Buddy's Pizza

Should You Book Buddy's Pizza in Bloomfield Hills?

If you've already been to Buddy's Pizza once, the question on a return visit isn't whether to go — it's whether this Bloomfield Hills location delivers the same experience that made the original a Detroit institution. The short answer: yes, and it's the most accessible entry point into Detroit-style square pizza in the suburbs without fighting for parking downtown.

Buddy's is the originator of Detroit-style pizza: thick, focaccia-like dough baked in seasoned steel pans, cheese pushed edge-to-edge so it caramelises against the crust, and sauce ladled on leading rather than underneath. That format hasn't changed since 1946, and at the Bloomfield Hills location on W Maple Road, you're getting the same pan-baked product that put this style on the national map. If you've tried Detroit-style at a newer copycat — Jet's, for instance, or any of the chains that have adopted the format , coming back to Buddy's is a reminder of the original proportion and crust texture that the imitators approximate but don't quite match.

For a second visit, move past the obvious cheese-and-pepperoni order and explore the deeper menu. The Bloomfield Hills location draws a mixed crowd: suburban families, weekday lunch regulars, and out-of-town visitors who've been told this is a required stop. That mix keeps the room lively without tipping into chaos. It's a solid date option if low-key is your register , the format is casual, the noise level is manageable, and the food gives you something to talk about. For groups of four or more, the square pan format is practically built for sharing, which makes it one of the more group-friendly pizza stops in the area. See our full Bloomfield restaurants guide for broader options across cuisines.

On the drinks side, Buddy's leans functional rather than inventive. The beer list covers the basics and pairs reasonably with the rich, cheesy pans. Don't come expecting a cocktail program; come expecting cold beer and great pizza. If you want a proper spirits-forward bar experience before or after, the Bloomfield bars guide has current options worth pairing with a Buddy's visit.

Reservations: Walk-ins are typically fine; call ahead for larger groups. Dress: Casual , no dress code. Budget: Mid-range for pizza; expect a comfortable per-head spend without surprises. Booking difficulty: Easy.

Also worth exploring nearby: our Bloomfield hotels guide, Bloomfield wineries guide, and Bloomfield experiences guide. For standout bar programs elsewhere in the country, see Kumiko in Chicago, Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, Julep in Houston, Superbueno in New York City, ABV in San Francisco, and The Parlour in Frankfurt on the Main.