Dave Portnoy Reviews Big Al's Pizza North Billerica Massachusetts

There's a new face among Dave Portnoy's top Massachusetts pizza places of all time.

The Barstool Founder and CEO dropped one last pizza review for the month on Thursday, August 27, focusing on Big Al's Pizza in North Billerica, Massachusetts, and giving it a whopping 9.1 out of 10.

Sure, his face was numb from a dentist visit, but his enthusiasm for the pie certainly wasn't.

Dave Portnoy Reviews Big Al's Pizza in North Billerica, Massachusetts

Portnoy noted in his review that people kept telling him about Big Al's Pizza in North Billerica, Massachusetts, and how it would be as good as Joanie’s in Chelmsford. For comparison, he raved about that spot and gave it an 8.4 in 2023.

Turns out, Portnoy was thrilled with this pizza as well, calling it "spectacular" and "100% as good as Joanie’s." Staff even offered him a second "fresh" pizza to try afterward, which only reaffirmed his feelings.

Granted, Portnoy said the score might need an asterisk next to it because he can't feel his face from his earlier dentist visit in the area, but "every taste I get of it feels like a 9.1"

That huge score marks Big Al's as his top-rated pizza of 2026 so far, according to One Bite Pizza Reviews, and puts it at the No. 6 spot for top Massachusetts pizza places per his scoring.

Dave Portnoy's Top 5 Massachusetts Pizza Places

Wondering what Portnoy's top five Massachusetts spots are? As of September 1, 2026, One Bite Pizza Reviews lists the following:

Monte's Restaurant in Lynn - 10.0
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in Chestnut Hill - 9.4
Oath Pizza in Nantucket - 9.3
Halftime Pizza in Boston - 9.2
Rosie's Subs & Pizza in Braintree - 9.2

What's the Story About Big Al's Pizza in North Billerica, Massachusetts?

Big Al's website said that it was founded by husband and wife Tim and Mallory Maslow and their family friend Mohammed Islam, who "set out to create a cozy neighborhood spot where great food and good company come together."

Portnoy spoke to one of the owners, who said in the video that they started part-time late last year and have only been open full-time for about eight months.

And it looks like the cash-only place has been blowing up through word of mouth and a number of other reviewers calling out Big Al's for its top-tier pizza as well as its cheesesteak and cookies.

Google Reviews lists the place at a 4.8, and it's got a 4.5 on Yelp.

Just looking at all the other reviews, videos and pics makes me want to go try the place out, too. Hopefully, I can find a spot to park amongst all the other people looking to enjoy the pizza.

Of course, a pizza review score is subjective, and maybe Portnoy might give the pizza place a different ranking on a different day or even a day not having his face numb from the dentist.

And yet, I've got a feeling that he would still give it a massive score.

Either way, it's great to see another Massachusetts spot get top marks from him and the many others who have had a chance to eat at Big Al's.

Ready to make a road trip for it?