1. Good food. 2. Good service. 3. Good price. Everything you want in an old-fashioned American diner. read more

Sat at the counter and had fantastic service around 12:30pm the day after Christmas. It was crazy busy and all the waitresses had great attitudes! We had a corned beef hash omelette and a breakfast burrito platter. Both were excellent and huge portions! Coffee never ran out and was always freshly brewed. We will definitely be back again! read more

We love McLeans. Great food, great price, great RVA vibe. The pancakes and biscuits (never dry!) are always a favorite of mine. My husband loves scrapple so if you are looking for that, this is the place to go. I took my niece on a little outing a couple of weeks ago and she wanted pancakes with whipped cream so that is how we ordered. When the pancakes came out, they had made a smiley face with the whipped cream which lit up her little face. That was a win-win in my book. :) read more

This place is a hidden gem in Richmond. Although I've only had breakfast there, everything I've gotten is always good. I'm also a big fan of crushed ice which is what they have in their beverages. :) My wife & I go here for brunch probably 2 weekends a month and we both love it. If you get scrambled eggs, add cheese as well. I definitely recommend this place! read more

Don't try using a debit card. The woman who ran my card told me it was declined, and when I told her that was weird because I had more than enough money on it, she refused to run it a second time. I then had to argue with her for 20 minutes juts do get her to do this, and when it was approved she snarkily told me "next time make sure you have money on the card the first time around". Hopefully they teach their employees how to use their POF so this doesn't happen again! Personally, I won't go be going back. The food was dry and the staff was rude. read more

This one star goes to the server who was the only redeeming feature of the restaurant and even with her i sat for 5+ mins without a fork while my food got cold. Undercooked eggs that had been sitting under the warming lamp for 20 mins. And this was the SECOND plate of food i was served after the first "Eggs Benedict" had the grossest cheese-like sauce that they considered hollandaise. I asked the server if it was cheese because it was so orange and she said "That's hollandaise!! I can never figure out what that stuff is supposed to taste like!" ...Not that honey. It is not supposed to taste like that. Even my wife, who ordered basic scrambled eggs bacon and pancakes could not finish her meal. This review doesn't do it justice. It was legitimately the worst breakfast we've ever had in our lives. Then again I should have know when the waitress's response to my "can they do poached eggs on the benedict" question was "wellll they cann but they sometimes mess that up..." It seems the cook here can't actually make an egg because there are only two ways they come - salmonella on a plate or dried and fried jerky texture. Save your money and your health. read more

Ordered biscuits with sausage gravy - no evidence of sausage could be seen or tasted . Link sausage I ordered on the side was good . We also had pancakes - tasted like fried in lard or some kind of grease / took a couple of bites that's all I could stomach . Will not be going back . read more

McLean's was a light in a dark spot yesterday. I was traveling out of state with my 3 children when my check engine light began flashing and there was obviously something wrong with my vehicle. Cutshaw kindly took me on as a customer, and waiting was easy because they referred me to favorite local breakfast spot, McLean's. Perfect waitress with attention to customer service and BONUS, was hospitable enough to allow us to hang in our booth until repairs were completed. (I would not have taken up the spot if others were waiting!) Yummy food and coffee to boot. Thankful!! read more

