Feast: Bianchi’s Pizza, a Slice of Revere

I’ve been a bit obsessed with public art/signage lately, so when I saw this sign on the drink machine at Bianchi’s Pizza, I had to take a picture. The two phrases totally sum up the personality of this Revere institution:

“Cash Only. We apologize, no public restroom.”

Read:

“We are old school. Order, pay, and leave. Thanks!”

This brief yet polite missive gives you an indication that Bianchi’s doesn’t need niceties to keep its business running, and indeed it does not. Located just a few blocks from Kelly’s Roast Beef, another landmark on Revere Beach Boulevard, Bianchi’s strips away all of the extras that you might find at Reggina’s or Santarpio’s and focuses on the basics. Case in point – there is only one size of pizza at Bianchi’s, and if you order a whole pizza it will be cut in just four pieces (thus, if you order a slice, you are getting 1/4 of a pizza).

2 slices = 1/2 pizza

During the summer, Bianchi’s has an order window, so you can stroll up from Revere beach, grab your slice, and enjoy it on the sea wall until the seagulls chase you away. In the winter, you’ll need to eat the pizza in your car – there are no seats in Bianchi’s. That’s ok, sometimes car pizza is the best kind.

Bianchi’s is not the type of place that has a website, or t-shirts for sale emblazoned with a big “BIANCHI’S IS THE BEST.” This joint (and it is a joint) has been around for over 50 years, and it hasn’t changed a bit.

No, that’s not true. According to my mom, a slice used to cost 20 cents. Now, it costs $2.50.

Inflation aside, the pizza is great. Never greasy, always flavorful. Crust thin but not too thin. Staff friendly but not too friendly. No pretense, nothing fancy- don’t try to get rosemary chicken or goat cheese on your pizza here, unless you want to be mocked mercilessly and driven out of Revere for life. Get cheese, or pepperoni.

Once you eat Bianchi’s, you’ll never even look at Pizzeria Reggina or Santarpio’s. Just remember: cash only, and no public restrooms. We apologize.