YE Gurl Says: Greasy Spoon Therapy at Big Al's The only way I made it through the first episode of Love Is Blind: Ohio was by reminding myself that I had better things to focus on -- like writing up this review for Big Al's Diner. Tucked between the polished neighborhood staples -- cafés, plant shops, nail salons -- sits a true greasy spoon time capsule. No frills. No aesthetic branding strategy. Just counter seating, booths, and the immediate understanding that when you walk in the door... you're in it. There's no waiting lounge. No curated entry experience. Just breakfast. It feels like stepping into another era -- back when servers wore white coats and diner hats and coffee cups were never empty for long. And let's talk numbers. Even in today's economy, entrées don't cross the $11 mark -- and that includes the double-portion Benedicts in the center of the menu. For those of us who don't eat meat, it's a surprisingly easy compromise spot. Stiff coffee with free refills? $2.50. Orange juice? $2.50. A fully loaded vegetarian cheese omelet -- mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomato -- with home fries and whole wheat toast? $10.75. While we sat there, talking through life over coffee, it hit me: this meal cost about the same as someone else's single pastry and specialty latte down the street. And I left full. Not trendy-full. Not "small plates" full. Real breakfast full. Sometimes the best things aren't free -- they're just reasonable. Familiar. Nostalgic. The kind of places that don't need reinvention because they already got it right the first time. YE Gurl says: Big Al's is where you go when you want breakfast without a performance. Solid food. Strong coffee. Honest prices. A little slice of yesterday that still holds up today. And honestly? That's better than reality TV drama any morning. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Big Al's feels like the standard for a great breakfast in Cleveland. There's almost always a line, especially for weekend breakfast and the menu is filled with breakfast favorites and diner staples. Most often I get a blueberry pancake with either an egg or bacon on the side. It's a lot of food and the prices are all still really affordable imo. It's a basic diner feel. Sometimes, you make new friends if you don't get a booth and you are sitting next to other patrons but it's always comfortable. Service has always been really good especially considering how busy it is. I don't know why I wouldn't go back especially for that blueberry pancake! read more

Big Al's Diner - Blueberry pancake and french toast - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I haven't been here in a while, but I remember the food was decent. I got the French toast breakfast,scrambled eggs with American cheese, and sausage. plenty for one person. I was able to share it with my husband.I recommend and I'll be back. read more

Big Al's Diner - French toast breakfast - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

On the recommendation of a friend, we decided to check out Big Al's. We were told it wasn't fancy, but that you'd get a lot of food for a decent price. We brought our toddler with us after a Sunday morning excursion. We ordered blueberry pancakes to share, the home fries, scrambled eggs, bacon, corned beef hash, and grits with cheese. We added a ton of butter and some salt to the grits, but they were just ok, nothing to write home about. My French toast was good and my husband loved his corned beef hash. The pancakes were pretty good as well. We weren't fond of the home fries as they actually had potato peels mixed in with the potatoes themselves. When I say potato peels, I mean exactly that-like when you peel a potato, instead of tossing them out, those peels were cooked along with the actual potatoes. Definitely not a preparation we were keen on! Our toddler enjoyed her scrambled eggs and pancake pieces she ate. The staff was incredibly kind and friendly, and our girl loved them. When they heard that she loves cats, two of the waitresses brought out their phones to share pictures of their kitties with her (my girl loved seeing the pictures and had happy wiggly feet). The place was a little loud, but it was a Sunday late morning/early afternoon, so a lot of community members were there. It was a good vibe though! I will say that some of the furniture in there could use some updating, but that it honestly wasn't a big deal for us. We will probably check this place out again in the future! read more

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When you get a side of grits like this, you're automatically five stars on my book. Coupled with some crispy sausage patties, rye toast and some overeasy eggs... Yes please. The service was friendly and on the ball the entire time, as my coffee never got cold. read more

I'd have to say that if you're looking for a place to eat a good breakfast, a home-cooked breakfast then this is the place for you. It's a very quaint diner on Larchmere. I was visiting the area to go to Loganberry books and was so happy to have stumbled upon this place. The food was amazing and it was very very busy. The staff was so sweet and so service oriented love them. Don't pass up the food here because it's a tiny diner. Go early so that way you don't have to wait. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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This restaurant is a staple in the community. I have been coming to his diner all my life, my friends and family too. This place is so much more than just a restaurant, it's a special place for locals. The food is always good, I've never had a bad meal here. The service is great but depending on the time of day, you may need to wait for a table or booth to open up. It is a smaller establishment but you get family vibes even while seating next to a stranger! read more

Big Al's Diner - Breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, wheat toast. Pancakes in the middle. - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

I really enjoy a good local eatery and old Diner's are among my favorites. I found a gem here in Cleveland at Big Al's Diner. The place looks like a blast from the 1940's to 1970's, is well maintained, warm and inviting. The service was great yesterday and today. I'm only here two days and they got me for the return trip! Eggs over medium, bacon & French toast cooked perfectly. Yesterday I had the same except a waffle instead of the French toast, and it was really good too! Coffee was fantastic both days as well, and their half & half creamer and butter are better quality than most places provide -- keep up the good work! If you're thinking about it -- go ahead and give it a try! read more

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You can't beat Big Al's. Legendary. Large portions. Cooked to perfection. Fair prices. One of my favorite places when I lived in Cleveland. And, a must go-to spot when I visit. Hands down. read more

Great value and food was excellent. Place could use a little cleaning but they have nice employees and service is good. They checked all the other boxes so I'm not going to knock them for needing to clean a little. Great local restaurant! read more

Great food and service and reasonable prices. Just get there early for limited seating.

