Traverse City may be famous for cherries and wine, but don’t overlook its spectacular pizza scene. The kind that can warm you through a snowy February evening or kick off a summer patio feast. And this guide covers more than just classic pizzerias—because sometimes the best pie emerges from a rustic farmhouse kitchen or a waterfront brewery. Here’s where to find that perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and pure satisfaction.
BC Pizza of Traverse City
$ | (231) 995-9900 | WEBSITE
If you live in Traverse City, you might think it’s unnecessary to seek out BC Pizza just for a slice. Your friends and family might even call you “overly particular” or “willing to travel for a margarita pizza but not willing to join a casual dinner.” This is the best margarita pizza we’ve had in the area, and that alone makes it worth a stop, wherever you consider your local pizza spot.
The crust is perfectly crisp (but not overly charred), the sauce is just a little bit tangy, and a generous layer of fresh mozzarella brings it all together.
Pacificoast
$$ | (231) 486-6078 | WEBSITE
The menu at Pacificoast is about as classic Traverse City as it gets, with pizzas made from Ferment 72 dough, a local ingredient that adds incredible flavor. That also means this is one of the best spots in town to get a pizza. The dough is fermented for 72 hours before getting baked to perfection, the toppings are fresh and vibrant, and a generous layer of melted cheese brings it all home.
Grab one of their signature drinks while you’re there to keep the fun going through the inevitable post-meal relaxation that’s about to set in.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (231) 941-7272 | WEBSITE
The classic pepperoni pizza at Papa Johns in Traverse City combines everything you love about reliable takeout pizza with everything you expect from a local Michigan favorite. That means a crispy, golden crust that’s been baked just right until it’s firm but not tough. The cheese is melted perfectly, the pepperoni is generously layered, and it’s all topped with that signature Papa Johns sauce.
It’s savory, cheesy, satisfying, and familiar, and it’s something that feels right at home in northern Michigan. The staff here work hard to get orders correct, and they’re quick to fix any mistakes—like replacing a messed-up delivery with a fresh pie and a free soda. Recent ownership changes have unfortunately meant losing some of the popular deals that used to make this spot more budget-friendly for regulars.
Still, for a tasty, dependable pizza with good service, Papa Johns delivers what you need.
The Filling Station Microbrewery
$ | (231) 946-8168 | WEBSITE
Pizza enthusiasts across the Midwest will find their mouths watering at the mention of “The Filling Station Microbrewery.” We bring up this name because the Traverse City spot with a devoted local following serves up woodfired creations like the Stoker, Burlington Northern, and Rocket pizzas. But it’s not just exceptional crusts that make these pies worth planning a trip around. It’s unique toppings like wood-roasted items, pears, and prosciutto. It’s seasonal specials like the St.
Patty’s Day pie with corned beef and roasted carrots. This is some of the best pizza you’ll find in northern Michigan, and you can enjoy it from their amazing outdoor space that’s welcoming even in winter.
Paesano’s Pizza
$ | (231) 941-5740 | WEBSITE
Walking into Paesano’s Pizza feels a little like stepping into a pizza shop from the ’80s, complete with old-school video games, a retro interior, and “Cold Faygo” signs decorating the cooler. We’ve talked at length about the pizza at this downtown spot, but when we want something just a little bit bigger (and heartier), we go for the barbecue chicken specialty pie.
Basically a loaded pizza with tangy barbecue sauce and tender chicken, it’s substantial enough to pair with all the $6 craft beers you just ordered during a long lunch break. It’s also one of the only spots in town where we’ve found this nostalgic atmosphere.
The Tasting Room Restaurant
$$ | (231) 525-0555 | WEBSITE
The Tasting Room’s wagyu burger challenges any steakhouse’s beef supremacy, but it’s their Nashville hot chicken that we’re willing to skip out on steak for. It packs a perfectly fried chicken breast, a generous layer of cheese, and excellent dipping sauce between slices of the same freshly baked bread that has a shatteringly crisp crust and an airy interior. Plus, you get to eat it in a beautifully decorated space with outstanding ambiance.
Nico’s Pizza & Grinders
$$ | (231) 941-5001 | WEBSITE
We can’t think of a more satisfying way to enjoy pizza than with Nico’s pepperoni pie—a fresh pizza with a delicious garlic butter crust, paired perfectly with homemade ranch. It’s savory and rich in all the right ways, with the quality pepperoni and a crust that’s undoubtedly made with more garlic butter than we care to think about.
It’s located in Traverse City, operating mostly as a takeout spot that will inevitably have nearly 50 people ordering from it every weekend evening (try ordering online in advance through their clean website).
Jet’s Pizza
$ | (231) 933-9309 | WEBSITE
Jet’s Pizza’s four square pizza is reminiscent of a classic Detroit-style pie, but this Traverse City counterpart swaps out the traditional thick crust for a unique square format that adds satisfying crisp edges. We like the version with the mix and match toppings and homemade ranch sauce. It all arrives with quick service and friendly staff that bring the whole experience together.
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
$ | (231) 668-7117 | WEBSITE
A great pizza joint sits near the top of our overall comfort food rankings, and one of our favorites is at Hungry Howie’s Pizza in Traverse City. The crust comes out perfectly cooked and crisp, resulting in a satisfying crunch and a light dusting of flour after each slice, and there are enough quality toppings and cheese to balance out the savory sauce underneath.
We like the classic pepperoni—it’s made with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and crispy pepperoni, plus a very flavorful tomato sauce base.
Dino’s Pizza
$ | (231) 946-3400 | WEBSITE
You’ll find plenty of late-night pizza options at Dino’s in Traverse City, whether you want a classic pepperoni pie or their popular Pepperoni Sticks—basically a pizza served in stick form. We like all of the pizzas that we’ve tried here, but our typical go-to is one of the specialty pies. Get the garlic parm wings with that amazing sauce for a great twist on classic wings, then pick up a box of cinnamon sticks on the way out to bring home and get into everybody’s good graces.
Taproot Cider House
$$ | (231) 943-2500 | WEBSITE
It’s rare to get excited about peas and carrots, which tend to be the simple side dish on any menu. But at Taproot Cider House, they’re the highlight. The bowl comes packed full of fresh local vegetables and dressed with creamy peanut sauce, turning the “healthy” choice into a dish you’ll still be thinking about the next day. At around $16 for a generous portion, the prices feel reasonable when you realize the quality of farm-sourced ingredients and the care that goes into each plate.
Marco’s Pizza
$ | (231) 600-7800 | WEBSITE
You probably know Marco’s Pizza as a take-out and delivery spot—this has been one of the most popular destinations in town to grab a hot and delicious pizza for years. It also happens to be home to the best damn Italian sausage pizza in the city. Grab a slice while you’re there—it’s practically a requirement—but save room for the meat pizza that comes loaded with big chunks of Italian sausage. It’s hearty, but you can also get a smaller size if you’re ordering for one.