I arrived at 7:48 PM. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was a little busy with it being on Good Friday, but it wasn't overly packed or loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I learned that if you pay for your order with cash, then you get a 5% discount on your meal. So, bring cash and your spare change here. The weather was pleasant enough to eat outside, but I wanted to eat inside. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The booths have paper towels on them, so you have plenty of paper to wipe your messy hands and face.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Also, they had a guy performing live music that evening. I don't know how regular a thing that is, and thankfully the performer was doing good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Regarding the bathroom, it's a single bathroom that has paper towels. I did think the water pressure for the sink was a bit high since I barely had to turn the faucets much to get a good solid jet of water. Overall, the bathroom was in decent condition[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. For my appetizer, I ordered the Appetizer Sampler, which allows you to pick 3 things from a sub-list of the available appetizers (I opted for the Broccoli Bites, Fried Mushrooms, and Spicy Cheese Bites), which took about 7 minutes and 40 seconds to arrive. The Spicy Cheese Bites were fried pepper jack cheese cubes, so exactly what their menu name implied. The Fried mushrooms were very juice, and as such, I think their coating was the most loose of the 3. Still, they were good. The hands down winner of the 3 were the Broccoli Bites, which wasn't just fried broccoli but instead some kind of gooey concoction of broccoli and possibly a melty cheese (or it could have been fried portions of broccoli soup). Whatever they were, they were the most delicious of the 3. Also, the appetizer sampler came with 2 sauce cups of some kind of may dipping sauce (I didn't ask what it was, but it was good). For my entrée, I opted for the Big Tom's BBQ Poutine, which you could get with any kind of fries that's provided. The fry options include regular, waffle, sweet potato, steak, spears (I think?), or tater tots. I asked if the tater tots were homemade, but my server Justin said they were frozen. I chose waffle fries. Also, you are offered additional toppings for the poutine. I can't remember all of them, but I know that jalapenos, pickled onions, and banana peppers are amongst them (I went with jalapenos and pickled onions). The entrée took about 8 minutes and 36 seconds to arrive. The entrée was definitely a healthy portion (more so than I assumed for price). The additional toppings were on a plate for me to place how I wanted. The poutine also came with an additional sauce cup of what I believe is the mornay sauce. The overall package was delicious, and for the price, an amazing value. For dessert, I asked server Justin about the Cheesecake (as per what the menu says), because apparently Cheesecake availability is limited, and if it is offered, they typically offer different flavors. I didn't think to ask if they have a select set of flavors they make or if it changes based on season, so maybe someone who works here could respond to this review and offer insight. That evening, they had Churro Cheesecake, Strawberry Cheesecake (I believe), and Mango Lime Cheesecake, which is what I chose. The cheesecake took about 5 minutes to arrive. The mango flavor seemed concentrated in the cake part while the lime flavor seemed concentrated in the crust (maybe they mixed lime zest into the crumb crust). Also, the price of the Mango Lime Cheesecake wasn't listed on the menu, but ended up being $9.99. The only reason I can think as to why they don't list the price of the cheesecake is if different flavors cost a different amount. If not, then I would suggest that they put the price on the menu. Regardless, the Mango Lime Cheesecake was delicious. Overall, my meal was great and very filling and my server Justin was very attentive. Also, to Big Tom, I'm sorry to say that I'm not a major reviewer. I'm just a guy who likes eating at good restaurants and leaving detailed reviews of the places he eats at. read more

See all

Just poor management, poor food quality, excellent service from staff. It was my birthday and Management made staff on 3 occasions not sing Happy Birthday to me. There were 4 other parties that got Happy birthday sang to them, and every time they attempted the owner stopped them. I was the only person of color with a birthday, and the food was trash. The hotdog I ordered tasted awful and it was still a nightmare (even after their time on the Show Restaurant Nightmare). I have lived in this town for 10 years and have never experienced such racism. So much more could be said but I refuse to give such energy. Our waitress was amazing read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A little smaller inside of habit appears from outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seating is adequate but could be more comfortable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were waited on quickly and had good return service, checking to make sure we didn't need anything. Food was tasty, but a little overcooked and slightly dry. It would not draw me back, but the long list of signature cocktails, which we did not try, likely will cause me to return. I will say the baked beans were very good and the sweet potato fries, finished with cinnamon sugar were excellent. More to follow? read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - Blackened chicken, baked beans, sweet potato fries. - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

