10 Best Pizza’s in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Whether you’re indulging a wood-fired masterpiece or a thin-crust delight, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best pizzas in the Upper Peninsula.
Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey to find the best upper peninsula pizzas, where flavors and toppings collide in perfect harmony.
While the UP’s rich heritage and diverse culture have shaped its culinary scene, one food has emerged as a true favorite among its residents: pizza. Indulge in a slice of pizza heaven after a day spent exploring the natural wonders of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking landscapes and charming way of life. Occupying a vast twenty-nine percent of Michigan’s landmass, this sparsely inhabited region is home to only three percent of the state’s population, affectionately known as the ‘Yoopers.’
Read on for our list of the 10 best pizzas in the U.P.!
Best Pizzas in the Eastern Upper Peninsula
Superior Pizza & Subs – Brimley
Address: 9449 W 6 Mile Rd, Brimley, MI 49715
Voted Best Pizza in the Eastern UP, Superior Pizza and Subs is a local establishment that prides itself on freshness. Here you’ll find some of the fluffiest pizza dough around, and it’s cooked perfectly to hold all the cheese and toppings! During the summers you’ll find ice cream there, so this is a great place to take the family.
They’re a huge supporter of local sporting events, and have become a real part of the Brimley community. But with how many people they bring in to try their famous pizzas, they might just be in the tourism business. Make sure to stop by if you’re taking a day trip from Sault Ste. Marie, or on your way to Tahquamenon Falls State Park!
Mustang Lounge – Mackinac Island
Address: 1485 Astor St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Next time you’re on Mackinac Island, make it a point to go “Hang at the Stang!” The Mustang Lounge is Michigan’s most historic tavern. Beyond that, they serve up some of the best pizzas around. Family operated since 1964, Mustang’s is the local watering hole on Mackinac Island.
The Mustang Lounge was built way back in the 1780s when it may have served as a fur trading structure. In 2008 they renovated the antiquated building with timbers from the original fur trader warehouse. Visit during the summer months to take advantage of their beautiful outdoor seating!
Best Pizzerias in Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula
Cooking Carberry’s Wood-Fired Pizza – Munising
Address: 209 Maple St, Munising, MI 49862
When you’re in the Munising / Grand Marais area, Cooking Carberry’s Wood-Fired Pizza is a must try! They offer personal size pizzas that cook quickly in their wood fired oven. Next door is an outdoor seating area shared with the East Channel Brewery, where you can find an excellent selection of local and domestic beers to complement your pizza.
They’ve stayed true to the foods of the UP, pushing the limits of flavor and experience. You’ll find that the rhubarb pizza and the savory blueberry pizza are two of their fan favorites! They also have refined pairings like the fig & pig and the artichoke mushroom.
Their business is cash-only, unless you have “something good to barter”. They’re always looking for fresh ingredients from local gardens. So just remember – green thumbs or green backs!
Pictured Rocks Pizza – Munising
Address: 106 Birch St, Munising, MI 49862
If you’re taking a trip to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you’ve gotta try the namesake pizza place. Pictured Rocks Pizza has been serving up fresh wood-fired pies made only from local ingredients since they opened their doors eight years ago.
They also cater to people with dietary restrictions, serving delicious gluten and dairy free pizzas. Among their selection you’ll find deliciously unique veggie toppings alongside the traditional pies. Their laid-back indoor and outdoor seating areas are the perfect place to unwind after a long day hiking or kayaking.
Vango’s Pizza & Cocktail Lounge – Marquette
Address: 927 N 3rd St, Marquette, MI 49855
At Vango’s Pizza and Cocktail Lounge, you’ll find the freshest homemade pizzas, soups, and salads. They’re the oldest pizza parlor in Marquette for good reason. Starting with homemade dough and pizza sauce from scratch, every pie on the menu comes out hot and delicious.
Every year they have pizza programs that support the whole of Marquette County. In the past they have raised funds for the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, and many more. This goes to show how a humble pizza shop can make great differences in the world. Stop in and share the history!
