The ICONIC Detroit Pizza That Food Network Calls One of America’s Best in Detroit, Michigan

Name

Buddy's Pizza

Address

17125 Conant St, Detroit, MI 48212

Hours

Open Sun-Thu 11 AM–8 PM | Fri-Sat 11 AM–9 PM

Since 1946, this iconic Detroit pizzeria has been serving up what many consider the gold standard of Detroit-style pizza.

Born in a former speakeasy, the restaurant revolutionized pizza by baking its signature square pies in blue steel automotive pans.

This created the crispy, caramelized cheese edges that became a Motor City trademark.

The Food Network has recognized this spot as one of the five best pizzerias in the United States.

How Buddy’s Pizza won locals’ hearts

Back in 1946, Gus Guerra and employee Connie Piccinato were experimenting with a radical idea at their little joint called Buddy’s Rendezvous on Six Mile and Conant.

They grabbed steel automotive pans from Detroit’s booming car industry and started baking thick, square pizzas that were unlike anything else in America.

The result was revolutionary: a style with a light, airy, focaccia-like crust and those legendary burnt-to-perfection cheese edges that made corner pieces the most coveted at any table.

What started as a risky experiment became Detroit’s signature contribution to American pizza culture.

When Guerra sold the original location in 1953, new owner William “Billy” Jacobs purchased Buddy’s around 1972 because his wife Shirlee loved the pizza so much.

That passion for quality has remained the driving force through the decades.

The original recipe has been tweaked only slightly over time, with improvements like higher-quality Wisconsin brick cheese and expanded topping selections.

But the fundamental character remains unchanged.

Locals didn’t just fall for the pizza.

They fell for the consistency, the tradition, and the authenticity of a place that stayed true to its roots while Detroit changed around it.

Today, with 20 locations across Michigan and annual revenues hitting $30 million, this hometown hero still draws crowds to the original Conant Street location where it all began.

The proof is in every perfectly crisp corner piece.

Food Highlights

The Detroiter: The signature pizza that started it all. Topped with Wisconsin brick cheese, pepperoni, tomato basil sauce, shaved Parmesan, and Buddy’s Sicilian spice blend. A must-order for first-timers who want a true taste of history.
Sicilian: A flavor-packed favorite loaded with Wisconsin brick cheese, pepperoni, green peppers, black olives, salami, diced tomatoes, tomato basil sauce, and Sicilian spice blend. Perfect if you want everything on one pizza.
Antipasto Salad: A local favorite as iconic as the pizza. Made with romaine and iceberg lettuce, imported ham, salami, Wisconsin brick cheese, and fresh tomatoes, all tossed in their famous homemade vinaigrette. A true insider pick.
Meat Deluxe: Built for meat lovers. Loaded with Wisconsin brick cheese, pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, bacon, and seasoned ground beef. Hearty, filling, and packed with flavor.
Cheese Bread: Made on Buddy’s original Detroit-style crust and topped with Wisconsin brick, fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Served with their original ranch. A perfect starter that highlights their famous crust.
Buddy Bread: Oven-baked garlic sticks served with marinara sauce. Soft, flavorful, and highly addictive. Ordering extra is a smart move.
Pepperoni: A classic done right. Wisconsin brick cheese, pepperoni, and tomato basil sauce come together to highlight simple, high-quality ingredients.

Atmosphere

The original Conant Street location maintains that classic neighborhood pizzeria vibe that’s been welcoming Detroiters since the Truman administration 🇺🇸.

It’s the kind of place where families gather, friends celebrate, and first-timers become regulars after just one visit.

Expect a bustling, energetic atmosphere, especially on weekends, with the aroma of caramelizing cheese and tomato sauce filling the air and making your mouth water before you even sit down.