Before Detroit-style pizza conquered the menus of restaurants across America, it was born in a single steel pan on Detroit’s east side — and the place that started it all is still serving slices today. Buddy’s Pizza opened in 1936 as a speakeasy on Conant Street in Detroit, and it wasn’t until 1946 that it created the Detroit-style pizza that made it a true success. What followed was nothing short of a culinary revolution that put Michigan on the pizza map for good.
Buddy’s is not only responsible for creating the iconic pizza style, but also for spreading its popularity and inspiring innovation to pizza chains across the country, who are now creating their own interpretation of Detroit-Style Pizza. With 19 locations throughout metro Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, Buddy’s has grown far beyond that corner of Six Mile and Conant — but the spirit of the original never left.
What Makes the Pizza So Special?
The Detroit-style pizza process flips traditional pizza on its head by beginning with double-proofed dough perfectly fit to a square pan — a process that allows the dough to rise and be stretched twice — followed by the backwards layering of toppings. That means the cheese and toppings go down first, with the sauce striped across the top last. Those three stripes of tomato sauce resemble racing stripes that pay homage to the pizza’s automotive roots. It’s a clever wink to Detroit’s identity baked right into every pie.
Baked in forged-steel pans borrowed from local automotive plants, the original recipe produced a very light and crispy crust which is now known as Detroit-Style Pizza. Some 50- to 75-year-old pans are still in use today. Buddy’s still uses the same traditional methods as well as its original pans, seasoned to maintain consistent taste, wiped clean to retain the rich flavors — and every bite is a taste of Motor City history.
Detroit-Style Pizza is recognizable by its iconic square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices. Influenced by square Sicilian-style pizza, it consistently impresses pizza lovers due to its unique layering structure and stunning presentation. First-timers are often caught off guard by how light the crust feels despite the thick, golden base — it’s airy on the inside and deeply satisfying on the outside.
Standout Menu Highlights
The Detroit Public TV pizza is a top seller, featuring original pepperoni under the brand’s Motor City cheese blend with Old-World pepperoni on top. The result is a double layer of pepperoni that delivers bold, savory flavor in every bite. The Detroiter features Wisconsin brick cheese, pepperoni, tomato basil sauce, shaved parmesan cheese, and Buddy’s Sicilian spice blend — a rich, layered combination that has earned it devoted regulars across every Buddy’s location.
The Margherita, with Wisconsin brick cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic, oregano, fresh basil, Asiago cheese, and tomato basil sauce, is popular as a vegetarian option. It’s a lighter, herb-forward choice that still delivers the signature caramelized crust experience. Beyond pizza, Buddy’s serves sandwiches, soups, pastas, salads, Sanders Hot Fudge Sundaes, and chicken tenders — so even the pickiest eaters in your group will find something to love.
The antipasto salad deserves special mention. It’s a consistently beloved side that regulars treat as practically mandatory alongside a square pie. Buddy Bread is also a fan favorite, and the antipasto salad has a loyal following all its own. For those with dietary considerations, Buddy’s gluten-free pizza earns high praise, with many calling it one of the best gluten-free crusts around.
Atmosphere & Décor
Dining at Buddy’s is more than just a meal — it’s an experience rooted in Detroit tradition. From the first bite of their legendary 8-square Detroit-Style pizza to the welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, every visit feels like home. Whether you’re sharing a meal with family, catching up with friends, or soaking in the local history on the walls, Buddy’s brings people together over great food and even better company.
Awards from local and national publications line the walls of each restaurant, and more are added every year as Buddy’s continues its culinary legacy. The original Conant Street location, in particular, carries the kind of lived-in warmth that only decades of community love can build. The original location features a cool mural outside and a great ambiance inside that makes it feel like a genuine pilgrimage spot for pizza lovers.
The space is pretty spacious with large booth seating — a perfect place to come with friends and family. Buddy’s has a friendly, neighborhood pizzeria vibe with a casual dining atmosphere and historic roots in Detroit. Guests return for the pizza, which suggests a comfortable, familiar environment rather than formal fine dining. Expect lively, relaxed surroundings typical of a popular local pizzeria.
Other Considerations
Is Buddy’s good for families? Absolutely. Buddy’s Pizza is a family restaurant with a children’s menu available. The spacious booth seating makes it easy to settle in with kids, and the casual, welcoming atmosphere means there’s no dress code or pressure — just good food and good company.
How are the prices? Buddy’s lands squarely in the affordable-to-moderate range for a sit-down pizza experience, especially given the portion sizes. The 4-square and 8-square pizzas are meant to be shared, and many diners find the value surprisingly strong. Their individual-size salads are notably generous — large enough to serve two people. Expect to spend around $15–$25 per person with a pizza and a side.
When is the best time to visit? For a quieter visit, aim for early weekday evenings or a Sunday afternoon. Because the restaurant stays open later on Fridays and Saturdays, those nights tend to be busier and livelier. If you prefer less noise and faster seating, an early dinner Monday through Thursday is your best bet.
Can I order delivery or takeout? Yes — Buddy’s offers delivery, takeout, outdoor patio dining, a full bar, happy hour, gluten-free options, and wheelchair access across its locations. It’s worth checking ahead for your specific location’s hours and available services.
Is Buddy’s worth the hype for out-of-towners? Most first-time visitors come away genuinely impressed, especially those making the trip specifically to try the original Detroit style. As one diner put it, you simply must try Detroit-style pizza from Buddy’s when you are in Michigan — placing it in the same category as iconic regional foods from other American cities. It’s worth noting that a small number of visitors find the experience doesn’t quite match the buildup, so going in with an open, curious palate rather than sky-high expectations is the best approach. Buddy’s is also the official pizza of University of Michigan athletics, served at the university’s stadiums — a seal of approval that’s hard to argue with.
Buddy’s Pizza (Original Location)
📍 17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212
Website: https://www.buddyspizza.com
