How to Plan a Pennsylvania Pizza Tour

Pennsylvania is home to one of the most diverse and deeply rooted pizza cultures in the United States. From the thin-crust, coal-fired pies of Philadelphia to the hearty, cheese-drenched Pennsylvania Dutch style in Lancaster County, and the iconic Philly-style square slices in Scranton, every region offers a unique culinary identity shaped by immigrant traditions, local ingredients, and generations of family-owned pizzerias. Planning a Pennsylvania Pizza Tour isnt just about eating pizzaits about experiencing the states history, community spirit, and regional pride through its most beloved comfort food. Whether youre a food enthusiast, a travel blogger, or simply someone who believes pizza is the ultimate road trip companion, a well-planned pizza tour can transform a weekend getaway into a memorable gastronomic adventure. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework to design, execute, and savor a Pennsylvania Pizza Tour thats as authentic as it is delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Pizza Tour Goals

Before you map out your route or book your first reservation, ask yourself: What do you want to achieve with this tour? Are you seeking the crispiest crust? The most innovative toppings? The oldest family-run pizzeria? Or perhaps you want to sample the full spectrum of regional styles? Clarifying your goals will shape every decision that follows.

Some common objectives include:

• Sampling all major Pennsylvania pizza styles (Philadelphia thin crust, Scranton square, Pittsburgh thin crust, Amish-style, etc.)
• Visiting pizzerias with historical significance (e.g., those operating since the 1940s)
• Documenting your journey for social media or a blog
• Supporting small, independent pizzerias over chains

Write down your top three priorities. This will serve as your compass when you encounter choices between two equally tempting spots.

Step 2: Research Pennsylvanias Regional Pizza Styles

Pennsylvania doesnt have one pizza styleit has many. Understanding these distinctions is essential to planning a meaningful tour.

Philadelphia Thin Crust Characterized by its paper-thin, crispy crust, often baked in a deck oven, with a light layer of sauce, grated low-moisture mozzarella, and a generous dusting of oregano. Its typically cut into squares (party cut) and served with a side of grated Parmesan. Iconic spots include Jims Steaks (yes, they serve pizza too), Tony Lukes, and DiNics.

Scranton Square Pizza Also known as tavern-style or party cut pizza, this style features a thick, chewy crust baked in a rectangular pan. The sauce is often sweeter and more tomato-forward, with a layer of cheese that extends to the edges, creating a caramelized crust. Pizzerias like Vitos and The Pizza Place are local legends.

Pittsburgh Thin Crust Though technically in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburghs style is distinct: ultra-thin, almost cracker-like crust, topped with a blend of provolone and mozzarella, and often finished with a drizzle of olive oil. Dont miss places like DeMarcos or Tony Lukes Pittsburgh location.

Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch Style Found in Lancaster, Lebanon, and Berks Counties, this style is often homemade, with a thicker, bread-like crust, less sauce, and sometimes even a layer of cottage cheese or ricotta. Its less about spice and more about simplicity and tradition. Look for family-run bakeries or church fundraisers that sell pizza on weekends.

Allegheny County Tavern Style Common in Pittsburgh suburbs and western PA towns, this style features a medium-thick crust, generous cheese, and toppings that are often layered under the cheese to prevent sogginess. Its a favorite among locals who prefer hearty, filling slices.

Make a list of the styles you want to try and assign them to regions. This will help you structure your itinerary geographically.

Step 3: Build a Geographically Efficient Route

Pennsylvania spans over 46,000 square miles. A successful pizza tour avoids backtracking and maximizes travel efficiency. Start by identifying the cities or towns you want to visit based on pizza style.

A recommended 5-day route:

• Day 12: Philadelphia Focus on thin crust, square slices, and historic pizzerias. Visit DiNics, Jims Steaks, Johns Roast Pork (yes, they serve pizza too), and Pizzeria Beddia.
• Day 3: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Drive 120 miles north. Sample square pizza at Vitos, The Pizza Place, and Dinos. Try a pizza roll if availablea local favorite.
• Day 4: Pittsburgh Drive 140 miles west. Experience thin crust at DeMarcos, Tony Lukes, and Little Caesars (yes, the original one, not the chain). Visit the Strip District for artisanal pies.
• Day 5: Lancaster County Drive 110 miles northeast. Seek out Amish-style pizza at local bakeries like Yoders or The Kitchen at the Amish Farmhouse. Dont skip the homemade garlic knots.

