Friends, the cheeseburger pizza at Papa J’s in Honor, Michigan, is a must-try.
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our digital issue library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical of pickles on pizza, but I was wrong. They belong.
Those crisp little dills play nicely with juicy tomatoes, red onion, ground beef, bacon bits, a cheesy mozzarella-cheddar combo and tangy Thousand Island dressing. It’s sweet, savory, sour—everything you didn’t know you wanted in a slice. And the crust: soft and chewy with a just-crisp exterior (no soggy bottoms here).
Just as delicious is Papa J’s retro-inspired interior. There are the requisite red-and-white diner booths and black-and-white checkered floor. The turquoise walls, lined with neon lights, are filled with memorabilia—The Beatles’ “White” album, movie posters, vintage board games, Benzie County senior class photos. On the way out, you’ll pass vending machines stocked with gotta-have gumballs and glitter rings. It’s nostalgic noshing at its finest.
More Menu Standouts: The fried chicken, Reuben, pot roast with mashed potatoes and the chocolate milkshake (the small is shareable).
More Northern Michigan Dining
