amazing pizza! Yummy bread! Yummy lamb! (that comes with yummy bread and hot peppers!) This place is awesome because the pizza is topnotch, but it could not be more unpretentious here. It looks like an old dive bar from the 70's, the staff is burly and only items on the menu are pizza and lamb kabobs. If you are a pizza snob, Santarpio's is a must!
(4)
Ladyjane S.

I really didn't enjoy Santarpio's pizza. The sauce was great, but the crust was blah and there was too much of that crappy, squeaky cheese on it. You know what kind of cheese I mean. The kind you get at your local crappy greek pizza joint. I got the lamb skewers as well and although they tasted great, they had a lot of gristle and were very chewy. If it were a better cut of meat they would have been phenomenal. Unfortunately I thought the best part of the meal was the bread and peppers. Definitely not worth a special trip out to Eastie, but if I'm ever in the area again (which I doubt I will be) I might give it another try.
(2)
Theresa A.

I could not believe how rude the staff here was. Apparently we were taking to long to order our food and the waiter told us he was going to charge us rent. Pizza was ok, but not worth dealing with the rude servers.
(1)
Jocelyn G.

Like some others, I'm torn. I would like to give Santarpio's 3.5 stars...the pizza was fine. The service was slightly hit or miss. We got extra cranberry juice for some odd reason. Comments from the other people at my table focused mostly on how the pizza did not sit heavy, even though they had a "works w/o fish" pizza. These comments were repeated an hour or so later. The pizza did not reheat well, though, which was very disappointing.
(3)
priya r.

I always think it is hilarious when people talk about the service, and that affects the stars. WHO CARES, this place is the best. It is a locals-only, so know the menu and don't ask for one. Next time I am getting the lamb and sausage combo plate. I saw the table next to us get the lamb plate, and I was jealous. We always get the sausage plate, which is really well-spiced and cooked perfectly. We like the anchovies and hot peppers pizza. So tasty and succulent. Yes, the sauce and the cheese together = succulent. This is a messy sloppy pizza and perfect. The best pizza I've had. The ambience is local, neighborhood, family, italian, old school. One of my favorite restaurants. Go get designer pizza at some hipster joint if you care about "service."
(5)
Mohammed J.

Sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with almost everyone here. I went to Santarpio's with a friend who grew up in MA, who told me that this place had the best pizza ever. She couldn't be more wrong. But before I get to the pizza, let's talk about what I do agree with the other reviewers on: a) There was a big line, but it went quickly b) The server was rude, and kinda irritating with his little comments c) The locals didn't seem to like the fact that non-locals were in their presence Big lines and cranky locals, I can understand, but annoying, rude and self-important servers is not something that I pay money for (let alone give 5 stars for - wtf?) So on to the pizza...The pies were small, the crust was overly dry, and the cheese and tomato sauce pooled in the center, not even trying to adhere to the crust. Those are amateur pizza-making mistakes. I can make better pizza in an Easy Bake Oven. I've had worse, but I've also had a whole lot better. Neapoli's in Malden, for example, makes a much better, bigger pizza for about the same price without pretending to be a fancy sit-down restaurant (but you can sit down if you want to). By the way, I hope you don't get thirsty because there are no free refills on sodas. But perhaps I'm being a bit harsh. I have only been there once, and only ordered two pizzas. Perhaps the one day that I went, the master chef was out getting a tattoo, and they dressed up the piss-boy to take his place. I dunno, I'm not here to judge...oh wait, yes I am! Don't believe the hype.
(2)
Amin S.

Oh my god!!!!!!!!! one of the best pizza you can get in the world! service and the location is not something to be proud of but if you just want to experience a good pizza place in the boston area then you must go to Santarpio's pizza. Make sure to order a skewer of lamb or sausage on the side baby!!!
(5)
Katherine R.

Okay... so on my very first day in East Boston I went here to pick us up a couple pizzas for a middle-of moving in snack. I'm not a big fan of pizza, but this is deff. the kind I could eat ALL DAY EVERY DAY. For first timers, the takeout is legit in the kitchen. Yes, you're in the right place. Also pizza in a bag instead of a box was a little surprising, but no bother. I think the key is to get only one topping as it goes under the cheese (AWESOME) and probably would get soggy. Otherwise this is perfect crispy amazing-ness (we got a cheese and a 'roni, for the record).
(5)
Alan L.

This place is good. I called up and the guy on the phone was super friendly and I showed up and my pizza was ready on time. Very friendly staff and the pizza was really good. I think this place is one of the best places in Boston!
(4)
Geoff M.

I recently had Santarpio's for the first time. It was takeout, and it was an hour and a half old and about room temperature when I got it. It was still ridiculously good. SO tomato-y. SO greasy. SO downright delicious. Had cheese, and cheese, sausage and garlic. Both were fantastic. The cheese sausage and garlic flavor combination explodes in your mouth. I brought the leftovers into my office, and they didn't last 2 minutes. All I had to do was say "Santarpio's" and it flew off my desk. Can't wait to go back and get it hot.
(5)
Ashleigh P.

I had heard the hype, and after dropping someone at the airport, I figured that I was already in Eastie, so why not? I was going to dinner at around 7, and it was 3:15, so I just wanted a slice or so to tide me over, as I never had lunch. I went in the front entrance, and I was told to go in at the side entrance. The side entrance basically puts you in the middle of the kitchen...hello sanitary issues! It took a bit for anyone in there to pay attention to me, and then they tried to force a whole pizza on me. I didn't want a whole pizza. I wanted a slice or two. What's the point of having a dedicated takeout area if you can't just get a slice? I was very disappointed. I will also never schlep a whole pizza home, because it would be cold, as getting anywhere from Eastie takes a while...
(2)
Erin B.

Pizza was good, but a bit sloppy. We decided to head here instead of Regina's b/ c of the snow and crazy parking in the city. Had the mushroom, pepper and onion pizza and a sausage and garlic. The S & G pizza was awesome, although i was tasting the garllic for the next 6 hours. The M, P & O pizza was super wet, there was a pool of veggie water on one side of it. So, while the flavor was pretty good, it was almost impossible to even get on the plate. We also had the steak tips, since that seemed to be the local way to do things...meat appetizer, then pizza, haha. They were really good, next time I will try the lamb and sausage. Super limited menu, would have liked some greens on there, but all in all, it was good. Not as good as Regina's, according to all in my party, but still pretty darn good.
(4)
Diane D.

There is only one word to really describe Santarpio's in my mind: LEGIT. Santarpio's is NOT for the weak-hearted. It is not for those who count calories or worry about clogged arteries. It is definitely not for those who require nice silverware, glasses or incredibly chipper service to mend an ego at the end of a long day. Santarpio's is for survivors. It IS for someone who requires nothing more than various cuts of meat and pizza options on the menu for a satisfying dinner - since that's pretty much all there is. I HIGHLY recommend starting off with a kielbasa or other cut of meat as an appetizer while you wait for your pizza - just get you drooling a little. Then when the pizza comes you may continue to babble between bites about how awesome it is and why didn't you ever know about this place before. I have rarely consumed pizza the way I do here! The wait staff may or may not check in on you - but WHO CARES, you are busy savoring your amazing slice of the pie. Prices are incredibly reasonable. The wait for a table, not always so much - check it out on a weekday if you can. I admit I never really thought to venture out this way until my bff moved to the Eastie side of town, but now there is no going back! This is truly an East Boston gem.
(5)
Ashley S.

I moved to Eastie in July last year so I had legitimately been living there for months before hauling myself over to Santarpio's. I have heard all the fuss about how great Santarpio's pizza is, but I tend to shy away from the noise. I like to discover places on my own, not the overhyped ones. But I did decide I need to at least be able to say that I've been there so I went a few weeks ago on a fabulous day (and walked to Piers Park and along the Greenway after). Somehow we hit it at just the right time that there was no wait. I was starving and the pizza took FOREVER to come, but I guess you don't ever question greatness right? At least that seems to be the attitude of the staff at Santarpio's. I will admit, it was pretty damn good pizza. I would not say it is best in the world, but I'm glad I finally tried it. I might even crave it occasionally, but don't tell anyone because I don't really like to admit being wrong. Next time, I definitely want to try some of the BBQ - it smelled heavenly! Things to know: cash-only, no delivery, pizza only comes in one size, but it's a good size and price so no worries there. Also, do yourself and the other patrons a favor, don't try to come here with 10 people or kids that need high chairs. There just isn't room.
(4)
Dick G.

Holy mammoth pizza and cheap beer, Batman!
(5)
christine c.

To. Die. For. I'd complain that it's out of the way and what not, but that's what keeps this place such a great secret. Selfishly, I wish it was easier to get to... Or that they delivered, but I know that would take away from its charm.
(5)
Ziyan C.

PROS: - The tomato sauce is amazing. A-MA-ZING. Spiced perfectly. Just the right amount on the pizza. - Get the sausage! Oh my god, I will never have takeout sausage pizza again. This homemade sausage is SO GOOD. Just tender enough, cooked any longer and it would be too chewy/rubbery, great flavor, goes so well with the other ingredients in the pizza. It's mixed into the cheese which is nice, not sprinkled on top. - The price!! Oh my god, only about $11 for basically a large pizza. CONS: - So the cheap price may be countered by the distance - we drove and you gotta take the tunnel (which means a toll). Not sure about the T. - The crust was a little thick/bready for me. Idunno.. Im a New Yorker now, like my thin thin crust pizzas. For its thickness (still pretty good, not like Pizza Hut thick or anything), it had a really good slight crunch without being burnt at all. - Service was pretty bad. We ordered our pizza over the phone and walked into the mostly empty restaurant in the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday, and basically got yelled at by the bartender for calling in the order and even THINKING about stepping into the restaurant and sitting. So sorry for not knowing that's the way it works. We had to go into a side door and wait awkwardly for our pizza to be cooked while the chef, dishwasher, and cashier guys worked away. The lady who ended up wrapping our pizza up and handing it to us was pretty sweet to us though. - Wish they had more toppings (like spinach! sun dried tomatoes!). It was just sausage, onions, peppers, extra cheese, etc. Really basic stuff. - Cant order by the slice. Had to order an entire pizza.
(3)
Meghan M.

Totally worth waiting outside in the cold, or the rain. And you will wait, no reservations here. If you like pizza, this is a great way to try another spin on it. Also the sausage and lamb combos are amazing. East Boston is a little out of the way (and costs an airport toll!) but Santarpio's makes it worth it.
(5)
Alyssa O.

Oh, Santarpio's. I wish there were a million stars because I would give them all to you. Their sublime, delicious pizza has destroyed me for all other pizza. Authentic Italian and that means a lot coming from me. My family is Italian by way of East Boston. I've travelled extensively in Italy and I was raised on good old fashioned Italian food. This girl can spot an impostor from a mile away and I'm here to say this is the real deal, authentic, delicious homemade Italian Pizza, the best you'll get this side of the Pond. In this friendly, no frills neighborhood joint you'll feel right at home in the oversized booths as they blast music ranging from Aerosmith to Lady Gaga. The price is RIGHT too. Good and cheap. About 4 blocks from the Maverick Square T stop, not too far from public transport. Santarpio's... WE WILL MEET AGAIN!
(5)
Chad H.

Fantastic pizza! Thank. You for a non-tourist experience in Boston. It sure pays to o off the beaten track!
(5)
Libby H.

My quest to find good pizza in East Boston continues, and once again I am underwhelmed. This pizza was burnt to a crisp when we opened it up at home! The crust was almost inedible and the pepperoni was clumped together in random locations. I enjoyed the cheese, but not much else. Blech. I don't know why this place is so famous.
(2)
Sho B.

This is by far the best pizza I've ever had. I love the crunchy crust and the homemade tomato sauce with a sausage topping. But the ONLY pizza that's not good as a leftover. It's so good, I hardly have any left over anyway!! Remember CASH ONLY!!
(5)
Serafin S.

Consistency and simplicity. There is nothing more important to me than those two things. I went to Santarpio's for the first time while in college in the late 80s and I keep going back year after year. The menu is simple: Pizza, Lamb, Sausage or a combo of those. The wine selection is easy; red or white, glass or carafe. The atmosphere is the best, wait in line, get rushed to the table, order quickly (don't even ask for a menu) and stay out of everyone's way. For the past 3 decades the food has tasted and cost exactly the same (or close to it) Make no mistake, rough clientele and service and no frills.. but the best pizza and grilled lamb you'll ever eat. make sure to have plenty of hot peppers some bread and a cold beer - without that combination it just won't work.
(4)
Kyrstyn B.

Its OK............. Reginas VS Santarpois that is the age old question if you live or work in Boston. Santarpios pizza IS NOT the same as Reginas and before you say that they are how can a pizza where the toppings go on first then the cheese and THEN the sauce be the same you are mistaken. Some people think that the service is terrible but that is what I liked about the place. we didn't see a menu but we knew what we wanted. 45 Minutes for a cheese pie? That I have a problem with. Oh and they only have one size. The cheese and sauce are good, but what ruins the pie is the dough. WAY too chewy. My jaw got a workout and I only had 3 slices. 15 dollars for 2 sodas and a pie so it is a good price, but only worth the trip if you had never been to Eastie.
(3)
Arthur M.

Best sausages and hot peppers, excellent pizza... and the regulars and professional staff make it the best pizza place in the city.
(5)
Shannon F.

Not good. The crust is like cardboard and the pizza is very greasy. DaCoopa's down the street is so much better.
(2)
Don B.

This is the most overrated pizza place i have ever tried. I have been looking forward to going there for years. We the opportunity finally arose for take-out I called up and order 8 different types. The pizzas came in paperbags not boxes. They were all stacked on top of each other and the sheet they put between the cheese and paper only helped a little. I think their secret sauce recipe is to open a can of Pastene. It was the worst sauce I have ever had on a pizza. I really wanted to love this place but to no avail. Perhaps I'll give it another chance someday but I doubt it.
(1)
Glenn L.

I have lived in Boston for 60 years and had never been to Santarpio's till last weekend. My favorite pizza has always been Regina, I have been going there since I was 5, and there No end location is great. Santarpio's Pizza was excellent...I mean excellent. i am still thinking about it. Oh!! What a crust. It's worth the trip.
(5)
Max G.

So before I start my review, this is Rachel Ray's favorite spot in Boston. If you are like me, and you throw up in your mouth a little bit, everytime someone mentions her name, then only pay attention from the next paragraph down. I want her to get the F*ck off my tv. Anyways, Santarpios's is one of my favorite spots in the city. It is where all the locals go. The pizza is good and the bbq is by far the best in all of Massachusetts. I advise going early, because the lines getting into this place can be long. Can't go wrong at this place. Bring cash, they don't accept credit cards. Santarpio's 4 life!
(4)
Andrew D.

I genuinely don't get what the hype is about. By no means is it bad pizza. It's good, but the best? Can't say I agree. The sauce is just a little too sweet, there's a little too much oregano, there's just a little too much crunch on the crust. Too many little misses that add up. I have no problem eating there again (in fact, I've been several times), but I don't see what all the fuss is about. I definitely need to try their bbq. Maybe that'll bump it up a star. But until then, it'll have to be three. As for those who claim it's the best pizza ever, take a tour of my beloved Wooster Street in New Haven. You'll thank me for it.
(3)
Michael C.

I finally made the short trip to Santarpio's and was ready for some great pizza with much anticipation. My first visit I was turned away because I foolishly thought they sold slices. From what I hear they only serve pizza, sausage, lamb, and alcohol which made ordering extremely easy. "I'll have some booze, pizza, lamb, and sausage please." I thought all the food was great, the sausage was my favorite. The lamb and pizza were very good too. Is this the best pizza in Boston? For me no, but it was very good. This place has a lot of character too, the bartender, who looked like he was straight off the set of Jersey Shore was jokingly yelling at one of their servers who looked about 80 years old asking him if he was deaf (reminded me of Blue from old School). I will be back!
(4)
Brian H.

Best pizza you can get anywhere in boston, hands down. Definitely not an artisan pizza, just a good old classic boston style pizza. Crust is actually a little thicker than i normally would get, but its just fantastic. If you're going to Regina, you're a fool. People flying in and out of Logan will try to time their flights so that they can get a pizza, and will call up to order one as soon as they let you make calls from the plane. its THAT GOOD.
(5)
Rory V.

Santarpio's pizza is great. I love going there and rather enjoy the run down feel of the place. It's a comfortable atmosphere with efficient service. It is a bummer that they do not deliver but the toll to get to East Boston is well worth it. It is easy to get to and I've never had a problem finding parking on the street. The last time I was there the waiter told us that the lot under the overpass is theirs for customer use. Not sure how to describe the pizza, but it is like heaven. Not thin crust, but not super thick either. I've taken a number of friends and family there and everyone has walked away happy and full! You can also order take out- they have a side door that gives you direct access to the kitchen where you will pay for/pick up your pie.
(5)
Joshua C.

My friend who has lived in East Boston for a few years told me about this place. We dropped by and went through the back door for the pick-up. It was a small, rustic looking kitchen and the staff were real laid-back, chill and accommodating. Alright, now on to the real stuff. The pizza! Now I'll be the first to say that yes, the pizza was pretty phenomenal. But given all the hype, I guess I was expecting something out of this world. I know it's kinda unfair to have such high expectations for a pizza joint, but hey, it is what it is. I must say, their Italian cheese was probably the best cheese that I've had with pizza. I just wish that the place had more options for size and flexibility. But all this being said, the place is pretty darn good and you can't really go wrong.
(4)
J.R. W.

BBQ sausage is outstanding . Lamb is just so so. And ask for pepper juice to dip your bread in. No b.s. atmosphere. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Nate S.

After my last trip I decided on just two toppings and the pizza came out perfect. A couple of slices and a beer with friends made this a good meal deal.
(4)
Jason B.

A local recommended this to me while I was in town recently. Having done all the touristy food places in Boston, I decided (with him) to go there as my last act before heading back to Logan. The pizza here can't be explained in words. It's a slice of heaven if heaven had tomato sauce, the right blend of cheese, and a crispy but not crunchy crust. The lamb skewers and the sausages are also wonderful and the old school photos/sports memorabilia (very boxing centric) add a touch of a slice of Boston that has mostly moved away from Boston proper. It's more than worth the walk from Maverick station and the fact that it's cash only (but cash only joints usually are the ones that are the most authentic at anything)!!
(5)
Karen G.

Seated right in front of the East Boston exit coming off of 93 south, this pizza place is pretty darned good. My friend and I got the lamb tips which were cooked to perfection, although it was a little tough for my taste. And the pizza they had was yummy. It came out hot and steaming and we had to eat it with a knife and fork since it was still so hot and not congealed. We ate here around 3pm on a Monday and there was a good amount of people eating there in the middle of the afternoon.
(5)
Randy C.

The pizza and the atmosphere here are perfect! In a world of fake, happy, happy birthday singing servers it's just refreshing to be treated like real family! Don't over analyze any of it. Just go order and eat! Repeat as necessary!
(5)
Mitch E.

honestly , yep they have been there for a long time, My father grew up near there, ( all europian decent folks new to move out of east boston along time ago !!) the pizza is pretty good, it took 45 minutes to get it, and it looks like a hit could go down anyminute, they have 0 -t.v.s the waiter coulnt care less about being a nice guy. I will say again the Pizza is very good, I think we will get there take out next time
(2)
marlene f.

Best pizza around. Don't come her expecting friendly staff or a devine ambiance. Don't even bother reading the long reviews regarding any of this. It's no frills dive pizza place with beer, wine and a side of sausage or lamb should you wish. I would expect anything else, but awesome pizza!
(5)
Allyson S.

Not being from the area, the only hype I heard about this place was my mom's recommendation of a decent pizza place she and my father went to 30 years ago when they were living there. So we drove here for lunch today, and the pizza was decent, but i definitely wouldn't call this the best pizza in Boston. The crust was thin and crunchy, but mostly because of the cornmeal stuck to the bottom, most of the pizza was actually pretty soggy. Their sauce is above average, but half our pizza had too much sauce, while the other side had to much cheese (to the point were it was like chewing rubber..) All in all it was an okay pizza, I ate it without too much complaint, but I don't think I would choose to go back.
(3)
Erin W.

I have been hearing about Santarpio's for my entire life and finally gave it a go last Friday. It was good - not fantastic as I had hoped but good. Wait - Meeting the in-laws there on a Friday night, I expected a long line. I was pleased we did not have to wait long at all. And the only reason we had to wait at all was we were a party of 6. Service - okay. No complaints. BBQ - while the sausage had a great spice to it, I thought it was pretty dry. I was disappointed. I didn't try the lamb, and I regret that. Pizza - Good. I liked the slippery cheese, and the sauce was tasty. I am a huge fan of toppings under the cheese so they scored a big point there. I didn't love the crust. I like crust that has a little more tear and a little less crunch. To sum it up, I'd go back. But only if I was in the neighborhood which is rare.
(4)
Ami P.

Wow the pizza was so so delicious.. And usually I hate the crust but THIS crust was SO GOOD. Shrimp scampi white pizza with a little bit of sauce. Definitely recommended.
(5)
Franklin M.

Old school restaurant since 1903. I love these classic restaurants they definitely take you on a time warp when you enter. Our older waiter was a very nice man and a bit funny, we didn't have to wait and we got a table for the four of us as soon as we walked in. The pizza was okay it didn't have the wow factor I expected so I am giving it 3 stars and 5 stars for the waiter and atmosphere of the place.
(4)
Christina O.

Went back again and shared a cheese pizza and another with sausage, onions, and mushrooms. The cheese definitely won. That's some damn good sauce on it. It was a little too watery my first visit but this time was much better. I really appreciate the crust to slice ratio, if that makes any sense. They fill that slice up with as much cheese and pizza as possible and I love it. But there's still enough crush to tear off and eat. The peppers are hot as shit and I love it. And no the bread does not help cool you down. All three of us were sweating. $2.50 house wine? YES. Red actually good.
(4)
Dana S.

I love it here. I love the bar room atmosphere. I love the staff. The food is amazing. I'd like to write more, but then will get the hipsters and the vacationers to the place and it will be even busier. So there's that
(5)
Eva C.

What a disappointment. The service was atrocious. They were so rude, acted like they were doing us a favor to wait on us. We came on a Friday night and it took an hour to get our pie. I swear they gave our food to a regular sitting down the bar from us. The pizza was overcooked and the crust was dry and greasy. I'm a pizza freak and was not only disappointed in the service, but in the hype surrounding this totally average pie. I lived in NYC for 20 years and this place is absolutely nothing special.
(2)
Bill W.

This place is right by BOS and the hotel we stay at so the van dropped me off there. I had to check it out because of the high marks of all the yelpers and I love good pizza. Cash only folks. They have an ATM there but I don't know my pin. I sat at the bar right away. Typical neighborhood joint where everybody has worked there since the civil war or in this case maybe when they forced mandatory bussing on Boston. Your not going here for the ambianc. It's a family run Italian joint and I like that. I started with the BBQ Combo of Sausage and Steak Tips. Cooked on an open pit over coals on skewers like the sausage at Al's. It's served with a really good crusty Italian bread and cherry peppers. The sausage looked good but was just barely ok if salted. It could have used a lot more herb and or spice. Next time I would pass on the sausage and try the lamb. The steak tips were excellent. Charred outside and medium rare inside. A must try if you like steak. Now the pizza. I have never had Boston Pizza before. It does deserve its own category. Needless to say I didn't try the sausage. I did try the pepperoni. A nice salty meaty blend and lots of it. Almost on par with Chicago pepperoni. The crust is a crispy bottom with a dusting of corn meal and a light chewy crumb with a crust that turns yellow yet the crumb is not. It could be a corn oil crust but not as much as Chicago crust. It's also thicker than New York and thinner than Sicilian. Also thicker than Chicago thin but thinner and airier than Chicago pan. The sauce is more crushed than thin but it's mostly under the cheese. They might cheese it, sauce it and then cheese it again. Then it's baked till the cheese just starts to burn. I like that. It is a very good pizza and I would not be unhappy if it was the only pizza in town. I could eat it a few days a week if I didn't care about wearing my pants from last month. If you are on a low carb no dairy diet or just like steak I would eat those steak tips often. They have Pepsi Products and they only have pre sweetened tea. I took uber back to to the hotel since I didn't have time to wait for the van. If you have never used uber and would like to save up to $20 off your first ride us this promo code or pass it on to someone else. z4jri. Or try Lyft and use the code dogfood. Those same codes will get you a new driver bonus if you sign up as a driver. Good eating. I will be back.
(4)
Simon L.

It's hard not to see why all the hype is about. I had no problem getting in because I went for lunch during a downpour, however, even then the place filled up pretty quickly. Affectionately brusque service, slide to the left unless you want to sit at the bar to the right. A gentleman asks how many and if you're lucky you can choose your seat otherwise follow directions carefully. Cash only, ATM on site. Menu is simple: pizza ($9.50-$20) or BBQ ($8.50) lamb, tips or sausage. Garden salad ($4.50). A pizza with beef and onions arrives hick with sweet, homemade sauce. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan lightly coats this red, chunky concoction. The ground beef is cooked well done while the onions are halfway between sautÃ©ed and raw - an excellent choice as both soft, crunchy, sweet and sour flavors and texture prevails. The crust is crisp and billowy around the edges while the center of the pizza holds up the toppings well. This is a special place.
(5)
Karen P.

This is by far my favorite pizza place. No other pizza shop had ever been able to rival the flavors of Santarpio in my mind. I'm a regular, been eating this pizza since I was in my mama's womb. In fact, she was munching down on a box of Santarpio's pizza before going into labor. Nothing but fond memories here folks. This place is one of my pride and joys of being an Eastie resident. When I walk through the door and into a dark musty bar setting, I'm flooded with the warmth of home. You might think the pizza is average, but there's something so distinct in the cheese blend that gets me addicted and always craving for more. A few slices of pizza with some skewered lamb and cherry peppers on the side, I can't think of anything more befitting of my last meal on earth. The reason for the lack of a star is the slow service. Don't get me wrong, the workers here are wonderful and nice. Some of them have been taking care of my pa since he was in his 20s. But that old school vibe includes an older staff that moves in their own pace.
(4)
Jim P.

There is a grill at the end of the bar near the door. Check it out when you come in. That is where they cook MEAT the way it should be cooked: Over a real coal fire. I owe the discovery of this place to my Boston friend, Mike, who came here as a kid 30 or 35 years ago with his older brother. Come hungry. Bartender is a good guy. Check it out! Many awards. Not Chicago Style that's for sure.
(5)
Teresa S.

This place is the thing Dreams are made of! If your dreams are about the best Pizza Ever!! My friend Mark knew all about this restaurant. He was the one that turned us on to it. So he and I and a few other friends went down here. So happy we did. The Pizza is the absolute best I have ever had. A nice thin crust,the smell was divine. Our wonderful mixed grill was so good. Lamb and Sausage, with crusty bread and Cherry peppers. It is all cooked on an open grill. Our wonderful chief Lefty has worked there since he was a kid. The place has been here for over 100 years. Perfection. We had a bottle of lovely Italian red wine with our meal. There was plenty to take home with us. This is a delicious meal to have any day of the week. Especially nice when it is cold outside. It is not fancy inside, just good , a happy vibe, and a very friendly staff. I have been dreaming about this place ever since I visited it.
(5)
Adam B.

service was ok.... food was ok, though expected a lot more based on the reviews from this site and from the great review by Andrew Zimern of Bizzare Foods.... steak tips and lamb skewers were overcooked, dry and bland....they tasted similar so it was hard to determine which was which....some seasoning or marinading would help...both my friend and i had to immediately salt the protein.... the accompanying hot peppers were good though and at least that gave some character and flavor to the meats.... shrimp scampi pizza was ok....it had some flavor from the abundance of garlic....
(2)
Linda G.

The real deal.. Pizza is to die for as the lamb is as well, moreover , the crew and the ambiance puts you in the nitty gritty realms of Baaahstan. Love this place ... A staple as long as I can remember!
(5)
Jenn S.

Ok fine, I'm a pizza snob and I usually get super judgmental when people tell me some place has good pizza. However, this was so good. It was different than most pizza I have had. We ordered take out during lunch hours and it was good even at sort of room temperature when it got back to our office. I don't know how to explain the difference in the pizza but the cheese on the top (I am assuming parmesan) is good. I would definitely recommend!
(4)
Heidi R.

This is the real deal. Great pizza and sausage. We got the sausage as an appetizer, the works pizza without anchovies and a regular pepperoni. The kids voted this the best pizza ever! We loved it.
(5)
Debbie C.

Best authentic pizza!!! From the homemade crust to the real cheese and ingredients ... Awesome! The people there are super friendly. They even played Ray Charles' "Georgia" after discovering we were from Atlanta. I will dream of and crave this pizza forever ....delizioso! Their homemade Italian sausage is to die for!!! And we went twice on our visit to Boston ...it was that good!!!
(5)
Chad E.

Though we've been to Boston - er Bahstahn - before, we had stayed on the outskirts of the city. This time, we actually just flew into (and out of) the city, so didn't really have much time to hang around, but wanted to at least make an attempt at something authentic. I feel like we succeeded. Santarpio's isn't just old school. It makes the old school places look like they are the new kids on the block. Speaking of the new kids, this is where Donnie and Markie might have hung out before they made the big time. It's a street corner pizza joint, and if you don't live in the area - or if you do but you drive there - you're parking under a freeway. Anyway, once inside, it's a no-nonsense type of place. Well, there is a bit of nonsense, but that's a part of the appeal. Definitely a blue collar joint, but anyone is welcome. The pies are not something you'd find at the California Pizza Kitchen, and that is a good thing. The menu consists of pizza, and a few skewers of barbeque. I'll let them get by spelling it with a "q" rather than a "c" because it's not southern. They also serve bread and peppers. That's it. Worth a stop if you're anywhere nearby, but don't expect anything fancy, as you will not get it. Bring your cash, because they don't take anything else.
(4)
Ryan A.

Just ate here a few hours ago. Such an authentic hole in the wall. I love it. Started with the BBQ sausage appetizer. It was absolutely delicious. The sweet peppers were a perfect compliment to the sausage. The pepperoni pizza was the best pizza I've had in my 7 years in Boston. Unbelievably good. Combine the quality of the food with the friendliness of the service and you have a 5 star rating. One quick heads up: they only accept cash so visit the ATM before you arrive. If you forget they have one in the restaurant so either way, no big deal.
(5)
My Anh T.

I was there tree time and every time it was different. Every time I had the combo. First time was the best and the food was great. The second time it was literately like if they served us coal. The third was better but on the other hand some pieces of meat where to raw for my taste.
(3)
Craig L.

Went on a tip from our UBER driver and had the BBQ which is charcoal grilled lamb and sirloin. Came with hot peppers and fresh bread. Simple but perfect. Will be back for the pizza and the BBQ. Great place and truly a Boston feel to it, very genuine.
(5)
Matt C.

Is there an option for more than 5 stars? Best Pizza I have had in Boston(well a little outside) The old school, cash only, been there before the neighborhood got there vibe is amazing. I try to make it here once a month at least. Do guys get cravings too? After having this I think you will. If you're nervous about what to get, If its your 1st time going, Be excited
(5)
Ed M.

Bostonians. This is our chance. Our chance to compete against the incessant and unfortunately correct complaints of New Yorkers about our pizza. I love this place, I love the atmosphere, I LOVE the pizza! Prior to coming here, the list of pizza places in Boston that I was proud included Il Mondo's on Mission Hill, Ernesto's in the North End and nothing else. And no, I didn't "forget" to include the copy-cat NYC pizza joints. Nor did I "forget" to include Regina's Overhyped Grease Factory Chain. Seriously, there isn't much to say here other than give it a try. It's delicious pizza that does its own thing without inspiration from the NY, New Haven, or Chicago pizza styles. My personal favorite is the hot peppers and sausage pizza, if you Yelpers were wondering!
(5)
Michael C.

As I refect on writing this I am thinking about how someone from a more "shall we say gentile" part of the country might react to the welcoming you get here. The guy hanging over the bar as you enter is reading a paper and yells" Hey....you got two people." You are now greeted (I use the term loosely) by the waitress who points and says "sit there". What is amazing it has not changed since the last time I was there in 1975. (The good old days; the drinking age was 18). The gruff waitress was in fact incredibly charming in the manner of a Bostonian. Ambience: Yes it has it in its own unique way...do not change a thing. Service: Quick with a running commentary Food: The big mistake I made was ordering one Shrimp and Garlic Pizza. So good I could have eaten two. Price: Fair
(5)
David R.

Got in the only car accident of my life, knock on wood, en route to this place, and it was still a net positive. It's very hard to get to, but that's part of the fun and the pay-off when you finally arrive. Super charismatic guy with all the buttons will bust your balls but he does it out of love. The other guy near the door looks intimidating but he too is a great guy. And they wear shorts whether its 90 degrees or 19 degrees. You just don't find places like this anymore. This is an institution of Boston lore, where in the 80's, Boxers would dine after their fights (and probably before). Best cheese pizza and best sausage with peppers (aka Barbeque) in the country, just don't overdo it with pizza toppings- when it comes to Santarpio's, the beauty's in the details and the
(5)
Derek S.

Great pizza, steak tips, lamb tips, and sausage. Only downfall is that it's cash only.
(5)
Julia M.

Easily one of my favorite pizza places in Boston. The crust is thin & crisp, & the sauce is delicious with just the right amount of sweetness. Santarpio's can get rather busy on weekend nights, so if you stop by on Friday or Saturday, I recommend getting the pizza to go rather than waiting for a table. On that note, when you are picking up pizza, be sure to use the door on the side, not the front door. The front door is for the restaurant; the side door (which will lead you into the kitchen) is for pick-up. Tidbits: -Santarpio's is cash only, so be sure to stop at an ATM beforehand. -The sausage is made in house (& is delicious), so I highly recommend topping your pizza with some.
(4)
Nineties G.

Santarpio's aka Santahhhhpio's is 100+ plus year old East Boston institution serving Boston's finest pizza. The rugged, beat up interior whispers memories of its past as a boxing bar. Don't come here if you're not ready for the realness.
(5)
Kim B.

It was new years day. We were hungover, tired, happy, but in a long drive home. Gster was the chauffer and he had a full itinerary for our trip to and from the great granite state for celebrations. On the drive home, he had an urge that we needed to fulfill. "Kim.. look up the BEST pizza in Boston!" As I meet his demands.. I looked at yelp and Boston's listing of best pizza. We had already been to number 1. So this was next on the list. Even though it was out of the way.. Gster's chauffering service took a fun detour to fulfill his cravings. We parked on the street, and decided not to J walk.. the area isn't the best. In fact there were a few crazies on the street. We walked in and i wasn't sure what to expect. It is your typical neighborhood pizza joint. The atmosphere does not seem like its the "best pizza in boston". It is just a typical bar, nothing fancy, noting unique, nothing exciitng. But I did notice how busy it was. We got the menu, or lack thereof. There are about 5 options for pizza, and 2 options for meat appetizers. Gster wished he had gotten the meat appetizer, but we will have to next time. We got the classic cheese. Jackie wanted buffalo chicken. We told her "this is an authentic italian pizzeria. Buff chick is americanized." We advised her not to ask. Despite our expertise, she did ask and she was rejected. She said, "I never should of asked". Our pizza's came out and were sizzling hot. The pizza was amazing. EM-AZ-ING. My favorite part was the crust. And the bubbles. I love bubbles in the crust! My favorite part of the meal was that our server gave us our bill, hand scribbled on a piece of scrap paper. That to me, is the definition of authentic.
(5)
Vincent H.

Local East Boston joint that probably has the best pizza in the area! Sorry Regina's, you come in second (Still good though!) Also, CASH ONLY! Make sure to get the barbecue cause those are something worth trying. I've already had the lamb and steak, which were great! Meat lovers is my favorite along with peppers and onions.
(5)
Catherine R.

The best pizza ever better than dominoes & Pizza Hut so original! I like it better here than Peabody! It's the authenticity of the pizza & red wine taste better! I love how they put the toppings underneath the melted cheese as if you can't see the toppings at all! Good service & too bad no keno!
(4)
Rob M.

Bbq, pizza are amazing. This place knows how to make great food. Upon seating, you are expected to know what youd like. They ask if youd like a menu. From lamb to sausage to steak tips..everything is grilled to perfection. The pizza is simply amazing. If you don't know the options you probably shouldn't be there. You have a couple options and should be ready to order when seated
(5)
Joe C.

It's New York style pizza. In Boston. As far as I can tell, their "Italian cheese" was a combination of several different cheeses including mozzarella, Romano, Parmesan, and possibly something else. I believe they didn't put enough mozzarella and they put too much of the other cheeses. Also their mozzarella solidified too fast and lacked stretchy-ness. Crust was subpar. Sauce was top notch and the best part of the pizza, albeit the tomatoes came from a can. Now I can't really knock can tomatoes because some of the best pizzerias I frequent use can tomatoes imported from Italy. Santarpio's sauce reminded me a lot of New Haven style sauce. My pizza was good. It just wasn't great. Price was decent for $10 for a full pizza. All the guys working the kitchen seemed to be Italian. Sometimes you can just tell.
(3)
Mindy T.

The BEST pizza you can get. I can't even stand myself because I haven't been here in years. I always talk about Santarpio's and always crave it, but it has taken me forever to actually come here again. My flight got in around 10:00PM on Friday night. While waiting for my friend's flight to arrive at 10:38PM, I wondered if we would make it there on time. It's so close to the airport and they close at 11:30PM on weekends. We got dropped off at the lot to get her car at 11:00PM and I called in for a pizza to go. 15 minutes. We got there in 5 and I waited another 8 minutes inside for our piping hot pizza, fresh out of the oven. My mouth was watering as I stood in their takeout area, watching all the pizzas come out of the oven and being cut right in front of me. As I ran to the car with our pie, I had to stop myself from biting into a slice right away. I wanted to enjoy the pizza before I burned all my taste buds. Wow, words can't even begin to tell you how good this pizza is. Plain cheese is perfect for me. I never eat the crust on pizzas, but Santarpios is just too good to throw away. Perfect amount of saltiness with the best cheese to tomato sauce ratio. I think there's also garlic powder that gets baked into the bottom of the crust for added flavor. Just had this last week, but can't wait to come back and get more. I'd eat this every day if I could. Go there because you will not be disappointed. And get some lamb skewers while you're at it!
(5)
Jim L.

Best pizza in Boston. Bar none. Hands down - but that is widely known and an established fact. What separates Santarpios from the rest is the experience of going there and their great staff. In an era of trendy restaurants with over zealous chefs trying way too hard to appease the hipster foodies, Santarpios keeps it simple without sacrificing great tasting food. Quality ingredients and a timeless pizza recipe that always hits the mark will maintain this must-visit restaurant for years to come. Fancy? Nope. Trendy? Far from it. The jukebox will spit out an Eminem song followed up by Francis Albert and sometimes it takes a little while for the food to even come out, but all these characteristics make this place so special and unique. I love the neighborhood feel of Santarpios and its a throw back to when restaurant staff remembered your name and made you feel welcome. We always try to sit in Rocky's section as he is a great waiter and an even better guy. If you're looking for a trendy and new pizzeria with craft beer and locally sourced figs and artisanal cheeses, this is not your spot - but if you're looking for the best pizza in the city in a laid back and chill atmosphere, Santarpios is second to none. Cheese and garlic and a works with no anchovies are our go to's washed down with two carafes of red wine in juice glasses. I can't wait to go back next Sunday.
(5)
Kayla C.

THE BEST PIZZA!!! No matter where you live it is worth the trip to try Santarpio's in East Boston (The peabody location doesn't compare). The cheese is amazing, it's unlike any other pizza i've had. I don't try many kinds here other than a traditional "Cheese Pizza", but I've heard the "White Pizza" is great as well.
(5)
Kasey M.

This pizza joint is awesome! The setting felt very welcoming. Staff was very friendly and joked around making sure we were being taken care of. Jukebox to set the vibe. Was a great first impression for my first visit to Boston. I had the meat lovers pizza and it was delicious, would love to come back!
(5)
Cathy F.

Great little hole in the wall - fun waitstaff and ambience plus. Being a pizza snob (I'm spoiled by my hometown fave); this place takes the guesswork out of having pizza. One size pizza available...Sauce very flavorful and the sausage/pep house-made and tasty. Also had the sausage, peppers and house-made bread...delish! If you don't like hot, steer clear of the peppers. Better care could be taken in the bar...no tap beer and limited mixer; oh, and no fruit for the drinks. Since I went there for pizza not the bar, the bar shortfall wasn't a real problem. Service good and friendliness of patrons was excellent and fun! Would definitely go back.
(4)
Brittany L.

Probably 3.5 stars. Our first meal in Boston! It's actually located closer to the airport but we went to put our stuff at the hotel then took the MBTA back and it was only about 20 minutes. The thing I like about Boston is everything seems to be pretty close together and doesn't take that long to get from one end to the other. TRANSPORTATION: Took the blue line towards Wonderland and got off at Maverick (our hotel was located in Beacon Hill). Then walk down Chelsea until you see the restaurant on the right hand side. it's located on a corner. WAIT: Came on a Thursday night around 6:45pm and we got seated right away. The inside is pretty small though so I saw a lot of groups waiting after us. ATMOSPHERE: It's kind of small once you walk in but veer towards the left and the lady will seat you. The right side is the bar and the guy who cooks the skewers. He was very nice since we looked like lost tourists. The inside gives you that family owned italian pizzeria, old school located in an italian neighborhood feel. People describe it as being "eastie" and I have no idea what that means but I can see why they say that. It's a fun place to eat that makes me feel like a local. FOOD: We got one pizza ($16) and get half and half. It's about 8 slices and plenty for two people. CHEESE, SAUSAGE AND GARLIC - this one has tomato sauce, it is your typical sausage pizza with a thin crust. The crust at the end is a little more crispy than I would like. It actually tasted better after I waited for it to cool down. CHEESE, BROCCOLI, GARLIC AND CHICKEN - this was my personal favorite. If you've been to Le Diplomate in irvine, it's like their mushroom, garlic, chicken sandwich in pizza form. It's a white pizza, which means no tomato sauce. The broccoli helps give some greens to the pizza and the top is perfectly browned with the cheese. Overall though, these kinds of pizza joints never impress me. I'm more of a chewy, thicker crust pizza with gourmet toppings and less sauce. I also do not like soggy pizza and a good amount of the pizza was soggy with thick chewy cheese. The atmosphere was good though and after letting the pizza sit for a little it tasted better and had a better consistency.
(3)
nicole w.

Great pizza. Waitress and kitchen staff (for take-out, you order in the kitchen) are all very friendly. Price was reasonable. Pizza was delicious with a good amount of toppings. We stopped by since we had to to kill before our flight. It's conveniently close to the airport station, just a walk through the park! Shuttles to and from the airport come frequently by the park. By the way, the park was really nice and we took out pizza to go and ate there.
(4)
Kayla V.

Well it only took me 7 years of Boston residency to get out to Eastie and order a pizza, but holy hell. I couldn't tell you what's on the menu because when we sat down we refused menus so as to not appear touristy, but you can't go wrong here with a simple large cheese pizza. FYI, the place is CASH ONLY, although you won't need very much because the place is priced very reasonably (read: CHEAP). A true Boston legend - thanks, Santarpio's! I promise it won't be another 7 years before I'm back!
(4)
Harry H.

I would never even walk back, let alone trek back. Sure it's a local spot that's been around for decades, but the pizza was truly underwhelming. We went mushrooms onions peppers (pie only for takeout, which took quite some time), and the scent was Chuck E Cheese-reminiscent. The takeout entrance is very awkward (maybe it's a Boston-Italian talisman to keep 2 empty tomato cans outside the door?), and behind the door is a minimalist production area where you stand with staffers and have your back to the paper menu. This joint was covered on Bizarre Foods, Roadfood, GrubStreet, Opinionated About, and Ã'm sure every single other food-talk avenue, but it's history rather than product at this point IMO.
(3)
Daphanie I.

Love the smell of BBQ everytime I go here. The sausage is delicious especially since they serve it with pickled peppers. They're pizza is good as well, they sometimes get a little heavy on the sauce which makes he thin crust soggy but it always tastes fresh and authentic.
(3)
Ashley D.

Amazing pizza! Authentic Boston people serving authentic Italian pizza! Def a fav of mine! Kind of a hidden gem...
(5)
Rene C.

It was a long wait on a cold March evening. Every minute felt like an hour, but our patience paid off and we were escorted like rock stars to our table. The pizza is basic good old fashioned pies. Fresh ingredients, mouthwatering crust and toss in a little surly service (in a good way) and it all comes together in one of East Boston's favorites little joints. No fancy goat cheese and black truffle here. Pepperoni, sausage and cheese along with your traditional favorites. What's great about Santarpio's Pizza is even though it has been "discovered" by the tourist crowd it still maintains it's local neighborhood charm.
(4)
J G.

I had the cheese, sausage, & garlic and seriously it was some of the best pizza I've ever had! I was by myself so I only ordered the pizza but would love to try this place again for the grilled skewers (beef, lamb, or sausage I think). The smell of the grill filled the restaurant nicely!
(5)
Clint M.

Great spot for some of the best pizza I've ever had. Even better than spots in NYC. It's cash only and they really only offer pizza, but well worth the trip if you're in Bean Town.
(4)
Jahcobie C.

I love this place. I wish I was keen to this old school, no veggie serving place when I was growing up in Boston. Everything is amazing. My last trip this was a major highlight. Stop reading and go eat! A true gem and win for Boston
(5)
E. L.

This place just feels like a classic when you walk in. Very much in the style of many "______ House of Pizza" in towns throughout New England. Part retrofitted house, part bar, part pizza parlor. Pizza was solid. Not the best I've ever had, but pretty damn good. The homemade sausage and grilled hot peppers were awesome. That was the highlight for me. Cash only but there's an ATM in there. 5/5 would go again - especially to bring friends.
(4)
Theron H.

A neighborhood place Italian style. Friendly staff, pizza that is not a chain. Very tasty, baked with a slight burn on the crust - flavor. Task for the bread and peppers. Had a great conversation with the staff. Thumbs all
(5)
Ian P.

Very good pizza, ecceltic staff, great prices, cash only. A fun local spot worth the trip for the good food. Lousy beer selection to go with your pie but that's okay. Get the staff talking and you'll have fun. Family run and well cared for. I look forward to going again!
(4)
Mike C.

This is as local as local gets. We were definitely the only people in the entire room that were not Irish and/or Italian. If they went for pizza in The Departed, they would have filmed the scenes here. Anyway, the pizza is pretty great here. There's a reason we barely managed to snag a table even though we arrived at about 5 PM, and by the time we left at around 6, there was a massive line down the block. In addition to pizza, all they have is a "Barbeque" section on the menu, which offers skewers of sirloin, lamb and sausage. Most of the locals seem to order this, but we just came for the pizza - so we got The Works (minus the anchovies) ($18.75) and the Italian Cheese, Chicken, Broccoli and Garlic ($16). I was actually disappointed in The Works - I didn't think it was possible, but there were just way too many toppings on this. Unless it's deep dish, I always like to pick up my pizza to eat it, and that was not really possible with these slices. They became sort of a soggy, gooey mess with too much cheese and other veggies interfering more than I would like with the potentially otherwise crispy crust and the tasty meats. The other pie, on the other hand, was incredible. Plenty of chicken and broccoli in every bite, and the extra garlic made this pie really tasty. I'm very glad I got to try this place, as it is definitely one of the best pies in all of Boston. That wait looks like a hassle though and it's a pain to get here, so make sure you leave nice and early to get here for an early dinner.
(4)
Song H.

Native Bostonian steered us here. Pizza is the name of the game. There's not much else in the menu, but they do pizza well. I got an everything pizza and it was piled high with ingredients. It has great flavor and was very filling. I guess all the topping made the center crust a little soggy, but the edges were crispy and good. It was about $19. I have to mention the atmosphere! The server is a native with the accent and the attitude. It was great fun a clearly a slice of the city life.
(4)
Darryl M.

Terrible service. They waiter overcharges and then tell you it's a new price on the menu. One old guy who's a waiter has been complained about on more than one occasion on this site. I should have paid closer attention to the reviews before going. They have this idea they think their pizza is so great, they can treat anyone poorly. Their reputation is declining quickly and they don't even know their staff is the reason for it. Won't go back ever but will spread the word...
(1)
B T.

Best Pizza in Boston as far as I am concerned. Can't go wrong with any of the pizzas but The Works (no anchovies) and a single sausage from the grill is my go to. Steak tips and lamb are also great from the grill. Let the pizza cool before you dive in (seriously, wait at least 5-7 minutes before you even try to pull it apart) This place rubs yuppies the wrong way...and I like it, lol. Cash only. Waiters/Waitresses are old school. No bs. 5 stars all day.
(5)
Nikhil P.

Quick-tips... - Go before noon - Service is awesome. The lady we had was super nice, patient, and sweet. Didn't at all feel like the service sucks! - Meat skewers are unseasoned meat. Passable. - It's a dive bar. So enjoy it. - Pizza was good, tasty, but nothing out of this world. It's among the better pizzas I've had, but I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to come here. Maybe if I took a wrong turn en route to the airport. Then I'd definitely go. Yup.
(4)
Tony L.

WTF Did I do something to piss off the wait staff ordered lamb and a pizza. The lamb came to the table and 40 minutes later the pizza when I asked about my pizza I got attack and they were busy. See Ya not
(1)
Melody N.

I've been to the Peabody location but I had a feeling that I needed to go by the original East Boston location. The original East Boston location feels pretty 'cozy' compared to the Peabody one. We came on a summer week night which made a little hard to find parking. We had a garlic and sausage pizza. We added mushrooms(which costed extra - kind of a bummer!). We also shared a lamb skewer, which came with bread. I honestly didn't think much of the bread. The lamb skewer was juicy and tender. I really enjoyed all the garlic but I rather just gotten a sausage and mushroom pizza sans garlic without paying extra for it. The crust is nice and crunchy and the toppings are hidden under all the gooey cheese. Overall delicious, but I'm more of a Regina Pizzeria girl.
(4)
Nathaniel P.

This is classic Boston and the pizza is awesome -- the only caveat is they won't do gluten free (they say they've tried it every possible way but it just won't work with the brick ovens). But the sauce is unbeatable. The BBQ options are just kabobs. Not bad. Wouldn't go there just for that, but is okay as I can't eat wheat it allows my family to get pizza (and for me to scrape the toppings off a few slices, again the sauce is incredible). This is one of the few remaining and unspoiled Boston institutions.
(5)
Cindy K.

It has taken me so many years to venture out to Eastie to try this pizza. I have always heard people raving about Santarpio's and I was sure what was the rave all about. I mean pizza is pizza, but Santarpio's does take it to the next level. I have gotten the garlic sausage pizza and chicken pizza. Both were exceptional. The pizza is always crispy, the sauce is excellent, its nice and sweet and the pizza has just the right amount of cheese. I think the secret ingredient is the garlic. I would always recommend getting pizza with GARLIC, it really does make the pizza. Let me just say that I have only gotten take out here and the pizza has always been fabulous. I can't even imagine how much better it must taste if you ate it fresh there. The atmosphere is dive like. If you get pizza here, their take out pick up spot is in the back, and you go through the kitchen. It is cash only, but there is an ATM here. I took one star off because the first time I came here, the gentleman who took my order, took it wrong. When I was paying for the pizza, I said it was fine and its ok they took the wrong order. I was going to take the pizza anyways because I didn't want to wait. But the gentleman kept on blaming me, saying I said it wrong. I already said it was fine, I was going to take the pizza, but don't blame the customer, especially if they're going to take a different order than asked. Even though the service was less than ok, I can't resist the pizza and have gone back a couple times. Everyone should try this place at least once.
(4)
Jennifer G.

I'm going to be honest, I didn't have very high expectations coming here in the first place, but I wanted to see what the hype was all about since I've seen it featured on the Food Network before. Parking wasn't too hard to find right outside the restaurant. I did come on a weekday for lunch though, so maybe it's usually busier. As soon as you walk in, you get that local Bostonian vibe and it feels welcoming. Service was sort of slow. What's nice is that you can order half and half pizzas if you're sharing with someone and don't want to order two separate pizzas. I got the meat lover's pizza (cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef) and my sister got the vegetarian option for her half. They must've driven out to the farms to get fresh milk from the cows then come back to freshly make the cheese, because that's how long it felt before we got our food. When we finally got our pizza, the pizza smelled delicious! I was ready to eat. After taking a picture of it of course. Note: this pizza gets messy. The flavors are amazing, but as soon as I put a slice on my plate, the toppings would fall off the pizza and I would be left with a thin crust of pizza. Again...very messy, but I gave it a chance. On my next slice, and the one after that, same thing happened. Everything kept falling off the pizza. Also, there was a ton of oil on the bottom of the pizza pan. Still tasty, and glad I tried this place, but it really wasn't all that, in my opinion. CASH ONLY! There is an ATM inside, but just my luck, I had no cash and no ATM card on me. They have a new credit card swiper attached to one of their phones, but the manager couldn't get it to work. They were nice enough to trust us to go to the bank and come back though, which I really appreciated because I don't know how else we would've paid for our meal. We came back half an hour later and paid our check.
(3)
Francine W.

Pizza is good to great for Boston but not like nyc pizza duh. The five stars is for the lamb skewer (trust me) and because people are always mean and scary to me.
(5)
Margaret V.

This is local, but the service and pizza were not great. We were waved into the dimly lit restaurant and handed off to another staff member that ignored us. We kind of just sat down anywhere. It was not busy before 5pm. We established a time that we would get up and leave if no one came around with a menu or even walked down the aisle of booths in our direction. Finally someone came by with a menu and we ordered right away. They have a thin crust small style pizza pie - one size. We only ordered one with one topping, sausage. It took forever for our pizza to arrive and other customers that had ordered their pizza after us had their pizzas delivered first. The couple behind us seemed extremely disgruntled with the service and were also waiting forever and a day for their pizza. The pizza flavor itself is good, but what ruined the pizza for me was the insane amount of corn meal on the bottom! I know that corn meal is used to prevent the pizza from sticking, but it was way too much, so much so that my teeth were hurting trying to grind down the corn meal. I couldn't even scrape off the corn meal from the crust. I've had better pizza. It's not worth it to go out of your way to visit this place.
(2)
Ainsley K.

There is only one place to get Pizza, Lamb and sausage and that is here. Having been coming here since I was a kid with my mom and dad and then with my friends and now with my kids. Don't let the exterior turn you away, it is always these rustic, "hole in the wall" places that are the best and this is definitely one of them. If you live in Winthrop, Revere, or East Boston, you have had to been here, this is their landmark, but where ever you live, this is definitely worth the drive.
(5)
Mark H.

Santarpio's is something that cannot be adequately described in a review. At least, I lack the eloquence to convey why I simply MUST go there whenever I am in Boston. This is a pizza joint/dive bar with character. The menu is limited to pizza and kebabs so don't bother asking for a salad. I have been going here since 1995 and while it is cleaner, brighter, and a bit more welcoming to tourists ... This is a local hang out where you just sit back and soak it all in. The waitstaff served pies to Pilgrims they have been here so long. Some people have called them rude, but I find them engaging, personable, and committed to their product and customers. I have never had a kebab ... But the pizza .... The pizza is a combination of flavor, atmosphere, tradition ... The taste is far better than it looks ... Though they look pretty good! My favorite is the sausage, hot cherry pepper, and garlic. Always charred to perfection, it is the perfect combination of salt, heat, sweet, and texture. One bite somehow takes you back to a moment in time that means something to you. Much lime the Roxy Pizza takes me back to the Portville Drive In with my mom and sister when I was a kid. But I digress ... My family love the Pepperoni Pizza. I know it sounds pedestrian and pedantic (Family Guy reference), but the pepperoni pizza somehow just tastes better than any other. Santarpio's blows away Regina .... It is not even a contest. I put Santarpio's on my Mt. Rushmore of pizza .... 1. Mozza - I LOVE Nancy! It was great meeting her the other night. 2. Iggie's in Baltimore - Pete is the true Pizza Artist. Nobody cares more about quality than him. 3. Ammazza in Atlanta - New kids on the block. They far exceed the quality and service at long time Atlanta favorite Antico. 4. Santarpio's - Every slice reminds me of family. I have spent many times laughing and sharing great times with people I love here.
(5)
Melissa D.

Santarpios has always been my favorite pizza place. The original location on east Boston is known by all the locals. And there's a new opening on rt. 1 in Saugus! But nothing can beat the originality and the vibe of the one in Boston equipped with the juke box that the customers keep going. I've been going here since I was little and the place hasn't changed! The lamb & sausage appetizer platters with a mushroom pizza for the main dish is a perfect combination.
(5)
Samantha N.

Amazing. Just amazing. This pizza is exactly why I miss the East Coast. I am kinda sad to say that all other pizzas are now inferior. We had the lamb and sausage to start and got the cheese pizza. Hands down, everything was GREAT. The pizza is just PERFECT. Looks like a hole in the wall but don't be fooled. The locals definitely run this place- everyone knows everyone. If I'm ever back in the area, this is a must.
(5)
Marissa L.

Best To-Go Pizza Around! Call Ahead, Pick Up And Pay At the Back Door. They Tend To Get Super Busy During Weekends Especially.
(5)
Alexandra M.

Took us ages to figure out the bill. I had my back to the staff waiting area and they kept pulling my hair (by accident, but how many times can an accident happen?). Pizza had great cheese, but the crust was too crunchy to me--we talked about how some of our friends felt the same way when they went before, so at least I know I'm not alone! Maybe i'll ask for my under-done next time....we got regular and well-done, and I didn't try the well-done.
(2)
Saad M.

I am a New Yorker and an extreme pizza snob. This is very very good pizza. Went on a Wed night and waited outside for 25 minutes, not too bad. Everyone on line was a local and nobody took photos of their food the entire night. All very good signs. The cooks and waitstaff are gruff, but hilarious and open up very easily once you talk to them. An absolute delight. Got one pizza with chicken and olives/peppers and one with artichokes/onions. Both amazing. Test of any pizza - are you willing to eat the left over crust when you are done? YES, AND YES. I was willing to dip it in olive oil to get every last piece. Price was very low compared to quality. This is a must eat!
(4)
David P.

Grumpy service that adds to the charm. Great pizza. Expect to wait an hour before getting in. Well worth the wait.
(5)
Yaz P.

This was one of the most disappointing experiences I've had in a very very long time. i had very high expectations given the east Boston hype. Takeout- 2 pizzas: one works pizza and one half cheese/half pepperoni. Both pies were soggy and somewhat burned. The works pizza was especially bad. All the toppings were inside the pie, meaning the cheese was on top and the toppings inside on the actual dough. This caused every single slice to break apart. Honestly It'll take a lot for me to give this place another shot. The takeout entrance is confusing, and the staff was not particularly inviting, but I could have easily dealt with that if the pizza was decent. My family's dinner was ruined. I would have preferred pizza hut.
(2)
Robert R.

It a popular place, but has a local feel to it. BBQ sausage was great and so was the pepperoni pizza. Sold only by the pie, so I ate too much... No regrets
(5)
Russell F.

So, I'm not exactly sure why this place has so many 5 star ratings. I get the staff have the "Boston attitude", which I have no problem with, the issue I have is the pizza itself. Since we're talking about the best pizzas around, this one is average at best. I had the sausage and garlic per our waitress's recommendation. It was good, but nothing I would go out of my way to eat again. Sauce tastes too much of tomato paste and the crust is tough. I prefer Pizzeria Regina's easily over Santarpio's.
(3)
Michael C.

Pizza was excellent however soggy in the middle. My complaint and the reason I will never return is because of the service. Apparently they believe that their pizza is so good that they can treat customers like swine and talk to them to any manner. It was obvious that they believe the customer should bow down to them and accept their grouchy and poor attitude just so they can get a pizza from them. Well it's only a pizza and not worth the poor service. Then the old guy who is the waiter was dumbfounded as to why I only gave a 5.00 tip on a $40.00 check. I'm sure if he went to a restaurant and got such poor service he would understand why. Anyway decent pizza and terrible experience and service means never again
(2)
Michael U.

Ordered a Half Cheese and Half House Sausage and Garlic Established in 1903 as a bakery and turning out pizzas since the 30s Santarpio's is truly iconic - a family owned East Boston operation now in its third generation serving up a limited menu of house made sausages, barbeque, and pizzas (plus a single salad with a single dressing) to a seemingly never ending string of customers 7 days a week. Featuring their signature cornmeal crust, sauce that is just a bit too sweet but held in check by cheese that is slightly over salted, and signature spicy sausage that is charred over open coals near the door this is a no-frills pie in a no-frills spot - a Boston legend for good reason.
(4)
Edward P.

Don't let the looks deceive you, this place has incredible food for a dive. Sometimes the staff can be a little short with you, but it's because they're so busy. Cornmeal in the pizza crust is a really nice variation in your pizza eating arsenal
(4)
Scott M.

What is not to like about large portions of greasy molten cheese, and the pizza is not that bad either. The sausage apps are the bomb, these guys have something special. Venture out if you are from out of town and give this joint a try.
(4)
Kevin K.

I was on my way to Las Vegas and wanted a good Italian pizza before my 5 hour, non stop flight, on cheapo airlines. I went mid afternoon and had no problem finding the place or parking. When I got inside I was presented with the choice of "table or bar". I chose the bar. There were plenty of plaques that had awards that Santarpio's had won for best pizza but also signs like "No Tourists Allowed". It is not a very clean looking or bright atmosphere. It is downright dingy. The mood of our bartender was sour, at best. They were between shifts and it seemed like we were bothering them. The pizza took a while to come out, considering there weren't many customers, but ,,,,,,wait for it,,,,,,IT WAS AWESOME! I guess it's the price you pay to taste awesome pizza. Next time I'll do take-out, then it'll be just awesome with out the negatives.
(3)
Allen T.

Great vibe. Local. A person at the bar that I befriended shared a piece of his cheese pizza - good but I need to come back and try one with toppings. Crust stood out as thin and the flavor was good but hard to tell it was exceptional from the cheese pizza. I had lamb skewers. Nicely flame grilled. A bit light on flavor - no marinade so in the most purest form. The bread it came with though was definitely flavorless. What made the visit was the great local vibe and the two regulars on either side of me at the bar that were very friendly.
(3)
Karen M.

The sausage skewers and meat lovers pizza were delicious. Great local place and reasonably priced!
(5)
Georgie M.

Wow, wow, wow! What a wonderful and authentic east coast pizzeria. Don't make excuses. Don't tell me it's hard to get to, I know -- we came here after visiting the Bunker Hill Memorial and we had to drive all over to do it. #@?!!! The pizza will melt in your mouth. It has a simple tomato sauce, with just the right amount of cheese. The crust is very thin and flops when you try and pick it up. Yes, you'll need to start by using your knife and fork, a sacrilege I know. But Santarpio's Pizza might be the best east coast pizza I've ever had. Yes, it's that good. Check how many Five Stars reviews I have listed for restaurants. When you come here, ask to start with the spicy cherry peppers and bread. It will make you eyes water they're so good (and hot). LOL Another great starter is their Italian sausages and pepper. All great stuff, but order the plain cheese pizza first, so you know how good it is. Enjoy!
(5)
Patrick M.

If you don't like Santarpio's pizza or Regina Pizzeria in the North End then we simply won't get along. The place is the quintessential idea of a Boston pizza joint. It holds a lot of history in the place and has no frills, just damn good pizza... cheap booze and awesome grilled sausage. They keep it simple and keep the bullshit off the menu. The wine is very affordable for very good table wine and it just feels Bostonish in there. If I have a visitor coming in from out of town, I have to bring them to this place to leave them with a feeling of what it should feel like in this town. Open late and easy to get to... sometimes a line out the door for a reason... they are the bomb and are consistent. It feels like you are in an episode of the Sorpranos, but they keep it simple and keep it good. Rock on Santarpios... you are a legend.
(5)
Jonique S.

Taste: At first, an overpowering salty flavor had me questioning my choice. The first bite was a bit of a shock. By the end of the first slice, my tastebuds adjusted to the saltiness and I could then appreciate the flavorful sausage. I found myself eating slice after slice but not quite sure if it was because I really enjoyed the pie, or if I was still trying to figure it out. This pizza is even more delicious as left overs the day after :) Update: I went to this place a second time and the verdict is in... This unique pizza is worth your time! You owe it to your taste buds. On my second visit I ordered a pizza with half pepperoni and 1/2 sausage. I love how the pepperoni is baked in under the cheese. I knew what to expect with the semi-salty sausage and the taste-bud-to-tongue-tango was more satisfying this time around. Tip: Don't expect Santarpio's Pizza to taste like every other pizza that you've sampled. Go into this culinary experience expecting only to bask in the roller-coaster of emotions that goes with eating a classic menu item with a non-commercialized twist!
(4)
Ryan C.

Looking for a decent pizza place that only takes cash, treats their customers with little respect, and delivers a pizza 50 minutes after the order was placed? This is your place. The pizza is fine, call ahead and get it to go. The steak tips could not have been tougher or more flavorless. Would rather go to Papa Gino's.
(2)
R P.

LOVE Santarpio's! Have been eating there for decades. Pizza and a double lamb - please. They have updated a lot in recent years. There are more than that one tattered old menu (singular) and they tend to set the table; instead of toss everything and let it slide into the middle. And they offer full sized soft drinks now. The place looks dumpy and is generally crowded - often with a line to get in on the weekends. One side is a bar, separated by a partition, the other tables. For the full experience, go around the corner and check in with the kitchen. They are generally glad for company and proud of the century old oven. Check out the postings on the walls... The Neapolitan style Pizza is among the best - anywhere - and the charcoal grill makes marvelous lamb kabobs.
(5)
Steve R.

This place and the people are great. I called in my order to the wrong location. Not only did they say no problem, they had the food ready at the place I wanted it in the first place. The pizza, steak and sausage were perfect !! Nice people, Nice food, Thank you Steve
(5)
Michael W.

Good pizza... not great pizza. Friendly people though and a unique location. I'll be back.
(3)
Jeff F.

This pizza is without question some of the best in Boston, but it doesn't come close to Filippo's in Hoboken (pains me to give Jersey an edge over Boston in anything, but it's just true. I'll probably be back as me & the wife continue our hunt for the best slice in Beantown. Santarpio's is worth the trip to East Boston or at least a detour before or after Logan (skip the lamb skewers - crap)
(4)
Duncan M.

Best Pizza in Bean Town!--Hands Down! Lamb and Sausage are Awesome as Well! That's it; the whole menu. So if you are looking for a tofutii salad on the side, this is not your place. Service is Strong and Aggressive. Don't wear your Yankees Hat. Great Value.
(5)
Nate Y.

Took the opportunity to have a sit down lunch here and take in all that Boston flava. The guys working the tables had the local accent/attitude and were friendly. Enjoyed how they took a few shots at other patrons (male customer "where can we sit?" waiter "Sit over there on the left" male customer "over here?" (he points to his right) waiter "yeah, that's not left"). We shared a garlic and cheese pizza and a single order of lamb kabobs. The za was thin and crusty, but still light and airy on the inside of the crust. A good balance of cheese and sauce. I can't imagine having more toppings though, as it may cause the slice to become a bit limp. lamb kabobs were grilled nicely, served with a couple of medium hot peppers, very tasty combo. I enjoyed this very much. Whether or not it's better than Regina remains to be seen since I haven't been to Regina's in years. We will see. BTW, they have boxing posters all over the walls, but when I asked if they knew where the Pacquiao/Mosley fight was showing our waiter had no idea and another guy had a suggestion for a place up in Saugus. Apparently the boxing posters have been just left up there from a time gone by, sort like how your parents' basement is like.
(4)
Alana S.

Very small sitting area. Felt like I was being watched the whole time it was really wierd. Maybe I just got a bad waiter? We ordered a extra cheese pizza with chicken for a topping and a skewer of lamb. The lamb to me didn't taste too good, me not being a big fan of lamb was probly the main reason. It was burnt yet chewy and hard to eat. The pizza was filled with oil, I know pizzas usually have a lot of oil but this was an unacceptable amount!! It was badly cut so I literally had to cut my own piece Wich was hard to work with. Also our waiter kept walking by telling us "chickens comming" idk what the hell that was all about. And he said it a good 3 or 4 times... But, no chicken came??? Lol In conclusion!!!! If you like sloppy hard to eat pizza this place is for you!!! Pricing isn't bad at all the that's the only good thing. Won't be here again!!!
(2)
Joshua S.

I never understood why people like their pizza its greesy and it's like someone sat on it
(1)
Patricia A.

You either love, love, love it or loathe it. We've been going for 30 years and haven't tired of it yet. It is simply the BEST!! The barbeque lamb and sausage are yummy too! So what if the wait staff is a little gruff; it adds to the ambiance. Sometimes a wait but never too long, reasonably priced and parking. It's a win win!!
(5)
J B.

I've made the 45 minute drive down from Manchester more than once, just to hit Santarpios. Best pizza ever. End of conversation. Throw me a little crusty bread and a couple of hot cherry peppers before ordering up some skewer-gilled lamb and sausage. Old-school dÃ©cor. If you're a "cheap date" like I am, and like the whole old-neighborhood, Eastie, nostalgic old boxing photos-type of vibe, come on down to Santarpios. Atmosphere and fantastic food will not disappoint.
(5)
RIKO A.

Its difficult to challenge a well known establishment due to popularity and fame. This place has been on top in many peoples Pizza House but not in my book. This is my 2nd time eating here in my life. The first time me being a young Teen and I remember loving it... That is why I was around the area and decided to eat there. Right from the start things were going sour very quickly. We were seated by a Male waiter in a spot in which we felt we were being watched and grilled by the staff. Anyhow this has no effect on my 3-Star. lets get to the real S**t. 1- When ready to order I Kindly asked if we could have Pineapple on our Pizza. The Waiter stared at me like I had 3 heads and said they don't have it with an attitude. Apparently they are very limited on toppings for the Pizza, Geeez how the F*** Am I supposed to know, it is not displayed clearly on the Menu. As A business he should have just explained to me and my guest what was available not have me guess and look foolish. 2- We ordered a side of the Lamb Barbeque---nothing to say about it besides it was burnt in the outside, very undercooked in the inside (7.99$) didn't quite tasted as expected. 3- HERE COMES THE PIZZA!!!! It was an extra cheese with Chicken topping Pizza; The size was decent for 2 people, the looks of it were quite disturbing. I have never seen so much greece--oil liquid on the top. It was messy, I was furious when I discovered the Pizza was not cut in slices. It is the eaters responsibility to use utensils to cut it into pieces. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!! The taste was perfect on the cheese and that is all. The Crust was terrible, burnt and very tasteless. The amount of Chicken we had in the Pizza was what I consider an Insult... Total 5 small chicken pieces on the Pizza, not enough. 4- THE FUNNIEST THING; Since we ordered 1 Cheese with Chicken topping, I don't know what the Waiter kept talking about because after he delivered the Pizza (It appears its just Cheese from the outside) He said he was going to bring the Chicken Pizza later on. That made me and my guest very confused. It seemed he thought we ordered 2 different Pizza's. I was in no mood for arguments or inquiries so we came to a conclusion that if this second pizza arrived we would just take it home. Anyways, he passed by us about 3 times and kept saying the same thing that the Chicken was coming. It made no sense whatsoever. By the time we finished the first Pizza the second one never arrived. I quickly asked to be given the check and he seemed spaced out on what to charge... The price was very good though. If this place was expensive I would have given it a 1 Star and would have been pissed. Conclusion: With the 30 $ bucks i spent here I would have been happier going to Domino's. This place has to be visited once in a lifetime just experience it, words cannot describe... Remember -if you are to go anywhere to eat you should never feel uncomfortable and given sloppy burnt food. I have to disagree with the reviewers who gave it a 5 I will perhaps visit again but not anytime time soon, maybe in 2013.
(3)
Kathy D.

Felt like I was in a Marky Mark/Ben Affleck movie walking here! Pizza and the carafe of red jug wine were great! The server was a legend with an amount of flair that would have spared him from being fired at Chockiski's. A little off the beaten path, but very good pizza.
(4)
Stacey L.

I can't say more nice things about this little pizza joint! I planned a bachelor/bachelorette party in Boston and this was the first stop on our Friday evening. I called ahead and they were more than happy to set aside a table for our group of 15. Even when we showed up slightly behind schedule, they were accommodating. Our waiter, an older gentleman, was incredibly efficient and we had a great time joking around with him. We enjoyed the older charm of the restaurant. The only negative I can say about the place would be to have more than a one-seater bathroom. We were a pretty loud and rowdy group but everyone around us seemed to be having just as much fun as we were. We ordered a couple pizzas, a couple orders of their barbecue, and a couple salads. Many carafe's of their house wine were enjoyed, some even enjoyed a little too much. All of the food was fantastic and we couldn't believe when our bill came out to about $10 a person including tip! If I lived in Boston, I would return to this place again and again.
(5)
Minnie T.

After a Megabus trip from NYC to Boston (terrible bus), we decided to have dinner around our hotel, Embassy Suites. The staff there recommended this place and with this many reviews, we knew it had to be good! When we walked in, some guy, eating pizza in a booth, gave us 2 flicks of a finger to be seated in a booth. I had no idea if he worked there or was a loyal customer. Either way, I'm not questioning it. We decided to venture out from our regular pizza choices and order the chicken and broccoli pizza which doesn't come with red sauce. I didn't know how broccoli on a pizza would taste like or how they would cook it, but I was ready. When the pizza arrived, I was so excited. The garlic sauce looked divine and the broccoli looked like it was being sunken into by quick sand. It was a thin crust pizza and everything was amazing. The cheese had that perfect gooeyness that you would see on the commercial. It was a perfect blend of broccoli, chicken, and garlic. I had 4 slices of pizzas. I normally eat only 2, but I couldn't stop. I kept thinking that it was a "healthy" pizza because it had broccoli in it, but I'm sure it was probably the unhealthiest. They accept cash only, but there is an ATM in the back. Also, Coca-Cola product is not served here... only Pepsi. I'm not going to lie, after eating here, I felt like I had a little Boston attitude like the staff. I felt so badass (lasted only a few minutes).
(5)
Ryan W.

I hate giving two stars, but the Yelp explanation fits my sentiments exactly. Meh. I've experienced better. Much better. I can make better pizza than this at home. I didn't find any part of the pizza to be exceptional, All of the ingredients seemed incredibly average, borderline crappy. I would only eat here again if I was really hungry and everything else is closed in the neighborhood. I've heard people raving about this place for years and frankly I don't get it. Sorry Santarpio's.
(2)
Johnny A.

