Pizza in Traverse City is more than just a quick bite—it’s a way to savor the city’s creative spirit and local flavors, one slice at a time. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, there’s a pie here to suit every craving, from Detroit-style squares to wood-fired classics.
Let’s get to it.
Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza
If you’re craving Detroit-style pizza in Traverse City, Charles & Reid Detroit Pizza delivers a solid case for square pies. Since opening in 2020 in an alley off Main Street, the Karabacz family has been turning out crispy-edged, cheese-laden pans daily. They roll scratch-made dough each morning, spread house-made red sauce, and bake every pie in authentic steel pans.
The menu balances traditional options like the Heatwave Margherita with adventurous choices such as the Bee Nauti. You can also build your own pie by choosing sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Seating is limited to fewer than 30 customers so rainy days often mean opting for carry-out. Many diners grab boxes to go and pair slices with Northwoods soda or a can of Faygo.
Small pies start around $15, with rotating specials that introduce new flavor twists. Side dishes include Devil Styx fries and lamb meatballs. Gluten-free crust is available while supplies last, and classic tiramisu provides a sweet finale. The prices reflect quality, and each bite brings Detroit-style credibility with a local Traverse City twist.
PepeNero
At PepeNero, Italian dining meets refined simplicity in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Modern furnishings and soft lighting create an intimate setting suited to date nights and celebrations. The wood-fired oven turns out Neapolitan-style pizzas on scratch-made dough, topped with imported Italian tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Signature pies rotate regularly, showcasing gourmet combos like prosciutto with arugula or truffle oil with wild mushrooms.
Handcrafted pasta dishes include pappardelle with ragù, creamy cannelloni, and seasonal seafood specials. Classic tiramisu rounds out the menu for a sweet finish. Gluten-free options extend to pasta and gnocchi, though pizza remains wheat-based.
The wine list focuses on Italian labels selected for their regional authenticity, while the bar offers classic cocktails and grappa-based aperitifs. Most entrées fall between $25 and $35, and dinner tabs typically top $50 per person. Service hours are limited to evenings, reinforcing the restaurant’s dedication to a focused, leisurely dining experience. PepeNero combines imported ingredients with skilled execution for a genuine taste of Italy.
The Filling Station Microbrewery
Set within a restored 1927 railroad depot, The Filling Station Microbrewery in Traverse City blends industrial charm with casual dining. Exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and vintage rail memorabilia give it a nostalgic atmosphere. Guests order at the bar and watch wood-fired pizzas slip from the oven. Outside, a patio overlooks Boardman Lake, offering a relaxed spot when weather permits.
Flatbread pizzas take center stage here. Scratch-made crusts support bold combinations like pear with brie and balsamic on the Burlington Northern. For dessert, the S’More Caboose arrives topped with Nutella and marshmallow. Gluten-free crust and vegan cheese are available by request. A dozen taps pour house-brewed beers, and flight samplers come in miniature train car carriers for a playful touch.
Appetizers include charcuterie boards and soft pretzels with house-made mustard. Menu prices range from about $12 for simple flatbreads to $23 for loaded options. Seasonal specials and rotating brews keep the selection lively. The Filling Station team clearly cares about quality ingredients and craft brewing, making this spot a reliable choice for pizza and beer lovers alike.
The Flying Noodle – Italian Pasta House
When The Flying Noodle opened in downtown Traverse City in 2020, it brought a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere. Exposed brick walls, upbeat music, and a mix of indoor booths and an outdoor patio accommodate families and friends. The team handcrafts fresh pasta daily and stretches Roman-style dough for signature pies.
The pizza crust offers a focaccia-like thickness with a crispy finish. Toppings range from potato with truffle oil to Calabrian chiles paired with caramelized onions and bacon. Brick cheese appears on most pies, with occasional use of creamed brie and mozzarella. Appetizers include fried pepperoni bites and garlic dots, while desserts feature classic cannolis and rich chocolate custard.
Handmade pasta dishes start around $10, and specialty pizzas run between $11 and $14. Seasonal salads highlight local greens and wild mushrooms, with the occasional Lake Michigan whitefish entrée. Guests can dine indoors, grab takeout, or order through Grubhub. The Flying Noodle blends casual service with high-quality ingredients for a welcoming Italian experience.
