Driving down the busy Route 59 corridor near Downtown Plainfield, the aromatic drift of crackling hardwood smoke signals something far superior to standard cardboard-box delivery pizza.
Inside Big Pauly’s Wood Fired Pizza, the focal point of the entire dining room is a massive, custom-built Italian oven radiating intense 900-degree heat.
Founded by local pizza craftsman Paul “Big Pauly,” the kitchen skips industrial conveyor belts to give southwest suburban pizza lovers authentic, hand-stretched Neapolitan pies cooked to charred perfection in under two minutes.
Quick Bite – Big Pauly’s Wood Fired Pizza, Plainfield, IL 🍕
Establishing its roots in 2014, the neighborhood pizzeria built its reputation on strict artisan standards.
The prep crew hydrates dough daily, crushed San Marzano plum tomatoes form the vibrant red base, and fresh mozzarella is hand-pulled in-house before hitting the roaring wood fire.
That unwavering focus on high-heat baking and premium ingredients earned the spot multiple “Best Pizza” titles in Shaw Media’s Reader’s Choice Awards for Will County.
Operating as a single, independent storefront, this family-run destination remains a cherished mom and pops and hole in the wall icon.
The Local Atmosphere – Big Pauly’s Wood Fired Pizza, Plainfield, IL 🪵
Rustic brick accents, warm timber furnishings, and the amber glow of open flames create an inviting, neighborhood-focused setting.
Families and pizza enthusiasts coming in from surrounding enclaves like Naperville, Joliet, Shorewood, and Bolingbrook routinely fill the dining room on weekend nights.
The rhythm here is warm and energetic: pull up a chair, watch line cooks toss fresh dough directly in front of the open oven, and enjoy a cold craft beer while waiting for your blistered pie to arrive at the table piping hot.
Signature Bites – Big Pauly’s Wood Fired Pizza, Plainfield, IL 😋
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Big Pauly Special Pie: House dough layered with sweet Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, roasted red peppers, and creamy melted house mozzarella.
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Wood-Fired Margherita: San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and hand-pulled fresh mozzarella.
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Truffle Mushroom Pizza: An olive oil base topped with wild roasted mushrooms, garlic, mozzarella, and a rich drizzle of white truffle oil.
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Wood-Oven Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots baked until golden in the wood oven, tossed in garlic butter, parsley, and served with house marinara.
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Stuffed Meatball Calzone: Crispy folded dough packed with sliced house-made meatballs, ricotta, mozzarella, and savory Italian herbs.
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Nutella Dessert Pizza: A warm wood-fired crust slathered with rich hazelnut Nutella spread, sliced bananas, and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Takeaway Bite – Big Pauly’s Wood Fired Pizza, Plainfield, IL 😎
Taking a seat near the open hearth on Route 59 proves why authentic wood-fired technique always wins over generic fast-food chains.
Pauly’s dedication to high-heat Italian baking techniques and fresh scratch ingredients delivers an incredible crust texture you simply can’t replicate anywhere else in the area.
📍: 15412 S Route 59, Plainfield, IL 60544
🕒: Mon: Closed; Tue-Thu: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sun: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM