Located near Berea College, this place hits all the high notes: Good pizza, a variety of Italian dishes and sandwiches, fast and friendly service and reasonably priced. We stopped by for lunch while visiting Berea and were very pleased with everything about the place. We split a salad and a 10 inch pizza and had a great lunch at a very reasonable price. You grab a table and a menu, then walk up to the counter and place your order. A server will then bring your food to your table. You have to pay when you place your order which I don't like but in this case it worked out OK. Plastic forks and foam plates so not high class! Beer and wine are available and parking is free on the street. Recommended. read more

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This place is probably very good for locals and those who don't get outside of eastern Kentucky much, but for someone who lives in a large city and has done their fair share of traveling and eating at restaurants all over the country, this spot is overrated. Garden salad was just ok and pizza lacked flavor. Beer served in cans that were cool to the touch but not cold. Not many spots in Berea to choose from, so I can see why people who live here like it. read more

I love everything about this place in a small town on the college campus. It has great ambiance and atmosphere. The food is excellent! They sprinkle garlic on the crust and it has the most amazing flavor, I ate every bite of my Mountaineer without cheese. I look forward to going back. BTW - there was a big line at door at 11:55 on a Saturday. The line stayed steady for the hour that we were there. They don't open until noon. read more

PapaLeno's - The mountaineer - Pizza Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

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Best Manicoti I have ever had! The price for the portions is also outstanding! The service was freindly and quick, beer was cold. If I lived near there I would eat there several times a month! read more

A recommendation from my hotel front desk while visiting on business. Dining alone. I was in the mood for a good Italian meal and thought this would be the place. First thing in the door, I see the "Order Here" sign on the counter. Ugh. So, I took a menu and read through the choices with the guy at the counter. I didn't really want Pizza, the Lasagna got good reviews, but would take 20-30 minutes, and I didn't want a burger. I'll try the Philly Cheese Steak. What's the soup? Beef Vegetable. Oops, I mean minestrone. What's the other? The menu says 2 soups every day. Not today. OK. I'll try the minestrone and a half cheese steak. Then I was given a plastic cup and directed to the drink and flatware bar around the corner. Serve yourself and be sure to leave a big tip! The soup showed a little steam but wasn't really hot. It was good, but I suspect the vegetables may have been frozen - they had that "cooked but not quite cooked" texture. But it was pretty good, and the bowl was big enough for the price. The sandwich was delivered with a bag of Lay's and a pickle slice. Not a really large half, but it would be enough for me tonight. When picking it up for the first bite, I noticed that the bread was half of a roll with the cut on the bottom piece on one side and the top on the other side. So, whoever was making the sandwich didn't care much for the presentation. The sandwich was OK - grilled onions and green peppers with the cheese. The meat was good and tender but was very salty. I didn't complain and finished. The place had a fair crowd and several families with small children arrived while I was at my table. I probably won't be back on a future trip, unless I decide to try their pizza. read more

As LONG-time customer, I've always loved this place and I always eat the same thing: Chicken pasta stir fry. (Now called chicken veggie pasta I think?) The last few times I've had it, it's severely lacking in seasoning. The garlic bread is always awesome! And I love that it's swimming in garlic butter!!! Their pizzas are great too.. They could have some better dessert choices, but overall we love our regular choices. Hoping the quality and care comes back to the preparation of the food! It's had a gradual decline since Brad became a silent partner. Service is slow, but food is fresh! Ambiance - if you can get the front room, it's decent. If you get the big room, great if it's full, and the benches aren't the most comfortable. We usually try to do take out anyways. We've loved Papalenos for years and hope to keep going back in years to come! read more

Papa Leno's food is awesome! I recently (10/25/2025) checked them out online to make a pickup order. Their online prices were not the same as their in restaurant prices. Online they show the Manicotti price as $9.49 and their delicious Tiramisu price was $2.99. I was unable to call to place my order due to getting messages to leave a voicemail for my order. I decided to just drive there and place my order in person. I gave the nice lady my order and I was shocked when she told me that my order was $19.17. Their prices on their website was only $12.48. That's a $6.69 difference. Had I known that my order was going to cost $19.17 instead of $12.48, I would not have placed an order. They definitely need to update their prices on their website. I was quite upset about having to pay so much more than the posted online prices. Lesson learned big time. Mitzi Shearer read more

