Papa Angelo’s: Come for the food, stay for the fun
by Sarah | December 21, 2007 | 45 Comments
(3.93 with 40 votes) 
Loading ...Papa Angelo’s is located at 3921 N. College Ave. in Bethany (map). Hours are 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 9pm, Monday through Saturday. Sunday is 11am – 7pm. Call them at 405.491.6767 or visit their website.
If anyone besides me is still missing Seinfeld, I have just the answer for you. Head down to Papa Angelo’s in the heart of downtown Bethany, and you’ll think you’ve walked right into a new Seinfeld episode. Papa Angelo can usually be found holding court in the middle of his small and cozy restaurant, while sons Joe and “Red” hand toss the crust for whatever you have just ordered.
The whole DiGiAntomasso family hails from New York City, and they come complete with the accent. Joe says he arrived first 12 years ago. Well, actually, this is where he was when he ran out of gas, and he just stayed. Except when he had to go back and get Mom and Pop. Papa Angelo, 78, says he is so old that he was a waiter at the Last Supper.
The day that Mom, my friend Beth, and I went for lunch, Papa was out because he had just returned from a drive back to New York for a wedding. But any of the five family members are more than happy to supply the entertainment while your pizza bakes. When Joe found out we were reviewing them for this site, he called Papa and said to get down there – someone wanted to interview him. He said Papa had left on vacation and hadn’t come back. When Papa arrived, I asked him if that was true, and he said Joe was crazy and that what he didn’t know is that he had been up until 4am that morning cooking two pots of homemade tomato sauce. He said all this as he was chewing on a piece of pizza while sitting at our table. A little while later, Red yells over to us from behind the pizza assembly area that Papa is so old he was a busboy at the Last Supper. Papa yells back that he was a waiter, not a busboy. And a big argument (in New York accents) ensued from there over which job it really was. Mama is tired and is sitting with her back to us in another booth while she chews on her pizza that she took out of Papa’s hands. Beth asks her if she works here full-time also, and she says no because she can’t see the TV here as well as she can see the big screen at home. Beth then tells Joe she needs a refill, and he tells her the soda fountain is behind the counter.
All of Papa’s recipes are from the family. And, if you’re not family and you work at Papa’s, you must sign a waiver to never give out any of the recipes. Papa is serious about this. Take the garlic knots, for instance, which I highly, highly recommend. One time a customer pestered Papa so much for the recipe, that Papa gave it to him and said that he added a bunch of red cayenne pepper. Well, the customer ran right home and made his own and about choked to death on them. There’s really not any red pepper in them, but Papa thought he would teach him a lesson. Papa has also won over many fans of his eggplant parmesan. People who have sworn they would never eat eggplant eat Papa’s. Papa says they make their own dough, grind their own cheese, and make their own homemade sauce.
We go at lunchtime, and I recommend getting there early ahead of Bethany High School. We like the lunch special, which is two gigantic pieces of cheese pizza and a drink for $4. Extra toppings are $.25 a slice. The pizza is served on a really flimsy white paper plate (I would suggest they at least invest in some good Chinet paper plates), and if you want a fork, they’re in the corner.
If you’re really hungry, every Saturday night from 8pm – 9pm, the “Empire Challenge” is issued. If you can eat the 20-inch Empire pizza in 45 minutes, it’s yours free. You have to choose two meats and one veggie. No one has ever accomplished this feat. There are eight pictures on the Wall of Shame, and none on the Wall of Fame.
Papa Angelo’s will soon become a chain. Red is headed to Jones, OK, to open a second location at 119 W. Main Street. And, another branch is planned for Choctaw.
So, if you’re ever looking for some entertainment at lunchtime, and some good Italian food (they’ve also got five pasta dishes), head to downtown Bethany and give Papa Angelo’s a try. Usually, you end up making friends with everyone in there because Papa is such a character. Well, actually, the whole family is.
