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oChef » Big Mario’s Express – Seattle
Big Mario's Express - Seattle
Photo from Big Mario’s Express
Big Mario's Express at a glance
Seattle West Campus
- 🍕 Pizzeria
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 34 of the guests
#783 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#34 Pizzeria out of 43 in Seattle
Average
5.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
208
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great pizza
- Lively vibe
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High prices
The restaurant Big Mario’s Express is a vibrant pizzeria nestled in Seattle’s bustling West Campus neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual spot perfect for a quick bite, especially if you’re craving delicious pizza.
What truly sets this place apart is its reputation for serving fantastic late-night food, making it a go-to destination when hunger strikes after hours. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch or a lively dinner, this Seattle gem offers a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Big Mario's Express
Big Mario’s Express offers a mixed experience for diners. Many guests appreciate the delicious pizza and the lively atmosphere, making it a fun spot to gather.
However, some have encountered issues with inconsistent service and concerns about overall value during their visits. While the food and general vibe often hit the mark, the operational aspects sometimes fall short.
Guests have noted both accommodating staff and instances where service felt less attentive, suggesting a varied experience depending on the day.
Average
5.4
out of 10
208
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
98
negative
4
neutral
106
positive
Big Mario’s Express holds an overall score of 5.4, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction is a mixed 51%, indicating a split experience among diners.
With 208 customer remarks, comprising 106 positive and 98 negative, there’s a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t. The culinary offerings, particularly the Food (6.1), generally satisfy, as does the Ambience (6.1), which many find enjoyable.
However, the Service (4.4) often falls short, and the perceived Value (3.5) is a notable area for improvement, with many finding prices high for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious pizza options
- Lively, fun atmosphere
- Accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Perceived poor value
- Loud music
If you’re seeking a casual spot with solid pizza and a lively atmosphere, Big Mario’s Express could be a decent choice. However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and consider if the overall value aligns with your expectations before committing.
With a recommendation score of 5.9, it suggests a visit might be worthwhile for some, but it’s not a universal endorsement. It’s a place that delivers on certain aspects, but has clear room for refinement in others.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Big Mario's Express
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a lot to chew on! With 53 positive remarks out of 86 total opinions, many customers rave about the delicious pizza, often highlighting the hand-tossed dough, crispy crust, and excellent toppings. The variety of drinks and solid beer selection also get a big thumbs up, contributing to an average score of 6.1.
However, its a bit of a mixed bag with 61.6% customer satisfaction, as 31 opinions point to some issues. Some found the pizza undercooked, lacking flavor, or suffering from a super thin and burnt crust. Others were disappointed by poor food quality or the absence of marinara sauce with certain items, indicating a need for more consistency.
Food
86
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
31
negative
2
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pizza
- Crispy crust
- Great drink selection
What people don't like
- Inconsistent pizza quality
- Undercooked food
- Lacks flavor
Often praised
- pizzaMy experience at this restaurant was amazing! I enjoyed their delicious pizza, which is available whole or by the slice. They also offer a decent selection of draft brews or cocktails.
- foodWhile I'm pretty sure this is the place where all the hopes and dreams for everyone dies, the pie crust is absolutely amazing! The food received a score of 4, but the atmosphere only a 2. Service was rated a 3.
- beerAlternatively, providing table numbers for customers to display would be helpful, especially when tables are missing them. I finished my beer and pizza quickly to leave, feeling obligated to pay for the poured beer. Unlike other locations, this Northlake Tavern branch made me feel uncomfortable and regret my visit.
- drinksThe food, drinks and vibe surpassed what we were expecting.
- PizzaPizza is always delicious 😋
- Saladsgreat option for Salads
- beer selectionas was the beer selection
- combo pizzathe combo pizza is very different from the original, but was still great
- crustsuper crispy crust
- draft brews or cocktailsdecent selection of draft brews or cocktails
Frequently criticized
- pizzaThe restaurant advertised that they kept the same two recipes in addition to their normal menu, but this was a lie. The pizza is not as it used to be, with less toppings and a worse crust, all for the same price.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative. The food was overpriced, undercooked, and overhyped, leaving me feeling underwhelmed. The service was characterized by an apathetic elitist hipster vibe.
- crustThe restaurant advertised that they kept the same two recipes in addition to their normal menu, but this was a lie. The pizza is not as it used to be, with less toppings and a worse crust, all for the same price.
- toppingsThe restaurant advertised that they kept the same two recipes in addition to their normal menu, but this was a lie. The pizza is not as it used to be, with less toppings and a worse crust, all for the same price.
- Caesar salada tiny $12 pre-maid mini-mart Caesar salad.
- Marinara saucedoesn't come with Marinara sauce to dip
- Sicilian style pizzawas given this abomination, how do you look at the pizza and decide to serve and charge what is clearly not a Sicilian pizza?
- arugula saladthe arugula salad is super salty
- calzoneThe calzone doesn't come with Marinara sauce
- combo specialIt was a very loose interpretation of both.
