Buddy’s Pizza History

Buddy’s Pizza has been a Detroit institution for decades. Literally. The original Buddy’s Pizza opened in Detroit, Michigan in 1946. This is Detroit’s iconic pizza parlor, from the small corner business to the large chain that runs today.

This gem is not just a Michigan favorite. In 2003 the Food Network claimed it as one of the “Nation’s Five Best Pizza Places.” Regardless of its growth, this pizzeria is still family owned.

How Does Buddy’s Prepare Gluten Free Pizzas?

I learned about Buddy’s Pizza from people in my support group years ago. Everyone who eat there LOVES it. They take some great steps to prevent cross contact, too. They make their own homemade gluten free crust.

First, staff sterilize their work space. When a customer orders a gluten free pizza at Buddy’s, staff change gloves and use clean utensils. They even use fresh sauce and toppings.

Gluten free pizzas are baked on the top rack, lined with foil, to prevent cross contact with other pizzas. Each of their location hires employs a staff member explicitly trained in food allergy preparation protocol.

Is Buddy’s Gluten Free Pizza Crust Dairy Free? No.

This Buddy’s Pizza crust tastes 100& amazing, is nice and fluffy, and contains no yeast. I asked the staff how they miraculously pull this off. Buttermilk. All those fantastic cultures provide the lift to this pizza.

You can choose your own toppings (from their gluten free menu, only) or order one of their signature pizzas. We chose pineapple and grilled chicken.

I highly appreciate that Buddy’s Pizza waitstaff bring a fresh pizza cutter with your order. Therefore, you cut your own pizza, further diminishing the chance for cross contact.

How Does Buddy’s Pizza Prepare Their Salads?

Each salad is prepared freshly in a clean bowl, which is brought to the table. Buddy’s Pizza makes a majority of their salad dressings from scratch, although not all of them are gluten free. I LOVE the Buddy’s Pizza Greek Salad.

Buddy’s Pizza and Bocce Ball

Buddy’s Pizza offers more than just food and drinks. The original downtown Detroit location also offers bocce ball. The tradition of bocce ball at Buddy’s Pizza is as old as the founding of the original location.

What’s bocce? This “lawn game” involves 8 balls, and a one small target. The game can be played between two people, or against teams. The connection between Buddy’s Pizza and bocce is so famous, that a Griffin Claw Brewing named a beer in honor of it. So head to Buddy’s Pizza on Six Mile, order a pizza, and play a round! (Beer is not gluten free.)

Where is Buddy’s Pizza Located?

Buddy’s Pizza operates 14 full service restaurants and 5 carry out locations, mostly in the greater Detroit area. I have personally visited the Novi location, as well Auburn Hills and Okemos, which is the only location outside of the Detroit area.

If you visit the Novi location, I highly suggest a short drive to the Dairy Twist Cafe on Benstein Rd in Walled Lake. They offer gluten free and dairy free soft serve ice cream, as well as gluten free cones! (Just one of many places to get gluten free ice cream in Michigan.)

Other Detroit Area Gluten Free Dining Recommendations

If you find yourself in Detroit at breakfast time, I also suggest a stop at Folk Detroit. Check out my article on Detroit Gluten Free Dining Options for more Motor City restaurant recommendations!

Buddy’s Pizza

Opens at 11 am. Hours vary by location
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I was not paid or compensated in any way for this meal. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Buddy’s Pizza is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can a list of them on my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

Originally Published July 2018

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