This place has been serving Italian food in the Berea area since 1984. It is a true diamond in the rough. Some of the only best homemade garlic bread in Kentucky and claims to be the best pizza in Madison County. We stopped in on our way thru the area. A very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The place does not accept reservations which makes it first come first serve. It was not as crowded as we expected. This was our first visit here. We started off with their wings, as that is always one of my favorites. They offer them in hot or mild. They were good but unremarkable. They have a Grilled Veggie burger that my wife is always on a fan of. We were here for the Papa Lena's Famous Pizza. They offer a wide selection of toppings and will do a half and half style. We had the 16 inch with Pepperoni, bacon, jalapeños, sun dried tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, black olive and extra cheese. The pizza was well balanced, and aromatic despite the large number of toppings. All the ingreidnets were very fresh, and the sauce was amazing, The crust was slightly charged and when folded there was a very distinct crack. The crust is the distinctive mark of great pizza and this one did not disappointed. The cheese melted evenly with a ooey-gooey perfection to make it mouthwatering after each slice. This pizza would stand out with nay discerning pizza connoisseur. We throughly enjoyed our time here. life is not about finding your self it is about finding high quality pizza, and this place does not disappoint. If you are in this area you must give it a try. If you are a pizza lover you will not be disappointed. We will defiantly be back! read more

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Fun place! Great atmosphere! Love the pastas and the pizzas! Faves are the bread sticks and the cauliflower crust pizza!

I ate here over Christmas break...I just had soup and salad and it was just ok. I think I want to try this again just to have something else. Because I really feel like I did not have the right thing. Any excuse to go to Berea is a good excuse...hop off the interstate and try it! Parking can be a pill. You order at the counter and they bring out your food. They have big tall windows that look out onto the campus. I will go back to try the pizza! read more

This is such a busy restaurant on the weekend!! However worth the wait. Great food !! We go there whenever we are in Berea.

PapaLeno's is one of our favorites when we are in town for a softball tournament. Food is always great and made fresh!

I have not been here in years... But when I live closer to Berea, it was a treat for my husband to pick this up and bring it home. Everything we ever got was so flavorful and cheesy. Bread was crispy and garlic. Desserts... I remember their chocolate cake, OMG it was wonderful. It is worth a stop if you're in Berea! read more

The Fat Man was in the mood for some Italian. A quick venture down to Berea landed the Fat Man at Papa Leno's with my good friend Kalen. Papa Leno's is a quaint Italian eatery offering classic pizzas & pastas, plus everyday salads, hot subs & other fare. I sampled a Basket of Brew City fries. These are beer-battered fries. They came out hot, fresh, crispy, and they tasted good. The fries were cooked to a crunchy golden brown on the outside while being soft and pillowy on the inside. However, they needed a touch of salt. I did expect something different with "beer battered" in the description; they were not battered at all. I went with Mama's Meat Lasagna for my meal. This was served with a large piece of bread covered in garlic butter. The toast on the bread was excellent. It had a nice crunch. The bread is baked fresh daily, and the garlic butter is thick but not overpowering in the garlic. The lasagna is meaty and cheesy, with a good cheese pull on the first bite. The noodles were a little overcookeded and disintegrated quickly during chewing. The lasagna had an excellent salt level, and the meat had a good flavor. The sauce has a nice sweetness to it. I think there needed to be more sauce to cut through the salt, meat, and cheese. The portion size is pretty good, especially for lunch. Papa Leno's menu offers several selections, including desserts. They also serve beer in a can or bottle. The staff was helpful and pleasant, and the food came out quickly. The Fat Man says that Papa Leno's is Fat Man Approved with 1 chin. read more

PapaLeno's - Basket of Brew City fries - Pizza Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

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Basically a fast food restaurant with a nice dining area. Don't look for any sort of a beer selection as they can't seem to manage inventory on the few they normally stock. read more

I attended Berea College so PapaLeno's is favorite place to stop off for a good meal. I was staying at Boone Tavern and decided to call my order in. No one answered when I called and decided to walk down. I think I'm partial to this particular restaurant due to nostalgia. I ordered the chicken pasta and veggies and pizza. It took awhile to get my order due to the volume of customers. My only complaint was the pizza. It wasn't good. Very disappointing. Everything else was great. Definitely a recommendation if you are in the area. read more

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Amazing food. One of the best Burgers I've ever tried. Unreal how great the food tastes.