Use Google Maps to plot your stops and estimate driving times. Aim for 23 pizzerias per day to avoid fatigue and allow time for meaningful experiences. Avoid trying to cram in more than four stops in a single dayits not a competition, its a journey.

Step 4: Prioritize Authentic, Independent Pizzerias

While national chains have their place, the soul of Pennsylvania pizza lies in family-owned shops. These businesses often use recipes passed down for generations and source ingredients locally. Avoid places with Pizza Hut, Dominos, or Papa Johns signs unless youre doing a comparative analysis.

Look for these signs of authenticity:

• Handwritten menus or chalkboard specials
• Local newspaper clippings on the walls
• Staff who remember regulars by name
• Signs that say Established in [year] or Family owned since [year]
• Minimal signageno neon, no logos

Use local food blogs, Reddit threads (like r/pennsylvania or r/philadelphia), and Facebook groups (e.g., Pennsylvania Pizza Lovers) to uncover hidden gems. Many of the best spots dont have websites or Yelp pagesthey thrive on word-of-mouth.

Step 5: Plan Around Hours and Reservations

Many Pennsylvania pizzerias are small, family-run operations with limited hours. Some open only for lunch and dinner, close on Mondays, or only serve pizza on weekends. Always verify hours before you go.

For popular spots like Pizzeria Beddia in Philadelphia or DeMarcos in Pittsburgh, consider calling ahead to ask if they take reservations or if they have a waitlist. Even if they dont officially accept reservations, a quick call shows respect and may get you on the radar.

Also, note seasonal variations. Some Amish bakeries only serve pizza during the summer months or on Sundays after church. Check local event calendars for Pizza Festivals or Pizzeria Open House Daysthese are golden opportunities to sample multiple styles in one location.

Step 6: Pack for the Experience

A pizza tour isnt just about eatingits about observing, tasting, and documenting. Pack smart:

• Reusable utensils and napkins Many small pizzerias dont provide them.
• A food journal or notebook Record the name of the pizzeria, the date, crust texture, sauce flavor, cheese quality, and your overall impression.
• A camera or smartphone Capture the ambiance, the oven, the staff, and the slice. Visuals matter for later reflection or sharing.
• Comfortable walking shoes Youll be walking between pizzerias, often in urban neighborhoods.
• A cooler bag If you want to bring home a slice or two (yes, its possible!), insulated bags keep pizza fresh for a few hours.
• Local cash Many older pizzerias still prefer cash. Bring small bills and change.

Step 7: Engage With the Community

The best pizza experiences often come from conversation. Dont be afraid to ask questions:

• How long has your family been making pizza here?
• Whats the story behind your signature sauce?
• Do you have a secret ingredient?
• Whats your most popular slice?

Many owners will offer you a free appetizer or extra slice if they sense genuine interest. Share your own story toowhy youre on this tour, where youre from. These human connections turn a meal into a memory.

Step 8: Document and Reflect

After each stop, take five minutes to jot down your thoughts. What stood out? Was the crust too thick? Did the cheese have a tangy bite? Did the sauce taste like crushed San Marzano tomatoes or something more processed?

At the end of your tour, compile your notes into a personal guide. You might even create a map with ratings, photos, and quotes from owners. This becomes your own living document of Pennsylvanias pizza heritagea keepsake you can share with friends or publish online.

Best Practices

1. Eat Slowly, Taste Mindfully

Pizza is meant to be savored, not devoured. Take a moment to observe the slice: the color of the crust, the way the cheese stretches, the aroma of oregano and garlic. Bite into it slowly. Let the textures unfold. Notice the balanceor imbalancebetween sauce, cheese, and crust. This isnt just eating; its sensory evaluation.

2. Avoid Overloading on Cheese

Some pizzerias pile on the cheese to impress, but true craftsmanship lies in restraint. A great slice should have a harmonious ratioenough cheese to bind, but not so much that it overwhelms the crust or sauce. Look for pizzerias that use low-moisture mozzarella or blends with provolone and pecorino.

