Do not hesitate to wait. There’s not a chance you’ll find something better by the time you get to whatever back up restaurant you pick.Big Al’s Deli is small and feels like you’re with family the moment you step through the door. You’re greeted and treated like you just got home. The service is exceptional, the atmosphere is friendlier than you’ll find anywhere outside of grandma’s kitchen, and the food takes you to a different place and time where everything just feels right.Get the catfish. Listen to what the waitress suggests you try, and enjoy an experience unlike any other.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cecilia Gallegos
A very lovely experience with delicious food. They had waiting times but it was 100% worth waiting for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Big Al's Big Breakfast
Sean Ubinger
I was visiting Nashville with friends and went to Big Al's this past Saturday morning. We had to wait about 30 minutes, as the seating inside is limited. The wait was worth it though, as all the food we got was very, very good. A couple people in my party ordered the shrimp and grits, which I tried and was delicious. I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes, which were crispy around the edges and were some of the best pancakes I've ever had. The biscuits were also to die for. Our service was great from the host, and Big Al was back in the kitchen doing his thing to make sure all the food was excellent. All in all, this is a fantastic Southern restaurant with great food and hospitality. We felt like a part of the family the entire time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Y-Knot
Well where do I start - the food if very good don't get me wrong - but what isn't is always guessing when they are open for breakfast!!!! I've tried 3x in the last month to have breakfast to no avail. Nothing worse than pulling up and CLOSED FOR BREAKFAST - Al you need to either be open regularly for breakfast or NOT at ALL!!!
Kaletha Smith (Lisa)
Full as a tick! Our table ordered a bit of everything and we were not disappointed. THE BEST SOUTHERN HOME COOKING IN NASHVILLE. Sorry, we ate our food so fast, I forgot to take pics. But now, a reason to come back for pics.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatloaf, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken, Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken and Waffles, Jerk Chicken, Potatoes, Hot Chicken, Grits
S & J Ramberg
Had a great visit to Al’s place. You have to go for the experience and not expect this to be like Ruth Chris. It was down home, great food with all the accoutrements expected. We loved it. The chicken was crisp and tangy, the side of beans were fantastic and the host was charming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken
Sara Wright
Cant actually rate the food. Although it says they open at 8, we got there after 10 and were told they dont open until 11. Very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
President LaDeek
I am going to be honest, although it’s a black owned establishment the atmosphere is predominantly white. It’s a very small place which I don’t have a problem with that, but I did have a problem when I walked through the door it became very silent and I got the uneasy feeling like I didn’t belong there. So me and my friend we continue to wait on instructions on what we needed to do. Finally the owners son asked if we wanted our food to go or dining in and if you are dining in you’ll have to wait until we clean off a table! But in all fairness, it was 1:10 PM and they close at 2:00 PM so maybe he was a little dry because it was getting close to closing time! One thing I’m gonna always do is called out bigotry or an atmosphere that’s uncomfortable to my skin color. I really do wish non-black America would get over their bias feelings towards all blacks because we are not a monolith! We are not all the same! So that being said towards closing the owner came in and he was really nice. The cook finally talked to us and the owner son kind of warmed up to us after he seen that we wasn’t any kind of a threat or problem. Overall, the food was very delicious and you got great portions for the price and I would like to visit again just to see if my notions were wrong or right!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits, Sausage, Fried Chicken, Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, Fried, Pancakes, Potatoes, Grits
Vivian Joyce
I so wanted to like this, but I didn’t. They were nice, but the food was not to my liking. Catfish, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, white beans, flat corn bread. No. Go check them out though. They are black owned and I want them to be supported. I’ve done my part.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Shonna G
Had our first dine in experience at Big Al’s today. The food was delicious with generous portions and very well seasoned. Seating is limited so either plan to go in earlier or be patient. AJ was super knowledgeable of the menu and Chef D was very friendly. Al himself came by the table before we left. We tried the fried chicken sandwich, fried catfish, turnip greens and skillet beans.