Good vegan sandwich option. The bread was fantastic. Unfortunately, the cashier was rude and ignored us to chat with the cooks behind them for a bit after we walked up...I don't mind waiting but they directly looked at us and then turned around and continued talking instead of addressing us. And then, while taking our order, was very blunt and seemed...irritated. Overall food was good but service needs work. read more

Busy but well worth the wait. Pizza was awesome. Lots of busy workers. Clean and friendly staff. read more

This is definitely the four star of Berea Italian! I've been here with multiple people multiple times we've always had a great time services great you always get good food and a good smile read more

Sandwiches, pizzas and salads we had for lunch were all good. The line to order seemed to take a long time, as did getting our food. And we were there well after normal lunchtime (2ish). The order taker and people who brought our food were efficient, but not particularly welcoming. Overall, if you want a decent sandwich or pizza and are in downtown Berea this place will do fine, but don't head out of your way, it's nothing special. read more

Overall, this place was an awesome experience. Didn't order pizza but it looked amazing. Staff was friendly and food was good. Didn't care for the bread for the sub sandwich it fell apart. Wish they would've used pizza dough for the sandwich. Will be back and next time will try the pizza. read more

PapaLeno's - Meatball Sub - Pizza Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

The food here is incredible. Highly recommend baked lasagna and pizzas. Their garlic bread is near the best I've ever had, save for one very old Italian restaurant far from here. This is an order and seat yourself type of place. Counter service was on point. There is beer, wine and soft drinks. On a busy night the wait was as expected for our orders. We were all very pleased. Would definitely come back every time we're in town. Well done. read more

if you can go there it's a great place, unfortunately if you're unable to go ( home recovering from major surgery) it's a total waste of time to try and order take-out. they seldom answer the phone, very disappointing and frustrating. read more

Good solid pizza, thick chewy crust. Friendly service. Amole beer selection. Reasonable prices.

Had the chicken veggie pasta, delicious! Going back again for more a week later. Highly recommend

phenomenal! homemade garlic bread is a must. staff is very friendly and the vibes are lovely in downtown berea!

PapaLeno's simply can't be beat. Food is delicious. It's obvious by the crowds that in the restaurant. Even if it's a bit of a wait, it's so worth it!! read more

Okay, just inhaled half of a gluten free cauliflower pizza with sausage and pepperoni from this place and it's quite possibly the best of it's kind GF pizza I have ever eaten, bar none, with a perfect thin crust and ample toppings (dare I say even as good as my homemade crust). I am trying to exercise some self restraint to keep from finishing the remaining half, but so far I am sure it won't last the remainder of the 49er football game we recorded to watch tonight! This is the second time we've had food from here and they have yet to disappoint. If you are low carbing and/or GF, you know how hard it it's to find a pizza that you can incorporate into your eating plan which is why I always make mine from scratch at home. Now I don't have to and I would suggest you give it a try. Thanks, Papalenos, your GF pizza is now my go-to take out option. read more

This is a happening place. Popular with young and old and inbetween. Why? Because the food is that good! The pizzas are wonderful with fresh ingredients and a very flavorful mix of herbs and spices. What about the crust? WOWser! I might just order a pizza pie baked with butter one day. I usually toss the ends with nothing on them but these - I eat the whole slice, slice after slice. The large pizza is huge! That's not all, the menu is extensive with the usual Italian fair and some creative takes on Italian food. The crusty bread that comes with meal is swimming in the best garlic herb butter to dip with. The price for what you get is reasonable and the people who work there - college kids? - are very friendly and have never screwed up my orders. A WARNING You had better be hungry when you go there and sometimes there's a longish wait so call ahead if it's dinner time or just hang out and soak in the atmosphere (popularity reigns). If you are too full to eat the tasty! tasty! desserts, at least get one to go. Awesome! Two thumbsup and some added In case you're wondering, I am originally from Chicago, pizza parlors on darn near every corner and I know Italian food, and (American) pizzas better than most. I wish I had pix but I am always too hungry to waste time with that. read more

