Some nights the fridge is full and I still can't face it. You know the feeling: it's 5 PM, everyone is hungry, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a stove. These are the spots I actually lean on when dinner needs to happen without me making it — prepared foods, a good butcher counter, a homemade loaf of bread, and yes, pizza.
Below, by neighborhood, with exactly what to order so you're not standing at the counter deciding. Bookmark this one for the next 5 PM panic.
Dinner tastes better when someone else made it.
RIVERSIDE — Barnoodle: Start with the handrolls, then get the noodles — brothy if you want comfort, dry if you want something lighter. This is where I go for a bowl of something warm when nothing else sounds good.
COS COB — Wildacre Rotisserie: Order the chicken bundle with two sides and two sauces, then add the crispy Brussels sprouts. Thank me later.
RIVERSIDE — COBS Bread: Pick up a crusty loaf for the table and something for tomorrow's breakfast — two problems solved in one stop. Insider tip: the cinnamon buns with icing are the best thing in the case.
COS COB — Fjord Fish Market: Grab fresh fish if you're cooking tonight, or a sushi platter if you're not. Either way, it counts as dinner.
BRUCE PARK — Greenwich Prime Meats: The night starts at the butcher counter, but don't skip the prepared dinners. And don't forget their famous gorgonzola salad and garlic bread.
GREENWICH — Citarella: Pick your fish or steak at the counter, then round it out with a couple of prepared sides from the case. Twenty minutes later, you'll look like you cooked.
RIVERSIDE — Balducci's: The prepared foods case plus the cheese counter is really all you need. Pick a main, grab something from the cheese counter for after, and dinner's done.
DOWNTOWN — Greenwich Flavor by Myrna's: Get the kafta kebab combo, extra garlic dip, and baklava for later. It's one block off the Avenue, so you can actually park.
GLENVILLE — Glenville Pizza: This is the pie I order when nothing else will do — run by a father and son who've been feeding Greenwich for 50 years. Just order the pie and don't overthink it.
GREENWICH — Patsy's: The pizza is among the best in town, but the chicken parm is the best I've ever had, anywhere — thin, perfectly cooked chicken, melted cheese, just enough sauce. I go almost weekly for it.
GREENWICH — Aux Délices: Grab a prepared main and a salad, and save room for dessert. Dinner tastes better when someone else made it. I love the quiche lorraine, and the chocolate cake is one for the books.
Have a go-to we missed? Tell us your 5 PM save on Instagram @greenwich.girl.