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    Big Pauly's Wood Fired Pizza

    4.2 (209 reviews)
    ModeratePizza
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    Big Pauly's Wood Fired Pizza Photos

    BIG PAULY'S WOOD FIRED PIZZA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Big Pauly's Wood Fired Pizza

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    Reuben (L), Butcher (C), Wise Gal (R), Knot (FC)
    Scott B.

    03/29/24 Update: Family and I dined in tonight. We had three pies, a couple of apps. The pizza was delicious and the crust was excellent- better than carry out. I've bumped my review from 4 to 5 stars. I'll be back! Original Review: At the recommendation of a friend, we tried Big Pauly's pizza tonight. As this was our first time, we got three pies and an order of knots. We did carry out this time, knowing that if we dined in, the crust would've been more crispy. That said, their crust is good, it has a nice chew. The Reuben was an interesting pizza, the kraut had a nice tang and the "thousand island" sauce made the pie. The butcher was meat loaded as you would expect by its name. The sausage was the winner here. The Wise Gal was the lightest fare, yet full of flavor and a nice balance to the others we tried. For the Garlic Knots, delish. The service was fast and the young lady who answered the phone and greeted me when I walked in was friendly and bubbly. We will try Big Pauly's again. The next time we will dine in to see if I can get them from four stars to five. If you live within 30 minute drive of Big Pauly's, give them a try. It'll be worth your time and dollars.

    Garlic knots
    Kamryn N.

    I came here and ordered garlic knots and a margherita pizza. The garlic knots had a golden crust, had the perfect amount of garlic, and were suuuper delicious!! The marinara sauce is absolutely phenomenal as well (I wish I could take home a whole jar). The 16" Margherita pizza was perfect to share with 2. It was a very delicious pizza. My boyfriend and I loved all of the food. I was greeted immediately when I walked in, and the servers were very nice and attentive. Big Pauly's is a small cozy eatery, depending where you sit you get a direct view of the pizza oven, which is cool. We will be returning!!

    Good pizza but soggy in the middle and not worth the price
    Jo G.

    Cute small restaurant but kind of over priced imo. The meatball appetizer def was over priced! $15.49 for 3 meatballs. Hand-roll or whatever they are, the size of golf balls (if not smaller) with a tiny bit of sauce is not worth $15.49! They're in Plainfield IL on a busy highway across from a cemetery not Napa Valley! The pizza was good but soggy in the middle. And a bit over priced too. I think it was $25 for a 15"?? They only had beer in a can which came out barely cold and when we asked the server for a cold glass she said she could bring a glass of ice??? I didn't see any staff who appeared to be over 21

    12 Inch Cheese Pizza
    Recipe T.

    Great pizza! I was visiting a friend in Shorewood, IL and I was a bit hungry. I saw some great reviews and in 15 mins I was there. The pizza was definitely not a thin crust pizza. It's also not a New York style pizza. It is its own thing. My favorite part of the pizza was the sauce. The tomato flavors really came out and the dash of basil in the sauce created a bright taste in your mouth. I highly recommend anyone who is visiting, to eat it there freshly baked.

    St. Rocco
    Kirtis D.