Let's start with the phone call we made to get clarity on their business hours. AJ was kind from the first interaction over the phone. He explained they had altered hours because his father was out due to a knee surgery.They closed at 2pm we arrived roughly at 1pm. We pulled up in a residential neighborhood to the restaurant. I thought that was pretty dope! Inside it's like going into someone's living room and enjoying a home cooked meal. AJ was at the register, he explained we could sit wherever we wanted and gave us menus. He engaged with us asking about where we were from and what brought us to town. Told us some of his menu favorites and what paired well together. Overall the customer service was a 10/10.We ordered:Note - Proteins came with two sides and a hot cake.Meal 1: Fried catfish, okra rice, and apples.Meal 2: Fried catfish, skillet beans, and green beans.Catfish (10/10) - fried to perfection. The catfish was also seasoned to perfection. Likely the best fried catfish either of us ever had. You're not mad at getting one piece because the size of the fish is more than enough. Honestly, anything more would be too much. Also, it came with a tartar sauce that was like a miniature coleslaw. Crunchy, not too mayonnaisey. The perfect addition.Okra Rice (8/10) - New territory. I tried it. I really enjoyed it. Gave me Spanish rice vibes.Apples (10/10) - sweet with notes of cinnamon, and crispy-tender if that makes sense.Skillet Beans (8.5/10) - they were like multidimensional baked beans. They were sweet, savory and multi-layered from a texture perspective with the onion in it giving it a nice crunch.Green Beans (6/10) - weren't the star of the dish, they could've been seasoned a little better. A bit vinegary but I know that's some people's preference. Overall they were a solid side.Hot cakes (10/10) - basically a pancake but made with cornmeal. It was sweet, crispy, and the cornmeal adds an element of gritty-ness. No additions are needed like syrup or butter, these babies carry their own weight. They were so good we had to ask for two more!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Minter
Came for breakfast before catching a flight out of town. From Big Al, the staff, and even everyone we ate with it was a great time and a great environment!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela Johnson
I’ve been here 2x this week an they been closed or open later this posted on website not very professional hopefully one day I’ll actually be able to experience the food i hear so much about
joe “Socrates” hall
This was my first time to Big Al's, but it won't be my last. It's a cozy restaurant with great service by Big Al and his son. I had the cheeseburger. It was so well seasoned and was huge. I also got the mashed potatoes which also was delicious and made in house with potatoes.Next time I'm going to try the meat loaf. I saw it on someone's plate and it smelled a loved so delicious and was so huge. The portions here are amazing.Thanks for the great lunch Big Al
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karina H
This is truly a neighborhood gem. A quaint cafe tucked in the heart of Salemtowm with fantastic food and even better service. You're definitely treated more like family (in a good way...lol) than just a customer here.
Do not hesitate to wait. There’s not a chance you’ll find something better by the time you get to whatever back up restaurant you pick.Big Al’s Deli is small and feels like you’re with family the moment you step through the door. You’re greeted and treated like you just got home. The service is exceptional, the atmosphere is friendlier than you’ll find anywhere outside of grandma’s kitchen, and the food takes you to a different place and time where everything just feels right.Get the catfish. Listen to what the waitress suggests you try, and enjoy an experience unlike any other.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A very lovely experience with delicious food. They had waiting times but it was 100% worth waiting for.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Big Al's Big Breakfast
I was visiting Nashville with friends and went to Big Al's this past Saturday morning. We had to wait about 30 minutes, as the seating inside is limited. The wait was worth it though, as all the food we got was very, very good. A couple people in my party ordered the shrimp and grits, which I tried and was delicious. I ordered the chocolate chip pancakes, which were crispy around the edges and were some of the best pancakes I've ever had. The biscuits were also to die for. Our service was great from the host, and Big Al was back in the kitchen doing his thing to make sure all the food was excellent. All in all, this is a fantastic Southern restaurant with great food and hospitality. We felt like a part of the family the entire time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well where do I start - the food if very good don't get me wrong - but what isn't is always guessing when they are open for breakfast!!!! I've tried 3x in the last month to have breakfast to no avail. Nothing worse than pulling up and CLOSED FOR BREAKFAST - Al you need to either be open regularly for breakfast or NOT at ALL!!!
