Roggie's Blurs the Line Between Casual Dining and Pizzeria
by Courtney Cox
Boston College students aren't the only ones who have discovered the best-kept secret at the end of the Green Line's B and C tracks. That tempting smell of fresh pizza - greasy and delicious - has floated it's way from Roggie's New Age Bar and Grille to noses in every corner of the city.
But the crispy crust and wide variety of toppings aren't the only things that are hot at Roggie's - the diverse menu makes the locale perfect for group outings, when everyone craves something different. From ribs to Cajun cod, even the pickiest eater can find something in one of Roggie's 11 mini-menus.
"It's definitely good for groups," said Jessica Hitch, a Boston University senior out for a Tuesday-night bite. "They have enough options for everyone to find something they like. We usually get a pizza because it's cheapest."
But just when you're about to label Roggie's as just another great pizzeria, look around - the electric glow of the televisions lining the walls. . .the first date couples making small talk at the bar in the back of the room. . .grinning parents who look like walking billboards for their child's college. . .Roggie's is actually an odd hybrid of casual dining and sports bar.
"I think the most notable thing is all the TVs," Hitch said, laughing as she gestured at the televisions flashing news and different sports games.
What makes Roggie's work is the easygoing ambience, largely created by the friendly staff. At least three of them will greet you before you get to your table, and although they snack at the bar between serving, they never miss a refill.
While tables fill with students and families on weekdays, 20-somes line the bar on Friday and Saturday nights, taking advantage of the 52 beers on tap and splitting appetizers like swordfish sticks or fried artichoke hearts, which come in heaping servings at prices ranging from five to 12 dollars. The appetizer menu is actually the longest list of choices.
As another option, diners can splurge a little on snacks like shrimp cocktail or cherry stones from the raw bar's unique (although higher priced) selection.
The pasta menu rivals that of some North End hot-spots, adding colorful choices like oriental chicken linguine and jambalaya to traditional selections like chicken marsala and shrimp angel hair.
And if you're in the mood for Mexican, the five varieties of fajitas and some of the best nachos this side of the Charles can satisfy even the strongest craving for cheesy, spicy goodness.
Roggie's even segregates their subs from their sandwiches, with a menu for each. Their sandwich selection lets you custom design your own combo of toppings, cheeses, and sauces, even offering a Cajun-style option at no extra cost. And subs are no longer restricted to delis - Roggie's offers every possible combination (along with some surprises) of meats and cheeses in small and large sizes.
But let's not forget what's really important here - the pizza. It would be a true challenge to find a pizza menu in Boston that is more diverse than Roggie's. With styles ranging from Mexican to hamburger, and every kind of topping to ever spice up a slice, Roggie's strives for true pizza perfection with every pie served (and they seem to attain it).
Optioning for a small size pie is perfect for sharing with one or two people, while a large pie can easily feed a group of five or six. The prices are closer to those of a fast-food pizzeria than the gourmet-style pies they serve up.
Whether you're out for pizza between studying or taking out-of-towners out for a bite, Roggie's manages to cater to everyone's tastes while offering an easygoing, smooth-running, casual dining experience.
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