    Another week, another work trip. "Yay, life on the road!" he said, voice dripping sarcasm. Anyway, I decided to get pizza before hitting the hotel in Joliet. If you've read any of my other reviews, you know I'm a sucker for pizza. And, since I'm in the Chicago area, I figured I'd find something local and hopefully Chicago style. A quick search and I'm headed to Big Pauly's Wood Fired Pizza. Yelp didn't let me down, for sure. Immediately upon entering, I was warmly greeted by the gentleman behind the bar. I'm gonna guess that this was Big Pauly, but I've been wrong lots so maybe not. The waitress was also very nice and seated me quickly at the bar looking into the prep area. The bar top was clean. Like, very clean. The I'd have happily eaten straight off of it kind of clean. The place was tidy, well organized, and tastefully decorated for the upcoming Halloween holiday. It wasn't super busy on a Thursday evening but there were a number of other tables occupied. The music was just loud enough to provide some ambiance but not overpowering for conversation. I ran into the men's room to wash up and that place was exceptionally clean too. It even smelled good in there! Props for that. On to the food. I got sangria to drink, a very nice commercially made one mixed with what I assume was Sprite and garnished with citrus fruits. Delicious, 8.5 out of 10. Would have scored higher if it was made in-house but still great. Then, the garlic knots with marinara for dipping. Fabulous! 9.99 out of 10. I'm deducting 0.01 for the marinara. Don't get me wrong, it was very, very good and house-made but just didn't have quite as much bite as I prefer. Fixed that with the red pepper flakes conveniently supplied. The knots pulled apart beautifully, the garlic was just right, overall an amazing starter. For pies, I got the Veggie Simbario and the St. Rocco. Both lovely, both 10 out of 10. The crust was chewy, the topping ratios were well done, and the flavor (before and after the red pepper) was perfect! I'm not typically a fan of bell peppers but the use of roasted peppers on the St. Rocco brought out a sweetness that worked really well with the sausage. Outstanding choice, recommended by my insightful and helpful waitress. The star to me, though, was the Veggie Simbario. I love love love a well executed veggie pizza and Big Pauly's does it right. Flavor balance, textures, presentation. Just a wonderful experience. Before leaving, Big Pauly (I think?) and I had a lively discussion about sauces, during which I learned that almost all of the sauces are made there. And maybe ask him what he really thinks about ranch on pizza! Hint: he *might* very well be silently judging all you ranch-loving lunatics. And even if he's not, I sure am, ya bunch o' barbarians.

    Garlic knots

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    3 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    15 days ago

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    5 months ago

    Food is great. Wood fired pizza is fabulous! Very friendly service. You want to eat there!

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Good experience overall. Pizza was good. People were friendly. Good selection of specialty pizzas.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Every time I visit this area I have to get the wings. The pizza is good too, but have to get wings.

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    Paul H.

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    1 year ago

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    Paul H.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Paul H.

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great tasting pizzas and salads. Quick service and I enjoy that you can literally see your food being made up front.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Big Pauly's has the BEST pizza. My favorite pizza ever. I love their garlic knots too.

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    Paul H.

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    2 years ago

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    Paul H.

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    3 years ago

    Solid Pizza, some of the best in the area. They use great ingredients, and you can taste the quality. Give it a try!

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Photo of Kali S.
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    3 years ago

    Amazing food and really friendly people!!! I tried Garlic Knots, a pizza, garden salad AND know I eat here again for sure.

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    Paul H.

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    2 years ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Big Pauly's Wood Fired Pizza

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    Dario Mercato

    Dario Mercato

    4.8
    (19 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    This was my first time at this restaurant and it was a 10/10 for me. I visited with a girlfriend of…read moremine and here's why I would recommend it: -The service was amazing! Our server whom I think was the owner gave great suggestions on the best items, gave us a free appetizer and even allowed us to stay after hours without rushing us! 2. The food tasted great! We had the Soppressata e Sausage Pizza, Arancini and Suppli and the owner even made a reco for my husband who wanted the Soppresata pizza on how to change the pizza to fit his no meat preference. 3. The ambiance was great! Dim lighting and an Italy vibe! The restaurant is very small but there is indoor and outdoor seating. I would recommend making a reservation in advance. I will be back!

    Where do I begin?! I started my meal off with the focaccia spread with the ricotta honey. Needless…read moreto say, it is brilliant and so addicting!! Then, I also threw in the risotto cakes with tomato sauce in them and they were so scrumptious!! But, when I got to my meal? Wow!!! I got the bolognese pasta and the noodles are definitely homemade, the size of large ribbons just tumbled onto your plate. It brought me back to when my grandparents used to make their Sunday Gravy!! It was so amazinggggg! I hear that the atmosphere is beautiful and the wine is even better! On top of all of this? The prices are actually reasonable which was the biggest surprise to me because when you have deliciousness like this? It usually comes at a price! Although, I did have to tip the delivery driver but the meal was perfection! I do not regret it whatsoever! This place is a revelation.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Suppli (fried risotto)
    Suppli (fried risotto)
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    Mercato
    Freedom Brothers Pizzeria & Alehouse

