Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Normally good but tonight's water downed sauce and extremely poor service disappointed us. Server basically ignored us early on, had to ask about salads we ordered, bread, and server acted like everything fine. We like quaint atmosphere and were friends with Eddie (owner that passed). He probably turned over last night. What a great guy he was!

Papa Joe's is a Cape Coral staple that's been in this town for as long as I've been visiting (20+ years). It is a solid go-to place when you want to sit down and have an Italian meal or pizza with a glass of wine or a beer. They have great garlic rolls - freshly made topped with grated cheese and serve wine by the carafe, glass or bottle. I always have their fried calamari appetizer with a salad or a small pasta as my meal and I always leave with leftovers. Papa Joe's salad is delicious - a chopped salad served with chopped ham, chopped cheese, chopped tomatoes, chopped olives, chopped onions - all in a delicious vinegarette. Stick with "pizzaria type" specials like baked ziti, shrimp parm, chicken parm - once you get into the "special meals" that are non-red sauce based - they're not that great.

Pizza served in house is great. As is their straciatella soup. Stay away from the pasta fagiole - unless you like pepperoni in it.

ALWAYS PACKED on Friday, Saturday nights so get there early or be prepared to wait. Very casual place - good for groups and/or kids - they have crayons right on the tables. Reasonable prices - they finally take Visa (no amex). Also no dessert served here either.

Has a nice small town pizza place..family owned and was busy when we came by.