Hazel Park, MI — Since my parents moved to Traverse City after my dad retired from work, it’s not too often that I get to see them since I live in Metro Detroit. So when I do get to see them, I tend to make the most of it. In this case, my dad’s most recent trip downstate ended up (probably) being his luckiest one yet, because I got to introduce him to the infamous Loui’s Pizza.

I won’t beat around the bush; I love pizza. My first job was at a local pizzeria in Plymouth when I was fourteen and a half. A few years and several kitchen jobs later, I’d go on to work for Dominos for about three years combined between my time during a summer at a smaller volume store in Novi to a rather larger volume location in Mount Pleasant when I went back up to college. I even had a brief few months at a Marco’s Pizza post-college before I headed off to Grand Rapids to start my first radio job about two months after graduating from Central Michigan University. So, you could say marinara sauce courses through my veins by this point!

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Of the food-making process, making pizza is the craft I genuinely enjoy the most. There’s such an art form to making pizza; a food enjoyed resoundingly worldwide in its many forms and ingredient variations. Pizza transcends to a food dimension of its own, adapting to cultural and regional interpretation. It pulls from traditions, generations-old family recipes, local ingredients, and creative minds old and new to rise like dough to the occasion of a consuming sort. This is where my dad and I, or even more importantly, Loui’s, enter the equation.

My dad was downstate visiting his mother (Hi, grandma!) for her 94th birthday, so I met up with him at her house on Friday for the special day. While we spent time with her, my dad mentioned wanting to get lunch with me the following day before he headed back up north. I suggested we go to Loui’s since I know my dad also happens to have a soft spot for the pie life. To be fully transparent, I had been to Loui’s once before, about two months ago, with my friends Rob and Zack, so I knew what we were walking into. The highlight of this adventure (aside from the best bomb-diggity pizza I’ve ever had) was being able to witness the joy it brought my dad.

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Walking into Loui’s Pizza on the west side of Dequindre Road just north of 9 Mile is a sight to behold. The interior walls and ceilings are lined and decked with empty wine bottles, which have had the bottom halves covered to be decorated or signed by patrons over the years. You’re immediately immersed in the nostalgia of Loui’s and Detroit. The foyer is packed with old newspaper clippings, photos, signed autographs of famous Detroit athletes and celebrities over the years, and old-school signs. The ambiance just feels like home, both as a Michigander and a Detroiter. This spot is great for families and large gatherings, with a spacious seating area and additional side room.

My dad and I sat at a table nearest to the kitchen minutes after they opened around noon on Saturday. I had relatively hyped the place up to my dad, who sometimes tends to be hard to please when it comes to food. But when my dad enjoys something, he’ll enthusiastically admit it (often between bites). So, needless to say, I was excited to hear his thoughts on Loui’s Pizza.

We kept it simple and just ordered a pizza, with ham and sausage on my half and my dad’s half loaded with ham, pineapple, and onion. Since Detroit-style pizzas are thicker (but not as thick as a Chicago deep dish), they tend to take at least 35 minutes or so in the oven, depending on the temperature. Sure enough, once this pizza was freshly delivered straight from the oven ladened with copious amounts of cheese, sauce, and toppings, I saw my dad’s eyes light up. Before I could even snap a photo, he was already in the process of lifting his first slice!

Loui’s claims to have THEE original Detroit-style recipe, and while I’m not here to disparage any other Detroit-style pizza eateries, Loui’s quite possibly has the best, in my opinion. The crust maintains that excellent buttery crunch while the bottom and rest of the pizza remains light and airy. The sauce actually has a sweet finish and fine consistency down the middle between not too watery and not too thick. As an avid cheese consumer, you couldn’t ask for more cheese on these pizzas; it’s a cheesy delight! The fine pizzamakers at Loui’s do a solid job when it comes to portioning the toppings in terms of spacing and quantity per slice.

After about three bites and moments of eating silence, my dad, without looking up before shoveling his fourth bite in, said: “Damn boy… this is some damn good pizza!” And with that, I enjoyed the rest of my meal in confidence. I always feel good when I know I’ve discovered and shared a great restaurant/food with someone. To be able to spend a few hours with my dad and take him to such a special place definitely adds to the adventure and overall experience. My dad took two slices as leftovers to drop off at my uncle Jerry’s on his way back up to Traverse City. And sure enough, when I talked to my dad on Sunday, he mentioned, “Jerry said it’s the best pizza he’s ever had.” So, I’m two for two!

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Now, it’s worth mentioning that the other menu items at Loui’s are also stellar. During my first trip with Rob and Zack, we got a little adventurous and ordered an Italian sausage with green peppers and onion and a baked meatball sandwich. These foods are as delicious as they look; I was quite blown away during my first visit to Loui’s. We were stuffed between the “sides” we ordered and the pizza (main image at the top). Zack and I split the loaded Italian sausage while Rob attempted the baked meatball.

As you might guess, Zack and I ended up having to help take a few bites from the baked meatball sandwich — it’s quite a sizeable sandwich! From the pizzas to the other menu items, it’s apparent that Loui’s is laser-focused on delivering top-tier quality food in a setting that feels like home. Next time you’re in the mood for pizza or need a break from your usuals, I strongly recommend a trip over to Loui’s for some amazing Detroit-style pizza!

For more information on Loui’s Pizza, click here.