It’s tough to find someone who doesn’t enjoy pizza. After all, nothing compares to the experience of digging into a perfectly prepared crust topped with delightfully gooey cheese, tasty sauce, and plenty of mouthwatering toppings. Whether you prefer thin crust, Detroit-style, deep dish, or something in between, the Great Lakes State has plenty of pizza options to offer. When you’re ready to experience some of the area’s best, follow our unforgettable (and delectable) pizza pilgrimage through the Great Lakes State, which highlights eight of the best pizzerias in Michigan.
If you’d like to modify your adventure, check out this adjustable map of our road trip route.
Let’s kick off our pizza road trip with an absolute classic: Buddy’s Pizza, the originator of Detroit-style pizza. If you’re not familiar with Detroit-style pies, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy digging into one of these unique square creations. After all, there’s something awesome about a pizza with perfectly crispy corners, and Buddy’s has done it right since 1946. For the ultimate experience, we recommend checking out the chain’s original location at Six Mile and Conant Street in the Motor City.
For those who love thin crust pizza, Luigi's is a must-visit. This Flint fixture has fed hungry locals and visitors alike since the mid-1950s, so it’s certainly proven its status as a top pizzeria in Michigan. Luigi’s provides brick oven-baked pies that are served among welcoming and laid-back surroundings. Favorites on the menu here include the veggie pizza, an all-meat option, and a fully loaded pizza known as the "4 Star Deluxe." Yum!
You might not be familiar with the tiny town of Kingston, but trust us when we say it’s home to some of the most wonderful pizza in Michigan. In fact, the village itself houses under 500 full-time residents, but that doesn’t stop pizza fanatics from dropping in for a bite at Beagio’s Pizza. This hometown gem offers everything from build-your-own pizzas to stromboli to specialties like a BBQ pizza. You’ll be counting down until your next visit as soon as you step outside.
Alumni and current students at Alma College are undoubtedly familiar with Pizza Sam's, but we think it’s worth a visit by all pizza-obsessed Michiganders. This long-standing spot offers perfectly prepared pizza and other eats in a decidedly no-frills environment – which makes it perfect for a quick bite, a family dinner, a casual date night, or a post-party visit. While it’s hard to go wrong, we recommend the BLT pizza when you’re craving something uniquely tasty. With roots dating back to the 1960s, Sam’s is a true classic.
Next, hit the road and make your way to Grand Rapids, which has no shortage of awesome pizzerias and other restaurants. While it would be impossible to select just one "best" pizza spot in the city, Mitten Brewing certainly sits close to the top of the list. You might think it’s notable primarily for its brews and bar food, but the gourmet pizzas are absolutely to die for – with flavor options from classic margherita to mac ‘n cheese and everything in between, you’re sure to find a new favorite when you dine here.
Head to downtown Holland for a slice or two from Skiles, a stalwart joint that’s primarily lauded for its thin-crust pizza and classic brews. Conveniently situated on a corner within walking distance of many downtown attractions, it’s the perfect place to grab a meal and a drink before strolling through the shopping district that makes this lakeside city so special. You’ll feel like part of the community as soon as you set foot inside.
While Blaze Pizza is a chain, we still think it deserves a spot on our Michigan pizza pilgrimage list – after all, this inventive destination frequently impresses diners of all ages. We recommend visiting the Kalamazoo location for the purposes of this road trip, though there are locales in Lansing, Royal Oak, Auburn Hills, Ann Arbor, and beyond. With build-your-own options suitable for a variety of dietary limitations and an impressive array of fresh topping options, Blaze makes it impossible to leave hungry.
Wrap up your Michigan pizza pilgrimage with a visit to Silver Beach Pizza, a beloved destination in the beachfront town of St. Joseph. Located within a converted Amtrak station, Silver Beach Pizza serves specialty pizzas ranging from the Garlic Greek to the Hawaiian and everything in between. Whether you’re enjoying a pie topped with chorizo, BBQ chicken, or arugula galore, there’s so much to love here. On a warm summer day, round out your meal with a bit of relaxation along Lake Michigan. Does it get much better?
Have you been lucky enough to visit any of the spots featured on our pizza pilgrimage through Michigan? Do you have a favorite pizza flavor from among the options described? We love to hear from you, so share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment. Or, if you’d like to recommend another top-notch pizzeria in Michigan, fill out our official nomination form.
Is all this talk of food making you hungry? If so, be sure to read about this awesome BBQ restaurant in Michigan.
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