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December 27th, 2007 at 11:31 am
I’m really glad that Papa Angelo’s is back in OKC. I remember going there for lunch when I went to Bethany High School back in the mid/late 90′s. It was originally Papa Dwano’s (same recipe, different owners) then Papa Angelo’s, then they moved, then went out of business. Now, years later they reopened about 6 months ago. I highly recommend the Empire, you can’t beat it for the price anywhere in OKC. For truly authentic and good NY style pizza. Papa Angelo’s is the place. I could deal without all their family drama and laziness though.
December 27th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Yes, drama is a good word for the atmosphere!
January 17th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Sarah, you beat me to this review!
I love Papa Angelo’s, and have been going their since the late 90′s when they were on 39th. I attributed some weight gain to them because I would eat there all the time. Joe and his family are wonderful and it is fun to see their New York attitudes if you mess with them. This place is a good deal and tastes even better! I highly recommend.
January 17th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hey Chad! What are you up to? Haven’t talked to you in a long time. I’m glad you enjoy Papa Angelo’s as much as I do – maybe I’ll see ya there someday at lunch!
January 18th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I at there last week and it was great. The family is really fun too. Recommend to anyone who really enjoys pizza.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Never been before, so I dropped by for lunch today and here is my take:
The crust is by far the best New York Style crust I’ve had in this part of the country. Very much like the ultra-thin, crispy crust you find in lower Manhattan around the Village. I absolutely love it.
I should have gotten cheese-only as that’s the best way to experience that ultra-thin style, but I got pepperoni on one and sausage on the other. Not impressed with the toppings, but again, I think cheese-only is the way to go at this place. Toppings just get in the way on pizza like that.
This is truly a unique find.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Dan and Tim – thanks for trying it out and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Tim, I tried a sausage, tomato and green olive combo that was pretty good, but I agree with you – sometimes just plain cheese with extra cheese is the way to go!
February 7th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
When you go to try out Papa Angelo’s make sure and order some of the garlic knots. They are outstanding. I normally don’t like cheese pizza, but I agree here sometimes it is the way to go.
June 16th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I’ve tried their pizza twice now, once dining in and once as delivery and it is really great. The only complaint I have had more to do with my buddy who ordered the pizza than Papa Angelo’s I think. I told him I wanted supreme and what came out was covered in olives…tons of them. Not sure if my buddy ordered it that way or if that is normal but I will soon find out. We ordered a half cheese, half pepperoni about a week ago and had it delivered to the house and it was really good. I agree with whoever stated it above, cheese is the best way to really get the flavor of their crust and their sauce (which I love).
Never a dull moment with great flavor and value!
June 19th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I am from Long Island and when I took my first bite of their pizza I was back home. If you want the best, authentic NY pizza, this is where you go. I have been nowhere else since the REAL Italians opened their door. This is what a real pizza parlor is all about – great food – great portions and great prices, no ripoffs at this place….Don’t forget to fold your pizza………
June 19th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
OK riverhead, Papa Angelo folds his pizza too. What is up with that? Is it just because the pieces are cut so large and it’s easier to eat that way?
Also, was in yesterday for lunch and they will be expanding this fall to the space next to them to the south. So they’ll have a lot more dining area, which will be nice. Especially when school is in session.
Thanks for commenting – I’m glad we have true, native New Yorker that likes this place!
June 20th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Yeah, when it’s super-thin and just cheese or maybe a couple of pepperoni, folding is the way to go. It adds stability and basically turns it into a sandwich with crust on both sides, cheese and sauce in the middle.
I’m not a native, but I love to visit New York and picked up the practice from the really thin crust shops up there. Great to hear from a native, riverhead, thanks for the comment.
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
My wife and I love Papa Angelo’s! We also began eating there back in the late 90′s. We definitely prefer to eat the pizza there and not take it home, because it is soooo good when it is right out of the oven. Plus, we love the conversation with Joe and his family.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Oh my, Oh my! I am loving this place. We had pepperoni and smoked bacon pizza. The guy behind the counter almost bit my head off with “Canadian bacon or smoked bacon?” Just as cranky, I retorted “Bacon, not ham!” What? I’d had a long day. I’ve come to realize that the SO just plain prefers chain food. He would rather have Pizza Hut. Gag. We drove from south side and I’d make the drive over and over. You can’t beat a large pizza and two drinks at just under 15 dollars.
