I have been to Tom's Place too many times to count. It is one of those few surviving old school (literally ... it is over 100 years old) roadside cafes that are precious little gems. The food is very good. Not spectacular, and not gourmet, by any means, but very good American fare. The service is also very good, and the current owner is an asset to the community in many ways. But it is the ambiance that really makes it special. It dates back to 1917, and looks it. The dining room has a big fireplace and is paneled with knotty pine. There are a lot of doo-dads about which give the place a lot of character. Next to the dining room is a small bar, similarly festooned with a lot of entertaining doo dads. Tom's place is an official watering hole of ECV, and that alone tells you something about the place. They also have a small general store with convenience food and supplies, as well as simple souvenirs like t-shirts and coffee mugs. Have a look there while you are at it. To give you a sense of the place, consider the attached photograph. It is of the stairway to the restrooms downstairs. That doorway is low enough that a tall person might possibly hit their head, hence the admonishment. That's it in a nutshell. This is either your kind of place or not. But it is surely mine! read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

Upon arrival to Tom's place, I let my service animal walk around for second before picking her up to carry her into the restaurant. I was immediately met on the porch by the owner? A short, portly, long blond/ grey hair lady who instantly barked that pets were not allowed in Tom's place. I informed her that my dog is a service animal, and she immediately raised her voice and started accusing me of lying. She demanded to see paperwork that would prove that my dog is a service animal, I asked her to wait a minute while I pull it up on email and she would not stop raising her voice and basically yelling at me. I had lost my reading glasses the day before and could not see well, I was trying to pull up the email while she was yelling at me. She said she had reading glasses she could sell me, but I needed to show her the proof that my dog was a service animal before she would let her in the store. My dog was now shivering profusely because it was coldish and windy, she pointed it out and I informed her that my dog is shivering from the cold, and we are just hungry this is a huge waste of time, because she is a legal service animal, but I am now under too much stress and cannot see without my glasses to pull up the digital proof that she demands before we enter. I informed her that this was illegal, and she started berating me, telling me I don't know what the law is. She than started being condescending and asking me if I know what ADA stands for. I told her that I am a RN, and that just made her louder and more unruly. If anyonlie from the state wants to talk, I allow YELP to release my email address to them. I have had my service animal for years, and never a problem. I have actually had her in Tom's place before without a problem. I have no idea why a small restaurant owner would rather cause potential litigation and undue stress upon potential customers and break the law and demand proof of service animal legitimacy than just let people with service animals live their best lives in peace. I did not need this experience and neither did the friend that was with me or my service animal . WHO THE HELL CARES IF SOMEONE HAS A SMALL DOG THAT IS SILENT. Unfortunately for you, she is a service animal. I have paperwork. In this day and age in California, they are letting many crimes go unpunished, as it is now racist to prosecute anything. So to all the small restaurant owners out there that give people undue stress about service animals which are not a crime, just shut your mouth, take our money, and obey the law. read more

I hate leaving bad reviews, but my experience at Tom's Place Restaurant Café was honestly terrible. I came in for lunch and was treated very poorly by our waitress. She brought me a bowl of chili that was literally cold. I didn't even complain because she never came back to the table after serving it. We asked for extra napkins and only received two. Again, she disappeared and never checked on us. When my burger arrived, the service somehow got even worse. I eventually had to ask another waitress to go find our server just so I could get my bill. When she finally came back, she was extremely rude and dismissive. Honestly, it almost seemed like she was under the influence of medication or something because her behavior was so strange and unprofessional. The only positive part of the experience was another waitress -- an amazing Latina woman -- who stopped by our table and actually apologized for what was happening. She showed more professionalism in one minute than our waitress did the entire meal. I still left a $2 tip, and I'm the kind of person who would normally leave a $50 tip for good service. That should say everything. Very disappointing experience. read more

Food a "C", service a "C", ambiance "D" . Maybe they were understaffed? Not too clean, lots of annoying house flies.

