Simsbury, CT.

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

“Joe Pizza” is situated on the corner of Hopmeadow and Wilcox streets in the center historic district of lovely Simsbury, Connecticut. Why “Joe Pizza” and not Joe’s Pizza is a mystery, but what’s certain is that this restaurant’s slogan fits perfectly –   “Mmm.. Joe Pizza“.

Their boast of New Haven style pizza – better known as apizza – is backed by brick oven baking, slightly charred thin crust and sweet/savory tomato sauce topped with “Mootz” (mozzarella cheese). It is described on their menu as “characterized by a crust similar to rustic peasant bread in texture, cooked to darker color allowing the topping to blend together … different ingredients caramelize bringing out their natural sweet or savory flavors”. Often these apizza pies are topped by fresh snipped basil and fine virgin olive oil.

Thin crust, sweet sauce & “Mootz”.

Pizza slices are served until 4 p.m.

That however, is far from the only style pizza served here. There are twenty-one pizza styles currently on the menu. From the New Haven style made famous in New Haven, Connecticut to Bronx-New York style, a la Napolitana, New England Clam, BBQ Chicken, Goat Cheese, Louis South Philly Cheesesteak to Pete’s Pie topped with sausage, spinach and ricotta and brought home every Wednesday by the owners’ father after he does their bookkeeping.

In addition to whole pies, pizza slices are served until 4 p.m. – $3.95 for 2 cheese slices and $4.50 to add Roni or sausage.

An array of plentiful salads can be found on the menu along with, brick oven calzones, pasta dishes – word is, the pasta was delicious! Joe Pizza offers burgers and grinders. Tasty homemade meatballs with a bit of a zesty flavor were served on the meatball grinder topped with tomato sauce that is at the same time sweet and lively, mozzarella and if so desired grilled peppers alongside cut fries.

Pasta received a thumbs up.

Homemade meatballs smothered in “Mootz”.

Among the sides are Tumbleweed onion rings, Gorgonzola fries and sweet potato fries. Beverages include Italian sodas and milkshakes. Seating is amble with booths, tables, and a small bar accented by signs of sponsorship for town teams such as Simsbury High School Hockey and Simsbury Little League. They have a kids’ menu. Joe Pizza is an enjoyable stop worthy of a return visit.

October is National Pizza Month. Joe Pizza  2 Wilcox Street – Simsbury, Connecticut – 06070 – 860-217-0312 or in Canton – 140 Albany Turnpike 06019 – 860-693-1265 . Hours are Sun-Thur 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Go to http://www.joe-pizza.com and they cater & both deliver.