SalemtownOne of the best ways to determine whether a restaurant is any good is by the number of construction trucks parked outside. At Big Al’s, the crews responsible for erecting Nashville’s constant stream of new buildings have been known to set up sawhorses and planks outdoors as makeshift tables when the dining room is full. Smart move by those guys, because a Big Al’s Big Breakfast of two eggs, hash browns, and your choice of two slices of toast or one biscuit, two bacon strips or one sausage patty is the perfect fuel to get through a hard day’s work.Cost: $6.95; call 615.242.8118 for carryout or delivery via Grubhub or Seamless

Walk into Big Al’s breakfast and lunch joint and it's always a sitcom-worthy scene: locals perched at the counter discussing the overpopulation of the neighborhood squirrels, the regular who comes in and always gets the biscuits and gravy, and the 20-something who bought a cheap ticket to Nashville and headed straight to Al’s from the airport. Al himself mans the grill while his son, AJ, runs the dining room, and the two of them are certified charismatic maestros. They churn out towering biscuits glazed in butter, perfectly cooked eggs, well-seasoned hash browns, and a brown-sauce take on biscuits and gravy, all in enormous portions.

Classic Southern breakfast and lunch served from an unassuming house in the Salemtown neighborhood. Why we love it: While we’re here for modern takes and fine dining, sometimes you just need the taste of home. Literally housed inside a house, Big Al’s is exactly that, and with down-home delights and daily specials, there are plenty of reasons why locals love this joint.

Tucked away in nearby Salemtown is Big Al's Deli, a neighborhood deli in every sense of the word. Owner Alfonso Hamilton serves home-cooked Southern food out of an otherwise nondescript converted house, making for a dining experience that feels like you're right at home. Seating is limited inside but the food—especially the breakfast—is well worth the wait.

Big Al's Deli, a modest, mom-and-pop-type place, has colorful tablecloths and shelving with some grocery items. But the most obvious feature when you walk in is Alfonso Anderson’s smile. “Big Al,” as he's known, loves his customers—and people in general—and lights up when anyone walks in the door.

While much of Nashville seems to change more quickly than most residents can keep up, it’s comforting to find places that stay the same, which is why Big Al’s has continued to draw patrons loyal to its home-style cooking paired with a hearty dose of Southern hospitality. This popular soul food spot serves breakfast and lunch Tuesdays through Saturdays with menu offerings ranging from a pancake platter and spicy shrimp and grits to meatloaf with turnip greens and BBQ skillet beans. bigalsdeliandcatering.com, 1828 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208

This charming diner, reminiscent of a traditional family-owned eatery, welcomes customers with vibrant tablecloths and shelves adorned with assorted groceries. What truly sets the scene, however, is the warm smile of Alfonso Anderson, fondly known as “Big Al.” His genuine affection for customers permeates the space, creating a hospitable atmosphere. Indulge in Big Al’s delectable offerings, where the handwritten menu showcases rotating specials that frequently spotlight Southern classics like smoked pork chops and BBQ chicken.

Big Al’s Deli is the epitome of comfort and community, serving up home-cooked Southern and soul food that feels like a warm hug. This cozy spot is known for its friendly atmosphere and the welcoming personality of Big Al himself, making every visitor feel like a part of the family. With daily specials and classic dishes, it’s a go-to for those seeking genuine home-style meals without the hefty price tag.

When you’re craving a truly classic Southern breakfast, look no further than one of my favorite Nashville hidden gems—Big Al’s Deli & Catering. Located on 4th Ave North, Big Al’s serves all the breakfast staples, from fluffy pancakes to Omelets and hash browns. If you’re a first-timer at Big Al’s be sure to order the Biscuits ‘n’ Gravy—you won’t regret it.

Big Al’s Deli is a Nashville restaurant that serves (self-declared) "food so good you'll slap yo mamma!", bound to be a treat for authentic Southern bites lovers. Big Al is more than just a name around here; he's also the owner and a local celebrity who's made appearances on Food Network and on regional T.V.

Few experiences demonstrate Southern hospitality better than eating at a locally beloved, down-home Southern diner. Big Al’s Deli is the place to go in Nashville for just that!. The extensive menu features oversized portions of hot chicken, breakfast fare, pork chops, and much more.

Only open for breakfast and dinner, this little spot is a treasure just north of Germantown. And if they can find parking, folks from across town will stop in for Big Al’s warm hospitality. You’ll find southern staples plus a few zingers like his raspberry chipotle chicken.

Regarding breakfast and lunch, it is tough to find a better dollar-to-quality ratio than Big Al’s. A 4 Stack of fluffy pancakes is $4.75, and a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit is only three bucks. The menu changes based on what big Al wants to cook.

This place is loved by locals and is the place the other chefs in town eat at. It’s unassuming, heartful and soulful and that just seeps through everything here. The food is responsibly sourced and created with love as Big Al himself says.

Alphonso Anderson, owner of and chef at Big Al’s Deli in Salemtown, says his regulars know the daily lineup. But they also know if he has leftover meatloaf in the fridge, he’ll heat it up if asked, even if it isn’t on the menu that day.

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208Phone: 615-242-8118 Visit Website. Located out in Salemtown, Big Al’s Deli is a standout southern food joint that you won’t leave hungry. There’s a reason why it’s on our best of Nashville list!

- Rating: 4.8/5 (511 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 1828 4th Ave. North Nashville, Tennessee - Categories: Southern, Delis, Burgers- Read more on Yelp. You may also like: See how Nashville ranks in commuting

1828 4th Ave NNashville, TN 37208(615) 594-5974 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Nestled in the Salemtown neighborhood, this unpretentious eatery specializes in serving soulful Southern comfort food.

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (58 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)– Type of cuisine: American– Address: 1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208-1620– Read more on Tripadvisor

We suggest you come hungry when you head to this hole-in-wall joint. Once you see the massive portions, you'll get why it's one of the. best diners in Nashville.

1828 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208Phone: 615-242-8118 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Alphonso Anderson (@big_als_deli__)