Average food for low prices so I can't complain too much. If you want quick breakfast food but are on a budget, this place will do the trick. The coffee was good. I got the eggs benedict for breakfast. They were accommodating and let me substitute bacon for ham. However, the eggs were overcooked and half hard. The hollandaise sauce was also too thick and underseasoned. I wouldn't recommend getting onions and peppers on the homefries unless you LOVE onions. I thought it would be a mixture, but instead it was just potato with a pile of onions on top. That being said, I was full and caffeinated afterwards. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

My fiance and I went here for breakfast. We absolutely loved it! It's small and intimate. The food was sooooo good! It was fresh and made to order very quickly! We will be back very soon!! read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I've literally been coming here since I was a child. We lived on a street off of Larchmere for most of my childhood so this place was our breakfast go to. On a recent trip back to Cleveland to visit my family we obviously had to meet here for Sunday brunch and it is exactly as I remember it. The portions are huge and the prices are reasonable. Everyone is always friendly and the food is always made pretty quick. It's also a rare spot where the takeout is ALWAYS equally as fresh and tasty as dining in. The inside is pretty small so it can be a challenge to find seating but again takeout is equally as good here. Make sure you get the home fries with onions because that could be a meal in itself, they give you a huge plate of it and you can tell all the veggies are fresh. They even give you the crispy "burnt" edges which are my favorite part. You really can't go wrong here and you can feel good about supporting a local long time standing neighborhood institution. Just eat here already! read more

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This was a great diner that was open early for breakfast. We needed to grab a good breakfast before going for a tour at Case Western and this place hit the spot. I had 2 eggs over easy with home fries and turkey sausage. Delish! And the service was great. read more

Flanking the Western end of Larchmere Blvd. and just North of Shaker Square, Big Al's Diner has been a locally popular greasy spoon destination for years. The breakfast and lunch menu consists of every comfort food item imaginable. The prices seem fair and the service is always friendly. The small dining room is usually bustling busy for breakfast, so either get there early or have the patience to wait for a seat to open. On a recent episode of Food Network's, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate", Episode: Wake-up Call, Cleveland's own, Michael Symon name-dropped Big Al's Diner as the place he goes for the best Corned Beef Hash. As a tribute to MS, I had to try the hash on my latest visit. The corned beef and onions were perfectly browned and nicely crusted. As a substitute for normal diced potatoes, this hash contained what appeared to be chopped, hand cut French fries. Green peppers were also apparent which added a unique flavor that I'm not used to from this dish. To finish it off, the hash was topped with two perfectly cooked fried eggs over easy. I love breaking into the yolk and it oozing all over the hash. Yum! It'll be awfully difficult to order something else the next time I go to Big Al's! read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

It was just okay for me. I was in town with my daughter and all of the locals ranted about the breakfast/brunch at this place. I opted to ditch our free hotel breakfast and mosey on over here for some great food. We arrived just after they opened on a Saturday morning. The staff was not welcoming at all. No good mornings, the servers did not want to be bothered and it was an overall bum place to waste a meal out. We sat in small table next to the kitchen- the place didn't seem clean. I gave myself so many opportunities to find another place but we decided to stay. The food was "just alright". I didn't hate it but there is no reason for a return visit. read more

I came on a Wednesday morning, which happened to be the day of the Cavaliers parade after they won the NBA final championship. Although the restaurant was supposed to be open at 6:30AM, they didn't open until 8AM. The lady said they'd open "in ten minutes" but didn't follow this, so I started this review with two stars. To be fair, I understand the staff were probably out celebrating late at night, but a sign should've been placed on the door regarding the opening time. There were about 6 of us waiting for the restaurant to open. Had it not been for other yelpers stating that Michael Symon recommended this place, I probably would've headed elsewhere. I ordered the corned beef hash breakfast with overeasy eggs. It was okay - your typical diner food. At least the meat was actually in hash form and not cubed or diced. I thought there were a little too many veggies (onions, potatoes, and bell peppers). The ratio of veggies to meat was 1:1, but I prefer more meat (since that's the name of the dish). I also am not sure about bell peppers in my corned beef hash. I prefer just meat, potatoes, and onions, but maybe that's just me. My entree with orange juice cost about $16 including tax and tip. It seems a bit pricey for breakfast, but you're supporting a local mom and pop place. I think the exterior could be improved, since the building is extremely dilapidated. If it wasn't for cars already parked in the back and people standing outside, I would've thought the restaurant was closed permanently! read more

Big Al's Diner - Full menu - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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My soulmate and I came here on a brisk Saturday morning this past weekend. She suggested it earlier during the week for the phenomenal food, but ever since my experience with some sad diner in Maine 14 years ago, I have been quite skeptical of the whole diner scene overall. Fortunately, I am here to tell you today, folks, that my skepticism of diners has been fully released from my massive egotistical diner-hating mind, thanks to Big Al. She parks in the parking lot and commences to full sprint towards the front door. I thought this could be attributed entirely to her being hangry, but after whipping out my Nike Free 5.0's and chasing after her inside, I witness a scene straight out of Club Obi Wan in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom...tables flipped, patrons lying on the floor unconscious, food mysteriously becoming clothing for many. I look in the corner and see the beautiful gleaming smile of my boo waiting patiently for me beyond the apocalyptic scene of destruction. Oh, how I love her! I sat down and waited for the scene to normalize; she told me that table selection is given entirely to the patrons of this establishment. Suddenly her destructive tendencies were quite understandable. After normalization was established within our environment, I proceeded to take it all in. I noticed a picture of the Three Stooges. I do enjoy their crazy antics...and look! They were golfing! I also like to party. Already Big Al knew me all too well! Smiley faces were glued onto the window sill next to us...fuzzy too!! I do love me some fuzzy smiley faces, their tender touch and eternal happiness just gives me goosebumps on my raging pecs. My darling ordered the corned beef hash combo, I placed an order for the country fried steak combo and a side of fried green tomatoes (that movie, still to this day, gives me major feels...oh Idgie!). I see that people complained a lot already about the servers in this establishment...let me just tell you right now, this is how it should always be. Take my order, bring the food/check, and hella leave us alone! PERFECTO! We received our meal at relatively the expected pace I would assume this food should be cooked to order with. The corned beef hash was AMAZEBALLS. The country fried steak was AMAZEBALLS (true or false story...this may be pork. It also may be beef steak. The answer may be in between). The eggs were AMAZEBALLS. The toast was AMAZEBALLS. The fried green tomatoes (along with the movie) were AMAZEBALLS. Tears started swelling and falling down my cheeks and I may have made a mistake in my pants...honestly I didn't check them the rest of the day as my mind was on the food from this point onward. My love looked to have the same thing happen...I believe we truly found God on this day -- maybe temporarily, but the magic is still there as I write this today. We received the check and proceeded to pay. It was a sad moment, thinking about leaving this little nook of a diner, but all good things must end at some point in a day. I noticed a food tray in the counter that had a pretty fine looking woman on it, we do have quite the fetish for such things...of course after the right modifications. I attempted to haggle with the cashier over this treasure, but ultimately I only was offered a tin of Borax. Maybe this is the cause of all the angst over the working staff in this fine establishment? The world may never know, but surely I know one thing....Big Al definitely knows how to create food ecstasy! read more

Big Al's Diner - Fuzzy smiley faces. - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Ive always enjoyed Big Als until today. As me and my girls walk in for breakfast a young man is outside and ask for a cup of coffee. I oblige his request and also tell him to order something to eat. They don't want him in the restaurant so I tell him to wait outside and Ill bring it out. No harm no foul UNTIL the "supervisor" tells me that I, Me, Dee can not buy him food with MY money because he and his mom always beg. She goes on to say "We, (Big Als) dont do that. "Do what" I ask and she responds "buy him food". So I say "you're not buying him food I am"and she says (and I cant believe this) "Ill put it in but Im not sure if we'll make it". Be VERY VERY careful how you treat people because youll be shocked when Jesus reminds you he was standing outside hungry and you refused to feed him. On ANY day that man begging can be your son, brother, etc. We bought his food and left. And just as they wanted he LEFT! I wont spend $1 at this establishment EVER again. Some of you will continue to patronize but when you see the hispanic waitress (who is terribly rude and walks to fast) dont tip her with cash leave her a life tip and tell her to be kind to everyone because you never know how Jesus will return read more

I go by there often, never see anyone inside but then act surprisingly busy.. not worth the wait

Dropped in to get a coffee to go. There was a front register duo whom I asked if I could get a coffee to go. They burst into derisive laughter as if a new customer is supposed to know that they have to go to back counter to get a coffee. The lady at the back counter was pleasant and quick to serve so that's what gets the 1 star The coffee was really watery but hot. I am afraid I will not be back. This review is only for the service approach and the coffee quality I encountered. Your experience may vary. read more

Delicious food and a lot for your money. Yes, it's a small restaurant, but the service is efficient and friendly. It's definitely worth the wait. read more