Taproot Cider House
Taproot Cider House occupies a spacious corner of downtown Traverse City, showcasing reclaimed wood art and local photography. High-top tables, a communal bench, and a stage for live music set a relaxed tone. The bar runs almost the full length of the room, inviting guests to sample ciders and craft beers.
Pizza follows a Neapolitan-inspired blueprint on twelve-inch hand-tossed crusts. The Toumraider pairs za’atar spice with garlic toum sauce, while the Fall Harvest features butternut squash and roasted Brussels sprouts. A Fennel Sausage pie highlights house-made sausage. Gluten-free crust and vegan cheese are available at an additional charge.
The kitchen also offers chicken tikka masala bowls, bibimbap, loaded tater tots, and shepherd’s pie. Cider takes center stage with rotating Michigan drafts, cider sours, and signature cocktails. Growlers and cans for take-home complete the options. Taproot’s broad menu and extensive cider list make it equally suited for lunch groups, family dinners, or late-night gatherings.
That’sa Pizza: N. Long Lake Rd
On North Long Lake Road, That’sa Pizza has catered to Traverse City families since the early 1980s. The menu covers all pizza styles—classic hand-tossed crusts loaded with pepperoni and sausage, deep-dish pies with extra cheese, and a gluten-free option so everyone joins the celebration.
House favorites include the Meat Eater, a carnivore’s delight, and the Mellow Mushroom, which features earthy flavors. The chicken pesto pie wins loyal fans for its bright, herby profile. Single slices are available for quick bites, while full pies showcase their scratch-made dough and local produce. Sandwiches and wraps provide alternatives for anyone not solely focused on pizza.
The dining room feels casual: kids have a play area, and adults enjoy weekly events like DJ trivia, bingo, and live piano. A happy-hour menu encourages lingering, while free parking and economical prices keep outings stress-free. Whether you’re in for a quick slice or an evening of games, That’sa Pizza serves reliable comfort in a friendly setting.
Francisco’s Market & Deli
Nestled on a quiet Traverse City corner, Francisco’s Market & Deli embraces unpretentious counter service and serious pizza craftsmanship. There’s no dine-in seating, but you’ll find plenty to admire on their carry-out menu. Every 16-inch pie starts with scratch-made dough. Opt for a garlic butter or garlic Parmesan crust upgrade at no extra cost—an increasingly rare perk these days.
The selection includes classic cheese and specialty pizzas. Franny’s Meat Lovers layers several kinds of meat, while the Kansas City BBQ Chicken pairs smoky sauce with tender chicken. The Hawaii 5-0 mixes ham and pineapple, and a breakfast pizza arrives piled with eggs and sausage gravy. Beyond pizza, daily homemade soups and cheesy bread rounds out the menu. A curated selection of craft beers and wines stands ready to complement your meal. Francisco’s feels like a neighborhood favorite for good reason: they stock almost every topping you could want, from feta and bacon to sun-dried tomatoes, all without fuss or pretense.
U & I Lounge
Located in the heart of downtown Traverse City, U & I Lounge blends sports-bar energy with classic Greek-diner fare. Established in the 1930s, it preserves its vintage vibe with round booths, a lengthy bar, dart boards, and TVs at every angle. The steady crowd at lunch, dinner, or well past midnight proves the place remains a neighborhood favorite.
The pizza lineup features thin-crust classics—try feta and gyro meat for a Mediterranean twist. A 14-inch made-to-order pie shares the menu with clever mini pita pizzas. They are equally popular with patrons seeking a quick snack or a full meal. Greek salads add a fresh counterpoint to the El Diablo wings, which live up to their spicy name. The kitchen stays open until 1 a.m. most nights and sometimes later for late-night cravings. With most entrees under $22, the price point matches the relaxed, old-school bar buzz. U & I Lounge doesn’t chase trends, but it delivers consistent flavor and a friendly atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Peegeo’s
When you crave Traverse City comfort food, Peegeo’s delivers familiar, local charm with a side of garlic butter. Open since 1983, this family-run pizzeria has built a loyal following by sticking to scratch-made dough, sauce, and crust techniques. The dining room feels lived-in rather than flashy, with low lighting and well-worn tables that welcome families, after-work regulars, and outdoor-deck diners on sunny Michigan days.
