A lot of places in New York have been serving pseudo comfort food, but they dress it up and over intellectualize it until it's either no longer comfort food or the result of 4/20 at the CIA. Tom's is actual comfort food. Tom's makes better pancakes than your mother (or at the very least, mine.) Tom's will, like my mother, force you to eat things you didn't ask for while you're in the middle of eating what you did ask for. The rest of the interior is cheesy, warm and very appropriate. This place gets packed for brunch, so coming during the off hours might be best. One big bonus for me is that they have both cherry lime rickys and egg creams. I usually have to get one of each when I'm here. I'd give it five stars, but in the end it's still a diner. A really good diner. read more

I know this might be a little strange because it's a diner, but I'm going to say that this way surely my best breakfast experience I've had, ever. First of all, when you come in, you are greeted with a smile and a lot of friendliness from everyone. The seating there is perfect because you are never really sitting on top of anyone, and that's always a plus. Next, was the free Cinnamon bread that they give right when you sit down. Someone also walks around giving cookies throughout the meal, which were bangin. The Cinnamon butter that they put on the toast is SICK, I mean it was one of the most delicious things I have ever put in my mouth. They also give you apricot butter and I think it was cherry butter, mmmmmmm....yummy. I ordered the pastrami and eggs which were PERFECT. The manager came over to me and gave me all sorts of mustard type sauces and stuff to complement the meal, and it really did. My friend had the western omelet and french toast and ate every single bite, which never happens. The service is outstanding, the decor is a little crazy but cute, and the staff makes you feel like you are VIP. The best part is that it's pretty cheap. I will be coming back here many many times. I love this place, and I highly recommend it. There's no way you'll have a bad meal here. Oh yeah, cash only! read more

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Do not mind the crazy line out the door; just ignore it and eat here!! They feed you while you wait!!! Every single thing I've had here is delicious and the staff is extremely friendly. The last time I came here I had just match to a residency program and they brought me a free slice of cake and sang to me! Lol (super embarrassing but extremely cute) I love this place and wish I weren't moving so far from it! I would definitely come here if you're looking for some deliciously filling food and a reasonable check to go with it! read more

What a great place. Menu offers a great selection of classic diner meals with a twist. The food came out pretty fast. My SO had the cinnamon swirl pancakes and they were delicious. The homemade butters that came with were unforgettable. I had the pumpkin walnut waffle and it was good but the pumpkin taste was little to non existent. Over all a great place, would recommend after a trip to Brooklyn Museum. read more

Tom's - Cinnamon Swirl Pancake with Frosting - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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A long line snakes round a tacky exterior. It's hot. Women fan themselves with newspapers, some sit in plastic chairs. The diner door opens and a dark skinned man passes out cold water, chocolate chip cookies, skewered bits of chorizo. The decor is kitschy and inviting. An autographed photo of an astronaut "The best egg-creams in the universe!" waits by the door, waits where the lucky wait to be seated. The menu is extensive but contains helpful landmarks to ground your wandering eyes, growling stomach, conversation: sausages, pancakes, eggs, cheese, grits and bacon. Yum. The food is good. The chocolate chip pancakes will surely satisfy whatever carnal urge inspired their presence on a table for two topped with huevos rancheros, cheesy grits, chorizo, egg creams, orange juice, butter, syrup and black coffee. We barely finished a meal that could satisfy an impoverished 3rd world family for several days. What right do we have to splurge in such a casual manner? Where did we learn to forget the food we've wasted like we've forgotten the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Woe is us. read more

Classic, comfort diner food with a very old-school feel. We came here during brunch on a busy Saturday but the line seem to move with ease and we were seated within 15 minutes. Customer service was exceptional and the cinnamon roll pancakes are something else! I definitely recommend sharing as the serving size could easily feed 2-3 people. Will definitely be back again soon! read more

Tom's - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I certainly appreciate some green peppers and onion in the home fries, assuming they're just a little crispy, but warm mushy peppers and foamy potatoes, brrr. Love all the flowers around, the air feels specially clean, the overcrowded walls somehow manage to produce some charm, the service is on a planet way above the prices, food comes quick, special shout out to the belgian waffle variety [only the waffles, not to the three plastic containers filled with fatty colored butter in replacement of some real cream or ice cream] beware; blue dressed power abusers have been spotted here, they have a station next block. read more

