I did want to rate this as four stars. I really did. The place is tiny, there's nowhere to sit while waiting, and their management of waiting customers needs serious work. I am absolutely sure that in the hour my friend and I were waiting, six other other customers were seated ahead of us. Standing for an hour is okay but only if they're actually taking the customers in order. But then we were seated and with the small menu, I was able to order. A few minutes later, Big Al shouts, "Does anyone want a cinnamon bun?" and I have never been closer to taking a walk from my keto diet. But I was good and only drooled a little watching the couple sitting next to us split theirs. It smelled so good. Brunch arrived and we've now been at Big Al's for 90 minutes. I had selected the day's special, the FOUR egg steak omelet which I had with peppers and onions *filled* the plate. Sloppy and tasty and loaded with probably half a pound of sliced steak. I only took one small bit of my biscuit - fluffy and light but heavy and dense. Delicious. My friend had a concoction that I can only call The Coronary Plate: Fried eggs, fried potatoes, fried chicken. Half of a fried chicken that looked better than anything I've ever seen at KFC or Popeye's or my own beloved Bojangles. Crispy, slightly burned but a light batter and a juicy center. Yeah, get that. Big Al's is an anachronism. The food is cooked by hand, it's delicious and it stands halfway down the block of a completely residential neighborhood. You'll be driving the last couple of blocks and wondering, what am I getting in to? Trust me, they're probably open. Pro tip: Try the gravy. It's spicy! [Review 801 of 2026 - 616 in Tennessee - 25981 overall] read more

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This feels like home cooking in the best way. The restaurant is small and in a residential area, so our ride share driver initially missed it. Turnover is quick, so even when they are at capacity, and the waiting list looks daunting, you should still put your name down. We were told the chalkboard has the specials, and shrimp and grits are available on the weekends. I loved my shrimps and grits. The grits were so hearty and buttery, and the shrimp had a good amount of spice. We also got the sweet potato chorizo hash, which had the perfect amount of slight heat and special spice blend. (The spices looked red, but I don't know what they were other than paprika??) Both dishes came with biscuits, generously buttered. We were told the biscuits and gravy were special, because the chef does a brown gravy instead of the white gravy. We felt like we had enough food, but if I am ever back in town, I'd try this dish. You'll want to walk off this meal, but don't miss it if you're in Nashville! read more

I had the memory of these having been the best homemade breakfast skillet potatoes i've ever had when i first visited years ago, glad my memory was correct. Also A+++ on the grits and fluffy biscuits For fans of classic southern diners and all made from scratch foods, so glad i now live closer to Nashville / will be able to visit more. Such a good spot in an increasingly way too fancy for it's own good city. read more

Big Al's Deli - Eggs, potatoes, grits, biscuit - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Amazing! This spot is a MUST if you are near downtown, daily handmade biscuits and just friendly staff! Al behind the counter pouring his heart and soul into each dish and AJ is so sweet and kind with service. The stand out was the shrimp and grits but the local who sat next to me said the hash browns are a must! read more

Big Al's Deli - Shrimp grits n homemade biscuit - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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This is amazing traditional southern food in the heart of Nashville. I decided to stop by after reading the Yelp reviews and seeing the photos of the mouth-watering food here. The shrimp and grits are unlike anything I can get where I live in the North. This is real southern food. The portions are humongous. Lots of locals and tourists dine here. Seating is limited. I recommend getting here early in the lunch hour to get a table. read more

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Warning for those who have not been. This is simply the diviest cafe in the city. It makes Arnold's look high class, but that ambiance is part of the experience. Went in and it was Big Al and his son AJ manning the joint. Service on point, as you have the owners serving you. A two man show. While we were there, various regulars came in and I can see why. My negative here is the greens already have pepper vinegar in them. Perhaps this makes me a bad Southerner? Then again, dad and mom are from Florida, which some people view as marginally Southern. The burger was great. Much bigger than many places, very juicy, and nicely spiced. Fried chicken also on point and I can see why Al dumped Nashville Hot Chicken from his menu with this chicken. White beans fairly average, as were the green beans, but having something in a small cafe that did not have that canned flavor was a great addition. I am not a fan of the okra and tomatoes in rice, so cannot state too much about that although my girlfriend said it reminded her of Low Country Carolina food from when she was young. Pricing also very good for the portions and the flavor of the food. Two thumbs up! Return? Yes. Yes. Yes. read more

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Thank you Big Al for providing us with biscuits and sandwiches to go! #1 biscuits in Nashville. We will be back! read more

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I am so confused by the experience we had. I was super excited to try this spot as it has glowing reviews. Also, I love to support a small business and heard that big Al was the man. We came by and waited about 20 mins (not much seating inside and they're popular, so makes sense). Upon seating, the server greeted us quickly and handed us some menus. I saw a cinnamon roll on the menu, so I had to order! The cinnamon roll came out super fast. It was delish. The rest of our food which was 2 main breakfast meals took another 45 mins to come out. I'm sorry but this is way too long considering there's not that much seating inside, so why is the kitchen so behind. Plus, I noticed that 2 tables that were seated after us got their food way before we did. To top it off, my omelette came first and my fiance's food didn't come for another 10-15 mins after mine. This sucked because we couldn't even eat together. Food is good, but nothing special. My omelette literally had SOOOO much cheese. Portions were enormous. My fiance got a hot chicken omelette which had pan fried hot chicken. His also had a ton of cheese. He said it had so much cheese that it was kind of disgusting. I love cheese man don't get me wrong. But I agree- literally so much cheese it takes away from the flavor of the food. Plus he waited an entire hour for his meal, mine took 45-50 mins. Service is inattentive. When we got up to pay, we noticed how dirty the restaurant was. It kind of made you feel gross knowing how dirty everything was. Am I missing something here? I missed the hype altogether :( read more

Big Al's Deli - Cinnamon Roll - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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When in Nashville you have to try Nashville's small business staples! Big Al's is a STAPLE in Nashville. It's black owned, small business, and family driven. Mr. Al and his son AJ have the best service and food hands down! read more

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Best omelet I've ever had in my life. Maybe the biggest too. Super friendly. Great experience. Hole in the wall, hidden gem type of vibe. I will be back. read more

Big Al's Deli - Best and biggest omelet I've ever had. - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Big Al's...went in for a breakfast after seeing them featured in various media outlets. What's the best thing about Al's- it's AL and his crew!!! Inside this tiny home/cafe are a few tables and a few counter stools. Portions are what's BIG about Al's. Beware This is not a place for the "health" nut. Tried biscuits n gravy - great biscuit!!! Gravy is nontraditional. Dark brown with spicy sausage. Hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. And did I mention spicy!?! Al's big breakfast was good. Eggs cooked to order. Crispy bacon and lots of potatoes. Wish I would've gotten the biscuit. The omelette was almost as big as the plate! Could've fed a few people easy. A bit on the greasy side. read more

Big Al's Deli - Al's Big Breakfast - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Relaxed atmosphere with awesome friendly service in a hole in the wall joint! Not fancy or upscale, just homely and welcoming. Catfish was delicious with the most flavorful breading!! it came with a homemade tartar, wow!! Can't complain on any of the food.... Corn cake yum! Cole slaw yum! Apples yum! read more

I will keep coming here until somebody stops me. The food is always fantastic. This time, I got a breakfast burrito that was the size of my head. Easily one of the best burritos this north of the border. Packed with potatoes, meat, cheese and egg - this burrito had me knocked out (in a good way) for at least half a day. Woke up in my apartment wondering if the whole experience was a fever dream - questioning if the burrito really existed and if the faint scent of curry powder and salsa was just all in my head. Thankfully, I took photos. read more

Big Al's Deli - Breakfast Burrito - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

