‘Margarita’ Redefines Family Dining, Pizza Culture, and Urban Entertainment
Wilkes-Barre, PA – A bold culinary and cultural revival is igniting the heart of Downtown Wilkes-Barre. Introducing Margarita, the region’s first family-friendly urban beer garden built around the traditions of old-world wood-fired pizza, fresh local ingredients, and immersive food experiences—all led by visionary restaurateur and nightlife icon Thom Greco.
Located on 9 East Bennett Street, Margarita Beer Garden fuses the charm of a Southern Italian pizzeria with the energy of a big-city beer garden. Equal parts destination and neighborhood hub, Margarita is poised to become a cornerstone of Downtown revitalization and culinary tourism in Northeast Pennsylvania.
A Wood-Fired Legacy from Naples to NEPA
In 1997, Thom Greco and his team revolutionized NEPA’s food scene with Martini Ristorante & Bar, introducing wood-fired pizza ovens to the region after Greco’s travels through Sorrento and Naples, Italy. That same passion returns in full force at Margarita.
“We didn’t just import a pizza oven—we imported an experience,” says Thom Greco. “From the volcanic bricks of Naples to the limoncello groves of Sorrento, this menu is personal. It’s fire, flavor, and family all in one.”
Greco’s partnership with legendary chef Wolfgang Puck inspired his first wood-fired pizza program, and Margarita builds on that legacy by using a hand-built Italian oven flown in from Naples—ensuring every pizza is charred, blistered, and perfect in its imperfection.
A Menu That Honors Tradition and Breaks New Ground
At Margarita, the menu reads like a love letter to Italy—with a few bold American flourishes. Signature dishes include:
Also featured are hand-tossed Caesar salads, arugula-topped couscous bowls, and the “Pope Leo” roast beef sandwich, inspired by the Chicago classic and recently made famous on the hit series The Bear.
A Dessert That’s on Fire—Literally
Margarita is also home to a national first: the Crème Brûlée Pizza, created by Greco and inspired by his time with Bon Appétit magazine. Topped with torched brown sugar, vanilla custard, and seasonal fruit, the wood-fired crust adds a layer of richness not found anywhere else in the country. Other standout sweets include the Apple Cinnamon Ricotta Pizza and an authentic Italian Tiramisu, made fresh daily.
Entertainment, Energy, and Urban Renaissance
While Margarita’s food is rooted in Italian heritage, its atmosphere is pure 2025. With live music, community events, and a kid-friendly beer garden design, Margarita aims to create an inclusive space where families, students, artists, and tourists can gather, celebrate, and dine.
Margarita, is introducing Downtown Wilkes-Barre to a major metropolitan-style, world-class, family-friendly beer garden. The venue will feature authentic wood-fired pizza made in a traditional oven imported directly from Naples, Italy, using only the finest ingredients and original recipes.
In addition to gourmet wood-fired pizzas, Margarita offers a curated selection of signature Frozen margaritas, diverse food options, handcrafted beers, and a vibrant entertainment lineup designed to appeal to both families and nightlife enthusiasts.
Margarita aims to elevate the Downtown Wilkes-Barre experience by bringing high-quality dining, drinks, and entertainment to the local community. Drawing inspiration from major urban beer gardens, Margarita maintains a welcoming neighborhood vibe.
