In Payson visiting in laws and bringing them lunch. Have had buckets from Gilbert location & enjoyed. Ordered the large bucket, and chatted with the owner ( Gary?) nice guy, while waiting for him putting together the food. Long story short.... everyone enjoyed the generous portions and home made flavor of the sauce and 8 delicious meatballs. The garlic bread, average. Salad was fresh, crisp and loaded with nice shavings of good Parmesan. Great way to feed 4 people at a fair price. read more

Great value for the amount of food you get! Very friendly staff! Great for quick dinner option!

If you're craving spaghetti with red sauce, meatballs, and garlic bread for a fast and easy meal you've come to the right place. By the Bucket serves pasta, well, by the bucket. The portion sizes are for 1, 2, or 5 people with the option to add on meatballs. We got the 1 person bucket with 2 meatballs to share since we had a big lunch and weren't super hungry. Split between two adults and a kiddo the portions were just right. The sauce was plentiful and the pasta was cooked slightly beyond al dente. The meatballs were sizeable, dense in texture, and well seasoned. The bread was wrapped in foil and had lightly crispy edges with a soft interior. Overall it's a decent and affordable option for a family meal. read more

By The Bucket - 1 person meal with meatballs - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

See all

I got the Meatball sandwich meatball were good if the bread was toasted more for a crunch it would have been better, I would go back again

Simple and delicious!! I really hope they open back up. The meatballs are large and in charge!! Prices are reasonable, the sauce is really tops. Better than a cheap can. My only issue was sometimes u think the pasta is overdone and i like extra sauce for the bread. Which is a tasty treat in itself. I am rooting for you to make it!!! read more

Worst spaghetti I ever had Tasted like glue, pure starch Meatballs and bread oki would not go back read more

This place reopened with a new owner and the same grade school cafeteria type food. He is bringing bread from a bakery in Tempe that is dense and rubbery to make a crummy garlic bread; how stupid is that. Best to "drive through" Payson and go elsewhere to eat. read more

Delicious spaghetti and meatballs. A better option than fast food. Loved the bread too. Great service. Good price.

Oh my, I died and went to meatball heaven! Family and I did a little trip to Christopher Creek, when I stumbled upon this little gem! Thank You, Yelp! I read spaghetti and meatballs "by the Bucket!" Sold! I made it a point for us to stop by on our way back into the valley. Boy were we happy campers! We bought 12, yes you read right, 12 meatballs and a whole bucket of spaghetti and two loaves of garlic bread. (there's only 2.5 of us haha) My goodness, their meatballs were absolute divine. I am so happy we got as many as we did, without even trying them first. Lol handsdown one of the best meatball recipes I've ever had. Tender, juicy, full of flavor in every bite! Their spaghetti, for as basic as it was, it was great as well. Now their garlic bread, was wonderful too. Nice and crispy on the outside, and still maintaining that nice soft chewy garlicky deliciousness on the inside. Perfecto! Whenever we are back in that area, we will definitely be getting more meatballs and pasta! read more

See all

This is such a fun establishment. It is literally - SPAGHETTI BY THE BUCKET!! I love the concept. The flavor was- spaghetti sauce. No unique taste to it. I really wish it pulled more of a homestyle spaghetti sauce flavor instead of the typical Ragu we can make at home. I would have to come back to try other entrees. Unfortunately, we ended up throwing it away after a couple of bites. read more

This is a big yes!! Who knew anything served in a bucket could be so good!! Garlic bread comes with and the bucket fills you up with or without the balls. I would highly recommend the meatballs tho if your a meat eater. So glad I checked this place out. Sauce is on par with any fine dining Italian place. Yummmm read more

By The Bucket - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

See all

I really want to like this place but the customer service we received leaves a lot to be desired. The two guys working were more akin to Beavis and Butthead than they were two people in the customer service industry. Between messing around, name-calling, and speaking negatively about customers and orders in front of other customers, I was not impressed. To top it off, when we got home, we discovered the order was wrong. read more

My sister had found this place on TikTok right before I was planning to visit my parents out here in Payson. The video looked great, and man! This place didn't disappoint. I love the spaghetti sauce and the meatballs were massive. I bought the largest bucket because we were sharing with 5 adults. The man who took my order and made the spaghetti was so kind and had great customer service. Definitely will be back our next visit in town! read more

By The Bucket - We were demolishing it! - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

New owners. Good, tasty meal for 2, for only $20. The meatballs were good, and the Ceasar salads were crisp.

