Remove Ads

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

157 Wooster St, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 USA

3,409 Reviews
$$
Reasonable
Open Now
Thu 11a-10p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • No Wifi
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

Learn more about this business on Yelp.

“Frank Pepe Pizzeria”

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is one of the oldest and best-known pizzerias in the United States. Known locally as Pepe's, is has its Original Location in the Wooster Square neighborhood of New Haven, CT, as well as stores in Fairfield, Manchester and Danbury CT, the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, and in Yonkers, NY. Frank Pepe Pizzeria was founded in 1925 by Frank Pepe (b. April 15, 1893 d. September 6, 1969). Born in the town of Maiori, on the Amalfi coast, southwest of Naples, Frank Pepe was the quintessential Italian immigrant. Poor and illiterate, he immigrated to the United States in 1909 at age 16 with little more than his health and a strong work ethic.   In the late 1970s, Elizabeth and Serafina, purchased the original bakery (163 Wooster St.) from the Boccamiello's and re-opened Frank Pepe's the Spot as an annex to the main building. Pepe's reputation as one the country's premier pizzeria spread through word of mouth. In the early 1990s, Elizabeth and Serafina retired and the business passed to their children - Anthony, Francis, Lisa, Bernadette, Genevieve, Jennifer and Gary - who still operate the business today and have overseen its expansion. Frank Pepe originated the New Haven-style thin crust pizza which he baked in bread ovens fired by coke. Coke is a byproduct of coal and it was used extensively until the late 1960's when it became unavailable and hence coal was then put into use to fire the oven. Pepe's signature pizza, the White Clam Pizza, was most likely an organic inspiration by Frank Pepe; an idea born from the fact that Pepe's also served raw little neck clams from Rhode Island, on the half shell, as an appetizer. This development occurred around the mid 1960's and gradually became popular through the past 40 years. Contrary to what many have heard, Frank Pepe did not have an allergy to cheese and tomatoes and the white clam pizza's evolution should not be attributed to this false malady. A lot has happened since Frank Pepe starting baking "ah-beets" 85 years ago. Pizza has gone from an obscure ethnic dish to become a mainstay of the American dining scene. But what hasn't changed at Pepe's is the family's commitment to the tradition of food quality and commitment to the community at large that Frank Pepe envisioned in 1925.

Read More >
Photo of Diana W.

Reviewed by
Diana W.

Absolutely delicious pizza. "The Special" with a "Pepe's" Salad and a Gassosa Foxon Park soda is an amazing combination. Your first reward when you join the Rewards Program is that you will enjoy... Read more

Photo of Andy M.

Reviewed by
Andy M.

I went from growing up in San Francisco where my family practically lived at Pasquale's Pizza! Then I moved to New Haven and discovered Pepe's Apizza - it is the best of the best! When my family... Read more

Photo of Nolan F.

Reviewed by
Nolan F.

We got the White Clam Pizza. Waitress also recommended adding bacon so we added bacon to half the pizza. Delicious. This crust was more charred and thin compared to Sally's. I prefer the latter's... Read more

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

157 Wooster St
New Haven, Connecticut
06511 USA
Remove Ads

Hours

Open now until 10:00 pm
  • Sun - Sat: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Check
    Parking
  • Unavailable
    Pets Allowed
  • Unknown
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
  • Unknown
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Check
    Credit Cards Accepted
Reservations
Does not take
  • Check
    Lunch
  • Unavailable
    Brunch
  • Check
    Dinner
  • Check
    Drinks
  • Check
    Dine In
  • Check
    Takeout
  • Check
    Delivery
  • Unavailable
    Breakfast
  • Check
    Waitstaff
See More Details (20)

Parking, Dining

Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Westbrook, Connecticut
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Connecticut
Connecticut
Shelton, Connecticut
Westbrook, Connecticut
Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

  • Trip Guide

The top things to do on an I-95 road trip

  • 50 Places
  • 41:46
  • 1,983 mi
  • Trip Guide

The top things to do on an East Coast road trip

  • 32 Places
  • 48:54
  • 2,584 mi
Remove Ads
44168