Savoring the Slice: A Deep Dive Travel Stop at Buccilli’s Pizza in Houghton Lake

Published on July 03, 2025 by Deep Dive Travel

A Stop Worth Savoring in Houghton Lake, Michigan

On our third-year return trip to the charming “Barney’s Bluff” campsite, tucked away in Michigan’s wooded heartland, we couldn’t resist the pull of a local institution: Buccilli’s Pizza. Whether you’re a native or a wandering traveler passing through Houghton Lake, this pizzeria has earned a reputation for slingin’ pies that stick in your memory like melted mozzarella on a hot crust.

The Atmosphere

Walking into Buccilli’s, there’s a nostalgic blend of Italian-American comfort and northern Michigan charm. You’ll find family-style booths, checkered tabletops, and the kind of old-school hospitality that lets you know this place has been around for generations (since 1977 to be exact).

The Meal

We kept it classic and ordered a pizza loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and those unmistakable canned mushrooms that remind you of Friday nights growing up. Kellie hit up the salad bar— fresh, crisp, and packed with everything from iceberg lettuce to cherry tomatoes and cucumber rounds. And for the table? A side of golden, toasty breadsticks that disappeared faster than we expected.

Drink of the Day

It might’ve just been soda water with lime, but sipping it from a frosted Buccilli’s Pizza glass added a layer of authenticity to the whole experience. Branded with the slogan “Slicin’ Pies Since 1977,” it’s the kind of keepsake image that sticks with you.

Fun Facts About Houghton Lake

• Largest Inland Lake in Michigan: Spanning over 20,000 acres, Houghton Lake is the biggest inland lake in the state with nearly 30 miles of shoreline—ideal for fishing, boating, or just soaking in the sun.

• Home of Tip-Up-Town USA: Every January, the frozen lake transforms into a celebration of all things winter with an ice-fishing and snowmobile festival that brings out the locals and visitors alike.

Buccilli’s Backstory

Buccilli’s isn’t just another pizzeria—it’s rooted in a family tradition that dates back to the 1950s. Brothers Melio, Angelo, and “Butsy” Buccilli brought their treasured recipes from Detroit to Michigan’s north, eventually landing in Houghton Lake. The formula? Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and never skimp on the toppings.

The Vibe at Barney’s Bluff

Back at the campsite, the Flyer Explore was set up just like home. Organized bins, a collapsible kitchen, and a fridge stocked for the weekend. Our third year at Barney’s Bluff felt like returning to a well-worn book—one with new pages waiting to be written. That’s the magic of traveling with your own rig.

Why We Travel for Pizza

Food is more than fuel—it’s a memory, a story, a way to connect to a place and time. Buccilli’s gave us just that: a meal worth writing about and a taste that ties into our deeper journey through retirement, simplification, and slow, intentional living.

Final Thoughts

For anyone cruising through Michigan or setting up camp nearby, Buccilli’s is more than just a stop—it’s a ritual. This meal was a reminder that good food, simple surroundings, and a sense of place can transform a random Tuesday into a memory that sticks.

“Retirement isn’t the end of the road—it’s the start of the detour you always meant to take.”

Deep Dive Travel Tips

• 📍Location: Buccilli’s Pizza, Houghton Lake, MI

• 🍕 Try: Sausage & Pepperoni with canned mushrooms – it’s tradition!

• 🧊 Drink: Soda water with lime in a branded glass

• 🛻 Camp Base: Flyer Explore parked at Barney’s Bluff (third year running!)

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Tags: Houghton Lake, Michigan Pizza, Travel Eats, Camp Life, Retirement Road Trip, Deep Dive Travel