Okay I don't even know where to start currently in a food comma and in disbelief of how good this prime rib was to die for the seasoning and the taste on it is honestly the best best prob rib I've ever tasted. I can say now I have my spot where to get prime rib and not overprice but I honestly wouldn't mind paying way more for the prime rib it was to die for. Service since I got here I was to die for I felt part of the family the ambience is so nice and cozy like I am in a cabin so nice!! So glad I found this place last minute. But it's definitely a must if I ever come down here I get and I will for the prime rib !! Served on Saturday after 5. read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Prime Rib with a baked Potato - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

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Had excellent French Dip with Ortega chilis and Swiss with onion rings plus an ice tea. Will try the fries next time. We split the food and I drank a whole pitch (on table) of their fantastic water. The waitress explained the water source and filtration. Half a meal was plenty! Upon giving us the bill she offered a refill on the ice tea for the road! We were pleased to accept it. And the ambiance was great. We like 100 year old places, which is what got us here. They keep the fans on to keep it cool so maybe bring in another layer. We liked the creek outside. Didn't sit outside due to the wind. read more

This is the kind of honky-tonk place that I love. It is slightly hidden from highway 395 yet just one minute off the busy highway. You will find a diverse crowd here so don't feel awkward walking in! Please! We ate here twice this week while camping nearby. There were fishermen in waders, hippies, city folk, campers, tourists, etc. If you are not offended by stuffed animals and goofy plaques, pop in and look at the very reasonably priced menu. The French fries were fried perfectly. Beer is super affordable and there is a connected saloon and connected general store. The service was prompt. The wait staff had a sense of humor. The bathroom is clean and for public. I want to return for a daily dinner special! Loved it. I give the ambience a 5-star and the bar a 5-star and the food a 4-. I'll be back. read more

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Stopped for breakfast on our way to Minden Nevada. Coffee was awesome. Breakfast was delicious. Service was good too went up the road and tried my hand at fishing a little bit didn't catch anything. It's pretty rustic inside the store café, but it's good. check out the general store lots of neat stuff in there too. read more

I stopped in on my way through to Bishop in late November and thought I would give Tom's a try. The tuna melt was plenty big, plain and not very warm. The salad was average. The atmosphere is small town bar and cold enough inside that I kept my heavy coat on. The waitress was a sweetheart and very friendly to talk to. read more

Tom's has been our favorite place for decades but we witnessed the owner treating her employees terribly! I just feel that someone who has worked there for so many years should be treated with the greatest respect. Shame on the owner! read more

It's been awhile since I've eaten at this legendary spot. It did not disappoint. French dip sandwich was amazing, best diner onion rings. Kids had an authentic old school milkshake. Phenomenal lunch, great down home service. Definitely back on the rotation for dining out. It was a little cold in the dining room. read more

Tom's place may be an area institution (small store with an attached restaurant), but it's a haven for area campers. This area has a lot of campgrounds with zero cell phone service and Internet. So it's not uncommon to see people parked here just for that. The market has all the necessary items you'd need during a camping trip. That includes adult beverages, including locally produced ones. read more

Tom's Place Cafe - two cans of cherry sour - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

Prime rib night is Thursdays. Tom's Place prepares an excellent prime rib dinner every Thursday. The locals know this and are lined up at 5 o'clock when the restaurant starts seating patrons for dinner. If it's during the busy tourist season, I suggest being there promptly if you want a table. Otherwise, there might not be any prime rib left. It's crazy good. I've been here for breakfasts before, and they are good, hearty fare that'll fuel your outdoorsy adventure activities in the Eastern Sierra. This is a good place for dinner to bring friends. I need to visit the area more often, so I can eat here more often and maybe try more of the menu selections. read more

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You definitely need to stop in at Tom's Place. Enjoy a hot meal and cup of coffee. I always meet the nicest people traveling through here. Great way to break up the long drives of Highway 395. Keep on trucking friends. read more

What can I say, it's an icon along the 395! Stopped here en route from June Lake back to my base camp at Grays Meadow in Independence for a lunch/ potty break. I had a veggie burger, fries, & ice tea. Service was very friendly and the food was good. Not like epicurean good, but like pit stop along the 395 good. It was exactly what I needed. Also, thumbs up for the big shade trees in front of the Lodge. After lunch, Twinkle and I sat on the cool grass, under a shady tree, for almost two hours just relaxing and waiting for the temp to cool down more. The adjoining market wasn't very exciting, lots of Oscar Mayer meats and junk snacks. I did buy a souvenir sticker but didnt find any good eats to go. Overall, a good experience. If you're in the area, Tom's Place is a staple. read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

