Papa Del's Pizza Factory
A legendary Champaign institution since 1970, serving up authentic, heaping deep-dish pizzas and other Italian favorites in a stylish, spacious settin...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Papa Del's Pizza Factory
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Champaign institution since 1970, serving up authentic, heaping deep-dish pizzas and other Italian favorites in a stylish, spacious setting.
Order ahead for deep-dish
Deep-dish pizzas take about an hour to bake. Call ahead to order to minimize wait times upon arrival.
Consider slices for quicker meals
If you're short on time, ordering by the slice is a faster option than waiting for a full pizza.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian, Pizza
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Deep-Dish Pizza
Experience Chicago-style deep-dish pizza that rivals the Windy City's best, with a thick, crispy crust and generous fillings.
Unique Appetizers
Don't miss the unique 'Fried Garlic Butter Donuts' appetizer, often enjoyed with nacho cheese sauce for a delightful start.
Group-Friendly Dining
Generous portions make Papa Del's an ideal spot for large group gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order ahead for deep-dish
Deep-dish pizzas take about an hour to bake. Call ahead to order to minimize wait times upon arrival.
Consider slices for quicker meals
If you're short on time, ordering by the slice is a faster option than waiting for a full pizza.
Check your bill carefully
Double-check your bill for accuracy, as there have been instances of overcharging on drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order ahead for deep-dish
Deep-dish pizzas take about an hour to bake. Call ahead to order to minimize wait times upon arrival.
Consider slices for quicker meals
If you're short on time, ordering by the slice is a faster option than waiting for a full pizza.
Check your bill carefully
Double-check your bill for accuracy, as there have been instances of overcharging on drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Papa Del's Pizza Factory is celebrated for its authentic and hearty deep-dish pizza, often hailed as the best in Champaign. While many praise the delicious crusts, generous toppings, and unique appetizers like garlic donuts, some diners have encountered issues with slow service, long wait times, and occasional issues with food quality, particularly the crust's texture. Despite some negative feedback, the restaurant remains a beloved local staple, especially for its iconic deep-dish pies.
"Papa Del’s Pizza Factory: A Cheesy Love Affair Worth Every Bite!
If there were a Hall of Fame for pizza, Papa Del’s would be the MVP, the GOAT, and the heavyweight champion all rolled into one glorious, cheese-stuffed, sauce-dripping masterpiece. We recently indulged in both the stuffed pizza and thin crust, and let me tell you—our taste buds are still sending thank-you notes.
The stuffed pizza? Absolute perfection. Imagine a deep-dish dream layered with gooey, melty cheese, a robust and flavorful sauce, and a crust so buttery and crisp it could make a grown foodie weep tears of joy. Each bite felt like a warm, delicious hug from the pizza gods.
The thin crust? A crispy, crunchy revelation. If the stuffed pizza is a hearty embrace, the thin crust is a high-five of flavor. Just the right balance of toppings, sauce, and a satisfyingly crisp foundation—it’s the kind of pizza that makes you wonder why anyone would settle for less.
Papa Del’s doesn’t just serve pizza; they serve an experience; our server, Alexis, was very attentive and polite. Whether you’re a deep-dish devotee or a thin-crust enthusiast, this place delivers the kind of joy that only true pizza mastery can bring. We’ll absolutely be back for another round—because when pizza’s this good, one visit just isn’t enough!"
Randy Williams
"LOVE the pizza! The crust is super tall, crispy on the outside, and super soft on the inside, kinda tasted like a dinner roll. Plus the bottom was fully cooked and still crispy when we got it! Unfortunately the juices from the toppings leaked out after we took a few slices and got the bottom crust wet, but it still had structure which was good! They definitely did not hold back on the toppings too! The flavors were super good. The sausage and green olives were our favorite toppings, and all of the others added to the whole experience as well. I would note that there was a lot of cheese too. Our waitress was very nice, even though we came a bit late and she gave us time to decide. The restaurant looked nice too, lots of seating. The large pizza was large enough to feed 3-4 people twice, so definitely good value size and quality wise for $56! Each slice was like an entire meal! We stuck the leftovers in our trunk and the next day it smelled amazing. Be sure to expect about 50 minutes to an hour wait after ordering for the original crust! Overall wonderful experience!"
vivian egan
"I'm sorry to say, but Papa Del's insults Italians everywhere with their watery, tasteless sauces that disgrace every other ingredient on their pizza. Their marinara is simply not tasty, and while their garlic butter is good, it's served cold. The breadsticks are very run-of-the-mill, not at all special or buttery.
To top it off, we called ahead to order our pizza so it would be ready when we arrived, yet we still had to wait an hour due to their incompetence. As compensation for our troubles, they only waived the charge for toppings, which was just $6 off for an hour-long wait. This place is awful, and I would definitely not recommend it to anyone looking for a decent Italian meal."
