Thin crust or thick? Lots of cheese or even layers? Plain or decadent? Sweet sauce or not? As I approach my two-year anniversary of living in Montgomery County, my other half and I have yet to resolve the timeless pizza debates. While I’m sure we have only scratched the surface, we forced ourselves to revisit our five favorites in the environs of Chestnut Hill in short succession to come to some conclusion. The upshot? There are pizza picks for all palates—no matter what you are hungry for.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (Chestnut Hill)
The hearth-baked thin crust pizzas of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant are one of two local flatbread favorites. Whether you make your own or select one of six great combinations, you should always elect for the perfected flavor and crunch of the malted barley crust over the traditional artisanal. This Iron Hill location is excellent for a pizza night out with company. Centrally located on Chestnut Hill’s main drag, it’s always jumping. While we come here for festivities, you can visit any one of their 11 establishments any night of the week and take out two pizzas and a growler for $25; try one of their newest drafts while you wait!
Margherita Pizza: fresh rendition of the traditional combination—buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, on a light tomato sauce.
Voodoo Chicken Pizza: The match of the smoked gouda cheese, the light heat of the BBQ sauce and the crunch of the pepper make this my favorite. The meat is just an added bonus.
8400 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, (215) 948-5600
Earth Bread + Brewery (Mt. Airy)
Earth Bread is our date night establishment. Regardless of capacity on either level, the downstairs bar is always a relaxed venue. The drinks menu features house and guest draft and bottle beers and multiple wine blends (also draft and bottle). My other half loves the house salad—cranberries and candied pecans not overdressed in balsamic make for a nice twist. As well as options for meat lovers, these flatbread combinations also boast multiple exceptional vegetarian options. Doughs and mozzarella are made fresh in-house daily, and all ingredients are locally sourced.
The Crusher: the roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized to perfection, blend excellently with the spinach-pumpkin seed pesto base and are topped with fresh mozzarella, thyme and balsamic reduction.
Southern Exposure: a wonderful smoky alternate to BBQ with a hint of heat and loaded with ingredients! Maple chipotle sauce, greens, sweet potatoes, chicken, cheese and herbs.
7136 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy, (215) 242-MOON (6666)
Franzone’s Pizzeria & Restaurant (Conshohocken)
Open ‘til 11 p.m. most nights and hidden behind the TD Bank, the Conshohocken location of Franzone’s is a local favorite for Friday night pizza. This family-friendly spot is reminiscent of pizza parlors of old. There’s beer and sports for the grown-ups, soda and space for the kids and six-pack fridges for those on a schedule. This is also the local home of the sweet sauce!
Featured Pies: half plain, half sausage and fresh margherita.
1940 Main Ave., Conshohocken, (610) 825-0323
Tony’s Pizza City (Glenside) & Mister P’s Pizza & Pasta (Flourtown)—Side by Side Takeout Comparison
While both locations have a handful of tables should you decide to eat in, Tony’s and Mister P’s are two delicious finds for taking home a pie that will far surpass any national delivery chain. Mister P’s hits the spot when your preference is thin and crunchy crust with even layers of sauce, toppings and cheese. Their three brick-oven pizza locations are open seven days a week and have an option for BYOB. Tony’s has a doughy yet fluffy thick crust and a herbed tomato sauce covered with gobs of cheese. This friendly, family-staffed pizzeria (with Tony at the helm) is ready to serve you Tuesday through Saturday. Taste test success!
Tony’s Pizza City, 901 E. Willow Grove Ave., Glenside, (215) 233-2122; Mister P’s Pizza & Pasta, 1860 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, (215) 233-2424
Have a favorite pizza shop we didn’t hit? Share with us in the comments!
Photos credited to individual restaurants
