Big Ed's Pizza - Authentic Hand Tossed Pizza in Oak Ridge, TN

We originally ordered Big Ed's to take home our first time. Like most things delivered it was ok, nothing special. Two years had passed when Oak Ridge hosted Rhea County this year in the HSFB playoffs. We did our pregame meal inside at Big Ed's and were thoroughly pleased with the food, service and ambiance. Since that second visit we have been back two more times and we will always eat in!

If there was a god of pizza in East Tennessee it has to be Big Ed's. I went there most recently, now that I live in the Nashville area , about a month ago, but Big Ed's has always been the go-to place for excellent hand tossed pizza since my parents were in high school in the 60's. Even now over 60 years since the founding, you can still get personal sized pizzas with whatever you like on it expertly made. It's a a huge reason to keep going to Big Ed's. My dad took me there. I've taken my kids there. If you haven't been to Big Ed's, you haven't been to East Tennessee.

We came in at the busy lunch hour and about half the seats were taken. Seating consiated of longer tables seating 8 and smaller tables seating 4 with 6 seats at a counter. Groups of 2 would sit with an empty seat between them at the longer tables. It worked. We were greeted quickly and we asked what she recommended. We both chose Big Ed's Special, I substituted black olives for sausage and my husband asked for no mushrooms. Both were delicious. Crust was thin and fresh and toppings were plentiful. When we travel, we like to find local places. BIG JIM'S PIZZA is w winner.

Simply the best! I've just come back while traveling. I ate here in the 70s and it's EXACTLY like it was then.

Established in 1970 and sticking to what works this impromptu stop for pizza was a delight! Our visit was on a Saturday afternoon and it was bustling but we got a seat at the counter for two. On the menu, there is pizza. And only pizza. Great! That's why we are here anyway. The dough is made in house and was probably our favorite part of the pie. We had sausage, mushroom, and pepperoncini. Sticking to the original way, pizzas are cut with scissors. After learning this, it explains our mismatched slices, not that we cared a bit. The soda is bottomless. The beer choices were great, and only $4 a goblet. Aside from the food, Big Ed's makes service a priority. The first four times someone came to our table it was a different server. Then Tabby stuck around. She was witty and personable. She was super helpful with some establishment back story and helped us "fluff" our to go bag. The bag is Big Ed's tradition. She also advised us there is a gift shop upstairs. It's outside through a separate entry left of the restaurant entry door. We shall return...with family and friends!!

We were seated immediately and enjoyed the restaurant's atmosphere. Lots of cool military and shooting memorabilia to look at. The pizza was very good. The crust was perfection and ingredients tasted very fresh. The beer and soft drinks were very fairly priced too. Our waitress was sweet, checked on us several times and was friendly. I can see why this is a town favorite and we will be back!