Just a few years ago, Detroit-style pizza was nearly impossible to come by outside of, well, Detroit. But not anymore. The rectangular-shaped, pan-cooked pies can be found throughout the Garden State. Everything from the classic saucy options to pineapple-topped specialties, New Jersey is dishing out some seriously good Detroit-style pizza. But first, what makes the relatively niche style so special?
What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza?
The Dough
Detroit-style pizza dough bears resemblance to focaccia. Sturdy and fluffy, it bakes up light and porous despite its thickness, with a buttery, almost fried quality from sizzling in the rendered cheese fat.
The Cheese
Forget mozzarella. Classic Detroit-style uses Wisconsin brick cheese—tangy and creamy, gooey in the center, and crispy at the edges once baked. The cheese is dotted around the perimeter, forming the caramelized, lacy crust that makes the corner slice the most coveted piece on the pan.
The Pan
It’s all about the pan. Traditionally made from blue steel, these rectangular trays are believed to be inspired by the ones used by autoworkers in Michigan factories. The sides angle outward, creating more surface area at the top of the pie—and more of that vital caramelized cheese crust.
Without further ado, here’s where to get your hands on Detroit-style pizza in New Jersey.
Where to Get Detroit-Style Pizza in New Jersey
OB’s Pizza Bar – Clark
Tucked onto a golf course in Clark, OB’s is a low-key destination for Detroit-style done creatively. Traditional sausage and ricotta sit alongside buffalo chicken pies with pickle chips and hot honey. A little bit of everything, executed well.
Pasquale’s Pizzeria – Wall
A Monmouth County staple that offers Detroit-style alongside its Brooklyn square—two distinct takes on the pan pie format worth a side-by-side comparison to really see how the similarly shaped styles differ.
Low Fidelity – Jersey City
Lo-Fi breaks its Detroit-style menu into four categories: Red, White, Specialty, and Red Eye Pies for weekend brunch. The Motor City—pepperoni cups and hot honey—is the classic starting point, but the Aloha Satellite (guanciale, fermented pineapple, Thai basil) and Jersey Cosmonaut (pancetta, vodka sauce, smoked mozzarella) are worth the detour.
Alternate Ending Beer Co. – Aberdeen Twp
This strip mall brewery doubles as a restaurant, and they’re serving some of NJ’s finest Detroit-style pizza. The pink pie comes with vodka sauce, mozzarella, fresh ricotta, fresh garlic, oregano, Aleppo pepper, and sesame seeds. Wash it down with a cold, house-brewed pilsner.
Tramonto’s Pizza – Ocean Twp.
Tramonto’s boasts an expansive list of Detroit-style pizza to sink your teeth into. Everything from classic plain to the whimsical Big Mac—topped with chopped ground beef, diced pickles, minced onions, lettuce, and Mac sauce.
Brick + Dough – Montclair
Known for Neapolitan-inspired pies, but the Detroit-style is the sleeper hit. Worth noting: it’s gluten-free—and genuinely excellent for it. Brick + Dough’s DSP option doubles as one of the best gluten-free pizzas in New Jersey.
Queen City Crust – Beach Haven
This beachside pizza joint has become one of LBI’s hottest spots. Crispy, caramelized cheese skirt, melty cheese, and a fluffy crust showcase a textbook version of what Detroit-style pizza brings to the table. Try the cheesy garlic bread pie, loaded with whipped Parmigiano and garlic cream—a side of marinara for dipping.
Bucky’s Pizza – Chatham
Bucky’s is one of New Jersey’s finest pizzerias, period. And while they are primarily known for their sourdough round pies, the DSP is nothing to look past—specifically the cacio e pepe, which comes loaded with cheese and black pepper on a Detroit-style base. A simple pie that packs a major punch.
Jersey Pizza Boys – Avenel
A Middlesex County pizzeria that covers nearly every pizza style worth knowing. Their Detroit-style is fluffy, loaded, and properly skirted with caramelized cheese. Good for groups with varying tastes.
Lupo Pizzeria – West Long Branch and Fair Haven
Crispy cheese, pepperoni cups, bolognese—Lupo is putting out some of the best Detroit-style in the Shore area from two locations. The menu is large, but the DSP is what earns the reputation.
Pizza Knight – Hackensack
This unassuming Bergen County pizzeria is hiding some of the finest DSP that the Garden State has to offer. Ask for any of their classic or specialty pies to be done Detroit-style and they’ll handle the rest. Crispy, caramelized cheese, plenty of toppings, and fluffy dough—it’s got all the characteristics of the classic.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
