Given that pizza and dogs are two of the best things in the world, a dog-friendly pizza place is hard to beat. I’m sure your dog would agree, especially if you’re the type who spoils them with a bit of crust (guilty).

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a pie with your pooch, you’ve come to the right place. My colleague Kalena Thomhave (who covers food and travel for The Keystone) is lending a hand in this edition of Pizzavania with a story about nine dog-friendly pizza spots across the state. You’ll find it below.

A couple of quick housekeeping notes:

👉 Please tell all your pizza-loving friends to subscribe to Pizzavania.

👉 Miss our recent video on the pizza at Green Ridge News in Scranton? Our story on weekend getaways for Pa. pizza lovers? My rundown of the best Pa. pizzas I’ve had so far this year? Don’t forget to bookmark the Pizzavania homepage for all your Pizzavania content needs.

We talked about Montgomery County-based frozen pizza makers Pizza Freak in the last edition of Pizzavania, which tied in quite nicely to our last poll question: It’s 1983, you just got home from school, and you’re starving. You’ve got two kinds of frozen pizza in the freezer to choose from: Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza or Ellio’s—which one are you going with?

As I expected, Stouffer’s won fairly handily, with 67% of the vote. It’d be my go-to.

For this week’s poll, inspired by this recent IG post from Bob’s Pizza Tour, we want to know:

These are all violations in my eyes. But ranch on, or even near pizza, makes me insane. I have to look the other way when my wife (who was born and raised in Philadelphia, not Iowa) dips her crust in it.

What’s your biggest pizza violation? Render your decision and we’ll run the results in the next edition of Pizzavania.

Lititz’ UnCommon Pizza not only has a dog-friendly patio, but also an entire menu for dogs. (Erica McBride Photography)

Like we were saying earlier, dog-friendly pizzerias are hard to beat.

When I lived in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood, my dearly-departed border collie Finnegan patiently enjoyed watching me eat pizza at Chestnut Hill Brewing Company, knowing he’d get a piece of the Neapolitan crust eventually. Sometimes I’d take him over to East Falls for pizza at In Riva along the banks of the Schuylkill River, just for a little variety. 

Across the state, there’s a growing number of eateries that serve pizza and welcome pooches. Some offer foods specifically for our canine pals, like the “Quarter-Hounder” and “Bow-Wow Chicken” at Lititz’ UnCommon Pizza. Some have a rotating selection of adventurous pies for us humans like East End Brewing. And some are well-known because they were referenced in “The Office” (see Scranton’s Alfredo’s Cafe). 

Check out Kalena’s rundown of where you can enjoy great pizza without leaving man’s best friend behind.

🍕 In Philadelphia, In Crust We Trust is up and running at the Fishtown spot formerly occupied by Vince’s Pizzeria. The pizzeria serves pies that draw inspiration from Black culinary traditions, like the Uptown Crown (oxtail, tomato, mozzarella, roasted peppers, collard greens, BBQ sauce) and South Philly Supreme (Cajun shrimp, broccoli, creamy grits, mozzarella, perri perri). Visit In Crust We Trust’s website for more info.

🍕 Axios Pittsburgh wrote about the bánh mì pizza at Spirit, which features sesame barbecued seitan, candied jalapeño, pickled carrots and red onions, sriracha lime vegenaise, cilantro, and mint. I’m intrigued. Learn more about it here. 

🍕 In Lancaster, Pizza Blessings is moving into the space vacated by Slugger’s Pizzeria earlier this year. The shop is expected to be open by Nov. 1. Get the details from Lancaster Online.

Let’s hear about your favorite pizzerias! Take it away, Pizzavania readers:

“Two different places that you should check out. C & C Pizzeria in Strausstown, Berks County, and Palermo Pizza and Restaurant in Minersville, Schuylkill County.” — Keith Sandridge

“Cavolo! in Lititz is quickly becoming a favorite! But when in Pittsburgh, Vincent’s Pizza Park is a must try! This is pizza that you unwrap—there is no box. It’s definitely unique.” — Kelly York

“Headed to Happy Valley for the Penn State/University of Buffalo game Sept. 19. Can’t wait to get back to Faccia Luna after the game. Nothing beats it in State College!” — Peter R. (Ed. note: Keep an eye out soon for our rundown of the best pizza in State College.)

“Moved to Honesdale from the New Haven, Connecticut area a few years back. Was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Two Guys From Italy. The name had me expecting some Sbarro-level slop, but this stuff is really good. The grandma pie is my go-to.” — Steve Eckherd 

“You wrote about the Steel Penny in Hatboro a while back. Finally got around to checking it out. Holy heck—you weren’t kidding about the Detroit-style pie. AND they have beer to-go! Love this place!” — J.T.

**You can find plenty more reader recommendations right here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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