Buddy’s Pizza & Steak on Teutonia Avenue in Milwaukee brings together the classic tradition of Detroit-style pizza with robust steakhouse fare. Located in a welcoming neighborhood, this restaurant has been delighting locals and visitors alike for years.
The menu features hand-tossed crusts, house-made sauces, and prime cuts of beef.
History and Heritage
The story of Buddy’s Pizza & Steak began over two decades ago, rooted in the passion for authentic Detroit-style pizza. Founders sought to combine thick, cheesy pies with a warm, family-friendly ambiance.
Since opening, the restaurant has earned a reputation for quality ingredients sourced from local farms and suppliers.
Over time, the Teutonia location has become a staple in the community, hosting celebrations and neighborhood gatherings. The dedicated team upholds a tradition of excellence in every dish, from the first slice to the final bite.
Culinary innovation keeps the menu fresh with seasonal specials and creative toppings.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Walking into Buddy’s Pizza & Steak, guests are greeted by a rustic interior adorned with warm wood accents and vintage memorabilia. Soft lighting creates a cozy environment perfect for family dinners or casual outings with friends.
The open kitchen allows diners to watch dough being stretched and steaks sizzling on the grill.
Friendly servers guide guests through the menu, offering recommendations and pairing suggestions. Musical playlists feature classic rock and jazz to complement the laid-back vibe.
Special events such as Tuesday trivia nights and weekend live music add a lively touch to the dining room.
Menu Overview
The menu at Buddy’s Pizza & Steak is divided into specialty pizzas, hand-cut steaks, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Each category highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Gluten-free crust options and vegetarian selections ensure there is something for everyone.
Weekly specials and happy hour deals provide additional value, especially for groups and after-work gatherings. Seasonal menus introduce limited-time offerings that celebrate fresh harvests and holiday flavors.
The full bar offers craft beers, signature cocktails, and wine pairings curated to match menu items.
Specialty Pizzas
Buddy’s Detroit-style pizza features a thick, square crust that is crispy on the edges and soft in the center. Each pie is baked in a well-oiled pan, creating a caramelized cheese lace around the perimeter.
House-made sauce and premium cheeses top every pizza, with vegetarian and meat-lover options available.
| Pizza | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheese | Rich tomato sauce with a blend of mozzarella and Wisconsin brick cheese. | $14.99 |
| Pepperoni Deluxe | Generous pepperoni slices atop our signature cheese blend and sauce. | $16.99 |
| BBQ Chicken | Grilled chicken tossed in house barbecue sauce with red onions and cilantro. | $17.99 |
| Veggie Supreme | Mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, spinach, and black olives. | $16.49 |
| Meat Lover’s | Pepperoni, Italian sausage, crumbled bacon, and ham over cheese. | $18.49 |
Additional toppings include Italian sausage, fresh basil, jalapeños, and banana peppers for $1.50 each. Gluten-free crust is available for an extra $2.00.
Seasonal pies rotate regularly, featuring unique combinations like Fig & Prosciutto or Pepperoni & Jalapeño Honey.
Steaks and Entrees
Buddy’s Steakhouse selection features USDA choice cuts, grilled to perfection and served with your choice of side. Steaks are aged for 21 days, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
Complementary sauces include béarnaise, peppercorn, and red wine reduction.
| Entrée | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8 oz Filet Mignon | Lean and tender, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. | $29.99 |
| 12 oz Ribeye | Well-marbled cut with rich flavor, accompanied by a baked potato and house salad. | $34.99 |
| 16 oz New York Strip | Bold flavor and firm texture, paired with sautéed mushrooms and grilled asparagus. | $32.99 |
| Buddy’s Surf & Turf | 6 oz sirloin and 5 oz lobster tail, served with drawn butter and fresh lemon. | $39.99 |
| Prime Rib | Slow-roasted and hand-carved, available Friday through Sunday. Served with au jus and horseradish cream. | $31.99 |
Add a jumbo shrimp skewer for $8.00 or upgrade to a lobster tail for $12.00 more. All entrées come with fresh-baked dinner rolls and herbed butter.
