What Locals Love: Pizza, Wings, and Pierogies in Lackawanna County

There’s something special about comfort food in Lackawanna County. Here, hometown favorites like Old Forge pizza, crispy chicken wings, and handmade pierogies are a part of the local culture — and a must-try for any visitor. It’s the kind of food that brings people together and keeps out-of-towners coming back. 

Ready to plan your next foodie adventure? Here’s an inside look at what locals love and the authentic flavors waiting for you.

Discover the Best Pizza in Lackawanna County

The rumors are true: Lackawanna County is home to the Pizza Capital of the World, and for good reason. From the iconic tray-style pizza of Old Forge — with its pillowy crust, slightly sweet red sauce, and rich blend of cheeses — to brick-oven pies, pan-fried squares, and crusts from thick to thin, pizza lovers are spoiled for choice. With more than 150 pizzerias across the county, each spot serves up signature styles and bold flavors that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

Pizza even has its own lingo here. A slice is a “cut.” A full pizza is a “tray.” A plain pizza with red sauce is “a tray of red.” And a specialty pizza with only cheese is “a tray of white.” Ask five locals for the best tray of pizza, and you’ll get five different answers because each pizzeria brings something unique. 

Want to taste the county’s best? The Lackawanna County Pizza Trail highlights all the top local favorites, making it easy to plan a self-guided pizza crawl the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re chasing classic Old Forge trays or exploring new flavors, Lackawanna County proves there’s a perfect slice — or cut — for everyone.

Where to Find the Best Wings in Lackawanna County

Chicken wings are serious business in Lackawanna County, and locals have no shortage of favorites. Many swear by Kelly’s Pub & Eatery, a Scranton staple known for its award-winning wings and sauces that range from classic Buffalo to bold, creative blends. Others head straight to the Windsor Inn, home of the original “Chickin’ Pickin’ Lickin’ Wings,” where award‑winning wings and tried-and-true recipes have earned decades of loyal fans. Plenty claim Jak’s Pub & Eatery in Jessup is the ultimate wing destination, thanks to its award-winning flavors and more than 20 sauce options—including the legendary Jak-Off blend. Zaleski’s Clubhouse Café in Scranton serves up hearty wings alongside its popular pizza, making it a local favorite. And when game day rolls around, the Penalty Box in Scranton is the go-to spot for crispy wings, cold drinks, and a lively sports bar atmosphere.

If it’s variety you’re after, The Loading Dock Bar & Grill makes it easy with nine different sauces to choose from — along with seafood, pasta, and burgers. For foodies seeking an upbeat bar scene with occasional live music, Ale Mary’s at the Bittenbender pairs its chicken wings with an impressive craft beer lineup.

Whether you want traditional heat or saucy chicken hot wings, these local gems offer a great place to start your search for the best hot wings in the county.

Where Can You Find the Best Pierogies in Lackawanna County

Shaped by generations of Polish and Catholic immigrants, pierogies have long been a hallmark of Lackawanna County’s culinary identity. Many locals who learned the art of pierogi-making from their grandparents now return to the same church kitchens during Lent to share the tradition with their own children. 

You can still find plenty of authentic potato-and-cheese pierogies today, but the area’s culinary scene has expanded into creative new variations. At Barrett’s Pub, pierogies come deep-fried with sour cream or sautéed in butter and onions. Pepper’s Pizza and Subs puts a NEPA twist on deep-fried buffalo pierogies tossed in wing sauce and topped with blue cheese.

Cooper’s Seafood House serves its pierogies with butter, onions, and cherry tomatoes alongside pot roast or kielbasa, of course. If you’d rather take yours home, you can stock up on flash-frozen options at Little Spuds Pierogi Company or choose between bold flavors like jalapeño, steak and cheese, and hot wings at Petrosky Pierogies.

Insider Tips for a True Local Food Experience

If you want to taste your way through Lackawanna County the way locals do, a few insider tricks can make all the difference. Here are a few foodie tips to maximize your next trip:

• Learn the lingo: it’s trays and cuts, not pies and slices.
• Try multiple Old Forge pizza places. You might find an underrated favorite!
• Go early on weekends; local hotspots fill up fast.
• Ask about house-made wing sauces (they’re often the best thing on the menu).
• Don’t fear the chicken hot wings…but maybe start with medium.
• Try pierogies both ways: boiled for tradition, fried for crunch.
• Bring cash — some of the smaller mom-and-pop spots still prefer it.
• Plan your visit around multiple stops rather than one big meal.

Plan Your Culinary Tour of Lackawanna County

Ready to taste your way through NEPA? Between the official Pizza Trail, beloved wing spots, and dozens of places serving irresistible pierogies, you could easily spend a weekend sampling the comfort foods that define Lackawanna County. Start planning your tour today to experience what locals have loved for generations!