NASHVILLE -- Oof. Can Barely type. So stuffed with stick-to-your-ribs soul food goodness. From the outside, you're wondering if you made a mistake, this beat-up diner-looking place surrounded by single-family homes in a residential neighborhood. And walking in, you're greeted by stacks of mismatched dishes coolers, bare cement floor, worn chairs and general clutter. These aren't points off - these all add to the overall vibe of this dining delight. Setting: Wednesday, lunch hour. I'm one of three patrons, so no problem sitting. Big Al himself and his son manning the place - friendly and talkative. Over the course of lunch. I learn the Big Al's story -- operations manager and then head of catering for a local restaurant chain, that wasn't working out, plowed all his savings into this largely empty shell of a place and built it all up. Big Al is a really nice, down to earth guy. Meanwhile, he's got the goods with the food. I had the chicken and waffles ($21) with two sides instead of waffles (mashed potatoes, okra rice). Friends, that plate nearly made the counter bend, it was so loaded with food. Really good fried chicken, juicy but not overly greasy, the batter with a nice seasoning to it. And the tomato-y okra rice was great. I don't understand why this place wasn't full during lunch. But I was full afterward. read more

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This spot is a hole in the wall in the best way possible. Al is friendly and inviting and the food is undeniable. My wife and I went and were not disappointed in the slightest. We enjoyed it so much that we hired him to cater a couple of events. Again, he did not miss. Highly recommend checking this spot out! read more

Big Al's is not just for Breakfast! I've visited Big Al's several times for breakfast, and i have always had a fresh and delicious meal. Recently, my friend and I visited for lunch. I ordered the Shrimp & Grits and my friend ordered the Pork Loin special. I appreciated seeing the bacon and shrimp being cooked with the sauce for my grits. My meal was made to order and it was delicious. The smoky red color of the sauce and the smokiness from the bacon made this meal so delicious. The grits were perfectly cooked and there were lots of shrimp included. I also enjoyed the corn pancake that accompanied my grits. It was perfectly cooked. I would definitely order the shrimp and grits again! My friend received way too much food for him to eat. There were 3 large, juicy slices of pork loin that he raved about. He also had an order of greens, white beans, and a corn pancake. He took half of that meal home and told me he had a wonderful dinner. The food here is always fresh and tasty, whether you visit for breakfast or lunch. I highly recommend Big Al's for their delicious food. read more

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This is a true gem in Nashville, look no further than Big Al's Deli! This place is the epitome of down-home, no-frills dining with some of the best comfort food you'll ever taste, and it absolutely delivers on flavor. I have been here multiple times but have never had their shrimp and grits until today! This dish alone is worth the visit. The grits are creamy and perfectly seasoned, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs flawlessly with the savory, juicy shrimp. Every bite is packed with flavor and warmth, like a hug in a bowl. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, tender but with that nice bite, and seasoned just right. There's this rich, buttery sauce that pulls everything together with a good kick, just enough to keep you craving another bite. read more

Big Al's Deli - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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11/18/23: The reason I had to walk across a highway after breakfast. BIg Al and Miss Andrea are so personable and welcoming. He is at the grill cooking up deliciousness. She takes the orders and handles the flow of customers. My travel buddy suggested this spot I'm not a big fan of "regular breakfast items, eggs, pancakes etc so when I saw the menu had alternate items such as Porkchops and shrimps and grits I quickly called. Big Al himself picked up and stated he had one more and do I want him to hold it. Heck yes was my response. Upon arrival he asked were you the one that called I said yes he replied you look as you sound New York...lol. Folks please note it is a small establishment in the event you need to wait it will have to be outside. Once it was our turn we ordered the Porkchops...folks the "one pork chop" he saved was 3 huge pieces. It came with potatoes, eggs, and a biscuit. We also ordered the shrimp and grits with crab, biscuits with sausage gravy and cinnamon roll. Portions were huge although we shared we still each had leftovers to take. The sausage gravy for the biscuits had chunks of sausage, it was well seasoned and spicy we have like 4 biscuits. As our hotel was not far about a 10 minute walk we decided to walk instead of calling for the hotel shuttle that dropped us off. When in Nashville this a MUST but plan accordingly as its first come first serve. It's basically similar to mom and pop establishment so do not look for fine dining the cups plates etc mismatch which I think adds to the character. So happy we partaked and happy to say we dined at Big Al's. read more

