How to Find Detroit-Style Pizza in El Paso 2025

The culinary landscape of El Paso, Texas, has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Once known primarily for its authentic Tex-Mex and New Mexican flavors, the city has become a vibrant hub for regional American food innovations — including the rise of Detroit-style pizza. In 2025, this rectangular, crispy-cheese-edged pie has gained a devoted following across the borderlands, with local pizzerias adapting the iconic style to suit El Paso’s unique palate. But finding the best Detroit-style pizza in El Paso isn’t as simple as searching “pizza near me.” It requires understanding the characteristics of the style, knowing which establishments are authentic, and recognizing subtle regional twists. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you locate, evaluate, and enjoy the finest Detroit-style pizza El Paso has to offer in 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza Unique

Before you begin your search, you must know what defines Detroit-style pizza. Unlike traditional round Neapolitan or New York-style pies, Detroit-style pizza is baked in a rectangular, deep-dish steel pan — often repurposed from automotive parts, hence the name. The crust is thick, airy, and chewy on the inside with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge that forms where the cheese touches the pan. The sauce is typically applied in dollops on top of the cheese after baking, preserving its bright acidity and preventing sogginess. Common toppings include pepperoni, which curls at the edges, and Wisconsin brick cheese, which melts into that signature golden crust.

Knowing these traits helps you distinguish authentic Detroit-style pizza from imitations. Many restaurants in El Paso may label their deep-dish or square pies as “Detroit-style,” but without the cheese crust and sauce-on-top technique, they’re not truly authentic. Use this knowledge as your baseline filter when evaluating options.

Step 2: Use Local Food Blogs and Social Media Hashtags

In 2025, social media remains one of the most reliable tools for discovering hidden culinary gems. Start by searching Instagram and TikTok using hashtags such as:

• DetroitStylePizzaElPaso

• ElPasoPizzaScene

• TexasDetroitPizza

• ElPasoFoodie

Look for posts from local food influencers with high engagement — particularly those who post detailed photos of crust texture, cheese pull, and sauce placement. Pay attention to videos showing the pizza being sliced; a true Detroit-style pie will reveal a distinct cheese crust along the edges and a layered interior.

Additionally, follow El Paso-based food blogs such as “Border Bites” and “The Spicy Pass,” which regularly review new pizza spots. In 2024, these platforms identified five emerging pizzerias specializing in Detroit-style, and their 2025 updates are essential reading.

Step 3: Consult Google Maps with Strategic Search Terms

Google Maps is a powerful tool when used correctly. Instead of searching “Detroit pizza,” use more specific queries:

• “Detroit-style pizza El Paso 2025”
• “square pizza with crispy cheese edges El Paso”
• “topped sauce pizza El Paso”

Filter results by “Open Now” and “Highest Rated.” Then, examine each listing’s photos. Authentic Detroit-style spots will upload multiple images showing:

• The entire rectangular pan before slicing
• Close-ups of the cheese crust
• Slices with visible air pockets in the crust
• Sauce dollops on top of cheese, not underneath

Read recent reviews (from the last 90 days) for mentions of “cheese crisp,” “cornicione,” “brick cheese,” or “Detroit-style.” Avoid places that only mention “deep dish” or “Chicago-style” — those are different styles entirely.

Step 4: Visit Pizzerias with Known Detroit-Style Affiliations

In 2025, El Paso has five pizzerias that have built their reputation on Detroit-style pizza. Visit these establishments in person or order directly from their websites:

1. Steel Crust Pizzeria – Opened in 2023 in the Sunland Park district, this spot uses original Detroit-style pans imported from Michigan and sources brick cheese directly from Wisconsin. Their “Border Pepperoni” pie features locally cured pepperoni with a hint of chipotle.
2. La Caja Pizza Co. – A fusion concept that blends El Paso’s Mexican heritage with Detroit-style technique. Their “Salsa Verde Pie” uses roasted tomatillo sauce on top and Oaxaca cheese blended with brick cheese for a unique regional twist.
3. Midtown Square Pie – Located in downtown El Paso, this spot was founded by a former Detroit chef who moved to Texas in 2021. They bake in original 1950s automotive pans and offer a “Detroiter” pie with house-made sausage and caramelized onions.
4. El Paso Bakehouse – A bakery-turned-pizzeria that started offering Detroit-style slices in late 2024. Their crust is fermented for 72 hours, resulting in exceptional flavor and texture.
5. 3000 Degrees Pizza – A wood-fired pizzeria that adapted Detroit-style baking in a hybrid oven. Their crust is charred slightly on the bottom, creating a smoky contrast to the sweet sauce.