See all

Good energy from our waitress and she really sold the place and the food. She overpromised and the cooks under performed. Burger was just so so and tots were ice cold when they came out. The other 3 in my party were pretty disappointed also. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I hate this because this place seemed like it was going to be one of those cool spots we found while traveling[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

My family and I absolutely love big Tom's backyard grill!! every food item on the menu is so tasty!! all of their food is clean ! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is clean!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They made so many appetizers for my Christmas last minute needing food after they served our community!!! they are absolutely phenomenal!!!!! read more

Excellent, excellent, excellent. The food is top-notch, the servers are thorough and friendly, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the atmosphere is just amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When the restaurant first opened, I was quite curious to see if it would be successful, dude partly in fact that it's predecessor at that location Was a Hometown favorite. They have completely exceeded my expectations and I just love this restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]In-house dining is a wonderful experience with the possibility of live music and trivia.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Take out is always very timely with no missing items or sauces. When I order takeout, I want the sauce that I request and they always provide it sometimes with an extra. And I've never been charged an outrageous fee for sauce. Keep up the amazing work Big Tom's! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Good service Ambiance[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] First time here tonight and will definitely be back the food was amazing and we loved the trivia read more

It should be mandatory for all restaurant owners to frequent their business at a normal frequency throughout the month. Let's just say the immediate thing we noticed was the owners capability to be very interactive with all of the patrons on this day, we even met some of the grandchildren, this was a very unique experience because not only that the prices were very affordable, but the food was immaculate. We will definitely visit this place over and over again, we even attempted to ask the owners to move to our city. I know that this is selfish, but I would love to have this restaurant close in our area. I hope that this business thrives and grows and becomes a well-known family oriented Business that supports the community and the surrounding areas and there is a plus they are great to tourist. As a vegetarian, I found that the menu was very compatible to my taste of preferences and also my family was able to indulge in the Tate meals in Tennessee. In our opinion. The bar choices was very affordable. After further discussion with the owner realigned our passions towards community service and we will definitely be assisting in the next adventures as it pertains to this restaurant and our family thank you all for this incredible experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My quote is, you cannot enjoy the food if you cannot enjoy the ambience as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - Family with newly distanced Family at Big Toms - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

I wasn't impressed. The food was mediocre, and I was especially disappointed that the menu says in multiple places to ask about gluten-free options, yet the waitress said they actually don't offer that and have no information on options because "no one ever asks for that anymore." If that's the case, it should be removed from the menu. I ordered chicken and veggies to be safe, but they were dry and underwhelming. Staff were nice overall, but I won't be back. read more

I have eaten there several times. I would recommend the restaurant, just watch your server. The ticket brought to my table and what she charged my credit card was a $3 difference. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Just a great little home town bar and grill.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Staff is very personable and food is tasty

Up until about two months ago I had only ate here once...sadly a similar restaurant in town changed owners and menu items which led to me giving this place another chance. Let me say I was more than pleased I've ate here probably at least once a week for the last two months. Not only is the food fantastic but you can't beat the prices and service Normally my go to is the house salad with blackened chicken. It consists of a huge salad with an entire chicken breast. Probably the best tasting chicken I've had and the salad is huge. My wife normally gets the catfish basket..she says it's probably the best tasting catfish she's had from a restaurant. We have two young kids that normally get the mini corn dogs. Here's the thing they run specials during happy hour where the kids meals and appetizers are half price. I've always liked the atmosphere and location of this restaurant. Since we have been going there have been several nights where they have had a live band playing in the bar area. That coupled with the fact we have always had great service and food there has made this one of our new favorites in Cleveland. read more

Lunch with the better half. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant is really broken up it on three sections: the bar, middle section of tables, upper section of booths[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We set in the booth section, [[HIGHLIGHT]]decor is a little dark and drab[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but the service was exceptional. Wife had Philly cheese steak and I had Cuban sandwich. Both were more than enough and really tasty. Sorry, no pics this time as it was kinda dark and pics didn't turn out well. Lots of menu selections means we will be going back!! read more

Great atmosphere, very friendly staff. Restaurant was clean inside and out. Many good choices on the menu, the liquor and beer is plentiful. Very nice outdoor sitting area with downcast fans & sunshades. read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - My beer - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

