Welcome to Paesano's Pizza
Nestled in the heart of Traverse City, Paesano's Pizza is a beloved institution that has been serving up traditional pizza since the 1980s. Renowned for its cheesy, satisfying pies and generous breadsticks, this family-owned eatery boasts a warm, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of classic pizzerias. Patrons rave about the Chicago-style deep dish and the affordable weekday lunch specials, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With friendly service, vibrant flavors, and an inviting vibe, Paesano’s is not just a pizza stop; it’s a cherished dining experience that continues to draw repeat customers year after year.
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447 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States Hotline: +1 231-941-5740
Welcome to Paesano's Pizza, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Traverse City, Michigan. Located at 447 E Front St, this family-owned establishment has been serving up delightful slices since the 1980s. A true testament to quality and tradition, Paesano's has built a loyal community of fans, both locals and visitors, who keep coming back for their exceptional pizza and welcoming atmosphere.
What sets Paesano's apart? Let's start with the pizza. Many patrons rave about the generous cheese pulls that draw you in, coupled with the ideal balance of tomato sauce. The double cheese and pepperoni pie is a personal favorite among visitors like Christopher Davis, who likens it to a dream on a plate. Additionally, the Chicago-style deep dish has earned a special place in the hearts of families, making it a must-try during your visit.
Equally impressive are their famous breadsticks—massive creations that perfectly accompany your meal, as highlighted by the enthusiastic feedback from customers like Carlos M. at the Alien Botanist Plant Shop. These soft, doughy delights come with dipping sauces, adding another layer of enjoyment.
One of the standout features of Paesano's is its unbeatable weekday lunch special. Priced at just $5, it includes a hefty slice of pepperoni pizza, two breadsticks, and a drink. Brent Hochstetler points out that while the setting is cozy, the quality of the service and food more than compensates for any size constraints.
The charm of Paesano's extends beyond its menu. The restaurant boasts an old-school vibe that resonates with customers, featuring everything from cold Faygo pops to vintage arcade games. It's a welcoming space that feels like stepping back into simpler times—a perfect spot for families and friends to gather and create memories.
As you savor your meal, you might find yourself greeted by one of the owners, embodying the friendly spirit that defines Paesano's. With compliments flying from every direction, it's clear that a visit here is not just about the food; it's about the experience. The clean, inviting dining area, complete with outdoor seating, invites you to linger a little longer.
If you're searching for quality pizza in Traverse City, Paesano's Pizza should be at the top of your list. Come hungry, leave happy, and prepare to fall in love with a classic that has stood the test of time.
Breadsticks were HUGE. Pizza was very cheesy and had the perfect amount of sauce! Service was fast and friendly and it was a clean and welcoming atmosphere!
This place has to be a contender for the best pizza stop Michigan. It's got that old school small shop/mall shop feel. The employees were super nice. I'm still dreaming about the cheese pull I got on my double cheese/pepperoni pie. I will be going back to get another slice of pizza from paesano's
Very reasonably priced. My family has been coming here for years!!!! We love the Chicago style deep dish pizza. I personally love their salads and their Italian dressing. They sell it by the bottle and I highly suggest taking some home. This place is a Traverse City classic.
I stopped here on a Tuesday afternoon after reading about their 5 lunch special. It sounded delicious, and I couldn’t beat the price. So is it worth a stop? When I stepped into the restaurant, I realized how small it was. I noticed a table for two and some video games. As I walked up to the counter to place my order, I saw the kitchen was to the right and the dining area appeared to be in the back to the left. The lunch includes a slice of pepperoni pizza, two breadsticks and a small drink for 5, tax included. Since the sign didn’t specify a topping (although I had read pepperoni somewhere online), I asked if pepperoni was the only option or if I could get cheese. Normally, it was just pepperoni, but they had just prepped a new pizza and left a plain slice for me. After ordering, I took my Coke and went to the seating area in the back. There were a couple of larger tables that could seat six comfortably, maybe one or two more if you squeezed them in. They also had a row of six or so booths along the one wall. I later discovered they had some seating outside. Most orders were carry out, so I didn’t have a problem finding a place to sit. And about ten minutes later, they brought out my lunch. The thin slice of pizza seemed massive, and the cheese was simply gooey and plentiful. The two breadsticks looked to be about a foot long each and were very soft. I had two options for dipping sauce, so I had selected a small cup of marinara instead of the ranch. (One minor quibble here: I wish the marinara sauce had been warmed, so maybe you could request it to be warmed up.) I also found out later that I could have upgraded my drink size for the difference in price from the small to either medium or large. Parking can be a real pain. Basically, it’s street parking, so busy seasons mean less parking options. It is paid parking, but the meters are fairly cheap. I was able to get 48 minutes for 1 by paying at the meter; the app was almost the same price for 24 minutes. I’d definitely recommend this place. The pizza was delicious and the service was friendly. If I were to go with two people, I might consider getting the special for one person and a drink and a slice for the other person and then sharing the breadsticks. Overall, a fantastic spot for a quick lunch!
Paisano’s has been dishing up great pizza in downtown Traverse City for many years. While there are many (too many) styles and varieties of pizza, Paesano’s is a crowd pleaser, and a favorite of locals and tourists alike. While there are many pizzerias in Traverse City, Paesano’s longevity is a testament to the quality of its food and staff. Great breadsticks and salads, as well. And The weekday special is the best deal in town!
Amazing restaurant founded in the 80's and still family owned. Chances are you'll be greeted by one of the owners and never even know it. Very friendly and happy environment. My favorite place in Traverse City to visit, be sure to stop in and grab a pizza, sub, or salad. Pizza by the slice sold until 3 everyday.
One of the best pizza joints in Traverse City for sure. You won't be disappointed. Give it a try and you will agree that they do it right here.
We like places that feel like the pizza shops from when we were younger, and this place was great. Cold Faygo pops in bottles and a few old-school video games. The pizza was delicious, and their breadsticks were very good. Great service, and they have a back patio area to sit. It is very easy to find and plenty of parking.