Why cloverleaf pizza on gratiot Is a Detroit Institution
Cloverleaf pizza on gratiot refers to the original Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant, the birthplace of Detroit-style square pizza, located at 24443 Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe, Michigan. Here’s what you need to know:
Quick Facts:
- Address: 24443 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, MI 48021
- Phone: (586) 777-5391
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Closed Monday-Tuesday)
- Founded: 1953 by Gus Guerra (pizza recipe dates to 1946)
- Famous For: Original Detroit-style square pizza with crispy edges
- Price Range: $$
- Ranking: #1 out of 81 restaurants in Eastpointe
If you’re searching for authentic Detroit-style pizza, you’ve found the right place. Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant isn’t just another pizza joint – it’s the place where Gus Guerra created what we now call Detroit-style square pizza back in 1946. The Gratiot Avenue location, opened in 1953, sits on what locals call the “Southeast Macomb County Pizza Highway.”
This isn’t hype. The restaurant has maintained its reputation for over 70 years by sticking to the original recipe: thick-crust pizza with generous cheese, homemade sauce, and that signature crispy edge that comes from baking in rectangular pans.
Whether you’re a traveling nurse staying nearby or a Detroit native, the original Cloverleaf on Gratiot offers more than just food. It’s a piece of Detroit history, still family-run, still serving the same square pizzas that started it all. While Cloverleaf has expanded to seven Metro Detroit locations, the Gratiot restaurant remains the original – complete with its bar atmosphere and decades of loyal customers.
A Slice of Detroit History: The Cloverleaf Legacy
Every great dish has an origin story, and Detroit-style square pizza’s is fascinating. It all starts in 1946 with Gus Guerra and an idea that would change pizza forever.
Gus owned Buddy’s Rendezvous in Detroit and repurposed blue steel pans from auto factories—originally used for small parts—into the perfect pizza pans. Combined with his wife Anna’s Sicilian family recipe, these industrial pans created a new kind of pizza: a thick, rectangular pie with impossibly crispy, caramelized cheese edges.
In 1953, Gus opened the Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant at 24443 Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe, the true home of his square pizza. While the recipe originated at Buddy’s, the Guerra family built their legacy at Cloverleaf, perfecting what we now know as Detroit-style pizza.
The family tradition continues today. The Guerra family maintains the same commitment to quality and authenticity Gus established. Every Motor City Square pizza served uses that 1946 recipe, proving that some things stay perfectly delicious.
The Birth of the Motor City Square
What makes a Cloverleaf pizza different? It starts with the original recipe from 1946, but the magic is in the method.
The thick, crispy crust is the foundation. The dough is pressed into blue steel pans, and cheese is layered to the very edge. As it bakes, the edges transform into caramelized cheese corners that are crispy, fried-like, and addictive.
Then there’s the sauce on top. Cloverleaf adds it last, in signature stripes, after the cheese. This allows the cheese to bubble and brown underneath, creating unique layers of flavor and texture.
The result is a pizza that’s thick yet light and airy inside, with a crunchy crust. It’s been evolving since 1946, as the Guerra family adapts to modern tastes while keeping the original recipe’s soul intact.
Want to dig deeper into this Detroit original? Check out the story of Detroit-style pizza straight from the source.
From a Single Bar to a Pizza Empire
After the Cloverleaf pizza on Gratiot became a hit, word spread fast. People drove from all over Metro Detroit for a taste, and Gus Guerra’s vision expanded.
Today, Cloverleaf has grown to seven locations across Metro Detroit. The growth has been intentional, with the family focused on maintaining quality across locations by preserving tradition, not just a recipe. Each location uses the same methods and standards that made the original famous. Whether you’re ordering from Roseville or Sterling Heights, you’re getting the real deal.
For entrepreneurs who share Gus’s passion, Cloverleaf also offers franchise opportunities. The expansion across Metro Detroit continues, bringing the 1946 recipe to new neighborhoods.
