When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Big Mario's Pizza
Why Big Mario's Pizza is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Big Mario's Pizza is a popular pizzeria in Seattle known for its authentic New York style pizza that draws in locals and visitors alike. With multiple locations including Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, White Center, and Fremont, it offers a consistent New York pizza experience with large, thin-crust pies that boast a perfect balance of crispiness and pliability. The pizza is often praised for its generously sized slices, deliciously zesty and sometimes spicy sauce, and classic pepperoni that curls up and oils just right, delivering robust flavors reminiscent of East Coast pizzerias. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious with a focus on takeout and pizza-by-the-slice service, making it an ideal spot for late-night cravings or quick meetups. Despite limited seating and a simple decor, Big Mario’s delivers quality, satisfying pizza that appeals to pizza purists and casual eaters alike. Its long operating hours cater to diverse schedules, from lunchtime breaks to a late-night stop after social outings, making it a convenient and beloved gathering place in the Seattle pizza scene.
Here's what people think of Big Mario's Pizza
As of recent, Big Mario's Pizza holds a 4.2-star rating based on 935 reviews.
Customer reviews of Big Mario's Pizza reflect a generally positive reception with a 4.2-star average from 935 reviews. Many customers rave about the authentic New York style pizza experience, highlighting the huge slices with thin, slightly crisp crusts and a flavorful sauce that carries either a zesty or spicy kick. Positive remarks often include the quality of the pepperoni, which curls upon baking creating savory, oily pools, and a good balance in cheese and sauce. Reviewers appreciate the casual and friendly service, as well as the convenience of multiple locations and extensive operating hours, including late-night availability. However, some negative reviews mention the inconsistency in crust crispness, with certain slices described as too floppy or undercooked. A few customers find the sauce too spicy or the pricing slightly high considering the slice size. Seating is also noted to be very limited and sometimes communal, which may not appeal to all. Overall, the consensus is that Big Mario's delivers a satisfying New York style pizza experience that's especially good for takeout and late-night eats, even if the ambiance and seating are modest. This combination of strengths and minor flaws makes it a popular choice, especially among those craving authentic New York flavors in Seattle.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Angela A
Pizza was just okay. Maybe if the service was better, I may have had a better take on the pizza. But came in for lunch, a little after opening and it wasn’t that busy. We ordered a couple of pepperoni slices and the employee said that the pizza just came out of the oven not too long ago so they don’t need to be warmed up. The slice was just okay…kind of warm but didn’t taste “right out of the oven” warm. Dough was too crunchy for my taste. I was still hungry after my first slice so got another one. I’ll say that ordering was quite easy and the place had cool vibes, with the huge VHS collection and all. The second slice was warmed up this time and it was sooooo much better. The cheese was melted just right and the pepperonis had that slight char/crunch to them. If the employee had not been lazy and had just warmed up our first slices, I would’ve loved this place more.
DaysInBlue
This is my first time ordering from here and I just got a plain cheese pizza. Sauce is very spicy for red sauce. Not bad, but if you don’t do well with heat you’re in trouble. Cheese mixture was good, but the crust was very dry and more like a cracker than thin crust pizza. Was fine for what it was but kinda bizarre. Not sure I’d order from here again unless it’s super late and nothing else is open. Edit: it gets worse. Half of it was burned. 😬 I understand food service is rough right now, but I think this place would benefit from a little more care.
Ian Parsons
Uber Eats delivery order. Pizza was just average. What we got looks nothing like the pictures. Toppings are small and sparse. Sauce was good so was the crust. $100 for 3 medium pizzas just wasn’t worth it. We tried to support the little guy, but will give Big Mario’s a pass next time.
jane hwang
Solid Team. Came in on a sunday night. Greek salad is a must, fresh. Clean environment, staff is attentive. Portions were big, the pizza was perfect. Will be coming back! Good to know that there is a pizza joint that actually keeps their kitchen open for the community on late hours.
M Heid
The pizza is always fire, the only thing keeping my friends and I returning. The service on the other hand is atrocious, the dudes behind the counter are always rude to the point where it ruins any vibe. It’s confusing because at all the other locations we have had incredibly kind and friendly service. Maybe because its mostly a bar they think its ok to be awful towards customers?
How to reach Big Mario's Pizza
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Why Big Mario's Pizza may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Big Mario’s Pizza with your friends? When it comes to gathering your crew for a casual, fun, and delicious meetup, Big Mario’s Pizza offers exactly the kind of vibrant, welcoming atmosphere you want. This New York-style pizzeria isn’t about fancy frills but about great pizza, hearty portions, and a place where friends and family can connect over comfort food. The pizza is known for its large, foldable slices with a crust that strikes the perfect balance — crispy on the outside, chewy inside — capturing that classic NYC pizzeria feel. Beyond the food, the vibe at Big Mario’s is relaxed and inviting, whether you’re grabbing a slice for a quick bite or settling in for a longer hangout with drinks. The casual, communal seating and communal bar areas create an excellent opportunity for spontaneous conversations and group fun. Whether you're planning a laid-back lunch or a late-night pizza run after some drinks, the extended hours and friendly service make Big Mario’s the ideal rallying spot. It’s really a place where the lively energy of a group meets the hearty satisfaction of a truly good pizza experience.
