The Origins of Grandma Pizza and Vodka Sauce Pizza in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Basilico’s Pizzeria’s Pioneering Role
Introduction
When it comes to the culinary delights of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Grandma Pizza and Vodka Sauce Pizza stand out as beloved staples. But where did these iconic pizza styles originate and gain popularity in the region? A significant part of the story leads us to Basilico’s Pizzeria in Dickson City, PA.
Basilico’s Pizzeria’s Impact
Basilico’s Pizzeria in Dickson City has made a remarkable impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania’s pizza scene. With over 20 years of history in Lackawanna County, Basilico’s has introduced its New York attitude, fantastic pizza, and a whole lot more to the local market. Their influence has been particularly notable in popularizing both Grandma Pizza and Vodka Sauce Pizza.
The First Taste of Grandma Pizza
I vividly recall my first experience with Basilico’s New York Style round and Grandma slices a couple of decades ago. I remember seeing the Grandma slice and wondering what it was. It was rectangular, reminiscent of the familiar Old Forge pizzas we enjoy locally, but the similarities ended with its shape. The chunky sauce on top was unlike anything else available at the time. Intrigued, I decided to order it, and the rest is history.
Spreading the Love for Grandma Pizza
Since then, many local pizza shops have added versions of Grandma Pizza to their menus. Notably, Rosario’s Pizzeria in Clarks Summit, which purchased its location and recipes from Basilico’s, makes one of the best Grandma Pizzas in NEPA. Additionally, several former employees of Basilico’s have started making their own Grandma-style pizza. As locals became acquainted with this easy-to-enjoy thin Sicilian-style pizza, demand grew, and more pizzerias began offering it.
Recognizing Basilico’s Role
Am I claiming that Basilico’s invented Grandma Pizza? No. Nor am I asserting that Basilico’s was the first pizzeria to sell it in Northeastern Pennsylvania. What I am saying is that Basilico’s deserves significant credit for bringing Grandma Pizza to NEPA and popularizing it. In other words, Basilico’s is the OG NEPA Grandma Pie!
The Rise of Vodka Sauce Pizza
The same can be said for Vodka Sauce Pizza. Was Vodka Pizza on a few menus in NEPA 25 years ago? Perhaps, but I am not aware of any. Today, Vodka Pizza is a mainstay on many pizzerias’ menus. While these are anecdotes and opinions, finding a statistical correlation and causal relationship for these claims is challenging. However, as a local pizza guide who has had a front-row seat for the rise of Grandma Pizza and Vodka Pizza and has championed both on social media for years, I believe Basilico’s must be considered a primary source of mainstream adoption of each style.
Conclusion
Basilico’s Pizzeria in Dickson City has played a crucial role in shaping the pizza culture of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Their New York roots and innovative approach have introduced and popularized both Grandma Pizza and Vodka Sauce Pizza, making them beloved staples in the local pizza scene.
Vodka Sauce Pizza Rating Scores
- Restaurant: Basilico’s Pizzeria
- Address: 1019 Commerce Blvd, Dickson City, PA 18519
- Date: July 2024
- Dine In/Take Out: Dine In
- Pizza Ordered: Vodka Sauce Pizza
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 7.9 |
| Sauce | 8.4 |
| Cheese | 7.9 |
| Taste | 8.5 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.6 |
| Value | 7.3 |
| Overall Rating | 8.0 |
Grandma Pizza Rating Scores
- Restaurant: Basilico’s Pizzeria
- Address: 1019 Commerce Blvd, Dickson City, PA 18519
- Date: July 2024
- Dine In/Take Out: Dine In
- Pizza Ordered: Grandma Pizza
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 7.8 |
| Sauce | 8.6 |
| Cheese | 8.1 |
| Taste | 8.4 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.6 |
| Value | 7.3 |
| Overall Rating | 8.1 |
