Back for Seconds: A Review of Checkerboards Restaurant & Bar in Judson, MA ​The Verdict: Round two, and I'm still here. That has to count for something, right? ​I returned to Checkerboards recently, mostly to confirm that the deliciousness of my first visit wasn't just a hunger-induced hallucination. I am happy to report that the pizza remains structurally sound and emotionally supportive. ​Here's the breakdown of the second outing: ​The Atmosphere: It has that classic "I'm here to eat 2,000 calories and I don't care who sees me" energy. It's cozy, it's bustling, and the checkered decor is still successfully keeping me from forgetting the name of the establishment. ​The Food: I dove into the pizza again because I'm a creature of habit and change scares me. The crust had that perfect "crunch-to-chew" ratio that scientists should really be studying more closely. It's the kind of pizza that makes you consider ordering a second one just to have as a pillow for the inevitable food coma. ​The Service: The staff is impressively fast. I'm convinced they have a psychic link with the kitchen. My drink arrived before I even fully realized I was thirsty, which is either great service or light sorcery. ​The "Second Visit" Realization: You know a place is good when you spend the entire car ride there debating if you should try something new, only to panic and order exactly what you had last time because the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out... on that specific sauce) is too real. ​Final Thought: If you see me there a third time, don't be alarmed. Just pass the parmesan and mind your business. ​Rating: 5/5 Stars. I'll be back for round three once my treadmill forgives me. read more

Checkerboards Pizza Restaurant & Bar - Pizza Near Me - Hudson, Massachusetts

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This was the worst experience I have ever had. Three of the people in my party could not even eat their meals and just left them on the table. We knew things were going to go down hill when a simple lemonade tasted terrible. Three of the meals were Alfredo and it was awful the cheese looked curdled. I never seen it were it looked chunky. Don't waste your money and if you do go to the bar first to prepare your self and maybe you won't notice how bad it is. It cost me over 200 dollars just to watch people not eat and have to go elsewhere to eat. Their cook is terrible shrimp was so over cooked it was dried out. How they servived 30 years is beyond belief. I guess people know how to prep at the bar before they eat read more

This was my first trip to Checkerboards. I was very impressed with their HUGE selection of entrees on the menu! The service was prompt and helpful. The ambiance was ok for a family restaurant. I ordered the nachos and ty hey we're great! Only let down was that they don't have guacamole. My daughter loves their homemade Mac and cheese! We're definitely going back! The prices were all reasonable... read more

Checkerboards Pizza Restaurant & Bar - Nachos - Pizza Near Me - Hudson, Massachusetts

We had the best lunch! I had the VERY BEST Buffalo chicken tenders ever, since leaving Buffalo many years ago! This will be my go to from now on! Our waiter was friendly and my friend had the stuffed eggplant which was delicious!!!!!! Will definitely be going back read more

Always a good, reliable option for dinner. Good quality food, good consistency with service, and very inexpensive. Great for take-out and they have the best wait staff. Long-tenured waitresses who know what they are doing! read more

Checkerboards is now a Hudson Staple. The food is always good and fresh, great pizza, dinner fare, Burgers, Gluten free items avaiable. The service is prompt and very friendly. It's a place where most people know each other. Perhaps a neighborhood pub. A welcome ambiance. Checkerboards made it through the pandemic, it wasn't easy but they did it. They served the community throughout the pandemic, keeping jobs, staying opened. This is a local owned and operated restaurant. I highly recommend patronizing Checkerboards. Support a great local business that supports the Hudson Community. They've worked for our business it's time to give it back. read more

Prices per portion. Outrageous. 12$ for a house salad, stuffed shells they give you three, years ago this place used to be good. I'll never go back. read more

Service is pretty fast here and they have plenty of tables to accommodate groups big or small. I got a Pastrami sandwich. It was on a small sub roll. It was pretty good but I'll try something else next time I'm here, it wasn't as flavorful as I expected it to be. read more

