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Big Al's Deli

4.8 (543 reviews)
InexpensiveSouthern, Delis, Burgers
Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Order Big Al's Deli Takeout or Delivery

Big Al's Deli Photos

Business Info

BIG AL'S DELI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Divey
Casual
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Big Al's Deli

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Reviews With Photos

Menu board
Gregory B.

Warning for those who have not been. This is simply the diviest cafe in the city. It makes Arnold's look high class, but that ambiance is part of the experience. Went in and it was Big Al and his son AJ manning the joint. Service on point, as you have the owners serving you. A two man show. While we were there, various regulars came in and I can see why. My negative here is the greens already have pepper vinegar in them. Perhaps this makes me a bad Southerner? Then again, dad and mom are from Florida, which some people view as marginally Southern. The burger was great. Much bigger than many places, very juicy, and nicely spiced. Fried chicken also on point and I can see why Al dumped Nashville Hot Chicken from his menu with this chicken. White beans fairly average, as were the green beans, but having something in a small cafe that did not have that canned flavor was a great addition. I am not a fan of the okra and tomatoes in rice, so cannot state too much about that although my girlfriend said it reminded her of Low Country Carolina food from when she was young. Pricing also very good for the portions and the flavor of the food. Two thumbs up! Return? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Cinnamon Roll
Sharona M.

I am so confused by the experience we had. I was super excited to try this spot as it has glowing reviews. Also, I love to support a small business and heard that big Al was the man. We came by and waited about 20 mins (not much seating inside and they're popular, so makes sense). Upon seating, the server greeted us quickly and handed us some menus. I saw a cinnamon roll on the menu, so I had to order! The cinnamon roll came out super fast. It was delish. The rest of our food which was 2 main breakfast meals took another 45 mins to come out. I'm sorry but this is way too long considering there's not that much seating inside, so why is the kitchen so behind. Plus, I noticed that 2 tables that were seated after us got their food way before we did. To top it off, my omelette came first and my fiance's food didn't come for another 10-15 mins after mine. This sucked because we couldn't even eat together. Food is good, but nothing special. My omelette literally had SOOOO much cheese. Portions were enormous. My fiance got a hot chicken omelette which had pan fried hot chicken. His also had a ton of cheese. He said it had so much cheese that it was kind of disgusting. I love cheese man don't get me wrong. But I agree- literally so much cheese it takes away from the flavor of the food. Plus he waited an entire hour for his meal, mine took 45-50 mins. Service is inattentive. When we got up to pay, we noticed how dirty the restaurant was. It kind of made you feel gross knowing how dirty everything was. Am I missing something here? I missed the hype altogether :(

Mary D.

When in Nashville you have to try Nashville's small business staples! Big Al's is a STAPLE in Nashville. It's black owned, small business, and family driven. Mr. Al and his son AJ have the best service and food hands down!

Best and biggest omelet I've ever had.
Clark B.

Best omelet I've ever had in my life. Maybe the biggest too. Super friendly. Great experience. Hole in the wall, hidden gem type of vibe. I will be back.

Breakfast Burrito
Nicholas R.

I will keep coming here until somebody stops me. The food is always fantastic. This time, I got a breakfast burrito that was the size of my head. Easily one of the best burritos this north of the border. Packed with potatoes, meat, cheese and egg - this burrito had me knocked out (in a good way) for at least half a day. Woke up in my apartment wondering if the whole experience was a fever dream - questioning if the burrito really existed and if the faint scent of curry powder and salsa was just all in my head. Thankfully, I took photos.

Exterior, Big Al's
Matt D.

NASHVILLE -- Oof. Can Barely type. So stuffed with stick-to-your-ribs soul food goodness. From the outside, you're wondering if you made a mistake, this beat-up diner-looking place surrounded by single-family homes in a residential neighborhood. And walking in, you're greeted by stacks of mismatched dishes coolers, bare cement floor, worn chairs and general clutter. These aren't points off - these all add to the overall vibe of this dining delight. Setting: Wednesday, lunch hour. I'm one of three patrons, so no problem sitting. Big Al himself and his son manning the place - friendly and talkative. Over the course of lunch. I learn the Big Al's story -- operations manager and then head of catering for a local restaurant chain, that wasn't working out, plowed all his savings into this largely empty shell of a place and built it all up. Big Al is a really nice, down to earth guy. Meanwhile, he's got the goods with the food. I had the chicken and waffles ($21) with two sides instead of waffles (mashed potatoes, okra rice). Friends, that plate nearly made the counter bend, it was so loaded with food. Really good fried chicken, juicy but not overly greasy, the batter with a nice seasoning to it. And the tomato-y okra rice was great. I don't understand why this place wasn't full during lunch. But I was full afterward.

Al's Big Breakfast
Amber B.

Big Al's...went in for a breakfast after seeing them featured in various media outlets. What's the best thing about Al's- it's AL and his crew!!! Inside this tiny home/cafe are a few tables and a few counter stools. Portions are what's BIG about Al's. Beware This is not a place for the "health" nut. Tried biscuits n gravy - great biscuit!!! Gravy is nontraditional. Dark brown with spicy sausage. Hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. And did I mention spicy!?! Al's big breakfast was good. Eggs cooked to order. Crispy bacon and lots of potatoes. Wish I would've gotten the biscuit. The omelette was almost as big as the plate! Could've fed a few people easy. A bit on the greasy side.

Pork Loin with greens and white beans. Delicious, and enough food for 2 meals!
Jeff T.

