It’s been a long time since I’ve stood in a line for Pepe’s. With so much great pizza available, it hardly seems worth it. And I was so ready to dismiss this venerable pie. After all, with seven locations in Connecticut, they’re not exactly a mom and pop shop anymore. Was the quality still up to snuff? A hearty YES! If you’re a pizza purist like me, the tomato and mooozz (yep, that’s what they call it in these parts) has a nicely salted, skinny crust with just a bit of char. And no insipid sauce here. It’s positively bursting with tomatoey flavor, and the chunky texture amplify this perfect pie. Expect a wait, or go 15 minutes before opening.

www.pepespizzeria.com