Detroit gave the world the square pizza, but some of the best pans in Michigan are baked just past the city line. Think thick, airy dough, cheese pushed all the way to the edges, and those crispy, caramelized corners everyone fights over.
This list covers seven pizzerias in places like Hazel Park, Eastpointe, Grand Rapids, and Jackson that take the Detroit square seriously. Some are old-school rooms with decades of history, while others put fresh, creative spins on the classic.
Each one earns its spot for a different reason, whether that is a pioneering founder, a gluten-free crust, or a drive-thru window. If you have ever argued about where to find the best square in Michigan, this list might settle it or start a brand new debate.
Save it for your next pizza night, road trip, or family dinner, and maybe send it to the friend who always picks the toppings.
1. Loui’s Pizza, Hazel Park, MI
Look up before you look at the menu. Hundreds of signed Chianti bottles hang from the ceiling at Loui’s, and they have become as much a part of the place as the pizza itself.
The Dequindre Road spot is a time-tested Hazel Park favorite known for its deep-dish squares. Expect a crispy crust, a thick layer of cheese, and pepperoni squares that keep regulars coming back.
The cheesy bread and garlic cheese bread make easy starters. Antipasto salad and Greek salad round out the table, and ravioli is on the menu for anyone not in a pizza mood.
Plan around the schedule. Loui’s is closed Monday and Tuesday, and Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy.
Reservations are not accepted, and parking can be tight, so an off-peak lunch on Wednesday or Thursday is a smart move. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu available.
2. Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant, Eastpointe, MI
Few pizza menus come with this much family history. Cloverleaf is tied to Gus Guerra, one of the pioneers of the Detroit square, and the Eastpointe restaurant is known for helping put the style on the map.
The room leans classic, with checkered tablecloths and a roughly 50-seat bar. A fireplace adds to the old-school charm.
The squares are thick with crispy edges, the kind of pie that started it all. Battered mushrooms are a popular starter and come out in generous portions.
Beyond pizza, the menu goes full Italian. Look for award-winning meatballs, fried ravioli, chicken piccata, chicken marsala, and spaghetti, plus bread pudding for dessert.
A gluten-free pizza is also available. Cloverleaf is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 PM, takes reservations, and usually has plenty of parking.
3. Detroit Style Pizza Co. Pizzeria, St Clair Shores, MI
When the style is right there in the name, expectations run high. This St Clair Shores pizzeria meets them with pies baked in square pans until the cheese turns bubbly and brown.
The crust is butter-infused with crispy edges. Even a plain cheese square stands out here, which says a lot about the dough.
Topping fans can go for the Chicken Bacon Ranch large square or a Margherita-style pie with sweet sauce, onions, and tomatoes. A gluten-free cheese Detroit-style pizza is on the menu too.
The setup is unfussy, with no table service and no public restroom, so it works best for takeout or delivery. Prices are among the friendliest on this list.
Hours start at 2 PM Tuesday through Friday and noon on weekends. The shop is closed on Mondays.
4. Quarantino’s, Grand Rapids, MI
More than 150 miles west of Detroit, Grand Rapids has its own square specialist. Quarantino’s on Lake Drive SE is a Detroit-style pizza restaurant with crispy crusts and artisanal breadsticks.
Creativity is part of the appeal. Specialty pies like the MC5 share the menu with meatball parm, chicken wings, Korean corn sticks, and beer cheese with soft pretzels.
Diners with dietary needs get real options here. The gluten-free crust is a standout, and a full vegan menu includes vegan cheese.
Save room for Bumpy Cake, a Michigan-style chocolate treat. Quarantino’s is open daily from noon to 9 PM, and weekday afternoons are the calmest time to visit.
Street parking near the Eastown area can be tricky. Curbside pickup is a handy backup plan.
5. Klavon’s Pizzeria & Pub, Jackson, MI
How many pizzerias have a drive-thru window? Klavon’s in Jackson does, and that alone makes it a road trip favorite.
Inside, the vibe is sporty, with lots of TVs, a bar, and a fireplace. Custom ovens bake the pies.
The Detroiter and the Detroit Little Nero bring the square style to south-central Michigan. Some fans travel hours for the Detroiter paired with spinach artichoke dip.
The menu stretches well past squares. Signature stuffed pizza, pepperoni pinwheels, calamari, cheesy breadsticks, a chopped Greek salad, and a daily soup all make appearances.
Klavon’s opens at 11 AM every day. Outdoor seating is available, but a wait is common on Friday evenings and Saturdays, and there is no delivery.
6. Shield’s Restaurant Bar Pizzeria, Southfield, MI
Shield’s traces its roots to 1937, which gives it serious standing in any square pizza conversation. The Southfield location on Telegraph Road carries on that legacy.
Deep-dish squares are the headliner, including the Shield’s special square. The kitchen also goes bold with a BBQ chicken pizza and a shrimp, crawfish, and sausage pie.
The menu goes big beyond pizza. Chicken parmesan, Italian ciabatta, taco salad, nachos, and cheesy bread are all on offer.
Evenings can turn lively with karaoke nights. Monday and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest stretches.
Reservations are accepted, and parking is usually easy. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, and Saturday hours run until 11 PM.
7. Green Lantern Pizza, Madison Heights, MI
Late-night square cravings have a home in Madison Heights. Green Lantern stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and until 11 PM the rest of the week.
The crust is crispy and buttery. Specialty pies like the BLT pizza and the everything pizza sit alongside the classics.
Lantern Bread is the house starter, and cheese bread sticks are another easy pick. Candy coated bacon strips are an unusual extra, and pickles or peppers can be added on the side.
The John R Road dining room is small but comfortable. It suits small groups and solo diners alike.
Subs, salads, and wings fill out the menu. Reservations are not taken and there is no delivery, but on-site parking is usually easy.
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