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Detroit-style pizza is one of America’s most beloved regional pies, known for its crispy, cheesy edges, thick crust, and square shape. But where did it come from and where can you get the best slice in the city? Let’s dig into the delicious story of this Motor City masterpiece.
Where did Detroit-style pizza come from?
Detroit-style pizza was born in 1946 at a small bar called Buddy’s Rendezvous, now known simply as Buddy’s Pizza. The story goes that Gus Guerra, the owner, wanted to try something different from traditional round pizza. He borrowed blue steel pans – originally used in auto factories to hold spare parts – and baked a thick, airy dough inside them.
The result? A deep-dish square pizza with caramelized cheese edges, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with pepperoni and finished with sauce ladled on top instead of underneath the cheese. It was a new kind of pizza that only Detroit could invent – industrial and delicious all at once.
How do I explain Detroit-style pizza to my kid?
Think of Detroit-style pizza like a cheesy, fluffy pizza “cake” cut into squares. Here’s a kid-friendly way to explain it:
“It’s a big, thick slice of pizza that’s baked in a special metal pan. The cheese goes all the way to the edges, so the corners get super crispy and yummy. And instead of putting the sauce under the cheese, they pour it on top, like a topping!”
Kids often love the crunchy edges and pillowy crust, especially if you let them grab a corner slice.
Where are the most famous slices in the city?
Detroit has no shortage of iconic pizza joints serving up authentic slices. Here are some of the most famous places to try:
- Buddy’s Pizza (Original Location – Conant Street): The birthplace of Detroit-style pizza. A must-visit for any pizza fan.
- Loui’s Pizza: Founded by a former Buddy’s chef, Loui’s serves up thick, cheesy slices in a retro, wood-paneled setting.
- Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant: Another spot with ties to the original Buddy’s team, Cloverleaf offers a nostalgic and flavor-packed experience.
- Jets Pizza: While now a national chain, Jets started in Detroit and helped spread the love for square slices.
Fun facts about Detroit-style pizza
- It’s not Chicago-style: Although both are deep-dish, Detroit-style is much lighter and crispier than Chicago’s dense, pie-like version.
- Square shape, round love: Despite its rectangular shape, Detroit-style pizza has fans all across the country.
- It has its own holiday: National Detroit-Style Pizza Day is celebrated on June 23 every year.
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