Massachusetts: How A Great Barstool Review Impacted A South Shore Pizza Spot

Last Friday, I pulled up to a restaurant I frequent to pick up my typical pizza takeout order. But something was different. Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports had recently published a one bite review of Denly Gardens in Weymouth, and the impact was incredible.

It had been a month since the last time I visited this family-owned restaurant. Driving through the residential neighborhood where the corner establishment resides, I could see cars parked up and down the street. Their dedicated lot was completely full. After a few back-and-forth attempts, I finally snagged a spot.

As I walked up the steps, I heard the familiar squeak of the door flinging open, and then the sounds of a packed house. Patrons wrapped around the small bar where they kept ordering drinks simply because they, too, were waiting for their order. So, what was going on here?

On Portnoy's scale, that's a high score. The owner gave the crew a tour, explaining the family history of this old-fashioned pub-like establishment. That type of sentimental value typically resonates with Portnoy. However, the rest certainly revolves around the pizza. Denly's, as we locals call it, is a thinner crust style pizza that uses a homemade tomato sauce and fresh cut mozzarella. Regardless of the topping you get, it's full of flavor.

As I found my spot against the wall of the restaurant I overhead a gentlemen discussing how "Portnoy was here." He explained to his friend, who he brought in from Canton, that he had been coming to Denly's since he was in high school, And, he pointed out, "[Now,] everybody knows about it."

The takeout crowd ran so deep that some folks had to wait adjacent to the booth tables that were completely filled with guests dining in. Wait times for just pizzas ran up to two hours. The staff may have still been adjusting to this rush of new customers, as some call-in orders (including myself) were told to pick up in an hour. Two hours, and two beers later, we paid our cash and were ready to go. Upon first bite, you quickly realize it was worth the wait.

This may sound like a complaint or a negative experience, but really, it was the opposite. It was great and inspiring to see this local place get such love and interest. I don't believe they "needed" the boost to keep going, but certainly the Barstool impact was real and palpable. As you may recall, their Barstool Fund, started over the pandemic, has now raised over $41,000,000. It has helped 443 small businesses.

As I left, I approached my car and placed my four pizza boxes on the front seat of my car. The couple in the car next to me were talking about how much they loved their pizza. The female eluded to the male that she was with that they may have to switch their Friday night spot to Denly Gardens instead of their local place in Stoughton (about 30 minutes away).

Throughout New England, I've recently noticed the tag of  "Nashville" has been applied to many chicken sandwiches. No matter if I am in a local pub or tavern, barbeque establishment, or really a restaurant of any kind, this menu item is everywhere. Here, I've highlighted four great places to get a tasty Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in Massachusetts today.

First, what exactly does this term refer to? "Nashville chicken's signature heat comes from a spice blend that usually includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other secret ingredients," Main Bird Hot Chicken explains.

So, in short, we are talking about a piece of buttermilk fried chicken sandwiched between a bun (typically, brioche). However, it needs to have the aforementioned spice rub. Then, add in some slaw or pickles to take the sandwich to the next level.

Although it appears to be more on-trend and ubiquitous now in Massachusetts, Mashed explained this style has a history going back over 75 years. In their 2021 story that specifically profiled the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they say, "This fiery brand of fowl, which originated at a Tennessee institution with a royal name, marries a southern classic with a hit of tongue-tingling heat."

Mashed explains that a historical Nashville establishment named Prince's Hot Chicken can be pointed to for serving up one of the first memorable of these spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

The Massachusetts establishments that have mastered the craft of this sandwich have a few things in common. First, they don't overdo it with the toppings. That can take away from the mixed spice flavor. Next, they pair the sandwich with a side, but not one that takes the attention of the main act. Lastly, they include an option to make it unique. That can be a spicy mayo, ketchup aioli, or fried pickles.

Here are four great places in Massachusetts you need to know about, to get a great Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich.

I'll start with the most recent one I've had. The Buckley Kitchen keeps it perfectly basic. There's a significant crunch, but the chicken is not overly fried. The only challenge is whether you pick the seasoned fries or homemade tater tots to pair with it. The Buckley also has an extensive beer and wine list. The Maine Lunch IPA sounded the part, as a pint that would pair perfectly with their Nashville Hot, and it did not disappoint.

This restaurant now has two locations for you to pick from to grab their mouth-watering Nashville Hot. You have to search for it on the menu. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken "House Special" comes with the option to add Nashville Hot. Then, if you have room, throw in a baked mac and cheese to share, and thank me later for a meal you will be burning to return for. Buttermilk & Bourbon has two restaurant locations in Massachusetts. There's the Boston spot, at 160 Comm. Ave. Then, in Watertown, you can find this establishment in the Arsenal Mall (100 Arsenal Yard Blvd.) Both are open seven days per week.

This establishment is only about two years old, but they have already made quite a name for themselves. Flanders Field not only serves an authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they also have 100 beers on tap. Each of them is served in the glass or mug that it is meant to pair with. Furthermore, Flanders Field often holds beer pairing events where they take you through some of their items on tap and what they pair well with in the given the season.  They describe their style as, "Farm fresh, locally sourced, in-house prepared food with a Northern European and American influence."

There's a Nashville Hot all over the menu at Lily P's. The "Lower Broadway" is the most traditional Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich item. However, there's also the "Hot N' Honey" which simply adds black pepper honey to the party. Then, you can order your tenders, fried chicken pieces or an entire bucket in a Nashville style. Equally as interesting here, is that Lily P's is also well known for their Oysters. They offer traditional Wellfleet Oysters, or a Roasted and Fried style. Lastly, while you are waiting for your main course, grab their cheddar popcorn app to hold you over.  The only catch here is that in late September they will not be open on the weekends.