Tom's never disappoints....EVER. I've gone more than a few times and I always leave satisfied. Pancake selection is off the hook: sweet potato, banana walnut, mango walnut, lemon ricotta, just to name a few. The pancakes also come with strawberry, cinnamon sugar and orange zest and walnut butter to go with the pancakes....craziness! Omelettes, cherry lime rickeys, belgian waffles, smoked turkey sausage, grits, big ass cups of tea, hot chocolate that looks like cappucino, funky decor,fast and efficient service, lines out the door, little bites to eat while you wait on line....that's Tom's for you. read more

Really? Must you be so amazing, Tom's? Let's start with what this place is: a circa 1936 awesome old school diner with yummy food! I showed up here on a Saturday with my husband and there was a line around the corner (it was almost 10:30AM) and it was raining, AND we waited :) It was a long-ish wait, but the lovely part? This sweet older gentleman comes out every so often with some food or coffee...and with the warmest smile and kindness! I don't remember the last time I had such stellar service! onto the food... 3 words: Lemon Ricotta Pancake. TO DIE FOR! Never in my life have I had a pancake that I wanted to eat without anything on top! It did not need syrup or butter (even though you get flavored butters), it was THAT good! Go to Tom's, get thee some amazing pancakes, smile, kick back, and eat! Go hungry! read more

Another overhyped eatery in NYC. This place is resting on some ill-deserved laurels. Yes, while you wait in the nonsensically long line, you will be offered orange slices and cheap cookies. But being given free mediocre food while waiting in line, only to make it inside and be given even more mediocre food that you then have to pay for is too much insult to bear. I came here after visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with an old friend. The only memorable thing about this place was the magnitude of the inverse proportion between (a) the quality of the food and (b) the popularity. I remember having some lackluster grits, among other things, and my friend had some edible pancakes. This was basically a meal at a Waffle House but with higher prices and more hipsters. Edible, but at this point in its history, it's relying on style more than substance. The old-timey soda fountain-y drinks were intriguing, but I didn't try any. Maybe worth a visit for the vintage flair. Overall, recommended only if you are insanely hungry, and cash-poor (and/or homeless), and in the neighborhood, and have few scruples--i.e., stand in line for the free snacks and then get on with your day. read more

So authentic. Portions are big service is quick and it has a great diner vibe. Highly recommend

I've heard so much about this place. From the outside you don't know what it is.. (No sign) it looks cold and vacant from the wait on line outside, but as soon as you step inside, it's such a warm and cozy feel. I liked the establishment since I was greeted by the bald dude offering me coffee.. pancakes...sausage...whatever. Never have I been treated this way waiting on line for seating. I took a young lady to Brunch.. I ordered the Mango Walnut Pancakes.. Chicken Cutlet and eggs... and Vinegar French fries... DAMN!!!! It truly hit the spot! The prices were not expensive and you got more than enough to eat, my date ordered Walnut Pancakes (She was being modest) The service and the food was absolutely wonderful, I will be returning to Tom's this is a perfect place to come and eat but not with a party more than 4. The place is very small so don't look to have a big gathering here. I was not hesitant to try different dishes, it honestly seemed as if I could order the entire menu and not have a compliant about the meal. Very good quality of food. From my wait on line outside about 50-70 feet from the entrance I waiting no more than 15 minutes max. The wait was surprisingly short. I recommend Tom's if you're in the neighborhood and you're thinking about trying it.. trust me hope on that line and experience the family style dine. read more

I am seriously confused by the good and raving review of Tom's on yelp. I was so excited to go after hearing about Tom's so much. I went on a Saturday morning and waited in the usual line that wraps around the street corner on a weekend morning. I didn't mind waiting because I was curious what all the hype was about. The one thing that I thought was really cute about this place is that they keep you happy while you wait in line by coming around with water, samples of french fries and slices or orange. :) Once me and my friend finally got seated we ordered eggs florentine and eggs florentine with crabcake. We planned on splitting it so we each got one crabcake and one plain one. I can't get over this, the hollandaise sauce on top of the eggs was definitely NOT a hollandaise sauce! It tasted like an awful boxed cheddar cheese sauce and the spinach and feta on the english muffin was mushy and tasted like it was made a century ago. There is good "bad" diner food and then there is Tom's with just bad diner food. The only good thing was that there coffee was reliable but I don't think I will ever be going back there given the standard of the food I ate. read more

