As I am writing this review, I am completely stuffed with delicious food. I wanted breakfast food and decided to give this place a try...PHENOMENAL!! I ordered the better broad street breakfast, which consist of any choice of meat (I got chicken tenders) eggs, toast, and grits. What made things even better was that my chicken tenders were made out of real chicken and not the filler/riblet stuff. I completely loved this place and can't wait to try more delicious meals. read more

McLean's Restaurant - Better Broad Street Breakfast - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The food was amazing...I had salmon croquets, with a side of grits,and eggs...my friend had the steak and eggs and home fried potatoes...we had to wait about 15 mins for a table and there was a long line after us. I can see why people line up because the food was amazing and the atmosphere is casual and down home. i hate that i did not get a picture of our food. read more

I've been here before and I've never been impressed with the food. I've always appreciate the service and the speed of how soon you'll get your food. I had the breakfast burrito and the home fries. First of all, the chorizo and the egg tasted really really good. My only issue is that I purposely don't order breakfast burritos because the portions are usually an overkill and I'm not a huge breakfast person. However, this was definitely not the case here. It was the smallest breakfast burrito I've eaten from anywhere. It was hot and ready to eat, just enough spice from the chorizo so where I didn't need any hot sauce, but I had a snack off of a friends plate and eat some of their fries. I ended up with the smallest meal. Knowing is half the battle, but I don't like finding out by paying for the experience and still ending up hungry. Great service, make your burrito bigger is my suggestion read more

McLean's Restaurant - Breakfast burrito - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We absolutely loved it! Yummy breakfast, food was hot and quick. Great service! Good coffee.

This centrally-located, family-owned, old-school food joint has a nice selection on their menu, ranging from breakfast to homestyle favorites. I honestly had not been to this new-ish location, only the old one years ago. This location is pretty cool - it has a garage door, brick inside, friendly and seems clean. It's nice that they have their own parking lot in this crowded area. The outside looks fine. It has potential - They could do a little more with the decor / colors / furniture on the inside to give it more of a cool diner feel, especially if they want to survive in the popular Scott's Addition area. The food was okay - maybe it was what I ordered. I am willing to try it again and order something different. Oh yeah, and the music was kind of loud and annoying. read more

Should NOT ADD 20% Gratuity !!!! I usually tip well,, depending on service ,, this is wrong

We stumbled upon this place by accident today... Wow what a great surprise!!! The food was so good and the prices were pretty low. They were so busy and the servers were working so very hard. Love this place and we will be back!!! read more

McLean's Restaurant - Salmon Cakes and Turkey Burger - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This is a nice restaurant that has so many options. I suggest you go on weekday if you don't want to wait long. Be prepared to WAIT though. The saying is " ANYTHING GOOD IS WORTH WAITING FOR " and it's definitely true at McLeans. read more

I've been here several times and I went a few weeks ago in early February. The food is still excellent and the waitresses as usual are super nice. Our wait was about 10-15 minutes which is not bad for a Sunday afternoon after church. This post is really just a heads up that there is now an 18% gratuity tip. It caught me off guard since it was just me and my husband because the menu is still reasonably priced. They're not the first place I've seen that post-covid. Just know your tip is going to be a part of the final tab. read more

One of my favorite breakfasts in Richmond. Blueberry pancakes were perfect and it was a great deal! read more

McLean's Restaurant - Pancake platter - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Food was average, but the main complaint I have is that they scam people upon checkout in tips. 1st they tip post tax, 2nd they round up (e.g. I told them I wanted to tip 15% and ended up with a 22% tip!! Wtf?) French toast was small and disappointing. Sunny side up eggs were watery and not fully cooked. read more

I like to buy food from here! They make it in the kitchen and will put it in a box so you can eat it at home in bed or at the table if you want! They will also give you a bag to make it easier to carry more than one box by putting the boxes in the bag! Kudos! read more

Probably my number 2 for classic diner breakfast. Service is fast. Food is more basic but good. People are friendly. Parking on road and in back of restaurant. Plenty of seats inside. Good for a not fancy breakfast/brunch. read more

Went here with some friends to enjoy a quick breakfast. The food was all prepared quickly with love. If you're looking to eat healthy, I wouldn't say this is the best breakfast spot for that. However, the food is delicious and worth the try. Be sure to give this place a try while you're in the city. read more

