Massachusetts Restaurant Is One Of The Best Places For Pie In The U.S.

With autumn in full bloom and Thanksgiving around the corner, there is only one dessert item that takes center stage: pie. The Food Network named the best bakeries for pie in America and a Massachusetts restaurant was named.

"Something about the buttery crust and rich filling brings comfort and nostalgia to the table, and we've rounded up plenty of restaurants dishing out just-like-mama-made pecan, pumpkin and apple pies," Food Network explained.

During the fall months, the most common pies tend to be pumpkin and apple. They are both relative to the season and a staple on the Thanksgiving dessert table.

However, in Massachusetts, the best pie aligns with a Boston hotel with a lot of history.

"The Boston Cream Pie is a timeless, culinary creation dating back to 1856." the Omni Parker House explains about their original Boston Cream Pie. This popular dessert was first created and served at the opening of Boston's Parker House. It has remained among the most popular items here ever since.

At Parker's restaurant, they serve their famous Boston Cream Pie. In fact, they also ship frozen pies anywhere in the country. Traditionally, this pie serves more like a cake. It has layers of golden sponge cake and is topped with chocolate icing and filled with cream.

Renowned chef and Food Network personality Beau Macmillan spoke of the Boston Cream Pie at Parker's on their Best Thing I Ever Ate show.

In Food Network's list, they also give a nod to two other New England establishments. In addition to this Massachusetts restaurant being named among the best for pie in America, here are two other places to check out in the region. The Apple Barn & Country Bake Shop in Bennington, Vermont is highlighted for its apple pie. The Berry Manor Inn in Rockland, Vermont, is well-known for their specialties such as blueberry, cherry or peach pie.

Okay, let me get right to the point. I'm from New Jersey and grew up about twenty miles from Manhattan. So, I've been on the hunt for the perfect bagel ever since I moved to New England 12 years ago, and have been pleasantly surprised to find a few Massachusetts chain restaurants that actually have great bagels.

I'm also always on the run driving to various events or tournaments across the state. Regardless of what county I am in, a good bagel and coffee breakfast is something I am always looking for. Time is usually of the essence so my preference is typically a quick grab-and-go.

I've compiled a short list of bagel chains that really deliver. To clarify, this list excludes any local bakery or privately owned single bagel shop. Many of those remain among my favorite places to grab an everything, extra-toasted, and lightly buttered. In fact, this past weekend I even tripped across one that cooks a "New Jersey Pork Roll" bagel sandwich. The proper term is Taylor Ham, but back to the point.

The bagel restaurants selected here don't have to be specific to Massachusetts only. They do, however have multiple locations throughout the state. So, If I'm en route to an early morning lacrosse tournament in Devens and stop in to grab breakfast at a Newton franchise, I can expect their other location in Milton will have a similar offering, when I'm there for a sunrise hockey game in the winter.

In full transparency, Dunkin' Donuts is not on this list. With all due respect,  it's called Dunkin "Donuts" for a reason. Throw a sausage, egg, and cheese on one of their bagels and I'm OK, but I'm still not going out of my way specifically for their bagels. However, if this were a coffee chain feature, Dunkin' would be standing strong towards the top.

Without further ado, let's hop in the car, roll down Route 3, 24, or take a sharp exit off 93, and pull into a few Massachusetts small chain restaurants that are cooking up some great bagels.

There are five Gunther Tooties locations from Foxborough down to the South Shore. The owner of this chain worked in a New York bagel shop before taking over the first location in Pembroke. Moreover, a few of their spots offer drive-through. The "French Toast" bagel listed under the New York Style portion of the menu is always hard to resist.

Sometimes known as "The Bagel Shop" (like their Chatham location), this is a family operated chain business that has a significant presence in eastern Massachusetts and in Florida. Everything is baked fresh onsite. If you've ever wondered what Chocolate Chip Cookie flavored Iced Coffee takes like, they have 22 different variations here. And it tastes as good as it sounds.

There are five Cafe Fresh Bagel restaurants all within about 30 minutes of each other. This is my bagel breakfast sandwich spot. I  keep it simple when I go there, with a classic: bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel.

There are 14 Bruegger's in Massachusetts. Each one is a combination of its own character and consistent taste. The menu is the same everywhere, which is a good thing because their bagels contiguously deliver an essential bagel flavor whether you are in a Bruegger's on School St. in Boston or stopping in on your way to their Route 3a South Shore location on your way to the highway. Plus, their bagels are relatively small, so you can eat two.