I can't believe I'd never been to Big Al's before! I'm a huge fan of homey breakfast and that's exactly what they provide. The service is friendly, the portions are huge, and the prices are great. I came on a Saturday morning and it was quite busy, so be prepared to wait during peak hours. I highly recommend their chocolate chip pancakes! read more

Big Al's Diner - a breakfast of pancakes and eggs - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Always great comfort food, reasonable prices and good service. Al's is a great local place for a good meal.

Great food. Good service. It's a perfect neighborhood diner that has something for everyone.

I love this place. It's probably my favorite place to eat in Cleveland. I always get the same number one combo. The home fries hit the bacon hits even the toast and butter hit. There can sometimes be away depending on the time of day, but everyone is super nice and it's a small restaurant, so just be patient. They do try to move people in and out pretty quickly. read more

I live in the area and used to go here often. One of the things o liked about it was the cheap eats, and friendly, consistent service. I visited about a week ago and things have changed. I get it, Bidenflation has us all raising prices and paying more, but a simple 2 eggs with toast and bacon shouldn't cost $9. Service was a bit less than what it used to be too. read more

I was just dropping by visiting my folks in town, so this is a first impressions kind of review, but Big Al's seems a classic diner for sure. I got a salad and a patty melt. Patty melt is probably my favorite diner order when I'm in a lunch mood, and theirs did not disappoint. The salad was nothing to write home about, certainly fine, the only thing that struck me as odd was that it was topped with clumped-together squares of American cheese. I'm sure to someone that's the taste of home, and it did give me a bit of deja vu, but I'd expect shredded cheddar would do better cold. Nice coffee, friendly service, love the neighborhood, expect I'll be back on my next visit. read more

Big Al's Diner - Patty melt, side salad - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

This vintage neighborhood gem has been a fixture on Larchmere for over 25 years and continues to serve great food at reasonable prices. I stopped in just after 0700 on a cold Sunday morning and was immediately greeted by a lovely young lady named Benita who smiled and told me to sit wherever I liked. I chose a booth facing the entrance. The classic retro interior takes you back in time, with drop tin ceiling tiles and a four-stool counter - it captures the essence of a bygone era. The menus are already placed on the table and offer a plethora of appetizing dishes from eggs to omlettes and pancakes to waffles. I got coffee and the #8 without meat: two eggs and a chocolate chip pancake. I'm usually fairly critical with respect to coffee because and normally never order it from a restaurant; however, the brew here was quite good! After roughly 10 minutes my breakfast arrived. The pancake was sizable and satisfyingly delcious treat loaded with chocolate morsels! The eggs were cooked perfect and seasoned just right. At Big Al's, you get quality and generous portions wrapped in a layer of great service. What more could you ask for? read more

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Absolutely love this diner, yes, it is an old fashion diner with amazing food. Love the Eggs Benedict. The service is very pleasant and fast. The diner is small but fits a lot of people. If you are about a good breakfast you will enjoy!! read more

This was my first time coming to patronize this establishment. This restaurant is intimate and we were allowed to seat ourselves. Our food was pretty good. One of our orders was incorrect. We waited a long time for a refill. The three people in our party ordered three different entrees. They have specials posted which was very helpful because it allowed me to try something that was not listed on the menu. I would like to return and try a different entree. Overall, good experience. read more

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I am not usually inclined to leave reviews but felt the need to today. I have yet to have better service in the area and the amount of food we got for the price was incredible. The moment we sat down there were already two waiters getting us coffee and water. Our food was also out in 10 minutes and was incredible. I can't recommend breakfast here enough. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Hell yes! THIS is a diner! A real deal joint full of comforting and delicious food. The staff is adorable and hard working, personable and conscientious! If your coffee cup is empty it's because you wanted it to be. I like an over medium egg and they get it right about half the time - which is a 100 percent better average than anywhere else! But its always dang close. Like 3 or four different kind of sausage! All good! Their hash is wonderful! My partner swears by their sausage gravy. I don't touch the stuff! Sausage gravy is not my calling. Their portions are big! The food is fresh and delicious! Their home fries are available with pepper and onions (Diner!) and their prices are correct. I will never understand why anyone would go to a Denny's or Bob Evans with places like this available - where you can see who you are giving your money to! Just the pictures. read more

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A wonderful homey local diner. Chances are you will have a wait if you come during busy times. The best sausage I have ever eaten honestly cause it's so comfortingly greasy and warm in the delicious way. Would come here after a long night shift or to cure a hang over. Fast and friendly service. read more

Big Al's Diner - a plate of breakfast food - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

