Congress Pizzas is a cornerstone of the Ishpeming community, offering a warm and historic atmosphere that has welcomed generations of locals and travelers alike. Located in the heart of downtown Ishpeming, this casual bar and eatery is renowned for its specific take on regional pizza, characterized by an ultra-thin, crispy crust and an “inverted” assembly style. Whether you are visiting to enjoy the local craft beer selection, explore the historic memorabilia on the walls, or sample their famous Cudighi, the lively vibe and genuine hospitality make it a must-visit destination in the Upper Peninsula.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating
Atmosphere
Casual, cozy, historic, family-friendly, and lively
Highlights
Fast service, great cocktails, local craft beer, and arcade games
Offerings
Comfort food, late-night food, vegan and vegetarian options
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free parking lot and street parking available
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Signature Thin and Crispy Crust: A legendary recipe maintained for over 60 years, known for its distinct crunch and Roman-style thinness.
The “Inverted” Pizza Style: A unique regional preparation where the cheese is placed on the bottom and the handmade sauce is spooned over the top and fresh toppings.
Inclusive Dietary Options: One of the few local spots offering a comprehensive menu for diverse needs, including gluten-free crusts, cauliflower crusts, vegan meats, and dairy-free cheese.
Historical Significance: The interior is a treasure trove of local history, featuring IHS sports memorabilia and artifacts related to the classic film Anatomy of a Murder.
Exceptional Hospitality: Renowned for a staff that treats every guest like family, providing fast and friendly service even during peak hours.
Local Delicacies: The go-to location to try a Cudighi, a traditional Upper Peninsula spicy Italian sausage sandwich or pizza topping.
The Congress Pizzas Menu
Specialty Pizzas
Item Name
Description
Vegan Pizza
Prepared with high-quality vegan cheese and choice of plant-based toppings.
Gluten Friendly Pizza
Choice of gluten-free or cauliflower crust topped with signature sauce and cheese.
Pesto Pizza
A flavorful alternative featuring herb-rich pesto sauce and mozzarella.
Pesto Chicken Pizza
Pesto sauce base topped with chicken, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Sweet and savory BBQ sauce, chicken, and red or yellow onions.
Oinkin’ Porker
A meat-lover’s favorite with Cudighi, pepperoni, ham, and bacon.
Johnny-5-0 Hawaiian
A classic combination of pizza sauce, ham, pineapple, and red onion.
Pizza Fries
Thin crust baked with three cheeses, garlic, butter, and spices; served with dipping sauce.
Build Your Own Toppings
Meat & Plant Proteins
Fresh Produce & Cheeses
Homemade Cudighi
Onions (Red or Yellow)
Pepperoni
Fresh Mushrooms
Smoked Bacon
Green Peppers
Sliced Ham
Banana Peppers
Roasted Chicken
Jalapeno Peppers
Anchovies
Black and Green Olives
Vegan Pepperoni
Fresh Tomatoes
Vegan Italian Sausage
Sweet Pineapple
Vegan Chicken
Feta Cheese
Home-Town Favorites
Item Name
Description
Cudighi Sandwich
The local specialty featuring pizza sauce, cheese, ketchup, mustard, onions, and mushrooms.
Top Cheese Option
An add-on for cheese lovers where the entire pizza is smothered in an extra layer of mozzarella.
