About Hartford Road Pizza
Hartford Road Pizza specializes in a Greek-style pie: a crunchy outside with a puffy, chewy interior and toppings nestled beneath a generous blanket of cheese.
Regulars point to the Spinach Specialty, hearty Everything pizza, and square tavern cuts as house signatures that keep people returning.
Service is personal and warm — many reviews single out the owner-run vibe and attentive staff — and the menu stretches beyond pies to grinders, stuffed cheesy breads, clam chowder and pasta fagioli, making it a casual spot for comforting, familiar flavors.
Location & Contact
- Address250 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040
- Websitehttps://hartfordroadpizza.com
- Phone(860) 432-8800
- Links Order online · Get directions
What to Expect
The menu leans into generous, old-school pizza: thick, puffy Greek-style crusts with a crunchy edge, toppings placed under ample mozzarella, and square tavern cuts for easy sharing.
Popular pies include the Everything pizza and the Spinach Specialty; pepperoni, sausage, and combinations are praised for plentiful, fresh toppings.
Beyond pizza, reviewers recommend grinders (chicken parm and classic Italian styles), stuffed cheesy breads, buffalo wings, clam chowder, and a well-regarded gluten-free cauliflower crust for dietary needs.
Hashtag Pizza Fact's
Chicago's Deep-Dish Phenomenon
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, invented in 1943 at Pizzeria Uno, is a culinary icon known for its thick, buttery crust and indulgent layers of cheese and toppings. Baked in a high-sided pan, this pizza is more akin to a savory pie, offering a hearty meal in each slice. Its creation marked a significant departure from traditional thin-crust pizzas, reflecting the spirit of American innovation.
History
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Hartford Road Pizza in Manchester has built a steady following for its hearty, Greek-style pies and homey service.
The kitchen favors a puffy, chewy crust with a crunchy exterior and layers of mozzarella that lock toppings underneath — a style several reviewers compare fondly to regional favorites.
One regular put it simply: "This pizza is crazy," noting the tavern cut and the way toppings stay present in every bite (Benjamin McLane).
Another local declared it "Best pizza in Manchester.
Hands down," citing a sauce that stands out alongside the weighty, satisfying cheese (Pegasus Seiya).
Customers also praise grinders, stuffed cheesy breads, clam chowder and pasta fagioli, while gluten-free diners report a successful cauliflower crust: "Their gluten-free pizza is delicious," a reviewer remarked (Rebecca Zaugg).
Owners and staff receive frequent praise for friendly, personal service that adds to the neighborhood feel.
Expect comfort-focused plates and generous portions that reward eating fresh and hot, whether you grab a slice, a whole pie, or a sandwich.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
Benjamin McLane
"This pizza is crazy. Definitely NOT your ordinary pizza. It’s a thick crunchy outside, puffy inside, and tavern cut (square cut) crust. All the toppings are actually nestled under the cheese ready to be there for every bite you take. The staff is always fun to interact with. This pizza place is like no other I’ve ever experienced before. Worth the try, because you’ll go back for sure. Try the homemade meatballs or tuna. Try the stuffed cheesy breads. Try the famous Spinach Specialty Pizza. You can’t go wrong."
Jeff Nickell
"We often order their pizza, the one with just about everything on it, and it's always a hit. Recently tried their grinders and just as tasty. It's definitely in the top tiers for our pizza choices and service has always been prompt. No complaints 👌 …"
pamela leblanc
"I have recently rediscovered this tiny little Hidden Gem that I used to visit under the old management. While I loved it back then, I adore you even more now. I have only been there twice recently since the new husband and wife Duo took it over. The standard of the food is still outstanding. The one difference is for me, how fun it is to go in there and chat with the husband and wife. They are both friendly, polite, and always make it a mission to mingle with their customers. I truly love the banter that I hear all around me whenever when I'm there. Always makes me giggle, Always makes me smile. It's always a great experience. I always leave feeling like they just made my day. I ordered the spinach specialty pizza today, with buffalo wings and a chicken parm grinder. A solid five stars! Keep up the good work. I look forward to visiting again soon."
Hashtag Pizza Fact's
Pizza's Popularity by the Slice
In the U.S., about 350 slices of pizza are consumed each second, highlighting its ubiquity and appeal. This staggering statistic underscores pizza's role as a staple in American diets, providing a quick, satisfying meal option. From casual lunches to late-night snacks, pizza's versatility and convenience have cemented its place in everyday life.
Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of crust does Hartford Road Pizza use?
They serve a Greek-style crust: crunchy on the outside and puffy inside, described by reviewers as chewy but not doughy, with a sturdier, thicker bite compared to thin New Haven pies.
Why do toppings taste different here?
Toppings are often placed under a thick layer of cheese, so every bite has sauce, cheese, and toppings together. That method keeps flavors joined and makes each mouthful rich and consistent.
What is a tavern cut and do they use it?
Tavern cut means square slices instead of wedges. Several reviewers mention the shop’s tavern-style, square cut that makes sharing easier and helps sturdy, thick pies stay together.
Are their grinders worth trying and which ones are popular?
Yes. Reviewers liked the chicken parm grinder and classic Italian-style grinders; they describe them as stuffed and flavorful, often recommended alongside pizza for variety.
Do they have vegetarian or veggie-forward pizzas?
Yes. The Spinach Specialty is frequently recommended and reviewers note generous vegetable toppings that don’t get skimped on.
Is there a gluten-free pizza option and how does it taste?
Yes. Reviewers call the gluten-free cauliflower crust "delicious" and rank it among the better cauliflower crusts they’ve tried, with pleasant texture and flavor.
What non-pizza items do people praise for flavor?
People highlight clam chowder and pasta fagioli for homemade depth, stuffed cheesy breads, buffalo wings, and hearty meatball or sausage sandwiches for satisfying, comforting flavors.
How heavy or cheesy are the pizzas?
Pies are described as hefty and generous with cheese — reviewers say the cheese stretches, feels substantial, and creates filling bites rather than light, minimalist slices.
Do they offer any standout meat or combo pies?
The Everything pizza, pepperoni and sausage combos, and specialty pies like the Philly Cheese Steak and Buffalo Chicken Pizza are mentioned as popular choices with plentiful toppings.
Is Hartford Road Pizza considered one of Manchester’s best?
Many locals think so; a reviewer called it "Best pizza in Manchester," citing the sauce and overall pie build. That local praise reflects the shop’s strong, comfort-driven flavor profile.
The Evolution of Pizza Toppings
Pizza toppings have evolved significantly over time, reflecting regional tastes and culinary creativity. While traditional Neapolitan pizzas focus on simple, high-quality ingredients, American pizzas often boast a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni to exotic combinations like buffalo chicken and pineapple. This evolution showcases pizza's adaptability and its potential for endless customization.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
Hartford Road Pizza
250 Hartford Rd, Manchester, CT 06040
★4.5
(375 reviews)
Detroit's Cheesy Edges
Detroit-style pizza is renowned for its rectangular shape, thick airy crust, and crispy cheese edges. Baked in well-oiled steel pans originally used for car manufacturing, this pizza's unique characteristics result from its unconventional baking method. The caramelized cheese that extends to the edges creates a distinct flavor and texture, making it a favorite in the Midwest and beyond.
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Pizza's Role in Pop Culture
Pizza's influence extends beyond the culinary world into popular culture, frequently appearing in movies, TV shows, and music. From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' love for pizza to iconic scenes in films like 'Home Alone,' pizza is often associated with fun, community, and indulgence. This cultural presence reinforces pizza's status as a beloved and relatable symbol of enjoyment and togetherness.
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