by Kevin Jachimowicz
Although it may not be the most common combination, Nicola’s Pizza & Mexican Eatery makes its customers feel as if it always has been.
Located in the plaza at 1125 Willard Avenue in Newington, Nicola’s makes for one of the best stops for commuters looking for a quick meal while heading to or from school — as well as campus residents who are looking for an escape from the typical meals they eat in the Devil’s Den or Memorial Hall. If you work in the area, Nicola’s makes for a great stop on lunch break. Nicola’s Pizza & Mexican Eatery is open seven days a week: from 11:00a.m. ­until 10:00p.m.
Upon entering the restaurant, you are greeted by the always-friendly employees. The place is not large, but there is more than enough room to go with a couple of friends and sit down inside to eat a meal. Bringing a large party of a dozen to sit down and eat or celebrate something would not be realistic here. There is one flat­screen TV mounted to the wall, with numerous tables nearby and surrounding.
The pizza here is a favorite of most who try the restaurant, it is very consistent. The pizza is thin­crust, and they have a seemingly never­ ending deal on it which offers a can of soda and two slices of pizza for just $4.99. Pretty much any topping you could ask for is a possibility here.
As far as the mexican side of the menu, Nicola’s offers Burritos, Tacos and Tortas (a Mexican­ style sandwich). Steak, Chicken and Beef tacos are possibilities, with either a soft or hard shell. There are also numerous options as far as Burritos and Tortas. Steak or chicken burritos are on the menu, along with Mariachi, Sabanero and more. The food is always served impressively fast and fresh out of the oven.
Although they do not offer formal waiter service for dining in, customers are free to make reservations. The lack of formal waiting service can benefit those looking to save a few dollars — ­you won’t have a waiter to tip, just someone to deliver your food to your table. Nicola’s also offers delivery service.
They accept credit cards, as well as debit cards, but on any charges under $5.00, they add a small amount of change to the charge ­somewhere around twenty­-five cents.
Nicola’s is a great spot for CCSU commuters and campus residents alike to swing by whenever they have spare time to grab a bite to eat. Nicola’s is delicious and reasonably priced, open seven days a week.