If you haven’t been to Essex in a while, you may be surprised to see the super spacious parking lot where the (once beloved children’s shop) Red Balloon once stood. Thankfully, Privateer’s Pizza & Provisions has taken over the shop inhabited formerly by Olive Oyl’s and those spots will be put to good use. We were delighted by what we discovered inside!

You’ll find John behind the counter at the brick oven. He’s been slinging pizzas since he was a kid (his family owned Red Tomato in Madison) and he certainly knows his stuff. The style here is thin crust, slightly charred and chewy and if you are a fan of a clam pizza (like us), you’ll be glad to know the clams are fresh-shucked. Lots of toppings on the menu and pies come in small (12″) and large (18″).

Slices are available but be sure and check the schedule before you go. Pizza is served on designated days and hours:
Tues – Thurs: 4PM to 9PM
Fri – Sun: 12PM to 9PM

The rest of the shop is filled with shelves of your basic necessities for boat-life plus organic produce, jars of salad, gelato and canned goods. Pick up a cup of iced coffee and fresh-cut flowers while you’re there, too. Definitely a one-stop shop!

Grocery
Tues – Sun: 9AM to 9PM

privateerspizza.com

55 Main Street, Essex  (860) 662-4497