I ordered ahead for a large group. Had trouble getting ahold of the restaurant to increase the order ahead of time. They had lost my order in the meantime. Overall, the quality of the food is good. The garlic bread isn't as good as another restaurant of the same chain that I have been to. There was a large amount of water in the buckets which made the paper seam separate. Maybe the pasta wasn't drained well. read more

What an awesome idea. Drove to Payson just to give this a try. Great spaghetti with sauce. Don't leave out the meatballs. Great price for what you are getting. Not gourmet by any means but m already looking for them opening in the Valley. Smart concept, simple and easy operation. You can feed the whole family on the cheap. read more

We're new to the area and decided to try them out spur of the moment. So glad we did. The spaghetti and meatballs were excellent (and I am quite picky when it comes to a red sauce and meatballs). The staff was also very friendly and accommodating; we asked them if they could package up the garlic bread untoasted so that we could toast it at home so it would be hot and crispy, and they said "no problem". We'll definitely be back!! read more

Not bad, heard this place was coming to Phoenix so while doing a photo shoot in Payson we decided to give it a try. I would say it's average. The concept is a good idea and I love the simplicity so you can get a quick fresh made dinner. I would definitely order again. The garlic bread was amazing. They charge like $5 I believe, for fresh parm which I didn't really like, I feel it should be complimentary as ketchup is to French fries and dipping sauce is to chicken strips/tenders. Owner was raving high about his secret recipe and how he is selling out to be all about the state. Oh and the meatballs are a separate charge as well but they were pretty good. read more

Great customer service and our order was out fast. We love everything about this quick restaurant. The sauce, noodles and garlic bread are great. Oh, and the meatball sandwich!!!! Go try it for take out. Such a good change. read more

So apparently theres no new yelp for the relocated location on 319 AZ-260, Payson, AZ 85541. This is in the safeway plaza. Oh man. So where I do i begin. Lol just kidding. This is short and simple. It's not crazy over the top spaghetti and garlic toast but it good and well done for what it is. Simple and satisfying. Dont be expecting some fancy smancy gourmet but yes fulfilling. Spaghetti cooked aldente well. Sauce very tasty and hint of sweetness. And if you decide to get meatballs. They are good and not dry. Moist and not bland. It's great out of the bucket. Not to be disappointed. If I'm back in the area for the scenery definitely be back here for some easy peezy tasty spaghetti read more

See all

Ok u guys don't hesitate on this one just go or call ahead bc it's only to go!! It is by far the best new place in town!! They are so welcome here in Pinetop-Lakeside!! We need you bc it's so easy to order and go to pick up!! It's also incredibly delicious!! I love the meatball sandwich and the half bucket w 2 meatballs!! Oh and the cheesy bread is amaze balls!! It's so tasty and very filling!! You know the food is good when you even like it cold!! And I do!! These guys fit that bill!! The service is quick and real mountain friendly!! The owners are right there ready to chat and feed you well!! Like I said don't hesitate to just order up and go pick up and enjoy!! I can't wait to have leftovers for lunch tomorrow warm or cold!! Enjoy this good stuff in a bucket and stay safe out there!! read more

My son and I stopped here on our way out for a camping trip. This was a great grab and go option for us. It was easy to take with us. The Garlic Bread was also great! I'm looking forward to these guys opening new locations. Say Hi to Bret for me when you are up there next. read more

What a fun concept! The staff was very friendly to me during my recent first visit, kindly explaining to me how to order appropriately. Pricing was fair. The food quality was better than expected too - the garlic bread really hit the spot! Will definitely go back during future visits to Payson. read more

It is beyond rare to find a place that does one thing and one thing only. Am a relentless traveler and have yet to find another takeout spaghetti place. Anywhere. Here's what you get. Spaghetti cooked up well. Ample sauce with chunks of onion. Everything is heated at just the right temperature. And bread done nicely. A two person bucket for $9 is a lot of spaghetti and maybe a jar's worth of sauce. I disagree with those who think it's not good quality and miss that he has things dialed and delivers good bang for the buck. Really good bang. What you don't get. No runny sauce at the bottom of the bucket. No oily bread. For all you haters out there-- If this was a low quality place you'd catch runny sauce, overly cooked spaghetti, questionable temperature, inferior packaging. Place would look dirty. Etc. There's none of that happening here. Am seriously happy I stumbled upon this. My only suggestion--- maybe franchise this into college towns?! read more

What a great little find. We made a day trip to Payson to just get out of the house during all this Covid craziness. There were 3 of us, we got the family bucket with 6 meatballs, they are huge, only at 4 of the 6 and of course extra garlic bread, who doesn't love garlic bread. We called in the order and it was ready when we got there. We didn't have any utensils, plates or napkins. They sent along all of that. We found a spot in the woods and had a makeshift picnic. It was perfect and the food was so good. Just great spaghetti and garlic bread and we went home with leftovers. Will definitely be back the next time we roll through Payson. read more

By The Bucket - Makeshift serving table in the back of my SUV. Spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

My husband and I are from Surprise,Az and went to Payson for a nice getaway. We were looking for dinner and we're amused by the originality of the name and concept! The staff consist of the owner and his young son. His son is professional and efficient for his age. It was refreshing to see a young kid work hard. The owner was extremely friendly and welcoming. Food: We got the middle bucket and a 1/2 loaf. Portions are perfect for a fill! The garlic bread was flavorful and cooked perfectly! We are driving back to Payson this weekend and bringing our kids to go fishing but this place is our stop for lunch and will be a must stop from now on! read more

