PEOPLE OF PENN STATE– this is an intervention to stop eating crappy $1 slices of pizza and hating yourself the next morning. I’m here to help expand your horizons and show you that there is a lot more State College has to offer when it comes to pizza. After all, quality pizza is meant to be savored and enjoyed, not drunkenly stuffed down your throat at 4 am while sitting on your friends kitchen floor (sorry if you’re reading, Mom).
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and head down to Margarita’s Pizzeria on the lovely West Beaver Ave. I promise you will thank me shortly.
Photo by Armin Nayak
I know you want those pepperoni rolls, guys!
Meet Margaret and Juan Cruz: this couple has been holding down the fort at Margarita’s Pizzeria since 2005 and will be celebrating their 10th year of serving Happy Valley students on March 1. Having previously owned and operated two Italian restaurants in Altoona and the Nittany Mall, they were able to perfect their craft prior to opening shop in State College.
Not only have they been able to produce quality pizza, but their friendly service is what keeps many of the students coming back. The Cruz’s have developed such a love for those Penn Staters who have frequented their store throughout the years and have always welcomed them into the restaurant. Margaret said, “ I’ve ‘adopted’ 90,000 kids! That’s 10,000 a year. I love when they come back to visit us even after they’ve graduated.”
Photo by Armin Nayak
The Cruz’s have two part-time employees that help during their busier hours, but they primarily run the store by themselves.
They genuinely place a focus on service, which, in my mind, is what really sets this place apart from the rest. While eating lunch one afternoon, I overheard Margaret explaining to a costumer that the music she was playing in the restaurant was actually a CD that had been recorded by a former student. Isn’t that one of the sweetest things you’ve ever heard?!
Photo by Armin Nayak
The restaurant is your traditional-style pizzeria, and you can purchase pizza “by the slice” or order a whole pie. Prices are around $2.50 a slice and whole pies range from about $14.50 for a plain to around $19.50 for specialty pies.
A variety of sandwiches are also on the menu running for roughly around 6 bucks. With numerous choices, I’m positive that they have your favorite, whether it be buffalo chicken, meat lovers, pesto or Margherita style.
Photo by Armin Nayak
With the pizza’s crispy crust and fresh ingredients, it’s not uncommon that you’ll find yourself wandering up to the counter for seconds. Maybe even thirds? (Okay, I’m guilty on that one.)
Out of all the Pizzeria’s in State College, this little shop will always hold a place in my heart. Congratulations on 10 years in the biz, Margarita’s, and cheers to the next group of students to walk through your doors. May they always leave full and happy.
Location: 222 W. Beaver Ave. State College, PA 16801
Hours of Operation: Mon- Fri, 9 am – 9 pm
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