Michigan's Best Pizza Joints: A Slice of Heaven

Mitten Brewing Company, Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids' Mitten Brewing Company is known for its great beer, but it's also got an edge in pizza that's hard to beat. Those familiar with breweries likely already know about a flight of beers, a small tray of beers in shot glasses, allowing drinkers to try several different tastes at once, but Mitten Brewing Company actually offers a pizza flight, where users can try six different pizzas at once. One such option is the heart-stopping Westerdog, which features hot dog slices, bean chili, pickles and onions.

Loui's Pizza, Hazel Park, MI

Detroit-style pizza is an unusual refinement of Chicago style, a kind of deep-dish pizza served square and cut in squares with a particular layering of toppings. One of the best places to find such pizza is Loui's in Hazel Park, which beat long-time favorite Buddy's in recent polling. So for a shot of the new royalty in Detroit style, give Loui's a shot.

Maria's Taste of Italy, South Haven, MI

It's not a surprise that South Haven has plenty of pizza options. When you're right on the lake like that, you kind of have to accommodate all those beach goers. The best—and winner of a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor—has to be Maria's Taste of Italy. Ranked best in pizza and third out of 50 possible restaurant choices in South Haven overall on TripAdvisor, Maria's boasts a complete range of Italian foods from manicotti to lasagna and, of course, pizza. Throw in some drink specials—recently the place got in Crane's Hard Cider on tap—and the reasons to check out Maria's climb.

Cavoni's Restaurant, Three Rivers, MI

A long-time favorite, and personal favorite, Cavoni's in Three Rivers—formerly of Centerville before a recent move—is owned by a family that's long been associated with pizza in Michigan, the Mancinos. Offering pizza, calzones, pasta and a variety of other dishes, this small pizza place is a resounding winner with locals, offering business and factory delivery of its many tasty entrees.

Water Tower Sports Pub, Lexington, MI

Out in Lexington, pizza buffs can try a staggering range at the Water Tower Sports Pub. The standards are in attendance, but one pie worth pointing out is the “Three Little Pigs,” noted for its abundance of pork subtypes—bacon, ham, and a house-made smoked pork—as well as mildly sweet sauce possibly meant to evoke barbecue taste. That's a great start, and throwing in several Michigan craft beers—get a growler to go if you prefer—and the result is clear.

Cugino's, Grand Ledge, MI

In Michigan, pizza tends to run closer to the Chicago style than the New York, and those who want a deep dish that will bend the server head to Cugino's in Grand Ledge. Featuring an additional 10 varieties of pizza beyond that, as well as the ability to make your own pizza and a slate of other foods besides like calzones, Cugino's offers a slate of pizza selections on par with the best.

Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen, Grand Rapids, MI

Head back to Grand Rapids for another slice of noteworthy pizza at Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen. This particular stop will, naturally, do all the standards and quite well, but there's one there that's a special family recipe. Called the “Sfinciuni,” this boasts a half-sheet-pan of dough with Parmigiano-Reggiano chunks throughout and rounded off with a thick sauce that trends toward the sweet, making it a comparative rarity in the field worth trying.

Congress Pizzas, Ishpeming, MI

The Upper Peninsula loves its pizza as well. Ask local musicians Da Yoopers, who once immortalized Yooper pizza with their song “Pizza in my Shorts.” One of the great examples of Yooper pizza comes from Ishpeming's Congress Pizzas, where one of the strangest ingredients can be had: Cudighi sausage. Those unfamiliar with Cudighi sausage—heavily spiced and often featuring clove and cinnamon—should note it was originally Italian, but after its migration to the Upper Peninsula, is now one of the only places on Earth to get it.

D'Angelo's, Bay City, MI

D’Angelo’s features some absolutely thrilling pizza possibilities. Ever wonder what a pizza featuring wonton crisps would taste like? Try it here. The clear winner is the so-called “Voodoo” pizza featuring chicken, red peppers, spinach, mushrooms, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Michigan is a great place for pizza lovers, with various unique and delicious pizza options.
• Grand Rapids' Mitten Brewing Company offers a pizza flight, allowing customers to try six different pizzas at once.
• Detroit-style pizza can be found at Loui's in Hazel Park, known for its square shape and unique layering of toppings.
• South Haven's Maria's Taste of Italy is a top choice for pizza. It also offers a range of Italian dishes and drink specials.
• Cavoni's in Three Rivers, owned by the Mancinos family, is a long-time favorite for pizza and other Italian dishes.
• Water Tower Sports Pub in Lexington offers a variety of pizza options, including the popular “Three Little Pigs” pie.
• Cugino's in Grand Ledge is known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and other menu options like calzones.
• Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen in Grand Rapids offers a special family recipe pizza called the “Sfinciuni” with unique ingredients.
• Congress Pizzas in Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula is known for its Yooper pizza featuring Cudighi sausage.
• D'Angelo's in Bay City offers creative pizza options like the “Voodoo” pizza with chicken, red peppers, spinach, and more.