We are sitting in Tom's diner (It's in Brooklyn, not Manhattan. This is not the place from that song - Nor the one that was on "Seinfeld.") Though the booth is kind of tiny We're quite happy with the service We were given free orange slices And some very tasty toast. While we're waiting for our order We are greeted by the owner I don't think his name is Tom, though (Pretty sure that was his father.) Then the waiter brings our pancakes They come with three kinds of butter Mine have lemon and ricotta And some bacon on the side. We're admiring the fake flowers And the retro walls and fixtures We have never eaten pancakes Quite so fluffy or delicious And the flavored butter's awesome I would eat it with a spoon I don't care if it is crowded, I'd come back here anytime. read more

Had been looking forward to trying the old fashioned and (apparently) famous Tom's in Prospect Heights. I'll never go back. Here are my thoughts from today, sitting at the bar: 1) Line down the block 2) Flies 3) Zero service throughout 4) All the hype about the pancakes is completely unfounded. On top of that, pun, the syrup is cheap and gross. 5) Had to ask for syrup 6) Had to ask for salt (they brought salt, no pepper.) 7) No coffee re-fill, no water re-fill 8) Asked for eggs over medium, and, ommmm.....they weren't even close. A mess. 9) Unable to order a single pancake and 2 eggs. 10) Did not clear my plates 11) Toast came out when i was done with breakfast 12) Patrons of the restaurant asked me to move down, i did 13) Patrons continually bumped into me, not even close to enough room 14) Staff continually bumped into me 15) Staff arguing with each other Wow. Clearly, this place is riding the high of its hype, and, good for them....they're snared in that sweet spot of great popularity and in NYC that could last for years. But for me, all I'm after is a simple greasy spoon diner. I'd like to experience the opposite of all 15 things above, and it's not too much to ask. These are simple, basic expectations from your average breakfast diner. Coincidentally, the place I have been going regularly for 2 years prior to this is the Tom's on the Upper West Side, and that Tom's I can recommend. Good luck. read more

I've always heard how amazing Tom's breakfast is. When I lived in the area I attempted to go there for brunch a couple of times but found that the wait was WAY too long for me. So I finally came here for lunch on a weekday and immediately decided I had to have the eggs florentine. Our waiter was all excited about my choice and even delivered my dish while singing a little song. So funny. And holy crap was that an excellent plate of food! Tom's definitely makes one of the best eggs florentine that I've ever tasted. The eggs were perfectly cooked - not too runny, not too hard - and there was plenty of Hollandaise sauce. I hate it when places skimp on the sauce. But the best part was the spinach: it was creamed. YUM YUM YUM. I mean...it's clearly a heart-attack-on-a-plate kind of dish, but if you're gonna go out, it may as well be eating this. read more

I'm beginning to lose trust in the taste buds of my fellow Brooklyn Yelpers... This place was SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT! The bf and I decided to go to Tom's for brunch yesterday. The food was TERRIBLE! This is how it went down: Let's begin with the syrup...the moment I began pouring I noticed the thick glue like consistency and it immediately grossed me out, I couldn't believe one can gag with syrup, well I did...oh and it was also tasteless. The french toasts looked like they had been pressed by an iron --I have no idea why. I took my first bite and that was the last, the french toasts were extremely hard and tasted old, just like the bacon and the syrup. The bacon was far from crunchy, instead it was hard and even difficult to chew. The scramble eggs were burnt and DRY! The cinnamon and banana pancakes were too doughy and only had 2 slices of bananas per pancake. The guy who took our order and never came back to our table, oh yea, I think you call those waiters, did not wait on us at all, we had to ask someone else for our bill. Total bad experience, $25 down Tom's diners drain. We will never bother to come back. Oh and that "only cash" deal is just inconvenient, stop being cheap and take credit cards, it's 2012!!! read more

Was very underwhelmed with this place as popular as it seemed to be with the line out the door and all. The food was nothing worth putting any time into writing about, so in short unless you are severely lacking in options I wouldn't be bothered. read more

Tom's - Outer dinning area - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Yay! I finally made it to Tom's. If you love pancakes and or waffles Tom's is a must! I had the Sweet Potato Waffles and they were perfect. Not too big. You know when you get food its so much that you know you should save some so either you eat too much and your stomach hurts, or you actually save it but then forget it! Well Tom's has the perfect portion of Waffles. I used the cinnamon butter and a bit of syrup. Nom nom nom. Tom's also has other diner type food: burgers, salad, omelets, meatloaf., etc. Oh and I went on a Sunday at 1:30PM and only waited about 10 minutes. So maybe I got lucky. read more

