Philadelphia, PA - For over a decade, a quirky and beloved establishment on Frankford Avenue in Fishtown served as a beacon for pizza lovers and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Pizza Brain, the world's first pizza museum and an acclaimed artisanal pizzeria, was a true Philadelphia icon. Though it sadly closed its doors in the summer of 2024 after a 12-year run, its legacy as one of the city's most unique and creative culinary destinations lives on. This is a look back at the legendary Pizza Brain.
More Than a Pizzeria: A Museum of Pizza Culture
What set Pizza Brain apart from every other slice shop was its incredible, Guinness World Record-holding collection of pizza memorabilia. The restaurant's walls were a vibrant and chaotic gallery of pizza-related treasures, from vintage vinyl records and comic books to movie posters, toys, and unique products from pizza chains of yesteryear. The collection was the passion project of co-founder Brian Dwyer, which began with a pizza-themed art show called "Give Pizza Chance" in 2010 and grew into an obsession. This unique "museum" atmosphere made a visit to Pizza Brain a fun, nostalgic, and utterly unique experience.
The Pizza: Artisan Pies with Creative Toppings
While the memorabilia drew people in, the pizza kept them coming back. The team at Pizza Brain knew that if they were going to call themselves a pizza museum, the pizza had to be exceptional. They served up delicious, thin-crust artisan pies with creative and high-quality toppings. In a city with a competitive pizza scene, Pizza Brain's pies were consistently praised for their flavor and craftsmanship, earning multiple "Best of Philly" awards over the years.
The End of an Era
In May 2024, the owners announced the bittersweet news that they would be closing their iconic Fishtown location. They explained that the decision was not made lightly but was the result of a long-standing dispute with their landlord
While the original Fishtown location is no more, the spirit of Pizza Brain remains a beloved part of Philadelphia's recent culinary history. It was a place that was strange, nerdy, loud, and run by people who were 100% committed to their love of pizza. It was more than just a restaurant; it was a community hub and a celebration of one of the world's favorite foods. While fans are hopeful that Pizza Brain may one day find a new home, the original on Frankford Avenue will always be remembered as a truly one-of-a-kind Philadelphia gem.
