We could write books about the magic of the Detroit square pizza. It’s a wonderfully thick, crispy and cheesy treat that put the Motor City in the ranks of the best ‘za in the land. But today we’re paying tribute to an unsung pizza hero: the slice. When an entire square is either too much for your appetite or your pocket book, the simple slice joint will tide you over for about the same amount of change that’s collecting under your car seat. Here, we’ve dug up 15 bargain-friendly spots that satisfy everyone from the starving student, the busy office worker, and the late night barfly .
Once you’re done viewing our roundup, please tell us if we’ve missed anything in the comments section, on Facebook, or by emailing us at [email protected]. — By Serena Maria Daniels
Supino Pizzeria, 2457 Russell St.
Dave Mancini put the slice on the map at his Eastern Market joint. His crusty, thin slices range from the simple cheese or pepperoni, to the creative daily specials.
Photo via @michewsbrewsSupino Pizzeria
Photo via @_anthonyrdanielSgt. Pepperoni’s Pizzeria & Deli, 4140 Woodward Ave.
Whether you’ve got tickets to a show at The Majestic or Magic Stick, with the bowling team at Garden Bowl, or are in need of a quick fix during lunch, Sgt. Pepperoni has always has slices on deck from $2 apiece.
Photo via@catiegoinsSgt. Pepperoni’s Pizzeria & Deli
Photo via @bettyflooredEl Club, 4114 Vernor Highway
With Pepe Z at the pizza helm and a newly launched Michigan Artist Pizza Series, you’re bound to find the perfect slice to fit your tastes while you’re taking in a live show.
Photo via @tony_muggsEl Club
Photo via @elclubdetroitSlices Pizza, 1043 Woodward Ave
All the new sit-down eateries hitting downtown certainly give workers more dining options, but the fact remains that there will always be days when a quick and cheap slice is all you can manage on break. Here, you’ll always find a special, like a slice and a pop for $4. Before you know it, you’ll back in the office with full tummy.
Photo via @dropfreezeSlices Pizza
Photo via @slices.pizzaDan & Vi’s Pizza Deli, 5951 Chene St
This deli has been an eastside staple since 1963. On top of its many sandwiches and slices on hand, you can pick a truly unique hybrid: the famous deli slice – a ham, salami, cheese sandwich with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, onion, Italian dressing that are all stuffed inside two seasoned pizza crusts.
Photo via @liquorlottoDan and Vi’s Pizza Deli
Photo via @watchemefeastPie Sci 5163 Trumbull Ave
You know these guys for their creative takes on the classic pizza. On top of their innovative variety of specialty whole ‘zas, they offer by-the-slice for dining in or walk-ins.
Photo by Scott SpellmanPie Sci
Photo by Scott SpellmanDetroit Pizza Company
Boasting “ginormous slices” for dining in or carryout, pick up a couple of quick pieces and a drink for lunch for $4.99.
Photo via @chainbler88Detroit Pizza Company
Photo via @disneymike313Belle Isle Pizza, 7869 E. Jefferson Ave
Because you didn’t feel like packing your picnic basket for your day a Belle Isle. Choose from their many creative pies, you can also grab a quick slice (or three) for a buck.
Photo via @oktashaBelle Isle Pizza
Photo via @belleislepizzaBackroom, 605 Church St., Ann Arbor
Late-night cramming sessions are tough enough as it is. After midterms, you’ll find plenty of releving co-eds out at the bar, followed by this popular slice joint, where the menu is simple: huge slices of cheese for $1, $1.50 for pepperoni.
Photo via @nealgkBackroom
Photo via @meggoesnomnomNew York Pizza Depot, 605 East Williams, Ann Arbor
No, the foldable slices here is not particularly authentic by some New Yorkers’ standards, but you’ll still get a stealthily-sized slice with your choice of toppings, specialty selections, or even Chicago-style. They even have a mac & cheese pizza that sounds as glorious as it looks.New York Pizza Depot
Photo via @cheesy_travelersSouth U Pizza, 1106 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor
When the hunger strikes late-night and you don’t have a lot of dough, stop by this raucous spot late night slice joint for a no muss, no fuss greasy fix.
Photo via @b_lowdenSouth U
Photo via @itsbrittanybeachThe Original Cottage Inn, 512 E. William St., Ann Arbor
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. each weekday, this Ann Arbor staple offers a value-packed lunch buffet, with an array of salad, soup, pizza, cheese bread, and a rotation of entrees.
Photo via @coffee_communityThe Original Cottage InnEpicurus Restaurant, 111 W. Warren Ave
For the Wayne State crowd, there’s Epicurus, where you can stretch your dollars with a two-slice and a pop special for about $5.
Photo via@john_gauvreauEpicircus
Photo via @thehungrydudesTomatoes APizza, 24369 Halsted Road, Farmington Hills; 29275 14 Mile Road, Farmington Hills Famous for its Neopolitan/New Haven-stlye pizzas, you can get a little taste of everything on the menu during its lunch buffet, which features pizza, salad bar, garlic bread, chocolate piadina, and fountain drinks.
Photo via @azeatzTomatoes APizza
Photo via @thehungrydudesAmerican Pie Pizza, 11557 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren
Another buffet option, this Macomb County spot – decorated in a retro arcade motiff – comes with a with salad, pasta, and pizza bar with a huge variety of unusual pie selections, including its popular mac ‘n cheese, Coney, and enchilada.
Photo via FacebookAmerican Pie Pizza
Photo via Facebook
Since 1980, Metro Times has been Detroit’s premier alternative source for news, arts, culture, music, film, food, fashion and more from a liberal point of view.
More by Metro Times editorial staff