If you're in the mood for a good pizza with a nice drink selection, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just keep in mind that the food quality can be a bit inconsistent, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Despite an overall customer satisfaction of just 34.4%, there are definitely some shining moments in the service department! Many guests, accounting for 22 positive remarks, raved about the friendly service, accommodating staff, and even stellar customer service. Shout-outs for helpful employees and those going above and beyond show that when its good, its really good, even if the overall score is an average 4.4.
However, a significant 41 negative remarks paint a different picture. Guests frequently encountered rude bartenders, aggressive and unfriendly staff, and generally poor customer service. Concerns about long waiting times and staff being unhelpful clearly impacted the overall experience for many, leading to a feeling of being ignored or treated with attitude.
Service
64
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
41
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Accommodating service
- Helpful employees
What people don't like
- Rude bartenders
- Aggressive staff
- Inattentive service
Often praised
- serviceaccommodating they were with service
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. I absolutely loved the food and the atmosphere, and most of the staff were great. However, one staff member named Nathan really soured the evening.
- bartenderbartender (epic beard dude) and he was very polite
- above and beyondgoing above and beyond
- accommodatingstaff were very accommodating and helpful.
- employeesthe employees were amazing!
- friendly serviceMy experience at this restaurant was great, especially on the 4th. They served us primo pies and provided friendly service even in the heat. While it's not the old Northlake, I'm perfectly fine with that because their pizza is great.
- great serviceGreat service
- helpfulstaff were very accommodating and helpful.
- hospitalityaccommodating they were with hospitality
Frequently criticized
- bartenderThe atmosphere felt manufactured and tried too hard to be trendy. The bartender seemed very inexperienced and made multiple mistakes with our order. While the pizza was good, the overall experience, particularly the service and misleading closing time, made it not worth returning.
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found it to be overrated with poor service and an even slower kitchen. We waited over an hour for a single pizza in a nearly empty restaurant, and when it finally arrived, it was undercooked.
- staffsome of the great staff we have really liked are being harmed and/or leaving
- NathanNathan has got to go. He was so aggressive and unfriendly
- bartender attitudethe bartender was condescending because I had not found a table
- closing timewere not told that it closed at 8pm. This is different than the 10pm closing listed here
- confirmationreceived no confirmation until 1 hour before
- customerlet your customer know as soon as it’s placed
- customer serviceHorrible customer service
- customer supportI got a completely unempathetic and unhelpful “contact DoorDash
Service here seems to be a real mixed bag. While you might encounter some truly friendly and accommodating staff, be prepared for the possibility of rude or inattentive service, especially from the bar. If consistent, stellar service is a must-have for you, this might be a gamble.
Ambience (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience at this spot gets an average score of 6.1, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64.4%. Based on 45 customer remarks, with 29 positive and 16 negative, many appreciate the inviting atmosphere. Guests often praise the North Lake Tavern location, comfortable booths, and the overall killer vibe, noting its a fun place with a great remodel.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some find parking difficult, and the music can be excessively loud, sometimes even described as an angry, screaming choice. There are also comments about a manufactured trendy vibe and general bad vibes, suggesting the atmosphere isnt always authentic or welcoming to all.
Ambience
45
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great location
- Inviting seating
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Difficult parking
- Inauthentic vibe
Often praised
- atmospheredrinks and atmosphere on the Northlake waterfront
- vibeThe food, drinks and vibe surpassed what we were expecting.
- Fun placeFun place to hangout
- North Lake Tavern locationour favorite bc it is an old dive bar
- ambiencethe staff, food, drinks, and ambience are excellent
- comfortable boothsThe dining is casual, with food ordered up front and drinks at the bar. We found the open seating in the comfortable booths and tables to be very inviting. It's also a family-friendly spot, as kids are welcome until 9pm.
- crowdoften a lively crowd
- different movies/gamesThe pizza was always delicious 😋. I also appreciated that they always have different movies/games on the different televisions, which is great for those who like to zone out. It's a fun place to hang out for a while!
- energyenergy and overall human beings
- fun remodelMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of enjoyment and frustration. The food was fantastic, and I loved the fun remodel. However, the staff was incredibly standoffish.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWhile I'm pretty sure this is the place where all the hopes and dreams for everyone dies, the pie crust is absolutely amazing! The food received a score of 4, but the atmosphere only a 2. Service was rated a 3.
- musicthe music was way too loud and a angry, screaming terrible choice
- NorthlakeWas it close to Northlake...nah
- advertisingthe bad taste in my mouth is because of the advertising
- bad vibesmarked by bad vibes
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- spaceThe service was characterized by an apathetic elitist hipster vibe. I regret sullying the Northlake space with my visit and will never return.
- spray paintspray painted ON the Burke Gilman Trail
- t-shirtsthey don't have the t-shirts that they have on the wall
- table numbersmissing its number
If youre looking for a lively, casual spot with a good location and dont mind potentially loud music or a bit of a hunt for parking, this place could be a fun hang-out. However, if you prefer a quieter, more authentically chill atmosphere, you might find it a bit much.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a couple of bright spots, with some customers finding certain items well priced and appreciating the Awesome happy hour prices on drafts . Specifically, price and happy hour prices received positive nods, though these are few and far between, accounting for only 2 positive remarks out of 13 total. However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, reflected in a score of just 3.5 and a very low customer satisfaction of 15.4%.
