The 20 Best Dive Bars for Pizza in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Northeastern Pennsylvania has a rich history and vibrant culture built around exceptional pizza. From Old Forge—known as “The Pizza Capital of the World”—to the coal mining towns scattered across Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, pizza isn’t just food here; it’s a way of life. Legend has it that an enterprising grandmother in Old Forge whipped up the first rectangular tray of pizza for hungry miners in the 1930s, creating a tradition that would put this tiny town of just 3.4 square miles on the map. With its deep coal mining heritage and strong Eastern European immigrant roots, NEPA developed a pizza culture unlike anywhere else in America.
The area also boasts countless great local neighborhood corner bars, the kind of places where generations of families have gathered for cold beers, good conversation, and Friday night trays of pizza.
In Defense of the Dive Bar
The term “dive bar” might evoke a negative connotation for some people, but for me—and for many—it’s a term of endearment. These aren’t just any watering holes; they’re raw, unpretentious havens that celebrate authenticity over polish . The term “dive” first appeared in the 1880s, when patrons would literally “dive below” street level into basement saloons . By the mid-20th century, dive bars had evolved from their shady origins into neighborhood staples—beloved gathering places in working-class communities .
Today’s dive bar is defined by cheap drinks, no-frills atmosphere, local regulars who claim their barstools like thrones, and bartenders who know your order before you say it . They’re generally places with dim lights, flickering neon signs, vinyl stools worn smooth by decades of use, and a jukebox that’s seen better days.
Most importantly, they’re spaces where strangers become friends over a pint, where you can be yourself without pretense . In our curated, Instagram-filtered world, dive bars remain sanctuaries for real talk, genuine community, and the kind of memories that stick with you .
The Poll Results
I recently asked my NEPA Pizza Review Facebook followers: “Which dive bars have the best pizza?”. It was a hotly debated topic that generated hundreds of responses, with passionate defenders of their local favorites making their cases . While nearly 100 different establishments received mentions, there were some clear favorites in the voting, particularly in the top 1-5 .
The Top 20 Dive Bars Serving Great Pizza in NEPA
1. Roosevelt Beer Garden – Dunmore
Leading the pack in mentions, Roosevelt Beer Garden (better known as “The Roosey” dominated the conversation . This Dunmore institution clearly has a devoted following who appreciate both the neighborhood atmosphere and the pizza. The place has such charm and history along with an awesome array of fantastic food. Locals know about it, but this is absolutely a hidden gem you’ll want to grab a drink and a tray at!
2. Dugout – Scranton
Also very high on the list, Dugout in Scranton is such a hidden gem, you wouldn’t even know it was a bar walking by it on the sidewalk! This is one of those “if ya know ya know” kind of spots, and locals know the pizza, wings, and brews are all on point!
3. Cebula’s – Dupont
Cebula’s in Dupont easily has some of the most unique, talked about, and beloved pizzas in all of NEPA. They also have a very cool and historic throwback bar and dining room that harkens back many decades in time! This longtime establishment exemplifies the neighborhood bar tradition that makes NEPA special.
4. Ernie G’s – Avoca
Ernie G’s in Avoca is definitely an underrated spot to get Pan Fried Sicilian Pizza! It also has an awesome corner bar vibe. Long known as the closest place to Lackawanna County to get pan fried pizza on this page – it’s also a fun and relaxed tavern to hang out. Avoca residents clearly know where to find great pizza paired with cold beer.
5. Ruby’s Inn – Nanticoke
Ruby’s Inn in Nanticoke is another historic and charming spot with unique pan pizza, awesome stromboli, and a really historic bar that makes you feel at home. This Nanticoke staple is run by a family that makes you feel like a member of their family making it an unforgettable spot for a cold one and a pizza.
6. Stone Creek Bar and Grill – Hunlock Creek
With 5 mentions, Stone Creek Bar and Grill rounds out the top tier . This Hunlock Creek establishment brings quality pizza to the back mountain area.
7. Bud’s Bar and Grill – Archbald
Four mentions put Bud’s Bar and Grill in Archbald among the solid favorites .