From one small bar to a beloved pizza institution—that’s the power of doing one thing exceptionally well. And if you’re curious about what else makes Detroit’s food scene so special, explore more about Detroit’s culinary scene to see why this city has become a true food destination.
The Anatomy of a Cloverleaf Pizza
Ever wondered what makes a Cloverleaf pizza so special? The magic starts long before that first delicious bite. It begins with ingredient sourcing – the team sources quality ingredients locally each day, with vegetables chopped fresh daily and often hand-picked from Eastern Market. No shortcuts here. These fresh ingredients are prepared and hand-cut by skilled chefs who know exactly what they’re doing.
The dough preparation is where things get interesting. This isn’t your average pizza dough – it’s crafted to create that distinctive light and airy texture while still giving you a substantial crust. The layering process follows a specific order that’s been perfected over decades. First, the dough goes into those famous seasoned blue steel pans. Then comes a generous blanket of brick cheese spread right to the edges – and I mean right to the edges. This is how you get those coveted caramelized, crispy cheese to the edge corners that people drive across town for.
After the cheese comes the topping placement, then finally, the signature red sauce is striped across the top. The baking method involves a traditional deck oven with stone baking completed in a stone conveyor oven. This creates that crunchy, crispy crust and ensures even baking throughout. Every step matters, and every step has been refined since Gus Guerra first fired up his oven.
What Makes the “Motor City Square” Unique?
Let’s talk about what really sets the Motor City Square apart from every other pizza you’ve tried. That rectangular shape isn’t just for show – those repurposed blue steel pans give you more of those prized crispy, cheesy corner pieces. And honestly, who doesn’t fight over the corners?
Despite looking thick and hearty, the dough is surprisingly light and airy on the inside with a satisfying chew. The secret weapon here is the brick cheese blend – often a mix of brick and other cheeses that melts beautifully, creating a rich, nutty flavor. More importantly, it caramelizes perfectly along the pan’s edges, creating something almost magical.
That crispy, fried-like crust comes from the oil in the pan combining with the cheese melting to the edges. It’s exceptionally crispy, with a texture that’s almost fried. The toppings under the cheese approach is traditional – they go directly on the dough, then get covered by the cheese. This protects them from drying out and lets the cheese get perfectly bubbly. Finally, those stripes of sauce on top ensure a fresh, vibrant tomato flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and crust. It’s not just different – it’s better.
Beyond the Square: Other Pizza Offerings
Look, we know the original Detroit-style square pizza is what made cloverleaf pizza on gratiot famous. But sometimes you want options, right? That’s why Cloverleaf offers round pizzas for those who prefer a more traditional pizza experience. You can still load them up with your choice of toppings.
For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pizza options are available. You can choose between a small square, round, or even cauliflower round gluten-free crust. To prevent cross-contamination, these pizzas aren’t cut at the restaurant – you’ll slice them at home as you prefer.
The build-your-own pizza option lets creative pizza lovers go wild with a wide array of fresh toppings. And if you’d rather trust the experts, the specialty pizza varieties include fan favorites like Veggie, BBQ Chicken, Supreme, and Hawaiian. Each one is packed with flavor and designed to showcase what makes Cloverleaf special. Whether you’re staying at one of our furnished rentals or just exploring the area, you can Find the best takeout in Metro Detroit and find even more great options.
Your Complete Guide to Cloverleaf Pizza on Gratiot and Other Locations
If you’ve spent any time in Metro Detroit, you’ve probably heard about Gratiot Avenue’s reputation as a pizza lover’s paradise. Locals affectionately call it the “Southeast Macomb County Pizza Highway,” and for good reason. This historic stretch is home to some of the area’s most beloved pizzerias, each with their own loyal following.
But here’s the thing: Cloverleaf didn’t just join this pizza scene – we helped create it. As the birthplace of Detroit-style square pizza, Cloverleaf pizza on gratiot serves as an anchor for the entire corridor. When people talk about authentic Detroit-style pizza, they’re talking about what Gus Guerra started here back in 1953. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s where the legend was born. You can learn more about The history of Gratiot as a pizza destination and how this street became synonymous with great pizza.
