Big Al's Diner — Restaurant in Cleveland

Ive always enjoyed Big Als until today. As me and my girls walk in for breakfast a young man is outside and ask for a cup of coffee. I oblige his request and also tell him to order something to eat. They don’t want him in the restaurant so I tell him to wait outside and Ill bring it out. No harm no foul UNTIL the “supervisor” tells me that I, Me, Dee can not buy him food with MY money because he and his mom always beg. She goes on to say “We, (Big Als) dont do that”. Since her position represents the ownership I had to ask ”Do what” and she responds “buy him food”. So I say “you’re not buying him food I am”and she says (and I cant believe this) “Ill put it in but Im not sure if we’ll make it”. I immediately asked to speak with the manager and she responds “I’m the supervisor”. I acknowledged her position but repeated my request to speak to the manager. A gentleman came to the table very kind and mild mannered and behind him stood the “supervisor” with her arms folded in a very intimidating manner. I asked her to leave while I spoke with the manager. She shifted her stance and it wasn’t until he said I got it did she move. I must remind you her entire demeanor is based off my willingness to purchase food for someone standing outside. I must also mention they did not contact the authorities to address him loitering at this time, they just didn’t want me to buy him food. The manager explained that this man and his mother come there everyday and ask for food. Not money but food. He went on to say he’s been managing for five years and the same guy has been outside for five years. Ive been a customer for at least 15 and Ive never seen this gentleman outside. I cant imagine his presence is that distracting considering seats are always full and it’s been five years. The manager went to the back and started the ticket with the gentleman’s food as I (because my friends did not want anything to eat at this point) reviewed the menu. Before I could say a word back comes the waitress/supervisor asking if Im ordering or not. At this point nothing she said surprised me so I said “nope, Im sure not”. She then points toward the front door and says “then yall need to go stand over there for your to go order”. I laughed and remained seated because I was not going to be directed like a dog. When we did not move she began speaking in Spanish and pointing at our table. Be VERY VERY careful how you treat people because youll be shocked when Jesus reminds you he was standing outside hungry and you refused to feed him. On ANY day that man begging can be your son, brother, etc. We bought his food and left. And just as they wanted he LEFT! I wont spend $1 at this establishment EVER again. Some of you will continue to patronize but when you see the hispanic waitress /supervisor (who is terribly rude unless you’re tipping her apparently and walks too fast) dont tip her with cash leave her a life tip and tell her to be kind to everyone because you never know how Jesus will return or who’s sitting...

Awesome place for breakfast! Their hashbrowns are about the size of steakcut fries, but they're cooked like hash browns and are amazing. Get them with the onions even if you don't like onion because the butter from the sauteed onions drip down onto them and give it an amazing flavor. I had the country fried steak and was very pleased with my decision. I highly recommend this place. The reviewers who said the place was small were right, but I think they were somewhat misleading. It is small, but not at all cramped. Even sitting at a 2 person table with just a few inches between us and the next table, it did not feel too small. No one was bumping elbows or intruding on our meal. There was plenty of space for walking and getting in and our of your chair, and there are 10 or 15 booths along the walls where you don't have to be seated next to anyone, or a counter with stools if you are by yourself. The only issue I had, and it is less an issue than something I found odd, was they use zero pepper when cooking. I know not everyone likes pepper, but I don't think I've ever seen an egg without at least one grain of pepper every square inch. I was able to season it myself, but I just...

For a long time I have eaten at Big Al's diner and for the first time this past weekend I had a "not so great" experience. For starters the waitress/hostess was extremely rude (for no reason) and did not make me, the customer feel warm OR welcome. In fact she seemed more annoyed with me than anything. I believe in being a good customer as well so I was confused as to why her energy was so negative. The waitress that worked Saturday morning, I was there around 7:15am and she wears glasses, SHE was rude and probably should have called off if she was so irritated.

While I did not feel welcomed, I still ordered and when I got my food which was a western omelette and home fries with a side of bacon. Well....when I opened the container all I smelled and SAW was onions. There had to be a whole onion in my meal both the eggs and potatoes. To say I was disappointed is an understatement. My meal was not well seasoned and very underwhelming which surprised me because it is usually good.

I know places have off days and I hope this was a one off because the whole experience was less than desirable. I will give them a break for a while and hopefully when and if I ever return they...