Alright. I had to eat here. I didn't want to, because every damn Saturday and Sunday morning there is a GIANT MOTHER-HUMPIN LINE to get into this place, and that line is made up of fixie-ridin, jort enthusiasts who only listen to bands I probably haven't heard of. Buuuuuut, the food here is perfect diner fair. They do everything right, and you can get the classics that seem to be harder and harder to find (egg creams, ugh). It's a bit touristy, being that it's right by the art museum, botanical gardens, zoo and park, but I live 2 blocks away - I couldn't avoid it much longer. However, if you find yourself here, and you don't to wait the 3 hours to get in, Teddy's up Washington is a fantastic alternative, with food that's just as good. Both places are worth seeing (tasting?), though! I know I keep complaining about the wait time, but I did also come here around 2pm on a weekday and it was quiet with no wait, soooo heads up to that. Bumtown, USA: closes by dinner. Can't go here after I've had too much a Franklin Park. But maybe that's for the best. read more

I'm not sure what the hype is all about. Came here for brunch because we read that the pancakes here are amazing. However, the taste was bland and did not live up to the hype. Ordered the Danish pancakes and it was lacking in what a yummy pancake should taste like. The corn beef hash had a weird fishy taste. I don't think I will be coming back. Its not a comfortable environment for brunch anyhow. read more

Tom's - Danish pancakes (blueberries, ricotta and lemon zest). I was not a big fan of it - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This diner was recommended to me by a fellow Brooklynite who loves pancakes. I came on a Sunday morning at 11 am and found the line literally outside the door. I hadn't been here before so when I tried to go around the line to put my name down, I was told to wait in line and that the wait was only 15 minutes. They don't have a host/hostess so you have to wait in line until you reach the front for a table. While that might sound like an ineffective method to seat people, they do come around with waters and delicious french fries and other various foods for you to sample while standing in line. While we did end up actually waiting 30 minutes instead of the predicted 15 minutes for the table, the wait wasn't bad and the food comes relatively quickly. I ordered the 2 by 2 by 2 special which comes with eggs, bacon or sausage, and pancakes. The scrambled eggs were sub par, but the sausage and pancakes were delicious. The pancakes were just the right amount of fluffiness. My friend ordered the corn beef hash which was also average, it only had potatoes and corn beef in it, and I was hoping for some sort of vegetables to go with it. Some of their dishes come with french fries, which I HIGHLY recommend. Overall service is also average and what you could expect at a diner (although our waiter did forget to bring us water). I would come back just for the pancakes and maybe try out one of their lunch dishes. Just a tip: if you're a lover of french fries like I am, I would order one of the dishes that comes with it, and it's NOT to be confused with the home fries. Home fries are basically mashed potato chunks. read more

Tom's - Corned beef hash with eggs and home fries - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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What the hell is this line? About 20 deep in the store and no one is complaining? How can this be? Bribery, that's how. While you wait in line, they ply you with fruit, cookies, meats, gold, diamonds... Ok. Maybe not the last two. By the time we were seated, I was nearly full. But that didn't stop me from having an entire plate of cheese fries washed down with a root beer float. Yes, these are not what Tom's is known for but it was what I was craving. Unfortunately, I found my order to be only borderline satisfactory. The cheese was kind of cold and congealed and the fries appeared to come from a brown bag that can be found in freezers across American diners. But fries covered in cheese is never a bad thing unless your a cardiologist. What I should have gotten was the pancakes with lemon ricotta. That sounds like it would make you wanna slap yo' mama. What you should not get is the fishcake. They are strange in texture and resemble neither fish nor cake. The sauce they came with was pretty decent. I enjoyed dipping my fries in it. I think the food was 2-star worthy but the service really bumps this place up to the 3rd star. Even after we were seated and eating, the friendly people of Tom's would not stop shoving free samples in my face. And I love free anything! Spicy cucumbers, orange slices, more chocolate chip cookies! Oh my! Maybe I'm just not all that impressed by diner food in general (except when I'm really drunk/hungover) but I still think Tom's is a really unique experience that leaves you with a smile. Cheeeeeese. (but hopefully not the congealed kind.) read more