The Original Cloverleaf Pizza on Gratiot
The original Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant at 24443 Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe is more than just another location on our list. It’s where everything started. When Gus Guerra opened these doors in 1953, he brought with him the square pizza recipe he’d been perfecting since 1946. The building itself has witnessed decades of Detroit history, countless family celebrations, and more than a few passionate debates about which corner piece is the best (spoiler: they’re all amazing).
Walking into the original location feels different. There’s a warmth here that comes from being a true neighborhood gathering spot for over seventy years. The classic bar and restaurant atmosphere hasn’t been polished away by modern renovations – it’s authentic, comfortable, and unpretentious. Just like our pizza.
Planning a visit? We’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and we take Mondays and Tuesdays off to recharge. Whether you’re staying nearby with Detroit Furnished Rentals or making a pilgrimage from across town, the dine-in experience at the Gratiot location is something special. You’re not just eating pizza; you’re becoming part of a tradition. Need help finding us? Get directions to the Eastpointe Location and we’ll see you soon.
Other Metro Detroit Locations
We love our original home on Gratiot, but we also understand that sometimes you want that authentic Motor City Square closer to where you are. That’s why we’ve expanded to seven Metro Detroit locations, each one committed to serving the same quality pizza that made us famous.
Our Chesterfield location keeps the longest hours, staying open until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights – perfect for those late-night pizza cravings. Over in Grosse Pointe, we’ve become a neighborhood favorite with slightly earlier hours that work perfectly for family dinners. The Macomb spot is open six days a week with generous hours to fit your schedule.
Our Roseville, St. Clair Shores, and Sterling Heights locations all follow similar hours, opening at 11 AM Monday through Saturday and noon on Sundays. They close at 9 PM on weeknights and Sundays, with extended hours until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Each location has its own character and loyal regulars, but they all share one thing: that same commitment to the authentic Detroit-style pizza that started on Gratiot Avenue.
How to Order from Cloverleaf Pizza on Gratiot and Others
Getting your hands on our famous square pizza has never been easier. Whether you’re craving cloverleaf pizza on gratiot or want delivery to your furnished apartment in Detroit, we’ve got you covered with multiple ordering options.
Our online ordering system is the quickest way to customize your order. Just head to the “Our Locations” page on our website, pick your preferred location, and click “Order Online.” You’ll be able to build your perfect pizza, add those must-have sides, and schedule pickup or delivery. Speaking of delivery, we cover extensive areas throughout Roseville, Chesterfield, Macomb, and beyond – just check with your local store to confirm.
Prefer talking to a real person? Phone orders are always welcome at every location. There’s something nice about calling in your order and chatting with someone who knows exactly what “extra crispy edges” means. You’ll find each location’s phone number on their individual pages.
For the tech-savvy pizza lovers, our mobile app (available on both Apple App Store and Google Play) makes ordering even smoother. Plus, you’ll earn loyalty rewards with every order. Who doesn’t love free pizza?
Here’s where you can order online from each location: Chesterfield, Grosse Pointe, Macomb, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, and Sterling Heights. Whether you’re picking up takeout after work or having it delivered to your temporary home in the area, we’re ready to serve you that legendary Motor City Square.
The Full Menu: Signature Dishes, Deals, and Customer Favorites
When you think of Cloverleaf, that iconic Detroit-style square pizza immediately comes to mind. But trust us – there’s so much more to find on our menu. From hearty salads to crispy wings, we’ve built a lineup of dishes that complement our legendary pizza perfectly. Whether you’re dining in at Cloverleaf pizza on Gratiot or ordering from one of our other locations, you’ll find something delicious for everyone at your table.