Sorry to see the previous reviewer have such a bad experience...maybe it was an off day? I have been here twice, and had great experiences both times. Big Al's Diner is truly a small "hole in the wall" type joint, but don't let that deceive you...their food is rock solid. My favorite dish (both times there) for breakfast has been the corned beef hash, a plate piled high with potatoes, onions, green peppers, shaved corned beef topped off with two eggs (I go over easy to enjoy the runny goodness). Coffee is endless and tasty and the service prompt and attentive, but not overly so. Would eat here again without question. read more

I will be giving this another shot, so that is a good sign. So today's experience was not overly great. Mainly because we it took the server close to 45 minutes to take our order. Then it was about 30 minutes to get the order. I will add that it was only happening to us. Folks all around us were coming and going just fine. So, to the food. It is a pretty good breakfast menu. The prices are reasonable and the quality is in line. I loved the homey atmosphere. It s very 'small town' feeling. The corned beef hash is pretty good. It had great flavor, onion and bell pepper. Only issue for me is the potatoes were a little on the too chunky side. So I will need to come back and see if things are better a second time around. I have an eye on the coconut cake. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

NOT impressed.. Service is ok - Staff with plain faces.. Not a single smile, but never mistreated. The food is just ORDINARY, I believe you can have the same exactly kind of food in many other corner diners around. read more

Big Al's Diner - Eggs blackstone with hollandaise sauce on the side served with home fries ... - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Loved this place! Perfect little diner. Server was sweet & friendly. Food was great. I generally don't order a Benedict in a restaurant I have never been to because a good Hollandaise sauce is hard to do, but I just had a feeling... I was not wrong! Veggie Benedict was spot on. I said ok to onions & peppers on my potatoes - they were good but there were way too many, I would definitely ask them to go easy on that next time. Next time I'm in Cleveland, I certainly will stop here! read more

Excellent classics. Bacon, eggs and grits. Love the place. Fast service, friendly staff. Big windows with lots of light. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

This is one of the BEST breakfast spots in Cleveland! The servers are akways friendly and smiling. The corned beef hash is the top notch. The pancakes are thick and fluffy and hard to finish, you will not be disappointed. read more

We had a fabulous American diner style brunch here. It was delicious and incredibly inexpensive. Loved it!

Kinda sad really. My husband and I have not been here for many years and both had a taste for a good burger in a nice diner type joint. The burgers are simply not the same. They used to appear hand pressed but now they offer what is frozen pre formed patties. The proof is in the taste. What a bummer. None of the wait staff wears anything resembling a uniform so they all look pretty sloppy overall. When I asked for a straw the gentleman that was told to go get it for me scratched his butt on the way to get it .. needless to say I did not use it .. goss. While I realize the place is small and sometimes has a wait for a table we were never rushed out the door quicker than we were here. They all pounced on each plate, plastic cup, piece of silverware that seemed to no longer be of use so they could then suggest we leave by saying "all finished here right? .. people are waiting.. " .. VERY RUDE! read more

I learned of Big Al's Diner on Diner, Dives and Drive ins from the food network and the reviews were accurate. When visiting the diner, make sure to seat yourself at an available booth/table and beware, it's a very SMALL location. The staff is friendly, but busy taking orders and making sure the food is served, so service can be considered slow. They are a mom and pop shop, this is not a typical chain where they focus on customer service, but the food if worth the wait! The french toast, eggs and sausage were very good and seasoned just right...ENJOY the experience of Big Al's Diner! read more

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First, they asked me to join a table of three while there is still some empty tables. I was alone, so I decided to go for it and let "future groups of people" have the big tables. Three ladies sat next to me were nice, so I thought it was not too bad to join a table with strangers. However, after the ladies left, the staff spilled a glass of water all over and some in my wallet phone case and my cardigan while cleaning their table. I have to stand up waiting for them to clean the mess on the table and floor. No napkin was offered to clean my stuff. They would like me to wait and remain in the same seat. I had to insist to have another seat. The staff who spilled the water was pilot and kept apologizing. However, they can have a better service as a team: Can other staff give me a piece of napkin to clean my own stuff? Can they find me another clean table instead of asking to wait for them to clean the mess? Why am I punished (by standing up in the room with my messy stuff) for their mistake? Regarding the food, no whipped cream or maple syrup came with my waffle, which is a big No No. I had to ask for them. Conclusion: They need improve their service, although overall food is delicious. read more

Great breakfast food nothing like strawberry pancakes early morning 630am the wait staff is excellent

Big Al's is my go-to breakfast place. It's a little rough on the edges, but I never wait long for a table (even if there's a line waiting when I arrive) and the food is quick to come out. For some odd reason, I'm in love with their coffee. I know they get it from a local Cleveland roaster, but it's very smooth and robust. Their corned beef hash is my favorite in Cleveland so far! They use real corned beef-not that canned stuff- and give you a whole lot of it. There's always a restaurant.com deal for here too, so consider buying it to save a few bucks! read more

Good solid local town diner. It is small and can get busy, so best to go at odd times.

