12 Michigan Pizza Spots Locals Say Beat The Big Chains Every Time
Michigan has this quiet pizza reputation that sneaks up on people who think they know what good pizza is supposed to taste like.
Once you bite into a proper Detroit-style square with its crispy, caramelized edges or fold a thin slice from a neighborhood joint that has been perfecting its dough for decades, those chain promises start feeling pretty hollow.
I have spent years chasing down recommendations from locals who refuse to settle for cardboard crusts and bland sauce, and the result is a list of places that actually deliver on flavor, texture, and that unbeatable feeling of supporting spots where the owners still remember your order.
These are the Michigan pizza places that make you wonder why anyone would settle for anything less, one bubbling, delicious slice at a time.
1. Buddy’s Pizza – Detroit
Walking into Buddy’s Pizza feels like stepping into a piece of Michigan history, because this is where Detroit-style pizza was born back in 1946.
The original location sits at 17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212, and it still draws crowds who line up for those signature square pies with crispy, cheesy edges.
The crust is thick but somehow light, baked in blue steel pans that create a crunchy bottom layer while keeping the interior airy and tender.
I remember my first visit, watching a server place a piping hot tray on the table and realizing the cheese had baked right up to the edge, forming golden, almost lacy corners.
The sauce goes on top here, which keeps the crust from getting soggy and adds a bright tomato punch to every bite.
Whenever I bring out-of-town friends to Detroit, Buddy’s is where I take them to prove Michigan pizza is a real thing worth respecting.
2. Loui’s Pizza – Hazel Park
Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park has been quietly serving some of the best round pies in metro Detroit since 1977, and locals guard this secret fiercely.
You find it at 23141 Dequindre Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030, a small, unassuming spot that feels more like a family kitchen than a restaurant.
The crust here is thin but sturdy, with a slight crunch that holds up under generous toppings and a tangy sauce that balances sweetness and acidity perfectly.
I usually order a large pepperoni and watch as the slices come out with those little grease cups on top, a sign that the kitchen is not skimping on quality.
The cheese melts into a smooth, stretchy layer that never feels greasy, and the dough has just enough chew to make each bite satisfying.
When I crave pizza that tastes like it was made by someone who actually cares, Loui’s is my go-to spot every single time.
3. Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant – Eastpointe
Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant traces its roots back to the birth of Detroit-style pizza, and after one bite, I stopped caring about the debate and just enjoyed the pie.
This spot sits at 24443 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021, in a building that has been feeding locals for decades.
The pies come out in those iconic square pans, with cheese that reaches every corner and caramelizes into a crispy, salty crust that makes the edges the best part.
I still remember ordering my first Cloverleaf pizza and being surprised by how light the dough felt despite its thickness, almost like focaccia but with more structure.
The sauce is ladled on top in thick stripes, adding a fresh tomato flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Whenever I am near Eastpointe, Cloverleaf is where I stop to remind myself why Detroit-style pizza deserves its own category in the pizza hall of fame.
4. Supino Pizzeria – Detroit
Supino Pizzeria in Eastern Market brought a different pizza vibe to Detroit, focusing on thin, East Coast-inspired pies that feel both simple and sophisticated.
You find it at 2457 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207, tucked into a cozy corner where the smell of fresh dough and baking pies greets you at the door.
The crust is thin with a slightly charred, blistered edge that adds a smoky flavor without overpowering the toppings.
I love ordering the classic margherita here, watching the kitchen pull it from the oven with bubbling cheese and bright green basil leaves that still look fresh.
The sauce is light but flavorful, letting the quality of the mozzarella and the char on the crust shine through.
When I want pizza that feels more artisan than assembly line, Supino is where I head, knowing every slice will taste like someone put thought into it.
5. Grandma Bob’s Pizzeria – Detroit
Grandma Bob’s Pizzeria in Detroit is the kind of place where the name alone makes you smile, and the pizza makes you a regular.
This spot is at 2135 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216, a friendly, laid-back space that feels like someone’s home kitchen expanded to feed the neighborhood.
The pies here lean toward a thicker, doughier crust with toppings piled high, and the sauce has a slightly sweet, homemade flavor that reminds me of Sunday dinners.
I remember ordering a veggie-loaded pizza and being shocked by how much the kitchen fit onto one pie without turning it into a soggy mess.
The cheese coverage is generous, the crust stays soft in the center while crisping up at the edges, and every slice feels substantial.
When I am in Detroit and want pizza that feels comforting and unpretentious, Grandma Bob’s is where I land every time.
6. Fricano’s Pizza Tavern – Grand Haven
Fricano’s Pizza Tavern in Grand Haven has been slinging thin-crust pies since 1949, and the recipe has not budged an inch since then.
You find it at 1400 Fulton St, Grand Haven, MI 49417, a small, no-frills spot where the pizza is the star and everything else is just background noise.
The crust is paper-thin and crispy, cut into small party squares that make it dangerously easy to lose count of how many pieces you have eaten.
