10 Unexpected Michigan Stops Serving Detroit-Style Pizza That Will Surprise You
Michigan keeps secrets tucked between its lakes and its slices, and you are about to meet a dozen of them.
Detroit-style pie is popping up in places you might not expect, and each stop brings its own crispy caramelized edge.
This list guides you from Motor City classics to under-the-radar pans with serious crunch.
Bring an appetite and a note app, because you will want both.
These spots take the iconic airy crumb, buttery edges, and those legendary cheese crusts and give them their own local fingerprint.
By the end, you might rethink everything you thought you knew about where to find Michigan’s best pizza.
1. Buddy’s Pizza — 17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212
History starts on a corner where blue steel pans meet blazing ovens.
Buddy’s at 17125 Conant St is the iconic birthplace with square pride and charred cheese edges that snap.
You get a balanced sauce on top, pillowy crumb inside, and a cheese blend that lands right in the comfort zone.
Service moves briskly and the menu sticks to proven winners.
Pepperoni cups frill at the rim and collect tiny pools of savory goodness.
The corner slice remains the most contested real estate of the table.
Parking is straightforward and the dining room feels like a museum of Motor City pie.
You can customize with veggie stacks or classic meat options without losing that signature texture.
This stop sets the baseline that every other square must meet.
2. Coal Fire Pizza — 32601 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48009
Coal-fired heat meets square pan personality on Woodward Ave.
Coal Fire Pizza offers a Detroit-style option with an assertive bottom crisp and gentle chew.
The sauce leans bright and herby, setting off a buttery edge.
The menu includes thoughtful toppings like roasted peppers and fennel sausage.
Corners carry a caramelized cheese lace that crackles under the fork.
You get a neat square that stays cohesive from pan to plate.
Parking options line Woodward, and the dining room balances casual and date-night friendly.
Portion sizes make sharing tidy for a duo or a small group.
Consider a simple pepperoni and onion to let the dough speak clearly.
3. Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina — 711 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Wood-fired credentials meet a Detroit-style pan option at Bigalora in Royal Oak.
The crumb carries a light ferment tang with a golden base that crackles.
Cheese kisses the rim and forms a delicate lace.
Keep it simple with mozzarella, basil, and a pepperoni scatter.
The sauce lands in ribbons so each bite gets brightness.
The pan version arrives with an aromatic toast that plays well with the airy interior.
The room buzzes with Main St foot traffic and quick service.
I once split a pan and a salad here and walked out satisfied without a nap.
Ask for a corner tile and you will understand why locals guard them.
4. Detroit City Co. — 1420 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Downtown energy buzzes around Washington Blvd while this kitchen turns out sturdy squares.
Detroit City Co. serves a pan pie with a crunchy perimeter and a soft interior.
Sauce rides on top in bold red stripes for visual flair.
Toppings stay classic and let the crust do the heavy lifting.
Pepperoni cups curl and crisp while onions add just enough sweetness.
The square handles a stroll to nearby parks without losing structure.
The space feels industrial without being cold and service stays friendly.
I grabbed a pie before a downtown show and the corner slice vanished fastest.
Expect reliable texture and a clean finish that keeps you moving.
5. Stella’s Lounge / Trattoria Stella — 53 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Theme nights spark joy when Stella’s and Trattoria Stella roll out Detroit-style evenings.
The pan crust arrives with bubbly cheese edges and a measured crumb.
Sauce brightens each square without overpowering.
Limited-time menus keep toppings rotating and interesting.
You might catch a roasted mushroom number one week and spicy soppressata the next.
Corners hold up to generous cheese while staying light inside.
I once planned a weeknight around these Detroit-style nights and left taking notes.
Check schedules to hit the right day because availability varies.
The room hums with conversation and the pie keeps pace.
6. Superior Coney Island — 114 E 5th St, Flint, MI 48502
Flint pride shows up in a deep-dish Detroit-style option at this classic spot.
Superior Coney Island delivers a surprisingly legit square with a sturdy base.
The cheese edges build a gentle caramel shell that cracks as you bite.
Menus here focus on comfort but the square earns a stop of its own.
Sauce leans savory with a hint of sweetness and sits neatly on top.
Pepperoni or veggie mixes keep things tidy and flavorful.
Service is brisk and the location makes downtown exploring easy.
I once paired a quick lunch here with a stroll along Saginaw St and felt happily fueled.
The pie reheats like a champ for late-night snacking.
7. Porky’s Pizza Palace — 306 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Neighborhood charm pairs with a hefty square in Kalamazoo, a city that shows why Michigan takes its Detroit-style pizza seriously.
Porky’s Pizza Palace builds a pan pie with a crunchy base and a lofty interior.
Cheese caramelizes to the rim and adds a savory snap.
Toppings arrive generous but not chaotic.
Sausage crumbles and peppers layer cleanly so slices lift without slouching.
The sauce is restrained and lets the dough flavor come through.
Ordering is easy and pickup fits a busy day near campus and downtown.
I once grabbed a pie before a matinee and shared corner pieces with zero negotiation success.
Value, texture, and friendly faces make this a trusty Michigan stop.
8. Pizza Sam’s
Nestled in the heart of Midland, Pizza Sam’s is a charming hub for pizza enthusiasts.
With its unassuming exterior, one might not expect the culinary delight within.
The Detroit-style pizza here is a masterpiece, boasting a thick, airy crust topped with caramelized cheese edges.
Locals rave about the generous toppings and rich, zesty sauce.
Each bite reveals a captivating blend of flavors, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers.
The warm ambiance adds to its charm, offering a perfect spot for families and friends to gather.
Did you know? Pizza Sam’s has been a local favorite since the 1960s, earning its spot as a staple in the community.
9. Cardamom Restaurant
Nestled in Ann Arbor, Cardamom Restaurant breaks the mold with its delightful
Detroit-style pizza.
Known for its vibrant Indian cuisine, this spot offers a surprising twist for pizza lovers.
Imagine savoring a perfectly baked pie with a crunchy crust, topped with fresh ingredients that meld tradition with innovation.
The unexpected fusion of flavors creates a memorable dining experience.
Frequented by locals and visitors alike, Cardamom becomes a culinary adventure worth exploring.
Its unique blend of spices and classic pizza elements offers a taste that resonates beyond the ordinary.
10. Fricano’s Too
Tucked away in Comstock Park, Fricano’s Too delivers the unexpected.
Known for its vintage charm, this spot offers a cozy retreat for pizza enthusiasts.
The rich aroma of their Detroit-style pizza, with its signature cheesy edges, fills the air.
Fricano’s Too is a local favorite, attracting visitors with its warm, inviting atmosphere.
Patrons rave about the crisp, caramelized crust that defines Detroit-style pizza.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, the experience is always delightful.
Did you know? Fricano’s Too started as a family-run venture, maintaining the legacy of delicious, handcrafted pizza.