This place is an entire experience from food to service to customers. I happened to stumble upon this place when I was staying at the Embassy Suites nearby. While I'm not a big pizza fan, I read the reviews about the BBQ so I dropped by around dinner time with some high expectations. I sat at the bar, which is the best way to discover local joints, and ordered a glass of water and a bottle of Labbatt's Blue, which I was surprised to find outside the Great White North. After chatting withe server behind the bar, I went with the Pete's special, which a skewer of steak, a skewer of lamb and a skewer of sausage. While waiting for the food to come off the grill, which was right behind the bar area, I enjoyed friendly chats with local Bostonian regulars. The BBQ plate was done to perfection and the meats were very tender and flavorful. The bread that comes with helps with the savoring the juices from the meat and the BBQ'd little peppers. After I was done, I wasn't allowed to leave before trying a slice of the most amazing pizza I've ever had courtesy of the gentleman sitting next to me at the bar. All in all, great food, great conversations and will come back next time I'm in Boston!
(5)
Julie W.

East Boston pizza at its best! Santarpio's Pizza was exactly what I thought it would be. Parking can be tough (we went on a Thursday night around 730pm) but found street parking. We did not have to wait for a table of 4, and quickly ordered beers and pizza. Price was right ($42 for 4 people before tip)and it was just a nice, comfortable, friendly place.
(4)
Sarah G.

Rachel Ray's pick for pizza, eh? Well no wonder I don't think all of her 30 minute meals taste that good, because for Boston's Best Pizza, and all of the hype I expected a lot more out of my melted cheese and carb intake. We came here with a group of 12 and all of left full and even had some beers and wine for about $13-15 per person which is a steal. The pizza was made fresh, and it is definitely run by Boston locals which I love. And on that note, they were very gracious and funny with our group when I know some have commented on them not being so, but they were pretty great. BUT the pizza itself was just pizza. It was good, just not amazing. And the cheese on one pizza tasted WAY better than the cheese on another pizza. I would think that a pizza place could keep the ooey cheese taste consistent across pizzas, but I guess not. Plus the hot peppers on the pizza weren't hot. I poured on the red peppers instead which I always like. The pepperoni was good, but there wasn't quite enough garlic on the garlic pizza, but some people in our group love the sausage pizza and said that pizza deserved 5 stars, so perhaps I just got the wrong pizza? But for Best Pizza in Boston I would hope more than just one type of pizza would earn 5 stars.
(3)
Atli T.

What a place affordable good food combined with the best service we have had at a restaurant in a long time. We where 2 families and arrived a bit a part in time and that was not a problem. Rocky was just fantastic making sure we both had good food and a fun time. If you go there make sure to order the sausage.
(5)
Hayley M.

You know when you see a movie and it's been out for a while and everyone says it's hilarious and you build it up and when you see it, it's funny, but it's not fall-out-of-your-seat funny? Yeah, sadly that's what happened to me and Santarpio's. Was it good? Yes, yes, yes. Did I love the atmosphere? Absolutely! Every person inside was wearing a Patriots shirt. That's Boston at its finest. But did it blow me away, rock my world, and render me unable to truly enjoy pizza ever again? Not really. It had been built up too much. The pizza, traditional cheese and garlic, was delicious. I had it hot at the restaurant and as cold leftovers, and both were delicious. But I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that... I've had better. I can't think of where off the top of my head, but I know I have. Anyway, yes, it was realllllllly good pizza. But best in Boston? Best in the country? Best in the world? Um, maybe not.
(4)
Shaina P.

At least Santarpio's isn't just another place claiming to be the best in town. Oh, wait, yes it is.. But it isn't the same kind of claiming-to-be-the-best as your Union Oyster House or your Anthony's Pier 4. It has serious local flavor kind of like the original Cheers minus the flooding of tourists. And the featured food tastes good. My friends who are regulars say that you gotta just know the menu before you go in. It's almost an insult to ask for one. But once you're in, the pressure's on. One pie feeds two nicely. You can order it how you want: extra cheese, well done, hold the anchovies. Or like me, a nervous wreck and staaahvin: peppers and mushrooms. Yeah that works, but it takes a while for your pizza to come out, so you gotta remember to order some grilled lamb or sausage to hold you over (which I didn't ... and I regret). Thankfully, it's worth the wait: oozing with cheese and a sweet, med-thick simple red sauce, no bells and whistles, charred cornmeal bottom, extra cracker crisp edges, and soft gooey middle. + one Miller Lite brings our CASH ONLY meal to $16 + tip. The man softens up at the end of our meal so I just fork over a $20. Stop on by if you're picking up/dropping off your friends at Logan, but don't worry yourself about making the trip and tossing in cash for the tolls.
(4)
Tom B.

Great Pizza. When I got my mushroom pizza, it was nice and hot like it just came out of the oven. It was delicious too. The crust is crispy and the cheese and sauce are top notch. I think it's creative to have the toppings under the cheese. I hate when the toppings fall off in other pizzas, but not this one. I didn't get to try the steak tips, but I plan on trying them. Still just like at Regina's, Santarpio's ins't distinctive. I also came here so I could decide the restaurant battle of Regina's vs Santarpio's. I have to say that it is a draw. It's too close to call, so I'll say it's a tie.
(4)
Alex T.

Servers are harsh, but i could care less about them. After all it saves you money on tips. Ordered the Italian Cheese Pepperoni Garlic Hot Pepper and the Sausage and Lamb combo. Pizza was delicious, thin crust crunchy goodness. Sausage was great, the lamb was okay with some salt and pepper, but did not sit well in my stomach. Overall, best Pizza i've had in Boston. If you're not too needy about service and and you're in the mood for Pizza, this is the place for you.
(4)
John S.

Boston can hang it's hat on pizza like this, served without fuss and eaten without interruptions. You can get sausage or lamb while your pizza is being prepared, and you could soak it the refreshingly total lack of ambiance as you work through your slices. Eat quickly and pay in cash, and then plan for your next trip back.
(5)
Sheri M.

Let's put it this way: I never truly appreciated Santarpio's until I moved to Alaska, and then I missed it. Even now that I'm in California, I still goddamn miss it. OK, so I had to move away to discover this, but better late than never. Growing up, I never really liked Santarpio's because of their "slide-y" cheese. But I understand it all now. Santarpio's teaches you how to hold a damn slice of pizza. Once I was over the cheese, I realized I had a secret love for Santarpio's. I think about it at least once a week now. It's the epitome of no frills dining. If you can't accept that, go eat at some yuppy pizza joint in Cambridge. I love the tacky memorabilia, the uncomfortable booths, and the bendy forks. The servers are half-attentive at best, even when I go with my dad who always knows at least one person working there. They make it seem like a chore to hand you menus. (Yes, you don't really need one, but I like something to look at.) They slap your pizza down on the table. They take forever to bring you the bill. But, it's all about the pizza... and the sausages. Everything else is meaningless.
(5)
Traci K.

Everyone's said it: best pizza in Boston. So we had to check it out. First off, I love the atmosphere. It's divey, but not and painfully local. The servers are amazing characters and have a great balance of polite and gruff local charm. We sat in the back with the wood paneling. Our waitress was a doll and made jokes about the wobbly tables. We decided to split a pepperoni pie and enjoyed the people watching. For about 11bucks, you can't go wrong. The pizza wasn't huge, but it wasn't tiny. The sauce and cheese combo was really tasty and the pepperoni gave it a nice spice. My advice would be to order the pie well-done. The pizza's pretty thin, so the middle is soggy - to the point where you should be eating it with a fork. Don't get me wrong, it's tasty - but it's soggy. Also, it's cash only - there's an ATM in the back just in case you forget (like we did!)
(3)
Vincent T.

Like an old flame, you don't realize what you have until she's gone. I grew up in Eastie and never really liked their pizza... then I left, and when I saw what other's were claiming to sell for "pizza", I realized how good Tarp's pizza is. Anyone who's had a pizza from a "House of ___" joint where the pie is baked in a pan, knows what I'm talking about. So much that when I go back to visit, I stop in for their pizza. The grilled lamb/sausages are great too. It's a dive, cash only, and over the years, the service has gotten better since it's garnished a citywide reputation. The servers aren't so rough around the edges.
(4)
Tom G.

One of my two favorite pizza places in the Boston area, alongside Pizzeria Regina. Other reviews are correct when they warn you to beware of the pizza burn here! But the pizza is outstanding. The sauce and sausage are easily the best I've tried in town so far. The crust tends toward the chewy side, and I'm more of a crispy crust guy, but that's only a minor criticism. I find that the pizza can be a little sloppy, so it's sometimes hard to pick up a slice and eat it by hand. I usually saw the small corner off the slice and eat that with a knife and fork, and then pick up the rest. Be aware, it's cash only! But definitely worth it if you're in the area. And an easy walk from the Maverick T station (blue line). I'll definitely be back to try the steak tips and lamb!
(5)
Paul S.

I am giving this classic fixture of Eastie 4 starts and a Homerun! Gimme da sausage & lamb combo and a sausage and gaaalic n cheese aaapeetz! Have Lenny who's been there forever tell you about his college football experience, and get waited on my Tony, who's covered in pins from his hat down- and tip them well! As soon as I get seated, I immediatly make my way to the juke box and play the MOB HITS and Frank! I want the whole experience of a rustic and rough around the edges type service Pizza Joint with a killer thin crusted pie and great cheap vino - most likey the Captian Carlo Rossi in the gallon jug - ha ha! This is a Gumbah joint, so you want to embrace the culture of the environment that started catering to all the local paisanos back in the 30's and has remained a landmark to this day! Its the only time I eat lamb - because to me it just tastes better barbequed, and the sausage - aahhh sauseeege! Fogedda boud it! The pizza quality is fantastic - the best in the area, and it rivals with the North End's Regina. I go with Santarpios hands down. Do not expect the friendliest of service and expect it to be busy - you must know the culture and what this place is all about before you go! Yep, I slap the home run on Santarpio's
(4)
Whadzen C.

basic menu, but the old neighborhood feel is great and the pizza is great. Don't go out of your way to come here, but if in the area, it's worth the stop
(3)
Colleen M.

I almost loved the atmosphere here more the the pizza. It seemed like a very neighborhood-y place where everyone knew each other. But don't get me wrong - the pizza was very tasty. It had the perfect ratio of cheese to sauce. We ordered the cheese with hot peppers pizza and it was both sweet and savory, with the right amount of kick. The crunchy crust might not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it. The price was right, too! We had 2 beers and a large pizza for less than $20. The grilled lamb platters also looked seriously delicious. I can't wait to come back and try more.
(4)
William M.

I've been going here for years and I absolutely love this place. The menu is limited but the hot pepper pizza and bbq plate can't be beat. The staff are all characters in their own respect and the locale has a divey charm that is unique.
(5)
Lynn S.

First thing they ask you when you sit down here is: do you need a menu? It's seems like everybody who came here know exactly what they want, and possibly old customers. The pizza is good, crunchy crust, with lots of oregano. I don't like saggy pizza, so this is a thumb up for me. The BBQ meats are great, outstanding pairing with the pickle pepper (HOT! HOT! HOT!). Will come back again.
(4)
Rob H.

This is where old school earns respect. Nuthin' fancy. Just Best of Boston. And baking pizzas as long as the L Street Brownies have been doing the Polar Plunge: 1903.
(4)
Coco N.

The reason I am giving one star to this "famous" place is because the quality of the product is simply not there anymore. The decor is greatly outdated. The people are rude and it's cash only. A place that takes pride in being a great pizza place and the best in town does not accept credit and debit. It is absolutely ridiculous. For the quality of the food and everything else you're better off calling a pizza chain for delivery. The only reason I'd think of coming back is for the nostalgia of the old days when Santarpios was the place to be in East Boston. They said they opened a second location in Peabody. I haven't been there but for the love of God I hope it's better. Maybe next time I am visiting friends over there we could swing by. I'll let you guys know.
(1)
Matthew D.

I'm from LA and I play softball with a bunch of Masshole transplants in Santa Monica. Naturally, they are the loudest guys out there and like to tell anybody who will listen how much better everything is in Boston. In the case of Santarpio's, I think they might have something. I was in town earlier this summer to catch the Dodgers at Fenway and game 7 of the NBA finals. Luckily, one of the transplants was with me to show me around (and to keep me from getting my ass kicked). He kept raving about Santarpio's, so much so that I was afraid they wouldn't live up to the hype. Turns out I didn't have anything to worry about - Santarpio's delivered. I even went back before I hopped my flight home. The thin crust pies are cooked perfectly and have a nice chew to the crust (and some nice scorched parts). They have just the right amount of sauce, cheese and toppings, too. I find that a lot of thin crust places screw up when it comes to portioning the toppings. The icing on the cake was the combo appetizer - lamb skewers and homemade, peppery sausage cooked over an open flame in the corner of the restaurant, served with hot cherry peppers and bread. Fantastic! The guys working there were a riot. Super-friendly and funny as hell. And they were on top of things whenever we finished a beer. Heads-up - it's cash only. Hopefully, the Celtics make it to the finals against LA again next year. If so, I'll be back!
(4)
Mike F.

If you said to me 'Hey, the world is gonna end tomorrow, where should we eat?', we'd be in East Boston by the end of the hour. This is the best pizza on earth. I've been a customer for years, since a friend moved into Eastie and brought Santarpio's into our lives - delivering me half a pizza one cold, cold winter night before Christmas when I was down in the dumps, from the oven all the way to Union Square in Somerville, I just didn't believe her til I had it in my hands; and since then - every movie night, every party, every 'hang out', every excuse that came to me, every time I've been near the neighborhood, I've been sneaking in through the back door, feeling out of place, trying to make awkward conversation in the kitchen for the treasure of that pie. I can recommend nothing this much. When I am old and near death, if I cannot make the trip, I will send whatever kin or companions I have out into the night for one last bite of this.
(5)
Deke D.

I love Tarp's food. The balance of bread, sauce and toppings creates a unique pie that has a distinctive taste which separates it from other pizzas. The pies are made to order with fresh ingredients, yet there is a high level of consistency and quality maintained. I always get the cheese and garlic. Yummy! Their grill food is awesome! Wood fired steak, lamb and sausage served with hot cherry peppers? Sign me up. Oh yeah, fresh baked bread comes with that, too. The restaurant hasn't changed very much since it opened (that includes the waitstaff). This place is as casual and simple as it gets. Great food in a no-nonsense atmosphere that screams old school Boston. By the way, take out is also available.
(4)
Nick B.

I've been wanting to try Santarpio's ever since I moved to Boston 7 months ago, and WOW, I wish I had sooner! It's well worth the trip over to East Boston if you're not close. The atmosphere is very "Boston" - think about the bars from Good Will Hunting and movies like that. You walk in to be immediately greeted by the cook making the famous homemade sausage... the aroma alone is enough to affirm your decision! From there, you're greeted by polite yet blunt workers, most of whom are decked out in Celtics gear. From what I have heard, it's been this way since it started... and for good reason. Now, on to the best part... the food. I had the homemade sausage, Santarpio's staple pizza. The price was a welcome surprise - $11.50 for a 12-14" pizza, and that's before taking a bite. One thing I noticed as I sat down, everyone was eating their pizza with forks and knives, and I quickly realized why once the pizza was placed in front of me. The juice from the straight-from-the-grill sausage flows over the entire pizza and soaks into the cheese, which is what makes it so heavenly. I can't begin to describe the sausage itself, but I'll just say that I have never tasted anything quite like it! The sweet spice of the sauce mixed with sausage and perfectly crisped crust is to die for. Needless to say, I will now make it my top priority to visit Santarpio's more often!
(5)
Tom L.

If Santarpios isn't the best pizza in the area, its definitely in the top two or three. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!!
(5)
Vin D.

I am life long Boston area resident ... But only recently found out about Santarpio's ...It's the pizza in the Boston area..The BBQ kabobs are awesome. Come here and have a frosty beer as well. The best.
(5)
Christina G.

Great Pizza. I don't think I would make the commute all the way over there from the city just for a slice, but if I'm in the area this is definitely where I'll stop. The sauce was good, definitely a different flavor then what I am typically used to. They have a good sauce to cheese ratio and a nice crispy crust that's not too doughy. The place itself is very casual and laid back, and the staff is very nice. Definitely worth a try if you are in the neighborhood.
(4)
FearlessLdr I.

Flew into Boston. Rented a car and went straight to Santarpio's Pizzeria. Santarpio's original location (Chelsea St. Their parking is under a bridge) is right outside Boston's Logan Airport. Santarpio's reputation for outstanding pizza is wide and well-publicized. They make their own sausage. I've been wanting to try their pizza for awhile. We wanted a plain pizza and lamb barbecue to go. First, we caught hell for entering the restaurant through the front door. "To go" orders are sent to a side door. Excuuuuuse me... Nope, they don't offer any of the barbecued menu items to go. We wanted to get up to New Hampshire, so we changed our order to a plain pizza and a sausage pizza. Little did we know that Santarpio's does NOT have pizza boxes. Santarpio's put our "to go" pizzas on a circular piece of cardboard and slid them into two large, thin paper bags. The crusts were firm and chewy as good pizza should be. What's up with corn meal on the bottom of the pizza? My companion thought these pizzas were just great. But, she's from Chicago (what the hell do they know about pizza? They eat pizza with a knife and fork). I thought they were pretty good. I knocked them down a star because I thought their sausage pizza should have had more sausage on it. The second time, we ate on the premises. We ordered another plain pie and a variety of barbecued lamb and sausage. The pizza and the barbecued over fire lamb chunks and sausages were outstanding. The locals, including the waitstaff, become more friendly the more you talk to them. They make their own sausage. Could they put a little more of it on their pizzas? Could you break down and put your pizza in boxes? Paper bags are cheap and your pizza deserves better. All the hallmarks are here for a restaurant that is skimping on their ingredients and relying on their reputation and past glory. Santarpio's is no better than an AVERAGE Brooklyn pizzeria.
(3)
Linda C.

The best pizza in Boston -- period. However, if you happen to be down in CT, then head over to Frank Pepe's. That is the best pizza on the entire east coast -- period.
(4)
Emanuel Q.

Delicious! Thin but heartily packed with fresh ingredients. Prices are good too, $10-13 for regular pizzas, specialty are about $13-$16
(5)
William P.

It's hard to express how much I miss Santarpio's Pizza; Many nights I would give anything for a Sausage, Hot or Mushroom, Olive. I traveled a lot for work while I lived in Somerville but I never had a problem getting a ride home from Logan because I would always offer to buy Santarpio's on the way home. We would dine in most of the time as it can sometimes be hard to place a phone order when it's busy. Great staff make it an easy in and out even when it's busy. Oh and don't forget to try the streak tips if you aren't too full from the pizza.
(5)
Paul B.

First time here. Had the combo (lamb and sausage) skewer and a sausage/garlic pizza. The skewer was pretty good and included a slab of homemade bread. The pizza's crust was black in spots, pretty crispy, and you could barely taste the toppings. You either love or hate the ambiance. Beer selection is quite limited to standard US macro brewerys and Heinekin. It is such an iconic place, you have to try it once, but I am just as happy at Pizzeria Reginas or Bianchis on Revere Beach.
(3)
Julie T.

My biggest disadvantage in terms of personality has always been my knack for judging all things by the exterior. They've always said: "Never judge a book by its cover", but regardless, I always did. Whether it be people, books, businesses or anything else, I have always tried to analyze all things before I had truly experienced it or acquainted myself with it. I've known about Santarpio's as far back as I can remember. Spending the first year or two of my life in East Boston, I built a connection with the town and even after my family moved away, I always returned. Whether it be for the dentist or to drive off to the airport, the man on Santarpio's sign always glared at me, smiling all while telling me to come in and have some pizza. Unfortunately, the outside of the building was always intimidating. Resembling a combination of a warehouse and a broken-down apartment, there was no way the food there was any good, right? Wrong. Oh so very wrong. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The sun was shining and the breeze was cool. My sister who had come to visit me from Texas was disappointed in her visit to Boston so far. She'd lived here the majority of her life, but returning to Boston never created any excitement for her. Even so, she had made a list of people to see and things to eat before returning home to the sunny, blazing heat of Texas where quantity was everything, yet quality was quite blatantly lacking. "I have to see my friends tonight and all tomorrow, but before I go home on Tuesday, we have to get some pizza. Texas pizza sucks. The cheese practically disappears and melts in your mouth and the sauce is nonexistent." she said. "We have to get the best pizza anywhere. Find a place and we'll go." Immediately, Yelp came into play. My brother suggested Santarpio's, but by now, I knew the true reputation of Santarpio's and did not hesitate for a moment. Santarpio's it was. As we entered, I was extremely shocked. From the outside, Santarpio's looked ridiculously small and puny and I had always imagined that it was just enough for two small tables and maybe a counter. Boy, was I wrong! As soon as I walked past the two doors, the heat of a roaring fire slapped my face, waking me and as my vision cleared, my eyes quickly focused on a spit of lamb, sizzling away on the fire, hissing at me to come forth and have some. We were quickly ushered to a booth in a second room and promptly handed menus by a nice server who could tell we were newcomers. We ordered two plates of the sausage and lamb combo, a cheese pizza and one with the works, half with and half without anchovies. Our drinks and lamb and sausage came promptly. Hungry, we devoured the dishes. Served with a wedge of fresh, soft Italian bread and a couple, tart peppers, they complimented the tender meats well. Juicy and succulent, we sopped up the last bits of juice right when the pizzas came. I have always believed that a true pizza test is best with cheese pizza and based on Santarpio's, I'd say it's one of the best pizza's I've ever had. It was cheesy enough to string out for inches, yet crispy enough to be held with one hand with crunches in every bite. The sauce was delectably sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. The works was equally good, topped with onions, perfectly seasoned and homemade hunks of sausage and chunks of coarsely chopped garlic, sweet after being baked in with the pizza. Plenty of sweet green peppers, mushrooms and gigantic slices of pepperoni enveloped the pizza with bites of anchovies perfectly situated in just the right spots. Though amazingly good, the works just didn't live up to the plain cheese pizza. There was something about how delicious the plain cheese pizza was that I can't quite pinpoint. Many have talked about service, but that's the last thing I thought of while being there. All I cared about was the food, the food and the food and nothing else. Whatever asked for was prompt and quick and there were little problems. Overall, I'd say this was one of the best experiences I've had in terms of pizza. It was a shame I waited so long to get Santarpio's, but now that I've had it, it's addicting. I am tempted daily to rush out on the T and buy a pizza to devour on my own quietly. It seems that I have another reason to come out to East Boston once again.
(5)
Jennifer J.

The food was good. The service was terrible, and really embodies a certain level of disrespect to general civilization. It really is unfortunate that Boston continues this seeming attitude of unwillingness to learn from others and respect them as people. First, the waiter was upset when I stepped away from the table to return a page to the hospital and discuss the patients for that evening. Second, he refused to take our order in a timely matter because of my offensive phone call. Perhaps, it was our fault that we were all severely dehydrated from being out in the sun on the hottest day of the summer and expected water when we sat down. Finally, most upsetting, was that my close friend has a debilitating Parkinson's tremor (despite all this medication), which has really affected his ability to work, while in the prime of his career. This tremor is clear if you simply observe him. The waiter, mockingly, placed a heavy pitcher of water in front of my friend and told him to serve the rest of the table. To prevent further embarrassment, I quickly volunteered to serve our own water... And this was AFTER it was my friend's idea to take us to this "wonderful" restaurant.
(1)
Jon M.

The BEST! This place will change the way you feel about pizza. I drive 40 minutes to get one to go and I'm lucky if one slice is left by the time I get home. Its tough to put into words but it really is THAT good. Cornmeal on the bottom of the crust. Perfect sauce/cheese ratio. I've had a lot of pizza in my day, but the only pizza I will eat from now on is at 111 Chelsea st. Drop everything and devour this goodness
(5)
Javy C.

"My family diet is mostly meat, vegetable and fruits. But every Friday we meet here for the pizza, the guys and girls who work here and the old school environment. Try the lamb skewer and the meat lover pizza."
(5)
Katie F.

This place was great! We were recommended to come here by some awesome guys from the Samuel Adams brewery. Well, they didn't lead us astray! My fiance had the Shrimp Scampi pizza and I enjoyed the sausage, mushroom and olive pizza. Well, we had no idea how large these things were gonna be otherwise, we would have only ordered one! Sadly, we were going to the airport right after and couldn't have taken any of the leftovers with us.
(4)
Brooke P.

Best PIzza in New England!
(4)
Jessie S.

Honestly I dont see the appeal. The pizza was average, but the crust has weird crunchy bits that i was slightly worried I'd break my teeth on. The service and experience was alright. Ive had better and wont be going back.
(2)
Brian B.

A classic neighborhood joint with a good grill and great pizza. This is Boston Pizza as it should be, thin with a crispy crust and classic toppings.
(4)
Jeff M.

The sausage was good. The lamb was overdone and fatty. The cheese pizza had a perfect chewy crust and slightly burnt around the edges - this char adds great flavor. The problem was that the center of the pizza was soggy. No idea how this could be on a thin crispy crust pizza. I'll give Santarpio's a second chance soon.
(2)
Allison S.

Santarpio's is possibly my favorite pizza place in Boston. No joke. They don't deliver, but it's worth the drive out to East Boston either for takeout or to sit and eat. They don't take reservations, and there's usually a line out the door - so dress warmly if you're going in the winter! The menu is simple, easy, and delicious. You can have a pizza with a few select toppings, BBQ lamb or BBQ sausage. Or all three, which is what we usually do. I can honestly say that I always know what we're getting when we sit down and we have never been disappointed by the food. The pizza is so tasty (but really hot when it first comes out) and the lamb skewers are unreal. The lamb comes with a hot pepper and it's an awesome combination. Santarpio's has a separate entrance for takeout orders and they don't use boxes to transport their pizza - they're in brown paper bags. It can be a little messy, but then we don't have to worry about making a huge pizza box fit into our recycling bin. And the pizza is still just as good by the time I make it home as it would have been if I was eating at Santarpios. Just talking about it makes me want to go there for dinner. Right now.
(5)
Christina Z.

Tony has some serious FLARE (as in the most Office Space sense of the word). They cleaned the bathrooms, but they forgot to put in toilet paper. Our waiter took 20 min (we seriously counted, I'm not a complainer) to collect our money and give us change. The pizza is still ooey gooey crispy crust heaven. And the red red (boxed) wine served in a drinking glass is just fiiiiine by me. Don't mind me, I'm in heaven.
(5)
Fredy U.

Back story. I grew up in East Boston and lived 5 houses down from Santarpio's, but I never ate their pizza growing up. I was always a fan of cheese pizza and would order from the Pizza Shuttle. Fast forward 15 years and all I read is about how good this pizza is and it always seems to make the list of the best pizzas in America, and how many awards Santarpio's has won over the years. Needless to say, I had to go back and try it. I ordered a sausage, garlic and hot peppers pizza and with one bite, I was in pizza heaven. It was the best pizza I've ever had. The ingredients tasted so fresh. From the cheese to the sauce to the toppings and the crust, it was truly orgasmic. They tend to place the toppings in the middle so that at first bite you get all the flavor. This tends to weigh it down, so you need to develop a technique to hold your slice, but you get the hang of it. I can't wait to go back and dine at this Boston monument.
(5)
Jeremy K.

Finally got a chance to go to this Eastie landmark a couple of months ago for the first time and I was pretty impressed. It was around 5pm in the afternoon and right before the dinner rush line starts to buildup up front. We were promptly seated in the back somewhere. I wouldn't be able to tell you were though because it was so dark in there... Oh well. I used my Blackberry's screen to light up the menu and and the food arrived about twenty minutes later. My buddy and I both shared a lamb skewer and a pizza and it was pretty good. The menu is short and sweet which is kind of nice but at the same time I'm surprise they don't expand the toppings and skewers. I'd love to be able to get other meats besides lamb on the skewer... And more toppings besides pepperoni. Anyways the food was decent and so were the prices. Don't expect anything extraordinary and you'll be fine. The service on the other hand was flaky. At times she was on top of things, at others she forgot about us. I assume that it was probably because it was so freaking dark in there. They should really provide their customers with lanterns or something...
(3)
Erin L.

Recommended to us by a true local. Great style of pizza. Totally a neighborhood joint, though felt very welcome. Homemade sausage on the pizza is a must.
(5)
David C.

This is quite simply the best pizza I have ever had in my life. I kept it pretty traditional and had a sausage & garlic as well as a pepperoni. Both were terrific. I also tried the Sausage and Lamb tips from the BBQ which were also excellent. The staff was friendly though not exactly polished. Guys wearing jeans and white t shirts who have clearly worked there for 40 years and looking to get your order quickly. It's a bit of a dive bar scene but the food is well worth it. The bottom line is I plan to return, often. I wish I had taken home the leftovers but I let my friend have them. Darn.
(5)
Epicurean G.

If you want good old-fashioned Italian working class pizza in an authentic local hangout, this is just The Best in Boston. When the craving for that style of pizza hits, I'll drive halfway across town for it and be happy I did! Why is Santarpio's so special? Well, first, most pizza in town is Greek. The crust is tasteless and doughy, the cheese is low-quality and congealed in a giant layer over the marinara. You can just peel the cheese off the top and there is the layer of marinara under it, which by the way, tastes terrible. Even the worst Italian style pizza, which is harder to find, is better than Greek pizza. In Italian style pizza, which some people also call New York Style, the crust is just right--pretty thin, but doesn't need to brag about being thin like the gourmet places...it just is. The crust is just crunchy enough, with delicious marinara and gooey high-quality mozzarella in just the right proportions. So when you look at the slice you see spots of white and spots of red. This is the class in which Santarpio rules. Just rules. And then there's frou-frou gourmet type "thin crust" type pizza. The crust is maybe even a little thinner than good Italian pizza and--in the best ones--may be yeastier and more flavorful. The style is a little different--proportions of ingredients may be a bit inventive depending on the chef and the sauce may vary--say fresh tomatoes instead of marinara. In this class, the best in town are Upper Crust (in Brookline and now other locations) and Sweet Tomatoes in Newton. I like the frou-frou stuff, but every now and then I'm jonesing for the best in working-class Italian style, and that's when I head to Chelsea Street. Can't wait to try the new location on Route 1 when it opens....stopped by a few days ago and it was still under construction.
(5)
Elena L.

My boyfriend introduced me to this place, and I love it. Atmosphere is very casual, great pizza and lamb, nice table wine, just a nice place we love to visit to experience one of Boston hidden treasures. Love it.
(5)
Dave D.

Haven't been to Santarpio's for at least 30 years but last week I came back. The interior is brighter than I remember and the food is even better. Split a mixed grill and a large cheese pizza. I generally avoid lamb but the mixed grill was terrific and I came back a day later for more pizza. We have nothing like this in the food-snobbish Bay Area. Well worth the trip from CA.
(5)
Erin B.

It doesn't get any better than Santarpio's. The pizza is the best I've ever had. Move over, New York. It's really just that good. Sometimes service is hit or miss. I've had great servers and I've had horrible ones. That's not nearly as important though as the fact that it's the best pizza you'll find outside of Italy. Sometimes they play interesting music on the jukebox and engaging servers will ask you where you're from and have you sing a tune for a free pizza. Don't fall for it. It's well worth the 9.50-11.50, anyway. Anytime I've had an error in pick up, I've called back to the kitchen and they're PERFECT about making it right. Can't beat that. Cash only.
(5)
Keith B.

OK, I know that is a big claim. And I've tried pizzas at several of the most famous places in New York City. But this pizza is great. We enjoyed the cheese, garlic & sausage pizza. Each bite was a joy. We also had an order of the barbecued lamb as an appetizer. It was nice, but nothing to get excited about. Just stay with the fabulous pizza and you will be very happy.
(5)
Thomas C.

Santarpio's is probably the heart of East Boston. When you get into the restaurant, in order for you to not look like a outsider, don't ask for a menu and just order a cheese pizza, and combo plate with lamb and sausage. That's simply all you need to enjoy your lunch/dinner. Lamb and sausage are cooked on skewers in an open charcoal grill next to the entrance door on the right. Lamb has a nice gaminess taste which i enjoy and the sausage has a little kick of spice. Sometimes i cut off a piece and put it on my next bite of pizza...HEHEHE YUM-O! You get a side of bread to mop off your meat drippings from your combo plate. They provide you with grated parm cheese and crushed red pepper tableside along with napkin dispenser. Wait staff is extremely friendly and quite funny. They treat you like a member of their family even if you're asian! They enjoy small talk which could eventually turn into a full head on conversation. Decor is a bunch of benches, they have a jukebox with the craziest music library ever! You often see the wait staff walking back and forth singing to whatever song is on the juke. A lot of boxing preview posters on the walls. Location is directly between Airport Station and Maverick Station which are both on the blue line. *DO NOT ASK FOR MENU!! YOU WILL LOOK FOOLISH* P.S. heard garlic pizza was good. Dont get too many toppings cause the thin pizza might not be able to hold all of them. Soda is from a fountain nozzle and tastes a little flat but who cares..free refills and I didn't come here for a good cup of soda. Pizza and Combo Plate will run you $18-19
(5)
Brendan K.

As a citizen of Northern NJ (what we consider to be the Mecca of Pizza) I did not know what to expect when I went to "SanTAHpios". It was definitely better than I had expected (judging by my earlier Boston Pizza experiences). Might by my favorite in the city, definitely an experience if you ever have the chance, and worth a detour if you need to create that chance.
(5)
Dan C.

This is the best pizza dining experience in Boston, hands down. I live in NYC and Santarpio's blows almost everything down here away. When I lived in Boston, there was a time when I was going there about once a week for about a couple of years. The service is a bit surly, but like most of Boston, you get past the hard shell, there is tons of personality. After being a regular there, you get to know the waiters, they come by, and sometimes sit down at the table and hang out! They yell across the restaurant at each other, they wear sweatpants and have gold chains hanging out of their Red Sox shirts. Very informal, but very easy going, relaxing atmosphere, like being at home. So why is this place the best? I just described the atmosphere. They have a jukebox that is loaded with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The have the most unbelievable Italian barbecue: a plate of fresh sausage, lamb tips, sweet hot peppers and fresh baked bread. That is for starters. Then, the pizza. I have never tasted pizza this good. Not in Boston, not in New Haven, not in New york. The crust, the sauce, the cheese, it is great. And all you need to order is the cheese pizza and maybe the garlic pizza. To top it all off, the wine is cheap too. A carafe of house wine is around $10 and bottles of chianti are about $12-$13!!. So two people can have barbecue, a pizza, and a bottle of wine for about $35!!!. I do miss this place....
(5)
M B.

Defiantly not a 4 star restaurant by any means in my opinion. The reason i am writing this review as a 2 vs a 3 is primarily because of the BAD customer service received. We sat at the bar and ordered a cheese pizza. The place was a dive. The woman that waited on us was not at all friendly, and really shouldn't work there in my opinion. She does a disservice for the business, and it is because of our interactions with her we, will not return. We were given a broeken plate to eat off of, and when I requested a new one, she replied with a snide comment along the lines of (your going to be high maintenance I can tell) and looked bothered by the request. Her personality is was hard, as if she had tough life on the streets, and is now miserable at the job she has serving pizza behind a bar..she lacked a lot of faness. The woman had a chip on her shoulder, and from her conversations that i was able to hear, she seemed to have a grudge with men... as if she were wronged by them... and this consumed her for the 30 min that we were there. She also thought she was being funny when she interacted with us, however, it was just outright rude insulting and not funny. The pizza was nothing to rave about at all. It had no flavor! Coming from NY, I must say I have had my share of pizza... and their pizza (and customer service) is nothing to rave about. If i had to choose between eating there agin and going hungry... I'd go hungry. And PS... they don't take card.. cash only! Enjoy!!
(2)
Mark A.

So it was voted #1 Boston Pizza? SAY WHAT? I sat at the bar and could tell I was in for a treat by the attitude of the mid 50 year old bar maid. A take it or leave it attitude. I ordered a Sausage and Garlic pizza and added onions. It came out and looked a little different, but then again, this is Boston and not someplace else. I took the first slice and of course all the toppings stayed connected and slide off the slice and stayed behind(Strike one). So I scooped them up with my fork and plopped them back on top. The first bite I noticed that onions which where in 1/2" chunks were only barely cooked(Strike two). I noticed the few bites of sausage were OK, but they were few and far behind(I thought this was the star of the show, they said "HOMEMADE SAUSAGE" on the menu so I was expecting something special. I was a little bit disgusted at this point. The center of the slice the dough was barely cooked and thin and limp. Ok so I'm thinking, "Shall I continue or cut my losses and quit". Ok, continue, but I had already decided that I wouldn't be having pizza here every again. So I grabbed the second slice and it broke apart in half trying to pull it off the pan and on to my plate(STRIKE THREE)! I told the bar maid, that I would like to send this back that it is not cooked, it is falling apart. She asked if I wanted another pizza or order something else. I looked around me and EVERYONE else was having the BBQ Kabobs. I ordered a Steak Tip and Sausage Combo and it came out and the beef was good, with a grilled tasted but no other seasonings. The sausage was very salty and spicey. It was served with a big chunk of italian bread that was good. That was it, I paid the bill and left. Too bad. I have 1 more pizza place to try and then I'll give up. Oh, and CASH ONLY at this location(which I knew in advance).
(2)
Cranky Greg M.