Full as a tick! Our table ordered a bit of everything and we were not disappointed. THE BEST SOUTHERN HOME COOKING IN NASHVILLE. Sorry, we ate our food so fast, I forgot to take pics. But now, a reason to come back for pics.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatloaf, Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken, Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken and Waffles, Jerk Chicken, Potatoes, Hot Chicken, Grits
Had a great visit to Al’s place. You have to go for the experience and not expect this to be like Ruth Chris. It was down home, great food with all the accoutrements expected. We loved it. The chicken was crisp and tangy, the side of beans were fantastic and the host was charming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken
Cant actually rate the food. Although it says they open at 8, we got there after 10 and were told they dont open until 11. Very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I am going to be honest, although it’s a black owned establishment the atmosphere is predominantly white. It’s a very small place which I don’t have a problem with that, but I did have a problem when I walked through the door it became very silent and I got the uneasy feeling like I didn’t belong there. So me and my friend we continue to wait on instructions on what we needed to do. Finally the owners son asked if we wanted our food to go or dining in and if you are dining in you’ll have to wait until we clean off a table! But in all fairness, it was 1:10 PM and they close at 2:00 PM so maybe he was a little dry because it was getting close to closing time! One thing I’m gonna always do is called out bigotry or an atmosphere that’s uncomfortable to my skin color. I really do wish non-black America would get over their bias feelings towards all blacks because we are not a monolith! We are not all the same! So that being said towards closing the owner came in and he was really nice. The cook finally talked to us and the owner son kind of warmed up to us after he seen that we wasn’t any kind of a threat or problem. Overall, the food was very delicious and you got great portions for the price and I would like to visit again just to see if my notions were wrong or right!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits, Sausage, Fried Chicken, Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravy, Fried, Pancakes, Potatoes, Grits
I so wanted to like this, but I didn’t. They were nice, but the food was not to my liking. Catfish, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, white beans, flat corn bread. No. Go check them out though. They are black owned and I want them to be supported. I’ve done my part.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Had our first dine in experience at Big Al’s today. The food was delicious with generous portions and very well seasoned. Seating is limited so either plan to go in earlier or be patient. AJ was super knowledgeable of the menu and Chef D was very friendly. Al himself came by the table before we left. We tried the fried chicken sandwich, fried catfish, turnip greens and skillet beans.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken
Restaurantji Recommends
Let's start with the phone call we made to get clarity on their business hours. AJ was kind from the first interaction over the phone. He explained they had altered hours because his father was out due to a knee surgery.They closed at 2pm we arrived roughly at 1pm. We pulled up in a residential neighborhood to the restaurant. I thought that was pretty dope! Inside it's like going into someone's living room and enjoying a home cooked meal. AJ was at the register, he explained we could sit wherever we wanted and gave us menus. He engaged with us asking about where we were from and what brought us to town. Told us some of his menu favorites and what paired well together. Overall the customer service was a 10/10.We ordered:Note - Proteins came with two sides and a hot cake.Meal 1: Fried catfish, okra rice, and apples.Meal 2: Fried catfish, skillet beans, and green beans.Catfish (10/10) - fried to perfection. The catfish was also seasoned to perfection. Likely the best fried catfish either of us ever had. You're not mad at getting one piece because the size of the fish is more than enough. Honestly, anything more would be too much. Also, it came with a tartar sauce that was like a miniature coleslaw. Crunchy, not too mayonnaisey. The perfect addition.Okra Rice (8/10) - New territory. I tried it. I really enjoyed it. Gave me Spanish rice vibes.Apples (10/10) - sweet with notes of cinnamon, and crispy-tender if that makes sense.Skillet Beans (8.5/10) - they were like multidimensional baked beans. They were sweet, savory and multi-layered from a texture perspective with the onion in it giving it a nice crunch.Green Beans (6/10) - weren't the star of the dish, they could've been seasoned a little better. A bit vinegary but I know that's some people's preference. Overall they were a solid side.Hot cakes (10/10) - basically a pancake but made with cornmeal. It was sweet, crispy, and the cornmeal adds an element of gritty-ness. No additions are needed like syrup or butter, these babies carry their own weight. They were so good we had to ask for two more!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came for breakfast before catching a flight out of town. From Big Al, the staff, and even everyone we ate with it was a great time and a great environment!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been here 2x this week an they been closed or open later this posted on website not very professional hopefully one day I’ll actually be able to experience the food i hear so much about
This was my first time to Big Al's, but it won't be my last. It's a cozy restaurant with great service by Big Al and his son. I had the cheeseburger. It was so well seasoned and was huge. I also got the mashed potatoes which also was delicious and made in house with potatoes.Next time I'm going to try the meat loaf. I saw it on someone's plate and it smelled a loved so delicious and was so huge. The portions here are amazing.Thanks for the great lunch Big Al
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is truly a neighborhood gem. A quaint cafe tucked in the heart of Salemtowm with fantastic food and even better service. You're definitely treated more like family (in a good way...lol) than just a customer here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5