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
new store in Jones is also very yummy .. ;o)
January 15th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Papa Angelo’s is my family’s favorite pizza joint! the garlic knots are excellent, and the cheese pizza is the best way to go. I do suggest to order it to-go because of the small restaurant, it gets very loud easily!
February 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Woohoo! I love this place and the people!
February 8th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
the best pizza in okc period. i have searched hi and low and finally discovered this place today, i will make the empire my b_ _ ch one day!!!!
February 9th, 2009 at 9:40 am
My family owns this pizza parlor. I’m their daughter. I’m glad to hear all the good things said about my dad’s pizza place! I appreciate all the compliments and I’m sorry to hear about your complaints.
We have opened a new location in El Reno. We have 3 stores. Jones, Bethany, and El Reno. The Bethany store is moving down a few stores. Right next to the Elephant Cafe. This will be pretty soon.
And my grandma’s name is Anna, NOT BETH!!
(:
February 9th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Read that paragraph again, Heather. My friend, Beth, is asking your grandmother if she also works at the restaurant….I was not saying your grandmother’s name is Beth.
March 7th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Actually, you can call me the Emperor. I took the challenge last year and beat it (with time to spare.) It was really good pizza, but putting that much down so fast, I hardly got to enjoy it. I plan to go back and find out why my picture is not up. Perhaps I’ll do it again.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I can’t believe you ate one of those gigantic pizzas by yourself. Yes, you deserve a picture!
May 2nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Hello heather:)
May 6th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Papa’s has finally moved three doors down to the south of their other location on College in Bethany. More room. And Joe is even decorating the place. Same fabulous pizza – hot right out of the oven!
June 19th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
They have moved down 3 doors and it seems like it is 4 to 5 times larger. It has never felt crowded since the new place opened. Same great pizza and fun family atmosphere. I love getting the garlic knots. They are awesome!
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:41 am
I had heard they had opened up in Jones where J-Town Pizza used to be.
I absolutely loved J-Town and was sad to hear they were no longer in business. I once drove from I-40 and Choctaw Road to Jones in an ice storm to get a J-Town pie. Does anyone know what happened to them?
Also glad to hear that another great pizza joint has taken their place. Hopefully I’ll get out there to try Papa Angelos soon.
August 28th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
I was introduced to Papa Johns through a friend of the family. He stated it was the best pizza there is without having to travel to New York. After meeting the gang at the Papa John’s in Jones, I would tend to agree. The pizza is outstanding. We now make it a weekly outing all 10-15 of us. We really enjoy our time there and keep Red on his toes.
Look forward to the Choctaw site opening. Keep the Pizzas coming.
August 28th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
LOL gotcha Red… that would be Papa Angelos…. Been giving Red a hard time.
Thanks for the good times each week.
September 6th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
best pizza in the state hands down
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Now as a true New Yorker out of Queens. Long Island, grew up on Pizza, had it almost everyday and I can honestly say these guys have nailed it!!!! They are the best and I truly believe the only real New York pizza in all of Oklahoma!!!!!
February 6th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Had the lunch special today for $4, it was good and filling. Slices came straight from the oven. The dough, sauce & cheese were just right…not too much, not to little.
Also had garlic knots, which I thought were OK…until I saw the little pool of garlic butter in the bottom of the bowl…then the garlic knots knocked my socks off.
I like the location and the good, inexpensive offerings and will go back to Papa Angelo’s for sure.
January 30th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
My husband used to think Hideaway had the best pizza in OK. Now it’s Papa Angelo’s! PLEASE TRY IT!
January 30th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Stopped in for lunch last week. Sorry to report that Mama passed away in December. Sending lots of love their way…
February 4th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
ONLY ONE WORD GREAT!!!!!!!!!
March 28th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Dropped by over the weekend for a meatball sub….they were out of bread. OK, how about lasagna? Nope, out of lasagna. Really? C’mon. I like Papa’s, but they 86′d half the menu on a Sunday afternoon. Went next door to Thai Sweet Basil for an excellent chicken coconut soup and the Oh My God appetizer.
Please tell us what you think.