I am not impressed with the food, environment is sketchy at best, late in the night or weekends, always a drunk trying to start trouble. I wouldn't bring children here. Service was OK standard normal, no complaints there. I wouldn't go here on my own but if a friend wants to hang there for a bit, I'll go. read more

Seating was great and the waitress was very nice and helpful. But the food left something to be desired. My husband got the burnt ends over fries with sauce, I got the salmon over rice with fries and steamed veggies, my daughter got the alfredo pasta with blackened chicken and our grandson got a chicken tender basket with macaroni/cheese. Food was lacking in the seasoning/flavor department. Mine and my daughter's was cold. My daughter ate the chicken off of hers and left the pasta. The fries was the most flavourful thing on my plate. Thankfully we ordered appetizers to share beforehand, most of those were great...Onion rings, cheese sticks, fried pickles, fried mushrooms were all great, but the fried green tomatoes were very bland. The atmosphere was great until some young guy (employee, possibly a manager) sitting a couple tables away got on the phone with his dad very loudly complaining about things and employees at the restaurant, cursing and dropping "F" bombs. This was our first visit there and our last. read more

My roommate and I recently ordered from Big Tom's via Door Dash and it was not good. I had the Count of Monte Cristo sandwich which is supposed to be grilled. This was deep fried. The crust of the bread was so hard that I could not eat it. The only saving grace about my meal was the mac and cheese. The sandwich sucked. Who deep fries a Monte Cristo? Probably will not order from there again. read more

Tried Big Tom's for the first time. In the sea of chain restaurants that surround Cleveland it's good to see a local business doing well. It was pretty full for a Saturday afternoon with many watching the TN game. Nice and casual crowd, mixed with families. The staff of young ladies are friendly and attentive. Very homey atmosphere. I ordered the double burger with cheese and side of onion rings with half/half iced tea. The food came to the table hot and tasty. My first reaction was that this is a really good size burger. Onion rings are excellent, crispy and flavorful. Burger was topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle's. It was cooked as requested and delicious. From what I could see at other tables, the portions are very large here. The menu is very diverse, with something for everyone. Bar selection and drinks were varied from beer, wine, hard cider, and plenty of booze drinks. Servers were attentive and kept my iced tea full. Good value here, all in for my meal was $15. I will try this again and sample some of the other items on this menu. The "backyard " by the way, is a covered deck in the parking area. read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - Double cheeseburger with onion rings and brewed iced tea. Very good all around - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

My wife and I ate there on Veterans Day. They had some meals that I could get for free. I applaud them for that but none of them look like what I would eat so I ordered what I wanted. After the meal I went t to pay and I ask if I could get a discount since they were giving free meal to the veterans. The waitress was very nice and wanted to but when she ask the manager Danelle she was rude and said read more

We were on our way back home after a week near Blueridge. We found this place after checking Yelp for a non chain restaurant about an hour away. After finding out it was featured on Restaurant Impossible we know we had to try it. Our party of twelve was seated quickly and our waitress (forgot her name) but she was adorable and friendly. I got the fried Monte Christo and OMG it was amazing surprisingly a great combination of sweet and savory. Some in our party tried the burgers and they said they were cooked perfectly and juicy. We had a little girl with us who did not feel well so our waitress brought her samples of the soup. She even offered samples of the Mac n cheese. Please give this place a try you will not be disappointed! read more

We had a great experience for our first visit. We moved to town a year ago and just hadn't found that place where we could go sit at the bar for a couple of drinks and some good conversation. We found it!! The food was great. Eathan, the bartender, was fun to talk with and the service was fast and easy. A band was playing outside as well. We will definitely be back there soon!! read more

I stopped in to Big Tom's to check it out, not knowing anything about the establishment. I was served by a young man (Ethan), who's friendliness and attitude was happy, attentive, and exceptional. I saw in the menu that the location had been on restaurant impossible (S19E7), and asked the young man serving me about it. I was introduced to Big Tom, and learned that Ethan was his son. Fantastic. The food, well, I am certainly coming back. I'm not sure what my waistline will have to say, but I like the vibe, atmosphere, and great flavors. You must try anything made by Nana! See you again soon! read more

Enjoyed a really good meal, both times I ate there. Good seating, good meal options, nice staff. I would recommend it.

