Big Al's Deli

"Big Al’s comforting hospitality and reliable homestyle cooking merge seamlessly, making the Salemtown deli a top pick for breakfast and lunch. Big Al’s opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, serving classic breakfast items and Southern lunch staples — from fried catfish to spicy South Carolinian shrimp and grits — in an atmosphere that feels like a family member’s home. —JGJ" - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, Ellen Fort

"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. The dining room is tiny, so come early on busy days to avoid a wait, and always check the restaurant’s Instagram and Facebook before heading over, as Al sometimes closes for breakfast to do catering jobs. " - bailey freeman

"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. The dining room is tiny, so come early on busy days to avoid a wait, and always check the restaurant’s Instagram and Facebook before heading over, as Al sometimes closes for breakfast to do catering jobs. Al’s lunches are also something to write home about, specifically the plates of South Carolina-style shrimp and grits, chipotle raspberry chicken, and fried catfish." - Bailey Freeman

"Big Al charms every person who walks through the door with a friendly hello, followed by his simple, mouthwatering recipes. Think hangover...er...homemade sausage biscuits, peppered hash brown potatoes and bacon. A favorite lunch specialty is his Banana-marinated Chicken-fried Pork Loin. Stop by on a Thursday and introduce your taste buds to its sweet, slow heat. And tell Big Al we said hi." - redpepper

"Alfonso Anderson, aka Big Al, has become a local legend and Nashville ambassador. Big Al’s Deli — tucked away in the Salemtown neighborhood — opens at 7 a.m. during the week and 9 a.m. on Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) and serves up breakfast classics such as pancakes, French toast, and biscuit sandwiches to hungry commuters and neighbors alike. Make your way to this rustic, white-washed cottage for a Bowser biscuit sandwich with bacon, sausage, egg, and cheese." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones