Submitted by OtherwiseCricket8982 t3_11b2clj in Connecticut
Bonus points if it's in Fairfield County +++
Submitted by OtherwiseCricket8982 t3_11b2clj in Connecticut
Bonus points if it's in Fairfield County +++
Oh my goodness. This isn't my part of the state but I may need to make a pilgrimage.
The only true answer!
The greatest sandwich I’ve ever eaten
Their bread is from Arthur Ave in the Bronx and I wish more places in CT used it. I've had so many grinders that would have been put over the top if they used decent bread instead of those cheap white loaves.
The sesame bread from Arthur Avenue is what separates them from all other delis in the area, probably even the state.
Gaetano's wins all nothing comes close!
Roasted red peppers and balsamic too don’t forget
Literally the best had it today
Wethersfield Pizza. It will shut you down. There’s also Corner Deli in Hartford. They must make 500-1000 parmigiana sandwiches a day.
When we moved to the area, husband and I poked fun because who says “home of the chicken cutlet” and how old the place looks. Coworker said we had to try it and now we understand.
The place is deceiving for sure.
It is a fairly run down, hole-in-the-wall sorta place. Looks like it hasn't been updated or seen a fresh coat of paint since probably the mid-1990s if I were to guess.
But definitely some of the best chicken grinders around.
Wethersfield Pizza House is the only correct answer. Any place that looks like it’s from the 90’s, takes cash only and is still in business is going to be good.
>Corner Deli in Hartford
This made me think of Corner Grinder in Hartford, which had great sandwiches as well as old school Italian dishes for decades until the family sold it, after which it promptly went downhill until closure. Still miss their pizzaiola. RIP
'Lenoci's Italian Kitchen' is the new Corner Grinder- they moved to Old Wethersfield.
https://i95rock.com/new-local-italian-restaurant-opens-in-old-wethersfield/
Oh, shit! I ran into Enzo at a bakery a few years ago and he told me they were opening up there, but then the pandemic hit. This is great news, will have to check them out
Ohh man that place was so so so so good. I used to take my mom there for lunch. When he retired I almost cried.
It was such a gem and I always made sure to try their non-grinder stuff. Amazing chicken soup, broccoli and cavatelli, pasta fazool, lamb stew, you name it.. and that special pizza of theirs with the spinach, potatoes, and sausage.
I gave them one chance after ownership changed. The new owners both trash-talked the old family and put out inferior food. It was sad but a relief when they finally closed for good
Yea I went once with the new owners and never went back. I ordered the pasta with broccoli rabe and it was nothing like the old days. I wish I had some of their recipes…
I get that and have enough chicken cutlets left for 3 more meals. It is literally impossible to fit in your mouth as it is roughly the size of your entire head.
Home plate deli in Monroe. Menu sandwich called the home run. Chicken cutlet, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, oil and vinegar
Went there once waited in line which wasn't a line just a different mob of people and after 20 min never actually got any food. They just kept pointing at other people to order and I was like hey I'm here. I told the guy my order he says ok and took the next order and started making there's. And just looked at me weird. Honestly it was one of the weirdest experiences in my life. Just walked out after 20 min.
Welcome to the New England deli experience. I’ve always been fascinated by this phenomenon. It’s really not an environment that’s conducive to outsiders.
Sounds like every day at a Nardelli's, too.
I used to call in my order for pickup, never ready. Lol
That sounds fire
Super Sandwich in Shelton. Like, to the point I specifically drive there from Torrington.
Wethersfield Pizza House. I live near Claudia's and they aren't even close to WPH. Check the website
Wethersfield pizza is amazing
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A&S in Fairfield, Gaetano’s in Stratford and Westport.
Second this!
A&S Italian combo is my go to there.
No contest. Claudia's Grinders
Yep. Seems weird to see them moving across the street. Hope it doesn't affect the grinders.
I doubt it will. I know the owner, he’s a super solid dude and is just stoked to be able to expand a bit. Shouldn’t be any other changes than venue!!
I can see that. Definitely a small shop as it currently stands. I'm curious to see how the new setup looks.
Same. I (unfortunately) moved out of state so I gotta drop in next time I’m in the area!
Right! I thought that building was for the driving range. Kind of a strange spot to put a restaurant. Also they were supposed to move in there in October, I’m sure they’re not happy with the contractors
Gaetano’s would like a word.
There’s a contest though.
So I've tried the chicken parm and meatball parm at Claudia's and was underwhelmed both times (compared to some of the other places mentioned here). Do they have something specific that's just fantastic?
I have a friend that swears by Wethersfield Pizza House. Been trying to get down there for a while now. Gotta try for myself.
In this neck of the woods, Wethersfield Pizza is the Kingpin. They are huge AND delicious. I prefer mine with peppers, sauce, cheese...and a side of sauce for a buck or so for dipping. The sauce is so damn tasty.
Hold on. Do you actually mean Wethersfield pizza house? Or House of Wethersfield Pizza. There’s a huge difference
Good one
Highly subjective. Do you like ‘em thick or thin? Do you want it super crispy or slightly? Do you want the crust herbed or no?
So much variability.
Franklin Giant Grinder , Hartford CT
Gonna chime in here for Franklin. There are a lot of great chicken cutlets in this state, but Franklin does something to their breading - I don't know if it's the oil they use or what - that makes it stand out. It's good enough that I can even excuse their garbage bread (which a number of other places, including Wethersfield Pizza House, are guilty of using). Unless I'm far enough away that it's just dumb to drive there, if I want a chicken parm, I'm going to Franklin.
Home Plate Deli is my favorite. Super Sandwich and Gaetanos are both tremendous as well. There's definitely others out there.
My go-to is Cornerstone Hartford
Pre-pandemic, the line stretched onto the sidewalk at lunchtime. They just kept bringing out trays of chicken cutlets from the back. I hope they are still doing well. That's a quality, no frills, delicious chicken cutlet sandwich.
You had to add about 30 min to lunch if you tried to get cornerstone at rush lol. Crazy line but always was worth
Their Yelp page says they've closed down but I hope that's inaccurate.
I had lunch there yesterday
I like Fusaro's on high ridge in Stamford.
Don’t live in West Haven and have only gone when taking WH train station to NYC because parking is good there…but Provenzano’s chicken cutlet, with provolone, rabe and garlic…fantastic.
Provenzanos is bomb! I know the owners. Awesome family.
I keep meaning to try Provenzano's. Usually if I'm in West Haven it's for Zuppardi's but I need to change it up
Wethersfield pizza house. Steve and Maria are worth the trip alone. My personal guilty pleasure is Kensington market though. Whenever I go through Berlin I get a chicken cutlet parm on a hard roll with peppers and onions and a piece of Lasagna for the next day's lunch.
Not Fairfield county but worth the drive. The chicken cutlet from Franklin Giant Grinder. Check hours and call before heading there. Wait times can range from 20 mins to 60+.
Yeah but where is it, Franklin CT??
Franklin Ave, Hartford, CT
TY!
I'll second Franklin Giant Grinder, as mentioned above, and add the Cowgirl at Nica's in New Haven. Chicken cutlet, LTO, bacon, hot cherry peppers, provolone and mayo on pressed focaccia. 🤌
Ask for it as a Reverse cowgirl if your feeling cheeky
Wethersfield Pizza House
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Oh no I haven’t been in a while! That’s so sad to hear!
What did the comment say? It was deleted
That WPH is now gross and dirty. And I was getting downvoted so I figured I was missing something. I don’t know.
How long do I have to wait for a mom joke??
Antonio's rt5 in north haven
Gaetanos in Westport
Steve’s Deli in New Milford. Fried Chicken cutlet, mozzarella, bacon, tomatoes, Italian dressing.
Will change your life. Also, best bacon, egg, & cheese in CT.
Steve is the man
Wethersfield Pizza House!
I think this is my favorite thread of all time. So many new places to try!
Stay a while in this sub, half the posts tend to be "favorire X food?" And i aint complaining
Amen - glad for new recs and seeing many of my faves.
Agreed, saved a ton of spots in the notes on my phone for when I find myself in these random corners of CT once a year or whenever.
Super sandwich in Shelton for sure. They’re frying cutlets all day so they’re fresh.
According to their sign, Wethersfield Pizza is "The Home of the Chicken Cutlet"... so if it lives there they must be the best...
The Kenny at Vavalas in Darien
Chicken cutlet on a wedge with bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, pesto and balsamic vinaigrette.
Vavala’s is great. So is Mama Carmela’s.
Veggie world In new Britain, same staff for over two decades and they make magic happen. You won’t regret it
I completely forgot about that place! Used to shop there years ago when I worked in the area.
Used to go there all the time when I was at CCSU, 10/10
home plate… the home run. cant beat it
For Pete’s sake deli in Bethel! The wicked chicken is wonderful
Hornets nest in Branford. Thin hand breaded cutlets! Pesto or Parmesan with sauce and fresh mozzarella.
General Store or Misty Vale Deli in Newtown. Get the flagpole
The flagpole is the one in this thread I've tried and it is definitely fire.
Kovac's and it ain't close.
A&S for sure. Absolute beaut of a sandwich
Italian gourmet deli in Newington 👌
The godfather (chicken cutlet, prosciutto, pesto, red peppers, mosz, some other stuff) from Deli U in Guilford.
Deli U in guilford. Gas station deli on rt 1, line out the door most days for lunch. Get the Godfather, chicken cutlet, prosciutto, roasted peppers, pesto, red onion, oil/vinegar, and fresh mozzarella (comes with provolone, sub in the mozz).
Larry bird if you like barbecue sauce and to take naps
This is right in my wheelhouse.. So I worked for Gaetano’s for 6 years in the original Stratford location. They were definitely the best at that time. I’ve made prolly 1000s of Kovac specials, I gone to Adeo’s bakery on Arthur ave to pick up the bread… yada yada it was the best..
