| January 28, 2026 | I fell asleep the night before thinking about chicken fried steak and the next morning I was still craving it. I was busy with work but my bf was able to look it up and verify that they had this dish.... So of course we had to come here for lunch! ___________________________________________________ Tennessee Grill has been a staple of San Francisco since 1952, serving up hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with Southern roots. Originally founded by a Tennessee native, this classic diner features peach and teal interiors, checkerboard floors, and old-school charm. They're proud to keep the spirit alive - no fuss, just good food. ___________________________________________________ Breakfast served all day. Served with toast & hash brown or home fried potatoes. My bf got the breakfast special with 2 pancakes, 2 eggs & 2 sausage or 2 bacon for $12.25. Pancakes were light and the sausage was DELICIOUS! I got the Chicken Fried Steak & Two Eggs for $17. The gravy was so good, the chicken fried steak was flavorful and so tasty! Can't go wrong with crispy hash browns and the most perfect sunny side up eggs. I wish I had been able to finish it all but the last 2 bites, I saved it as leftovers. Highly recommend! read more

Tennessee Grill - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tennessee grill is always a classic go to breakfast spot on Taraval. They have a lot selections for breakfast and dinner. Today I got the biscuits and gravy combo. All for ~$13! This is a great deal and a very hearty breakfast. Gravy had very mild flavors but the biscuit was super soft and delicious. They were very quick to prepare this meal, I believe it took like 10 minutes between ordering and for two orders to arrive. To me, Tennessee grill is more than just a restaurant. This establishment has always been here through the test of time. Once you walk into the restaurant you are transported back into a 50's diner. I always went to this place for breakfast on Sundays with my family, it has become a staple for us. Admittedly, I don't go to this restaurant for crazy amazing quality, but rather for a nostalgic, comforting experience. Food wise, it's more so for quantity + affordabprice rather than quality. The food is not too oily which is a plus. They provide hearty foods with unlimited refills on coffee. Service is great too, the waiters are always very attentive and nice. Overall, Tennessee grill is a place where nostalgia lives on with large portions for breakfast. read more

Tennessee Grill - Biscuit & Gravy - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tennessee Grill has that classic no frills diner charm with friendly staff, quick service, and the kind of spot where you can sit at the counter and watch your order come together right in front of you. That part I actually loved. What I didn't love was what I saw being made. The amount of oil going into each dish was pretty surprising, and unfortunately it showed up on the plate. I ordered the spinach and mushroom omelette with an egg white sub, hashbrown, and sourdough toast -- came out to $17 before tax which feels reasonable on paper, but the portion size was pretty small for the price and the flavor just wasn't there. An omelette should be comforting and satisfying and this one fell a little flat on both fronts. The oiliness carried through the whole plate and made everything feel a little heavy without the flavor payoff to back it up. When you're watching your order being made and can see exactly what's going into it, it's hard to unsee. Friendly staff and a classic SF diner atmosphere are worth something, but personally I don't think I'd make my way back. read more

Tennessee Grill - Spinach & Mushroom Omelette - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Sunday brunch at this old-school San Francisco diner. No thrills, but there's something nostalgic about the whole experience--very reminiscent of a classic bowling alley, especially with the lingering smell of cooking oil trapped in the space. I ordered the house special: French toast, over-medium eggs, and sausage. Unfortunately, nothing really stood out flavor-wise. The food was also a tad more oily than I would have liked, especially the sausage, which seemed coated in cooking oil. They have open seating at the counter or in booths, and they accept both cash and cards. Definitely has that old-school San Francisco diner feel. It's not fancy or trendy, but people still come through, which is part of its charm. read more

Tennessee Grill - House Special Combo - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

Service eggscellent ;) *by the way I spelled that incorrectly on purpose for those uninformed* Food was great - very fresh ingredients. Went for the Denver omelette. Tasted great without adding sauce. Highly recommend with my utmost regard. read more

Tennessee Grill - Door Front - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a true neighborhood diner that's been around forever and more. Inexpensive, no frills breakfast, lunch, dinner are your choices with plenty of seating at tables or counter. The atmosphere is laid back 60's with good service and straight forward diner food. I had the Avocado Cheese Burger medium rare with fries, wifey had the Mushroom Cheese Burger medium with fries and a side of BBQ sauce. A little chincy on the grilled mushrooms while I had half sliced up avocado on my burger. Rest of the table had omelette and a corned beef hash. Overall, I'm glad diners like TG are still present in the neighborhood. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and internal happiness in that places like this still exist in fast paced SF. Street parking is your only option on busy Taraval and there were plenty of spaces on a mid day Wednesday. Happy with my burger and fries from Tennessee Grill... no idea where the name is derived as we're not anywhere near Tennessee street... ideas anyone? read more

