Best Pizza in Milwaukee's North Shore

Milwaukee's north shore communities offers an impressive array of pizza options, from classic Milwaukee-style thin crust to innovative Detroit-style pies. Whether you're looking for family-friendly spots, date night destinations, or quick delivery options, here's your ultimate guide to the area's best pizza.

Chuck's Place (Thiensville)

406 N. Main St., Thiensville, (262) 242-9797

For over 35 years, Chuck's Place has been serving up some of the best Chicago style deep-dish pizza in the area. Created by late owner Charles "Chuck" Freedman (former owner of Freedmanelli's Numero Uno in Shorewood), the recipe has lived on, making the family-owned Thiensville restaurant into a destination for Chicago-style pie.

What to Order: The signature Chicago-style deep dish with sausage and pepperoni, plus their famous onion rings and chocolate cake. Specialties: Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and homemade desserts. Atmosphere: Classic family restaurant with a loyal local following where regulars are treated like family

Backlot Pizza + Kitchen (Glendale)

5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale (Bayshore)

Backlot specializes in authentic Detroit-style pizza with thick, fluffy crust and crispy, caramelized edges. Located on the second level of Bayshore's Rotunda next to ACX Cinemas, it's perfect for dinner and a movie.

What to Order: The four-cheese Detroit-style pizza is a fan favorite, but don't miss their bourbon BBQ chicken or shrimp capellini Vibe: Hollywood-themed atmosphere with dramatic lighting and extensive whiskey bar Happy Hour: Daily 3-6pm with discounted pizzas and drinks Pro Tip: Great for groups with large tables available; can get loud near the ceiling speakers

Calderone Club (Fox Point)

Calderone Club specializes in traditional thin crust pizza

Multiple locations including Fox Point

A family-owned institution serving authentic Italian pizzas and classic comfort food since the mid-20th century. Known for their thin crust pizza and homemade recipes passed down from the family matriarch.

What to Order: Traditional thin crust pizza, but try their unique Calabrian Crust (a family recipe), plus the famous crispy eggplant strips and homemade tiramisu Specialties: Manicotti, spaghetti and meatballs, and catering services Atmosphere: Bustling family restaurant where staff remembers your preferences

Upper Crust Pizza

249 E Hampton Road, Milwaukee (at the border of Whitefish Bay)

A hidden gem that's been serving the north shore since the 1970s. This no-frills takeout and delivery spot is beloved by locals for consistent quality and reasonable prices.

What to Order: Traditional thin crust pizza with their signature sauce and Italian sausage; the "Double Decker" with extra cheese and meat is a local favorite Best For: Families looking for reliable delivery; great sauce that locals rave about Service Area: Delivers throughout Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Shorewood Look For: $3-off coupons in local mailers

Lou Malnati's (Fox Point)

At the intersection of Port Washington Road and Brown Deer Road

Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza comes to the north shore. While purists might debate deep-dish vs. Milwaukee thin crust, Lou's delivers authentic Chicago-style pies.

What to Order: Classic deep-dish with sausage, or try their thin crust if you prefer Service: Delivery, carryout, and catering available Coverage: Delivers to Fox Point, Bayside, Brown Deer, River Hills, Glendale, and Whitefish Bay

Pizza by Style

Milwaukee-Style Thin Crust (Cracker Thin)

Milwaukee's signature style features ultra-thin, crispy crust often cut into squares (party cut) with a distinctive tangy sauce.

Top Picks:

• Calderone Club - Family recipes with authentic thin crust

• Upper Crust Pizza - Local favorite with great sauce

Detroit-Style (Rectangular, Thick Crust)

Characterized by thick, airy crust, crispy caramelized edges, and cheese that extends to the crust edges.

Top Pick:

• Backlot Pizza + Kitchen - Authentic 313 Detroit-style pizza

New York Style

Thin but chewy crust, typically sold by the slice.

Options in the area:

• Various shops offer NY-style, though it's less common in the north shore

Family-Friendly Spots

Best for Kids:

• Upper Crust Pizza - Simple menu, kid-friendly options, reliable delivery

• Calderone Club - Family atmosphere with staff who remember guests

• Lou Malnati's - Deep-dish appeals to kids, spacious dining

Date Night Destinations:

• Backlot Pizza + Kitchen - Craft cocktails, dramatic ambiance, Hollywood theme

• Calderone Club - Intimate family-run Italian atmosphere

Delivery & Takeout Champions

Best Delivery Options:

1. Upper Crust Pizza - Covers Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Shorewood area

2. Lou Malnati's - Professional delivery service throughout north shore

3. Calderone Club - Catering and delivery available

Quick Pickup:

• Upper Crust Pizza - Small shop optimized for takeout

• Backlot Pizza + Kitchen - Connected to Bayshore for easy parking

Neighborhood Breakdown

Whitefish Bay

• Upper Crust Pizza (technically Milwaukee, but serves Whitefish Bay)

• Easy access to Bayshore for Backlot Pizza

Fox Point

• Calderone Club Fox Point location

• Lou Malnati's

Glendale/Bayshore

• Backlot Pizza + Kitchen (the entertainment destination)

Bayside/River Hills

• Well-served by delivery from Fox Point and Glendale locations

Special Considerations

Gluten-Free Options:

• Upper Crust Pizza offers 14" gluten-free crust

• Backlot Pizza + Kitchen has gluten-free menu items

Vegetarian/Vegan:

Most locations offer vegetarian options; call ahead for vegan cheese availability.

Large Groups:

• Backlot Pizza + Kitchen has several large tables

• Calderone Club offers catering services

Local Tips

Money-Saving:

• Look for Upper Crust's $3-off coupons in local mailers

• Backlot's happy hour (3-6pm daily) offers discounted pizzas

• Many places offer pickup discounts

Peak Times:

• Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest

• Order early on game days (Marquette, Brewers, Packers)

• Summer weekends can have longer waits at Bayshore

Parking:

• Bayshore (Backlot) has ample free parking

• Upper Crust has its own small lot

• Most Fox Point locations have dedicated parking

Final Recommendations

For the Best Overall Experience: Backlot Pizza + Kitchen combines excellent Detroit-style pizza with a fun atmosphere and full entertainment complex.

For Authentic Local Flavor: Upper Crust Pizza represents decades of north shore pizza tradition with reliable quality and neighborhood charm.

For Classic Italian: Calderone Club offers the most authentic family-style Italian experience with recipes passed down through generations.

For Chicago Lovers: Lou Malnati's brings genuine deep-dish to the north shore with professional service and consistent quality.

Whether you're a longtime north shore resident or just visiting, these pizza spots represent the best the area has to offer. Each brings something unique to the table, ensuring that whether you prefer thin crust or thick, casual or upscale, you'll find your perfect slice on Milwaukee's beautiful north shore.