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Best breakfast in northeast Ohio. Nestled in the historical district of Larchmere, you will find this diamond in the rough. The food is amazing. The best omelettes and home fries a la big Al (loaded with onions and peppers) are incredible to say the least. The issue is totally related to customer service. I've called at least once a month over the past year to order carryout, and not one time have I had my order taken within 10 minutes. I call repeatedly and then I get left on the phone and forgotten. If you actually can place an order congratulations! read more

Big Al's has that classic diner feel and awesome breakfast food. The waffle was super buttery, the eggs were perfectly seasoned and cooked, and the bacon was delicious (but it's hard to mess up bacon). The foods kinda like what you can make at home for breakfast. Price is super cheap too, and you get plenty of food! read more

Big Al's Diner - Waffle set with eggs and bacon - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

We visited late on a Friday morning and the small place was packed. The bus person quickly cleared a spot for us and we sat down to look at the menu. Breakfast is served all day and they have a lot of choices. The other side of the menu had plenty of lunch options. Our food, club sandwich for my husband and a Reuben for me, was good but nothing special. My onion rings were a little greasy but still tasted good. The service was fast, friendly and efficient. read more

I was looking for a diner close to my daughter when I stumbled on this gem! Love the feel of a diner and this was a cozy surprise! The service was great and the generous portions (veggie omelette, home fries and toast) were easily 2 meals and from the first bite to the last it was delicious! Will definitely be frequenting Big Al's when I am in the neighborhood! Thank you for an excellent experience! read more

Always a dependable diner experience whether you're in the mood for breakfast brunch or lunch! The staff is always so friendly even when it's extra busy. My go-to is the country scramble served on an English muffin with sausage patty and topped with gravy. Also be sure to add peppers and onions to your home fries (50c extra) but really elevates the experience. Service is usually very quick and there's parking around the back. read more

My wife and I had breakfast here today. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and time here. I ordered the biscuits and sausage gravy. The biscuit was fluffy and enjoyable. Staff were very welcoming when we walked in and told us to pick a seat. We had to ask for a refill on coffee and that would be the only negative. read more

The food here is super good and satisfying! Very affordable too. Left with a box of leftovers and a full belly. Everything on the menu is solid! The service, however, is terrible. Like, never had a server who gave less of a shit about being kind or efficient or giving customers what they actually ordered. I understand it's a diner, but damn. We'll come back, but hopefully next time we get a pleasant human to wait on us. read more

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One of my favorite diners. Very laid back environment and quality food. Service is really good. Be mindful of when you come, it can get packed pretty early. read more

We needed brunch and my husband found big als on Google. Definitely a hidden gem, and not to be missed. The portions are huge, the food is delicious and the staff is friendly and super attentive. About a 5-10 minute wait for brunch on the weekends. Make sure you get the biscuits and gravy - you will not regret it. read more

Big Al's Diner - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

Buyer beware! I went in and ordered a #1 to go. Two eggs scrambled, grits, bacon and wheat toast. This meal is $7.99 I was overcharged. My grits were missing and my toast was burnt. I attempted to call and the phone rang for approx 5 minutes. Called back again no one answered. Called a third time and the phone was off the hook. Please do not patronize this restaurant that thinks it is okay to treat customers this way. EDIT: called and spoke with two managers they were initially unwilling to do anything but replace the grits (unacceptable, as my food would be cold by that time and I'd also have to use my gas money to go back up there to correct their mistake) after being on the phone for five minutes she said If I came up there she would recook my food then proceeded to hang up before I could respond. read more

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Classic diner. The western omelette with cheddar, peppers and ham was delicious. The home fries with onions on top were addictive. Theres often a wait to dine here. The portions are enough for sharing. We split the omelette which comes with home fries and toast among two of us. read more

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Packed on a Sunday morning, but a great hardy meal for the day. We got the combo with biscuits and gravy with a side of potato pancakes and sour cream. A fun local diner experience! read more

This is my favorite place in Cleveland--no hyperbole. The quality of the food, the quick preparation, and the diligence of the staff could not have been better. Altogether, I am stunned that this place is not more highly rated. If you live anywhere on the east side of Cleveland, I implore you to visit this place. read more

This place is great. Old school diner feel. Friendly staff. Really good food and portions for the price. I got the #12 biscuits and gravy and it was fast, fresh and hot. read more

I had the waffles with roasted strawberries with scrambled eggs and turkey sausage links. The waffle was buttery and soft. The scrambled eggs were flavorful and better than I've ever had. My only issue was finishing all the food I ordered. Would definitely come again! read more

Big Al's Diner - Waffle + 2 eggs scrambled + turkey sausage links - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio

It was very much a hometown diner feel. The servers were great and the food came out fast.

About as diner-ish as it gets. Good coffee, excellent blueberry pancake, good scrambled eggs (w/ cheese), and crisp bacon. I'll definitely be back. read more

Big Al's Diner - #8 "The Lighter Side" Combo - 2 eggs, 1 pancake or 1/2 French toast and bacon, ham or sausage. Excellent blueberry pancake for 50¢ upcharge - Diners Near Me - Cleveland, Ohio