14 Pennsylvania Pizza Spots Serving Old School ’80s Style Pizza
Pennsylvania’s pizza scene is a delicious throwback to the ’80s, when thick, cheesy slices ruled and every bite felt like a celebration.
These 14 spots serve pizza with that classic charm, from perfectly crisped edges to gooey cheese that stretches with every pull.
Tomato sauce hits just the right balance of tang and sweetness, while toppings are generous and unapologetically bold.
Locals know that these pies aren’t just meals; they’re a taste of nostalgia, taking you back to neon diners and corner pizzerias buzzing with energy.
In Pennsylvania, old school pizza isn’t just food, it’s an experience you can still savor today.
1. Mineo’s Pizza House — 2128 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Walking into Mineo’s feels like stepping through a time portal straight back to 1958.
The checkered floors and vintage neon signs set the mood before you even catch a whiff of their legendary pies.
Their house special comes loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, all piled high on a crust that hits that perfect balance between crispy and chewy.
The building itself is a classic Pittsburgh storefront with big windows facing Murray Avenue, letting you watch the pizza makers toss dough while you wait.
Fun fact: Mineo’s has been using the same sauce recipe for many decades now, and they’re not about to mess with perfection now.
The red booths inside have probably heard more family secrets than a therapist’s couch.
Located at 2128 Murray Ave in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, this spot draws crowds from all over the city who crave that old school charm.
2. Fiori’s Pizzaria — 103 Capital Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Since 1958, Fiori’s has been cranking out square cut pizzas that make grown adults nostalgic for their childhood.
The wood paneled walls and vintage soda signs create an atmosphere that refuses to acknowledge any decade past 1985.
Their signature pie features a thick, doughy crust topped with a sweet tomato sauce and a generous blanket of provolone cheese that stretches for days.
The building is a humble brick structure set within a residential neighborhood, with a small dining room that fills up fast on weekends.
Locals swear by the pepperoni squares, which come out of the oven with crispy edges and pools of grease that you blot with a napkin before diving in.
The family behind the counter has been serving the same recipes for generations, and they’re not interested in trendy toppings or artisanal anything.
You’ll find this gem at 103 Capital Ave in Pittsburgh’s Beltzhoover neighborhood.
3. Vincent’s Pizza Park — 998 Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Nothing says ’80s pizza night like a pie from Vincent’s, where the sauce is tangy enough to wake up your taste buds and the cheese comes piled on like there’s no tomorrow.
The restaurant sits in a standalone building with plenty of parking, which was a big deal back when families would pile into station wagons for dinner.
Their most famous creation is the white pizza, loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh garlic that’ll keep vampires away for weeks.
The interior features that classic pizza parlor setup with booths along the walls and a counter where you can watch your pie get assembled.
Vincent’s has been family owned since day one, and they’ve resisted every urge to modernize their menu or decor.
The building’s exterior sports a big, bold sign that you can spot from down the street. Located at 998 Ardmore Blvd in Pittsburgh’s Forest Hills area, this spot remains a neighborhood favorite.
4. Aiello’s Pizza (Squirrel Hill) — 2112 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Right down the street from Mineo’s, Aiello’s has been holding its own since 1978 with a style that’s pure Pittsburgh through and through.
The storefront is modest, with a simple awning and windows that steam up when the ovens are running full blast.
Their Sicilian pizza is the stuff of legend, with a thick, airy crust that somehow manages to be both fluffy and sturdy enough to hold an avalanche of toppings.
The interior is no frills, just a few tables and a long counter where you order and watch the magic happen.
Aiello’s keeps things straightforward with classic toppings and no fancy fusion experiments.
The building itself blends into the Murray Avenue streetscape, but locals know exactly where to find it when the craving hits.
Fun fact: The original owner started making pizza in his basement before opening this location. You’ll find Aiello’s at 2112 Murray Ave in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
5. Beto’s Pizza — 1473 Banksville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Beto’s has been serving up pies with a cult following since 1953, and their dedication to the old ways shows in every bite.
The building is a classic brick structure with a big parking lot, making it easy to swing by for takeout or settle in for a meal.
