This diner is a hidden jewel in Hampton Virginia. Those people who enjoy good down home, hearty, breakfasts seem to love this place. All others seem to have complaints. My wife and I love the fried catfish and grits, the omelettes, pancakes and breakfast platters. The waitresses are competent and nice, but not flirty, and never rude. As others have stated bring cash for you breakfast or be prepared to go to the ATM in the entryway. read more

Pancakes and hash browns are undercooked. I was given two orders of undercooked hashbrowns instead of one side of hashbrowns and one side of turkey bacon. I had to argue with the lady over a side of biscuits and gravy because she kept trying to give me the meal when I only asked for a SIDE of biscuits and a SIDE of gravy. That's $4 vs the $9 meal. The biscuits are so hard I cannot cut through them with the plastic knife. The over medium eggs I ordered are watery and the whites are barely cooked. They only accept cash. Food is NOT seasoned AT ALL. I will never eat here again. read more

Food was delicious. It was a line when I arrived. However it moved fast. I had French toast with corned beef hash. It was made to perfection. I never eat all my food. I ate every last bit... yummy.. read more

I been eating here at Tommy's for years. My favorite is probably the catfish breakfast. It's a great mom and pop restaurant. The service here is always normally pretty good. The prices are pretty reasonable. The only thing holding the back is the size of the restaurant and the fact the still don't take credit or debit cards. It's cash or check only. read more

Tommy's Restaurant in Hampton, VA is the typically Ma & Pop restaurant. They close at 3pm, so arriving early to get your fix of deliciousness is a must. Normally, there is a line out the door, the restaurant is VERY small, and parking is TERRIBLE (not a lot of spots, and very hard to find, which after awhile of looking and waiting might turn people away), but normally the wait for service and to be seated does not take long & they seat 2 - 3 groups at the same time for faster service. The food is why people come here, breakfast or lunch, prices are good, portions are HUGE, and the food taste AMAZING. A must try is definitely the catfish (1 and 1/2 pieces of fish), with eggs and cheese, hashbrowns, and one of their delicious waffles. The service is good, restaurant is like stepping into your grandmother's kitchen with the decor. Also, this place does NOT accept credit/debit cards. So make sure you have cash on hand. Overall, I would recommend this place for breakfast, food is tasty, prices aren't bad, service is good, and you won't leave here hungry. read more

Tommy's Restaurant - Fried Catfish, Egg Whites, Hash Brown's, Sweet Cream Waffle a/ Cream Cheese Icing, Whipped Cream, & Glazed Peaches - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

First time eating here because we were here on vacation from Cali. This place was a recommendation from a family member and it did not disappoint. My corn beef hash was amazing! All I was missing was my white rice . lol. Anyway, will def come back here again. Sweet potato pancake was huge! But didn't taste like sweet potato though. Anyway everything else tasted great! read more

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After a long drive to Hampton, it was so nice to see my best buddy again and grab a bite to eat at Tommy's. Our waitress brought us some water soon after we were seated (Thank You! It was hot outside). She was friendly and kindly offered suggestions on some of her favorite dishes. When our meals arrived, she asked us if we needed any condiments. She also came to check on us twice during our meal. I decided to try the Catfish Meal. It was delicious! The fish was soft and melted in my mouth. The batter was light and seasoned perfectly. Hushpuppies and your choice of 2 side items also come with this meal. Tasty Food + Great Prices + Generous Portions = I'm a fan! read more