I have frequented McLeans often over the years and I have always had a great food experience and the staff has always been pleasant and helpful. Unfortunately, things have taken a negative turn in both areas. I visited the restaurant on Friday morning with five other friends. Our orders were taken pleasantly and quickly. The food was also delivered quickly as well. Sadly, that is where the positives end. Everything was overcooked and cold. One of my friends specifically requested for no metal utensils and crispy cooked bacon. Her food was delivered with a large metal spoon in the grits and translucent bacon. She requested her order be corrected and was met with absolute disdain and disgust from our server. Our server returned a few minutes later with an egg on a saucer and a "new" bowl of grits. She was told that her bacon was on the way. My friend made a comment that this was not good service....all of her food should have been re-delivered together. Our server was waiting on a completely different table and turned to say, "This is good service, I said your bacon was coming." My friend told the server that she was not speaking to her...the server replied that she could hear here and that's why she said something. My friend once again stated that she was having a conversation with her friends not the server. The server once again replied, her tone getting nastier and nastier. My friend who had just lost her husband two days prior let frustration take over and yelled to the server that she was NOT speaking to her. The server then screamed GET OUT!!! I asked for a manager and was told that there wasn't one. We went to leave and were told that the police would be called if we didn't pay the bill. Now calm, my friend tried to talk to the server who stated, "Don't talk to me..I'm not talking to you." My friend politely stated, "No problem, I was paying the entire bill, but now you can take care of it." I tried one last time to ask about a manager and was told by our server that that was no concern of mine. Well then. We left and I will never patronize an establishment that hires the worst of the worst. The worst food and the worst servers in Richmond and that's saying a lot. read more

Great home style breakfast. Biscuits n gravy is awesome....being from south Alabama it reminds me of home read more

McLean's Restaurant - Ummmm.good - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Been going to this place for years. Probably since we moved to Richmond back in 2011. Everything my wife and I have eaten has always been delicious and everything is reasonably priced. The staff is always friendly so no complaints in that department either. I've never had any issues with food or service. The only complaint I do have is, every time we go there are always flies bothering us while we eat. But, it is a business where there is food and the doors are always opening, especially when it's busy. Of course there's going to be flies. It's definitely not their fault in anyway, and they do their best to control the problem. Even if/when my wife and I move from Richmond we will still continue to visit this place. read more

McLean's Restaurant - Mmm blueberry pancakes with sausage links. - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We've been on and off patrons here for many years and since moving out the area it's become a regular breakfast stop on our way back home after visiting family here. But our last visit, 12/27/21, may just be our last. We understand that recent scarcity of grocery items like meat and issues related to hiring and paying wages for staff is likely to blame for an increase in restaurant prices everywhere, but this establishment seems to be taking advantage of an opportunity to gouge its clientele. All you have to do is compare the menu photos posted here to see a significant jump in some of the prices, ie the cost of the Western Omelet among others. I get it, inflation is a normal thing. I have no problem with the service here or ever paying 20% gratuity, but that 20% is calculated on what is now a significantly higher menu price. For folks on a budget like us, $58 for what was at best a mediocre BREAKFAST (biscuits burnt on the bottom) for 3 adults just isn't acceptable. read more

We found this when we realized that our hotel didn't have anything decent to eat. This was exactly what I wanted but didn't know I was craving! The corned beef hash and eggs were amazing and the waitresses were attentive but not too much! Great coffee and a great place to stop for a home-style breakfast that isn't a chain! read more

Went here today for the first time with a friend. He recommended their breakfast, and boy, was it damn good! Great atmosphere, pretty good service, and awesome food! Generous portions and generous prices! This place is superbly awesome! read more

Called to do some research about planning a company outing, Asked to ask some questions about the restaurant, the person on the phone said we don't do that here and slammed the phone down. If they are that rude to potential large parties we will take our 40 person party elsewhere. Wish I would have seen the reviews before I called. Someone else will be getting our business. It pays to be kind no matter what you assume. read more

I have been hearing about McLean's for years and finally got a chance to stop in. Unfortunately I was disappointed. It looks like a great stop for regulars and the staff is friendly. They have been voted best breakfast in Richmond for 7 years in a row so I think I was expecting more the. I should have. The pancakes and French toast were good but the biscuits were nothing to write home about and the egg Benedict had fried eggs and the Hollandaise sauce was very dark yellow. Basically the food was fine but I will not be back. read more

Well, the parking lot is possibly the worst in Richmond however, the food makes up for it (and the prices aren't bad either :) ). Recently visited this past Sunday after church and it was slammed packed, they have a bar and places to sit. This isn't my favorite place to go to for brunch but, it definitely isn't the worst place I've been. I got the special, Eggs Benie, which came with hash browns and toast and my meal was less than $10. Can't beat it! read more

