I’ve driven past Big Al’s Diner at 12600 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio, more times than I can count, and every single morning the parking lot looks like a Black Friday sale is happening inside. Spoiler alert: there’s no sale, just really good breakfast that keeps people coming back for more.
After finally squeezing into a spot one Saturday morning, I understood why locals have been packing this place for decades. The aroma of sizzling bacon hit me before I even opened the door, and the buzz of happy diners told me I was about to experience something special.
What makes Big Al’s stand out in a city full of breakfast spots? I spent several visits finding out, and I’m here to share exactly why this cozy diner has earned its spot as a Cleveland breakfast institution…