This Washington Restaurant Is Famous for Deep Dish Pizza

Let's face it: the best part of a pizza is the crust. It's the stage upon which the entire pie performs — the essential backdrop that lets the toppings shine. So, if you had the choice, why not choose more? The thin New York slice has had its standing ovation, but now it's time for other iterations of the world's favorite food to get their moment center stage. Deep-dish pizza has taken its place in the limelight.

If you're looking for the best pizza in Washington, there are several spots worth exploring. But as we enter the prime season for al fresco dining, one place truly steals the show: Ruse Crust Collective. Perched on Vancouver's bustling waterfront, this eatery is the perfect place to savor a slice in the sunshine — and all your encore slices, too.

When we think of deep-dish pizza, we usually think of Chicago's iconic take with the flaky crust and fillings, traditionally served with a dollop of mouth-watering sauce on top. These hearty pies marry pizza's beloved flavors with the stick-to-your-ribs comfort of a Midwest casserole. But the world of deep-dish delights holds more than just the Windy City's interpretation — enter Detroit.

Much like its East Coast cousin, Long Island's Grandma pizza, Detroit-style pizza is prepared in a deep-edged pan, allowing for an abundance of toppings akin to its Chicago counterpart. However, unlike Chicago's deep-dish pizzas, a Detroit pizza inverts the sacred ratio. Here, the crust takes the limelight. Caramelized on the outside, chewy on the inside, and robust enough to support an array of cheeses, sauces, veg, and meats on top, the Detroit is truly a bread lover's dream.

If you've never had the pleasure, a visit to Ruse Crust Collective is the perfect excuse to explore this decadent take on pizza. Originally a local brewery known for crafting exceptional small-batch beers, Ruse expanded its horizons in 2022 by introducing crave-worthy pizzas at its sleek location along the Vancouver waterfront.

While this stretch of the Columbia River shoreline wasn't always the area's main attraction, the city has invested significantly in revitalizing the neighborhood in recent years. Today, it's a bustling community hub, lined with thriving shops and lush landscaping. In other words, it's the perfect place to pause for lunch, and Ruse Crust's patio offers prime seating for enjoying top-notch views and people-watching.

It's hard to go wrong at Ruse. Their extensive menu boasts 14 pizza options — enough to please even the pickiest eaters. As a sucker for a clever naming scheme, I was delighted by offerings like the "Mafia Busboy," "The Turnpike," and "Muscle Beach" — wink and nod allusions to the no-frills joints where Detroit-style slices first made their mark.

Feeling adventurous? I recommend the "Something Marvelous," a pulled barbecue chicken creation that you'll be smuggling home for later. Need something green? The "Towering Trees" is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a savory mushroom blend, garlic confit, and peppery arugula to balance the decadence of its truffle oil drizzle. Ruse's offers gluten-free versions of all its pies, so no pizza lover gets left behind.

The New York slice will never go out of style, but if you're looking to expand your pizza horizons (and who isn't?), the world of deep-dish deliciousness awaits. If you've been there and done that with Chicago's take, turn your attention to Detroit-style at Vancouver's Ruse Crust Collective. This local gem nails the style's best qualities, all served up in a scenic setting. And if you're looking for more pizza places, or even just something sweet to end your night, be sure to visit our itinerary planner for additional local recommendations!