Restaurant review: J&J’s Pizza stands the test of time in Denton

by Alexandria Byrd of North Texas Daily

It's a bluesy joint with cheesy delights.

NT Daily

Supporters of Clarity Corner gather outside J&J's Pizza in Denton.

DENTON — It seems like Denton opens a new pizza place every hour on the hour. Each trendy successor is filled with edgier and more obscure toppings, vegetables, and cutesy titles.

However, J&J’s Pizza is standing the test of time after 11 years at 118 W. Oak St.

This authentic and Italian-owned establishment used to sit at Teasley and Dulles but now sits center stage on the Square. J&J's Pizza is named after Jamie Ham and Joe Vulpitta.

Patrons can build their own large New York style hand-tossed slices and get a drink for only $5, with 18 toppings to choose from.

J&J’s is known for their pizza, but the meatball sub and four-cheese lasagna are stellar and definitely worth more than one trip. Both are rich in taste and sauce and include a subtle spice.

The food tastes genuinely home-cooked, and 75-year-old Vulpitta’s Italian and Chicagoan roots are very apparent.

Photo by Josh Hogan

Ryan Thomas Becker at J&J's Pizza in Denton

The music selection varies between Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, The Temptations, and other groovy sensations.

It is family-orientated and great for dates, post-church gatherings, or concerts, as J&J’s is one of the official 35Denton venues.

There are performances throughout the year, and it keeps the modestly edgy place young.

Ultimately, history is what makes this restaurant, with a wedding day and President Barack Obama collage in the form of paintings, black and white family portraits, religious shrines, a jukebox, and long-standing successful pizza recipes.