Outstanding pizza! I've eaten here three times. Out of the way local place near Logan Airport. You always have to wait in line outside the door. A door person comes out and points at you when it's your turn. They don't make lists. The pizza is worth it. The interior is dark and certainly nothing spectacular, but dammit! The pizza kicks ass! It is a delicacy. It is the finest on the planet. Thye sausage pizza is good, with a strong hint of black pepper. The pizzas come out really hot and I damn near killed myself gobbling down one of these prized pizzas. I almost killed one of my children in my angst to grab a pie! I love this place. I dare you to wear a Yankees hat in here. The wait staff is matter-of-fact. No touchy-feely stuff here. No "Hi I'm Janet and I will be your server today" bullshit. Just tell her what you want and you will get it soon. Who cares about manners when the pizza rocks?! And I know, because I am the all-time pizza expert.
(5)
Ali B.

I was told this is one of the oldest and best pizza places in Boston, so a buddy and I gave it a shot. Well, the pizza sure is good, the best though, I am not sure about that. We ordered the Italian sausages with cheese. It is on old style brick over pizza with lots of cheese, yummy thick tomato sauce covered with sausages on a crusty dough. One pie was enough for both of us. The service is OK. This place is a little hardcore Italian / New England place which seems to enjoy its set customer base. The place is a dive and it felt like everyone knew each other.
(3)
Bill M.

Santarpio's is the best pizza in Boston, hands down. Seems like the other reviewers covered the major areas about Santarpio's, so I am going to talk about some of my favorite things, it seems mainly surounding the take out area.... 1) For take out you go in to the kitchen to wait for you food. Literally in the kitchen. Very interesting waiting room....If the weather is nice, you can sit one of the old beach chairs they have sitting on the sidewalk. You will feel like a local! Light up a stubby cigar and put on a old Sox hat and no one will be able to tell the difference. 2) When you do get your pizza from the kitchen, it comes in a paper bag. Yup, a brown paper bag. So if you are ordering more than one pizza you better have some car seat space to put them down on. 3) Pizza Only at the take out. Their BBQ is amazing, but you can only order and eat it in side. Don't try to argue this, you will lose. 4) If you are waiting in line and there are 90, 75 year old women all smoking, don't bitch about it. Just think what this place was like before the smoking ban. Thems were the days.... If you have been to Santarpio's, make the trip now. It's worth it.
(5)
Sdtjm S.

Search the best pizza in Boston and two names appear the most; Regina and Santarpios. After a bit of an adventure getting there and being a bit put off by the fact that you walk in the front door to a bar. That and the fact that even though I was with my two young daughters, they initially sat us down next to three huge guys swearing and loud mouthing like they were in some smoke filled dive bar.... Once I moved our seating to a more family friendly part of the small eating area, we had a nice chat with our waitress who actually asked if we wanted to see a menu. I guess that just goes to show how much of a regulars place this is. We ordered two pizzas; one half bell pepper/onion, half pepperoni. The second pizza was half anchovy/sausage, half plain. The crust was amazing. I have never had a pizza who's crust didn't become soggy with "stuff" almost immediately. This crust held its own for the entire meal. It was perfect. The sausage/anchovy mix was superb beyond belief. This pizza also stayed piping hot the entire meal. The awesome crust, oven hotness and tasty toppings made me decide that it was the best pizza I've ever eaten.
(5)
Mystery M.

It's hard to attack an institutional place, but it's hard for me to jump on the five-star bandwagon here. Sometimes exceptionally high expectations are met, oftentimes, they are not. I grew up in Philly, so most of my opinions are based on what a good NY style slice is. When I moved here, I actually lost about 5 pounds because I stopped eating pizza. It was so bad in Boston, that I didn't want to waste the calories. People would say "you must try Upper Crust.' Really? Really? Upper Crust sucks. Yes, any pizza place can make a fantastic Goat Cheese/Prime Rib/Truffle Oil-whatever slice, but the real test is whether they can make a good plain slice. Upper Crust cannot. Pizza Regina cannot. The only decent slices I've had in Boston are: Proper Slice (good slices, excellent specialty slices), Brickoven (it's decent, not great), and Pinos (surprisingly good). Now I don't know why Boston pizza sucks so much, but it really does. Maybe it's the lack of flavour in the cheese. Or the complete lack of taste in most sauces, but regardless, it's hard to be satisfied in this city for pizza. So I waited about two years to go to Santarpio's. It's not very convenient, but on a late monday night, the GF dared me to go in. No wait. Everyone stared at us like we were strangers, but the simple menu and bare bones interior seemed promising. The Good: The crust was astounding. Chewy. Tasty. Cornmeal. The Price: $11 for a decent sized pizza that might be too much for two normal people. The Bad: I thought the chese was almost non-existent. Or at least the taste of cheese was. I also thought the sauce was pretty subtle. It was a little more sour than I like, but was a tough taste to spot behind the garlic. The GF liked it a lot. I thought it was about a 7 out of 10. Probably would have been a six if not for the long lineage and vast popularity of the place. I wouldn't go back. I can't figure it out, but the average Boston pizza reviewer still seems to have no idea what they are talking about......Please find me a good slice Yelp!
(3)
Nicole M.

YUM! Wow this place is amazing! In full disclosure, I went with a few friends that are regulars there, so they did all of the ordering. Everyone there knows them, we entered through the kitchen and we received excellent service. I had pizza, I had lamb, I had steak, I had sausage... What didn't I have!? I tried a bit of it all and every bite was better than the next... I've only been once but I can't wait to go back!! I love you Santarpio's!!!
(5)
Jon E.

Best pizza place ever. Seriously, I eat here twice a week. Sausage pizza is great and if you eat in definitely get the steak tips.
(5)
Mike D.

I have been going to Santarpios for 20 years now!. The sausage and lamb are to die for always consistant. The pizza was better 10 years ago but still great. It is woth the travel from anywher to give this old italian gem a try. If you are near Logan airport give it a try you will not be disappointed. Its really old school, I think thats why I love it.
(4)
Christopher A.

Best pizza in Boston.
(5)
Greg N.

I fancy myself a bit of a pizza snob (yes, I'm fully aware how annoying it is to listen to someone self-appoint himself as an expert), so I definitely had my critical hat on when I decided to try this place out. One of my biggest complaints about Boston's food scene, in general, is that there seem to be very few mid-range restaurants outside of major chains. Generally, your options are either diner/sandwich/burrito place or more upscale and expensive (and very rarely deservedly so), so I was very happy when I got to this place and found it to be both divey and relatively inexpensive. Already this was shaping up to be something good. Here's a run-down of the good: 1. Super simple menu - Pizza, more pizza, and did I mention pizza? there's a couple items that are grilled, but it's 95% pizza. and you only get one size which simplifies it. 2. Beer and wine and liquor - they have all, but they're not pretending to be anything they're not. three or four wines, and 7 or 8 beers (all domestic i think). 3. The interior - simple bar with painted wood paneling and photos of celebrities on the walls. 4. The food - completely outstanding. i've had some decent pizza in boston (upper crust), but nothing that knocks my socks off. I appreciate when pizza places try to get creative with their toppings, but I feel like most sacrifice basics for artichoke hearts and artisanally-ground goat sausage. This place has a killer crust (cornmeal on the bottom!!!), a really good sauce (a little sweet, but not cloying), and great toppings. We had two pizzas: cheese with garlic and the works (including anchovies). We universally agreed the cheese with garlic was better, but neither was bad. 5. The service - the server was typical boston: a little bossy, attentive but never annoying interested in us. her attitude worked. and the Bad: 1. The temperature - being seated under the a/c vent was crappy. Asking to be moved and getting attitude about it was more crappy. I don't want to be cold all meal long, and I definitely don't want my pizza to cool off faster than it would on it's own... I have a feeling i'll be going back here a lot. better not get rid of my fat pants.
(4)
Gibran H.

Pizza is horrible!!! I was looking for a spot in Boston, MA while on vacation for the weekend. First and most important, owner is an a**; he hung up on me when I asked when they were open till. I called right back and he say 11:30 and hangs up. Not letting this get to me, we head over there acouple hours after. We walk in around 10:30pm.. "WE CLOSED!!!" I tried to have a normal conversation with the guy, but states "I CLOSE WHEN I WANT!!" I refused to give him a penny after that; even though this place has so many 'good' reviews. The next day I was tricked to eat the pizza; was picked up and brought to me for a taste test. The dough was cooked unevenly and some of the cheese wasnt even melted. I took a bite and spit it out.. I found out real quick that it was the same spot.. surprise surprise... Pizza is horrible!!!
(1)
David A.

I hate to come off as a food snob but I lived in Italy for 15 years and I am big fan of pizza. I moved to East Boston about 10 years ago and every time I tell someone I live here the first thing I hear is "I love Santarpio's", I have eaten here a few times and I find the pizza unremarkable. There are way better options in East Boston (please see my other reviews). The crust is fairly thin and not too greasy (which is a good thing if you like your pizza to be authentic) but it tastes like cardboard, there is however a good balance of cheese and tomato and you will have a wide range of choices for toppings, but I just find the taste to be good but not great. I find the pizza at Kelly's Square Pub to be much better and you will not have to wait in a long line and deal with the famous Santarpio attitude. The lamb on the other hand is quite good (that is pretty much the only other item on the menu aside from pizza) and the place is very rustic inside once you can get a table. I have heard from many old school Eastie residents that the place is not as good as it used to be and now just has its reputation. The place has a full bar, if you plan on going here on weekends or at peak time at night be prepared for a long wait outside.
(2)
David P.

Burnt crust with soggy pizza dough. Too salty. Had the meat with sardine pizza and a cheese pizza. Had their homemade sausage also. The sausage was way better than the pizzas. Have no idea why people go here. I will never return.
(2)
Rachel D.

I love Santarpio's. Some of the best pizza and ambiance I've ever experienced. The pizza is amazing - just make sure to let it sit and set for a few minutes before trying to dive in. The steak and lamb tips are perfectly cooked and the best way to distract you while you sip some wine out of shortie glasses and wait for your pizza to arrive. Bring Cash, as that's all they take, if you go at lunch or dinner there will likely be a line and don't expect 5-star service - that's part of the experience. Tony is hilarious and most of the wait staff will end up being super friendly and funny if you simply don't act like a snob wanting to experience service like you're at the Ritz. It's a dive in East Boston, so expect it to be just that. But don't stay away because of that or you're depriving yourself of some of the best pizza in the country. Oh, and I recently tried the new one in Peabody - just as good as far as I'm concerned and WAY bigger, newer and cleaner. But I sort of missed the grungy ambiance of the original - but if you're not up for that, at least check out the Peabody branch.
(5)
Scott B.

Next to Chicago style deep dish, this is the best pizza I've ever had. The service was good. You have to appreciate the tough New England girl attitude...lol. Next time I'm in Boston ill definitely go back.
(5)
Hermin M.

Meh.... It's allright. Nice to sit at the bar grab a beer and a pie.... but it really isn't all that. I think the pizza at Regina's blows this place away. Cheap enough though, so three stars is a good indicator of what I thought of it.
(3)
Cha Cha W.

The Beantown Pizza Quest Diaries Days since last pizza greatness: 326 Heard through the grapevine that some place over in East Boston has the best slice of pie in town. Cut to Charlie's Angels theme in background, 3 girls diving into speeding automobile. After driving blind all over tarnation, we arrived ravenous and lookin' for a little pizza satisfaction. Alas, it was as overblown as my tech stocks back in mid '01. Ouch! How it all broke down: Ambience: Ginormous self aggrandizing billboard smack on the highway. Promising. Servers with flash that doubled as chainmail. Ultrapromising! Sauce: Thin, sour and salty. Woke up bloated. Ugh. Cheese: This Lactard had a lotta fun this morning. Crust: The cornmeal layer was thicker than the crust. Needed a toothpick, they got stuck in my teeph. Toppings: Mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, sausage, peppers and anchovieeeeeeees. Classic. Extras: Unexpected lamb kebobs. Crusty, tender and juicy. Price: $/inch meter, could be better. Overall: Had all the elements of greatness. Ended up like shoving a square peg through a round hole. Dear Diary, Days since last pizza greatness: 327
(3)
Shannon M.

The number one thing I will miss about living in East Boston: Santarpio's. Of course people have different types of pizzas that are their "favorite," so some might not find this type of pizza that great, but for me I found the crisp dough, flavorful sauce, perfect pepperonis, and melted cheesy goodness a little slice of heaven. I haven't tried another pizza quite like it, so for something a little unique and delicious try Santarpio's. It may not become your favorite version of pizza, however you might find yourself repeating the phrase so many others have uttered: "this is the best pizza in Boston"...and quite possibly the world. Then there is the atmosphere. Nothing compares to it...I absolutely love the staff, and although some people have complained about attitude and rudeness, keep in mind this is not a place where the corporate office requires weekly meetings with their staff on "customer friendly service." It is a family run business, so if you are the kind of person that needs a server to plaster a smile on their face and throw forced compliments and kindness your way then go someplace NOT independently operated. You know, California Pizza Kitchen perhaps. And if you order to go for the first time don't be alarmed when the door you open to pick up your pizza dumps you right in the kitchen. But since you are there take a moment to enjoy the ambiance of East Boston and all its Santarpio's glory...
(5)
Jessie M.

Oh man, this place is hilarious. I love picking up the pizza by going through a side door and waiting in their kitchen. I feel like that should be illegal. Standing there for 10 minutes was all I needed to really feel like I was in Boston. The attitudes, the accents, the mannerisms... totally cracked me up.
(4)
Daveen B.

lefty & lamb.
(5)
Eric O.

Awesome! I usually get just plain old cheese pizza. It is fantastic. I am from Rhode Island where there is amazing pizza on every corner. When I moved to Boston I found that this city lacks good pizza. Santarpios filled that void for me. It's not quite the same as back home but still amazing. If you're in Eastie, you must make an effort to eat here. You won't be disappointed!
(4)
jonathan u.

OK so would of gotten another star if they didn't seat us directly down wind from the mens bathroom.... Santarpio's is a landmark of thin crust pizza and if you haven't been, you have to go just to say you have. They have two things on the menu...pizza or skewed meat....thats it. I am allergic to cheese so I'm kinda picky when it comes to my cheese less pizza, but theirs was awesome. So basically go here if you want great pizza, if you want atmosphere...not so much.
(4)
Liz S.

Really good pizza! I asked for coke and the guy brought pepsi without asking if that was ok (NOT the same thing, buddy), it's run down and dirty (don't rest your arms on the table and check your seat before you sit), but the pizza was awesome. Everything tastes fresh and delicious.
(4)
Mcslimj B.

Frozen-in-amber Eastie institution that's excellent if you know how to order, and a hoot regardless. No Eastie dining tour should skip Santarpio's Pizza, which opened near the Sumner Tunnel entrance in 1934, before there was a tunnel. The windowless interior feels frozen in mid-century, with raucous crowds served by hustling, wisecracking waiters with 50s haircuts, smoke from the charcoal grill at the long bar's end drifting through the room. Pizza is the main event: thin-crust, eleven-inch pies ($11) that many consider the best in Boston. At the risk of heresy, I must demur: I like a little bubble in my crust, and Santarpio's has a dense-crumbed, crunchy quality more reminiscent of baking-soda biscuits than yeasty bread. It sogs quickly with a sweetish sauce that shows a heavy hand with garlic powder. But the sausage hidden beneath the cheese on my pie is a peppery, fennel-scented dream -- they purportedly make 200 pounds of it fresh daily - so I never miss the menu's other item, the combo "BBQ": charcoal-grilled sausages and skewers of chewy marinated lamb ($9), served with excellent cherry peppers and a big hunk of Italian bread. The trick here is to get BBQ and pizza, but don't pile on ingredients on the pie: order it plain or with maybe one topping and eat it quickly to enjoy its evanescent Neapolitan crunch. A longneck of Bud or a watery red wine or two, along with the sounds of Dino and Frank on the jukebox, will complete the picture. You may just decide that the way they're keeping it real in this place, as in most of Eastie, is a welcome antidote to the ephemeral, overpriced, manufactured chic of so many eateries on the other side of the tunnel. Value, authenticity and comfort never go out of style.
(4)
Hieu N.

The place was genuine for a pizzaria. I assumed it came with the usual full menu of a bunch of random crap that any pizzaria would have. The guy serving us was friendly but everyone running the tables else looked like beaches, whatever. i told him it was my first time and he joked saying, ok so do you still want a menu cuz you didnt answer my question. the menu was teeny but man was the food good. We ordered the lamb and sausage combo, not bad, not bad at all for $9. my brother made the mistake of asking for bbq sauce because he cant possibly eat anything unless theres some sort of generic flavor to it, hes been on his own since he turned 18 so its understandable, hes been eating crappy food for a while. oh, no bbq sauce...or ketchup...just dont ask for any sauces. pizza was super fresh, the only reason my brother and i were even in eastie was for this place, and this place delivered. pizza was not at all greasy and everything came together well. we had originally planned to go to Speeds in southie for hot dogs but could not find them at all. yelp is a helper um.. this is a bad review haha but overall its good, its not cheap but not that pricey and the food is tastey.
(4)
luke b.

Ahh.. Another spleding evening at Santarpio's. How could you NOT love this place? HOW??? The pizza is amazing... and when served with bbq lamb and saussage. God bless you liam for never wanting to change where you go for dinner on your birthday. GOD BLESS YOU! I love this place. I've been eating here for a good 8 years or so. And it's still as delicious as it was that first time a plate of bbq'd sausage and lamb was was tossed on our table. And then there's the pizza... great sauce, great cheese... yummy crust. I would suggest anything with garlic on it, but everything is good.
(5)
pam k.

Love it here. The pizza is amazing, one of my favorite spots in Boston hands down. People say the service is "blunt"- it's honest. I have never dealt with any one that was disrespectful or rude. I also do not go here to chit chat with the server, I go for the pie (word of caution- don't ask for a menu if you want to look like a regular). The scenery is all about the steaming pizza that comes out in a stream of deliciousness while you wait, hoping the next one if yours. I don't study the decor here, again, that's not why one goes to Santarpio's. I am willing to forgo my love of micro-brews and enjoy a carafe of red wine (who cares what kind, it's always good) or an ice cold miller lite. Sausage on a stick is a favorite, but the straight up cheese pizza is the way to go. and then make sure you get one to go, cause you will def want it for breakfast the following morning while you're nursing that red wine hangover.
(4)
Brian I.

I had to go back to review this review again. I can't believe I ever gave this place anything less than 100 stars. I wrote my orignal review after my first trip. Turns out that must have been an off night. I have been several times since, and nothing but the best pizza. LOVE the sausage and bread platter! --------------------------------------------- I want to give this place 5 stars for the atmosphere, but the pizza is just above average. However, this is one of the coolest spots in Eastie. If you like old school wood panneling and real people this is the spot. Nothing pretentious about this place. Pizza, sausage, and lamb. A real man's menu.
(5)
Liza H.

My grandparents used to come here on dates. Seeing as I would not exist had it not been for this place, I will try to keep my review balanced. The pizza, lamb and sausage ae great. Interior, green corrugated plastic, simulated wood grain and the word 'flush' written in indelible marker over the toilet. The bartender is obnoxious, the best tip he could get would be the tip of my shoe striking his bottom repeatedly. Heres the recap: Amazing pizza Interior so bad its sublime Hateful bartender
(4)
Melanie D.

Sure it's dark and unsanitary-looking. But who the hell cares: one bite of that plain cheese pizza and I could feel my DNA recombining in new ways. Aw, shit, this stuff is as essential to survival as water and oxygen. Eat it there, don't take it home, because it doesn't reheat well. And skip the sausage and lamb, because the sausage tasted like gravel, rubber and fennel, and the lamb tasted like steak charcoal. Because, let's face it, a pizza place should not be in the "barbeque" biz.
(5)
Kristen F.

One of the few reasons I ever go to East Boston, but oh my god this pizza is better than anything else in the world!
(5)
bella c.

i couldn't wait to eat the pizza here after hearing so many good things about it. it wasnt great!!! it wasnt bad, it was ok!!!!!!!! just what you would expect from pizza in boston!!! if your not a regular there you'll probably be given the once over! have fun FYI: cash only
(2)
Ut T.

Did the take-out thing here and got 1 pepperoni and 1 The Works. Both were ok, but the crust got soggy really quick, eventhough we got home and ate it right away. Not my best pizza, but I think I need to try dining in to get a fresh out of the oven taste. For take-home, ill order a Papa Johns anyday over this.
(3)
Justin B.

For me, there are only two reasons to go to East Boston--the first being for the airport, and the second and most important is because of Santarpio's. I've probably been there a dozen times over the last ten years. The pizza and the atmosphere are simply fantastic. Where else can you get such a great meal and a sopranos atmosphere. I sat at the bar and ordered food and beverages. The house wine was quite good and the prices extremely reasonable. The pizza was nothing short of reDICKulously scrumptious. I had a peporoni and garlic and my guest had a sausage pizza (they grill the sausage on site right in the front of the joint). Here's an insider's tip, the bartender said Monday, Wed. and Thurs are the best days to come in because the old school pizza maker works those days and any other days is a crap shoot.
(5)
Angi C.

cool yet unpretentious joint (it definitely deserves to be called joint) serving up simply bbq meats and classic pizzas. maybe it's because i'm from california but the lack of fancy toppings on pizzas was refreshing. we got two with different toppings (one sausage and hot peppers, one mushroom and garlic) and concluded that the best combo would have been hot peppers and mushrooms. everything's served hot and fresh - yum! if i had just walked in, i would have thought it's a neighborhoody place but apparently, lots of people from all over boston know about it and trek out to east boston just to eat here. it's not the best pizza i've ever had (but then again, what do i know? i'm from the land of meyer lemons on pizzas) but i'd come back in a heartbeat.
(4)
AJ F.

#1 Pizza place probably in all of Boston!! If your looking/craving Pizza this is the place to go!! If your in Eastie, or goin' by then you must stop in. I've been going to Santarpio's for ages..since a little kid. Nothing has changed in the past 25yrs at this place. Decor is nothing fancy. If your looking for Martini's and wine, and to grab a slice...this Ain't your spot! If your looking for "today's specials" you'll probably get laughed at! Its Pizza, BBQ, and Beer. Straight forward, simple and classic! Pizza is unbelievable. There are no sizes..One size only. Toppings to choose from, and pizza sauce to love! The pizza is very' hot right out the oven. Its soo good that you'd want more! The BBQ Sausage is probably one the best sausages I've had. Hot but not too hot. Service is Solid....no Uniforms or "Hi I'm ____, and I'll be your server"...None of these shenanigan's. The staff is wearing Running Pants or basketball shorts...They're straight to the point. They take your order, and come back with what you ask for.
(5)
C. B. W.

Gotta love their pizza. When we first moved to Boston, we lived in Medford about 7 miles north. We would visit this place like it was just next door. Yeah it was only 7 miles but if there was traffic on 93, it'll probably take you at least an hour to get here on dinner rush but who the hell cares!. Its right by the airport so anyone visiting us always has to stop by this place for the best pizza in Boston. The pizza is no fancy Upper Crust. This is a hole in the wall, as rough as you can get in Boston type service pizza place. Our usual order is roni, sausage, garlic pizza. They only have one size pizza. There is no medium, or large or small. The prices starts at 11 bucks I think then it goes up per added topping. The most awesome thing about their pizza is the crust and sauce. You got to see their oven in the back where you order to go. The pizza oven is old. So old that I am quite positive no one makes that kind of oven anymore. That oven does the job to make the crust really awesome. Toppings? Dont call them to ask for toppings like pineapple or ask them what type of olives. They have no pineapple and only have one kind of olives and they wouldn't even know what kind it is. It is just some regular olives! Don't ask them for different cheeses or fancy toppings or such, they will just make fun of you! Better yet, get a menu, and pick from what is available and only what is available. They make the sausage toppings here on site. It is very tasty. There is one thing I have heard complaints about and it is the saltiness of the pepperoni. I guess it could be salty for people who are not into salty pepperoni but to me it actually balances the cheesy kind of blandish mozzarella. You just got to try it. Besides from the pizza, here comes the grilled lamb and sausage and the newly added grilled beef tips. The grilled meats are served with a side of bread and with some pickled tomato peppers. It's so good that I actually now have preferred the grilled lamb than the pizza itself. I can't go there anymore without ordering the lamb. It is grilled on charcoal. The grill is on the right side of the bar as you walk in. Usually the guy at the grill, his name is Lefty. He grills the meat really awesome. No matter what people say about this place, how rough the servers are, or how far it is and how scary the neighborhood it is in. We've been going to this place for almost 5 years now. Always got good pizza and good meats! The servers are fun as long as you don't bug them with so many requests. I think the bad experience only happens to people who expects to dine in to a fancy place that would bow to them. This is Boston. If you don't like it then get outta he'are!
(5)
Anonymous P.

Good pizza, with a cult following. Worth a trip out on the blue line. Not the best I've ever had--the crust is too bland and mealy, and the cheese is a little rubbery--but still delicious. The sweet, herby sauce is the best part of this pizza. The price is right (about $10 for eight nice-sized slices). The place is unpleasantly dirty though. My water glass was filthy, and crumbs were everywhere. Friendly service and ultracasual,blue-collar atmosphere.
(4)
Ty V.

Eating at Santarpio's is not just about pizza, its about getting a slice of true Boston culture...I mean, Eastie culture. While everyone raves about the Pizza, to me it's just one part of the equation that makes Santarpio's what it is. Whether its all the great Boxing posters on the walls, the great bar, the staff who've been there for years or the people who just keep coming back year after year, there is a lot to what makes Santarpio's great. With that being said, Santarpio's is one of those great Boston places, you need to visit at least once. Truly one of the crown jewels of Eastie. As for for the pizza, I have to say I only think that its decent, which is why I'm not giving it five stars. Most of the time it comes out of the oven so hot, that if you're not careful, you'll burn the roof of your mouth right off. Its also often very soupy, in that if you pick it up right away, all the cheese and toppings slide right off. So what this all means is that once your pizza arrives you often have to wait for a few minutes for it to cool and settle before digging it. Ultimately, the pizza is great, but this is its one flaw in my opinion. Additionally, its also a great place to take someone from out of town and could even make for an interesting date spot as well.
(4)
E J K.

Santarpio's has no competition. God help me, this is the best cheese on a pizza I have ever tasted. I remember reading that it's a blend of three types of mozzarella. No contest.
(5)
Beau G.

Great pizza but just make sure you bring cash. Definitely a must if your are in town and it is close to the airport.
(4)
Brendan T.

A great many people proclaim this place the best pizza in (greater) Boston and that may very well be the case. Unfortunatley I think that fact says more about the relative sad state of pizza in this metro than it does about any exceptional quality of this establishment. Its got the look and vibe down right, old school to the core with a grizzled dark barroom atmosphere that wouldn't be out of place in New Haven, deep Brooklyn Staten/Long Island, Trenton NJ or most anywhere else in the fertile crescent of pizza, especially that bad ass and ancient looking oven behind the bar. The same certainly goes for the awesome exterior with that classic sign and location in a old school Italian turned latin melting pot neighborhood that is East Boston, sort of Boston's own East Harlem. Unfortunately the pizza wouldn't even come close to being deemed at best merely acceptable in any of those other serious pizza towns. Im not saying its bad but I'm damn sure saying its not great. The crust is far thicker than either NY or New Haven style and decidedly not the least bit crunchy. It was in fact nearly pie crust like in consistency and was coated on the bottom with a very generous amount of cornmeal, which didn't help the pie much in my opinion and perhaps maybe hurt it with its cloying and overwhelming taste. The sauce is on top of the cheese in a matter similar to the "tomato pies" of Trenton NJ but obviously the results are not the same. Cheese was unexceptional and sauce a bit cloyingly sweet. The sausage on one of the pies sampled was of a almost disturbingly grey consistency, pepperoni was awkwardly lost under the cheese and sauce and failed to register much on another pie making it almost impossible to tell if you were having the half topped with it or the plain half. A special Shrimp Scampi pie was very intense and interesting enough for the first few bites but quickly wore out its welcome, & bear in mind this is coming from a hardcore fan of New Haven Clam Pies so I am more than open to seafood pizza. Curiously enough another house specialty of the place is "BBQ" which here means beef or lamb kabobs on skewers. Not sure where this legacy comes from as I think the place is Italian, and not like a great many other area pizzerias greek but they too proved alright but unexceptional, somewhat a bit too rough and chewy on the occasions I tried them. At the end of the day the hype about this place further confirms a truism I learned long ago; Boston just isn't a legit Pizza town. Sorry folks but the truth hurts sometimes.
(3)
K. E.

My heart started tingling when I saw the empty tomato sauce cans on the stoop outside for people to dispose of cigarette butts during the wait to get in. It's not the fanciest neighborhood but they take pride in it. The food is decent but the prices are outstanding. I wouldn't call the servers "rude"... I'd say they're all business. They're down-to-earth neighborhood people who aren't trying to put on fake smiles to get an extra $1 on their tip. The lamb was awesome even though a couple of pieces were a bit too charred. Just know that at this place, if it goes on the grill then it's making it to the table. They're not going for a Michelin star. The pizza was memorable. One of the best in Boston. Look, this isn't No. 9 Park or Morton's - in a lot of ways Santarpio's is better. It's an old, authentic, neighborhood dive and there aren't too many of those around anymore. It's always good to go home again and I'm giving it 5 stars because of the way it made me feel. Thank God for people and places like this.
(5)
Eddie M.

One of the best pizzas around!!! One of guys was rude. The other staff made up for it. Try the chicken & broccoli white pizza!!!
(5)
Chris H.

Not too many positives here considering the reviews. We had the sausage that was raved about, not sure what the hype was since it was very dry and the flavor was dull. Nice touch with the peppers on the side though. The pizza? I'm sorry but it was just not that good. Had really high hopes, been trying to get there for years but I was very disappointed. Had the "best on the menu" pepperoni, garlic and hot pepper pizza, and I'm struggling to find a positive. The toppings were cooked under the cheese which completely divorced it from the crust. Three wet ingredients underneath led to soggy pizza that pulled away, and the crust itself was very dark and tough, dough seemed overworked. That said, I think a straight cheese pizza here looked like it would be good, cheese was good quality and the oven seems to be at a good temperature. I couldn't evaluate the sauce too well though since the toppings (pickled hot peppers in particular) really dominated. I was going to give it a two but my wife loved it, so I'll go with a three. I'll be skipping this one when in Boston.
(3)
Andrea F.

Great pizza!!! This was easily one of the best pizza I've had. Easy on the budget. Local place where everyone knew everyone. Only added to the experience
(4)
Erin M.

I mean we get it. You have been around forever so you can be blunt and slightly rude and get away with it. Thats all well and fine but the actual pizza itself was just not that great. The bottom of the pizza was soggy ... which grosses me out. I did like the sausage and peppers but that was about it. There are way better pizza places in Boston in my opinion ... even in East Boston ( Italian Express Pizzeria) Just because its been around forever doesn't make it the best. Wont go again CASH ONLY
(2)
Elliot A.

Our time at the restaurant started extremely well. The service was very good and waiters helped us when needed. We ordered lamb to begin. It was charcoal roasted and absolutely delicious. Then we ordered 2 Pizzas. 1 Cheese and 1 half meat and half vegetarian. Some of us were not allowed to eat pork. Both pizzas tasted delicious. But the chef made a mistake with the meat and vegetarian one. He mixed all the toppings making hard to accommodate our non pork eating company. The restaurant is very old fashioned and has a rustic feel to it. It has lots of character. Overall, food and service was good but once again the chef made one mistake. I would recommend a nice restaurant nearby called Italian Express Pizzeria.
(4)
Sasha B.

one of my favorite pizza places in the world... I love how it's also a dive bar with cheap beer... Boston typically makes terrible pizza. I lived there for 6 years and would gladly drive 20-30 mins to come here. It was the only way to get my pizza fix.
(5)
Chris F.

Delicious pizza. I'd heard the hype and it lived up to every word. Cash only and they do take out in the back. Brings you back to a different era - old school Italian family runs the place, the customers all seem like regulars, and they're all very Boston friendly. Worth eating in, or just soaking in the atmosphere while you wait for a pie surrounded by boxing memorabilia. Highly recommended - and an easy walk from the Airport T Station in East Boston. Grab a pizza to go before your flight like I did!
(5)
Steve S.

Yeah, this place is a Boston classic. Went here mid week with the gf. Got a spot across the street from the place. Was seated right away, but it was packed. Our server was an older gent and he and another lady were bickering back and forth in the special way that you only see here in Boston. Makes me smile just thinking about. Place is pretty cut and dry. Order an everything pizza well done. After downing several labatts blue, the Za arrived. Crust was nice and crisp. Service was prompt. Beers were cold. Sausage was best part of the pizza. Sauce was good. Think I would choose Regina if I had to pick, but this place is legit.
(4)
Paul P.

Went with the family after a long day at Legoland. Perfect place for a family with three over tired little boys. Sat us immediately. The server called me honey so many times my kids thought we were old friends. Had the sausage and garlic pizza and it was heaven. Everything was authentic-the food atmosphere and service. Just what we needed.
(5)
Olivia B.

Delicious! Wicked good pizza. Have yet to try the lamb, hope it's as good as everyone says.
(4)
Ronjini M.

Ohhhhh yea! Santarpios was the last thing we had before we left Boston. Recommended by a local guy we met on the airplane, as 'the BEST' pizza. Indeed, I left very satisfied. We had the mushroom and pepperoni pizza. the crust was crispy and the sauce and cheese was just right. This place gives you the local Boston feel and the guys that run this place are down to earth and make you feel like you're in your mom's kitchen. I would recommend that anyone that comes to visit Boston comes here for a down to earth and tastebud altering experience. The best part - its right next to Boston-Logan!
(5)
H T.

The pizzas here are delish!! Make sure you order their sausages with the cherry peppers. They're soooo good and very spicy! Friendly service. Just make sure you have real expectations that it's a pizza place not a 5 star restaurant when you write your reviews. This place gets extremely crowded so be prepared to wait.
(5)
Adrian S.

This is the best pizza in boston. I am not sure what they do with the pizza or how they make it, but this is as good as it gets. You also get the feeling that this place hasn't changed in the last 30 years or so. You won't find a better pie in the boston area.
(5)
Chris M.

Best pizza and "bbq" (careful how you interpret that) Worth the trip despite the scary service and aged accomodations.
(5)
Nathaniel W.

The best!
(5)
Juliana C.

Pizza in the morning, Pizza in the evening, Pizza at suppertime! (same thing as evening, right? I never understood this part of the jingle) When you eat pizza at Santarpio's, You can eat pizza until you run out of leftovers and stare sadly at the empty styrofoam box reminding you of good times past! ... I visited Santarpio's with some seasoned veterans, and made the rookie mistake of assuming that their sausage would be like every other pizza sausage I've ever had: namely, that it would look like poop nuggets. As soon as our sausage and garlic pizza landed, I regretted my assumption. The sausage is ACTUAL sausage, and it is succulent. I scarfed three slices without breathing. The pepperoni, mushroom and pepper pizza was a little soggy, but definitely held up to the refrigerator test the next morning. Other things I loved about the place: - Cornmeal on the underside of the pizza crust - The heavy Boston-accented chatter of the kitchen staff - Extremely reasonable beer prices - Our server, who was the best kind of sarcastic - The lamb. Oh, the lamb. Is it sad I'm looking at flight sales just so I have an excuse to go near the airport?
(5)
Otis M.

Great place for a pie on the way to the airport. We took my 14 year old's best friend from California and he had a local experience he will long remember. You notice I said on the way to the airport... if you are going to do this a couple of things need to be kept in mind. First, go off-hours. We were there at 5:30 and out within an hour but when we left they were lined up on the sidewalks. Second, unless you know East Boston you are going to get very disoriented and your GPS is not going to help because it doesn't recognize that some of the streets are one way. It looks like Santarpio's is right off the 1A as it goes into the airport... true, but totally irrelevant because once you get off it is going to be a long time before you see the 1A again. I spent 20 minutes of trial and error and finally scored somehow following a police car with flashing lights down Meridian... not sure I could do it again. Allow extra time for this so you don't miss your flight.
(4)
David E.

This place is everything a pizza place should be. Dirty, Divey, and Cheap. Best pizza I've had in Boston. BBQ is great too.
(4)
Michelle T.

I have been going to Santarpio's all my life, having lived around the corner in East Boston. We had a large party the night we went ... 12 of us, on a Sunday and it was quite cold. There was no line to get in, but we were not seated because there they didn't have 12 seats together. The elder lady at the door refused to let any of our party inside, to include my 80-year-old mother (and several small children). We were left on the sidewalk for more 45 minutes while this elder lady continued to let in parties of 2, 4 and even 6 people, all the while leaving us out in the cold (and still no line). We were finally let in and placed our order. We ordered the sausage, but they ran out of peppers (still charging the full price) ... the pizza was like cardboard and lukewarm. One needs only to read the reviews to find out about the service. I am so disappointed ... no longer is there the feel of a neighborhood restaurant that we frequented so often as children. Santarpio's success has gone to their heads and their food has suffered. Service has always been subpar, but we didn't mind because we got great food. That is no longer the case. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else where they will actually appreciate your business.
(2)
Pete J.