My only complaints about Tom's are 1) it's so awesome (and by far the best food place in the area) that there's usually a line out the door, and 2) they never ask what kind of cookie I want! I see those chocolate chip cookies in that bin, why do you always hand me oatmeal, bus boy, what are you implying? It's really rare in Brooklyn to be greeted in the manner of a long lost relative, I don't even get such a warm welcome from my actual family. I wish the owner was my grandfather. I gained even more respect for him when I saw how he dealt with an irrationally angry customer, his smile never left his face and he was so nice without being condescending at all, it was incredible. The menu is extensive and everything is awesome, even the beef burrito my boyfriend got off of the specials menu. My favorite is the breakfast and I was amazed to find that the grits are on par with those in the south. Judging by my experience and the amount of people trying to get in, a bad meal doesn't exist at Tom's. The milkshakes are huge and they actually give you the excess which is really only fair. I hate when you go somewhere and you get a tiny cup and then they put the rest of your milkshake in another tiny cup and leave it in the back. What do they do with that, drink it? throw it away? It's not right. The egg creams (chocolate or vanilla) are the best I've had and I've had a lot of egg creams. They're perfect, but I have to say that I was disappointed with the cherry lime rickey. After hearing so much about it, I was expecting something a little more than something that tasted like cherry cough syrup watered down with seltzer. The service is always excellent, in addition to being friendly, the waitstaff and buspeople always make sure you have everything you need and bring everything in a really timely manner. When you pay at the cash register, they give you a blowpop or a little box of chicklets, something that would normally cost you at least five cents or a quarter at any other diner. read more

I came here for brunch with my friend on a weekday. We were in the area and had read the great reviews. It did not disappoint! I got a western omelette which was loaded with homes fries and came with really tasty toast. My friend tried the crab cake Benedict. This was a great twist on typical diner food. The only thing I would mention is that it is very tiny we were squashed next to the toilet but did not mind it. The service was also very nice and made us feel welcomed. Definitely coming back here when those brunch cravings kick in. read more

Tom's - Tasty western omelette! - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is great for brunch on the weekend! I recommend the omelettes or the pancakes/waffles. They have a delicious assortment of flavored butters (cinnamon sugar, strawberry) that goes great on pancakes/waffles. They recently opened up a new outdoor space/backyard for additional seating. The staff is so friendly and efficient. Can't wait to keep coming back here. read more

Doo da doo doot doot da doo doot, doot do dooot doota dootoo Tom's Diner is a neighborhood classic just as the Suzanne Vega song implies. My good friend lives just around the corner so it's a popular breakfast spot for me. It's just your average diner food of pancakes, eggs, homefries and all that greasy good-stuff .( I believe they have everything pretty much already prepared so there is never a long wait for your food at all ), but the coziness and familiarity are what make it so popular. Whether you're waiting on line or sitting at your table, waitstaff frequently come by and present you with fresh sliced fruit, cookies, or other little treats. Oh the yummy, homemade flavored butters and jams! Who wouldn't want to spread mango butter on their pancakes? Who? The prices are surprisingly cheap for NYC and 2 people can easily get a full breakfast for about $20 along with a tootsie roll and a lollipop as you leave. Definitely worth the visit even if only for coffee and eggs! read more

Can the owner, staff and interior be any cuter?? This place has a wide variety of breakfast delights-- lots of yummy egg- omelets, Benedict..all sorts of goodies here!! Refills of coffee a plenty here! If you are looking for an old school breakfast diner with great service and fun atmosphere, this is the place!! read more

This review has little to do with the food. It has everything to do with Tom's being a neighborhood institution in a city where that phrase is pretty much dead. I'm not sure why dozens of people line up for hours outside of Tom's each weekend morning. Is it as penance for killing off dozens of similar places in search of the perfect herbed Bellini? Are they curious to know what grocery store whole wheat toast tastes like? Whatever the reason, Tom's is still here as one of the last of its breed. That's a good reward for a business that committed to its neighborhood through a couple of decades when "enlightened" people felt a frisson of giddy horror when they rode the 2/3 past Borough Hall. Keep your order simple. Have some pancakes. And grow up (seriously, grow up) if you're bummed out that Tom's coffee isn't like Stumptown's. These places are good for the social fabric of neighborhoods. The vapid consumerism that turns NYC neighborhoods into retail turnstiles isn't. read more

