WILKES-BARRE — Our next experience on the Visit Luzerne County Pizza Trail took us to the unexplored area of Shelley’s Pizza, located at 641 Carey Ave. Visiting this neighborhood was new for me, beyond my usual routine, and since it was a Friday night during Lent, I made sure to call in advance for my order.
At 5 p.m., I placed my order and was informed that it would be ready by 6:10 p.m., giving me just enough time to catch up with some friends before heading down to South Wilkes-Barre. I arrived at Shelley’s a couple of minutes late, hoping my order would be ready — and it was.
One important thing to note: Shelley’s only accepts cash, so I quickly stopped at the ATM before picking up my order.
The building emitted the charm of a classic pizza shop, with a mother-daughter team bustling about, taking orders and preparing food with care. Feeling enthusiastic, I went all out with my order: a large regular pizza, a small pagach, and a small Burger Boli. While waiting, I chatted with the owners and found out that Shelley’s has been a beloved establishment in South Wilkes-Barre for 47 years — a testament to their long-standing tradition of dough tossing.
My husband, eager for dinner, called as I was heading home. To my surprise, he was thrilled with my choice of Shelley’s Pizza, a place he frequented during his high school days. It’s amazing how food can trigger such fond memories and bring a smile to someone’s face.
The pizza had a thin crust, intentionally cooked a bit longer to create darker, crispier spots. This style might not be for everyone, but it’s evident from online reviews that many people, including myself, enjoy its lighter, easy-to-eat quality.
The pagach was exceptional, possibly the best I’ve ever had. The combination of potato, cheese, and onion was like the most perfect mashed potatoes wrapped in dough. And the Burger Boli? A pleasant surprise for a picky eater like me. Packed with beef, cheese, onions, pickles and bacon, it was a delightful change from the typical stromboli fare.
Shelley’s menu may be uncomplicated, focusing on pizza, pagach and strombolis, but sometimes that’s all you really need for a satisfying meal.
In honor of Women’s History Month, I give recognition to the mother and daughter team running a successful business.
We’ll be back!
