OT: New Haven Pizza

[buldogge]

OK... Heading "home" to visit family (and maybe cool off)...gonna be driving from STL to Boston area and on to NH/Maine. I was thinking of stopping in New Haven for apizza.

So...Without starting any wars ( :D )... Should I try Pepe's, Sally's, Modern, Bar, or ???

Suggestions.

TIA
-Mark in St. Louis

ps...Bummed that Louis Lunch is closed the entire month of August!

pps...I'll be having Grimaldi's or Di Fara's or some other Brooklyn pie on the way home when I stop to visit my little brother...if that colors anyones suggestion.

[Kirk Pacenti]

Covered this here: http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=79617&highlight=Pepe%27s

It's still Pepe's for me.

[Julian Brooklyn]

For New Haven, I'm also still a Pepe's fan.

For Brooklyn, I encourage you to also consider Roberta's, Fanny's, Fornino, Motorino.

[Julian Brooklyn]

Also, Bar's beer might be ample reason to stick with that option, though the old-school places are more fun to be in.

[buldogge]

My Brother mentioned Motorino as well, as well as Paulie Gee's I believe...

TA
-Mark

For New Haven, I'm also still a Pepe's fan.

For Brooklyn, I encourage you to also consider Roberta's, Fanny's, Fornino, Motorino.

[buldogge]

I don't drink, so beer is irrelevant to me (my wife can suffer ;) )...

Have you eaten at Pepe's Spot...supposedly shorter lines...but what about the taste/quality??

-Mark

Also, Bar's beer might be ample reason to stick with that option, though the old-school places are more fun to be in.

[victoryfactory]

Born in new haven.
in the 50's (that's right) my folks took us for apizza
(pronounced "ah-BEETS")on Wooster St often.
Mom liked Sallys Dad liked Pepes. Dad paid so we went
mostly to Pepes.
My brother says modern is best. He still lives nearby.

I'm a Pepes fan but I must make one observation:
Real Pizza is a bit different every day. It is not spit out of a
machine controlled by computers. This I think is largely
responsible for the wild differences in the reviews you
read on line. Temperature, humidity, oven conditions,
which pie you happen to order,
the mood of the Pizzaiolo can all make a difference on a
daily basis. I'm not kidding. There is an element of
chance with apizza which is never taken into consideration
by the wailing over opinionated yahoos who post on line.

Am I way over the top here? maybe but I love my Apizza

VF

[buldogge]

I agree completely... I just love pizza (of many kinds actually) and want to try some New Haven apizza. I won't go in with any grandiose expectations...just looking for the best jumping off point, as it were.

TA
-Mark

Born in new haven.
in the 50's (that's right) my folks took us for appiza
(pronounced "ah-BEETS")on Wooster St often.
Mom liked Sallys Dad liked Pepes. Dad paid so we went
mostly to Pepes.
My brother says modern is best. He still lives nearby.

I'm a Pepes fan but I must make one observation:
Real Pizza is a bit different every day. It is not spit out of a
machine controlled by computers. This I think is largely
responsible for the wild differences in the reviews you
read on line. Temperature, humidity, oven conditions,
which pie you happen to order,
the mood of the Pizziolo can all make a difference on a
daily basis. I'm not kidding. There is an element of
chance with appiza which is never taken into consideration
by the wailing over opinionated yahoos who post on line.

Am I way over the top here? maybe but I love my appiza

VF

[victoryfactory]

I don't drink, so beer is irrelevant to me (my wife can suffer ;) )...

Have you eaten at Pepe's Spot...supposedly shorter lines...but what about the taste/quality??

-Mark

The spot is identical in my experience but you get
to sit on uncomfortable wire backed chairs instead of
the classic oversized booths in Pepes proper.

I have been told that the oven in the spot is actuallly Frank
Pepe's original one. Not sure on that though.

VF

[SEABREEZE]

Share the love, buy one from each, that should keep your belly full till you get to Boston...

[echappist]

OK... Heading "home" to visit family (and maybe cool off)...gonna be driving from STL to Boston area and on to NH/Maine. I was thinking of stopping in New Haven for apizza.

So...Without starting any wars ( :D )... Should I try Pepe's, Sally's, Modern, Bar, or ???

Suggestions.

TIA
-Mark in St. Louis

ps...Bummed that Louis Lunch is closed the entire month of August!

pps...I'll be having Grimaldi's or Di Fara's or some other Brooklyn pie on the way home when I stop to visit my little brother...if that colors anyones suggestion.

