Underground Pizza in Towson: Detroit-Style Squares in Baltimore County

Underground Pizza is a Detroit-style pizzeria in Towson that specializes in rectangular pies with thick, crispy, airy crusts and cheese that pulls to the edges. The space seats roughly 40 people across a tight counter and handful of tables, operating as a counter-service shop rather than full-service restaurant. It competes in a Baltimore pizza market dominated by Neapolitan and New York styles, making its approach a meaningful alternative for anyone seeking a different texture and construction.

What makes Detroit-style pizza different

Detroit pizza (also called Sicilian in some contexts) uses a rectangular pan, high hydration dough that ferments for extended periods, and a method that browns cheese and toppings on the bottom and sides. The result is a crust that's airy and pillowy inside but crispy and caramelized where it meets oil and pan, with a higher cheese-to-crust ratio than New York slices. The pies come cut into individual squares that can be grabbed one or several at a time.

Menu and pricing

Underground offers six signature rectangular pizzas and a build-your-own option. Signature pies include the Motor City (pepperoni and onion), the Pepperoni Overload (layered pepperoni throughout), and the Detroiter (topped with bacon, cheese, and onions). Prices per pie range from $15 to $22, with individual squares priced around $3.50 to $4 depending on toppings. The shop also serves sides: house-made ranch at $2, whole pies available for order ahead, and seasonal specials that rotate. A typical meal of two to three squares and a drink runs $12 to $18 per person. Confirm current pricing by phone or visit, as restaurant pricing can shift.

How Underground compares to other Baltimore pizza options

Baltimore's pizza landscape centers on two main styles. Neapolitan spots like Chez Fon Fon in Canton emphasize thin, charred crusts and minimal toppings, with whole pies running $16 to $20. New York-style shops like Pupatella (multiple locations) serve thin, foldable slices that cost $3 to $4 each. Underground occupies a third category: it appeals to people who find Neapolitan pies too delicate and New York slices too thin and plain. Its thickness, crispy-edged construction, and generous cheese make it closer to tavern pizza than to either canonical style. If you prefer bread you can grab with one hand and bite without it folding, Underground is notably different. If you want something light or minimalist, it is not the right choice.

Who should go and who should not

Underground suits groups of three or more who plan to share several squares, people working or meeting in Towson who want quick food, and anyone curious about Detroit-style pizza specifically. It does not suit large parties (the 40-seat room fills quickly during lunch and dinner rushes), solo diners on a budget (squares are filling, but one person ordering three or four feels excessive), or customers expecting table service or full meal options. The counter-service model means no reservations; you order and pick up your food within minutes.

First visit: what to expect

Walk in, approach the counter, and choose squares from the display or order a whole pie for takeout or dine-in. The staff will call your number when ready, usually within five minutes. Grab napkins and a drink from the self-service station, find a seat at one of the small tables, or eat at the counter. The space has no backroom or private area. Parking is street-level on the surrounding roads near the Towson strip; there is no dedicated lot.

Hours, location, and logistics

Underground Pizza operates Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Monday closure. It is located in Towson proper, north of Baltimore city, near other retail and dining. Street parking is standard; arrive during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) if you want to avoid a wait. Phone orders are accepted for whole pies and can reduce wait time during busy periods.

Underground fills a gap in Baltimore's pizza market by bringing a legitimate Detroit interpretation to a city that has historically focused on Neapolitan and New York styles. The execution is straightforward, the pricing fair, and the counter format suitable for the Towson lunch and dinner crowd.