This Old School Pizza Parlor in Oregon Serves Up Nostalgia with Every Slice

Danielle Denham

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If you’re searching for a slice of nostalgia, look no further than Padington’s Pizza, the quintessential pizzeria in Salem, Oregon. Since 1978, this beloved establishment has been the go-to spot for families, friends, and pizza lovers looking to relive the golden days of dining out before delivery took over. Not only that, but it’s been voted Salem’s best pizza by Statesman Journal readers for years.

Padington's Pizza, Salem Oregon, Old School Pizza Parlor, Pizzaria, Willamette Valley, Where to Eat, Best Restaurants
Padington’s Pizza

Walking into Padington’s feels like stepping back in time, with its 70s decor and cozy ambiance. The spacious dining area is perfect for gatherings, and the inviting atmosphere is complemented by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through the air. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in with a cold drink, catch a game on the big-screen, and enjoy a hearty slice of pepperoni (that’s “Pistol Pete’s” at Paddington’s).

Padington's Pizza, Salem Oregon, Old School Pizza Parlor, Pizzaria, Willamette Valley, Where to Eat, Best Restaurants
Padington’s Pizza

The original parlor opened in 1978 and became one of the forebears of what’s now know as ‘Willamette Valley-style’ pizza. As Lizzy Acker of The Oregonian put it, “Willamette Valley-style pizza is the pizza that brings you back to a participation trophy and a pitcher of Pepsi. It’s the pizza you ate around a big table, family style, with friends and friends’ parents, in between runs around a play area or after coloring in a paper plate.” In other words, it’s all about the memories.

Padington's Pizza, Salem Oregon, Old School Pizza Parlor, Pizzaria, Willamette Valley, Where to Eat, Best Restaurants
Best seat in the house, if you ask me. Padington’s Pizza

The menu boasts an impressive variety of handcrafted pizzas that cater to every palate, each named with an Old West moniker that harkens back to the days of saloons and ‘miner-forty niners’.

Signature options include the “Humdinger”, a crowd-pleaser loaded with savory salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and beef. The “Bandito” is a southwestern delight for taco-lovers, topped with beef, onion, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, taco chips and Padington’s signature tangy sauce. Craving something unique? The “Deputy’s Delight” combines sundried tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, a special blend of cheeses, and olive oil, offering a delightful twist on the traditional pie.

Padington's Pizza, Salem Oregon, Old School Pizza Parlor, Pizzaria, Willamette Valley, Where to Eat, Best Restaurants
Darlene Yochum

If your tastebuds desire something more quirky and distinctive, Padington’s even serves up pies topped with shrimp, anchovies, or smoked oysters.

Padington's Pizza, Salem Oregon, Old School Pizza Parlor, Pizzaria, Willamette Valley, Where to Eat, Best Restaurants
Pepperoni and Shrimp? I’d try it. Lance Cummins

Beyond the delicious pizzas, Padington’s also has crisp green salads and a selection of no-frills beer and house wines, making it an ideal spot for a casual dinner or a celebration with family and friends. Whether you’re a long-time patron since the 1980s or a first-time visitor, Padington’s Pizza promises an experience steeped in history and flavor that will make you feel right at home.

Padington's Pizza, Salem Oregon, Old School Pizza Parlor, Pizzaria, Willamette Valley, Where to Eat, Best Restaurants
Padington’s Pizza

Padington’s has two locations to choose from; the Original in North Salem, and a second newer location on SE Commercial.

410 Pine St NE, Salem, OR 97301

503-378-0345

5255 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97306

503-370-7556

Written By Danielle Denham

Danielle Denham is a writer, photographer, and devoted history buff with a soft spot for Oregon’s forgotten places. Her love of old schoolhouses, abandoned homesteads, and the lives once lived inside them has taken her down back roads across the state. She was featured on OPB’s Oregon Field Guide, exploring the historic Charles Nelson House with a former resident shortly before the home was lost to wildfire. Watch the feature. At That Oregon Life, Danielle shares local history, good food, memorable adventures, and the quirks that make Oregon home. When she isn’t exploring, you may find her spending time in Eugene with Tyler James and his two awesome kiddos. If there’s an old building with a mysterious past along the way, consider the afternoon’s plans officially derailed.

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