Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Papa Johns Pizza – Seattle
Papa Johns Pizza - Seattle
Photo from Papa Johns Pizza
Papa Johns Pizza at a glance
Seattle University Park
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 35 of the guests
#854 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#43 Pizzeria out of 43 in Seattle
Poor
2.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
276
Reviews
14.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Efficient service
- Coupon savings
- Tasty breadsticks
Frequently criticized
- Order mistakes
- Poor service
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Papa Johns Pizza in Seattle’s vibrant University Park neighborhood is your go-to spot for delicious pizza. Whether you’re craving a quick bite during the day or need some satisfying late-night food, this pizzeria has you covered.
You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying your meal. It’s a convenient choice when you’re looking for quality pizza in the area.
Overview: Introducting Papa Johns Pizza
Papa Johns offers a mixed experience, where some customers praise the fast and efficient service, noting instances of exceptional service from individual employees. When orders are executed correctly, there’s appreciation for the effort.
However, many encounters are marred by significant issues. Frequent complaints highlight messed up orders and a general sentiment of bad service, suggesting a lack of consistency in operations.
Poor
2.6
out of 10
276
Reviews
14.9%
Satisfaction
222
negative
13
neutral
41
positive
This Papa Johns location registers a low overall score of 2.6 out of 10, indicating a generally poor experience. Customer satisfaction is also quite low at 14.9%, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among patrons.
This suggests that the issues encountered are not isolated incidents but rather common occurrences. Looking closer, the scores for individual aspects are also concerning.
Service (2.2) and Food (3) are particularly low, despite being the most frequently discussed topics with 50.7% and 41.7% mention shares respectively. Value (3.4) and Ambience (3.5) fare only slightly better.
Out of 276 customer remarks, there were 41 positive observations versus a substantial 222 negative ones, painting a clear picture of where improvements are needed.
What people like
- Efficient order execution
- Good breadsticks, specific pizzas
- Online coupon value
What people don't like
- Frequent order errors
- Poor customer service
- Inconsistent food quality
Given the low scores and significant negative feedback, Papa Johns appears to be a place where you might need to manage your expectations carefully. While some positive experiences with specific staff or certain food items exist, the high frequency of order errors and poor customer service are notable drawbacks.
With a Recommendation Score of 2.7, it’s clear this location struggles to consistently deliver a satisfactory experience. If you’re considering a visit, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially with order accuracy and service responsiveness.
It might be worth trying if you’re leveraging coupons and special deals and are willing to overlook potential issues.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Papa Johns Pizza
Food (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
It seems like the food here is a real mixed bag, based on 115 customer remarks. While some folks have enjoyed the pizza itself, praising its quality and taste, and even raving about the combo garlic cheese crust pizza and tasty bread sticks, these positive experiences are unfortunately in the minority. There are 21 positive comments highlighting consistency and good flavor.
However, the overwhelming sentiment points to significant issues, with 84 negative comments. Many customers reported receiving raw, doughy pizza or incorrect orders with wrong toppings. The sauce is often described as watery, the crust bland, and the overall pizza quality as poor, sometimes even inedible.
This explains the very low score of 3 and a concerning customer satisfaction of 18.3%.
Food
115
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
84
negative
10
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Consistent pizza quality
- Tasty breadsticks
- Good pizza taste
What people don't like
- Raw, undercooked dough
- Frequent order errors
- Inedible pizza quality
Often praised
- pizzaAnd today, I was just blown away with how perfect my order was. I mean, look at that delicious gooey pizza! The breadsticks were perfect too.
- foodThe food itself was good
- Papa John'schoose Papa John's over Domino's
- bread sticksVery tasty bread sticks
- breadsticksThe breadsticks were perfect too.
- cheeseHowever, their attitudes were mostly reserved, which I can respect. The pizza itself was mid quality; the pepperoni lacked flavor, the sauce was watery and almost non-existent, and while the cheese was good, it wasn't the stretchy, fresh kind. The crust was thin and bland, even though I ordered a regular crust.
- combo garlic cheese crust pizzacombo garlic cheese crust pizza was amazing!
- consistencyit is just consistent.
- food tasteFood Taste good tho
- garlic butter sauceextra garlic butter sauce, almost as if he knew one wasn't going to be enough
Frequently criticized
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. I found the pizza to be the worst pizza in Seattle. I strongly advise against ordering from here unless you enjoy tasteless garbage served from a lukewarm swamp.
- foodThe food was not up to par; they got the items wrong, didn't season the breadsticks, and forgot the sauces. While the very young workers were trying hard, the food was just bad. There was also some amusement in watching the workers arguing behind the counter, but it didn't improve the overall experience.
- cheese sticksI ordered a pepperoni pizza and cheese sticks - a super basic order, yet I received a plain cheese pizza and a brownie.
- doughWe were pulling straight up dough out of our mouths.
- pepperoni pizzaI ordered 3 large pizzas: 1 pepperoni, 1 sausage, and 1 cheese. However, I received 2 sausage pizzas and 1 cheese pizza, with NO pepperoni. When I called to inform the manager, she laughed and continued laughing with her employees.
