Located on Route 202 across from the Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield, Millie’s Kitchen & Pizzeria is a typical neighborhood pizza place.
The decor’s not particularly elaborate (although the establishment provides comfortable accommodations for both indoor and al fresco dining), and the service is counter style. The expansive menu posted on one wall focuses on casual, no-fuss favorites.
There’s a large selection of appetizer and snack options on the Millie’s agenda. Cheese & Bacon Fries ($4.75), Jalapeno Poppers ($5.95), and Hamburger Nachos are among the listings, as are Buffalo Wings (12 for $10.95).
For those so inclined, complete pasta dinners can be enjoyed. These include the likes of Spaghetti with Meatballs ($11), Stuffed Shells ($11), and Chicken Gorgonzola ($14.95).
Burgers and sandwiches are a third part of the kitchen’s repertoire, with options ranging from a kraut-topped Rueben Burger ($7.95) to a Greek Chicken Wrap ($8.95).
With so much from which to choose, we found it necessary to make several visits.
A Cheddar Patty Melt ($6.95) proved to be a credible, if not particularly memorable, experience. Built with a grilled burger, cheddar, fried onions, and bacon, it came with a hefty side order of traditional French fries.
The Italian Cold Cut Sub ($7.95) also made for a satisfying midday meal. Assembled on a 12-inch roll, it incorporated salami, hot capicola, sliced ham, and provolone cheese; sliced tomato and crisp shredded lettuce contributed flavor and texture.
During a second visit we opted for a dinner experience.
Millie’s Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo ($14) featured penne pasta tossed with fresh broccoli, shredded chicken breast, and plenty of Alfredo sauce, the latter a cheesy, creamy affair seasoned with enough black pepper to give it a bit of bite.
The restaurant’s Lasagna ($12) was a loose-textured, free form piece of work. A chunky marinara, thick with bits of tomato and lightly infused with garlic, onion, and oregano, had been layered with lasagna noodles, while ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella were also present as parts of the composition.
Entrees at Millie’s come with a plentifully garnished salad, and deliciously fragrant garlic bread is provided as well.
Pizza’s a big part of the business at Millie’s, with plenty of take-out and delivery orders going out the door during both our visits. Pies come in four different sizes and can be garnished with 16 different toppings. Gluten free pizzas are also prepared.
We focused our attention on the “Gourmet Pizza” list, a selection of predetermined topping combinations that includes chicken-bacon-ranch, “meat lovers,” chicken parmigiana, and more.
Our Hawaiian Pizza ($10.75 for a small 10-inch pie) was one of the best of that sort we’ve had the pleasure of encountering. Generously topped with diced ham, pineapple tidbits, and crumbled bacon, the pie’s mild red sauce and plentiful melted mozzarella harmonized perfectly with the smoky-sweet garnishes and the tender yet pleasingly chewy crust. It was a pie we’re not in the least reluctant to recommend.
The calzones at Millie’s are equally well executed. A medium Steak Combo ($14.25) had a bounty of shaved steak, grilled onions, green peppers, and sliced mushrooms tucked inside the folded over pizza crust. A side of the chunky house marinara sauce was provided for dipping purposes.
Beverage options at Millie’s are limited to soft drinks, since the pizzeria doesn’t have a license to offer stronger options.
When it comes to traditional desserts, the Kitchen limits itself to slices of carrot cake packaged “to go.” Additionally there’s an ice cream merchandiser that’s fully stocked with ice cream novelties and pint-sized containers of premium ice cream.
Millie’s Kitchen also has Kids Meals priced at $5.95, with options such as grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and more. In addition to the center-of-plate item, fries and a juice box are included.
Positioned as a traditional pizza and sub shop venue, Millie’s Kitchen delivers a mostly satisfying, no-fuss meal experience, whether enjoyed on an eat-in or take-out basis.
Name: Millie’s Kitchen & Pizzeria
Address: 1029 North Road, Westfield
Telephone: (413) 532-5300
Website: facebook.com/milliepizzeria/
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entree prices: $9.95 – $14
Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped access: Accessible, rest room equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Not taken