A few friends and I biked up to NH last November and met up with a few other Pizza aficionados. The trip leader wanted Sally's despite most of us wanting Pepé's. So we want to Sally's, only to be greeted by some obnoxious patrons. Despite the shorter wait at Sally's, we turned around and went to Pepe's instead. Definitely get the white clam pie

Once you have Pepé's, you'll scoff at the offerings from Grimaldi's. If you insist on pizza in BK, i'd suggest Roberta's. A lot of the ingredients are from their garden in the back, and the pizza is quite good. The only drawback is that a) the surrounding looks like Elizabeth, NJ and b) it's a mecca for hipsters. But it's worth the trip (90 min one way for me, which is not much shorter than the train to NH), imho.

Edit: this thread is worthless without pics. Alas

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qZrfJKHUZho/S8JMaHotmMI/AAAAAAAAAd0/Z1hgDovXHLI/s640/IMG_0145.jpg

[buldogge]

Thanx for that... My brother lives in Williamsburg...so...I think the hipsters will be unavoidable (my brother is 27 yo). I live in STL (the actual city), I won't be bothered by rough surroundings ;) (I joke, actually...STL has some beautiful neighborhoods).

I'm was eyeing up the clams casino pie at Modern though...

When I was a kid, I ate quite a bit of clam pizza at Weir Pizza in Taunton, MA...that was typical SE Mass bar pizza though.

Now I'm getting hungry...

TA
-Mark

A few friends and I biked up to NH last November and met up with a few other Pizza aficionados. The trip leader wanted Sally's despite most of us wanting Pepé's. So we want to Sally's, only to be greeted by some obnoxious patrons. Despite the shorter wait at Sally's, we turned around and went to Pepe's instead. Definitely get the white clam pie

Once you have Pepé's, you'll scoff at the offerings from Grimaldi's. If you insist on pizza in BK, i'd suggest Roberta's. A lot of the ingredients are from their garden in the back, and the pizza is quite good. The only drawback is that a) the surrounding looks like Elizabeth, NJ and b) it's a mecca for hipsters. But it's worth the trip (90 min one way for me, which is not much shorter than the train to NH), imho.

Edit: this thread is worthless without pics. Alas

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qZrfJKHUZho/S8JMaHotmMI/AAAAAAAAAd0/Z1hgDovXHLI/s640/IMG_0145.jpg

[buldogge]

Oh yeah... I get quite decent Napoli style pizza here in STL at a joint called The Good Pie...In NYC I was wanting one of the NY style classics, I suppose.

Thanx again,
-Mark

A few friends and I biked up to NH last November and met up with a few other Pizza aficionados. The trip leader wanted Sally's despite most of us wanting Pepé's. So we want to Sally's, only to be greeted by some obnoxious patrons. Despite the shorter wait at Sally's, we turned around and went to Pepe's instead. Definitely get the white clam pie

Once you have Pepé's, you'll scoff at the offerings from Grimaldi's. If you insist on pizza in BK, i'd suggest Roberta's. A lot of the ingredients are from their garden in the back, and the pizza is quite good. The only drawback is that a) the surrounding looks like Elizabeth, NJ and b) it's a mecca for hipsters. But it's worth the trip (90 min one way for me, which is not much shorter than the train to NH), imho.

Edit: this thread is worthless without pics. Alas

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qZrfJKHUZho/S8JMaHotmMI/AAAAAAAAAd0/Z1hgDovXHLI/s640/IMG_0145.jpg

[Peter P.]

I suggest you take a side trip to Little Rendezvous in Meriden, CT, my 'hood. Hey; you've already had the standard New Haven fare (which is the finest, no doubt); why not see if some other pizzerias measure up? The decor is spartan, but you won't be disappointed.

Little Rendezvous (http://thelittlevous.com/)

Or, for something out of the pizza realm but Meriden's own world famous, stop at Ted's, home of the steamed cheeseburger (http://www.tedsrestaurant.com/) .

[buldogge]

Hey Peter... I've never had New Haven apizza before (strangely enough)...but...The Little Rendevous looks pretty good/interesting as well! I believe I saw the steamed burger place on Food Network (or similar) before...How is it???

-Mark

I suggest you take a side trip to Little Rendezvous in Meriden, CT, my 'hood. Hey; you've already had the standard New Haven fare (which is the finest, no doubt); why not see if some other pizzerias measure up? The decor is spartan, but you won't be disappointed.