The absolute worst Cuban sandwich I've ever had. Obviously made by someone who had no clue what it is! No cheese. Burnt substance on the bread. All the surfaces seemed to have a layer of yuck. Food stuck to menus. No decent beers on menu. I won't ever return! read more

The burger I ordered medium rare was more rare than expected. Mac n cheese was rather bland. The corn fritters were fabulous! Great tater tots and bbq sauce! Waffles were yummy. Sweet tea was really good too :-) We'd go back if we're in the area again. read more

Can you just not agree with friends or family what you are all in the mood for? Then Big Tom's is the answer! With a wide variety of options, you can make everyone in your party happy! From the moment you walk in you are greeted with southern hospitality and surrounded by beautiful decor. You will be seated at one of the beautiful booths or perhaps even an indoor picnic table. If the weather is nice, enjoy your food in the outdoor patio. It may take a while to choose your entree but don't skip on the sweet potato fries. They are the best I've ever had! read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - a brick wall - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

See all

Had chicken wrap, always been good but not this time. Chicken so hard neither of us could bite or chew it, we just pulled balance of chicken from wrap discarded it then ate balance of wrap. How could cook not see how hard the chicken was while cutting it up for wrap. Can't see myself going back for a while. read more

Everything I have tried so far at Big Tom's has been fantastic. Family friendly atmosphere.

Uncle Toms I mean Big Toms I went in with my girlfriend. And to be real the atmosphere gave off klan rally after parties and nascar drunken rant vibes. We had went in for her birthday. And we ordered our food because we thought it was gonna be tasty. Due to the way her friend ranted and raved. The food..... My lady had a Hot Dog sausage thing. It was so underwhelming that I don't remember what they called it. I had a fish sandwich that was somehow worser than The filet o fish sandwich at McDonald's. Customer service was cheeks. They sang happy birthday to a person that was of a fairer skin color. But when it came to my beautiful woman. She was literally told you don't want that. If you can avoid going to this place. Please do just go to Applebees. read more

Oh my goodness!!!! This place should not have one bad review, it is amazing! The customer service blew my mind. We had the pleasure of meeting and talking to 3 employees, all super sweet ladies and very knowledgeable of the menu. The food then was yummmmmy! What a good meal! We went for lunch and grabbed the sandwiches (pictured), and had a great home town vibe in this place. Very family centered and truly wanted to please the customers! We will be back very soon!!!! read more

See all

Broccoli Bites are awesome... Service is awesome... Drinks are awesome... Big Tom's is awesome read more

Big Tom's Backyard Grill & Bar - Double Vodka Redbull - Bars Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

They stand behind the name "backyard grill & bar" by way of serving very mediocre bar food. Instantly became sick to my stomach after the first few bites of my chicken (essentially a frozen Tyson chicken tender from Walmart) and waffles (almost as hard as rock due to likely being old and stale). Service was very forgetful and non attentive, mind you they were busy for being in Cleveland, Tn. We will not be back. read more

We love Big Toms great food, great atmosphere! The salad is always tops! I love the potatoe wedges with pork bar b que, the special is always good, hamburger steak we like. All in all a "go to" for us!!! read more

I came with a friend to Big Tom's one rainy Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. The place was pretty empty when we arrived so we had our choice of tables and booths. We ordered a batch of the fried pickles because they were half price as part of a happy hour special. What a massive order! Fresh out the deep fryer, the pickles were the perfect level of crunch and came with a creamy ranch sauce for dipping. I ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich with fried green tomatoes as my side. The tomatoes were crispy and had great flavor. The Monte Cristo, because it had just come out of the fryer, was not only steaming hot but drenched in grease. I cracked the crispy outer shell to watch the grease pour out of it before I attempted to eat it. The flavor was okay. My friend ordered the French Dip with fries and enjoyed it. Overall the portions at Big Tom's are large and you definitely get your money's worth. After fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, and a fried Monte Cristo, I'd had my grease fill for the next week. Next time I would order something that wasn't deep fried and there are plenty of options to do so. I am looking forward to my next visit. read more

See all

I don't know how many times we drove by this place but finally went a couple months ago and have been back twice since then. First time had their ribs which they rotate out with prime rib every other week. Got them dry rub and they were awesome. Next time I had their prime rib. I am not a big prime rib fan but these were delicious. They smoke them so they have a great flavor. They even have live music some nights. read more

We have been going to Big Toms since it first opened and always have a pleasant experience. The food is always good and the happy hour prices are awesome. read more

