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Best Pizza in Traverse City (Updated Fall 2023)

Edward Brock

02/08/2024

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I’ve explored twelve pizza places all around the area and now I’m ready to report: these are my picks for the best pizza in Traverse City.

I take my pizza tasting adventures seriously, but with a lighthearted and humorous attitude. After all, eating great pizza should be a fun experience! So pull up a slice and join me for a tour through some of TC’s top pizzerias.

If you don’t find the best pizza here, check out the best pizza in the whole state of Michigan

#1 Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza

On my first visit, I was taken aback by the atmosphere of this pizzeria. The walls are covered in old-timey movie posters that give it an inviting and cozy atmosphere.

The menu is filled with delicious Detroit-style pizza options, as well as a variety of other pizzas. Everything I tried was delicious! They also serve beer and wine, which makes it a great spot for tourists looking for something different.

The only downside to Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza is that they don’t offer delivery options. But that’s okay – the restaurant itself is great place to hang out and enjoy some of the best pizza in Traverse City!

If you’re willing to go an extra 53 miles, you can get to 10 more pizza places in Petoskey!

#2 Cicero’s Pizza

The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy – somehow you feel like you’re in a real Italian pizzeria. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and they even let me take a look at the wood-fired oven where they bake all their pizzas.

The pizza itself was divine – the crust was light and fluffy yet crisp around the edges, just how I like it. The toppings were plentiful and of high-quality: juicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, savory sausage, and plenty of cheese! Plus, all their pies are cooked to perfection – no soggy dough here!

I noticed that Cicero’s also has a variety of other dishes on their menu, but let’s face it – I’m here for the pizza! In my opinion, this is some of the best pizza you’ll find in Traverse City. Highly recommended!

#3 The Filling Station Microbrewery

The atmosphere at The Filling Station Microbrewery is definitely a big draw. I found the atmosphere to be quite inviting and cozy and it felt like a great place for families, couples, or even just friends to come together. Plus, with their selection of craft beer, this restaurant is also an excellent spot for tourists!

I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had some great vegetarian options on the menu. And while they don’t offer delivery service, you’re more than welcome to take your pizza and beer home with you! What’s not to love?

Speaking of beer, let’s talk about the pizza! Thanks to their wood-fired ovens and fresh ingredients, they make some of the tastiest pizzas around. It’s definitely worth the trip here if you’re in town looking for a delicious slice (or two). Plus, if you’re bringing along kids, they have a kid-friendly menu as well as some dessert options once dinner is done.

If there’s something that Traverse City does exceptionally well (besides cherries), it’s without a doubt The Filling Station Microbrewery pizza!

#4 The Tasting Room

I’m a huge fan of the atmosphere here – it’s like a home away from home. There are plenty of TVs with sports on all day long, and they even serve hard liquor, too. As an added bonus, it’s an amazing tourist spot – you get to see some beautiful sights while enjoying pizza!

The menu also offers something for everyone– there are plenty of vegetarian options and even dessert! Unfortunately, no delivery is available but it’s well worth the trip as you can taste some truly incredible pizza.

All in all, I would highly recommend The Tasting Room if you’re searching for the best pizza in Traverse City! The ambiance is spot on and the food is always top-notch. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!

#5 Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls & Chicago Style Pizza

As a tourist, I really appreciate restaurants that can give me the experience of being truly immersed in the culture, and this place certainly does. The decor is full of Midwestern charm and there’s even a little gift shop in the back where you can pick up souvenirs for friends and family!

In terms of pizza, their Chicago-style is definitely worth trying. It has a traditional crispy crust with a nice mix of cheese, sauce, and toppings that combine to create an unforgettable flavor. Their pepperoni rolls are just as delicious – it’s like having a mini pizza experience wrapped up in one bite!

The only downside is that there’s no delivery option. So if you want to try the pizza from Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls & Chicago Style Pizza, you’ll have to visit the restaurant itself. But it’s well worth it – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

#6 That’sa Pizza: Long Lake

When I first stepped into the restaurant, I was instantly hit with a wave of delicious smells that made my mouth water. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy meal with friends.

The pizza itself was outstanding! Their crust had just the right amount of crispness and chewy texture, while their sauce had an unexpected kick to it. Toppings were fresh and generous – there were definitely plenty to go around.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best pizza in Traverse City then look no further than That’sa Pizza: Long Lake! They will not disappoint – trust me on this one.

#7 West Side Beverage

On my most recent visit, I can confidently say that I found the perfect combination of crust, cheese, and toppings. The crust was thin, crispy and flavorful – just like a true Italian pizza should be. The cheese was so gooey and delicious – it’s like they added some sort of secret ingredient! And the toppings… oh man. They were perfectly balanced and cooked to perfection.

But what really sets West Side Beverage apart from other pizzerias is their unique perk: they serve alcohol! So if you’re looking for a good time in Traverse City, this is definitely the place to be. Plus, the prices are very reasonable for such high-quality pizza.

The only downside I’ve heard about West Side Beverage is that they don’t deliver their pizzas. To me, however, that’s a small price to pay for some of the best pizza in Traverse City!

If you’re willing to go an extra 80 miles, you can get to 15 more pizza places in Fish Creek!

#8 Paesano’s Pizza

From the outside, Paesano’s Pizza looks like one of those classic neighborhood pizzerias. But on the inside, it has a unique and cozy atmosphere that makes it stand out in ways I’ve never seen before.

