This little diner is such a hidden spot in Cleveland! The atmosphere is small, cozy, and welcoming, and the breakfast was absolutely delicious. I decided to get the waffles that were topped with fresh bananas, blueberries, whipped cream, with a drizzle. What made the experience stand out, though, was the staff. They were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make sure we had a great experience. I would highly recommend a visit! read more

Little Diner On 1st - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

GPS took us right to it. Driving up, it doesn't look like much but looks can be deceiving. There is a limited amount of parking along the side of building. The space is tight but at least it is all angled making getting into and out of the spaces much easier. I did not notice any handicapped spaces but the lot is small and paved so travel is pretty easy. There are several signs on the exterior wall cautioning to lock your vehicle as they are not responsible for stolen items but nothing appeared nefarious. Seating is a combination of booths and tables plus several stools along the counter to the right. We seated ourselves and the server came by quickly for our drink orders and dropped off the menu. The menu is pretty extensive with many options as well as the ability customize anything. We decided on the Cleveland special and the Western omelet. With a cup of coffee, this came to about $24. The food took about 10 minutes to arrive. The first thing noticed is the biscuits are huge. They are easily the size of a saucer. They are a bit crumbly but that makes them great for covering in gravy. The eggs were cooked as ordered, the gravy was very good, and the sausage appears to be locally sourced. The omelet was also huge and completely filled. The veggies were sautéed perfectly and made for a great meal. The service was just fine but could have been better. I had asked if the sausage was locally sourced and the waitress did not know. She never came back to let me know if she had an answer. I had to ask twice for a refill and eventually waved down a different server. We also needed to ask twice for jelly packets. While not terrible by any means, it was unusual for what we expect from these type local restaurants which seem to pride themselves on great service as well as great food. This little diner is a must stop for a great meal. Just have a little patience with the service and you'll be glad you came. read more

Good food, but like in all of Cleveland, grits are watery and not properly made. Why in this "southern" city can no one make decent grits?

Nice hole in the wall place to grab a quick meal. We picked this place based on other reviews and we are happy we did. Good food, friendly service and fair prices. read more

Outstanding! Heard upon arriving: "We're from here and this is the shortest line we've seen, so we came." It was, as the staff predicted, about a 20 minute wait. Totally worth it. Yeah, it's as good as they say. We were all very happy with our food, service, the whole experience. The name could not be more accurate. Very cramped inside, but everyone is happy so it works. Screaming baby? No problem. Coffee refills = magically on time. It's better than tourist attraction diners I've been to. The bacon was perfect, the biscuit is the size of 3-4 biscuits. Gravy was perfect homemade granny cream sausage gravy. The specials looked amazing, but we all opted for kind of "regular" food for our first trip. I'll come back anytime. read more

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Amazing breakfast! Biscuits are pretty darn epic Service is excellent. Small quirky little building located near downtown.

The food, service, and ambiance were incredible! Highly recommend this spot! Veggie Omelette was top tier!

You can always get a great meal and the Best Service from a small town diner! You need to know what to order,(because well you don't order Sushi at a Truck Stop) and go with the Classics! In a Southern Diner it's always Biscuits and Gravy for the WIN! Coffee is excellent,always hot and our server Never let me drain the cup! Small place with a counter and grill right there and the place is adorned with so many "treasures" from the past that you get lost looking at childhood memorabilia! read more

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Pay attention to the new waitress at Little Diner. I ate breakfast there this morning, I never finish all of my meal, and I ask for a small to go container and give part of my meal to my dog. I was texting a sick friend, not paying attention, she grabs my plate, didn't ask if I was finished, not once asking me if my meal was ok. She was too busy talking to the cook. However, I left a generous tip for her. read more

You know me by now, I'm The Burger Man that travels and scores burgers for Mom & Pop restaurants throughout Alabama, TN, & GA. I was invited to come to The Little Diner on 1st in Cleveland, TN. They have a big 9 oz. A fresh hand-patted-out burger. Fresh meat, toppings, and grilled to perfection. The only thing that hurt the burger was that it was over seasoned. This diner is known for its great breakfast as well. I recommend this awesome little diner. Great folks. read more

Large portions and good value. Friendly service. Biscuits as large as pies. Will definitely go back. read more