Lunch and breakfast only here. I remember them being open late into the night back in my wild college days, but I guess they have calmed down like all the rest of the old Broad Street late night haunts. There are two McLean's now but this is the "original" and not affiliated with the "other" one. The prices are amazingly low. The atmosphere is kind of country meets Hollywood with lots of posters on the wall. There is a large lunch counter and not much else to really say except that the clientele skews toward blue collar older folks. I assume it is because this place has been around for 30 years but they are moving to 3201 W Broad St November 1st, big change for a place that hasn't in decades. A had a blueberry pancake with the sage flavored patty sausage. The waitress told me the blueberries were "real" and I guess her definition is that canned blueberries are "real". The pancake was good though as were the sausage. My eggs were scrambled with American and I had grilled biscuits and bacon. The hash browns/home fries were just chunks of potato with no skin, pretty generic. Biscuits were good. Bacon was a little lacking but overall you get what you pay for and for what you pay, you can't expect pepper-smoked thick cut bacon so it is all relative, right? For breakfast there are better choices, of course. I didn't see anything on the menu that isn't served at other spots around town. The service is efficient, friendly and the food came out quick, but you can say that for most breakfast spots in town. Cheap seems to be the operative word used in all the reviews, but I don't have many folks in my life who eat by price. Therefore, I would say go with a hangover, go for the people watching or just go and see if there is something on the menu you find that might just make you a regular as well. read more

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McLean's is a typical diner, conveniently situated on Broad Street and open for breakfast and lunch.... they also stay open until 9pm some nights, according to their menu online. I've never tried it in the evening though... The majority of their menu is typical diner food, cooked fast and served a little bit sloppy. Eggs, has, grits, toast, sausage, pancakes, lots of combinations (two eggs, 2 sausage or bacon strips, etc.)... you get the picture. I did see on their menu that they have salt herring and brains and eggs... but I'm not sure how often those are really ordered. They do do a good job cooking some of the food, but their grits are pretty lumpy and tasteless, and their coffee is standard for a diner. And I'm not a fan of their sausage- I like the little maple-flavored sausage links, but the ones at McLeans are really big (almost bratwurst). However, if you like a larger sausage link, you will love McLean's- I think you can really taste the sage, and the sausage itself has good flavor. My husband really likes biscuits and gravy, but when he got it from McLean's it was really heavy and a bit tasteless. It was definitely disappointing... However, if you like scrapple, they do give nice thick slices here... I happen to love scrapple, cooked super crispy on the outside, and the kitchen here really delivered. So overall, the food I've had here hasn't struck me as being super great, but I haven't tried their pancakes or their omelets, or anything from their sandwich menu, so some of the other reviewers may just have ordered better than me :) The portions are fairly generous, and the prices are low... but it gets a little crowded, so if you want a booth, go early. The waitresses are nice and helpful, and if you are a regular they definitely go out of their way for you. Overall, this is one of those Richmond institutions that you must visit, but it's not someplace I go on a regular basis. read more

McLean's Restaurant - courtesy of http://www.mcleansrestaurant.com - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Oh my! U must try this place if u want quality home cooked food! Better than any diner I've ever eaten at. Extra special was fact we came in almost at closing with a party of ten and they agreed to seat us and were extra courteous . The Grits, biscuits and gravy were fresh,the pancakes were fluffy and huge with hot syrup. The country fried steak was enormous and full of flavor. The kids enjoyed the food as much as the adults. We will return read more

One-of-a-kind experience with Nuevo rustic feel. Don't pass on the coffee! Food served in a reasonable manner!

Food was really good wait was super long but worth it I'm not sure if the chef is super picky or waitress was lazy but I asked for half chocolate chip pan cakes an she said it couldn't be done I had to get them on the side which wasn't fun at all the seating preferences showed favoritism his friends where seated before people who had been there 45 min plus 1 thing ion like about family owned read more

McLean's Restaurant - Oj, sweet tea - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I've been going here for a few years now and am never disappointed. They master southern breakfast at a good price. The staff is efficient (I mean have you seen how many plates they carry on one arm???), the food comes out fast, and drinks are always refilled. Love this place and will continue to come back! read more

I love this place. Great food, attentive service, and good atmosphere. I enjoy my experience every time that I am here. Good, inexpensive food. You get a lot for your money. read more

Every time I order here I never receive all the food I pay for. I ordered food for my boyfriend and I today just to get home and not have 2 things missing. I call to inform and no one answers the phone. Smh this will be my last time ordering. Update* I spoke with Trent after calling over 15 times just to be told they wouldn't be able to compensate being they no longer have record of the transaction... bullshit!!! I'm done here. Will never return. read more

