12 Michigan Pizza Joints Locals Swear Are Always Worth The Trip

Growing up in Michigan, I learned early on that pizza isn’t just food here; it’s practically religion.

Whether you’re craving that iconic square Detroit-style or a perfectly charred thin crust, the Great Lakes State delivers serious slices.

From legendary joints that invented the game to hidden gems locals guard like secret treasures, these pizza spots prove Michigan’s culinary reputation goes way beyond Coney dogs and cherries.

1. Buddy’s Pizza

Legend has it that Buddy’s invented Detroit-style pizza back in 1946, using blue steel pans originally meant for auto parts. Talk about Motor City innovation!

That signature square shape with caramelized cheese edges running right to the rim became an instant classic.

The crust strikes that perfect balance, crispy bottom, airy inside, with sauce ladled on top in true Detroit fashion.

Locals will fight you over which location reigns supreme, but honestly, they’re all winners. Order the Detroiter with pepperoni, and prepare for your life to change forever.

2. Loui’s Pizza

Hazel Park’s Loui’s has been slinging pies since 1977, and they’ve perfected the art without all the hype.

Family-owned and fiercely traditional, this spot doesn’t mess around with fancy toppings or trendy nonsense.

Their Detroit-style squares feature that signature twice-baked crust that’s simultaneously buttery and crunchy. The cheese-to-sauce ratio borders on mathematical perfection.

Sure, the dining room looks like your grandma’s basement, but that’s part of the charm. Real ones know that the best pizza joints never win beauty contests; they win your heart through your stomach.

3. Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant

Cloverleaf claims they actually invented Detroit-style pizza in 1946, making them Buddy’s biggest rival in the origin story debate. Honestly? Who cares when the pizza tastes this good.

Their pies come out piping hot with those gloriously burnt cheese edges that crackle when you bite down. The bar atmosphere keeps things casual and fun, perfect for washing down slices with cold beer.

Locals have been packing this Eastpointe institution for decades, and the recipe hasn’t changed because perfection doesn’t need tweaking.

4. Shield’s Pizza

Founded in 1937, Shield’s holds the crown as Detroit’s oldest pizzeria still operating today.

Before Detroit-style became a worldwide phenomenon, these folks were quietly perfecting their craft in a neighborhood tavern.

They use brick cheese imported from Wisconsin, which melts into those coveted crispy corners everyone craves.

The dough gets a 48-hour cold fermentation, resulting in complex flavors most chain places can’t touch.

With multiple locations now, Shield’s proves you can expand without losing your soul. Just don’t skip their antipasto salad; it’s almost as legendary as the pizza itself.

5. Green Lantern Pizza

Not everything in Michigan revolves around Detroit-style squares, and Green Lantern proudly waves the round pizza flag. Since 1955, this Madison Heights gem has been serving thin-crust pies that snap when you fold them.

Their secret sauce recipe tastes like someone’s Italian grandmother blessed it personally. The cheese pulls in those Instagram-worthy strings, and the crust manages to stay crispy even when loaded with toppings.

Bonus points for the old-school atmosphere complete with vinyl booths and zero pretension. Sometimes simplicity wins, and Green Lantern proves it nightly.

6. Supino Pizzeria

Tucked in Detroit’s Eastern Market, Supino brings authentic Neapolitan vibes to Michigan’s pizza scene. Owner Dave Mancini studied pizza-making in Italy, and boy, does it show.

The wood-fired oven cranks out blistered, leopard-spotted crusts topped with ingredients so fresh they practically introduce themselves.

Try the prosciutto and arugula; it’s like a vacation to Naples without the plane ticket.

Lines stretch down the block on weekends, but locals know the wait is absolutely worth it. Cash only, so hit the ATM first unless you enjoy awkward moments at the register.

7. Pie-Sci Pizza

Up north in Traverse City, Pie-Sci takes pizza science seriously without being stuffy about it. Their name is a nerdy pun, and their menu backs it up with creative combinations that actually work.

We’re talking Brussels sprouts with bacon, or Thai chicken that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about pizza.

The crust achieves that tricky balance between chewy and crispy, providing the perfect canvas for their wild topping adventures.

Located in a renovated space downtown, it’s become the go-to spot for both tourists and year-round residents who appreciate innovation without sacrificing flavor.

8. Silver Beach Pizza

After a day at the beach, nothing hits quite like Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph. Perched near the Lake Michigan shoreline, this spot serves New York-style slices big enough to use as beach umbrellas.

The thin crust folds perfectly for that authentic NYC eating experience, and the generous toppings don’t slide off mid-bite.

Summer crowds pack the place, but the efficient staff keeps lines moving faster than you’d expect. Grab a slice, walk to the beach, and watch the sunset over the water. That’s pure Michigan magic right there, folks.

9. Fricano’s Pizza Tavern

Grand Haven’s Fricano’s has been a lakeshore institution since 1949, and they’ve mastered the art of thin-crust perfection. The pizza arrives cut into squares, not slices, because that’s how West Michigan rolls.

Their crust is cracker-thin and sturdy enough to hold generous toppings without turning into a soggy mess. The cheese blend tastes like a closely guarded family secret, probably because it is.

No reservations accepted, so expect a wait during peak times. But locals will tell you that patience pays off deliciously when your number finally gets called.

10. Mani Osteria & Bar

Ann Arbor’s Mani Osteria elevates pizza to fine dining status without the snooty attitude. Chef-owner Max Roncone imports ingredients directly from Italy, and you can absolutely taste the difference.

The wood-fired pizzas feature impossibly light crusts with just the right amount of char and chew.

Their Margherita is a masterclass in simplicity; San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and nothing else needed.

The upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for date night, though the food is so good you might forget your companion exists. Reservations strongly recommended because word has definitely gotten out.

11. Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina

With multiple Michigan locations, Bigalora proves that local chains can maintain quality and soul.

Their wood-fired ovens imported from Italy pump out authentic pies at temperatures that would make most home ovens weep with envy.

The dough undergoes a three-day fermentation process, creating complex flavors and that perfect chewy texture. Seasonal toppings keep the menu fresh, literally and figuratively.

The roasted mushroom pizza with truffle oil is dangerously addictive. Bright, modern interiors make it family-friendly while still feeling grown-up enough for a casual business lunch or girls’ night out.

12. Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery

When award-winning craft beer meets seriously good pizza, magic happens. Jolly Pumpkin started as a brewery but quickly realized their wood-fired pizzas deserved equal billing.

The menu features creative combinations that pair perfectly with their sour and wild ales. Try the Bam Biere pizza topped with their famous beer-braised onions; it’s a flavor bomb in the best possible way.

Multiple locations across Michigan mean you’re never too far from this dynamic duo of dough and hops.

The funky, eclectic atmosphere matches the adventurous menu perfectly, making every visit feel like a mini celebration.