Papa's Pizza

420 Fairhope Ave.

Fairhope, Alabama 36532

Overall Rating: Excellent(****)

Pizza type: New York style

Pizza ordered: Cheese slice

Crust: Papa's continues to produce the very best New York style crust in this area. Papa's crust is thin, with just the right balance of chewiness and crispness.  The edges of the crust have an excellent firmness without any bready thickness of excess dough.  The crust also displays a nice browning, approaching a nice charred character that is difficult to achieve in gas and electric ovens.

Sauce: The sauce is outstanding. The sauce is a light and fresh crushed tomato sauce that delivers a nice tomato essence without overpowering the pie with any salty or acidic aftertaste.  You basically taste a well-seasoned fresh tomato flavor.

Cheese: Although it doesn't seem to be a natural mozzarella, the cheese is of very good quality and not over-applied as on some pies in this area.  The cheese compliments and blends nicely into the other flavors and spices with no oily separation and without giving the pie a  overly cheesy taste. 

Other Topping(s): The cheese slice was complimented by a nice blend of Italian spices, without any one spice overpowering the overall experience.  Nicely done!

Atmosphere: Very traditional, somewhat "old school" pizzeria atmosphere.  The space is not too crowded but very cozy.

Service: Excellent service and attention to detail. The staff does not interrupt often, but does ask the right questions so you are accommodated.

Utensils: Sturdy silverware, and adequate napkins.

Overall: This an excellent New York style pizzeria.  Papa's continues, as with the Daphne, AL location, to serve up the very best New York style pie in this area, and certainly one of the best on the Gulf Coast.   With the exception of a couple of under-cooked crusts over the years, which I attributed to a rookie baker, they have generally been very good to excellent on all my visits.  I would put their pie up against many have had in New York, specifically V & T on the Upper Westside of Manhattan or Presidential Pizza on W. 125th St., Harlem, Uptown, Manhattan.  Enjoy! 

Reservations: Not needed

Payment: Cash or credit cards