Peppe’s Pizza - Plains - NEPA Pizza Review

Peppe’s Pizza in Plains is a great little hidden gem in the Wilkes-Barre area. Many people “in the know” have recommended I try this pizzeria over the years. Thankfully, I found myself in the area and called in an order for a medium pizza with sweet sauce. I’m normally a regular sauce guy, but the feedback was overwhelmingly in favor of the sweet sauce – so I went with what the people recommended.

When driving up to Peppe’s Pizza, I definitely felt a familiarity with the area, and once I saw Plains Pub across the street I knew why! Pepe’s is an old school pizzeria where you can see right into the kitchen. It’s as down to earth as you can get.

Blast From the Past!

Funny story, I stopped in for the first time and the owner was extremely welcoming to me and we got to talking. As we talked, I definitely knew that we had met before – and then it hit me! We had worked together at a pizzeria for a short time a couple decades ago! We shared some memories, I snapped a few photos of the pizza and I excused myself to go review the pizza in private (aka on the hood of my car)!

Pepe’s Pizza Plains beautifully cooked bottom crust. — A look at the beautifully baked bottom crust of Pepe’s Pizza in Plains.

The pizza looked outstanding. It was a thin crust New York style pizza cooked nice and crispy, slightly on the well done side just like I like it! The cheese was melted beautifully and caramelized in some spots. It had a richness and slight saltiness to it that contrasted the sweeter sauce magnificently. The sauce had a lovely body and smooth texture to it. The sweetness was presented in a unique way that wasn’t overpowering or sugary, and had a satisfying mellow tang to it.

Overall, I was very impressed with the pizza. It’s a no frills throwback pizzeria full of character and personality. People told me it was a welcoming place and the owner made me feel like a regular the moment I stepped in the door. Highly recommend!