OT: Frank Pepe's

[vtcwbuff]

Mohegan Sun Casino vs New Haven original. Has anyone here tried them both? I tried the casino version tonight for the 1st time. It was OK but nothing special.

 

[alexrgct]

I've eaten at the original in New Haven, as well as the one at the Sun and the one in Manchester. The New Haven one was by far the best, though the Manchester one is quite good (and less busy, close to where I live, and has friendlier service). The Mohegan outpost was a money grab and nothing to write home about.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

New Haven is the best, with by far the longest lines. Finest pizza ever. Distinct taste, with quality ingredients. Price, of course, is not Pizza Hut.

 

[Bobanozz]

Living in Danbury I was psyched they opened one here. It was really good, better than anything else here. I recently had to go to Yale New Haven Transplant Center, tried it there(Not the Spot) Was excellent. Those old ovens in New Haven make a HUGE difference. Service was very pleasant both places. Then again I caught them right before Dinner rush. The White Clam in New Haven is to die for. Love the way they slice their pies.

 

[JS]

As students in New Haven we subscribed to the urban legend that pizza was invented at Pepe's Wooster Street location.

Not by a long shot, considering European ancestors of what we know today as pizza. And not the first in the U.S. either.

Pepe's dates to 1925. Lombardi's in Little Italy, NYC, established 1905, is generally regarded as the first pizzeria on these shores.

The current Lombardi's claims that honor, although it isn't a continuously operated original restaurant. The original closed in the 80's. Ten years later a grandson of the founder opened the current pizzeria a little ways down the street.

 

[TrumbullHusky]

I have been to Mohegan twice. It is very good, but not nearly as good as New Haven. The same holds for Fairfield.

 

[Bestiarius]

I agree Pepe's and Sally's in New Haven are the best! It's amazing that such a simple dish can vary so widely from place to place. The ovens, the ingredients the New Haven air (prove me wrong), make a difference. Anyhow, whatever it is, I'd recommend the experience of eating at either of these two places. It's an experience that is impossible to explain. It's just pizza at nondescript place, but it's magical. I don't know why.

Part of the deliciousness is the potential long wait. By the time you get your food, anything would taste great. There's something to be said for not eating until one is starving.

Once, long ago, we waited 3 hours to get in to Pepe's. Arrived about 4:30 for 5PM opening. There was already a long line. At 5:00 the doors opened, and the last table was seated just as we moved up to the door. We then had to wait until the ovens were up to temperature, and the 1st seating ate before we were seated. Three hours later.

It was worth the wait, but never again did we try for 5PM. It was crazy, but hey, we were young. There are a number of restaurants nearby, in my opinion, all exist to serve the overflow of those who didn't want to wait for Sally or Pepe.

 

[earl the pearl]

I agree the original in New Haven is by far the best. Mohegan is passable.

 

[Fiftyish]

I am always amazed when people rave about Pepe's being the "best" pizza. Do they mean best in New Haven? Best in CT? I tried Pepe's in New Haven a couple of times and thought the pizza was good but I've had better in a couple of run of the mill pizza parlors in Waterbury. I never understood why people would stand in line to get into Pepe's. I think they are benefiting from an urban legend. Of course, that's just my opinion.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

I am always amazed when people rave about Pepe's being the "best" pizza. Do they mean best in New Haven? Best in CT? I tried Pepe's in New Haven a couple of times and thought the pizza was good but I've had better in a couple of run of the mill pizza parlors in Waterbury. I never understood why people would stand in line to get into Pepe's. I think they are benefiting from an urban legend. Of course, that's just my opinion.

They(we) stand in line because they(we) love the pizza!!!

 

[vtcwbuff]

I weould not stand in line for 3 hours even for the best FREE pizza in the world.

 

[Bestiarius]

I weould not stand in line for 3 hours even for the best FREE pizza in the world.

Maybe it's those jagged edged green leafy spices they put in it.

 

[sTu]

Part of it fiftyish is if the type of pizza you love is THIN with very little sauce then Pepe's is an excellent example of this kind of pizza. For a different, unique style pizza anyone remember Dinos in Bishop's Corner? Yummie.

 

[Bestiarius]

I am always amazed when people rave about Pepe's being the "best" pizza. Do they mean best in New Haven? Best in CT? I tried Pepe's in New Haven a couple of times and thought the pizza was good but I've had better in a couple of run of the mill pizza parlors in Waterbury. I never understood why people would stand in line to get into Pepe's. I think they are benefiting from an urban legend. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Best in the galaxy, except for Sally's which is better.

When we have company and lots of young kids will be present, we get a ton of different toppings and let the kids make their own creations, including the dough. What a mess, but great fun! There is always a contest to guess what State each pizza resembles. If one of them comes up with Tennessee, we cut it up into Rhode Island, Delaware, and New Jersey. Sample above.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Last night's pizza at Pepe's was our first pizza out in quite a while. We usually make our own.

The pizza we had was good sized and the toppings were generous but the crust was tough and soggy and it was poorly cooked. One side was barely done while the other was nearly burnt. It only took about 25 minutes though.

IMO just another pizza joint. I doubt we would visit there again.

 

[Icebear]

They(we) stand in line because they(we) love the pizza!!!

Amen. When my brothers family comes down from the Cape to my parents in Branford they call ahead to Pepe's in NH for a pickup. They never get tired of the great pies.

 

[earl the pearl]

Last night's pizza at Pepe's was our first pizza out in quite a while. We usually make our own.

The pizza we had was good sized and the toppings were generous but the crust was tough and soggy and it was poorly cooked. One side was barely done while the other was nearly burnt. It only took about 25 minutes though.

IMO just another pizza joint. I doubt we would visit there again.

Thats what makes the world go round.............