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This was a disappointing visit and a difficult one to give a sub par review of with so many really enjoying their experience. I however could not quite get them on par and will not rush back, but will give them another try in the future. The location is on the Newport News/Hampton line, but it is a Hampton address. The businesses along Mercury blend in easily. I go by here frequently and this is the first time I noticed them. They are beside a Jiffy Lube and a Burger King is across the street. If you turn too early, or too late you can still double back without getting on the main road Mercury. Parking lot is pretty spacious. I came in on a weekday around 10 AM and the lot was around 70% full, so they get a good business even on an off day and time. That tells me they are mobbed on weekends and peak weekday AM. The entrance is from the side, there is no main entrance. I noticed lots of Best of from previous years, but nothing in the past few. There is also bench seating for waiting for a table to open. Once inside more bench seating. The hostess station is at the end of the hall just inside the dining room. I was taken care of quickly and seated to the very front. The dining room was pretty full, the area where I was had a couple of table unoccupied. The hostess set a menu down.I headed for the restroom which is in the back. They were certainly nothing fancy and dated. However clean with proper supplies. The dining room is comprised of all tables and chairs and it oozes a country feel. For me there was nothing I was excited about on the decor whatsoever. It was old country outdated I guess you could call it. Every table not occupied was clean, the carpeting was clean and no debris in sight. These are great signs of good management. I went back to the table and waited a few minutes for my server Alexis to wait on me. I asked for a suggestion and settled on the hash with eggs and a biscuit which was homeade per the server. She got on my order of coffee immediately and was very friendly, I liked her. While waiting for my meal I got very warm by the window. Heat was coming from some where and it was not comfortable. I did get one timely refill of coffee while waiting. The coffee was passable, no more. My breakfast came out in about 20 minutes. The eggs were no fixed properly and almost raw. Luckily the server was on top of checking in and took them back. When brought back they were at least the way I ordered, but did not taste great. Unsure how you can mess up poached eggs. The hash looked like a can of cat food and did not taste too much better. The biscuit was rubbery like it had just been microwaved. The tomatoes where fresh and on a crisp bed of lettuce. I ate over half the meal and decided it just did not take good enough to warrant finishing it. I waited for a coffee refill, but it never happen. After around ten minutes waiting I flagged her down and asked for my bill. Alexis advised me cash, or check only. If any issue there is an ATM in the hall. I took my check up front and met an older lady who said she was the owners Mother when I asked. She still has a think accent from growing up in Greece. She was friendly, but straight forward to move me on. The amount was correct and I asked for change for tip to put on the table She said she would take care if it and appeared to wrap the bill up with money and put under the counter. After having this place on my list to visit for breakfast for easily a year I hoped for more. I don't think another time would change much, but maybe. I am willing to give it another try in the future...but NO RUSH! read more

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It was so good I really do love it they do breakfast and lunch it's the best in the 1st picture is mine and the 2nd is what my boyfriend had read more

Tommy's Restaurant - Grits Bacon and Egg 2 Small Pancakes Coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Visited there for brunch and enjoyed a very good omelette! The line was long to get in but it moved along and it was worth the wait! Service was prompt and friendly and our server was great. The action in the kitchen was busy and we got our orders faster than quickly!!!! By the time I returned from the restroom; my order was on the table!!! I very much recommend this place if you like a great menu and like a good breakfast! Bring cash! They don't accept credit cards! read more

Tommy's Restaurant - Three meat omelette! I could not wait, so I ate a little before I took the pic! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

This place only accepts cash!! But, there's an ATM on-site and it's totally worth having the cash on hand. You can get pretty much anything here! Breakfast, lunch, dinner. It gets packed but we beat the Sunday crowd and the wait is fast because the service is fast. I loved this place and would definitely go back! Hidden gem! read more

Tommy's Restaurant - French toast! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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My parents love this place and while the food and service we had was good the unprofessionally behaved staff that we witnessed flipping out patrons was just unacceptable. Neither of these gentlemen were waiters but they both behaved rudely to the guests in our section. Rating would have been higher had we not experienced that. Otherwise the restaurant is very tight and cozy. You can definitely hear everyone's conversation lol. read more

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My experience was not very good severs we're very friendly but the food was not good the sunny side up egg on the Tommy burger was still raw on top, and Mac and cheese was taste less not for me and there were an abundance of flys right by the window read more

Tommy's Restaurant - Flys - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Whenever I have a chance I take my family to Tommy's for breakfast . Food is always amazing with fast and great service!

