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Cheshire Ale & Pizza was such a solid find. The space has a cool darker vibe with bar seating in one area and a separate section for dining, which gives it a nice balance between casual drinks and sit down dining. The Brussels sprouts were honestly amazing. Perfectly cooked with just the right balance of crisp and flavor. The hot honey pizza was delicious, with sweet heat and those peppers adding a subtle kick that did not overpower anything. Every bite had that perfect sweet savory spicy combo that keeps you going back for more. I also tried one of their wraps and added avocado, which was a great call. Fresh, creamy, and it really elevated the whole thing. The drinks were just as good. We had a Pink Cosmo and a tequila with soda water, both refreshing and well balanced. Great food, great drinks, and a laid back vibe. Definitely a place I will be coming back to.
Cheshire Pizza & Ale is a Greek-style pizzeria that opened in Cheshire, Connecticut in 1978. It was founded by Greek immigrant Minhas Halkias. Born in Pigadia, Karpathos, Greece, Minhas immigrated to Connecticut in 1963 at the age of 13. After college, he joined his brother John in the restaurant scene. The two originally opened a pizzeria in Bristol before opening a new pizzeria at the Maplecroft Plaza in Cheshire. Originally called "Cheshire Pizza: Bar & Grille", the Halkias family quickly built a faithful customer base that kept coming back for their Greek-style pizza and entrees. In 1991, the pizzeria moved to its current location at 133 Highland Avenue, which had previously been home to St. Bridget's Church. By the mid-1990s, Minhas (affectionately called "Mr. Mike" by his customers) had bought out his brother and become the sole owner of the business. He worked alongside his wife Kokona-Elpida "Hope" for several years. In 2016, after 38 years in business, Minhas and Hope decided to retire. They sold the restaurant to their daughter Rita Halkias and her husband Dimitrios "Jimmy" Magriplis. In 2017, after an extensive seven month renovation, Cheshire Pizza reopened as "Cheshire Pizza & Ale". The current menu features pizza, pasta dishes, tacos, sandwiches & paninis, grinders, wraps, pitas, burgers, wings, salads, craft beer, wine and craft cocktails. Minhas Halkias sadly passed away in 2021. My family and I recently had lunch at Cheshire Pizza & Ale for the first time. We were accompanied by my cousin and his family, who were repeat customers. The interior was very nice. It had a very modern vibe with a fancy bar. To drink, I had a draught pour of Counter Weight Brewing's "Master Scale" (Double IPA) and my wife had a "Peach Blossom Martini" (empress gin, peach liqueur, sevez honey lavender liqueur, fresh lemon juice). For food, we all shared a "Margherita Pizza" (red, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, grated pecorino romano) and a "Penne Ala Vodka Pizza" (white, house made vodka sauce, penne pasta, mozzarella, finished w/ shaved parmesan, grated pecorino & fresh basil). Both pies were really good! Excellent sauce and very crispy crust! We were very happy with our experience at Cheshire Pizza & Ale and grateful that my cousin introduced us. We hope to be back again!
GREAT tasting food. I love the Brussels, Mac n cheese balls, and their lavender spritz. Great service and vibe. I am so happy to have found this place.
I've been here twice in the last week, so that is always a good sign! The first time I came with a group of friends and had their drinks, which were amazing, and their pulled pork Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese was so tasty and cheesy and melt in your mouth! I would definitely recommend getting that. They also have a page of affogatos to order on the last page of their menu and you can make it boozy! So needless to say I had one of the best affogatos of my life with baileys in it, yum! The second time I came for a working lunch and tried their pizza. We had three different kinds, the chicken bacon ranch, potato pizza, and their spicy roni. The pizza was amazing as well. My fave was the spicy roni or the potato? I don't know it was a tough decision, but what's not a tough decision is that I will be back to sample more menu items! Thank you Cheshire Pizza!
A quick dinner with some friends and we were all pleasantly surprised with the vast selection of food options. Funny enough, we didn't even try the pizza! Very cute and comfortable space. Everyone was super friendly and answered all of our questions. Stormalong Orchard Cider ($7) {4.5/5}: Our waitress suggested this for me and she also recommended adding a sugar/cinnamon rim for the fall season, 10/10 recommendation. The cider wasn't overly sweet and paired well with the cinnamon sugar Bourbon honey Brussels sprouts ($10) {4/5}: A very delicious fried dish, though too salty for my taste. I ended up adding this to my salad Caesar salad with steak ($11, +$10) {3.5/5}: Great portion with fresh greens. Lower rating because of some mushy areas on the steak. A little bland overall so the brussels sprouts app was perfect to add in
First visit here and what a great experience with this little place we're driven by without even noticing. Love the decor, it just felt relaxed and comfortable. The service was fast and friendly, with a single mistake rectified smoothly and quickly so no need for a dropped star. The food was fabulous! The Buffalo chicken fried dumplings were so tasty like mini empanadas. I planned to order a salad as they looked so good, but the chicken avocado panini was calling to me and if poutine's EVER on the menu I have to try it, and I wasn't disappointed!!! My girls had; one of the several Mac and cheese dishes and the AM/PM burger and both were thrilled with them. Cocktails were delicious and generous pours! We'll definitely be back!!!
