OT: Best Pizza in CT

[superjohn]

I tried the Pepe's in Fairfield. I understand it may not be as good as the one in New Haven, but, I need to be at least intrigued by it and I was completed unimpressed. Just very ordinary on so many levels.

I don't discriminate against the different styles of pizzas (think crust, brick oven, deep dish, etc.). If it is good pizza, it is good pizza! I can enjoy and appreciate many of the different styles depending on my mood and how the taste buds are feeling that day.

I grew up eating pizza in central CT and now live in Fairfield County, where the pizza is completely inferior (Connolly Grill is awful, too). I long for the days when I could stop in and pick up an extra large pizza for $12 with my friends to watch a few football / basketball games on Saturday and Sunday. Those days are over, but any chance I get, I try to meet a few of them at the old pizza joint in Bristol. You know its great pizza, when family and friends from other places in the country reminisce about it when they see you. It just has a way of leaving a lasting impression. So, if you haven't tried it, do yourself a favor and go. You won't be disappointed. My favorites include meatball or mushroom. Good luck!

Only went to the Pepe's in Fairlfield once and it sucked compared to the original, can't speak to the other offshoots but the one in Fairfield isn't on the same planet as the New Haven one. What's the name of the pizza joint in Bristol?

 

[James]

@8899 bishops corner right? Love that place

 

[upstater]

$80??? How many people are you feeding?

4.

We're taking about bistro pizza. Askgreek talked about a restaurant (not pizza place) in New York that I've been to. It was about $20 per personal pizza.

 

[Deepster]

What is the spooker??

The Spooker! From Verdolini's!!! Mau only mentioned it like 30 times in this thread.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Because I don't feel like spending $80 for pizza for the family.

Fair enough, I won't argue with that, but then maybe better to say there's no good cheap pizza within 200 miles of you. I don't see this "restaurant" / "pizza place" distinction as being particularly significant.

 

[Askgreek]

This simply is not true. Greek pizza has different ingredients and is also prepared differently than thin crust.

And your point is...it must be me then. Just throw

Only went to the Pepe's in Fairlfield once and it sucked compared to the original, can't speak to the other offshoots but the one in Fairfield isn't on the same planet as the New Haven one. What's the name of the pizza joint in Bristol?

OK, maybe I will give it another chance the next time I am in New Haven.

Max Pizza in Bristol is the place. They don't deliver but you can eat in or pick up. Enjoy!

 

[David 76]

I've had people that were used to doughy, Greek style pizza that I brought to Pepe's and they did not like it. "Too thin, too oily". That is their taste and how they grew up. Fine. But the people who judge pizza consistently pick Pepe's. That means something.
It's like someone who loves Coor's light. They are free to buy it. But you really can't argue it is the best in the best beer thread.

 

[David 76]

The Spooker! From Verdolini's!!! Mau only mentioned it like 30 times in this thread.

Yes, but I don't think anyone has explained it.

 

[August_West]

since its been quite a few pages and we are bemoaning Greek Pizza again, I propose we observe a moment of LoLZ for one of the most laughworthy of the Pizza types:
Chicago Deep Dish... everyone with me now: LOL @ you, you Butter crusted Casserole/Lasagna aboination disguised as a pizza. (It can be tasty, it aint Pie)

Also some derision your way you St. Louis style crap with the provel processed cheese.

and yeah, detroit square pie, I havent forgotten you either; .

There, I feel better.

 

[August_West]

Yes, but I don't think anyone has explained it.

I think I unlocked the secret of the spooker (awaiting Mau's confirmation though)

Red Sauce, Romano Cheese, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Double Sausage.

 

[David 76]

Wow! The mystery was much more exciting. Sausage pizza with crushed red pepper. A nd I thought it was from the Karma Sutra or something.

 

[8893]

 

[Dove]

since its been quite a few pages and we are bemoaning Greek Pizza again, I propose we observe a moment of LoLZ for one of the most laughworthy of the Pizza types:
Chicago Deep Dish... everyone with me now: LOL @ you, you Butter crusted Casserole/Lasagna aboination disguised as a pizza. (It can be tasty, it aint Pie)

Also some derision your way you St. Louis style crap with the provel processed cheese.

and yeah, detroit square pie, I havent forgotten you either; .

There, I feel better.

Ever have a Priazzo at Pizza Hut back in the 80s?

 

[FASTEDDY]

Only went to the Pepe's in Fairlfield once and it sucked compared to the original, can't speak to the other offshoots but the one in Fairfield isn't on the same planet as the New Haven one. What's the name of the pizza joint in Bristol?

Max Pizza.

 

[zyron]

I grew up eating pizza in central CT and now live in Fairfield County, where the pizza is completely inferior (Connolly Grill is awful, too).

Are you talking about Colony grill? If you didn't eat at the one in Stamford (Like you didn't eat at the New Haven Pepe's) than it is nowhere as good.