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We arrived for an early morning breakfast of pancakes and Burmese Tea Leaf Salad...and left perfectly satisfied and very happy. Service is always friendly and continues to be efficient as the crowd fills tables. read more

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Went with a friend and ordered the House Special and the Waffle Combo. It's an old-school place serving classic, no-frills fare--nothing fancy, just the kind of comforting dishes you'd expect. Definitely has that neighborhood feel, with loyal customers. It wasn't crowded, and we ended up staying for about an hour and a half. read more

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Great food love the beef and barley soup. The liver and onions are definitely delicious. The service is awesome. The place is big and amazing. It gives an old fashion diner vibe's read more

No line for brunch on a Saturday. Out of the row of bar stools at the counter, two were dirty. One had a used napkin on it and the other had an old newspaper. I sat down on a clean one and order a mushroom cheeseburger $13.50 and a side of sunny side eggs $5.25. Food arrived quickly. When I assembled and ate the burger, all this grease started spilling out. While it tasted good, that can't be healthy. Service was fine. read more

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Great old school diner. You can't go wrong with anything. I mostly go for breakfast but definitely will be back one day for a burger. They are fast and super friendly. The neighborhood loves this place and it's been here for a long time, for good reason. Enjoy ! read more

A great oldtime diner. How many of these can there possibly still be in the Bay Area...or anywhere in the country? Along with the classic American cooking it has a friendly atmosphere and great vibe, with a super-nice waitress. I wish we knew more about the Tennessee native who started the restaurant in 1952! read more

Please for the love of life and health do not come here. The is food beyond questionable and mostly not cooked thoroughly. Go wait in line at one the more hip places you'll thank me. read more

An old school diner. Atmosphere and clientele to go with; prices also pretty old school. Other customers seemed to be regulars, and service was great. Tried the meatloaf special, and it was special in the worst way. Could have used some gravy or sauce to make up for the dryness. I've never had carrots in my meatloaf before, but it seemed like an overwhelming amount. Side veggies were bland and likely frozen. Maybe from a can. If you told me a frozen can I would nod along and say that sounds about right. Maybe I ordered the wrong special. Worth checking out, pick something safer than the meatloaf. read more

Stopped in for breakfast, had a really tasty waffle and the omelet and potatoes were great!

Came here for the first time with a good friend of mine! I've always walked past it but never made it a plan to come eat. I was craving breakfast food so I got their Mandalay Slam which comes with 2 sausages, 1 slice of bacon, 1 sausage patty, ham, 2 eggs, hash brown & wheat bread. This was only $14.95! I was surprised at the variety of meats for this price, I was expecting it to cost a little more. My friend got their spaghetti with meatballs which was $18. I tried a little bit of hers and it was also really good! Super flavorful! Love how tender the meatball was. read more

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Been here many times for breakfast and lunch. Nothing special but food was passable. Came for breakfast recently, waited over 20 minutes and the waitress dropped off a hard and burnt waffle. I told her it was not edible and she had the kitchen make another. Or should I say warm up another frozen waffle, idk. My coffee cup is usually filled but not that day. It was an off day for them, that I paid for. 2.5 stars rounded up. Just don't order the waffle. read more

Soups are my taste. I am a Mediterranean so soup for us essential. I choose bowl instead of cup. Coffee is homestyle. Entrees are delicious, stews, burgers. Servers are friendly. Good spirit here no complaints. Family style. read more

Fast, friendly, good food and service. I ordered a Burmese tea leaf salad. It was tasty, refreshing, full of flavor and had everything crispy, crunchy peanuts and broad beans for texture. Jalapeño peppers on the side so you can take out or mix it all in with the fish sauce on the side. Yummy! Shared with several coworkers and they all liked it too!! read more

Tennessee Grill - Burmese Tea Leaf Salad - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

Tennessee Grill is one of my absolute favorites! There aren't too many old-school, classic spots in the City like the Grill- it's truly iconic. My dad has been visiting since he was in high school in the '60s and, for me, that makes it all the more special. We always go for their all-day breakfast (a pretty rare find these days), and it's fantastic every time- plus, it's super reasonable. They also have surprisingly amazing coffee with unlimited refills. Definitely the sign of a great place! It's not fancy, but it doesn't need to be. That's what makes it so classic San Francisco. Before the rise of tech and influx in prices, SF was a city for everyone (not just those who could afford it). And, the Grill still upholds those values with open arms. It's casual, welcoming, and unpretentious- a place where anyone will feel at home. The staff is always kind, helpful, and greets you with a smile. All in all, the Grill is a cozy spot where you can drop in, grab a bite, and just unwind. If you know, you really know :) & if you're in a pinch, they offer take-out online!! read more