After a Saturday night of partying hard it's only right to have Sunday Brunch. My friend suggested this place since she was familiar with it. Parking was a bit of a pain. the parking lot was very tight and once I pulled in there was another car in front of me who was trying to exit since there were no parking spots available. I suck at driving backwards but I eventually made it out and found parking on the side of the road. Inside of McLeans reminded me of a cafeteria by it's large open space filled with tables. upon coming in there were open bar seats so we sat there . The service here is excellent and fast. From my seat I can see the kitchen and I watched how fast and consistent the meals were being made. The lady who served us was very nice. I ordered the 6oz rib eye w/ fried eggs home fries and toast. My friend told me that the grits were free so I threw that in my order as well, she ordered the bologna burger which I didn't even know was a thing! It didn't take long for the food to come out at all, it looked extremely good. The steak was medium well just like I asked, It didn't have much flavor to me and I refuse to use steak sauce. The home fries were delicious and stood out to me the most. The price for the food was cheap which was a plus for me. I had a bite of my friends bologna burger and THAT was really good! I never seen bologna that thick before.. I wish I ordered that instead. I'll come back here again to try other menu items when I come back to Richmond. read more

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Very decent brunch spot. I think I may like this place over City Diner even though they are kind of one in the same. McLeans gets way crowded around 11am on the weekends so be wary. I think we waited for about 20 minutes for a seat at the bar. Food is pretty decent if a little greasy but you should be expecting that. This place did raise a question in my mind. Is McLeans proof that you can open up a diner with average quality food in Richmond and people will still flock to you? read more

Lawd this NYC city girl found herself some fatback and scrabble to goo with her grits. A nice find. Other than the coffee needing to be stronger the food was delicious. Donna-Lee provided great service. Will definitely stop here again when I visit Richmond read more

Great food, great service. Conveniently located off of I 64. Great local find. Just writing a five star review for you guys

A visit to McLean's is a lot like sex: it's never bad, but sometimes you just get the feeling it could have been a little better.... Food is good enough, but not great. Service is always prompt and friendly. Coffee is ok. Hot, nothing special. Presentation is ok, but don't expect a garnish on the side. Dunno. I go there, I eat there...just don't set your expectations bar too high and you'll be alright. It's an old-time throwback local restaurant experience, so nothing cutting-edge or innovative here. Always a crowd, so they must be doing something right. It's never bad, but.... read more

Good coffee. Good portions. Easy on the wallet. Home cooking that feeds the soul. The Biggest Breakfast in Town will cure almost any previous evening entertainment side effects/ailments. read more

Could't say it's my favorite place for late morning breakfast but it gets the job done. I brought my parents here when they were in town for my mother's birthday. Prices are reasonable, food is ok. Service is quick once you can find a space. We waited for 10 minutes for a space. It's tough to rate a place high when "they can't guarantee temperature" on a steak. Overcooked, burnt potatoes with little to no seasoning. Complimentary grits are a nice touch. Biscuits are better than they were before when fresh. I'll be back but I always go in with a moderate expecation for this place read more

This place is a great Sunday morning treat if you're in town for a day. We went to the Richmond Folk Festival the day before. It is kind of a greasy spoon, but the breakfast is awesome. They have a great sausage gravy for the biscuits and gravy. The kids were happy with the pancakes...chocolate chip is an option, need I say more? I also had the grits and some fatback, which were both awesome. This is the only place I've been that serves fatback. The coffee is also good and the service is great. I plan on stopping here anytime I'm in town overnight. read more

Cute place with good food. Loved the home fries and the pancakes. My scrambled eggs weren't cooked all the way though... Some ppl don't mind but I do:( yum!! read more

This is my favorite place to go for breakfast. The have some things other restaurants don't carry. And if your a country eater like myself you will love this place. Staff always friendly and attentive. Your cup is never empty. Prices are great! read more

Best breakfast in Richmond. Unbeatable service, coffee, prices and food. We come here almost every week or so.