I live down the street from Regina's, so feel somewhat traitorous giving Santarpio's 5 stars, but, believe me, it earned every star. Pizza - I went with a group, so I got to try the garlic, cheese, pepperoni and sausage pizzas and they were all excellent. The crust is crispy with cornmeal base and a nice char on the edges. The sausage is home-made and tastes like heaven. My absolute favourite was the garlic, yummmmm. The crust can get soggy quickly, so eat faster! Meats - we ordered all three meats; lamb, sausage and steak tips. I loved all three, and the steak was oh, so tender. Served with crusty Italian bread a super-juicy peppers. Beverages - full bar. Beers were cold and cheap. Ambiance - Yes it's old school, yes it looks like it needs a good scrubbing, but that simply adds to the atmosphere! Service - Our server was Tony who has worked there for 20+ years. Yes, he was sharp-witted and quick with the wisecracks (especially when he found out one of our party was from New Jersey!) but he was never rude and certainly engaged us. Only negative **CASH ONLY**, but not enough of a problem to lose a star.
(5)
Josephine L.

The pizza does not live up to a title like "Best in the City" but is a far better contender than the ridiculously over-hyped and mediocre Regina's. Think thinner crusts, huge portions, crumbly Italian cheese and a medley of traditional toppings that don't wow but don't disappoint either. Garlic lovers can double and triple the amount of garlic on their pizzas. Mushroom lovers get a pretty generous amount. It's easy for the pizza top to just slide right off (it's not baked in very well) so be careful when you first bite into your slice. The lamb skewers are good too--plump and meaty. So on food alone this would have been about 3 stars (3.5 if I were drunk and feeling generous) but I bumped it up to 4 for Tony. Sweet Tony. Funny Tony. Curmudgeony Tony. Tony the flirt. Tony the charmer. Tony the grouch. They don't make servers like him anymore, at least not west of Santarpio's (I should know--I work in the North End). He's your wry, sarcastic, quirky Italian uncle who calls you by the place you're from or the place he decides you're from if where you're from isn't cool enough for him. Tony entertained us, mocked us, cajoled us, instructed us, served us, emasculated us, babied us....He touched our hearts and I'll never forget him.
(4)
Johnny Q.

I had a meat lovers pizza here. I was good, a bit greasy for my taste. this place has great reviews and I think the hype made my expectations a bit to high. I did enjoy the pizza but I don't think I would make a trip to east boston just for the pizza here but if I was in the area I would definitely eat here again. decent price, would like to try other menu options next time.
(3)
M A.

Service sucks. Decor sucks. No delivery. Pizza good. I usually just pick up..... pies are great....but decided to go in, see what the buzz is about.... I felt like I was in a bad 70's movie. I guess I will stick to take out.
(1)
Matt V.

Sausage and Garlic pizza is one of the best pizzas I've ever had. Lamb skewer was juicy and delicious too! Service is blunt, but great. I love their attitude toward cell phones. I wish every place was like this!
(5)
Andy G.

If there is one thing I know a lot about its food, especially pizza. A lot of pizza is over rated. That's kind of what I expected when I visited Santarpios Pizza in East Boston, but I am happy to report the great ratings are correct...this pizza is not just good but I would say great and arguably the best in Boston. Starting with the mile walk from the subway through a rather rough neighborhood this is what you expect from an old Boston establishment. The place is dark and dicey. The staff is politely rude and the local customers give you that almost but not really welcoming stare. The experience is priceless. When Simone and I arrived we were greeted by an older gentlemen that was working the grill and were asked simply if we wanted grill or Pizza. I politely told him both and he told me to stand there and wait to be seated, a few seconds later another waiter came and pointed to me a seat and asked if I needed menus. Legend has it this is how the staff knows if your a local or a tourist, and if you are a tourist you can expect to be heckled and treated like one. So I Lied and told them no menu was need. From the grill, I wanted the one sausage skewer, one lamb skewer, and from the kitchen, a pepperoni and mushroom pie ( I had researched the menu before my trip). The waiter said okay and went to place our order. Before long I noticed that every time our waiter walked by he would be talking to himself saying "hey,hey,hey". I have no idea why he did this but it was definitely amusing if not a little troubling. Our Sausage and Lamb appetizers came out pretty quickly and were accompanied with wedges of Crusty Bread and Banana Peppers. They both were cooked perfectly medium and were smokey and well flavored naturally from the 20 something year old grill. The Bread soaked up the juices and the peppers added some spice. The sausage was homemade and was Simone's favorite. I preferred the lamb. Not wanting to be rude we finished it all except a few chunks of bread which the waiter pointed out, so of course I finished those off before I was his next victim. The "hey hey hey" pizza came out right behind the finished plates of skewered meats. It was Boston thin crust at its best, hand tossed with crunchy almost burnt edges and a charred, cornmeal dusted bottom. It was easily fold-able but not soggy. The well aged oven added to the flavor of the spicy pepperoni and fresh mushrooms topped with perfectly melted stringy cheese. The sauce tasted like ripe tomatoes with a hint of basil and was slightly sweet. It was a classic taste of what pizza should be. I could not let any of this pizza go to waste and we finished every last bite. "Hey Hey Hey" this was great great great pizza with that great great great Boston spirit. Four Stars for Santarpios.
(5)
D K.

Perfect place to go if you just want some wicked good pizza. Not to sound condescending, but this is actually very similar to pizza I've had in Italy. Fresh sauce, fresh veggies, crispy crust.... very good. At night, the neighborhood definitely looks sketchy, and the staff isn't rude, they're just locals that don't have time to make small talk since that place is always packed.
(5)
Kelly A.

Yes, Santarpio's is dirty. Yes, the service is atrocious. Yes, the atmosphere is like a basement in the 1970s. But damn, they can make a pie! Best pizza in the city, hands down.
(5)
Scott P.

THE BEST PIZZA !!!!!! need i say any more
(5)
Mari H.

Went in on Saturday 4/16/11 for an early dinner. We had a large cheese pizza w/tomato and onion. Totally delish. We've heard great things about Santarpio's and wanted to try the original restaurant before venturing out to the new location (Peabody).
(4)
Maria J.

Awesome pizza, boston accents, can't get any better than this!
(5)
Daniel S.

Four stars for the pizza, three for the service, five for being the classic local institution, and we compromise on a 4. I think that's about right. They expect that you'll know what you want when you get in, and don't even offer you a menu unless you ask (or just look really confused). Here's my tip: get a sausage, because it was really tasty and a bit spicy and came with some nice bread and a couple peppers. Complement it with The Works on your pizza, such that in the middle it is a mountain of mush and on the outside it is garlicky and crispy. You have a choice of "fish or no fish," which means anchovies. I went no, but that's a personal choice. You'll need to use your fork, be careful not to bend it with your enthusiasm, because it is very, very cheap. Take a bit of the vegetable and meat and cheese mush from the center of the pizza, shovel it onto a bit of your bread. Top with a sliver of sausage and a bit of the pepper if you'd like. Eat it in one bite. Delicious. Once you've thus worked your way through the soggy middle of the pie, you're ready to go to work on the individual slices, each of which is a unique snowflake due to the roughshod way in which they go about constructing the pizza. Every slice an adventure! Good luck. :)
(4)
M L.

I like the restaurant because it is old school with a plywood bar, it needs a major renovation but if they ever renovated it would not be as good. I have had inconsistent pizzas and suggest eating the pizza here because if you get takeout it can get soggy quickly. Limited menu and beer selection and unfortunately no whiskey.
(4)
Chris C.

Food is unbelievable. The lamb and sausage are incredible and an absolute must. The pizza is among the best I have ever had. There is always a line for dinner.
(5)
Jennifer O.

My husband is a huge fan of this place, he started going there in college. We went in on a Thursday night and sat down right away!! He said that's the first time he hasn't had to wait. The menu is simple and fantastic!! We had pizza and steak. Yum! Plus a glass of house wine is super cheap :)
(5)
Thomas S.

At Santarpio's I experienced for the first time in my entire life a waiter trying to pick a fight. And by trying I really mean trying, by repeatedly commenting on every one of our responses and talking back to a level that was downright insulting. If you are like me and have no idea how taking a 3-minute order can become a problem, you should have been there for this great performance: From the get-go ("Honey, if you want fast food you can go to McDonalds; here, we do things my way."), because my friend had the audacity to signal at his highness after waiting for maybe 20 minutes for somebody to come to the table; to the middle ("I won't *order* your pizza at the kitchen until I bring you the meat." (?!)), to the bitter end ("I'll tell you my days off so that you can come here."). I've no idea what ticked him off but he made sure to show us we were not welcome there. Our replacement waiter (yes, it came to this) was trying to be extra polite and friendly, but the evening was already ruined. Makes you really appreciate all the professional, polite servers you have ever encountered. Oh and the people on here that claim this is the best pizza they've ever had obviously haven't been around much...
(1)
jenilee p.

after careful consideration, i have concluded that my trip to santarpio's pizza on wednesday, december 30th, was the highlight of 2009. now, this could lead you to draw two conclusions of your own: 1) that i had an incredibly crap-tacular 2009 (not true) or 2) santarpio's really is that special (epic win). i, like many others, have heard tales of a pizza place in east boston, and often times longed to try it on my way to catch a flight to some place far blander than east boston. why had i never made the special trip out? something to do with tolls, and tumbleweeds of garbage raging down the street on trash days... but this time, on a whim, my coworkers and i took what may very well be the greatest team-building off-site of all time. on wednesday, december 30th, around quarter past twelve, with a line just forming out the door, on a mofo of a cold day, we had arrived, and waited patiently for a table. the scent of grilling meats upon finally busting through the entryway of a legendary, yet fairly still "in the know", eatery... was slowly-close-your-eyes-and-inhale intoxicating. the scent was only matched by the decor: walls covered with best of boston plaques and boxing paraphernalia. the hostess, a short woman who undoubtedly can throw a right hook that would knock my husband out cold (note to self), seated us at a booth near the door, and within seconds, we had ordered a combo plate of grilled lamb and their homemade sausage, as well as three diets and (don't tell anyone) a bud. there was a bit of a wait for the food itself, and we were told that this was due to a hockey team of thirty people seated in the other room. no matter- more time to take it all in. plus, as the waitress noted, our sausage and lamb had arrived in due time, and we enjoyed our "little suttin suttin" immensely. that sausage is killer. again, homemade, smokey from the grill, which was situated not in the kitchen, but directly across from us and next to the bar, and just peppery enough to make things interesting, it was gone in seconds. the lamb was just as good, pink in the middle and equally as satisfying, though in the end i think i took more than my share of that chewy, savory sausage. do not come here without ordering the combo plate, or at least the sausage. we ordered two pizzas for four people. 1) the works with anchovies. don't be afraid of anchovies, they're good, stupid. 2) sausage, peppers, mushrooms. the pizzas took a little bit of time, and we were told that normally they take about twenty minutes. i stared voraciously at the condiments on the table, the most notable being hot pepper flakes, and parmesan cheese - both contained in little baby food jars with holes cut into the metal top, a nice touch. oh the waiting, the unbearable anticipation building. and then our pizzas arrived. a thing of undisputed beauty. santarpio's pizzas are unique for a few different reasons, if you haven't already done your homework. first, the crust is thin and can get sloppy when weighed down with wonderful toppings... except for that cylindrical tube of crunchy goodness that lies along the circumference of the pizza. the dough itself bakes up crunchy on the outside of said tube, and light and chewy on the inside. it is bready and substantial, delicious with the smell of a well-worked oven. second, the mozz cheese is laid out on top of the sauce and toppings, as opposed to other pizzas which scatter whatever veggies and meats on top of the dairy. this technique seems to impart more flavor on the crust, and meld all tastes together beautifully within each bite of pizza, as if the ingredients are steamed and baked into the entire meal. though this is all personal preference, in terms of toppings, i think that the quality of the pizza emerged a bit more clearly within the pie with only sausage, mushrooms, and peppers, but i was torn. i am clearly also a sucker for pizza with the works. we demolished both pies, but the memory lives on. man, i could wax poetic forever on these pizzas. when i came home and triumphantly declared my venture to my bigger half, he sulked off in sadness and jealousy, secretly planning his own virgin run to santarpio's. for those who have had it, they crave it, and for those who haven't taken the plunge, i can only urge you to head toward the airport and cough up those damn tolls. all i can say is, new york, we have a pizza which is not yours, it's not better, it's definitely not worse, it's unique, and you can't have it. and those are words i never thought i would write down with self assurance. santarpio's, you are my new pizza crush, and i can't wait to see you again. ::kisses::
(5)
L P.

This place is aight. Not fantastic as some people will tell you. My fiancee and I had the sausage and lamb skewers with the hot peppers. It was good, but not knock your socks off good. As other reviewers have said, this is a no bullshit place that you come to because the food is good. Waitstaff was great - attentive despite a crowded weeknight. Not sure if its in the rotation.
(3)
Ashley M.

I was able to get to this Boston favorite a few weeks ago and I was really happy I did. A couple of friends and I split the meat platter (lamb and sausage) and 2 pizzas, garlic/sausage and onion/mushroom/pepper. The meat came out first with a hunk of bread and 3 pickled peppers. The lamb was cooked perfectly and the sausage, which I heard is made in house, had an amazing crust on it. The pizza came next and though it was pretty greasy a couple of shakes of parmesian soaked it up. The crust was soft, thin and had an amazing crunch due to the corn meal used on the bottom. One friend commented on the "peach" color of the pizza because of the perfect cheese/sauce ratio. It was perfect, really. All pizzas from the Allston/Brighton area since have paled in comparison. The atmosphere left us all feeling a little like outsiders and the regulars got their food first. But these things don't even matter when you are eating the best pizza you have ever had, in your LIFE.
(5)
Kim C.

The garlic pizza is to die for. This is a no frills experience. No table cloths or fancy, matching silverware; just the best pizza in the city. I dare you to find anything better than a slice of garlic straight out of the oven and a cold beer. The sausage bbq is also excellent
(5)
N B.

The best pizza I've ever had. Sauce is so rich and cheese is super delicious. Everything is so fresh. Family owned place. A must- try. I wish they had more chains.
(5)
Lindsey H.

Don't go here for customer service, go here for great pizza and wine at a great price. A burly man will be upset if you don't grab yourself a menu on the way to your table. Act like you've been here before!! The pizza looked a little mushy, but tasted divine. I love thin crust and not being choked by cheese. Their sauce uses magical tomatoes. Definitely deserves the hype. If you're picking up an order, you will be ignored unless you enter the kitchen and speak. Don't be afraid.
(5)
Maurice C.

I came here for the first time today. We sat at the bar rather than at a table. The bartender was a relatively pleasant man about 60 years old or so in a red T-shirt. We decided to share the barbaqued lamb and sausage combo and an Italian cheese and onion pizza. The pizzas are all one size and are sort of in between medium and large in size. The lamb and sausage came out first, and was impressive, especially the lamb. It's perfectly cooked and has a great natural flavor. I added a touch of salt, but it's really perfectly fine as is. The sausage is spicy and salty, and also good, but it lacks the wow factor of the lamb. The plate is accompanied with hot peppers and bread, which is good for soaking up the excess juices. The pizza came next, and it features a corn meal bottom crust and cheese and toppings below the tomato sauce. The tomato sauce is chunky and tangy, and probably the best part of the pizza. The cheese is also good, as well as the crust, although I'm not much of a fan of the corn meal bottom. The pizza is good, but not mind blowing. It's actually more the barbaqued lamb which makes this place stand out, besides the atmosphere and tradition. The price is pretty good. We were able to get 3 beers, a pizza, and a barbaqued lamb and sausage combo for $30. We ended up tipping the bartender $10, which certainly perked him up. I'd definitely come back, although it probably won't be too often since I'm seldom in East Boston. It's certainly worth a one time trip over if you're not a local, just to have the experience.
(4)
Derrick R.

I'd give this place five stars on the atmosphere/experience scale but I hate to say this Boston, Santarpio's only has mediocre pizza.. Maybe it's my jaded sense of pizza growing up in New Jersey, or if I lived in Chicago I would think that deep dish was the best, but god dammit I tried to love you Santarpio.. you broke my heart.. Your line filling out of your door, the angry Italian man in the tee shirt and mesh shorts asking if there was a party of two, your cheesy wood paneling, and wine by the carafe. Why oh why did you tease me and then provide me with tiny slices, cornmeal on the bottom of your crust, very greasy cheese, and little sauce to cheese ratio!!!! Oh Santarpio... Whoa!! wait a second!! My bill was only $12??? Heeeeeyyy aaaa Santarpio!!! I ah love you!!
(2)
Banafsheh P.

You will hear the locals always having their favorite ... either this joint or Regina...in my book they're both fantastic! Totally old school Boston...pizza style...the waitress is smoking while taking your order...so don't put on your dancing shoes ... but you will not be disappointed while you dive into your first bite. Happy eating!
(4)
Emily C.

mmmm... back in the northeast, where 'working Italian' means something! we almost stumbled past the front door after walking under the overpass into the murky unknown, but were cued in by a thick Boston accent overhearing us wonder where we were going while he as on a smoke break. after walking in, with a gruff server seating us along a wood paneled wall, i was overcome with nostalgia and memories of running around the family owned pizza place in Connecticut where I hung out in the kitchen in oppressive heat as a kid. the menu was simple, no frills. the wine I ordered made me laugh when it came in a nearly pint sized glass. "these are my people," i thought! we ordered pizza and I was thrilled to find it was exactly as I expected. Thin crust, generous flour, light sauce, rich cheese and a smattering of toppings. good flavor, cooked to perfection, cheap as hell and an ambiance to match. if you are ready for real italian food, working people, and don't care if your table totters every time you set down your glass, you won't be disappointed. i'm going back tomorrow for the barbecue lamb & sausage for lunch. i'd happily hand over more of my money for another experience that makes me feel so at home...
(5)
Susan Y.

My cousin brought me here while we waited for my luggage to catch up to me when I came to stay with her for a visit. The smell is so awesome as you walk in the door and you don't really notice the noise of many people gathering and enjoying themselves there as a waiter named Tony yells, "Hello" and gives my cousin a glad-to-see-you again smile. He's the cute guy with all the buttons....You can't miss him. The staff charges about and food on a Friday night takes just a little bit of time but then you taste some of the best sausage I have ever tried. The pizza sauce tastes like someone chopped tomatoes right out of the garden with just enough flavor to make it all their own. Home made bread also comes with the sausage and hot cherry peppers and grilled lamb, if you still have room for it. This place does not skimp on the food. A warm and friendly place that leaves you with a feeling that you will always feel right at home here when you stop in. Parking on a Friday night...challenging... but worth it for the quality of eats within.
(5)
Susie C.

I do not think this is the best pizza in Boston. Ok, I just wanted to get that our of the way. Granted, I've only been once. I plan on going back to give it another try. I see people have commented on the plain decor, but really- who cares. if the food is good, that is more important. The restaurant is very casual, we had a very pleasant waiter, cold beer. All great. My husband ordered a caraffe of wine- he liked it. He also ordered the sausage cooked on the fire for an appetizer- he loVVVed it. Came w/ a big hunk of bread and some peppers, all of which he lurved. We shared a greasy cheese and garlic pizza, and I felt it was waaaaay overcooked. The crust was so hard, dark and crunchy (like, on the verge of being burned to a crisp) that it distracted from the other flavors. I felt the red sauce was average. The cheese was very good- more along the lines of Pinocchio's cheesey blend. For all the hype, I was expecting a hell of a lot more. I looked around and other pizzas were over cooked too, so maybe there was something going on with the oven?? Cash only.
(3)
Valerie F.

This has been my favorite pizza since I was a little girl. The sausage and lamb combo is a must and my favorite is the pepperoni pizza, they cook the pepperoni's under the cheese, AMAZING! This is not a gourmet pizza joint so don't expect many choices on the menu. Highly recommended, never a disappointment. Note: Cash only and you have to wait for seating outside, so if you don't like the cold don't go in the winter....either way I think the wait is worth it.
(5)
Jen- Jen B.

Santarpios is the shiz... Great pizza although it isnt always consistant. I love picking up the food in the back kitchen...the vibe is so city...love the people. AUTHENTIC...DELICIOUS.....REGINAS IS NOT ON THE SAME PAGE AT ALL.
(5)
marcy G.

This place has the closest pizza I've eaten to real margherita pizza in Italy and I don't know how they do it. However points get docked for the restaurant's atmosphere. It is a typical pizza joint with a bar, booths and tables, but there is a stale beer and cigarette smell. The place could be cleaned up a bit. I would go back but probably get take out.
(3)
Bob J.

this is the best pizza at least east of the mississippi and maybe in the us. i am a pizza connoisseur and have never had better pizza anywhere! upper-crust, pizzeria regina don't hold water to this. just remember you are going here for the food and not the decorations, although i did like the posters from the 80's on the wall.
(5)
Cathy M.

Nine months after moving to Winthrop, we finally made it to Santarpio's. Love the sauce, like the crust. I was surprised to see this is actually a sit-down place with table service. Our waiter was excellent. We got here just before noon on a Saturday and walked right in.
(4)
Steve W.

This place has extraordinary pizza. I'm a big time pizza snob, but this place blew me away. It's is far from the fanciest place I have ever seen, but the pizza is excellent. Next time I am going to get some of the grilled meats that were over the wood fire by the door. They smelled delicious!
(5)
Robb K.

I lived just down the street from Santarpio's for 2 years, and man did I eat good those 2 years!!! Santarpio's is like stepping back in time. Right into a great, grungy Italian Pizzeria. YOU MUST GO HERE!!! If you go when it's busy (any week night and especially weekend evenings) ask for your pizza cooked crispy otherwise they tend to come out a little soupy in the middle. Their BBQ skewers are to die for as well!!!!
(5)
Chere G.

This place has the best pizza East of Boston. Growing up in Bean Town there are only 2 places true Bostonians gp to. That is Regina's and Santarpios. Since this review is in honor of Santarpios .....I digress. OK here's the deal. If you are the impatient type, or expect to be treated like royalty. Don't bother. This is truely the place to appreciate the whole experience. So your experience will begin with a 20 minute to 1 hour wait in line outside - yes that includes B-towns bitter winter. When you get inside you will notice it's not really special, it's not and that's the beauty of it. Wood Panel walls and really old tables with benches. Yes the bathrooms are a little dingy but clean. This is the point where you need to remind yourself this is all for the experience. Menu is simple - just order a cheese pie (no lame toppings please), lamb & sauage grill and there is nothing more to look for. Don't ask for the menu as it just makes you stand out. Drinks are perfect. Reasonably prices Son's of Italy get more than what you are paying for rock you ass off mixed drinks, beer and limited wines. The staff has a reputation of being hard-asses and honestly I just think this is coming from some sensitive peoples. They are really nice and it goes back to the basic school. Treat others as you want to be treated. I've been going there for-ever and the staff recongizes me. Even after all my different hair advenstures. So go with an open mind and enjoy. You'll be glad that you did! Now Mangia!
(5)
Danielle F.

This place has far better pizza than Regina. Up until visting Santarpio's, I would list the Push Cart and Upper Crust as my favorites. After having visited Santarpio's I would add them to this small list. The service is no-frills, but the food is wonderful. If you are there to have some alcohol while you are there, definitely stick with the beer. We ordered a bottle of the pinot grigio (for 2 people) and we were done with it before the pizza arrived and had zero buzz. Save the $15 for the beer!!!
(4)
Craig C.

What would you name a city East of Boston? I would name it name it Shan Gri La or Whoopieland. (I'm weird) But they named it East Boston. It used to be known for Great Italian food but now it's mostly known for great Spanish food. The mob does occasionally still bury a few here in the marshes for old times sake or for Whitey Bulger's memory. I f you happen to be out there after you just whacked someone and you get hungry Santarpios has really good pizza. Is it better than Regina's? Maybe ,but hey it's pizza. Should you drive from Cambridge or the South Shore to try it? If all your friends went out without you and you have nothing else to do.......ok. But on your way pick up that book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" Then you can convince them to take you and maybe pay for it. But please remember - It's only pizza. Great Pizza but still pizza. Thank you and have a nice day.
(3)
Jenny F.

My favorite pizza place of all time. A very popular place with long lines that sometime rivals Pepe's. However a good friend is friends with the owners and I don't think we ever had too wait long to get a table. The crust is crispy, the way a pizza crust should be. Not at all oily, soupy, or soggy. The tomato sauce is perfect, not too sweet or tart. I usually just stick to sausage, mozz, and hot cherry peppers. Ok now here is why Santarpio's is my favorite place... the bbq. Yup good ol' Italian grilled meats. You get a link of their homemade sausage and a skewer of grilled lamb. Grilled to absolute perfection and served with 2 cherry peppers and a nice slice of crusty bread. Simple yet soooo tasty. Santarpio's is a fun place to get together with a bunch of friends and share a pizza. Can't wait for my next trip to Boston for some awesome pizza and bbq!
(5)
Mehmet A.

A friend took me there about 8 years ago. Since then I go there at least twice a month. Best pizza you can find in Boston, excellent bbq lamb and sausage. Just go and try, you will love it.
(5)
Micah C.

if you want to be treated with respect and waited on hand and foot... DON'T go to santarpio's the pizza is amazing!!! trust me! but listen to Hermanth G.! don't try to walk up like you own the place... but you need to have a back-bone, listen up and speak up. be patient and respectful... and this is all before you get in the resturaunt. it's not the cleanest place... but the pizza is to die for! and no the locals don't like you... and probably not even the waitstaff :-\ we love sausage/roni... with and without garlic... but don't ask for pig products or veggies
(5)
Matt M.

Really good pizza. I went here with my sister and brother-in-law; we were very pleased but not blown away like we hoped. First off the waiter we had was surprisingly nice. Since it's such a local joint we expected him to be rude but it was the complete opposite. We started with a couple beers and they were ice cold, so good with the pies. The pizza was really good. The highlight was the sweet sauce that they have. The toppings were great as well but where they fell short was the crust. I thought I was going to break my tooth half the time. If the crust was a little softer with a little more flavor, all three of us would have given them five stars. All in all, very good pizza that I would easily go back for seconds, thirds, etc.
(4)
Nicole M.

There's a constant battle between my friends as to whether Santarpio's or Regina is better. While I think Regina is better, I love Santarpio's just the same. For years, I've only done the take-out thing, where you stand in the kitchen wondering if you should really be there or not. But this weekend I finally went and sat down for the first time. I was expecting the callous service that I was used to, but instead had the nicest waiter. Service was speedy, our waiter provided comic relief, and the pizza was as tasty as I remembered. Just go. It's so delicous.
(5)
Brandon C.

People have gone as far as saying that this is the best pizza place in the world, but to me this place is just like any other. I went there with high expectations but ended up very disappointed. The pizza tasted like any other pizza place down the street. I got sausage and garlic pizza, which costs $12.50 for a large. There was not much sausage but there was definitely good garlic flavor. The crust is awful and hard, I just threw them away even though I usually eat the crust. A little greasy and the cheese was just falling off. Not that great I say save your money and go to pizza hut or Domino's because believe it or not, it is better than this place.
(2)
Will N.

Meat and Pizza is all they have. This is truly a ghetto place for the ghetto dawgs. However, this is what makes this place great!!! Not only does it look like a house from the outside, not only do people stand on the sidewalk waiting to get in, not only is there no parking, but also the hostess makes you feel like he's bringing you in to meet with Don Corleone. A true Boston landmark
(3)
Beth M.

I LOVE Santarpios. It is the pizza of my dreams. Perfect crust (w/ cornmeal on the bottom), delicious sauce, and bountiful cheese and toppings, but never too much...it's always really just perfect. Along with the pizza, you can get lamb and/or sausage, served with crusty italian bread and hot peppers. Lamb, Sausage, and Pizza. Don't even look for a salad or dessert on the menu here, my friends. It would just be wasteful to fill your belly with such nonsense when such amazing pizza and savory grilled meats are available. The service here has lots of personality and the decor is charmingly grungy. This is a birthday tradition for some of my friends-- our large groups are always accommodated and we have a blast drinking Bud Light and cheap Chianti...and eating what is seriously the best pizza in town. And don't forget your cash, because they don't take cards.
(5)
Kenji G.

Probably the best pizza in the Boston area. If it isn't it certainly is in the discussion. A great little hole in the wall. If it wasn't an old school place i would complain about the adult beverage options. I do like it better than Pepe's in New Haven. Hopefully they can keep this place great when they expand in June. The lamb and sausage BBQ is key to the experience.
(5)
Ron H.

Don't think it's worth the wait in line, but definitely good pizza. I hate that it's cash only, but simple menu, cheap food, and quick service makes this place a top pick in Eastie. Besides, any place in East Boston that is cheap and doesn't give you the runs deserves to be praised.
(4)
Brian S.

Is Santarpio's the most over-rated pizza in Boston? Oh, gosh no. Regina's has long had that title won. But Santarpios is clearly coming in second. With the awe and reverence that it is treated to, you'd expect a better pie. Its not bad, per se. It just not great and that's what you're led to expect with the adoring fans and hostile service. Still, this very much "Boston pizza" so if you like Regina's, its a good bet that you'll like Santarpio's at least as much if not better. For me, its just too doughy and underdone. If I had to pick between the two, I'd side with Regina. But I mostly just go elsewhere. I'm sure you've gathered from the reviews that Santarpio's boasts a unique service philosophy. Basically, they are kind of pissed off that you came. The atmosphere is very sketchy, dingy, and unwelcoming. But hey, that's their thing so I can't really fault them on it. Its part of the allure and legend of Santarpio's so why give up the wood paneling, ultra-simplistic menu, and antagonistic wait staff. If you like Regina's and want a unique dining experience, go ahead and make a visit out to Eastie. If not, just find somewhere that has great pizza.
(3)
Mike S.

its just OK pizza, if you are from NYC or Italy itself you would not appreciate this soggy pizza, but lamb and sausage are very good - 5 out of 5. I dont think you can find real pizza in Boston, tell me if i'm wrong
(3)
P N.

Second Review I have been twice now. Second trip - pizza was not burned. This is an adventure worth trying. It is a throwback. Pizza is an "8" but the experience is like visiting 1965 all over again. Limited menu - that is part of the attraction. First Review W-a-a-a-y overrated. Environment is old-time italian pizza joint: wooden booths with no padding, tattered menus, and overworked waitress. Just like the old neighborhood I grew up in - I actually liked all this, very homey. Negatives...My take is they used to have an old coal brick-lined oven (waitress confirmed this) and now they overbake the pies in gas heat to get the same texture of coal-brick-baked. Problem is nothing matches that flavor and texture. The pie was burnt in parts (all pies were) and cracker crunchy, not soft at all inside crust like a brick oven would do. Pie arrived with limited toppings: not enough (but good) sausage, could hardly see any mozzerela cheese, and very saucy. I think most of cheese was parmigiana (and quite salty). I would try again for the atmosphere and ask the pizza not be in as long.
(4)
Miss T.

E. Boston - Good food & service. Just don't like the parking & waiting 20+ minutes when visiting. Compared to the new Peabody one - think I like it. Peabody has parking, clean, didnt wait & the food was amazing. The waitress was AWESOME!!!
(5)
Erik L.

I am a fan. You want an authentic Boston experience here you go. A carafe of red, the sausage and lamb, followed by a pizza. Interesting chatter at the bar with authenticate neighborhood guys. Best pizza I've had in years.
(5)
Patryce S.

Love, love, love their pizza! Lamb and sausage are very good too! I know people bitch about the servers but come on get over it its nothing against you. Besides is that really what you go there for? Defiantely the best pizza in Boston!
(5)
Mark W.

A great local place that's been around forever. We chatted with a regular that claimed she been coming here since she was four she 66 now. The pizza is good but we enjoyed the meat combo. The sausage was excellent. Be prepared for a wait if you go for dinner. Also they only take cash.
(4)
Karen P.

Great Pizza and Sausage. Friendly Staff - a place not to miss when you are in Boston. Best pizza in the city - can't compete with NY Pizza! Karen G
(4)
Derek B.

Very, very good. I was confronted w/ a line out front and given the fact that it was approx -50 degrees outside I bristled at the thought of waiting in line. Luckily my friends insisted. 20 minutes later we were seated....the service is effective (3 stars and no more), but the pizza is fresh, delicious, variable and worth the wait. If you want a gourmet pizza experience, look elsewhere (Upper Crust?) but if you want a nice slice of pie, some excellent sausage apps that look like they're straight out of a Carvaggio painting and cheap red wine/beer, then this is the place to go. Bring cash, b/c no other forms of payment are accepted.
(4)
Polka D.

My boyfriend raved about this place and took me there recently. I was starving so we just got the pizza to go and got to hang out in the kitchen! It was fun and I was able to be entertained while waiting. I have to agree that there could be more cheese but I do like the order of how they put on the ingredients. What can I say, I am a cheese addict. Don't expect anything other than pizza and beer, this place is chill and fun and they intend to keep it that way. .....i hate it when people go there expecting 5 star service.........go somewhere else! While we were waiting someone had ordered a white pizza with no cheese........I mean, why even bother. I understand if you are allergic or don't eat things but maybe it's best if you try making it yourself at home.
(4)
Darlene A.

Delicious. Had cheese & onion take out. Loved it!
(5)
Stephen T.

A great East Boston Icon! Take CASH only! Great pizza cheap wine and great company! The only way it could get better is if it were free!
(3)
Juliet P.

I know it is practically sacrilegious to say this as an East Boston resident, but I don't really like Santarpio's pizza. It is okay, but I really don't like the hard cornmeal on the bottom. Having said that, the Santarpio's experience is hilarious - it is an old time, family run restaurant - no frills, poor service but depending on the waiter you get it is an enjoyable time. Also, the lamb tips more than make up for the pizza in my opinion (and I am not usually big on lamb). Definitely a place to check out next time your headed to the airport.
(3)
Joy W.

As people have mentioned before, there's always been a debate as to whether Regina's or Santarpio's is better. I have always loved Regina's, but there are three reasons that Santarpio's is my fav: 1) Decent selection of alcohol and it is cheap 2) The service is sooo much better 3) The barbeque is AMAZING! I have had terrible experiences at Regina's with the service (standing in line for hours, just to have the waitress forget our order and leave 2 hours later without any food). Although it is not super attentive, the service at Santarpio's is efficient and friendly, and the barbeque is amazing! I sometimes go and just have barbeque and no pizza.
(5)
Joey H.

There was nothing to expect, so we simply said yes when they ordered the pizza. When it arrived, I couldn't smell the pizza, but when I blew my nose (I was sick), I did get a chance to smell the aroma. Did I like the pizza when I ate it? Yes. Would I order from this place again when we go visit East Boston again...heck yah! This Boston-style pizza helps you eat more. The thin crust and the toppings under the cheese. The mess is gone, but the cheese is much more greasy. Why four stars? Usually pizza is pizza, but this is good pizza. I tried the cheese slices and the pepperoni. If you're into plain and simple, order.
(4)
Andrew D.

Santarpio's is not just about the pie and bbq, it's about the whole experience. The neighborhood,the line, the rec room decor, the locals, and the throw back waiters all rolled into one of best classic pizza joints in Boston. The pizza itself is thin crust (corn meal on bottom) plain sauce, and the usual cast of toppings. The pies are on the small size, but very inexpensive. Not New Haven good but pretty good for Boston. Go on summer night throw back a few cold beers with a garlic and onion pizza with some friends and call it a night.
(4)
David W.

Stick to a simple menu and do it right. That's the gist of Santarpio's. The naysayers will claim this place is not worthy of the hype. Not true. The lamb is outstanding. I cannot speak for the sausage but I'd guess from the number of plates you'll see flowing out to the tables - it's safe to assume this product also stands true. The pizza is wonderful. The ambiance? It's gritty and unimpressive. Staff can sometimes be inattentive - but it fits in with the laid back neighborhood vibe. Go at any time and good chance you'll have to wait for a table - even during the weekdays. For consistent quality and value - Santarpio's always comes through.
(5)
Dana L.

Quite good! Two of my friends and I make it a point to travel around New England to all the places that supposedly have the "best pizza around." I got cheese with onions and garlic and my friend got sausage, onions and peppers. We were all really happy with what we got. The atmosphere was nice, you could smell the bbq ribs throughout the place - very nice. The staff was all really friendly and familiar with the regulars. Overall a great experience and great pizza. Thumbs up, Santarpio's.
(4)
Patrick M.

Santarpio's is awesome for the cheap beer and awesome pizza...as well as the service. Real personable Boston-bred guys that keep you laughing as you eat. Tony was awesome as our server. It's a must for any Bostonians...best pizza in town.
(5)
Eric L.

We saw this place on Yahoo.com in an article that listed the best pizza places in america, so we figured we would keep the place in consideration when deciding our food places for our mini-trip to Boston. When we booked our hotel and realized that Santarpios was down the street from our hotel, we were dead set on grabbing pizza there. We visited the restaurant on a Saturday night around 6pm. We were immediately seated, but as the night went on, there was a minimal wait, but nothing too crazy. We ordered the lamb skewers to start which were a little tough. The skewers were good, but not great. We had a pizza with mushrooms, peppers, and sausage. The pizza was really good! Of the pizza, the sausage and the sauce were the best parts. The restaurant is run by locals with thick Boston accents. Some of the workers were really friendly, and are more than willing to chat with you. Some of them are rougher around the edges. The decor was minimal and lighting was dim. Overall, the pizza was great, the skewers were good, and I would definitely come back again.
(4)
Andrea M.