Yesterday my husband and I had the most delicious breakfast ever! Excellent food, service, mask wearing and social distancing observed. It was so nice to eat in a restaurant again!! read more

Took my Daughter out for Breakfast. If you're looking for a Home cooked meal, McLeans is the place... She got the Breakfast Burrito, Love Love Loved it. I got the Biggest Breakfast in Town, 3 eggs, Bacon, Potato squares, Coffee & Orange Juice, Love Love Loved it. The waitress was very friendly, courteous & professional. The Food arrived in a timely manner, NOT as if it had been sitting back there waiting to be Re-Heated... I would go to McLeans everyday for Breakfast...\m/... Highly Recommend... Open DAILY: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm OPEN LATE NIGHT ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OPENING AT 11:00pm STAYING OPEN ALL NIGHT read more

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Great breakfast spot! While they have other lunch offerings this is definitely a really good, old-fashioned breakfast diner. The best things there that you can't find at other places are things like scrapple, fat back, and thick cut fried bologna. My wife, son, and I regularly go there for Saturday or Sunday morning and is one of the go to spots when family or friends come to visit from out of state. read more

The food was AWESOME. The French toast was normal size not those gigantic slices other places serve which I never can finish. This time I was able to finish it all and they weren't dry. I opted for french fries instead of homefries. Delicious! And the turkey bacon was also good. I wanted it a little more burnt than what I got, better the taste made up for that. Cant wait to go back and get the salmon cakes. They looked so good. Everyone in my party ate good and left fully satisfied! read more

Owners son very respectful my meal and wifes meal excellent service was good other than server chewing gum glad she wasnt my waitress read more

McLean's Restaurant - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Food is always good, one of my favorite places to go to for brunch, I've been coming here since i was in elementary school , customer service is always great, waitresses are always nice, it's one waitress i always talk to about my daughter who's one and she always goes above an beyond to make sure she alright!! She wears glasses i wish i remembered her name... read more

This is generally my go to place for brunch, but I had a horrible experience there today and just cannot let this go. My experience today was just infuriating. First, my order was messed up. When the waitress came to ask how everything was, I tried to say something, but she just left. It took over ten minutes to get butter (and we had to ask another waitress to bring that). It was only when the 2nd waitress brought us the butter that I was finally able to send my food back (FYI, the eggs still weren't cooked as requested.) When our waitress finally did come back and asked if we needed anymore coffee, I said yes. She responded by just turning and walking away. Absolutely horrible. I may never go back!!! read more

McLeans is definitely a local Richmond spot. I must admit, I was judging a book by its cover when I walked in and a staff member told me to find a seat anywhere during a crowded lunch hour. Kind of gave me school cafeteria vibes lol Anyway, I was surprised to see that the menu offered breakfast all day, a few various entrees, burgers/sandwiches, salads and more. Even more surprising, everything was pretty much priced under $10. I tried the Barry Bird sandwich and upgraded from fries to onion rings. It was actually better than I expected. The turkey was shredded and not dry, the Swiss was melted to my liking and the bacon was crispy. The onion rings were definitely a clutch side. My only tip is that, you come here for a bite to eat. That's it. Don't expect a waiter that checks on you often/frequently and when you're done you walk up to the front to pay.. think of it like Waffle House? I respect McLeans for what it is and I'd definitely drop by again for a cheap/semi-quick lunch option. read more

great service and good food! i got the chicken tender wrap and my boyfriend got a grilled cheese. tater tots were the best part

I will never visit this place again. I had the pancake platter. The pancakes tasted like Dish Detergent. The home fries we bland and extremely dry. I sent it back and they offered $10% which only took a dollar off of the GRATUITY! So I still paid for disgusting food and when I asked a manager he offered to "remake it" I left here pissed off and STILL HUNGRY! I will NEVER EVER VISIT THIS PLACE AGAIN!!! read more

I use to come here all of the time. I would dine here at least once a week. The food was good, the service was fast and it was a reasonable price. I stopped coming for a while because the service has gone way down. I get the same server each time and she's extremely slow. I tried to come back after a few months and I get the same server again. It's taken over an hour to get pancakes and French toast. Also this time my table was dirty still abs there were a bunch of flies in the restaurant. read more