Checkerboards Pizza Restaurant & Bar - Pizza Near Me - Hudson, Massachusetts

We had a great experience at Checkerboard. We had a large party and they did a great job accommodating us. The pizza is excellent! They have a wide variety of menu items to choose from and it all looked yummy. Nice casual atmosphere. I highly recommend. read more

i have been twice. The first time I was served 5 drinks with my mini pizza. I am 119 lbs but over the course of 3 hours, they didn't seem to mind charging me for and serving me 5 drinks - which - I was totally fine. I second time I went, I was grieving my brother who passed away and just wanted to get out of the house with my kindle sadly and I was starving . I ordered the same pizza, moved my seat twice to accommodate some locals who wanted to sit together, and started chatting with a man who was now next to me and had 7 drinks and was ordering more - two of which were sambucca on the rocks which he said was dessert after his many beers. On my second glass of wine (small glasses mind you that I watered down with ice ), and mid way through my pizza, I was told I would not be "allowed" more wine (yes like a toddler) - which is fine. I'm 47 years old and really don't get why the man to my right (who was hammered and frankly creepy AF) got 7 drinks but my limit was 2. Its 2024 and I've never even had a speeding ticket, or have even been pulled over. And I actually rarely drink so no - nothing but water beforehand and yea, on a totally bad day I elected to have some wine with my pizza. Two though over the course of 3 and a half hours. It takes that long to get the pizza there apparently. I left the bartender a 59% tip to show my gratitude lol but I will never return -noooo thank you. The pizza was good, the judging was not. Would not recommend at all. I mean, my bad, it is called Checkerboards. read more

this restaurant feels like family. The staff welcomes you with a big smile. The food is amazing anything from Italian specialties, which melts in your mouth. Sauce is delicious meatballs to die for.! don't overlook the burgers because they are delicious. Best I have had in many many years in Metro West you won't be disappointed with any of your menu choices when you go here. read more

Was not impress with the place, it need a make over. Do not understand many of the 5 stars reviews. I was there on a Tuesday night and there was one over work waitress, and the restaurant was very busy. It seem to be popular with the local people. I asked for water on the side, mustard for my hamburger, never got it. Maybe that waitress on a non busy night she is more pleasant, but I will never know as I will look for a more friendly place next time I am in the area, there is a lot, better prices and food in driving distance from my hotel. read more

Yuck yuck yuck!! Nasty waitress horrible food! I ordered the hot turket sandwich the masked potatoes were cold the turkey was gross the turkey was gross! read more

The Waitress and Manager were unapologetic and unsympathetic about their mistake. When ordering, I showed the waitress a picture from their website of their 12" GLUTEN FREE pizza and ordered that for my client. My client has celiac disease. The bill came and it said Flatbread pizza. I asked the waitress and she said that I ordered the Flatbread pizza. I did Not. I told the Manager I would not be paying for the Flatbread pizza and explained that I verbally said Gluten free pizza and showed her the picture of it from their website. I did not have to pay for the Flatbread pizza but the Manager did make me pay for his soda - fine. NO apology what so ever from the waitress or Manager. I had to call the client's family to make sure that we didn't need to go to the Emergency Room. I will never go back and will encourage everyone not to eat there. So far, his parents will never go there and will spread the word. Also, I spoke to the President of my company and he said that he will make sure no other staff or clients go to this restaurant. The waitress and Manager handled this situation horribly. read more

Best food around!!! Always consistently delicious & fresh! Tasty drinks fun spot to relax!!!!! Highly recommend! Oh and new hand cut fries are delicious read more

just witnessed two ( owners?) yell and argue with a guy because he ordered a drink. I've seen this guy come in and has always been nice to the staff. this woman yelled at him because he didn't leave a tip, and said well they have to get it and bring it to you.. and said you and a guy came in for over an hour and the two of you didn't order any but a drink. if you're trying to run a business... don't be rude to people, he works in the paper store and this was disgusting to watch... the food is mediocre nothing to get excited over. why do people have to be so rude. read more

