POPS (Palermo's Original Pasta & Sandwiches) — Restaurant in Canton

This review isn't getting any pictures. This isn't an afterthought. This is intentional because quite frankly you don't need a filtered photo of a plate of pasta that I took for insta to sell you on this place. To be perfectly honest, you don't even need me.

This is going somewhere, I promise.

Let me set the scene for you.

The heart of an old downtown in the crux of revival. The bottom corner of a historically renown building that prior to it's current incarnation was often a Hollywood set. Literally. Marvel even filmed here. Inside of what was once Earth-616 is now a family run, floor to ceiling glass windowed, community culinary dream of from scratch pasta dishes and sandwiches that even your Nonna would have to approve of. A jazz ambience, which I normally find redundant and cringy but somehow doesn't just work here but belongs, gives you the subtle and much needed reminder to slow down.

There is no hurry here. There is no worry here. There are just literal rays of sunshine comfortably warming you through the glass while the food, my personal favorite being the "Roasted Mushroom Trenne", brings you back to a place you probably haven't been to in a while but you remember somehow once existed. It's a place of safety where nothing matters but the next bite. We've all been there. Those of us, the ineffably blessed ones, recognize this core memory from Sunday dinners at our Grandparent's house.

That's what this place is. It's THAT feeling.

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "I have no idea what you're talking about. I never experienced anything like that growing up." Maybe you're Gen X and your core memories feel more like the lining of an eroded metal ash tray with a flip top in the back of a seatbeltless Pontiac and a mouthful of water from the hose of some random neighbor kid's yard. That's cool, too. This place has you covered. May I recommend the "No Reservations'? It's a Mortadella, the greatest of all Italian sandwiches. It's full of sausage, cheese, a fried egg and zero nonsense. Kind of like you.

See? This is a place for everyone. This place works not because of the social media worthy pics you could get of your food but because when you are here you forget about the hell hole that is social media. You don't need likes, you don't need followers. You just need to sit down, put the phone away and let life happen. And here, you will.

At POPS they aren't just offering food. They're offering community. The real deal. The food is outrageously solid. The service is unique and clearly honed from years of experience of working the front end of restaurants. Even if you don't run into a neighbor here, and I'm soo sure you will I can almost guarantee it (insert the voice of Justin Wilson here), you WILL know someone here because this place knows you. This place is invested in it's patrons. They don't forget a single one. They treat everyone like they are the reason they opened up shop. Everyone is the Shelley Long to their Woody Harrelson. Here, they really do know your name.

This place isn't a picture of it's food. It isn't pasta sheepishly buffered by truffle oil and the jazz Muzak station. This place is just what it set out to be, the culinary heart of a community.

Go eat at POPS. Order anything. Put the phone away. Slow down. Say "Hi' to a neighbor. Eat with gusto. Live with gusto. You belong...

From the moment I stepped into POPS, I knew I was in for something special. Nestled in the heart of the city, this cozy eatery presents a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

My choice for the evening was the Chicken Parm, and to say it was phenomenal would be an understatement. The chicken was perfectly breaded, achieving that elusive crunch on the outside while remaining succulent and tender within. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with the homemade marinara sauce providing a rich, tomatoey goodness that complemented the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella cheese flawlessly.

What sets POPS apart is not just the excellence of their food but the passion and care evident in every dish they serve. It’s clear that they use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and the skill of the chefs shines through in the execution of each recipe.

The service at POPS was just as impressive as the meal. The staff were friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to take pride in ensuring a great experience for every customer. It’s this combination of exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and outstanding service that makes POPS a must-visit spot.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and drop by POPS (Palermo’s Original Pasta & Sandwiches). The Chicken Parm is a revelation, but I have no doubt that the rest of their menu is just as remarkable. I left with a full stomach, a happy heart, and the certainty that I would be returning soon.

Thank you, POPS, for a meal to remember. Your dedication to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction is truly commendable. I can’t wait to come back and taste more of your incredible offerings. A five-star...

What I Loved: Beautifully decorated, clean atmosphere, with an up-scale feel, yet casual vibe. It is always encouraging to see a historic property repurposed and brought back to life in such excellence. All staff members were so friendly and accommodating. We arrived at 5:30p on a Thursday, ordered and had our food out within 15 minutes although the place was moderately busy with patrons. Food was aesthetically pleasing. Plates and silverware were beautiful. The family-oriented vibe was sweet and relaxed. Tables are nicely spaced. Fresh pasta was excellent. Texture was perfect. Seafood on the scampi was high-quality, no rubbery calamari or shrimp.

What I didn't love: Chicken parm - chicken breast was tough & rubbery. It was a whole breast but, was underwhelming in flavor and texture. Marinara was under-seasoned, plain, blah. It tasted more like ketchup or tomato sauce out of a can than a true Italian marinara. I love ketchup but, not on my pasta. I am someone who rarely "salts" my food, not a big salty food fan. However, I kept wishing there were salt, pepper, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic on the table because the dishes were so "plain" and unseasoned. The same was true for the scampi dishes, no buttery, lemony, garlic, or salt flavor...just plain. The taste of the fresh pasta led the way, not the sauce or other ingredients. All 4 members of our party said the same thing, the sauces had little to no flavor. I think with a bit of tweaking on the seasoning of sauces & closer attention to avoiding the rubbery chicken, this place would be a 5-star dining experience. I really wish this place & the owners well. They are on to something special but, need to bring more flavor to...