If you live in the Back Mountain, you know the drill. It’s Friday night. You’re tired. The last thing you want to do is stare at a stove. So, you end up at the intersection of Route 309 and Tunkhannock Highway. You're headed to Three Guys Dallas PA. It’s not just a pizza joint; it’s basically the unofficial town square of Dallas, Pennsylvania.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild how much staying power this place has. In an era where chains are everywhere and "artisanal" spots pop up and vanish in six months, Three Guys just... stays. It’s consistent. It’s loud. It’s exactly what you expect every single time you walk through the door.
The Real Deal Behind the Name
People always ask if there are actually three guys. Yes. Sort of. The history of the "Three Guys" brand in Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) is actually a bit of a web. It started with three friends—originally from Italy by way of New York—who brought that specific NY-style thin crust to a region that, frankly, was already obsessed with its own hyper-local "Old Forge" style. They carved out a niche.
While the original partnership evolved over the decades, the Dallas location, situated in the Dallas Shopping Center, became the flagship for the Back Mountain crowd. It’s a family-run vibe. You see the same faces behind the counter for years. That matters in a place like Luzerne County. People here don't just want food; they want to know the person tossing the dough isn't a stranger.
What Makes Three Guys Dallas PA Different?
Most people think pizza is just dough, sauce, and cheese. They're wrong. In NEPA, pizza is a competitive sport. You have your "Sweet Sauce" fans and your "Tray" fans. But Three Guys Dallas PA wins because they don't try to be fancy. They do a New York-style round pie that actually has a structural integrity most local places lack.
The crust? It’s got that specific "snap." You fold it. It doesn't flop and dump grease all over your shirt. That’s a technical achievement, honestly.
It’s Not Just About the Round Pie
If you only get the round pizza, you’re missing half the story. Their menu is massive. Like, suspiciously massive for a pizza place. Usually, when a place has 50+ items, half of them are mediocre. Somehow, they pull off the Italian dinners and the subs too.
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- The Cheesesteaks: We aren't in Philly, but the Dallas crowd treats these like they are. They use high-quality roll stock that doesn't get soggy.
- The Salads: This sounds like a lie, but people actually go there for the salads. The "Three Guys Special Salad" is basically a mountain of meats and cheeses that just happens to have some lettuce underneath it for legal reasons.
- The Wings: NEPA is the wing capital of the world (don't @ me, Buffalo). Their mild sauce has that buttery richness that defines the region’s palate.
The atmosphere is "suburban pizza parlor chic." It's bright. There are booths that have seen a thousand post-soccer game celebrations. It’s noisy. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic candlelit dinner, go somewhere else. You come here to see your neighbors and realize you’ve known the cashier since third grade.
The Local Economic Impact
We should talk about the Dallas Shopping Center for a second. It’s had its ups and downs. Stores come and go. But Three Guys Dallas PA acts as a literal anchor. It draws foot traffic that keeps the surrounding small businesses alive. When people talk about "buying local," this is the frontline.
It’s a massive employer of local high school students. For half the kids in the Dallas School District, a job at Three Guys is their first introduction to the workforce. They learn how to handle a rush, how to deal with a "hangry" customer on a Saturday night, and how to work as a team. That’s a community service in itself.
Navigating the Friday Night Rush
If you try to call in an order at 6:00 PM on a Friday, God bless you. The phone lines are jammed. The lobby is packed with people staring at the overhead TV or scrolling on their phones.
Here is the pro tip: use their online ordering system or call 20 minutes earlier than you think you should. The "Estimated Time" is usually pretty accurate, but during football season? Add ten minutes. It’s just the law of the land.
Addressing the "Too Many Locations" Confusion
One thing that trips up newcomers or tourists heading to Ricketts Glen is the naming. You’ll see "Three Guys" or "Two Guys" or "Four Brothers" all over Pennsylvania. It’s a common naming trope in Italian-American eateries.
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But Three Guys Dallas PA is distinct from the others in the franchise or splinter groups. Each location tends to have its own "soul." The Dallas one feels more integrated into the collegiate life of nearby Misericordia University. You’ll see students there late at night, fueled by caffeine and garlic knots, trying to survive finals week.
The Quality Control Factor
Consistency is the hardest thing in the food industry. One day the oven is too hot; the next, the dough didn't rise enough because the humidity changed. Somehow, this kitchen stays remarkably level.
I’ve spoken to local foodies who swear the secret is the water. It’s a classic NY pizza myth—that the minerals in the water make the dough. Whether it's the Dallas water or just a very well-seasoned deck oven, there is a specific "toasty" flavor to their crust that you just can't replicate at home.
The "Secret" Menu and Customizations
You aren't stuck with what’s on the board. The regulars know how to hack the menu.
- The "Well Done" Request: If you like a crunch that borders on a cracker, ask for the pie "well done." They’ll leave it in just long enough for the cheese to get those little charred brown bubbles.
- White Pizza with Broccoli: This isn't your standard white pie. It’s heavy on the garlic—like, "don't go on a date afterward" levels of garlic. It's fantastic.
- The Stromboli Trick: Their boli is huge. A "small" can easily feed two people. Don't let your ego lead you to order a large unless you’re feeding a literal army.
People often argue about the "best" pizza in the 570 area code. It’s a debate that can end friendships. But Three Guys Dallas PA usually lands in the top tier because it's the "safe" pick. It’s the place everyone can agree on. No one is disappointed when a Three Guys box hits the table.
Why It Matters for Dallas, PA
Dallas isn't a big city. It’s a township and a borough that values tradition. In a world that feels increasingly digital and disconnected, having a physical space where you can get a slice and a soda for a reasonable price matters. It’s a "third place"—somewhere that isn't home and isn't work.
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It’s also surprisingly affordable. Despite inflation hitting the food industry hard, they’ve managed to keep prices in a range where a family can still eat out without taking out a second mortgage. That’s getting harder to find.
Final Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Three Guys Dallas PA, keep a few things in mind to make it easier.
First, parking in the Dallas Shopping Center can be a nightmare during peak hours, especially near the holidays. Park a little further down by the Fine Wine & Good Spirits and just walk the extra fifty feet. It’ll save you a headache.
Second, check their social media or website for daily specials. They often run deals on certain nights of the week that aren't always obvious when you walk in.
Third, if you’re taking your pizza to go, crack the box open just a tiny bit on the drive home. It lets the steam escape so the crust stays crispy. Nobody wants a soggy bottom.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience:
- Order Ahead: Use the phone or website at least 30-40 minutes before you want to eat on weekends.
- Try the Speciality Slices: If you're dining in, don't just get a whole pie. Look at the glass case. The Buffalo Chicken slice is a local legend for a reason.
- Check the Hours: They aren't open 24/7. Always verify their closing times on Sundays or holidays, as they tend to follow traditional family-owned schedules.
- Bring the Crew: The portions are designed for sharing. If you're alone, be prepared for leftovers (which, honestly, taste better cold the next morning anyway).
You don't need a formal reservation or a suit and tie. Just show up, grab a stack of napkins, and enjoy a piece of Back Mountain history. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through on your way to the mountains, this is the authentic taste of the region. No frills, no pretension—just good food.