Best food around! Staff is cool! Been going there for 15 years never had a bad meal! Great drinks best Italian and steak cheese sub! If it's not on the menu ask and they will probably make it for you! read more

Lovely lunch and sever. The calamari was a bit over cooked, which is why I am giving a 4 star. My garden salad was fresh. My hubs steak and cheese was yummy. Keno was fun! read more

Raw scallops. Totally cold in middle. Was offered to have my raw scallops heated up but that was it. Paid $28 for a plate I barely touched. Very disappointed in this place and the "chef" who who runs this kitchen. Will not be coming back. 1 star because the noodles were cooked properly. read more

Checkerboards is my favorite place to eat in Hudson. It's Hudson's best casual restaurant and Italian take out and it's also family owned and operated. I prefer it over The 99 across the street, which can be inconsistent with their food and service and that is definitely not the case with Checkerboards. There is plenty of room to dine, as they have 2 dining areas with a full bar section in the middle. The atmosphere is low key family style. This is a good casual place to gather and dine with friends or family any day of the week. The food offerings are extensive, with house specialties in Italian and Greek dishes and of course pizza. The pizza is excellent and comes in various sizes and they make numerous creative specialty pizzas as well. I love their Buffalo Chicken pizza and actually prefer it over Bertucci's version! The service is always friendly and prompt and the portions are large, tasty and consistent, prepared fresh and served hot. I have never been dissapointed and have always been pleased. It's a decent casual restaurant worth checking out if ever in the area and your hungry! 4 Stars **** read more

Checkerboards Pizza Restaurant & Bar - the front of the restaurant - Pizza Near Me - Hudson, Massachusetts

Had lunch there today and found a hair in my sandwich. I thought anyone working in kitchen had to wear a net or have hair pulled back. Lady in kitchen had neither. Told waitress and she told a guy in kitchen. All that resulted was she wanted to know how long the hair was and that they were sorry. Won't be going back. read more

Couldn't believe it I've always gotten good a plant that plant was hard bitter gross disgusting the waitress was not even polite and I never said how bad the food I will never go back it was 20 something dollars for an eggplant sandwich and a beer I will never go back to checkboard please don't go there because it's not a good place read more

I could not the year pass without a good word for Checkerboards. Been going there since they first opened ai believe about 25 yrs ago. To remain consistently delicious & innovative all that time is a real talent for keeping great talented staff..I just can't say enough ..I have fairly high standards so if you've not tried them do so ..you will not be disappointed. read more

We had great food and great service. The only downfall was the bartender.. although I understand when things are busy, drinks can take a while , however it was not busy that night and our drinks took 20 minutiae to get to our table . The beers came quickly but if you ordered a mix drink , which is a margarita which should be fairly good , took 20 minutes. Other than that , food was awesome as usual. read more

Went in for a late lunch yesterday and got "Karen" - not the first time but certainly the last - next time I will ask to wait on myself! She was unfriendly, and almost seemed put out that she had to wait on us. Never smiled, bare minimum service - in fact - she offered my friend another refill on her drink but never asked me! My glass was empty! I don't appreciate the crappy service when paying top dollar in a pizza bar! Someone needs to have a serious talk wit her or get her off the floor! read more

Very good quality food. I've never had something I didn't like from Checkerboards. They are a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. =)

Excellent dinner tonight from Checkerboard. We have not eaten there for many years, not for any reason, just haven't. We had all types of food ... steak tips, haddock, scallops and pizza and it was all delicious and hot when we got home. The girl at the pick up was delightful and a good representative of the restaurant! Thanks!! read more

Has gone way down hill. Used to really enjoy the place. I don't know if it is under new ownership? Last night appetizers, chicken fingers, was burnt and for a table of 5 we had 4 tenders to split. Not worth $11 dollars. Steak tip and fries I had to ask if I was served the children's portion. Six small tips and maybe 10 fries. Going to wait and see other post before we go back. read more

