Papa Gino’s
July 2nd, 2007
I used to love Papa Gino’s as a kid then sometime in my early 20’s I became a bit of a food snob and refused to go there. I remember reluctantly going to Papa Gino’s when Ethan suggested it when we first started dating, I’d roll my eyes and say “if you REALLY want to” but after the first few times I realized that I DO like Papa Gino’s. There is something comfortably consistent about the pizza and the whole operation.
The smells, checkered tables and sounds of order numbers called through the microphone are reliably part of the whole Papa Gino’s experience.
This trip we went to the Papa’s on route 30 at the “food mall”. This is where my uncle had his 60th birthday party, they let him make his own pizza and everything : )
We just got a couple of slices of cheese pizza. As we waited for our number to be called, I thought it might be fun to get a job here just to call numbers really close into the microphone so it’s all fuzzy like “Number FVZE FOOVM” but I think the humor in that would wear off fast, and I’d be a jerk but I wonder if it’s fun to make the pizza especially since little (and big) kids get to watch through the window. That used to be one of my favorite things about Papa Gino’s as a kid was watching the pizzaguy throw the dough in air and make the pizzas.
Our slices were decent sized and mine flopped down when I picked it up and the sun penetrated right through it like it was paper but it had that reliable familiar taste I become re-acquainted with (after Ethan got me back on track). I’d also like to note that I think root beer best compliments their pizza.
The only thing I think they could improve on is bringing the tableside jukeboxes back. Papa Gino’s isn’t the best pizza but that’s okay. I give it a thumbs up for consistency and nostalgia.
I’m sorry Papa for ever doubting you!
Spot-on review, Michelle! I also went astray for some years, considering any chain pizza to be suspicious. But someone got me to agree to go a few years ago and I was pleasantly surprised at how decent the pizza is. Their 5 minute pasta and pizza lunch specials have been a God-send when our 2 year old runs out of steam while we are out running errands.
While in college I made pizzas as my part-time job. You would think it would get tedious or monotonous, but I never remember being bored. I think it is one of those tasks that have a strong Zen element to it. You can always try to make the next one more perfect than the previous. And it’s enjoyable to see the kids pointing with awed expressions while you flip one up into the air.
Comment by Alan — July 2, 2007 @ 6:10 pm
I used to bike to the Papa Gino’s on route 9 with two friends on early release days from school. I LOVED their pizza, it was truly the best, that and Pizzeria Uno. I had forgotten about the tableside jukeboxes. Why do they get rid of these unique things? Who decides that it’s not worth it? So annoying.
Anyway, it turned out the two friends I went there with hated each other and only went because of me. So now Papa Gino’s tastes like guilt.
Comment by Mark — July 2, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
the pizza at papa gino’s isn’t bad but if you eat anything else on the menu you will feel so disgusting within 5 minutes that you will want to kill yourself.
Comment by sull — July 2, 2007 @ 8:49 pm
“…Papa Gino’s tastes like guilt.” That made me laugh. I hope it’s nothing too serious though.
I’ve always liked their pizza, but probably more because it brings back good memories than because it’s great pizza. I’ve never once been tempted to try any of their other food offerings though. I’m certain they’re not worth trying.
Comment by Ethan — July 2, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
I stopped going when they started getting into the “gourmet pizza” game. I found the specialty pizzas were soggy and just not the same.
But I ended up going back a couple of years ago (and ever since) for either just plain or pepperoni only. It really is yummy! It tastes like birthday parties when I was kid and when my parents used to take me and my brother there so we could collect all of the Boston Red Sox glasses.
Plus, my parents didn’t mind taking us there because they served beer and wine!
Comment by Jennifer — July 3, 2007 @ 11:53 am
Funny review! We’ve been on our own pizza quest and as the local places have changed hands or just aged and become complacent we were at a loss for an inexpensive take out meal. I turned my nose up at Papa’s for years but about a year ago we gave them a go. I still make my own from scratch - usually a pan pizza type… but now when we get it to go, it’s from Papa Gino’s (in Ashland) all of the time. For my son’s birthday party this weekend we’re getting 5 at least.
Comment by Leslie — July 4, 2007 @ 11:17 pm