Many felt the bill was unexpectedly high and that dishes were overpriced , with specific concerns about pizza price and Caesar salad price . Other frustrations included being demanding for tip for takeout and hidden costs, like marinara is extra .
Value
13
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Awesome happy hour
What people don't like
- Menu items overpriced
- Bill unexpectedly high
- Hidden extra costs
Often praised
- happy hour pricesAwesome happy hour prices on drafts
- pricewell priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe restaurant advertised that they kept the same two recipes in addition to their normal menu, but this was a lie. The pizza is not as it used to be, with less toppings and a worse crust, all for the same price.
- Caesar salad pricea tiny $12 pre-maid mini-mart Caesar salad.
- billunexpectedly high bill
- cheapIf you want to be cheap at least be up front
- marinara is extratell people that marinara is extra to add it
- overpricedoverpriced relative to comparable pizza spots
- pizza priceWay overpriced $31 pizza
- tipdemanding for tip for buying pizza for takeout
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially high bill as many found the offerings overpriced . While there are some positive notes on happy hour prices , the overall value proposition is quite poor, so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at Big Mario's Express?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 34 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Pizzeria, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests find themselves in the 11 – 30 $ sweet spot, with the $21–$30 range being the most common. While a few diners splurge a bit more, its clear the restaurants core offering is right in that comfortable mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 34 reviews.
See how this Pizzeria’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Pizzeria in this range. Its a solid choice if youre looking for a good meal without breaking the bank, offering a consistent experience for most diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Big Mario's Express
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Great Pie, Disappointing Merchandise
My experience at this restaurant was primarily centered around their pie, which was great. However, I was very disappointed because they did not have the t-shirts that were displayed on the wall. I'm from out of town, and a friend wanted one of the shirts.
When I asked about them, I was told they didn't have them in stock, and they didn't know when they would. This was a significant letdown.
- pie9
- t-shirts2
- stock3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Uncomfortable Service Ruined Second Visit
I've visited this restaurant twice, and while my first experience was great, the second visit was noticeably different. Upon arrival, I was checked for ID and immediately told to order pizza at the bar. When I went to order a beer and pizza, the bartender was condescending because I hadn't found a table first.
After I went to sit down, I was asked if I still wanted my beer. When I confirmed, I was asked which table I was at, and after an uncomfortable stare, my card was taken. I understand the bartender's position, but a default condescending attitude is unacceptable.
Suggestions for improvement include having the door attendant remind guests to find a table first or posting a sign. Alternatively, providing table numbers for customers to display would be helpful, especially when tables are missing them. I finished my beer and pizza quickly to leave, feeling obligated to pay for the poured beer.
Unlike other locations, this Northlake Tavern branch made me feel uncomfortable and regret my visit.
- pizza4
- beer4
- bartender attitude1
- ordering process2
- service1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Always a good time!
My experience at the restaurant was always a good time. The crowd was often lively, and it was even fun enough that sometimes the Ghostbusters show up! The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score of 5.
- crowd8
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Pizza, Good Vibes!
I was sad that the old Northlake Pizza is gone, but the new place maintains some of the old vibe. The combo pizza is very different from the original, but was still great. The service was great, as was the beer selection.
If you are an old timer, the upstairs room with the old artwork is a required pilgrimage. Awesome happy hour prices on drafts. Will be back!
- combo pizza8
- service9
- beer selection8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Primo Pies and Friendly Service!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially on the 4th. They served us primo pies and provided friendly service even in the heat. While it's not the old Northlake, I'm perfectly fine with that because their pizza is great.
- primo pies9
- friendly service9
- pizza9
What Big Mario's Express offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Big Mario's Express in Seattle?
At Big Mario’s Express, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite. You can enjoy counter service for lunch or dinner, with seating available. They also offer catering services, and it’s a great spot if you’re dining with kids.
Does Big Mario's Express offer late-night options and a variety of drinks?
Yes, Big Mario’s Express is known for its late-night food, making it ideal for after-hours cravings. You can also find a full bar onsite, offering hard liquor, happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails. They also provide vegan and vegetarian options.
What is the overall rating for Big Mario's Express?
Big Mario’s Express holds an overall score of 5.4. While Food (6.1) and Ambience (6.1) are generally well-regarded, Service (4.4) and Value (3.5) are areas where it struggles.
What kind of food is Big Mario's Express known for?
Customers frequently praise Big Mario’s Express for its delicious pizza, available whole or by the slice, and a decent selection of draft brews or cocktails.
Are there any common complaints about Big Mario's Express?
Some customers have reported issues with inconsistent service, including inexperienced staff and long wait times. The perceived value is also a concern, with some finding items overpriced.