Little Rendezvous (http://thelittlevous.com/)

Or, for something out of the pizza realm but Meriden's own world famous, stop at Ted's, home of the steamed cheeseburger (http://www.tedsrestaurant.com/) .

[A.T.&Love]

PEPE's!!

[A.T.&Love]

And then DiFara in BK!!!

[bluekudu]

I'm a Sally's guy. I'll eat at Pepe's and Modern too, but Sally's is number one. You truly can't go wrong at either place. Disclaimer: it's been 10 years sinced I've dined at either place but I grew up in NH.

[djg21]

Sally's. Grew up in New Haven. Pepe's is good. But I'm a Sally's guy.

[djg21]

I don't drink, so beer is irrelevant to me (my wife can suffer ;) )...

Have you eaten at Pepe's Spot...supposedly shorter lines...but what about the taste/quality??

-Mark


Spot is an OK alternative when the lines are too long at Sally's or Pepe's.

It''s all good.

[golazo]

As recently as 1 year ago, my apartment sat dead smack in the middle of both places. Walk out the door and head half a block down to the right, you hit Sally's, or, take a few steps to the left, and there is the storied Pepe's.

I still live in New Haven (and dream of saving up my pennies for my very own MeiVici, but back on topic), and have tried them all, too many times to count: Pepe's, Sally's, Modern, Bar, Grand Appizza (down Grand Ave. near the Q-River), Zuppardi's (in West Haven actually, but New Haven pizza roots).

My winner: Sally's by a hair at the finish line. I must say, they are all fantastic, and New Haven is def. the best small town/city for pizza in America.

Cheers!

PS: Bar's beer is quite good, as is the fantastic burger at Louis Lunch. Wow, I am hungry now, where do I go....? :beer:

[djg21]

We might need to do a Forum night out on Wooster Street.

[fiamme red]

We might need to do a Forum night out on Wooster Street.How about a New Haven forum ride followed by pizza? I'd be up for that.

[golazo]

Man! I'd totally be down for talking cycling while diving in on some pie!

Does living in New Haven mean I get to show up on my 5 speed bike?

:bike:

[Ken Robb]

I am a frustrated pizza eater. There are so many choices for toppings that it's impossible for me to get 2-4 people together who want to order a "real" pizza: cheese, sausage or peperoni. Mushrooms are OK too.
Nowadays there's always some weirdo who wants pineapple or artichokes on the pie. :eek:

[bigflax925]

I'm a Pepe's guy. Have been since I was born.

There's nothing like some Pepe's followed by something from Libby's. That's an evening.

[champ]

If you dont mind being treated like Seinfeld was by the Soup Nazi.. Sally's pizza is better than Pepe's or The Spot (they make the pizza at Pepe's and walk it across the parking lot). Sally's lacks any semblance of class and they probably dont care if you walk away tired of waiting but the pies are the best in New Haven, imo.

[djg21]

I am a frustrated pizza eater. There are so many choices for toppings that it's impossible for me to get 2-4 people together who want to order a "real" pizza: cheese, sausage or peperoni. Mushrooms are OK too.
Nowadays there's always some weirdo who wants pineapple or artichokes on the pie. :eek:

At Sally's, you need to order at least one red pie (simple -- cheese or mushroom) and one white pie with clams (and peppers).

Road trip!

[Peter P.]

Hey Peter... I've never had New Haven apizza before (strangely enough)...but...The Little Rendevous looks pretty good/interesting as well! I believe I saw the steamed burger place on Food Network (or similar) before...How is it???

-Mark

It's not an orgasmic experience but after eating a steamed cheeseburger, you'll never eat a Big Mac again. Don't forget to order the home fries while you're there!

[buldogge]

We tend to avoid McDonald's...but...I will definitely give Ted's a try if I can!

TA
-Mark

It's not an orgasmic experience but after eating a steamed cheeseburger, you'll never eat a Big Mac again. Don't forget to order the home fries while you're there!

[echappist]

How about a New Haven forum ride followed by pizza? I'd be up for that.

i'm planning to take the train up to Stamford, ride to NH, have a light lunch, go up to Middletown, go down to Old Saybrook, and wind my way back to NH some times. Should be E-P-I-C.

[djg21]

i'm planning to take the train up to Stamford, ride to NH, have a light lunch, go up to Middletown, go down to Old Saybrook, and wind my way back to NH some times. Should be E-P-I-C.


How do you plan on riding from Stamford to New Haven. Rte. 1 sucks.

[BobbyJones]

How do you plan on riding from Stamford to New Haven. Rte. 1 sucks.

