This afternoon we take another trip down (recent) memory lane as the ole wallet is coughing up dust. Next weekend, we’re definitely hitting up somewhere new. Got a couple of places on the agenda, including one place in Cadiz I’m told has incredible burgers. So naturally, I have to investigate further.
But until then, allow me to tout the culinary services of Papa D’s Pizza in St. Clairsville. Located at 165 E. Main St. in downtown, Papa D’s offers a number of different menu items, including specialty pizzas, calzones, boneless wings, salads, subs, and other appetizers.
It’s also unique in that it sells beer, which also can be delivered last I checked. Now I know they also deliver with Door Dash, and beer is not an option on the Door Dash menu, so you may want to inquire there. But no one is selecting their pizza location solely on the availability of domestic beers—at least I wouldn’t think so.
You go to a pizza joint for the pizza, at least that is my experience.
I’ve hit up Papa D’s periodically throughout the years, ever since Mr. Crosby first opened up shop at the old C.A. House location east of town on U.S. 40, where Low Lock Tattoo Studio currently sits.
I did a story on the opening for my former employer in the field of journalism, then came back a few days later when my dad was in town to get a tray and see how it was.
I was pleasantly surprised then—for reasons which I will delve into shortly—and that hasn’t changed any ever since. The quality has always been good.
In the past, I’ve sampled the calzones with plenty of enjoyment. There are also types of round pizza for those who prefer such a thing. Prefer chicken? Both the BBQ and Buffalo Chicken pizzas are worthwhile options.
But this is the Ohio Valley, where Valley-style square pizza is king. And amongst square options, to me, Papa D’s rates near the top.
The Food
My most recent purchase, and what I usually purchase, is a tray with pepperoni and extra cheese. Unlike some of the other bastions of square pizza locally, the cheese isn’t cold atop the pizza. It’s melted.
That sets it apart from the others a little.
The best way I can describe it, is it tasted the way DiCarlo’s used to taste back in the 1990s. Not the former Elm Grove DiCarlo’s either, but downtown Wheeling. And obviously, the St. Clairsville store back when Crosby was the owner.
The cheese is melted, the crust is a wee bit crunchy, and the sauce has the right amount of salty to sweet. When I want to remember that taste from my youth, this is where I go. There’s nothing wrong with the current iterations of DiCarlo’s. But to me, this is the taste I remember, and where I go when I’m having that kind of craving.
Also, if you want to try out Valley-style pizza without going the full tilt and getting the pizza without it being cold-ish atop the slices, this is a great starting point. I highly doubt you’ll be disappointed.
I can’t speak to the wings as I’ve never had them, and obviously, with my statuesque physique, I’ve never ordered one of the salads.
I’ll also recommend the Supreme-style calzone, where you can pick three toppings, plus cheese, for your calzone. For me, those three are always pepperoni, sausage, and salami. It’s quite tasty indeed.