Food and service were fantastic! Everyone was pleasant, food was delicious, I love the comfy, at home vibe I get at Tommy's. Highly recommend! read more

Got the pecan waffle it was good. Now the eggs where not great as I ordered scrambled a little to soft and wet to my liking. Now I really wanted some turkey bacon, I just couldn't eat it as it smelled like pork. If someone orders turkey bacon they do not want it cooked in the same place you just cooked some swine. So for that alone I can not return. The waitress was a delight, but no thanks for the food. read more

This was by far the worst breakfast place in the Hampton Roads. The service was extremely slow, The food was bland and the cashier at the register was very rude. Plus this place is cash only. read more

Parking is adequate. Located on Mercury Blvd with a quick right turn off the roadway. Being that I was 8:30 AM and a Saturday the restaurant was louder than I expected, compared to other country restaurants. Since it's a cash only food place, for convenience there is an ATM located at the enterance. The menu has a big selection of items. The chipped beef on a biscuit with a side egg order was a wonderful experience. Donnie had a Salmon cake Pattie with eggs and grits, his choice was a great delight. Staff is very attentive, and food comes to you hot and quick. Leaving the restaurant was a number of vehicles with alarms going off. My Genesis G90 sent me a quick text warning me of a panic alert. Dennis and Don read more

We've been there twice on our first visit we ordered traditional breakfast bacon, eggs and waffles, and pancakes. On the second visit I had sausages and gravy, the food did not disappoint. read more

Cash only. This restaurant still operates in the last century. And their service is about that slow too! The food might have been good if the waitress could have gotten the food to the table while it was still warm. read more

Was very disappointed in the service today. A senior couple came in with a dog. The resturant was somewhat crowded and didn't know if pet was a service dog or not, but wasn't comfortable with eating food with dog shaking hair and whatever else in the air. Then the elderly man was talking rather loud about any and everything in his life. People got up and left restaurant immediately. Tommy's you got to do better. read more

Food here is cheap and plentiful, which is what it takes to succeed in this area, but the food screams "fat, chain-smoking bachelor," and I just can't do the greasy/salty thing. The eggs tasted powdered/runny (ugh) and I had ordered "scrambled, well-done." On the positive side, the place is *much* cleaner than it used to be (aside from the gummy, sticky chair backs) It looks like the dishwasher has been replaced, so that's great. Food particles and water spots are no longer on *every plate/cup/utensil. Not my style, at all, but I get why other locals like it. read more

So you may have heard of Tommy's Restaurant if you're from the Hampton Roads Area. They serve American comfort food for breakfast & lunch in a warm environment. When I would come here, it would be for the seafood breakfast which was pretty rare to find at a restaurant and really good. On a good day the line will move fast and on that same good day the servers are friendly. This place is family owned and operated; hints the family atmosphere inside. They are wheel chair accessible all the way around from the parking lot to the dining halls. They are good for children and easy on the wallet. Though, you'd might want to bring cash; their card reader wasn't working last time I went. But still check them out and don't be turned off by the long line, it'll move. read more

Simply put, one of the BEST breakfast places...period. Tommy's have a got a large selection of meals from homemade sausage (A MUST TRY) to salmon cakes, the beef bacon even a gyro platter! Much like a typical dinner you can order the whole menu, breakfast and lunch at any time of the day! Both times I went (twice in my two day trip) was during the breakfast time. I got both time one of their breakfast combos. The best combo was the one with their homemade sausage...simply amazing. And don't forget about the hash browns! So crispy and golden brown! I will warn you they only take cash and COME EARLY it gets crazy quick and a line forms fast! Even with all the craziness the staff was very friendly and attentive. Overall a GREAT spot, without a doubt will be back!! read more

Looks can be deceiving! Do NOT go here! I repeat, DO NOT GO HERE!! Two of your employees yelled at me, all because I was trying to get a ETA of a wait. The elderly lady at the cash register said "I don't know, you'd have to stay in line." Then one of your waitresses proceeded to scold me for "asking a dumb question". You two obviously need a refresher in Customer Service if you can't tell your customers an ESTIMATED WAIT TIME! I haven't had Tommy's in a while and based on your employee service skills, I will not be coming here anytime soon and I will make sure that NO ONE will have the same experience that I did. P.S. if there was an option, I'd take back my one star because clearly you don't deserve ANY stars read more

