With those weakening beams of Autumnal sunlight streaming through glass windows, we stepped into Detroit Slims’ new joint on Oxford Road, to check out their Detroit style pizza, and we were not disappointed.
‘Hot pizza, go long’ is Detroit Slims’ tagline, and they don’t disappoint, with fresh hot slices delivered to our table that were indeed, hot and long. Traditional Detroit style pizza is typically rectangular in shape and with the packaging that Slims’ pizza arrived in, this was followed, but given a handy twist. Nestled in a carton that slid straight out the box, the slice is compact yet filling and so easy to take away.
But on to the pizza itself! We sampled the Cheeseburger and Shroom slices, for balance of course, and both delivered on taste and texture. Each on a base of fluffy focaccia, the pizzas were not greasy, which is rare for a deep-dish style slice. The Cheeseburger was exactly what it said on the tin, topped with crumbled beef, diced shallot, gherkin and burger sauce, and really did taste like a pretty decent cheeseburger.
The Shroom pizza was also a hit, as the chestnut mushrooms combined with oregano and garlic made for a lovely umami flavour. Although Slims could have gone heavier with the garlic,on the whole, both pizzas were tasty, filling, and fairly decent on price, with slices ranging from £5-£9.
Of course, while trying Detroit Slims’ pizzas, we had to give their sides a go, with scooper fries and tenders on offer. The scooper fries, coated in a Cajun seasoning, are designed for mopping up any of Slims’ wide range of dips. We tested this design with their truffle mayo (this went brilliantly with the Shroom slice), buffalo sauce, kimchi mayo, and dill jalapeño ranch, with each flavour packing a punch. To our delight, the scooper fries did scoop up a hefty amount of dip, so while we questioned whether this was a problem that really needed solving, it was a very nice bit of fry-based innovation either way.
The tenders were a satisfying addition to the meal, being crunchy on the outside, and succulent within. Paired with the buffalo and hot honey dips, these hit the spot, yet on this occasion were on the pricier side, with a three-piece costing £5. Compared with local spots, this may be a turn off, but for the quality of the food, and as a side to the otherwise affordable pizzas, these are more of a treat that you might add to your order.
To finish off, we grabbed a couple of Slim Shakys and these were £5 apiece, but arguably worth it. Both shakes were thick, creamy, and great tasting, with Kinder Bueno paying perfect homage to the chocolate bar itself, and the salted butterscotch balancing the salty and sweet to a tee.
Detroit Slims’ placement in Circle Square, just a 15-minute walk from campus, makes it the perfect post-lecture spot, when you’ve exhausted the 532 menu just that bit too much. But, with their menu also available on Deliveroo, you can also enjoy Detroit Slims from the comfort of your own home. Boasting a fair few student favourite pizza spots, Oxford Road may be a bold choice of venue, but with a solid brand, and pizzas that stand the taste test, Detroit Slims may become a staple – watch out Popolino’s, you’ve got competition.
Detroit Slims are open 12-10pm every day.