Signature Pizzas and Customer Favorites
You can build your own masterpiece with a single topping, but why not try something we’ve perfected? Our Cloverleaf Supreme is loaded with all the classics – it’s the kind of pizza that makes decision-making easy. At $14.20 for a small, it’s packed with flavor and generous portions.
Now, let’s talk about our Antipasto Salad ($11.75). This isn’t your average side salad. Customers rave about it constantly, and for good reason. It’s absolutely massive, featuring crisp iceberg and romaine lettuce, savory ham and salami, zesty pepperoncinis, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, black and green olives, garbanzo beans, and provolone cheese. Everything gets tossed in our house Italian dressing, creating a refreshing balance to all that cheesy, crispy pizza goodness.
Before your pizza arrives, you’ve got to try our Crunchy Bread ($6.99). It’s one of those simple pleasures that keeps people coming back – perfectly seasoned, incredibly satisfying, and absolutely addictive. And if you’re in the mood for something with a kick, our Wings ($9.99 for 8 pieces) come in Plain, BBQ, Garlic Parm, Buffalo, and Xtra Hot varieties.
Don’t skip dessert! Our Cheesecake ($4.99) is the perfect sweet ending to your meal. And here’s an insider tip: grab a bottle of our house-made ranch dressing to take home. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything.
Current Specials and Deals
We believe great pizza should be accessible to everyone, which is why we’re always running specials that give you incredible value. These deals rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Our Large One-Topping deal gets you a large pizza (round or square) for just $11.99 – that’s a steal for authentic Detroit-style pizza. If you’re dining solo or want to try something lighter, the Small Pizza + Salad combo at $15.99 gives you the best of both worlds. There’s even a Small One-Topping option for $7.99 when you just need a quick fix.
Feeding a crowd? The Party Tray (three large pizzas with one topping each) for $35.99 is your answer. Game day? Our Pizza + Wings combo pairs a large two-topping pizza with 8 wings for $21.99. And families love our Family Deal – a large one-topping pizza, a salad, and large bread for $29.99.
Looking to splurge on something special? Use code 5OFF to get $5 off any specialty pizza. Want more toppings? The Large Three-Topper is just $15.99.
One important note: while most of our franchise locations honor these specials, some offers aren’t valid at the original Gratiot Avenue location. Always double-check when you’re ordering to avoid any surprises. You can always find the latest deals when you Check out the latest specials.
Engaging with the Brand
We’re more than just a pizza place – we’re part of the Metro Detroit community, and we love staying connected with you. Our Instagram presence (@cloverleafpizza) is where the fun really happens. We regularly run customer photo contests where you can snap a picture of your Cloverleaf meal, tag us, and automatically enter to win free stuff. Sometimes we even challenge you to guess how many pizzas a location will sell in a day for a chance at a $50 gift card.
Your opinion genuinely matters to us. Fill out our quick customer feedback survey and we’ll give you 20% off your next order. It’s a win-win – we learn how to serve you better, and you get a discount on delicious pizza.
We also believe in supporting our neighbors. Through local partnerships, like our collaboration with Lash Cabana in St. Clair Shores, we create opportunities for the whole community to benefit. Book your first appointment there, and you’ll get 20% off your next Cloverleaf order. It’s these kinds of connections that make Metro Detroit special.
Want the easiest way to stay in the loop? Download the Cloverleaf Pizza App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Our rewards program is simple: earn 1 point for every $1 spent, get 25 points for referring a friend, score a free large pizza (up to 3 toppings) when you hit 200 points, and receive a special birthday reward. Consider it our thank you for being part of the Cloverleaf family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cloverleaf Pizza
If you’re planning to visit cloverleaf pizza on gratiot or any of the other locations, you probably have a few questions. Let’s clear up some of the most common ones we hear from customers.
What is the original Cloverleaf Pizza location?
When people talk about cloverleaf pizza on gratiot, they’re referring to the Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant at 24443 Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe, MI. This is the real deal – the original location where Gus Guerra opened shop in 1953 and where Detroit-style square pizza truly began its journey to fame.