Great breakfast - super fast, and really good. Great service too. Ambience is like a warehouse, but I came to eat, and the tables aren't on top of another. Affordable too. read more

Have been looking for good carry out breakfast and have finally found it! Corned beef hash was the perfect amount of saltiness with a few crispy bits, sausage gravy is the best I've had in years, biscuits are fluffier rather than dense, potatoes are sliced au gratin style, grits are cooked perfectly. Cannot say enough good things about this place. Service is friendly, prices are lower than I'd expect for the quality of the food. Wide open seating area and counter space for those looking to dine in. Will definitely be returning! To note: I ended up adding salt/pepper to the sausage gravy, potatoes, and grits. I assume they intentionally leave these items somewhat less salted to allow their patrons to season to their preference. Let's see if I can say this in an appropriate manner ;) There were many customers who looked as though they had been eating at McLeans for decades -- which speaks volumes about the goodness of the meals; I'm guessing they prepare these items specifically in this manner to allow those who shouldn't be eating a ton of salt to still eat here. PC enough for ya? :) Trust me, delicious, come here, eat. read more

Great place for breakfast (that's all I've ever eaten there, but the rest looks good too!!). This place knows how to cook scrambled eggs and they get the grits right!! Good biscuits and gravy too!! If you've never been here, you're missing out! read more

There was nothing particularly wrong with our food. It was just standard breakfast fare. Service was excellent. Pancakes, sausage, grits, and a breakfast sandwich--all were just ho-hum. Coffee was pretty good. Cost was average (about $20 for two). There are too many other better places for us to return. read more

McLeans is cheap, tasty, and hits the spot. The old building was a bit more run down (and cozy) but the newer location seats many more and is somehow reminds me of a cafeteria, besides the bar. There is a decent-sized parking lot around back and usually open tables or at worst, a short wait. All of the servers I've ever encountered are friendly, attentive, and relatively quick. Food tends to arrive quickly after you place your order, even when its slammed. The food is greasy-spoon style - like a Waffle House minus the corporate feel. While their food may not be the most gourmet or innovative, it's pretty damn good. This is a great spot to get a cheap, filling, and greasy breakfast to cure a hangover or start your day off right. read more

Service sucks food is somewhat good 20 minutes for 2 eggs Will not be going there again

Use to be a great place for breakfast. Not sure what happened. Got the Biggest Breakfast in town, was not busy and had to send food back. Service and quality has gone down. read more

Food: amazing. Service: top notch. Prices for what you get are insane! The portions are out of this world.

I always say if a cop eats at a breakfast place then you know it's a good place to eat. The service was good from us sitting down to the waitress taking our order. The water tasted a little funny but I doubt that is their fault. My bacon and eggs were cooked exactly how I liked them and for the price were up to par. The waitress staff looked a little rough around the edges but that did not affect my service. Would eat here again read more

McLean's Restaurant - Yummy pancakes were as described - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We were seated fast for party of 11. Great selection on menu. Food was bought out fast. I had to send french toast back was not cooked all the way and still was not cooked properly the second time. Food was bland and luke warm. Our waitress was pleasant but the lady that bought the food to the table had a awful attitude. My first & last visit. If you want a good breakfast go to Metro Diner or Eat 33 you won't be disappointed!!! read more

Stopped in after dropping my wife at the Staples Mills train station. I wasn't sure whether 2 stars or 3 was the evaluation. It was difficult but I received good service and even thought the eggs that I ordered over easy were pretty brown ( over cooked )on one side and not over easy, I gave the benefit to 3 stars. Good service always gets a star. The potatoes were over and undercooked. Some very hard and solid, not cooked and others like burnt potato chips. Good coffee, greasy bacon but I still love breakfast and I'd go back if I'm in the neighborhood. If just a little more attention to the actual preparation of the food they'd be a 4 star. It's not hard to put bacon on a paper towel for a moment and flip the eggs sooner. They weren't busy at all either, so I can't give them a pass for the food. Just mediocre. Rye bread was fine. read more

OMG!!! I love this restaurant. I work around the corner from them and every chance I get, I go. They give you plenty for your money. I now have a co-worker that craves them every day. read more