by Ana Gordan

Created on: December 18, 2008

Salem's Wickedest Pizzerias

Having just celebrated my fifth anniversary of living in Salem, I have had the pleasure of dining in many of the pizza joints in town. There are none that I've gone to that I wouldn't return for more. Four of the pizza places warrant my raves:

1. Mandee's Pizza

Although Mandee's isn't located near the college or in the heart of downtown, I've probably ordered out from Mandee's more than any other pizza, Chinese or sub shop. It's a five-minute walk from my house. Their gourmet pizza selections, which include Mediterranean and Mexican, among many other combinations, are de-lish. If I'm in the mood for a sub or salad, there is a wide variety to choose from. And they are quick!

2. Giovanni's Pizza

I'll be honest. Their pizza isn't the best I've ever had. However, this place is a favorite of mine. It is located near where I park my car during "snow emergencies" when I can't park on the street in front of my house, because they have to plow the streets. During the last few snow emergencies, my wonderful boyfriend comes and helps me shovel out my car, which has often been plowed in. After the hard work of shoveling snow and chipping ice, we head to Giovanni's, and I treat him to pizza. It tastes so good (and warm) after our labors.

3. Upper Crust

I have only been here once - the Upper Crust is new, and I was wary of going in to try it for a little while because it sounded expensive. However, the prices are more-or-less in line with most pizza places and sub shops. You can go in and order, or they deliver on a bicycle. The pizza crusts are very thin and crispy - just how I like it. This place is great for grabbing a slice, or going with a group for a big sit-down meal. Located in the heart of downtown, it is very convenient and popular (but good luck finding a parking spot - especially in October)

4. Christina's

Again, location, location, location. Christina's is across the street from my boyfriend's place. Everything I've tried on the menu is scrumptious. Their "small" calzones are good for two meals, or for splitting with someone, if you can agree on the filling. The chicken kabob salad with feta is divine, but despite the "salad" in its name, probably packs more fat than a Big Mac.

So there you have it. Honorable mention goes to Engine House Pizza. Engine House has won awards for its pizza, is located in the heart of downtown, and is a local favorite. I think it's high time I go there and sample their menu.

Learn more about this author, Ana Gordan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.