Walking into this location is like stepping into a piece of Detroit history. It’s not just about the pizza here (though the pizza is incredible). It’s about experiencing the same atmosphere, the same recipes, and the same family tradition that has been serving the community for over 70 years. If you’re staying in one of Detroit Furnished Rentals’ comfortable apartments and want to experience authentic Detroit culture, this is a must-visit spot.
Does Cloverleaf Pizza offer more than just square pizza?
Absolutely! While we’re famous for our original Detroit-style square pizza – and rightfully so – we understand that everyone has different tastes and dietary needs. Our menu has grown over the years to accommodate just about everyone who walks through our doors.
Beyond the iconic square, we offer traditional round pizzas for those who prefer a more classic pizza shape. We also have gluten-free options available in small square, round, or cauliflower round crusts. These gluten-free pizzas are prepared with care to prevent cross-contamination, and they’re not cut at the restaurant so you can slice them at home as you prefer.
Feeling creative? Our build-your-own pizza option lets you craft your perfect pie with your choice of fresh toppings. And if you’d rather leave it to the experts, our specialty pizzas like Veggie, BBQ Chicken, Supreme, and Hawaiian are loaded with carefully selected ingredient combinations that have earned their place as customer favorites.
But the menu doesn’t stop at pizza. Our Antipasto Salad is legendary – customers rave about how huge and fresh it is. The Crunchy Bread is the perfect appetizer, our Wings come in flavors ranging from Plain to Xtra Hot, and don’t even get us started on the house-made ranch dressing (seriously, grab a bottle to take home). And for dessert? Our Cheesecake is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
Are the specials available at all Cloverleaf locations?
This is an important one to understand before you order. Most of our specials and deals – like the Large One-Topping for $11.99, the Family Deal, or the $5 off specialty pizzas – are available at our various Metro Detroit franchise locations in Chesterfield, Grosse Pointe, Macomb, Roseville, St. Clair Shores, and Sterling Heights.
However, some offers are explicitly not valid at the original Gratiot location. The historic Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant operates a bit differently from the franchise locations, and certain promotions don’t apply there. We know it can be a little confusing, but we always make this clear on our social media posts and website.
Our best advice? When you’re placing an order, especially if you’re using a promotional code or expecting a special price, just confirm with your specific location that the deal applies. A quick phone call or checking the details on the location’s online ordering page can save you any surprises. You can always visit our specials page to see the most current offers and their terms.
Experience a Detroit Original
For more than seven decades, Cloverleaf Pizza has been woven into the very fabric of Detroit’s culinary identity. The original cloverleaf pizza on gratiot isn’t just a restaurant—it’s where pizza history was made. When Gus Guerra opened his doors in 1953 on Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe, he brought with him a vision that would transform how America thinks about pizza. His Detroit-style square pizza, born from ingenuity and family tradition, has grown from a local secret to an internationally acclaimed treasure.
Today, that same Eastpointe landmark continues to serve up authentic Detroit-style pizza with unwavering dedication to quality. The same care that went into those first pies still goes into every pizza that comes out of the oven. It’s this commitment to tradition that makes Cloverleaf more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience.
Whether you’ve been ordering from Cloverleaf for decades or you’re visiting Detroit for the first time, this is a must-try culinary destination. Every bite of that crispy, caramelized crust tells a story—of innovation, of family, of a city’s pride. The rich, flavorful toppings, the perfectly melted brick cheese, those coveted corner pieces—they all come together in a way that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.
If you’re planning a trip to experience this Detroit original, staying with Detroit Furnished Rentals puts you in the perfect position. Our comfortable, centrally located accommodations mean you’re never far from iconic spots like Cloverleaf. After a day exploring the Motor City’s vibrant food scene, you’ll have a cozy place to return to and plan your next culinary adventure. Want to find what else Detroit has to offer? Explore more great Detroit restaurants and immerse yourself in everything that makes this city’s dining scene so special.