It makes me glad when I find a wonderful spot in my hometown. This little restaurant -- nestled in between Stop & Shop, the library, and that place that used to be a video store -- is a paragon of the Greek pizza style, though they take many liberties with the toppings. They do a strong delivery game (either via phone or your favorite delivery app) but their waitstaff is even better. We usually split a large pizza and a salad, the latter of which is big enough for two adults. The Greek salad is one of our favorites. This time, we got The Mash, a white pizza with bacon and mashed potatoes, and only three slices of this square-cut pizza made it home. There's a few dozen reasons why I stop here almost every time I'm in town. Someday I'll taste them all.
Recommended: Yes, especially for fans of Greek-style pizza. Overall: A solid choice for Greek-style pizza with a convenient takeout option. Snapshot: Food: 4/5 Drink: NA Vibe: NA Service: 5/5 Value: 4/5 Family-Friendly: 3/5 Highlights: Perfect For: Enjoying Greek-style pizza and other flavorful dishes Don't Miss: The well-cooked pizza with tasty toppings Bonus Tip: Great for takeout, especially if planning to visit local spots like Counter Weight Brewing Co. All The Details: We did takeout from Cheshire Pizza & Ale to enjoy at the nearby Counter Weight Brewing Co. While Greek-style pizza isn't my personal favorite, I can appreciate the quality they offer. The pizza was well-cooked with a nice, thick crust, and the toppings were both good and flavorful. The ordering and pickup process was straightforward and hassle-free. Although I typically lean towards New Haven-style pizza, my husband enjoys Greek-style, so I can see us returning. We've dined in previously and tried other menu items, which were consistently flavorful and served with great, friendly service. However, the restaurant space is quite cramped, so it's not the most family-friendly option. But for take out it's definitely one of the best options in the area!
My son and I were looking for something casual after playing tennis, so we decided to stop here. It's been years since I've been here, and I'm so glad we decided to try it! We ordered cocktails, and I had the St Germain Cucumber Spritz - tart and refreshing! They have a nice selection of wings, so we ordered 10 of the House Dry Rub - the wings were large, crispy with a lot of flavor. For our meals we both ordered a burger. I ordered the Classic, and my son ordered the CPA Signature, both medium rare. I must say, this was a delicious burger! The burger was huge and cooked perfectly. I like how they grilled the bun, and the bun was not too big, so it didn't take away from the burger itself. It was one of the best burgers I've had in a long time! My son said the same thing about the CPA Signature. Place was packed by the time we left around 7:00pm. Casual, fun, and lively atmosphere. We'll definitely be back!
Reviews are generally positive. Many highlight the delicious pizza and appetizers, creative and enjoyable drinks, and friendly and attentive staff, along with an inviting and lively atmosphere.
