Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, often called Pepe’s, isn’t just a pizza place; it’s a local spot to enjoy New Haven-style pizza. With a history stretching back almost a century, stepping into Pepe’s in Danbury feels like joining a long-standing tradition.
The Story Behind the Pizza
In 1925, Frank Pepe started his pizza journey in New Haven, Connecticut. Pepe, an Italian immigrant, brought with him the flavors of his homeland and a passion for simple, quality ingredients. He started making pizza in a small storefront, using a coal-fired oven to give his pies a unique, smoky flavor and crispy crust. This commitment to tradition and quality is what made Pepe’s a local favorite and, eventually, part of a family-owned chain.
What Makes Pepe’s Pizza Special?
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The Coal-Fired Oven: The heart of Pepe’s is its coal-fired oven. This oven burns at extremely high temperatures, which cooks the pizza quickly and gives it a distinctive char. The intense heat caramelizes the sugars in the dough and toppings, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t get with a regular oven.
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Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Pepe’s has always focused on using high-quality, simple ingredients. From the crushed Italian tomatoes to the fresh clams, every ingredient is chosen for its flavor and quality. This dedication to freshness is evident in every bite.
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New Haven-style apizza: Pepe’s originated the New Haven-style thin-crust apizza (closely related to Neapolitan-style Italian pizza) which he baked in a coal-fired brick pizza oven.
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The Original Tomato Pie: One of Pepe’s most famous creations is the Original Tomato Pie. This isn’t your typical cheese pizza; it’s a celebration of the tomato itself. The pie features crushed Italian tomatoes, olive oil, and grated cheese but no mozzarella. The result is a bright, tangy, and flavorful pizza that lets the quality of the tomatoes shine through.
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The White Clam Pizza: Another must-try at Pepe’s is the White Clam Pizza. This pizza is loaded with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and oregano. The combination of briny clams, pungent garlic, and herbs creates a pizza that’s both savory and incredibly addictive.
A Look at the Menu
Pepe’s menu offers a variety of pizzas, but here are a few highlights:
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Original Tomato Pie: As mentioned, this is a must-try for any first-timer.
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White Clam Pizza: A unique and flavorful pizza that’s become a Pepe’s signature.
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Cheese Pizza: A classic pie.
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Build Your Own: You can also build your own pizza.
Beyond pizza, Pepe’s also offers salads, desserts, and a selection of beverages, including Foxon Park Soda, a local favorite.
What People Are Saying
Pepe’s has earned a dedicated following over the years, and for good reason. Here’s what people are saying about the Danbury location:
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Friendly Staff: Reviewers often mention the friendly and hardworking staff.
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Unique Pizza: The pizza is described as unique to the area.
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Some customers have had issues with the customer service and POS system.
Visiting Pepe’s in Danbury
The Danbury location maintains the same traditions of quality ingredients and coal-fired ovens that the original is known for.
Address: 59 Federal Rd, Danbury, CT 06810
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Whether you’re a lifelong pizza lover or just looking for a delicious meal, a trip to Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in Danbury is well worth it. It’s a chance to taste a piece of pizza history and experience the flavors that have made Pepe’s a beloved institution.
Source: pepespizzeria.com
Header Image Source: northernvirginiamag.com