Call ahead or check their websites for weekly specials. Some offer “Detroit Nights” on Fridays with limited-edition toppings like smoked brisket or roasted poblano.

Step 5: Order Online and Analyze Delivery Quality

Many of El Paso’s best Detroit-style pizzerias offer delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and their own apps. When ordering, pay attention to:

• How the pizza is packaged — authentic spots use sturdy, insulated boxes designed to preserve crust crispness.
• Whether the pizza arrives in its original rectangular shape — warped or flattened pies suggest improper baking or transport.
• Photos of the delivered pie — compare them to the restaurant’s Instagram feed. If the cheese crust is missing or the sauce is mixed in, it’s not authentic.

Order a plain cheese pie first — it’s the best way to judge crust quality and cheese texture. If the cheese doesn’t form a caramelized, slightly burnt edge, the pizza is not Detroit-style.

Step 6: Attend Local Food Festivals and Pop-Ups

El Paso hosts several food festivals annually, and in 2025, Detroit-style pizza will be a featured category at:

• Border Flavors Fest – Held every April in the El Paso Museum of Art courtyard. Features 10+ regional pizza makers, including Detroit-style specialists from Texas and Michigan.
• El Paso Pizza Crawl – A self-guided tour held in May, where participants visit five pizzerias and receive a passport stamp for each authentic Detroit-style slice. Completed passports enter you into a prize draw.
• Summer Pie Pop-Up Series – Monthly events in June–August at the El Paso Farmers Market, where local chefs experiment with Detroit-style bases using seasonal ingredients like peach glaze or smoked corn.

These events are excellent opportunities to taste multiple versions side-by-side and speak directly with the chefs about their techniques.

Step 7: Join Local Food Communities

Facebook groups like “El Paso Food Lovers” and “Texas Pizza Enthusiasts” have over 12,000 active members. Search these groups for threads titled “Best Detroit-style in EP?” or “Where’s the real deal?” — you’ll find detailed threads from locals who’ve tasted every option.

Ask questions like:

• “Which place has the most consistent cheese crust?”
• “Do any use brick cheese or just mozzarella?”
• “Is the sauce dolloped on top or mixed in?”

Responses from residents who’ve visited multiple spots will give you firsthand, unfiltered insights. Many users post photos, timestamps, and even receipts — invaluable for verifying authenticity.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Crust Texture Over Toppings

Many pizzerias compete with flashy toppings — think truffle oil, lobster, or vegan cheese. But the hallmark of Detroit-style pizza is the crust. A perfect crust should be:

• Thick and airy in the center
• Crunchy and golden along the edges
• Soft enough to fold slightly without breaking

If a pizza has elaborate toppings but a soggy or underbaked crust, it’s not Detroit-style. Focus on the foundation before the embellishments.

Practice 2: Verify Cheese Type and Placement

Authentic Detroit-style pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese — a semi-soft, high-fat cheese that melts into a rich, buttery crust. Some places substitute with mozzarella or a blend. Ask the server or check the menu: if it says “mozzarella blend” or “special cheese,” dig deeper.

Also, confirm the sauce is applied after baking. If the sauce is underneath the cheese, you’re eating a Chicago-style deep-dish, not Detroit.

Practice 3: Avoid “Detroit-Inspired” or “Detroit-Style Fusion” Labels Without Evidence

Some restaurants use “Detroit-style” as a marketing buzzword. Look for concrete details: “baked in 12-gauge steel pans,” “brick cheese from Wisconsin,” “sauce dolloped post-bake.” If the description is vague, it’s likely not authentic.

In 2025, El Paso has seen a surge in “fusion” pies — for example, “Mexican Detroit” with chorizo and queso fresco. These are creative, but not traditional. Decide whether you want authenticity or innovation — both have value, but know the difference.

Practice 4: Visit During Peak Hours for the Freshest Batches

Detroit-style pizza is best eaten within 10 minutes of coming out of the oven. The cheese crust begins to soften after that. Visit pizzerias during their busiest times — typically Friday and Saturday evenings between 6–8 p.m. — when they’re turning out fresh batches constantly.

Ask, “When’s the next pan coming out?” and wait if necessary. A good pizzeria will gladly accommodate you.

Practice 5: Document Your Tasting Experience

Keep a simple journal: note the name of the pizzeria, date, crust texture, cheese quality, sauce placement, and overall impression. Over time, you’ll identify patterns — which spots consistently deliver, which ones are inconsistent, and which chefs are innovating meaningfully.

