Connecticut Specialties
Pizza or "Apizza"
New Haven style pizza, locally known as "Apizza" is a thin-crust, coal-fired Neapolitan pizza that originated at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in 1925. Pepe's is known as having America's top pizza with their White Clam pie topped with locally sourced little neck clams. The other two most notable New Haven pizza places are Sally's Pizza, with their famous plain sauce pie, and Modern Apizza, who's menu includes the well known Italian Bomb (Sausage, Bacon, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Onion, Pepper & Garlic),
Cheeseburgers
Most notable is Louis' Lunch in New Haven, credited as the inventor of the hamburger in 1895 and still serving it the same way today. Other notables include the famous steamed cheeseburger from Ted's Restaurant in Meriden & the unique cheeseburger concoction from the Shady Glen Diner in Manchester.
Grinders
The given name for a fully stuffed sandwich in Connecticut made on a long Italian bread style bun, often considered the reason for the "grinder" name because of how tough this type of bread was to bite through. Since 1922 Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe has expanded to 15 locations and consistently wins awards as best in the state. Many mom & pop Deli's exist in neighborhoods all over the state with personal favorites varying greatly by home turf bias! International sandwich company Subway was started in Bridgeport and still has their headquarters in Milford.
Foxon park
Foxon Park Beverages, Inc. has been making great tasting natural soda for more than 96 years out of East Haven. With more than 18 flavors now in their lineup, they've become a mainstay in local pizza shops as the perfect compliment to New Haven's world famous "Apizza". Fan favorites include their White Birch Beer & Gassosa.
Bigelow Tea
For 70 years and three generations, the Bigelow Tea Company has been based out of Fairfield. Starting when founder Ruth Campbell Bigelow created her first cup of “Constant Comment”® Tea in her kitchen in 1945.
Hot dogs
When a state has a "Hot Dog Tour" you know it's serious about this summer cookout favorite. Glenwood Drive-In in Hamden has their own special recipe foot long hot dog made by local Hummel Brothers and open since 1956. The house favorite from Super Duper Weenie in Fairfield is their"New Englander" that’s generously topped with sauerkraut, bacon, raw white onions, mustard and relish. For over 90 years Blackies in Cheshire has been serving hot dogs with their famous homemade Hot Pepper Relish. Capitol Lunch in New Britain converted into a hot dog spot in 1929 and since has been serving it's grilled franks on a freshly steamed bun, slathered with mustard, their famous meat sauce and piles of freshly diced white onions.
Pepperidge Farm Cookies
Pepperidge Farm® has been making exceptional cookies, crackers, breads and more for 75 years out of Fairfield.
American shad fish
The American shad is a fish native to Connecticut that has provided food, income, and culture to native tribes and settlers for hundreds of years. The traditional way to prepare this fish is the Native American method of “planking.” Season fillets with strips of bacon or salt pork and Old Bay. (Photo by Amy Nawrocki and Eric D. Lehman)