My Friend Derek’s helped set the standard for Detroit-style pizza in Seattle for years as a pop-up—and that reputation holds up with its Tangletown counter restaurant. The sturdy-but-light crust on each pie leaves a satisfying crunch, gooey cheese deserves its own solo album, and the thick red sauce has such a pleasant garlic nuttiness, we don’t even mind when it leaves stains all over our shirts. The fact you can sit down to enjoy all that on the premises is a bonus—and we love that they serve slices now, too. 

photo credit: Nate Watters

photo credit: Nate Watters

photo credit: Nate Watters

The restaurant is small with a frenetic old school pizzeria energy. An open kitchen lets you see all the pie-slinging action taking place, and refrigerator magnets spell out the daily specials in the style of a kindergarten classroom. Here, groups awaiting their orders happily crowd around a handful of tables, or camp out on the sidewalk patio. Get there before 5pm to avoid long lines. But even if you miss that window, you can sip glasses of natural wine, beer, and cider to pass the time.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Nate Watters

Plain Jane

This is My Friend Derek’s most basic pie, but with such sublime basics, there’s almost no need for toppings, and it’s a must-order for those still new to the Detroit-style game.

photo credit: Nate Watters

Specialty Pies

The one constant on the menu is the terrific Derek’s Fav with castelvetrano olives that give briny balance to smoky pepperoni cups. Also, look out for the wonderful white pizza when available, swimming with creamy ricotta, tasty artichokes, and pops of jalapeños.

photo credit: Nate Watters

Slices

This is a game-changer for My Friend Derek’s. No need to commit to a full-fledged pie, when even one square of the filling pizza is enough for a meal. Options rotate, but it’s hard to go wrong with any topping—and ask for a corner while you’re at it.

photo credit: Nate Watters

Salads

The Fishy Caesar has thinly shaved cheese piled high, chunky anchovies, and whimsical (if unnecessary) Goldfish crackers. It’s a solid salad to snack on while waiting for a pie, just nothing revolutionary. The Greek-ish salad is also fine, but the “-ish” does a lot of work—it’s a plate of vaguely Mediterranean ingredients with vinegary dressing.