Guests can request steak temperature from rare to well-done for a customized dining experience.
Appetizers
Start your meal with shareable plates that highlight bold flavors and quality ingredients. Each appetizer is crafted to pair perfectly with one of our craft beers or signature cocktails.
Ideal for groups or as a light beginning to a larger feast.
- Firecracker Wings – Tossed in spicy chili glaze with sesame seeds ($10.99).
- Cheese Curds – Wisconsin white cheddar, lightly breaded and fried ($8.99).
- Spinach Artichoke Dip – Creamy blend served with toasted pita chips ($9.49).
- Fried Calamari – Served with marinara and garlic aioli ($11.49).
- Steakhouse Sliders – Mini sirloin patties with cheddar and caramelized onions ($12.49).
Salads and Soups
For lighter fare, choose from crisp salads and comforting soups made fresh daily. Dressings are house-made using locally sourced oils and vinegars.
Gluten-free and vegetarian options are clearly marked on the menu.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Caesar | Romaine lettuce, Parmesan, croutons, house Caesar dressing. | $8.99 / $12.99 |
| Steakhouse Cobb | Grilled sirloin, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, hard-boiled egg. | $14.99 |
| Asian Chicken Salad | Mixed greens, mandarin oranges, crispy noodles, sesame ginger dressing. | $13.49 |
| Tomato Basil Soup | Rich tomato broth with fresh basil and cream. | $5.99 / $7.99 |
| French Onion Soup | Caramelized onions, beef broth, melted Swiss cheese. | $6.99 |
Salads can be topped with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for an additional charge. Soup and salad half combinations are available at a discounted price.
Seasonal soups may include chilled gazpacho or creamy squash bisque.
Sandwiches and Burgers
All sandwiches and burgers are served on freshly baked buns with a side of fries, coleslaw, or house salad. Guests can substitute sweet potato fries or onion rings for $2.00.
Perfect for a casual lunch or dinner option.
- The Buddy Burger – Half-pound beef patty, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles ($12.99).
- Philly Cheesesteak – Thinly sliced beef, peppers, onions, melted provolone ($13.49).
- Grilled Chicken Club – Marinated chicken breast, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado spread ($13.99).
- Provolone Veggie Melt – Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, onions, pesto aioli ($11.99).
- French Dip – Roast beef on toasted baguette with au jus ($14.49).
Desserts
Finish your meal with a sweet treat crafted in-house by the pastry chef. Desserts are prepared daily to ensure freshness and quality.
Gluten-free and vegan options are available upon request.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm cake with molten center, served with vanilla ice cream. | $7.99 |
| New York Cheesecake | Creamy cheesecake with graham cracker crust. | $6.99 |
| Tiramisu | Ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone, dusted cocoa. | $7.49 |
| Fruit Tart | Seasonal berries, pastry cream, buttery crust. | $6.49 |
| Vegan Chocolate Mousse | Rich chocolate avocado mousse, garnished with berries. | $6.99 |
Beverages
The beverage menu at Buddy’s features craft beers, wines by the glass, and handcrafted cocktails. Non-alcoholic options include specialty sodas, fresh juices, and house-made lemonades.
Coffee and espresso drinks are available until closing time.
- Local Craft Beers – Rotating taps featuring Wisconsin breweries ($6.00–$8.00).
- Signature Cocktails – Buddy’s Old Fashioned, Teutonia Mule, Berry Basil Smash ($9.00 each).
- Wines by the Glass – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé ($7.00–$10.00).
- House Lemonade – Freshly squeezed with mint or strawberry ($3.99).
- Espresso Drinks – Latte, cappuccino, Americano ($3.50–$4.50).
Weekly Specials and Happy Hour
Buddy’s Pizza & Steak offers daily specials to keep guests coming back each day of the week. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm at the bar and select tables.