The good: Plenty of parking, convenient location, clean and inviting when you enter, and the staff is very friendly. The bad: Worst pizza I ever ate in my life, bar none, and I've eaten my share of bad pizza. I'm a billy goat when it comes to food, I'll eat anything, but I tossed this puppy in the trash before I could get through a 2nd slice. Tasteless, soggy, and just plain bad pretty much sums it all up. read more

I have been coming here since I was a little kid. I have only really gotten the sandwiches here, but they do those very well! The Italian is an actual Italian sandwich! Not this crap " X house of pizza" places try to pull of as Italian... I'm talking about real capicola, mortadella, genoa salami, and provolone cheese. The staff is always friendly, and pleasant, and the tables are clean. If you're in the mood for a good Italian sub, this is the best place in town. read more

I got the steak and cheese sub. As good or better than the rest in town. Haven't tried anything else yet.

I'm not sure where to begin? The food is overpriced & subs are very skimpy all bread! Bathrooms STINK! & very dirty, The place could use some updates, it's been 20 years & it could use a face lift. Very old & dirty. The owner of this establishment is nothing short of rude! When I had a complaint with the food, He made seem like it was my taste buds, he could care less. So many great restaurants in town. Don't even try this place! read more

20 years in and out of Hudson, never had been here! Great menu, fantastic subs, and the exposed line kitchen is IMMACULATE! If you've read my other reviews, You know I have an issue with cleanliness and claustrophobia. The joint could use a makeover, it's 20 years in business, it could use a face lift. But it's clean and it CONGA lines a lunch rush. If you are having lunch, STRONGLY suggest you keep a menu and call in for pick up. And don't be fooled by the "small" sub... They have a distorted sense of small, and one of those puppies feeds the heartiest eater. I didn't like their chicken salad - waaaayyy too much mayo, but my son and husbands cheesesteaks would put Philadelphians to shame! read more

We just dined there based on the reviews we saw on yelp - were in the area and wanted an alternative to Papa Ginos. My wife and I shared the flatbread pizza with goat cheese, chicken, and onion, while my daughter and 8 year old niece had a kids cheese pizza and chicken fingers respectively. The service was good; we had to wait a little bit for the pizzas to come out and it was not that busy on a Saturday afternoon. The total with tip came to $32. It was a toss-up whether Papa G's would have been a better choice. If I go back I will try the sandwich recommendations from the other Yelp reviewers. read more

Found this place by chance when passing through! Great selection on the menu and our choices were delicious! The bartender was amazing! So friendly, professional , knowledgeable and just adorable personality. The other patrons that were there were also so friendly! We were so glad we stopped there ! read more

Pros- Very friendly staff, the cook himself came out and asked about the food. So nice I didn't tell him I didn't like it. Meh- Prices were just short fo too much Cons. The Stuffed peppers looked great, but for some reason seriously lacked flavor. read more

Not sure what happened to this place. They wings used to be really good but for some reason they started to just do reheated wings. It's total digusting when they just give you old wings that were cooked before and reheat them. This has happned a number of times now. So this is the last time I will get wings here. read more

I agree with the previous post about the drinks... however, I was told by same bartender they don't make margaritas in the winter. It was busy and she did not want to make it. The food and waitress were excellent! Only downfall is that bartender. read more

Great Casual Dining. This is not an upscale restaurant but the food is great, homemade and I love his Marinara sauce that he makes. The food is consistently good, offers tons of variety and I always have good service here. It is also very inexpensive. This is not a romantic setting by any means, I'd describe it as kind of pubby or dinery. I know those aren't words but they are now. Kudos to Checkerboards!!! read more

Try the chicken pesto over linguine and enjoy a bit of heaven. The pizza is excellent, and the service was great.