Simply stated, Italian Jim's Pizzeria is hands down the best overall pizza you will find, anywhere, ever. Who would have thought you would find it in Yukon, Oklahoma?
I've had fancier pizzas in Los Angeles, with their cornmeal or whole-wheat crusts and their exotic toppings, which I love. I've had richer, more filling deep-dish pizzas in Chicago, which are worth the trip. And of course I've tried all the big corporate chains with their cheap low-quality grease-pies, which aren't even worth mentioning.
But when I think of good pizza - really good pizza - I think of Italian Jim's. The main thing is the quality. Better cheese, better produce, better toppings, and better ingredients come together with a killer family-secret recipe for the crust and the sauce to create the world's best pizza. Nothing really fancy, just delicious.
The shop is smallish, but quaint and inviting, the perfect place for an afternoon lunch after a round of disc golf, or for a dinner out with friends before the movies. (It's also a great place to get psyched up before taking a calculus test). You'll find manager Ryan Lippolt to be extremely friendly, funny, and pretty good with names. The rest of the staff is friendly and attentive as well. Also of note are the blown-glass light fixtures which owner Chris McGahan crafted himself.
My recommendations: All the pizzas and toppings at IJ's are first rate, but I especially recommend the garlic, tomato and meatball. At luch, go for the #3 lunch special - mini pizza with unlimited toppings of your choice, and a reasonably sized salad - and be sure to ask Ryan for "the yellow" dressing. If you have a large party (8 or more), ask about the 24" Humongous Jim... it's quite a treat.
What's a good pizza? The answer is Italian Jim's.
more