Just decided to take my wife there for our 20th wedding anniversary for breakfast/brunch and it was worth it the food and waitress was excellent we will go again. read more

I love this place. It's actually my second favorite breakfast place on the east coast! You have to try the Tommy's Breakfast Sampler. This is a small family owned business. The staff makes you feel like you're having breakfast at a family members house. The pancakes are amazing and the customer service is top notch. Check them out. You will not be disappointed. read more

Tommy's Restaurant - Salmon Cake Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

MUST HAVE CASH - NO CARDS! Ate breakfast here about two weeks ago. Made sure to plan ahead to have cash, which I don't usually carry. Food came out SUSPICIOUSLY fast; everything was great. I was in and out in record time. read more

So a friend and I drove from Va beach to Hampton just to visit Tommy's, we stood at the door waiting to be seated for approximately 5 minutes watching the same workers walk pass I eventually stopped a waiter and said could I place a To-go order she say go over to the other counter so we did as told. Look over seen another couple of 2 get seated instantly! I kinda brushed it off.. Stood at the counter about 2 minutes then an another customer walks over is when a worker comes over WALKS PASS US and ask the guy why HAD JUST WALK OVER what did he order he say I didn't order yet and I think there where in front of me. I instantly felt invisible. I don't think I'll ever b visiting Tommy's again I feel that was wrong. read more

I give this restaurant five stars because even on a busy day and you have to wait it's always worth it! My mom loves the soup of the day and I love their biscuits and gravy! There burgers are good and I can't ever say it's been a time I went there and I got food that wasn't good. I love the at home atmosphere and I love the staff! read more

Great breakfast place. Prices are reasonable. You get a good amount of food for the price you pay in my opinion. Customer service is great. The place only takes cash no other payments. read more

I was sorely disappointed by my experience today at an old favorite. As a customer of over 10 years and a community member for 25+ years, I've had many a great experience in past interaction with this Restaurant; today was NOT one of those times. Upon arrival we were made wait for 15 minutes while we could visibly see 4 tables within eyesight that were waiting to be cleared from clients that had already long taken their leave. As we were placing out order a staff member came up and interrupted us to consult with our wait staff in the middle of our talking. I ordered blackened tuna which came out raw pink in the middle. I asked to have it recooked and I was actually asked if I was ok with them putting my bitten piece of tuna back on the grill with all the other clients foods. At this point I have waited twice now for my meal; observing all this as it transpired, our wonderful wait staff informed me that she proposed to management that my portion of our meal be compensated for the huge inconvenience provided, only to be told to deduct the price of the canned applesauce we got as a side to the meal. I don't even know how you would be able to discount an item off a meal price if it was prices into the total of the meal but I imagine it shaved cents off my order. This was the worst day I've ever experienced eating at Tommy's and little to no care was shown to regard my expressing so when I did so I felt the only thing I could do at this point is allow other clients a heads up. Trey Allen S. read more

You need to know 3 things about Tommys: 1. Cash Only 2. You will wait in line 3. This greasy spoon is worth the wait We went on a Sunday knowing full well (warned by many friends) that we would be waiting in line. The line moves quickly and everyone seems fairly friendly because, well, we're all waiting in line together for breakfast! this place turns tables quickly and everyone seated seems to be having a great time and enjoying their food. Your food will come out QUICKLY, and then prepare for the food coma and enjoy! Prices were more than reasonable, 2 meals + coffee for less than $20. Multiple servers bused our table and grabbed us coffee, everyone seemed willing to help out and were genuinely friendly.. Don't forget to bring your CASH! read more