Decided to try a nice breaksfast/brunch place, and was not disappointed. Food was really good. Service was weird, wasn't acknowledge at the hostess stand rather just stood there dumbfounded to know if we sat our selves or get seated after 3 minutes of waiting at the door. I don't like having my checks already placed on my table the same time the food comes, but overall a good exception experience. read more

Pretty good deal. Two meals and a coffee for $23 including tip. Servers are nice and attentive. Came in the last hour on Sunday after an estate sale. Was going to get fried chicken sandwich but the cole slaw was not made there. I had the tuna melt w onion rings. He had the blueberry pancakes, which were huge. Both were very good. A group stuck their head in the door and offered to pray w any patrons who wanted to step outside. Parking lot is tight but open on main and side street. read more

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Overall the food is good. Always always check your to go order something for me was always missing. Today calling in an order sucked 1st call I was on hold 4mins 33sec, it to 32 plus hang up calls to get put on hold again. This hold was over 12 mins as I write this review. Ultimately, I never got to order my food because 15mins later no one returned to the phone. read more

Always friendly service, and great breakfast comfort food. We recently went to big al's close to closing time, and still were treated well. The fried green tomatoes are great, and the country scramble is my guilty pleasure. read more

I ordered an omelet with home fries, rye toast, and coffee at approximately 07:05. The grill and the toaster were both set too hot, as the omelette came out partly browned on the outside, and the toast was just shy of burnt. The coffee was...let's just say that Starbucks has spoiled me. The kitchen was quick, which is always welcome. The service was civil, and the waitress helped me construct my semi-custom omelet economically. The waitress was, however, shall we say, subdued. That may have been due to needing a vacation, which I heard her mention that she was taking next week a few times to other customers. In fact, she flashed a dazzling smile when I wished her fun on her upcoming vacation. This place might be a local favorite, but there's no reason to seek it out if you have nearer options. read more

If I could give it less stars I would. I called in an order and no one acknowledged me when I walked in and stood at the count for 10 min. When someone finally talked to me she said I needed to find the waitress who took my phone in order to ring me out. She made no effort to find that person for me. She was rude and unprofessional. After waiting a total of 15 min of not being acknowledged I left. Won't be dining here anymore. It's close to my job which is the only reason I would go in the first place, food isn't that great in the first place. read more

Don't come here after 12:30 p.m. because the staff is mainly interested in cleaning up and preparing supplies for the next day. You won't get a coffee refill unless you beg, and despite a sign on each table saying otherwise, you've got to get up and find a cashier to pay, if you get your check. The food is so-so for the price. read more

Some people might like to use the 'greasy spoon' moniker on Big Al's. I prefer to call it a great find in an unexpected place. Words that come to mind: hearty, honest, delightfully simple, homey, inviting, casual, just right. People say that its a good sign when the locals eat at a restaurant. In the case of Big Al's, I take the mixed crowd as an indicator of why I keep coming back. Any morning you'll find a mixture of people enjoying one of the best breakfasts in Cleveburg. Suits and ties to pajamas and everything else in between. The portions are more than generous. The food is carefully prepared - someone is actually paying attention in the kitchen! Its surprisingly easy to screw up breakfast and Big Al's knows how to avoid that. You'll notice that someone was making sure your meal is cooked right. Get off your routine, give that chain restaurant a break and stop by at Big Al's already! read more

I ventured to Larchmere Blvd to Big Al's. Why? Because I was told that it was the place for the best corned beef hash. Michael Symon might have said that portion sizes were obnoxious, but I prefer to say that this place was gluttony at it's finest. I am from the far west suburbs of Cleveland. It is no secret that out that far west we are a different kind of wimp. I grew up in Avon Lake, I wear shirts that are ironed, pants that don't have holes in them, and I wash my hands when I go to the bathroom. To say that I fit in a place like this would be to tell you that Sarah Palin created the theory of relativity. I was a fish out of water. So if I thought it was great, why the three star? Pretty simple. As HUGE as the portions were, the corned beef hash wasn't, as Symon called it, the best. I have actually had better, but the atmosphere was amazing. It is what you expect when you say diner. A cramped hole in the wall where the servers also serve as the expo girls, and also the cashiers. It is a place where you know that the grill has probably not been cleaned in close to 20 years, but you know what, you're ok with that. This place has as much a place on your radar as any other breakfast joint, the difference, you get to go through the neighborhoods that you wouldn't dare go through on any other day. What's funny, you find nicer people in a place like this and you don't feel bad for eating here, because you know your money is going directly into this neighborhood and this community and not some nameless corporation in New York City [I'm looking at you Perkins]. Don't shy away. read more