 

[superjohn]

Are you talking about Colony grill? If you didn't eat at the one in Stamford (Like you didn't eat at the New Haven Pepe's) than it is nowhere as good.

Is Colony Grill in Stamford really good? I've never been a huge fan of bar style pizzas but they must be doing something right to be around so long.

 

[Gurleyman]

since its been quite a few pages and we are bemoaning Greek Pizza again, I propose we observe a moment of LoLZ for one of the most laughworthy of the Pizza types: Chicago Deep Dish... everyone with me now: LOL @ you, you Butter crusted Casserole/Lasagna aboination disguised as a pizza. (It can be tasty, it aint Pie) Also some derision your way you St. Louis style crap with the provel processed cheese. and yeah, detroit square pie, I havent forgotten you either; . There, I feel better.

St. Louis pizza was an abomination. It made me want to walk out - not of the restaurant, of the whole city.

 

[zyron]

Is Colony Grill in Stamford really good? I've never been a huge fan of bar style pizzas but they must be doing something right to be around so long.

Very good. They only make one size, a good size personal pizza. Very thin crust (It is a really thin pizza overall) and is great with their hot oil or stingers (a hot pepper). I only tried the Fairfield location a little while after they opened and was not as good as Stamford, like eating at Pepe's in Fairfield.

 

[superjohn]

St. Louis pizza was an abomination. It made me want to walk out - not of the restaurant, of the whole city.

St. Louis doesn't seem like much of a food city considering their major culinary achievement is toasted ravioli.

 

[mauconnfan]

The Spooker! From Verdolini's!!! Mau only mentioned it like 30 times in this thread.

I actually think if we look back you may have mentioned it more than I.

 

[mauconnfan]

I think I unlocked the secret of the spooker (awaiting Mau's confirmation though)

Red Sauce, Romano Cheese, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Double Sausage.

Bingo may need to try it AW

 

[RichZ]

My wife, unfortunately, is a fan of Greek pizza. Not all Greek pizza, but 2 out of her favorite 3 pizza places are greek.

So I've had more than my share of greek pie, and have learned to tolerate it, as long as it's not too doughy.

But it ain't pizza. It doesn't satisfy the craving at all.

To me, Pepe's is an RCH behind Roseland. But in my mind, both are a hair behind Salerno's in Stratford. I have a thing for Salerno's. It's the direct descendant of the pie I grew up with (C&C, at the corner of Connecticut and Carrol Avenues in Bridgeport). Same family. Same recipe. Same taste and texture.

Salerno's like Roseland, fits my formula for always getting a good pizza when on the road. There MUST be a neon sign in the window or over the door, and it must flicker a bit, or have a letter out. And the magic word must begin with an A. Generally speaking, it won't say APIZZA if it's not Neapolitan. If it says APIZZA in flickering neon, go right in and inhale. If you smell a little burnt olive oil and oregano in the air, order up. Everything will be OK.

For what it's worth, Pepe's neon doesn't begin with an A. But I guess it's OK, because Frank and family pronounced it abeetz.

 

[zyron]

My wife, unfortunately, is a fan of Greek pizza. Not all Greek pizza, but 2 out of her favorite 3 pizza places are greek.

So I've had more than my share of greek pie, and have learned to tolerate it, as long as it's not too doughy.

But it ain't pizza. It doesn't satisfy the craving at all.

But in my mind, both are a hair behind Salerno's in Stratford. I have a thing for Salerno's.

Salerno's is good, but it's not a great pizza. So your wife must like Paradise Pizza in Stratford with their Greek Pizza. It is a Greek Pizza that I really like too and love it when they burn the cheese a little.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

And yet another list, this time 'America's Favorite 35 Pizzerias'

http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/america-s-favorite-pizzerias

A couple of highlights - please get rid of Pizzeria Regina out of Boston. Been there, done that, not impressed. CT is pizza heaven with 9 entries, including the top 4 - #4 Modern (New Haven), #3 Colony (Stamford), #2 Star (Orange), and #1 Pepe’s (New Haven). I really need to visit the old neighborhood one of these days and re-investigate Roseland in Derby (#27). I actually took the family to the Patsy’s (#13) in Brooklyn next to Barclay’s after the UConn hockey game. I was pliantly surprised that the pie was good and the service was solid). I actually wanted to take them to Sottocasa Pizzeria on Atlantic as I have been there before and love it; but, it was took for of a hike for a hungry 5 year old.

 

[HooperScooper]

And yet another list, this time 'America's Favorite 35 Pizzerias'

http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/america-s-favorite-pizzerias

A couple of highlights - please get rid of Pizzeria Regina out of Boston. Been there, done that, not impressed.

Wholeheartedly agree. I think it always makes these lists, as well as Santarpio's, because it's one of the best in Boston and they feel like a large ethnic city like Boston has to have good pizza. Unfortunately that just isn't true.

Actually Max and Leo's in Newton has probably the best pizza in the area.