This place is great ... you can tell not too much has changed since the 1970's and unintentional retro/vintage is my thing. This place could be so perfect with only a couple small changes! - There are white flourescent style lights on the ceiling. This really kills the vibe. It's almost like the top of the restaurant and the bottom don't match. You have cozy, 70's style wood paneling with dark wooden booths and stained glass lights hanging over the tables. Warm, cozy and intimate. Then, bright white lights above. I'd love to eat here with those bright lights turned off sometime. - Probably not economical but red checkered tablecloths, like vintage Italian restaurants used to have would make this place look like a movie set in a good way. That being said, everything else about this place is cool ... you know a good spot by how many regulars are there and everyone seemed to know everyone else by name on a Tuesday night. It wasn't crowded ... but it wasn't empty on an off-night. - The staff is exceptionally good. The waitress and hostess couldn't have been any sweeter and more helpful. Fast refills on the soft drinks and helpful without being intrusive. - The pizza is good. I have to admit, I am not sold on the cheddar cheese vs. mozzarella. I thought it would give the cheese an interesting, sharper taste but it seemed a bit bland. I will do the Italian-style next time with mozzarella. I liked my pizza but there was just something different about it. The crust is Greek-style ... kind of like the old Pizza Hut, when it was actually made fresh. Back in the 1980's and 90's there was nothing better than a golden, buttery light and crisp pizza crust from Pizza Hut, before the brand went to shit. This reminds me of that goodness of 1980's pizza crust. I'm not a thin crust guy ... but if you are, they have a thinner crust on the menu as well. Topping was good, maybe a bit spicier pepperoni would be a bit better ... toppings are a tad expensive for a few slices of pepperoni. A 3-topping pizza adds around $5. The small is good for two-people with light/moderate appetites. I wouldn't be able to eat a small and a salad by myself. Speaking of the salad ... one of the best regular house salads I've ever had. The dressing is amazing ... tangy, salty, perfectly done. I know it's hard to get all worked up over a standard Italian dressing but often the simplest things in cooking are the hardest to get right ... and they get the dressing right! Also, the lettuce was super fresh and the tomatoe slices were as well. The only issue I had was there was no 'side salad' version. There was a 'small' salad for around $8 ... but that could easily feed 2 - 4 people. Overall, this place gets just about everything right. It doesn't change or modernize. It's portions are great ... the food is very good ... prices maybe a bit high compared to other spots ... but you can tell they don't cut corners and everything is freshly made. The bar is where I'd want to sit normally ... but the seats are very close together and I didn't want to be elnow to elbow with strangers, so I snagged a small booth, which was also fine. The customers seemed nice ... but they all seemed very 'Cranston'. If they could deal with the lighting situation and make it less bright, I'd eat here 2 times per week. You can't beat a classic ... and this place is a classic. read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - 'Small' tossed salad with amazing dressing ($8) - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

See all

One of my favorite pizzas in Rhode Island. I love the old school, no frills ambiance and classic hometown friendly service. They also have one of my favorite salad dressings- I would go there for that alone! I can't recommend this place enough- the delicious food and comforting vibes keep me coming back! read more

WOW! I'm a native NYer who worked at a pizza place for a decade just outside the city. I am usually not impressed by pizza in New England but Big cheese & pub exceeded my expectations and I'll def be back to try more than just this pizza! I came in for RI food fights and got to pick three toppings for a small pizza. I went with eggplant, chicken and black olives. It was amazing! Honestly I have enough food for the rest of the week! I didn't get my servers name but she was subbing for a sick bartender and she was great! I enjoyed chatting with her. She got me in and out as quickly as she could before my dance class and I greatly appreciated that! Everyone that worked there was super friendly and attentive. I wish i was in less of a rush to have taken in even more. The spot has an old time feel but in the best way possible. It just felt like home. I can't wait to go back for more Italian goodies! read more

See all

Eating at The Big Cheese is always a treat. This restaurant is a Cranston gem. I've been going here for so many years and only have great things to say about it. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu, but I do have a few favorites: The #13 calzone is amazing with chicken, cheese, tomatoes, dressing, hot peppers & olives. Yum, just yum.... The Three Cheese Pizza is sooo good also - love the fresh tomatoes and the Italian seasonings sprinkled on top, and especially love the crispy crust. The Mozzarella Bread is to die for - Super stretchy mozzarella and hot bread - how can you not love it? The Stuffed Greek Popeye is probably the most amazing thing on the menu, with a salad stuffed inside a spinach calzone. And lastly, the salad dressing at The Big Cheese is the best - I wish they would share the recipe! The Big Cheese dining room is very comfortable and old school with wood paneling and it's very casual. Service is awesome - the servers treat you like family. Drinks are excellent as well - there's a full bar and their seasonal sangrias are always delicious. One of the best casual restaurants around, you can always count on The Big Cheese for delicious food and excellent service. read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Three cheese specialty pizza - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