I would give this place 2 thumbs up if my hands weren't so busy eating the free sampler pancakes and cookies Tom's wait staff gave us as we waited in line for a table! The line was out the door for a Saturday morning ~10:30am, but it was relatively quick, around 15 minutes. But the wait went by quick as the service while we were waiting was wonderful. When my company and I got seated, I ordered the Pumpkin Walnut pancakes and my company got an omelette with fries. The first bite of my pancakes was heaven. So fluffy, not too sweet, great texture. I ate my first pancake with ease and euphoria, but I had trouble eating the other 2 pancakes as I couldn't handle the build up of sugar. (Though I think this is just a personal problem of preferring savoury foods in the morning vs. sweet foods, so I'm not blaming this on Tom's at all). My company's fries were really good too. Even though there was a constant line out the door during our meal, I didn't feel rushed at all to finish our food and leave. Great service, great food. Two thumbs up! read more

I've been to this place so many times and I love it. It is my favorite breakfast place in Brooklyn. The pancakes here are sooo good. I usually get either the apple cinnamon or the chocolate chip. I've heard that the banana walnut are very good but I'm not a banana kinda guy. Toms also makes great omelets which they have a wide variety of as well. One thing that I usually like to get is their egg cream which is one of the best I've ever had. Their shakes are supposed to be amazing as well. This is THE place for breakfast at any time of the day! Be very careful on weekends because the line goes around the block!! read more

We went to check out Tom's Diner because of all of the great reviews and the 4 star rating. I have to tell you, I think that in NY people get caught up in the "cool trend" of things and want to follow everyone else rather than take a step back and really evaluate the experience and the food or perhaps after being in NY for so long, people except less than the best just to attempt to fit in. A would not call Tom's a classic diner experience. If anyone has grown up going or working in diners in America and compared it to Tom's, there is no comparison. The only thing that is the same is that there are a few stools and some tables and fountain sodas and a woman at the register at the door to take the money. Beyond that there are no similarities. I would have to say the pancakes are quality and the flavored butter is a great added touch. After that everything goes down hill. The maple syrup is cheap heavily high fructose corn syrup that comes in a industrial huge containers - which we know because they were filling the squeeze containers from the large containers on the counter when we walked in. That was the same thing for the ketchup. In addition, they have warm mayo out on each table in squeeze containers - anyone for some nice warm mayo sitting out all day? We sat down at a booth that was still sticky from the last customers and also there were two empty used milk containers from other people that must have used it for their coffee. The menus were equally nasty and so dirty it was hard to read the words. Our waiter was nice but it was difficult to understand what he was saying with his thick Spanish accent. In addition, we could not read the check as the handwriting was horrific. When we were finished we were waiting for our check for at least 15 minutes and eventually had to find our waiter that was sitting eating his food and ask for our check. After he gave us our food, we never saw him again. As I was attempting to enjoy my tuna melt with some very done fries (the good part was some horseradish dip that was on the side), I noticed that outside of the bathroom right next to me was about 40 rolls of toilet paper stacked up. Nice touch while eating. They have bathroom with one toilet for the entire place and the door is difficult to lock and it is dirty. Prices were not bad - $27 for two people. We won't be returning and we are still in search for a great traditional diner in Brooklyn. read more

This is unpretentious, stick-to-your ribs diner food. I've only been for breakfast / brunch on weekends, but I keep coming back. Don't let the line scare you away. Instead of making a list and checking it twice, would-be diners line up inside the door... outside the door... and sometimes around the block. But the place is bigger inside than you would guess and service is fast, so the tables turnover quickly and the line moves steadily. Even when the line was starting to twist around the corner when I got in it, I only waited maybe 20-25 minutes. Also, they usually handout cups of coffee, ice water, and little bites of french toast or orange slices while you're waiting in line. The food: good, solid, inexpensive, huge portions. There are about 12 different kinds of pancakes, and they're all good, but my personal favorite is the lemon one with blueberries (I think they call it a Dutch or Swedish pancake). We have also enjoyed the pumpkin and apple cinnamon pancakes. My girlfriend especially loves the little containers of flavored butter that they always serve them with. The egg dishes are also good. The Mexican omelet oozes cheese and salsa. The eggs Benedict are a comforting and traditional preparation of the dish with a thick slab of salty country ham. If you don't like those things though, like all diners, the menu is long and comprehensive. You can french toast, steak and eggs, meatloaf, a burger, or even crab cakes if you prefer. The staff is friendly, but brisk and efficient. They are quick to take your order, the food comes fast, and I've never had to ask to have my water glass filled up. That said, I've never felt rushed out the door after I'm done. They only take cash, which is a pet peeve of mine, but it works in this kind of unpretentious environment. read more