What activities can groups enjoy at Big Mario’s Pizza? Big Mario’s is not just about ordering a pie and eating in silence; its lively environment encourages socializing and enjoying a broader experience. First off, the communal seating arrangement supports group gatherings, so you can expect to sit close to one another and share the pizza joy without feeling cramped. For groups who love pairing their pizza with drinks, the back bar area allows you to order beer or cocktails, making it a mini social hub suitable for casual celebrations or just unwinding after a busy day. The pizzeria is also a great stop for late-night outings, staying open well past most restaurants, so it can cater to groups looking for a midnight snack or a place to wind down after a night out. Moreover, pizza by the slice options are plentiful, so people with different tastes can sample different flavors without having to commit to a whole pie, which is perfect for variety-loving groups. Lastly, the location’s casual atmosphere means it doesn’t require dressing up or special reservations, making spontaneous meetups both easy and low-stress.
Why is Big Mario’s Pizza perfect for group meetups? One major draw is its New York-style pizza with large, foldable slices that are not only delicious but also practical for sharing or eating while standing or moving around. The pizza crust and sauce offer a flavor profile that’s familiar and crowd-pleasing, with a slight spicy zestiness that adds character without overwhelming. Groups can mix and match classic toppings, including pepperoni, anchovies, and exciting vegetable choices, enough to satisfy a range of preferences. The informal service and the ability to order at the counter make the ordering process fast and straightforward, ideal for groups eager to jump right into the fun. Additionally, the various Big Mario’s locations throughout Seattle provide convenient meeting points, each with a similar vibe that feels both authentic and local. Another reason is the availability of communal spaces and the friendly, relaxed tone, which create a social environment perfect for catching up with friends or family. This helps foster the kind of dynamic where conversations flow easily alongside constant bites of excellent pizza.
How accessible and convenient is Big Mario’s for group events? Big Mario’s pizza shops stay open for extended hours, including late nights, which dramatically increases their convenience for groups with diverse schedules. Whether you’re meeting up during midday, after work, or even late after a night out, you can still count on Big Mario’s to have you covered. The pizza culture here is casual and flexible — you can order slices for quick snacking or whole pies to share family-style, making the place well suited both for informal meetups and bigger gatherings. Their locations, such as Capitol Hill, Fremont, Queen Anne, and White Center, offer ample options to position your meetup at a spot convenient for all attendees. Those planning a bigger event can also request private events, suggesting that Big Mario’s can accommodate celebrations beyond everyday dining. Finally, the straightforward online ordering and takeout options add a layer of convenience for groups who want to enjoy the pizza somewhere else, allowing the fun to continue seamlessly.
What about the food and drink variety? Big Mario’s pride themselves on traditional New York-style pizza but with an edge — their pepperoni curls beautifully to create tiny oil pools, and their sauce has a lively kick that some describe as “zesty” or “spicy,” adding a satisfying depth to each slice. Besides pepperoni, anchovies and other unique toppings like fresh veggies and a range of cheeses diversify the menu to satisfy different palates. The generous slice size means sharing is easy, and the slices are crafted for folding, making eating comfortable and casual for groups who want to chat and nibble instead of formal dining. The bar area complements the food with an excellent selection of beers and cocktails, ideal for groups that want to pair their pizza with drinks, making it suitable for both family-friendly meetups and adult gatherings. This combination of familiar comfort food with quality ingredients and a vibrant drink menu is a significant factor in why Big Mario’s is a favored neighborhood joint.
What is the atmosphere and vibe like at Big Mario’s? The decor and ambiance at Big Mario’s are intentionally simple—clean and unpretentious, focusing on the pizza and the social experience. The seating is communal, sometimes tight but in a way that fosters conversation and community feeling among patrons. The vibe leans heavily into the neighborhood joint aesthetic: retro, cozy, and bustling especially during peak hours or late nights when the place fills with locals and visitors alike. The service style is casual and friendly, further promoting a relaxed setting where everyone feels welcome. The late-night hours attract a diverse crowd, from the lunchtime office worker stopping by for a slice to groups of friends arriving after a bar hop seeking comfort food. This mix creates a lively yet unforced social environment, stimulating for group gatherings without being overwhelming or noisy.
How do reviews reflect the group experience at Big Mario’s? With a solid 4.2-star rating based on over 900 reviews, Big Mario’s enjoys positive recognition for its pizza quality and casual atmosphere suitable for meetups. Many reviews highlight the authenticity of the New York-style pizza and praise the generous slice sizes and flavorful sauce. Customers appreciate the wide variety of toppings and the convenience of multiple locations. Some point out the limited dining space but mostly frame it as part of the charm and communal feel, noting that the shared seating encourages a neighborhood vibe perfect for groups. The bar and drink options receive favorable commentary, especially for those wanting to extend their visit beyond just eating. While there are occasional mentions of inconsistency or slow service during busy times, the overall sentiment from guests is that Big Mario’s provides great value and a welcoming spot to enjoy pizza with friends — a balance that many group meetups seek.
In summary, Big Mario’s Pizza stands out as a prime location for friends or family wanting a casual, comforting, and fun environment to gather around great food. The combination of New York-style foldable slices, communal seating, drink options, long operating hours, and multiple convenient locations make it an excellent hub for socializing over delicious pizza. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a late-night pizza party, Big Mario’s offers an accessible, lively, and authentic pizzeria experience that makes rallying with your group both effortless and memorable.