I don't usually hand out 5 stars, but Santarpio's is just all around wonderful. The pizza is perfect. Simply put. It is the way pizza is supposed to be, and anyone who says otherwise just doesn't know a damn thing about pizza. It's simple, and flavorful. I highly recommend the Sausage and Garlic pizza. Your taste buds will dance. The atmosphere is charming. It's got an old neighborhood feel and the place is always packed with locals. That doesn't mean they don't welcome outsiders though. The employees are no nonsense guys with a sharp wit and overall postive demeanors. As long as you're not expecting waitors who will kiss your @ss then you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Matthew C.

Jared: "I'll have a combo and we'd like to split a sausage pizza." Me: "I'll have a combo." Mike: "Can I see a menu?" Server: "That's not going to help you, hun. There are only two things on the menu." Mike: "I'll have a combo." This place really has an unusual status. It is a Boston landmark that attracts curious transplants (like my friends and I), but at the same time it maintains popularity with actual non-rhotic English speaking locals. This could be due to the simplicity of the place. She wasn't joking about that menu, you can have pizza, a lamb kebab, grilled sausage, or a combination. While none of the items will be the best you ever had, they're good, they're familiar, they're filling. Not every lunch should be a culinary adventure, sometimes you just want to shoot the shit with a friend or two. Welcome to Santarpio's. Food aside, I really enjoyed coming here because it was like a concentrated shot of the Boston I had been missing the past 3 years. I was totally entertained by over hearing random conversations from local regulars. My favorite: an awkward story from a young guy about a jealous older broad he was bangin' that made a scene while he was working his snow plow route. Don't think for a second he missed the opportunity to segue into a "plowin' her, you know what I'm sayin'?" comment. Priceless. If they needed a slogan, I'd recommend "Come for the food, stay for the flavor." Oh, and cash only.
(4)
Jeff B.

I don't go here often but when I do I leave so so full of delicious sausage, hot peppers and tons of pizza. All they have on the menu is lamb and sausage "BBQ" for appetizers and a simple range of pizzas with no frills toppings. This is the quintessential dive, but it's an East Boston tradition and it's a cheap one. They only take cash so be sure to stop at the ATM on your way. Parking is street only. Lots of folks park under the 1A overpass right next door. The looks of this at night can be disconcerting to some, but I've never had a problem finding a spot nearby. They don't take reservations, so when you arrive with your party of 15, plan to wait awhile out front. Bring a hot cup of D&D black coffee to one of the hosts and he'll get you in quick. They don't deliver, but they do have limited bar seating and they do take-out for pizza only.
(5)
Louise R.

Absolutely love this place!! You can eat like a king for very little "dough". I know that wine snobs will hate me, but I actually think the house wine is pretty good! One tip: the pizza comes to the table steaming hot!!! So, it takes a little will power to wait a couple of minutes to eat, but its worth it. Otherwise you'll be bummed about the center seeming "soggy". It's not soggy, the cheese and sauce just need a moment to "settle". They broil italian sausage and lamb tips over hot coals and serve with homemade bread and italian peppers - yummy. Beware that they serve the lamb tips really, really red-bloody-rare. I always ask for well done, which for these guys means pink in the middle.I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!
(5)
Alex R.

I'm a pizza lover originally from New York yet somehow managed to go my two-plus years in Boston without ever making the trip to Santarpio's until just recently. Was the pizza great? Yes, and I probably ate a pie and a half myself. Was the decor charming in a seedy, no-frills kind of way? Very much so. However, will I be making the trip out to East Boston on a regular basis to eat at Santarpio's? Probably not. If I'm going to go on an adventure for pizza, it's going to be to Al Forno in Providence. Santarpio's is a step below. Great pizza but not hall of fame material.
(4)
Zachary A.

Best Pizza in Boston........ Everytime I fly out of Logan I make sure to leave myself at least one hour to sit and have what is THE BEST PIZZA...EVAH....that way I know if I die I will be a happy...happy man. As a friend of mine put it "theres something about the crust mixed with the sauce and the cheese and the hot peppers with Italian bread that makes it so good." Don't go in expecting a sald or a menu or goat cheese with arugula...just order a pizza with extra cheese and your favorite topping add a some garlic and you're all set....if you're 21...get a bottle of beer...if your super hungry get a sausage and lamb combo
(5)
Rich O.

Still the best pizza in Boston. Stop bitching about the snarly servers, ancient furnishing, and focused menu (and I think cash only policy...I've always paid cash) and enjoy this East Boston treasure. Seriously
(5)
Greg M.

I've only had the pizza and man is it good. Fantastic crust and sauce. But looking at a pie, I can't help but think there should be a little more cheese on there. It doesn't affect the taste as I think all three reach a perfect balance in my mouth. If I were blind I wouldn't even question it (and probably wouldn't mind the wood-paneled walls either). But next time I'm going to make it a point to get extra cheese to see how everything turns out. Also, on the crust. If you like corn meal on your crust, as I do, you will be in heaven. Funny, but I'd probably only give four stars if it was right up the street from me. But being all the way out in Eastie, it makes the trips out there very special.
(5)
Erin J.

Ah, Santarpios. You are an Eastie staple and so deservedly so. You represent this part of town with your old-school ways, your tough and gruff service, your decor that hasn't been updated since god-knows-when, and your comfort food. And the food is what I will focus on (if I focused on the rest....you wouldn't get the 4-star). So..the pizza is strange - it's got some weird corn-meal crust and the toppings are somehow baked in the middle - but do go and get the pie with garlic and hot peppers. Just writing about it makes my mouth water. And try the meat-on-a-stick beforehand. Don't ask questions, just do it. Do not however try and order a Long Island Iced Tea. This does not exist in the world of Santarpios. This would be too fancy. Get a rum and water and shut up. And don't wince when the glass is a bit dirty. Just tell yourself your eyes are blurry. A large part of the experience is actually going to Santarpios and eating in the restaurant. However, if you do order take-out, go to the door that looks like it would be the kitchen-door to the outside and that you normally wouldn't be able to enter. This is where you will walk-in to pick up your pie. Yep, you can literally watch your pizza being made while you wait! And don't be fooled..this place may have been around forever, but that doesn't mean there won't be a line around the corner on a Saturday night. The legend lives on...
(4)
Lindley E.

Love this place. The best thing going in charcoal. There are absolutely no compromises to fashion here. Good pizza, slow, excellent sausage, cooked perfectly, nothing beautiful about the store and we like it that way. I always take out-of-towners here and everyone is uniformly delighted. You can't get much better, even in -gasp- NYC.
(5)
Maggie R.

After all of the hype I heard about this place (the so-called "best pizza in boston" by some), I was pretty disappointed. Super greasy. Soggy crust. But then again I'm from Chicago and have a completely different cultural outlook on what being "the best pizza" means. I liked the red gingham plastic table cloths and I remember our waiter being friendly enough.
(2)
Tommy V.

Pizza doesnt get better in boston. The atmosphere doesnt get any more authentic boston. In an era where everything is upscale, pre-planned, chain food.. this diamond in the rough shines even brighter than ever. You dont know Boston until you've eaten here.
(5)
Lisa C.

We were on our way back to Boston from the North Shore and we took the route that came through East Boston. I had heard about this place on phantom gourmet and also in some of the Boston books i've looked through over the years, so we decided to stop in for lunch since we were STARVING and could really use a good pizza. SInce it was a Saturday afternoon (between lunch and dinner), it was certainly populated but not super crowded. We were seated immediately at a decent table near the kitchen so we could see all the pizzas coming and going. We ordered a pizza with sausage and garlic and added some extra onions and we also ordered some house wine. The wine was fine, not great and not terrible but fine and cheap. The pizza was only so-so. Growing up in New York and living in Italy for a while, I have always been spoiled with having the best pizza on request. This, of course, has turned me into an absolute pizza snob. I thought Santarpio's was good, but not great. I would come back here if we were close by, but I wouldn't make the trek to east boston just for it. The crust was ok, the sauce was so-so, and there was a lot of cheese and toppings making the crust a bit soggy even though it was served fresh and hadn't been steamed in a takeout box. would i recommend santarpio's? sure. would i say you should travel far for it? no.
(3)
Corey H.

If you have nowhere else to go, go here. They must be understaffed because everyone is running around and stressed out. I wanted to go somewhere else just so my waiter would calm down. If you are looking for a "hurry up and wait" atmosphere with lots of loud locals and ok pizza, then this is the place.
(2)
Chad F.

Santarpio's is a legend. Sausage or lamb made over an open fire with hot peppers and bread. I mean, did you try it? Anyone who tried it had to like it. Pizza: Don't really love the cornmeal but if you pass on the toppings and get an extra cheese pizza, let it sit for a few mins. you will have an explosion of pure bliss when you eat it.. Best Pizza? It's all relative. somebody in chicago will tell you you're crazy if you think that, ya know? Santarpio's does the trick for me.
(4)
Jason F.

first of all, this place has amazing pizza... we got the sausage, onions, and peppers, and it was great. the tomatos were perfect, as was the cheese. the only drawback is the sketchy neighborhood, i wasn't sure if it was safe to leave my car there. but the food was good, and that is really all that counts!
(4)
Kathryn D.

So, this place was fantastic. The pizza was delicious and they have a beer menu as well. It was quaint and family owned and the staff was very friendly. The prices were also great and inexpensive. Even, though overall the experience was great there are a couple downsides. They don't accept credit cards so make sure you have cash on you when you come to dine here. Also, there is no indoor waiting area. My boyfriend and I had to wait in a line outside until a table was available. Definitely worth the wait though! :-)
(4)
Kaitlyn Q.

So much better then Pizzeria Regina any day. Who doesn't want to be surrounded by bad ass Italian men and cheese pizza? Old school place inside, nothing seems like it has really changed but that's why it's great. Parking is kind of difficult but its all worth it when you sit down and eat.
(5)
P S.

the best pizza in Boston period! you won't regret the $3.50 you'll have to pay to get back to boston after eating here! Pies are cheap too!
(5)
Melissa G.

This pizza is second only to Lombardi's in NY. I would order the garlic and extra cheese, a sausage/lamb combo which comes with hot peppers and a huge chunk of bread. I actually prefer the sausage to the lamb but get it just for the novelty. I love going to this place to relax and hang out and have a good time. If you need a menu, you might get attitude from the waitstaff. You can get the pizza for takeout but nothing from the grill can be ordered for takeout, unfortunately. Regina's is supermarket pizza compared to this place.
(5)
Ann L.

"So," Josh says, sliding the sausage and oddly-spherical green peppers on his plate into a cock-and-balls arrangement, "the first time I came here I asked for a Sam Adams and the waiter was like 'We don't serve imported beers.'"
(5)
Scott C.

This place makes the best pizza in the greater Boston area. The lamb is amazing as an appetizer or side to your pizza too!
(5)
Angela B.

Best pizza in the state of Massachusetts. Hands down its that simple and I have nothing else to say.
(5)
Colin G.

This hidden gem is most certainly worth the trip into Eastie. To get the full experience you must get a side of sausage or lamb with the peppers. The pizza is as good as any pie you'll find in the city or anywhere else for that matter. Tastes like a good italian brick oven style pizza. I recommend the sausage and garlic pie it is outstanding.
(4)
Tracie C.

I think I'm gonna smell like garlic for days after eating their sausage and garlic pizza. Luckily I LOVE garlic (and my husband does, too). Santarpio's came highly recommended by some friends (and a guy from PTI, apparently) and it definitely was a good pizza. The only thing that was inconvenient was there was no place to wait if you were ordering a pizza for takeout. You have to go to the side door to the kitchen (literally, the kitchen) and then either stand in the kitchen awkwardly or walk around outside. Don't get me wrong, everyone at Santarpio's was nice and helpful, but it was just awkward.
(4)
Avi T.

I have no idea what all the hype is all about. Nothing about this place is inspiring. The service is sloooowwww... really slow. No apologies, just takes forever to get served, even if you get seated right away. The pizza... again, nothing great about it - poor in fact. The first time we came it was mediocre - take a slice and the cheese slides right off it, and the dough is thin but weak and floppy. The second time we came it was inedible. The entire pie was covered on the bottom with hard burnt corn flower that was impossible to bite through - like chewing on sand. Clearly the kitchen is not diligent about sweeping the oven regularly. Service was just as slow the second time. Never going there again.
(1)
fred j.

I like the sausage and lamb. Cooked over an open pit of burning wood. The lamb can be a little tough but always very tasty, the sausage is always delicious. Both are served with a couple of pieces of bread made with the dough they use for pizza. OK, now for the pizza. I'd like to eat my pizza without having to worry about popping a crown or getting a couple of those pieces of corn meal between my partial and gum. "OUCH" The pizza would be OK and I'd probably give them 4 stars if they got rid of the extra large Industrial strengh corn meal. Ive eaten in a lot of pizza joints and made my share of them. When your making pizza with a hot oven you shouldn't need corn meal to move the pizza around in the oven. P.S: Rocky is the best waiter in the place.
(3)
Laura H.

Boston's best pizza. By far. Come for the pizza, lamb, or sausage, don't ask for a menu, just order those three things and enjoy. The house red is perfect with everything. The staff are brusque, the decor is 'rustic' to say the least, and there is always a line. But you learn to LOVE it. One of my favorite places in the city- we go several times a month!
(5)
Annie M.

Okay, seriously people- have you never eaten REAL pizza? How on Earth can people consider this the best pizza in Boston? I can't be the only one who thinks this pizza should be served by the cup!!! IT'S DRIPPY!!! Yes, the flavors are decent, but it's more of a stew than a pie! There's corn meal (enough to make your own loaf of bread!) lingering under the crust. Not a big fan. They don't sell pizza by the slice (WTF?!). There are no windows (who doesn't love eating in a cave?!), and the interior design looks like something the lovechild of Don Corleone and would have slapped together. Oh, yes... Let's not forget their selection of beer. All 3 of them. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy, or maybe by growing up in NYC (where they serve pizza that won't slide away as you try to eat it) spoiled me. Santarpio's isn't bad, but it's not great, either. Go for the jukebox playing Frankie. Go for the entertainment the locals provide- most of which have been going there for their fix of slippery sauce since they were bambinos. Go for the authentic, old-school accents- swear words included! But please, for the love of sauce, cheese and all that is holy, don't go because you were lured by the lore of their pie. Or at least consider bringing a mug and a spoon.
(2)
B. Y.

I don't understand how this place gets good reviews. The crust under the toppings was way too thin and soggy, and the crust on the edge was hard and tasteless. The cheese pizza was too salty and not good at all.
(2)
Anthony W.

First off...let me say that I am not a fan of thin crust (I am from Chicago)...BUT SANTARPIO'S THIN CRUST PIZZA IS GRRRREEEEAAAATTTTTT!!!! We've ordered there numerous times, and now that we live in California, we miss them dearly. We've always ordered for carryout and I think it's cool that you have to pick up your pizza in the kitchen! Love this place and it will be the first stop I make if I go back to Boston.
(5)
John C.

I come to this place on the regular, pretty much once a week. Shrimp Scampy pizza and Pepperoni Garlic are my two favorites.
(5)
Ligaya T.

So I hears this guy tawkin' and he says, "Jimmy, ya gotta get to this spot near the highway in Eastie for the best tomater pies in Bawwston." So I listens, drivin' through Chelsea watching the big billboard to find my way, ya know. We sits down, me an' two broads. It's a neighborhood joint. Nice enough, ya know. Friendly folks ova theeyah. Good ol' American beeyah. Gots some anchovies, got some peppas, mushrooms, onions on the pizza. But I gotta tell ya, nothing special. The cornmeal was wicked thick, the sauce wicked thin. That freakin' guy, gotta set him straight.
(3)
F D.

Unbelievable taste!!!!!!!! Amazing flavors!!! Their cheese pizza is the best pizza in the WORLD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
matt s.

If you're like me and enjoy feeling intimidated by the pizza man, Santarpio's is your spot. Walk into this place and the barrage of dirty looks and thinly valed insults will quickly remind you that 1) you live in the northeast and 2) you are, in fact, a total pussy. The menu is very limited and I'm not sure it would be a great find for our vegitarian brothers and sisters. However, the sausage is unlike anything I've ever tasted and the pizza is the best in the city. If you order a pizza to-go, they serve it in a paper bag, as opposed to a box, which I found pretty interesting. I felt compelled to ask them why, however, I already knew the answer: 'Go fuck yourself, that's why'.
(5)
lauralee s.

I will preface the four stars straight off by saying, they are for the PIZZA only. I don't know the service, decor, or any other food details. In fact I don't even know the prices. All I do know is at the end of a long and crappy day I can call the boyfriend and say, "Boyfriend bring me pizza." And he brings me Santarpio's. It looks kinda weird, like it got dropped upside down and scrapped off the floor and put back together, but the peperoni pizza always tastes delicious. I particularly like the cornmeal crust. It's different. It's good. Try it.
(4)
Leighann F.

"Best Pizza in Boston" Welcome back, my old friend suspicion. Glad you could join me for a trip out to Eastie (my first, although I am sure you're familiar.) When people talk about pizza, my eyes glaze over and my mind wanders like a 70 year old woman's back to her youth...relivin' old time glory days. My mind heads right over to my favorite pizza joints in Brooklyn, Bensonhurst, Coney Island and NYC. Old-school family neighborhood spots with worn-in charm and lines out the door for some of he best pizza in town. Everything about Santarpio's, including the charming older gentleman who was out waiter, outfitted with more flair that the Employee of the Month at Friday's, circa 1992, reminded me of my pizza heydays. Unfortunately, the taste just didn't hold up. And since taste, texture and sauce are the main components of a good pizza, it's hard for me to give anything above three stars. The service was excellent (the waiter even posed with a picture for us and flirted the way older Italian men tend to do) with women who could be their granddaughters), the wine - cheap, and the atmosphere was casual and the smells delicious. I just can't justify a trip to Eastie when I can walk over to Pinnochios.
(3)
Anthony E.

Best lamb kabob and pizza around:-) Ask somebody!!
(5)
Celeste M.

My bf heard that this place was "the best pizza in Boston." Names like that are basically setting you up for criticism. I went to East Boston for the first time as a friend of a friend was having a beirut party. My bf kept pushing Santarpio's so we agreed to order and pick it up. (Cause they don't deliver!) 1. They only make one size of pizza, medium. I don't like that they don't have large but I do appreciate that they don't trick you and call them large. 2. The pizza is really crunchy. The crust was a little harder than I like. 3. The cheese and toppings were slipping and sliding right off. They didn't cut the pie into consistent slices so we had to get out a knife and try to hack through the tough crust. It was kind of a mess. All in all, while I agreed that the pizza did have good flavor, I would not call it the best pizza in Boston, or even great pizza that I would order again. I'm from a really Italian town in the NJ/NY area so it takes a lot to impress me -- and this place didn't do it. This is the weird part though. We ordered Domino's after (which I have always looked down on). I enjoyed the Dominio's MORE than the Santarpio's, which was surprising and sad. I think I'd order from them before I'd get Santarpio's again. Oh, and the whole kitchen thing is weird. The guys were nice to me but surly to my boyfriend. I don't want to go into someone's kitchen domain to get my pizza and get yelled at and such and such. And that whole paper bag system confuses me too. But I guess it's less waste than a box.
(3)
Dave L.

Best pizza hands down, except for maybe Bianchi's in Revere. Not only pizza, but their sausages and lamb is delicious. Don't ask for a menu - just order the pizza you like...
(5)
Janice T.

Does Santarpio's live up to its name? Yes, it does. The pizza is cheap and very delicious. We ordered The Works with no anchovies and this includes peppers, pepperoni, their homemade sausage, garlic and onions. The crust was crisp, they use cornmeal to keep the dough from sticking to the pan and that adds extra crunch. You can also get a bottle of Chianti for $15 bucks! Not bad. Go early and you'll avoid the long line. Next time we go we're going to order those famous lamb skewers and order good ol' cheese pizza. I noticed that everyone in the restaurant had ordered the lamb as an app and I was totally jealous (it seems as if the lamb also comes with bread a peppers). Next time, next time.....
(5)
James Z.

I've been coming here for 20 years and still can't get over how perfect this place is. It's incomparable to any other place. I've brought newbies to Santarpio's and not a single one has been disappointed with its pizza. The steak and lamb skewers appetizers are great as well, but be careful with the peppers, hot is an understatement.
(5)
Lenny S.

First off, we found it! That's a bit of an adventure with GPS coming from Boston's Fenway area. But once you find it, it is pretty amazing in that neighborhood kinda, who dropped this place here? Saturday night, it's pretty jam packed. Walk in, missed the meat grill on the first entry, it's up front on the right and we went in to the left. Probably worth another look-see for the total scene. Menu, which you seem to pass around, is pretty limited but no complaints here. Ordered 2 pies, one with hot peppers, one with sausage and garlic. Very reasonably priced Chianti, nice choice with the pie. LOVED the pies, both of them were excellent. As everyone else reports, it is not a New York pie. We all enjoyed the thin crispy crust and thought the sauce was perfect. The sausage was also great, chunks of it . Ordered the lamb skewer, also fairly reasonably priced. Not enough to serve as a meal, but the meat was good, the hot peppers and the bread just enough to be an appetizer portion for 3 adults. Recommended just for the "gotta try that" experience. Our waiter was excellent, no attitude at all and quite helpful with the ordering. Cash only, so be ready for that. I highly recommend it. Good jukebox, family atmosphere, it's an adventure and certainly well off the beaten path. It's the NYC equivalent of going to the Bronx.
(5)
Dan G.

I recall that this was voted one of the best pizza in Boston and I totally agree. Their sauce is flipping awesome their crust is even better. The atmosphere is shady but awesome. We usually get take out on our way home to Winthrop. This consists of me jumping out of a moving car onto thte sidewalk, only to find myself int heir kitchen while they are makign pizza. They ask what i want and i tell them, and wait outside. I LOVE that you have to actually go in the kitchen and tell them..its very unique and very worth it. You can park ont he street or under the bridge if eating in, but since i live close by we just take out. I had the sausage before and it was really good because of the way its grilled, thats the point of grilling. The take out pizza comes ina flat paper bag, if you get 2 pizzas then they seperate them with a piece of wax paper and stuff them in the one paper bag. these people are genius. I love santarpios!!
(5)
Jeff W.

The five star curse has been in full effect lately. The inconsistencies of Boston establishments blow me away. With such a great experience at Santarpios recently, I fear they will fall to the inconsistent should I rate them at five. Pizza has a very special place in my heart. Although I admit I can eat and will eat anything that resembles Pizza, I critique the elite as if it is was put on earth to be critiqued. I admit I went to Santarpios on a recommendation after four years living in Boston. Not sure why it took so long despite my frequent rants of mediocrity found at Regina and the inconsistencies of Emma's (different reviews, but Emmas has great sauce). Why was Santarpios left out of the conversations? Not sure. So today I ventured out and found myself at the end of a small dark bar, looking at boxing memorabilia, and listening to the old Eastie blue hairs complain about coffee. I felt like I was on the set of the Departed and loved it. I was promptly attended to by a lady behind the bar who was nice and very attentive. The Pizza: Based on my first visit I am comfortable saying, beyond any doubt, that this is the best Pizza in Boston. Somewhat contradictory to some of the lesser reviews the pizza was far from dry, and even had a savory sheen of oil brushed onto the crust, helping preserve the moisture and aiding in a crisp char around the outside. (The char is one of the most underrated, 'must have' characteristics on a pie). I also read that the sauce was peppery and was poured on... again, not my experience. Mine was fresh tasting and seemed like it was nothing more than a diced tomatoes sauce with salt (again, the way it should be). The cheese was high quality and the pepperoni, like the crust, was charred and crisp. This pizza was as close to perfect as a pizza can be; fresh and savory, mildly greasy, and delicious. I need to go back to verify the consistency and further prove the lesser reviews were either anomalies or ignorance. My Complaint: I don't drink Cola all that often, but I usually make an exception when I eat pizza, especially at lunch. I hate... Hate... HATE... when there aren't refills. I feel genuinely screwed over. It should be illegal to charge twice for a fountain drink. End of Rant. One more thing: Pizza from New York is good, but that really deals with the style. The famous stuff hails from Brooklyn... and that is because of the water (Fact). But in all reality, the opinions stated by some regarding any pizza region from any place outside of Brooklyn (i.e New Jersey, Manhattan) hold no more credo than those from Boston. So approach Boston pizza with an open mind and expect the best, because the best can be achieved here. Me? Personally? My favorite pizza hails from Upstate New York, but I am slowly finding rivals here - and Santarpios is right up there.
(4)
Jessica S.

steak tips were great. my friend did not like her lamb. good service but we did not have salt and pepper or cheese on our table like the others did. bread was not good. pizza was pretty good except it did not have enough sausage on it and the crust was just ok. it was better where the toppings were but not good by itself.
(4)
Justin A.

The best think crust pizza I've ever had. I've been three times, and its consistantly been awesome. The food is delicious, and they have a bottled beer menu. I hear the skewered meat is incredible, but i have yet to try it for fear of being too full to eat 4 slices of pizza. The only complaints are that when its busy, you wait in a line outside for a table to open up. Bundle up in winter or bring an umbrella if it's raining.
(5)
Selena F.

This born and raised West Coaster has been converted thanks to this place. Because there's no way to describe the difference in taste, smell, and texture and do it justice. Just take my word for it. If you find yourself in East Boston, this place is worth a stop!
(5)
Kate P.

I'm a pizza snob from Chicago, so I'm really picky about my pizza. Santarpio's is not Chicago-style by any means, but it is the best pizza in town! The crust is perfect, the sauce is blended to perfection, great proportion of toppings to cheese and it comes out from the kitchen piping hot. I love the old school neighborhood charm of this place... the decor is straight out of The Departed. Old School Boston! There are only three things on the menu: sausage, lamb and pizza. The sausage is fantastic and comes with crusty bread and hot peppers. I'm not a big fan of the lamb. I DO definitely recommend getting a carafe, yes, carafe of the house red wine. It's sweet italian red wine and ordinarily would be a terrible choice but really compliments the sweetness in the pizza sauce. Embrace the jug wine! I dock one star because it's cash only but aside from that, this is my Boston pizza haven.
(4)
Adam B.

Authentic Boston pizza and the lamb skewers, sausage and sweet peppers squisito!
(5)
Karl R.

The best part is ordering take out and waiting in the kitchen. I also love the sign that says something to the effect of "we won't take your order if you are on your cell phone."
(4)
Dave J.

Good pizza, good beer, meat on a skewer over hot coals and a very old school bar. Put it all together and you don't want to leave. It just doesn't get any better. Very Cool!
(5)
Marion M.

I have eaten great pizza all over the US and search for a place worthy of repeat visits, and this place fits the bill. Not a fancy place but good solid freshly-made old school pizza with a thin chewy crust, spicy homemade sauce and lots of cheese. Came to the table hot and ready to please. Tasty and priced right, can't wait to come back and try some of their other meals. A real neighborhood joint.
(4)
Kyle D.

Cheese pizza is pretty decent however very greasy if you like that sort of thing. The inside is what you could call a dive and the staff is usually pretty rude (however that is the norm and the way it has always been.) Overall, a pretty decent place.
(3)
Jackie D.

I dunno, man. I kind of don't get it. The level of cheese is obscene, and where, pray tell, is the sauce? Then again, I ordered this as takeout, so the cheese was hardened by the time I ate it, and I suppose I missed the full experience of going there. Maybe another time.
(3)
Frank T.

Great Pizza and atmosphere.
(5)
Paul K.

I can't say I understand the hype. Is this "authentic"? Well, it's full of locals, sure. Is it the best pizza? Not by a long shot. Is it good pizza? It's ok, I guess. The service is slow and...blunt. The food is mediocre. The prices are good. The wait is likely to be long. Overall? I just don't get the hype. It's like everyone just wants to say they've been to the hidden local gem. The trouble is, it's not much of a gem. Should you avoid it? Nah. But should you make a point to go? Definitely not.
(2)
Scott G.

It is what it is. If you go in with that mentality, you'll do fine. If you go in expecting Sunday brunch at The Four Seasons hotel, you're going to be in for a BIG shock! The sauce is what makes the pizza - and it does NOT get ANY better than Santarpio's! The crust is great, cheese and toppings are wonderful (I shared a sausage and garlic pizza), and we inhaled every bite. I loved it - I'd go back again in a heartbeat!!
(5)
Mardget P.

Ugh. No way is this place worth the hype. Sort of fun in terms of just how bad the service is and its old school vibe, but the pizza was terrible, with each bite tasting either stale, canned, or tough. The lamb and sausage was good enough, but in a dirty restaurant, any meat is a little creepier than usual. No way is this worth the trek to Eastie. Or a trek to anywhere.
(1)
Andrea K.

Living right near by this place it is hard not to eat here all the time. There pizza is really good except that sometimes they use a bit to much cornmeal on the bottom so it doesnt stick in the oven but its alright I manage! They only have one size which is good enough for 2 people and the toppings and sauce are really really good. I always ask for it "crunchy" NOT well done as it will come out pretttty over done just like to have that extra crunchy crust to my great pizza. The BBQ that they have is really good but you can only get it when you are eating there, the lamb is delicious with the hot peppers on the side as well, the sausage I am not huge on as I love love lamb so I would pass on the sausage. The atmosphere is really fun here, especially when you get an old Italian group of guys next to you listening to their conversations is really enjoyable. They have a side room with more seating which I never knew! They just remodeled inside a bit and put new booths in which is great and makes it look a lot better and the food is still the greatness it is! Definitley a place to experience at least once in your life, during the weekends at night there is a line out the door for a table and its cash only. If you want to do take out (make sure you go straight home and eat your pizza!) there is a side door that you go and pick up your food.
(4)
Beth P.

I went here after one of my co workers said it was some of the best pizza in Boston. Since pizza is my favorite food, I had to try this place. When we got there, we had no idea what to do or order. The menu is pretty small, and we decided on the ham, sausage, and pepperoni pizza. The server said it was going to be big enough for two. He said "no meats?". We didn't really know what that meant so we said no. But, I guess everyone gets a lamb or sausage appetizer which is supposed to be delicious. So we missed out on that! The pizza was pretty good, but there weren't any left overs (which I normally look forward to for my lunch the next day!). The small place is definitely really old and probably run by the same family for years. There were a lot of screaming kids and a birthday party. So basically, this place is okay for lunch, but make sure you get the meat appetizer if you want to be full! All in all, I've had better pizza.
(3)
Brian L.

It's the crushed tomatoes and the oddly crispy yet soft dough... it's not thick but it's not thin. It's good. No pretension in the place and they ask if you want a menu. Perfect. Read the wine list tacked to the wall and giggle. Th descriptions of the 4 wines available do not fit the food on the menu. Afterward go down to the end of Eastie and view Boston from the piers.
(5)
Norwin E.

Traditional, no frills pizza and establishment. You're not gonna find anything fancy here like at Upper Crust or Figs, which is not a bad thing. Prices are cheaper here too. Deliciously thin pizza. I think the most memorable part of it was the sauce. Also had the lamb and sausage combo. Both were pretty good, but the sausage was a lil overcooked. Nonetheless, great place to go for some good pizza in Boston.
(4)
Julie R.

The first time I had this pizza, I thought Wow, this is different and really good. My boyfriend took me here for the first time last week and we sat at the bar. We got their classic lamb skewers and split a pizza. The lamb was fantastic. Very juicy and fresh off the grill. The pizza is made differently. They put the toppings under the cheese. The bottom of the pizza has a nice texture with cornmeal I believe. The inside of the restaurant has that dated charm. They have pictures of boxers on the wall. The bar was surrounded with friendly italian men eating their lamb and sausage and telling war stories. If you ever drive by there on a weekend night you'll see people waiting outside in the cold to get in. It's definately worth it. The bartenders and the staff are so down to earth. The prices are rock bottom low. Drinks at the bar are only $4 each! We went again last night and did the same exact meal with the pizza and lamp skewer. It was great again! This place is definately worth the drive from the city if your looking for a great slice!
(5)
Lori H.

Best pizza! Wish I could find something comparable on the West coast
(5)
Chuy P.

First and most importantly, the food here is quite good. Please also see my review of Ernesto's Pizza in the North End for the complete round up of my first ever taste of East Coast pizza. Service here is efficient but includes a snarl, which I don't mind so much since it saved me the 20% gratuity I normally leave for almost any server who manages to get my order correct and delivers it to my table before it gets cold. The Food - The sauce and toppings on my pepperoni and sausage pie were outstanding but the soggy, floppy crust, while tasty enough, is not my preference. The BBQ lamb is top notch. The Service - The skinny, jittery guy behind the bar got my order right, but when I asked about the availability of one of the Santarpio's T shirts, he angrily snapped, "what are you taklin' about, Pal?" Just like that, I saved $20 plus tax on the shirt and $6 on a tip. I never expect anyone to kiss my behind, buy if you treat me like crap because I ask about one of your products, you get an equal measure of respect right back. After about 35 years of hearing about how much better the pizza is Back East, my experience is that the pizza is indeed better, but not much better.
(4)
Lex B.

So... Best pizza. Hands down. I'm a little freaked by seeing some reviews with one or two stars. ?!? WTF? What were you seriously looking for when you stopped by East Boston? This place is classic to the 10th degree - I only wish I lived a little closer. I'm not going to start getting verbally aggressive cuz I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but come on!!!!!! If you want good pizza - this is where you want to be. Skip Regina's (although an acceptable alternative) and go straight here & don't forget to try the combo - seems like from some yelpers it can be a hit or miss, but I've been here enough to know that it's damn good and that pizza just isn't pizza without a little lamb/sausage combo on the side. capisco??????? bene.
(5)
Dan Q.

Honestly, I understand why people love the pizza, but I don't - just not my thing. It's good, but I don't go out of my way for it. But the charcoal-grilled lamb.... when I'm in the old folks home I want the lamb and the cherry peppers blended so I can drink it through a straw. I'll take the bread on the side. Call ahead, get takeout and eat in the park next door (lamb is $5). If you're alone, eat at the bar. The place has no atmosphere and it's busy enough they can do without more eat-in diners anyway.
(5)
M -dot W.

This place is an institution in East Boston (and for the rest who know about it )and serves great italian food(pizza,lamb!) in a family/bar setting. The reviews speak for themselves....I have no words.....
(4)
Hollis M.

I love this place. My friend's uncle owns it. The pizza is great. One of the only reasons I head out to east Boston. well this and the horse track. The servers are friendly. they also have really good wine on tap. What other place has wine of tap? The grill kabobs are amazing but make sure you save room for the pizza. the trick is they put the toppings under the cheese. Amazing!!!! The only two drawbacks are they only take cash. And it's impossible to find a close ATM. And if you go at the wrong time the line for seating can go around the block Best Pizza in Boston
(5)
El S.

One of The best pizzas in America. Period. The bbq'd sausage appetizer with the hot cherry pepper is RFD (rock f'in solid). The pizzas are perfect as long as you don't act like a jackass and kill it with toppings. Just get garlic and pepponi and call it a day, chief. I don't like it when waiters are rude for kitch sake...that's not the case here. If they are rude to you its becuase you deserve it - you're probably a jerkoff or maybe just Irish. I've lived in NY for a long time but I tell you honestly and truly Santarpios is a different style of pizza that's better and more original than most offerings in NYC. In fact, NY is overrated when it comes to pizza. I take the variety of New England pizza and the consistency of Philly or Chicago pizza over NY pizza anyday. From Greek style "house of pizza" to New Haven apizza, to places like Santarpios and Louie's in Woburn, New England is the mecca of pizza. People from all accross America should kneel and face east everyday at 4pm and give props to the pizza mecca that is New England.
(5)
Joe S.

... took the time to read a few reviews... us locals are in love with this place... why? There is something to be said about growing up with certain possibly regional flavors, cooking styles and the regulars that frequent the places we love. Ever get that look... "Whatta ya mean you like the pastry at Modern Pastry... You Freakin' Kiddin Me???... no way! Luberto's in Revere Blows it Away!!!" On and on... we hear these type of reactions every time our "FAVORITES" get debated. But some places transcend the back and forth BS and we just GO! Santarpios is that kind of place. Love it or leave it kids... this place is is as sacred as the Red Sox. A bottle of CHANTAY comin' right up.
(5)
Andrea A.

PIzza doesn't get much better than this. I think it has something to do with the cheese blend they use (definitely some romano/and or parmesan in there), their sauce, and the boxing posters on the walls. Pizzas are medium sized, so plan on one per two people. Their grilled sauasage BBQ is some of the best sausage I have had-- tastes like homemade. Their pizzas are thin and hold up best with only one topping, two at most. If you are looking for something really unique, try the pepperoni-hot pepper-garlic. Yum.
(5)
John C.

