Mama's Pizza

[Coyote]

I think this was already mentioned somewhere, but decided they need a thread of their own... A new Mama's Pizza is now open on 96th just north of Giles. I have not tried their pizza, so I can't comment on it, yet...

[Brad]

If its like the other two locations, its good.

[bigredmed]

If its like the other two locations, its good.

Some of the best "Omaha style" pizza still available. Medium crust, tangy tomato sauce, toppings from side to side rather than in clumps, and cut into squares. The 156th and Pacific location is good. The Saddlecreek location was good the last time I was there (some years ago) and remains popular when I drive by.

[garyomaha]

We eat a lot of pizza from many different locations but have never understood Mama's. Many friends like it. We've tried it several times, and every time we've left with a "Meh?" feeling. We must be missing something. I'm pretty open-minded, especially when it comes to pizza -- tell me, what am I missing? My big things are crust and cheese, neither of which Mama's does anything for me. I'm fine never going there...but with so many people liking it, I'd sure like to know why. What am I missing??

[skinzfan23]

We eat a lot of pizza from many different locations but have never understood Mama's.  Many friends like it.  We've tried it several times, and every time we've left with a "Meh?" feeling.  We must be missing something.  I'm pretty open-minded, especially when it comes to pizza -- tell me, what am I missing?  My big things are crust and cheese, neither of which Mama's does anything for me.  I'm fine never going there...but with so many people liking it, I'd sure like to know why.  What am I missing??

I feel the same way...I have only been there once and would be willing to give it another try since its local, but I feel like I am missing something as well.

[Coyote]

This is a local establishment? Anybody know their story?

[Brad]

This is a local establishment? Anybody know their story?

Yeah it's local. Been around as long as I can remember on saddle creek.

[Brad]

Thank you for visiting Mama's Pizza... Omaha's favorite pizza for over 25 years! Mama's Pizza is proud to be family-owned. It's the perfect place for families, teams, groups, or birthday parties. We love the Huskers, the Jays, and the Mavs, so come on down and support your team!

At Mama's Pizza, our mission is to provide the highest quality pizzas, appetizers, entrees, and beverages at a reasonable price, served in a clean, family-friendly environment. We recognize the value of a loyal customer and strive to be prompt, friendly, and courteous to every customer.

[Coyote]

New Mama's Pizza location coming to La Vista

Jeff Harwood, owner of Mama's Pizza, said the idea for a new location came about two years ago. Primarily, Mama's wanted to own its next building after renting the space for its existing two locations.

The first Mama's opened in 1977 on Saddle Creek Road, and Harwood's parents bought the location in 1980. The ground for the La Vista restaurant was purchased last July, and the dirt work will be started soon.

[nebport5]

While I enjoy Mama's in general, I'll say the Mama's West location is consistently better than Saddle Creek.

[S33]

I don't get why these Pizza joints' products vary from location. The same goes for La Casa, except their Saddle Creek-area location being far superior to their west location. You would think they had a recipe and a process, and the outcome should be the same?

[Brad]

I don't get why these Pizza joints' products vary from location. You would think they had a recipe and a process, and the outcome should be the same?

Lack of oversight. How often do you think the owners are visiting the other locations? Obviously not enough or they don't manage well when they are there if they are that different.

A manager at DJ's once told me that owner visits each location several times a day.

[nebport5]

I don't get why these Pizza joints' products vary from location. The same goes for La Casa, except their Saddle Creek-area location being far superior to their west location. You would think they had a recipe and a process, and the outcome should be the same?

True story re: la Casa West. The best recipe in the world is insignificant if you don't have people who can execute it properly. D a m n, I'm starting to sound like Pelini. But it's true.

[Coyote]

You would think that establishments whose success depends upon word of mouth and reputations, that managers/owners would go out of their ways to make sure their products are up to certain standards, and they they would check out their products more than occasionally... Especially if there are franchises.

[Brad]

I have only been to Mama's West 4 or 5 time where as I have been to Saddle Creek a lot, but I didn't notice any difference in Quality between the two.

[S33]

You would think that establishments whose success depends upon word of mouth and reputations, that managers/owners would go out of their ways to make sure their products are up to certain standards, and they they would check out their products more than occasionally... Especially if there are franchises.

I think they get complacent and take their locals for granted. Often times, it seems, that when the original owners either pass on, or pass the restaurant down to the family, the younger generations screw with the product.

[nebport5]

You would think that establishments whose success depends upon word of mouth and reputations, that managers/owners would go out of their ways to make sure their products are up to certain standards, and they they would check out their products more than occasionally... Especially if there are franchises.

[Coyote]

Getting back to Mama's Pizza; I was talking with someone who made a good point. She says she loves Mama's Pizza (and Zio's) but only in house and not take out. She says the veggies are always nicely toasted on the top, but if you take it home it collapses and becomes a hardened pizza. I guess that would put a big caveat on critiquing pizzas, how good are they also as take-out...

