8 Michigan’s Best Pizza Spots Where Simplicity Rules
Craving a pizza that hits all the right notes without overcomplicating things? In Michigan, some of the best pizza spots prove that simplicity often makes the biggest impact.
From classic Detroit-style deep-dish to perfectly crisp thin crusts, these pizzerias focus on quality ingredients and time-tested techniques. In this article, we’ll highlight eight of Michigan’s top pizza spots where straightforward, delicious flavors take center stage.
However, keep in mind that restaurant experiences may vary based on location, menu changes, and individual tastes.
1. Michigan & Trumbull Pizza: Detroit Nostalgia Served Hot
Ever taste a pizza that instantly transports you somewhere else? The founders named this spot after the intersection where Tiger Stadium once stood, honoring Detroit’s history with every bite.
Michigan & Trumbull crafts their pies with a perfect balance of crispy-yet-chewy crust and carefully selected toppings. Their signature caramelized cheese edges will have you fighting over corner pieces.
They’ve mastered the Detroit-style square without unnecessary frills, just quality ingredients and proper technique.
2. Loui’s Pizza: Time-Capsule Perfection In Hazel Park
Walking into this joint feels like stepping back to 1977, because nothing has changed since they opened. Loui’s Pizza maintains its old-school charm with red-checkered tablecloths and Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling.
The deep-dish masterpieces feature a buttery, blackened crust that somehow stays light and airy inside. Generous but never excessive toppings complement rather than overwhelm the foundation.
Family-owned for generations, they’ve refused to compromise their time-tested recipes.
3. Buddy’s Pizza: The Original Detroit Square Since 1946
Though now a small chain, the original Buddy’s location on Conant Street remains the pilgrimage site for pizza purists. This is where Detroit-style pizza was born, rectangular pies baked in blue steel automotive pans.
Buddy’s creates the perfect balance with their signature edge-to-edge toppings under the cheese and sauce ladled on top. The result? A pizza where every element shines without overshadowing the others.
Their commitment to quality over gimmicks has kept them thriving for over 75 years.
4. Chuck Wagon Pizza: Upper Peninsula’s Hidden Treasure
Hidden in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this unassuming spot proves great pizza exists beyond the big cities. Chuck Wagon’s thin-crust pies come out of their decades-old oven with that perfect slight char that pizza aficionados crave.
The menu hasn’t changed in 40+ years because it doesn’t need to. Their cheese blend, a closely guarded secret, melts into a harmonious layer that complements rather than smothers the crust.
Locals drive for miles for these straightforward, no-fuss pies that let quality ingredients speak for themselves.
5. Piper’s Mighty Good Pizza: Frankenmuth’s Swiss-Inspired Slices
Amid Frankenmuth’s Bavarian-themed attractions stands this Swiss chalet-styled pizza haven with a fiercely loyal following. Piper’s thin crust has a distinctive cracker-like snap that provides the perfect foundation for their toppings.
The sauce recipe, unchanged since 1966, carries subtle herb notes that elevate rather than dominate. Their cheese blend extends right to the edge, creating crispy, caramelized borders that customers fight over.
Despite Frankenmuth’s tourist-heavy economy, Piper’s remains steadfastly local in spirit and execution.
6. Jet’s Pizza: Chain Simplicity Done Right
Though it’s grown into a multi-state operation, this Sterling Heights-born chain proves that expansion doesn’t have to mean compromise. Jet’s has maintained the integrity of its Detroit-style square that made it famous.
The 8-corner pizza, essentially two small squares combined, maximizes those coveted corner pieces with caramelized cheese edges. Their turbo crust option adds garlic and Romano cheese to the edges without overwhelming the pizza’s balance.
While other chains chase trends, Jet’s success comes from respecting Detroit pizza traditions while making them accessible everywhere.
7. Pie Sci Pizza: Experimental Simplicity In Woodbridge
Don’t let the science-themed name fool you, this Detroit neighborhood favorite understands that experimentation works best with a solid foundation. Pie Sci builds each pizza on its perfectly fermented dough that develops complex flavors through time, not additives.
Their rotating menu features seasonal ingredients from local farms. Even their most creative offerings follow a less-is-more philosophy where each component serves a purpose.
The tiny storefront might be easy to miss, but the consistent line of locals waiting outside speaks volumes about their straightforward excellence.
8. Silver Beach Pizza: Lakeside Simplicity In St. Joseph
How often can you enjoy exceptional pizza in a converted Amtrak station overlooking Lake Michigan? Silver Beach Pizza offers stunning views, but never relies on location alone to impress.
Their hand-tossed crust strikes the ideal balance between crispy and chewy. The Train Wreck pizza exemplifies their philosophy, just enough specialty toppings to create a distinct flavor without going overboard.
During summer, the wait can stretch to hours, yet locals and tourists agree… These uncomplicated pies are worth every minute.
