There are lots of must-visit restaurants, and Jimmy’s Grotto in Wisconsin is one of them. The iconic eatery has been around for decades, but that’s not its only distinguishing factor. There’s also its signature dish, ponza rotta, which is like a calzone, only deep fried. (Yes, you read that correctly – a deep fried calzone!) After one bite of the tasty culinary creation, you’ll understand why people travel from near and far to visit Jimmy’s Grotto. Take a look:

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A small restaurant with a big reputation, Jimmy’s Grotto is situated on Waukesha’s Main Street.
Ramiro Chavez/Google
Opened in 1946, Jimmy’s Grotto takes the title of Waukesha's oldest pizza restaurant - but that’s not the eatery’s only distinguishing factor.
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Another is its signature creation, ponza rotta.
Mike Smith/Google
As we mentioned earlier, the palate-pleasing creation is basically a deep fried calzone.
American Marketing &Publishing/Google
And like calzones, ponza rotta comes stuffed with cheeses, meats, and veggies.
Eric Theobald/Google

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The tasty contents of the ponza rotta are completely up to you. Just like selecting toppings for pizza, you select the stuffings for your ponza rotta.
Wendy Copeland/Google
Of course, you can always go with one of the ponza rottas on the menu, which include options like Taco (cheddar cheese, seasoned beef, salsa, olives, onions, and green peppers) and Veggie (cheese, mushrooms, olives, onions, and green peppers).
Wendy Copeland/Google
Keep in mind that Jimmy’s is a no-frills type of place. Orders are placed at the counter.
Jim Urbas/Google
It’s also a popular place, so a wait is likely; however, the ponza rotta more than makes up for it.
Jimmy’s Grotto/Facebook
And while the ponza rotta is the most sought-after item on Jimmy’s menu, you shouldn’t discount the rest of the eatery’s tasty offering.
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In addition to pizza and ponza rotta, the fare includes a variety of sandwiches and burgers as well as an array of appetizers, including pepper rings, which are a customer favorite.
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Jimmy’s Grotto is typically open Monday – Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 12 a.m., Friday – Saturday, 9 a.m. -1 a.m., and Sundays, from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information, call (262) 542-1500. You can also visit Jimmy’s Grotto website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about Jimmy’s Grotto in Wisconsin? Ever tried the ponza rotta? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only iconic eatery with a signature dish. You’ll also want to try the giant burritos from this delicious Wisconsin restaurant.

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Jimmy's Grotto in Wisconsin

Elisa Regulski | October 26, 2020

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