Big Daddy's Pizzeria

Big Daddy's Pizzeria is a casual, mid-priced pizza restaurant at 714 River Rd in Gatlinburg, built around a wood-fired oven. The crust comes out chewy with crispy edges. You can build your own pie or order a specialty such as the Chicken Florentine or the Great White. It works well for families, couples and groups who want a sit-down meal without a long wait. Pizzas are usually ready in 5 to 20 minutes, even on busy weekends.

Visitors most often praise the flavor of the wood-fired pizza, the fresh ingredients and the friendly servers. Several reviewers named staff members who looked after them well. One diner said the place was packed on a snowy day and the pizza still arrived hot. The wood-fired wings get some of the strongest praise, and one guest said they would come back just for them. A veggie pizza also drew compliments. Not every visit goes well, though. A few reviewers found the pizza and crust bland, and one thought a $32 pie with light toppings was poor value.

The restaurant opens at 11 AM every day. It closes at 9 PM Sunday through Wednesday and at 10 PM Thursday through Saturday. Parking on site is free. Prices are moderate, and because pizzas come out quickly, an hour is usually enough for a relaxed meal. To avoid long waits, check when the peak hours are before you go.

For a quieter visit with more attentive service, come for lunch on a weekday, and ask about the daily specials when you order. Be aware that some pizzas have come out slightly undercooked when the kitchen is rushing. There are also only a few non-alcoholic drinks to choose from.