Maggio’s Pizza Big Bear has been one of the best pizzerias in Big Bear Lake since 1985, earning a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Serving Big Bear since 1985, this locally owned restaurant has built a loyal following with hand-tossed pizzas, homemade Italian sausage, hearty sandwiches, pasta, and classic Italian comfort food.
We visited on Friday, July 3rd, during one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year. At around 6:00 PM, the dining room was completely full, and takeout orders were pouring in. Even with the holiday rush, Maggio’s delivered a quality meal that reminded us why supporting local restaurants is almost always a better choice than ordering from a national pizza chain.
Maggio’s Pizza Big Bear Information
- Address: 42160 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (Interlaken Shopping Center, next to Vons)
- Phone: (909) 866-8815
- Facebook: facebook.com
- Dining Options: Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery (through Big Bear Takeout)
Our Order from Maggio’s Pizza:
- Large 16-inch Pepperoni & Homemade Italian Sausage Pizza
- Philly Sub
- Jalapeño Poppers
BigBearWaypoint Rating: 5/5
Ambience
Maggio’s has the charm of a classic neighborhood pizzeria. The wood-paneled walls, handwritten chalkboard specials, community flyers, and humorous signs create a welcoming atmosphere that feels authentically Big Bear.
On the evening we visited, every table was occupied. Families, locals, and visitors filled the restaurant while customers continuously stopped by to pick up takeout orders. A packed dining room on a holiday weekend speaks volumes about the restaurant’s reputation.
The restaurant isn’t fancy, and that’s exactly part of its appeal. It’s comfortable, family friendly, and the kind of place where you can relax after a full day of mountain adventures.
Service
Considering one of the busiest weekends of the summer, the staff did an excellent job.
Our takeout order was quoted at approximately 25 minutes but ended up taking about 40 minutes. Under normal circumstances that might seem like a long wait, but with a full dining room and nonstop orders coming through the door, it was completely understandable. More importantly, the staff remained friendly, organized, and efficient throughout the evening, and our food came out fresh and hot.
Sometimes a busy restaurant is simply a sign you’re in the right place.
Food
The pizza was unquestionably the highlight of the meal.
We ordered a large pepperoni pizza topped with Maggio’s homemade Italian sausage, one of their signature ingredients. The pizza arrived beautifully baked with a generous layer of melted mozzarella, plenty of toppings, and a perfectly browned crust.
One thing we appreciated immediately was that the pizza wasn’t overloaded with grease. The crust stayed lightly crisp around the edges while remaining soft and chewy inside, making it easy to fold each slice without the toppings sliding off. It struck an excellent balance between soft and sturdy.
The homemade Italian sausage really sets this pizza apart. Unlike the pre-made sausage found at many chain pizza restaurants, Maggio’s version has a fresh, homemade flavor that pairs perfectly with the pepperoni, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The toppings were generously distributed across the entire pizza, so every slice was just as satisfying as the last.
We also ordered the Philly Sub. Instead of the finely chopped steak commonly found in a traditional Philly cheesesteak, Maggio’s uses sliced roast beef layered with melted mozzarella cheese, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mayonnaise on a toasted hoagie roll. While it’s a little different from a classic Philly, it was generously portioned, flavorful, and made for an excellent sandwich.
The jalapeño poppers were served hot with a crispy golden coating and a creamy cheese filling. They weren’t particularly spicy, but they made for a solid appetizer. One pleasant surprise was the ranch dressing. It tasted fresh and house-made rather than the typical bottled ranch served at many restaurants. Even better, the generous serving was enough to enjoy with all six poppers without running out. While the pizza is clearly the star of the menu, the poppers are still a nice option to share with the table.
Value
For a mountain resort town, Maggio’s offers excellent value.
Our meal included a large two-topping pizza, a Philly Sub, and an order of jalapeño poppers for a total of $46.85, including the restaurant’s 4% credit card surcharge.
One thing to know before you visit is that Maggio’s adds a 4% surcharge to credit card and electronic payments. If you pay with cash, you can avoid the surcharge altogether.
The menu extends well beyond pizza, offering pasta, salads, seafood, sandwiches, desserts, bottled beer, wine, and a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine with dozens of drink combinations. Although we didn’t order beverages on this visit, there are plenty of options available to pair with your meal.
Overall Experience
After more than four decades in business, it’s easy to understand why Maggio’s Pizza continues to be one of Big Bear’s favorite locally owned restaurants.
Even during one of the busiest weekends of the year, the staff stayed friendly, the food came out fresh, and the quality never suffered. The homemade Italian sausage, perfectly baked crust, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere made this one of the better pizza experiences we’ve had in Big Bear.
If you’re choosing between Maggio’s and a national pizza chain, we’d recommend supporting this longtime local business. Restaurants like this help give Big Bear its character, and Maggio’s has earned its loyal following by consistently serving quality food for more than 40 years.
Whether you’re dining in with family or picking up dinner to enjoy back at your cabin, Maggio’s Pizza is a restaurant we’d happily recommend and look forward to visiting again.
Local Tips
- 🍕 Order ahead on weekends and holidays. Dinner wait times can increase significantly during peak visitor hours.
- 🏡 Perfect for your first night in Big Bear. Call in your order while checking into your cabin, then pick it up on your way and skip cooking after a long drive.
- 🛒 Located next to Vons. It’s easy to grab groceries, snacks, or forgotten essentials before heading back to your cabin.
- 💳 Bring cash if you can. A 4% surcharge is added to credit card and electronic payments.
- 🥤 Lots of drink choices. Even if you’re not ordering beverages, the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine offers dozens of soft drink combinations.
- 🚚 Delivery is available. If you don’t want to leave your cabin, Maggio’s delivers through Big Bear Takeout.
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for families and groups. The menu has great variety and dining room has plenty of seating for small to large groups.
For those visiting Big Bear for the first time, Maggio’s Pizza is one of the local favorites you have to try. Be sure to explore our Best Restaurants in Big Bear guide for more locally recommended places to eat during your stay.
Don’t Miss the Adventure
Stay ahead of the crowd—follow Big Bear Waypoint for what’s new, tasty, and happening around the lake!
