Buddy’s Pizza introduced Detroit to its famous square pies, and the price difference between their classic eight-square and deep-dish options is worth checking before you order. When you look at the Buddy’s Pizza Menu with Prices, you will see that the cost varies based on size, crust style, and toppings. This guide breaks down the full menu so you can plan your meal without any surprises at the register.
Buddy’s has been around since 1946, and they claim to be the original Detroit-style pizza. Their signature is a thick, airy crust that gets crispy on the edges. You can order it in the traditional eight-square format, which is the standard, or you can go for the deep-dish version that has even more dough.
Prices change slightly by location, but the numbers below reflect the typical cost at most metro Detroit stores. Always check your local store for the final total, but this guide gives you a solid baseline.
Buddy’s Pizza Menu With Prices
Before we get into the specific items, you should know that Buddy’s does not have a single national price list. The menu is fairly consistent, but the cost of a large pizza in Dearborn might be a dollar or two more than one in a suburban location. The menu is split into a few clear categories: appetizers, salads, specialty pizzas, build-your-own, and desserts.
Appetizers And Starters
You will not find a huge list of fried foods here. Buddy’s keeps the starters simple, focusing on things that go well with pizza.
- Garlic Cheese Bread – This is a popular pick. It comes as a full order or a half order. The full order costs around $11.99, and the half order is about $7.49. It is made with their pizza dough, butter, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan.
- Antipasto Salad – This is a big salad with ham, salami, provolone, pepperoncini, and tomatoes. A small is about $9.99, and a large is around $14.49.
- Breadsticks – You get eight sticks with a side of marinara. These run about $6.99.
- Soup Of The Day – Usually a cup is $4.49 and a bowl is $5.99. The soup changes daily, so ask your server.
The garlic cheese bread is the best value if you are sharing. It is filling enough that you might not need a full pizza for two people.
Classic Eight-Square Pizza
This is the original Buddy’s pizza. It is a square pan pizza that is cut into eight large slices. The crust is medium thickness, crispy on the bottom, and soft in the middle. This is the most common order.
You can get a cheese pizza, or you can add toppings. The base price for a cheese-only eight-square is around $14.99. If you want a specialty pizza, the price goes up to about $18.99 to $21.99 depending on the toppings.
Specialty Eight-Square Options
- Detroit Classic – Pepperoni, brick cheese, and sauce. This is the original recipe. Cost is about $19.49.
- Supreme – Pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, onion, and mushroom. Cost is about $21.99.
- BBQ Chicken – Grilled chicken, red onion, and BBQ sauce base. Cost is about $20.99.
- Vegetarian – Mushroom, green pepper, onion, tomato, and black olive. Cost is about $20.49.
If you are on a budget, the cheese pizza is the way to go. You can add one topping for about $1.75, which is cheaper than ordering a specialty pie.
Deep-Dish Pizza
The deep-dish version is taller and has more dough. It is not a Chicago-style pie with a ton of sauce on top. Instead, it is a thicker version of the Detroit square, with the sauce on top of the cheese. The deep-dish takes longer to cook, so expect to wait about 10 extra minutes.
The price for a deep-dish cheese pizza is about $17.99. Specialty deep-dish pizzas run from $21.99 to $24.99. The extra cost is worth it if you really like the bread. The crust is chewier and more substantial.
- Deep-Dish Pepperoni – $21.99
- Deep-Dish Deluxe – $24.49
- Deep-Dish Veggie – $23.99
One thing to note is that the deep-dish is very filling. A single eight-square deep-dish can easily feed three people, where the classic might only feed two.
Build Your Own Pizza
If you do not want a specialty pie, you can build your own. This is a good option if you want to control the toppings and the price. The base cheese pizza is the starting point, and then you add toppings.
Here is how the pricing works for a classic eight-square:
- Start with a cheese pizza at $14.99.
- Add your first topping for $1.75.
- Add each additional topping for $1.25.
- If you want extra cheese, that is $2.25.
For the deep-dish, the base is $17.99. Toppings are the same price as the classic. If you load it up with five toppings, you are looking at around $24.00. That is still cheaper than some of the specialty options, and you get exactly what you want.
Topping choices include pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, ground beef, chicken, mushroom, onion, green pepper, tomato, black olive, jalapeno, pineapple, and anchovies. They also have a few premium toppings like feta cheese and sun-dried tomato for an extra $2.50 each.
Salads And Sides
Buddy’s offers a few salads if you want something green on the side. The house salad is simple, with lettuce, tomato, and onion. A small is $6.99 and a large is $9.49.
The antipasto salad is the most popular non-pizza item. It has a good mix of meats and cheeses. The small size is plenty for two people as a side, and the large can be a meal on its own.
They also have a side of marinara sauce for $1.29 if you want extra for dipping. Ranch and blue cheese dressing are available for $0.99 per cup.
Desserts
Dessert options are limited but decent. You can get a cannoli, which is about $4.99. They also have a chocolate chip cookie that is baked in a pizza pan, which costs about $6.99 and is good for sharing.
