Best Detroit Style Pizza

What is Detroit Style Pizza?

Detroit-Style pizza, aka pan pizza to non-Michiganders, is a distinctive type of pizza. Characterized by its rectangular, thick shape, caramelized buttery brick cheese, crispy-cheesy-airy crust, and of course its cheese-to-sauce layering of toppings.

Detroit-Style pizza was first created in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous on the corner of Six Mile and Conant by Gus Guerra. Guerra had the idea to try cooking a pizza in a steel auto pan from a local auto parts factory. He used his Sicilian mother-in-law’s dough recipe to make the first square pizza, using a bottom-up approach to the toppings, starting with the brick cheese blend and ending with the pizza sauce. The rest is history.

If it wasn’t for Gus Guerra, his mother in-law, and Motor City, Detroit-Style pizza might not be here today. So, how do you know you’re getting the best Detroit style pizza? You might think, let’s go to Buddy’s, obviously they will have the most authentic Detroit style pizza, right? You might be surprised to find there is much debate as to who makes the best Detroit pies now. More on that below though.

personally, I think the best Detroit-style pizza in Metro Detroit resides at Como’s in downtown Ferndale, but I’m open to other opinions.

Detroit Pizza Key Characteristics

1. Thick, chewy crust: The crust should have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Only Detroit style pizza pies have this unique but key feature. The dough must be stretched twice in order to get just the perfect consistency.
2. Brick cheese: Traditionally, Detroit-style pizza is made with brick cheese, which has a mild flavor and melts well. It completely changes the mouthwatering, gooey experience.Como’s has a vegan cheese that’s great which is what I go for as an alternative.
3. Tomato sauce on top: The tomato sauce is typically applied after the cheese, allowing it to caramelize and add a sweet flavor. If the tomato sauce isn’t on top, it’s not Detroit pizza.

How to Best Enjoy Detroit Style Pizza

Toppings and Pairings

• Classic toppings: Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and olives are all classic toppings that pair well with Detroit-style pizza.
• Hearty toppings: For a heartier pizza, try adding bacon, ham, or meatballs.Yum, for all the carnivores out there this is a mouthwatering choice.
• Vegetarian options: Detroit-style pizza can be easily customized for vegetarians with toppings like spinach, mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

Pairing suggestions:

• Beer: Detroit-style pizza pairs well with a cold, crisp beer, such as a pale ale or IPA. My husband always gets Two Hearted (which I sip too) which is available at most places.
• Wine: For a more sophisticated pairing, try a red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
• Cocktails: A classic cocktail like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned can also complement the rich flavors of Detroit-style pizza.

What is the difference between deep-dish and Detroit-style pizza?

Even though both Detroit-style and Chicago-style pizza feature deep-dish pans and thick crusts, there are some key differences.

• The Shape: Detroit-style pizza is rectangular, while Chicago-style pizza is round. If it’s not rectangular, it’s not Detroit.
• The Crust: Detroit-style pizza has a thicker, airy crust reminiscent of focaccia bread, with a crispy underside and a chewy center. Chicago-style pizza has a flaky, thin, deep crust similar to a traditional pizza.
• The Cheese: In Detroit-style pizza, the cheese is added to the dough before the sauce, creating a gooey, crispy edge. This is a MUST for Detroit style pie. On a Chicago-style pizza, the cheese is typically layered on top of the sauce like a traditional pizza.
• The Sauce: Detroit pizza has a sweet and smooth sauce, often laid out to look like racing stripes. Chicago has a thicker and chunkier sauce almost like the consistency of salsa.
• The Toppings: Detroit-style pizza typically features fewer toppings, with cheese and sauce being the main components. Chicago-style often has more toppings, including Italian sausage, peppers, and onions.

In essence, Detroit-style pizza offers a unique combination of a thick, crispy crust, gooey cheese, and a sweet tomato sauce, while Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish shape, plethora of toppings, and a thicker, flakier crust.

They are two completely different pizza pie experiences.

What pizza chain has the Best Detroit-style pizza?

The debate over the best Detroit-style pizza chain is often a heated one. Because taste is subjective, personal preferences and regional loyalties can play a significant role. There are a couple of chains that are consistently mentioned among the top contenders.

Buddy’s Pizza: Often credited as the originator of Detroit-style pizza, Buddy’s Pizza is a beloved local institution. Its signature square pizzas with a thick, crispy crust and a unique cheese blend have garnered a loyal following. However, Gus left Buddy’s to open a new restaurant in 1953 called the Cloverleaf.

Loui’s Pizza: Loui’s Pizza is another Detroit-based chain known for its authentic Detroit-style pizza. Many locals consider Loui’s to have one of the best versions of the classic pie.

Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant: After Gus sold Buddy’s, him and his wife opened the Cloverleaf. The restaurant is still open today and is currently run and operated by his children who are keeping the legacy of Detroit style pizza going.

Ultimately, the best Detroit-style pizza is a matter of personal taste. It’s recommended to try multiple options to find your favorite.

Top Places to Get Detroit Style Pizza in Metro Detroit

Buddy’s Pizza

The original shop that started it all, Buddy’s on Eight Mile is a favorite to some. However, if

• Address: 17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212
• Phone: (313) 892-9001
• Website:Website
• Instagram: @buddyspizzadetroit

Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant

• Address: 4170 E Nine Mile Rd, Eastpointe, MI 48021
• Phone: (248) 771-0400
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @cloverleafbarandrestaurant

Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park

• Address: 3214 W Eight Mile Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
• Phone: (248) 542-3800
• Website: Facebook Page
• Instagram: @louispizzas

Como’s Restaurant in Ferndale

• Address: 2266 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220
• Phone: (248) 547-2666
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @comosferndale

Michigan & Trumbull

• Address: 3211 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
• Phone: (313) 873-7500
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @michiganandtrumbull

Palazzo Di Pizza

• Address: 2300 W Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009
• Phone: (248) 644-7499
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @palazzodipizzabirmingham

Grandma Bob’s Pizza

• Address: 12000 W Eight Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48231
• Phone: (313) 542-2500
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @grandmabobspizza

Crispelli’s Bakery & Pizzeria

• Address: 3749 W Maple Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
• Phone: (248) 647-6200
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @crispellisbakery

Green Lantern

• Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @greenlanterndetroit

Shield’s Pizza

• Address: 11200 W Eight Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48231
• Phone: (313) 542-3800
• Website: Website
• Instagram: @shieldsdetroit