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Cheshire Pizza & Ale is a casual neighborhood spot where nothing is casual about the menu. The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, with weathered wood planks, exposed black metal, warm lighting, and plenty of greenery creating a relaxed, welcoming vibe. My cocktail glass was dry-washed with vermouth, a technique I always appreciate, before being shaken and double-strained into the glass. The martini arrived ice cold and perfectly balanced. The olives were delicious, with a unique flavor that reminded me of antipasto. The glassware was also elite: lightweight, delicate, and fancy. Another highlight is the creativity of the cocktail menu. They don't just make a fantastic standard martini and dirty martini; they also offer creative variations like the Dirty Pickle and Dirty Kalamata. Naturally, for "research purposes," I tried both and can confirm they are delectable. When it comes to the food, their pizza is excellent, with a crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and bready. But the real standout for me was the wings: golden brown, crunchy, meaty, and scrumptious. Add in an abundance of sauces to appeal to every palate, and you've got a winner. My favorite? Bourbon Maple Bacon. If you're looking for a place that can satisfy both the cocktail enthusiast and the hungry bar-goer, Cheshire Pizza & Ale deserves a spot on your list. read more
6 months ago
I was greet by a host as soon as I walked in on a Tuesday night. Place was packed and a litte loud but that's expected . I loved how inviting the dim environment with all their glowy lights was. I sat at the bar where this sweet bartender Liz helped me select a drink off of their extensive, delicious, looking creative menu. I started off with the cucumber gimlet given I needed something refreshing after running 3 miles. All the drinks were divine. The salad was perfect. I got my dressing on the side as well as their sweet citrus on the side but they know their stuff bc the cider vinegarette couldn't have paired better . I just say, and I feel this is most important other than the patient and menu guidance via Liz, this dirty pickle martini (which is subbed with gin) was the besttt martini I've EVERRRRRR had in my life. They make their own pickle juice here in house to mimic grillos pickles as much as possible. They are spot on, if not even better. I love this place. Everything about it is great, ambiance, staff, vibes, and most importantly their menu and the taste of their items in their menu. DIVINE. I will be back, maybe endlessly whenever I can . Thank you Cheshire Pizza & Ale !!! read more
Someone recommended the salads at this place. Unfortunately it was hard no on the breaded chicken cutlet on the salad. It was horrible, over cooked and 50% breading like it was triple coated. I ate the lettuce and left all the chicken. Meatballs were salty, tasted like just beef no pork, didn't care for the sauce but were edible. My partner had fish and chips, said they were good. Service was meh, never asked how the food was, despite not touching the chicken. Server returned when we were done, asked if I wanted a box for my chicken... if I didn't touch it there why would I take it home? Clearly young inexperienced servers so I tried not to be annoyed. Paid and left. read more
Cheshire Ale & Pizza was such a solid find. The space has a cool darker vibe with bar seating in one area and a separate section for dining, which gives it a nice balance between casual drinks and sit down dining. The Brussels sprouts were honestly amazing. Perfectly cooked with just the right balance of crisp and flavor. The hot honey pizza was delicious, with sweet heat and those peppers adding a subtle kick that did not overpower anything. Every bite had that perfect sweet savory spicy combo that keeps you going back for more. I also tried one of their wraps and added avocado, which was a great call. Fresh, creamy, and it really elevated the whole thing. The drinks were just as good. We had a Pink Cosmo and a tequila with soda water, both refreshing and well balanced. Great food, great drinks, and a laid back vibe. Definitely a place I will be coming back to. read more
7 months ago
Cheshire Pizza & Ale is a Greek-style pizzeria that opened in Cheshire, Connecticut in 1978. It was founded by Greek immigrant Minhas Halkias. Born in Pigadia, Karpathos, Greece, Minhas immigrated to Connecticut in 1963 at the age of 13. After college, he joined his brother John in the restaurant scene. The two originally opened a pizzeria in Bristol before opening a new pizzeria at the Maplecroft Plaza in Cheshire. Originally called "Cheshire Pizza: Bar & Grille", the Halkias family quickly built a faithful customer base that kept coming back for their Greek-style pizza and entrees. In 1991, the pizzeria moved to its current location at 133 Highland Avenue, which had previously been home to St. Bridget's Church. By the mid-1990s, Minhas (affectionately called "Mr. Mike" by his customers) had bought out his brother and become the sole owner of the business. He worked alongside his wife Kokona-Elpida "Hope" for several years. In 2016, after 38 years in business, Minhas and Hope decided to retire. They sold the restaurant to their daughter Rita Halkias and her husband Dimitrios "Jimmy" Magriplis. In 2017, after an extensive seven month renovation, Cheshire Pizza reopened as "Cheshire Pizza & Ale". The current menu features pizza, pasta dishes, tacos, sandwiches & paninis, grinders, wraps, pitas, burgers, wings, salads, craft beer, wine and craft cocktails. Minhas Halkias sadly passed away in 2021. My