Beforehand, I used to walk into JT’s Pizza hearing rumors of future renovations to create a large dining space, specifically toward the South side of the restaurant. The next time I walked into the restaurant, I could hear the sound of construction and drills behind plastic curtains. But the most recent time I walked into JT’s, the renovations were complete, and it made my experience that much better.

As my family walked into the restaurant, we were immediately greeted by a friendly hostess who led us to our table in the newly renovated section. She handed us menus and left us to ponder our orders.

A few minutes later, we were welcomed by our waitress who asked for what we would like to drink after she listed the day’s specials. My sister and I asked for water, as we’re not pop or carbonated drink fans, but both of my parents ordered Diet Coke.

Within five minutes, she came back with our drinks and quickly grabbed her pen and pad, ready to write down my family’s order. Considering it was our annual “Pizza Friday” night, we ordered a large pizza, half cheese and half onion and ham. My sister and I are not terribly complex eaters and have asked for cheese pizza ever since we were little.

Once our waitress left, my family bonded over our drinks and chats around the table. The newly renovated area of JT’s is very spacious, consisting of dark hardwood floors and numerous tables, allowing for more seating. This new addition created a less “stuffy” and congested area of people, making it a more relaxed and chilled experience.

The waiters and waitresses also wore blue jeans and black JT’s Pizza logoed tee-shirts, giving off a casual vibe that the restaurant has to offer.

After fifteen minutes of waiting, our pizza arrived at our table, being placed on a stand, making it the point of focus at our table.

The pizza itself will forever continue to be one of the best in the Cascade, Forest Hills, and Ada areas. The cheese on the pizza was perfectly cooked, making it not too mushy nor burnt, all while being juicy with every bite. The crust accompanied the cheese very well, too. It was not hard nor doughy, and likely the reason why the pizza was so decadent.

The large pizza sitting at our table was quickly gone, making it one we all enjoyed very much.

Though JT’s Pizza and Spirits has always been enjoyable family gathering, the recent renovations have allowed for a new perspective on the restaurant, being that a larger amount of people can have seat in the restaurant. A friendly staff added warmth and kindness to our experience, but the simply perfectly toasted pizza that I’ve always known was in an even better, newly improved environment.