Buddy''s makes Food & Wine''s list of 10 most destination-worthy pizza joints in US

Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, July 20th 2025 at 22:27 GMT by Detroit News
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Buddy''s says it originated the square pizza in 1946.

Detroit's Buddy's Pizza Earns Spot on Food & Wine's Elite List of America's Most Destination-Worthy Pizza Joints

Detroit, Michigan – In a culinary accolade that underscores the Motor City's enduring legacy in the world of pizza, Buddy's Pizza has been named one of the 10 most destination-worthy pizza joints in the United States by Food & Wine magazine. This prestigious recognition highlights establishments that are not just purveyors of exceptional pies but true pilgrimage sites for food enthusiasts willing to travel far and wide for a slice of perfection. Buddy's, a Detroit institution since 1946, stands out for its iconic Detroit-style pizza, characterized by its square shape, crispy edges, and innovative toppings that have influenced pizza culture nationwide.

The Food & Wine list, released as part of their annual exploration of America's best eats, celebrates pizza spots that transcend local fame to become national treasures. According to the magazine, these are places where the pizza is so extraordinary that it's worth booking a flight, renting a car, or embarking on a road trip just to experience it. Buddy's inclusion is a testament to its historical significance and unwavering quality, placing it alongside legendary names from coast to coast. The list emphasizes not only the food but also the atmosphere, history, and cultural impact of each venue, making it a guide for travelers seeking authentic, memorable dining experiences.

At the heart of Buddy's appeal is its signature Detroit-style pizza, a style that originated at the chain's first location on Conant Street in Detroit. Founded by Gus Guerra, who began experimenting with Sicilian-inspired recipes in the post-World War II era, Buddy's pioneered a method that involves baking pizza in blue steel pans originally used in auto factories – a nod to Detroit's industrial heritage. The result is a thick, chewy crust with caramelized cheese edges, known as "frico," that crisps up beautifully against the pan. Toppings are layered in reverse order: cheese first, then sauce on top, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Classics like the Detroiter – featuring pepperoni, brick cheese, and Buddy's special sauce – have become synonymous with the brand.

Food & Wine praises Buddy's for its role in popularizing Detroit-style pizza beyond Michigan's borders. Once a regional secret, this style has exploded in popularity, with pizzerias across the country adopting similar techniques. The magazine notes that Buddy's remains the gold standard, drawing visitors from all over who want to taste the original. "Buddy's isn't just a pizza place; it's a piece of American culinary history," the article states, emphasizing how the restaurant has evolved while staying true to its roots. With multiple locations now scattered throughout metro Detroit, including the original spot that's been preserved as a historic site, Buddy's offers a blend of nostalgia and modern appeal.

The list itself is a diverse roundup of pizza excellence, showcasing the variety of styles that make American pizza a global phenomenon. Joining Buddy's are iconic establishments like Pepe's in New Haven, Connecticut, renowned for its coal-fired, thin-crust clam pies that have been a staple since 1925. Then there's Di Fara in Brooklyn, New York, where owner Domenico DeMarco's meticulous, hands-on approach to Neapolitan-style pizza has created a cult following, despite long lines and a no-frills setting. From Chicago, the deep-dish mastery of Lou Malnati's represents the Windy City's contribution, with its buttery crust and generous layers of sausage and cheese.

On the West Coast, Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, Arizona, earns praise for Chris Bianco's artisanal pies made with locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired ovens that impart a smoky char. San Francisco's Tony's Pizza Napoletana brings a world-championship pedigree, offering multiple styles from Neapolitan to Detroit-inspired, all under one roof. In the South, Razza in Jersey City (often considered part of the New York scene) impresses with its focus on fermentation and seasonal toppings, while Prince Street Pizza in Manhattan's Nolita neighborhood is lauded for its square Sicilian slices with spicy pepperoni cups that curl up during baking.

Further afield, the list includes Apizza Scholls in Portland, Oregon, where the emphasis on high-quality dough and restrained toppings creates pies that are both simple and sublime. Sally's Apizza, another New Haven gem, competes with Pepe's for the title of best clam pizza, its thin, charred crust a hallmark of the region's apizza tradition. Rounding out the top 10 is Ken's Artisan Pizza in Portland, known for its wood-fired, blisteringly hot ovens that produce leopard-spotted crusts topped with inventive combinations like fennel sausage and honey.

What makes these spots "destination-worthy," according to Food & Wine, is their ability to offer more than just a meal – they provide a story, a sense of place, and an unforgettable experience. For Buddy's, that means immersing oneself in Detroit's resilient spirit. Visitors often pair their pizza pilgrimage with explorations of the city's automotive history, like touring the Henry Ford Museum or catching a game at Comerica Park. The magazine suggests timing a visit during Detroit's vibrant summer festivals, when the city comes alive with music and culture, enhancing the overall trip.

Buddy's journey to national acclaim hasn't been without challenges. In the 1970s, the original location faced urban decline, but the Guerra family sold it to new owners who expanded the brand while preserving its essence. Today, under the stewardship of the Buddy's Pizza chain, which operates over a dozen locations, the restaurant continues to innovate. Recent menu additions include gluten-free options and creative salads, but the core remains the classic squares that put Detroit on the pizza map.

Local reactions to the Food & Wine nod have been overwhelmingly positive. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan tweeted his congratulations, calling Buddy's "a true ambassador for our city's food scene." Food bloggers and influencers have flooded social media with photos of their Buddy's hauls, further amplifying the buzz. For out-of-towners, the magazine recommends starting at the original Conant Street location for the full historical vibe, where black-and-white photos line the walls and the aroma of baking dough fills the air.

This recognition comes at a time when pizza tourism is on the rise, with travelers increasingly seeking out regional specialties. Food & Wine's list serves as a roadmap for such adventures, encouraging people to step beyond chain restaurants and discover the artistry behind America's favorite comfort food. For Buddy's, it's not just about the pizza – it's about community. The restaurant has long supported local charities, including food banks and youth programs, embedding itself in the fabric of Detroit life.

As pizza continues to evolve, with trends like plant-based toppings and fusion flavors gaining traction, establishments like Buddy's remind us of the power of tradition. Food & Wine's editors note that while innovation is exciting, the timeless appeal of a well-made pie in a welcoming setting is what truly draws people in. Buddy's exemplifies this, blending Midwestern hospitality with culinary excellence.

In an era where food delivery apps dominate, these destination spots encourage a return to in-person dining, where the experience is as important as the taste. For anyone planning a food-focused getaway, Buddy's and its fellow list-makers offer compelling reasons to hit the road. Whether you're a pizza purist or a casual fan, the journey to these hallowed halls of dough and cheese promises satisfaction on every level.

This honor solidifies Detroit's place in the pantheon of American pizza cities, alongside New York, Chicago, and New Haven. As Food & Wine puts it, "In a country obsessed with pizza, these 10 spots are the ones worth crossing state lines for." For Buddy's, it's a well-deserved spotlight on a legacy that's been simmering for nearly eight decades, inviting a new generation of travelers to discover why Detroit-style is more than a trend – it's a triumph.

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Read the Full Detroit News Article at:
[ https://www.detroitnews.com/story/travel/2025/07/07/buddys-makes-food-wines-list-of-10-most-destination-worthy-pizza-joints-in-us/84490075007/ ]

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