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Great find. Such a humble and happy family serving customers from their hearts. Dad and son greeted us, then cooked and served us a great meal of freshly fried chicken and waffles. As we ate we watched them men wash the dishes in a sink while charging it up. Al has a beautiful family and treated us well. The biscuits were the best we ever had anywhere. U gotta try Big Al's. read more

Absolutely wonderful catfish and fried chicken. Big Al and staff make everyone feel welcome and included. I love his T-shirt - Food so good you'll smack your mama and kiss Big Al,! It's a first rate dive but if you enjoy talking to the chef while he's cooking your food and like fresh, hot food, this is your groove read more

Big Al's Deli - Fried catfish, scrambled eggs,home fries, and biscuit - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Both Al and his food are amazing. My fiancé and I had the shrimp and grits and the fried chicken sandwich. Both were amazing. I like the fried chicken sandwich a little more. But they were both really tasty. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood. It's almost as if you're going to eat in his kitchen. I would recommend you come here and try it out. read more

Big Al's Deli - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Tucked into a neighborhood like an F1 Driver in Monaco, this breakfast haven beckons your patronage. Weary travelers are few, while local regulars seem to abound. Andrea grabbed our party a table and stole my heart along the way. A fine line of banter and belonging was quickly etched in the sand, setting the table for the food to follow. Have you ever been nervous to join in your newfound lovers holiday traditions? Now imagine you sit down at that Thanksgiving table and that hard-to-win-over mother immediately compliments the shirt you forgot to wash. At Big Al's you're welcome whenever with whoever. Three states sat represented, none of us native to the state, yet Nashville felt closer than swamp ass in Tuscaloosa. Now that's a biscuit baking love story. A couple of orange juices and round of cinnamon rolls later we were peppered with a spread that would make a bookie blush. Biscuits buttered with heavy hands and baked to flaky intent. I've cooked more pounds of hash browns than I care to admit, but Big Al is truly at another level of potato prowess. Portions were as plentiful as costs were cheap, so bring gram gram down and let her find a peaceful end in a promising place! The stars don't lie, so stop crunching the numbers and come eat some food here you big idiot. read more

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Big Al and crew were very welcoming! The good is delicious! The greens were the best ever and the homemade biscuits are too die for! He gave the boys a hot wheels car guess that his thing. They were CB losing doin after we left so he sent us home with the leftover biscuits and honey! Out of tye wsy but worth it!! read more

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Really cool place tucked away in the neighborhood. Real people, real food. Super relaxed and good conversation. Don't be in a hurry when you come here cause you're gonna want to stay a while. The home made cinnamon roll is crazy good and the biscuits and gravy are 8/10 spicy. read more

Terrible went today got bbq the chicken was rotten you can smell the foul odor even the bbq couldn't cover it up! Collard greens horrible and okra rice burnt and under cooked! read more

