When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Buddy's Pizza
Why Buddy's Pizza is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Buddy's Pizza, established in 1946, is celebrated as the creator and quintessential purveyor of the original Detroit-style pizza. Known for its signature square-shaped pies baked in well-seasoned steel pans, Buddy's offers a unique pizza experience characterized by a perfectly crunchy crust and an edge of caramelized, burnt cheese. This distinct pizza style includes a handmade dough that is notable for lacking oil and sugar, and it features a coarse pepperoni pressed into the dough with a light tomato sauce applied in 'racing stripes' atop the cheese. Buddy's has grown from a local Detroit favorite to a beloved Michigan chain with multiple locations, including its popular outlets in Farmington Hills and Detroit's Broadway Street. The welcoming ambiance and attentive service make it an ideal gathering spot for friends and families alike. Beyond pizza, Buddy's also offers fresh soups, celebrated antipasto salads, and specialty chicken dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Its commitment to quality is reflected also in its house-made salad dressings and fresh bread. With a rich heritage deeply tied to Detroit culture and a reputation for high-quality food and atmosphere, Buddy's Pizza remains a top destination to share great food and connect with others.
Here's what people think of Buddy's Pizza
As of recent, Buddy's Pizza holds a 4.5-star rating based on 2565 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Buddy's Pizza for its authentic Detroit-style pizza experience. Many highlight the perfectly crunchy crust and the characteristic burnt cheese edge as standouts that truly distinguish Buddy's from other pizzerias. Positive reviews emphasize the casual, clean atmosphere and friendly, attentive service, which add to the overall enjoyable dining experience. The originality of the pizza with its fresh, carefully crafted dough and quality ingredients is highly valued by patrons, many of whom express strong loyalty and intent to return. However, some negative feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in service speed during busy times and varying quality across locations. A few reviewers noted that while the pizzas are large and filling, some might find portion sizes challenging to finish in one sitting. Overall, the majority of reviews are enthusiastic and appreciative, confirming Buddy’s Pizza holds a special place as the pioneer of Detroit-style pizza and a local favorite for a social outing. This balance of authentic food, welcoming environment, and solid reputation makes Buddy’s Pizza a highly recommended destination in Michigan and beyond.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
A R
We live in New York City and have looked forward to trying Detroit style pizza from the area for a while now. I read that Buddy's was one of the best spots and when we saw it at the Michigan game we had to bring some home with us. The pizza didn't disappoint, it was fantastic! The style reminded us somewhat of Sicilian style pizza but with the sauce on top of the cheese. It was really good and highly recommended!
Jessica Rochon
Tried this place as a recommendation, first time try Detroit style and this place does a great job! Wing are fantastic (no picture), so good we ordered some more. 4-Square is plenty for any adult. This place is wonderful, don't miss the opportunity to try it when in town.
Herb
One of the best pizzas I've had in some time and the best Detroit Style I've ever had. I honestly don't understand why Jets Pizza is such a widely found franchise and I've never seen a Buddy's Pizza except for in MI. They should be much more spread across the country. My pizza was hot and freshly made, just the right amount of juiciness vs crispy crust. I guess I will be coming back to MI if I want the best Detroit Style pizza! 😘
Tribe Ice Hockey
Spending a few days in Ann Arbor for a hockey camp hosted by the University of Michigan. Wanted to try a local pizza place, so checked out Buddy’s Pizza. Was not expecting too much, however was delighted to hear that they have Detroit Deep Dish Pizza. Walked in to such an amazing atmosphere and was immediately greeted by Bella who welcomed us in. To drink, I ordered a Michigan classic Vernon’s Ginger Ale and for my meal (lunch) I ordered their 4-Square pizza deal at an amazing price of $9.99. This pizza was unbelievably amazing and absolutely loved it! Bella also waited on us and was extremely helpful, kind, and told us about night time sports bar options, which all seem to be great recommendations. Thank you Buddy’s Pizza! This place is awesome!
Nick McLamb
We ordered carry out. The 4 square is a great size to have for a couple, and it’s far plenty enough! The Public TV pizza with old world pepperoni on top is absolutely MIND blowing. I’m from North Carolina and this was my first time trying Detroit style pizza, and I can confidently say it’s some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. You will not regret trying this! PS: if you’re looking for a starter to have with a bit more protein since the pizza is carb heavy, go for the meatballs. They’re absolutely delicious!!
How to reach Buddy's Pizza
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Why Buddy's Pizza may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Buddy’s Pizza with your friends?
Buddy’s Pizza is the quintessential gathering spot for friends and family seeking a welcoming atmosphere paired with exceptional food. Known for its iconic Detroit-style pizza, Buddy’s offers much more than a meal; it provides a shared experience where the caramelized edges of the thick, square-cut pizza become the talk of the table. The restaurant’s vibe is casual and lively, perfect for a relaxed social gathering or a celebratory night out. With a strong reputation reflected by a stellar 4.5 rating from over 2,500 reviews, it’s clear that Buddy’s consistently delivers quality and satisfaction. The staff are friendly and attentive, helping to create an environment that encourages connection and conversational flow. Moreover, Buddy’s Pizza locations offer ample seating with accommodations for various group sizes, so whether you’re rallying a small group of friends or hosting a large family celebration, there’s space to comfortably accommodate everyone. In driving to Buddy’s, you’re choosing a spot that offers more than just great pizza — it’s a place for creating memorable moments with those closest to you.
