I've had this place bookmarked for years! Finally I got the chance to go visit. When you walk in it is like stepping back in time. Something about it was screaming to me New Jersey not San Antonio! I took a moment to look around and enjoy all the memoria displayed. There is even a line! It was busy when we went. The lady at the counter helped with suggestions on what to order. I was excited! We ordered and went sat down waiting for our food. More than 45 minutes later all the tables around us got their food and we still didn't! Another friendly lady told us we are next! We finally got the food... to me it tasted like cafeteria food. Which wasn't so bad! I will give 5 stars for the ambiance and decor and 3 stars for the food I will be back around holidays it feels so cozy and a happy place for gatherings read more

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Spaghetti and meatballs were just alright, garlic bread that came with it was phenomenal! We also got mozzarella sticks that were pretty good and a 10' pizza that was amazing. When you first enter, you can buy lots of merchandise which I personally love. The ambience, if you sit in the restaurant, is very cozy and old school. We went when it wasn't busy so service was pretty quick. Overall, we will be going back and I look forward to it! read more

Service was great friendly wait staff! Pepperoni bread was delicious little buttery but I like that. The fried ravioli was yum crispy and did not skimp on the cheese. read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Pepperoni bread - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

Papa Dante's is a restaurant filled with historic photos yearning for a long lost heyday. They feature prehistoric italian recipes, dated operations, low ambiance and the slow business to match. I've had this place on my list for a while and decided today was the day. I arrived at lunch hour to find an almost empty restaurant. The ordering process is strange. You must order at the counter and pay before your meal. This requires a leap of faith when you're trying a new place. The dining room is decorated floor to ceiling with various celebrity stock photos, headshots, and other pop-culture memorabilia. This helps to pass the time during a wait. To be safe I ordered a simple dish to try: Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken. The dish is prepared here using heavy cream which is ok *if* quality parmesan cheese is used. In this case...No. The bland dish was further offensive by the inclusion of the "grilled" chicken. Tasteless and definitely NOT fresh. During my visit I noticed many patrons coming in for take out. I think that might be how this place survives. read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Small Family Fettuccini Alfredo w/Garlic Bread - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

This review is based on getting the delivery experience of their food. I got the angel hair pasta with meat sauce and garlic bread. The sauce was a bit acidic and could have used more garlic but it was still tasty. The Angel hair pasta was very tender. The garlic bread was nicely toasted with plenty of garlic butter. They only included two Parmesan cheese packs and two crushed pepper, probably one set for each dinner, my partner got spaghetti. Overall a positive experience and a good go-to for Italian to-go. read more

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The food is good the ambiance a little stuffy. I believe this place is also a small business which is owned and operated by someone in the community. The food is decent enough. I just wish the place didn't feel so stuffy. The service was great. read more

I've been here a few times. Last time I dined here was in 2019 or 2020 sometime before the pandemic. I like the lasagna here. They used to be open until 8 or 9 pm. But after the pandemic, all of that had changed. They changed their closing time to 6pm, which is way too early for any mom and pop Italian restaurant to close. And they make you order and pay at the counter upfront before you get seated if you dined in. I don't know what caused these changes. I had ordered the spaghetti and meatballs with a small house salad with the Italian dressing on the side. The salad was good. The sauce on the spaghetti and meatballs seemed runny and bland. The meatballs were soft and crumbly when I cut them but still good and so was the garlic toast. You will easily be distracted by the multiple pictures hung on the walls if you're a fan of Hollywood nostalgia. They have pictures of old famous Hollywood actors like Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and John Wayne. And their dessert selection can give Jim's, Luby's and 410 Diner a big run for their money. I was torn between tiramisu, Boston Kreme pie, ding dong cake, key lime pie, chocolate cream pie, German chocolate cake and pumpkin cheesecake but I chose Boston cream and took it to go and didn't regret it. read more

I'm a long time regular fan for over 15 years. Friendly atmosphere and great food and great service. Specialty sandwiches. Small and large portions available. Fantastic dessert choices. Long time staff are knowledgeable about their food. Alone or for a group, yummy. read more

A fork is all you need for this chicken fried steak, tender and delicious! Beautiful cold bowl salad, and the garlic bread made it a home run. "The Pillar in Converse Texas" read more

Excellent place! I've driven by for years and never stopped, I missed out all this time!! Don't Miss out!! Everything was Great, FOOD, Service, and service! They can cater your next event or you can rent their facility for your next event/party! Come Check them out!! read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Fresh and Hot! 12" 3 Topping Pizza - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

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First time here I'd really like to give this place 5 starts but can't, place was pretty clean, staff was kind and the food was decent (chicken Alfredo), but not super appetizing. the aesthetic of this place is incredible and very laid back. This place has a lot of potential just needs food improvements. read more

Favorite local Italian spot in Converse. small restaurant brings a nostalgia of yesteryear. The lasagna is always the best, full portion will definitely allow for sharing or even next day lunch! Ask for the half portion for not so large amount. The bread, OMG. The sesame seeds, garlic and buttered can't miss with this bread. Each entree gets 2 pieces of bread. Their tiramisu is to die for. Service with a smile and always ready to answer any questions you might have . read more