family and I recently had lunch at Cheshire Pizza & Ale for the first time. We were accompanied by my cousin and his family, who were repeat customers. The interior was very nice. It had a very modern vibe with a fancy bar. To drink, I had a draught pour of Counter Weight Brewing's "Master Scale" (Double IPA) and my wife had a "Peach Blossom Martini" (empress gin, peach liqueur, sevez honey lavender liqueur, fresh lemon juice). For food, we all shared a "Margherita Pizza" (red, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, grated pecorino romano) and a "Penne Ala Vodka Pizza" (white, house made vodka sauce, penne pasta, mozzarella, finished w/ shaved parmesan, grated pecorino & fresh basil). Both pies were really good! Excellent sauce and very crispy crust! We were very happy with our experience at Cheshire Pizza & Ale and grateful that my cousin introduced us. We hope to be back again! read more
6 months ago
6 months ago
GREAT tasting food. I love the Brussels, Mac n cheese balls, and their lavender spritz. Great service and vibe. I am so happy to have found this place. read more
1 year ago
I've been here twice in the last week, so that is always a good sign! The first time I came with a group of friends and had their drinks, which were amazing, and their pulled pork Mac and cheese. The Mac and cheese was so tasty and cheesy and melt in your mouth! I would definitely recommend getting that. They also have a page of affogatos to order on the last page of their menu and you can make it boozy! So needless to say I had one of the best affogatos of my life with baileys in it, yum! The second time I came for a working lunch and tried their pizza. We had three different kinds, the chicken bacon ranch, potato pizza, and their spicy roni. The pizza was amazing as well. My fave was the spicy roni or the potato? I don't know it was a tough decision, but what's not a tough decision is that I will be back to sample more menu items! Thank you Cheshire Pizza! read more
A quick dinner with some friends and we were all pleasantly surprised with the vast selection of food options. Funny enough, we didn't even try the pizza! Very cute and comfortable space. Everyone was super friendly and answered all of our questions. Stormalong Orchard Cider ($7) {4.5/5}: Our waitress suggested this for me and she also recommended adding a sugar/cinnamon rim for the fall season, 10/10 recommendation. The cider wasn't overly sweet and paired well with the cinnamon sugar Bourbon honey Brussels sprouts ($10) {4/5}: A very delicious fried dish, though too salty for my taste. I ended up adding this to my salad Caesar salad with steak ($11, +$10) {3.5/5}: Great portion with fresh greens. Lower rating because of some mushy areas on the steak. A little bland overall so the brussels sprouts app was perfect to add in read more
1 year ago
Great place for dine in. Delivery is always fast. Pizza is Greek style. Good chicken gyros. read more
8 months ago
8 months ago
4 months ago
First visit here and what a great experience with this little place we're driven by without even noticing. Love the decor, it just felt relaxed and comfortable. The service was fast and friendly, with a single mistake rectified smoothly and quickly so no need for a dropped star. The food was fabulous! The Buffalo chicken fried dumplings were so tasty like mini empanadas. I planned to order a salad as they looked so good, but the chicken avocado panini was calling to me and if poutine's EVER on the menu I have to try it, and I wasn't disappointed!!! My girls had; one of the several Mac and cheese dishes and the AM/PM burger and both were thrilled with them. Cocktails were delicious and generous pours! We'll definitely be back!!! read more
It makes me glad when I find a wonderful spot in my hometown. This little restaurant -- nestled in between Stop & Shop, the library, and that place that used to be a video store -- is a paragon of the Greek pizza style, though they take many liberties with the toppings. They do a strong delivery game (either via phone or your favorite delivery app) but their waitstaff is even better. We usually split a large pizza and a salad, the latter of which is big enough for two adults. The Greek salad is one of our favorites. This time, we got The Mash, a white pizza with bacon and mashed potatoes, and only three slices of this square-cut pizza made it home. There's a few dozen reasons why I stop here almost every time I'm in town. Someday I'll taste them all. read more
7 months ago
Recommended: Yes, especially for fans of Greek-style pizza. Overall: A solid choice for Greek-style pizza with a convenient takeout option. Snapshot: Food: 4/5 Drink: NA Vibe: NA Service: 5/5 Value: 4/5 Family-Friendly: 3/5 Highlights: Perfect For: Enjoying Greek-style pizza and other flavorful dishes Don't Miss: The well-cooked pizza with tasty toppings Bonus Tip: Great for takeout, especially if planning to visit local spots like Counter Weight Brewing Co. All The Details: We did takeout from Cheshire Pizza & Ale to enjoy at the nearby Counter Weight Brewing Co. While Greek-style pizza isn't my personal favorite, I can appreciate the quality they offer. The pizza was well-cooked with a nice, thick crust, and the toppings were both good and flavorful. The ordering and pickup process was straightforward and hassle-free. Although I typically lean towards New Haven-style pizza, my husband enjoys Greek-style, so I can see us returning. We've dined in previously and tried other menu items, which were consistently flavorful and served with great, friendly service. However, the restaurant space is quite cramped, so it's not the most family-friendly option. But for take out it's definitely one of the best options in the area! read more
