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Massachusetts: Here Is The Best “Dip” Of Every Kind

Author Jeff Gorra

The right kind of dip makes any meal more memorable. To celebrate this unsung hero of the menu, we’re going to outline the best dip of every kind in Massachusetts.

Before we start naming the official dip all-star team, let’s set the table. A dip can be synonymous with a gathering of sorts. This poor sharable also had to endure the pandemic. The food that everyone shares and sticks their spoons into, was not always welcome to the post-2020 party. Still, dip persevered and still stands as a beloved accompaniment.

So here we go. From hot dips to cold dips to chain dips, to dips that handle the reckless cannonball splash of a full sandwich. Here are the legendary dips of all kinds found in Massachusetts.

Best Chain Restaurant Dip

Eat This, Not That ranks Chili’s as the fifth-best chain restaurant that serves great dips.  However, the best chain restaurant dip can be found all around the country or at 18 locations across our state. The skillet queso dip at Chili’s is next-level awesome. I’ve never even figured out what type of cheese is melted and how it gets its brown color (and I’m not sure I want to know). In fact, separately, there’s a good chance I don’t even like the ingredients. But you mix them together, bake them in a skillet, and serve it with salty fresh tortilla chips, I am sold any day of the week.

Next time you are at Chili’s, save a little scoop and add it to your fajita instead of shredded cheese. Thank me later.

Best Non-Chain Dip

The Lobster Dip at The Seafood Shanty in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, is amazing. It is packed with chunks of fresh lobster and topped with the perfect amount of cheese. The pita chips scoop it up perfectly. This place is seasonal, so you will have to keep drooling until May, when it opens for the 2024 season.

Best Cold Dip

Salty Days in Cohasset: the hummus Plate served as a snack, and the small plate looks so artistic, that you almost feel bad digging into it. When you do, you immediately welcome the perfect taste of garlic.

Best French Dip Sandwich

Stockholders in Weymouth. It’s called the “French Dip Burger” because it includes an Angus burger and thin-sliced prime rib. However, what makes the best French dip is the au jus. Here, it is natural flavors that taste so good, if there is any left in the bowl, you might have the urge to drink it.

4 Great Places To Find Sicilian Pizza In Massachusetts

I’m a guy who moved from New Jersey to Boston; growing up, Sicilian pizza was pretty easily available. I incorrectly assumed that all Americans enjoyed this kind of pizza selection. However, when I moved to Boston, I realized that it’s much harder to find that delicacy here. But there are also a few unique places that are cooking up Sicilian pizza in Massachusetts.

As an expert on Sicilian, I will tell you that it has to be prepared properly in order for it to be worth the calories. Here, I will detail three establishments where you can find great Sicilian pizza in Massachusetts. Sure, you may have to travel a bit, but these places are worth your time.

What Is Sicilian Pizza?

Before we cut into this delicious style of pie, let’s define our terms. Traditional Sicilian pizza is cut into square or rectangular-shaped slices. The crust is thicker and crunchy. Though this pizza is obviously heavier, it still can be topped with your favorite pizza add-ons. A sprinkle of oregano is a subtle but often important finishing.

Though strip pizza in Rhode Island is similar, one significant difference with Sicilian is that it is not baked on a focaccia style dough. In fact, Palermo Pizza NJ defines what distinguishes Sicilian Pizza and what makes it different from regular pizza. “The dough rises differently with this kind of crust because more oil is used in the recipe as opposed to a regular pizza crust recipe,” they said, when describing how this is made in a rectangular pan.

In Massachusetts, the three locations that are serving up great Sicilian Pizza are quite different from each other, but have this menu item in common. One of them happens to be a favorite of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

  • Pinocchio's Pizza - Cambridge

    Tucked into a quaint New England, Harvard Square street, Pinocchio’s is where you need to go if you want Sicilian pizza of all varieties. It’s also where you will see Mark Zuckerberg’s photo all over the wall. This was the go-to spot for Zuck while he was attending Harvard. In fact, it’s a place he still makes sure to stop into when in town. As for the pizza, there are 20 different toppings you can find atop the hot Sicilian pies. These pies come in a 9-slice or 15-slice size option. The 15-slice pie comes in two boxes and can feed up to nine people. During the school months, Pinocchio’s stays open until 2 am on weekends.

  • Galleria Umberto - Boston

    At 289 Hanover Street in the North End of Boston, Umberto’s can be easy to miss. However, once you recognize their old-school sign, you know you are in for a treat. They are old-school: it is a cash-only establishment where the large trays of piping hot Sicilian pies are continuously served. Typically, it’s cheese only, but you will not be disappointed as no other flavor is needed. The single line usually reaches the door, but it moves quickly. It also gives you time to decide which arancini (their famous rice ball) you’d like to add to your order.

     

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  • Leone's - Somerville

    Leone’s Pizza and Sub has been family-owned and operated since 1954. They are located right on Broadway and open seven days per week, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Their Sicilian pizza is the standard menu option here. It is available by the slice, in a half tray or full tray. The whole tray also comes in two boxes (16 slice) and costs $40. Their Sicilian pies also come in a tomato basil option and a spinach and garlic. Leone’s sub menu contains over 30 options. This includes a fried meatball sub.

    Authentic New York style Sicilian pizza in pan

    Stock Photo/Getty Images

  • Pino's Pizza - Brighton

    Right in the heart of Cleveland Circle, Pino’s is a fan-favorite of Boston College students. Though the crust is a perfect combination of pillow and crunch, the secret here is actually in the sauce. Pino’s describes it as “delicious, garlicky tomato sauce with in-house seasoning, cooked on a pan.” $20 gets you nine Sicilian slices at Pino’s. If you want to add variety to your order, they also have alfredo pies, white pies, and buffalo chicken. Like Pinocchio’s, Pino’s stays open until the early morning hours on the weekend to help accommodate the college crowd.

    A square Sicilian slice of pizza with basil on top. White background.

    Stock Photo/Getty Images

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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