JB's Pizza Parlor used to be a tiny room with a takeout counter in the rear of an obscure building in the Alger Heights neighborhood.
The business expanded a little more than a year ago, adding a dining room to increase its ability to showcase what is easily some of the best pizza in Grand Rapids.
Of course, that won't come as news to the fiercely loyal Alger Heights customers who have supported JB's in the decade it has been open.
Crowded counter
Even with the dining room, the parlor remains a prime destination for takeout, although it gets a little crowded at the to-go counter during peak hours.Credit that to JB's growing reputation, thanks in large part to its gourmet specialty offerings. I tried a Chicken Chipotle pizza. At $12.49 for a 12-inch pie, it comes topped with grilled chicken, bits of bacon, asiago and cheddar cheeses and, providing an extra poke in the ribs, jalapenjo peppers.
The kicker, however, is the deep, pan-style crust, soft without seeming limp or soggy. It brings out the flavors of the toppings.
I also picked up an Italian hoagie, stacked with ham, salami, cappicola, mozzarella cheese, red onions, tomatoes and vinegar and oil. A 10-inch sub was a steal at $5.
But tasty as the sandwich was, the gourmet pizzas are the real selling point at JB's. High on my to-try list are the spinach and artichoke pizza, the Hawaiian pizza and the Godfather, which comes topped with cappicola, meatballs(!), basil, garlic, peppers and more.
Here's how to get started:
Get the menu -- At the takeout counter or online at jbspizzaparlor.com
Place your order -- In person or by phone, 452-1022
Fighting traffic -- Eastern is a busy road, but there's ample parking behind the building JB's occupies.
The wait -- About 25 minutes during peak times
Packaging/extras included -- Pizza was boxed, sandwich was wrapped in foil (to preserve heat) and bagged.
Specials/best bets -- Coupon specials rotate. During lunch hours (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) on weekdays, JB's sells pizza by the slice. Gourmet slices are $1.50, and plain slices are 99 cents.
Convenience factor/overall rating -- Once you find JB's, you'll wonder what took you so long. Few places in town do pizza better.
If you go
Where: 2433 Eastern Ave. SE
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday
Credit cards accepted: All major
Contact them: 452-1022
Contact us: Know a good place to grab some tasty takeout grub? Contact The Press Entertainment Department at 222-5585, or e-mail weekend@grpress.com
E-mail Troy Reimink at treimink@grpress.com