Tommy's is a must-go breakfast place for Hampton alum into for Homecoming or any other event. They've got a large selection of combo plates with breakfast staples as well as lunch and dinner options. Tommy's is the only restaurant I can think of where I can order salmon and grits, which I do almost every time I go. They also fry some really good catfish and their biscuits are good enough to fight over. The staff is always very friendly and attentive despite the constant rush of people in the restaurant. When going to Tommy's be prepared to wait...in a line...outside. That's the standard. However, the line moves pretty quickly and I always enjoy using that time to talk to whoever I'm with. read more

This place has been on my list for awhile, lots of locals rave about how its a must see if you're in the Hampton area. I finally had the opportunity to try it one morning and finally see what the hype was about. the line was long and the ac wasn't quite blowing enough to keep waiting patrons cool....it wasn't hot but... warm would be the best description. There was a lot of foot traffic going in an out, there were lots of opportunities for gnats/flies to get in because people were moving to slow coming in/exiting. Not the best thing to see but I pushed the thought out of my head and hoped that the dining room would be better. As we waited I also noticed that this place only accepts cash...theres an atm in the waiting area so its not too inconvenient for those not aware. Finally we were seated in the bustling dining room that was pretty full, I ordered a fruit/waffle combo and a side of catfish (because people kept raving about the catfish and I couldn't not try it) my waffle combo was pretty good, I'm not sure if the strawberry compote was made in house or elsewhere....it kind of felt like the liquid portion was made elsewhere and fresh strawberries were added in house but I couldn't be sure... The catfish was fresh, hot and the portion was huge, It was pretty good. Will I come back? Maybe if I'm on this side again, is it worth a try? sure, if you're in the area and want to try something new stop by (the earlier the better). read more

Tommy's Restaurant - Side of Fried Catfish - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Don't know where to start but it was all so delicious! At our table of four, we shared everything. Top selections: Fried boneless chicken thighs, fried catfish, fried shrimp AND the amazing shrimp and grits with gravy - fabulous. The home fries, pancakes, french toast, sausage and bacon were all tasty. I ordered my eggs over medium, then changed to over easy and regretted it as they were a little too underdone for me, but I feel like that was "my fault". Our waitress, Kiersten (sp), was gracious, fabulous, attentive during a busy Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere was homey and we were happy to have leftovers for our ride back to Maryland!! read more

It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the best and they only accept cash Hash browns weren't crispy Service was good but to only pay in cash is a turn off read more

I have gone here many times over the years, countless. Today, I felt totally disrespected as I had no cash and forgot that Tommy's was cash only (It is 2018 - many of us are using NFC readers to pay). I politely asked was the ATM still in the lobby as I wanted to get the cash to pay after she informed me that it was still only cash and CHECKS that were acceptable forms of payment. As I proceeded to go to the lobby, she says to my 11 year old son, "You stay here"! Thankfully, I was well rested and for whatever reason the entire Universe held my tongue from ripping the elderly owner apart with words. At a minimum, she should have asked was it okay for him to stay. Better yet, since you are concerned that I may walk out and not pay, ask for my keys, driver's license, or credit card, NOT MY SON as if he is yours to command. Nonetheless, I will only return to Tommy's if I am paid, at least, hundreds of dollars to do so. And then, I will order, and NOT eat. Before all of this, my son had complained that his pancakes tasted like nothing more than undercooked cake batter. Never again unless I am PAID to go to that establishment. I am okay with what she wanted (payment) security, but I am not okay with how she went about it read more

This place is a genuine greasy spoon. The place was packed, and service was quick. It's all the regular sorts of breakfast fare, but a notch up from a chain like Denny's. A solid breakfast that will probably keep you full all day like a lead brick depending on what you order. Probably an awesome spot if you need to eat and have an early morning hangover. For our purposes, it was easy to go with a kiddo and there was plenty on the menu he'd eat. CASH ONLY - very happy we checked the reviews before going so we didn't get hit with the ATM fee. read more

Be aware they DO NOT take credit cards. The server told me and my party that this is stated on the front door, along with 300 other stickers and sayings that never get read... read more