Specials include discounted appetizers and drink offers.
| Day | Special | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Wing Night | 50¢ wings with any drink purchase |
| Tuesday | Trivia Night | Teams compete for gift cards and prizes |
| Wednesday | Half-Price Bottles | All house wines, limited selections |
| Thursday | Steak Special | 16 oz strip for $24.99 |
| Friday | Fish Fry | All-you-can-eat cod with sides ($14.99) |
Culinary Philosophy
At Buddy’s Pizza & Steak, culinary expertise meets simple, honest ingredients. The kitchen team believes in slow-crafted flavors, from the dough’s 48-hour cold fermentation to the custom spice rub for steaks.
Every recipe is tested and refined to highlight the natural character of each ingredient.
Cheeses are blended in-house to create the perfect melt and stretch. Sauces are simmered for hours using vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs.
This commitment to small-batch production ensures consistency and quality in every bite.
Community Involvement
Buddy’s Pizza & Steak takes pride in giving back to the Milwaukee community. Monthly fundraisers support local schools, sports teams, and non-profits.
A portion of proceeds from select menu items is donated to neighborhood improvement projects.
The restaurant also hosts annual food drives and holiday toy collections. Local artists and bands are featured monthly during live music nights.
This engagement fosters a sense of belonging and partnership with customers.
Catering and Private Events
For corporate gatherings, birthday parties, and private celebrations, Buddy’s offers customizable catering packages. Options range from pizza bars to plated steak dinners, complete with staff service if desired.
Delivery or on-site setup can be arranged to fit any budget.
The private dining room accommodates up to 50 guests and features AV equipment for presentations. Customized menus and tasting sessions are available for event planners.
A dedicated event coordinator ensures every detail is seamless.
Nutrition and Dietary Options
Recognizing diverse dietary needs, Buddy’s offers gluten-free crusts, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based proteins. Menu items are clearly labeled with calorie counts and allergen information.
Nutrition guides are available upon request to help guests make informed choices.
Low-carb options include cauliflower pizza crust and steak salads. Vegetarian entrées such as the Stuffed Portobello Mushroom and Quinoa Grain Bowl deliver hearty flavor without meat.
Staff are trained to accommodate special dietary requests and cross-contamination concerns.
Meet the Team
Executive Chef Maria Lopez leads the kitchen with over 15 years of experience in Italian and American cuisines. Under her direction, the pizza dough is perfected and steak preparations are elevated.
Chef Maria collaborates with local farmers to source the freshest produce and meats.
General Manager Tom Harris ensures every guest feels welcome and well cared for. His background in hospitality management brings a personal touch to service and events coordination.
The front-of-house team undergoes continuous training in wine pairings, customer service, and safety protocols.
Customer Testimonials
“Buddy’s Detroit-style pizza is hands down the best in Milwaukee. The crust is perfectly chewy, and the cheese caramelization is unmatched!”
– Sarah M., Milwaukee Local
“The 12 oz ribeye was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. The sides and service made the whole experience outstanding.”
– David L., Steak Aficionado
“I love the cozy atmosphere and weekly trivia nights. Great food, friendly staff, and a fun vibe.”
– Emily R., Regular Guest
Visit Buddy’s Pizza & Steak Today
Whether you crave a hearty slice of Detroit-style pizza or a succulent steak, Buddy’s Pizza & Steak on Teutonia Avenue is the destination. The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere ensures a memorable dining experience.
Bring your family, friends, or colleagues for a meal you won’t soon forget.
Reservations are recommended on weekends and for parties of six or more. Take-out and delivery options are available through the website or popular delivery apps.
Join Buddy’s loyalty program to earn points on every purchase and receive exclusive offers.
Address: 1234 Teutonia Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53209
Phone: (414) 555-1234 | Hours: Mon–Thu 11 am–10 pm, Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm, Sun 11 am–9 pm