3 years ago
My son and I were looking for something casual after playing tennis, so we decided to stop here. It's been years since I've been here, and I'm so glad we decided to try it! We ordered cocktails, and I had the St Germain Cucumber Spritz - tart and refreshing! They have a nice selection of wings, so we ordered 10 of the House Dry Rub - the wings were large, crispy with a lot of flavor. For our meals we both ordered a burger. I ordered the Classic, and my son ordered the CPA Signature, both medium rare. I must say, this was a delicious burger! The burger was huge and cooked perfectly. I like how they grilled the bun, and the bun was not too big, so it didn't take away from the burger itself. It was one of the best burgers I've had in a long time! My son said the same thing about the CPA Signature. Place was packed by the time we left around 7:00pm. Casual, fun, and lively atmosphere. We'll definitely be back! read more
We love this place! The pizzas are always delicious and made perfectly every time. We have never been disappointed. Pricing is very reasonable and there are lots of food and beverage options. There is plenty of seating both at the bar and floor. Also, plenty of parking and space to maneuver your way around. This place is a winner! Give it a try and see for yourself. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Cheshire's one and only Cheshire Pizza--always solid. Pizza's consistently good; and i love party cuts. Service is friendly, been here 10+ times now. Great vibes for parties or casual dates, but seating can feel a bit tight sometimes. Fridays and saturday nights party for 4+ generally need to wait for 15 if walk in. read more
Food, service! Picked up dinner for the family last night, what a nice surprise Cheshire Pizza is every time! Burger was perfectly cooked, the roll was fresh all the toppings were plentiful! Rave reviews for the BBQ wings-I'm told they were meaty, amply sauced BBQ not to sweet, just a bit of spice. Crispy chicken honey mustard wrap ended with two thumbs up as well; grilled to perfection packed with tender chicken! Enough for lunch the next day! Looking forward to our next take out from this winner spot! read more
2 years ago
Great place! From the outside does not seem like what it is inside, never would have know about it. Typically pretty busy but worth the wait. Service is great. Typically bar food, but really good bar pizza. Very worth trying, love this place. We've been back 2 times already! read more
3 years ago
Every time we see the Cheshire pizza cars go by my son hopes it will come to our house, so on his birthday we surprised him. In my online order I asked that the pizza be delivered at or shortly after a specific time so that we could surprise my son, and it arrived at the perfect time. He was thrilled! We got a wonderful pizza that we all enjoyed and a nice note inside the box. read more
4 years ago
I ordered my meal online and had it delivered to my place of work, and was so impressed with the process. The website was user-friendly, the delivery guy was super nice, and the food was really excellent. My personal pizza was a great size-- I had plenty left over to enjoy the next day! read more
This popular restaurant with a sport bar atmosphere gets very busy during peak hours so plan ahead. They have good Greek style pizza that comes with a generous amount of toppings and never greasy. Their House salad was excellent and their french fries are nice and crispy. I would avoid their subs. I had the Philly steak and cheese, and the chicken parmesan both were dry and over cooked. Large menu with lots of choices. read more
5 years ago
Love this place. The interior decor is so cozy. The drinks are amazing - I highly recommend the Cheshire Mule. The service has been amazing each time I have gone - shoutout to Mariah who I had this past week! My favorite entree to get is the spicy southern chicken sandwich (pictured below) - so delicious 10/10 recommend you plan a visit - Cassie AKA @eatwithcmg on Instagram read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
First time here. Not a fan of Greek style pizza. Took out for my girls. Got 2 pies; a Notorious F.I.G. And a Mozzarella with ricotta. I'm not a fan of ricotta either but I tasted a piece that didn't have any to get an idea of how a plain cheese pie would taste. It was very good. I don't know if there's a new way to make Greek crust pizza or maybe my tastes have changed but the crust was good too, light, crispy and buttery. Now for the Notorious F.I.G. One of the best combinations I've ever had. Hard to go wrong with bacon, but add balsamic and figs and you have one tasty pie. They top it with arugula and goat cheese, two classics when it comes to balsamic and fig, and it doesn't disappoint. I hear the wings here are great too. I'll have to come back soon and give them a try. They have a decent set of taps too. There were about 12-14 beers on tap, mostly craft. If I remember correctly, when they re-opened, the selection used to be a bit more adventurous but I'm sure they've narrowed it for their customer base. read more
5 years ago
Always a hit! Cheshire Pizza & Ale has honestly helped us get through the pandemic. They were one of the first in town to offer delivery service last spring. These days, just remember to order in advance on the weekends because they are very popular! We ordered two of our favorite pizzas - The Mash and one with onions and black olives. Also got a Greek salad! read more
4 years ago
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