The Detroit-Style Pizza Institution You Need to Know
Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant is the original home of Detroit-style square pizza, located at 24443 Gratiot Ave in Eastpointe, MI — and it has been serving its legendary thick-crust pies since 1946.
Quick facts at a glance:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 24443 Gratiot Ave, Eastpointe, MI |
| Phone | 586-777-5391 |
| Hours | Tue-Sat 12PM-8PM, Sun 12PM-8PM |
| Closed | Mondays |
| Pizza style | Detroit-style, rectangular, thick crust |
| Seating | 200+ guests plus enclosed patio |
| Order options | Dine-in, takeout, delivery, online |
Founded by Gus Guerra, Cloverleaf is widely recognized as the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza — that thick, airy, rectangular pie with caramelized crispy cheese edges and sauce on top. It is not just a restaurant. It is a piece of Detroit food history.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or looking to understand what makes this place special, this guide walks you through everything — from the history and menu to how to order and where to find other locations.
I’m Sean Swain, a Detroit hospitality expert and operator of Detroit Furnished Rentals, and my deep roots in the city have taken me to cloverleaf bar & restaurant more times than I can count. As someone who helps travelers experience Detroit like a local, it’s one of the first places I recommend to every guest.
cloverleaf bar & restaurant terms you need:
The History and Pioneering Role of Gus Guerra
To understand the magic of cloverleaf bar & restaurant, we have to go back to 1946. This was the year that Gus Guerra decided to change the pizza landscape forever. While many people associate “pizza” with the thin, round New York style, Gus had a different vision rooted in his family heritage.
The secret weapon in the Cloverleaf origin story was Gus’s mother-in-law, Grandma Passalacqua. She shared her traditional Sicilian recipe with Gus, which involved a thick, focaccia-like dough. But they didn’t have standard pizza pans. Legend has it that they used blue steel rectangular pans originally intended for holding small parts in Detroit’s bustling automotive factories. This happy accident created the “square” (technically rectangular) pizza we know today.
Gus initially served this pizza at a different location, but after a partnership change, he moved to Eastpointe. In 1953, he purchased the cloverleaf bar & restaurant, bringing that proprietary recipe with him. This move solidified the restaurant as a Pizza Hall of Fame inductee and a true pioneer of the “Motor City” style.
For nearly 80 years, the Guerra family has maintained this legacy. Today, the restaurant is still a family-run institution, with grandchildren of the founder often seen working the floor or the kitchen. It’s this commitment to quality—avoiding cheap ingredients and refusing to take shortcuts—that has kept them at the top of the list for Detroit restaurants for decades.
Visiting the Original Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant in Eastpointe
If you want the authentic experience, you have to head to the flagship location. The original cloverleaf bar & restaurant is a landmark in Eastpointe, situated at 24443 Gratiot Ave.
When we talk about a “neighborhood staple,” this is exactly what we mean. The building has character, history, and enough space to host a small army of pizza lovers. With seating for over 200 guests, it’s a sprawling space that manages to feel intimate and welcoming all at once.
Before you hop in the car, make sure you check their operating hours, as they are a bit specific:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Monday: Closed (The team needs a rest after a busy weekend!)
For those staying in our nearby accommodations, Cloverleaf Pizza on Gratiot is the perfect lunch or dinner destination. It’s centrally located and easy to find, making it a stress-free addition to your Detroit itinerary.
The Unique Atmosphere of Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant
What sets the Eastpointe location apart from a standard pizza joint is the atmosphere. It isn’t just a carryout counter; it’s a full-service dining destination. We love the variety of seating options available here. You can choose from:
- The Main Dining Room: Perfect for family dinners and large groups.
- The Enclosed Patio: A great spot to enjoy your meal with a bit more of an airy feel, regardless of the Michigan weather.
- The Lounge: If you’re looking for a casual night out with friends, the lounge area with high-top tables is the place to be.
The vibe is decidedly “old-school Detroit”—unpretentious, friendly, and focused on good food. It’s one of the standout Restaurants on Gratiot Ave because it offers a complete experience, whether you’re there for a quick bite or a long celebration.
Mastering the Menu: Signature Pizzas and Bar Favorites
Now, let’s get to the main event: the food. While the menu has expanded over the years, the star of the show remains the Detroit-style square pizza.
What makes it different? It’s all about the layers. Unlike traditional pizza where the dough is thin and the sauce is hidden under the cheese, Cloverleaf does things differently.
- The Crust: Thick, airy, and buttery. It’s almost like a savory cake.
- The Cheese: They use a specific blend that extends all the way to the edges of the blue steel pans. As it bakes, the cheese melts down the sides and caramelizes against the hot metal, creating a “crunchy corner” that people literally fight over.
- The Sauce: It’s ladled on top of the cheese, usually in two thick “racing stripes.” This prevents the crust from getting soggy and lets the bright flavor of the tomatoes shine.