If you want budget eats and a greasy spoon joint--this is your place! Came here with 5 people and here's the rundown. Don't expect high quality food, just expect okay food at reasonable prices and you'll be okay. We ordered the fish with fried shrimp and enjoyed it. The soup was huge, and the salad was okay. The meal came with real mashed potatoes, cheap veggies, hot fried shrimp, and great grilled fish. For the price, you can't beat this in SF. The spaghetti and meat sauce is what you'd expect. Totally worth it for the price. The strawberry milkshake and the chocolate milkshake are low quality McDonald's type flavoring. The coffee is meh. The ground beef patty plate is solid. They ask you how you'd like it cooked and cook it to your liking. Service was good. This is great if you live nearby (parking is a nightmare), and if you have a frugal budget and don't mind average quality food! read more

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Well, I didn't have a chance to try any of their meals, but I am going to maybe soon. Just walked in to check the menu and prices, and the staff were welcoming, spacious rooms, not crowded. I like the atmosphere. Will add more after trying something there. read more

Food is just ok. Menu has items mentioned but not available. Service is satisfactory ( really not so bad ). Large counter in front, larger dining area to the right side. To be fair Tennessee grill has a large neighborhood ( Parkside ) following , just not for me. San Francisco has too many great restaurants, maybe I'm just spoiled but I have to pass on the 'Grill '. I might be wrong but give the 'Grill' try anyway, portions are a fair size prove me wrong. read more

Tennessee grill is a sunset staple diner. Food is what you'd expect and prices are reasonable but have gone up a bit in the past two years. Family owned vibe and everyone in the neighborhood comes :) read more

Really good & lots of food so show up hungry or plan to take a to-go box. The place is big so there's lots of seats. Staff is attentive and will patiently answer questions about ingredients that may not be listed on the menu. I've been back plenty of times but never remember to take pictures of their delicious food. read more

There's still a great selection on the menu. My server was very nice and helpful. You're definitely getting your money's worth dining in

Still the place to go in the Parkside. Friendly staff, consistently great breakfast, lunch. The Workingmans' Cafe , and not anywhere near Tennessee! read more

This is by far the best restaurant that I have went to in the bay for double cheeseburgers. The fries were crispy and hot. The cheeseburger was filled with meat and flavor. The customer service was really good if you're looking for a good sandwich/burger I highly recommend this place. read more

Yes! A neighborhood staple. Meals are huge. Service is great. Walk down to the beach after or take the L train down for the view! You won't regret it. read more

I've dined here twice. Once was dinner and this time was breakfast. The breakfast was surprisingly pretty good. The place is a little dated. My in-laws like the place so we usually will try to eat here whenever my daughter and I come up to visit. I won't mind coming here for breakfast. read more

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Our third trip here and the food, service and ambiance here is always, consistently more than 5 stars. Plus they have the best hash browns in the Bay Area hands down and they serve Burmese tea leaf salad!! read more

I like the traditional breakfast. The vintage hash brown is great. The interior is also well preserved. Feels like I'm in the American south. read more

Our favorite restaurant of all times. Excellent customer service. Delicious food. Reasonably priced. Very friendly servers and owner. What else could anyone want? read more

Had the Oxtail Stew special on Saturday. I've had this there before a few times but this time I thought the sauce was the best. Nice salad or soup starter if you order the very reasonable dinner choice vs. à la carte. Freshly steamed broccoli and white rice on the side. There were only 2 medium sized tails along with potatoes but oxtail prices are high and the price was only $20. Great service. read more

Sunset staple. Best and favorite place for breakfast! Can't miss the hashbrowns, egg, toast, and side of sausage or bacon.

