Friday, March 7, 2008
In June after Holy Smokes burned down I blogged about how restaurants I like have a way of going out of business and listed the top 10 eateries I miss. Since then anytime a restaurant closes people like to ask or email me whether it was my fault. The recent announcements that the Aqua Vitae and now Smokin' Lils are going under have sparked a wave of these.
If I am cursed, Aqua Vitae could be my fault. I was a fan of its greasy, cheesy pizza. Smokin' Lils won't be on my conscience. I've been there a few times, but never considered myself a big fan.
But as a homage to Aqua Vitae and the fact that its halftime in Philly, I'll present the top 10 places to eat pizza in Hampshire/Franklin County. Worth noting, chain restaurants aren't eligible. I love Papa Gino's and Bertucci's, but this is a local list.
10. Chicago's - When I lived in Hadley, this was the only place that delivered to me. It gets credit for that.
9. Apollo's - Belchertown
8. Sibi's - Amherst spot across from the Moan and Dove has good pizza and better cheese breadsticks. You can order at Sibi's and head to the M&D for a beer and they'll delivered it to you while you drink.
7. Village Pizza - I'd been away from the Greenfield scene for a while. But the Greek-style take out spot has similar pizza to Athena's (see below) that I like a lot.
6. Pizza Factory - Wheat crust with chicken... yummy.
5. Athena's - In the plaza near the Hangar, this is a common take out spot for me near UMass.
4. Aqua Vitae - R.I.P.
3. Nini's - Easthampton Italian joint's meatball pizza is a favorite
2. Joe's - A Northampton institution. Fun staff and regulars give it atmosphere. Calipari makes it a point to stop in when he's in the area.
1. Antonio's - I love the Honey Mustard Chicken Sicilian, the white, and chicken parm just to get started.
...about an hour til a cheesesteak from Larry's...