I don't get it. Santarpio's Pizza has been rated as a Best of Boston in Boston Magazine in 1995, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2008. I guess I have to chalk it up to 'different strokes for different folks.' I just don't think it's that good. The pies are sloppily made with ingredients of mediocre quality, inconsistently baked and the crust has the texture of a burnt water cracker. To top it off you will likely have to wait in line (outside) and once seated you get a free side order of attitude from the staff. In all fairness I am in the minority. Santarpio's has a devoted following and gets tons of positive reviews on several online sites. I will not attempt to convert the devoted but I will list my reasons for giving it a big thumbs down. 1.The pizza: Like I said, they're made with the care and attention of a truant to his homework. My biggest complaint is they keep their pies, more often than not, in the oven too long. The result is significant burnt spots on top - carbonized cheese, yum - and on then bottom. Inconsistency reigns here. The crust is dry and flavorless. Clearly many like it this way. I don't. 2.The pie selection: The pies come in only one size. There are only nine toppings available - or 11 if you count cheese and extra cheese as optional. Peppers and hot peppers are two of the nine and another is anchovies, which for most means that they only have eight toppings. If you want something green on your pie you've come to the wrong place. 3.The barbecue: The fact they have the gall to call this barbecue is an abomination to pit masters everywhere. They offer 'choice lamb' and 'homemade sausage.' But let's be clear, this ain't barbecue, it's simply grilled meat. Barbecue means 'low and slow.' The meat suffers the same fate as the pizza. Inconsistently prepared and quickly cooked to a blackened crisp. The lamb is cut into chunks, skewered and grilled. If they took the time to cut the lamb into similarly sized chunks they could cook it more evenly. Instead you'll find one piece as flat, dry and charred as jerky next to a plumb cube that's (thankfully) medium rare. And they will not ask how you want it. It comes their way, not yours. The sausage is reasonably good but not a stand alone reason to come here. 4.The setting: Outside - Nestled next to Route 1A's flyover to the airport and less than easy to find, much less find a parking spot. One gets the impression that no valuables should be left in the car. At least you'll be able to keep an eye on your car as you wait outside. Inside - I'm sure the fans come here because of the kitschy throwback interior. But it's a fine line between kitschy and grimy. How the proprietor cajoled so many celebrities to adorn his walls is beyond me. Rachel Ray is excluded from this comment because she wouldn't know good food if she was force fed. 5.The attitude: Service here is as inconsistent as the food, but with less variety. It bounds between disinterested to "Whadya lookin' at?" You'll either feel like an annoyance to your waiter or that you've been served by someone who was to surly to work at Durgin-Park. So let the fans line up. And if I'm missing something it won't be Santarpio's.
(1)
Shannon B.

The food is great - the pizza is delicious (amazing sauce!) and the sausages and lamb are incredible. The service? Total a-holes all the way. Major attitude. C'mon Santarpios! I know you know that you make some of the best pizza in town, but despite that, it's your customers that keep you going. Try treating them with a little respect.
(2)
Rohit S.

OK, so I will not comment on the Pizza since that has been covered. What I will do is pass on the very strict instructions I got from a friend who is a regular. Here goes. Order the grilled lamb and sausage and a bottle of Chianti - Ruffino is a good bet Now follow these steps: - Take a bite of meat - Take a bite of pepper - Take a bite of bread - Wash down with wine - Repeat If you are not impressed by the amazing combination of flavors in this most simple of dishes....order a Pizza
(4)
Melissa T.

A total dive with bad attitudes but it is a neighborhood gem. I can't eat pizza from anywhere else it is like I am cheating if I do. Fun place to go with a group and enjoy cheap wine and great pizza. The BBQ is good too. Don't even bother asking for anything green the only thing they have is peppers.
(4)
sherri g.

This is THE BEST pizza I have ever had. I would drive there (about 50 miles each way) and wait in line for another hour (it does happen from time to time) just to have this pizza. It is worth every minute! I always get one to go too! I LOVE SANTARPIO'S!!
(5)
Orly M.

I have been hearing about Santarpio's for so long, and I finally went with two of my coworkers a couple of months ago. One of them is Iranian and makes up words a lot, and insists on calling this place "santorpedo's." So, anyway, SANTORPEDOS was DELICIOUS. I liked the laid back townie vibe. We went on a day when we didn't have to wait long at the door, and when we were seated the service was very prompt, maybe a bit too...agressive. We got the uber cheap and rather tasty house red wine. I am not much of a pizza eater but I totally *packed it in* here. We split a couple of orders of the BBQ lamb which was very tasty and honestly, one of those would have been a nicely portioned meal. But nooo, we also got two pizzas. I ordered one with hot peppers, garlic, and sausage and it was True Love. My coworkers kept goading me to eat more and more and the wine flowed and pizza disappeared. When we finished eating I immediately felt remorse. The food was so good if I lived in Eastie I would need to wear elastic waistbands all of the time. It must have been love but it's over nooooow... Until we meet again, Santorpedo's.
(5)
M M.

What's going on here? I'm reading reviews here on Santarpio's with strong language like: "Best Pizza" and "ever"... I live in Eastie, never had Santarpio's pizza before until a week ago when I ordered 2 pies for pickup. Wrong idea! The ingredients were from a can (c'mon, mushrooms from a can?) and the dough was not cooked in the middle... needless to say, the gave me the pizzas one on top of the other and the one below was even worse, like it fell on the floor and they tried to put it back together. I'm not going back there, crappy pizza.
(1)
Carrie M.

I was so torn on what to give this place. If I walked in without reading reviews I don't know if I'd think it was as great. Sticky tables, dirty plates and silverware, flat soda...hmmm. Some may say it adds to the charm I guess. Our waitress was amazing. Perfect balance of sarcasm and service. She recommended a pizza for us to try next time (white pizza with garlic and peppers). We did try the red version of this, and it was good. The peppers were spicier than I expected, but I still loved it! The music, when it was actually playing, was Christmas music. No lie. Winter Wonderland (or something along those lines) in the middle of May. I can see why people love the pizza, but I don't know at this point if I love it. I definitely like it, but that may be as far as I go. I may still be back though, as my Mom said she used to go here growing up, so she may appreciate a visit to see how much it hasn't changed.
(4)
James L.

I've had better pizza. However, I want to clarify that this place is still really good, but it's not the best. I can't understand the hype, frankly. They're not innovating new methods and new recipes, which is OK since the pizza is a perfected food item. Their grilled lamb: Charred, under-seasoned, and has a lot of connective tissue. It doesn't pair well with the sour peppers that they give you.
(4)
Chrissy H.

The first thing to remember when deciding to trek out to Eastie for this place is that it's East Boston, parking is gonna be rough. And then I would say, don't have such high expectations on the customer service or the cleanliness. These guys aren't gonna coddle you (or even smile at you.) They're here to serve you piping hot, ooey gooey pizza, maybe a beverage, and that is it. There are some prints of boxers on the wall in this no frills parlor with a soundtrack that glides effortlessly from artists like Elvis Presley to Patsy Cline to Jane's Addiction. The pizza is hot as hell when they bring it out and it's useless to try and pick it up and eat it with your hands because it's just gonna flop over. The infamous sauce was a little soupy but very good. There's just something about that cheese that's beyond delicious though. Though I can't agree that this is the best pizza in town, I'd say it's in the top 5... worth trying.
(4)
Andy G.

So, I'm not sure if it was because I went with my boyfriend and one of his best friends, but we definitely got the shaft tonight. The waiter, who has probably been there for about 30 years, was not interested in serving us. He chastised us for not ordering enough food - and then was gone. Other patrons were seated, ordered and fed before ANY of our food came out. Waiting...waiting...waiting... Our food! Oh wait - he took it to another table, (who was seated 15 minutes after us.) Thankfully, they told him it was not their order and he grudgingly brought it to us. Seriously, I have never played the homophobe card, but tonight, it was justified. The service was terrible, and the only reason I can even HALFWAY come up with, was because he didn't like serving gays. I was told this was the best pizza in Boston - and it pretty much was slightly below average, to okay. If you like being discriminated against and eating mediocre food, it's for you. All others in the 21st century - avoid this place like the plague, because they only like serving their old friends from the neighborhood.
(1)
Beth M.

This is a no frills kind of place...but I swear that's what gives it more character. The pizza here is amazing - and after much trial, I can confidentialy say it is the best in Boston - yes, even better than one of my all-time favorites, Pizzeria Regina. Santarpio's has delicious sauce, thinner crust, flavorful cheeses, and perfect toppings. I like how the pizza is less doughy than Regina's. I recommend the sausage, mushroom, and pepper pizza. Make sure you bring cash when you dine here - or you'll have to use the ATM in the back of the restaraunt and those little ATMs always charge stupid fees. Overall, if you want AWESOME pizza...visit Santarpios...hopefully you have GPS so you can find it! I don't really know my way around East Boston either - all I know is, it's near the airport.
(5)
Mariano A.

Cheese pizza has been perfected here. Amazing taste, cornmeal crusted pizza for a crunchy crust, the cheese and tomato sauce or delicious. Sausage and pepper pizza is also amazing. 5 stars for food. Have always had takeout, never had the chance to dine in.
(5)
Hyerun K.

Santarpio's is the best pizza I've ever had in my life! The tomato sauce is really saucy with just the right flavor, and they pile on the cheese! I'm not a fan of their crust, which is really tough and chewy, but everything else is extraordinary. Their sausage and lamb skewers are both amazing too. I've had my share of lamb skewers from when I was living in Central Asia, and I often order lamb here in the states, but Santarpio's has consistently had the best lamb without the weird aftertaste lamb sometimes has. I usually order the veggie pizza, then order the sausage/lamb combo skewers on the side because I feel like the rich flavors mute out the other when all on the pizza. Yes, there is often a long wait to get a table, but the food is worth the wait! And yes, the wait staff is really abrupt and hard to wave down if you need anything -- but I've gone when they weren't as busy, and they're all sweethearts and really playful. If wait time and service is important to you, go for lunch or on a weekday, otherwise, consider it all a part of the Santarpio's experience!
(5)
Samson D.

Really liked this place - totally blue collar, old school, no frills and East Boston vibe - and really good pizza! Nothing fancy - cheese and sauce were excellent. Sausage was awesome. Be prepared to wait in line a bit and don't expect any draft or premium beers. Just really good pizza.
(4)
Jim K.

I may bump this up a star when I go back and try the barometer by which ALL pizzas should be judged...their plain cheese pie. For my first-ever visit to this historic locale, I tried the Works with anchovies pizza. While it was pretty good, it suffered from what any massively over-toppinged pizza would suffer from...too many toppings. But the crust was tasty and I detected some garlic brushing. Lamb and sausage apps were the workhorse of this meal. I could probably just eat the lamb as an entree and be happy. Service was better than I expected, and I expected the worst reading some of these reviews. The service is what you'd find at any blue collar, no-frills establishment. Quick, to the point, and you get your food. You want your $%^& massaged, hit up a TGIFriday's. I'll do a re-visit sometime in the future, but in the meantime, I'd say this place warrants the hype and is worth checking out for yourself at least once.
(3)
Julia F.

I have always liked this place. My dad used to bring us here when I was little. I started going back recently. I really like eating bread and peppers! It's a nice little place, they make it how they like to, and usually everybody I've eaten with loves it too. Must haves: lamb, sausage, garlic pizza. They just got a new jukebox. It claims to have all the Dean Martin you might ever want to hear, along with 30,000 or so other songs. No frills here, just sustinance.
(5)
J H.

The pizza is great. I think that's all they have, really. There is often a line outside, so be prepared. Not a lot of variety, but it's all about the pizza. It's definitely a local spot too. Out of towners are of course welcome, but you'll surely stick out.
(4)
Sam H.

Finally made it to this famous place. It was good! I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could...but can't do 4. I've had such amazing pizza in my life -- I know this could be better. Great crust, though, with cornmeal...yum. Nice amount of cheese and sauce, and looked beautiful! Needed a little more flavor...salt, garlic, something, don't know. But fresh and certainly good. Wouldn't say no...ever.
(3)
zee w.

Great pizza, but holy cow man why do you let the wigger busboy control the radio. Sittin around with a restaurant full of old folks and the dingbat is blaring Eminem over the house speakers. It was really disturbing. Take-out when I land at Logan from now on...
(4)
Erin B.

Two stars mean 'I've experienced better' and that's definitely the truth with Santarpios. I went here for the frist time a few months back because my little sister heard about it from a friend and insisted that we go. In fact, she makes us go every time she is in town and I'm not sure why. We went last night and it was the same as before: decent pizza, terrible service. I can't believe how many reviews say that this is the "best pizza in Boston". I live in the North end so travelling to East Boston for pizza just doesn't make sense to me. I've also lived in New Haven, CT, now that's good pizza. Anyway, we had a mushroom and pepper pizza which was super soggy in the middle and took forever to get to our table even though it wasn't that crowded. Our waitress basically threw the lamb kabob at us and we had to track her down for drinks. Every time I've been there the service has been super rude. Maybe you have to "know somebody" to get an amiable competent waitress. I almost forgot to mention how disgusting the bathroom is. You're better off holding it or walking to the nearest gas station. This place is WAY overrated and not worth the trek to Eastie.
(2)
Alex S.

Good plain pizza with basic beers. No fancy beers here. Within walking distance of the airport. Oh and lots of attitude from the staff.....LOL.
(4)
Cindy W.

Great, casual place for pizza and their sausages are to die for! Other than it's out of the way and they don't accept credit cards, this place to hit up for good eats. I'm not a big of their crusts on the pizzas but the sauce and the toppings are great! I love the garlic pizza. Also, try the lamb, it's finger-licking good!
(5)
Jaime M.

This restaurant is perfect for exactly what it is. A local, traditional, hole in the wall pizza shop that has been around for ever. The pizza itself has such a great consistency-- unlike anything I've ever had. The pizza is soft but not soggy and the crust is crunchy and delicious. I came here with a friend on a Friday night-- we were lucky because there was no wait-- the service was friendly and prompt. Food was A+... great pizza!
(5)
Sara C.

Based on the hype, I was expecting something outstanding. Given the trip to East Boston and the walk from the T station through what can only be described as sketchy areas, I wanted world class pizza. What I got was an undeveloped dough with a bunch of grocery store cheese on it. Regina, Regina, Regina. There is no debate in feud from this judge.
(1)
Mike M.

Being from Northern New Jersey I am used to two main things; People who have serious attitude issues, and quality pizza. Feeling homesick, yet hungry, I wanted to see if there was a place that brought the two together; a perfect harmony of verbal abuse and stimulated taste buds. Thats how I found Santarpio's. To my dismay I realized that it shares only the first characteristic. The pizza here is marginally unrewarding. And that is my most conservative description. Yes, in my experience for every additional dollar I spent trying to like it after my first time, I was disappointed twice. I was confused, but willing to come back. If not for the food, then definitely for the nasty ungrateful treatment after I've eaten elsewhere. The Pizza - is clearly made for toothless people, and has about a gallon of low quality PASTENE sauce that results in what can be described as a strange gooey cheesy soup on a large, moist piece of flat bread. The BBQ- (Lamb) -Consistently half raw beef charred on the outside to give it the impression of being cooked. Served with a side of fresh bread and italian peppers, which not surprisingly, are the only two things in there that actually taste normal. (Sausage) The sausage here is one thing to which I can give one star. I wouldn't exactly jump through hoops of fire for the sausage, but if you are stuck in eastie and have no other choice, and through some freak accident Santarpios is the last place on earth where you can buy food and all you have is cash, then I would recommend the sausage. The Abuse: Excellent. I would give five stars for abuse, but its called a 'pizzeria' not an 'abuseria'. I bet if they changed their name to that and charged for the abuse while giving away the pizza for free it would make more sense. I should have gone into marketing. Oh yeah. I can't stress this enough. You're going to a place where people are going to be rude to you. Don't listen you your friends who think it's cool because it's an Eastie thing. I live here and I can assure you, it is not. It is, however, exactly what it looks like, a shitty low class place staffed with assholes who get pissed off that they have to serve you. But thats kinda cool. I mean usually when people take your money and give you something worthless in return they smile and are nice to you. Here you get the real deal.
(1)
Lachoo K.

The food is great. The atmosphere is great. The price is great. Everything about this place is great! This place has what must be the best pizza I have ever had and probably will ever have.
(5)
Allison C.

Holy sweet Santarpio's Pizza! This post is Rachel Ray approved. How can you not love pizza that is given the A-OK by Rachel Ray? I went to Santarpio's a few weeks back after work with some friendlies. And Santarpio's did not fail me! The pizza definitely lived up to the hype. If you haven't made the trip out to Chelsea for Boston's best pizza, add it to your to-do list asap. Don't get deterred by the sketchy outside and seemingly never ending line. Upper Crust pales in comparison. The sausage and garlic pizza is crazy delicious. We ordered three pizzas (sausage and garlic, veggie, and the works with no anchovies), I think the sausage and garlic pizza is hands down the best. Order the bbq appetizer too! The sausage and lamb combo is pretty tasty, and it keeps you busy while you wait for your pizzas. The only downside to Santarpios is that its literally in the middle of nowhere, somewhere off the blueline, so if you dont have a car- getting here can be a pain. I dont even think they deliver, which is a shame as well - but well worth the trip to the middle of nowhere.
(5)
Danny C.

Despite the positive feedback I've heard about this place, I really didn't find anything special about it. It wasn't visually or tastefully appealing. It is just thin, greasy pizza, and you can't even make out the ingredients. It reminded me of elementary school pizza. We ordered two pizzas to go, the sausage pizza and the pepperoni pizza. They weren't cheap either for 2 12" pizzas. We ended up throwing half of one away because no one wanted anymore than a couple of slices. However, our opinions could be skewed because we are used to having Chicago-styled pizza at home.
(2)
Debra L.

Well, I finally made it to Santarpios and it was everything I expected. As a North Ender I'm loyal to Regina's but I had heard/read that some folks think Santarpios is better than Reginas so I wanted to see for myself. In my opinion, the pizza at Santarpios in NOT better than Pizzeria Regina. Don't get me wrong, it's very good pizza. I would definitely go back for it now that I know how easy it is to find. The mushroom pizza was good. Fair amount of cheese & shrooms and a lot of sauce (which I happen to like) but the dough just wasn't as crispy as Reginas (I order mine well done). Also, it's one-size and it's smaller than Regina's large and larger than Reginas small. It was the perfect size for 2. The best part of the whole experience wasn't the pizza though. It was: the atmosphere, the grilled sausage appetizer (cooked by a guy named "Lefty" and served with crusty bread and cherry peppers, the large bar area (which also serves hard alcohol for those interested), and the spaciousness of the place. Not as crowded or loud as Reginas. Definitely worth the trip!
(4)
Joe R.

"The sausage pizza is the best in the country." - Today Show Local favorite that leaves you ready to come back. I recommend showing up, checking the line (often out the door), then ordering your pizza via phone and picking it up from the back entrance. Then walk it over to the nearby park. Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllll!!!!!!
(3)
Julie S.

As a native New Yorker, this is the best pizza I've had in Boston. We ordered the pizza with mushrooms, onions, and peppers and pizza was hot and the toppings were fresh. Pizzas are kind of small and only come in one size, but it was more than enough for two ravenous pizza fiends. The menu says that all pizzas come with bread and cherry peppers, but sadly, ours never came. I have a feeling this is the kind of place you have to be a regular to qualify for bread. Ask for a menu and you're doomed. You're not going to find great atmosphere at Santarpio's, but you are going to find fantastic pizza, which is why you traveled to Eastie in the first place. I will be back.
(4)
Jack P.

I have lived in Boston for 16 years, and have heard nothing but hype about the place. A serendipitous wrong turn ended us up on I-90E and at Logan--figured we'd make lemonade out of lemons and pulled up Santarpio's on the Garmin. Wasn't worth the trouble. This place is a "Can Miss." If you're going to have rude and crappy service, you need to back it up with outstanding food. Santarpio's doesn't deliver. The service attitude seems to be "you're lucky we're letting you in here," and the pizza is "we'll make you wish you went somewhere else." Our party of 4 ordered 2 pizzas and beers. "The Works" was a soggy mess--the pepperoni and mushroom was slightly better, but certainly not anything worth the trip. In sum, a disappointment. By no means should you make the trip to Eastie to eat here--you could do better with a Bolboli and some Ragu. When will Boston figure out how to make a decent pizza???
(2)
Steven G.

After many years of anticipation, I was in Boston and made it to Santarpio's. The service was friendly and good. The prices were reasonable and there was no wait for a table. Too bad that the cheese pizza I shared with a friend was below my expectation. I was disappointed that a restaurant with the reputation of this place would have such a tasteless pizza. I have high standards for pizza and Santarpio's fell short of my expectation. Sorry to say I will not return.
(3)
Hagan B.

Alan Richman Names Top 25 Pizzas in the U.S.: bit.ly/Jd5zQ I agree wholeheartedly. Conspicuously absent from this list is I Love Pizza from Troy, NY ( bit.ly/1adiH0 ), but I can see if he's only visiting the top ten pizza cities in the US how Troy would be left off the list. Santarpio's atmosphere is almost as good as the pizza. Those complaining about the establishment or the neighborhood simply do not deserve to enjoy a pizza such as this and would be better off writing reviews for Architectural Digest than any foodie site. If you are coming here, don't forget to get a lamb kebab. You can see they make the damn finest pizza around, but they also make lamb to die for,
(5)
Mike C.

Have lived here all my life and I am not a kid. Went to Santarpios for the first time ever two weeks ago. Ok, no ambience, no salad, just pizza, steak and lamb tips. Also wine is served in juice glasses. All that being said may be the best pizza I have ever had. Wouldn't go for a romantic dinner but for great pizza it is worth the drive
(4)
Tiffany Q.

Myself, boyfriend and best friend in from out of town were in the mood for pizza. Living in South Boston, my boyfriend and I, haven't found a pizza restaurant that we LOVE yet. Both coming from very Italian and pizza loving families that was a main priority in moving to the area. Once again I relied solely on Yelp's help to discover a winner for us. Santaprio's was the nights winner and it DEFINITELY worked out. On a Saturday night, just as the reviews stated, we wait in line OUTSIDE in the cold. But it was all worth it in the end. There is a door nazi, like the soup nazi in Seinfeld. They don't let you inside to wait, you have to wait in the in between doors before you go inside. You are than sat and given a menu which doesn't have many options but that's ok. They are known for there pizza and lamb/sausage appetizer. Which is exactly what we got. It was great and definitely our new pizza place. ONLY CATCH IS THEY ONLY TAKE CASE.
(4)
Jennifer K.

I know, everyone thinks it's great... I'll probably be shunned for the following comments, but.. hey, what's a Yelper to do.. Really not into waiting in line outside in the winter just for pizza. I couldn't believe how old school the place was in decor, etc. I also agree with previous reviews that the wine "list" didn't really match with the food menu. Anyway, I am very picky about my pizza. I like it thin, greasy, less sauce, more cheese....Not so at Santarpio's. Thick, hard crust. Sauce too sweet for my tastes, not nearly enough cheese. BOOOOOO. It did have some charm, like the servers/employees who seem to have been working there practically their whole lives. I do like the to-the-point typical Boston attitude the guys have, I think it works for this place. But I didn't think it lived up to the hype, for me anyway.
(2)
Warren A.

Great pizza - we went twice in the same day. Our first pizza was pepperoni, sausage and garlic. It was perfect. Nice toasty thinnish crust and the flavors were fresh. Second pizza later that night (open pretty late) was with the works. Killer! Great one of a kind place that you have to try. I will be back when next in Boston.
(4)
Katie H.

meat-gasm to the max. for reals. yo. steak tips, lamb and sausage. cooked to fleshy, juicy perfection. i wouldn't kick this meat out of bed. in fact- i would buy it carnations, take it to the sac club in lowell and buy it a highball. all the while hoping that sexy meat would ask me in at the end of the night, seduce me and leave some money on the nightstand. just don't ask for no butter for that bread. cause they ain't got it.
(5)
Amanda S.

Santarpio's has not been remodelled since the dawn of time, but this might be the best pizza I've ever had. Why bother redecorating when business is booming as is?! I've been twice now, and will be back many more times. The menu is simple- pizza and a few bbq items, full bar- and CHEAP! Pizza and a couple of sodas (plus the fresh bread and peppers to pick on while you wait) will run you about $15. Come with cash- no credit cards accepted, but there is a an ATM in-house. When it comes to pizza, this place will be hard to beat.
(5)
Tanya P.

I don't like pizza - yes, I said it. I only get it when I have a wicked hangover. However, I will go to Santarpio's any day of the week and get pizza, it really is that good!!!The cheese and garlic is simple and delicious, what I recommend to try !
(5)
Kendall N.

This is my all time favorite place to eat when I'm in Boston. The pizza is amazing and the lamb tips are probably my favorite thing in the whole world. I've been coming here since I was a baby. Never changed. Total old school, totally worth it.
(5)
Ann C.

the place looks like a cave with boxing posters here and there. their take out area is just the back door to the kitchen. service is bare minimum- rocky the server will make sure he has the last word when you show dissatisfaction to his slow ass service and he wears shorts in very cold weather. but besides that- the pizza is great!! imagine pizza with a perfect balance of the dough consistency and crunchiness and no other taste except what pizza should really taste like. there's no grease dripping, there's no heavy yucky tomato paste with fancy pants herbs and what not- it's just basic pizza at its best and at where it should be. it's also close to the airport so go early, check in, and eat some good pizza before you get on your flight.
(4)
Ben M.

Simply the best. I crave this pizza like nothing else. I moved away from Boston several years ago, but every single time I come up, I make sure to make time for Santarpio's.
(5)
Double D D.

Don't know what the big hype is about. I'm from Boston, not a tourist. The last time I went to Santarpio's was 15 years ago and now I know why it took me 15 years to go back. Lets get one thing straight right off the bat, I'll dine anywhere. 5 star to Pizza hut to Kawloons to Kelly's Roastbeef. This past Saturday night was my last time going back, regardless if they open a location closer to home: Peabody. I want to start off with the glass doors going into the place, they were FILTHY, they need to invest in a bottle of Windex. Second, the waitstaff, all men by the way, not a problem but they took FOREVER to come over. I'm not into comical dining, they were very old fashion singing and whistling old songs from the 40's. My husband loved it, me not so much. It was a bit obnoxious. This place is known for not giving out menu's, i've heard and remember that if you dine there you are a regular and therefor not needing a menu. So we opt for the combo: sausage and lamb. The sausage was so over cooked and hard my knife couldn't even cut through it. The lamb, fatty as hell and over cooked. Now lets get to the pizza; it was so over cooked that the crust couldn't even be broken in half, hard like a rock. The first 3/4 of the pizza was soggy has hell and the rest well hard as a rock. DISGUSTING in a nutshell. I will never return again. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
(1)
JJ G.

The best pizza in Boston. You don't like the look of the place? Don't have the best pizza in Boston, that's OK, more for us!
(5)
CJ S.

fabulous pizza
(5)
Scott B.

I have to agree with Bill M... A few of my coworkers have always RAVED about this place. When we all FINALLY went, the service was COMPLETELY AWFUL...the woman decided she "didn't need to write down all our orders".... HUGE MISTAKE - it not only took (what seemed like an hour) but she also messed up our orders!!! AND, she went so far as to blame it on the cook. This was around April and we haven't been back and I can be honest - prob won't!
(1)
Chris W.

Best pizza I have ever had anywhere. Gr
(5)
John W.

For the best pizza in East Boston (maybe even the city), come to Santarpio's. This no-frills joint is notorious for its amazing tomato sauce and oven-charred crust. A little out-of-the-way, but totally worth it. A couple of things to remember. One, this place is cash-only. Two, it's Eastie, not EBo.
(4)
Amy C.

Kick a** pizza and patrons with pinky rings -- awesome.
(5)
Frank M.

I've been told forever that I need to try Santarpio's. Well today I took the ride from Somerville to give it a try. Boy, was I disappointed. Way too much sauce. Not enough cheese. They don't even put thier pizzas in boxes and stacked my two pies on top of each other. I'll stick with the Somerville local favorite Mama Lisa's or head over to Medford for Regina's. Both in my opinion, much better than the over-rated Santarpio's.
(3)
Cosmo X.

Very good double garlic pizza.. pepperes bread and sausage is good too... One waiter needs a new attitude
(4)
Julie G.

Such a fan that I was craving it all weekend! I usually stop in here for lunch during the week but I decided to go on a weekend adventure. We grabbed a pizza and a few beers on a Sunday afternoon. The crowd always seems to hail from families to a few bar dwellers. Beware this is not a five star dinging event. It is just a place on a corner that serves great pizza. Definitely check it out if you are looking for a good pie and some great Boston flavor. What more can you ask for on a lazy Sunday?
(4)
Matt M.

Yep! Superb pizza. Fully met my expectations. Two additions would give it 5 stars: draft beers and salads.
(4)
Chris T.

Horrible, simply horrible. My friend and I came here recently for the first time, under a massive amount of high praise, and expecting to be blown away. We ordered a standard cheese pizza for the best judgement. It was horrible. The sauce had too much pepper, the dough was cardboardy, everything was just bad. It was so bad that we could not finish it because we literally got sick from eating it, no joke. I expected so much more after hearing dozens of people rave about this place. My brother told me that I had to order it with pepperoni and well done, but if I have to special order something to make it edible, no thank you. I'll stick with Lil Steve's or Sicilia's instead of this mess.
(1)
Will N.

As far as I can tell, Santarpio's is one of a kind and certainly in the upper echelon of pizza joints in the US. There aren't too many places like this anywhere and the pizza is phenomenal. The location is sort-of trashy but hey, it's East Boston (sorry, East Boston) and the food more than makes up for it. You can definitely expect a decent wait here at dinner time because Santarpio's so popular and there are absolutely no frills; the guy at the front (probably just wearing shorts and a Boston sports team t-shirt) just says "You, table on the left" and you go inside and grab your table, which probably isn't leveled. If you get a booth, you're lucky. In my opinion, the extremely informal atmosphere adds to the experience. Don't bother asking for a menu either. A large pie is somewhat smaller than average here but the flavor is very generous. Everything you get is literally straight out of the oven and has a home-made feel to it. The crust was top-notch and the sauce was nothing short of exemplary. The music playing is also wicked good, very Boston-centric and added to the experience for me. Santarpio's also doesn't break the bank; my girlfriend and I got away just dropping a 20 on the table. This isn't high class dining but the food is incredibly good and all in all, Santarpio's is one you can't miss.
(5)
Gaelle D.

The pizza was not bad but Regina's in the North End is better. So is Cinderella's in Cambridge. Therefore, 2 stars for pizza, in my humble European opinion (is that an oxymoron?). On the other hand, Santarpio's is not just your average pizza joint. They also have an awesome grill right next to the main door on which homemade sausage and pieces of lamb were crying, "eat me, eat me"... which we did and it was pretty awesome. 4 stars for that. Oh and the meat came with some excellent homemade bread and three little peppers. There was no ketchup, but when asked about condiments the waitress brought us a small glass full of "pepper juice" -- a yellowish liquid that must have come out of the peppers while cooking. Interesting... I heard that the place hasn't changed in the past 50 years, if you're into that kind of thing. I'm not the nostalgic type myself. Our waitress was great but the place was packed and it took forever to get our order. And they didn't have any menus (?!). Nor ketchup (did I already rant about that?). Considering that it's not in my neighborhood, I'm not sure if I would take the pain to come back. But if you live next door, good for you!
(3)
Tony G.

It was very good pizza but certainly not the best pizza I've eaten. I arrived just as they opened the doors for lunch so there was no crowd issue and the service was fast. By the time I finished my pizza, the joint was packed. The sauce and sausage is homemade. I read someone else critical of the sauce but I rather enjoyed it. It was the single ingredient that set it apart from most other pizzas I've eaten. The crust was good but not overwhelmingly so. I did not eat the sausage, as I'm not a pork eater. Overall, I would recommend Santarpios and I would go again.
(4)
Kerryann D.

Boston's little gem. Growing up west of Boston my family use to drive an hour into East Boston for this pizza and it was worth it. Now that I am living in Boston I get to visit more frequently and it never fails to be awesome. The best of the place in the old school ambiance and the fact that retired teamsters are the wait staff! Too funny.
(5)
Joe S.

Sorry to be a downer and go against the grain here but my experience at Santarpios in the space of a year has been less than thrilling. The first time I went the pizza was great, I loved it and raved about it to friends. We also got the sauasages and meat they bbq which was good. The second time I went it was ok, not as good as the first time. I thought maybe it's an off night. The third time I went with some friends who I had told it was really great. Well turns out it was awful!!! I don't know what happened. I was embarassed in front of my friends. I never went back. Santarpio's you're dead to me!!! Dead I tell you! Pepe's all the way!!!
(2)
Jo B.

My favorite pizza in Boston. Was there last night after having an urge for this pizza for a week. It must be the sauce or the dough, but this pizza tastes so fresh and delicious. You gotta be into the ambiance which is not fancy, to say the least. It's a funky place, but the pizza and grilled meats are basic and exceptional. Starting to want some more right now!
(5)
Jeremy B.

Waited in the side entrance/kitchen for a cheese pizza - felt like something out of an adventurous gangster movie! Very good pizza.
(5)
Ben B.

Looking for an authentic pizzeria and a Boston institution? Look no further then Santarpio's. Santarpio's has been in business since 1903, and continues to prepare the best pizza in Boston hands down. Words cannot describe how good the pizza is here. So rather then read my words or the countless other reviews, travel to East Boston experience Santarpio's yourself!
(5)
Jonathan S.

After a second visit to Santarpio's I am giving this restaurant a 5th star. The meat platter was excellent as was the Cheese pizza with cooked onions. Just a great pizza along with a tasty house wine.
(5)
John P.

The best pizza you will ever eat, bar none. (I grew up in East Boston, about 100 yards from Santarpios, so I may be biased.) The people who work there are from my old neighborhood (many of them at least). They are down to earth, blue collar people who absolutely know what makes a pizza great. They've been doing it for a long time. Don't plan on fancy decor, or sophisticated wait staff. Count on (sometimes) friendly service, a neighborhood crowd, cheap prices and a pizza that will creep into your soul - the kind of pizza that you'll begin to crave when you've hadn't had your fix for a while. When you go, make sure to try the sausage and mushroom with an ice cold Bud. If you don't like it, good, leave and make room for me!
(5)
Cheryl M.

Love their plain cheese pizza. Atmosphere is typical old school East Boston Italian, but I'm used to that since my parents grew up there. Oh, and all my mom's old boyfriends still work there :-) But their pizza is absolutely outstanding.
(5)
Minda H.

You don't need my review. This place is legendary. Go. Get a cheese pizza. Bask in the glory of the gritty side of Boston.
(5)
sam h.

Really what is there to say? Santarpio's is Santarpio's.
(5)
mike g.

I don't get it. After all these years I still don't get it. This is not the type of place to feel passionate about. It's got all the atmosphere of a dingy old man bar, and all the attitude of an Eastie hole in the wall. Am I a jerk to compare the pizza to Papa Gino's?
(1)
TJ S.

Good cultural experience. As a local the lines are a bit annoying - since you can never predict them. My significant other doesn't like the pizza - kinda greasy and unique- I think it's great! A time-capsule restaraunt; to fully experience it wear a huge collar button-up with gold chains and drive up in a Ford LTD or rusty Firebird...sideburns optional.
(4)
Jenny S.

If your typical pizza order includes gorgonzola, sundried tomatoes or thyme, you should probably skip Santarpio's. If you appreciate a delicious red sauce, amazing crust, and some old school Boston grittiness, you should probably get in your car and go right now. The waitstaff can be surly, but in a charming sort of way. And where else can you order sausage and peppers as an appetizer? You won't regret checking it out.
(5)
Kerrin G.

me sitting at the bar drinking a beer, eating a garlic and cheese pizza. man in the back wearing a dirty apron, no gloves, and hacking away at what must be the lamb before it becomes the tips. still. i ate the tips, the sausage, the pizza, and drank the beer. i watched the regulars at the bar, the fifty/sixty year old waitresses slap the pizzas on the tables, and thought to myself, "this place is awesome."
(4)
ron k.

Like many who have come here, I heard a great deal about it. I was not disappointed. It's true some of the staff is a bit rough around the edges, but I expected it. We had the combo sausage and lamb tips and a works pizza. The sausage was very good, lamb tips were a bit burnt, and the pizza was loaded with everything. Overall a very good experience. I won't call it the best pizza in Boston yet though.
(4)
Omar E.

Best pizza in Boston (though Regina and Pino's are close), and perhaps the best I've had period. If you've been here a couple of times before you don't need a menu because pretty much all they serve is pizza, BBQ lamb and sausage*, bread and hot cherry peppers. In a city known for rudeness and surliness, the rude and surly waiters stand out, but even this has it's advantages-- it means that, despite having customers from all over New England and even more far-flung reaches flock to it and wait in line out the door, Santarpio's is not catering to them, they're doing things the way they've always done it. I'd be concerned if I ever walked in there and was greeted by young, friendly servers-- as it would likely signal a hike in prices and a change to the menu as they attempted to cater to yuppies (it would probably also be a sure sign that Eastie, one of the last working-class neighborhoods in Boston still left, was being gentrified). To hell with it-- those servers have been doin it for years, just makin a buck, they got the right to be a bit surly. One of the ladies there is quite friendly though. Oh, and last time I was there an old man...really old, his kids had to help him up and walk outta the restaurant...hit on my date (not that I blame him). One of those Kodak moments. Santarpio's is the pride of Eastie. *For outtatowners, BBQ means grilled like a shishkebab.
(5)
Brian H.