This was a great diner. I went here with my two 4-year old sons after visiting the Great Lakes Science Center for a late lunch. It is smallish and you can definitely feel the family-nature of the place. The servers were down-to-earth and helpful for a dad out with his boys. I had eggs with corned beef hash. Huge serving of terrific hash with fresh green peppers and a large amount of corned beef. Have to say it was some of the best hash I have had. My kids had scrambled eggs and pancakes. Both were great. The coffee was hot and plentiful. read more

SSSSLLLLOOOOOOOOWWW Here is the timeline of our visit. 10:45 Arrived 10:53 Sat 11:16 Order taken by waitress (23 minutes after seating) 11:54 Food arrived (61 mins from the time we sat down) 12:12 Departed The food was good but we had breakfast fare, so it's hard to make pancakes, eggs, sausage and grits be spectacular or be terrible. The service was awful. The waitress was surly. No "hello", "enjoy your meal", "how is everything?" - nothing. Same with the cashier, who I had to wait five minutes for. Never spoke a word to me. I read that Michael Symon once said something nice about Big Al's, and another customer mentioned it to us when we were waiting for a table, there' a picture of him on the wall with a quote and they even had a sign on the table about him. Big whoop. Just because Michael Symon likes your corned beef hash, that doesn't mean you get to make people wait an hour for scrambled eggs. It also doesn't mean that you get to forgo common courtesies like "Thank you". In the future, we will drive to the Waffle House in Willoughby where we can get equal food, a better value for money and much friendlier service. Also, it will still be a helluva lot faster, even with the 20 minute drive each way. read more

Three weeks and they have yet to actually be open when their hours state. They supposedly open every weekday at 6:30am. Each of the last three weeks I have attempted to stop in at 7:30am and none of those times have they actually been open. One time I called and actually got an answer from one of the cooks, who told me that "the waitresses aren't here yet" try back in 10 minutes. 10 minutes later, no waitresses. The food is great greasy spoon fare, but this lack of consistency is getting ridiculous. I will also echo others that when you are actually seated service can be downright awful. Most of the staff their treat you as if you are a task to be dealt with and not a customer. Love the food, but they need new management stat!!!! read more

I was in town in Cleveland for work for a couple months and I ended staying around the corner from Big Al's. What good luck. It's not flashy, it's not fancy, it's not big, it's just a small diner. You walk in, sit where you want, one of ladies working there will come ask you if you want coffee and take your order. Even when it's packed the food comes out quick (unless you're in the group of 8 having Sunday brunch after church). They drop your check off when you order and when you're done, you just pay at the register. It's not a place you come if you're on a diet. The biscuits with sausage gravy, 2 eggs, and home fries (aka #12) is simply amazing. The eggs, cooked to order, are buttery and perfect. The gravy is rich and sausagey, but not as heavy as expected. Tge biscuit are delicious in tgeir own right and a tasty vessel to sop up the runny egg yolks and gravy. Always go for the homefries if you have the option. The grits are a disappointment compared to the home fries. My only complaint is this place closes at 2:30. Ps - when they ask if you want onion with your home fries, say yes! read more

this place was great! prices looked to be cheap to me, and you get a GANG of food. we went for breakfast and it was rammed. just as we were walking in, a table cleared which was nice; as i didn't see another table become available while we were eating. i had a vegetable omelette with extra tomatoes and a couple extra slices of wheat toast. this omelette was gargantuan, and was served with home fries. in all actuality, the home fries were nothing more than what looked to be an entire baked potato chopped up and served next to the mega omelette. the eggs were nice and light, the vegetables were fresh, too, which will make or break anywhere i buy breakfast from. no canned mushrooms, and no canned tomatoes. big up yourself, big al. all told, i paid less than ten dollars after tax for my enormoid breakfast and very attentive service. eric b read more

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Big Al's Diner is a sure bet for reasonably priced, overportioned diner food. It's a local favorite, and the place is always packed for weekend brunch. Eggs are always cooked just right, and their homefries are flavored nicely and cooked with onions. Other favorites include eggs benedict and fluffy blueberry pancakes bigger than your face. My only complaint is the biscuits and gravy, which tastes great but just not enough gravy to smother everything. Service is usually good but variable near closing time. Overall Big Al's has nice atmosphere and unpretentious, well prepared diner food. Highly recommended. read more