I stop at this cafe for breakfast every time I'm in the area. I've been fortunate to always get good food & service! I've read about a bad service in the past on many people's reviews, but that hasn't been my experience. Each time, I've been happy! read more

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Very rustic but also really good. Both the food and service. Will go back. Small and cozy. read more

Tom's Place cafe was our final stop that we were so looking forward to. We still had a 4.5 hour drive to get home. We were greeted as we entered, then you go back in time, vintage knotty pine nostalgic photos a sweet aroma of classic breakfasts. Friendly staff brought water and delicious coffee promptly. Plenty of of tables,comfortable booths and even chairs up at the counter for singles. The menu is extensive daily specials are featured. Today we stuck to the traditional french toast scramble with bacon and sausage eggs over easy with biscuits and gravy. Both breakfasts were brought out after we enjoyed a cup of their fine brewed coffee. Our meals were both excellent ample portions very tasty. The classic bar adjoining the cafe is another step back in time very inviting Im sure the Bloody Marys are delicious. Toms market has all your essential needs ice dairy camping, a good selection of fishing tackle quality shirts hats sweatshirts coffee mugs and special gifts. I picked up a couple coffee mugs then it was back in the truck to finish our way home. Tom's place was a fitting way to wrap up our successful 4 day fishing trip Check them out go back in time. read more

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We have been coming to this place for over 40 years and the guy behind the counter was extremely rude and so was the cook from behind the window! We got up and left told the owner we will never be back and not only that there were cockroaches in the women's bathroom! The food and service has gone downhill ever since Covid. If I could give zero stars, I would! read more

Spent one night at Tom's Supervalu for the accommodations and very convenient to have the bar and restaurant right across the street very wholesome food and large portions with a very reasonable price much better than mammoth. The apple pie was excellent. read more

Tom's Place is always good. Their menu has a lot of good things. We sat out by the creek, which is always nice to listen to the creek. We live close to Tom's Place. So it's easy to get to. The people from out of town are so happy to be at the great Tom's Place. Waitresses are always nice. Why not be nice ‍. You're there for yourself and some Onion Rings!!! and a burger, or chicken Ortega sandwich. The menu has just about everything on it. Bloody Mary's is/are good also. Go for a hike up to the lake and do some fishing. The restaurant has not changed in years and I like that. It's the Ambiance that you want. Kick back and relax. Have fun read more

Whenever I visit Tahoe, Tom's place is a must-stop. It holds a special memory as we received our college acceptance letter there. The warmth of the moment was complemented by the delicious country fried steak--so good that I forgot my usual food photos. Despite the quiet atmosphere, the service was fantastic. The staff even took the time to hear our school acceptance story. Looking forward to returning and sharing more memories. Happy dining/shopping! read more

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Everything about Tom's Place is so special. The Prime Rib was perfect. The service was OUTSTANDING (thank you Christy) . The bartender JoJo was Epic THANK YOU ! If y'all ever have the opportunity if you're passing by and have time to stop its well worth it. This place is full of history and charm. Much love read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.....they're all good. A big menu, making it hard to decide what to order. Service is always outstanding with friendly servers. There's always a good crowd of customers at this establishment. It's an old building with interesting decor. All in all Toms Place is cool a place to grab a bite. If you still have room after eating your meal make sure you have a slice of pie and ice cream. read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Pastrami on toasted garlic bread and French Fries - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

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I've been coming here for years. It's a must stop after a day of fishing on Crowley. I can honestly say that I've never had a bad meal. Everything has been great but my all time favorite is taco Tuesday. They are delicious and have a unique flavor. The cafe has a very homey feel and the waitresses are very friendly personable. One other thing, the portions are great. You will not leave hungry. read more

What bothered me first about Tom's Place Cafe is they make it clear dogs are not very welcome here. This is posted promently by the front door and it is also posted that you will be required to prove that you have a service dog if you wish to eat inside. Well, that is in clear violation of federal law as set for under the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). I suggest the owner review this law as it relates to service dogs. I do have a disbility and I do have a service dog, but i wasn't going to get into it with the staff there. I can only imagine what they would do to the food if i did. So my wife and were able to sit out on the front walkway with our dog, but were allowed takeout only. My wife got the BLT which she said was okay. I got the chicken sandwhich which came with a choice of fries or salad. I went with the salad. Well the salad was one small piece of lettuce. That's it. Seriously, that was the salad. Well that I put on the sandwhich which was a chunk of chicken that i had to cut up using my Swiss Army Knife because you can't really eat it that way on the roll. Oh, had to use my knife because they couldn't bother to give us any siverware. So, will I go back? Yep, probably the next time we're in the Mammoth area and I'll walk right in with my unmarked service dog, sit down, and wait for them to challange me. If the staff wants to make an issue of it, I'll tell them to call the sheriff and will happily wait for them to show up. Of course I wouldn't eat the food. They most likely would spit in it! read more