See all

The most consistent Restaurant in Existence, if you like Pizza and Italian food, you need a Little BIG Cheese in your life. Great service, great food and the best salad dressing in the world awaits you..... read more

See all

Visited with a coupon from Lord of the Pies. Opted for the buffalo chicken pizza and it did not disappoint. They really live up to the name the big cheese. It was oooey gooey cheesy delicious. A small pizza filled up my husband and my belly with one slice to spare. I hadn't been here in a bit and it reminded me how much I love it here. Staff are all friendly and accommodating. The place was decorated beautifully for the holidays. Plenty of free parking out back. read more

See all

I took the chopped julienne home. The chicken noodle soup was good as usual and the baked chicken salad was hearty and fresh. Natalia was my waitress and she was very friendly and helpful with my service. The ambiance is a pizza parlor setting like in Italy. This Italian salad dressing is awesome. This a place I highly recommend. read more

See all

Just ventured over to the big cheese!! Sat at the bar and got a starter salad and the dressing is soooooo good! Got mushrooms as an app they were cooked perfect and were very garlicky I could've eaten another order! Got the original pizza not enough sauce but they gave me extra on the side. The crust was crispy and so good, service was great bar tender very attentive. Ambience is old school lots of regulars, will def be back read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Salad - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

First let me start by saying this is a family restaurant with a bar old school pizza joint. I truly believe everything on the menu you is better then average from the moment you walk in you feel at home been coming here on and off since 1991 with my mom and dad now I come here with my grandchildren!! The meatball & pepperoni pizza is why I come here and also for the salami w raw onions mayo are waitresses was super like all ways she never skipped a beat thank you read more

See all

RI Food Fights- Lord of the Pies 2024 Review: The Big Cheese was our hidden gem winner of the pie fight of 2024. Never been and I look forward to going back! First and foremost- the atmosphere: old school RI inside. They serve the pizza's out of trays that look like those wooden salad bowls grandma used to have growing up. Small bar. Dim lighting. I loved everything about the vibe here1 Next... Melon colada? YES PEASE! was I ever surprised when it landed on the table as a drink and a half! All for me? Yup! Not to mention it was pretty tasty! We had a tossed salad with House Italian. Great portion. enough to serve 3 or 4 people! Only thing, the dressing was more oily than flavorful in my opinion. The pizza is a good product. Good size, baked to perfection and loaded with the toppings we ordered. It is not the best in the state but I really liked it and I will be back again. read more

See all

Listen.... I don't know what magic they put in their house salad dressing but OMG! I can drink a gallon! My go to order is the baked chicken salad with the house dressing and a large pepperoni (extra pepperoni) extra sauce with cheese- WELL DONE. Trust me when I tell you my pizza order always comes out consistently delicious! I also love how they slice the large pizza ( in squares kinda) & every bite just makes sense! And I normally don't eat pizza crust, but I will devour every single piece of pizza from the big cheese. I never dined in before, but my takeout experience has always been positive. They always pick up the phone with no hesitation in my order is usually ready a few minutes before they say it's ready. read more

While my dad may have disowned me for the pineapple added .. this pineapple pepperoni pizza was delicious ! We eat here often and I think it's one of the best pizzas in the state. The staff is always wonderful , and always seem to be the same people there. That says a lot when a place has long term employees. The menu is huge so you can find something for everyone. The pizza and calzone options are probably into the hundreds. The Greek salad with the home made dressing slaps .. as the kids say. There is plenty of parking and the place is pretty big but there may be a short wait on a Sat night. It's well Worth it though. I highly recommend the big cheese and also take me with you ! read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Amazing pizza ! - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Our first time trying this restaurant and we waited 30 mins to be seated and when we noticed other people being seated we asked about our spot in line. The waitress said they threw away the list and we were no longer on the list. Waited all that time for absolutely nothing! Another local restaurant around the corner got us right in and served us right away. We won't be returning there. read more

Great food great service and amazing envierment would def recommend to go here and will definitely go back read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - My food - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

So I couldn't figure out exactly what "Italian crust" meant - was it thin style, or was it thick Sicilian style? Apparently it's the later. Anyway, the crust was thick and crispy with just the right amount of oil. We got our go-to Spinach and onion and it was flavorful. Strangely they put cheddar or a blend of cheeses with cheddar on their pizza. I'm not having that so I get plain mozzarella but if you wanna try something different go for the blend with cheddar. I had a really good thin crust veggie pizza here which is probably the way I will go next time. read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Spinach and onion Italian crust pizza - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Love it here! The food is awesome, the drinks are great and the staff is wonderful. They treat each customer like family.