- crustthe crust was thin and bland
- saucespaid for sauces, they probably still won’t come
- wrong toppingsMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food was problematic from the start, with wrong toppings and a bizarre state of being both burned and uncooked simultaneously. It was so poorly constructed that it fell apart before I could even eat it, forcing me to use a fork.
- Cokereally thirsty for a coke too
- Mt. Dewdidn't get a 2 liter of Mt. Dew I paid for
If youre feeling lucky and hoping for a consistent, tasty pizza or good breadsticks, you might be pleasantly surprised. However, be prepared for a high chance of receiving raw dough, incorrect items, or generally poor-quality food. Its a gamble, so weigh your options carefully.
Service (2.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
Despite an overall poor score of 2.2 and a very low customer satisfaction of 11.4%, a handful of the 140 customer remarks did highlight some positive service experiences. A few patrons praised the quick order execution and friendly staff, with some even noting a great experience from a helpful cashier. It seems that when things go right, they really go right for these few.
However, the vast majority of 122 negative comments point to significant issues. Many customers reported frustrating experiences with phone service, long hold times, and problems with order accuracy. There are numerous complaints about rude staff and unhelpful managers, leading to a lot of disappointment and unresolved issues.
Service
140
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
122
negative
2
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick order execution
- Friendly staff
- Exceptional cashier service
What people don't like
- Poor phone service
- Rude staff/managers
- Order accuracy issues
Often praised
- serviceEach time I visit, they get my order right. Furthermore, their service is notably fast and efficient. Thank you!
- orderstaff were quick with handing over my order
- MarcusMarcus running the store and also running it solo was amazing
- cashiercashier provided me with exceptional service
- employeethe employee threw in an extra garlic butter sauce
- five star reviewleaving a five star review
- great experienceThanks for the great experience
- order executionthe order was executed just as I asked
- patiencehe made my patience well worth it
- peoplePeople are super nice too.
Frequently criticized
- managerthe manager didn’t understand me and said that he didn’t have an order
- orderWow, what a disappointment! Of course, they messed up my order. I tried to call them back, and of course, they weren't answering.
- serviceVery bad service and attention from the staff
- customer serviceTerrible customer service when you call
- deliveryIt's not cool. While the pizza is good, I don't suggest delivery.
- employeean employee poked their head out of the door. They made eye contact with me twice, and then went back inside
- staffI hope the staff is retrained
- waiting timetold me that in 5 minutes my order was there and I returned and they didn't even find it so they told me that it would take another 8 minutes
- employeesHowever, I received 2 sausage pizzas and 1 cheese pizza, with NO pepperoni. When I called to inform the manager, she laughed and continued laughing with her employees. I would avoid this Papa Johns if you want to receive what you ordered.
- order accuracyMy experience was incredibly frustrating. I ordered through the website, but they still got the order wrong and failed to deliver my second pizza. To make matters worse, they argued with me throughout the entire phone call.
If you're considering this place, be prepared for a potentially frustrating service experience. With a very low score and customer satisfaction, many have faced issues from phone calls to order accuracy. It might be best to manage your expectations or consider other options if service is a top priority for you.
Ambience (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
While the overall vibe might be a bit of a mixed bag, with a low score of just 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a poor 18.2%, there are still a couple of bright spots. Out of 11 opinions, 2 folks really appreciated the unique decor, especially a dopest clock that caught their eye, adding a touch of character to the atmosphere. However, the majority of the feedback, with 8 negative opinions, points to some significant issues.
Many found the atmosphere lacking, citing yelling and loud Mexican Music as disruptive. Concerns about place cleanliness and sanitation were also raised, with some even mentioning an unsanitary kitchen and having to stand waiting outside.
Ambience
11
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique clock decor
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Unsanitary conditions
- Waiting outside
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- clockdopest clock I think I've ever seen inside a restaurant
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere was rated a 1 out of 5
- Mexican Musicthey listen to their Mexican Music in shop too loudly!
- kitchenin the back of the relatively open air kitchen
- place cleanlinessShe made him leave, so I left as well. Another thing I noticed is how the place looked dirty. Where they cut the pizza, the peppers were handled with bare hands directly from the bucket.
- sanitationit look really unsanitary in there
- waiting outsidestanding outside in the cold
- yellingall I heard was yelling
If you're someone who values a quiet, spotless dining experience, this might not be the spot for you. However, if you can overlook some noise and cleanliness issues for a potentially unique decorative piece, you might find something to appreciate. Just be prepared for a lively, and perhaps a bit chaotic, environment.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 13% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a silver lining if youre savvy! Customers appreciate the option of ordering online, especially when they can use available coupons and special deals. These offers are a real game-changer, often turning a pricier order into a much more affordable one, as noted in the 2 positive remarks.
However, the overall picture for value isnt as bright. With 8 negative remarks, many find the price to be quite expensive, citing small portions and feeling its not worth the money. The score for value sits at a poor 3.4, and customer satisfaction is also very low at 20%, highlighting significant issues with refunds and even cash-only delivery surprises.
Value
10
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Coupons reduce cost
What people don't like
- Prices are high
- Refunds are difficult
- Portions are small
Often praised
- coupons and special dealsavailable coupons and special deals which often turn a $50+ order into a $20 order
- ordering onlineordering online using their available coupons and special deals
Frequently criticized
- cash onlyis a cash only door dash driver, they did not tell me this over the phone
- expensiveso expensive
- moneyNot worth the money
- money backI can't get my money back
- pizzaPathetic for an over $30 pizza
- priceFor $3, the size was very small
- refundrefused to answer my calls or to refund me for the mistake
- refundsI haven’t seen any refunds to my credit card yet
If you're looking for a good deal, make sure to hunt for those coupons and special deals, as they can significantly improve your experience. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially high prices and small portions, and be aware that getting a refund might be a challenge.
How are the prices at Papa Johns Pizza?
On average, you’ll spend around 29 per person – from 35 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Pizzeria, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the full picture, while many guests enjoy meals in the $11–$20 range, there’s also a good spread of higher-end choices, showing a mix of options beyond just budget-friendly bites.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 35 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this Pizzeria against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Pizzeria, especially given the range of choices that cater to different spending preferences. It seems like a good spot for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Papa Johns Pizza
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Experience, Wrong Order
My experience at store #5244 was a complete disaster. I placed an order at 4: 30 PM with an estimated delivery time of 5: 18-5: 28 PM. After an hour with no food, the ETA kept getting pushed back.
I couldn't reach the store, and even Papa John's live chat couldn't cancel the order, directing me to an online form with a 24-48 hour response time. Finally, over four hours later, my order arrived, and it was entirely wrong. I ordered a pepperoni pizza and cheese sticks, but received a plain cheese pizza and a brownie.
Despite being a long-time fan of Papa John's pizzas, this experience has made me vow to never order from them again.
- delivery time1
- contacting the store1
- order cancellation1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Hygiene Concerns During Pizza Preparation
While waiting for my order, I observed an employee preparing pizzas. This employee handed an online order to another couple and then proceeded to dispose of trash that a customer had brought in from outside. There isn't a bin in the small front area for customers.
After I received my order, I watched as the same employee returned to making pizzas without changing their gloves. They touched all the food, equipment, and topping dispensers in the back of the relatively open kitchen. Consequently, I am hesitant to eat this pizza and am unsure if I will even bother contacting management.
My initial interest in trying the location to see how it performed has been overshadowed by this experience. I hope the staff receives retraining and that someone sees this review.
- employee1
- gloves1
- food1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Disappointing Food and Useless Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The pizza was incorrect, and the boneless wings arrived cold. When I attempted to resolve this by calling the store, the service was absolutely useless.
Furthermore, the feedback form provided in the confirmation email was not a valid link, adding to the overall frustration.
- pizza2
- boneless wings1
- calling the store1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
6
Fermented Pizza Sauce is a Dealbreaker
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. I consistently order the cheese bread with pizza sauce, but unfortunately, the pizza sauce here always tastes fermented. It has an alcoholic taste and fizzes, which is quite off-putting.
I've ordered this five times, and it's the same issue every time. This is a shame because the sauce itself, when it's not fermented, is actually the best part. On the positive side, the service and atmosphere both received a perfect score of 5, indicating a pleasant environment and attentive staff.
- cheese bread6
- service10
- atmosphere10
- pizza sauce2
- food2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Cancelled Order, Locked Out Early
My experience was quite frustrating. I ordered carry out 45 minutes before they closed, but they cancelled my order. To make matters worse, they locked the door 30 minutes early.
I would love to see the owners' reaction to closing early.
- carry out2
- closing early1
What Papa Johns Pizza offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Papa Johns Pizza in University Park?
At Papa Johns Pizza, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day. You’ll find delicious choices for lunch and dinner, and they also offer catering services for your events. Don’t forget to check out their dessert selections to complete your meal.
Does Papa Johns Pizza offer accessible services and convenient payment methods?
Yes, Papa Johns Pizza is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom. For your convenience, you can easily pay using credit cards, debit cards, or NFC mobile payments, making your visit smooth and hassle-free.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Papa Johns?
The overall sentiment for Papa Johns is largely negative, with a Restaurant Score of 2.6 out of 10 and a Customer Satisfaction of 14.9%. This indicates that most customers are not having a positive experience.
What are the main issues customers face at Papa Johns?
Customers frequently report issues with service, including messed-up orders, long waiting times, and unhelpful staff. Food quality is also a concern, with complaints about wrong toppings, bland crust, and items being both burned and uncooked.
Are there any positive aspects to dining at Papa Johns?
Some customers have praised the efficiency of order execution and the politeness of individual employees. Additionally, the availability of coupons and special deals is often highlighted as a positive for value, and specific items like breadsticks or the combo garlic cheese crust pizza have received compliments.