Tino’s Bar and Pizza
220 Iron St, Negaunee, MI 49866
Once featured for their traditional cudighi sandwich (a delicious sandwich of Italian Sausage, Mozerella, and Tomato Sauce on a roll) on the Travel Channel, Tino’s Bar and Pizza is a must-visit location. Since John and Theresa purchased it in 1982, three generations of family have served the community with their traditional cudighi and locally acclaimed pizzas.
Everything from the cudighi to the pizza sauce are still made following John’s original recipes. This has led to a unique flare that comes through in every dish. Located in the heart of historic Negaunee, Tino’s Bar and Pizza is a great place to eat.
Congress Pizzas – Ishpeming
Address: 106 Main St, Ishpeming, MI 49849
This old-school Ishpeming joint serves up pizzas with a unique thin and crispy, flatbread-like crust, baked in their legendary brick pizza oven. They also sell cudighi! After 65 successful years, the establishment recently came under new ownership. But that doesn’t change tradition!
A storm back in 2016 resulted in a massive renovation effort that cemented Congress Pizzas as a fixture of the community. Since then they’ve gotten back on their feet and then some, packing the restaurant every weekend! If thin-crust pizza is something you enjoy, look no further than Congress Pizzas in Ishpeming.
Jozwiak’s – Menominee
Address: 1010 16th Ave, Menominee, MI 49858
As you enter the UP from Wisconsin, you’ll want to experience fine Wisconsin cheese one last time. Jozwiak’s in Menominee has been serving hand-crafted pizzas with real Wisconsin cheese since 1972. Their recipe is a coveted one, built on the famous Brother’s Three pizza restaurant across the river in Wisconsin.
Their pizzas are a local favorite, but you can’t mention Jozwiak’s without talking about the Wabash. It’s a fresh double burger with cheese and basic toppings – pickles, onion, ketchup, served on a locally-made roll. In the true spirit of Wisconsin, the Wabash gets a pat of butter on top of the burger patties, making it the juiciest and most flavorful burger around. Stop in and try their pizzas and burgers next time you’re in the area!
Best Pizza in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Riverside Pizzeria – Iron River
Address: 98 E Genesee St, Iron River, MI 49935
This family pizzeria is a favorite gathering space for guests in Iron River. They cater all kinds of special occasions like family reunions, sporting events, etc. Here you’ll find a familiar atmosphere with great food and good friends. Just remember it’s cash only for these pies!
In a 2016 MLive poll, Riverside Pizzeria was granted the title of “Best Pizza in the Upper Peninsula.”
According to them, the secret is their flavorful sauce and stone deck ovens which cook each pizza to perfection. You can order their pizzas half-baked, just make sure to call ahead two days in advance! This is a great way to stock up for a relaxing weekend at the cabin.
Ambassador Restaurant – Houghton
Address: 126 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931
Ambassador is set in the most historic building in downtown Houghton. Before they opened on New Year’s Day in 1965, the building housed a local tavern which has been preserved to this day. The Ambassador Restaurant has served pizzas since day one. As a matter of fact, they were the only pizza place in town when it all began! Since then they’ve been featured in the national Pizza Hall of Fame and won local awards for their amazing food.
Their pizzas are unique and delicious. They’ve got BLT pizza, BBQ chicken, pesto, greek, vegetarian, and more. But the one that’s won all the awards is their tostada pizza. Topped with beef, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, Wisconsin cheddar cheese and house-made tostada hot sauce, this is not one to miss.
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About the Author-
My name is Robert Trudeau, and I’m a web content writer soon to be graduating with a B.S. in Writing with a minor in Digital Studies. Hailing in from the Upper Peninsula, I’m no stranger to the expansive beauty of Michigan. In this role, I’m excited to share my knowledge of Michigan while working within the web content development process. In the future I hope to work as a web developer and backend content strategist, helping clients build powerful websites with research-driven content and brand-specific strategies to support continued success.