Attention, all pizza lovers! Are your tastebuds ready for a ride? Hop on the flavor train as we embark on a journey through the bustling streets of Philadelphia, a city where the Liberty Bell's chime is second only to the crunch of a well-baked pizza crust. 

You’ve probably heard of Philly’s famous cheesesteaks, but this city is a nearby neighbor of New York, so it stands to reason that they’d have an equally impressive pizza culture. So let’s take Philly’s pies out for a spin and learn what they’re all about before biting into the best slices this fantastic city has to offer.

So, What Is Philly-Style Pizza?

Just as Philadelphia has its distinct charm — historic landmarks, friendly locals, and vibrant neighborhoods — its pizzas are equally unique. Philly-style pizza is a heart-stealing showstopper with its distinctive qualities.

So, what sets Philadelphia-style pizza apart? Well, it's all about the crust. Unlike its New York cousin that champions the thin, foldable slices or the deep-dish goodness of Chicago style, Philly pizza confidently struts down the middle lane. 

The crust is neither too thin nor too thick, striking a beautiful balance — a little crispy, a little chewy, a perfect golden brown. It’s topped with a deliciously robust sauce and the perfect quantity of cheese. 

It doesn’t overdo it (deliciously, albeit) like Chicago or keep everything to simple tomatoes like you might find in Italy. Philly’s pizza scene rests right in the delicious middle of the pizza spectrum.

The beauty of Philadelphia-style pizza lies in its homage to both the thin slices of New York and the hefty pies of Chicago while maintaining its unique identity. That's Philly-style pizza for you: right in the sweet spot. It's a pizza that tells you to take your time, sit down, and savor each delicious bite.

Let’s Talk About the Best Philly Has To Offer

As varied as the city itself, Philly's pizza spots offer a plethora of choices for every pizza lover out there. From traditional pizzerias keeping the old-world charm alive to innovative joints pushing the boundaries of what a pizza can be, Philadelphia has it all.

Each neighborhood, each street, has its unique pizza narrative. Whether you're someone who appreciates the classics, a fan of gourmet toppings, or a daring food explorer ready to try the quirkiest combinations, Philly's pizza scene won't disappoint.

Pizzeria Beddia

Allow us to introduce you to Pizzeria Beddia, where every bite is an ode to the classic pizza we all know and love. Located in the heart of Fishtown, this pizzeria is the brainchild of pizza virtuoso Joe Beddia. 

From its humble beginnings in 2013, Pizzeria Beddia has evolved into a veritable institution in the Philadelphia pizza scene. Housed in a stylish, airy space on Lee Street, this hotspot serves up pies that boast minimalism and perfection.

The process here is a perfect blend of art and science. The dough, fermented overnight, has that signature chewy-yet-crispy texture — the golden standard for any good pizza. It's hand-stretched with precision and care, showcasing the pizzaiolo's dedication to his craft.

The toppings at Pizzeria Beddia are equally impressive, enhancing the pizza without overshadowing the other elements. It's an exercise in restraint and balance, resulting in pizzas that are equal parts satisfying, comforting, and outright delicious. The pies are served fresh from the oven, their aroma wafting through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Tacconelli's Pizzeria

Our next slice is from Tacconelli's Pizzeria, a gem tucked away in the Port Richmond neighborhood. This is where the magic of brick oven pizzas comes to life, and it's been happening since 1946.

Four generations of the Tacconelli family have been manning the ovens, mastering the craft, and serving some of the best pizzas in Philly. The pizzeria is renowned for its thin-crust pizzas — even though it’s a slight departure from the classic Philly style, it’s definitely worth the detour.

The pizzas at Tacconelli's bear the hallmark of authenticity and time-honored traditions. Every pizza is made to order, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. The crust, crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside, forms the perfect base for the flavorful toppings. Tacconelli's is all about simple, unpretentious food done exceptionally well. 

Angelo's Pizzeria

In the heart of South Philly, you’ll find a local celebrity: Angelo's Pizzeria. Known for their massive slices and hearty, loaded pies, Angelo's is where you go when you're looking to satisfy those intense pizza cravings, and there’s literally nothing more satisfying than a steaming slice from Angelo’s after a night out (or day out — we don’t judge.)

