There’s always a line on weekends.

Growing up just outside of Boston, one of the most memorable summer activities was venturing into the North End with my family for the Italian-American festivals that seem to take place almost every weekend during the hot summer days of August. Recently I got a potent shot of nostalgia sitting at the bar of Pizzeria Regina, an old-school joint dating back to 1926. Just as our Old World Style Anchovy and Margherita pizzas hit the table, a full marching band participating in the Fisherman’s Feast strolled in to bust out a jubilant Italian folk song. Even though that anchovy pizza is a top ten pie — think salty fishes, capers, spicy oil, pecorino romano, and capers cooked well done on a thin brick-oven crust — that blissful first bite could wait. I grabbed my Peroni beer to help cheer the guys on and joined the rest of the pizzeria in clapping and singing along. That’s how to kick off a meal!

Old-school neon sign.

Lining up to get inside Regina.

The spicy goodness of the old world anchovy pizza.

Margherita pie.

Looking out from the bar.

Getting a quick drink in before the next stop.

The Madonna procession.