Great Food, Decorations, and Service!! I will definitely be back! Highly Recommend to anyone looking for Pizza and more in Converse or surrounding areas! Close to Randolph AFB for lunch! Stop by! read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Fluffy Hamburger, Black Olives, Mushroom pizza! - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

This is hilarious that this place comes up as Italian food , the food is beyond horrible it's all microwaved , it's so bad just go to Olive garden , read more

Ok I have read some of the reviews. Seriously people you are acting like they are out there stating they are the best Italian in Texas. It's a nice older restaurant. Made me feel like I was back home. The service is strange but,it's what they want to do. Everyone in this restaurant was so friendly. It was like a family running the place. The food I got the spaghetti and meat balls. My wife got the chicken Parm. I liked both dishes. The chicken was very lightly battered. The sauce was different because I make my own homemade. It was good just different from mine. My wife liked it as well. I want to go back and get a Pizza or Sub Sandwich. It looked really good as it was passing our table. read more

Door dash !! We tried a couple of pasta dishes this time and they were also nice.ravioli delicious. crab cake very tasty. philly cheesesteak Finger licking read more

Great food!!!! Service is awesome. People friendly. Kids friendly. The ladies of the restaurant are amazing!!

This is a neighborhood spot which is very convenient. We arrived around 5pm on a Saturday. We forgot to take pictures of all of the items we ordered. We had a small crab cake, 12" pepperoni pizza, cheesy bread, and antipasto salad. We will definitely be back the serving sizes were large & tasty. I thought the prices were normal for the amount of food. read more

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I moved to the area almost a year ago and have been driving past almost every day. I read the reviews and see they can be hit or miss so I haven't gone until today, and I REALLY wish I've had come sooner. I ordered the small lasagna and it was truly fantastic. And that judging it harshly. The noodles tasted like they were freshly made and the ricotta and sauce with it just melted in my mouth. The garlic bread was also good and paired with it very nicely. I didn't get any cakes or pies but definitely eyeing that for the next visit. And they give a military discount as well, so thanks very much for that. Very much recommend read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Small Beef Lasagna and garlic bread - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

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Not sure how/why this place is rated as highly as it is. I understanding supporting a smaller, local restaurant, but I can cook better Italian food and sauces at home. For the prices you might as well go to California Pizza Kitchen, North Italia, or Paesano's. Extremely disappointing considering the pastas run around $15-$20 for the entree portions. Pasta isn't handmade or fresh (didn't expect that, but for this price range it should be). Sauce is okay, but nothing you can't just make on your own. Service and atmosphere are great. Nothing to complain about there. Food ratings below! FOOD RATINGS: - Caesar Salad (3/5): As expected, fresh, standard. Pretty decent. - The "Duncan" Spinach Artichoke Dip (2/5): Really small for being $10+. Bread is good. Dip is decent. Not worth getting. - Beef Lasagna (1/5): 3 extremely overcooked/tasted like dough noodle layers and a whole tub of ricotta cheese, then (as you can see) an entire jar's worth of sauce on top, which doesn't save it from the lack of quality or flavor. - Chicken Parmesan (1/5): 1 single chicken breast, more like a frozen breaded Tyson chicken patty covered in sauce and cheese, and boiled noodles and sauce. Absolutely nothing close to quality or taste expectations. Extremely disappointing. Overall, would not come back here. You're better off boiling Barilla pasta at home and Googling a simple marinara sauce recipe. read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Beef lasagna - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

Definitely just eh.... There's better Italian in SA, this place is barely ever open and is wildly mediocre. read more

This is my updated review from the last pizza I ordered. The improved pizza. Was mostly doughy air pockets taking up too much of the pizza with toppings cheese and sauce only in the very middle. Very thankful for the improvement. Walking distance from my house. My favorite Italian restaurant. read more

Good was good, but no service. I had to get up and go to the counter for my refills and to get anything. You order at the register.... who does this? read more

Had to hit up Dante's for lunch. It's been awhile but still the perfect meal. If you haven't been it's time for you to go.

Hands down best mom and pop Italian restaurant in San Antonio! Staff were friendly from the front register to the servers. Cheese bread is a must. Love all of the great photos around the restaurant. Lots of nostalgic memories of celebrities. read more

I'm excited to eat here again & try something different. Going inside, you can tell this restaurant has been a staple in the community for years! They have memorabilia everywhere. My husband and I visited on a Friday evening before it got too busy. We both had salads and some type of Alfredo. I truly appreciate the option of a smaller size bowl. It was the perfect amount for me. I love that the Caesar salad also had tomato and olives. The dressing was delicious. The Alfredo sauce wasn't my favorite, but that's alright. It was delicious nonetheless. I can't wait to try their meat sauce. The staff was attentive and friendly. It was dimly lit and offered the whole ambiance of a beautiful dinner. read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Caesar Salad - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

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Meh. Open some ragu at home and you've got their sauce. Slow service. Bread was cold. Just nothing there was exciting to the taste buds read more

Staff are so welcoming and super nice. The place gives old school diner vibes. The food was very delicious. The pasta cooked al dente and the sauce super yummy. read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