So first things first this place rocks! Only eaten here twice... once takeout and once in house. Both times I got the same thing to eat, Chicken Parm sandwich LARGE... In house sandwich- great service great sandwich, had them add mozzarella and it was silly good. Now for the takeout! Let's be honest that's what really defines good from great. My lady brought home takeout for us... I arrived home 15-20 minutes after her, via motorcycle (I'm fkcing starving). Long story long, I walk inside to the best chicken parm sandwich I've ever eaten in my life. Side note: Me and my wife... who keep in mind we're on the brink of divorce. Are now on our way to Cancun for a two week getaway while happily back in love. Thank you chicken parm:) And THANK YOU BIG CHEESE FOR SAVING MY MARRIAGE Side note 2: I'd add a picture of the sandwich but I ate it before writing the review read more

The food was good. Liked the crunch on the sandwiches, but felt like they were missing something The salad was WELL dressed, to where we were dipping the bread in it. Seating is size inclusive. All the staff were really nice. Loved that they have their own parking lot, behind the building. Very convenient for the busy street they are located on. read more

See all

I love a visit to The Big Cheese & Pub! I have always had great food there. We love to get a large greek salad and a mushroom, olive, pepperoni pizza. This place is always packed. The parking lot quickly fills up and there will be cars parked on the street. I imagine it would be tough to get in there around dinner time. We typically try to go as an early dinner or late lunch on the weekends to avoid the crowds. The inside of the restaurant reminds me of my Italian grandparent's basement - if you're Italian, you know what I'm talking about! Old school Italians have a kitchen upstairs and a kitchen in a finished basement with wood paneling. It's cozy and comforting to me! The Big Cheese & Pub is truly a gem! I always look forward to going! read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Mushroom, olive, and pepperoni pizza - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

See all

--Location/Parking-- Great pub that is hidden off the main highway, but I found this place from Tiktok. --Ambience-- An old fashion pub and 80s pizza joint that varies from table of family eating to date night for many couples. The bar in the back of the pub is a great hangout with local and I got to talk to many of them throughout the night. --Service/Staff-- The staff was amazing. The hostess helped me get a seat at the bar with hardly any wait. The bartender made sure my drink was filled and got my order placed promptly. --Food/Products-- The draw for me was the Greek salad calzone. Imagine if you had a plate of Greek salad and now stuff it into a calzone crust. You get the best of both worlds. I also order a small pepperoni pizza. This place cannot go wrong. --Capacity-- I came on a Friday night. If I have a medium to big party, there was going to be a bit of a wait. In front, there was a lot of traffic from to-go order if you don't want to dine in. --Overall-- Great Italian place to mingle with the locals. This is a hidden gem that many people don't know about except for the locals and now everyone on Tiktok. read more

My first time so I tried the small thin and crispy pizza with broccoli and mushrooms. Fabulous! The crust held all the ingredients very well and the ten inch was quite enough without feeling too full for ice cream (not offered there) afterward. Eleven bucks. Not comparatively bad. Nice wsit staff. Highly recommendable. read more

The food here is great, especially those calzones. You can make one of their sandwiches into a calzone and they give you a wheat option as well for the calzone. I did have the thin crust pizza once and it was great. Never had the regular crust yet. read more

If you haven't tried this lil gem you should. It's kinda an old fashioned spaghetti joint but very well maintained . Dark walls red booths. It's like many places in Cranston Warwick area. But I have to say I never mind taken a ride to get their food. The Italian grinder, Salad and dressing alone is so good. The waitstaff probably have been there a lifetime. It's pretty cool to know the work experience must be worth staying around. There's a parking lot in the back. It s a pretty busy place so earlier the better or you may have a wait. You can also order take out. read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Take out section or quick lunch. Yum - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

See all

Hidden gem. If you really want one of the best, local pizza's in RI, then you know Big Cheese is the place to go. Cranstonians have been lucky to have this place for decades and it's still standing for a reason. The pizza is bomb- I can still hear the crunch right now. Add on a greek salad to help poop out all that carb overload you're about to have when you can't stop having more and more slices and your colon will thank you. 10/10! read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Stop #14 on RI FOOD FIGHTS 10th Annual #BestSandwichRI in Cranston...Toasted Italian...a classic! Forgot to take pic before I started eating...oops! read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Stepping into the "Big Cheese" is like stepping back into an old world southern Italian Restaurant. We sampled the Sautéed Mushrooms served over Garlic Bread. We were pleasantly surprised how delicious the mushrooms were, browned and full of garlicky butter. The Roasted Peppers Grinder was amazing. We also enjoyed a delicious Tomato Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta with Sweet Italian Sausages. A delicious salad with a homemade vinaigrette was full of crispy vegetables. For the money the Big Cheese can't be beat. read more

