9 Pennsylvania Foods Named After Towns You Didn’t Know Existed
Pennsylvania’s culinary map is dotted with delicious treasures that carry the names of small towns across the state. From smoky sausages to unique pizza styles, these foods tell stories of local innovation and community pride.
Next time you’re traveling through the Keystone State, keep an eye out for these hometown specialties that put tiny towns on the food lover’s map.
1. Old Forge Pizza’s Square Revolution
Square is the shape of choice in Old Forge, the self-proclaimed “Pizza Capital of the World.” Locals don’t order by the slice here – you ask for a “cut” from a rectangular “tray” of pizza.
The crust sits somewhere between traditional and Sicilian styles, with a crisp bottom and chewy interior. Red versions feature tomato sauce and a blend of cheeses, while white varieties skip the sauce for olive oil and herbs.
Family-owned spots like Revello’s and Arcaro & Genell have been serving this regional specialty for generations.
2. Lebanon Bologna’s Tangy Legacy
The smoky, tangy flavor of Lebanon Bologna has been enticing taste buds since Pennsylvania Dutch butchers created it in the 1700s. This fermented beef sausage isn’t your ordinary lunch meat.
Unlike its Italian namesake, Lebanon Bologna has a distinctive sour note from its long smoking process over hardwood.
The town of Lebanon, nestled in central Pennsylvania, continues to celebrate this meaty treasure through producers like Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats in Palmyra, who still use traditional recipes.
3. Altoona-Style Pizza’s Quirky Charm
Food critics might raise eyebrows, but locals stand by Altoona-Style Pizza’s unusual combination. Born at the now-gone Altoona Hotel, this creation features a thick Sicilian-style base topped with salami, green bell peppers, and – most controversially – a square of American cheese.
I remember my first encounter with this oddity during a college road trip. Our group stared in disbelief at the perfectly square, melted yellow cheese atop our pizza.
One brave bite later, and we were all surprisingly hooked on this quirky Pennsylvania invention.
4. YORK Peppermint Pattie’s Cool Origins
That distinctive snap and cooling sensation of a YORK Peppermint Pattie began in a small confectionery shop in York, Pennsylvania. Henry Kessler of the York Cone Company created this dark chocolate-covered peppermint treat in 1940.
The original pattie was hand-pressed to achieve its perfect round shape and firm texture. Though now produced by Hershey, the candy retains its connection to York through its name.
The city’s residents maintain a special pride in this refreshing export that conquered America’s sweet tooth.
5. Hershey’s Sweet Town Connection
Milton Hershey didn’t just create a chocolate empire – he built an entire town around it. The iconic HERSHEY’S KISSES, with their distinctive teardrop shape and silver foil wrapping, debuted in 1907 and quickly became an American symbol.
Growing up near Hershey, my family made annual pilgrimages to Hersheypark where the air literally smells like chocolate.
The streetlights shaped like KISSES and chocolate-themed attractions showcase how deeply this brand is woven into the town’s identity.
Even the local hockey team plays at the GIANT Center, where an annual Teddy Bear Toss sends stuffed animals raining down after a goal during one game each season.
6. Snyder’s of Hanover’s Pretzel Perfection
The satisfying crunch of Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels has been a Pennsylvania tradition since 1909. The small town of Hanover might seem unassuming, but it’s home to one of America’s most beloved pretzel companies.
These golden-brown twisted snacks began as a small bakery operation run by Harry V. Warehime. Today, the company produces everything from traditional hard pretzels to flavored pieces and dipping sticks.
Pennsylvania’s pretzel-making heritage lives on through this brand that proudly carries its hometown in its name.
7. Reading Draft’s Fizzy Tradition
The rich, complex flavor of Reading Draft Birch Beer captures a taste of Pennsylvania’s soda-making heritage. Since 1921, Reading Soda Works has been slow-carbonating their beverages for a smoother, finer fizz than mass-produced sodas.
My grandfather introduced me to this ruby-red delight during summer visits to his Reading home. The cane sugar recipe creates a cleaner sweetness without the syrupy aftertaste of corn syrup sodas. Reading’s commitment to old-fashioned methods produces a birch beer that tastes like stepping back in time, with bottles that proudly display the city’s name.
8. Erie Pepperoni Balls’ Portable Pleasure
Baseball games in Erie wouldn’t be complete without the city’s signature snack: pepperoni balls. These softball-sized dough pockets conceal a treasure of spicy pepperoni chunks and often melted cheese.
Originally created by Italian bakeries as a portable lunch for factory workers, these savory treats have evolved into Erie’s culinary claim to fame. The contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the steamy, pepperoni-studded interior makes them irresistible.
Even the local minor league baseball team, the Erie SeaWolves, celebrates them with special “Pepperoni Ball” promotion nights.
9. Kutztown Sodas’ Vintage Flavors
Since 1851, Kutztown Soda Works has been bottling nostalgia in the form of richly flavored sodas. Their birch beer and sarsaparilla recipes have remained largely unchanged for generations, creating a taste that connects modern drinkers to Pennsylvania’s past.
The company takes pride in using cane sugar rather than corn syrup, giving their beverages a clean finish. Each bottle proudly displays the Kutztown name, linking these traditional flavors to their small-town origins.
The distinctive birch beer, with its wintergreen notes and amber color, remains their flagship product and a Pennsylvania favorite.