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Haven't been here in years. Very disappointed. Food fresh, lot of it. Cannoli's delicious. My husband ordered meat sauce and he said it didn't taste homemade, there was no meat? Only thing was when I got home checked bill and they added 20% tip to bill. I wish they would have told us? That was $12.34, plus we gave them $5.00 on bill. $17.34 total tip?? Also 4 canolli's and pint of extra sauce was $24.00. That was a$100.00 meal for 3 people. 2 spaghetti plates, small chicken Alfredo, 3 teas and 1 salad, and small onion straws? There is also no breakdown on ticket just total. Service was good and always loved the atmosphere. We're on a fixed income. We took my granddaughter that just graduated and off to college. Oh, and you order up front, not at your table. Just be prepared for a big bill. Check it! Won't be going back! read more

Enjoyed good home cooked itialian lunch here with friends. They are only open for lunch and early dinner. Make good pizzas too. Surrounding with items reflecting Italy. Nice quiet soothing environment when I was there. read more

I've tried a few things from the menu, all very good, but I always go back to the Spaghetti w/Meatballs. The sauce is bursting with flavor and so rich it stands on the pasta. The meatballs are soft and tender, and good sized too. I love the garlic bread. Not a fan of the sesame seeds, but thats just my preference. Now comes my favorite part--the dessert case. All varieties of cheesecakes, pies, and cakes by the slice. If you're not sure which one to pick, just close your eyes and point. Recently had the lemon cake and it was the perfect amount of sweet and tart. Really like the chocolate pie too. Staff are always welcoming with a family-like atmosphere, with lots of cool things to see on the walls. Definitely one of the best hidden gems just north of San Antonio. read more

How have I missed this local institution? What a gem! Do yourself a favor and bring the family for a delicious toasted sub and pie. While you are waiting on your food, peruse the pictures and memorabilia on the walls. There is not an inch of empty space. Fun times and great memories for sure. read more

Atmosphere is 7 Staff friendliness 7 Speed of service 6 Quality of food 7 Taste 4 Note: dining room is open. If you like Kraft spaghetti mix from a box, this is your place. They replicate that flavor perfectly read more

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The best subs in town! Not cheap, but huge and made with quality meats! You won't be sorry!

I have been dining in this restaurant for at least 8 years. The last three years I noticed a decline. The service is slow which surprises me since there are no patrons. The food was horrible and everytime I've gone it is cold. Today they microwaved a sad chicken parmesan. The ziti was a congealed mess it was gross. It tasted old and frozen. I remember when they used to serve fresh food. Those days are gone. Well I won't be back. The prices are high. I and every customer that eats there deserves fresh food. Not fresh frozen. The only fresh thing I ate there was a pie which is brought in from another place not made there. Also there must be a lot of FAKE reviews. I went through them and the same pictures pop up with different names and reviews. Sketchy as hell! read more

The food I tasted was probably from a frozen food drop off so I don't think anything is freshly made. Perhaps the red sauce might be. I could get better food at Olive Garden. I had spaghetti with red sauce and Italian sausage. The sausage was a whole piece about 5 inches long laying on top. I expected more than that. They could have sliced it and placed on the side or on top but at least slice it. The appetizer was from a frozen pre made bag. First time I went there and the last time. read more

Woke up this morning and saw this restaurant being featured on KSAT12 on the tele. Drove to location and waited an hour for. Which was fine, no biggie. Drank a few beers while waiting. Ordered the chicken Parmesan and spaghetti and lasagna. No eating utensils! The food, was edible. Nothing to brag about like that idiot on Texas eats claims to!!! I should of known better to fall into that sh*t no pun intended. My food caused and explosion in my tummy. I had the runs bad. I hate throwing up so I had to drink water to shoot the waste out of my butt. DONT BE A FOOL AND BELIEVE THE THE CRAP YOU SEE ON TV. It's my fault. I will not be going back read more

Papa Dante's Restaurant - Food - Italian Near Me - Converse, Texas

Great food and the owners are very welcoming.the decor is amazing! The event center (Bella) is so beautiful .

People might drive by this place and not even think to stop and try it but that's a huge mistake!!! My favorite food is some Good old spaghetti and this place has one of the best plates of spaghetti. The portion it perfect. The meatballs are not too big and not to small and the sauce was sooo good I had to ask for a side just to dunk my bread in. The walls of this restaurant are filled with legandary stars. Not just headshots you can buy online. These are legit photos with their autographs amd even the dedication to the restaurant or owner. The decor is for sure a topic to talk about while your eating, waiting for your table or even on your way out. I know might sound crazy for saying this but, don't try to stuff yourself with those last bites because you really need to save room for dessert. But if you really can't fit any more in, take it to go. You will not regret it. They have pre-sliced pieces of cake right when you walk in so take a glance and make a plan! I hope yall enjoy this place as much as I do! Happy eating!!! read more

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So the service is quick but you can definitely tell why with the quality of the food. I ordered a chicken Cesar salad and there wasn't even a half of a diced chicken breast on there. The chicken was cold, flat and chewy. The quality of food is not homemade Italian, it's store bought and frozen. We will not be going back. read more