If you’re looking for a unique twist on classic bar food, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Hot Garlic Sauce at Peanut Bar in Carbondale, PA is a must-try. Located at 134 Cottage St #2807, the Peanut Bar has been a staple of the community since the 1940s, and the Moran family has been running the place since the early 1990s. With its rich history and recent expansions, the Peanut Bar has become not only the oldest and longest-running bar & grill in Carbondale but also a destination for fantastic food and atmosphere.
A Modern Gem with Historic Roots
The Peanut Bar started as a small, family-owned bar where “everybody knows your name,” but in recent years, it has evolved into a sprawling complex. They’ve added a huge deck and patio for outdoor dining and opened the Cashew Lounge, which offers an upscale gastropub experience. With handcrafted cocktails, an impressive beer selection, and a menu that includes their famous Garbage Wings, the Peanut Bar is more than just a local haunt—it’s a destination.
What I Ordered
During my visit, I indulged in a Buffalo Chicken Pizza with hot garlic sauce, a side of mild chicken wings, and a fried burrata appetizer. While everything was delicious, the star of the show was definitely the pizza. Here’s why:
Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Hot Garlic Sauce
When I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, I opted for their hot garlic sauce instead of the traditional buffalo sauce. While the hot garlic sauce wasn’t overly spicy, it delivered a fantastic punch of flavor. The sauce was savory with a hint of garlic that perfectly complemented the pizza’s toppings.
The diced chicken was just the right size—small enough to stay on the pizza but substantial enough to satisfy. The chicken was lightly breaded (if at all) and fried, adding a slight crispness to each bite. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese was satisfying.
Pizza Construction Done Right
The pizza crust shell was lightly baked in the center and crispy around the edges. Underneath the cheese, there was a thin layer of traditional pizza sauce that sort of added a dimension of flavor, balancing out the richness of the chicken and garlic sauce. It was hearty, satisfying, and generously loaded with ingredients, making every bite enjoyable. I think a little more of that delicious wing sauce drizzled on top post-bake would improved the proportions and flavor profile. Overall, this was a solid bar pizza with plenty of flavor and is sure to fill you up!
Mild Chicken Wings: A Sweet and Savory Surprise
Along with the pizza, I also tried the mild chicken wings. These wings were impressively large and meaty, fried to a slight crisp on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The mild sauce was sweet and tasted more like a honey BBQ than the usual buffalo flavor, which I found to be a pleasant surprise. The sauce adhered well to the wings, ensuring each bite was flavorful. If you’re looking for wings that are less about heat and more about flavor, these are a great choice.
Want to know what the best pizza sauce is? I tested, ranked, and scored them all! Here are my Pizza Sauce Rankings!
Why You Should Visit Peanut Bar
From the moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the rich history and welcoming atmosphere of the Peanut Bar. The owner has truly created something special with their recent expansions, transforming the bar into a multi-faceted dining and entertainment venue that appeals to all. Whether you’re hanging out on the patio, grabbing a drink at the Cashew Lounge, or just sitting down for some of the best hot wings and hot wing pizza in Carbondale, you’re in for a treat.
More Than Just Pizza and Wings
Though the fried burrata appetizer stole the show during my visit, pizza was good and the Peanut Bar offers a wide range of dishes to satisfy any palate. From their famous Garbage Wings to handcrafted cocktails and a broad beer selection, there’s something for everyone at this Carbondale institution.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Carbondale, PA, or anywhere nearby, make sure to stop by Peanut Bar at 134 Cottage St #2807. Whether you’re craving the Buffalo Chicken Pizza or just looking to relax with a drink on their expansive patio, Peanut Bar delivers on both flavor and atmosphere. As the oldest bar & grill in Carbondale, it’s a slice of local history that’s not to be missed.
Rating the Pizza
- Restaurant: Peanut Bar
- Address: 134 Cottage St #2807, Carbondale, PA 18407
- Dine In/Take Out: Take Out
- Pizza Ordered: Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Hot Garlic Sauce
- Date: September 2024
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 7.1 |
| Sauce | 7.7 |
| Cheese | 7.6 |
| Taste | 7.7 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.3 |
| Value | 7.5 |
| Overall Rating | 7.5 |
Pizza is Similar to: McGrath’s Pub, Apple Tree House,