Oh, Tom's! It's a staple in my diet! This is a place where breakfast is served all day, ice-cold orange wedges are distributed by the friendly staff for free, and the decor is elaborately changed for every season! The food is your standard (yet delicious) diner fare. If you get pancakes or waffles, you'll also get an assortment of Tom's homemade butters, including a strawberry butter, a lime butter, and a cinnamon butter (my favorite!). The non-breakfast food is great as well. Usually my eyes are bigger than my stomach here as I try to get a milkshake AND a meal, and end up overly stuffed! This place is a great value. I recommend the Cherry-Lime Rickey. And be forewarned that you will leave smelling like "diner." The only downside if this place is that it closes at 5 PM, and because it is a family owned place, it goes "on vacation" (closes for a week or so) sometimes. read more

This is exactly what a diner should be. Don't be scared off by the line out the door (or do, then I'll get in faster). It moves quickly and the staff will bring out free samples for you to snack on while waiting. Their 2x2x2 breakfast is the best! Affordable price for 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, and 2 sausage/bacon. Perfect combination of sweet and salty without having to order two giant meals. Plus, milkshakes! Also, they make their own flavored butters and will bring them out to you in individual plastic containers if you order pancakes (which you should). I've seen cinnamon, strawberry, and pumpkin flavored butters but I'm sure there's more. The waitress will give you a little bag to take the butters home with you if you ask. (why not!) This is a breakfast & lunch place. They close early. They don't serve brunch. Nothing is over-priced or pretentious. Just delicious food, great staff, and a solid breakfast. read more

CASH ONLY! Came here Sunday morning around 1030am for brunch. There was a short line. We were at the entrance of the door. As soon as we got there someone offered us water so that was cool. A few minutes later they offered us cookies. Then a few minutes after that, someone came around offering fries to try. Omg the fries are so amazing so I had to order it with whatever I was going to order. We didn't wait long for a table but it was only a part of 2. I had the Mexican omelet with French fries instead of home fries. The omelet was OK. The fries were so good. One of the best I've had. The sauce it comes with is really good too but not for you if you can't take spicy. My boyfriend has the 2 by 2 by 2. The pancakes were regular pancakes. Nothing special. We also got the cherry rickey? drink, not bad, tastes like cherry soda. I tried the different butters that everyone talked about in the other reviews but I didn't really like it. It' very different but cool, just not my kind of taste. There are a lot of workers so service is pretty quick. Although the can be very long, it moves by quickly. I like it here and would definitely come back. On the way out, I saw a sign for their other location in coney island so might give that a try read more

Tom's - Mexican omelet with the most amazing French fries - Diners Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Tom's keeps it original. I used to live next door, every time I fly in from LA, my first stop is always Tom's. Service is more authentic and friendlier than you will find anywhere. During the long waits on Saturday, they have a steady stream of complimentary oranges, cookies and coffee flowing to those waiting to get in. Gus is the man and nicest guy you will ever meet. Urban legend has it that the Dodgers would go there after games to enjoy cherry lime rickey's and egg creams. The other urban legend is that people in the neighborhood formed a human chain around the restaurant to protect it from rioting in the 60s. True or not, Tom's is a must visit for good traditional breakfast. read more

Still an overrated diner with almost raw home fries and the peppers are too crunchy. Prices are getting higher too. There are too many other options in the area now to wait for a breakfast that I could make better, and my GF's lemon ricotta pancakes are much better. read more

Say what you want but this place is definitely not as good as the reviews say. The neighborhood appeal might be one thing but traveling to it with the many options in Brooklyn is simply not worth it. The atmosphere is cool with the many notable visitors on the wall and the fact that it's been around for almost 100 years. However, the food was simply nothing to write home about. If I was around the corner, I might give it one more try. FYI: CASH ONLY read more

Bustling atmosphere, friendly efficient service, better than average Diner food. No complaints!