Angelo's Pizzeria has become a mainstay in the local food scene thanks to their commitment to quality and unique approach to pizza-making. Their dough is hand-rolled and topped with the freshest ingredients, resulting in slices that are generous in size and flavor.

What sets Angelo's apart is their adventurous spirit. They're not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to toppings and flavor combinations. From classic pies to unique specialty pizzas, Angelo's offers something for every kind of pizza lover.

Pizza Brain

Who would've thought pizza and pop culture could mingle so well? At Pizza Brain, the world's first pizza museum and pizzeria combo, the love for the iconic dish goes beyond the kitchen. Located in Kensington, this place is a mecca for pizza enthusiasts and culture vultures alike.

If you’re a true pizza lover, you’ll love nothing more than getting to explore the highs and lows of your favorite food. Started in 2012, Pizza Brain showcases a Guinness World Record-holding collection of pizza memorabilia. 

Think of it as a celebration of all things pizza, with pies that are just as noteworthy. With a penchant for creativity and playful flavors, their menu is a constant experiment that always seems to hit the right notes. 

Their dough, thin and beautifully blistered, is a testament to the skill of their pizza makers. Toppings, ranging from the classics to the wildly inventive, are a delightful surprise. So whether you're craving the comfort of familiarity or the thrill of something new, Pizza Brain knows just how to make a pizza brain out of you.

Santucci's

In the world of round pizzas, Santucci's boldly goes square. A family-owned business, Santucci's has been churning out their signature square pizzas since the 1950s. With locations in Roxborough, North Broad, and the original at Juniper and Christian, this pizzeria is a household name in Philadelphia.

A Santucci's pizza is easy to spot: a thick, deliciously golden crust topped with flavorful sauce and finished with an inviting layer of melted cheese. But it's not just the shape that sets them apart — it's their upside-down approach. The cheese goes on the crust first, followed by the sauce, resulting in a uniquely delightful texture and taste.

It's a departure from tradition, sure, but one taste of their pizza will have you forgetting everything you thought you knew about how a pizza should be. It's a perfect example of how thinking outside the box — or outside the circle — can lead to something spectacular.

Pizza Jawn

There’s nothing more Philly in name or flavor than Pizza Jawn. If you’re not familiar with the word, “jawn” is a Philadelphia-specific slang for “joint” — and before you come for us, we’re not talking about the devil’s lettuce. 

We’re talking about a joint, as in a place, like a pizza joint. True Philadelphians wield this word freely, whether they’re talking about a pizza joint or, in this case, Pizza Jawn. They even use it as a substitute for “thing” in any given sentence.

Nestled in the heart of Manayunk, Pizza Jawn is a relative newcomer to the pizza scene, but don't let that fool you. They've quickly garnered a reputation for serving up some seriously impressive slices.

Pizza Jawn stands out with their trifecta of styles — New York thin, Detroit-style pan, and Grandma-style square. Each style is meticulously crafted, with a focus on quality ingredients and flavors that pack a punch.

Their rotating menu keeps things fresh, and there's always something new and exciting to try. But despite their diverse offerings, their pizzas all share one thing in common: they're unapologetically delicious, filled with Philly love and authentic flavors. 

The Last Slice

And with that, darlings, we wrap up our culinary adventure through Philadelphia's pizza wonderland. It's been an absolute treat guiding you through the city's range of delectable pizzerias. It’s a world culinary world in itself, waiting to be explored, tasted, and savored.

The beauty of pizza lies in its universal appeal, yet it’s the local variations and unique twists that make it an exciting culinary journey. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to dive fork-first into Philly's pizza scene. Getting to know a city’s pizza is a great way to get to know its heart, so don’t hesitate. Grab a slice and say, “Cheese!”

Sources:

Pizzeria Beddia

Pizza Jawn

Santucci's

Pizza Brain

Tacconelli's Pizzeria

Angelo's Pizzeria