Attendees at the Italian American Social Club’s pizza contest on October 3 chose Nicolosi’s from a field of 10 Phillipsburg pizzerias. The result makes Nicolosi’s the winner of the inaugural showdown, rather than establishing a broader citywide ranking.
The sold-out, ticketed event let attendees sample the pizzerias’ offerings and vote for a favorite, according to TAPinto. Each ticket counted as one vote. The evening also included live music and bocce ball.
Ten Pizzerias, One Crown
The participating pizzerias were Canalside, Cisnero's, Franco's, Gara's, GMAC Pizza and Wings, Jack's Pizza, La Bella Via, Rocco's, Pizza Village Café, and Nicolosi's, per the same report. Attendees chose among the ten businesses by voting at the event.
TAPinto reported that the event brought together pizzerias, families, friends, and other community members. Keith Zwicker II thanked the participating businesses, and the report noted that Zwicker provided courtesy photos for its coverage.
Club Plans to Keep the Tradition Going
The Italian American Social Club at 800 Mill St. in Phillipsburg said it plans to continue hosting community activities centered on food, music, bocce, and other events, according to the report.
Phillipsburg also had a separate pizza challenge in April 2026, with six local shops competing for a different title. Jack's Pizza won that contest, according to a separate TAPinto report; it was unrelated to the Social Club's showdown.
Food businesses and community events
State materials provide context on food-business oversight, but do not describe the economic contribution of independent restaurants to Phillipsburg. The New Jersey Department of Health says its Public Health and Food Protection Program provides inspection services and technical advice, and its Retail Food Project maintains N.J.A.C. 8:24, the state sanitation rules for retail food establishments. Separately, Norwescap says the 8th Annual Pork Roll Palooza is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at Shappell Park, in partnership with the Phillipsburg Downtown Association.
