Como’s Ferndale

Como’s holds a small but real place in our story: it’s where we had our first Detroit-style pizza after moving to the metro. As initiations go, you could do a lot worse — that signature square, crispy-edged, cheese-to-the-corners pie is the kind of thing you move here to eat, and Como’s does it right.

But the real reason to come is the patio. Parked right on Woodward in the thick of downtown Ferndale, it might be the perfect summer afternoon spot — the kind of place where you settle in with a drink and a pizza, watch the day roll by, and suddenly it’s three hours later and you have no regrets. The staff are attentive and warm (multiple servers have made our visits feel genuinely looked-after), the cocktails are solid, and there’s a deep menu beyond the pizza, including legitimately good vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — they’ll even do a large GF pie, which is rarer than it should be.

It works for a relaxed couple’s afternoon or a big group, and it’s a quick walk from everything that makes Ferndale fun. A fair heads-up: it’s almost always busy, so service can run slow at peak times. Lean into it — this isn’t a place to rush.

Quick-hit details

• Don’t miss: The Detroit-style pizza (the signature square; the monthly specials get raves); the patio on a warm day; a cocktail to go with it
• Good to know: Big patio right on Woodward in downtown Ferndale; great for groups and couples; strong vegetarian/vegan options and a large gluten-free pizza; walkable to the rest of Ferndale
• Watch out for: It’s always busy, so service can lag at peak times; pizza is best fresh/dine-in (a couple of takeout reviews were hit-or-miss); prices are mid-to-higher