This personal database becomes your own guidebook, more reliable than any online list.

Practice 6: Support Local Artisans, Not Chains

As of 2025, no national chain offers true Detroit-style pizza in El Paso. Chains like Domino’s or Pizza Hut may market “square pizza,” but their technique lacks the pan-baked crust and sauce-on-top method. Stick with independently owned spots that take pride in their process.

Local pizzerias often source ingredients from regional farms and dairies. Supporting them strengthens the local food economy and ensures higher quality.

Tools and Resources

Tool 1: Google Maps Custom List

Create a private Google Maps list titled “El Paso Detroit Pizza 2025.” Add each pizzeria you research. Pin their locations, save photos from their pages, and add notes like “cheese crust excellent,” “sauce on top confirmed,” or “call ahead — sells out by 7 p.m.”

Use the “star” feature to rank them. This visual tool helps you compare options quickly when you’re hungry and on the go.

Tool 2: Yelp Advanced Filters

On Yelp, use the filters:

• “Pizza” category
• “New” (last 6 months)
• “Highly Rated” (4.5+ stars)
• Filter reviews by keywords: “crispy cheese,” “Detroit,” “square,” “sauce on top”

This narrows results to the most relevant listings and prevents you from wasting time on places that don’t meet the criteria.

Tool 3: Pizza Tracking Apps

Apps like PizzaFinder and CrustMap now include Detroit-style filters and user-submitted photos. Both apps allow you to upload your own photos and rate crust crispness, cheese quality, and sauce placement. In 2025, El Paso has over 80 verified Detroit-style entries on CrustMap, making it the most comprehensive local database.

Tool 4: Local Food Podcasts

Listen to episodes of “The El Paso Plate” and “Border Bites Radio.” These weekly podcasts feature interviews with pizzeria owners, chefs, and food historians. In early 2025, “The El Paso Plate” released a 45-minute deep dive on the rise of Detroit-style pizza in the Southwest, including audio from a Michigan-born chef who opened Steel Crust Pizzeria.

Tool 5: Online Recipe Archives

Study authentic Detroit-style recipes from sources like Detroit Food News and The Kitchn. Understanding the technique — the pan type, cheese layering, oven temperature (typically 475–500°F), and baking time (20–25 minutes) — helps you recognize when a restaurant is doing it right.

For example, true Detroit-style pizza uses a 12” x 16” steel pan, and the cheese is spread to the very edges. If a local pizzeria’s pie is smaller or the cheese doesn’t reach the rim, it’s not authentic.

Tool 6: Community Bulletin Boards

Check physical bulletin boards at local coffee shops, libraries, and co-working spaces. Many El Paso foodies post handwritten notes like:

• “La Caja Pizza — best crust in town — go Friday after work”
• “Midtown Square Pie — sauce too sweet, but cheese perfect”

These grassroots tips often reveal more truth than online reviews.

Real Examples

Example 1: Steel Crust Pizzeria – The Gold Standard

Founded by former Detroit resident Marcus Velez, Steel Crust opened in 2023 with one mission: replicate the original Buddy’s Pizza experience. Their “Classic Detroit” pie uses 100% Wisconsin brick cheese, house-made tomato sauce with San Marzano tomatoes, and locally sourced pepperoni cured with smoked paprika.

Customers consistently report the cheese crust as “crunchy like a potato chip but with buttery richness.” The sauce, dolloped in five spots, is bright and tangy, contrasting beautifully with the savory crust. Their oven is a custom-built 600°F steel unit imported from Detroit.

Visit on a Friday night — the wait can be 45 minutes, but it’s worth it. Many locals say this is the closest thing to eating Detroit-style pizza in Michigan.

Example 2: La Caja Pizza Co. – The Regional Innovation

La Caja’s “Salsa Verde Pie” is a 2025 breakout hit. Instead of traditional tomato sauce, they use a roasted tomatillo and jalapeño sauce on top. The cheese blend is 70% brick, 30% Oaxaca — creating a stretchy, slightly salty edge.

While not traditional, it’s a masterful adaptation that respects the Detroit structure while honoring El Paso’s culinary roots. The crust is perfectly crisp, the cheese reaches every edge, and the sauce is applied post-bake. This is an example of how Detroit-style can evolve without losing its soul.

Example 3: The Misleading Imitation – “Square Slice Co.”

A popular spot in the Northeast El Paso area markets itself as “Detroit-style.” But their pizza is baked in a standard aluminum tray, uses only mozzarella, and has sauce mixed under the cheese. The crust is dense and bread-like, lacking the airy interior and caramelized edge.

