Passalinqua's Pizzeria — Restaurant in Erie

Passalinqua’s Pizzeria – Where Pizza Meets Pickleball (Literally)

I’m always on the hunt for a solid locally owned pizza joint when visiting my parents in Erie. My last favorite sticks-and-bricks place is still “temporarily closed,” which, as we all know, is Google Maps code for “gone forever but too polite to admit it.”

Passalinqua’s caught my eye not only for the promise of pizza but because it’s located inside Presque Isle Pickleball. Yes, you can eat a slice while watching grown adults shout about kitchen violations. If you don’t know pickleball, the “kitchen” is not where the pizza is made—it’s a no-volley zone on the court. And yes, I half expected to see a ref call me for a fault when I stepped too close to the counter.

First good sign: they close at 9 p.m. My rule of thumb? “Open late, not great.” Second: they hand-toss the dough right there in the dining room, behind the counter. The small dining area has about six tables plus a perfect sightline to the courts, so you can watch dinks, drops, and smashes while waiting for your pie. There are even a few tables court-side, in case you want to eat to the rhythmic soundtrack of paddles thwacking plastic balls.

I ordered a cheese pizza and a pepperoni-and-olive. True to their tagline—“We’ll curl your pepperoni”—each slice of pepperoni was cupped to perfection, like tiny meaty bowls holding drops of flavor. I wasn’t sure if that slogan was about their toppings or a more personal challenge. I asked for light cheese, which they nailed on the pepperoni, but the cheese pizza still came with double the amount I wanted. I get it—most people think more cheese equals more value. But in my opinion, half the cheese equals half the grease and twice the glory.

The crust? Chewy rather than crispy—what I’d call “football pizza,” the kind you can fold over and eat in one hand while yelling at a TV. Not artisan-level blistered or charred, but if Passalinqua’s was your neighborhood joint, you’d never need to look elsewhere for pizza night.

Service was refreshingly upbeat. I could hear the counter staff smiling through the phone when I placed my order. When I met her in person, she was still smiling—apparently that’s her default setting, which pairs nicely with good pizza.

Bottom line: come to Passalinqua’s for the pizza, stay for the pickleball. Just remember—no eating in the kitchen, and if your pepperoni isn’t curled, it’s...

My friend and I went in for a late lunch and we’re not really that hungry. We wanted to experience this restaurant for the first time and was fortunate enough to be the only ones in there with the owner Matt. He was a hoot to talk to. We tried the homemade marinara sauce and the vodka sauce. They were both amazing! We both ordered the combination sandwich that is made with their pepperoni ball dough. It was absolutely amazing! It was small, but we literally could only eat half of it. It came with their homemade Italian dressing, which was so good that my friend ordered an entire quart for herself. I ordered a slice of pepperoni pizza to go so my husband could try it. Their slice of pizza is literally a quarter of an entire pizza. I am super excited to go back and try more of their menu. Matt said they are in the process of hiring more delivery drivers, which will also be good for their already thriving business on...

While visiting from Pittsburgh, I did a google search of the best pizza in Erie. This place had the best rating! I am a retired flight attendant, I have eaten pizza in almost every US state. Wow!!! Where have you been all my life?! Hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had so far. Can’t wait to come back in a few months with friends! We got a 16” pizza half cheese half pepperoni! And the crust was fantastic and I usually waste the crust. The wife and I were gonna save some for the next day but we forgot bushes it in one...