A popular, affordable coal-fired Italian restaurant with distinctive pizza, generous salads, family options, and generally strong service, though execution and wait times can vary.
Colarusso's Coal Fired Pizza earns strong praise for its distinctive coal-fired pies, with wings, meatballs, and baked pasta also drawing enthusiasm from a loyal local following. Uneven attentiveness, occasional burnt or soggy items, and a noisy open room keep it just short of the very top tier. The patio and approachable atmosphere make it a dependable neighborhood stop rather than a destination-defining experience.
Colarusso's is a lively, approachable Dickson City dining room built around coal-fired pizza, with a bar, patio, private event space, and enough seating for everything from a quick pie to a graduation gathering. The strongest recurring impression is a room where the aroma of tomato sauce meets a bustling, family-friendly energy; diners often describe the staff as warm and the food as arriving hot, though the open layout can become loud and busy. The cooking is classic Italian-American with a coal-fired signature rather than experimental fine dining. Thin, lightly charred crusts, balanced sauce, generous salads, baked pasta, meatballs, and bold pies such as Bianco, Sofia Loren, and Black n' Blue make it more distinctive than a standard neighborhood pizzeria. Most diners find the food flavorful and fairly priced, while a minority report burnt or soggy pizza, uneven dishes, or delayed service—so peak-time consistency is the main caveat. Families are well served by familiar choices including pizza, pasta, fries, burgers, chicken, mac and cheese, and a current Tuesday make-your-own pizza for children 12 and under with an adult purchase. Reviews also mention children enjoying tenders and large family meals. It is a strong family and group option, although parents should expect a lively room, no reservations, and occasional waits.
Area vibe: Suburban retail and commercial strip with car-oriented layout and chain businesses.
Safety: Generally safe daytime and evening; well-lit but limited late-night foot traffic.
What's nearby: Near Main Street retail, shopping plazas, strip malls, and close to I-81 and Scranton suburbs.
The coal-fired pies are the main draw, but the best order may include a shareable starter or salad alongside them.
Expect a lively, sometimes noisy visit with possible waits and generally strong coal-fired pizza, though peak-time consistency can vary.
The room feels welcoming and group-friendly, though its lively open layout can make conversation harder when busy.