Papa Al’s Pizza, Pasta, and Subs draws in travelers, business people, families — even a former president of the United States — who all appreciate affordable prices, friendly service, and plenty of menu options.

Papa Al’s specializes in New York-style, thin crust pizza; many New Yorkers say it is the only place around where they can get a pizza that tastes like home. And recently, former President Bill Clinton even popped in when he heard about Papa Al’s great garlic knots!

Since opening in 2010, the family-run business has been located in Hawleyville Plaza, by Exit 9 off I-84. The eatery turns out dozens of gourmet, classic, and white pizzas, along with subs, specialty sandwiches, pasta, and entrees from the open kitchen dominated by a large brick oven.

The walls were recently painted gray with stonework accents for a fresh, modern atmosphere. In the evening, simple pendant lighting in the windows casts a pleasant glow. The dining area seats 30, and customers can sit at any of the ten wooden tables, which have comfortable, leather-cushioned chairs, many offering a view onto the outdoor patio. On days when warm weather allows, another 25 patrons can dine outside beneath umbrella-topped tables.

A scenic mural by Waterbury artist Annette Dostaler graces the wall above the pickup window.

From a two-door cooler, customers can select from a large selection of cold drinks, while a single-door cooler houses a variety of Italian, domestic, and craft beers. Wines, primarily from Italy and California, are available by the glass or the bottle.

Papa Al’s is “not just another pizzeria,” said owner Fiat Islami. The menu items come from family recipes, and care is taken with every order, whether dining in or taking out. The staff strives for high quality and interesting options to create choices that work for all of the customers. Portions are generous, and smaller lunchtime dishes are available between 11 am and 3 pm for $3 less than dinner menu prices.

For any party or event, Papa Al’s is able to help with trays of prepared pastas, salads, and main courses. Pizzas and sub sandwiches for large groups are also available. Catering menus can be tailored to meet the individual’s needs, with convenient pickup times.

The family-friendly, casual atmosphere is as ideal for a quick on-the-road meal as it is for a quiet dinner. “People can come in, sit down, and have a nice meal,” Islami said, “in comfortable surroundings.”

Delivery through DoorDash is available from open to close for orders of $15 or more. Delivery is contact-free and curbside pickup is available as well.

Papa Al’s food is also available through Grubhub and Slice.

Menu Sample

Appetizers: The Buffalo wings are a customer favorite. The appetizer includes 10 Buffalo wing pieces that can be mild or hot, served with blue cheese.

Soups: Along with a soup of the day, Papa Al’s offers pasta fagioli daily. A soup cup is $5.95, and a bowl is $6.95.

Salads: One of the most popular dishes is the Buffalo chicken salad with Buffalo-style chicken tenders and blue cheese dressing.

Pizza: There are nearly 20 different gourmet pizza options available, one being the Pink Panther: penne tossed with fresh basil, pink sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Panini: At Papa Al’s, the panini are homemade. One of the most popular is the Cajun chicken, which consists of grilled Cajun chicken, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and mayonnaise.

Subs: Among the different 12” subs to choose from, the Philly cheesesteak is a standout. It is made with thinly sliced grilled steak, grilled mushrooms and onions, mozzarella cheese, and mayonnaise.

Wings: Get ten wings and select from flavors: hot, mild, honey BBQ, teriyaki, mango habanero, and sweet chili.

Pastas: Papa Al’s offers a variety of pastas, including the grilled chicken and broccoli, which can come with Alfredo sauce or garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

Baked Dishes: There are more than a dozen baked dishes available, including homemade lasagna, and all the meals are served with bread and a cup of soup or side salad.

Seafood: The seafood fra diavolo comes with baby clams, calamari, and shrimp. Linguini is served with all seafood dishes unless otherwise specified.

Kids Menu: The most popular choice on Papa Al’s kids menu is chicken tenders with fries.

Desserts: There are a number of homemade desserts, including tiramisu and New York cheesecake.

Drinks: A selection of beer and wine is available.

Papa Al’s, 23 Barnabas Road in Newtown (Exit 9 off I-84), is open Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 9:30 pm; and Sunday, 1 to 9 pm. Takeout and catering are available by calling 203-426-2323. For more information, visit papaalsnewtown.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram.