The pizza industry can be a crowded kitchen; it's tough for any particular pie to stand out above the field. But don't tell that to Shield's Pizza. Founded in Detroit in 1937, Shield's quickly gained a following for the pizza that remains its signature item: deep-dish pies, served in square-shaped portions. The restaurant has followed the same recipes and techniques since its inception by making the dough fresh daily, using fresh meat and produce for toppings, and loading up pies with layers of Wisconsin cheese. Mindful of the way appetites have evolved in the last half-century, they also craft hand-tossed, round gluten-free and multi-grain pizzas in addition to its traditional crust.

Shield's menu also extends beyond its pizza perfection. Homemade soup, pasta, burgers, ribs, and sandwiches offer savory alternatives, as well as appetizers such as nachos and buffalo wings. Pours of draft beer help wash down bites or scrub pizza sauce out of your silk ascot.