Outdoor seating but dogs can't sit on the patio with you they have to be tied to the outside of the patio. Why? The inside looks old fashioned, and dare I say a bit tattered and grimy lol I ordered the burger it was decent for a diner. I initially came for the store next door but they didn't have any meats or veggies to grill so we decided to try the restaurant instead. Typically greasy diner fare. read more

I have a friend who's been telling me about Tom's Place for many many years. Finally we were just up the road and starving and made a beeline here for breakfast. I was in search of a decent cuppa coffee and breakfast. We came to the right place! Let me start by saying that a chili cheese omelette would not normally be my first choice of breakfast selection. But I was cold and it sounded like a comfort meal. OMG, by far the best chili cheese omelette I've ever had! The chili was divine, melded with a boatful of melted cheese. Mr. S had biscuits and gravy and said it was delicious and the egg was prepared perfectly. Oh, and by the way, the coffee was excellent too, as well as the friendly service. This was the best meal of our autumn road trip. I can't wait to go back. I'd love to try other things on the menu, but that omelette has made me a believer and it's doubtful that I'd order anything else! read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Biscuits and gravy plate - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

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I've been past this place 50 times and finally stopped . it was everything I look for in a rest break and a meal . quaint , historic, good service, and well - prepared food . It will be a new stopover from now on. read more

All our food came out cold and we never saw our waiter again after food got dropped off. All of that is to be expected on a busy 4th of July weekend! The reason for the 1 star review is because a local family that were also eating there were SUPER rude, telling us under their breath to leave and never come back, so tourists BEWARE! The ambiance is nice tho! read more

Tom's Place Cafe is the centerpiece of Tom's Place Resort, which is a rustic resort located near Mammoth Lake, in Mono County, CA, that caters to hunters, fishing enthusiasts, outdoor lovers of all varieties, and those who enjoy outstanding, mountain cuisine, served by friendly staff. Tom's Place Cafe is located across the street from Tom's Place Resort, and the restaurant is co-located with the general store. The sign says the places has offered "100 Years of Reel Fun" as the Crowley Lake area, located in Mono County, CA, is noted for outstanding fishing and hunting. As you enter the restaurant, you'll notice the large counter, the well-stocked selection of beer and wine the restaurant offers, along with the signs, photos and posters, with the rustic decor in keeping with the area. Friendly hostess Maryanna was talking to the chef through the open window to the kitchen, as a Crowley Lake local sits at the counter and enjoys a late breakfast. The restaurant, along with the co-located general store are part of Tom's Place Resort, which is a rustic retreat in the eastern Sierra Nevada, which caters to hunters, fishermen, skiers, and anybody who enjoys the amazing outdoors that Mono County has to offer. Back in the day, this was a stage stop, but in 2022, it's a "go-to" spot for anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery, unlimited outdoor recreation, and great mountain cuisine. The dining room is large, spacious, and the furniture is tables, with a few booths on the side. The restaurant is located in the very rural eastern Sierra Nevada region of California, at the elevation of the 6200 foot level, so as you would expect, the decor is very rustic, and reflects the character of the area. From the "Good Afternoon - Lunch" section of the menu, I went with "Tom's Famous Charbroiled Burger," complete with cheese, and for an extra couple of bucks, I splurged and went with bacon, to make this an outstanding lunch! The burger arrived open faced, with the meat patty, melted cheese and bacon slices placed on top of the buns, with the lettuce, tomato, red onion slices, dill pickle slices and a cup of mayonnaise on the side, which made for an amazing photo. More important than the photo is the fact that the "cold" veggies and mayo, and the "warm" meat, cheese, bacon and buns stay "warm, " which makes for an amazing taste sensation of a burger when you contrast the "hot" and "cold" together. Naturally, the fries were served on the side and arrive "warm," as you'd expect at any fine restaurant. I'm guessing the meat patty was about 6 ounces or so, and I didn't specify how it was to be grilled, but the beef arrived cooked medium, which always works for me. When I assembled the burger, and took my first bite, I was rewarded with the warm, juicy goodness of the seasoned beer, the perfectly melted cheese, along with the crispy smokiness that the bacon slices provided. Contrasting to the "warm" juiciness was the "cold" goodness of the fresh lettuce, tomato slices, red onion and the dill pickle slices. Oh... what a delicious cheeseburger! The chef has talent, as the "hot" versus "cold" is one of the things that makes for a delicious burger, and the chef at Tom's Place Cafe "nailed" the burger, and created a burger masterpiece. The fries were very plentiful - a small "mammoth" mountain - and perfectly deep fried to a crispy golden brown on the outside, and a tender white inside. The fries made an outstanding side to my "Cheeseburger and Fries." The cheeseburger was delicious, and the fries simply enhanced the amazing lunch I enjoyed on this late Tuesday morning at Tom's Place Cafe. The fine cuisine served at Tom's Place Cafe is as spectacular as the mountain scenery, along with the amazing fishing at Crowley Lake, the dining room is fun and rustic, and the staff is as friendly as it gets. For spectacular mountain dining, think of Tom's Place Cafe, located at beautiful Crowley Lake, CA! If you love "mountain" atmosphere, friendly locals, bikers and great diner cuisine, this restaurant will net you five stars, like it did during my visit. read more