8. Carey’s Pub – Kingston
Carey’s Pub in Kingston is well known for their personal bar pie pizza deal, their epic strombolis, and their chicken wings. They also have a great bar, friendly staff, and there always seems to be great conversations all the way across the bar and dining room anytime you’re there!
9. Plains Pub – Plains
Plains Pub in Plains is praised as “friendly fun great neighborhood bar with no pretentious attitude” along with “COLD beer” and “GREAT pizza.” The staff and the customers made this pizza guy feel like a regular from the moment I walked in the door for the first time. Very inclusive crowd and an awesome vibe at the bar!
10. Spare time Pizza – Dallas
Spare time Pizza in Dallas inside Back Mountain Bowl is an awesome spot for Pan Fried Sicilian Pizza (also try the General Tso pizza or buffalo chicken pizza) with a throwback vibe and a bar adjacent to the dining room. Fill up your glass, grab a tray, and try your luck on the bowling lanes!
11. Teberios – Wilkes-Barre
Teberios in Wilkes-Barre earned its place among the favorites thanks to it’s corner bar vibe, excellent pizza and wings, and friendly service. Even though locals always sing Teberio’s praises, it remains an underrated spot in Northeastern Pennsylvania for pizza and drinks.
12. 6 Strings Saloon – Wilkes-Barre
6 Strings Saloon in Wilkes-Barre Chill watering hole with an old-forge-style and round pizzas, cold beer, and live music. They also have a shuffleboard table which is always a great feature at a local dive!
13. Glass onion – Scranton
Glass onion in Scranton is a great local dive in Scranton long known for great wings. Under new ownership, many people are talking about the vastly improved pizza now being made fresh in the kitchen. This one has to be high on your pizza list to try soon!
14. McAlpine St Pub – Avoca
McAlpine St Pub in Avoca serves up both Pan Fried Sicilian Pizza and Round pizza with the sauce swirled on top with plenty of beers on tap in a relaxed corner tavern atmosphere.
15. Newtown Café – Ashley
Newtown Café in Ashley is best known for their unique pizza that I like to refer to as “Soupy Pizza” because it’s very saucy and they serve it with a spoon! Also plenty of space to park at the bar or dine in the dining room. If you haven’t tried their pizza – it’s a must try, locals love the Burnt and Bubbly (burt American cheese on top)!
16. Ripple’s – Hanover Township
Ripple’s in Hanover Township in the Back Mountain area offers trays of pan fried Sicilian pizza along with cold beers and good times.
17. Andy’s Pizza – Peckville
Andy’s Pizza in Peckville is one of the most well known and beloved pizza spots in Lackawanna County. But they do have a really historic bar and is mentioned in pizza conversations as a place that “can trigger decades-old flashbacks to the fondest of childhood memories”.
18. Senape’s Tavern – Hazleton
Senape’s Tavern is a historic and legendary spot with a small bar that teleports you back in time along with some of the most unique pizza you’ll ever try! I recommend the pizza with scamutz baked well done.
19. Cheers Café – West Pittston
Cheers Café in West Pittston is one of NEPA’s hidden gems offering amazing pizza that not many people know about. They do have a full service bar in the front, which has been closed in recent months in favor of take-out only.
20. Fat Daddy’s – Luzerne
Rounding out the top 20, Fat Daddy’s in Luzerne makes a delicious Pan Fried Sicilian Pizza in a small, local corner bar spot. It’s a casual bar featuring pizza, wings and other familiar plates, plus a pool table and dart boards.
These 20 dive bars represent the best of what makes NEPA special: independently operated small businesses that sponsor Little League teams, host fundraisers, and serve as gathering places where communities come together over trays of pizza. In a region where global pizza chains have struggled to gain a foothold, these neighborhood bars proudly serve the unique styles—Old Forge, pan-fried Sicilian, and pagach—that NEPA is known for.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, these dive bars offer more than just great pizza and cheap beer. They offer a taste of authentic NEPA culture, where the pizza is served on trays, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is always welcoming.
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