We had the BEST pizza there last week! I have received over 150 likes in my FB post of our pizza! The Big Cheese pizza with cheddar cheese. We had half pepperoni and sausage, half salami and mushroom. Delish! Great. Server who recommends the pizza!! We will be back!! read more

This longtime pizza spot has been around for 45 years for good reason. Pizza is their specialty and they do it just about better than anyone else but also serving pasta, calzones and other dishes. I had the buffalo chicken pizza (ask for extra blue cheese) and it slapped. They offer many different specialty pizzas along with different dough options! The service was good nothing spectacular but no complaints and the inside is very outdated and original but keeps it authentic and kinda cool. Overall I'm going back to the big cheese for buff chicken pizza next week lol read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

This is our second time here on the sandwich passport. I know that the food is gonna be just as good now as it was the first time because when it's old-school cooking, it never changes it stays the same always always fresh cooked order doesn't rush you doesn't make you hurry out, the service read more

I love their giant calzones!! Our family ordered takeout and got 4 calzones and a large pizza, all for $68! Their Stuffed Greek Popeye "salad" is so good. The juicy, crunchy salad inside the crunchy spinach pie was something I've never had before. We got 2 for $13.80 each - huge portion. I got the Number 12 on wheat which was very tasty. ($11.55). I replaced feta with ricotta just because feta does not go with eggplant and sausage. Their pizza honestly, isn't great. We got a large cheese, $14.40. The dough itself isn't bad, but everything else like the sauce and cheese was blah. It had no taste, just super basic. Affordable place and I'll be back for the calzones. read more

See all

Cranston Legend The BiG Cheese. What a place. This place has not changed at all and I love it. Pizza is nails and the staff is all great. The lighting fixtures and booths belong in a Cranston museum. Most pizza places wish they were The Big Cheese. read more

The pizza itself was disappointing--greasy and undercooked. It seems to reflect the general standard set by the owner.

Bestest freshest pizza in the world if you are near Rhode Island definitely check this place out. we go here every day and the people know are names.we always get some soups the chicken noodle ones pasta salad, pepperoni, pizza, and meatballs one more thing that is so buss'n you really have to try. It is the cheesy bread love it. The pasta is pasta with tomato/marinara slapped on top of it, but with the salad it is lettuce, onion carrot, and everything you can imagine it's just so good and they put the best dressing on it. You could ever even imagine, bro. the service impeccable and the the looks of the place is like a cozy cottage in the middle of the woods, but obviously it's not. It's kind of like out in the city but it just feels so cozy overall definitely go there and I always get takeout so yeah, just go there. It's buss'n there. read more

First we had the best waitress Kim, she was so enjoyable , knowledgeable and had recommendations.. Food was outstanding , we order a Greek salad and spilt a three cheese pizza.. read more

Food here is awesome. The nachos with meatballs and side of marina is great. Very old school, but food is still great. read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Original Mini Pizza (10 Inches) - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

I've got a real hangup with Cranston, and I try not to find my way there often. But because I'm participating in the Lord of the pies for the month of November, I came in here after work one night last week. I'm glad I did because this will be a place I'm gonna need to add to my pizza guide in my phone. The restaurant by all accounts looks like it has been there for a couple of decades and the interior also reflects that I came in from the back door and so I sat right at the bar in the back. I ordered a drink and was then given a small pepperoni and meatball that was downright delicious. I only ate two slices before calling it quits. Considering it's right on Reservoir off of Route 10, I can totally get back here with ease. And I most likely will. read more

See all

Chicken & artichoke pizza. Fresh flavor. The pizza dough up holds all the ingredients very well. R.I. food fights.p3 read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

Great old timey looking place. The pizza was delicious. My calzone was meh. Perhaps if I had gotten something with sauce it would have been better. Great casual place! read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Bar area - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

See all

How have I not reviewed this place?!!! There is something so comforting about The Big Cheese....there is nothing like sitting in one of their booths and catching up with an old friend...or just staring at your roommate that you see everyday knowing that it's all going to be ok. For me, it is all about the vibe....and this place has it! Old school inside and comforting food...the staff are the best! I usually get some sort of martini and/or wine... the salad is a must...pizza is delicious! I always get the nachos with one of my friends...would love to try more of their food but I always seem to stick with salad and pizza...I could live in this place! read more

The Big Cheese & Pub - Green apple martini w/ gin - Pizza Near Me - Cranston, Rhode Island

10/10 food 10/10 service 10/10 ambience Been going here for as long as I can remember and never gets old. read more