The Connecticut Restaurant With Italian Roots That Date Back To 1925
Frank Pepe Pizzeria, founded in 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut, is renowned for its authentic Italian-style pizza and has expanded throughout the northeast.
When it comes to pizza in Connecticut, one name stands above the rest. Frank Pepe Pizzeria is world famous: it's even been named the best pizza in America. But did you know this place has authentic Italian roots that stretch back nearly a century? Frank Pepe now has locations throughout the northeast, but back in 1925, it was a single joint in New Haven founded by a newly-arrived Italian immigrant. Learn more about the history of this delicious pizza restaurant in Connecticut:
The restaurant's namesake immigrated to the United States in 1909 when he was just 16-years-old. He left to fight for his home country in World War I before returning to New Haven in 1920.
He worked for a noodle maker and bread bakery before branching out on his own to found his own bakery. He began selling traditional tomato pies, like many served in Italy.
Apizza is known for its thin crust and coal firing. Coal-fired ovens cook at much higher temperatures than other types of baking. This causes the pizza to cook much quicker, and also gives it a distinctive texture.
In a world where restaurants come and go like clockwork, Frank Pepe Pizzeria would be considered unique for its longevity alone. Add in its quality food and the fact it's still being run by his descendants today, this is one of the most notable pizza parlors in Connecticut.
Picture this: it's summer in Connecticut, and you have a craving for seafood. So you hop in the car and head to Noank to satisfy the aforementioned craving. You head to Abbott's Lobster in the Rough, order a massive lobster roll, and take your food to a picnic table to dine, where you'll bask in the warm summer sun and gaze out at the Mystic River. Ah, you think, it doesn't get much better than this.
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And truly - it doesn't get much better than this.
When the craving for delicious seafood strikes, there's no better place to go than Abbott's Lobster in the Rough. This tiny-but-mighty eatery is nestled along the mouth of the Mystic River in Noank, Connecticut, and it has delighted diners with delicious fresh seafood for over 70 years.
Established in 1947, Abbott's Lobster in the Rough is a hidden gem known primarily to locals for its very distinct brand of Connecticut-style lobster roll, served on a warm, buttered bun stuffed to the gills with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth morsels of lobster meat. (Maine lobster rolls, by contrast, are served cold with lots of mayo.) For those outside of Connecticut, this local lobster shack is relatively unknown; however, it's the kind of place that certainly belongs on any seafood lover's radar -- and coverage in recent years has certainly helped this lobster shack shine.
You'll find Abbott's at 117 Pearl Street in Noank, right on the mouth of the Mystic River (one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Connecticut). The atmosphere is casual and inviting -- no need to dress up here -- with a decidedly "sea shack" vibe. Despite the fact that lobster is often viewed as a luxury entrée, the lobster rolls at Abbott's are affordable and generously apportioned, and the lobster suppers are served with coleslaw, potato chips, and drawn butter... don't forget the napkins!
Of course, Abbott's boasts an amazing menu full of other fresh catches: clams and oysters on the half shell, mussels, shrimp, crab, and the restaurant's legendary "New England Seafood Feast" make for a menu sure to tempt and tantalize any seafood lover's taste buds. The aforementioned feast is a "best buy" at Abbott's and features the restaurant's Clam Chowder, Shrimp in the Rough, a bowl of Steamers and Mussels, Steamed Lobster, plus potato chips, coleslaw, and drawn butter. This is the kind of mouthwatering meal memories are made of!
Dine inside the cozy storefront or enjoy a meal right next to the water. No matter where you sit, you're in for a treat -- nothing beats the spectacular view surrounding you.
Make the effort to visit Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank, Connecticut, before they close their doors for the season; for 2024, that date is October 14. Please note that reservations for the general public are neither needed nor accepted; dining is strictly "first come first served" and the restaurant is open rain or shine. To learn more about their seasonal hours and menu, visit the official website for Abbott's Lobster in the Rough.
Have you ever eaten at this scrumptious lobster shack in Connecticut? What's your favorite dish on the menu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And be sure to show your support for this small business in Connecticut by following Abbott's Lobster on Facebook.
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Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
I find few things more satisfying than dining out at an upscale restaurant. Most of us can't afford to indulge in such luxuries on a daily basis, but that's what makes it so special. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just feel like treating yourself, enjoying the opulence and exquisite dishes at Connecticut's best fine dining restaurants is a wonderful experience to treasure every once in a while. If you're visiting the lovely city of New Haven, there's certainly no shortage of places to dine: it is the home of Connecticut-style apizza, after all! But if you're looking for something a little more upscale, you won't want to miss a visit to olea, one of the state's top restaurants. Here, you'll find a menu full of Mediterranean and Spanish delights that are absolutely delectable. Check it out:
Before you even walk in the door, you'll be struck by how incredibly pretty this place is. The simple, but elegant, exterior belies the explosive flavor of the food inside.
The menu is full of innovative Spanish cuisine, made with both locally-sourced ingredients and some components that are imported from the Mediterranean region.
The chef's tasting menu is available on weekdays and features six prix-fixe courses specially selected by Chef Manuel Romero. If you prefer to "choose your own adventure," there's also a traditional dinner menu where you can select your own dishes.
And boy, oh boy, are these dishes beautiful! They're almost too pretty to eat. This place is known for its immaculate presentation. While the menu changes seasonally to reflect ingredient availability, the one thing that stays constant is you can expect a good-looking and good-tasting plate of food.
The drink menu is similarly full of creative options, and whether you're looking for a pre-dinner cocktail or want to pair a wine with your meal, there's something for everyone at olea.
Have you ever enjoyed a meal at this delicious fine dining restaurant in New Haven? Learn more or check out a current menu from the olea website or olea Facebook page. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the website.
Looking for the perfect place to stay in New Haven? Check out The Historic Mansion, conveniently located right in the heart of the city.