If you are looking for a true small, off the beaten path, local place to grab some breakfast or lunch then Big Al's might be your place. Situated smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood is an old school grandmas kitchen-esque little place to eat. Seriously - it's like walking into your grandmas. The hours are short and the place is very small. There's only enough seats for 15 people. If you're not there by 9 AM, you will wait an hour to two hours to be seated. (there is no call ahead seating or to go orders.) The menu a small and the price is ridiculously cheap! I highly recommend the biscuits and the French toast. So good you will wanna smack your mama. The biscuits melt in your mouth. The French toast with the cinnamon is amazing. If you don't mind spice or a little heat-he does kick up some heat with his hot chicken and biscuits and brown gravy. Big Al and Andrea were so sweet and treated you like y'all have been lifelong friends. If he offered to go - we'd go back to pick up biscuits and French toast. However - we won't be going back for another visit. We felt Ms Andrea was very overwhelmed, and had too many irons in the fire so to speak. And as a common theme around Nashville, she was dealing with impatient and rude customers, trying to take orders and cleaned tables and deliver food all at once. It caused our table to be overlooked many times, we didn't get drinks for a while, and as we tried to order, she was interrupted four times before we could even order a drink. That part made you feel not important, and that your orders didn't matter. Not sure if it is part of the aesthetics, but big Al's Deli is very dirty. It doesn't look like it has been cleaned in a very long time. You also will want to go home and change clothes because the ventilation in there is not good and you will walk out smelling like a grease pit for the rest your day. I really wanted this little place to be a better experience than it was. And if they offered to go, we would definitely pick up the few things we did like, but we would not actually eat in there again. read more

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Oh, my gosh! What a find! I felt like I just had lunch with family! And, I guess I did. The food was fantastic! My husband got the chicken and waffles with a side of greens. The chicken was moist and flavorful. And, the waffles were as good as ones I've had in Belgium. Fluffy and sweet. I ordered the shrimp and grits. They were amazing. But, too spicy for me. So, I switched plates with hubby. He's from Texas and loves spicy food. He pronounced them as the best he's ever had. The best part of lunch was Big Al. He sat down and chatted with everyone in the diner. We bonded over our love of NE sports teams. read more

Big Al's Deli - Chicken and waffles. Greens. Shrimp and grits. - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Let's start with the phone call we made to get clarity on their business hours. AJ was kind from the first interaction over the phone. He explained they had altered hours because his father was out due to a knee surgery. They closed at 2pm we arrived roughly at 1pm. We pulled up in a residential neighborhood to the restaurant. I thought that was pretty dope! Inside it's like going into someone's living room and enjoying a home cooked meal. AJ was at the register, he explained we could sit wherever we wanted and gave us menus. He engaged with us asking about where we were from and what brought us to town. Told us some of his menu favorites and what paired well together. Overall the customer service was a 10/10. We ordered: Note - Proteins came with two sides and a hot cake. Meal 1: Fried catfish, okra rice, and apples. Meal 2: Fried catfish, skillet beans, and green beans. Catfish (10/10) - fried to perfection. The catfish was also seasoned to perfection. Likely the best fried catfish either of us ever had. You're not mad at getting one piece because the size of the fish is more than enough. Honestly, anything more would be too much. Also, it came with a tartar sauce that was like a miniature coleslaw. Crunchy, not too mayonnaisey. The perfect addition. Okra Rice (8/10) - New territory. I tried it. I really enjoyed it. Gave me Spanish rice vibes. Apples (10/10) - sweet with notes of cinnamon, and crispy-tender if that makes sense. Skillet Beans (8.5/10) - they were like multidimensional baked beans. They were sweet, savory and multi-layered from a texture perspective with the onion in it giving it a nice crunch. Green Beans (6/10) - weren't the star of the dish, they could've been seasoned a little better. A bit vinegary but I know that's some people's preference. Overall they were a solid side. Hot cakes (10/10) - basically a pancake but made with cornmeal. It was sweet, crispy, and the cornmeal adds an element of gritty-ness. No additions are needed like syrup or butter, these babies carry their own weight. They were so good we had to ask for two more!!! read more

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Well I went back here to see what has change and I was very disappointed with the food the hash brown was a day old the bacon was cooked the day before as well as the sausage patty and the eggs was overcooked, I was so surprised to see what the difference was. The server was not good at all and the price was overcharged. Sorry to say that the place has gone to hell now I'm a cook and I've been cooking for over 45 years. I have never seen nothing like this from five years ago. It was a big difference now it's like shit, Big I'll get it together. Will not be coming back. read more