Their pizza menu covers every base: thin crust, deep dish, and even a gluten-free 10-inch option. Mike’s Sicilian arrives with double mozzarella and an extra garlic-butter drizzle, while the “Windy City” skips the sauce for cheese lovers. Signature pies include Todd’s Spud Lover, which layers hashbrowns and bacon, and the Taco pie topped with salsa and sour cream. Beyond pizza, you’ll find wings, cheese curds, subs, and steaks. A wide bar pours Michigan craft brews to please those skipping the pie. Prices range from about $13 to $22, keeping things affordable. Locals call Peegeo’s a staple because it feels like home—minus the TV remote fights.
Woodland Sweets & Eats
Tucked off the beaten path, Woodland Sweets & Eats blends a pizza joint, an ice cream parlor, and a dog-friendly hangout under one roof. Inside, you’ll find rustic wood-carved tables and a covered patio perfect for watching the day fade. Outside seating welcomes pups with special “pup cups,” making it a favorite gathering spot for two- and four-legged visitors alike.
The pizza menu covers classics and creative twists. The Nacho pizza tops a crisp crust with cheese sauce, ground beef, jalapeños, a heap of cheddar, and Doritos. The Hawaiian option features freshly cut pineapple, never canned, while the BLT pie piles on thick-cut bacon. All pizzas start with a hand-tossed crust, and you can upgrade to stuffed crust if moderation isn’t your thing. Prices stay in a moderate range, with specialty pies nearing $27 but offering inventive combinations worth trying.
Dessert lovers flock here for Moomers ice cream, boasting more than 150 flavors. You’ll also see breadsticks, cinnamon sticks, shakes, and even hot dogs. Whether you dine in, relax outside, or pick up late-night takeout, this local gem covers all the bases without missing a beat.
Dino’s Pizza
Stepping into Dino’s Pizza in downtown Traverse City feels like joining a long-standing neighborhood tradition. For more than 50 years, this tiny spot on E 8th Street has served up straightforward, satisfying pies. There’s just a counter, a couple of tables, and a staff ready to hand you a steaming box to go or load it onto one of their free deliveries…just remember they stop 45 minutes before closing at 1 AM.
You pick your crust—hand-tossed, classic thin, or Detroit-style deep dish with tall, cheesy corners—and then choose from a robust topping lineup. Favorites include the Pepperoni Bacon Cheeseburger, several varieties of Supremes (Meat, Veggie, Spicy), and a hearty BBQ Chicken option. Lunch specials and family packs pop up regularly, and you’ll also find Greek salads and subs like the popular Steak hero.
The atmosphere is unpretentious and budget-friendly. A rewards program keeps regulars coming back. Add breadsticks or wings on the side, grab a cold soda, and enjoy a slice that proves simplicity and quality never go out of style.
Blue Tractor Barbeque
In Traverse City’s Old Town, Blue Tractor Barbeque combines rustic charm with lively gatherings under reclaimed farm equipment and weathered wood décor. Large booths accommodate groups while nine plasma TVs broadcast games, ensuring everyone finds a view. The atmosphere stays casual—no white tablecloths here—with free Wi-Fi, a rooftop beer garden in fair weather, and a “come as you are” attitude.
The menu showcases smoked meats alongside deep-dish “Tractor Pie” pizzas featuring hand-stretched dough. The Big Pig stacks ham, bacon, pepperoni, and sausage for an epic flavor, while the Firehouse Pie brings spicy chorizo and jalapeños. Everything is made from scratch, from sauces to soups, and local farms supply many ingredients.
Prices remain wallet-friendly: pizzas hover under $16 and barbecue mains around $20. The spot thrives at weekday lunch and during the weekend patio crowd. Blue Tractor Barbeque has mastered the art of feeding a party—ensuring you leave both satisfied and smiling.
