United States aligns with Canada and more as Billerica Pizza Spot attracts Travellers

Written By: Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath

Pritam Nath is a published writer, journalist, and media researcher with over seven years of experience in journalism, content creation, and strategic communication. He specializes in media studies, journalism and mass communication, content strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. A certified journalist, he has produced research-driven news, feature stories, and industry analysis across media, travel, tourism, hospitality, culture, and strategic communication. Combining academic expertise with practical experience in digital publishing, Pritam creates insightful, engaging, and credible content that informs diverse audiences. He continues to explore emerging trends in global media, journalism, tourism, and digital communication while developing impactful content strategies.

See Full Bio

August 28, 2026 1:45 PM

Image generated with Ai

A North Billerica pizza shop has gained fresh attention after Dave Portnoy awarded it a 9.1, turning a local food stop into an appealing addition to Massachusetts travel itineraries.

The review came during Portnoy’s visit for a dentist appointment, creating an unusual twist to his latest One Bite pizza review. Despite having one side of his face numb from dental work and admitting that he could taste the pizza but could not properly feel it, he described Big Al’s Pizza as “outstanding” and praised its crust. The strong score has added another name to the conversation surrounding Massachusetts pizza destinations, particularly for visitors exploring the communities north of Boston.

Big Al’s gains attention beyond North Billerica

North Billerica may not command the same international recognition as Boston, but its food scene has received an unexpected boost from Portnoy’s visit. His One Bite series has become a familiar part of the pizza conversation, with restaurants often attracting attention after being recommended by followers.

According to the report, Big Al’s caught Portnoy’s attention because people had compared it favourably with Joanie’s in Chelmsford, another Massachusetts pizza establishment he previously rated 8.4 in 2023. During his visit, Portnoy said Big Al’s was “100% as good as Joanie’s”, giving the North Billerica restaurant a particularly strong endorsement.

For travellers, such recognition can transform an ordinary meal into a destination experience. Food-focused tourism increasingly encourages visitors to look beyond famous landmarks and discover neighbourhood restaurants, independent cafés and regional specialities. A highly rated pizza shop can therefore become part of a wider journey through Massachusetts rather than simply a place to eat.

A memorable review shaped by dental work

Portnoy’s latest review was different from a typical One Bite episode because he was still recovering from dental treatment. He explained that one side of his face was frozen, leaving him able to taste the pizza without being able to properly feel it.

He called it the hardest pizza review he had ever completed, yet his comments remained strongly positive. He praised the pizza as outstanding and specifically highlighted its “great undercarriage”, referring to the quality of the base beneath the toppings.

The unusual circumstances could have weakened the review, but instead they became part of the story surrounding the restaurant. Portnoy later acknowledged that the score deserved an asterisk because of his numb face, while maintaining that every taste he experienced felt like a 9.1.

His own team member was less enthusiastic, suggesting the pizza was closer to an 8.6 or 8.7. That difference illustrates the subjective nature of restaurant reviews, where personal preferences, circumstances and expectations can influence the final judgement.

Why the 9.1 matters for food tourism

A score of 9.1 is significant within Portnoy’s review format because the One Bite scale is widely associated with highly regarded pizza. The report notes that five Massachusetts pizza establishments had received scores higher than 9.1 according to One Bite rankings at the time of publication.

That positioning could encourage pizza enthusiasts to add North Billerica to their Massachusetts travel plans. Visitors staying in Boston can explore destinations outside the city centre, combining food stops with nearby communities and attractions.

The appeal is particularly strong for travellers who prefer experiences rooted in local culture. Instead of following only conventional sightseeing routes, food travellers can use restaurant recommendations as a way to understand a region. Pizza, in this context, becomes more than a meal. It can provide a reason to explore suburban communities and independent businesses that might otherwise receive less attention.

A wider menu adds to the stop

The restaurant’s appeal was not limited to pizza. During the visit, Portnoy also rated Big Al’s cookie at 8.9 and its cheesesteak at 9.1. These additional scores broaden the potential appeal for visitors travelling with different food preferences.

For a food-focused itinerary, that means the restaurant could work as more than a quick pizza stop. Travellers interested in sampling several American comfort-food staples may find the combination particularly attractive.

Such destinations can also strengthen the character of a regional trip. Massachusetts is known for its historic cities, coastal communities and established food traditions, but independent restaurants can provide a more contemporary perspective on the state. Exploring these places can give visitors an experience that feels less structured than conventional tourism.

Portnoy hints at a possible return

The strongest indication that the review made an impression came at the end of Portnoy’s visit. He said he could not understand why people had not told him to visit Big Al’s sooner and suggested that he might return for another review when he could properly feel his face. He ultimately described the pizza as spectacular.

A second visit could create another wave of interest, particularly because Portnoy himself recognised the unusual circumstances surrounding the first score. For the restaurant, the prospect of a follow-up review could keep attention focused on Big Al’s well beyond the initial publication.

For travellers, meanwhile, the story creates a simple food-focused reason to consider North Billerica when planning a Massachusetts visit. The restaurant does not need to replace Boston’s major attractions. Instead, it can complement them by offering visitors a local dining experience away from the busiest tourist areas.

North Billerica enters the travel conversation

The significance of the review goes beyond a single numerical rating. Food is increasingly central to how travellers choose destinations and build itineraries, and influential restaurant reviews can rapidly raise awareness of lesser-known places.

Big Al’s now has a 9.1 review attached to its name from a prominent pizza reviewer, while its cookie and cheesesteak also received strong scores. The combination gives the restaurant a distinctive story that can appeal to food enthusiasts seeking stops outside Boston.

For Massachusetts tourism, these discoveries can be valuable because they encourage visitors to broaden their geographical horizons. A trip centred on Boston can extend into nearby communities, creating opportunities to experience local businesses and regional dining culture.

The Big Al’s story also demonstrates how travel experiences can emerge unexpectedly. Portnoy arrived in North Billerica for a dentist appointment rather than a conventional food trip, yet the visit resulted in one of his notable pizza reviews. His dental recovery became part of the narrative, while the restaurant’s food ultimately remained the focus.

As travellers increasingly seek authentic and memorable experiences, stories like this can turn a neighbourhood restaurant into an itinerary-worthy stop. For pizza lovers visiting Massachusetts, North Billerica now has another compelling reason to make the journey.

FAQs

What score did Dave Portnoy give Big Al’s Pizza?
Dave Portnoy gave Big Al’s Pizza in North Billerica a 9.1 in his One Bite review.

Where is Big Al’s Pizza located?
Big Al’s Pizza is located in North Billerica, Massachusetts.

Why was Portnoy’s review unusual?
He was recovering from dental work and said one side of his face was still numb during the review.

What did Portnoy say about the pizza?
He described it as outstanding and praised its undercarriage.

What restaurant did Portnoy compare Big Al’s with?
He compared Big Al’s favourably with Joanie’s in Chelmsford, which he had previously rated 8.4.

What score did Portnoy give the Big Al’s cookie?
He rated the cookie 8.9.

What score did he give the cheesesteak?
He rated the cheesesteak 9.1.

Did Portnoy think the 9.1 deserved an asterisk?
Yes. He said the review should have an asterisk because he could not fully feel his face after dental work.

Could Big Al’s appeal to food travellers?
Yes. Its strong review provides an additional food-focused reason for visitors to explore North Billerica and areas beyond central Boston.

Will Portnoy return to Big Al’s?
Portnoy said he might return for another review when he could properly feel his face, although no confirmed second review was reported.