The tiramisu is another option at $5.49. It is not made in-house, but it is a fine way to end the meal.
Drinks And Beverages
Soft drinks are served in bottles or cans. A can of soda is about $2.49. A bottle is about $2.99. They also have iced tea and lemonade for around $2.99.
If you want beer or wine, the prices vary a lot. A domestic beer is around $5.00, and an import is around $6.50. They have a small wine list, with glasses starting at $7.00.
Lunch Specials
If you go during the week, you can catch a lunch special. From Monday to Friday, between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, they offer a smaller pizza and a side salad for about $10.99. This is the best deal on the menu if you are eating alone.
The lunch special includes a personal-sized pizza with up to two toppings. It is not the full eight-square, but it is enough for one person. You can also upgrade to a larger size for an extra $3.00.
Family Packs And Bundles
For groups, Buddy’s offers a family pack. This usually includes two large eight-square pizzas and a large salad. The price is around $38.99. This is a good value if you are feeding four to five people.
They also have a “Party Pack” that includes three pizzas and two salads for about $55.00. This is meant for larger gatherings. The exact contents can vary by location, so it is best to call ahead.
Gluten-Free And Allergy Options
Buddy’s does offer a gluten-free crust. It is a smaller, personal-sized pizza. The price is about $12.99 for a cheese pizza. You can add toppings for the same price as the regular pizzas.
It is important to know that the gluten-free crust is not cooked in a separate oven. If you have a severe allergy, you should mention it to the staff, but there is a risk of cross-contamination.
How To Order Online
Ordering online is pretty simple. You go to the Buddy’s website and pick your location. Then you can choose pickup or delivery. The online menu shows the same prices as in the store.
One tip is to check for online-only coupons. Sometimes they have a deal for 10% off your first online order. You can also join their rewards program, which gives you points for every dollar you spend. A free pizza usually requires around 150 points.
Comparing Prices To Other Pizzerias
When you compare Buddy’s to other Detroit-area pizzerias, they are mid-range. A local chain like Jet’s Pizza is often a few dollars cheaper. However, Buddy’s uses higher-quality ingredients and a different dough recipe.
National chains like Domino’s or Pizza Hut will always be cheaper, but you are getting a different product. Buddy’s is closer to a sit-down restaurant experience, even when you get takeout.
Tips For Saving Money
If you want to keep the cost down, here are a few practical tips:
- Order the classic eight-square instead of the deep-dish. You save about $3.00.
- Skip the specialty pizza and build your own. Choose two or three toppings instead of five.
- Go for the lunch special on a weekday.
- Share a large salad instead of ordering two small ones.
- Check the rewards app before you order. Sometimes they have a free breadstick offer.
These small changes can save you $10 to $15 on a family order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buddy’s Pizza expensive?
Compared to fast-food pizza, yes. Compared to a sit-down Italian restaurant, no. A specialty pizza is around $20, which is fair for the quality.
What is the difference between the eight-square and deep-dish?
The eight-square is the original with a medium crust. The deep-dish has a thicker, taller crust and takes longer to bake. The deep-dish is about $3 more expensive.
Does Buddy’s have any deals on the menu?
Yes, they have a weekday lunch special for around $10.99. They also run seasonal promotions through their app.
Can I get a gluten-free pizza at Buddy’s?
Yes, they offer a personal-sized gluten-free crust. It costs about $12.99 for cheese, and you can add toppings.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes, a location in a high-rent area like downtown Detroit might charge $1 to $2 more than a suburban store. Always check your local menu online.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Buddy’s is not a cheap pizza, but you are paying for a specific style that you cannot get everywhere. The classic eight-square is the benchmark, and the price is reasonable for the portion size. The deep-dish is a heavier meal, and the extra cost is justified if you love bread.
If you are visiting Detroit for the first time, you should try the Detroit Classic. It is the original recipe, and it gives you the full experience. If you are a local, the lunch special is the best way to get your fix without spending too much.
Remember that the menu is not static. Buddy’s occasionally adds seasonal items, and they sometimes test new specialty pizzas in certain markets. The prices listed here are accurate as of this writing, but they can go up with inflation or supply costs.
You can always view the current menu on their official website. The online menu is updated regularly, and it shows the exact price for your chosen location. That is the safest way to budget for your meal.
In the end, the Buddy’s Pizza Menu with Prices is straightforward. You have two main crust choices, a handful of specialty recipes, and a build-your-own option. The prices are fair for the quality, and the portions are generous. Just do not forget to bring cash if you are at a location that does not take cards, though most do now.
One last note on portion sizes. A single eight-square is often enough for two people if you also order an appetizer. If you are a big eater, you can finish one by yourself, but you will be full. The deep-dish is almost always too much for one person, so plan to share or take leftovers home. The pizza reheats well in a skillet or an air fryer, so do not let the leftovers go to waste.
So, next time you are thinking about Detroit-style pizza, you have a clear picture of what it will cost. Check the menu, pick your crust, and enjoy a slice of Motor City history.