Little Diner On 1st - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

What a cute little family-owned spot. It is definitely a hole in the wall with very few tables, a simple menu, and eclectic holiday and southern cooking decor. We arrived about 40 min until close on a Saturday as we noticed that they always serve breakfast dishes all day long. We were surprised to see that they close earlier on Saturdays than weekdays. We checked with the staff to ensure that we weren't inconveniencing them by grabbing a quick breakfast and they insisted that it was no big deal and seated us ASAP. We ordered: -Very cheap kids meals for our kiddos (Mickey pancake and either bacon or sausage with a drink) -Over medium eggs, hash browns, corned beef hash, and a biscuit -biscuit & gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, and grits with cheese. The biscuits and the gravy were the stars, for sure. They were huge, fluffy, and crumble-tastic. The bacon and over medium eggs were also great. We would not order the corned beef hash or scrambled eggs again. The corned beef hash was an expensive add on that wasn't cooked enough(I asked for extra crispy). The scrambled eggs seemed like an afterthought that weren't scrambled before putting them on the griddle...thus flat and white instead of fluffy. The kids meals were insanely cheap ($3.99-ish in Oct. 2023), but the adult meals were more expensive than anticipated. read more

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Found this place by chance while driving through the area. The French toast was fantastic and the biscuits are massive (come hungry!). All of the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. If we lived in the area it would definitely be a regular destination for us. read more

My husband and I dashed in here just before closing time in June. The place is eclectic and full of character. The food was fresh and the service friendly. I will always remember this sweet place as it was one of the last places we ate at before my sweet husband passed away. It's a great little joint and highly recommended. read more

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Consistent, good diner food. Great service. A local friend took me here about 6 years ago - now it's a "must have" every time I'm in town. My favorite Cleveland breakfast spot. Cool diner, comfortable. Do your self a favor if you like diners and make sure you go here! read more

both of the waitresses were unfriendly and inattentive. I had to borderline embarrass myself by waving my arms to get attention it to get the hot sauce I had asked for twice. I was also there almost an hour and didn't get a single refill, even though my drink was visibly empty. The only person who was nice to me was the cashier. She did not charge me for my coffee (since I barely was able to have any), which was very kind of her. The food taste and value isn't bad, but totally not worth the subpar service. read more

Great food! Had the T. rex omelette and it was delicious, they need to work on the grits, not so good. The biscuit and gravy was good, however it is very plain tasting. They should make sausage gravy. Over all great experience and good service read more

Went in for a burger, it did not disappoint! Service was friendly and prompt! The onion rings are superb! Great little local place!

I'm RUINED! Was traveling to Cleveland last week for my nephews high School graduation. Was told that Little Diner on first had the best breakfast in town. Went two days in a row and would have went a third but they were closed due to a graduation of their own. Usually I judge breakfast place based on if they have home made corned beef hash. This place did not have that. But what they do have is the BEST grits I have ever had! I am not sure what was in them but they were amazing! Ruined grits for me anyplace else forever.... Biscuits were incredible, gravy was perfect. Seriously one of the best breakfasts I have ever had. place is tiny but very very good! read more

Little Diner On 1st - eggs and country ham - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

The service was great! I love the little building and the business of a small business that has been here forever and knows how to make good food. I ordered the Kitchen sink omelet and some toast. Kind of wished I would have ordered the biscuits and gravy. They had a fan blowing down that made it pretty cold in here. read more

We visited this hole in the wall (I mean that in a good way ) because of Yelp reviewers. They got it right. This business is run like a well-oiled machine. We had about a 10-15. minute wait for breakfast at 9 am on a Friday morning. As was stated before in reviews it is worth the wait. This place is charming and so are the waitresses. There is a lot to look at with all the antiques on the walls and shelves. It is small, maybe can serve about 30 people so that can make for a wait. My husband ordered the Cleveland special which is a biscuit and grave and eggs your style (he had over easy) and choice of sausage patty or link (he had link). He ordered one pancake on the side. He carried out 1/2 of his Cleveland special and shared the pancake with me, I don't eat pancakes very often but thought it was very, very good. I asked my husband as he eats pancakes often when dining out and he agreed that the pancake was delicious. I ordered the Philly omelette and had home fries and a biscuit because yelp reviews said they were good. The biscuit is so large it would take up a coffee cup saucer. I just pinched a bite off the biscuits and loved it. I was asked if I wanted a side of gravy and because I have been down South (FL) for over 44 days without and gravy, I went for it. I had a spoonful for a taste and it was good. I left with half my omelette and almost all of my biscuit and gravy and 3/4 of my home fries. I enjoyed the other half of the omelette and home fries for lunch. The omelette had plenty of thin slices of beef, green peppers, onion and melted cheese. It was perfectly cooked? I guess I'll either have the biscuit and gravy for dinner or breakfast tomorrow. We both had the ice tea, one sweetened and one unsweetened. They were both good and strong, not watered down like some places. If we are in the area again we would definitely go back here and I would be interested in trying some of their lunch items. read more

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Exceptional vittles! Be prepared to wait! Worth it! The drop biscuits the size of my plate.

food was decent, not too great. the coffee cups advertised a local church which i found to be in poor taste, but I'm not from the "Bible Belt" so who cares I guess? The service was very good and the atmosphere was friendly. Good Oldfashioned vibes and good people. Mediocre food. read more

