apa’s Pizza is not just another pizza parlor—it’s an Oregon institution that has been creating cherished memories for over 50 years. Founded in 1971 by David Weber, the first location opened on West 11th Street in Eugene. From the start, Papa’s Pizza was designed to offer more than just delicious pizza; it was a place where families could come together, children could play, and birthday celebrations could feel extra special. Over time, the chain expanded across the state, though, unfortunately, one location—Beaverton—closed at some point and is no longer open today.
For me, Papa’s Pizza has always been special. I’ve been going to Papa’s Pizza since I was 5 years old, and many of my most treasured childhood memories took place there. Birthday parties at Papa’s Pizza were a family tradition, and I carried that same tradition forward with my own children. From the time my kids were young, Papa’s has been our go-to spot for birthday celebrations. In fact, tonight, we’ll be celebrating my son’s 17th birthday, and like so many times before, we’ll be ordering their famous BBQ chicken pizza—a family favorite that never disappoints.
One of the best things about Papa’s Pizza is their old-fashioned approach to making pizza. From the freshly made dough prepared daily to their homemade sauces and generous toppings, the pizzas at Papa’s truly stand out. Their BBQ chicken pizza, in particular, is a delicious blend of tangy barbecue sauce and tender chicken, making it a favorite for my family. But another all-time favorite of ours—and one of the most popular pizzas on their menu—is their taco pizza.
This pizza is packed with flavor, featuring refried beans, lean beef, cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a crunchy layer of taco chips. It’s a unique and flavorful twist that keeps customers coming back for more. If I am being honest, I can't think of anywhere that offers a tastier taco pizza than Papa's!
Of course, Papa’s wouldn’t be what it is today without its classic options. You simply can’t go wrong with their pepperoni pizza. The savory, slightly spicy pepperoni paired with the cheesy, gooey goodness of their old-fashioned style pizza makes it a timeless favorite. And whether it’s the BBQ chicken, the taco pizza, or the classic pepperoni, what makes each pizza so great is the care and quality ingredients that go into every pie. They’ve maintained the same high standards of pizza-making since their opening, and it’s this consistency that has made Papa’s a family tradition for generations.
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While pizza is the star of the show, the salad bar at Papa’s is equally impressive. It offers a wide variety of fresh vegetables, toppings, and dressings, making it the perfect complement to your pizza feast. It’s a great option for those looking for something lighter or to pair with their slice of pizza. You can always count on fresh ingredients and generous portions, much like everything else at Papa’s.
For those looking for a quick bite in the middle of the day, Papa’s also offers an incredible lunch special. You can enjoy their Lunch Buffet for just $9.65, which includes a drink.
This buffet offers a range of pizza options, along with their fantastic salad bar, giving you plenty of choices to satisfy your midday hunger. This offer is available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., making it a popular choice for families and workers alike. The lunch buffet is another testament to the variety and quality that Papa’s consistently delivers.
Beyond the amazing pizza, one of the biggest draws for families—especially kids—is the play area. When I was a child, the play area was one of the main reasons I loved going to Papa’s Pizza for my birthday parties.
While the play area has changed quite a bit over the years, it’s still just as awesome today.
My kids have had just as much fun playing there as I did, making it a central part of the Papa’s Pizza experience. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the fun and the memories that come with it.
Papa’s Pizza has always been about more than just serving food—they’re committed to being a positive force in the community. Over the years, they have hosted countless fundraisers that have benefited local schools, charity groups, and medical causes. Their signature fundraiser nights, where 50% of the proceeds from all dine-in purchases go to local organizations, have helped raise thousands of dollars across Oregon.
In fact, one of their most memorable fundraising efforts took place in 2005, when they raised over $8,000 to support a Corvallis High School student who was battling leukemia. This level of community involvement is a cornerstone of Papa’s Pizza, and it’s one of the many reasons why the restaurant has become such a beloved part of the Oregon landscape.
Their commitment to giving back doesn’t stop there. In addition to the fundraiser nights, Papa’s Pizza also offers other community-focused programs like gift certificate sales and school scrip programs, allowing local schools and organizations to raise money in various ways(
Papa's Pizza Parlor). These initiatives have had a significant impact on the communities they serve, further deepening the connection between Papa’s Pizza and the families who frequent their locations.
Today, Papa’s Pizza has grown to six locations across Oregon, including the Eugene/Springfield area, Gresham, and Corvallis. However, the Beaverton location has since closed, which was a loss for that community. The Corvallis location, which opened in 1983, is particularly special. Not only has it retained much of its original decor—including the same lights, tables, and the central fireplace—but it also holds a deep sense of community. With walls adorned with sports memorabilia from local high schools and hand-drawn thank-you notes from students, the Corvallis location feels like a living scrapbook of local history.
What really sets Papa’s Pizza apart, though, is its commitment to quality. Every location continues to make their dough fresh daily, using their original recipe. The sauces are made from scratch, and the toppings are always fresh and plentiful. Recently, they even rolled out a gluten-free menu that has been incredibly well-received by customers who appreciate the fact that gluten-free options are offered at the same price as regular pizzas. This attention to detail, both in terms of food quality and customer experience, is what keeps people coming back year after year.
It’s hard to believe that Papa’s Pizza has been around for over 50 years, but when you consider the family-friendly atmosphere, the high-quality food, and their deep ties to the community, it’s easy to see why they’ve been such a lasting success. From birthday parties and playtime to fundraiser nights and family dinners, Papa’s Pizza is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where memories are made, and traditions are passed down.
For my family, Papa’s Pizza will always hold a special place in our hearts. Whether we’re indulging in a classic pepperoni pizza, savoring the unique flavors of the taco pizza, or enjoying a BBQ chicken pizza on my son’s birthday, it’s about so much more than just the food. It’s about the memories we’ve created there, the laughter shared, and the sense of community that Papa’s Pizza has fostered for generations. Here’s to many more years of great pizza and unforgettable moments.
If you want to check out Papa’s Pizza for yourself, you can visit one of their four locations across Oregon. Each location offers the same welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly play areas, and of course, their delicious, old-fashioned style pizzas. Here’s where you can find them:
- West 11th – Eugene
Telephone: 541-345-0107 - Coburg Rd – Eugene
Telephone: 541-686-0750 - Springfield
Telephone: 541-741-1111 - Corvallis
Telephone: 541-757-2727
And if you’d rather enjoy Papa’s Pizza from the comfort of your home, they offer delivery for an extra fee. You can still experience their freshly made pizzas, salads, and more without leaving your house. To find out more about their menu, delivery options, upcoming events, or fundraisers, head over to papaspizza.net for more information. Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking to grab a quick lunch, Papa’s Pizza is sure to leave you satisfied!
