If you grew up anywhere near Scranton, there’s a good chance Pizza by Pappas was part of your pizza story at some point. For generations, it’s been one of those places locals mention with instant nostalgia — the toy train circling the dining room, the grinders, and of course, the signature pan pizza.
With new ownership in place, I stopped in to answer the question many locals have been wondering:
Did anything change, or is Pizza by Pappas still the same classic Scranton experience?
The Atmosphere: Familiar in All the Right Ways
Walking into Pizza by Pappas still feels like stepping into a time capsule of Scranton pizza culture. The layout is the same, the old-school vibe is still there, and yes — the train is still making its rounds above the dining room.
At the same time, there are signs of evolution. The new ownership has added a few menu items and retail-style offerings, including:
- Frozen take-and-bake pizzas
- A new steak and cheese pizza
- Outrageously large cannoli
- Additional menu updates
It’s clear they’re trying to expand while keeping the core identity intact — something that longtime customers always appreciate.
I do miss the pizza being served on a cardboard disc inside a stapled paper bag though…
The Pizza: A Distinctive Scranton Pan Style
Pizza by Pappas doesn’t make a typical round pizza, and it doesn’t fit neatly into any national category either. Their pizza is a roughly 10-inch round pan pizza that really reflects the regional creativity of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
One of the defining features is the cheese application. They use cheddar cheese spread all the way to the edge of the pan, which allows it to caramelize during the bake.
I’m not saying this is Detroit-style pizza, but that crispy, lacy edge definitely gives off some of those frico-style vibes that pizza lovers chase.
The crust itself is relatively thin for a pan pizza. It usually has a light crispiness with a soft interior, but I ordered mine extra crispy, which is how I personally think this pizza shines.
That extra bake time transforms the pizza:
- The cheese edge becomes deeply caramelized and crunchy
- The bottom crust firms up nicely
- The texture contrast becomes much more pronounced
If you like a little crunch in your pan pizza, this is definitely the move.
Sauce, Cheese, and Overall Flavor
The sauce at Pizza by Pappas is very smooth and fairly neutral in profile. It’s not overly sweet or aggressively seasoned, which actually works in the pizza’s favor.
Instead of dominating the slice, the sauce lets the other elements take the lead:
- The pleasantly greasy crust provides richness
- The cheddar brings a sharp, slightly salty bite
- The crispy edge adds texture and depth
The end result is a flavor profile that feels very familiar if you’ve spent time eating pizza around Scranton. It’s not trying to be flashy or trendy — it’s just a classic NEPA pan pizza done the way it’s always been done.
And honestly, that’s exactly what many people want when they walk into Pizza by Pappas.
Don’t Skip the Grinders
While the pizza is the main draw, I also grabbed one of their well-known grinders. For anyone unfamiliar, a grinder here is essentially a hoagie baked in the oven, warmed through with that classic toasted roll texture. Although the roll is super soft and spongy, the toasted roll definitely elevates the experience.
Grinders have always been a big part of the Pappas experience, and they remain a popular order today.
Final Thoughts: A Scranton Original That’s Staying True
Pizza by Pappas has always had its own lane in the Scranton pizza scene, and it still does. The combination of a thin pan crust, cheddar cheese baked to the edge, and that unmistakable old-school atmosphere makes it stand apart from other local styles.
New ownership appears to be adding some fresh ideas, but the core of what made the place special is still very much intact.
For longtime locals, it’s a comforting reminder that some Scranton institutions don’t need to change much to stay relevant. And for anyone exploring the local pizza scene, Pizza by Pappas remains a unique stop that represents a very specific slice of Northeastern Pennsylvania pizza history.
Want to know what the best pizza sauce is? I tested, ranked, and scored them all! Here are my Pizza Sauce Rankings!
Rating the Pan Pizza
- Restaurant: Pizza by Pappas
- Address: 303 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
- Dine In/Take Out: Dine in
- Pizza Ordered: Pan Pizza with Pepperoni (extra crispy)
- Date: February 2026
| Rating Category | Rating Score |
|---|---|
| Crust | 7.7 |
| Sauce | 6.9 |
| Cheese | 7.6 |
| Taste | 7.7 |
| Crispy/Cooked Properly | 7.9 |
| Value | 6 |
| Overall Rating | 7.4 |
Pizza is Similar to: What in the Sam Hills Pizza
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