The pizza, the whole pizza, and nothing but the pizza

Having never been to A & A Pagliai’s Pizza, on the corner of Bloomington and Linn in Iowa City, it was quite a surprise to find an old school sit-down restaurant that serves nothing but pizza. No onion rings, pasta, or breadsticks. Not even a side-salad! Just pizza. And beverages only with a pizza purchase. Don’t believe me? Here’s their menu.

Even the selection of table shakers is unique. No Parmesan! Just crushed red pepper, oregano, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

Going for broke, I ordered up a large Palace Special, with Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms and onion. Crisp tavern-style crust, but yielding to bite. A thicker-style is available if you order a “double” crust. Simple, comforting sauce. A good mix of toppings, none dominate the rest. Tasty mild sausage.

Another surprise. Pagliai's sells frozen pizzas for home bake. A lot!

Is this the best pizza in Iowa City? Many think so. Do you need to eat here? Yes. Like breakfast at The Hamburg, a pint at The Deadwood, or a six-pack from John’s Grocery, a pizza at Pagliai’s is a must-do.

You want salad? Go suck a fern.