"I'll be all right in a minute, I'm just bewildered - by life..." - Tennessee Williams Um. Hankering for a greasy spoon breakfast... Tennessee Grill popped on the Yelp search. I've passed by many times when in the Outer Sunset but never took a second look til one morning in late '21. It's one of the iconic eateries in the Sunset going back to well over 50-years? And I'm always down with supporting local and businesses with OG reputation. A bonus is Tennessee Grill offers modern online orders if you choose take-out. Online take-out was easy enough. I decide to order LOU'S SPECIAL which is Corned Beef Hash, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions with Eggs (I chose scrambled). Hash Brown and Sour Dough Toast included. After tip around $13. Not bad, but... I received a confirmation that it would be ready by 10am, so after finding a meter parking (only running in and out so not coining) I walk in at 10:05am to find Tennessee Grill hopping with people. People of all shades and walks of life mingling inside. It's a good sign they were busy, but my order wasn't ready yet and so I awkwardly stand near the cashier until it's actually ready. That's, when I noticed... The host that greeted me, nice in a gruff, sas way, nothing wrong with that as I'm in a decades old Diner, right? It's what she did next is what turned my stomach - grabbing my toasts with her bare hands - hands that were touching the counter, the menu, the bags she was handing to other diners. Hmm. I take a step back and think to myself am I being paranoid here, with all that CDC news going on, or should I just accept this was the norm 50-years ago? Hmm probably ignore cause it was the norm to touch everything back in the day, then again less crazy diseases too, right? And let's not forget the same hands touching her rear-end :( Okay, my order is ready and bagged up with condiments. She was actually more pleasant handing me my breakfast. I'll roll the dice this time and see where it lands. Hopefully not in Urgent Care lol. Yet, in fairness to Tennessee Grill, hey at least everything's out in the open, from the grills to the waitresses. In a twisted way one can only forgive them since you wonder what other eateries do behind closed doors. Make sense? :3 So bag with fingerprints in hand I head to my ride to eat it... in my comfortable drivers side seat :D LOU'S SPECIAL wasn't exactly as I expected. It was good and I did eat everything, but just lacking anything memorable. In fact, I can't even recall how it exactly tasted lol. The highlight was the Hash Browns. That's not cutting it for this Tennessee Williams fan. In the end, I would return to Tennessee Grill if craving that old school diner breakfast. Yet, I'd approach with a side of caution, mmk. Heck no, I'd not return until this nasty COVID nightmare is under control! I absolutely support indie businesses that have been around forever, however until the world changes I'm playing it safe and eating at places that follow all the "I care about you" rules... read more

Tennessee Grill - Tennessee Grill in the Sunset District. Old school vibes and quite popular with San Franciscans... - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came upon this diner when visiting SF. Had the best burgers I've had in a long time! The service and the food were excellent!

Is my first time meeting here in the experience was great.. Was highly recommended by my cousins husband for many years . Once I went in, I was a maze. It was a big restaurant and has private room in a large bathroom able to fit a wheelchair in there too. I look at the menu. It has a large selection of breakfast / Salads/ and appetizers too..free refills on drinks. Food came out piping hot...I see they have neighborhood regulars dining here.if I live closer by I would eat here at least 2 times aweek ..lol.. parking is ok. I got lucky found parking right by entrance door .. god is good !!! Will eat there again n again.. read more

Tennessee Grill - Icy water yay - Diners Near Me - San Francisco, California

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From the can to the pan! Just had a Thanksgiving meal around noon. After being seated, the full figured Mexican waitress comes to my table and asks if I am ready to order. I just sat down and was still looking at the menu. In most cases when a guest is still looking at the menu, it generally means that a decision has not yet been reached. When the menu is placed back down on the table, that generally means that it is time to take the order. This didn't just happen to me, it occurred at every table. The owner, a creepy Asian man that looked like he just got back from a skateboard competition by the way that he was dressed, sloppy jeans and a t-shirt attire. Sine he became the owner, the quality of the food declined dramatically and the prices shot up, making the price/food quality an unreasonable bargain. The turkey dinner was third rate. The turkey was 1 step better than Mary's turkeys, which are the worst possible for a quality bird. Mary's products are on par with Boar's Head, which is filled with some of the most harmfully toxic chemicals. The gravy and sauces, including the cranberry sauce, is clearly out of a can. The stuffing (or dressing if you will) was the worst that I have ever experienced. There was far too much of the cheap, dried poultry seasoning, especially the sage, that was thrown into to mix by handfuls. Besides that, the celery was like mush and there were no onions. No yams, no pearl onions, no Brussel sprouts and no biscuits. The pumpkin pie was disgusting, as well. On top of that, the check came to about $20. A wonderful meal will be remembered for a long time but in this case, I hope that it is forgotten as soon as possible! read more

The people in the restaurant were super friendly and great service. The restaurant was 3/4 full of customers for a Saturday lunch. I had the 1/2 fried chicken. I was dry and did not have any seasoning on it. I was disappointed. read more