Mangia Mangia! at Sal's Pizza

Overview: Sal's Pizza is a local chain with 38 locations in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire area, along with a few satellite locations as far as California and Arizona. This chain is always expanding with new locations opening, including one to open in Stoneham this summer. What makes Sal's Pizza special? Their commitment to bring a taste of the North End to places outside of the city. They pride themselves on keeping costs low, using only Pomodoro sauce and serving their famous 19-inch pizzas.

Decor: The restaurant is big, with lots of room for dining.  The red and white checkered design feels very familiar and sometimes it's difficult to tell it apart from other pizza chains.  Sal's Pizza is a better place to order take-out than to dine in. However, you could always bring your 19-inch pie to a table and watch a sports game on one of their TVs while you eat.

Beverages: Quench your thirst at their soda fountain.

Entrees: Mangia Mangia! It's all about the pizza at Sal's. Chose from two different sizes, including their mega-huge 19-inch which is more than enough for two people. Pick your own array of toppings or chose from one of their specialty pizzas. Not in the mood for pizza, but still  hunkering for some Italian? Sal's has homemade penne pasta that they'll top with meatballs, eggplant parm, chicken parm, italian sausage, etc. Maybe a specialty sandwich on their homemade focaccia bread is more your style? They also have hot subs, steak sandwiches and cold wraps.

Sides: Depending on what's available, you can order a salad to go with your pizza. I highly recommend the super-packed Greek salad; it's a delicious addition to your meal. If salad is not your thing, bulk up your meal with some chicken wings, meatballs, chicken tenders, french fries or a bag of potato chips.

Desserts: Molto Bono! How about some special sweet treats, North End style? Sal's Pizza offers traditional Italian fare like Tiramisu and cannolis. Or some American delicacies like brownies, cookies and whoopie pies.

Extras: Want to make some pizza at home? For $3.50 you can order a ball of dough from Sal's Pizza and make some fresh pizza in your own kitchen. You can even buy a jar of their famous Pomodoro sauce to top that homemade pizza. Or how about a brown bag lunch for the office? For $8.99 a person, their pre-packed lunch comes with a sandwich, wrap or salad, a bag of chips and your choice of a brownie or cookie. 

Service: At the entrance, you order your pizza at the counter or to your left you can order sandwiches and pasta dishes. The staff is really friendly and will call you when your meal is ready to pick up. You bus your own table. Or at least you are supposed to! If you are a clean freak, we suggest take-out.

Sal's Pizza

299 Washington Street