Everyone loves Pepe’s! Pepe’s was my first experience ever with coal-fired pizza so it has a special place in my heart. I have to say they had me at first slice. Even since then I have developed a preference for coal-fired pizza.  Everyone knows it’s the coal fired oven that works magic on that dough with that slight char, chewiness and crunch we expect…every time. Although, I prefer Sallys Apizza (also coal-fired) in New Haven, the gap is definitely much closer than it’s ever been these days. Particularly because of two pizza toppings they have added to their menu over the last 6 months. These are hot cherry pepper and meatball. Really, hot cherry pepper? Yes! If you like your food spicy you’ll fall in love with this topping from the moment the heat hits your tongue. From what I understand the hot cherry pepper seems to be the more favored topping so far. If you are looking for more of a dining-in experience Pepe’s is the place for you. Both locations (Fairfield & New Haven) are spacious but that doesn’t mean you won’t be waiting in line on the weekends. Unlike Sally’s they offer salad in addition to beer and wine. One thing that I love about Pepe’s is that they have put in alot of work into crafting their specialty pies of which they have 9. Crowd favorites are the white clam, margherita and the original tomato pie. You can’t go wrong with Pepe’s and if you love pizza it should be one of your first stops for pizza anywhere in Connecticut.

Tip: Weekends are busy, so plan for that
Oven: Coal-fired
Wait: 45 min on average, weekends
Atmosphere:  Casual
Pricing: $$$