I typically don't leave reviews like most people unless it's really good or really bad and this is one of those times that a review is called for. I've been going to Big Toms for awhile now and for the most part it was a decent experience. One thing me and my lady learned today, is that if you don't like the way something is cooked and you complain not only will someone from the kitchen come out to see who had the complaint, but they will also be discuss it at the bar where it can be heard 6 feet away to where we were sitting. Then to bring out the very thing that was cooked too long the first time but a second was infuriating. Then the owner comes over and asked what was wrong with the cheese bites and my reply was they are too hard especially with my ladies partial she has. Right off the bat he picks one up and says it's not hard and squishes it. "If anything it's undercooked". Then proceeds to tell me everytime me or my lady comes in there something is always wrong and no one else complains except for us. So now it has turned into a personal attack. Oh and then he says and I quote" your not going to win this". I said I'm not trying to win anything and explained I'm not trying to be aggressive about this but now, we feel uncomfortable and your the one making us feel that way. I said that's fine we don't have to come back Instead of trying to be understanding and apologetic about the whole situation his final response from a business owner to a customer was " well let me make your last visit here memorable I'll pay for everything"including the one beer I drank and one mixed drink my lady got. So now it was, let me show you know how big you are compared to me. You never know who you are talking to, and it felt like an attempt to bully me into shutting up. He was not being hospitable and understanding, and now he was being unprofessional, rude and disrespectful to not only me but my lady that was sitting right beside me. Just because you own a business doesn't mean you know how to run it. Thinking you can treat customers however you want is an easy way to get a negative review. So read it and know I wasn't trying to win anything but reviews don't just go away and understand you cant just talk to people however you want. You have disrespected and insulted me and my lady and I just want people know what to expect if their food is not to their liking. So yeah, like you so eloquently put it, it was memorable alright. Your moment of arrogance and attempt at intimidation will be forever be memorialized online forever. You need to think before you speak sometimes and to disrespect someone that is a patron in your establishment is disgraceful. Congratulations on showing what is most important in your business your ego. Thanks for the experience!! read more

Great Family! Very good food! Food is always correct and served hot. Customer service is great! Very clean if you are ever in the area try it out! read more

This was a disappointment, especially after watching their episode on "Restaurant Impossible". I apologize in advance for the length, but it is instructive for all of us. We were traveling back from Chattanooga and decided to give it a try, as we really like to help this industry as it climbs back from Covid. We arrived about 5:30pm on Friday night, and they were already quite full and very busy...which at first was a good sign. We like to see success. We were disappointed that they have no entrees suitable for a gluten-free diner (my wife has celiac disease, not an option) but she ordered several sides that were safe. The menu is very large with lots of fried items and multiple pulled pork variations. I didn't really see a lot of the "Grill" that is in their name. From the episode on TV, Robert had told Tom to ditch the frozen prepared items and cook fresh. Not gonna happen if you keep all of these items on the menu. And, I would bet you that the fried pickles were straight from the freezer...and like Robert said, they were too salty. Moving forward, I ordered the Juicy Lucy hamburger and my daughter ordered the fried chicken tenders and tater tots. I ordered my burger cooked medium, but when it arrived after the first couple of bites once you got past the edge of the meat patty it was basically raw burger. Now, I'm not a neophyte to undercooked burgers, but it was obvious that the meat had been very cold or even frozen when it hit the grill and nobody in the back was using temp probes. Notwithstanding Robert Irvine's description of this new entree to their menu on the TV, this had amazingly little flavor. I also ordered the onion rings as a side. They came with ketchup for dipping, no other option was given by the waitress and they were at best...meh. My wife ordered the cole slaw, potato salad, and broccoli as sides. Both the potato salad and cole slaw were very bland. The broccoli was...well, broccoli. In all, with tip we paid over $40 for three of us to eat a simple dinner meal (my wife had three sides only) and came away not able to finish any of our meals (my wife DID finish her broccoli!). Very disappointed. Where we were sitting we could hear the chatter in the kitchen area and it seemed very rushed and a lot of "energized" vocalizations. Never good to hear as a patron. I really hope they can pull this out, after hearing their story they really could use a break. Sadly, we will not be back. read more

Cool place with good food . Some interesting menus choices , friendly place with friendly staff . Good local casual place . Thanks read more