Big Al's is not just for Breakfast! I've visited Big Al's several times for breakfast, and i have always had a fresh and delicious meal. Recently, my friend and I visited for lunch. I ordered the Shrimp & Grits and my friend ordered the Pork Loin special. I appreciated seeing the bacon and shrimp being cooked with the sauce for my grits. My meal was made to order and it was delicious. The smoky red color of the sauce and the smokiness from the bacon made this meal so delicious. The grits were perfectly cooked and there were lots of shrimp included. I also enjoyed the corn pancake that accompanied my grits. It was perfectly cooked. I would definitely order the shrimp and grits again! My friend received way too much food for him to eat. There were 3 large, juicy slices of pork loin that he raved about. He also had an order of greens, white beans, and a corn pancake. He took half of that meal home and told me he had a wonderful dinner. The food here is always fresh and tasty, whether you visit for breakfast or lunch. I highly recommend Big Al's for their delicious food.

Ian P.

This is a true gem in Nashville, look no further than Big Al's Deli! This place is the epitome of down-home, no-frills dining with some of the best comfort food you'll ever taste, and it absolutely delivers on flavor. I have been here multiple times but have never had their shrimp and grits until today! This dish alone is worth the visit. The grits are creamy and perfectly seasoned, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs flawlessly with the savory, juicy shrimp. Every bite is packed with flavor and warmth, like a hug in a bowl. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, tender but with that nice bite, and seasoned just right. There's this rich, buttery sauce that pulls everything together with a good kick, just enough to keep you craving another bite.

Fried catfish, scrambled eggs,home fries, and biscuit
Anita G.

Absolutely wonderful catfish and fried chicken. Big Al and staff make everyone feel welcome and included. I love his T-shirt - Food so good you'll smack your mama and kiss Big Al,! It's a first rate dive but if you enjoy talking to the chef while he's cooking your food and like fresh, hot food, this is your groove

Michelle O.

11/18/23: The reason I had to walk across a highway after breakfast. BIg Al and Miss Andrea are so personable and welcoming. He is at the grill cooking up deliciousness. She takes the orders and handles the flow of customers. My travel buddy suggested this spot I'm not a big fan of "regular breakfast items, eggs, pancakes etc so when I saw the menu had alternate items such as Porkchops and shrimps and grits I quickly called. Big Al himself picked up and stated he had one more and do I want him to hold it. Heck yes was my response. Upon arrival he asked were you the one that called I said yes he replied you look as you sound New York...lol. Folks please note it is a small establishment in the event you need to wait it will have to be outside. Once it was our turn we ordered the Porkchops...folks the "one pork chop" he saved was 3 huge pieces. It came with potatoes, eggs, and a biscuit. We also ordered the shrimp and grits with crab, biscuits with sausage gravy and cinnamon roll. Portions were huge although we shared we still each had leftovers to take. The sausage gravy for the biscuits had chunks of sausage, it was well seasoned and spicy we have like 4 biscuits. As our hotel was not far about a 10 minute walk we decided to walk instead of calling for the hotel shuttle that dropped us off. When in Nashville this a MUST but plan accordingly as its first come first serve. It's basically similar to mom and pop establishment so do not look for fine dining the cups plates etc mismatch which I think adds to the character. So happy we partaked and happy to say we dined at Big Al's.

Ryan H.

Both Al and his food are amazing. My fiancé and I had the shrimp and grits and the fried chicken sandwich. Both were amazing. I like the fried chicken sandwich a little more. But they were both really tasty. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood. It's almost as if you're going to eat in his kitchen. I would recommend you come here and try it out.

Chicken, greens and okra rice!
Melanie C.

Big Al and crew were very welcoming! The good is delicious! The greens were the best ever and the homemade biscuits are too die for! He gave the boys a hot wheels car guess that his thing. They were CB losing doin after we left so he sent us home with the leftover biscuits and honey! Out of tye wsy but worth it!!

Orange Juice and Friends

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The owner is the man and the price is right! Would go back. Great atmosphere! We got the breakfast sandwich and loved it.

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Service and food were over the top!! my go to when I have family visiting in Nashville. Always goodread more

I have a tough time in writing this. I've been here twice. I can only write a Pros and Cons as I…read morewant to be fair Pros 1) selection of oysters is fantastic 2) the Shuckers really are carrying the bar seating 3) everyone is super nice Cons 1) now remember I was at the bar seating, Other than the shuckers and who I think are awesome. On one visit with only a few of us there our bartender disappeared for a good 20 minutes. Upon his return he was focused on everything but the 5 of us in the place until we finally had to ask to get service. The other visit everyone helped me but the actual server. Maybe this is a staffing problem, I don't know but being stuck for 20 minutes to order another drink with my meal is not acceptable. Although they had that check in my hand in under a minute and in under another minute to process. Again, super nicer people, but kind of oblivious. 2) Now let's talk about the kitchen. And I'm adding some input from the other diners because we all sat there waiting. - flavors are great, but the salt and spice level is overboard. I had the mushroom appetizer and nearly choked/coughed to death. I like heat but this was raw spice that overpowered the dish. And the salt about made my feet swell into balloons. Such a shame because the idea is great just poor execution - deviled eggs. Pass - BBQ Shrimp, sort of like the mushrooms right profile but overpowering - gumbo. Two other people had the gumbo and when I asked they said that too is just over spiced I want to like this place, but probably my last visit unless I just come for oysters. Sorry

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Big Al's Deli - southern - Updated May 2026

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