    Freedom Brothers Pizzeria & Alehouse

    4.2
    (368 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    Tucked away in a strip mall set back off of Route 59 is this new to me restaurant and bar. But I…read morethink they've been there for about nine years. Parking was easy. Getting a couple spots to sit was also easy. Getting and keeping anyone's attention was not as easy. It was a busy-ish Trivia Tuesday and they seemed to be well staffed but both people behind the bar that we tried to make contact with breezed past us a lot. Despite that, we did eventually try the $5 margaritas which packed a nice punch. We also went with a pepperoni wrapped and deep fried cheese stick. Clearly not a premade product from somewhere else...the sauce was great while the cheese stick lacked pepperoni flavor even though we clearly saw some in there. It was more boring flavor wise than expected but a really great concept! Our Foo pizza was ordered without the cilantro but also arrived without the jalapeños. Again, another great concept but this one lacked on the execution side of things. Not enough BBQ sauce at all (I'm not a huge sauce girl, but this was way too light), soooo many fried onion strings clumped together (and I love fried onions...soooo), missing the spicy component in error.... But the crust was great and cooked nicely, the pulled pork was delicious when you found a bite, the bacon cooked perfectly and the pineapple portion was good. Why four stars instead of three? Clearly they're using quality ingredients. This is huge to me! Restaurant felt, looked and smelled clean. Conceptually they've got some awesome menu items that make me want to come back and we already mentioned to friends of ours. And the drinks were solid. We will take a different approach next time and hopefully add this one to the rotation.

    Just ordered delivery for 2 pizzas. Both tavern style and one being gluten free. One pizza is…read morecompletely burnt, and is inedible. The gluten free pizza is completely undercooked, dough is almost raw. So, after 68.00 spent, both pizzas are going in the garbage. Very upset and frustrated to spend that much money on terrible pizza. I can't believe they would allow these pizzas to go out the door like this. I am calling management now. UPDATE******* The GM Billy responded to my issue promptly and refunded me my money. He was very apologetic and embarrassed our pizzas were delivered in that fashion. I am pleased he responded so quickly and resolved the issue appropriately.

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    Freedom Brothers Pizzeria & Alehouse
    Riv Salad
    Riv Salad
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    Aurelios Pizza - Plainfield

    Aurelios Pizza - Plainfield

    3.6
    (105 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Aurelio's Pizza in Plainfield is my absolute favorite pizza around -- hands down, no contest. That…read moresauce, though! I swear they must have a team of Italian grandmothers in the back just whispering love spells into the tomato pot. We usually order out (because stretchy pants are life), but every so often we dine in, and it's always a treat. The interior is cozy and welcoming -- like a pizza-themed hug -- and the staff is always friendly and attentive. It's also surprisingly spacious, so you can totally host a gathering here without bumping elbows over the breadsticks. Today's feast was a masterpiece: Barbecue wings -- tasty and sticky in all the right ways. Mozzarella sticks -- pure cheesy glory, like a mozzarella mic drop. Antipasto salad -- packed with more olives and meats than I knew what to do with (and I did my best). And then...the 18-inch sausage pizza. This thing could double as a life raft. It feeds our family for days and is absolutely delectable. Bonus points for having a drive-through -- because sometimes you just need to pick up your pizza without changing out of pajama pants. In conclusion: Aurelio's is what happens when love, cheese, and tomato sauce decide to throw a party.

    Great place with amazing food. Its usually good service aswell, typically very nice and…read moreaccommodating. One server in particular, Theresa, was rude the entire time, making my table do the math to figure out how much our food costed, when she is the server. She also told us we can't get a pizza which was literally on the menu because the kitchen doesn't like making it??? She gave us horrible service then complained when we didn't tip. Why would I tip after being treated like that? Overall a great place if you get any other server. Shes the only one, quite stuck-up.

    Photos
    Thin 13" sausage, pepperoni. Green pepper
    Thin 13" sausage, pepperoni. Green pepper
    Chicken Alfredo
    Chicken Alfredo
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    Bosco Sticks

    Big Pauly's Wood Fired Pizza - pizza - Updated July 2026

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