What activities can you enjoy at Buddy’s Pizza?
The primary activity at Buddy’s Pizza is obviously enjoying delicious food, but the experience extends well beyond the plate. The centerpiece is their famous Detroit-style pizza — thick, square, generously topped, and with a unique crispy crust that’s caramelized against the pan. Ordering pizzas is an interactive and satisfying experience with options ranging from classic cheese to specialty pies loaded with fresh ingredients. Buddy’s also caters to diverse dietary needs, offering gluten-free crusts that don’t sacrifice flavor or texture, making it an inclusive spot for all friends and family members to indulge.
Aside from dining, Buddy’s Pizza serves as a vibrant social hub where groups engage in lively conversation, laughter, and shared enjoyment. The restaurant’s layout supports easy group dynamics — tables are well spaced and often large enough to accommodate from six to sixteen people or more, ideal for meetups that want to keep everyone in one place. Some locations, like the Farmington Hills and Auburn Hills, stay open late on weekends, enabling extended gatherings or casual hangouts after work or a day full of activities.
What makes Buddy’s Pizza perfect for a group meetup?
Buddy’s Pizza excels as a venue for group meetups primarily due to its combination of exceptional food, inviting ambiance, and attentive service. The restaurant strikes a balance between bustling energy and unhurried comfort, which helps large groups feel neither rushed nor overwhelmed. Servers are known for being particularly patient and observant, effortlessly handling multiple orders while maintaining friendly and efficient service — a big plus when coordinating food for a crowd.
The menu’s shareable nature ensures there is something for everyone, which is crucial for groups with varied preferences. Its signature Detroit-style pizza is designed to be sliced into squares, making distribution simple and fun for everyone around the table. Beyond pizza, Buddy’s offers appetizers and side dishes that complement the main event, allowing for a full meal experience that can extend well beyond just one pie.
The restaurant’s hours also lend themselves well to group gatherings. With many locations staying open until 10 or 11 PM on weekends, there’s plenty of time to meet up without having to rush, whether it’s a casual Friday night or a weekend celebration. The locations are widely accessible and well-reviewed for cleanliness and atmosphere, giving groups confidence that their meetup will be comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish.
How does Buddy’s Pizza accommodate dietary preferences and accessibility?
Buddy’s Pizza takes care to accommodate dietary needs which further positions it as a reliable spot for inclusive gatherings. They offer gluten-free pizza crusts that diners have praised for taste and texture comparable to traditional crusts. This means friends or family members with gluten intolerance or allergies don’t have to miss out on the Buddy’s experience. The quality of ingredients and thoughtful preparation extends to all menu items, with options that appeal to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
In terms of accessibility, Buddy’s Pizza locations are designed to welcome all guests, with facilities that ensure ease of access for those with mobility challenges. Spacious seating arrangements allow for wheelchair access, and many locations strive to create an environment where everyone can feel included and comfortable.
What ambience and service can groups expect at Buddy’s Pizza?
The atmosphere at Buddy’s Pizza is a lively yet relaxed blend of welcoming warmth and vibrant energy. This balance makes it an ideal backdrop for both casual catch-ups and milestone celebrations. The décor and seating arrangement support conversation, and the ambient noise level is suitable for groups to chat freely without shouting, fostering genuine connection at the table.
Service at Buddy’s is frequently highlighted in reviews as friendly, attentive, and efficient. Servers manage large groups with care, ensuring orders are accurate and timing is well-paced. They are approachable and knowledgeable, ready to offer recommendations or adjust menu options to suit guest preferences. This level of service helps groups feel valued, allowing them to focus fully on enjoying their time together without logistical distractions.
What makes Buddy’s Pizza a memorable venue for celebrations?
Buddy’s Pizza shines as a memorable venue for celebrations thanks to its combination of iconic food, accommodating service, and a space suitable for various group sizes. Whether it’s a birthday, reunion, or casual get-together, Buddy’s offers a setting that brings people together with good food and a welcoming environment. The pizza itself, famed for its unique Detroit style with thick, airy crust and crispy caramelized edges, becomes a focal point of the celebration, generating compliments and smiles all around.
The venue’s flexible seating and open dining space allow groups to customize their experience, arranging tables to suit their needs. Staff are accustomed to managing larger parties, making the coordination of orders and timing smooth and stress-free. Many groups appreciate the option of ordering several pizzas with different toppings to cater to all tastes, adding to the festive feeling of sharing.
In sum, Buddy’s Pizza not only serves up delicious food but also crafts an experience that encourages lasting memories with friends and family. From casual meetups to special occasions, it remains a top choice for those wanting an inviting place to gather around great pizza and great company.