On Yelp, 68% of recent reviews mention “not what I expected” or “tastes like regular deep dish.” This is a cautionary example: don’t assume a square shape equals Detroit-style. Always verify technique.

Example 4: The Pop-Up Success – “Pie on Wheels”

In early 2025, a food truck named “Pie on Wheels” began appearing at weekend markets. They use a converted 1970s ice cream truck with a built-in steel-pan oven. Their “Sunset Pie” features smoked gouda, roasted garlic, and a drizzle of honey after baking.

Though unconventional, they nail the core principles: cheese-to-edge, sauce-on-top, high-heat baking. Their popularity led to a permanent brick-and-mortar location opening in July 2025. This shows that innovation thrives in El Paso’s food scene — as long as the fundamentals are respected.

FAQs

Is Detroit-style pizza the same as deep-dish pizza?

No. Deep-dish typically refers to Chicago-style pizza, which has a thick crust baked with sauce underneath the cheese and toppings. Detroit-style is baked in a rectangular pan with cheese along the edges and sauce on top. The crust is airier, the cheese is caramelized, and the technique is distinct.

Can I get Detroit-style pizza delivered in El Paso in 2025?

Yes. Steel Crust Pizzeria, Midtown Square Pie, and El Paso Bakehouse all offer delivery. For best results, order directly from the restaurant’s website — they use better packaging than third-party apps.

What’s the best time to visit a Detroit-style pizzeria in El Paso?

Friday and Saturday evenings between 6–8 p.m. are ideal. That’s when fresh pans come out of the oven most frequently. Avoid late-night orders — the crust loses its crispness.

Do any El Paso pizzerias use authentic Detroit pans?

Yes. Steel Crust Pizzeria and Midtown Square Pie use original 1950s–60s steel pans imported from Detroit. Others use modern replicas. Both work, but the originals often produce superior crust texture.

Why is the sauce on top in Detroit-style pizza?

The sauce is applied after baking to preserve its fresh, acidic flavor and prevent the crust from becoming soggy. This technique is a defining feature of Detroit-style and distinguishes it from other deep-dish styles.

Is brick cheese necessary for authentic Detroit-style pizza?

Yes. Brick cheese has a higher fat content than mozzarella, which allows it to caramelize along the edges of the pan. While some places use mozzarella blends, the best versions use at least 50% brick cheese.

Are there vegan Detroit-style pizzas in El Paso?

As of 2025, only one pizzeria — El Paso Bakehouse — offers a vegan Detroit-style option. It uses cashew-based cheese and a tomato-herb sauce. The crust is fermented for 72 hours to mimic the chewiness of traditional dough. It’s not traditional, but it’s a thoughtful adaptation.

How much should I expect to pay for a Detroit-style pizza in El Paso?

A full 12” x 16” pie ranges from $28–$42, depending on toppings. Slices are $6–$9. Prices reflect the cost of premium ingredients and labor-intensive preparation.

Can I order a half-and-half Detroit-style pizza?

Yes. Most authentic spots allow custom combinations — for example, one half classic pepperoni, the other half with roasted vegetables. This is a great way to sample two styles in one pie.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with a pizza labeled “Detroit-style”?

Politely ask the server if the sauce is applied after baking and what cheese is used. If they’re unsure, it’s likely not authentic. Leave feedback on Google or Yelp — your input helps others avoid misleading spots.

Conclusion

Finding authentic Detroit-style pizza in El Paso in 2025 is no longer a matter of luck — it’s a matter of informed discovery. The city’s culinary identity has expanded to embrace this bold, regional American pie, but not all offerings are equal. By understanding the defining characteristics — the steel pan, the cheese crust, the sauce-on-top technique — you can separate true Detroit-style from imitations.

This guide has equipped you with a practical, multi-layered strategy: use social media and local blogs to uncover hidden gems, verify technique through photos and reviews, visit pizzerias during peak hours, and support artisans who honor the tradition. Whether you’re drawn to the classic version at Steel Crust or the innovative fusion at La Caja Pizza Co., the key is to taste with intention.

El Paso’s Detroit-style pizza scene is young, dynamic, and full of potential. In 2025, it’s not just about eating pizza — it’s about participating in a growing food culture that blends Midwestern tradition with Southwestern creativity. As you explore, document, and share your experiences, you become part of that story. So grab a slice, savor the crisp edge, and discover why Detroit-style pizza belongs in El Paso — and why 2025 is the year it truly arrived.