Big Ed's Pizza

Quite a few updates at Big Ed's lately: They now use REAL PLATES and not the tiny paper ones! They also finally take credit cards. I've heard rumors that the sauce tastes different...as soon as I make it over there to test this I will report back. Otherwise, it is THE PLACE to bring out-of-towners for part of the true Oak Ridge experience.

Big Ed's opened in 1970, when Ed Neusel, his lovely, petite wife, and their three sons moved to Oak Ridge. Rumors at the time said they moved from Chicago and/or Huntsville, AL. For generations, we have called Big Ed's, home.

It's where we navigated when we came to visit after we left Oak Ridge for our first job, marriage, college, divorce, or got homesick. It was understood that if you wanted to see anyone you knew from high school, that was the place to go.

That summer my best friend had a crush on David Neusel, the oldest son, so we spent way too much time sipping on sodas, watching him throw pizza crust in the air. Mrs. Neusel was always so nice to both of us, she even offered us a mistake once or twice. We never felt comfortable calling him Big Ed; southern girls didn't do that, but Mr. Ed was worse, so we called him Mr. Neusel. He laughed at our embarassment, and told us to call him Big Ed, but it didn't seem right to call an adult by his first name.

I also remember watching the simple black drawing of Ed Neusel take shape on the front window of the old drugstore.

The pizza is the best in Oak Ridge, and among the best in East Tennessee. It isn't rocket science, it's family, as it was in the 70s, and remains today.

If you are from " the big" city, please don't come. There is no way this pizza place can compete with your city's I am sure. If you want super thick pizza that looks like a cake, then this is not the place for you. But, If you want great pizza and a great atmosphere then come on down. A small town place that has been in business since the late 1960s and still has people standing in line out the door on weekends can't be wrong. It is not the cheapest pizza in town, but it is the best. No frills, just pizza. No salad bar, no breadsticks. Just beer, pizza and soda. If you have young kids have them go up to the pizza making area with a plate and one of pizza makers will put a handful of cheese to take back to their table. Please note that the payment options shown on this site are incorrect. Don't bring plastic....cash or check only here. Enjoy!

They are playing around with the cheese or the sauces. I ordered 3 large pizza and two of them tasted completely different and looked different, i noticed about 6 months ago one of the pizzas i ordered had an off taste...what's going on.



I think it's time for an update love the pizza but the asbetos is getting to me.

The pizza is great....the atmosphere is what it's about....the line out the door tells you it's a not so secret gem in Oak Ridge! Take anyone who hasnt been there tonight!

If you have not been to Big Eds you are missing out. The quality of the pizza is GREAT!! When you walk in you are kinda going back to a more fun time. Everyone who is anyone in the Knoxville area has been to Big Eds. If you are looking for a fun place to go and have a wonderful meal and a good time with friends you must go and sign the wall. (Towards the bathrooms.)

Big Ed's Pizza is the best Pizza anywhere in the southeast. There is no other pizza that has the freshness and the atmosphere of the restaurant. Big Ed would never franchise because he wanted to oversee the making(as anyone can watch the handtossing and entire process) of each pizza sold. The special sauce and all the ingrediants are the freshest you can find. It is a great gathering place for 2 to 200 and if you have to wait on a table, the waiting will be worth it. Big Ed's Pizza and Oak Ridge Football are a staple in Oak Ridge.

If you have not tried it, you have missed a wonderful experience

I love Big Ed's Pizza. It has a great atmosphere, the pizza is wonderful and it is a great place to take my family.

Big Ed's Pizza is a novelty. Great atmosphere. Fresh Pizzas made right in front of you. The pizzas are fantastic.