Hartford Pizza Garden — Restaurant in Hartford

Today we had a mini Slice Mob meetup, as one of our dear members had his son visiting. We decided on Hartford Pizza Garden, a cool little spot on Farmington Ave.

You walk in and you’re immediately hit with the unmistakable aroma of fresh basil, it’s growing right there in hydroponic planters on the wall. Farm-to-table doesn’t get fresher than this!

Their claim to fame? They serve up three of my favorite styles: New Haven, Detroit, and Grandma. So as the head of the Slice Mob, I had a solemn duty to try all three. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed!

First up: the New Haven tomato pie. The old standard. Thin, crispy base with a gorgeous tomato sauce that hits that perfect sweet-meets-acidic balance. Topped with freshly grated Romano and just enough char to give it that smoky undertone. If I closed my eyes (which I didn’t, for fear of a fellow Mob member stealing a slice 😆), I would’ve sworn I was in New Haven!

Next: the Detroit Red Top. Motor City, here I come. Thick, airy crust, like a ridiculously comfy mattress, blanketed with edge-to-edge melted mozzarella that forms that glorious crispy frico. That smoky, caramelized cheese on the crust? OMG. It’s the stuff of Detroit pizza dreams. Finished with bold stripes of their house red sauce.

Last but not least: the Grandma. A perfect in-between thickness, somewhere between New Haven and Detroit. Maybe we should call it “Erie, PA style” (get it? Halfway between the two 😄). Bad dad joke. Moving on…

This one had a crisp base with a tender, tight crumb. Cheese coverage was on point, melted beautifully, and once again finished with those signature stripes of their simple-yet-stunning tomato sauce.

Let’s talk about that sauce. It’s straightforward, seasoned just right, and lets the tomatoes be the star. Not weighed down by a bunch of extra seasoning. Sometimes, less is more, and in this case, less is just right.

Already looking forward to going back and working my way through the rest...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hartford Pizza Garden, and I must say, it’s a game-changer for Hartford's pizza scene! This isn't your typical pizza joint; Hartford Pizza Garden brings something entirely fresh and unique to the area.

From the moment I walked in, the friendly staff made me feel right at home. Their warmth and genuine enthusiasm for what they do are evident in every interaction, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

Now, let’s talk about the food – it’s outstanding. They are pushing the boundaries of traditional pizza with innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients. If you're a fan of New Haven-style pizza, this is the closest you'll get in the area. But that's not all – along with New Haven style, they also offer a variety of styles, including Detroit and Grandmas, each crafted with care to bring out the best in every bite. I haven’t found one other place that has this variety while keeping the quality top tier.

One of the standout aspects is their commitment to fresh, home-grown ingredients. They grow their own basil and are even starting to grow their own tomatoes, adding an extra layer of freshness and flavor to their dishes. You won’t find anything that comes close in the area.

Beyond the incredible pizza, they have a diverse menu featuring fresh salads, sandwiches/subs, tempting appetizers, and delicious desserts that are sure to satisfy any craving.

Hartford has never seen anything like this before. If you’re looking for a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Hartford Pizza Garden is the place to be. Highly...

I'm a die hard Hartford fan and want to support small, local businesses at every turn, especially when they offer vegan/gluten free options. I've eaten take out from here a number of times, and it's always been good.

Yesterday, we ordered everything vegan, picked up, and realized when we got home that they had put regular dairy feta on my pizza and then tried ineffectively to pick it off. I called and they said it was "an accident if it happened" 🤨 and refunded the cost of the pizza.

Dear owner - putting ingredients that people aren't able to eat in food can make people sick or kill them. And despite my best efforts at eating around and also picking off the feta, it seems like there was more than I could sense and I am now ill because of it. Please teach your people how to handle food allergies, and if you aren't familiar with what "vegan" means, please learn or just don't...