Their signature offering is the cool cheese topping, which goes on after baking, and still draws long time fans who refuse to mess with tradition, even on busy nights here.
The interior features dark wood paneling and booths that have probably hosted thousands of Little League celebrations and birthday parties.
Beto’s sauce has a unique sweetness that sets it apart from the competition, and they’re generous with the cheese in true ’80s fashion.
The menu hasn’t changed much over the decades, which is exactly how the regulars like it.
Located at 1473 Banksville Rd in Pittsburgh’s Banksville neighborhood, Beto’s remains a local institution that refuses to fade away.
6. The Original Tacconelli’s Pizzeria — 2604 E Somerset St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Tacconelli’s makes you work for your pizza by requiring advance reservations just to secure your dough, but the payoff is worth every bit of planning.
The building is an unassuming corner spot in Port Richmond, with a brick exterior that’s seen nearly a century of pizza making.
Their tomato pie is the star of the show, featuring a thin crust that gets blistered and charred in their brick hearth oven, topped with a garlicky tomato sauce that’s more about flavor than fancy presentation.
The interior is cozy and cramped, with mismatched tables and walls covered in photos and newspaper clippings celebrating their legacy.
Fun fact: The oven has been baking pies for generations, giving every pie that signature smoky flavor you can’t replicate with gas or electric.
The whole operation feels like eating in someone’s basement rec room, which is part of the charm.
Find them at 2604 E Somerset St in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood.
7. Lorenzo & Sons Pizza — 305 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Open until 3 AM on weekends, Lorenzo’s has been fueling late night adventures and bad decisions since the ’80s.
The storefront is pure South Street chaos, with bright lights and a constant stream of hungry customers spilling onto the sidewalk.
Their giant slices are the size of your head, folded in half and devoured while standing because there’s barely any seating inside.
The crust is thin and floppy in that classic New York style that somehow migrated to Philly and made itself at home.
The interior is basically a counter, an oven, and a few stools if you’re lucky enough to snag one. Fluorescent lighting and zero ambiance are part of the authentic experience.
Lorenzo’s doesn’t pretend to be fancy, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back decade after decade.
The building sits right in the heart of South Street’s nightlife scene at 305 South St in Philadelphia, making it the perfect pit stop between shops.
8. Santucci’s Original Square Pizza — 901 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Santucci’s has been cutting their pizzas into squares since 1959, long before it was trendy to do anything different.
The building is a corner spot in South Philly with big windows that let you peek at the pizza action inside.
Their signature square pie comes with a thick, focaccia style crust that’s crispy on the bottom and soft in the middle, topped with a sweet sauce and a blend of cheeses that gets all caramelized around the edges.
The interior is tight and functional, with a few tables for dining in but most people grab their boxes and go.
The walls are decorated with vintage photos of the neighborhood back when everyone knew everyone else’s business.
Santucci’s keeps the recipes exactly as they were decades ago, which means no weird toppings or gluten free options here.
Fun fact: The original owner refused to sell slices, only whole pies, to maintain quality control. Located at 901 S 10th St in Philadelphia’s Italian Market area.
9. Pica’s Restaurant of Upper Darby — 7803 W Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082
Pica’s has been a Delaware County institution since 1946, serving pizza alongside a full menu of Italian American classics.
The building is a larger establishment, with dining service ending in late October 2025 and carryout offered, plus dark wood accents and dim lighting that screams old school Italian restaurant for decades.
Their pizza comes with a medium thick crust that’s got some chew to it, topped with a slightly spicy sauce that gives it character.
The cheese blend includes a good amount of Romano, adding a sharp kick that sets it apart from sweeter styles.
Beyond pizza, Pica’s also does stromboli and calzones that are big enough to feed two people.
The front area in the building has that classic neighborhood joint vibe where regulars gather to argue about sports and politics.
Located at 7803 W Chester Pike in Upper Darby, Pica’s represents suburban Philadelphia pizza culture at its finest and most unchanging.
10. Frank’s Pizzeria — 618 Duss Ave, Ambridge, PA 15003
Frank’s has been the go to pizza spot in Ambridge since 1958, serving a style that’s uniquely western Pennsylvania.
