Mount Pleasant vs. Food: Pizza Edition
There’s nothing college kids love more than a good slice (or seven) of pizza. Whether it’s after a night out or you just feel like treating yourself, there’s an excuse to pick up a pizza for every occasion. College towns are known for having a ridiculous amount of pizza places, so sometimes it can be difficult to make the decision on which ones serve the best. Here are a few of the top places to get some ‘za in Mount Pleasant.
Pisanello’s
Price: 10/10. This less-than-$10 deal cannot be beat. For under $10, Pisanello’s has an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet with garden salad, breadsticks and pizza, of course. If you’re on a budget but you still need your pizza fix, Pisanello’s is the place for you.
Atmosphere: 9/10. With a selection of big tables or cushiony booths, there’s a seat for every type of toosh.
Flavor: 7/10. You can try just about any type of pizza at Pisanello’s buffet, so you’ll definitely find something that suits your taste. From their bacon cheeseburger pizza, to their chicken, bacon and ranch pizza, there is truly something for every taste. If you’re feeling adventurous with your pizza toppings, check out Pisanello’s buffet and grab a slice of every kind.
Leftovers: No such thing here. I ate it all within about 3 minutes. Plus, taking leftovers from a buffet isn’t exactly encouraged. Make sure to wear your stretchy pants when you head to Pisanello’s because, if you do it right, you’ll be leaving in a food coma.
Cottage Inn
Price: 6/10. Cottage Inn is a bit pricier as far as commercial pizza places go, but they don’t have “gourmet” in their name for nothing. If you’ve got the extra dough to spend, definitely go for some Cottage Inn.
Atmosphere: 5/10. Not really a dine-in type of place. Delivery or takeout is recommended. Although Cottage Inn is a chain restaurant now, it started in Ann Arbor as the first restaurant serving pizza. Luckily for pizza lovers everywhere, they expanded from one small restaurant in Ann Arbor to a franchise with several stores, including one right here in Mount Pleasant.
Flavor: 8/10. Cottage Inn has amazing crust, and that’s why it’s one of the best commercial pizza places out there. “I like that their crust isn’t too thick. I hate thick crust. Plus their sauce isn’t too sweet, which is always a plus,” said Hart, Michigan junior Sydney Scarbrogh. The perfect sauce combined with just the right amount of crust puts Cottage Inn at the top of the pizza food chain in Mount Pleasant.
Leftovers: After about 3 pieces I gave up. Two slices heat up in the microwave decently, but I think Cottage Inn is best re-served cold.
The Cabin
Price: 8/10. There’s nothing better than the pizza special on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. “I like The Cabin because of the good deals and the cabin sticks,” said Woodhaven, Michigan junior Kaitlyn Bondar. The Cabin offers drink and food specials, like $3 long islands and a large one topping pizza for $6.49. How can you beat that?
Atmosphere: 9/10. It’s a bar that also serves good pizza - what’s not to like?
Flavor: 9/10. Takes you to flavortown everytime. Guy Fieri would be proud. The Cabin’s pizza is legendary in Mount Pleasant; proof is in the number one ranking in Best of Central Michigan last year. Even if you just go for some mouth-watering Cabin sticks, everyone should try The Cabin before they graduate.
Leftovers: 7/10. Cabin fever isn’t always a bad thing. If you manage to leave The Cabin with some leftovers, make sure you eat it within the first few days.
Hunter’s Ale House
Price: 7/10. A little on the pricey side for a college student’s budget, but you get what you pay for and boy are you paying for quality pizza. Whether you go for a classic ‘ronis and cheese or a margherita pizza, the recipe for these pies is as sacred as the krabby patty, as far as I’m concerned.
Atmosphere: 8/10. Hunter’s is a brewery so it definitely has a fun, laid-back vibe. If you’re of age, ask your server for recommendations on which craft beer to pair with your pizza.
Flavor: 10/10. Seriously delicious. Their artisan and hand-tossed crusts are fluffy and perfectly seasoned with a variety of topping choices. Hunter’s makes over 20 different specialty pizzas, so there’s always something new to try.
Leftovers: Can’t say. I’ve never had enough self control to stop eating at the restaurant and be able to take some home. I bet it’s good though. For those of you who take your pizza very seriously, try Hunter’s.
A $5 hot-and-ready works when you’re in a pinch, but the world of pizza has so much more to offer than just Little Caesars. Stray away from basic chain restaurants and check out these local places for some of the best pizza in Mount Pleasant.
