A local’s review of Big Daddy’s Pizzeria in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
There are no freezers at Big Daddy’s. Let’s get that out of the way at the top. At Big Daddy’s Pizzeria, they are so committed to freshness, that there ain’t a freezer in the place. But how do they get ice for the drinks? Oh, I’m sure they have ice machines, you know, for the drinks. The point is, it’s fresh. We’re digressing. But what else should you know about the pizzas at Big Daddy’s?
You should know they’re not your average pizzas. Their pizzas are handcrafted with homemade dough pulled by a “pizzeoli” which via context clues I believe to be a pizza artisan and brick oven fired. The end result is a crispy crust. What can that delicious crust come with? Fresh mozzarella cheese? And fresh provolone cheese? Fresh Parmesan cheese, too? Check. It’s then topped with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients. You can even get freshly made Flavor Dippers which offers not only cheese sauce and garlic sauce, but unique dipping sauce choices such as honey garlic, garlic butter and pineapple-jalapeno.
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How big are Big Daddy’s pizzas? How much are they?
The pizzas at Big Daddy’s are available in 10 inches or 14 inches. A small cheese pizza starts at about $10.99 at the time of this writing. If you go into a large specialty pizza, you could spend upwards of $19.99-24.99. For example, a big pie like the Mamma Mia will set you back about $25.99 for the large. It features marinara sauce, a mozzarella-provolone blend, pepperoni, Genoa salami, Italian sausage, prosciutto, green peppers, red onion, black olives and mushrooms. The Smoky Mountain Cheesesteak is another one of the specialties that will cost closer to $21.99, which has an alfredo base, mozzarella and provolone cheese, shaved steak, green peppers and caramelized onions. A child’s pizza is $7.99.
The price is worth it for the specialties. But if you prefer your pie to be more simple, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of beauty in the cheese pie since the freshness and perfection of the dough can shine through.
What to order at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria
Big Daddy’s has some fun options. I do like alternative pizzas, so the Big Kahuna with pineapple – it’s fresh pineapple, by the way – Canadian Bacon and a goat cheese mozzarella-provolone blend is good. There’s no lack of toppings here. Other popular toppings include green olives, artichoke hearts, jalapenos, banana peppers, red peppers, Roma tomatoes, pepperoncini, kalamata olives, fresh basil, red onions, scallions ricotta or swiss cheese and caramelized onions. And special pizza base sauce choices include sweet BBQ sauce, wing sauce, alfredo sauce, ranch dressing, homemade marinara sauce and alfredo sauce.
In addition, for vegetarians, there’s the Herbivore pizza loaded with spinach, fresh tomatoes, cheeses, roasted garlic, mushrooms, red peppers and topped with feta cheese. Also on the menu is the Taco Pie with refried beans, ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. I know some people are like “When I eat tacos, I eat tacos and when I eat pizza, I eat pizza.” But honestly, why not both?
Meat lovers can try the Porky Pie. Based with BBQ sauce, it includes fresh cheese blend, pork, bacon, black forest ham and Italian sausage. You can also build your own pizza. But, If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Big Daddy’s offers a selection of salads, sandwiches and apps. There’s even a sausage crust pizza for those who are doing low-carb.
For an appetizer, be sure to try the Dough Daddies, which are rolls with garlic, virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese. For sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with the Cuban, Italian Roast Pork or Big Daddy’s Submarine. Try the chicken alfredo. Try the meatballs, if you like your food spherical. In fact, everything’s good. A house salad, antipasto, Caesar and even a wood-roasted chicken salad are also offered.
Also if you’re in the mood for a dessert, Big Daddy’s has two: A NY-style cheesecake and a cannoli. My friends, take the cannoli.
The kids can try the Personal Kid’s Pie, which I think is just the right size for your munchkin. It includes a kids drink and a homemade cinnamon sugar donut.
Locations and final thoughts on Big Daddy’s
Big Daddy’s Pizzeria has three locations around East Tennessee in the Smokies.
- 3053 Parkway in Pigeon Forge
- 714 River Road in Gatlinburg
- 1820 Parkway in Sevierville
A word of caution, Big Daddy’s does not deliver, but you can order carryout. And all locations are closed on Wednesdays at the time of this writing.
Closing thoughts: Pizza comes in many forms, levels of quality and somehow even when it’s bad, it’s good. Pizza very well may be man’s greatest achievement. What else are we talking about, the wheel? They’re both round but you can only eat one of them. Pizza wins by a mile.
But if you’ve never eaten at a brick oven, or wood-fired pizzeria, it is certainly different from your average pie. And while Big Daddy’s isn’t exactly re-inventing the wheel over here. They do manage to fire up some pretty tasty brick oven pizza and offer a ton of variety and creativity while doing so. Which I can respect.
You can view their entire menu here, pizza prices range between $10-$22 at the time of this writing.
Big Daddy’s is a member of the Johnson Family of Restaurants – which includes Alama Steakhouse, Mama’s Kitchen Chicken and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que Have you eaten at Big Daddy’s Pizzeria? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at editor@thesmokies.com (preferred) or call 865-505-0648.
This place is way too expensive for the pizzas that you get. It’s not really the best I have ever had that’s for sure.
The price you pay for the pizza and the pizza isn’t all that great!!
Have eaten at the Gatlinburg restaurant a lot always good and may I suggest the Mama Mia. Wood fired pizza is the best.