You head a bit North and cut over New Caanan / Weston / Easton / Monroe and head south on 34.

I'd be down for a Tour du Pizza, but I ain't going to Sally's. As I mentioned in another post, it's a filthy crap hole.

Let me know if this happens for real. A New Haven-Middletown-Old Saybrook (and maybe back to NH) triangle is totally doable in one day with pizza stops without going too crazy. Theres a late afternoon train from Old Saybrook to NH as a bailout.

[echappist]

How do you plan on riding from Stamford to New Haven. Rte. 1 sucks.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25549926

i've down it twice, though like any ride starting inside a large city, the first 15 miles sucks b/c of lights and traffic. If i have to do 90+ miles, i'd rather skip the ride to Stamford, though truth be told, the part between the Bronx and Stamford is quite enjoyable.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/34372134

i've ridden to Clinton, CT from NH four years ago, back when i was a slow fred wearing a yellow shirt (happens to be my running shirt, no relation to a MJ) and a camelpack. Great scenic views along the shore, though i don't remember much of the trip inland. I do recall getting pretty sore as i wore running shorts, but thankfully, no saddle sores.

[BobbyJones]

I can't believe you took route 1 from nyc to nh. That, my friend, takes balls.


http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25549926

i've down it twice, though like any ride starting inside a large city, the first 15 miles sucks b/c of lights and traffic. If i have to do 90+ miles, i'd rather skip the ride to Stamford, though truth be told, the part between the Bronx and Stamford is quite enjoyable.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/34372134

i've ridden to Clinton, CT from NH four years ago, back when i was a slow fred wearing a yellow shirt (happens to be my running shirt, no relation to a MJ) and a camelpack. Great scenic views along the shore, though i don't remember much of the trip inland. I do recall getting pretty sore as i wore running shorts, but thankfully, no saddle sores.

[fiamme red]

My idea for a pizza ride was to start in NH, climb West Rock, north on Baldwin Drive (closed to cars), around Sleeping Giant, climb East Rock, back to NH. Maybe 35-40 miles?

[southernexposur]

They are all better than anywhere else in the states, but my vote goes for Modern. Avoid the lines and call in an order.

And at least pop into Bar and check out the artwork in the bathrooms.

Andrew

[buldogge]

Is Modern bad with lines as well???

-Mark

They are all better than anywhere else in the states, but my vote goes for Modern. Avoid the lines and call in an order.

And at least pop into Bar and check out the artwork in the bathrooms.

Andrew

[echappist]

BobbyJones,

The ride isn't that bad. The only times i had to be on Rt 1 were as follows

-In the Bronx. Doable as it was 8am on a Saturday morning.
-Between Rye & Ct Border. Very lightly traveled road, and pretty to boot
-Between Fairfield and Bridgeport. Just 1-2 miles
-Between Stratford and Milford. Not bad even on a Saturday afternoon

My idea for a pizza ride was to start in NH, climb West Rock, north on Baldwin Drive (closed to cars), around Sleeping Giant, climb East Rock, back to NH. Maybe 35-40 miles?
there are many paths to culinary salvation :)

[fiamme red]

BobbyJones,

The ride isn't that bad. The only times i had to be on Rt 1 were as follows

-In the Bronx. Doable as it was 8am on a Saturday morning.
-Between Rye & Ct Border. Very lightly traveled road, and pretty to boot
-Between Fairfield and Bridgeport. Just 1-2 miles
-Between Stratford and Milford. Not bad even on a Saturday afternoonThere's a nice East Coast Greenway cue sheet between Greenwich and New Haven that avoids Route 1:

http://www.greenway.org/cuesheets.aspx

[Peter P.]

i'm planning to take the train up to Stamford, ride to NH, have a light lunch, go up to Middletown, go down to Old Saybrook, and wind my way back to NH some times. Should be E-P-I-C.

If you go up to Middletown, the you MUST stop at Jerry's Pizza on South Main Street and order a White Sicilian Pizza. As was written,

"try the White Sicilian pizza at Jerry's, located in a nondescript strip mall in Middletown. You have to order it AT LEAST TWO HOURS IN ADVANCE to allow the dough to soak sufficiently in olive oil. The pie itself is an awesome, uncompromising, knock-your-socks-off Mediterranean blast: no cheese, no tomato, just anchovies, garlic, parsley and red pepper flakes baked on a crusty golden bed. Not to everyone's taste, to be sure, but if you love it, you may find you can't live without it."