What is really cool and good in Scott's Addition. Good thing I only discovered it in the Fall of '17 or I'd need to lose even more lbs... If Cheers served Banana pancakes.... read more

Desired a good southern breakfast and was not disappointed. Got the Over Stuffed omelette (bacon, ham, sausage and American cheese), grits and biscuits. It came out quickly and was cooked perfectly. The waitress was friendly and checked on me frequently enough to make sure I never ran out of coffee, that my meal tasted good and towards the end to see if I needed anything else. The place was packed and a bit noisy it don't let that deter you. read more

McLean's Restaurant - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Bring Cash!!!! The food was amaaaaaaaaaazinnnnnnggggggggggg. I came with my four friend on a brisk Sunday morning. We had to wait in the waiting room for five minutes before being seated.. Once sat we were greeted by Donna, who was very nice and thorough while taking our orders. The food came out in no time. I ordered chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and house potato's, which came with a complimentary side of grits. The chocolate chip pancakes were perfect. I personally hate when cooks add too many chocolate chips to their pancakes, they had the perfect amount. The house potato's were also very good. I do not know what the secret is but the flavor profile was out of this world. The grits were creamy with no chucks. They reminded me of home. Overall Mclean's is a great place to get a quick, delicious and most importantly cheap breakfast meal. read more

Normally I would give this place 5/5 stars. Me and my boyfriend frequently eat here for lunch. It's quick, good food, and great service(normally.) Today was not that day. When my boyfriend and I arrived we were greeted and told to sit where we would like as usual. The restaurant wasn't too slammed and we picked the first booth around the corner from the entrance. We were greeted promptly and had gotten our drinks. This is where it went south. Our waitress asked if we needed a minute in which we did so, she said she would be back. This was at 12:10. We decided quickly and put our menus to the side. At this point at about 12:15-12:30 I watched our server stand behind the counter talking to coworkers, eating her lunch, and checking her phone with her back towards the customers. Now, I have been a server for 10+ years so I know the game well. But, it is unacceptable to have customers waiting for that long of a time to order when they can see you doing other things besides working. At this time we realized even if we ordered right then, food on average takes about 15-20 min to be prepared and on the table. So, we sadly decided to leave when another waitress noticed us putting on our coats with menus still on the table. She is awesome but sadly we had to go because of the time constraint. I know everyone has their days and it was lunch rush, but having your customers watch you eat lunch while we are still waiting to order is disappointing. read more

Zero Rating!!!! I had to choose one star to complete this review. Today I asked my brother and my daughter to go to breakfast at McLean's. I ordered my food at 10am. It was not 10:10am, I was hungary, I entered McLean's first and ordered as I knew what I wanted. By 10:45am I still did not have my food. I'm told I ordered my food at 10:30am in which that is when my brother and daughter ordered their food. After not wanting my food AS my daughter and brother wanted their food. THE OWNER TO MY PLATE, MY DAUGHTER'S PLATE WHILE SHE WAS EATING IT AND THE TO GO ORDER, TOLD MY DAUGHTER SHE IS THE OWNER AND SHE COULD NOT HAVE THE FOOD AND TOLD US TO NEVER COME BACK TO HER RESTAURANT. The owner just took all the food. Not just my food that I didn't want ... my daughter's food and my brothers to go order TOTALLY AWFUL EXPERIENCE!!! UNPROFESSIONAL!!!! RACIST!!! I honestly feel if we were white we would have never had this poor treatment from a restaurant and by the owner at that. This is the type of treatment the owner's employees have to mirror after. I'm so disappointed!!! I'm hurt!!!! I'm embarrassed as the owner yelled as the restaurant was full of customers. I really just can not believe what I experienced today! read more

I found it difficult to enjoy my food with the Republican political signs in the window.

It's hard to go wrong with McLeans. They put out a classic mix of breakfasts, in the Southern style, where everything is tasty and served quickly. This is the place to go if you want to try some southern classics like scrapple, fat back, country ham, bologna, country fried steak and I don't remember what else. They have all the classics so you're sure to get your breakfast cravings filled. If you're looking for an free-range egg omelette with cave-aged cheese, nitrite-free bacon, and organic breakfast potatoes, you won't find it here, but you will find a traditional breakfast selection that's sure to make you feel good. Any restaurant that has water cups and coffee cups with local businesses plastered around them must be an institution and been here a while. This is that place. You won't be sorry. read more

McLean's Restaurant - When they have advertisements on their coffee cups, it's a sure sign they've been around a while. - American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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