Help me out: What's the difference between a Detroit style pizza and a regular Sicilian pizza?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

I just had my first slice of a pizza specifically advertised as "Detroit style"--square slices, crispy bottom and edges but soft underbelly, cheese pretty much to the edge.

And I have to say, it was pretty good. I was looking for a change from the ordinary chain restaurant pizzas and the oversaturated, played out New York styled pizzas (not that I don't mind them, but they seem to dominate the landscape around here).

My only question is--for anyone who is "in the know"--what's the difference between Detroit style and what I've always known as Sicilian pizzas (square pieces, thick dough). I've had those before--and liked them--but I was wondering what the exact distinction is between them, because they seem rather similar.

Is it the crisp to the edges? The lack of a ring type crust? Is there any difference at all?

I'm confused.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. This seems to hint that Sicilian pizza is actually Detroit pizza...

http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/all-square-a-history-of-detroit-style-pizza

But this says Sicilian pizza is actually Sicilian, which means a Detroiter ripped it off:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_pizza

[longship]

2. Shield's Bar in Hamtramck!

Iconic Detroit pizza. Thick crust, rectangular, lots of toppings, two pieces is a meal. Order with double cheese -- yummy! The ideal place for food after an afternoon of baseball at Tiger Stadium. The beer, suitably cold! Regretfully, Shield's is long gone, along with Tiger Stadium.