One Michigan Pizza Joint Makes America’s Top 10
When I came across a new ranking of the 10 best pizzas in America, I thought, “C’mon, Michigan is home to Detroit-style pizza, we better have at least one joint on the list.” I was not disappointed! Even better, it’s a spot that is new to me, and I’m thrilled to have discovered it.
Renowned travel website Fodor’s Travel is behind the list, highlighting pizzas so good, you might just plan a trip around them.
Coming in at No. 9 on their list is Michigan’s Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant in the metro-Detroit area. The restaurant bills itself as the home of "The Original Motor City Square." Fodor’s raves about the pizzeria, noting that it is part of the expanding legacy of Detroit-style pizza, thick, square pies with crispy edges and a cheese-first, sauce-second approach that has captured hearts well beyond Michigan.
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You can either build your own pie with self-selected toppings or choose from eight signature pizzas, like the Supreme with cheese, pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. There are specialty options too like BLT and Cheeseburger Pizza.
In checking out pictures on Facebook, Cloverleaf really does give off old-school Italian restaurant vibes, with wood paneling, red and white checkered tablecloths, and a cozy, classic atmosphere.
READ MORE: One of Northern Michigan's Oldest Bars Set to Close After 134 Years
In addition to pizza, you'll find wings, salad, soup, bread, plus specials like pasta and fried fish.
Cloverleaf was opened in 1953 by Gus Guerra, the same pizzamaker who helped make Detroit-style pizza famous. If the name sounds familiar, that's because Guerra got his start with Buddy’s Rendezvous, a speakeasy at Six Mile and Conant in Detroit.
READ MORE: Buddy's Pizza Closes Last West Michigan Location
In 1946, using forged steel pans from nearby auto plants, he baked a thick, square pizza that would eventually become iconic. The chain evolved into Buddy's Pizza. After selling Buddy’s, Guerra continued his legacy of Detroit-style excellence with Cloverleaf, which now has seven restaurants on the east side of the state:
- Chesterfield
- Eastpointe
- Grosse Pointe
- Macomb
- Roseville
- St. Clair Shores
- Sterling Heights
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Gallery Credit: Janna
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