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Surprisingly good food! The soups are clearly homemade which honestly blew me away & hit the spot on a cold night. I haven't had homemade soup in years and mannn can you tell the difference! I ordered pork chops which came with salad or tomato soup to start, as well as veggies and a baked potato with the meal. My sister really enjoyed the chili and her dad liked the fish & chips. We all liked the fries and the milkshakes. They had a few beers on tap and some wine available too. Not sure about cocktails though. This place has its own character and charm to it. It's full of locals and regulars and I see why. It's been around for decades and it seems like the type of restaurant you could've smoked in a few years ago but that obviously isn't allowed now. There's pictures covering the walls documenting the history of the area which I thought was cool and the building has a lot of charm to it. Our server was fantastic but I think most people come here for the food and daily specials, like prime rib on Saturday. I'll be back again! read more

Service from long time staff is amazing!!! The owner is not shall we say "customer friendly,". Food is good and consistent.

Stopped here for breakfast on a beautiful crisp autumn day. It was open seating which I love, then was greeted by Maryanne. Wonderful service, hot coffee kept coming, ordered corned beef hash & eggs and hubby ordered french toast combo.. very good food, I enjoyed the ambiance and getting to know about the area by our knowledgeable server. Thank you! read more

Delicious food, well prepared. Our group had the veggie burger, tuna melt, and BLT sandwich, side salad, fries and onion rings. Every liked what they had. Service was excellent. We had a dog with us and dogs are not allowed inside. But they told us we can do take out and eat in the tables outside of the restaurant. My only complaint about that was it generated a lot of styrofoam. read more

We visited Tom's Place twice during our week visiting the area. The food was decent and came out fast. I liked their large soda cups and ranch dressing. The reason I was drawn to write a review was our server. Both times we visited, Sue took care of us, once for a large party and then for a smaller party. Her service really stood out. She was very sweet with our kids and also offered extra sauces and refills. Tom's Place, you're lucky to have Sue! Our family appreciates her great service during our meals. read more

Great food and good service. I have eaten there a great many times over the years and never been disappointed.

Stopped by today and it was freezing inside. A lady named Michelle was kind of rude and not friendly. I would expect a place that doesn't get a lot of customers in the winter would be happy to have patrons visit their establishment. Seems to cater to locals. read more

Great food and service. Cool place to get a delisious filling meal in a cool place with lots of historical pictures. read more

Tom's Place Cafe - Prime rib end cut - Bars Near Me - Crowley Lake, California

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We finally stopped on our way home and Tom's Place was open for breakfast. The service was fantastic and the food was terrific. I had the Best Country Fried Steak hands down and my friends pancakes were amazing. Love the coffee too Everything was cooked to perfection and our server was the sweetest and most helpful with our selections. I love this place. Recommend to everyone read more