There's a saying that pizza is like sex. Even when it's bad, it's pretty good. But when it's good, holy s***. While we never turn down pizza, regardless of how bad it is, there are just some pies that make life on earth a little bit like heaven. We've searched all over West Michigan to find the most heavenly slices out there, and there's no messing with these ones. From light-your-mouth-on-fire hot to artisan to a pizza with a twist, here are our pizza picks.
1. Bernie O's
321 Center St, North Muskegon
bernieos.com, (231) 744-4900
Item: The Twist
The Twist was voted third in the nation by Pizza Today magazine for good reason. With ingredients that all seem to balance and contrast each other, each bite tastes different from the last. Choose from a combination of crispy and tart, spicy and tangy; The Twist is one unique pizza.
2. Erbelli's Gourmet Pizzeria
6214 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo
8342 Portage Rd., Portage
erbellis.com, (269) 375-0408 and (269) 327-0200
Item: The Wrist
The Wrist, which was voted best pizza in Kalamazoo in 2005, 2006, and 2008, offers up an Alfredo-based pizza that is topped with marinated chicken breast, bacon, mushrooms, mozzarella and feta cheese and is coated with a garlic-butter crust.
3. Fricano's Pizza Tavern
5808 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park (and 4 other locations)
fricanospizza.com, (616) 785-5800
Item: Everything But Anchovies
The Everything But Anchovies (EBA) pizza is so popular at Fricano’s, customers of 30 years or more think it’s the only pizza they make. The EBA offers a combination of pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms and green peppers, all on a thin, crispy crust.
4. Grand Rapids Pizza & Delivery
340 State St. SW, Grand Rapids
grandrapidspizza.net, (616) 742-4773
Item: GRFD 3 Alarm
The GRFD 3 Alarm is sure to have you running to water after you taste its combination of jalapeno peppers, banana peppers and crushed red peppers. It also includes more mild ingredients like bacon, pepperoni, sausage, red onion, green olives, mozzarella cheese. This mixture of flavors is piled on top of a thin crust.
5. Harmony Brewing Company
1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
harmonybeer.com, (616) 233-0063
Item: The Crispy Pig
It's named The Crispy Pig for a reason. With a combination of pepperoni, ham, prosciutto, mozzarella and basil, this pizza will practically oink at you.
6. The Mitten Brewing Co.
527 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids
mittenbrewing.com, (616) 608-5612
Item: Chicken Pesto
The Chicken Pesto pie features pesto made in-house. This pizza can also be made vegan and gluten free. Can't choose between The Mitten's gourmet pizzas? There is also a pizza flight, where you can pick six mini pizzas, which equal out to two pizzas. Get the flight for $5 off on Mondays.
7. Salvatore's Italian Restaurant and Pizza
654 Stocking NW, Grand Rapids
salvatoresgr.com, (616) 454-4280
Item: Taste of GR
Salvatore's only offers one kind of pizza for a reason: They don't need anything else. The pie is made with a mixture of ham, onions, sausage, Romano cheese, basil, Sicilian sauce and a cultured spice blend to aim for an authentic Italian taste.
8. Vitale's Pizza
834 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids (plus other locations)
theoriginalvitales.com, (616) 458-8368
Item: Deluxe Pizza
Vitale’s Deluxe is a do-it-yourself of sorts with multiple ingredient combinations. The Deluxe starts off with ham, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers and onions, then it’s up to you to choose from 15 additional toppings. And it wouldn't be Vitale's pizza without the signature secret sauce.
