Callela’s Pizza, Pasta & Subs – Birney Avenue’s Hidden Gem
Why isn’t anyone talking about this place?
That was my burning question after three of my most trusted followers slid into my DMs raving about Callela’s on Birney Avenue in Scranton. The storefront has hosted more pizzerias than I can count on one hand, and traffic out front is… well, let’s call it “blink and you’ll miss it.” But great food has a way of shining through tough geography, so I popped in to see if Callela’s was truly the sleeper hit my insiders claimed.
First Impressions & Service
Walk-ins are greeted by an open kitchen, the aroma of slow-roasted porketta, and staff who act like they’ve known you for years. My order was ready quicker than I could finish scrolling Instagram, and every question was met with genuine enthusiasm—exactly the small-town hospitality NEPA diners crave.
The Trays
Old Forge-Style: Cup-n-Char Pepperoni & Hot Honey
Callela’s rolls their own Old Forge shells fresh each morning, and it shows. The ½-inch-thick crust is pillow-soft inside, crackly-crisp outside, with pockets that trap sauce like little flavor reservoirs. A well-balanced blend of American and Cooper cheeses blankets the pie, while cupping pepperoni brings smoky depth. Drizzled hot honey adds a playful, sweet-heat counterpunch that never overwhelms. Generously portioned, wildly satisfying—proof that Cup-n-Char makes every pizza better!
New York-Style Cheese
One bite and I knew the mozzarella had to be Grande—its signature stretch, buttery melt, and faintly sweet finish are unmistakable. Sauce leans bright and tomato-forward, adding natural sweetness that offsets the cheese’s saltiness. The crust: thin, screen-baked to a light golden brown, floppy enough for the classic fold locals adore. I’d personally crank the bake a shade darker, but this “lighter-than-city” finish is exactly how most NEPA New York-style fans order it. Premium ingredients, honest execution.
Want to know what the best pizza sauce is? I tested, ranked, and scored them all! Here are my Pizza Sauce Rankings!
Beyond Pizza
The Porketta Hoagie
House-roasted porketta—ridiculously tender and herb-speckled—gets rough-chopped, piled onto a seeded roll, then crowned with spicy cherry peppers. It’s a heat-kissed flavor bomb that rivals the pies for star billing. If you’re a sandwich fiend, don’t skip it.
Verdict: Worth the Detour
Callela’s may sit in a high-turnover location with minimal social presence, but the kitchen is turning out Old Forge comfort, New York finesse, and hoagies that punch well above their weight. Friendly service seals the deal. If you’re cruising Birney Avenue wondering where to grab a tray—or if you’ve never even heard of Callela’s—consider this your sign. Give them a try, then tell me why you think this place isn’t packed every night.
Have you been to Callela’s yet? Drop your thoughts below or tag me in your pics—let’s give this hidden gem the buzz it deserves!
READ: What is the Difference Between Old Forge Pizza and Pan Fried Sicilian Pizza?
Rating the Old Forge Pizza
- Restaurant: Callela’s Pizza Pasta and Subs
- Address: 2601 Birney Ave, Scranton, PA 18505
- Dine In/Take Out: Dine In
- Pizza Ordered: Old Forge Pizza With Cup n Char Pepperoni and Hot Honey
- Date: June 2025
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 6.9 |
| Sauce | 7.4 |
| Cheese | 6.8 |
| Taste | 7.3 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.4 |
| Value | 7.5 |
| Overall Rating | 7.2 |
Rating the New York Style Pizza
- Restaurant: Callela’s Pizza Pasta and Subs
- Address: 2601 Birney Ave, Scranton, PA 18505
- Dine In/Take Out: Dine In
- Pizza Ordered: New York Style Cheese Pizza
- Date: June 2025
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 6.8 |
| Sauce | 7.9 |
| Cheese | 7.9 |
| Taste | 7.7 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.5 |
| Value | 7.5 |
| Overall Rating | 7.5 |
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