🍕  Let’s be clear. This ain’t haute cuisine. It’s pizza. But as far as pizza goes? Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana—Pepe’s—is the Sistine Chapel of pies. The Holy Grail in a coal-fired crust. The Mozart of mozzarella. 🇮🇹🔥

And yes—I’ve been to Naples, Italy. Just to make sure. 🇮🇹✔️

🌱 Personal Confession (Don't Judge Me)

I eat veggies all week. I avoid meat. I care about the animals. 🐄💚
But at Pepe’s? All bets are off. The veggies run scared. The bacon beckons. The coal oven hypnotizes. 🔥👀

I’ve been here over 100 times—no exaggeration. I’ve had:

• 🍕 Every pie on the menu

• 😋 Every possible combo

• 🧾 Every excuse to “accidentally” pass through New Haven

And yes, I’ve also tasted the best of the rest:

• Sally’s 🍅: Love their original tomato

• Modern 🍆: The eggplant & mutz is a spiritual experience

• Zuppardi’s 🦪: Best white clam (sorry Pepe’s, still love you more)

But in the end…
Pepe’s is still the GOAT. 🐐🍕

📍 Fast Facts for the Hungry and the Impatient

• Located in: Wooster Square Historic District

• Address: 157 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511

• Phone: (203) 865-5762

• Open: Daily, 11 AM–10 PM

• Reservations? Nope. You wait. ⏳

• Dress Code? Who’s judging? It’s pizza. 👕🧢

• Delivery/Takeout? Yes! Especially from The Spot next door (same pies, shorter lines—you're welcome).

• Website/Menu: pepespizzeria.com

Now with 17 locations across CT, MA, NY, RI, FL, MD & VA.
Still, nothing beats the OG in New Haven. 🏛️🍕

🔥 The Secret Sauce: Why It’s So Good

• Coal-fired ovens reach ~600°F

• Crispy-chewy crusts you dream about

• Moisture control? Flawless victory.

• Named after: Frank Pepe, an Italian immigrant and genius-level pizzaiolo, who opened the doors back in 1925.

🍕 Combos That Absolutely Rock (Don’t Say I Didn’t Warn You)

🌊 1. The White Clam Pizza 🦪

The showstopper. A garlicky, briny, chewy-cheesy dream.
Zuppardi’s may edge it out on this front, but it’s close—like “which child do you love more” close.

Note: Skip the bacon. Trust the clam.

🌶️ 2. Roasted Red Pepper + Bacon + Mutz (Red)

Unholy levels of addictive. You’ll crave it during meetings, weddings, and sleep. Proceed with caution. 😅

🌿 3. Spinach + Mushrooms + Mutz (Red)

Vegetarian? Health-conscious? You still win. Bursting with earthy flavor. Popeye-approved.

Check out our take on the Eggplant pie at Modern: 
Modern Apizza: A Slice of Heaven in New Haven, CT 🍕🍽️

🍄 4. Sausage + Mushrooms + Mutz (Red)

For the carnivores. Balanced, bold, brilliant.

🧆 5. Meatball + Ricotta (Specialty Pie)

A whole new level of indulgence. Soft, savory, and soul-soothing.

🍅 6. Margherita (Specialty Pie)

A classic done right. Clean, fresh, and elegant. Like Audrey Hepburn with extra mozzarella.

🐔 7. Chicken + Broccoli (Specialty White Pie)

For people who love eating birds. Gorgonzola’s on it, but I'd rather get gored. Red is even better. 🧀❌ (Your call.)

🍕Other Must-Tries:

• Original Tomato Pie: I prefer Modern’s, then Sally’s, but still solid here

• Fresh Tomato Pie (Seasonal): A summer dream 🌞🍅

• Pepperoni & Hot Cherry Peppers: For the spice fiends 🌶️🔥

🥤 Drinks + 🍰 Desserts:

• White Birch Beer = cult status among locals

• Tiramisu = 💣 (if you’ve got room, and even if you don’t)

Bonus: Sally’s also does a killer tiramisu, so maybe do… dessert hop? 🍰🚗💨

⚖️ Verdict:

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is still the champion.
No frills. No gimmicks. Just coal-fired perfection, 100 years strong.
If pizza had a Mount Rushmore — Pepe’s would be Washington. 🇺🇸🍕

📛 Disclaimer:

This is not fine dining. This is fun dining. And we’re not food critics. We’re just adventure pilgrims wandering from shack to country, fork in hand and joy in heart. 🥄❤️

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