3. Respect Local Customs

In Philadelphia, its common to eat pizza with your hands, even if its square-cut. In Scranton, many locals dip their slices in ranch dressing. In Pittsburgh, its customary to eat pizza with a fork and knife. Dont judgeembrace the local way. Its part of the culture.

4. Dont Skip the Side Items

Many Pennsylvania pizzerias serve signature sides that are as iconic as the pizza itself: garlic knots, breadsticks, fried calzones, or even pickled peppers. Try them. Theyre often made with the same dough or sauce as the pizza and reflect the kitchens technique.

5. Travel Off-Peak Hours

Go early for lunch (11:30 a.m.) or late for dinner (8:30 p.m.) to avoid crowds. This gives you more time to talk with staff, get a better seat, and enjoy your pizza without rushing. It also increases your chances of catching a last slice special.

6. Support Sustainability

Ask if the pizzeria uses local dairy, organic tomatoes, or recyclable packaging. Many small pizzerias in Pennsylvania source ingredients from nearby farms. Choosing these spots supports regional agriculture and reduces environmental impact.

7. Be Open to Surprise

Some of the best pizza youll taste wont be on your list. Maybe you get lost and stumble into a tiny shop in Reading with a wood-fired oven. Maybe a local recommends a spot youve never heard of. Stay flexible. The magic of a pizza tour is in the unexpected discoveries.

Tools and Resources

1. Google Maps and Saved Lists

Create a custom Google Map titled Pennsylvania Pizza Tour 2024. Pin every pizzeria you plan to visit. Add notes for hours, specialties, parking tips, and whether they accept credit cards. Share the map with travel companions so everyone stays aligned.

2. Yelp and TripAdvisor (Use Critically)

While these platforms can help identify popular spots, dont rely solely on ratings. Look for reviews that mention specific details: crust charred perfectly, sauce tasted like fresh tomatoes, owner told me his grandfather started this in 1957. Avoid reviews that say only best pizza ever! without context.

3. Local Food Blogs and Podcasts

• Philly Eats Covers Philadelphia-area pizzerias with deep dives into history and technique.
• Pittsburgh Pizza Guide A blog dedicated to Pittsburghs pizza scene with photos and interviews.
• The Pizza Podcast (by Pennsylvania Foodie) Features interviews with pizzeria owners across the state.
• Amish Foodways Explores traditional food in Lancaster County, including pizza.

4. Social Media Hashtags

Search these hashtags on Instagram and Twitter to find real-time updates and hidden spots:

• PennsylvaniaPizza

• PhillyPizza

• ScrantonPizza

• PittsburghPizza

• AmishPizzaPA

• PizzaTourPA

Follow local food photographers and influencersthey often post unfiltered, real-time updates from the front lines.

5. Books and Documentaries

• Pizza: A Slice of America by John Mariani Includes a chapter on Pennsylvanias unique contributions.
• The Italian Baker by Carol Field Offers insight into traditional dough techniques used in PA pizzerias.
• Documentary: The Pizza Chronicles (Netflix) Features a segment on coal-fired ovens in the Northeast, including PA.

6. Local Tourism Websites

Check out:

• Visit Pennsylvania Official state tourism site with food trails.
• Visit Philadelphia Includes curated food tours.
• Lancaster County Tourism Highlights Amish food experiences.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Philadelphia Thin Crust Challenge

A food blogger from New Jersey planned a 24-hour pizza tour of Philadelphia. She visited five pizzerias in one day, starting at DiNics in the Reading Terminal Market. Her notes: The crust was so thin it cracked like a cracker, but the edges were perfectly charred. The oregano tasted like it had been dried in a sunlit window. Next, she tried Jims SteaksThe cheese was more melty, the sauce more acidic. I could taste vinegar. At Johns Roast Pork, she ordered the pizza hoagie and was stunned: Its like a sandwich and a pizza had a baby. By the end of the day, she realized the difference wasnt just in ingredientsit was in oven temperature, baking time, and the hands that made it. She published a detailed blog post that went viral locally, inspiring dozens of others to follow her route.

