Chomp N Pit is Open in Naugatuck

Naugatuck, CT - Chomp N Pit is a restaurant that opened on North Main Street in Naugatuck on March 15. The “comfort food with a BBQ kicker” establishment is the realization of a 15 year dream of owner Roy Roussel and his co-owner Karen Rogers. The two co-owners would like to dispel rumors that the business is owned by anyone else.

Patch readers are being offered a very special offer. Just mention Naugatuck Patch when you arrive and receive 10% off your bill.

The very personable owners gave me a tour of the two rooms that make up the new business and Mr. Roussel explained that he hand crafted out of wood all of the furniture in both rooms. The impressive chairs and tables and decor hanging on the walls suit the decor nicely, adding to the comfort food atmosphere.

Mr. Roussel, who worked in construction and is a self-taught cook, told me that one of the biggest sellers are the dishes featuring the seasoned and marinated brisket that is slow-cooked in the oven. The brisket, which is offered both as a dinner and in the form of a sandwich topped with slaw, is raised all natural with no antibiotics or hormones. Also included on the menu is a Chomp N Pit Special that includes the brisket, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions and mushrooms topped with lettuce, tomato and chipotle ketchup that is made from scratch.

The cook told me that he makes all of his own sauces and offers both spicy and mild varieties of barbeque sauce. I appreciated that there is a mild version for those of us that prefer it. Mr. Roussel whips up his own cocktail sauce for the shrimp cocktail or jumbo fried shrimp as well.

Other big sellers are the ribs, which are offered as a full rack or half rack. Also on the menu are prime rib that is offered Thursday through Sunday. The prime rib dinners come with soup or salad, mashed potatoes or fries and the vegetable of the day.

I was intrigued by the long list of appetizers on the menu. These include Family Fries that are hand cut and made to order, as well as in-house cut onion rings. “Fly No More Chicken Wings” are available in BBQ, Buffalo and an original-recipe Spicy Mango Habanero, and house chicken sticks are offered in the same three flavors. Four hand cut mozzarella sticks are on the list, as well as shrimp cocktail. Nachos are offered with tortilla chips, salsa verde, house hot sauce, jalapeno and three-blend cheese and you can add pulled chicken, pulled pork or brisket for an additional fee. Philly cheesesteak egg rolls have recently been added to the offerings.

The more unique appetizers (at least to my mind) include fried dill pickle spears wrapped in bacon and fried pulled pork wontons. Sliders topped with coleslaw are available with pulled pork or pulled chicken and you may substitute the brisket for an additional charge if you would like just a taste of the BBQ.

On the main menu is a wide variety of comfort foods. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are topped with lettuce and tomato and platters are served with fries, coleslaw and a pickle. Platters are available with a hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, hot dog, black bean and rice burger, as well as a chicken sandwich. There is also a pulled chicken sandwich topped with slaw and a pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw. You may add bacon to any sandwich and mac-n-cheese to any burger for an extra charge.

Beside the brisket dinner and the ribs, a country fried chicken entree is on the menu, as well as macaroni and cheese with the following meat additions: brisket, fried or grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, fried or blackened shrimp, pulled pork or pulled chicken, all for an extra charge.

Entree salads and soup of the day or a cup of brisket chili are available. The house salad is a mix of spring mix, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, mushrooms, sweet peppers and your choice of salad dressing. All entrees are served with soup or salad and your choice of two sides. There are a good variety of drinks offered and there is a BYOB corking fee.

The name “Chomp N Pit” was the brainchild of Mr. Roussel. He told me that it just came to him one day. The proud co-owner does all of the cooking with a huge heaping of love.

The tidy restaurant does not have a microwave on the premises. Nothing on the menu is frozen.

Daily specials are offered in addition to the regular extensive menu. An affordable kids menu is offered and the owners told me that a kids entree is free for children under 12 with the purchase of two adult entrees. First responders and veterans are also offered 10% off their meal.

The second room of the restaurant is offered as a room for private parties and the owners offer 10% off if Chomp N Pit provides the food.

The restaurant is open for business Tuesday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-8pm. They are closed on Monday and they thank you for supporting small businesses.

Don’t forget the special offer for Naugatuck Patch readers. Mention that you read my post on this site and receive 10% off your check. Tell them Nancy Sasso Janis sent you.

Chomp N Pit is located at 421 North Main Street in Naugatuck. Parking is available behind the restaurant via a driveway at the side of the location. Take out is available, but they currently do not offer delivery. Stop by and check out a menu. Check out their Facebook page for daily specials.