Little Diner On 1st - Grits BST Omelette Egg - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

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Great find! Kaylee our server is the best. Definitely will add this to my favorites of I'm ever passing through again I'll be sure to make a stop. Foods large portions. The place is full of their family memories. If you're looking for a good diner. Go here read more

This place has great food, but for two times in a row now, I've driven from Athens to Cleveland for breakfast here and they have been closed. They need to decide if they're a restaurant or a catering company!! I don't plan to return again. Tired of driving 40 minutes for nothing. read more

Excellent little country breakfast spot. Nothing too fancy, but when you can make gravy and biscuits that tastes like this, who cares?!? Great atmosphere, very Gatlinburg like. Might have helped that it was a cold drizzly Saturday morning. Also, friendly service and not very expensive. Shop local and give this family owned restaurant a shot. read more

Great food! It really is a "Little Diner". Haha. Very cozy. Service was also great. Prices were reasonable. Menu had plenty of choices without being overwhelming. read more

Love the food but surprisingly in a rough part of town (lock your car). The Kitchen Sink Omelette is my recommendation if you are hungry. I've ate a lot of biscuits in my day, but not one the size they serve. read more

Tiny, cute, great food, sweet staff! Small town feel. Not a far drive from Dalton. I got some brisket chili to go and it was amazing!

This is a very small diner with maybe 10-12 tables but the place is surprisingly packed with people. Heard locals that this is the place to go to for a good sausage and biscuits. It's not a lie - the biscuits made all the difference. Never had a biscuits like this. It's soft and buttery. I would even consider buying a dozen of it to go if they sell the biscuits. Unfortunately, I wouldn't say the same thing with the 2 other menu item we tried. The scrambled egg was okay. Nothing extra ordinary. The French toast was the worse ever I've tried since it's has a sour after taste. They said they did not use sour dough which I would be worried coz if it's not the bread, it makes me question the freshness of the bread or batter they used. I hope we won't end up having stomach problem after eating the French toast read more

Little Diner On 1st - The little Diber on 1st - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

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Their food so gooooood could tell that it was made with real ingredients and the portions were pretty big

I visit Cleveland TN once a year, for a week at a time. I usually eat breakfast here 3 or 4 days. The Little Diner never disappoints. Portions are heafty, service is top notch and congress should investigate why their biscuits are so big and fluffy. I would recommend The Little Diner to any and everybody. I suggest you sit at the counter. The conversation will warm your soul. read more

Little Diner On 1st - Biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, scrabled eggs, sauge patty and corn beef hash. - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

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We stayed a week in Blue Ridge and decided to stop in here on our way back home (Madison, Alabama). The first thing you notice were ALL the smiling & happy faces. It really does set the tone for the experience. The staff were extremely pleasant and patient (kids deciding on their food). The food was absolutely amazing! (Loaded hasbrowns, A++) Dont forget to check out the shirts! Hilarious! read more

Country cookin' with small-town Southern vibes is a win for me. The little place is packed on a Thursday late morning. The ambiance is cutesy, antique, cluttered, and country, like eating at Grandma's. I immediately feel at home listening to the Southern drawl of the older waitresses. The coffee is hot and better than I expect. The diner food is considerably cheaper than any pancake or waffle chain restaurant. The omelets look good, but I opt for the Breakfast Special. The bacon is fine, the eggs are scrambled dry (I prefer fluffy/creamy), and the blueberry pancakes are good (I'd opt for plain or chocolate chip next time). My husband's breakfast bowl is filling but has far too many jalapeños for my taste. The French toast sounds enticing, but it's kind of weird - dense, coated in cinnamon pancake batter. Good idea, poor execution. I'm happy to see baskets of brown eggs and fresh sliced bread...looks like they cook with real food. For the price, nostalgic atmosphere, and good diner food, I'll be back when visiting Cleveland. read more

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A bit on the expensive side but clean restaurant. Nice service $17 for breakfast is just on the expensive side

This place is so good. Good classic diner food. Breakfast selections are great and cooked fresh to order. My go to when I am in Cleveland for breakfast. read more

Excellent food, and nice friendly staff. Little pricey, but the food is great, and you get full.

We love this diner! Great food, great prices and excellent friendly service. I loved that the young guy cooking also took care to serve the guests at the bar and check in on us. The staff works great as a team to take care of you. It is always a pleasure to eat here. Their $4.99 breakfast special is just awesome. read more

Little Diner On 1st - Kitchen Sink Omelette - American Near Me - Cleveland, Tennessee

As a Jersey transplant who loves classic dinner breakfast food this was truly a treat to find. Service is outstanding (always with a smile) food is outstanding and no other place locally where I can get a Taylor egg and cheese read more

This place has been a staple in Cleveland for years! Solid breakfast, cant wait to try the burger for lunch