Now my Uncle opened Super Sandwich in Shelton. (Originally supposed to be another Gaetanos which no one knows) His imitation of the kovac is also pretty good. But I’m sure there are other good cutlet sandwiches out there.
Liuzzi or Gaetanos. Take your pick
My own......you asked 🤪
I’ll take three orders and a water
Rinaldi’s Deli in Stamford. Two cutlets,roasted red peppers, melted mozzarella,and Italian dressing on a hard roll. It’s enough for two meals
They went downhill a bit recently, I think the owner is sick or something. Hasn’t had the same quality as of the last couple months.
That sucks to hear. I haven’t been there in awhile but it was always my go to when working in Stamford
I don’t think it’s on the menu anymore, but they used to make the bruin which was a chicken cutlet, mozzarella, BBQ sauce, and bacon. It was heaven. Gaetanos is the best deli in CT these days.
Idk about best in CT, but my opinion for best in Fairfield proper is pine creek deli.
Rinaldi’s in Stamford. Only cutlet like my mothers, they are amazing.
Rinaldi’s #12 is the truth
Cornerstone in Hartford is solid
Forte’s in Guilford.
Giovanni’s deli is my favorite high ridge in stamford
Franklin Giant Grinder in Hartford
long time ago, not so much anymore
Rocco's Delicatessen in Bethel Village Square. Absolutely kills it with their Chicken cutlet grinder "The Rocco Classic". Juicy crispy chicken cutlets, smoked thick cut bacon, mozzarella, shredded lettuce & tomatoes with mayo & some Frank's red hot on a sesame seed wedge. Absolute Unit of a grinder. A1
Claudia’s in Farmington
Super Sandwich is king of the Cutlets
Super Sandwich in Shelton.
Johnny Salami's 205 Food Terminal Plaza, New Haven, CT 06511
Wethersfield Pizza House 955 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Both are great choices.
Lenocis in wethersfield
Which storefront did the take over?
Fusaro’s Italian Deli on High Ridge in Stamford. I went there for the first time yesterday on the recommendation of another Redditor. Outstanding, and really nice people. I had the Calabrian Mia, but Sure Thing, and Big Blue are also supposed to be good.
Allegro Cafe or LaRosa’s
Both in Hartford off Franklin Ave
Mama Carmela’s in Stamford is FANTASTIC, gotta order a chicken cutlet with cherry peppers and oil and vinegar. With that said, the guy somewhat recently passed away and it looks like there are new owners (even though there are still familiar faces). Price jump aside, it just isn’t the same anymore
Hometown in Norwalk near Norwalk High
This is the best thread I’ve ever been on. Thanks to the OP and all the killer contributors.
Classic panini from nicas in new haven
CT Fresh Food and Produce in Wallingford,CT. Absurdly large grinders for reasonable price. Im so full from eating just half.
Gaetanos. Hands down. Kovac is great but I also just get it how I like it sometimes as well, lettuce tomato mayo etc. I also like to put hot soppressta on as well. 3 locations in ffld county. Definitely check Google for hours, I believe each it a bit different. Stratford closed Mondays, Shelton closed Sundays. Not sure about westport
New Canaan Pizza - Chicken Parmigiana
Danny's Pizza in Enfield makes great chicken cutlet grinders
Heritage Deli in Southbury, the Wicked Chicken and Southbury’s Best were usually my go-to. Haven’t had them in a while though
Heritage deli is pretty good as far as quality, but the value of what you get for the price is incredible compared to other delis in the area. 2.50 for a respectable bacon egg and cheese in 2023 CT is nothing to shake a stick at. I got a really solid reuben and a chocolate milk there out the door for like 9.50 last month.
Firehouse deli in Fairfield is 🔥 and cutspring deli in strat City (Stratford ) is top tier sandys
My fav so far, from Best Edibles in Trumbull, the pioneer. Chicken Cutlet, prosciutto, L, T, fresh mozz, roasted red peppers and pesto Mayo. 🤤
Wethersfield Pizza House "Home of the Chicken Cutlet". Easily set the standard for all chicken cutlet sandwiches I have ever had.
It's stacked with chicken, we'll seasoned, cheesy and the sauce too.....you just can't go wrong with this place.
Wethersfield has so many good restaurants that offer chicken cutlets like Village Pizza, Lenoci's Kitchen and a few more. There's also a Sally's Apizza is opening up in Wethersfield too. I won't be able to contain myself.
My wife who is from the southwest insists that not all chicken cutlets are breaded.
A chicken cutlet is a chicken breast that has been cut to make two thinner pieces.
Aren’t they typically fried though when you get one from a deli? Maybe I’m way off
Breaded and fried.
par3688 t1_j9vuago wrote
Kovacs at Geatano’s. Chicken cutlet, mozzarella, broccoli rabe and prosciutto.