Comparison: Detroit-Style vs. Traditional Pizza
| Feature | Detroit-Style (Cloverleaf) | Traditional (Round) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular | Round |
| Crust | Thick, airy, porous | Thin to medium, chewy |
| Cheese Placement | Edge-to-edge (caramelized) | Center-focused |
| Sauce Placement | On top of cheese | Under cheese |
| Pan Type | Blue Steel Automotive Pans | Flat stone or perforated tray |
While the pizza is the legend, the “Bar & Restaurant” part of the name means there is much more to explore. Their bar food is top-tier. We highly recommend the wings and their burgers, which have a loyal following of their own. If you’re looking for something a bit different, their starters like mozzarella triangles are perfect for sharing while you wait for your deep-dish pie to emerge from the oven.
Signature Drinks at Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant
You can’t visit a legendary bar without checking out the drink menu. cloverleaf bar & restaurant offers a full-service bar that caters to all tastes.
- The Famous Long Island Iced Tea: This is a local favorite. It’s strong, well-balanced, and has been a staple of the Cloverleaf experience for years.
- Buckets of Beer: Perfect for sports fans sitting in the lounge watching the big game.
- Craft Beers: They maintain a rotating selection of brews that pair perfectly with the salty, savory notes of their pizza.
- Handmade Cocktails: If you prefer something shaken or stirred, the bartenders here know their way around a cocktail shaker.
How to Order and Explore Expanded Locations
While the Eastpointe location is the mother ship, the demand for Gus Guerra’s recipe was so high that expansion was inevitable. Today, there are several carryout and delivery-only locations throughout the Metro Detroit area. This makes it incredibly easy to get your pizza fix even if you aren’t right next to Gratiot Ave.
If you are looking for Tuesday pizza deals, checking the specials page is a must. They often run promotions that make feeding a family very affordable.
Here is a list of the carryout and delivery hubs:
- Chesterfield
- Grosse Pointe
- Macomb
- Roseville (You can Order Roseville online for maximum convenience)
- St. Clair Shores
- Sterling Heights
Each of these locations serves the same “One Great Taste” that made the original famous. Whether you are at home or staying in one of our rentals, there is likely a Cloverleaf nearby.
How to Order from Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant
Ordering is straightforward, but you have a few options depending on what you need:
- Dine-In: Just show up at 24443 Gratiot Ave. No reservations are typically needed for small groups, but it can get busy on weekends!
- Phone Orders: You can call the Eastpointe location directly at 586-777-5391.
- Online Ordering: Most carryout locations have dedicated online portals to customize your toppings and set a pickup time.
- Par-Baked Shipments: For those who have moved away from Detroit but still crave the crunch, Cloverleaf offers nationwide shipping of par-baked pizzas. You just finish them in your oven at home!
If you find yourself near the Macomb Mall Gratiot Avenue Roseville MI area, you are just a stone’s throw away from several ordering options.
Community Traditions and Customer Experiences
What truly makes cloverleaf bar & restaurant special is its place in the heart of the community. It isn’t just a business; it’s a neighbor. For example, the restaurant played a major role in co-creating the “Cruisin’ Gratiot” event in 1999, a celebration of car culture that brings thousands of people to the area every year.
The restaurant has also shown incredible resilience. In 1993, a devastating electrical fire threatened to close the doors for good. However, the Guerra family and the local community rallied together to rebuild, ensuring that the legacy of Detroit-style pizza would continue for future generations.
When you visit, you’ll see locals enjoying more than just food. The bar features:
- Keno: A classic Michigan bar pastime.
- Pull Tabs: For those feeling a little lucky while they sip their Long Island Iced Tea.
- Sports Viewing: With TVs strategically placed, it’s a prime spot to catch the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, or Pistons.
The customer reviews often highlight the “hidden gem” feel of the place. People love the “small town laid back” atmosphere and the fact that the staff often remembers regular customers by name. It’s that level of service that keeps people coming back to the Gratiot Findlay area time and time again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cloverleaf
What are the operating hours for the Eastpointe location?
The original cloverleaf bar & restaurant in Eastpointe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays.
Does Cloverleaf offer delivery for their Detroit-style pizza?
Yes! While the Eastpointe location offers dine-in and carryout, there are six dedicated carryout and delivery locations throughout Metro Detroit, including Roseville, Grosse Pointe, and Sterling Heights, to ensure your pizza arrives hot and fresh at your door.
What makes the Cloverleaf pizza crust unique?
The crust is a Sicilian-style dough that is thick and airy. Because it is baked in authentic blue steel rectangular pans, the cheese creates a caramelized, crunchy edge that is the hallmark of a true Detroit-style pie.
Conclusion
At Detroit Furnished Rentals, we believe that the best way to experience our city is through its flavors and its history. cloverleaf bar & restaurant offers both in spades. From the pioneering spirit of Gus Guerra to the perfectly caramelized crust of a signature square pie, it is an essential stop for anyone living in or visiting the Detroit area.
If you are planning a trip to the Motor City, we provide short to mid-term furnished apartment rentals that put you right in the middle of the action. Our centrally located, pet-friendly units are designed for comfort and convenience, making it easy for you to explore local legends like Cloverleaf and then head back to a space that feels like home.
Don’t forget to check out our guide on Detroit Grocery and Drug Stores to help stock up your rental during your stay. We look forward to hosting you and helping you discover the best that Detroit has to offer—one square slice at a time!