The pizza at Paesano’s is the real deal. The crust is perfectly golden brown, with a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. The sauce is rich and savory, with just the right amount of sweetness to balance it out. And as for toppings? They offer plenty of options to choose from – pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms – you name it!

In addition to their classic pizzas, Paesano’s also offers some innovative specialty pies (like their taco pizza or mac-n-cheese pizza). You can even build your own custom creation!

The best part about Paesano’s is their excellent customer service. From start to finish, my experience was outstanding – from the friendly staff to speedy delivery times (which is rare for a pizza place!). And let’s not forget about their prices; they’re extremely affordable with special deals and discounts thrown in every now and then.

So if you’re ever in Traverse City looking for the best pizza around, look no further than Paesano’s Pizza! Trust me, after traveling the world in search of great pizza; this gem is definitely worth trying out!

#9 Dino’s Pizza

Upon entering this small but cozy pizza parlor, I was immediately taken by the friendly and inviting atmosphere. The staff were all smiles, and it felt like I had been welcomed into the family.

I ordered the classic cheese pizza and was not disappointed! The crust was thin and slightly crunchy, but fluffy enough to hold up against its toppings. The cheese had a perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness, with notes of herbs and spices that hinted at their homemade marinara sauce.

To top it off, the oven-baked pieces were cooked to perfection with bubbly cheesy edges that had me raving about my meal all night long!

If you’re ever in Traverse City looking for great pizza, Dino’s Pizza should be your destination! From their welcoming atmosphere to their mouth-watering recipes, Dino’s Pizza is truly the best pizza in town.

#10 That’sa Pizza

I’m not usually one to be impressed by pizza joints, but this place was extraordinary. The crust was perfectly crispy and light, just the way I like it. And their sauce! Wow. It was so flavourful and savoury – a real delight for tastebuds.

Not to mention the toppings: they must have taken some time to make sure each ingredient was of the highest quality. Everything from pepperoni to mushrooms blended perfectly together and melted in my mouth with every bite.

The atmosphere was great too; there was an upbeat energy that made me feel at ease while I enjoyed my meal. The staff were friendly and helpful, always offering suggestions or asking questions about my experience.

Overall, That’sa Pizza is worth checking out if you’re ever in Traverse City – it’s easily the best pizza I’ve had there!

#11 BC Pizza of Traverse City

I was so delighted when I walked in and saw the place! It has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with dim lighting and a friendly staff. I could smell the deliciousness of the pizza as soon as I stepped through the door. My mouth started watering instantly!

When it came time to order, I was pleased to find that they have a large selection of toppings available. From pepperoni and sausage to mushrooms and olives—they really have it all. And let me tell you, each pizza was made with love and care.

The crust was just thick enough with a nice crunchy texture. The sauce was tasty and flavorful, not too sweet or salty like some places tend to be. The cheese was melted perfectly and there were plenty of ingredients on each slice.

I would highly recommend BC Pizza for anyone looking for a great pizza experience in Traverse City. I will definitely be coming back whenever I’m in town!

#12 Hopscotch Brick Oven & Taproom

The atmosphere is great for tourists and locals alike. The decor has a hip vibe to it that just screams “this is the place to be!” And, of course, they serve beer – and hard liquor! It’s like having a small little party right at the restaurant.

The pizza options were great! From classics you know and love to unique creations they’ve created themselves, there was something for everyone. The ingredients were fresh and the flavors were intense. They definitely know their way around a quality pizza — in fact, I’d bet that this is the best pizza in Traverse City!

Unfortunately, Hopscotch Brick Oven & Taproom doesn’t offer delivery, so you’ll have to visit them in person if you want to try it out. But don’t worry – once you’ve had a taste of their pies, it’ll be worth the trip! (And if you really need your fix of cheese and doughy dough-deliciousness, don’t forget they also offer desserts!)

In summary: best pizza in town, decent atmosphere… could maybe do with some deliveries but can’t beat that flavor!

Best Thin Crust Pizza – Pangea’s Pizza

You know a place takes its pizza seriously when you walk in and the smell of warm dough and melted cheese hits you like a punch to the nostrils. As a self-proclaimed pizza connoisseur, I always judge a pizza joint based on the quality of their crust, and let me tell you, Pangea’s knows how to do thin crust right.

Their crust is so thin, it’s practically see-through. I mean, I could use it as a window cling in a desperate attempt to let some sunshine into my dingy apartment. And yet, despite its delicate nature, it manages to hold up to the weight of their generous toppings. It’s like the superhero of pizza crusts, silently saving the day one slice at a time.

And let’s talk about those toppings, shall we? Pangea’s is not one to skimp on the good stuff. From the mountains of fresh mozzarella to the generous sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite is a cheese lover’s dream. And their selection of toppings is as vast as the number of countries I’ve visited in search of the perfect pizza. I can start with some Italian classics like pepperoni and mushrooms, then take a detour to Greece with some feta and olives, and maybe end up in Mexico with some spicy chorizo and jalapeños.

So, if you find yourself in Traverse City craving a thin crust pizza that’s out of this world, head over to Pangea’s Pizza. But be warned, once you’ve tasted their pizza, you’ll never want to settle for anything less again. And your waistline may never forgive you.