[Brad]

Getting back to Mama's Pizza; I was talking with someone who made a good point. She says she loves Mama's Pizza (and Zio's) but only in house and not take out. She says the veggies are always nicely toasted on the top, but if you take it home it collapses and becomes  a hardened pizza. I guess that would put a big caveat on critiquing pizzas, how good are they also as take-out...

Where does she live? Grand Island? I get it take out 99.9999999% of the time and its no different there or at home.

[Coyote]

Getting back to Mama's Pizza; I was talking with someone who made a good point. She says she loves Mama's Pizza (and Zio's) but only in house and not take out. She says the veggies are always nicely toasted on the top, but if you take it home it collapses and becomes  a hardened pizza. I guess that would put a big caveat on critiquing pizzas, how good are they also as take-out...

Where does she live?  Grand Island?  I get it take out 99.9999999% of the time and its no different there or at home.

Less than a mile way, living near the Saddle Creek location, and then near the W Omaha location.

[Brad]

Weird, I have eaten in and taken out of both locations and I notice no different.

I would easily have Mama's in my top 5 Pizzas in Omaha.

[cp jay 07]

I will say I notice very little of a difference in Mama's Saddle Creek and West O. I think Saddle Creek is a little better and their Onion Rings are much better than West O.

Outside of La Casa I think the other big Omaha restaurant where you can tell the difference between their East O and West O location is Bronco's, I could eat at the Leavenworth one every day but I refuse to go to the West O one. I think the last time I went to the West O location it wasn't even greasy and I barely got bag fries, those are the 2 reasons you go to 'Co's.

[nebport5]

I'm not saying the Saddle Creek location is bad, but I've had more screwed up orders there and generally enjoy my food more from West. Maybe it's because there's very little english being spoken in the S.C. kitchen. I also don't like that they're inconsistent with ingredients, olives & tomatoes particularly. Sometimes you get large tomatoes and sometimes you get cherry tomatoes which I think have no business being on a pizza.

[guitarguy]

I will say I notice very little of a difference in Mama's Saddle Creek and West O. I think Saddle Creek is a little better and their Onion Rings are much better than West O.

Outside of La Casa I think the other big Omaha restaurant where you can tell the difference between their East O and West O location is Bronco's, I could eat at the Leavenworth one every day but I refuse to go to the West O one. I think the last time I went to the West O location it wasn't even greasy and I barely got bag fries, those are the 2 reasons you go to 'Co's.

I used to live on 45th and Leavenworth and agree 100% that the Broncos on Leavenworth toasts the one out west. Still think my favorite quick greasy burger joint is Don and Millies down that way.

[Coyote]

I get it take out 99.9999999% of the time and its no different there or at home.

Certainly you have to admit there is certain depreciation of taste and substance between a pizza delivered out of the oven to your table, and that which is put in a box and taken home and then...

[Brad]

I get it take out 99.9999999% of the time and its no different there or at home.

Certainly you have to admit there is certain depreciation of taste and substance between a pizza delivered out of the oven to your table, and that which is put in a box and taken home and then...

I don't think so. The only difference I notice is, when you eat in, you usually sit there and let it cool off for a few min or you burn the |expletive| out of your mouth. However at home its usually cooled off just enough, but not always. I only live a few min away. Same with LaCasa, its always too hot to eat right away in the restaurant.

[MadMartin8]

I've had it once, I thought it was pretty okay. For me, it's better than La Casa, Don Carmelos, and Big Fred's.

Is it earth shatteringly wonderful? Not particularly, but it's good.

[nebport5]

I get it take out 99.9999999% of the time and its no different there or at home.

Certainly you have to admit there is certain depreciation of taste and substance between a pizza delivered out of the oven to your table, and that which is put in a box and taken home and then...

I think this is true depending on the pizza joint and the style of the pie. Some hold up better than others for take out, but it seems amiss to have to take a pie home for it "improve". As Brad, said, some may be too hot to eat right away, but there's still the x-factor of how long it's been sitting there before you picked it up.

[Brad]

As Brad, said, some may be too hot to eat right away, but there's still the x-factor of how long it's been sitting there before you picked it up.

I usually get there 5 min before they say it will be ready. That way I can pay, and then go as soon as its done.

[nebport5]

As Brad, said, some may be too hot to eat right away, but there's still the x-factor of how long it's been sitting there before you picked it up.

I usually get there 5 min before they say it will be ready.  That way I can pay, and then go as soon as its done.

Easier to due at La Casa since they almost always quote you 30 mins.

[thenewguy]

I know everyone loves this place, but it's only ok. I've had pizza elsewhere that I thought was better. Maybe it was because it was the 96th st location...

[bigredmed]

I didn't know that Mamas had a location on 96th.

[thenewguy]

96th & giles i believe

[jessep28]

I didn't know that Mamas had a location on 96th.

96th St. North of Giles on the West side of the street practically next door to Alegent.

The building just went up over the summer.

[Brad]

Went to the LaVista location. It was nice. Had some cool old seats from different baseball stadiums.