Ian Sherer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Papa Del's is most famous for its authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, including the Original Sicilian Pan and the Super Stuffed Pizza.
The deep-dish pizza typically takes about 50 minutes to an hour to prepare and bake, so calling ahead is recommended.
Yes, Papa Del's offers gluten-free crust options and vegan cheese as an alternative.
Yes, the 'Fried Garlic Butter Donuts' are a popular and unique appetizer, often enjoyed with nacho cheese sauce.
Yes, with generous portions and ample seating, Papa Del's is a great spot for large group gatherings.
Some diners have experienced slow service, long waits, and occasionally inconsistent pizza crust quality. It's also advised to check your bill for accuracy.
Yes, Papa Del's offers pizza by the slice, which is a quicker option if you don't want to wait for a whole pizza.
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The Best Restaurants In Champaign, Illinois
At only a couple hours from Chicago, Champaign naturally has a good Chicago pizza joint – and Papa Del’s Pizza goes above and beyond this particular call of duty. They’ve got two solutions to fix your Chicago pizza craving – the original deep dish pizza and the super stuffed pizza. To really enjoy the stuffed pizza, you’ll need a lot of time and a big appetite.
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Our "fallback" is to just go put our name in at Papa Dels and have some more beers while we wait, but I am very open to trying something new. One note is that we are sort of suckers for a good atmosphere at least as much as great food (i.e., I'm sure Farren's is really good, but looking at pictures, the atmosphere doesn't look like it's anything special?), but not picky beyond that ... we can dress up for a nice Italian place, and we can dress down for a cool pub vibe like Blind Pig!
11 Things to Do in Champaign Urbana Illinois
The Sicilian pan pizza is the deep dish that Papa Del’s is known for and the reason for our visit to this popular pizza joint in Champaign. Since the slices were half off during happy hour, we got to sample a variety of pizzas by the slice and both really enjoyed the mushroom pizza. If deep dish isn’t your style, they also offer thing crust pizza and gluten free pizza with vegan cheese as an option.
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Yelp: 4 stars, 197 reviews Get your fork and knife ready and prepare yourself for a workout as you dive into one of these massive Chicago-style creations. Whether you go for the deep dish or the stuffed, you’re going to work to get through your pizza, but it’s worth every single bite. The good thing about Papa Del’s, though, is that they also serve thin crust if deep dish isn’t your thing.
5 Restaurants to Take a Visiting Friend for the Best U of I Experience
Papa Del’s Pizza serves up authentic deep dish pizza that will make you think you are in Chicago. While Papa Del’s has changed locations a couple of times, it has been a longtime favorite of Illini since 1970. This is a great restaurant to go to with a group of visiting friends because their signature deep dish pizza can fill the stomachs of many.
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If you’re from the Chicago area like me, you will probably miss the deep-dish pizza that you can get almost anywhere in Chicago. Papa Del’s definitely scratches that itch with a delicious deep dish, and great thin crust pizza as well. They also have great salads and wings to complement the pizza, a necessary addition for any top-tier pizza joint.
Hangouts University of Illinois Alumni Association
Pops has been serving its delectable deep-dish slices since 1970 and is often cited by alumni as the thing they miss most about their time on campus. (Image courtesy of Illini Media). Ever since the Timpone family brought pizza to Champaign-Urbana in 1947, there’s been no shortage of great places to get a slice of that savory pie.
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Papa Del’s Pizza Factory moved into the historic Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in 2015, but it’s been around since 1970. The pizzeria makes three types of pie: the Original Sicilian Pan, the All-American Thin and the Super Stuffed, plus a gluten-free crust. There’s also pastas, sandwiches, and salads.
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Everyone who has spent a week in Champaign-Urbana has heard of the legend that is Papa Del’s. Almost every townie I know will tell you that Papa Del’s is the holy grail of pizza in the area. I think they have some damn good pizza.
Highest-rated Pizza Restaurants in the Champaign Area by Diners
- Rating: 3.2/5 (639 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1201 South Neil St. Champaign, Illinois - Categories: Pizza, Salad, Sandwiches- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:How much travel nurses earn in Champaign, Illinois
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This is the place to go for the best Chicago style pizza in town. They offer their pizzas in four variations with a variety of toppings. You get a choice of original pan, super stuffed, American thin, or even gluten-free.
Readers Recommend: The BEST Pizza in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
Papa Del’s garnered multiple recommendations from our readers. “Papa Del’s for deep dish.” “Papa Del’s super stuffed pizza!. It’s what all our #Illini friends request when they come back to visit their Alma Mater!
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A perfect spot for a nice night out is the classic Papa Del’s (1201 S. Neil St.). Its signature deep dish is a perfect beginning to a relaxed night of Netflix with a long-time sweetheart.
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