Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza opened up it’s fifth Philadelphia-area location in Fairfield Plaza in Exton back in December of 2013. With a casual, high energy atmosphere and a simple menu made with premium ingredients, Anthony’s has quickly become a local favorite.
The South Florida-based chain uses authentic 800-degree coal-burning ovens to create “well-done pizza” in only four minutes. Anthony’s traditional pie consists of the finest mozzarella, Italian plum tomatoes, Romano cheese, basil and olive oil. Diners can build their own pizza around a list of toppings or can choose one of nine specially created pies—some traditional and others more inventive.
While the pizza is why you initially may dine at Anthony’s, there are many more reasons to visit this new addition to Exton’s dining scene.
Top 6 Excuses to Eat at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza Tonight:
Roasted Cauliflower Pizza
If we’re talking about Anthony’s, then I have to start with the first pizza I ever tried there. My husband and I wanted to eat something a bit on the healthy side and were intrigued by the idea of this specialty pie. This white pizza is piled high with cauliflower roasted with olive oil and garlic cloves then topped with Romano and mozzarella cheeses and dusted with bread crumbs. The cauliflower is al dente and holds up well to the crisp oven-charred crust. This was my “gateway pizza,” the one that made me want to come back again and again.
Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly
PA Eats’s Noelle Kelly recently discovered the multitude of restaurants in the Exton area that are vegetarian-friendly. She found that Anthony’s pizza dough is vegan and many of the menu items either are already vegetarian or vegan or they can be easily adapted to meet dietary restrictions. Noelle says she “enjoyed a basic tomato pie served with mushrooms and broccoli rabe and asked the chef to add fresh arugula that had been lightly tossed with Italian dressing.” Additionally, many of their salads can be made vegetarian or vegan and options like the eggplant Marino and my beloved roasted cauliflower pizza already fit the bill.
The Meatballs
The meatball recipe used at the restaurant is one that has been passed down from owner Anthony Bruno’s beloved grandmother. You can taste the love in the large hand-rolled meatballs that are slowly cooked in Anthony’s signature tomato sauce. Get an order of two or four as an appetizer or enjoy them on top of a pizza with ricotta cheese.
The Wings
The wings at Anthony’s are not your traditional fried and smothered with buffalo sauce. Instead, they are marinated in a mix of olive oil, kosher salt, lemon juice and Italian seasonings and then roasted in the coal oven. The wings, like the pizza, can get a bit blackened by the cooking method, but that just adds to the unique flavors and textures of the food.
The wings are topped with a large serving of caramelized onions and served with a side of warm, house-made focaccia bread. A small order of 10 is a perfect meal for one or order 20 and share with a friend.
The Bar
Anthony’s bar is a great place to meet friends for a drink for happy hour or on the weekends. With a mostly craft draft list plus a large selection of bottles, beer fans should take note. Visit on a Monday or Tuesday for “Coal Fired & Craft Beer,” featuring half-off craft beers from local brewers all day long.
Anthony’s also has an affordable wine list and signature cocktails. On Wednesdays from 5 p.m. until close, enjoy $5 martinis while sampling Anthony’s signature menu items for “Meatballs & Martinis.”
The Atmosphere
Anthony’s has a cozy feeling immediately upon entering and the staff is inviting, friendly and knowledgeable without being overbearing. The decor is a cross between your favorite Italian restaurant from decades ago and a sports bar. Framed photos of stars from the 40s and 50s and sports figures cover all the walls—yes, even in the restrooms.
The music plays at a loud, but still comfortable-to-talk, level. I was really loving the diverse playlist and manager Sean told me that the music is selected exclusively by Anthony himself.
Although the wait can be long sometimes to get a table on evenings and weekends, hanging out at the bar was a fun way to spend the time. As a bonus for hungry crowds, a waiter may just bring you around a wing to nibble on while you wait.
Find Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza at 123 East Swedesford Road in Exton; phone: (610) 594-1900. Follow Anthony’s on Twitter @AnthonysCFPizza and “Like” them on Facebook.
Photo credit to Nina Lea Photography
