To those who celebrate (if you subscribe to this newsletter, I’m going to assume you do), happy National Pizza Month—though we treat every month like it’s National Pizza Month here in Pizzavania.

We’ve got a lot to get to in this edition of Pizzavania, from pizzeria openings and (sadly) closings, to highlighting the best spots for game day ’za in Happy Valley, and more, but first, this important homeroom announcement:

At long last, you can find all Pizzavania content—every single story since we launched last December—in one handy place. 

Want to learn about how Old Forge became known as “The Pizza Capital of the World?” Find out here. Want to learn about the best spots for pizza in Pittsburgh, the Lehigh Valley and the Philly suburbs? The pickle pizza at Sabatini’s in NEPA and the mustard pie at CJ & D’s Trenton Tomato Pies in South Philly? We’ve got you covered. 

And don’t forget to tell all your pizza-loving friends to subscribe to Pizzavania!

We leaned into the fall season with our last poll question: Would you try pumpkin spice pizza?

It was a hard no for many Pizzavania readers:

👉 No way – 79%

👉 I’ll try anything once – 7% 

👉 Only on a dare – 5%

👉 Yes – 4% 

👉 Definitely maybe – 3%

👉 I’d have to be pretty buzzed – 2%

This time around, we want to know:

When I’m researching new places to try for Pizzavania, it’s a mix of all of the above. But when it comes down to it, I’ll always defer to a trusted friend who knows pizza.

Let us know what’ll get you in the door at a pizzeria for the first time, and we’ll run the results in the next edition.

A wide-angle view inside Beaver Stadium in State College, with fans dressed in white filling the stands during a Penn State home game, Dec. 21, 2024. (Shutterstock)

Fall in State College means crisp temperatures, changing foliage, and perhaps most importantly, Penn State football. And what pairs better with college football than pizza? 

If you’re headed to Happy Valley this weekend to watch the Nittany Lions take on USC (or any weekend, for that matter) and in need of some pizza recs, Pizzavania contributor Kalena Thomhave is here to help, with this story highlighting 10 of her favorite game day pizza joints in State College, whether you’re looking for some of the tastiest pizza in town, giant pizzas to feed a crowd, or just a great atmosphere for cheering on the Nittany Lions (while munching on pizza).

🍕 Bummer pizza news out of Montgomery County: Apizzeria 888 by Sebastian in Elkins Park—whose exceptional credit card-thin and crispy pies we wrote about back in the spring—is closing up shop after only a year due to the deteriorating condition of the building pizzaiolo Sebastian Besiso has been operating out of. Sunday, Oct. 18 is last call for pies there, and Sebastian is extending his hours leading up until then: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Text orders to 213-994-0664 and he’ll be in touch to confirm availability. Sebastian told me he’ll share updates on his next move—he isn’t sure yet what it will be—on Instagram at @888bysebastian.

🍕 Bucks County-based Lucatelli’s Pizzeria (which we wrote about last year in our roundup of the best takeout spots in the Philly ‘burbs) is expanding into Montgomery County with a spot in Jenkintown. Get more info here.

🍕 The psychedelic-themed pizza chain Mellow Mushroom will open its first Pennsylvania location in 2027 with a shop on Chocolate Avenue in Hershey operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts. Get more details here.

🍕 Possibly the first frozen pizza to cross my lips, Celeste frozen pizza (featuring the iconic Mama Celeste), is being discontinued after more than six decades. The Tasting Table has the story. (Ed note: Fret not, frozen pizza lovers. There’s always Montgomery County-based Pizza Freak).

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

“Giovanni’s in Allentown. The crust is perfect, the sauce is excellent, and it’s not greasy like a lot of other places. Great toppings, especially the fresh mushrooms.” — Tom G.

“I’m good for at least one pie a week at Giovanni’s in Royersford. Closest thing to a New Haven pie you’ll find in the western suburbs. So freaking good!” — Eric Smitherton (Ed note: Different Giovanni’s than the Allentown one.)

“Pizzeria Luca in Lancaster has some of the best white pies I’ve ever tasted. I love it so much!” — Peggy R.

“The best pizza in Pittsburgh is Muns Pizza and don’t let anyone tell you any different.” — Lola Zimeski (Ed. note: Good intel for my upcoming Pittsburgh pizza trip.)

“The mac and cheese pizza at 29th St. Pizza in Altoona is everything I need. Don’t knock it until you try it!” — Bernie J.

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

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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