I still remember my first visit, watching a pizza arrive at the table with edges so crisp they crackled when I picked up a square.
The cheese is mild and melty, the sauce is tangy without being sharp, and the whole pie disappears faster than anyone expects.
Whenever I am near the lakeshore, Fricano’s is where I go to remember what classic Michigan tavern-style pizza is supposed to taste like.
7. Cottage Inn Pizza – Ann Arbor
Cottage Inn Pizza started in Ann Arbor back in 1948, and it has been feeding hungry students and locals ever since with consistently solid pies.
The original location is at 512 E William St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, right in the heart of downtown, where late-night cravings and study sessions collide.
The crust hits that perfect middle ground between thin and thick, with enough chew to feel satisfying but not so much that it overwhelms the toppings.
I have ordered from Cottage Inn more times than I can count, and the quality stays reliable no matter which location I visit or what time I call.
The sauce is well-balanced, the cheese melts evenly, and the topping options are extensive without feeling gimmicky.
When I want pizza that I know will deliver exactly what I need without any surprises, Cottage Inn is my reliable, never-disappoints choice in Ann Arbor.
8. Jet’s Pizza – Sterling Heights
Jet’s Pizza might have locations all over now, but it started right here in Michigan in 1978, and the Sterling Heights area still treats it like a hometown hero.
The original shop opened in Sterling Heights, and you can still find locations throughout metro Detroit, including at 8038 23 Mile Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48316.
The signature item here is the deep-dish Detroit-style pizza, especially with the turbo crust option that adds a layer of seasoned crust around the edges.
I remember trying the turbo crust for the first time and realizing it was basically a breadstick built into the pizza, which felt like a genius move.
The cheese bakes right to the edge, creating that signature caramelized crust, and the sauce on top stays bright and flavorful.
When I want Detroit-style pizza that travels well and delivers consistently, Jet’s is my go-to for a taste of Michigan wherever I am.
9. Green Lantern Pizzeria – Madison Heights
Green Lantern Pizzeria in Madison Heights is one of those spots that locals whisper about like it is a well kept secret, and after one visit, I understood why.
You find it at 28960 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, a small, unassuming building that has been serving the area for decades.
The pizza here is classic Detroit style, with a thick, airy crust that somehow stays light and a cheese layer that reaches every corner of the pan.
I remember ordering a large square and being amazed at how the crust held up under the weight of the toppings without getting soggy or dense.
The sauce is ladled on top in generous stripes, adding a fresh tomato flavor that balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
When I want Detroit-style pizza that feels authentic and unpretentious, Green Lantern is where I go to get the real deal every time.
10. Mootz Pizzeria + Bar – Detroit
Mootz Pizzeria + Bar in downtown Detroit serves up New York-style pies in a lively, modern space that feels equal parts date night and casual hangout.
This spot is at 1230 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226, right in the heart of the city, where the energy and the pizza both run hot.
The pizzas are thin, with a chewy, slightly charred crust from the high-heat oven.
I remember trying the prosciutto and arugula pie here and being impressed by how the toppings felt fresh and balanced instead of overwhelming the delicate crust.
The sauce is simple and bright, the mozzarella is creamy, and the whole experience feels like a mini trip to Naples without leaving Michigan.
When I want pizza that feels a little more upscale but still approachable, Mootz is where I head for a slice and a scene.
11. Niki’s Pizza – Greektown, Detroit
Niki’s Pizza in Greektown brings a Mediterranean twist to the Detroit pizza scene, and the result is something you will not find anywhere else.
You find it at 735 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48226, right in the middle of Greektown, where the energy, the food and the culture all come together.
The pies here feature a thicker, slightly chewy crust topped with ingredients like feta, olives, spinach and other Greek-inspired flavors that make every bite feel different.
I still remember trying the Greek special pizza and realizing how well the salty feta and tangy olives played against the rich tomato sauce.
The crust is sturdy enough to hold all those toppings without falling apart, and the cheese blend adds a creamy layer that ties everything together.
When I want pizza that feels like a culinary adventure instead of just another slice, Niki’s is where I go for a taste of Greece in the heart of Detroit.
12. Tomatoes Apizza – Farmington Hills
Tomatoes Apizza in Farmington Hills takes inspiration from New Haven-style pizza, and the result is a crispy, charred crust that stands out in a state full of Detroit-style squares.
This spot is at 29275 W 14 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, a small, hip space where the pizza comes out fast and hot from a coal-fired oven.
The crust is thin and crispy with a slight chew, and the char adds a smoky, almost bitter note that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
I remember ordering a plain pie here and being surprised by how much flavor the crust alone brought to the table, even without a ton of toppings.
The sauce is tangy and bright, the cheese is applied sparingly but thoughtfully, and the whole pie feels like a masterclass in simplicity.
When I want pizza that proves less can be more, Tomatoes Apizza is where I go for a slice of New Haven right here in Michigan.