If you’ve ever driven down Pacific Coast Highway through Signal Hill and wondered where the locals actually eat, the answer is right there on the east side of the PCH. Big E Pizza has been in the same spot at 3225 E Pacific Coast Hwy since 1986, and for a lot of Long Beach and Signal Hill families, it’s just “the pizza place.” Not because they’re settling. Because nothing else comes close.
The menu is huge, the food is made from scratch, and they’re open until midnight most nights and 2 a.m. on weekends. That combination alone is hard to beat in the South Bay.
Beach Cities Magazine recently featured Big E Pizza as a go-to dining gem in the Signal Hill and Long Beach area, and if you haven’t been yet, their full feature is worth a read. But let’s go a little deeper on what makes this place tick.
A Family Business That Has Outlasted Every Trend
Big E Pizza opened in 1986, which means they were making fresh dough and homemade sauce before most of their current customers were born. It’s family owned and operated, and you can feel it from the moment you walk in or call to place an order.
This isn’t a franchise running a corporate playbook. The people taking your order are the same people who care whether you come back. Several longtime regulars on delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash have noted the same thing: when there’s a problem with an order, Big E makes it right. That kind of service doesn’t come from a training manual.
The restaurant is also known for its vibe. Think checkered tablecloths, dark wood, and a room that feels like it belongs in an older, more neighborhood-oriented version of Los Angeles. Reviewers on TripAdvisor, where Big E Pizza holds the top spot among Signal Hill restaurants, have compared it to an old-school Italian hangout.
What to Order at Big E Pizza
Here’s the thing about Big E’s menu: it’s genuinely long. Pizza is the headliner, but calling this just a pizza place would be like calling a diner “just a breakfast spot.”
Pizza: Deep Dish, Meat Lover’s, and Build-Your-Own
Big E does Chicago-style deep dish, which you don’t see on a lot of menus in the Long Beach area. If you’re a fan of a thicker, more substantial pie with sauce on top, this is worth ordering at least once.
Their Meat Lover’s is a serious pizza. We’re talking pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, salami, and ham all on one pie. It’s the kind of thing you order when you want everyone at the table to stop talking and start eating.
They also do build-your-own pies for the classic experience, and the crust has gotten consistent praise across review platforms. Multiple longtime customers specifically mention the crust as one of the main reasons they keep coming back.
Calzones That Actually Deliver
If you’ve only been ordering the pizza, you’re missing something. The calzones at Big E are large, flaky, and filled generously. One Google reviewer called it the best calzone they’d ever had, and credited the sauce as a big part of why. That’s a bold statement, but based on the consistent volume of similar reviews, it tracks.
Full Rack Rib Dinners
Not in the mood for pizza? Big E serves full rack BBQ rib dinners that come with garlic bread, salad, and spaghetti. It’s a full meal, not a side order. The ribs have developed their own following, separate from the pizza crowd entirely.
“The Beast” Sandwich
If you’re someone who orders sandwiches at pizza places because you know what you like, Big E has something for you. “The Beast” is a massive sub packed with six different meats. It’s exactly what it sounds like.
Pastas, Wings, Salads, and More
The baked ziti and fettuccine alfredo have both picked up fans in their own right. The fettuccine specifically is made with a homemade creamy alfredo sauce and has become one of the most popular items on the Uber Eats menu. Wings are on the menu too, along with salads, breadsticks, cheesy garlic bread, and desserts including tiramisu.
Late Night Delivery in Signal Hill and Long Beach
One of the practical reasons Big E Pizza has such a loyal following is simple: they’re open when other places aren’t.
Monday through Thursday and Sunday, they’re open until midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, they’re open until 2 a.m. If you find yourself hungry at 11 on a Tuesday night in Long Beach, your options get thin fast. Big E is one of the reliable answers to that problem.
Delivery runs 30 to 45 minutes and covers the Long Beach and Signal Hill area. You can order through the Slice app, DoorDash, or Uber Eats, or just call them directly. The phone number is (562) 498-8788 and they use their own drivers for some orders, which gives you a better chance of getting your food hot.
Catering and Party Space
Big E also does catering for events and has a private party room available when you’re booking from their catering menu. For birthdays, team gatherings, or anything where you need food handled without stress, it’s a solid option. The portions are generous, the variety is real, and you’re not getting generic catering platters.
If you’re planning something in the Long Beach or Signal Hill area and want actual good food at the event, it’s worth reaching out to them directly at orderbigepizza.com.
Where Is Big E Pizza?
Big E Pizza is located at 3225 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Signal Hill, CA 90755. It’s right off the PCH, close to the Long Beach Traffic Circle and near the Quality Inn, which makes it easy to spot if you’re coming from anywhere along the PCH corridor. They also have a sister location in the San Pedro and Palos Verdes area called Big Nick’s Pizza.
Parking can be limited during peak hours, but most people picking up orders say it moves quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big E Pizza
What are Big E Pizza’s hours?
Big E Pizza is open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, they’re open from 10 a.m. to midnight. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 2 a.m.
Does Big E Pizza do late night delivery?
Yes. Big E Pizza delivers in the Long Beach and Signal Hill area during all open hours, including late nights. You can order through Uber Eats, DoorDash, the Slice app, or by calling (562) 498-8788 directly.
Does Big E Pizza serve Chicago-style deep dish?
Yes. Big E Pizza offers Chicago-style deep dish pizza in addition to traditional thin crust and build-your-own options. The deep dish is one of the more distinctive menu items in the area.
Does Big E Pizza have catering?
Yes. Big E Pizza provides catering for parties and events and has a private party room available for groups who order from their catering menu. Contact them through orderbigepizza.com or by phone to discuss your event.
What else is on the menu besides pizza?
Big E Pizza serves BBQ rib dinners, pasta, calzones, sandwiches including “The Beast” sub, wings, salads, garlic bread, cheesy bread, and desserts like tiramisu. They also have beer and wine available.
Is Big E Pizza good for families?
Yes. Big E Pizza is family friendly with a variety of menu options, a spacious dining area, and a private party space. It’s been a local gathering spot for Signal Hill and Long Beach families for nearly 40 years.
Worth Checking Out
Whether you’re a longtime Long Beach resident who somehow hasn’t made it over yet, or you’re just looking for a solid late-night option near the PCH, Big E Pizza is a reliable, well-loved local institution. See their full menu and place an order at orderbigepizza.com. And for more local dining recommendations throughout the South Bay and Long Beach area, check out Beach Cities Magazine, where Big E Pizza is featured as one of the area’s top dining gems.