The school year has started at University of Michigan and thousands of college students have recently arrived on campus—for some, this is their first time exploring Ann Arbor.
Pizza is the ultimate college food. It is a easy, cheap, filling and delicious meal that often yields plenty of leftovers. Luckily for University of Michigan students, Ann Arbor has some great options.
We rounded up where you can find the best slices in Ann Arbor—depending on the situation. All restaurants are within the Ann Arbor area and near the University of Michigan campus.
For pizza by the slice: Joe’s Pizza NYC
A legendary restaurant just beyond the University diag, Joe’s Pizza is the undisputed king of the single slice. Whether you are looking to enjoy a classic pepperoni or a supreme with all the fixings, Joe’s Pizza offers the formula that’s perfect for you, with slices falling onto your plate straight from the oven. A long-term staple for University students, grab a slice on your way to class or as a celebratory treat after acing an exam. Along with affordable prices, each bite of their slices bursts with flavor that you have to experience to believe.
1107 S University Ave Suite B, Ann Arbor. 734-213-5625.
Date Night Experience: Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar & Bocce
Date night in the Ann Arbor area is always a blast, as you can enjoy spectacular sights at The Ann Arbor Art Museum or dance the night away with music blaring at The Ark. However, if you and your lucky partner are looking to put a perfect bow on the night with a pizza, take a trip and visit Coratti’s Pizzeria Bar & Bocce. With its soothing atmosphere, relaxing lounge area and bocce ball field to flex your fun-competitive side, this restaurant has plenty to enjoy before you even get to the best part—the food. For dinner, they offer Detroit, Neapolitan and American-style pizza. We are sure you and your partner will enjoy their Meat Lover’s Special, topped with pepperoni, ham, bacon, Italian sausage, and Copocollo.
512 E William St, Ann Arbor. 734-275-2050.
Night Life Pizza: New York Pizza Depot
605 E William St, Ann Arbor. 734-669-6973.
There is nothing like a late-night slice of pizza after a night on the town. Thankfully, Ann Arbor has the New York Pizza Depot, an oven-fresh restaurant that allows you to mix and match slices for your custom box of pizza. Serving authentic New York-style pizza, this grub spot is perfect for hanging out after a night of dancing with your friends at Necto Nightclub or after leaving the late showing at The Michigan/State Theatre. Between their affordable prices and variety of options, such as their Detroit-style pizza or specialty slices, NYPD, which closes at 3am, is a late-night experience for you and your friends to enjoy before the night ends.
Family Gathering: Pizza House
Showing your family around town can be a tall task in the Ann Arbor area. However, dining should be an easy choice when craving a traditional sit-down experience with quality ambiance and a variety of styles. Taking your family to the iconic Pizza House is a guaranteed great time that everyone from mom to the youngest sibling can appreciate. Whether you have a taste for Sicilian-style corner slices or Chicago deep dish, Pizza House has you covered. Located a few steps away from the U-M campus on Church St, you can take your family here before exploring the city.
618 Church St, Ann Arbor. 734-995-5095.
RELATED: Bocce Upstairs, Pizza Downstairs: Coratti’s Brings the Party to Ann Arbor
Budget Friendly: The Back Room Pizza
We know the story, less than $3 to your account with a craving for oven-fresh pizza that will keep you full deep into the night. In this situation, the Back Room Pizza can, and will, be your best friend. Located off Church St, just around the corner from The Brown Jug, this pizza-by-the-slice restaurant is a budget-friendly haven for those looking to enjoy the cheesy goodness without breaking the bank for flavor. It’s a few steps away from campus, and for a single slice, it’s everything you could want for a dining budget.
605 Church St, Ann Arbor. 734-995-5095
For Party Food: Cottage Inn Pizza
It’s the big night; you and your roommates are having a classic get-together with your friends. Great music is playing and maybe you’re rounding things out with a few games. However, you can’t decide which pizza place to order! While Ann Arbor has several party-food options, there’s nothing like ordering a few boxes of Cottage Inn Pizza. Yes, we know it’s a chain, but did you know Ann Arbor is home to the Cottage Inn headquarters! That would help explain its pure deliciousness and versatility as one of the city’s great party-pizza restaurants. With more than 20 specialty pizzas at your disposal, there’s no shortage of options ready to make the party an unforgettable experience for you and your friends.
546 Packard St, Ann Arbor. 734-769-5555.
A Slice on The Patio: Casa Dominick’s
The city is downright beautiful, so no one would blame you for wanting to enjoy patio seating while enjoying your fresh slice of pizza. While you can always enjoy outdoor seating at many restaurants that serve pizza, there is nothing like a meal at Casa Dominicks and its vibrant atmosphere. Whether you want to enjoy their small Piccolo Pizza or a large order with every topping from pepperoni to eggplant, you can enjoy a cool breeze on their balcony while treating yourself to a well-deserved slice of goodness.
812 Monroe St, Ann Arbor. 734- 662-5414
For an Instagrammable Moment: Palio Ann Arbor
What good is the food if you can’t take a photo to show off? Palio is the go-to experience for Instagrammable pizza. Located in the heart of Main Street, a few blocks away from the University campus, taking a picture of your perfectly sculpted pizza against the downtown backdrop will have all your friends visiting this Italian delicacy. The food is especially delicious with menu items like their pizza Carne Amore, which comes with Italian sausage, pancetta, banana peppers, and a flowing three-cheese blend. Snap a photo, include your best caption and enjoy every mouthwatering bite.
347 S Main St, Ann Arbor. 734-212-1089.
Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