Example 2: The Lancaster County Amish Pizza Discovery

A family from Chicago took a weekend trip to Lancaster, expecting to see barns and quilts. They stumbled upon a small bakery called The Kitchen at the Amish Farmhouse after following a sign that read Fresh Pizza Today. The owner, a Mennonite woman named Esther, served them a square slice with a thick, doughy crust, minimal sauce, and a sprinkle of cottage cheese. We dont use cheese like you do, she said. We use what we make. The family was speechless. It tasted like bread and tomato and memory, the father wrote in his journal. They returned the next year with friends. Now, they host an annual Amish Pizza Weekend and invite others to join.

Example 3: The Scranton Square Slice Crawl

A group of college students from Penn State decided to map out the best square pizza in Northeastern PA. They visited six spots over three days, tasting each slice blindfolded and rating them on crust chewiness, cheese pull, and sauce sweetness. They ranked Vitos

1 for its caramelized cheese edges, but gave top marks for ambiance to The Pizza Place, where the owner played classic rock and asked everyone their favorite topping. They created a YouTube video titled The Great Scranton Pizza Crawl that now has over 200,000 views. One viewer from Ohio drove 10 hours to try the top three.

Example 4: The Pittsburgh Pizza Passport

A local entrepreneur in Pittsburgh created a Pizza Passport booklet12 pizzerias, one stamp per visit. Buy a $10 booklet, get a free garlic knot at each stop. After collecting 8 stamps, you get a free slice. Over 5,000 booklets have been sold. The program revived interest in small pizzerias that had been struggling. One shop, DeMarcos, saw a 40% increase in weekend traffic after being included. The program now includes a mobile app and a map with user reviews.

FAQs

Whats the best time of year to take a Pennsylvania Pizza Tour?

Spring (AprilJune) and fall (SeptemberOctober) are ideal. The weather is mild, making driving between towns pleasant. Many pizzerias also host seasonal events during these times, like Pizza & Cherry Blossom Festivals in Philadelphia or Harvest Pizza Nights in Lancaster.

Can I do a Pennsylvania Pizza Tour without a car?

You can explore Philadelphia or Pittsburghs pizza scenes using public transit, but to experience the full range of stylesincluding Lancaster and Scrantonyoull need a car. Pennsylvanias pizzerias are spread across rural and suburban areas with limited public transportation. Renting a car for 45 days is the most practical option.

Is pizza in Pennsylvania more expensive than elsewhere?

Not necessarily. A slice in Philadelphia might cost $4$6, while a whole pie in Scranton runs $15$25. Amish-style pizza is often sold by the slice for $3$5. Compared to New York or Chicago, Pennsylvania pizza is generally more affordable, especially considering portion sizes and quality.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Many pizzerias offer vegetable toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Vegan options are rarer but growing. Pizzeria Beddia in Philadelphia offers a vegan pie with cashew cheese. In Pittsburgh, The Pizza Place has a vegan cheese option upon request. Always askthe staff will often accommodate.

Can I bring my kids on a pizza tour?

Absolutely. Many pizzerias are family-friendly, with high chairs, simple toppings, and generous portions. The Amish-style spots are especially welcoming to children. Just avoid late-night visits to places that cater to adult crowds.

How do I avoid pizza fatigue?

Balance heavy slices with lighter stops. Drink water between bites. Eat a salad or fruit side if available. Take breaks between stops. Dont try to eat a whole pie at every locationshare with your travel partner. Remember: its about tasting, not gorging.

What if I dont like pizza?

Then this tour isnt for you. But consider this: Pennsylvania pizza isnt just about cheese and sauce. Its about community, heritage, and craftsmanship. Even if youre not a pizza fan, you might find yourself moved by the stories behind each pie.

Conclusion

Planning a Pennsylvania Pizza Tour is more than a foodie adventureits a pilgrimage through the states cultural landscape. Each pizzeria tells a story: of Italian immigrants who brought their recipes to coal towns, of Amish families who adapted their baking traditions, of generations who kept the ovens lit through recessions, wars, and pandemics. The crust may be thin or thick, the cheese sharp or mild, the sauce sweet or tangybut the heart of Pennsylvania pizza is always the same: pride, patience, and a deep love for sharing food.

By following this guide, youre not just eating pizzayoure becoming part of its legacy. Youre honoring the hands that stretch the dough, the ovens that have burned for decades, and the communities that gather around these simple, perfect slices.

So pack your journal, charge your phone, buckle up, and hit the road. Your next slice is waitingand it might just change the way you think about food, home, and belonging.