Sitting down for breakfast at Big Al's was the quintessential southern hospitality experience. I am from NY, and while we have some kind family shops with great food, this felt so different. I wanted to ensure I didn't leave Nashville without getting an order of chicken and waffles. I came across this listing and was surprised by the number and quality of reviews. I wanted to get my order to go, so I placed my order at the register and got to know the gentleman working counter a bit. They needed some time for the fryer to heat up before they could prep my meal so I sat down. As a nosey people watcher does, I listened to a lot of conversations around me and was surprised by how many seemed to personally know Al. In waiting, Al introduced himself to me and the atmosphere there convinced me to dine in rather than take out. This was a perfect tennessee breakfast. Other diners turned to gawk at the sheer amount of food on my plate, a few remarked they'd be ordering it next time. Food was super tasty and satisfied that chicken and waffles craving I had. What made it stand out most was the perfect seasoning on the chicken that paired nicely with the maple syrup and fritter style waffles. 10/10 would recommend! read more

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I just had the pleasure of dining at Big Al's. I was the first one out of the group to arrive in Nashville for a bachelorette party and after settling into the airbnb I went looking for food. I had the BEST time at Big Al's. They made me feel right at home. The food was incredible and Al even let me try some of the smoked meats he was making for a catering order. It truly is a special place and if you get a chance to go you won't be disappointed. read more

AMAZING. Some of the best food I've had in Nashville, and the best breakfast I've ever put in my mouth. You get SO much food for such a small price it's unreal. Run by the most lovely people. Will be coming back again and again! read more

Big Al's deli is one of a kind. Truly, I went with my friend on a Thursday afternoon and got to talk to big Al and his son AJ about life. Very down to earth and not many places like this left in the world. Service was fantastic, and the food was even better. Ambience was awesome and getting to talk with big Al was amazing. I would definitely go back and the prices are relatively cheap and food was amazing. read more

Big Al FTW! My project was working in the Nashville area a couple weeks ago, and Big Al hooked us up with food, food, and more food!!!! Breakfast and lunch, biscuits, bacon, fried chicken, beans, pineapple upside down cake, so much good food!!! I highly recommend anything Big Al makes!!!! HIRE HIM! Use Big Al's Deli to cater for you!!!! read more

I've wanted to go here for a while! Super great service and food. Everyone is so friendly and so proud to be serving their delicious items. I went to breakfast with a few friends and big Al's breakfast did not disappoint! I think those potatoes are seasoned in heaven. I'll be back for lunch some time!! read more

Homey and authentic as hell! I felt like I was in my grandmas kitchen waiting for the food to be done! Delicious delicious delicious home made food and excellent customer service... everyone makes you feel @ home and welcomed! Come early or call ahead because seats are limited but worth it! read more

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Southern hospitality and a great meal! Big Al & the rest of the staff are friendly and working hard! This place is pretty busy, and there are 3 people doing the work of 6 people so it's important that you're not in a rush! Enjoy the experience because a tasty southern diner, like this one with all its quirks, is hard to come by! We had the shrimp & grits, sausage egg & cheese biscuit, breakfast potatoes and bacon egg & cheese biscuit. All yummy! I believe they are known for their biscuits and I'm particularly a fan of their breakfast potatoes. Their shrimp & grits was also very flavorful and spicy!! Will be back again soon! read more

Big Al's Deli - Shrimp & Grits - Spicy - Southern Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Breakfast was delicious and the portions extravagant. I don't think Big Al has ever met a stranger. I look forward to checking out the lunch menu! read more

I love everything about this place. Can't decide if I it's the people & the atmosphere that they have created or if it's the food that I love more? Had the bacon egg cheese sandwich on a pepper biscuit- DANG that was peppery! Might order a plan biscuit the next time- but it was an incredible biscuit. The bacon was perfection. Potatoes were incredible. The omlette was massive and beyond tasty. read more

Big Als was a family vibe. Food was scratch made and cooked perfectly shoot I ate it before I could get the camera out. Service is amazing feels like being at home but with better servers . read more