Michigan & Trumbull Named Among America’s Best Pizzas
Detroit’s culinary scene just scored another major national victory. Food & Wine magazine recently named Michigan & Trumbull one of the best pizzerias in America, solidifying what locals have known for years. This prestigious recognition highlights the evolution of Detroit-style pizza and the creative chefs pushing the city’s food culture forward.
From Pittsburgh Pop-Up to Detroit Staple
The story of Michigan & Trumbull is actually a tale of two industrial cities. Founders Kristen Calautti and Nate Peck originally launched their rectangular pizza concept in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Peck, a Metro Detroit native, wanted to bring the iconic square pies of his youth to a new audience, naming the business after the historic intersection that once housed Tiger Stadium.
After building a massive following in Pennsylvania, the duo decided to bring their operation home to Michigan in 2020. Opening a pizzeria in Detroit—the very birthplace of the style they were replicating—was a bold risk. Locals are fiercely protective of their corner-crust heritage, with lifelong loyalties to heritage spots like Buddy’s, Loui’s, and Cloverleaf.
Michigan & Trumbull first set up shop inside the Fort Street Galley in downtown Detroit before moving into a permanent brick-and-mortar space in Corktown. Last year, they relocated again to a larger, vibrant space in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood at 1331 Holden Street. Throughout every move, their focus on local ingredients and community connection helped them win over skeptical Detroiters.
What Caught Food & Wine’s Attention
Food & Wine’s national pizza rankings do not just look for history; they look for exceptional execution and modern technique. Michigan & Trumbull stood out to national critics because of how they modernize the classic Detroit-style blueprint without losing its soul.
The Power of Long-Fermented Dough
While traditional Detroit-style dough is often mixed and baked within the same day, Michigan & Trumbull takes a more artisanal approach. They use a long-fermented dough that develops a complex, slightly tangy flavor profile. The result is an interior crumb that remains remarkably light and airy, avoiding the heavy, overly greasy feel that sometimes plagues lesser square pies.
Standout Menu Favorites
The crust is still baked in blue steel pans with Wisconsin brick cheese pushed all the way to the edges, creating that non-negotiable frico—the caramelized, lacy cheese crown. However, the toppings go far beyond standard pepperoni. Local favorites that regularly draw praise include:
- Packard Pepperoni: Cup-and-char pepperoni paired with house-made hot honey and fresh oregano, offering a spicy-sweet balance.
- Woodward White: A garlic-forward white pie featuring roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, and fresh thyme.
- Farnsworth: A bold combination of roasted broccoli, pickled chilies, garlic oil, and pecorino cheese.
Old-School Classics vs. The New Wave
Detroit’s pizza landscape currently thrives on a healthy tension between the original mid-century tavern style and a newer, chef-driven wave. Understanding how Michigan & Trumbull fits into the local ecosystem is easier when you compare the two approaches side by side.
| Feature | Heritage Detroit Pizzerias | Michigan & Trumbull |
|---|---|---|
| Dough Process | Standard commercial yeast rise, denser texture | Long cold fermentation, airy and digestible |
| Sauce Style | Cooked, heavily seasoned red sauce ladled on top | Bright, crushed tomato sauce raced in stripes |
| Toppings | Traditional meats, canned mushrooms, mild peppers | Roasted fresh vegetables, pickled chilies, hot honey |
| Atmosphere | Classic family tavern or nostalgic dining room | Modern industrial space with craft beer and cocktails |
What This Means for the Local Dining Scene
When a national publication like Food & Wine shines a spotlight on a Milwaukee Junction restaurant, the ripple effects hit the entire city. First, it validates Detroit as a dynamic pizza capital, not just a historical museum for a single recipe. While the rest of the country is busy opening Detroit-style chains, the best evolutions of the form are still happening right here in the city limits.
Second, the recognition brings foot traffic to Milwaukee Junction. Much like Corktown and Midtown before it, this neighborhood is rapidly becoming a hub for independent food and beverage businesses. Out-of-town culinary tourists visiting Michigan & Trumbull are likely to explore nearby coffee shops, bars, and retail spaces, boosting the local economy.
For locals, the most immediate implication is higher demand. Whenever a Detroit restaurant lands on a prestigious national list, wait times spike and weekend takeout slots vanish quickly. However, the larger footprint of their Holden Street location positions the team much better to handle the influx of hungry diners than their previous, smaller spaces.
What to Watch Next
As Michigan & Trumbull rides this wave of national acclaim, expect them to continue pushing seasonal boundaries. The kitchen regularly collaborates with other local chefs and farms, meaning the menu will keep rotating with Michigan’s agricultural calendar. Watch for expanded patio seating relevance as the weather warms up, as well as potential bottlenecks on Friday and Saturday nights.
Furthermore, this award sets the stage for even more national attention from organizations like the James Beard Foundation, which has increasingly recognized Detroit’s casual dining sector alongside its fine dining establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Michigan & Trumbull currently located?
They are located at 1331 Holden Street in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood, having moved there from Corktown in 2023. - Do I need a reservation to eat at Michigan & Trumbull?
They primarily operate on a walk-in basis for dine-in service, though you should expect a wait during peak weekend hours following this national recognition. - Can I order takeout or delivery?
Yes, online ordering is available through their website, but takeout slots often sell out early on Friday and Saturday evenings, so ordering ahead is recommended. - Do they offer vegan or gluten-free Detroit-style pizzas?
Yes, Michigan & Trumbull is well-known among locals for offering both a dedicated gluten-free crust and house-made vegan cheese options on most of their pies.
If you want to experience Michigan & Trumbull before the national food tourist crowds peak, plan a visit on a Wednesday or Thursday evening, or place your weekend takeout order online as soon as their ordering window opens in the afternoon.
Michigan and Trumbull Named Among Americas Best Pizzas