Still the best. I drive on my days off over 150 miles to get my fix! So yummy! Business for Bret Is really picking up! He sales out of his delicious food every evening! So glad I found this place. read more

See all

Meatballs are the bomb! A little bit of Italy in downtown Payson really enjoyed the flavors and the wonderful smell of it! Can't get enough read more

See all

For what it is, not bad at all. You don't go here with expectations of gourmet pasta, you come here to a joint like this to stuff yourself on noodles and sauce. They deliver. The noodles were a bit gluey, but the sauce is on par with a lot of Italian places around the Phoenix area--even sit down ones. It's everything you expect this place to be for fast food pasta. It's as close to Fazoli's as you're gonna get in Arizona these days. You can get a big portion of noodles for your dollar to gulp down here, along with some garlic bread. Didn't try the meatballs. Different change of pace from a burger. Worth trying once, or as many times as you like. Give this man your business. read more

Good spaghetti to go, a simple fast dinner for busy nights. Not a lot of choices but the food is solid and dependable

The sauce is excellent, well seasoned and delicious. Meatballs are delectable and garlic bread is scrumptious.

Great quick fairly inexpensive to go meal in a bucket! Ate it in the car, so was a little worried about sauce spatter, but luckily was careful so white leather stayed white! Definitely glad added some meatballs. Garlic bread was crusty on the outside and fluffy inside. I hope they add gluten free pasta as a choice in the future. read more

Was able to feed 8 people for $30! Meatballs are the size of a clementine/lime and are absolutely delicious! The pasta itself is nothing extraordinary but neither is olive gardens, the sauce is what really makes it great. Don't get me started on the garlic bread, it is absolutely delicious...we devoured 4 loafs in 5 minutes! Definitely recommended if your dropping by Payson. The owner is ex military and single parent to his 12 yr old son who helps him run the front! Love to see a son & pop shop! If you are interested in franchising I'd ask the owner as he is already branching out to the Phoenix area! read more

By The Bucket - 10 meatballs! - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

See all

The family and I was surprise that the spaghetti, garlic bread and meat balls was actually pretty darn good. The sauce was very tasty went well with garlic bread. The pasta was actually nice and soft felt like they actually made their own pasta. But the best thing we all loved was the Meatballs. The meatball was the size of a tennis ball and very delicious. I gave it 4 stars cause that's all they had for selection and with they offer different sauces and pasta. But if we ever in Payson again we definitely will stop by for seconds!! read more

See all

Great place, great value!! We live stopping here on our way to the cabin. Always friendly The meatball sub is awesome but if you have your kids or a big group the bucket of spaghetti and meatballs are amazing!! read more

I went here a few days ago as an out of town visitor looking for a home cooked meal that didn't want the usual "hamburger and fries" that one usually gets when they are on the road. This place did not disappoint. Everything from the sauce, garlic bread and the meatballs tasted great and homemade. And to top it all off, the server was friendly and accommodating. When he found out it was my birthday, he gave me a free piece of cheesecake. Now that's good service! I have never tried "By the Bucket" beforehand but now they've got a new "regular" in town. Can't wait til they open one where I live. read more

My friend and I were on our way to hike See Canyon and we passed this on the way there- and couldn't stop thinking about a huge bucket of spaghetti for a post-hike snack! The Bambino (feeds one) size is big but I absolutely ate the entire thing. The spaghetti is phenomenal and so is the garlic bread!!! Definitely will be making a trip to Payson just for this soon:) read more

By The Bucket - a person holding a hot dog in a car - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

Wish there was a location in Globe! Super convenient and super delicious. The meatballs are worth the $1.25 and the noodles are cooked to perfection!!! Definitely a must when you are in Payson. The parking has improved since they have moved locations so this is a great meal to take with you camping too! read more

By The Bucket - No complaints what so ever!!! - Italian Near Me - Payson, Arizona

My wife and I saw this place as we were driving to the park with our kids. Made a mental note to come by when we were hungry... the thought of a bucket of spaghetti sounded pretty good to me. We went by today (after visiting, I had checked the website which made it sound like it was a delivery business only but we were able to order to-go from the counter). The owner Brett was very friendly and made us feel at home. We bought the 1.5 lb bucket of spaghetti and 6 meatballs. Brought it back to our lodge and the four of us (the baby excluded) devoured it within 10 minutes. What you get for the price isn't bad at all and I would recommend any other families passing through or staying in Payson to give it a try. Just note that it is a takeout/delivery spot, and surcharge of $0.50 on credit card payment. read more

You know what, they're really good. Simple, reasonably priced and very tasty. I wouldn't hesitate to stop by again.