The building is a simple storefront on Duss Avenue with a red and white awning that’s been there so long it’s practically a landmark.
Their pizza features a hand tossed crust that’s got some heft to it, topped with a tangy sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella that gets those perfect grease puddles on top.
The interior is classic pizza parlor with a counter for ordering, a few tables, and walls covered in photos of local sports teams they’ve sponsored over the years.
Frank’s also makes a mean hoagie, but everyone really comes for the pizza cut into squares the way it should be.
The family running the place has kept everything exactly as it was, right down to the vintage cash register. You’ll find Frank’s at 618 Duss Ave in Ambridge, about 20 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.
11. Revello’s Pizza — 502 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518
Old Forge calls itself the Pizza Capital of the World, and Revello’s has been backing up that claim since 1967.
The building sits right on Main Street with a blue awning and a dining room that fills up with locals who take their pizza very seriously.
Revello’s specializes in Old Forge style pizza, which means a rectangular shape, thick crust, and a blend of cheeses that includes American cheese alongside the mozzarella.
The result is a creamy, mild flavor that’s totally different from what you’ll find anywhere else in Pennsylvania.
Their red pizza comes with a sweet sauce, while the white version is loaded with onions and cheese that caramelizes beautifully.
The interior has that classic family restaurant feel with booths and tables where generations have celebrated everything from graduations to anniversaries.
Fun fact: Old Forge style pizza is always sold by the tray, not by the pie. Located at 502 S Main St in Old Forge, northeast of Scranton.
12. Arcaro & Genell — 443 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518
Arcaro & Genell has been perfecting the Old Forge style since 1962, and they’re not about to change a single thing now.
The restaurant occupies a brick building on Main Street with a sign out front that’s become iconic in these parts.
Their pizza trays come loaded with a cheese blend that’s heavy on the American cheese, creating that distinctive mild and creamy taste that defines the regional style.
The crust is thick and doughy, more like focaccia than traditional pizza, and it’s cut into squares that you eat with your hands while trying not to burn your mouth.
The dining room is spacious by Old Forge standards, with wood paneling and decorations that haven’t been updated since the Reagan administration.
They also serve pasta and other Italian dishes, but ordering anything besides pizza feels like missing the point.
Located at 443 S Main St in Old Forge, just down the street from several other legendary pizza spots.
13. Café Rinaldi — 426 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518
Café Rinaldi rounds out Old Forge’s pizza royalty with a style that’s been consistent for generations.
The building is a cozy spot on Main Street with a homey atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re eating at a relative’s house.
Their take on Old Forge pizza features that signature thick crust and American cheese blend, but Rinaldi’s sauce has a bit more tang to it than some of the competition.
The rectangular trays come out piping hot with cheese that’s melted into a smooth, creamy layer.
The interior is warm and inviting with checkered tablecloths and walls covered in family photos and local memorabilia.
Rinaldi’s has stayed family owned through multiple generations, and you can usually find someone from the family working the dining room or kitchen.
They’re known for being generous with portions and friendly with service.
Fun fact: The café name is a nod to the original location’s coffee shop roots. Find them at 426 S Main St in Old Forge.
14. Mary Lou’s Pizza — 209 Dunn Ave, Old Forge, PA 18518
Mary Lou’s completes the Old Forge pizza pilgrimage with a spot that’s been beloved since 2001.
The building is a small, unassuming structure on Dunn Avenue that you might drive past if you didn’t know what you were looking for.
Their pizza follows the Old Forge tradition with thick crust and that distinctive American and mozzarella cheese blend, but Mary Lou’s is known for getting the crust extra crispy on the bottom.
The rectangular trays come cut into generous squares that are perfect for sharing, though you might not want to.
The interior is tiny with just a handful of tables, so most people get takeout and eat in their cars or at home.
Mary Lou’s has that authentic mom and pop feel where the owners remember your name and your usual order.
The red pizza with pepperoni is the crowd favorite, coming out of the oven with those crispy edges that Old Forge locals crave.
Located at 209 Dunn Ave in Old Forge, slightly off the Main Street pizza strip.