Victory Pig Pizza Wyoming, PA – Only Open Wed, Fri, Sat!

2019 Update: BOY am I overdue for a visit to Victory Pig! But being open only 3 days a week, and Mod Betty trying to "reduce" it has proven to be a challenge. the GOOD NEWS is that they're still open, AND that they now ship their pizza! Click here  to get yours, and YUM!

Original 2010 Post:

Not sure why it's called Victory Pig, but that name and the fun vintage sign shown below was enough to make me swing the Retro Roadmapmobile into the parking lot of this classic roadside restaurant in Wyoming, PA (between Scranton and Wilks-Barre PA). And I am pleased to report I got a winner of a slice of NEPA* or Old Forge style pizza here!

The Victory Pig Barbecue and Pizza has been open since 1942 and still provides curb service, as the signs on either side of the stucco building indicate. Not knowing what was on the menu I opted to head into the restaurant. As soon as I walked in I was pleased to see a retro looking decor with brown paneling and orange accents, definitely original. And I didn't take a picture of the interior because it was so full of families, couples and solitary diners that you'd see more people than vintage details.

Overhearing the lovely older ladies at the table next to me reminiscing about checking their packages at the Rainbow Room (after a day of shopping in New York City, back in the day) confirmed my decision to stop here for a bite was the right thing.

*This area of Pennsylvania is famous for their distinctive pizza - known as NEPA (North Eastern PennsylvaniA) or Old-Forge style pizza, named after Old Forge, PA. There's even a different lingo surrounding them, where these square or rectangular pizzas are not called pies, but rather "trays" after the baking trays they are cooked on, or perhaps the plastic trays they are served on. Also you don't get slices you get "cuts". Luckily I did not feel too out of place when I ordered a slice, and not knowing if that would be enough food I just knew I had to get a "wimpie" after seeing this sign:

I later found out that a Wimpie is like a sloppy joe, and while it isn't my absolute fave flavor of sandwich, I was proud of myself for being culinarily adventurous! I did not have any of the barbecue, but from what I read it also is a local interpretation of the dish.

You can see my wimpie right next to my "cut" of "pig pizza" and boy was that pizza tasty! The crust is somewhat crispy from being fried in the tray, the sauce was tangy and sweet with bits of onion in it, and the cheese was just the right amount and flavor to harmonize with this local trio of flavors.

Now I've heard some people compare this local interpretation of pizza to the frozen Ellio's version but that does not hold a candle to this distinctive pizza flavor and texture that had me longing for another slice while on my drive home. And I am pleased to report that the ratio of cheese to crust does not allow too much cheese to stick to your teeth as some folks have complained about Old Forge style pizza doing.

Doing a bit of internet research I find out that the Victory Pig is family owned and operated and they are very proud of their secret pizza recipe and crust. They're also only open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday...because they can be! While part of me bums out thinking I won't be able to indulge in Victory Pig pizza when Retro Roadhusband and I scramble up to Scranton on Sunday November 14, I think it's kinda cool that someone in this day and age can make such odd business hours work for them. And from the hustle and bustle of that Saturday evening, you can tell that local folks make the effort to get there when they're open!

If you're feeling a bit full from the food (or beer and cocktails that are surprisingly available in this casual fast-food atmosphere) perhaps you'll want to check out Rich's Golf and Fun Center, located just behind "The Pig". Or maybe you've just saved room for some soft serve ice cream?

(you can see the Victory Pig behind this sign - it's been stucco'ed over, but it's still cool inside!)

I will warn you that it isn't nearly as retro and picturesque as its sign, but it could be a fun way to shed some of the calories that you'll consume once you taste this delicious pizza!