So I saw the less-than-stellar review below. Let me just say that you shouldn't to Santarpio's expecting service in a hello-let-me-serve-you sort of way. The guys there don't really work that way -- see the boxing pictures on the wall for more info. This is about sausage cooked over charcoal, pizza the way it's been made at Santarpio's for generations, and an atmosphere that hasn't really been changed by the smoking ban -- heck, you can probably still suck the smoke out of the panelling if you're so inclined, though they did change out the yellowed ceiling tiles a few years back. You should expect service in a "Look, I gave you a good pizza, didn't I? Have I seen you here before?" sort of way. It's cheap, unique, and an East Boston classic. They're also open late, and they do get friendlier if you go there more frequently. Give it a try!
(5)
Sarah T.

When I go to Santarpio's my beau and I have lamb shish kabob and pizza. I love lamb shish kabob but I found the pizza to be absolutely out of this world... I don't think I have had a better pizza. It was so flavorful and light and worth the travel time to get there and have a wonderful laid back meal.
(5)
Kendra S.

You get what you get and you don't get upset. Or you get a big Eastie mafia godfather's high-top to the head. That's the ambience of Santarpio's eat-in. You get delicious, flavorful pizza, you get rootbeer or beer, you get it when they want to serve it, and you don't ask for anything more. The scaled down menu is a refresher when you've eaten out at Crapplebee's every other weekend and been hustled into the buffalo wings supersnacker appetizer by one waiter trying to reach his flair quota. Still, It'd be nice to have a salad on that menu. Even a little bowl of iceberg lettuce while we were waiting (which was forevah on a Saturday night at 5:30p!?). The rumor outside in the line that wrapped around the corner was that the dinner hour begins at 4:30p on a Saturday for those who don't want to wait. Maybe the Eastie godfather's will be a little more amenable to you earlier in the evening, too.
(3)
Akilesh A.

I ordered takeout from Santarpio's before they had even opened for business. I walked through a side door on the street directly into a spartan kitchen. There, the cook, a friendly, burly young man, tossed and topped fresh pizza dough and lay it in the large piping hot oven to sit for 10 minutes. The best things about this pizza are its slightly sweet sauce, and the mealy crust, which gives the pizza a constantly changing and addictive texture. It's clearly not a place to go if you want an exquisite atmosphere -- although even at the takeout counter there was an old guy hawking some tale of woe to the cook while he worked, so the place certainly has character. Nor does it have an extensive menu. But if you want some great pizza at a hard-boiled, old-school sorta joint, you're in the right place.
(4)
Brian D.

Boston's best pizza, hands down. Many patrons will eat until they become ill. One can easily pack down an entire pizza, and a grill combo. The garlic pizza is the gold standard, but for a little extra flair order a grill combo and squeeze the juice from the cherry pepper onto the pizza. All meat is cook on a spit over an open wood fire. Santarpio's also has a great cheesy jukebox for your listening pleasure. There are only two reasons to go to East Boston. One is the airport, but the superior reason is Santarpio's
(5)
Eric W.

Definitely the finest pizza in the area I've had yet, though I have to say that that's not saying much. Apparently, the last people you go to for a descent pizza are the Italians. Who knew? But this I like this well enough, at least enough for a visit or two. Go for extra cheese and a minimum of toppings; anything else will overwhelm. The real star of the show is not above the crust but below it. Great texture and taste. The BBQ is also popular and looks tempting. Expect a wait and to be treated like a schmuck, but, relax, it's all part of the show.
(4)
Jeffriana S.

It's true that the atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired, but that's part of the fun of this place. The pizza, while not the best in the world, is certainly well above average for Boston. However, for me, it isn't the pizza that keeps me coming back, it is the grilled sausage and lamb (definitely no steak tips!) -- SO GOOD! You also can't beat the $8 carafe of red wine. I'll see you soon, Santarpio's.
(5)
Melissa B.

Eh, pizza is ok. Definitely not the best pizza I've ever had, but it's definitely not inedible like Dominoes.
(3)
Anthony L.

Great Pizza, Also you gotta order a plate of sausage and lamb, with the peppers and bread! Its the best!
(5)
Suzanne G.

This is the grossest pizza ever...gummy dough even if you get it well done. Regina Pizza in the North End is the best and closest to NY pizza...from which I am very familiar. I have never understood the appeal.
(1)
Ermal G.

Been to this place many times with family and friends. We usually go there for the lamb. Have tried the pizza only once and didn't like it much. If you really like lamb this the best place to go.
(5)
Lindsey C.

After moving to Chelsea this summer and hearing repeatedly how we needed to try santarpios, we finally did last week. We didn't eat in, only got takeout, and after getting used to the idea of walking into the kitchen to get my pizza from them, I was happy with the price and the pizza itself. They don't go overly crazy with toppings, and keep it nice and simple. The pizza is good, and I've worked at my fair share of pizza places, and usually make my own at home, but for local pizza, I think we'll be repeat customers.
(4)
Alison M.

Such a fantastic pizza! Since moving from PA, I haven't been able to find anything that lives up to our hometown pies. Now I am thrilled to have found Santarpio's. The worst thing about it is the wait outside if it's winter time.
(5)
madonna b.

one day a repair man came to my house to fix a window, he is someone i know who has been out to fix things a few times in the past. we always talk food. he talked to me about this place for an hour! i will definately have to try it. sounds sooooo good
(5)
Sonya J.

I like the pizza here a lot. It is different from Regina's, in my opinion--perhaps a bit 'heartier'? We sat at the "bar" instead of one of the tables. While the pizza we had (plain and sausage) was terrific, you definitely get the vibe that everyone who works there would probably want to kill you if you were not sitting in their establishment eating their pizza. And I don't mean "kill" in the literal sense--I just mean they probably wouldn't chill with you on a Saturday night... but that's irrelevant. Go here if you want some delicious authentic pizza, but stay home if you're looking for a full service/fold your napkin-when-you-get-up-to-use-the-restroom experience.
(4)
C S.

I'd heard so many good things about Santarpio's pizza. But when I actually made my way to East Boston, I was not very impressed. The pizza, in my humble opinion, just wasn't that good. It was kind of floppy and wet and greasy, and I like my pizza a little on the crispy side. Obviously many people like Santarpio's, but I really don't think it's worth the special trip (I'd rather spend gas money driving to Cambridge for Pinocchio!).
(2)
Marcus B.

Great food, terrible service, a bit over hyped but great.
(4)
Jen M.

The first time I went to Santarpio's was back in August when I first moved to the neighborhood. I had driven past it a few dozen times while visiting friends. And I really don't know what took me so long. It's like they put crack in the pizza because you just can't stop eating it. It's not greasy, but is super yummy with just the right amount of cheese, sauce and toppings. It has a moderately thin crispy crust. And I have tried the lamb as well, and that was even more delicious than the pizza. I guess I'm just not used to the service being from the midwest and all, I expect patient and polite servers, not servers who walk away if you say um. Which is why now I just pick up my pizza instead of eating in. But if you do eat there, just be prepared to wait in line during their busy times, which is a good indicator of how good this pizza is.
(4)
Marcus D.

Santarpio's is the Studio 54 of pizza places. I remember being a lad and the wife literally held us back with the palm of her hand thrust out, making sure there was enough room to usher us in. The lamb and sausage is ALWAYS good, the pizza is good - is it the best pizza on the planet? probably not. It can be pretty hit or miss: sometimes the pizza is raw and you need a spoon to eat it, like soup; sometimes it's perfect. I make a once a year pilgrimage to this neighborhood joint for beer and pizza. It's got a homey atmosphere; depending on your server, he may treat you like shit or may not treat you like shit, or you may get a server that is normal. I think they finally allowed female servers, I can't remember. If you get loud, you may get the evil eye from the yuppie family that came from Swellesley or Newton and braved the Bridges and Tunnels to see what the fuss is about, but keep in mind, this is a hole in the wall that hasn't seen a paintbrush since Paul Lynde and Joey Heatherton were on the DEAN MARTIN show. I don't make it a habit to go here, but Steven Tyler does: I have seen him here on two seperate occasions, with and w/out his girlfriend Erin, and he has sat near me on both occasions, and he is alloted the status of visiting royalty. Is it better than the Upper Crust? probably, if you know what real pizza tastes like. Is it better than the Regina in the North End? That you will have to decide for yourself.
(3)
Jay F.

Without a doubt one of the best pizzas in Boston. You can not expect any kind of traditional service here or some kind of ambiance. The place is old as old school gets with salty Italian guys with crooked noses posing as waiters that will slap the order pad down on the table and say "whadda yis want here?" You can see the table in the corner with the old Italian guys whispering and using their hands to talk as they do, just don't bother them of look their way for too long or you will find yourself face down in the dumpster outside. No bullshit here, just slammin pizza with plenty of attitude. Shut up and eat and don't forget to bring cash.
(5)
Laura M.

Love the pizza! Defiantly a place for the East Boston locals to go. Atmosphere is what makes it so fun. Anything goes. A family favorite!
(5)
Paul D.

santarpios is the balls. double lamb, cheese pizza, cl smoothie.
(5)
Mike M.

I've been living in East Boston for three years now and have only been here twice. I've heard dozens of people go on about how this is the "best pizza EVER". I think at this point they're just coasting on this rumor. I steer clear of the pork and beef as they tend to disagree with my body in a violent fashion, so I tried a mushroom pizza for my first visit. I got a burnt piece of cardboard that was approximately the size and texture of a Frisbee. The second time I got a plain cheese, take-out style. I showed up at the agreed upon time that was given by the order-taker, only to end up waiting awkwardly in the kitchen for an additional 10 minutes. This wasn't totally surprising as it seems most people are believing their own hype about this place. The pizza was the same; tiny, burnt, flavorless, and overpriced. And no fries! NO FRIES!!! What I did enjoy was the borderline stereotypical Italian guys that were preparing the fare. Tank tops, shoulder hair, gold chains, foul mouths, and blazing cigarettes. Only because I find that sort of thing funny. It did also quell my suspicion that they were just passing off Mama Celeste as their own. Since then I've been buying the $3 Shaw's brand frozen pizza and enjoying that much more.
(1)
Christopher P.

I've been coming here over 10 years, and I still say it's Boston's best pizza, hands down. It holds its own with top places in NYC(Lombardi's, Grimaldi's)and New Haven(Pepe's, the Modern). I was here last night and the pizza was as good as I've ever had it. The sauce, the cheese, the crust, the toppings(we got one pepperoni pie, one sausage)-all were excellent. OK, so there's always that slight feeling that if you say the wrong thing or look at someone the wrong way, you might get a baseball bat upside the head. I'm not so sure that's a bad thing. It's not like there's any shortage of lah dee dah places to go in Boston and environs, even in the current economic climate. Speaking of which, the prices here are still quite reasonable. Long live Santarpio's!
(5)
kenneth j. l.

i think in plain words it sucks
(1)
Ashley J.

So I moved down to the ghetto that is East Boston over a year ago and as I have navigated this new and intimidating concrete jungle I found really the only food in town I enjoyed was of latin persuasion. I was sad to see the lack of pizza places or convenient American takeout. Then I spotted Santarpio's. You know you have to try a place when every night in the summer when you drive by there is a line of people standing outside a restaurant. After reading all the reviews I was really excited to try this place. I finally had the opportunity this weekend and I was.....disappointed. I dont care about the ambiance or service or any of that. It is a hole in the wall pizza joint in Eastie. How nice can it be? I find the best food can often be found in a unassuming places. I found this pizza to be average. Not bad, certainly good but not, dude I am gonna stand on the side of the road for hours for this pizza good. Don't get me wrong. It is better than your average house of grease and certainly blows those nasty chain places out of the water but after the reviews on here I was expecting a pizza orgasm. Check it out if you are in the neighborhood but there is pizza just as good in the Northend as well.
(3)
Nicole J.

Definitely the best pizza in the Boston area. I read a lot of the reviews below and I don't know what kind of atmosphere people are expecting in an old Italian pizza joint that's been around for years but I think it's great. Santarpio's is simple place where the pizza has the perfect thin crispy crust, the sauce and cheese melt into each other in the perfect ratio and your wine is served in a small juice glass.
(5)
Greg S.

I don't get to East Boston often but when I do and I'm with some friends, you have to stop in for a combo plate and the works with no fish and a Labatt Blue or two or three or four and I'm a happy camper! This is probably the best pizza in the city and trust me there are a lot of places in Boston that shouldn't be allowed to sell pizza because it's awful and a disgrace they should all go to Santarpio's and take a lesson or two on how to make a pie (you know who you are purveyor of poor pizza). This stuff is great, and anyone thinking that you should get 5 star service in a small crowded pizza place in East Boston is a fool. Shut up and enjoy the Combo plate!
(4)
Shim P.

I was walking by this place to go visit some lofts in East Boston. I didn't think much of going in until I smelled the place from outside. It smells incredible, especially on a gorgeous spring afternoon like today. I've lived here for three years and this felt like the first "real" Boston restaurant I'd been to. The pizza was far and away the best pizza I've had in Boston. They give you a knife and fork, because the crust is a little wobbly and thin. The toppings are literally falling off the pizza. The sausage is VERY spicy and delicious and the pepperoni is far above the average. We didn't get a side/appetizer order of sausage, but saw pretty much everyone else get them. We really regretted it. Everything about this restaurant was great. Don't go looking for gourmet, interesting interior design, or an extensive drink menu. However, if you're in the mood for an "authentic" experience and the tastiest pizza this side of Chicago, this is the place.
(5)
Steve N.

rock it old school. sausage pizza and the lamb snausages with pepper juice.
(4)
carolyn b.

Nothing really nice about the decor of this place. Hell I'll go as even far as saying it is gross inside but the freaking pizza is so damn good. The best pizza I have ever had-and I have had my fair share of pizza. Located in Eastie-this place is always packed. I went on a Tuesday night and found it w/ a line of people out the door. Call in your order like I do and you will not regret it. The crust is unbelivable-they do something different than other places; The pizza speaks for itself.
(5)
bex g.

i hate to be the first to give this place a less than stellar review, but... maybe it is because i heard such wonderful things about this place my expectations were too high? the pizza is ok...i have had better. i was told the steak tips were dry, and more fatty than meaty. the service...not so hot. the atmosphere...like a diner, but not in the kitchy, cutey way. overall, not some place i would go out of my way to eat at.
(3)
Jen P.

Best pizza I have ever had. The sausage is good too. Don't ask for a menu because thats all they have there. Its also a little out of the way by the airport, but its worth the trip.
(5)
Mike M.

best pizza and roast sausage and lamb in all new england. Period.
(5)
Melissa M.

I love this place. Every time I'm in Boston it's one of my go to places. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Ilker C.

I was there on a late Sunday afternoon so I can't really comment on how the place is when the line is out the door. We tried the Beef & Onion Pizza and it was pretty good. But the lamb skewers were much better. They were cooked perfectly. Will definitely go back for those... Why the -1 star? The whole experience could have been much better if the staff did not have an attitude. I understand that you are not there to entertain me but whatever is going on in your life is not really my problem. I also understand that the place is very casual and old school and all that. I don't expect you to have a POS system in place but at least use a cash register and 'try' to look more professional.
(4)
Tom F.

Feckin' Awesome! Sam Adams in the house! Great pizza(we ate two) and local brew. I look forward to repeat visits and spreading the word among my fellow Virginians. This was my first white pizza from these guys, and I was impressed with the Shrimp Scampi.
(5)
James L.

Can I give 0 stars? Was pretty excited to go here and then disappointed once I did. Pizza was soggy and place was a dump. Pizzeria Regina is always the way to go in Boston.
(1)
Emily M.

You go here for 2 things: pizza, meat or both. Only things on the menu. We got sausage, cheese and garlic pizza (amazeballs), shrimp scampi pizza, steak and lamb tips. I'm not much for chunks of meat but ppl seem to love them, comes with bread and chili peppers. Tried both, thought lamb was a bit fatty but I don't really like lamb. Scampi pizza was super oily/greasy, not sure if I like seafood pizza - this is a white pizza! Might not have read the menu completely on that one. But serious garlic which was good. Not my fav tho. LOVED the sausage, garlic and cheese awesome and garlic was great - so yummy. Chunky tomatoes sauce. Overall cool experience - their a jux box in the back which is fun. Otherwise no music is playing which is wack.
(4)
Paul B.

Best pizza in Boston. Sausage and Garlic pizza is outstanding, and a must try.
(5)
Adrianne J.

I just visited Boston for the first time and my boyfriend took me to Santarpio's to experience "the best pizza ever". Let me tell you, it was damn good!! I had a garlic and cheese and a plain cheese pizza and it was melt in your mouth delicious. Great sauce, great crust and of course, great peppers! They also gave me a large glass of white wine. Yes! If you're in Boston- make the trip to Santarpio's and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Julia D.

Good pizza, better than most in the area. What I really liked was the atmosphere, laid back and friendly. Def get one of the beef skeweres, they come with amazing peppers and great flavor. Would love to try each one!
(4)
A H.

First... Have an updated GPS Second... Find a parking place (not easy) Third... Enjoy a great pizza Want a side salad... NO Want dessert...NO Want an appetizer...NO Just great Pizza!!
(4)
Steve O.

If you're looking for anything remotely fancy, this ain't it. But, if you're looking for good, old school atmosphere and great pizza and grilled meats, this is your place. We were staying at the Hampton Inn down the road in Revere and the desk clerk recommended it. We got grilled steak tips and the pepperoni, garlic and hot pepper pizza. Everything came out perfectly. We washed those down with a few beers, and were pleasently full. Finding parking was a pain, but that was to be expected. I'd definitely go back next time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Andrew P.

Great pizza, great BBQ. Staff is very friendly. Enjoy that there is no TV's at the bar. Great place to eat alone or with friends and meet new people.
(4)
Rick G.

I grew up a few blocks away (less than a mile) and lived in the neighborhood for 25 years but yet only have had Santarpio's Pizza maybe less than 15 times in my life. I consider myself more a delivery guy than a run out and pick up a pizza guy. The place is a little dark and dingy. The pizza is by far the best in East Boston. I could easily eat 2 of their pizzas. I remember when they were served in paper bags with a round piece of cardboard. The pizza is best ordered well-done in my opinion. The side take-out door has always been a little strange and I'm not sure if it's still cash only but that sucked along with waiting awhile for your order well after it's been called in, especially on a busier night. Most pizza places nowadays are Greek style and it's nice to be able to still get Santarpio's when I'm back in the old hood. The pizza has not changed as long as I can remember. I was never a fan of the lamb. I think I got a fatty order of tips once and I never ordered them again. I stick with the pizza. Parking is very limited on most nights, even for take-out.
(4)
Kim G.

I'm from Arizona, this place is truly amazing... Not a lot selection off beer, but who cares the sirloin tips are to die for.. The pizza has so much flavor.. The crust is crisp and yummmmy!!!! Oh and the waitress Gina is super awesome.. ;-)
(5)
John D.

Santarpio's is really good, but you got to know what you're getting into. First, of course, comes the pizza, and the pizza definitely lives up to its reputation. The crust is nice and thin, and they don't skimp on the toppings. They also have a variety of specialty pizzas for different tastes. Personally I always go for the sausage and garlic. My girlfriend goes for the pepperoni and hot peppers. You can also customize and make your own. Here are the two downsides: First, it's cash only. Normally that doesn't bother me for like a bar, or food stand. But at a restaurant where you could be dropping upwards of $60, and splitting the bill with a bunch of people who only have twenties....there should really be a credit card machine. Second: The service is terrible. It's as legendary as the pizza. After you're seated, even if the place is empty, it's takes forever for your server to hit the table with menus, and once you get the menus, it takes forever for them to take your order. By the time the food arrives, you've probably already eaten a member of your party. Between asking for the check and receiving it, a whole band of ox-driven, wagons could have crossed the continental United States. One top of that, servers can be rude, inattentive, and careless. Minor orders like bread for the table, or drink refills, may never arrive. This isn't one bad experience. I actually still love Santarpio's, and have lost track of how many times I've been there. The bad service just comes with the territory. I know a majority of this review has been negative, but the service shouldn't underscore how good the pizza is. If you come prepared with cash, and time to wait, it's definitely worth checking out.
(3)
A L.

The pizza was alright. Everyone that's been here raves about it but I didn't think it was anything special. The steak tips were very good. The place is small and the wait was super long. The servers weren't the friendliest either.
(2)
Crystal L.

Went for a drive with my daughter and this place caught our eye. Ate at the bar and watched the grilling of meat and sausage. We ordered a pizza with pepperoni and it was hands down the best pizza I have had in a long time. The crust was crispy and the sauce very tasty. We are definitely going back for the lamb skewers and the handmade sausage!
(5)
Ryan M.

Even though it may not look like much, Santarpio's has the BEST pizza in Boston. This place should be on the National Historic Landmark list if it's not. The place hasn't changed since it opened 100 years ago. The pizza is so good. I can't emphasize that enough. Also the combination platters are to die for. Lamb and sausage fresh off the grill....can't get any better than that! If you want good pizza Santarpio's is the place, but bring cash!! No credit cards accepted. And remember to add a few beers to your dinner! Cheers.
(5)
Sahil M.

being a new yorker, i wasn't at all impressed by this pizza. In fact, I think there are plenty of places in Boston that are even better. It feels like generic diner pizza to me. Also, the service is laughably rude.
(2)
Emily G.

Well, even stalwarts change. Santarpio's doesn't side eye you any longer if you peruse the menu. They now offer shrimp. There are even takeout boxes, instead of just a paper bag over your pie. I guess when you open a second outpost in the suburbs, you make concessions. Even so, the Eastie location is still the real deal, old-school Boston feel with tasty pizza and delicious skewers from the charcoal grill. Start with the BBQ: marinated lamb chunks, grilled house made sausage, or both on the combo plate, always with spicy, fruity cherry peppers and bread to mop up the juices. At peak hours the grill is constantly covered with skewers for dine-in, but on slower evenings the staff will take an in-person take out order (ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!), but never over the phone. My favorite pizza combo is sausage, garlic, and cherry peppers, but it leaves the crust overloaded and a bit too soggy after the first couple slices so I skip the peppers usually. The sauce and cheese is topped with a heavy handed dash of oregano, but it does not compete with the fennel in the sausage. Santarpio's may not be exactly like it was when I first visited just four short years ago, but it's still a quintessential Boston experience with their classic menu items, same as it ever was.
(4)
Michelle D.

Pizza is excellent....but I wasn't happy the man cooking the meat skewers was handling money and then using the same dirty hands to tough the sausages, meat and peppers with no gloves. Just didn't sit well with me.
(4)
Jeff K.

The best for what it is.
(5)
Jason B.

Despite the fact that Frank Santarpio is no longer manning the BBQ pit, and despite the fact that we can no longer see the wine taps at the bar, Santarpio's has not lost a step on their pizza. Still the same crispy, chewy crust, still the same big red sauce with tons and tons of oregano, the homemade sausage is still superb, and it will still burn your head off if you try to eat it right out of the gate. The lamb off the BBQ pit is still the cat's pajamas, with a fist of crusty bread and three hot tomato peppers. Parking under the highway since 1933, folks. This place is never going to give you up, and never going to let you down.
(5)
Jamie F.

Santahhpio's pizza is so good that I'd probably still eat it if it fell on the floor. Not even kidding. I've been here twice now and my fave is the signature sausage & garlic pizza. It's probably the BEST pizza I've ever had. And yes, I have been to the original Regina Pizzeria in the North End, Chicago for deep dish, NY for a slice, and everywhere else in between. Kind of random, but the BBQ lamb skewers are also a must-get when you're here. It's juicy, tender, and not gamy. Add a beer to this perfect meal, and you'll forget that you're in Eastie. My only complaint is that Santarpio's doesn't add enough sausage topping on the pizza. Other than that, I love everything about it - the gooey cheese, the garlicy/herby flavor, the tomato sauce, the thin crust. Heck, I even think the sarcasm from the waitstaff gives this joint a little charm. Pro-tip: go off hours (i.e. after 8:30pm) so you don't have to wait for a table.
(5)
William E.

I've been going here 8-10 times a year for 15+ years....and it has never disappointed me in any way. Standard order is: sausage/lamb combo, 2 high lifes & a roni/sausage/garlic....i always look forward to the next time I get to go here.
(5)
Wendy D.

I came out on my lunch break on a Tuesday to Santarpio's and the food was awesome. Everything looked delicious. We got pizza and it took a long time for it to get to us, even though the place was next to empty. We sat at the bar and the guy helping us was funny and amiable. Only draw back is that it's a cash only place and it takes about a half hour to get your food from when you order it. I'll be coming back for sure though!
(4)
Andrew R.

If you're looking for a good, just hands down standard, regular pizza like most shops that exist anywhere in this country, then yes, Santarpio's will be better than average. If, however, you look for a pizza that is different, exceptional, or of a style or tradition that most pizza connoisseurs desire (though I am not one), you will likely be underwhelmed, feeling as though every source that led you to this destination was a lie of unequaled malevolence. The rumors of this pizza's greatness have been greatly exaggerated. It is pretty big, though, and a decent price. I'll give it that.
(3)
Casey D.

My man is imported from NC and I've been enjoying Santarpio's for years so tonight we decided it was his turn. pizza was just as amazing as I remembered, the cheese+hot pepper combo was so good! service is not the friendliest and the interior is nothing to write home about but who really cares? Go, go, go, you won't regret it!
(4)
Seth P.

Absolutely this place a must for the Pizza lover. Whenever I fly in from LA no question I am gonna stop and get the best Pie on planet. Sausage/Garlic is my favorite but will eat whatever they have left on a busy night.
(5)
Marshall M.

The sausages and the pizza are very salty and I very rarely say that about anything. The garlic flavor is really good though. Also the crust is crispy crunchy like a thick cracker. The steak tips and lamb are cooked medium rare but are not seasoned with anything except salt. The waiter and white wine were good. Pizza is my favorite food but I have never had pizza like this before and we won't be going back.
(3)
Johnny D.

The rating: As Ms. Sarah-pants put it, "What reason would you have to give it less than five stars?". The answer; none. Why we chose to eat here: Sarah had the day off and after thirty years, I figured I should give this local landmark a try. The food: Absolutely amazing, everything we had was top notch. It's a small menu (a far cry from the very large menu at its more commercial rival Pizzeria Regina), but when what is offered is so fantastic, who cares. We shall start with the lamb and sausage combo with hot peppers and fresh italian bread. Not a combo I would usually think would go together but regardless, it, like everything we ate was damn near perfect. The house made sausage was the best I have ever had, to the point where I asked our server if they sold it raw to take home, which they unfortunately do not. The sausage had a perfect blend of spice and also paired great with a bit of the hot pepper for some real kick. I can't say enough how good it was, really. The lamb, though not as super-crazy-good, was still extremely delicious, cooked perfectly with just a little gaminess to let you know it's not beef without being overpowering as some lamb can be. Cut a nice little piece, eat it with some of the Italian bread and pretend you are a gangster from days gone by, seriously, try it, it really works. Next was, of course, the pizza. We ordered two, one cheese, because really any great pizza place should be judged on its cheese pizza, and a pepperoni sausage combo pizza. Starting with the cheese, this pizza was simply outstanding. He sauce had a very pure tomato taste, and the cheese, when fresh from the oven, stretched a good six inches if you let it. The crust was thin but not too thin and crisp without being burnt. This my favorite of the two pizzas for its purity and balance of flavor. As a side note we took some to my nana's on the way home and even she, who notoriously doesn't eat pizza that is not her own had a little bite, then another bigger bite, then a small piece of her own. Her seal of approval was simply stunning and a vote that should be taken very seriously, as this woman is full off the boat Italian, fed a husband, five children and umpteen grandchildren for the last sixty years, she knows her Italian food. The sausage and pepperoni pizza, while also fantastic, especially with that house made sausage, didn't have the same perfect balance to me. Don't get me wrong it was still up there as a top five or ten pizza in my life and the crisp crust did not suffer from the extra topping grease and weight, but I would opt for the cheese given the choice. Sarah on the other hand preferred this pizza hands down. The service: The server was outstanding, talking to guests as if they were family. We even over heard a conversation with another table where the patron began talking about their love of jazz. Seconds after the server left their table what comes piping through the speakers but Ella Fitzgerald. I have never seen anything like it before. Every restaurant needs someone like him waiting tables, it just makes you feel at home. Beyond the server the establishment is extremely old school. You really can imagine years ago, a few wise guys meeting in the back over some lamb and bread, discussing "business". They don't sell by the slice, but you wouldn't want just a slice anyway. The pizzas aren't huge but enough for two people in most cases. Receipts are hand written and I'm not sure if there is a computer in the building, but that just adds to the charm. Finally, the place seemed very well kept and clean. For the age of the business and building, you can tell it is very well taken care of. The final rundown: After all these years imagine my surprise when I plugged the address into my GPS and found out it was 9 minutes away from my home, NINE MINUTES! Sure maybe I have to pay a toll to get home, but it's a small price to pay for one of the best pizzas in Massachusetts, and possibly the country, yeah I'm looking at you NYC, I'd put this up against anything you got.
(5)
Jenny U.

Their pizza is a bit different from the pizzas that I usually get, but it's GOOD. I'm a lover of New York style pizza with thin crust and like my pizza crispy. Santarpio's pizza dough is on the thin side (not as thin as your standard NY style.) Their toppings are actually put under the cheese, so the veggies are more cooked than if it was placed on the top. Somehow, it works for the pizza. The flavor is good too. I had mine as take-out, so I didn't go to the restaurant side. Since I had mine as take out, it's understandable that the dough gets a bit soggy. 10 minutes of the pizza trapped in the take-out bag will do that. So I wouldn't know if it would be crispy straight from the oven. But it still tastes great! To me, it's a bit pricey for pizza, but I definitely think it's worth the money. Only bad thing is that it's cash only. There were definitely times where I wanted pizza from Santarpio's and I didn't have enough cash on me. So I would have to stop by an ATM first. But other than that, definitely one of the few GREAT pizza around the Boston area.
(4)
Erinire A.

People are so split over this place. It's like, seriously love it or hate it. I'm in the former category, as I have been since the day I moved to Eastie. That very night, unsuspecting, we ordered several pizzas to share with the tired, hungry friends that had lugged our furniture across Boston in their cars. After a careful review, the vote was unanimous: Santarpios rocks. You can whine about the service, you can moan about Regina's, you can tout the relative merits of other area eateries (Angela's? Rino's? Ecco?), but you just can't beat the price: ten bucks for a cheese, three fifty for a beer. Cash on the table. Sounds pretty good from where I'm sitting.
(4)
Laura G.

I don't get people sometimes. How are there negative reviews on here? I think it must be from people who tried to get overzealous with the toppings and must have gotten a soggy pie or something. What is not to love about this place? The atmosphere is so Boston. The service is brisk yet attentive and funny, the inside is no frills yet has everything you need. Yes, it's not Picco (although also delicious) or somewhere fancy in the North End, but that is not why you come here. The clientele is diverse (I saw everything from college kids who made the trek, locals, tatted up tough looking dudes sayin "fucken wicked pissah", and old school Italian dudes). A great representation slice of Boston itself in this place. The pizza is fantastic. Who cares about the debate as to whether or not it's the best. It's great, that's all you need to know. How someone could come here and leave griping really makes me think some people are just impossible to please. Crust is worth eating (not all crust is created equal), the sauce isn't too chunky or too thin, and the cheese is plentiful. They add a little what appears to be cornmeal on the bottom which makes for an interesting (not in a bad way) texture. The meat looked delicious too but I came for the pizza. If you're in the area (or even if you're not) this place is a great spot to have a well made pie. It's cheap, it's simple and delicious. In my opinion, these are some of the best qualities food can have.
(4)
Wendy H.

Wonderful pizza! We were tourists in Boston and received a recommendation from a friend to visit this place. We went and we ordered the sausage and garlic pie since most of they yelp reviews really raved about it. The pizza was excellent...so excellent that I really wanted to try a cheese slice. They don't sell by the slice but their pies are so good that we ended up order a 2nd pie just to try the cheese...it was DELICIOUS! We took almost an entire pie back to the hotel room that we enjoyed for midnight snack. Too bad we don't live in Boston, this would definitely be our go to place for pizza! We also noticed that a lot of the locals ordered a sausage appetizer (which we didn't see on the menu). If we ever get to go back we will get the sausage app and the cheese pie..YUMMY YUM YUM!
(5)
M S.

Fantastic pizza tied for first place in Boston's best pizza with Regina's. Old school Eastie atmosphere. Located near the airport so it's a great stop to or from the airport.
(5)
Brian H.

Real-deal old-school East Boston Italian joint. The kinda joint where there might be a coupla wise-guys in the back taking action on the Pats game. Santarpio's would be 5 stars on atmosphere alone. But it isn't. Because the food is the real deal too. Perfect thin crust pizza with all the basics. We tried an extra cheese... It was amazing but probably didn't need the "extra." The crust got a little swamped by the weight of the surplus formaggio, but the flavors were perfect. We also had a combo with house-made sausage, onions, mushrooms, and garlic. We probably could have stuck with just one or two toppings, but again this was one tasty pizza. The grilled meats were also juicy and delicious. I had the lamb and sausage combo, and tried a bite of Katie H.'s steak tips (apparently new to the menu. They were all grilled up just right, juicy and crispy and delicious. Served with a hunk of bread and a couple of peppers. Perfect. When in East Boston, don't be a jabroni... eat at Santarpio's.
(5)
Sandra G.

---Best pizza in the area-- Just really bad service !!
(4)
Sean W.

Situated on a funky corner in East Boston, this is an old school pizza joint serving home made pizza, sausage, and pasta, and not a whole lot else. Usually a line to get in, but sometimes it's fun to be part of the herd. My kind of place is where the waiter comes to the table with a butt in his mouth, takes your order all at once and with good service, good food, and good attitude, don't miss Santarpio's Original location.
(4)
Daniel F.

Sausage was on point, coarse ground and with just the right amount of char. The pizza was excellent, the crust was unique.
(5)
Liz S.

I cant say enough about this place!! I am the 5th generation of my family to eat here, with other younger generations in my family that love it also. Amazing food, great atmosphere. It is a hole in the wall that looks a little dingy but thats why I love it. You wont have the friendliest service in the world but thats part of the charm. When my family from FL comes to boston to visit, it is their first stop from the airport. Lefty who cooks the bbq says "i cant cook much else so you get what you get"
(5)
Brett B.

In the battle for best pizza in Boston, there isn't any question that it's Santarpio's. We've been here over 20 times and each time is delicious. The homemade sausage with the hot peppers are always the perfect way to start the meal off. You can't go wrong with the cheese pizza. A carafe of red wine always goes perfectly with the pizza...it makes me feel like I'm in Italy drinking and eating the way it should be done!
(5)
Priscilla N.

really good pizza. authentic gritty ambiance. not super smiley service, but the pizza was to die for.
(4)
Kim K.

Nothing fancy, no special treatment, no frills - just good, honest service and delicious pizza. Enough said.
(4)
Shaina S.

I've been wanting to come to this Boston institution for years and had imagined the encounter many times over, so I was practically skipping up Chelsea St. in anticipation when my brother pulled off the road in front of this pizza joint. We managed to cut the line waiting out the door because of the size of our party and everything was peachy, but unfortunately I was unable to play it cool in this place which I had clearly imagined only welcomed regulars and shunned all others and spit in their pizza. This was because I had brought my family along with me. First, my mother decided to ask embarrassing questions about the quality of the ingredients in the pizza ("God they think we're crazy!") and my siblings and I played games on our phones ("They totally" think we're spoiled and rich!") and then my mom followed up this rudeness by proceeding to pull an apple from her purse and slice it up on her plate ("Now we're too good for their food!"). Needless to say I did not feel like a regular. The pizza however, met my every expectation. The sauce and cheese and toppings were distributed totally unevenly, some parts covered in huge wads of mozzarella, some with none at all. The crust was soggy at parts and crispy at others, and completely unable to support any of the toppings in the center. The bottom of the crust had burnt cornstarch bits on the edges and the garlic flavor was overpowering... But it was a divine specimen of a pie. The Works was so loaded with toppings, it was impossible to eat without a fork and knife. Pizza with less toppings was slightly crispier and therefore easier to consume, but I liked my small pizza mountain. Santarpio's pizza WAS what it is reputed to be- filling, flavorful, and each pie totally unique.
(4)
Joey B.

What a trip this place was..We walked in and the guy cooking the sausage looked at us with a suspicious piercing gaze..While he kept staring we got a table with a older waitress who looked like Anne Ramsey but was nice as heck....Felt like at any moment a mob boss would walk through the doors...Loved the Atmosphere... They keep the menu simple but what they do serve they serve it well... The pizza was the 2nd best pizza i tasted in boston..A very good tasting pizza that i would eat again in a second...I always get a cheese pizza to judge a pizza place and this one did not disappoint... The sausage served with bread and excellent cherry peppers was very good as well....I would reccomend this place to anyone... Santarpio is the Godfather of East Boston Pizza.....Just look at the face on the menu and you will see for yourself....
(4)

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Address : 111 Chelsea St
Boston, MA, 02128
Phone (617) 567-9871
Website https://www.santarpiospizza.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 11

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Pizza

Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.

Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.

Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20^th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.

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Santarpio’s Pizza

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA, 02128

Santarpio’s Pizza Menu

Santarpio's Barbeque

Santarpio's Pizza

Favorite Combinations

Create Your Own

Healthy Meal suggestions for Santarpio’s Pizza

Santarpio's Barbeque

Santarpio's Pizza

Favorite Combinations

Create Your Own

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