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Tennessee Grill
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Tennessee Grill
8.0
Old-school diner turning out classic American breakfasts, patty melts, and blue-plate specials all day. It’s a Parkside standby for quick service, generous portions, and value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, Patty Melt with Griddled Onions, Club Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic diner comfort with speedy, friendly service and fair prices.
Who should go: Breakfast traditionalists and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Weekdays after breakfast rush for easiest seating
What to order: Chicken fried steak; patty melt; club sandwich
Insider tip: Ask for rye toast and extra crispy hash browns—kitchen obliges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Taraval and nearby residential blocks, generally easy outside peak breakfast hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during breakfast rush but manageable; conversations easy at off-hours.
Weekend wait: No dinner service—closes early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating; 5–10 minute wait at most during noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and salads offer solid vegetarian coverage.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and toast available, but no full vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—no designated gluten-free menu or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more comfort-focused than romantic. Great, however, for casual breakfasts or easy conversation meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Only rare waits during peak weekend breakfasts.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are welcoming to families, portions are large, and the menu has plenty of kid-pleasers like pancakes and grilled cheese.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty diner meals with friendly service and nostalgic energy at prices locals appreciate.
Skip if: You’re seeking refined plating, craft cocktails, or a modern brunch aesthetic.
Tennessee Grill
7.9
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Classic diner serving straightforward griddled burgers, patty melts, and blue-plate favorites. Portions are generous and tickets move fast, making it a dependable neighborhood staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patty Melt on Rye, Cheeseburger Deluxe, Mushroom Swiss Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school diner burger with crisp edges and sturdy build.
Who should go: Diner-style burger traditionalists
When to visit: Weekdays after lunch rush for fastest service
What to order: Patty melt, cheeseburger deluxe, mushroom Swiss
Insider tip: Add extra-crispy hash browns as a side instead of fries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on Taraval Street and nearby residential blocks; free but limited during peak hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and hoodies fit right in with the diner crowd.
Noise level: Low to moderate—there’s light chatter and the sizzle of the grill, but conversation is easy at most booths.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a booth during early dinner hours; quicker for counter seats.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless it’s a local lunch rush around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burgers, grilled cheese, and salad plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize with no cheese or mayo, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: No formal gluten-free menu, but staff can substitute salad or hash browns for buns and fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance, but great for a casual, low-pressure lunch or nostalgic diner date where conversation is easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Counter and booth seating turn over quickly, so waits are short even at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids’ menu items, high chairs, and friendly servers make it popular with families, especially at breakfast and lunch.
Best For
Better for: Classic diner-style burgers, fast service, and friendly regulars—ideal if you want an unfussy neighborhood experience.
Skip if: You’re after gourmet toppings, craft cocktails, or a trendier setting—this is old-school all the way.
Tennessee Grill
7.9
Long-running American diner serving breakfast all day with generous portions. Consistent plates, sprawling menu, and roomy booths make it a Parkside standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mandalay Slam, Country Fried Steak & Eggs, Corned Beef Hash
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Decades-old diner with breakfast-all-day and big portions.
Who should go: Hearty-breakfast seekers and families
When to visit: Weekdays before 10am for fastest seating
What to order: Mandalay Slam, chicken-fried steak, pancakes
Insider tip: They’ll split plates for kids if you ask nicely.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Taraval Street and nearby residential blocks; fills up quickly after 9am on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, hoodies, and weekend wear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast hours but conversational; quieter mid-morning and late afternoon.
Weekend wait: Typically no dinner service rush; short wait if dining late breakfast or brunch hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and salads provide several reliable vegetarian choices.
Vegan options: Limited—can request toast, hash browns, or fruit sides but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Minimal accommodation; no separate prep area but can adjust eggs and meats to avoid bread items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s a relaxed family diner with a casual, bustling atmosphere better suited for comfort over romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, Tennessee Grill operates on a walk-in basis only. Expect a short wait on weekend mornings, but tables turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, friendly staff, and large booths make it easy for families with children of any age.
Best For
Better for: Classic, hearty American breakfasts with generous portions and quick service at neighborhood prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy brunch plates, espresso drinks, or aesthetic presentation—this is a no-frills diner experience.
Tennessee Grill
7.9
Decades-running neighborhood diner with breakfast all day and roomy booths. Straightforward plates and generous portions keep families coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken-Fried Steak & Eggs, Pancake Stack, Denver Omelet
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Breakfast-all-day stalwart with big portions and booth comfort.
Who should go: Families and hearty-breakfast seekers
When to visit: Weekdays before 10am for fastest seating
What to order: Chicken-fried steak, pancake stack, Denver omelet
Insider tip: Plates are big—split an entrée and add sides to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample street parking along Taraval and nearby residential blocks; typically easy on weekdays before 9am, tighter during weekend brunch rush.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and family attire are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—steady diner chatter but still easy to hold conversation at your booth.
Weekend wait: Usually no dinner rush; short wait or immediate seating.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically—tables turn fast and service is efficient.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, and veggie sides offer solid variety.
Vegan options: Limited—can assemble a meal from toast, fruit, and potatoes but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Minimal accommodations—no separate prep area, though some dishes can omit bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more about comfort than ambiance. Great for casual meetups or morning-after breakfasts rather than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Tennessee Grill doesn’t take reservations and moves quickly; expect a short wait only on weekend mornings.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—booths, coloring sheets, and accommodating staff make it great for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, value-driven breakfast plates served by longtime staff who remember locals—great for reliable, unpretentious meals.
Skip if: You’re after modern brunch aesthetics, latte art, or health-forward menus—this is classic diner territory.