Need to have an employee directing the line on a busy night. Food is great, but do not come on a Saturday night. They stopped taking order for 15 minutes. I got in line when they started taking orders again and everyone cut me off that was coming in the door, even though I've been waiting since 4:55... read more

PapaLenos is a great small town Italian eatery. The pizza, pasta and sandwiches are all very good. They do get very busy in the evening so be prepared to wait a while for your food. read more

I was in Berea for a few days and was told PapaLeno's was a must go. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs and honestly the spaghetti sauce tasted like it came from a jar. The meatballs were okay but had a somewhat odd flavor. The service was not good at all, when the server brought our food he didn't bring silverware. I asked for silverware to which he replied I'd have to get it myself, he directed me to the drink station where he said it would be. When I got over to that area there was absolutely no silverware at all in the holders. I managed to stop a food runner and asked about getting some silverware, she said " they must be washing it right now, it'll be a little bit before it's done". I explained that my food was on the table and it was getting cold, she said "I guess I could get you some plastic utensils". I said well yeah I need something to eat with, so she went back to the kitchen area and returned with probably the flimsiest plastic utensils I have ever tried to eat with. All in all it wasn't the best first impression. read more

Finding good gluten free pizza is tough but they have NAILED IT!! We get the gf mountaineer. It is very good... You cann tell that it is a cauliflower crust. It is a perfect thin crust. We have had it several times and never been disappointed. Their regular pizzas are excellent as are their sandwiches. The chocolate cake is ADDICTIVE!! I hate that I can no longer have it. read more

PapaLeno's - Gluten free mountaineer Pizza (cauliflower crust) - Pizza Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

Absolutely DISGUSTINGLY bland and FLAVORLESS food. My veggie pizza was so sad, as the only thing I could taste was the olives. The Fettuccini Alfredo was just as tasteless, as well as the "garlic" bread thing. I just don't get it! How hard is it to make a good freaking PIZZA? I made one just a few days ago at home and it was the best pizza I have ever tasted in my life! On the super serious side, I really want to know what places like this are doing wrong? If I can make my own at home for way cheaper and way tastier, how come I can't get something a little better at a restaurant? Absolutely STUPID! Stay away from here, unless you don't have any taste buds! read more

I just. I'm frustrated? The cupcake I was given isn't tiramisu dude. A yellow cupcake. With frosting. What? What and why and who and where? Huh? Alfredo sucked, canned sauce 100% no joke. Big ol' piece of bread lopped in a tin filled with butter. Yay..? Pizza was cold, something I would hope to be an impossibility considering we were, y'know, sat in the very restaurant it was made in. Just another food option in Berea that locals love to tout as being "amazing! oh my goodness go there right away!", and then you finally give in and give it a try... only to be disgusted, disappointed and thoroughly reminded that, ooooh right! I live in rural Kentucky... where good food ceases to exist. read more

Quaint little pizza shop in Berea. The pizza was wonderful... We ordered xtra cheese, and we got it! Not many places actually give you ate a cheese when you ask, this place definitely does! Wonderful pizza... So good, going back tonight to try the pasta! read more

PapaLeno's - Large pizza with pepperoni, mushroom and xtra, xtra cheese! - Pizza Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

The Philly Cheese steak sandwich was wonderful tonight the service was fast and friendly

First, I have eaten here a number of times snd have loved it, always had good food. Today was different, the hamburger was so over cooked it crunched as I ate.it us the worst burger I can remember eating. The frys were good. The veggie burger was just ok. read more

PapaLeno's - Veggie burger and hamburger - Pizza Near Me - Berea, Kentucky

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Very unhappy that this place is never open when I want to go. They are also very slow, but the food is delicious. Don't rely on the hours posted as they are always wrong. Getting out of the car with the whole family and walking after taking forever to find parking only to find that they are closed is very annoying. They also will turn you away and not take your order if you arrive before closing. read more